The Command Post - Iraq - Al-Qa'ida 'Defend Basra'

March 27, 2003

Al-Qa'ida 'Defend Basra'

AL-QA’IDA terrorists are fighting alongside Saddam’s troops defending Basra, captured Iraqi soldiers have told British interrogators.

At least 12 members of Osama bin Laden’s network are in Al Zubayr where they are co-ordinating attacks on coalition positions, according to the Iraqi PoWs.

(The Sun)

Posted By Billy Beck at March 27, 2003 11:17 PM | TrackBack

Comments

But wait! I didn't think Iraq and AQ were working together? Where is the smoking gun? :)

Posted by: mojoski at March 27, 2003 11:18 PM

It wouldn't surprise me, but at the same time I think I'll remain skeptical of this report for now. For all we know these guys could be telling their interrogators what they think they want to hear.

Posted by: J. Austin Wilde at March 27, 2003 11:48 PM

It's prolly true, but so what? These are low-level fighters who went where they'd get a chance to fight, not the core strategists. It doesn't mean there was a working relationship- the CIA and NSA say there wasn't- up until now, when the U.S. gave them a common enemy. Could be taken as a good reason for us not to have started this. Remember that AQ and UBL detest(ed) Iraq's secular, socialist government.

Posted by: crypticreference at March 28, 2003 01:03 AM