Killed Islamic State Leader Was Prison Snitch, Then Tried To Revive 'Caliphate'
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Good day from REEDNEWSARABWORLD for Friday, February 4, 2022. The United States commando attack on a house in northwestern Libya resulted in the death of the leader of the Islamic State, but also killed a number of civilians. Syrian rescue workers counted 13 people dead, and an investigation will follow. The Biden administration will take credit for a victory against ISIS, but there has been increasing criticism about civilian deaths in Syria, and ISIS is expected to find a new leader who may be even harder to find.
Morocco is frantic about a five-year-old boy who fell into a 100-foot deep well, and rescue efforts are under way. The chairman of the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee rebukes the Biden administration about the Iran nuclear negotiations in Vienna. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey asks: "What exactly are we trying to salvage?"
The Thaad interceptor system produced by Lockheed was used for the first time in combat in the United Arab Emirates. An Iranian wrestling team can't compete against American wrestlers in Texas because they can't get visas. The U.S. is repeating an offer of $10 million for information on two Iranian hackers charged with trying to interfere with the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
And news from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and More.
The ISIS leader who blew himself up when cornered by U.S. commandos was a onetime prison snitch who managed to become the Islamic State's chief three years ago and planned to revive the so-called Caliphate. Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was known as a survivor, weathering multiple setbacks and defeats, losing a leg in a 2015 U.S. air strike, but finally emerging on top of ISIS after serving as an aide to the previous leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (who also detonated an explosive device and killed himself.) Qurayshi was arrested in Iraq in 2008, imprisoned, and became known as an eager informant who revealed details of rivals in the terrorist organization.
Washington Post, Islamic State's 'ghost' of a leader was plotting comeback when U.S. commandos cornered him.
Islamic State leader Qurayshi detonated a bomb and killed himself and members of his own family, including children. The Iraqi-born terrorist was cornered by United States commandos in Syria and blew himself up, also killing two wives, at least one child, an aide, and the aide's wife and child. Two additional fighters were killed in the battle. Syrian rescue workers said at least 13 were killed, and there was no explanation for the discrepancy of numbers.
The explosion occurred on the third floor of the house which Qurayshi used as a protective shield. An unwitting family lived on the first floor.
Reuters, ISIS leader Qurayshi kills himself during Syria raid, U.S.says.
Reuters, Islamic State leader's bomb blew bodies outside of building, U.S.officials say.
He was called a Caliph without a Caliphate. Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was trying to reinvigorate the Islamic State as he kept a low profile and was known by several aliases. His history in ISIS was murky, but he became a member of the inner circle of his predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. After al-Baghdadi's own suicide death in 2019, Qurayshi took over, and the United States offered a reward of $10 million for information about him. Although it's not known if he personally directed last week's battle for a prison in northeastern Syria, that attack by IS was seen as a signal for planned further advances in an attempted resurgence.
CNN, Who was Qurayshi, the ISIS leader killed in US raid in Syria?
The United States reportedly coordinated with Russia to clear airspace when U.S. commandos attacked an ISIS house. The U.S. told Russia it would be operating in a broad general area of northwest Syria during a timeframe and "told them to stay out of the area," the report said.
Tass, US coordinated with Russia to carry out operation to eliminate IS leader in Syria -TV.
The chairman of the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee rebuked the Biden administration's handling of the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna, warning against any deal that won't require a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program. Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, expressed opposition to a "mothball" deal for Iran, and said "it's time to start thinking out of the box and consider new strategies for rolling back Iran's nuclear program and addressing its dangerous and nefarious activities." Menendez spoke for an hour on the Senate floor and said: "At this point, we seriously have to ask what exactly are we trying to salvage?"
Middle East Eye, Top U.S. Democrat warns Biden against 'clinging' to 2015 Ira nuclear deal.
France will reinforce the United Arab Emirates' air defense after a series of missile and drone attacks from Yemen's Houthis. Paris has close economic and political ties with Abu Dhabi and has a permanent military base near the Gulf state's capital. "The United Arab Emirates was victim of serious attacks on its territory," a French official said. "In order to show our solidarity... France has decided to provide military support, in particular to protect the airspace against any intrusion."
Reuters, France to boost UAE air defense support after Houthi attacks.
The U.S. State Department approved a major sale of weapons to Middle East countries including F-16 jet fighters for Jordan. The package to Jordan, including equipment, is estimated at $4.21 billion and listed F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, radio targeting pods, and components including guided missile tail kits. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor. Saudi Arabia will get systems upgrades for its missile defense at an estimated cost of $23.7 million, and the United Arab Emirates will buy $30 million worth of parts for its HAWK missile defense systems.
Reuters, U.S. approves potential weapons sales to Mideast allies, including F-16s for Jordan.
FlightGlobal, USA approves Jordan to buy 16 16C/D fighters.
A five-year-old boy was trapped in a 100-foot well in Morocco as workers frantically try to rescue him in a drama that is transfixing Morocco. Five bulldozers were at work trying to dig a hole parallel to the well in an attempt to reach the boy, who was identified only as Rayan. The boy was being supplied with oxygen and water through pipes that were lowered to him. Medical staff was on the scene in the village of Igharan in Morocco's north, and a helicopter was on standby to transport the boy to the nearest hospital.
AFP, A boy fell 100 feet down a well, and the days-long rescue has transfixed Morocco.
AFP, Video: Morocco rescuers close in on boy trapped for days in well.
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The Thaad missile interceptor system by Lockheed Martin was used for the first time in combat when the United Arab Emirates launched the system against an attack by the Houthi militia in Yemen. U.S. General Kenneth McKenzie said "those were UAE-launched, U.S. systems." Thaad stands for Terminal high-altitude area defense, and the UAE was the first international buyer. Saudi Arabia has the system, and it's used by U.S. forces in South Korea, Guam, and Israel.
Bloomberg, Lockheed's Thaad anti-missile system makes combat debut in UAE.
Dissidents say Iran is creating a proxy naval force to attack ships and help the Houthis in Yemen. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition group, issued a report saying the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds force is recruiting mercenaries to create armed units to "attack ships and maritime targets in the region."
Fox News, Iranian dissidents warn regime is creating proxy terrorist naval units to back Houthis in Yemen.
Iran's intelligence units are reported to arrest a man known only as "Masmatus" and described as second-in-command of an exile opposition group based in California. The arrest in Iran was said to have taken place last month, but no more details were provided. "Masmatus" is believed to be a psuedonym, and the group is called Tondar. Iran has accused the group of a bombing in Tehran in 2010 and an earlier attack on a mosque in 2009 that killed 14 worshippers and wounded more than 200 people.
Associated Press, Iran reports arrest of No. 2 in California-based exile group.
The United States is repeating an offer of a $10 million reward for information on two Iranians accused of trying to influence the 2020 US elections through a state-sponsored online campaign. The two men, identified as Seyyed Mohammad Hosein Musa Kazemi and Sajjad Kashian, are said to be members of the Proud Boys far-right group and threatened to physically harm people who didn't vote for then-President Donald Trump.
Alarabiyia, US re-offers $10 mln for information on Iran hackers accused of election interference.
Iran and United Arab Emirates foreign ministers discussed the crisis in Yemen, where Houthi forces have fired missiles on the UAE. Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed spoke by telephone and reiterated the need to improve ties.
Reuters, Iran, UAE foreign ministers discussed Yemen crisis - IRNA
The president of Iran's wrestling federation called off a match in the United States after visa applications were denied. An event was scheduled with American wrestlers in Arlington, Texas, on February 12. The Iranian wrestling official, Alireza Dabir, had said on television that "we keep chanting 'death to America,' but what counts is that we demonstrate that in action." His team was interviewed for visas at the American consulate in Dubai, where Dabir said he and his wrestlers were questioned "interrogation-style for five hours."
Al Monitor, Iran wrestling team calls off US match after visas denied.
Iraq's President Barham Salih confirmed he is seeking reelection, and his Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party (PUK) nominated him, but a rival party is nominating another Kurdish official for the post. Iraq has a informal agreement among political parties that the presidency, largely powerless, is held by a Kurdish citizen. The opposition to Salih is from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), whose candidate for president is Hoshyar Zebari, a former foreiign minister of Iraq.
Al-Monitor, Battle opens for presidency in Iraq.
The United Arab Emirates has discovered natural gas off its Abu Dhabi coast. Adnoc, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, said it had found 1.5 trillion cubic feet of raw natural gas, "untapped hydrocarbon reserves" that can "create long-term value for the UAE." The UAE is a major producer of natural gas, ranking tenth in the world in overall production.
Al-Monitor, UAE finds natural gas off coast of Abu Dhabi.
Qatar hasn't approached its Asian customers about diverting gas to Europe. Saad al-Kaabi, minister of state for energy, said if Russia attacks Ukraine and Russian gas supplies to Europe are cut off, Qatar alone can't fill the gap. Qatar's emir met at the White House this week with President Joe Biden, and the U.S. has asked Qatar and other major gas producers around the world to see if they can ship supplies to Europe if a shortage arises. "No discussions have taken place. This hasn't happened," al-Kaabi said.
Reuters, Exclusive: Qatar has not approached Asian buyers over gas diversions to Europe.
The United Arab Emirates is moving ahead on a plan to invest $10 billion in Israel. The plan lay dormant when Benjamin Netanyahu was prime minister of Israel, and Israel seemed to give up hope. Now, with a new Israeli government and a visit to the UAE this week by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the UAE announced it will fulfill its promise. The investments are to be channeled through large investment firms in the Emirates.
Al-Monitor, Emirates advances 2021 plan to invest $10 billion in Israel.
The International Monetary Fund says it will only support a "comprehensive program" for Lebanon that would tackle all the country's ills, including corruption, and IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said:
"Our team is working very closely with their Lebanese counterparts. We are stressing that it has to be a comprehensive program."
Al Arabiya, IMF will only support a 'comprehensive program' for Lebanon: Georgieva.
Lebanon's parliament speaker said he won't accept postponement of the country's planned general election "even for a minute." Nabih Berri, whose Amal movement is a close ally of Iran-backed Hezbollah, also spoke of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, saying that what brings the two countries together is "much bigger" than what separates them.
Reuters, Lebanon's parliament speaker says he will not accept postponing the election - NBN TV.
Lawmakers at the European Union want their governments and the United Nations to bring Egypt's "devastating" human rights situation under scrutiny. The European parliamentarians issued a statement calling on the UN Human Rights Council to establish a monitoring and reporting mechanism on Egypt at its February 28 meeting.
Associated Press, EU lawmakers urge scrutiny of Egypt's human rights record.
MORE: Israel building new 'Laser wall' defense system that can intercept Iran's 'Ring of Fire,' International Business Times... Fighting in Yemen must de-escalate before talks can begin, U.S. diplomat says, NPR... Saudi sovereign fund in talks for extension on $15 billion loan, Reuters... Saudi Arabia will help stabilize oil market, Crown Prince tells Japanese PM, Reuters... Tunisian president denies a coup but holds power tight, Reuters... Cargo loading, unloading in Iran's seaports increases by 20 percent, Menafn.
News You Missed
The death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi is seen as a victory for the Biden administration, although a qualified one because investigations into civilian casualties are ongoing and details are yet to emerge. But Washington should be worried about who comes next. Another leader such as Qurayshi, who was relatively unknown, will be hard to track because there's less intelligence available. The U.S. and its allies might find it difficult to formulate an accurate intelligence portfolio and map a new leader's network.
Politico, Opinion: Biden just took out ISIS' top leader. What's next?
Iraq's political parties are going through tough negotiations to form a new government. Divisions and tension between Shiite parties have cast a shadow over the entire Iraqi political scene.
Now local and regional parties are having to assume the role of mediator. If successful, the next government could be the first without representation of the allies of Iran, groups that have controlled the Iraqi government since 2006.
Al-Monitor, Will Sadr lead Shiite political scene, exclude Iran's allies from Cabinet?
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