Reports of Zarqawi Seriously Wounded Corroborated By Doctor

On May 11 I posted a story with a link to the Italian news agency AKI reporting a rumor from an Iraqi colonel that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had been seriously wounded, possible killed, during Operation Matador. At that time, as this was the only report, I urged caution, especially as many Italian news sources are notoriously unreliable and quick on the draw. Now Fox News and others are quoting, with further corroboration from a senior terrorist, a doctor who claims to have treated Zarqawi last week:

"He was bleeding heavily and his escorts were well dressed with a look about them that was different from the casualties and family members we had been receiving from the al-Qaim offensive.

"I treated his injury and asked that he remain in hospital for further observations and told him that we would have to register him and take down his name and details. But he became very nervous and agitated. He refused and told me he would not be staying.

"The three men with him asked me politely that he be allowed to leave hospital immediately and that I supply them with a prescription and a list of medication that he may need."

Centcom Zarqawi Wanted Poster

The Dread Pundit Bluto hopes that no pain medication is available for this slimy POS, and that he dies in agony.

Other media are reporting that Zarqawi has been seriously injured (most via the wire service Agence France Presse):

Herald Sun (Australia)

Channel News Asia

Interactive Investor (UK)