Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, Iraqi field marshal and politician (b. 1942)

Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, whose full name in Arabic was عزة إبراهيم الدوري (Izzat Ibrāhīm ad-Dūrī), was a prominent Iraqi political and military figure whose life spanned from July 1, 1942, until October 25, 2020. Rising through the ranks of the Ba'ath Party, he became a formidable presence in Iraqi governance and military affairs, ultimately holding the distinguished rank of Army Field Marshal. His career was intricately linked with the regime of Saddam Hussein, where he served as a trusted confidant and powerful deputy.

A Stalwart of the Ba'athist Regime

During the decades leading up to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, al-Douri held the influential position of Vice Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council. This body was the supreme decision-making authority in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, making al-Douri one of the most powerful individuals in the country. He was widely regarded as President Saddam Hussein's closest advisor and deputy, a testament to his loyalty and strategic importance within the inner circle. His unwavering dedication to the Ba'ath Party and its ideology solidified his standing, allowing him to accumulate significant power and influence throughout the regime's tenure.

From Power to Insurgency: The Post-2003 Era

The 2003 invasion dramatically altered the political landscape of Iraq and al-Douri's fate. Following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's government, al-Douri became one of the most high-profile Ba'athist officials to successfully evade capture. His elusiveness made him a symbol of resistance for some and a top target for the coalition forces. He gained notoriety as the "king of clubs" in the infamous deck of most-wanted Iraqi playing cards, a psychological warfare tool used by the U.S. military to identify key figures in the former regime. Despite the intense manhunt, al-Douri continued to play a leading role in the Iraqi insurgency. He became the head of the Naqshbandi Army, an armed insurgent group blending Ba'athist and Sufi Islamist ideologies, which actively engaged in hostilities against the occupation forces and, subsequently, the new government in Baghdad. His leadership of this and other elements of the insurgency underscored his enduring influence and commitment to challenging the post-invasion order.

Leadership of the Banned Ba'ath Party and Conflicting Reports of Death

Following the execution of Saddam Hussein on December 30, 2006, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was officially confirmed as the new leader of the banned Iraqi Ba'ath Party on January 3, 2007. This elevated his status further, positioning him as the nominal head of the loyalist Ba'athist movement. However, his life was repeatedly marked by rumors and conflicting reports of his demise. On April 17, 2015, news broke that al-Douri had reportedly been killed in action, along with nine bodyguards, during a large-scale military operation. This operation, involving Shiite militias and Iraqi forces, took place near the Al-Alaas oil fields in Hemreen, east of Tikrit, a region historically significant due to its ties to Saddam Hussein. The Shiite militant organization Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq claimed responsibility for his death, even alleging to have transported his apparent body to Baghdad for identity confirmation. Yet, these claims were met with skepticism and outright denial. The Iraqi Ba'ath Party vehemently denied his death, and reports from sources like the BBC highlighted the ongoing dispute. A Kurdish news source further complicated matters by reporting that Iraqi authorities did not possess al-Douri's DNA, making a definitive confirmation of his alleged 2015 death impossible. Compounding the confusion, al-Douri subsequently appeared in videos discussing events that occurred after his purported killing, casting significant doubt on the 2015 reports.

The Undisputed End: October 25, 2020

The persistent uncertainty surrounding Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri's status finally concluded with his confirmed death on October 25, 2020. This official announcement brought an end to decades of a tumultuous political career, years in hiding, and a period marked by conflicting reports of his existence and demise. His death marked the final chapter for one of the most enduring and enigmatic figures of modern Iraqi history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri

Who was Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri?

Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was a prominent Iraqi politician and Army Field Marshal who served as a key figure in Saddam Hussein's regime and later as the leader of the banned Iraqi Ba'ath Party and an insurgent group.

What was his primary role under Saddam Hussein?

He served as the Vice Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council until the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and was widely considered Saddam Hussein's closest advisor and deputy.

Why was he significant after the 2003 invasion of Iraq?

After 2003, he became the most high-profile Ba'athist official to successfully evade capture, leading elements of the Iraqi insurgency, including the Naqshbandi Army, and eventually becoming the confirmed leader of the banned Iraqi Ba'ath Party.

What was the "most-wanted Iraqi playing cards" system?

It was a deck of playing cards issued by the U.S. military during the 2003 invasion, featuring the faces of the most-wanted members of Saddam Hussein's regime to aid in their identification and capture. Al-Douri was famously represented as the "king of clubs."

Were there reports of his death before 2020?

Yes, he was reportedly killed on April 17, 2015, in a military operation. However, these claims were denied by the Iraqi Ba'ath Party, and al-Douri later appeared in videos, casting significant doubt on the 2015 reports.

When did Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri actually die?

Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri's confirmed death occurred on October 25, 2020, bringing an end to the long-standing mystery surrounding his fate.