Pakistan: Head of Mosque Captured as Islamabad Siege Continues (Abdul Aziz Captured in a Burka)

AKI / Pakistan ^ | 4 July 2007 | Syed Saleem Shahzad/Aki

[expatguy]

Islamabad, 4 July (AKI) - (Syed Saleem Shahzad) - The leader of a radical mosque in Islamabad besieged by Pakistani security forces has been captured as he tried to escape the complex wearing a burqa. Maulana Abdul Aziz was arrested as he tried to leave the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) amid a crowd of women wearing the black burqas favoured by the Taliban. Reports say that his wife Umme Hasan has also been arrested. However, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, the other hardline brother leading the mosque's months-long challenge to central government authority, is believed to have remained in the complex with several hundred stalwart followers.

"We have used restraint so far because we aim to avoid bloodshed and are pushing the deadline from morning so that more and more people would be given a chance to surrender," said retired Brigadier Javaid Cheema.

The operation has been pospondent after Maulana Abdul Aziz was captured this evening, confirmed the Inspector General of Police in Islamabad. Helicopter gunships were earlier involved in exchanges of fire with students at the complex which is surrounded by Rangers special forces and other security units.

The number of Lal Masjid students both male and female who have surrendered has now reportedly risen to 2000. Female students who were let out were allowed to go home, while male students were held and searched.

Clerics at the mosque are campaigning for Islamic Sharia law to be enforced.

[expatguy]

More details - Updates

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

[NormsRevenge]

Abdul Aziz, chief cleric of Lal Masjid or Red Mosque, speaks to Reuters in Islamabad in this June 29, 2007 video grab. Abdul Aziz, the head of the radical Pakistani mosque at the center of a bloody stand-off with security forces, has been arrested while trying to escape from the mosque in the capital Islamabad, police said July 4, 2007. (Reuters TV/Reuters)

[vinylsidingman]

typical raghead,,, send “your” kids out with a bomb strapped to them for alllaaaahhhh,, but he runs away like a little girl,,, scumbag

[papagall]

Hiding behind women’s skirts befits the bastard.

[coloradan]

I just thought of a new use for THz technology: Look for people wearing burkas, carrying extra, *ahem*, packages.

[ElkGroveDan]

I bet he was caught by Ivan Skavinsky Skavar.

[tflabo]

Silly male muzzie....he must remember that the Holy Burqa from Allah is only for women because......

[lilylangtree]

Problem solved by eliminating ALL burka clothes.

[ElkGroveDan]

Look for people wearing burkas, carrying extra, *ahem*, packages.

Send in Crocodile Dundee.

[shield]

Must have been a tip. Glad they got him.

[Praxeologue]

However, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, the other hardline brother leading the mosque's months-long challenge to central government authority, is believed to have remained in the complex with several hundred stalwart followers.

The author refers to him as a "brother" leading a "challenge to central government authority" who is still hanging in with his "stalwart" supporters.

This looks like a story from the Terrorist News Service.

[ozzymandus]

A real man’s man. A typical example of muslim bravery.

[bikerMD]

typical raghead,,, send “your” kids out with a bomb strapped to them for alllaaaahhhh,, but he runs away like a little girl,,, scumbag

"All is permissible in the name of Allah infidel scum." (:^*)

[AdmSmith]

You can as well discriminate between the male and the female students in the black burqas by looking at their shoes. They are stupid!

[gathersnomoss]

...”speaks to Reuters”...

Ah, Reuters is a traitorous organization? I am shocked.

[Hegemony Cricket]

"Now why would a bruce dress like a sheila?"

[elhombrelibre]

Another sissy terrorist in a burqa ping.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Female students who were let out were allowed to go home...

Because girls are sugar and spice and everything nice. ;)

[Admin Moderator]

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[expatguy]

Thanks.