Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12480&Itemid=21
June 23, 2007
Release A070623a
3 suspects detained for questioning
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained three suspects during operations before dawn on Saturday in Sadr City as part of an effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq.
Saturday, Coalition Forces working with Iraqi informants conducted an operation to capture suspected terrorists with ties to Iran. The assault force detained three suspects for questioning.
Iranian surrogates are suspected of smuggling explosively formed projectiles (EFP) and other munitions to be used against Coalition Forces and civilians in order to further destabilize Iraq and fuel sectarian violence.
“Coalition Forces are determined to counter Iranian influence in Iraq, pursuing those suspected of smuggling arms and other forms of lethal aid into Iraq. Disrupting the bombing network in Baghdad remains a high priority for us, and we will continue to target the cells’ leaders and members,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12469&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070622-05
June 22, 2007
Suspected terrorists attempt to escape in ambulance
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BAQOUBA, Iraq – Coalition Forces intercepted an ambulance carrying seven suspected al-Qaida operatives attempting to circumvent security elements operating in Baqouba, June 19.
Local doctors called the Diyala Provincial Joint Coordination Center and reported five children injured near Khatoon, a neighborhood in southwest Baqouba, Iraq. The PJCC dispatched an ambulance to that location.
Later, the ambulance was seen heading north on a road northwest of New Baqouba when it bypassed the road that led to the hospital.
The ambulance was stopped by alert Soldiers from 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., who are conducting missions in the area as part of Operation Arrowhead Ripper.
Soldiers checked the ambulance and found a driver and six men, who appeared to be in their 20s and 30s, two of which were injured. There were no children in the ambulance.
CF provided medical treatment to the wounded men and detained all seven.
“Using emergency service vehicles to move fighters and equipment is a common tactic of al-Qaida in Iraq,” said Col. Steve Townsend, commander of 3rd SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. “We are controlling ambulances and other service vehicles in the city to ensure they are being used legitimately.”
ISF and Coalition Soldiers continue to use a variety of security measures to prevent al-Qaida operatives from using emergency response vehicles to move fighters, munitions or as a disguise for car bombs.
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