Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Qaida's leader in Iraq who led a bloody campaign of suicide bombings and kidnappings, has been killed in an air strike, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Thursday, adding that his identity was confirmed by fingerprints and a look at his face. It was a major victory in the U.S.-led war in Iraq and the broader war on terror.Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said al-Zarqawi was killed along with seven aides Wednesday evening in a remote area 30 miles northeast of Baghdad in the volatile province of Diyala, just east of the provincial capital of Baqouba, al-Maliki said.
Loud applause broke out among the reporters and soldiers as al-Maliki, flanked by U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and U.S. Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, told a news conference that "al-Zarqawi was eliminated."
UPDATE: Video of the airstrike at B4B..
Posted in the extended entry are statements made by members of the Victory in Iraq Caucus regarding the death of terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:
Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) Co-Chair of Victory in Iraq Caucus:
Today’s victory in Iraq is a testament to the tremendous talent of the United States military. By risking their lives to kill terrorists, these brave men and women are protecting the lives of American families and making our country safer. As the operational commander of the terrorist movement in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi delighted in the devastation of Iraq and the destruction of life. As the mastermind behind countless car bombings, mass murders, and assassinations, he was responsible for the brutal deaths of many Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqis. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our brave troops and our Iraqi allies.
Congressman Mark Green (WI-08)Co-Chair of Victory in Iraq Caucus:
The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi marks a tremendous victory for the citizens of Iraq and the war on terror. This brutal terrorist orchestrated a deadly insurgency that claimed the lives of scores of innocent Iraqis, U.S. troops, and coalition forces. Al-Zarqawi’s death has widened the path to peace and stability in Iraq, and inspired new hope that a brighter future lies ahead for the millions of freedom-loving Iraqis.
Congressman Roy Blunt (MO-07):
The death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a clear win against the forces of radical Islam in the Middle East. A violent thug who beheaded Americans and showed the photos to the world, Zarqawi was one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and now he can never threaten Americans or our allies again. While this is not the silver bullet to create peace and stability in Iraq, it is a victory over al Qaeda and the murderous ideology of terrorism.
Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07):
This is a victory for America and its allies in the war against Islamic fascism and terrorism. I commend our armed forces for their hard work and skill that led to the success of this operation.
Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-01):
One of the most brutal, heinous, and horrendous terrorists was killed last night when the U.S. Armed Forces delivered 500-pounds of justice to Iraq’s ‘Prince of Al-Qaeda’ on behalf of Nicholas Berg, Jack Armstrong, Ken Bigley, Jack Hensley and the thousands of others who were beheaded, tortured, and killed by Al-Zarqawi and his henchmen. Congratulations to the United States Air Force and to the Special Forces teams on the ground for once again coordinating a precise and effective mission. And it is especially important to note that local Iraqis and Jordanians provided critical intelligence and support for this operation.
Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-52):
This success against Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his top lieutenants manifests the importance of persistence and reflects the extreme competence and capability of the United States anti-terrorism efforts in Iraq. This important strategic success reflects the need for continued American persistence and patience in completing the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Congressman Peter Hoekstra (MI-02):
Killing Al-Zarqawi will help to weaken Al Qaeda in Iraq as well as throughout the world by removing a key members of its leadership. U.S. intelligence and military special forces are to be congratulated for their vigilance and persistence to succeed in the effort. The focus needs to remain on the goal: defeating radical elements in the war on terror. We need to continue with the strategies of attacking terrorists where they live and operate, weaken their leadership structure and maintain our vigilance at home as we help to build effective governments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Congressman Peter King (NY-03):
The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the most wanted man in Iraq, is an important victory for the Iraqi people and the War on Terror. Zarqawi was the head of al-Qa’ida in Iraq, responsible for dozens of bombings and attacks on U.S. and Iraqi troops, as well as the murders of an untold number of innocent civilians. But today, we can all be thankful that he will terrorize the region no longer. I’d like to thank our brave men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve in the War on Terror. By taking the fight to terrorists abroad, we are helping keep the American people safe here at home.
Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10):
This morning, America's fighting men and women successfully brought the terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi to justice. As Zarqawi was the Al Qaeda leader in Iraq, this is a great victory in the ongoing War on Terror, and another step towards providing a peaceful and democratic country for the Iraqi people.
Congressman Steve King (IA-05):
The War on Terror is not over, but the death of the leader of operations in the al Qaeda terror network is a blow to terrorism all over the world. The United States has been unwavering in our message to terrorists around the world: your days are numbered.
Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11):
This is a tremendous victory in our war on terrorism, and a tremendous day for the Iraqi people. Al-Zarqawi’s death lets our enemies know that we will not bow to their ruthless tactics. America, our allies, and the Iraqi people are committed to the triumph of liberty over terrorism. Our brave servicemen and women in Iraq are doing an outstanding job protecting our nation from those who wish us harm, and they deserve our deepest gratitude.
Congressman Randy Kuhl (NY-29):
The U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq have achieved a major victory with the killing of Al-Zarqawi. The so-called 'Prince of al-Qaeda in Iraq' has met his end. Another positive step was the appointment of two key Cabinet officials in Iraq - the Ministers of Defense and the Interior. These are positive steps for establishing a free and sovereign Iraq which will in turn help pave the way for the forces of good to prevail in Iraq so that our men and women can come home.
Congressman Wally Herger (CA-2):
The elimination of al-Zarqawi represents a substantial victory in the War on Terrorism, delivering justice to a terrorist mastermind responsible for the deaths of many Americans and thousands of Iraqi civilians. His termination is a triumph for all of the Iraqi people, and for American and coalition forces that have worked tirelessly to rid the world of this al Qeada leader. I want to especially commend our brave men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed in Iraq. Every American can be proud of our military's relentless commitment to defeating terrorism and protecting Americans.
Congressman Henry Brown (SC-01):
The success of this operation is a testament to our country’s military working in conjunction with intelligence sources. I want to commend our troops and their leaders for the perseverance and dedication they continue to show in fulfilling their mission. The despicable terrorist responsible for the atrocities committed against so many Americans and Iraqis has been eliminated. This is a victory for Americans and Iraqis who value the hard-fought democracy.
Congressman Mike Pence (IN-06):
I rejoice in the death of no man, but today I'll make an exception. As America and the world just learned, the al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead. The President of the United States said it was an opportunity to 'turn the tide,' and that the ideology of terror had lost one of its visible and aggressive leaders, and it has. But this was not simply a tactically significant strike by US and Iraqi forces. Somebody dropped a dime. It is also evidence, as U.S. General George Casey in Iraq said earlier today, of increased cooperation. I commend U.S. and Iraqi forces for this extraordinary accomplishment. The leading enemy of freedom in Iraq is dead. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is gone. Let freedom reign in Iraq.
Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03):
Thanks to the swift and precise action of American military forces Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s reign of terror has ended. Osama Bin Laden, and terrorists worldwide, should note that there is no house safe enough for them to hide. Terrorists in Iraq should note the events of the last 24 hours are further proof that the Iraqi people want to live free from fear. Iraq continues to be the central front in the global war on terror. While al-Zarqawi’s death will not end the violence, it is a severe blow to al Qaeda and further proof that we are winning the war. It is important that the Iraqi people, American forces, our allies, as well as our enemies, understand that we will stay the course because the security of our nation depends on our willingness to take action against threats before they materialize on our city streets.
Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32):
Today’s killing of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the infamous terrorist instigator in Iraq, brings Iraq a step closer to the triumph of its democracy over the forces of terror and fear. The reports that information on Al-Zarqawi's whereabouts came from tips from Iraqi civilians only goes to show that, contrary to the picture being painted by many in the media, the Iraqi people support the efforts being made by their military and ours to rid Iraq of the forces of instability so that the new Iraq might flourish.
Congressman John Porter (NV-03):
Today’s news is a major victory for the Iraqi people, who have made great strides in rebuilding their country despite repeated attempts by al-Zarqawi and his band of thugs to disrupt progress and create a culture of fear. It is also a credit to coalition forces, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and security by rooting out individuals who have pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden. The death of al-Zarqawi sends a clear message to his loyal followers-you can run, but you can't hide.
Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01):
Working together, America’s military, Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi people have won a major battle in the war on terrorism. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the brutal terrorist al Zarqawi can no longer murder our troops and innocent civilians and no longer lead a campaign of death and destruction to disrupt democracy in Iraq. This gives Iraq’s representative government and our coalition a great opportunity to move forward and ensure that freedom and security take root in Iraq.
Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-09):
This could not prove more clearly that we are making progress, but the same talking heads in the media who said the problem was we couldn’t catch Zarqawi are now casting doubt on this achievement. This won’t change things overnight, but without question it is a blow to the al Qaeda terror cell in Iraq and another step forward for U.S. and Iraqi troops.
Congressman Dan Burton (IN-05):
Today is a great day for the Iraqi people as well as the United States Armed Forces. By combining ground intelligence and surveillance our highly experienced and mature forces were able to accurately and skillfully take out one of Iraq’s most destabilizing forces, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. I call on the Iraqi Government and the people of Iraq to declare Iraq’s independence from the deadly grasp of al-Qaeda upon Zarqawi’s death and I appeal to them to unite as a people and a nation. With God’s good graces and a renewed commitment to resolving sectarian differences diplomatically and politically, Prime Minister Noori Al Malaki, with continued U.S. and coalition support, will bring peace and prosperity to the people of Iraq.
Congressman Todd Akin (MO-02):
The killing of Zarqawi is a coalition success of both symbolic and strategic significance and is great news for the people of Iraq and their new democratically elected governent. While there is satisfaction in seeing justice brought to a man responsible for horrible acts of brutality, the killing of this terrorist is also significant when it comes to disruption of the al Qaeda network.
Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04):
Today's success is a testament to America's armed forces and intelligence services. Their dedication to duty and their focus on their mission will, I am confident, lead us to victory in Iraq and the broader War on Terror. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and to defend America.
Congressman Clay Shaw (FL-22):
The death of al-Zarqawi is a tremendous victory for the Iraqi people and the War on Terror. Al-Zarqawi was one of the most dangerous and wanted terrorists. His death signals a sure sign that coalition troops continue to make great strides in eliminating the threat of terrorism. Our troops should be commended for their on-going hard work and dedication to the cause of freedom around the world.
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05):
We are making great strides in the War on Terror with every new day. Just last night, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the mastermind behind countless brutal acts of terror, was killed in an air strike. Al-Zarqawi was directly responsible for thousands of bombings, assassinations, kidnappings and other acts of terror in Iraq and around the globe. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our United States military and intelligence forces, he will no longer be able to kill again. This is a major victory in the War on Terror and a major setback to Al Qaeda, as al-Zarqawi was one of its strongest leaders.
Congressman Tom Tancredo (CO-06):
The death of al-Qaida terrorist Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a victory for the Iraqi people and their allies in the War on Terror. Zarqawi waged a bloody war on Iraqis by slaughtering their children, terrorizing their neighborhoods and perverting their faith. Iraqi-led forces introduced Zarqawi to swift justice, and we can only hope that they capitalize on his death to bring down al-Qaida's terrorist network in Iraq. All freedom-loving people are grateful for the Iraqi and Coalition forces' strikes at the heart of al-Qaida.
Congressman Mike Rogers (KY-05):
This is a great day for freedom around the globe. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has systematically conducted a campaign of hate and violence against innocent civilians and American soldiers. His days as a terror mastermind are over and he is now facing his maker. This successful strike is a testament to the men and women of our armed forces who are tenaciously pursuing terrorists wherever they hide.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26):
I first want to congratulate our Armed Services and their commitment, through much adversity, to fighting the insurgency in Iraq. The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi marks a significant day of achievement in the War on Terror. His death is a testament to the will of the Iraqi people to secure their own country and an acknowledgement of their strong relationship with the United State’s forces. An embodiment of the true malevolence, terror and cruelty, al-Zarqawi’s demise brings us all a step closer to safety and a leap forward to eradicating terrorism at all levels.
Congressman Rob Simmons (CT-02):
This is good news that this vicious leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq has been killed. It is good news because it was a joint operation where Iraqi forces played a major role in providing intelligence and securing the site after the bombing. It is good news because it was an operation which occurred in the same week that the Iraqi government named Ministers of Defense and Interior. It is good news for the Jordanian family whose wedding he blew up. It is good news for the innocent Iraqi men, women and children who were victims of this monster. Of course, it is not the end of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, but it is a major disruption to their organization and an important benchmark for the Iraqi people as they work to secure their own independent country.
Congressman J.D. Hayworth (AZ-05):
The world is a safer place today now that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has left it. He was a mass murderer and terrorist who targeted innocent women and children for execution in front of the world media. I congratulate the American and Iraqi military and intelligence community for executing a perfect strategic strike and finally getting their man. While challenges remain and violence will continue, a major impediment to peace was removed today.
Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11):
Today’s announcement that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in Iraq is a very positive development in our effort to help the Iraqi people secure their country as Democracy takes hold. After visiting Iraq just last week, it is clear to me that our military men and women are focused on executing their mission in Iraq and I am confident that they will achieve victory on our behalf.
Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12):
The death of terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a major blow to al-Qaeda in Iraq and a major victory for Iraqis and Coalition Forces in Iraq and in the War on Terror,” His death sends a clear message to terrorists in Iraq and in the region: Terrorism in Iraq will not be tolerated. Individuals who participate in acts of terrorism will be hunted down and arrested or killed.
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/majority.cgi/3735
Awesome news!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Little Miss Chatterbox at June 8, 2006 12:50 PM
Over three days this week the Democrats complained that they had to deal with the marriage ammendment and were distracted from important issues like the War in Iraq.
Over the same three days Iraq apointed a Minister of Defense, a Minister of the Interior and killed Al Zaqawi.
I am looking forward to the accomplishments that are achieved when the Dem's are distracted during next week's Flag Burning issues.
Posted by: Paul at June 8, 2006 05:31 PM
OK, I didn't read all of these, but from the ones I skimmed I think Roy Blunt's was the best. Yes, of course this was tremendous, but it's not a "silver bullet" that has the war won. I think he made this point more effectively than the others.
Posted by: Major Major Major Majority
at June 9, 2006 01:24 PM




