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21/08/2003
'Chemical Ali' captured by Coalition forces
General Ali Hasan al-Majid, better known to the West as 'Chemical Ali', has been captured and is in the custody of Coalition forces, US Central Command said today.
Ali Hasan al-Majid was the former Revolutionary Command Council Commander and he is listed as number five on the 'Iraqi Top 55' most wanted list. There are as yet no further details as to the location and method of his capture.
al-Majid is reported to be in good health, despite previous US claims that he had been killed in an air-strike on Basra in April.
The former general is a cousin of Saddam Hussein and one of the Iraqi president's most trusted advisors. He was dubbed 'Chemical Ali' for masterminding a chemical attack on the town of Halabja during the 'Anfal' campaign against northern Kurds in 1987. The ethnic cleansing of the Kurds led to the deaths of more than 100,000 people.
Since the recent Coalition invasion, evidence is beginning to be uncovered as to the extent of the atrocities committed by the Ba'athis regime in the north. On April 17, Kurdish officials reported finding a grave containing the bodies of more than 2,000 people near the city of Kirkuk.
Today's breakthrough follows on from the arrest of the former vice-president of Iraq, Taha Yassin Ramadan, in Mosul on Monday. Ramadan, known as 'Saddam's Knuckles' because of his role as an enforcer of Saddam's will, was seized by local leaders and handed over to US forces. He was number 20 on the US 'pack of cards' most wanted list.
Coalition forces have pledged to continue to work at apprehending former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.
(gmcg)
Ali Hasan al-Majid was the former Revolutionary Command Council Commander and he is listed as number five on the 'Iraqi Top 55' most wanted list. There are as yet no further details as to the location and method of his capture.
al-Majid is reported to be in good health, despite previous US claims that he had been killed in an air-strike on Basra in April.
The former general is a cousin of Saddam Hussein and one of the Iraqi president's most trusted advisors. He was dubbed 'Chemical Ali' for masterminding a chemical attack on the town of Halabja during the 'Anfal' campaign against northern Kurds in 1987. The ethnic cleansing of the Kurds led to the deaths of more than 100,000 people.
Since the recent Coalition invasion, evidence is beginning to be uncovered as to the extent of the atrocities committed by the Ba'athis regime in the north. On April 17, Kurdish officials reported finding a grave containing the bodies of more than 2,000 people near the city of Kirkuk.
Today's breakthrough follows on from the arrest of the former vice-president of Iraq, Taha Yassin Ramadan, in Mosul on Monday. Ramadan, known as 'Saddam's Knuckles' because of his role as an enforcer of Saddam's will, was seized by local leaders and handed over to US forces. He was number 20 on the US 'pack of cards' most wanted list.
Coalition forces have pledged to continue to work at apprehending former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.
(gmcg)
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20 November 2003
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The multi-billion dollar United Nations Oil-for-Food programme will finally wrap up its activities on Friday.
Food-for-oil winds up as US offer $10m bounty
The multi-billion dollar United Nations Oil-for-Food programme will finally wrap up its activities on Friday.
24 July 2003
Photos of Saddam's dead sons released
The US have released photographs today of the dead bodies of Saddam Hussein's sons, Uday and Qusay, who were killed in a firefight in Mosul on Tuesday. Reuters were the first news agency to see the photographs and reported this morning that the images were of the former dictator's sons.
Photos of Saddam's dead sons released
The US have released photographs today of the dead bodies of Saddam Hussein's sons, Uday and Qusay, who were killed in a firefight in Mosul on Tuesday. Reuters were the first news agency to see the photographs and reported this morning that the images were of the former dictator's sons.
23 July 2003
Saddam's sons confirmed killed in Mosul firefight
Saddam Hussein's sons Qusay and Uday – the aces of hearts and clubs in the US's most wanted cards – have been confirmed dead today by US authorities following a "fierce gun battle" in Mosul, northern Iraq yesterday. Two other bodies have also been recovered from the building the pair had barricaded themselves inside.
Saddam's sons confirmed killed in Mosul firefight
Saddam Hussein's sons Qusay and Uday – the aces of hearts and clubs in the US's most wanted cards – have been confirmed dead today by US authorities following a "fierce gun battle" in Mosul, northern Iraq yesterday. Two other bodies have also been recovered from the building the pair had barricaded themselves inside.
24 March 2004
Baghdad hotel hit in missile attack
A hotel used by Western journalists and contractors in central Baghdad has been hit by a missile, according to reports emerging today. The sixth floor of the Sheraton Hotel was hit early this morning by a missile, but there were no injuries.
Baghdad hotel hit in missile attack
A hotel used by Western journalists and contractors in central Baghdad has been hit by a missile, according to reports emerging today. The sixth floor of the Sheraton Hotel was hit early this morning by a missile, but there were no injuries.
10 July 2003
Two more US troops killed in Iraq ambushes
Two US soldiers have been killed in separate incidents near Baghdad yesterday. On Wednesday evening, one soldier was shot and killed after his patrol was ambushed about 20 miles south the capital.
Two more US troops killed in Iraq ambushes
Two US soldiers have been killed in separate incidents near Baghdad yesterday. On Wednesday evening, one soldier was shot and killed after his patrol was ambushed about 20 miles south the capital.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
