LETTER TO ZARQAWI

LETTER TO ZARQAWI SEIZED IN RAID

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During an April 28 raid in Baghdad, forces from Multi-National Forces - Iraq seized a letter written by Abu Asim al-Qusaymi al-Yemeni, a member of Qa’idat al-Jihad Fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn, or QJBR, addressed to “the Sheik.” Analysts believe the letter, dated April 27, 2005, was meant for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, because many of his close followers refer to him as “the Sheik.”

While the letter advocates Jihad and praises “the Sheik” for being “a thorn in the mouth of the Americans,” the main purpose of the letter is to address low morale, weakening support for the Jihad, and the incompetence of many of the Mujahideen leaders. The author also admonishes the “the Sheik” for abandoning his followers since Fallujah. The letter written by Abu Asim al-Qusaymi al-Yemeni is attached.

Along with the letter, an undated document was found listing targeting information and sketch maps for kidnappings and bombings.

Due to the continuous pressure by Iraqi and Coalition forces, Zarqawi relies on his cell leaders to conduct operations while he is forced to evade being killed or captured.

During the raid, MNF-I forces also killed five terrorists and captured three. Abu Rayyan, one of the five terrorists killed by Coalition forces, was the Saudi leader of a Baghdad-based vehicle borne improvised explosive device cell. Abu Rayyan also served as the lieutenant to the terrorist, Abu al Abbas, who is allegedly responsible for planning the attack on Abu Ghraib in early April.

Documents, weapons, ammunition and fake identification cards were found in the possession of the cell members as well as inside the buildings in which the terrorists were operating. Those captured in this raid are providing information on the composition and intentions of a significant support and operations cell associated with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

No Coalition forces were injured or killed during this raid.

The English translation of this letter can be viewed in .DOC (word) format at: English translation of this letter

The PDF of the letter in Arabic can be viewed at: PDF of the letter in Arabic

For further information, please contact Lt. Col. Michael Caldwell, MNF-I, at e-mail Michael.caldwell@iraq.centcom.mil or 703-343-8645.

-30- NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 May 3, 2005 Release Number: 05-05-02 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE