Zarqawi dead…for real
posted at 4:13 am on June 8, 2006 by Michelle
*New Zarqawi thread is here. Video of the airstrike is here.*
Complete FoxNews.com coverage with video, photographs, and blog links here.
Been blogging it over at mm.com since news broke around 3:20am EDT. I’m bleary-eyed and about to crash, but the guys will take over at sun-up.
Flashback: The Zarqawi “blooper” reel
The Kossacks start in.
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Qaida’s leader in
Iraq who led a bloody campaign of suicide bombings and kidnappings, has been killed in an air raid north of Baghdad — a major victory in the U.S.-led war in Iraq and the broader war on terror. Iraq’s prime minister and U.S. officials said his identity was confirmed by fingerprints and a first-hand look at his face.
ADVERTISEMENTThe announcement came six days after the Jordanian-born terror leader appeared in a videotape, railing against Shiites in Iraq and saying militias are raping women and killing Sunnis and the community must fight back.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said al-Zarqawi was killed along with seven aides Wednesday evening in a house 30 miles northeast of Baghdad in the volatile province of Diyala, just east of the provincial capital of Baqouba, al-Maliki said.
“Today, al-Zarqawi was eliminated,” al-Maliki told a news conference, drawing loud applause from reporters as he was flanked by U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and U.S. Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.
Al-Maliki said the air strike was the result of intelligence reports provided to Iraqi security forces by residents in the area, and U.S. forces acted on the information.
“Those who disrupt the course of life, like al-Zarqawi, will have a tragic end,” he said.
He also warned those who follow the militant’s lead that “whenever there is a new al-Zarqawi, we will kill him.”
“This is a message for all those who embrace violence, killing and destruction to stop and to (retreat) before it’s too late,” he said. “It is an open battle with all those who incite sectarianism.”
Khalilzad added “the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a huge success for Iraq and the international war on terror.” He also gave a thumbs up and said it was a good day for the United States.
Casey said the hunt for al-Zarqawi began in the area two weeks ago, and al-Zarqawi’s body was identified by fingerprints and facial recognition.
Update (Allahpundit): Here’s the video of al-Maliki announcing it. Click to watch.
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Great news if this is true. May not have any effect on the ‘killing crazies’ but we can hope.
OBX Pete on June 8, 2006 at 4:21 AM
Meanwhile, there is GREAT SADNESS in the Leftist Blogosphere. Too bad Katie Couric is no longer with the Today show. It would have been interesting to have viewed her irritated expression ala the capture of Saddam Hussein. However, I am sure there will be other such facial expressions on the faces of other similar media types. Would like to see a gallery of video captures of such expressions of “deep concern.”
pjcomix on June 8, 2006 at 4:34 AM
The tyrant’s death is confirmed by fingerprint identification, facial recognition and scars on body. THIS AWFUL TERRORIST IS FINALLY DEAD…AND IN HELL WHERE HE BELONGS!
I pray that this momentous development will lead to ending the awful car and suicide bombings by the insurgency in Iraq.
Congrats to our brave military men and women! YOU GOT ‘EM!! Those who carried out the airstrike deserve our heartfelt thanks!
Christinewjc on June 8, 2006 at 4:39 AM
I’ve heard the wind blow before but maybe it’s true this time. Here’s hoping.
bdfaith on June 8, 2006 at 4:41 AM
I want to dance.
OWWWW!
tommy1 on June 8, 2006 at 4:51 AM
Counterterrorism blog reports that its been confirmed with fingerprints, DNA, and the like:
http://counterterrorismblog.org/2006/06/abu_musab_alzarqawi_killed_in.php
tommy1 on June 8, 2006 at 4:52 AM
Up next: Bin Laden.
Looks like today will be a bad day for the libs/dems.
doingwhatican on June 8, 2006 at 4:53 AM
Oh, btw, I question the timing.
bdfaith on June 8, 2006 at 5:06 AM
bdfaith…you question the timing? Sorry to have to say this, but that is a really stupid comment to make. Maybe you should go over and post at the Kos crazie website? Sheesh!
Christinewjc on June 8, 2006 at 5:12 AM
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad this scumbag is dead, but the fact that they got him so close to an election bothers me…….
:/
VonHelton on June 8, 2006 at 5:13 AM
Not to be ghoulish, but we’ll be needing some pictures. Otherwise people will never believe it.
I remember there was an outcry when pictures were taken of Uday and Qusay’s corpses, saying it was insensitive. So I hope we’re extra-insensitive about Zarq.
see-dubya on June 8, 2006 at 5:13 AM
PS “I Question The Timing” is a running joke around the rightish blogs. The left is always indignantly questioning hte timing of these events-because Rove planned the whole darn thing, you understand…
see-dubya on June 8, 2006 at 5:15 AM
Oh, and I’m sorry to post three comments in a row here, but I have to ask what this is going to do to the breaking story of the REAL hero out there–Lt. Watada.
see-dubya on June 8, 2006 at 5:23 AM
This couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
Of course, this is a horrible day for the Democrats. They will undoubtedly downplay this development and throw the whole “Why haven’t you captured Osama?” out there instead of acknowledging that this is an enormous victory for both the US and Iraq.
They pulverized Bush daily for his inability to kill or capture Zarqawi, but now that he is dead you can bet the ranch that none of those same people critical of him are going to give him any credit for his death.
They can’t have it both ways.
Also, expect some very creative conspiracy theories by the loony tunes on the Left alleging that Zarqawi has been dead for awhile, but Bush chose now to release this information to get the Haditha story off the front page.
I just hope this puts a dagger through the heart of “Al-Qaeda in Iraq,” but I suspect that won’t happen.
anaconda on June 8, 2006 at 5:35 AM
Burn in hell, ya murderous bastard!
Good shooting, boys. God bless every one of ya!
Pablo on June 8, 2006 at 5:47 AM
May his 72 virgins all look like the Allahpundit’s “Olympic Hillary” photo.
This offsets all of the bad news this past few weeks.
dman on June 8, 2006 at 5:58 AM
I apologize to all right now…but I hope this isn’t some ‘crap’ the Bushies are doing to get the heat off the illegal alien invasion….like a pre-October surprise!
I hope and wish this is true only for our troops and Iraq people and not some late night political stunt.
As I said I apologize to all and know the biggest threat to the United States of America is this illegal alien invasion that Bush wants to sweep under the carpet…..
DiverMike — Proud American who served 30yrs to protect against outside forces…and never knew our destruction was coming from within….
DiverMike on June 8, 2006 at 6:09 AM
I apologize to all right now…but I hope this isn’t some ‘cr@p’ the Bushies are doing to get the heat off the illegal alien invasion….like a pre-October surprise!
I hope and wish this is true only for our troops and Iraq people and not some late night political stunt.
As I said I apologize to all and know the biggest threat to the United States of America is this illegal alien invasion that Bush wants to sweep under the carpet…..
DiverMike — Proud American who served 30yrs to protect against outside forces…and never knew our destruction was coming within….
DiverMike on June 8, 2006 at 6:14 AM
DiverMike: Speaking for myself it doesn’t diminish my fury over the immigration issue. It does, however, provide some good news – and reminds me to be selective and targeted in my criticism of the Pres. I did vote for him twice, and he’s the best we have right now (God help us).
Time to take a little break and cheer this one! We’ll be back on our heads tomorrow. :-)
dman on June 8, 2006 at 6:19 AM
Fox has Mike Berg on, who has forgiven the Z-man for beheading his son, and bemoans the loss of another human being, and the wave of violence it will spark.
George Bush has not been forgiven, apparently.
Pablo on June 8, 2006 at 6:22 AM
“Al-Maliki said the air strike was the result of intelligence reports provided to Iraqi security forces by residents in the area, and U.S. forces acted on the information.”
This is the template for our participation in Iraq. Draw back, reduce routine patrols and contact with the locals, but be ready to strike hard when asked.
dman on June 8, 2006 at 6:35 AM
Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At ‘em boys, Give ‘er the gun! (Give ‘er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!
Drtuddle on June 8, 2006 at 6:41 AM
Dman….I am trying not to diminish this good news only for our troops and Iraq folks –as I said….they need this since the MSM fails to report progress or hang our troops before being charged…..
I am cautious because Billy Boy used ‘wag the tail’ in Bosnia to divert from his impeachment proceedings….
I served during the latter times of Vietnam (Nixon –Ford) then the disastrous Carter years to the great time with Reagan…and then back to “—–“ with George I, Bubba Billy, and finally retired with George II…and have learned to be very cautious….I will give all the men and women kudos’ tomorrow at work….but not Bush — and I did vote twice too….however I do smell something here…..sorry Dman.
DiverMike — Proud Vet who doesn’t trust many politicians now…..especially giving amnesty to felons….as Reagan did 20 years ago and the worst Carter to all who deserted during Vietnam…….
DiverMike on June 8, 2006 at 6:41 AM
What’s the over/under on the MSM tacking “Bin Laden still at large” at the end of every Zarqawi report? Good riddance. At last, Nick Berg avenged.
Kid from Brooklyn on June 8, 2006 at 6:45 AM
“What’s the over/under on the MSM tacking “Bin Laden still at large” at the end of every Zarqawi report? Good riddance. At last, Nick Berg avenged.
Kid from Brooklyn on June 8, 2006 at 6:45 AM”
————
Yea, maybe we can get around to avenging John Denver one of these days, who, IMHO, was a great american!
:/
VonHelton on June 8, 2006 at 6:53 AM
DiverMike: I don’t want to quibble too hard, because I agree with your basic premise. But:
1) These things are difficult to time. You can hit targets like al-Zarqawi (and hopefully bin-Laden) only when the opportunity arises.
2) If this is a ploy to regain support, bring it on!! Good news is good news.
Even cynics can cheer from time to time.
dman on June 8, 2006 at 7:05 AM
Ding Dong, the witch is DEAD!
No, I do not believe that the Bush administration planned or timed this raid to offset the boiling (and justifiable) criticism of his immigration policies. But I absolutely DO believe that he will attempt to capitalize on it!
Bush, being a politician, as would any politico, will use this to deflect, distract and derail attention from his miserable policies regarding immigration, uncontrolled spending, poor or non-existent border security, a faltering economy (despite assurances otherwise), creeping inflation, oil prices, criticism of the war, etc. . .
But looking at the miserable excuses for “leaders” on the other side, Bush is all we’ve got! Would we rather have a San Francisco lib leading the nation? Or a “cut and run” Kerry, Kennedy or Murtha? Or the “I love socialism and Marxism” Hillary? So it’s Bush.
I just wish he’d wise up and realize that the only good terrorist is a dead one and back off his absurd notion that we can negotiate with them as he is trying to do in Iran. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein are proof that nonsense will not work!
But congratulations to every member of our armed forces ARE in order.
ForYourEdification on June 8, 2006 at 7:06 AM
Likely MSM news anchor (pick one, any one) script for this story:
“The Pentagon announced today…” *not the Iraqi government, since it’s only a puppet of the neocons*
“…that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been killed by U.S. forces North of Baghdad. This is some much-needed good news for the President…” *because, you know, he’s simply awful*
“…and for the Pentagon, as the fallout of the Haditha massacre overshadows everything else in Iraq. With the latest on the Haditha holocaust let’s turn to…”
Bellicose Muse on June 8, 2006 at 7:19 AM
I hope al-Zarqawi’s 72 virgins all look like Helen Thomas.
Anyone want to bet how long it takes for the ACLU to whine about cruelty, and how his right to a trial was violated?
Ellen on June 8, 2006 at 7:33 AM
I hope his 72 virgins are all boys.
clyde on June 8, 2006 at 7:39 AM
Perhaps 36 Helen Thomas’, and 36 “Olympic Hillarys”. Don’t know about boys – Abu might have been a Michael Jackson fan.
dman on June 8, 2006 at 7:44 AM
No virgins for you! Next!
I feel so invigorated at this news. Its weird, but I feel great when I find out that my country is killing its enemies.
BelchSpeak on June 8, 2006 at 7:52 AM
Helen Thomas IS a boy, right? An old, wrinkly, permanently-angry one now that he’s out of a real job. I still don’t understand why she still has press credentials. Don’t you have to work for a media outlet to get them?
clyde on June 8, 2006 at 7:52 AM
Bwahahahahahaha, a week after Kerry calls for us to pullout, we kill Zarqawi. Classic!
gash on June 8, 2006 at 7:54 AM
On CNN Soledad O’Brien is saying our troops didn’t find him, he was ratted out by one of his own. Anything to degrade this great event and heroism by our troops. Nick Bergs dad is now saying Saddam was no worse than Bush. Between Busbys loss yesterday and now this, the left are truly feeling dejected today.
roninacreage on June 8, 2006 at 7:57 AM
The scum at DailyPus are actually slamming FOX News for covering this breaking news. They are beside themselves with sadness and denial. One of their own has been terminated. Watch for the Che T-Shirts to be put aside in favor of their new martyr Zarqawi. The silkscreen printers are already running.
roninacreage on June 8, 2006 at 8:01 AM
Ummm, not boys, he may like them. I hope he IS one of the 72 Virgins… wouldn’t that be a pain in the arse :)
Wyrd on June 8, 2006 at 8:02 AM
roninacreage, was Mike Berg on CNN? Obviously, he’s got a close connection to the story, but if he’s going to be the voice of the left on this, well….BWWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!
Yeah, give Mike Berg airtime. Lots of it. Bush could use the bump.
Pablo on June 8, 2006 at 8:03 AM
Kind of Convenient!!!!!
Anytime Boosh gets worried something of great importance for the war on terror happens.
OH WOW, we finally got Zarcowey…..
Big freaken deal.
Hours later another bomb exploded in the streets of Baghdad!!!
Stay the course…..
Until every single threat has been neutralized.
AND DON”T FORGET ABOUT THE FENCE YOU WERE GONNA BUILD DOWN SOUTH….In the UNITED STATES.
Kramer on June 8, 2006 at 8:05 AM
Soledad on CNN is trying her damnest to play down this as not that big a deal. She’s claiming that he had no real control over anything. Now Sen. Biden is saying there will be people pulled off buses and the beheadings etc. will probably start up again. The guy is a real POS.
roninacreage on June 8, 2006 at 8:06 AM
Kramer, don’t be so sad. He’s a terrorist after all. Not actually a legal voter for the DNC.
roninacreage on June 8, 2006 at 8:09 AM
ABSOLUTELY FLAMING EXCELLENT NEWS! BRAVO ZULU TO THE SPECIAL OPS TEAM THAT TARGETED HIM AND COORDINATED THAT BOMB STRIKE. BRAVO ZULU TO ALL OF OUR TROOPS OVER THERE.
THE WORLD WAS RENEDERED A GREAT SERVICE BY THE KILLING OF ZARQAWI, THAT PIECE OF ANTROPAMORPHIC CAMEL DUNG!!!!!
LET US HOPE THAT INSTEAD OF 72 VIRGINS AND PROBABLY A FEW SHEEP, HE GETS…..72 SCREAMING, MAN-HATING FEMINISTS! NOW, THAT IS JUSTICE.
The False Dervish on June 8, 2006 at 8:11 AM
I was listening to AM 1210 in Philadelphia this morning; Michael Smerconish. He had a local terrorism expert on that said one of “Biggie Z’s” inner circle dimed him out.
WOW! I wonder if that guy gets the $25million? He is going to need it!
I think Biggie Z should get 144 virgins, 72 Helens and 72 Olympic Hillarys
dallas94 on June 8, 2006 at 8:40 AM
:-)
dman on June 8, 2006 at 8:47 AM
In spite of the efforts of Murtha, Kerry, Kennedy, Reid, Pelosi, the leftist press and others of their ilk we are winning this war and will continue to do so.
rplat on June 8, 2006 at 9:02 AM
Yes!
Enjoy your time in Hell scumbag.
speed647 on June 8, 2006 at 9:03 AM
Losing California election?…No big deal.
Al Zaqarwi is killed?….no big deal.
NSA successfully nailed a terrorist ring in Canada?…no big deal.
The temperature goes up 1 degree in last 100 years?…WOW big deal! The sky is falling!
I think DNC is really coming unhinged.
easy87us on June 8, 2006 at 9:26 AM
Was Jesse Macbeth leading the raid?
Did he get a chance to wang Zarqawi before he died?
Seriously, WAY TO GO GUYS!
Patrap on June 8, 2006 at 9:41 AM
“Another one bites the dust” THANK YOU MICHELLE..great job following the news! I just saw the video of the Iraqi police DANCING ..a beautiful thing! Thank God!!
labwrs on June 8, 2006 at 9:45 AM
The throatcutter is DEAD!
THANK YOU TROOPS!
(and what a cache of intell the Troops got from those 17 simultaneous raids…. how many lives will be saved by this awesome MILITARY ACCOMPLISHMENT!!)
(minor note: the moonbats think the timing is suspicious – did Carl Rove time Zarqawi’s death to knock Coulter’s comments off the front page?)
Richard Davis on June 8, 2006 at 9:45 AM
Jesse Macbeth was piloting the helicopter. When the missle failed to launch, he decided to crash the chopper into the ground. He wasn’t going to miss his opportunity to take out Zarqawi. He came out of the wreckage with guns blazing and killed scores of enemies. However, when he ran out of ammunition, he was forced to resort to hand-to-hand combat. Zarqawi died of a snapped neck.
(If this sounds vaguely like a certain episode of South Park, well, your wrong.)
tommy1 on June 8, 2006 at 9:47 AM
Any word on who Howard Dean is nominating to take over Al-Qaeda in Iraq?? It’s Obvious which side of the war on terror he and his Democratic Partners are supporting.
havok on June 8, 2006 at 9:52 AM
A day of mourning for liberal Democrats, for sure.
NRA4Freedom on June 8, 2006 at 9:58 AM
Heard on Fox News – the Military Briefing, that among the dead was a woman and child…
THE LEFT WILL BE OUTRAGED!
(this DOES NOT justify Zarqawi’s killing – arrest those F-16 Pilots NOW!)
Obviously an Iraqi family was having breakfast and we were attacking THEM, and got lucky that Zarqawi was there…
the bastard was probably holding that family as HOSTAGES while he planned more assassinations against our troops and civilians (to blame on our troops)
I’m so glad he’s dead! I’m clicking my heels as I type this!!
Richard Davis on June 8, 2006 at 10:02 AM
This is great News! The Fat Little Jihadist is Dead, there’s no 72 Virgins for this piece of shit. This is a major blow to Al Qaeda and the Insurgency in Iraq, of course it doesn’t mean it will end all the violence and Terrorist attacks against Coalition Forces and the Iraqi people as there’s still a long hard road ahead but it throws a major wrench in the gears of the Insurgency. The Anti-Americans, Anti-War, Liberal Moonbats, MSM must be taking this news hard as their Hero Al-Zarqawi is dead. Bravo to the United States Military..
Also CBS showed the Video of Al-Zarqawi firing the gun, it doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to figure out which Video they showed and didn’t show..
*rollseyes*
Brah on June 8, 2006 at 10:09 AM
I love the running gag about the “questionable timing” (nearing elections) of this news. As far as any of the Al Qaeda goes the only timing about their being sent on to hell that should be on ANYONE’S mind is the time frame “As soon as humanly possible”.
As in…Three seconds in the sights, three seconds later walking toward the firelight.
52Ranger on June 8, 2006 at 10:18 AM
You’re next, Osama!
:)
VonHelton on June 8, 2006 at 10:18 AM
Wonder how he likes those ‘virgins’ in hell
CONGRATS to the US Armed Forces!
Defector01 on June 8, 2006 at 10:55 AM
I can’t believe this
There is not ONE positive thing said on DU about getting Zarqawi, NOT ONE! WTF?!?!?!
Defector01 on June 8, 2006 at 10:57 AM
It’s too bad he probably didn’t know what hit him. Lets watch and see if those gullable jihad sheep sink to a new depravity low in “retaliation” as soon as the next “insugent” psychopath leader bubbles to the top of the slop jar and issues a new command.
It sure seems to me you must come from pretty stupid stock to buy into such a lame cause as turning the clock back 800 years. I’m starting to wonder if the Iraqis have the juice to cross the goal line. Some people have it, some don’t. Not much good has come out of that part of the world for a long time.
Shmo on June 8, 2006 at 11:00 AM
It looks like Hitler and Sadaam’s boys are having to make room in the seventh level of Hell for a new bunkmate.
Considering how much of AQ in Iraq that Task Force 145 has rolled up in the last several weeks, I’m wondering if AQ will pull up stakes and take their show somewhere else with a little longer life expectancy.
I’m hoping they set aside enough of the $25 mil to let the Task Force 145 guys throw the ‘mother of all parties’. Well done, guys!
Mike O on June 8, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Michelle, you got the headline wrong on this one. It should read:
“Zarqawi dead, liberals mourn”
thirteen28 on June 8, 2006 at 12:21 PM
He’s dead, Jim.
saint kansas on June 8, 2006 at 12:37 PM
NEWS FLASH!
Cindy Sheehan buys a 10-ft Granite Monument to mark Zarqawi’s grave….
“I’m sad, he was a friend, he was a good man”, she said.
Richard Davis on June 8, 2006 at 12:48 PM
I hope the pig heard the whistle of the bombs as they zoomed in,
I wish I coulda seen the expression of on his face when he realized what the noise was……
KA-BOOOOM!
Richard Davis on June 8, 2006 at 12:59 PM
he had two thoughts before he died
“What was that noise?”
and
“Oh shi….”
Defector01 on June 8, 2006 at 1:02 PM
Al Qaeda says: Fine! Be that way! If you are going to be mean to us and kill us and stuff, then we’ll just take our ball and go to Somalia. [whimper] That’ll show you!
inmanjh on June 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
I question the timing also. Haven’t we learned anything from the terrorists. The best time for any big explosion or action is just before 9 AM EST when it will get the largest possible coverage by the media. Have you ever noticed that the bomb blasts in Iraq never occur in the evening just the morning?
/just to be safe that was half sarcastic. You figure out which half.
LakeRuins on June 8, 2006 at 1:38 PM
hooray for the great news of this morning…..I would like to know who the other terrorists who were killed with him, and what part in their evil organization they played…….does anybody know??
robo on June 8, 2006 at 5:45 PM
Liberals looking high and low for Zarqawi’s mother. Want to make another Bush bashing ad with Sheehan.
im4eagles on June 9, 2006 at 1:26 AM
Time for Osama to see HIS spiritual advisor…..
CountryDoc on June 10, 2006 at 1:17 AM
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