U.S. troops found a 16-page diary written by an Al Qaeda in Iraq emir that is providing clues about the collapse of the Al Qaeda movement in Iraq. The diary was written by Abu Tariq, an al Qaeda emir in control of five battalions. US soldiers found the diary November 3 during a patrol conducted near Balad.
The diary describes the loss of fighters under Tariq's command. He once had 600 men, but now his force is down to 20 or fewer, he says. He writes about lost weapons and allies. He talks about his frustration at the Sunni fighters and tribesmen who have turned against al-Qaeda in Iraq and joined the U.S.-backed Sunni forces.
He didn't write about it in his diary but as his own force disintegrates, it must gall Tariq to hear about the progress the Iraqi army is making. Amazing, rapid progress. During 2007, the Iraqi army grew by 57,000 soldiers. The Iraqi army is adding advanced equipment and professional training.
TigerHawk: This is is a diary of defeat.
Previous related:
US: 35 senior al Qaeda terrorists captured or killed during January
US: Al Qaeda recruiting children
Intelligence: al Qaeda may move outside Iraq
Dear Osama: what are you waiting for?
US: In 2007, 8,800 terrorists were captured in Iraq, an additional 2,400 terrorists were killed
General: Al Qaeda's area of operations is shrinking
