Murder - But by Whom?

IN a confusing story on MNF-I's site we hear that Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops found the bodies of three women in Doura, murdered by terrorists believed to be associated with Al Qaeda in the Southern part of the capital July 29.

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division received information from local nationals stating that gunmen came to a house in Doura where the women were staying, executing three of four people there before fleeing the scene. An elderly woman was spared from the killings.

“This is Al Qaeda at its absolute worst,” said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division commander. “This is one more series of brutal murders that completely contradict the terrorists’ assertions that they are here to protect the Iraqi people.”

The women were allegedly related to several individuals who were detained earlier on suspected anti-coalition activities, but no other leads were available.

Before I comment further on this story, first let me say, something doesn't seem right. I'm not sure if its how the story is written, but I can't figure out why al Qaeda would kill the family members of their associates, unless they feared the women were cooperating with Coalition Forces. While it is not uncommon for alQaeda and other insurgent groups to kill members of the public that they feel are threats or to kill to ensure the cooperation of locals, I can't say I've ever heard of them killign their own family members out right.

If anyone can point me to some other posts/stories, etc that confirm that this is an alQaeda tactic please let me know.

Col. Gibbs, seems sincere in his assessment that it is alQaeda but to me it just doesn't add up. Hopefully the confusion will be cleared up soon.