Interview with Co-Founder of Al-Qaida's anti-Shiite Omar Corps in Iraq

By Evan Kohlmann

In April 2006, credible representatives of mujahideen fighting in Iraq released a new audiotape recorded by an individual identifying himself as “Abu Anas al-Maqdisi” (likely of Palestinian origin). According to the tape, “this production took place somewhere inside Iraq after overcoming tight security measures… We were able to meet with dear brother Abu Ali al-Sharqi and brother Abu Abdullah al-Shamali who agreed to give us this rare opportunity to talk to them, because they are very busy in conducting and overseeing the different military operations executed against the enemies of Allah.” Abu Ali al-Sharqi is further identified as the commander of a fighting unit based in the Iraqi city of Al-Qaim and, furthermore, a co-founder of Al-Qaida’s notorious Omar Corps which, according to the tape, “was responsible for destroying the [Shiite] Badr Corps in Baghdad and assassinating its leaders.”

Some highlights from the interview:
- "The death [of Saudi Al-Qaida leader Abdallah al-Rashood] is a major loss for us. I remember that that day was when the American forces initiated a massive attack in the Karabilah area... In the morning after the attack, we were informed that Abdallah al-Rashood, Abu al-Ghadiyah al-Suri [from Syria], and Abu al-Laith were killed in the bombing. When we reached the area, we saw Abdallah al-Rashood smiling with his index finger pointing and the scent of musk in the air..."
- "We get nervous when we use modern advanced weapons and we feel much more confident using old shotguns and RPG launchers... Every time we were faced with hard times in one city, we were counting successes in other places. When we had hard times in Al-Qaim, then in Baghdad or Samarra things would be working to our benefit, praise be to Allah for his blessing. Your al-Tawheed brothers are spread out everywhere, and we should not forget to mention our Ansar brothers [native Iraqi recruits] who assisted us and have led some of the major operations... Those who failed to adopt this path are the biggest losers. Before I joined the path of jihad, I used to care about driving the nicest cars and wearing the most beautiful clothing—but now, you see your fighting brothers caring less about such things. They care about having their weapons ready, praying, serving each other (both locals and foreigners), and purchasing big trucks (common among the martyr brothers). Our most precious possession is our weapon. Our intention is to obey Allah and attack the enemies of Allah. Our wish is to die in the cause of Allah when the time comes without any hesitation.”

Click to view English transcript of audiotape c/o Globalterroralert.com

See also:
- Biography of Al-Qaida leader Khallad al-Najdi
- The death of Al-Qaida leader Abdallah al-Rashood in Iraq

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