Sunday, March 22, 2015

Discord In The Iraq - Iran Alliance To Fight Against The Islamic State?

A top Shiite militia leader has criticized "weaklings" in the Iraqi army for calling for U.S. support in the fight to regain Tikrit from ISIS. Shiite fighters are pictured here gathering on their way to Tikrit, March 20, 2015. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani

IBTimes: ISIS Tikrit Battle: Shiite Militia Leader Criticizes Iraq Army 'Weaklings' Calling For US Support

The commander of the powerful Badr Shiite militia has criticized “weaklings” in the Iraqi military who have called for U.S. airstrikes to support an ongoing campaign against the ISIS stronghold of Tikrit. The remarks by Hadi al-Ameri Sunday signal possible rifts between Iraq’s army and the Iranian-backed Shiite militias currently supporting the Tikrit offensive.

"Some of the weaklings in the army ... say we need the Americans while we say we do not need the Americans," Ameri told journalists when asked about U.S. air support, Agence France-Presse reported. The top Iraqi commander in the Salaheddin province where Tikrit is located had told the news agency earlier he airtrikes are needed to fight the militant group.

Update: Iraq militia chief slams army 'weaklings' over Tikrit strikes -- AFP

WNU Editor: If they were winning the fight for Tikrit, this Shiite militia leader would not be saying these things.

6 comments:

Jay Farquharson said...

WNU Editor,

It's a motivational difference.

The Shiite Militia's have an IRI Martyr Complex,

The Iraqi Army are semi-professionals who realize they have neither the weapons, tactics, specialists or support train for urban warfare.

Things will calm down with less namecalling when the Hizboallah fighters arrive, slap some sense in the IRI Militia Guys, and put some guts in the Iraqi Army guys.

War News Updates Editor said...

So true Jay .... the first 900 Hezbollah fighters are suppose to be arriving right now.

CatholicDragoon said...

I can't help but laugh at that the Hezbollah 'terrorists' are needed to whip the 'professional' Iraqi troops into shape.

Jay Farquharson said...

Catholic Dragon,

Hizboallah have four decades of urban fighting, in assault, in defence, under their belt.

That's like saying a scattering of Delta Force, wouldn't help the Wisconsin National Guard.

James said...

I'm not so sure the Hezbollah guys are going to do that well.

CatholicDragoon said...

Jay,

I'm actually poking holes in the official narrative of Terrorists and Professional soldiers that has already been laid out.