Friday, January 19, 2007

Sources: Mahdi Army Expressing Siege Mentality

A child wearing a shirt with the image of al-Sadr today at Friday prayers in Sadr City, Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - 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.

Read the rest at the Guardian

Related Link:
Intelligence Officials Predict Sadr Militia Will Lower Profile in Baghdad

Related Link:
Iraqi Gov't: 'Several dozen' Mahdi senior members arrested in 'past few weeks'

Related Link:
Perspective: Mahdi Army lowers its profile, for now

Related Link:
Iraqi Sources: Baghdad push to last 'at least' 6 months; Sistani, Sadr support plan

Related Link:
Sources: U.S., Iraqi Gov't in dispute over Washington war plan; Iraqis insist on lead

Related Link:
Sources: Bush okays targeting al-Sadr

Related Link:
Perspective: Battling With Sadr for Iraqi Soldiers' Hearts

Related Link:
Maliki chooses Qanbar as Baghdad commander over reported U.S. objection

Related Link:
Pespective: The new plan: fight the Mahdi army toe to toe, hope Iraqi army holds

Related Link:
Iraqi Spokesman: Sadr militia not allowed on street

Related Link:
Sources: Maliki tells 'Shiite militamen' to surrender arms, or face 'all-out assault'

Related Link:
Sources: Bush plan for Iraq security control by November; Maliki pledges to 'neutralize' Sadr