US arrests radical Iraqi Shia deputy minister
By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Last Updated: 1:38am GMT 09/02/2007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.../09/wirq09.xml
American and Iraqi troops stormed Baghdad's health ministry yesterday to arrest the deputy minister.
Hakim Zamali, a follower of the radical Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr, is alleged to have overseen a murderous campaign against its employees by a sectarian militia. Shias loyal to al-Sadr control four government ministries.
A statement from the US military alleged that Zamali was a key figure in Sadr's Madhi army, which has been accused of waging a sectarian campaign against Sunnis.
advertisementAli al-Shammari, the Iraqi health minister, condemned the early morning raid. He said American troops had "humiliated" Iraq.
"They have kidnapped my deputy," said Mr Shammari.
Pictures from inside the ministry showed doors that were kicked in and tables and chairs overturned.
The US military statement said Zamali was suspected of funding militants through large-scale employment of Madhi army members.
It said: "These militia members are reported to target Iraqi civilians using [health ministry] facilities and services. The suspect's corruption is believed to have funnelled millions of US dollars into rogue [activities]."