Iraqi Army conducts operations, captures suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi Army, with Coalition advisers, captured six suspected terrorists and detained 18 suspects during a series of operations in the Baghdad area Thursday and Friday.

The 5th Iraqi Army Division captured two suspected leaders of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell and detained one other suspect Thursday east of Baqubah. The cell leaders are allegedly responsible for multiple bombing and small arms attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the area.

The alleged al Qaeda in Iraq leaders have conducted several improvised explosive device attacks against the Iraqi Security Force and bombing attacks on the homes and stores of Iraqi civilians. They are suspected of being involved in an IED attack on the Mandali courthouse as well. The cell leaders are also implicated in an assassination attempt against a senior Iraqi Police officer.

The 5th Iraqi Army division also detained 13 suspects Friday near Muqdadiyah. The operation targeted an illegal armed group cell suspected of kidnapping, murder and other sectarian attacks against Iraqi civilians

The units caused minimal damage during their search for individuals allegedly involved in attacks and sectarian violence

Special Iraqi Police Forces captured four suspected terrorist cell members and detained three other suspects during operations Thursday in Jabella, south of Baghdad. The terrorists are allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and the Coalition Force.

There were outstanding Ministry of Interior arrest warrants for the captured suspects, and there was minimal damage done to the objective.

The Special Iraqi Army Force conducted operations Friday in Sadr City to capture the suspected leader of an illegal armed group.

The suspect is wanted for planning and conducting violent criminal activity which is responsible for the injury and death of Iraqi civilians.

The suspect also allegedly facilitates punishment committees engaged in illegal trials where Iraqi civilians are kidnapped, tried and sentenced without any legitimate governmental authority.

The Iraqi Force received small-arms fire from hostile elements at multiple locations during the operation. The Iraqi Force responded to the immediate threat with aimed, controlled fire at identified targets. During the search for the suspect, a vehicle approached the Iraqi Force at high-speed. Ignoring warnings to stop and displaying hostile intent by continuing to approach at high-speed, the Iraqi Force fired on and disabled the vehicle as a force protection measure. The Iraqi Force wounded three hostiles during the operation, including the driver of the vehicle.

There were no Iraqi Force or Coalition Force casualties in any of the operations.

CUTLINE: An Iraqi Soldier from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division provides security during a massive cordon and search operation conducted in a neighborhood in Baqubah, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig

MNF-Iraq

U.S. Army unit rescues kidnapped Iraqis from insurgents
Thursday, 28 December 2006
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061228-17

U.S. Army unit rescues kidnapped Iraqis from insurgents Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq – U.S. forces rescued two Iraqis who were held captive by insurgents in the Euphrates River-city of Hit, Iraq, Wednesday.

Soldiers from the Friedburg, Germany-based 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division rescued the kidnapping victims after pursuing insurgents who were fleeing in three vehicles containing the captives.

In their escape, the insurgents fled on foot, abandoning their vehicles and victims.

The soldiers found the victims under a palm tree, handcuffed near the abandoned vehicles.

No one was killed or injured during the incident.

“This demonstrates Coalition forces’ ability to quickly respond,” said Col. W. Blake Crowe, commanding officer for the Twentynine Palms, Calif.-based Regimental Combat Team 7.

RCT-7 is the Coalition forces unit responsible for training Iraqi security forces and providing security in communities throughout more than 30,000 square miles in western Al Anbar Province.

A search of the vehicles revealed multiple weapons and munitions as follows:
• (7) RPGs
• (5) Hand Grenades
• (6) AK-47 Magazines
• (1) Draganov sniper rifle with magazine
• (1) 57 mm. Projectile
• (3) Mortar propellant

Further investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims were relatives of Iraqi policemen in nearby cities.

Marines here say the insurgents view the developing Iraqi police forces throughout western Al Anbar as their greatest threat.

“They (insurgents) know that well-led, well-trained and well-equipped Iraqi police will defeat the insurgency”, said Crowe.

Since RCT-7 assumed responsibility of the region in February, more than 2,800 Iraqi men have joined the ranks of police forces and are working in cities throughout western Al Anbar.

1-36 is responsible for training Iraqi security forces and providing security in Hit, in support of “Operation Al Majid.” Majid is an on-going, synchronized Coalition and Iraqi security forces “clearing and holding” operation intended to disrupt and defeat insurgent activity throughout more than 30,000 square miles in western Al Anbar Province. The operation began late last month.

The battalion deployed to Iraq in February.

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTINATIONAL FORCE – WEST, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER BY E-MAIL AT mnfwcepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil

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