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But Shiites trained in Iran may pose a more persistent threat. "30,000 Iraqi troops poised for assault on Qaeda bastion," from AFP, July 23:
BAQUBA, Iraq (AFP) — Some 30,000 Iraqi soldiers and police are to launch a military assault against Al-Qaeda fighters and insurgents in Diyala province from August 1, army and police officers said Wednesday."The operation is aimed at cleansing the region of insurgents, Al-Qaeda and militias who are still there," a senior Iraqi military officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.
He said some 30,000 soldiers and policemen from across Iraq would take part in the crackdown in the central province starting August 1.
Senior Iraqi police officials in Baquba, the capital of Diyala, confirmed the assault would start on August 1.
"It will be an operation led by the Iraqi army. The US army will probably only watch... If they need help, we'll help them. If not, we will not do anything," a US military officer said.
Iraq's interior ministry spokesman Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf announced on July 13 that the Iraqi military would launch an assault in Diyala but did not specify the date.
He said troops expected tough fighting during the assault.
Diyala and its capital Baquba are Iraq's most dangerous regions with insurgents regularly carrying out attacks, including by female suicide bombers.
The looming assault in Diyala follows similar Iraqi military operations in the southern provinces of Basra and Maysan, and the northern province of Nineveh.
Aided by the US military and Iraqi forces, local anti-Qaeda groups known as "Sahwa" or Awakening councils, have inflicted severe blows on Al-Qaeda but the extremist group continues to carry out attacks in the region.
[...]But "foreign countries have sown the disorder," lamented Colonel Karkhi, pointing a finger at Shiite Iran, which shares a border with Diyala.
"We captured five people (Iraqis) who 45 days ago were in Iran for training. They receive instructions from the Iranian services and their business is to kill people," he said.
[...]"The problem is that when we apply pressure they flee to Iran," Karkhi said.
Posted by Raymond at July 23, 2008 10:01 AM
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""The problem is that when we apply pressure they flee to Iran," Karkhi said."
tighten the border security, shoot anything coming or going..
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at July 23, 2008 10:18 AM
..."The problem is that when we apply pressure they flee to Iran"....
Maybe the problem is that you told them a week in advance that you were going to attack? You've given them time to pack their bags and walk away at a leisurely pace. Taking advice from the next commander in chief, nobama, who will tell the enemy when we intend on leaving iraq, how many and which brigades are moving, and which are re-deploying to which specific locations in afghanistan, how many by air, how many by sea, etc. Or am I missing something? After all, I am not a military strategist.
Later
Albert
at July 23, 2008 10:44 AM
"Iraqi forces preparing for grand siege on al-Qaeda bastions." Article headline.
Oh that's just great, and on August 1, no less. I suppose they'll also announce the battle plan, unit breakdowns, attack routes, armament, etc. Maybe the local populace will turn out to watch all the fun and cheer on their favorite team. Food and flag vendors, burqa-clad cheer leaders. Casket makers feverishly beefing up their inventories in anticipation of new business. Will the networks be there?
Posted by: Eastview at July 23, 2008 4:21 PM
I agree, Gamblers Choice. I'm not a military man and certainly not an expert in strategy, but it sure seems to me that overtly signaling one's intentions to do battle and giving the enemy more than a week to dig in or clear out is a losing tactic.
I notice the Pakistani army does the same thing. They announce an operation days ahead of its start and then do a cursory sweep-through, netting a few AK 47s and a grenade or two, but (surprise) no militants. Afterwards, they call it a great success in the "war on terror." Seems fishy to me.
Posted by: golfdad at July 23, 2008 10:22 PM
"Shiites trained in Iran may pose a more persistent threat."
One thing at a time. Finishing off Al Qaeda will empower the government in its dealings with Al Sadr and the Mahdi Army.
Posted by: Cornelius at July 24, 2008 12:17 AM
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