MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

http://www.mnf-iraq.com

Press Release A090804-02

August 4, 2009

Iraqi Army, Police and Coalition advisors arrest 10 Ansar Islam operatives

BAGHDAD – Mosul Special Weapons and Tactics and Iraqi Army soldiers, with Coalition advisors, conducted a series of raids on July 24 that targeted and successfully captured key leaders and operatives of Ansar al Islam in Mosul.

Fakri Hadi Gari, also known as Abu ‘Abbas and Mullah Halgurd, assessed to be the deputy commander for Ansar al Islam was arrested during this raid.  He is believed to be responsible for AAI recruitment and financing efforts and the operational director for AAI attacks.  He is also believed to have facilitated the movement of terrorists across the borders of Iraq.

In addition to Mullah Halgurd, the AAI financial emir and a driver/counter for AAI leadership were captured.  The force arrested 10 suspected terrorists in total, pursuant to warrants issued by an Iraqi directorate in Irbil.

This operation is the result of a long-term investigation by the Iraqi Army and police forces.  Iraqi security forces and coalition advisors will continue to work closely together to ensure terrorists who threaten the security of Iraq are prosecuted under the Iraqi justice system.

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