Jihadi Groups fighting in Diyala

The USG Open Source Center translates an account of Jihadi groups fighting in Buhriz, a town of Diyala province. The account demonstrates how complex the groups are, that are being lumped together by the press as "al-Qaeda." The Islamic State of Iraq is usually described as a front for 'al-Qaeda,' even though it is unlikely that they have anything to do with Usama Bin Laden. The pro-coalition "Tariq al-Hashimi Brigades" or tribal levies are loyal to the Iraqi vice president (a Sunni Arab) of that name.

'Brother in Diyala' Claims 'Heavy Fighting' in Bahraz [Buhriz] Between Jihadist Groups, 'Occupation' Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Terrorism: 'Brother in Diyala' Claims 'Heavy Fighting' in Bahraz [Buhriz] Between Jihadist Groups, 'Occupation' On 11 June, a forum participant posted a statement to a jihadist website claiming that groups from The Islamic State of Iraq, Ansar al-Sunnah Group, Al-Mujahidin Army, and the Monotheists Army are engaged in "heavy fighting" with the "occupation" army and Tarik al-Hashemi militias in Al-Sinai neighborhood of the town of Bahraz, but no other details were provided. The statement was allegedly "quoted by a brother in Diyala." A translation of the statement follows: "The State (Islamic of Iraq), Ansar al-Sunnah Group, Al-Mujahidin Army, and the Monotheists Army are fighting side by side in Bahraz [Buhriz]. Praise be to God. "Heavy fighting erupted in the town of Bahraz between the resistance and the occupation and Tarik al-Hashemi militias which are described by the occupation as tribal militias. The heavy fighting is taking place in the Al-Sinai (Industrial) neighborhood of the town of Bahraz. The soldiers of The Islamic State of Iraq are joining Ansar al-Sunnah Group, Al-Mujahidin Army (Al-Jihad and Reformation Front), and the Monotheists Army. The occupation is using military helicopters, tanks, and hundreds of soldiers. "Quoted by a brother in Diyala."