Posted on 03/25/2003 11:52:14 AM PST by Mr. Mulliner
Iraqi Kurds repulse Islamists attackFrom the International Desk
Published 3/25/2003 1:23 PM
View printer-friendly version
ARBIL, Iraq, March 25 (UPI) -- Iraqi Kurdish forces have repulsed an attack by Ansar al-Islam in an area near the Iranian border in a first such offensive since the Muslim hardliners' positions in northern Iraq was hit by a U.S. missile strike, a Kurdish official said Tuesday.
Saadi Bira told United Press International that the Peshmerga forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, run by Jalal Talabani, repulsed Monday an attack by Ansar al-Islam which was believed to have links with al-Qaida.
Bira, the PUK official in Arbil, said three of the attackers were killed during clashes that took place in Anab, a village near the Iranian border.
He said the PUK fighters were ready to oust the Ansar al-Islam guerrillas from their strongholds in the villages of Bayara and Tawila.
Copyright © 2001-2003 United Press International
You got on one side the US & Allies, Kurds, Shiites, and Iraqi moles.
On the other side, Regular Iraqi Army, RG and Special RG, Baathist loyalist, fedayeen, Al-Queda and their fellow travelers.
You could almost put out a Final 8 bracket.
Kurds are Muslims I believe in answer to a question.
Cheese.
Most of the Kurds are Sunni Muslims, but there are many other religions among them.
Some background, translated from the Finnish (with some awkward phrases), but the most information I've seen in one place:
The Kurds are far from homogeneous, which is why their future as an autonomous state raises questions.
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.