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Iraqi Army and Marine mission nets 77 detainees |
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Monday, 05 February 2007 |
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Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070206-11
Feb. 6, 2007
Iraqi Army and Marine mission nets 77 detainees
Multi-National Force – West PAO
CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq –Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines wrapped up an intelligence driven mission which resulted in 77 detainees near Habbaniyah Friday. The mission to detain members of murder and intimidation cells was a joint operation with Iraqi Forces and Marines of Regimental Combat Team 6, supported by local Iraqis focused on ridding their towns of insurgents.
During the mission, Soldiers of the 1st Iraqi Army Division and Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment detained individuals suspected of coordinating insurgent attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. Several of the detainees were immediately identified as persons of special interest according to intelligence reports.
Local citizens informed Iraqi Security Forces of numerous individuals that had a possible connection to insurgent activity. This information ignited the Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines to plan missions to simultaneously detain possible members of anti-Iraq forces.
“This is a terrific example of Iraqi citizens wanting peaceful neighborhoods as well as a peaceful Iraq,” said Marine Maj. Charles P. Preston, battalion executive officer. “The Iraqi Soldiers performed exceptionally well during this mission and were present from the initial planning to completion. This mission clearly demonstrated an eagerness of Iraqis to provide enduring security for their fellow citizens.”
The detainees were initially taken to Camp Habbaniyah for further questioning. The evidence against 23 for the detainees was strong enough to immediately transport them to the Regimental Detention Facility in Fallujah. The remaining detainees are still being held at Habbaniyah for further questioning and final processing at this time.
During the mission, several weapons caches were found among the detainees to include sniper rifles, rocket propelled grenades and improvised explosive device-making material. The weapons were confiscated and returned to Camp Habbaniyah for disposal.
“We are very proud of the relationship with the citizens of Habbaniyah and the Iraqi Army,” said Regimental Combat Team 6 spokesperson, 1st Lt. Barry L. Edwards. “Our joint missions demonstrate the interoperability of the Iraqi Army and Marines, and remind the terrorists that their presence will not be tolerated.”
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