United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
Capt. Carrie C. Batson
Forward Operating Base Duke, Iraq
Contact: batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil

Release # 0806-04-1224

al-Sadr's militia launches attacks on 11th MEU Marines, Iraqi security forces
Aug 5, 2004

FOB DUKE, Iraq -- Members of radical Shitte cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's self-designated Muqtada Militia launched attacks on 11th MEU Marines and Iraqi security forces today from the Imam Ali-Shrine and neighboring cemetery, both located in an exclusion zone in the city of Najaf., violating international laws of war and a cease-fire agreement signed by Sadr and Iraqi officials in June.

Muqtada Militia members also attacked Marines, Iraqi police and national guardsmen throughout other parts of the city, to include the governor's building and road checkpoints.

At approximately 10:45, Marines and security forces received more than 30 mortar attacks, originating from within the cemetery. The Marines counter-attacked the point of origin of the mortar fire with two guided bombs from an F-15 jet, striking out of effects range of the Imam Ali Shrine. Great efforts were made to minimize collateral damage to the shrine and cemetery. While the laws of war normally identify mosques and cemeteries as protected places, such sites forfeit that status if used for military purposes. In this case, the mortar site within the cemetery became a legitimate military objective, targeted out of necessity and self-defense.

The cemetery in the exclusion zone is continuously used as a safe haven for the Muqtada Militia. They have hijacked the sacred site, using it as a base of operations to stage large caches of weapons and launch attacks from within, while seeking sanctuary in the holy area.

From the beginning

Fighting began at 1 a.m. this morning when the Muqtada Militia unsuccessfully attacked the main police station in Najaf. Iraqi national guardsmen quickly reinforced the police, and the two units successfully defended the station from the attackers for a second time at approximately 3 a.m. At the request of the governor of An Najaf province, Adnan al-Zurufi, Marines launched a quick reaction force to assist. Upon arrival of the Marines, Muqtada Militia members withdrew into the city's exclusion zone. No shots were fired by the Marines, and there were no Marine casualties.

At approximately 10 a.m., a Marine helicopter made a landing in the city after receiving fire. Marines secured the site and evacuated the aircrew to a local hospital. Both members of the crew are in stable condition.

Today's attacks are an overt violation of the cease-fire agreement reached in June between coalition forces and Muqtada al-Sadr, as brokered by the Governor of Najaf, other local civic leaders and the Bayt al-Shia (the informal counsel of senior Shia clerics). In addition, such attacks on the governor's building, Iraqi police, national guardsmen and coalition forces demonstrate the Muqtada Militia's disregard for the people of the city, and their desire to prevent a free and prosperous Iraq.

Eleventh MEU Marines stand committed with the citizens of the An Najaf province against those who violently oppose a democratic Iraq. Let Anti-Iraqi Forces understand the clear message that precise, lethal firepower will be brought to bear upon them when they choose to stand and fight.

Combat operations are ongoing. Friendly and enemy casualties are unknown at this time.

Background

The attacks today come on the heels of the Muqtada Militia's release yesterday of five of the six Iraqi police officers kidnapped in the past few days. The action occurred after the governor of An Najaf province demanded their release.

On Aug. 2., 11th MEU Marines conducting a joint security patrol with Iraqi national guardsmen outside the exclusion zone in Najaf were alerted by the guardsmen to RPGs visibly staged in a lot near the An Najaf Maternity Hospital, close to Sadr's home. As the Marines moved to investigate the scene, they came under small arms, RPG and mortar fire. The Marines returned fire, supported by the Iraqi soldiers, killing an estimated seven Muqtada Militia members. The Marines suffered one injury, though minor; the Marine immediately returned to his unit.

The 11th MEU assumed control of the An Najaf and Al Qadisiyah provinces on July 31, and are conducting operations in order to foster a secure and stable environment for the citizens of the two provinces.


* For more information, contact Capt. Carrie C. Batson at batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil

* Visit the 11th MEU website at www.11meu.usmc.mil or www.usmc.mil/11thmeu



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Text-only version of release attached below:


Mutada militia.txt