Iraqi Commander Killed in Attack

The commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Division was killed today in a terrorist attack in western Baghdad, military officials in Iraq reported.

Maj. Gen. Mubdar Hatim Hazya al-Duleimi was returning to his headquarters after visiting Iraqi soldiers in Kadamiyah, northwest of Baghdad, when his convoy came under small-arms fire.

"General Mubdar was a true Iraqi patriot," said U. S. Army Maj. Gen. J. D. Thurman, commanding general, Multinational Division Baghdad. "His loss will be felt by this command. He was my friend and a brother. His legacy will live on. He leaves behind a professional and capable fighting force that will continue the fight for Iraqi freedom. "

The 6th Iraqi Army Division assumed control of areas in central and southern Baghdad from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Feb. 20. During the transfer-of-authority ceremony, Mubdar expressed optimism about his unit's mission.

"The responsibility of our army is to protect this country and its people," Mubdar said, "and because of the bravery of our armed forces that sacrifice themselves on a daily basis, the amount of insurgent activity will continue to decrease.”

U. S. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, expressed his condolences over the killing of Mubdar.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, tribe, and the Iraqi army during this tragic loss," Casey said in a statement. "This tragic incident will neither impede the 6th Iraqi Army Division from continuing its mission of securing Baghdad nor derail the formation of the government of Iraq.”
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and taken from MNF-I Press Releases)