« Iraq's FM: al-Qaeda Exploiting U.S. Disunity Over War | Main | NBC Cameraman Flies Mexican Flag At March For Illegal Alien Rights »
May 1, 2007
Unconfirmed report: Red On Red Action Takes Down Leader Of al-Qaeda In Iraq
If this report turns out to be true, another murderous thug is now looking around down in hell for his non-existent 72 virgins, and more importantly, the manner in which the Islamist leader has been killed is a very promising sign - "red on red" fighting: Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader 'killed':
The interior ministry in Iraq says it has received intelligence that the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq has been killed.More here ...Abu Ayyub al-Masri, believed to be an Egyptian, has led the group since June 2006 when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in a US air strike.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is blamed for or has claimed some of the bloodiest insurgent attacks in Iraq since 2003.
According to Iraqi officials, al-Masri was killed in an "internal battle" between militants.
The BBC's defence correspondent Rob Watson says if the reports are confirmed, this would be a highly significant development in terms of the manner of al-Masri's death.
US officials have long talked of friction between al-Qaeda and other Sunni insurgent groups. The reported killing would suggest there are real tensions for US and Iraqi officials to exploit, our correspondent says.
Again, if true, a very interesting development made all the more promising given the announcement only a few days ago of the capture of senior al Qaeda member - operations chief Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi, who commanded al-Qaeda paramilitary operations against U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He had intended to "manage al-Qaeda affairs" in Iraq when he was detained.
Related: Profile of al-Qaeda's Leader in Iraq: Abu Ayyub al-Masri
Cross posted from Hyscience
Posted by Richard at May 1, 2007 8:32 AM
