MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

Press Release 009-344
Nov. 14, 2009

ISF uncover weapons caches, arrest 14 including warranted AQI terrorists

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two warranted terrorists and 12 suspects during four joint security operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq members responsible for making improvised explosive devices and coordinating IED attacks throughout the country.

In a rural area located approximately 11 km west of Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for an alleged AQI-sponsored IED cell leader.

While searching the area, ISF uncovered an assault rifle and grenades, which were safely destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal members. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, ISF arrested one suspected AQI associate. The warranted individual was not apprehended during the operation.

During a second joint security operation conducted approximately 37 km southwest of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit and U.S. advisors arrested an individual suspected of providing logistical support to the Kirkuk-based vehicle-borne IED network.

The security team searched several buildings for the warranted individual who was identified and arrested along with two additional suspects found in the building.

During a third operation conducted near Bayji, located approximately 103 km southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi Police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a warranted AQI leader suspected of acquiring explosives used for attacks against security forces in Iraq.

Iraqi Police searched multiple buildings in the area, and based on preliminary questioning, identified and arrested the warranted individual.

While searching the building where the suspect was found, the security team uncovered a significant weapons cache containing advanced IED components determined to be more sophisticated than those found during past investigations. The security team uncovered mechanisms that affix armor-piercing magnetic IEDs to vehicles making them unable to be removed unless the IEDs are detonated. The team also uncovered RKG-3 rockets, explosively formed penetrators, fully assembled IEDs, a mine and wire used to make pressure-activated IEDs.

Information provided by the warranted suspect led the security team to a second location nearby. Iraqi Police searched the area, and questioned several individuals; six were identified and arrested based on information gathered at the scene.

During the fourth operation conducted in Duwayarh, located approximately 212 km northwest of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched for a warranted AQI member suspected of transporting explosives and planning attacks in the region.

The security team searched a building and investigated the area for signs of suspicious activity. Based on evidence found at the scene, Iraqi Police identified and arrested the warranted AQI member and two alleged associates found on the premises.      

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