ISF, Marines respond to continued attacks in Najaf
Forward Operating Base Duke, Iraq - As the direct result of large-scale, repeated attacks on the main police station in An Najaf, the Multi-National Force responded to the Najaf Governor's request and rapidly provided reinforcement to Iraqi Police and National Guard units.
Initial reports indicate that, working together, the Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Forces have killed approximately seven anti-Iraqi forces. These anti-Iraqi forces appear to be members of the Muqtada militia, supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr. This attack is an overt violation of the cease-fire agreement reached in June between Multi-National Forces and Muqtada al-Sadr, as brokered by the Governor of Najaf, other local civic leaders, and the Bayt al-Shia (the informal counsel of senior Shia clerics).
"All of these terrorists and killers are working for the same organization regardless of which banners they carry or which hats they wear," said Minister of Interior
Mr. Falah al-Nakib. "They attacked Iraqi Police and we must respond. We have the thugs isolated. Our police forces, supported by the Multi-National Force, are doing their job."
Initial reports also indicate that a Multi-National Force helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing. The crew and the helicopter were recovered.
Mr. Falah al-Nakib indicated that seven terrorists have been killed and 22 have been wounded and taken into custody.
Anti-Iraqi terrorists have an extreme disregard for Iraq's laws and the lives of innocent Iraqi citizens . Multi-National Forces continue to work closely with the Iraqi Police, National Guard, and Security Forces to prevent and repel these attacks . "Our brothers, the Iraqi Police and supporting forces have gained glorious victories in their efforts to make Iraq a strong, sovereign nation," said Mr.al-Nakib
Release #040805g
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
