(6)Correction: Report of Hekmatyar's Capture Incorrect
Initial report of Hekmatyar's capture was a case of mistaken identity
On 9-11, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported "the commander of the Hizb-i-Islami militia in Hafezan in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Gulbuddin Hikmatyar, was arrested after credible intelligence led Afghan and coalition forces to his compound." An independent intelligence source confirmed the initial report, which led to my post on this matter, however a subsequent identification by fingerprinting indicates the person in question is not Hekmatyar. The captured suspect is a high level commander in Hezb-i-Islami, and is said to be a dead ringer for Hekmatyar.
The misidentification of terrorist commanders is a common occurrence. Most recently, Pakistan commander Matiur Rehman and Taliban leader Mullah Dadullah were reported captured, however it was later discovered they were indeed not in custody. It is believed the Pakistani ISI misled
READER COMMENTS: "Correction: Report of Hekmatyar's Capture Incorrect"
Posted by Major John at September 13, 2006 10:10 AM ET:
Aw nuts. And I had already celebrated quite, um, heartily...
Posted by jesus reyes at September 13, 2006 10:21 AM ET:
Thanks for the update. I've been trying to find this story every since you posted. It did net some interesting information from and about Michael Ledeen
Posted by tblubrd at September 13, 2006 12:02 PM ET:
Well, I'm disappointed. But it's good to see you call it like you see it. Your previous post implied that his identity may be wrong from first reports anyway.
But I have found it extremely interesting that we apparently have "approval" for tracking bin Laden and striking at him in Pakistan without having to get permission from Pakistani officials - as per your post on the "Black Army". Maybe a Christmas present looming....?
Posted by blert at September 13, 2006 8:18 PM ET:
King Richard III may have to die many times before he laments for a horse.
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