Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Downfall Of Al Qaeda In Iraq -- The Numbers


Al Qaeda's Iraqi Retreat -- Human Events

Al Qaeda is retreating from Iraq in the face of constant allied military raids that have killed and captured hundreds of operatives, intelligence sources tell HUMAN EVENTS.

Al Qaeda once directed nearly 20,000 operatives -- foreign and domestic -- inside the country. Today, an official U.S. intelligence estimate puts the number at less than 5,000 and perhaps as low as 2,000, HUMAN EVENTS has learned.

"They have been dealt some very severe blows, particularly in the past year, and it's fair to say they are in retreat," said a senior U.S. intelligence official who requested anonymity. "Al Qaeda in Iraq's overall strength is down by well over half in the last year."

This officials said the word "retreat" does not mean al Qaeda has abandoned Iraq altogether but that its operatives are retreating to several northern Iraq locations or are leaving the country.

"Al Qaeda central is well aware of the setbacks, but they haven't abandoned the effort or given up," said the official, noting the group's ability to still carry out deadly suicide bombings. "They are still a force to be reckoned with."

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My Comment: Good riddance to all of them.

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