War on Terror Update

AP News Alert:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) Iraq's national security advisor says al-Qaida in Iraq is suffering "a serious leadership crisis" after arrest of top suspects.

More from the AP:

Hamed Jumaa Farid al-Saeedi, known as Abu Humam or Abu Rana, was captured north of Baghdad a few days ago "along with another group of his aides and followers," Mouwafak al-Rubaie said.

He was the second most important al-Qaida in Iraq leader after Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who took over the group after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by a U.S. air strike north of Baghdad on June 7, al-Rubaie said.

Apparently, he's talking too. That is good news as intelligence gathered from prime sources like this one could be actionable.

How big a blow to AQ in Iraq is this capture? Well, consider what this guy was resopnsible for (FOX News):

After his arrest, al-Saeedi said Al Qaeda in Iraq was cooperating with supporters of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein "in the fields of exchanging information and logistic support," the security adviser said.

After al-Zarqawi was killed, authorities obtained information indicating that al-Saeedi had been operating in northern Salahuddin province, then moved on to operate outside Baqouba, the same area where al-Zarqawi was killed, al-Rubaie said.

Al-Saeedi "supervised terrorist groups that kidnapped people for ransom, and killed policemen after they received their salaries in order to finance terrorist operations," the security adviser said. "He used to order terrorist operations using mortars and roadside bombs, which led to the killing of several troops and innocent civilians."

He said al-Saeedi also supervised the creation of death squads and ordered assassinations, bombings, kidnappings and attacks on Iraqi police and army checkpoints.

And the coward hid behind women and children, which he intended to use as human shields, as Iraqi and coalition forces cornered him. The very face of our enemy has been revealed yet again.

Reaction from Washington via an email from majority Leader John Boehner's office:

"Step by step, Iraqi authorities are combating insurgent violence and securing their country, and today's successful capture of the terrorist al Saaydi and 20 of his al Qaeda associates represents another important milestone in that effort. Our military personnel deserve great credit for their efforts to assist Iraqi authorities with this arrest and for their ongoing efforts to train Iraqi forces as they take control of security and policing functions throughout their country.

"The al Qaeda-led insurgents in Iraq today are intent not only on destroying the future of Iraqi citizens hoping for a better future, they are also intent on harming Americans and destroying our American way of life. Acting decisively with strength and resolve to successfully combat terrorism around the globe, and to defeat insurgent terrorists in Iraq, is our only option. America can't afford a weak and indecisive approach to national security, and that's why Republicans will continue our efforts during the month of September to address the safety and security needs of the America people."

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, a significant number of Taliban fighters were killed. The AP News Report:

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) The Afghan Defense Ministry says 89 suspected Taliban fighters have been killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan.

In the AP's updated story, that number comes closer to 200.

Operation Medusa was launched Saturday to flush out Taliban fighters from Panjwayi and neighboring Zhari district. NATO spokesman Maj. Scott Lundy said alliance and Afghan troops had gained ground and disrupted the militants' command system so guerrillas were moving in confusion.

Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak said Taliban casualties were high, but could not confirm the NATO report of more than 200 dead.

A NATO statement said its figure was derived from "surveillance and reconnaissance assets operating in Panjwayi and Zhari districts, as well as information reported by various Afghan officials and citizens living nearby."

About 80 other suspected Taliban were arrested by Afghan police and a further 180 fled the area, it said.

Unfortunately, four Canadian soldiers died in this operation.