Officials say Iraqi militants planned to attack Shi'a
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 January 2007 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Officials say Iraqi militants planned to attack Shi'a, 29 January 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/469f5c2f2.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
(RFE/RL)
January 29, 2007 – Iraqi officials say U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed about 250 alleged militants who were purportedly planning to attack Shi'ite Muslims during the religious festival of Ashura.
No independent confirmation of the casualty toll from the battle on January 28 near the holy city of Al-Najaf was available.
Asaad Abu Gilel, the governor of Al-Najaf Governorate, said the militants had apparently planned to attack Shi'ite clerics and pilgrims marking Ashura, the holiest time of the Shi'ite calendar.
The religious affiliation of the militants was not clear. They were reportedly from a previously unknown group called the Army of Heaven.
At least two Iraqi soldiers were reported killed in the fighting, while two U.S. soldiers were reported killed when their helicopter was shot down near Al-Najaf.
(AP, Reuters)