Mahdi Army in Iraq Relies on Youths and Children

The recent attacks by the Iraqi and U.S. forces on the Mahdi Army (namely the Law Enforcement campaign in Baghdad in February 2008, and the Knights' Attack campaign in Basra in March 2008) forced many of the militia's commanders to flee to Iran or to go into hiding, which in turn has prompted the younger generation of commanders to come forward and take their place. In addition, the Mahdi Army has taken to using teens and children as scouts. The latter are provided with mobile phones and asked to inform the commanders of the approach of U.S. forces.

Source: Al-Hayat, London, May 2, 2008

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