An enigmatic Iraqi Shi’a messianic sect known for its armed insurrection in Najaf and mysterious connections.
Background and Origins
The Soldiers of Heaven, also known as Jund As-Samāʾ in Arabic, were an armed Iraqi Shi’a messianic sect that emerged in the mid-2000s. Founded by Diya Abdul-Zahra Kadim, who claimed to be the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islam, the group gained notoriety for its apocalyptic beliefs and violent clashes with Iraqi security forces.
Based primarily in the Iraqi city of Najaf, a significant center for Shia Islam, the sect attracted followers through its charismatic leadership and radical interpretations of Shia Islam. Kadim’s teachings included a mix of Islamic eschatology and personal revelations, positioning himself as the final savior who would bring justice and righteousness to the world.
Beliefs and Practices
The Soldiers of Heaven’s beliefs centered around the imminent return of the “Hidden Imam,” also known as the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who Shi’a Muslims believe went into occultation in the 9th century. The group anticipated that this return would coincide with the Day of Ashura, an important date in the Shi’a calendar commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Soldiers of Heaven was their practice of polygamy, which they justified through their interpretation of religious texts. Kadim had numerous wives and encouraged his followers to adopt similar practices. This polygamous lifestyle set them apart from mainstream Shia Islam and contributed to their label as a cult.
Composition and Activities
The sect’s members, numbering around 1,000, appeared to be mostly poor Shi’a farmers from an agricultural area near Najaf. Despite their poverty, they amassed significant wealth and were heavily armed. The group’s compound included facilities for car-bomb production and a chop shop for dismantling cars.
In preparation for what they believed would be the final battle before the return of the Mahdi, the Soldiers of Heaven stockpiled weapons and established a base of operations in orchards near Najaf. Their plan reportedly involved attacking the Shi’a religious leadership in Najaf during Ashura commemorations, believing this would hasten the appearance of the Mahdi.
The Battle of Najaf
In January 2007, the Soldiers of Heaven gained international attention following a violent confrontation with Iraqi security forces. The Battle of Najaf, also known as the Battle of Zarqa, occurred when Iraqi forces attempted to quell the group’s activities in the region.
On January 28, 2007, Iraqi security forces, supported by U.S. and British troops, engaged in a fierce battle with the group near Najaf. The conflict began when Iraqi police attempted to approach the group’s encampment and were met with gunfire. The ensuing battle lasted for more than 24 hours and involved the use of heavy weapons and air support.
The group engaged in severe clashes with Iraqi government forces and U.S. troops during the Ashura festival. The battle resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of around 200-300 sect members killed, including the leader Kadim, and 300-400 captured. Dozens of Iraqi security personnel also lost their lives, and two American soldiers died when their helicopter crashed during the battle.
Aftermath and Speculations
The aftermath of the battle saw Iraqi police rounding up hundreds of sect members. In September 2007, ten leaders of the Soldiers of Heaven were sentenced to death, and others received various jail terms. In January 2008, the group was involved in fighting in Basra and Nassiriya.
The scale and intensity of the conflict took many by surprise, as the group had not been widely known prior to this incident. In the aftermath, Iraqi authorities discovered large caches of weapons and supplies at the group’s compound, indicating they had been preparing for a significant confrontation.
Questions remain regarding the group’s origins, connections, and combat effectiveness, including their capability to shoot down an American AH-64 Apache helicopter gunship. Speculations have hinted at potential financial backing from Iran and affiliations with al-Qaeda or Baathists, though these claims remain unconfirmed.
image via seattlepi
