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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080801-01
August 1, 2008

ISF detain suspected AQI financier, 7 others in Diyala province

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Iraq Security Forces detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq financier and seven others in separate operations in central Iraq July 29-30.

 The 5th Iraqi Army Division detained a suspected AQI financier in as-Sadiyah, approximately 116 km northeast of Baghdad, July 30. The suspect is believed to be an AQI financier and facilitator in the Lake Hamrin region. Reports indicate local business owners gave the suspect large sums of protection money each month to ensure their immunity from criminal attacks. The money is said to fund terrorist operations. The man is also said to be involved in attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. Three other suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.

 In another operation, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained four suspected AQI cell members in Tahwila, approximately 55 km northwest of Baghdad, July 29. One of the detainees is believed to be part of a cell responsible for coordinating the movement of weapons and people between the Diyala and Udaim River Valleys.

 These operations were conducted to reduce AQI’s influence in the Diyala area where intimidation tactics have allowed AQI to enjoy relative freedom of movement.  Reports indicate many of the AQI leaders are fleeing Diyala province as a result of recent ISF operations in the area.

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