Thread: U.S. Links Sadr to Mass Dissident Killings

U.S. Links Sadr to Mass Dissident Killings


United Press International


U.S. military officials have obtained photographs suggesting rebel Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr mutilated and killed those who opposed him.

An investigation is under way in Najaf where Sadr led a bloody standoff against U.S. and Iraqi troops, the Washington Times said.

A U.S. intelligence report obtained by the newspaper said after last week's truce, Iraqi forces moved into buildings held by the radical cleric's Mehdi militia and found the bodies.

Inside the court building, Iraqi police found approximately 200 mutilated bodies taken by the Moqtada militia for speaking out against Moqtada Sadr, said the intelligence report stamped secret.

Some of the prisoners had eyes and ears drilled out and others had their limbs and heads cut off. Some males had genitals cut off and shoved in their mouths. There was evidence of rape to men, women and children, the report said.

Since Sadr agreed to a cease-fire last week, his aides say he now may choose to enter politics. But if his Mehdi Army is tied to the massacre of innocent Iraqis, he could face a criminal investigation, the newspaper said.



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