U.S. captures 2 key aides of Zarqawi

This provides further proof that Al Qaeda is involved in terrorism in Iraq, including smuggling foreign terrorists into Iraq from Syria.
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, December 27, 2004
BAGHDAD � The United States has captured two top aides of Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi, regarded as the most lethal insurgent in Iraq.

U.S. officials said the military arrested what they termed were two key associates of Al Zarqawi. They said the two associates were captured in December in Ramadi in Al Anbar province near the Syrian border.

The two Al Zarqawi aides were identified as Saleh Arugayan Kahlil Mahalawi, also known as Abu Ubaydah, captured on Dec. 8. Bassim Mohammad Hazeem, also known as Abu Khattab, was arrested on Dec. 12.

Officials said both were cell leaders for Al Zarqawi's Tawhid and Jihad group. They said the group operated in Ramadi and western Anbar province.

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