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WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2004 – An Iraqi citizen who assisted U.S. forces in the capture of a prominent diehard of deposed dictator Saddam Hussein's regime has become a millionaire.
"We have approved a payment of $1 million to the Iraqi informant," Dan Senor, senior spokesman for the Coalition Provisional Authority, reported today from Baghdad. The Iraqi, whose name remains undisclosed for security purposes, had provided information that led to the Jan. 11 capture of Khamis Sirhan al-Muhammad, a former Baathist Party regional leader in Anbar Province, which includes Fallujah, Khalidiyah and Ramadi. Thanks to the Iraqi's tip, U.S. 82nd Airborne Division soldiers and special operations forces captured al-Muhammad the following day during a coordinated operation in Fallujah. Al-Muhammad was No. 54 on the list of the 55 most-wanted former regime fugitives, Senor noted. While at large, the insurgent "was organizing, facilitating and financing attacks against the coalition and the efforts of the Iraqi people," the CPA spokesman said. Al-Muhammad's capture, Senor noted, represents "a significant step forward" in Iraqi's post-Saddam journey.
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