Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070913-06
September 13, 2007

Sheik in Anbar killed in attack

Multi National Force – West

RAMADI, Iraq – A vehicle exploded three kilometers northwest of Ramadi today killing a prominent Sunni sheik.

Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Resha, founder of the Sahawa al Anbar, was killed near his residence almost one year from the anniversary of forming the SAA on September 14, 2006.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death are unknown at this time.

Sheik Sattar was prominent in forming the SAA, or “Anbar Awakening”, and taking a stance against Al Qaeda’s radical interpretation of Islam and their murder and intimidation campaign targeting innocent men, women and children.

"I offer my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and those dearest to Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Resha tribe,” said Maj.Gen. W.E. Gaskin, commanding general, Multi National Force-West. “A true Son of Al Anbar, his courage, strength and vision contributed to the security and stability of the province. We will mourn his loss and continue to carry on his efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation in Iraq.”

"Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Resha was a leader who envisioned a better way for his people and his death today represents a tragic loss," said Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. "The people of Anbar have rejected the kind of violence that took his life. We stand resolved with the people of Anbar and the Government of Iraq to turn back the barbaric ideology that led to tremendous hardships and suffering. This act of murder will serve only to steel that resolve."

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTINATIONAL FORCE – WEST, PUBLIC
AFFAIRS OFFICER BY E-MAIL AT
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it