April 23, 2009
Head of al Qaeda in Iraq Arrested (Again)
Yet another post in which we hold our breath and pray, Please God, this time let it be true!. This would be, what, the third time the Iraqis have claimed that they've captured Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the leader of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq?
The first time they caught an actor payed to play Abu Omar al-Baghdadi in al Qaeda in Iraq propaganda films. At that point they claimed there was no such person as al-Baghdadi, that he was fictional character meant to portray AQI as a home-grown movement.
The former leader of AQI was Jordianian born Abu Musab al Zarqawi who we killed.
The second time they said they caught the dude U.S. forces declined to comment and then we learned that it wasn't really al-Baghdadi.
So, again, we hope that he's really been captured this time. Especially give that just today his group was probably responsible for the killing of over 70 Iraqis and just a few days ago an audio message of al-Baghdadi was released in which he plead for Muslims to develop nuclear weapons.
AP:
Iraqi state television quoted military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi as saying al-Baghdadi was arrested in Baghdad. Security officials also told The Associated Press that he was captured....Keep your fingers crossed, people. Keep your fingers crossed.U.S. officials could not immediately confirm the arrest.
Thanks to Howie.
UPDATE: Ed over at Hot Air has more commentary.
