Press Release 20100303-03
March 3, 2010

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged attack-group leader, believed to be assisting the al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) terrorist group in planning and carrying out pre-election attacks.

The arrests occurred during four joint security operations conducted in central and northern Iraq today.  

AQI leaders have publicly announced their intentions to stage pre-election attacks against civilians and security forces in an attempt to dissuade voters from participating in national elections.

In southwestern Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for a suspected AQI leader whose group is believed to be responsible for conducting high-profile attacks and robberies in Baghdad. Intelligence indicates AQI is increasingly dependent on criminal activity to fund its attacks in the region.

The security team found materials used to make improvised-explosive devices inside the building.  Following preliminary questioning and an examination of evidence at the scene, ISF identified and arrested the wanted AQI leader.

During a second security operation conducted in western Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected member of an AQI cell believed to be responsible for planning and executing deadly improvised-explosive device attacks and assassinations throughout the region. According to intelligence reports, the suspect is known to hide materials used to construct explosives with the intent to build, transport and place bombs prior to national elections.

Within one of the searched buildings, the security team discovered multiple triggering devices for explosives.

Information and evidence gathered during the security operation led ISF to identify and arrest the wanted AQI member and two suspected criminal associates.

During a third security operation conducted in Hafriyah, located approximately 89 km southeast of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. advisors searched several residential buildings for a suspected terrorist-group leader who assists other terrorist groups, like AQI, to plan and conduct pre-election attacks.

After conducting preliminary questioning and examining the evidence at the scene, Iraqi Police arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual.

During a fourth security operation conducted in a rural area located approximately 102 km northeast of Baghdad, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. advisors searched two residential buildings for a suspected AQI member who assists the terrorist group’s leadership in communicating instructions and messages between the Diyala Province and Baghdad.

Evidence and information collected during the operation led Iraqi Police to arrest two criminal associates of the warranted individual.

All operations were conducted in accordance with the Security Agreement and in coordination with the Iraqi government.

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