"Ghost Soldiers" Compromise Operations,
Endanger Iraqis and Americans
Bill Ardolino (H/T: Allahpundit)
Something quite strange even for Fallujah happened here Saturday when the occupants of three civilian vehicles stopped at the home of Iraqi General Khalid Juad Khadim, then marched into the residence and stole weapons, money and gold. What made the theft especially odd is the fact Khalid's personal security detail of 15 armed soldiers stood by and watched, doing nothing.
The identity of the burglars is as yet a mystery, but the raid may have been linked to controversy swirling around Khalid after a British newspaper claimed he is the corrupt beneficiary of large-scale thefts of supplies intended for the Iraqi Army, including fuel and weapons, as well as the pay intended for "ghost soldiers," imaginary Iraqi soldiers listed on a military unit's roster.
The Times of London article claimed corruption throughout the Iraqi Army chain of command and accused Khalid, who was also described as having been "ousted" of having "suspected ties to Shia militias." The latter allegation has circulated before the Times article appeared and was voiced to this writer by an Iraqi civilian and a Marine officer with no prompting other than mentioning the general's name. Other marines caution that such allegations are common yet difficult to verify, often based on thin speculation.
Contrary to the Times account, Khalid was not removed and is still in command of the Iraqi Army's Second Brigade, currently stationed in the Iraqi Training Camp adjacent to Camp Fallujah. Khalid has vigorously denied the allegations, but American military officials contend that overall theft of supplies and ghost soldiers in the Iraqi Army are both real and in part responsible for the deaths of American and Iraqi soldiers. ...
