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Iranian Agents Helping Sadr's Militia Regroup, Rearm

(Christian Science Monitor) Ann Scott Tyson - Hundreds of militiamen loyal to Iraqi rebel cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are rearming in their sanctuary in Najaf in possible preparation for a new offensive, say U.S and Iraqi officials. As many as 80 Iranian agents are working with an estimated 500 Sadr militiamen, providing training and 57-mm Russian antiaircraft guns to add to stocks of mortars, antitank weapons, and other armaments, according to Iraqi and U.S. intelligence reports. "They are preparing for something, gathering weapons; people are coming in buses from other parts of Iraq," says Michael al-Zurufi, the Iraqi security adviser of Najaf Province. At the same time, Sadr militiamen are waging fear tactics, kidnapping local Iraqi police and family members, occupying buildings, and arresting Iraqis deemed critical of Sadr.
2004-07-15 00:00:00
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