posted on Mar, 28 2009 @ 08:56 PM
"Iraqi Sunni Leader Arrested, gunfight erupts"
www.google.com...
A gunfight erupted Saturday in central Baghdad after the local leader of a Sunni group that broke with al-Qaida was arrested for his alleged role in
terrorist acts, Iraqi officials said.
The shootout broke out after Iraqi army and police units served the warrant in Fadhil, a Sunni enclave on the east bank of the Tigris River that was
run by al-Qaida until U.S. and Iraqi soldiers regained control in 2007.
A Fadhil resident said by telephone that the neighborhood was quiet Saturday night, with Iraqi troops sealing off the area and U.S. helicopters
patrolling overhead. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for his own safety.
It was unclear whether the allegations against al-Mashhadani were based on his purported activities before the Sunni revolt against al-Qaida, during
which thousands of Sunnis switched sides.
A U.S. military spokesman, Col. Bill Buckner, confirmed the arrest and said the move was not directed at the Awakening Council.
[edit on 28-3-2009 by star in a jar]