Sadr’s army; under seige
As I predicted, AP reports that Sadr’s army is feeling the “surge” while US troops are still preparing to leave the US;
Two Shiite militia commanders said Thursday that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has stopped protecting radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s Madhi Army under pressure from Washington, while the fighters described themselves as under seige in their Sadr City stronghold.
Their account of an organization now fighting for its very existence could represent a tactical and propaganda feint, but there was mounting evidence the militia is increasingly off balance and has ordered its gunmen to melt back into the population. To avoid capture, commanders report no longer using cell phones and fighters are removing their black uniforms and hiding their weapons during the day.
From Curt at Flopping Aces, we’ve read that a top Sadr aide has been captured;
Sheik Abdul-Hadi al-Darraji, al-Sadr’s media director in Baghdad, was captured in the eastern neighborhood of Baladiyat, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of security concerns.
This is significant, as Captain Ed at Captain’s Quarters points out;
Another interesting point about Darraji’s arrest is where it took place. The troops raided a mosque in Baghdad to get him, which may show that initial reluctance to enter the worship sites has faded. This might be the best indicator of how seriously the Americans and Iraqis take this mission. They’re not out to win hearts and minds with this phase of the new strategy, but to find and destroy the enemy. This is reminiscent of the action taken in 2004 against the Mahdis, before Sadr wisely capitulated in return for his freedom.
So, the new strategy in Iraq no only includes the famous “surge”, but also a common sense change of tactics. Maybe we’ll turn those brave warriors of ours loose for and change and let them break stuff kill people like they’re trained to do.
Expect more yipping and yapping from terrorist huggers like Murtha, Durbin and Kerry.
Category: Terror War
