Iraq removes commanders in Basra after crackdown

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, April 16 (Reuters) - Iraq's government removed the commanders of the Iraqi military and police forces in the southern city of Basra on Wednesday, weeks after a crackdown on militia in the city that U.S. commanders say was poorly planned.

Lieutenant-General Mohan al-Furaiji, one of Iraq's most senior commanders and a commander highly regarded by his U.S. and British counterparts, had been in overall charge of all military and police forces in the southern city.

Major General Abdul-Jalil Khalaf, the provincial police chief, was also removed.

~snip~

Interior Ministry spokesman, Major-General Abdul-Karim Khalaf, said the two generals had been "rewarded for their successful mission against the criminals in Basra" and given higher staff posts at the Ministry of Defence in Baghdad. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Khalid al-Ansary)


Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16375456.htm

[Submariner]

1. "rewarded for their successful mission against the criminals in Basra"

So opposition to Bush's puppet regime are now "criminals"?

I thought they were "militants" or "insurgents" fighting occupation from an invading foreign coalition. It looks like the surge is going swimmingly.

[maddezmom]

2. Iraq ministry denies Basra commander replaced

Iraq ministry denies Basra commander replaced 16 Apr 2008 15:56:53 GMT
Source: Reuters
BAGHDAD, April 16 (Reuters) - The top Iraqi military commander in the southern city of Basra has not been replaced, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday, denying comments from other officials that he was being recalled to Baghdad.

Army Lieutenant-General Mohan al-Furaiji was still in his job in Basra, said Defence Ministry spokesman, Major-General Mohammed al-Askari.

"He is still in his job. He's leading the operations in Basra," Askari told Reuters.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16183468.htm