Iraq's 'Falcon Cell' leader removed amid accusations of suspicious links
The replacing of a top intelligence official whose unit had been responsible for many key arrests signals further efforts to centralize control of Iraq's intelligence services.
BAGHDAD — A massive double suicide attack in the Iraqi capital Jan. 21 was followed by the removal of several high-ranking intelligence and Interior Ministry officials.
One, in particular, stood out: the replacement of the man who had led Iraq’s super-secretive Falcon Intelligence Cell since its inception, known as Abu Ali al-Basri.
His real name had, prior to the announcement of his removal, not been reported in the media for security reasons.
The Falcon Intelligence Cell, which answers to the Interior Ministry, had long been run mainly by Basri, who in previous meetings had told Al-Monitor that he had been the main person behind the founding of the super-secretive spy unit. Among the nations the intelligence unit has collaborated with are the United States and the UK.
