Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071018-01
October 18, 2007

Iraqi and Coalition Forces detain Provincial Official with terrorist ties

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Forces detained a Provincial Council member who is suspected of facilitating terrorist attacks during an intelligence-driven operation in Ad Diwaniyah Oct. 17. 

The alleged terrorist, who has an active warrant for his arrest, is believed to routinely use his government position in order to support criminal terrorists in the local area. 

The detainee is also believed to meet regularly with terrorist leaders and has been helping them obtain weapons and financial support to conduct vicious attacks against innocent civilians and Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  He has allegedly used his influence as a government official to release militants from jail and has additionally helped these terrorists obtain jobs in the Iraqi Police and Facilities Protection Service. 

“We continue to support the Government of Iraq in welcoming the commitment by Muqtada al-Sadr to stop attacks and we will continue to show restraint in dealing with those who honor his pledge.  We will not show the same restraint against those criminals who dishonor this pledge by attacking security forces and the Iraqi citizens, “said Maj. Anton Alston, MNF-I spokesman.  Coalition forces will take the necessary action against these criminals to protect the Iraqi people against future terrorist acts.

There was no damage to Iraqi government property and no Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during the operation.  Coalition Forces served as advisers during the operation.

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