BAGHDAD – Iraq has captured another lieutenant of Abu Mussib
Al Zarqawi.
The government said Iraqi security forces arrested Talib Al Duleimi,
deemed a key aide to Al Zarqawi. Al Duleimi, known as Abu Qutayba, was
captured on Feb. 20 in Anah, about 250 kilometers northwest of Baghdad.
"Abu Qutaybah was responsible for determining who, when and how
terrorist network leaders would meet with Al Zarqawi," the government said
in a statement on Feb. 25.
Al Duleimi was a "key lieutenant for the Zarqawi network, arranging safe
houses and transportation as well as passing packages and funds to Zarqawi,"
the government said. "His extensive contacts and operational ability
throughout western Iraq made him a critical figure in the Zarqawi network."
The statement said another Al Zarqawi aide was captured in the
operation. He was identified as Ahmad Al Rawi, or Abu
Othman, who also helped arrange meetings for Al Zarqawi.
Officials said Al Duleimi and Al Rawi were members of Sunni tribes in
the Anbar province. They said the arrests were the latest in the capture of
Al Zarqawi aides, which began in December 2004.
So far, about 10 aides of Al Zarqawi have been either captured or
killed. Still, Al Zarqawi's organization has claimed credit for numerous car
bombings in January and February 2005.
Over the weekend, U.S. and Iraqi troops continued Operation River Blitz,
meant to capture Al Zarqawi and other insurgents located along the Euphrates
river. Al Zarqawi has been suspected of hiding in Haditha, a target in
Saturday's operation.
"We are at the closest point to Al Zarqawi," Iraqi National Security
Adviser Kassim Daoud said.
At the same time, U.S. officials report a sharp drop in casualties in
Iraq.
Pentagon officials said the percentage of attacks in which U.S. troops were
injured or killed has fallen from 90 percent to 25 percent.
Officials cited improved armor of vehicles and soldiers, enhanced
intelligence and counter-measures against improvised explosive devices.
Still, over the weekend, at least four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq
over a 48-hour period – three of them by an IED.
