Posted on 09/30/2006 9:44:48 AM PDT by bnelson44
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A security guard detained at the home of a leading Sunni Arab politician is suspected of being a member of Al Qaeda in Iraq and thought involved in planning a major suicide car bombing assault inside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, the US command said on Saturday.
Guard Khudhir Farhan was taken into custody Friday at the home of Adnan Al Dulaimi, the head of the largest Sunni bloc in parliament, Al Dulaimi told The Associated Press.
The detained individual is suspected of involvement in the planning of a multi-vehicle suicide operation inside Baghdad’s International Zone,’ the US military said in a statement.
Credible intelligence indicates the individual, a member of Dr. Dulaimi’s personal security detachment, and seven members of the detained individual’s cell were in the final stages of launching a series of (car bomb) attacks inside the International Zone, possibly involving suicide vests.’
The man is suspected of having links to a car bomb network operating in the southern area of Baghdad, the military said.
He is believed to be a member of the Al Qaeda in Iraq group,’ the military said.
Immediately after the arrest Friday afternoon, Al Dulaimi denied the guard had any terrorist links, but when contacted by the AP on Saturday he seemed to be retreating slightly from his previous comments.
That individual joined my residence as a guard no more than a month ago, therefore I haven’t got complete data about his background,’ Al Dulaimi said. Anyhow, they are only suspicions about his involvement, which have not been proved.’
Friday night, following the raid on Al Dulaimi’s house, the Iraqi government ordered a complete lockdown of Baghdad to pedestrian and vehicular traffic through Sunday morning without saying why.
Speaking on Al Arabiya TV on Saturday morning, Interior Ministry official Hussein Ali Kemal said the move was to prevent the security situation from deteriorating’
That was done due to intelligence information that indicates the intentions of the terrorists to commit terrorist acts against civilians, therefore it is a measure for maintaining the safety and security of the people,’ he said.
He added, however, that the information was that there was a threat that an attack might occur against places of worship and shopping centers during Ramadan.’
Too many Democrats deeply saddened. A deadly explosion in the Green Zone would have been an election coup for the Dems.
Thanks...
Waiting to hear about the rest of the cell 'round-up.'
Then they slap a curfew on Baghdad?
Hmmmm... this guy was a dim apparently. dim, al qaeda... what's the difference?
LLS
Yep. I came into the airport today. There was NO traffic between BGW and the Green Zone. We got there in record time.
On the other hand, we were the only vehicles on the road...
But we made it. :-)
Sure nice to see the Iraqi government security forces nab this clown. Hopefully it will lead to rounding up the full ring of goons with some top dogs included.
Aha. Back to the grind. Keep us informed as appropriate of how things are shaping up. I hope your State side visit was nothing but enjoyable.
It was wonderful, thanks. It's amazing how you come to appreciate the little things and how just getting behind the wheel of a car and going wherever you want can give such a high.
Other than those Texans games debacles I attended, my trip home was dlightful. LOL
Good for you. Yea. The little things in life so many take for granted. Certainly you see a whole different side to life at this point. Do stay save and sound.
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