RELEASE NUMBER: 080902-01
DATE POSTED: SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
Iraqi Special Operations Forces captured three suspected criminals in separate Baghdad operations
BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Sept. 2, 2008) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces captured three suspected criminals in separate operations in Baghdad Aug. 29-30.
On Aug. 30, ISOF captured a suspected criminal said to be the leader of a cell operating out of Haydariyah. The suspect allegedly conducts attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the region and is believed to be collecting and storing improvised explosive devices and other weapons for future criminal operations.
In another operation Aug. 29, ISOF captured two suspected criminals. One of the suspects is said to be a mid-level criminal leader and finance officer who has ties to Iran’s al-Quds Criminal Elements. He is said to fund his cell’s IED attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces as well as local civilians. He is also suspected of facilitating a deadly attack against an Iraqi Police officer earlier in the day and tested positive for explosive residue. The other suspected criminal is said to be the leader of a weapons smuggling cell in the Baghdad area.
ISOF conducted these operations to thwart criminal activities as the Government of Iraq demonstrates a determination to bring those operating outside the law to justice.
In other Operation Iraqi Freedom news:
Iraqi Security Forces apprehend criminal, disrupt weapons supplies in separate operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces apprehended a criminal and seized weapons caches during separate operations in central Iraq Aug. 25-30.
In an operation in Numaniyah, approximately 111 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, Numaniyah Iraqi Police uncovered a weapons cache Aug. 30. The cache consisted of over a thousand various types of foreign-made high explosive projectiles.
On Aug. 28 in an operation approximately 170 kilometers south of Baghdad near ad Diwaniyah, the 8th Iraqi Army captured a suspected criminal weapons broker.
In al Hayy, al Kut Special Weapons and Tactics uncovered a weapons cache during an operation Aug. 25 to disrupt the availability of weapons on the black market. The cache contained approximately 30 mortars, several hundred rounds of assorted ammunition and over 20 assault rifles.
This series of operations is directed toward thwarting criminal activities as the Government of Iraq demonstrates a determination to bring those operating outside the law to justice.--usasoc--