BAGHDAD, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. and Iraqi sources claimed members of the Mahdi Army, a radical Shiite militia, had infiltrated the Iraqi army and other security forces in the country.
The sources said the infiltrators intimidate and bribe their fellow troops and commanders to allow the militia to continue sectarian "cleansing" operations unmolested, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.
An Iraqi policeman who moonlights as a platoon commander in the Mahdi Army said infiltration of the country's security apparatus is widespread.
"There is a Mahdi Army member in every family and in every home across Iraq and the military is not exempt," said the policeman, who identified himself by his battle name, Abu Mohammed. "The army wouldn't go after the Mahdi Army because many elements in the army are Mahdi Army. Here in Sadr City for example, there is one company and 35 of them are Mahdi Army."
U.S. Army officers said the Mahdi Army uses Iraqi soldiers and police officers to build a presence in predominantly Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad.
"We've slowed them down, but they are still slowly expanding their reach. Jaish al Mahdi (Mahdi Army) expansion is taking place," said a U.S. military intelligence officer in Baghdad speaking on condition of anonymity. "Like water, they are going to find a crack and move through the weakest area."
