US Nabs Militia Commander, Handover Signals Mixed

[Eye and Monkey]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L26577255.htm

BAGHDAD, May 26 (Reuters) - U.S. troops battled Shi'ite fighters in Najaf on Wednesday and seized a militia commander, while confusion surrounded who will issue orders after Washington hands over to an Iraqi government in five weeks.
<snip>
A spokesman for their leader, Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, said a close aide and relative of Sadr, Riyad al-Noury, was seized in a night raid on his home in the holy city.

Three other aides evaded capture in similar operations.

"This is part of the U.S. military escalation against the Shi'ites," spokesman Qais al-Khazaly said. "What is happening is a liquidation of Shi'ites, especially the Sadr movement."

The U.S. military spokesman in Iraq, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, confirmed the arrest. He said Noury was wanted in connection with the murder of Shi'te cleric Abdul Majid al-Khoei in April 2003 and would be handed over to Iraqi authorities.

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[pfitz59]

1. Who? The Chalabi's?

Saddam is already being held for the Chalabi clan. Speaking of which...where is Saddam, and Tariq Aziz and the other pre-war Iraqi leaders? Hanging out with Noriega in an undisclosed location?

[DEMVET-USMC]

2. Good point: What did happen to Saddam and Where is he ?

I thought Saddam`s former leadership of Iraq was a big part of the reason the troops were sent over there to begin with. What the hell is going on with this Admin.. Do any of them have a clue about anything other than those damn contracts they are all getting rich with.And how much is DADDY WARBUCKS with his Carlyle Group connections making on this and all the other military doings anyway ? That whole family makes me sick. ...Oscar

[trapper914]

3. I realize you're being rhetorical...

...but Saddam is in Qatar.

[DEMVET-USMC]

4. Thanks for the Info Re: where is Saddam answer: QATAR

I did not know that. I do find it noteworthy that the BUSHIES gave him official POW status. That footage of Rummy sucking up to Saddam and all. I got a strong suspicion they do not want him talking at least until after our election. If Kerry wins and I have to believe he will, we may hear some very interesting testimony from Saddam. ...Oscar