Iraqi troops conducted a military operation overnight that killed 200 militants belonging to a religious cult. Another 60 were wounded and 120 were captured.
The cult, named Jund al-Samaa, or Soldiers of Heaven, was planning on killing pilgrims at a Shiite religious festival, Ashoura.
The cult leader, Ali bin Ali bin Abi Taleb (whew), claimed to be the Mahdi. (With a name like Ali bin Ali bin Abi Taleb, can you blame him for going nuts?)
Meanwhile, Shiite leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim urged Shiites that though they are the target of mass killings and terror, that they should not retaliate with violence.
"I sympathize with our Sunni brothers in their ordeal with the terrorists as I sympathize with the Shiites in their ordeal with the terrorists," he said. "I condemn the killing of Sunnis as I condemn the killing of the Shiites."
Yeah, let's shed blood together! It's Ashoura, after all!
For a bit of history on this *ahem* glorious celebration, visit Joel's Trumpet.
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