A Look at the Ansar Al-Islam Organization

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBPZ041Q3E.html

A look at the Islamic extremist group Ansar al-Islam, blamed for attacks in Iraq and supported by a network of members in Europe, according to authorities.

-HISTORY: Founded in late 2001 in Kurdish part of northern Iraq by Mullah Krekar, who has lived as refugee in Norway since 1991. Area was beyond Saddam Hussein's control thanks to Western-enforced no-fly zones. Supporters set up an enclave near the Iranian border ruled by strict Islamic law. Members trained in Afghanistan and provided safe haven to al-Qaida members fleeing after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

-SIZE: Ansar al-Islam fighters in Iraq, believed to number about 700, scattered by U.S. invasion. U.S. officials say some regrouped and linked up with Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi for attacks.

-ABROAD: European supporters, including Iraqis and North Africans, believed to be concentrated in Germany and Italy. Authorities accuse them of channeling fighters to Iraq for attacks on U.S.-led forces. United States has declared Ansar al-Islam - Arabic for Supporters of Islam - a foreign terrorist organization.

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I think these fellows would have found themselves eating a dirt sandwich real quick if Saddam's troops could have gotten near them.

[bemildred]

1. Sorta reminds ya of Al Kaeda doesn't it. Blowback, like? nt