Another Iraqi Report of Baghdadi's Capture: Another Mistake (edited Mar. 10)

By Andrew Cochran

Once again, an Iraqi official has announced the capture of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State of Iraq. And as I write, there hasn't been a confirmation of the capture by U.S. officials. This happened on March 4, during which I wrote, "We've seen numerous false claims by the Iraqis of a major kill, capture, or injury of important insurgents." That trial balloon popped on March 5 when it became apparent that Baghdadi hadn't been captured. The fact that today's claim came from Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, spokesman of the Baghdad security operation, instead of from a local official as on March 4, provides only a slight measure of comfort. Now, as in every instance of a claimed major kill, injury, or capture, the key is to wait for confirmation by U.S. officials.

EDIT, March 10: The Iraqis admit the captured man isn't him - we shouldn't be surprised.

TrackBack