Iraq Arrests Dozens in Overthrow Plot

Iraq Arrests Dozens in Overthrow Plot
December 18, 2008
Military.com

WASHINGTON - Anywhere from 25 to 50 people, among them at least one general, have been arrested by Iraqi security officials for attempting to resurrect the Baath Party, which has been banned since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, according to various media reports.

But critics of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki say he is using the arrests to consolidate his own power in time for upcoming elections.

An Iraqi security official told the Associated Press that 25 people working in the Interior Ministry are being held for plotting to restore the Baath Party, while The New York Times places the number at 35 and Agence France Press claims 50 officials were swept up in arrests over the past three days.

At lest one of those arrested is a brigadier general, according to the AP, though other reports say four generals are among the alleged plotters.

Among those arrested, according to an AFP report, was Gen. Ahmad Abul Rif, the Interior Ministry's security chief.


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