Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD1832
2008-06-17 14:05:00
SECRET
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
PRT MAYSAN: POLICE CHIEF REPLACED
how-toVZCZCXRO1356 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #1832 1691405 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 171405Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7848 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
S E C R E T BAGHDAD 001832
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PINS PGOV IR MOPS
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: POLICE CHIEF REPLACED
Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
S E C R E T BAGHDAD 001832
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PINS PGOV IR MOPS
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: POLICE CHIEF REPLACED
Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S/REL MCFI) According to reports from PRT contacts in the
province and press sources, and confirmed by Maysan Governor
Maliki's close advisor Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi. Maysan
province's police commander, Major General Ali Waham, was
relieved of his duties in the province by the Ministry of the
Interior on June 15. Rumors in Amarah credit the decision to
remove MG Ali as the head of police to PM Maliki. The new
police commander, BG Saad Ali Aaty (also referred to as Major
General by some sources),is believed to be an experienced
military hand who recently served as Brigade Commander of the
IA 40 Brigade/10th IA DIV, after which he was assigned to
Basrah and then as Deputy Commanding General of 11th IA DIV
beginning in February 2008. The situation in Amarah remains
tense, as the IA's increased visibility on the streets and PM
Maliki's June 15 announcement of a four-day grace period to
hand over weapons signal the wait for IA operations in the
province may soon be over.
2. (S/REL MCFI) Comment: It is widely believed by Maysani
contacts that dissatisfaction with MG Ali's ability, and
possibly desire, to effectively carry out operations against
Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) members and Special Group Criminals led
to his removal. The GOI likely undertook this personnel
maneuver to assuage popular and Coalition concerns over
militia influence on the Maysan police force and its
capabilities to enforce security both during, and in the wake
of, military operations. End comment.
BUTENIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PINS PGOV IR MOPS
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: POLICE CHIEF REPLACED
Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S/REL MCFI) According to reports from PRT contacts in the
province and press sources, and confirmed by Maysan Governor
Maliki's close advisor Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi. Maysan
province's police commander, Major General Ali Waham, was
relieved of his duties in the province by the Ministry of the
Interior on June 15. Rumors in Amarah credit the decision to
remove MG Ali as the head of police to PM Maliki. The new
police commander, BG Saad Ali Aaty (also referred to as Major
General by some sources),is believed to be an experienced
military hand who recently served as Brigade Commander of the
IA 40 Brigade/10th IA DIV, after which he was assigned to
Basrah and then as Deputy Commanding General of 11th IA DIV
beginning in February 2008. The situation in Amarah remains
tense, as the IA's increased visibility on the streets and PM
Maliki's June 15 announcement of a four-day grace period to
hand over weapons signal the wait for IA operations in the
province may soon be over.
2. (S/REL MCFI) Comment: It is widely believed by Maysani
contacts that dissatisfaction with MG Ali's ability, and
possibly desire, to effectively carry out operations against
Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) members and Special Group Criminals led
to his removal. The GOI likely undertook this personnel
maneuver to assuage popular and Coalition concerns over
militia influence on the Maysan police force and its
capabilities to enforce security both during, and in the wake
of, military operations. End comment.
BUTENIS