Sounds like Task Force Black...part of Task Force 77.
The first of the four elements is Task Force Black. Based in the Basra area, TF Black (which is supported by Parachute Regiment troopers of Task Force Red, a separate organization) is based around a squadron of the British army's 22 Special Air Service Regiment, with integrated units from the Royal Marines Special Boat Service. TF Black is responsible for the southern portion of the country, but has participated in operations in the Baghdad area when British or Canadian hostages are involved.
As I read Bill Roggio's column at the Long War Journal
HERE it becomes more clear that the fat one is no longer calling the shots within Sadr's Mahdi Army.
The Qods forces are running the show most likely and Sadr is becoming more of a sideliner.
But surely it would not hurt for him to be taken out wherever he is residing.
I hope Maliki has reached the point where Sadr City will be fully cordoned off, no one enters, no one leaves, other then Iraqi and US Special Forces supported by regulars, to do street by street close downs and total searches for any form of weapontry.
These people must be shown that the forces are willing and available to shut them totally down. Maliki must start getting more involved in national address. It is high time someone tells the Iraqi in whole that they are their worst enemies, and if they want things to get better, then, then they had better go along with the program.
Everyone keeps talking about these peoples respecting the use of force. Well. High time Sadr City starts to feel some real pain, like Fallujah and ar Ramadi did.
Of course the totality of what can be done in the souther provinces with Basra high lighted is a bit more complex. But equally important. This crap about huge amounts of oil, benzene, gas, etc., being siphoned off the top for black market use has to stop along with the equal lawless behavior among these people.
Perhaps I write to much. Simply put. Maliki must show all he can be brutal as the goon squads that kill the innocent, within the laws of their land. I see three final battles. One in Basra, Mosul, and Sadr City Baghdad.
We are unfortunately seeing a major swing from al Qaeda being the principle enemy of Iraq to one where the Shia Militias are dominating the scene of violence.
GWB is only around till the end of the January 2009.
Notice how quiet Hakim and his Badr Brigade appear to be right now. Wonder if they will enter into the fray and even make things worse in the south.
