Army Gen. John Abizaid, US Central Command commander, says there are three weapons moving into Iraq that give him cause for concern. Speaking with defense reporters in Washington Tuesday, the commander said he is seeing brand new Chinese-manufactured rockets that “I believe came over from Iran.” Another weapon moving into Iraq is the RPG-29 anti-tank grenade launcher, a shoulder-fired, dual-head warhead that is “very effective against most armored vehicles,” said Abizaid. He first saw this weapon in Lebanon which “to me indicates—No. 1—an Iranian connection.” Abizaid also noted the arrival of what he termed an EFP, or explosively formed penetrator, which is a form of improvised explosive device manufactured in Iran. “I think the EFP’s probably are coming across with the help of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard,” remarked Abizaid.
Top lawmakers on Capitol Hill announced Dec. 2 that they have reached a deal to extend the continuing resolution funding the government into February. Now, the House and Senate will have to scramble to pass the legislation by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 3 to avoid a temporary shutdown.