Abu Ali and 12 other men were led to a former Iraqi army officer in civilian dress. They could hear war planes soaring overhead, and every now and then the earth shook as a bomb exploded. With almost no formalities, the commander pointed to a large earth berm about 350 metres away. “The Iraqi army is on the other side of that berm,” he said. “You will capture the berm tomorrow morning.”
Once again, Abu Ali’s reactions got the better of him. “How the hell are we going to capture that berm?” he said. “It’s 12 of us against the Iraqi army.” The officer looked surprised at this breach of Isis protocol. “Allah is with you,” he said. “You will be victorious.” A few hours later, they were given a more detailed briefing. They would attack shortly after 3am. The squad leader, another Iraqi, suggested that Abu Ali wear a suicide belt into battle. He refused outright. “Why don’t you wear it?” he said.
. Damn ribs hurt laughing
