Scorpions (Iraq)

The covert members were trained in Jordan in target identification, explosives and small arms at two secret bases.^[1] Weapons and equipment (including old Soviet Mi-24 Hind helicopters) were supplied by the CIA.^[1] Most members were recruited from the Iraqi exile community by Iraqi Kurds.^[1]

The original mission of the Scorpions was to foment rebellion in Iraq prior to the US-led invasion.^[1] However, due to training delays, little of this mission was ever achieved. Following the war, the CIA began using the Scorpions in anti-insurgency roles, and for interrogations of prisoners.^[2]

The Scorpions have been implicated in the events that led to the death of Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush while in US captivity.^[2] These events included the use of physical and psychological torture under the auspices of a CIA operative and Special Forces retiree identified only as "Brian".^[2]

The Scorpions' original mission to start - or give the appearance of - a rebellion against the regime of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party,^[1] makes their involvement in the death of Mowoush significant. It is not clear at what point the Scorpions became involved in the interrogation of US-held prisoners, other than Mowhoush's interrogation by the Scorpions on November 24, 2003.^[2]

• Use of torture since 1948
• Human Rights Record of the United States