Iraqi security forces detain senior Sadrist during Maysan operation

Long War Journal ^ | June 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Bill Roggio

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The Iraqi security forces today formally kicked off the operations against the Mahdi Army in the southern province of Maysan. On the day the government's amnesty offer expired, the Iraqi Army and police conducted multiple raids throughout Amarah, the provincial capital. A senior Sadrist was detained during the raids.

Iraqi forces arrested Rafeaa Jabar, the head of the Sadrist office in Maysan province. He is the mayor of Amarah and the deputy governor of the province.

The Sadrists had stated they feared being the target of the operation. "We do not want Basrah events to be repeated in Amara," Sheikh Salih al Obaidi, the lead spokesman for the Sadrist movement said on June 17. Obaidi instead called for "dialogue." The Sadrist movement also closed down its office in central Amarah and "moved to another 'good location.'"

Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki explicitly stated that the Sadrist movement is not the target of the Amarah operation. "The prime minister has ordered security forces not to arrest members of the Sadr movement randomly," according to a statement issued by Maliki's office. "Only outlaws must be arrested and he hopes that the Sadr leaders will help in isolating such elements to get rid of them."

There have been no reports of major clashes or opposition to the Iraqi operations. Dozens of wanted individuals have been detained and large quantities of weapons have been found during the operation. Sixty "militiamen" surrendered during the amnesty period. A partial curfew has been imposed on some regions.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Previous FR Thread:

Iraqi security forces ramp up for Maysan operation [Heading to Berlin!]

[Marine_Uncle]

So the mayor of Amarah and the deputy governor of the province, is considered an outlaw. Gotta love it! heeheh.

[Marine_Uncle]

I might have added. So much for the wisdom some, here and elsewhere, claims as to what would happen when the government forces started to clash with the so called huge Mahdi Army.
Sadr's back has been broken. The fat one knew when best to exit Iraq for good. While he waddles around and puts on pounds in his villa in Iran, his buddies are getting killed and arrested.
It is a two way street however. The Iraqi government must show the people at large it's intentions to better their lives. They are not set up to take care of themselves on a level most industrialized countries are. I have no problem with social welfare in this land providing it leads to eventual opportunities for those that are willing to work for a living. But it is evident to me, that the government could do much in assuring long term peace by it's continued public work programs. So much rebuilding and new building can now be accomplished if the thieves are not permitted to steal the profits made on oil.

[Tennessean4Bush]

Sadr's back has been broken.

There are two big strategic losers in Iraq: al Qaeda and Iran. Both are sunk.