Forces kill al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Baghdad

Abu Azzam

Blackanthem.com, BAGHDAD, Iraq, September 27, 2005

Iraqi security and Coalition forces killed the second most wanted al Qaeda terrorist in Iraq, Abdallah Najim Abdallah Muhammad al-Juwari, otherwise known as Abu Azzam, the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Baghdad, during an early morning raid Sept. 25.

Abu Azzam was the operational commander for al Qaeda in Iraq and was responsible for the recent upsurge in violent attacks in the city since April 2005.

Multiple intelligence sources and corroborating information from a close associate of Abu Azzam led Coalition and Iraqi security forces to the terrorist safe house where the al Qaeda in Iraq leader was hiding. A combined operation was conducted with the intent of capturing the wanted terrorist; however, Abu Azzam fired on the forces, and their return fire killed the al Qaeda in Iraq leader.

"We continue to decimate the leadership of the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network and continue to disrupt their operations," said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesperson. "By taking Abu Azzam off the street, another close associate of Zarqawi, we have dealt another serious blow to Zarqawi’s terrorist organization."

Abu Azzam had served as the Emir of Anbar Province for much of 2004 and led the largest group of al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in Fallujah during Autumn 2004 until they were defeated by Coalition forces during Operation Dawn. In Spring 2005, he assumed the position of Emir of Baghdad, where he reportedly directed and controlled all terrorist activity and operations in and around the city.

Source : CPIC - Iraq

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Abu Azzam