Abdolmalek Rigi
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| Abdolmalek Rigi (Emir Abdulmalik Rigi) | |
|---|---|
| Born January 1, 1983 | |
 |
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| Nickname | Rigi |
| Place of birth |  Iranian Balochistan, Iran |
| Allegiance | Jundallah (Brigade of God) |
| Years of service | 1998 - present |
| Rank | Commander-in-chief |
| Battles/wars | Insurgency in Iran Sunni Baloch nationalism |
Abdolmalek Rigi (also spelt Abdul-Malek Rigi or Emir Abdulmalik Rigi) (Persian: عبدالمالک ریگی) is the leader of Jundallah, a terrorist organization based in the southeastern area of Iran. He was born in 1983 into Regi tribe, one of the many Baloch tribes. He never went to school though he attended a sunni religious seminary for a few years. Before founding Jundallah, he had been arrested for an assault attack with a knife for which he was charged, imprisoned and subsequently released after serving term.[1][2] Many believe Jundallan is linked to Al-Qaeda[3]. Jundallah claims to be fighting for the rights of Sunni muslims in Iran. Jundallah is a militant group that according to evidence and some international sources receives funding from the US Government and Baluchi Iranians abroad.[4][5]
According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Rigi "is personally responsible for the death and injuries to more than 50 Baluchi Iranians."[6]
Dan Rather, on the US cable channel HDnet's television news magazine Dan Rather Reports, indicated that support comes from Balochis in Sweden where Radio Baloch FM is broadcast from Stockholm. Rather stated that Rigi targets Iranian government and military objectives and showed a video of Rigi cutting off his brother in-law's head. Rigi described himself as an Iranian and denies that his goal is to form a separate Baluchistan autonomous region. Rather, his goal is to improve conditions for ethnic Baluchis.[7][8]
According to a former hostage, Regi never sleeps in one place for two consecutive nights and does not shake hands with other people without wearing gloves. He is also reported to emulate Al-Zarqawi in his conducts and videos of hostage execution.[9]
Iran executed a Jundallah member for the February 14, 2007, car bombing which targeted a bus motorcade carrying members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard as they passed through the Sistan-Baluchistan capital of Zahedan. Eleven Revolutionary Guardsmen were killed and 31 were injured.[5][10]
The Iranian newspaper Kayhan incorrectly reported on 7 April 2005, "Abdolmalek Rigi, leader of the terrorist group, the Jundullah... was killed in an operation on the border with Afghanistan."[11] A video surfaced on 11 April showing Rigi alive.[12] Rigi's brother Abdulhamid Rigi has accused his brother to be working with Americans against Iran.[13]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ Death Toll in Iran Mosque Explosion Rises to 12(FOX NEWS )
- ^ The Secret War Against Iran ABC News
- ^ a b Car bomb in Iran destroys a bus carrying Revolutionary Guards The New York Times
- ^ http://english.irib.ir/news/print.asp?id=13412&titel=Top%20Stories
- ^ HDNet Original Programming - Transcripts
- ^ HDNet Original Programming - Dan Rather Reports
- ^ [3]
- ^ Iran executes man convicted of bombing Revolutionary Guards at site of attack | www.azstarnet.com
- ^ Iran kills Sunni militant ringleader: press Iran Mania
- ^ Iran Sunni rebels video shows killing of officer: TV The Boston Globe
- ^ http://www.payvand.com/news/09/jun/1092.html
