MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Press Release A091204x-02

December 4, 2009

3 arrested, 1 killed in search of AQI leader near Mosul – Possible foreign-fighter hideout discovered

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested three individuals today during a joint security operation targeting a suspected Mosul al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leader, conducted in a rural area located southeast of Mosul.

In addition, the joint security team discovered a possible foreign fighter hideout, near which a firefight with a suspected foreign fighter resulted in the death of the enemy combatant.

Security team intelligence led ISF and U.S. advisors to a building in a rural area where a suspected Mosul AQI leader was known to frequent. The AQI suspect is believed to supply his terrorist group with vehicles and weapons used to carry out deadly attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.

As the security team approached the premises, four individuals ran from the building towards a nearby river. The individuals failed to respond to verbal commands to halt and the security team pursued. One suspect surrendered and was arrested without incident, while the others engaged the security team with grenades and small arms fire from an AK-47 rifle. The security team returned fire, killing the enemy combatant.

The other two individuals who fled the premises were not apprehended.

Following this incident, the security team continued with the search of the building and several buildings immediately around it. The security team found suspicious items such as military manuals, communications equipment and AQI propaganda within the premises.

Based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered at the scene, ISF arrested two additional individuals suspected of criminal activity.

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