Posted on 12/05/2005 12:16:40 PM PST by Borges
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Former Prime Minister Muhammad Hamza al-Zubaydi, one of the top Saddam Hussein-era leaders captured in Iraq, has died at a U.S. military hospital in Baghdad, an American military spokesman said Monday. He was 67.
Al-Zubaydi, a Shiite Muslim, died of heart failure Friday and the U.S. military is awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death, according to Lt. Col. Barry Johnson.
Al-Zubaydi, a retired Revolutionary Command Council member who led Saddam's forces in central Iraq during the initial stages of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, was one of the 55 most wanted members of Saddam's toppled regime and he was captured on April 20, 2003.
He was a leading member of Saddam Hussein's once-ruling Baath Party and a former transport minister.
Al-Zubaydi led the suppression of a Shiite uprising in southern Iraq following Iraq's defeat in the 1991 U.S.-led Gulf War that freed Kuwait from a seven-month Iraqi occupation.
He was also in charge of Iraqi forces in Kirkuk during the 1980-88 Iraq - Iran war.
FYI
Happy liberation day.
welcome to hell
sniff (wiping tear from eye) NOT!
One less scum to put on trial!
MAY HE REST IN HELL FOR ETERNITY
His heart broke at the reality of Saddam on trial.
Bleeding hearts everywhere are saddened.
How long before the dems cry for an investigation to make sure we didn't torture him to death?
You mean one of these people actually died of 'natural causes'. Go figure.
He's the spittin' image of dan blather!
Hope he enloys his 72 Virgils!
First natural death of an Iraqi leader in at least two generations.
Muhammad probably crapped his pants when he found out it was 72 Virgils and not 72 virgins who were waiting for him.
A couple packs of Virginia Slims.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.