Top Commander in Iraq: Torture Chamber Found

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The New York Sun

BAGHDAD — The top American commander in northern Iraq said that during an ongoing operation against insurgents and Al Qaeda in western Diyala province, military forces discovered weapons caches, a torture chamber with a bed that was wired to electrocute victims, and knives and swords covered in blood.

Army Major General Mark Hertling also warned yesterday that Al Qaeda in Iraq was still capable of staging spectacular attacks despite a 50% drop in bombings and other violence in his region.

He said Al Qaeda in Iraq was being pushed north by the increased numbers of American troops that surged into Baghdad over the summer and fall.

The insurgents are also being flushed out of Anbar province by “awakening councils” — groups of Sunni Arab tribesmen the American military has backed to help fight Al Qaeda in Iraq and its allies.


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