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Insurgent leaders probably fled before Fallujah attack

NY Times:

Insurgent leaders in Falluja probably fled before the American-led offensive and may be coordinating attacks in Iraq that have left scores dead over the past few days, according to American military officials here. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian militant who is the most wanted man in Iraq, has almost certainly fled, military officials believe. Americans say his group is responsible for attacks, kidnappings and beheadings that have killed hundreds in more than a year. Before the offensive began, some military officials said Mr. Zarqawi could be operating out of Falluja, but his precise whereabouts have not been known. "I personally believe some of the senior leaders probably have fled," Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz, commander of the multinational forces in Iraq, said in a video conference with reporters on Tuesday. "I would hope not, but I've got to assume that those kinds of leaders understand the combat power we can bring."

This is not that surprising nor is it that important. While it would have been nice if they had been dumb enough to stick around and get killed, the purpose of the attack is to take away their sanctuary. Think about as Afghanistan on a smaller scale. Without their sanctuary in Fallujah Zarqawi's monotheist head choppers for Allah have to go mix with the rest of the country and they never know when someone is going to claim the $25 million reward on the thugee in chief. Without the sanctuary, it will be harder for them to build their car bombs without being spotted. It will be harder for them to gather without being noticed. Life without their sanctuary will just get harder and harder.