Sadr threatens rogue commanders of his Iraqi militia

Team Infidel

Forum Spin Doctor
Media: AFP
Byline:
Date: 27 October 2006


KUFA, Iraq, Oct 27, 2006 (AFP) - Radical Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has
threatened rogue commanders in his Mahdi Army militia with the wrath of
God, his principle mouthpiece told worshippers at prayer Friday.

The Mahdi Army is one of the most powerful armed Shiite groups in Iraq and
has been implicated in a number of recent battles with police, despite
orders from Sadr to his followers not to spill Iraqi blood without
permission.

"This disobedience to the leadership has divided us and earned us multiple
enemies," declared Sheikh Jaber al-Khafaji, the preacher who speaks for
Sadr at the mosque in the central Iraqi town of Kufa.

"The directives of Muqtada al-Sadr in his speach during Eid prayers should
not go unnoticed," he added, referring to the latest of Sadr's recent
attempts to rein in his movement's more undisciplined cadres.

"If you do not obey, you will regret it. Indeed, I declare that you will be
cursed. Sayid Muqtada al-Sadr is a blessing from God upon you and is your
protector," Khafaji told the large crowd in this Shiite area.

In recent weeks armed groups claiming allegiance to Sadr's movement have
fought pitched battles with Iraqi security forces in two southern towns,
Diwaniyah and Amara, despite calls from Sadr for restraint.

The anti-American cleric met with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki after the
fighting broke out, and both have spoken on the need to find a political
solution to the violence wracking Iraq.
 
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