September 15, 2005

Claim: Second Report of Chemical Attack in Iraq

For the second time in a week, a terror organization has claimed to have used chemical weapons in Iraq. The Islamic Army in Iraq issued a statement yesterday claiming that it had launched ten 120mm mortar rounds loaded with chemicals against U.S. and Iraqi troops stationed in al-Madain.

A translation of the communique can be seen here, via Evan Kohlmann.

On Sept. 13th the Victorious Army Group in Iraq issued a statement claiming that it had used chemical weapons in Baghdad, including against American troops in the Green Zone (story and background here). There has been no confirmation of those reports.

The Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI) has been associated with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al Qaeda in Iraq in the past. The IAI stated that the chemical weapons were used to support Zarqawi's losing battle in Tel Afar. However, Zarqawi's group disclaimed any association to the earlier attack by The Victorious Army Group (or Sect, as he translates it) on the Green Zone with chemical weapons.

Terrorism expert Evan Kohlmann passes on information that The Victorious Army Group is rumored to be made of ex-Fedayeen Saddam and Iraqi intelligence personnel.

By Rusty Shackleford, Ph.D. at 03:34 PM | |