Posted on 07/21/2006 5:31:01 PM PDT by blam
British capture Iraqi bombs mastermind
By Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson
(Filed: 22/07/2006)
British forces in Iraq have seized a two-ton cache of weapons - including rockets, grenades and bomb-making equipment - belonging to the gang responsible for the deaths of numerous servicemen.
More than 50 rockets, 10 rocket-propelled grenades and 150 mortars were seized following a battle
The discovery, which military commanders believe is the most significant breakthrough since they arrived in Iraq in 2003, followed the arrest of the leader of the fundamentalist Shia group in Basra last weekend.
Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, told The Daily Telegraph: "We got a very important person, the leader of a very dangerous militia gang, which will lead to a very significant deterioration in their capability … This is a sign of significant progress."
Mr Browne said Sajjad Badr Adal Saeed, the Jamaa leader who ordered the killing of many British soldiers in roadside attacks, was taken from his home in Basra last Saturday night. Ordnance tactics handbooks, fake IDs and detonators were found.
"This man was a very significant leader," Mr Browne said. "He was a planner, but he also had technical abilities which were very valuable to the militia."
Three days later, British forces used intelligence gathered at the address to track down the weapons cache and bomb-making factory.
Ministry of Defence sources said more than 50 rockets, about 10 rocket-propelled grenades and 150 mortars were seized following a battle. Improvised explosive devices - the roadside bombs that have killed so many British soldiers - were also found, fully assembled, along with mines and other weapons.
One source said: "This is the largest cache we have found in two years." Saeed was "the most significant guy arrested in Iraq" by British forces.
Three militiamen were killed in the fire-fight when the cache was seized.
Although the operation began last weekend, details have not been disclosed until now because the family of Col John Crosby, who was killed during the raid, was still being contacted by the MoD.
Mr Browne said that the arrest of the militia gang leader and the discovery of the weapons had been conducted in conjunction with Iraqi security forces and was a sign of growing co-operation in Basra. "We got very important support from them, particularly in relation to intelligence," he said. "The situation in Basra is still difficult, but our ability to sustain political support allows us to do this sort of thing."
The development will add weight to suggestions of an early withdrawal of British troops.
Mr Browne admitted that Army recruitment could have been undermined by the deaths of British soldiers in Iraq. "If people say there's an Iraq factor, or a mother factor, I'm not in a position to contradict that," he said. "Of course, I can understand it."
Killjoy.
Speaking of hands, when I last tuned in we had Claire saying Jack spanked her on FR. You want to cool things off and I want photos, videotape!!:D
Just kidding, but IMHO Claire's remark was a tad insulting, and if the British Army gets even more macho than it always has been, then the rest of us better run for cover.
"Are they lining up the virgins?"
Yes, Helen Thomas has many, many relatives, including goats and camels.
THANK YOU ENGLAND!
Yes, very much so. Lots of the more-sophisticated IED's the British have seen in the last year or so have actually been (provable) Iranian manufacture.
This, of course, will be remembered when it's turban-torching time in Tehran.
Meanwhile, the mullahs have lost their little Iraqi playmate. Too bad. I'm sure MI-6 will have him singing the entire "Ring" cycle very shortly.
The UK is made up of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland AND England hence the soldiers who did this may not even be English even though they are British and in the British Army.
As a proud Briton AND Scotsman I hope you understand? ;) :)
Here is a further clarification my friend:
"The term is perhaps most frequently found in practice in reference to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK): the word country does not necessarily connote political independence (thus 'Basque country'), so that it may, according to context, be used to refer either to the UK or one of its constituents.
Thus, for example, the website of the British Prime Minister refers to "Countries within a country", stating "The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland". This article discusses the use of the phrase 'constituent countries' within that context, but it should be remembered that the phrase necessarily takes its meaning from its surrounding context which may be different. [1]
The constituent countries of the United Kingdom are:
* England
* Northern Ireland;
* Scotland;
* Wales.
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not part of the United Kingdom, although their sovereignty is owned by the British Crown.
All four have always had and continue to have distinctive variations in legislative and administrative status and England and Scotland were originally independent states. All four are still generally regarded as possessing distinct nationalities (an attribute of civil society), although they have no distinct citizenships (an attribute of the state). To varying degrees, their inhabitants may view themselves, for example, as English/Northern Irish/Scottish/Welsh or as British by nationality, or frequently indeed as both."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constituent_Countries
FYI
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!
Way to go, Brits!
Actually, my comment comes partly from a belief that America has been overbearing in its protection of Europe and we should reduce our occupation there.
Well done to your fellow Brits! I was stationed in Scotland in the mid to late 80s (RAF Edzell) and loved it there! I still miss it (except for maybe the weather). :-)
Thank you, Colonel John Crosby, for your service. Thank you for your life. Way to go, Brits!
Your moniker fits the thread nicely.
<< Our prayers for the Colonel's family and friends and company. >>
Thank you, gentlestrength - and, please, Dear Lord, see to his eternal rest and to their comfort and gratitude and peace of mind - Thank You, Dear Lord - Amen ...
Blessings - Brian
Leni
Actually, my comment comes partly from a belief that America has been overbearing in its protection of Europe and we should reduce our occupation there.
I don't think there is any though police, I think this thread shows two things. The first, is that you do not actually get any more macho than the British Army and secondly, it shows the intelligence, generosity and fair-mindedness of the American people.
You dont show anything without proving it.
I don't do riddles! ;)
And I thought "A Clockwork Orange" was barbaric...
Why is ir always "capture" and not "exterminate"?
Getting here real late ,...but thanks for the ping to some great news!
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