AL ASKAREYYA MOSQUE
RELATED EVENTS
As reported and validated by Coalition Forces
(22 0655C FEB 06 to 25 1200C FEB 06)
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT*
TOTAL
Mosques Attacked
11
3
7
1
22
Mosques Destroyed
1
0
0
0
1
Mosques Damaged
2
2
2
0
6
Mosques Occupied
0
1
0
0
1
Civilian Murders
32
75
12
0
119
Suicide Attacks
0
1
0
0
1
Demonstrations
9
19
16
1
45
*As of 25 1200C FEB 06
24 FEB 06
Attacks & Demonstrations
IVO Iraq Shia and Sunni
Mosques/Shrines
Type
Total
Demonstrations
16
Indirect Fire
1
Mosque Attacks
7
Prime Minister Policy Directives

Prime Minister Ja’afari: (24 Feb Policy Statement)

“The presence of our armed forces is for the safeguarding of the citizens and the protection of their
interests.”

“We have decided to deploy the Iraqi armed forces and increase their presence in the areas of
friction in a manner that would achieve security and stability in those areas …. in a way that
reinforces the citizens’ trust and strengthens security, and to reinforce all means for maintaining good
order.”

“We have taken all the necessary security measures to protect the holy shrines and the places of
worship throughout Iraq, especially in the areas that are made up of diverse components, in addition
to examining the possibility of establishing a special force for their protection.”

“We also decided to form an advisory political team that is comprised of a group of influential
individuals, political leaders, and heads of parliamentary blocs to listen to their views concerning this
crisis and to obtain their contribution in strengthening the national unity which is subjected to
attempts aimed at weakening it by the terrorists and the enemies of Iraq.”

“For the security of the citizens and the protection of their interests, all public show of weapons is
prohibited on the streets and carrying of weapons without permit shall be prohibited outside of
homes and shops.”

“The Government calls on all media and cultural agencies to shoulder their national responsibilities
at this critical moment of our nation’s history and to play their role in pulling together national
cohesion and strengthening unity among the one people. Stay clear from all that aims and leads to
disunity and incites terrorism and violence. Contribute in uncovering the plans of Iraq’s enemies in
their attempts to sow sectarian strife. To start of a new phase, the Government calls on all venerable
religious scholars and Imams, in harmony with the responsible message given by the leading
Marja’iya and the highest national interest, to shoulder their legal and national responsibilities in
disseminating the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance, rejection of violence and terrorism and all that
offends the lofty values of our true religion.” (24 Feb Statement)
Roll-up of Leader Comments on Shrine Bombing

President Talabani:


Prime Minister Ja’afari:


“The Iraqi government is called today more than any time to hold its full responsibility to stop
the spike of criminal acts which target the holy sites. And if government’s security forces are
incapable of providing necessary protection, the believers are able to do that with God
Almighty’s assistance.” (22 Feb Statement)
SCIRI Leader Al-Hakim:


“I have complete confidence that the Iraqi people will focus on Islamic unity and the ties of
brotherhood in such a critical period. I'm also calling on Iraqis to focus on the country's unity,
and block the path of those aiming at sparking sectarian violence.” (23 Feb Press Conf)
Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani:


“This new ugly crime comes as a warning that there is a conspiracy against the Iraqi people to
spark a war among brothers. God willing, we will not allow this. We face a great conspiracy
against Iraq, against its unity. ... We must co-operate and work together against this danger,
the danger of civil war. This is the fiercest danger because it threatens our unity and our
country with a devastating civil war. … [I]t would not thwart efforts to create a government of
national unity that includes all religious and ethnic communities two months after elections.”
(23 Feb Press Conference)
“It is regrettable that things reached the degree that Sunni and Shiites are paying for the
crimes committed by the enemy of Islam and Iraqis. This is what al-Zarqawi is working for, that
is, to ignite a sectarian strife in the country. We call for self-restraint and not to be dragged by
the plots of the enemy of Iraq.” (24 Feb Statement)
Shiite Cleric Al-Sadr:

Called on Iraqis for “self-restraint and calmness to deny the opportunity for those who want to
drag Iraq into a sectarian war.” (22 Feb Interview)
NO DAMAGE TO SALAMAN AL-FARISI MOSQUE
25 FEB 06
24 FEB 1922: AP report filed from Baghdad that 2 rockets fired at Salman Al-Farisi damaged the sacred Shiite tomb.
24 FEB 2305 : 1-3 POB confirms that one rocket did impact to the side of the mosque in a pile of dirt, but there was
no apparent damage.
25 FEB 0953 : UAV displays no apparent damage to the mosque and surrounding grounds.
No damage to Al Isra Mosque
24 FEB 06
• 1422 : THT (B/4 BTB) relayed report that Al Isar Mosque was “On Fire”.
• 1500: Shadow UAV reports mosque not on fire and undamaged.
• 1624: 3-67 AR reports JLENS can see smoke and dust from mosque.
• 1632: Shadow UAV reports a trash fire burning vic the mosque, but the
mosque is not burning.
• 1721: 3-67 AR documents exterior of mosque in these photos - not on fire and
no sign of damage.