RELEASE No. 20100307-06
March 7, 2010

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected Islamic State of Iraq cell leader in Arii village, Ninawa province, March 5.

The individual is suspected to be a member of a cell responsible for vehicular-borne improvised explosive device attacks on Iraqi citizens throughout Ninawa province.  Intelligence indicates the cell was targeting the Iraqi national elections.

An Iraqi court issued a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.

“Every criminal arrested by the Iraqi Security Forces is one less threat to the security of Iraqi citizens,” said Maj. April Olsen, a spokesperson for Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

In accordance with the Security Agreement and in coordination with the Iraqi government, Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations to target terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq.

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