Outside the Beltway

Citizens Hand Butcher of Ramadi Over to Iraqi, U.S. Troops

James Joyner · Saturday, December 10, 2005 · 3 comments

Terrorist Amir Khalaf Fanu, the Butcher of Ramadi, was turned in by locals yesterday.

DefenseLINK News: Citizens Turn Over ‘Butcher of Ramadi’ to Iraqi, U.S. Troops (American Forces Press Service)

The terrorist known as “the Butcher of Ramadi” was detained today, turned in by local citizens in the provincial capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, U.S. military officials in Iraq reported. Amir Khalaf Fanus — listed third on a “high-value individuals” list of terrorists wanted by the 28th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team — was wanted for criminal activities including murder and kidnapping. Ramadi citizens brought him to an Iraqi and U.S. forces military base in Ramadi, where he was taken into custody. Fanus was well known for his crimes against the local populace. He is the highest-ranking al Qaeda in Iraq member to be turned in to Iraqi and U.S. officials by local citizens.

His capture is another indication that the local citizens tire of the terrorists’ presence within their community, Multinational Force Iraq officials said, adding that Iraqi and U.S. forces have witnessed increasing signs of citizens fighting the terrorists in Ramadi as the Dec. 15 national elections draw near.

Terrific news, indeed, especially since it appears to be part of a larger pattern of citizens turning against the terrorists. It is also further evidence that Scott Adams‘ thesis that being “the third highest ranking member of al Qaeda” is a lousy job.