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The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq. "Insurgent leader nabbed in Iraq raid," by Lauren Frayer for Associated Press, with thanks to Hal:
BAGHDAD - The leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq was captured Friday in a raid west of Baghdad — his identity revealed by a fellow insurgent detained with him, an Iraqi military spokesman said.Abu Omar al-Baghdadi was captured in a raid in Abu Ghraib on the western outskirts of Baghdad, said Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, spokesman of the Baghdad security operation. U.S. officials had no confirmation of the capture.
"One of the terrorists who was arrested with him confessed that the one in our hands is al-Baghdadi," al-Moussawi said.
Al-Baghdadi has been identified in statements posted on Islamic extremist Web sites as the head of the Islamic State, which was proclaimed last year after the death of the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
In a tape released last November, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq called on Sunni Muslims to pledge their allegiance to a new state that militants have said they created in Iraq, and said al-Baghdadi was "the ruler of believers" with al-Qaida in Iraq fighters under his command.
The "Ruler of the Believers," or "Commander of the Faithful," amir al-mumineen, is a title of the caliph.
Posted by Robert at March 9, 2007 5:34 PM
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Gerr'im, Gorr'im, Good.
Posted by: MusHuntCowboy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 9, 2007 5:41 PM
Commander of the Faithful
Christians have Bishops, Jews have rabbis, Buddhists have monks, Hindus have pujaris (priests).
What do Moslems have? Cell commanders. What do they call the faithful, operatives? Sheesh.
at March 9, 2007 6:08 PM
Now he's been captured, he must be executed - quickly, especially after terrorists stormed a jail near Mosul and released 140 terrorists earlier this week, who we will have to once again fight, because we didn't do to these terrorists what we should have done - shoot them where they stood.
Posted by: Spirit Of 1683 at March 9, 2007 6:10 PM
U.S. officials had no confirmation of the capture.
Many of these types of reports eventually turn out to be false. I always take them with a grain of salt.
Posted by: Cheeky Human at March 9, 2007 6:14 PM
Only when he's been handed over to some shi'ite interrogation officials and his recitation of the qur'an has been recorded on a mobile phone should the door open beneath him.
Posted by: western infidel at March 9, 2007 6:26 PM
This is very good news, if true.
May I suggest imposition of a 48 Hour Rule for verification - corroboration purposes? No reason to crack open a good bottle of booze until this news has been corroborated by other sources.
Posted by: omvi at March 9, 2007 6:30 PM
Ah, one bird in the hand is worth more then two in a bush ! As we go, you'll hear, "we got Bin Laden !"
And that'll be a joyous day too !
at March 9, 2007 7:13 PM
He heads the overt Islamic State or Iraq, as opposed to the present covert Islamic State of Iraq, currently masquerading as a democracy, not-so-secret chum of Borat Ahmedinejad.
Posted by: jewdog at March 9, 2007 7:22 PM
Obviously should be shot for treason or for being a jihadi - either will do.
The coverts, the CIA and the Specials must be having a field day.
Well done.
Posted by: dgene at March 9, 2007 7:38 PM
I'm a bit confused. Is this the same person as al Masri? Can somebody please clarify this?
Posted by: Infidel#1 at March 9, 2007 7:59 PM
It is what the caged bird sings is what is important.
Posted by: Lame Cherry at March 9, 2007 8:10 PM
Why was he not shot as soon as possible.Any American or coalalition soldger would of had not had one chance to have been mentionened befor he was execauted. If spellin's bad been drinkin beer. Gosh I love spring.
at March 9, 2007 8:56 PM
infidel#1 - They are two seperate individuals. abu omar al-baghdadi was zarqawis successor. abu ayub al-masri, as far as I know, is still on the loose.
Posted by: jimbabwe at March 9, 2007 9:58 PM
waterboarding will make the wee terrorist sing, and after that throw him overboard for real.
Posted by: ZenaWarriorPrincess at March 9, 2007 10:30 PM
"The leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq was captured Friday in a raid west of Baghdad — his identity revealed by a fellow insurgent detained with him, an Iraqi military spokesman said."
I can just see it now:
May I see your papers, please.
Hey, Boss, I'll take care of this for you.
No, that's all right Ali, it's better if I address this situation.
No way are these check point grunts gonna harass my boss!
You guys don't know who you're dealing with, do you?
Please, Ali, allow me to deal with this.
It's all right boss, I'll show these guys.
You're all gonna regret hassling this guy. I'm telling yez.
Ali! I must insist!
Don't worry about anything, boss. I can handle this.
You guys are in big trouble now! Haven't you ever heard of Abu Omar al-Baghdad?
Ali!
Please step out of the vehicle, gentlemen. No quick moves, if you would.
Posted by: Zenster at March 9, 2007 10:42 PM
Who says there is no humor in Islam? From an AP story about the big meeting.
"(Iraq) needs support in this battle that not only threatens Iraq but will spill over to all countries in the region," he added - shortly before mortar shells landed near the conference site and a car bomb exploded in a Shitte stronghold across the city.
Do you suppose Malaki somehow coordinated the motars, for effect of course.
Aunt Bea
at March 10, 2007 7:10 AM
"Is this the same person as al Masri?"
No, he is not....Al Masri is still around, he was not as violent as al=Zaqarwi and he was somewhat demoted...He does remain however entrenched in the kill the infidel mode...
Posted by: exsgtbrown at March 10, 2007 11:04 AM
Who is faster here, The Army, Human Rights Watch, or the ACLU?
Posted by: flowerknife_us at March 10, 2007 2:49 PM
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