Monday, February 05, 2007

US military still probing Iraqi cult battle near Najaf

One of hundreds killed in the battle near Najaf. Conflicting reports have labelled those involved as pilgrims, cult members or villagers. 1200 more have been 'detained', including women and children.

BAGHDAD, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Friday it was still investigating who its troops and Iraq's security forces fought last weekend in clashes in which hundreds of people were killed.

The Iraqi government's account of the battle near the holy city of Najaf has generated conspiracy theories among bloggers sceptical of its suggestion that those killed were members of a messianic Muslim cult plotting to kill top Shi'ite clerics.

"We are investigating who we engaged there. We are not going to say anything as there is still an ongoing investigation," U.S. military spokesman Major Steven Lamb told Reuters, adding that this was standard practice after any major engagement.

But a week after the battle amid orchards and houses north of Najaf, mystery shrouds exactly who the fighters were and what triggered the day-long battle in which a U.S. attack helicopter was shot down, killing its two crew.

Hundreds of people arrested in the aftermath, including women and children, are under guard. Journalists were not allowed to visit the scene of the fighting until Thursday, four days after the battle, and only then accompanied by soldiers.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

Related Link:
Mystery deepens over 'militia' leader in Najaf battle, now labelled as a Sunni impostor

Related Link:
Report: 1,200 now 'detained for questioning' about Najaf cult battle

Related Link:
Reports: Najaf battle may have been massacre of pilgrims caused by confusion

Related Link:
Analysis: Najaf Battle Raises Questions

Related Link:
Iraqi messianic cult denies involvement in Sunday's battle near Najaf

Related Link:
Sources: Iraqi forces nearly overwhelmed before U.S. intervened in Sunday's battle near Najaf

Related Link:
Officials: Gunmen killed in battle near Najaf were Shia cult members; planned assasination of Sistani, Shia clerics

Related Link:
Report: 2 killed as U.S. helicopter downed in flames by rocket in Najaf

Related Link:
250 'militants' reported killed in battles near Najaf

Related Link:
Fierce battles near Najaf as officials say insurgents plan attack on travellers to Ashura in Karbala

Related Link:
Iraq deploying 8,000 to Karbala as 3 million Shia trek to holy ceremony