Al Qaeda Operative Possibly Nabbed in Iraq

Fox News ^ | Friday, January 23, 2004 | Bret Baier and Ian McCaleb

[woofie]

WASHINGTON

[piasa]

In light of the article you just posted- notice the name of one guy in it?

Al Haramain is a charity sponsored by the Saudi government. Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Salah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Sheik oversees the charity.

Now look at this: Looks like the Islamic affairs Minister has been into kidknapping lately:

JUNE 2003 : (KING FAHD'S NEPHEW, SAUDI PRINCE ABDEL-AZIZ WAS KIDKNAPPED FROM SWITZERLAND AND TAKEN AGAINST HIS WILL BACK TO SAUDI ARABIA WHERE HE IS HELD UNDER HOUSE ARREST) An outspoken Saudi prince said on Thursday he was under house arrest in Riyadh after Saudi agents drugged and abducted him from Switzerland because of his criticism of corruption and calls for democracy in the kingdom. Prince Sultan bin Turki bin Abdel-Aziz, a nephew of King Fahd, told Reuters by telephone he was drugged during a meeting in Geneva last June [2003] with two government ministers, then found himself in a Riyadh hospital after 10 days in coma.
Saudi government officials declined to comment. Saudi analysts say Prince Sultan's public campaign to curb the powers of the royal family has been a source of deep embarrassment to the kingdom's rulers.
"I was between hospital and my house for the last six months. Now I'm at home, but they (police) are outside," the prince, who has often attacked corruption in Saudi Arabia on Arab satellite channels, said by telephone.
Details of the incident have been posted on the Web Site of a London-based Saudi dissident group, the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia (www.yaislah.org).
He said police guards had a month ago allowed him use of a telephone but warned him "not to do anything that would upset them." Prince Sultan said he had had no contact with any government officials about his position since his return.
"I can go to my mother's house or to the mosque, but that's it. I can't leave Riyadh or the country," he said.
"I was outside the kingdom for over a year, between Germany and Switzerland, talking about politics. I'm not against the regime -- I'm part of it, as a nephew of King Fahd -- but I'm against corruption and I want a democratic country," he said.
Prince Sultan said he was snatched out of Switzerland after the Minister of Islamic Affairs Saleh al-Sheikh and Minister of State Abdel-Aziz bin Fahd, son of the king, called him to a meeting at a royal residence in Geneva.
"One left to the bathroom and the other answered the phone, while five men came in and drugged me," he said, accusing the Swiss authorities of complicity in the incident.
International and domestic criticism of the Islamic kingdom, dominated by the royal family, has increased since the September 11, 2001, attacks focused attention on religious extremism. Most of the attackers were Saudi men. The world's biggest oil exporter, facing a wave of militant violence and growing economic challenges, has embarked on a program of cautious reform despite fierce opposition from some powerful religious figures.- "Saudi Royal Says He Was Abducted Over Criticism," Reuters, Thursday?, JANUARY 22, 2003

[piasa]

They thought so then, too- he's been on Powell's list since he mentioned him in his speech to the UN before the Iraq war; Bbush likewise mentioned him in his SOTU back in 2003. I've been following him for some time myself. He's of interest because of his fondness for poisons as well as his involvement with the assassination of Laurence Foley in late 2002.

Here's his entry on your year-old list:

Abu Musab Zarqawi, Jordanian, operational planner: At large

[Consort]

Send him to a Ghulag.

[woofie]

These names are driving me nuts

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks for the ping, Ernest.

CENTCOM, CJTF 7 reports from last week:

Task Force “All-American” Captures Key Resistance Leader In Al Fallujah - Update

RAMADI, Iraq— On 11 Jan, 2004, elements of the 82d Airborne Division combined with Special Operations Forces conducted a coordinated mission in Fallujah. The purpose of this particular mission was to capture black list #54, Khamis Sirhan Bashir Al-Muhammed. The mission was a success, Khamis Sirhan was captured and there were no friendly casualties.

The 82d Airborne Division has been tracking Khamis Sirhan and he has been the Division’s number 1 target for a number of months. Kahmis Sirhan was the key regional former regime element leader in Al Anbar province, to include Fallujah, Khalidiyah and Ramadi. He was responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and financing numerous anti-coalition attacks. He is also suspected of involvement in acts of sabotage against the power, oil, fuel and rail infrastructure since the fall of the former dictator’s regime.

Khamis Sirhan was meticulously tracked down over the last several months. Sirhan had been on the run, moving frequently as coalition forces pursued him. Through precise raids, the capture of Sirhan’s associates, the intelligence gained from them, and the aggressive publication of the enhanced rewards program, Task Force All American was able to eliminate Sirhan’s avenues of escape and places of sanctuary. These efforts included eight previous raids on known and suspected safe houses, culminating in the final successful mission in the hours of darkness of January 11, 2004.

Sirhan has been extremely cooperative since his capture and continues to provide valuable information. From interrogation, it was confirmed that Sirhan was a prominent founding member of the Ba’ath Party and the regional commander of the Al-Anbar FRE and radical Islamist resistance. He has provided names and places of key individuals associated with the Foreign Regime Element (FRE) cells and Foreign Fighter (FF) cells. Since his capture, Task Force All American has captured two former Iraqi General Officers involved in anti-coalition activities and a total of 41 other security internees.

Release #040115a

 Task Force “All-American” Captures Key Resistance Leader In Al Fallujah - Update ~ CJTF7 | 1/15/04

Key Leaders Of Anti-Coalition Forces Captured

RAMADI, Iraq – Task Force “All-American” soldiers captured two high-ranking officers of the anti-Coalition forces operating in the Al Anbar province.

In two separate operations over the last 48 hours, General Mamoud Khudair Younes and Brig. Gen. Kalil Ibraham Fayal al-Dulaymi were captured during the conduct of combat operations in western Baghdad and the Al Anbar Province.

Younes, captured during Operation Saloon yesterday, received correspondence and funds from Saddam Hussein before Hussein’s capture and was a former Iraqi Intelligence Service officer in the Al Anbar province. Younes was also linked with the shoot down of the UH-60A Air Ambulance helicopter Jan. 8

Al-Dulaymi, captured during Operation Rock Slide early this morning, was the leader of a multi-regional network of former regime elements operating in parts of Baghdad and in the Al Anbar province. Al-Dulaymi was also linked to a November 2003 rocket attack on Forward Operating Base St. Mere in Fallujah.

The capture of these two men by Task Force “All-American” strengthens the security of the Al Anbar province, and Iraq as a whole. The removal of these men will also disrupt those responsible for corrupting the civilians of Iraq in their transformation to a free and democratic society.

Release #040115b

  ~ Key Leaders Of Anti-Coalition Forces Captured ~ CJTF7 | 1/15/04
 http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/media-information/january2004/040115b.htm

Celebrating my 'baby brother's' brand new baby girl today. Bad guy news will mostly have to wait 'til tomorrow. (^:

[Dog]

It's a wonder they can keep track of all their alias..

[woofie]

The result of my search:

HOW ABU HASAN BRAKE WIND.



They recount that in the City Kaukabán of Al-Yaman there was a man of the Fazlí tribe who had left Badawi life, and become a townsman for many years and was a merchant of the most opulent merchants. His wife had deceased when both were young; and his friends were instant with him to marry again, ever quoting to him the words of the poet,

"Go, gossip! re-wed thee, for Prime draweth near:
A wife is an almanac--good for the year."

So being weary of contention, Abu Hasan entered into negotiations with the old women who procure matches, and married a maid like Canopus when he hangeth over the seas of Al-Hind. He made high festival therefor, bidding to the wedding banquet kith and kin, Olema and Fakirs; friends and foes and all his acquaintances of that countryside. The whole house was thrown open to feasting: there were rices of five several colours, and sherbets of as many more; and kids stuffed with walnuts and almonds and pistachios and a camel colt [FN#192] roasted whole. So they ate and drank and made mirth and merriment; and the bride was displayed in her seven dresses and one more, to the women, who could not take their eyes off her. At last, the bridegroom was summoned to the chamber where she sat enthroned; and he rose slowly and with dignity from his divan; but in so doing, for that he was over full of meat and drink, lo and behold! he let fly a fart, great and terrible. Thereupon each guest turned to his neighbour and talked aloud and made as though he had heard nothing, fearing for his life. But a consuming fire was lit in Abu Hasan's heart; so he pretended a call of nature; and, in lieu of seeking the bride chamber, he went down to the house court and saddled his mare and rode off, weeping bitterly, through the shadow of the night. In time he reached Láhej where he found a ship ready to sail for India; so he shipped on board and made Calicut of Malabar. Here he met with many Arabs, especially Hazramís [FN#193], who recommended him to the King; and this King (who was a Kafir) trusted him and advanced him to the captainship of his body guard. He remained ten years in all solace and delight of life; at the end of which time he was seized with home sickness; and the longing to behold his native land was that of a lover pining for his beloved; and he came near to die of yearning desire. But his appointed day had not dawned; so, after taking the first bath of health, he left the King without leave, and in due course landed at Makallá of Hazramaut. Here he donned the rags of a religious; and, keeping his name and case secret, fared for Kaukaban afoot; enduring a thousand hardships of hunger, thirst and fatigue; and braving a thousand dangers from the lion, the snake and the Ghul. But when he drew near his old home, he looked down upon it from the hills with brimming eyes, and said in himself, "Haply they might know thee; so I will wander about the outskirts, and hearken to the folk. Allah grant that my case be not remembered by them!" He listened carefully for seven nights and seven days, till it so chanced that, as he was sitting at the door of a hut, he heard the voice of a young girl saying, "O my mother, tell me the day when I was born; for such an one of my companions is about to take an omen [FN#194] for me." And the mother answered, "Thou was born, O my daughter, on the very night when Abu Hasan farted." Now the listener no sooner heard these words than he rose up from the bench, and fled away saying to himself, "Verily thy fart hath become a date, which shall last for ever and ever; even as the poet said,

'As long as palms shall shift the flower; *
As long as palms shall sift the flour.’ [FN#195]

And he ceased not travelling and voyaging and returned to India; and there abode in self exile till he died; and the mercy of Allah be upon him! [FN#196] And they tell another story of

[piasa]

From your post:

Sirhan has been extremely cooperative since his capture and continues to provide valuable information. From interrogation, it was confirmed that Sirhan was a prominent founding member of the Ba’ath Party and the regional commander of the Al-Anbar FRE and radical Islamist resistance. He has provided names and places of key individuals associated with the Foreign Regime Element (FRE) cells and Foreign Fighter (FF) cells.

But I thought the antiwar groups have been insisting all along that since Baathists are secular that Baathists and Islamists don't get along and couldn't possibly cooperate?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

You're excused !

I am going to my grand daughter's very momentous performance in a play tonight.

She has practiced her song on me several times and I am suppose to bring my camera.



Family events matter a great deal!!!

[Dog]

Sirhan is singing like a canary.

[piasa]

I love the sound of canaries.

[Miss Marple]

It occurs to me that you have a talent for deciphering these names. I try to keep track, but they all start to sound alike to me.

Perhaps you should consider studying Arabic at a local college. You might have a latent gift for languages, you know. I am serious.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I am going to my grand daughter's very momentous performance in a play tonight.

Oh, that's wonderful. I am glad she has such a loving 'audience' to practice on. (^:

[woofie]

Suspected Al Qaeda Operatives Nabbed in Iraq

Friday, January 23, 2004

WASHINGTON — U.S. forces in Iraq believe they may be facing an Al Qaeda cell in Fallujah after two men with suspected ties to the terror network were captured in the last week, sources told Fox News Friday.



Husam al-Yemeni was arrested by U.S. forces last Thursday and is said to be part of the leadership structure of Ansar al-Islam (search), the Al Qaeda-associated terrorist group based in Iraqi Kurdistan. Some U.S. officials described al-Yemeni as the first Al Qaeda operative captured in Iraq.

Another possible Al Qaeda operative, Hasan Ghul, was detained Thursday in Iraq. Ghul, a Pakistani, is known to have been an Al Qaeda member since the early 1990s, when Al Qaeda was established.

Officials said it was too early to be sure, but at least one guerrilla cell in Fallujah (search) — a Sunni Arab city known for its fierce enmity toward American forces — was believed to be linked to Al Qaeda. The officials said three other possible Al Qaeda operatives — two Egyptians and an Iraqi — had been captured in raids Sunday.

U.S. commanders in Iraq and Pentagon officials had said this week they were seeing signs foreign fighters were attempting to organize both inside and outside Iraq.

One official said Ghul was "definitely in Iraq to promote an Al Qaeda, Islamic extremist agenda." Ghul is described by officials as a facilitator known in terrorist circles as "the Gatekeeper" who moves money and people around the Middle East, Africa and possibly beyond. Officials added that Ghul has extensive contacts in Al Qaeda and wider terrorist communities, and is thought to have had some kind of connection to the 1998 East African embassy bombings, though officials stress those links are still being probed.

Al-Yemeni is believed to be the right-hand man to Abu Zarqawi (search), a man the Bush administration says has worked directly with Usama bin Laden. Zarqawi, who is believed to have been operating in Iraq before March's invasion, is still at large.

Early last year, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell detailed Zarqawi's significance in an appearance before the U.N. Security Council.

"Iraq today harbors a deadly terrorist network headed by Abu Musab Zarqawi, an associate and collaborator of Usama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda lieutenants," Powell said.

Powell described Zarqawi as a Palestinian born in Jordan who fought in Afghanistan more than a decade ago. In 2000, Zarqawi returned to Afghanistan, where Powell said he oversaw terrorist training camps.

"One of his specialties at the camp was poisons," Powell said. "When our coalition ousted the Taliban, the Zarqawi network helped establish another poison and explosives training center."

Fox News' Bret Baier and Ian McCaleb contributed to this report.

[Alamo-Girl]

Great catch! Great post with lots of useful information! Thank you so very much!!!

[piasa]

Since you mentioned the squabbling going on in Saudi Arabia ... look at this old post concerning the al Haramain charity and the abduction of Prince Sultan bin Turki bin Abdel Aziz by the overseer of that charity- incidentally, also the Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Salah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Sheik.

[piasa]

You might want to see this, too, since you've been keeping an eye on the al Haramain charity up in Oregon.