Good News From The War On Terror 3/26
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 15 in separate operations
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 15 suspects during operations March 24 and 25.
In Baghdad, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected criminal cell leader reported to be responsible for improvised explosive device cell members who have attacked Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the Baghdad area. Three additional suspected cell members were also detained.
In Samarra, Iraqi National Police detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq military commander, who is reported to lead 25 fighters in the greater Samarra area. He is also believed to have been involved in organizing small arms fire, IED and vehicle-borne explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. Ten additional suspects are being held for further questioning.
ISF, local citizens join forces to capture senior AQI leader in Ta’ Mim province
KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi security forces collaborated with local Iraqi citizens to capture a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader March 24.
The senior leader and five other suspected terrorists were stopped while traveling on a road southwest of Kirkuk. This capture follows the capture of al-Qaeda’s “top emir” in Kirkuk March 20.
The suspected terrorists are believed to have conducted numerous acts of intimidation against innocent Iraqi citizens. The senior leader is believed to be linked to militant operations in the Ta’ Mim province. These acts have resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians as well as disrupting efforts to improve the lives of the citizens of Kirkuk.
Two weapons caches found in Shaka 3 area
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Sons of Iraq members and an informant provided information to Coalition force Soldiers that led to two weapons caches March 24 and 25 in the Shaka 3 region of Iraq.
SOI members led Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division to the first cache March 24. The cache consisted of 38 rifle grenades, 64 OG-15P grenades, 27 OG-9 rockets, 21 PG-9 rockets, two OG-7 rockets and one anti-tank mine.
The second cache was discovered the following day based on a tip from an informant. The cache contained 400 DSHKA rounds.
ISOF, advised by U.S. SF, detains 8 suspected insurgents in separate operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained eight suspects March 25 and 26 in separate operations.
In Baghdad, ISOF detained one suspected al Qaeda member who helped create a suicide network associated with attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the Baghdad area. The suspect also recently formed a criminal group to conduct attacks against Coalition forces in Tahrir, southeast of Baghdad.
Two additional suspects were detained in the operation and are being held for further questioning.
In Basra, ISOF detained a suspected criminal who is reported to be an illegal weapons dealer in the area. The suspect is believed to be smuggling and selling massive amounts of weapons to Special Groups and criminal elements that attack Iraqi and Coalition forces. ISOF conducted the operation in support of Government of Iraq efforts to stabilize Basra. Four other suspects were detained and are being held for questioning.
