Carrying out terrorist operations contains a certain amount of risk, as operatives get exposed during planning and rehearsals and witnesses watch as action unfolds. These risks usually get minimized by using "cells" to shield higher leadership in the organization. So it is surprising that the US has captured its second major leader of the Zarqawi organization within hours of each other, this time the chief of operations in the Mosul area:

A statement identified the man as Abdul Aziz Sa'dun Ahmed Hamduni, also known as Abu Ahmed, and said he had assumed command of "terrorist operations" in the northern city of Mosul.

He had served as the deputy of the top Mosul militant leader identified as Abu Talha, the statement said.

"Abu Ahmed admitted to receiving money and weapons from Abu Talha as well as coordinating and conducting terrorist attacks in Mosul, the statement said. It said Hamduni was detained on December 22.

"The capture of Abu Ahmed, and the subsequent capture of Abu Marwan on 23 December, show significant progress in the inevitable destruction of the Abu Talha-led Al-Qaeda-Zarqawi terrorist network in Mosul," said U.S. Brig. Gen. Erwin Lessel, spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq, in the statement.

The US announced Marwan's capture last week, one that had presumably launched the series of raids that followed. The announcement of Hamduni's capture came much later, although Hamduni actually came into custody first. Rather than squeezing Marwan, it looks like Hamduni squealed first, allowing the US to round up a number of lower-level operatives as well as Marwan and other more valuable targets, 50 in all.

The bombings continue, and Zarqawi pushes to rain destruction on Iraqis, especially those who work to bring freedom to their fellow citzens. Make no mistake; Zarqawi wants to bring a second fascist darkness to Iraq, not liberate the people from foreign influences. Iraqis themselves have learned this and at least some of them are working with the US and the Coalition to uncover the lunatics and murderers in their midst. Otherwise, the leadership of Zarqawi's organization would not be nearly as vulnerable as it has proven.

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A second terrorist leader has been arrested in Mosul. (Hat tip to Captain Ed.) A statement identified the man as Abdul Aziz Sa'dun Ahmed Hamduni, also known as Abu Ahmed, and said he had assumed command of "terrorist operations" in the northern city... [Read More]

Tracked on January 8, 2005 4:45 PM