U.S. Arrested 100 Iraqi Insurgents

On December 21, the U.S. military clearly stated that the U.S. army stationed in Iraq ferreted out and captured 100 insurgents based on information gained from former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein’s capture last weekend. The hunting of Hussein’s supporters is concentrated on the outer areas of Baghdad such as Paluza, Samara, and Zalrura where the loyalty to Hussein is very high.

Especially, in Rawae, a military operation coded “Santa Claus” was executed by the Third Armed Corps and a “No passing” zone was set up. The corps captured 60 Iraqis and was in pursuit of a leader of the terrorists and 100 high-ranking officials of the Baath party. Moreover, they confiscated about 10 AK rifles and RPG. In connection with the military operation, General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, remarked, “The U.S. army arrested several hundred insurgents since Hussein’s roundup” on FOX TV.

Yet, an attack by Iraqi insurgents was not completely appeased. On the morning of December 21, U.S. army vehicles standing in line in the northern part of Mosul faced an RPG attack but it went astray. On December 20, the U.S. forces killed one Iraqi insurgent during a skirmish at Tikrit.

In addition, on December 21, the Daily Telegraph, a British daily newspaper, reported that the arrested Hussein unexpectedly gave more positive aid to the systematical resistance.

According to the newspaper reports, such a conclusion confirmed by an U.S. intelligence officer suggested the possibility of a big change in the treatment of Hussein. The U.S. authorities have warned that they would deprive the right of “the prisoner of war” granted by the Geneva agreement if Hussein has led an act of violence with the insurgents after the declaration of the termination of war.

According to the daily, the fact that Hussein kept in touch with his five subordinates and gave orders on occasion was confirmed after leaders of the insurgents who were listed on the document possessed by Hussein were interrogated. The New York Times on December 21 also reported that Hussein utilized 20~30 houses located in the Sooni area as a hiding place with the aid of his human network and controlled the activities of the insurgents.

Hye-Yoon Park parkhyey@donga.com