Press Release 20100210-02
Feb. 10, 2010

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested 14-suspected terrorists during four joint security operations conducted in Baghdad and northern Iraq Tuesday and today in order to degrade operations of the al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) terrorist network.

In northwest Baghdad Tuesday, ISF and U.S. advisors arrested a warranted terrorist-cell leader believed to be closely associated with senior AQI members in Baghdad. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for planning improvised-explosive device attacks in an attempt to destabilize Iraqi security efforts and disrupt the national election process.

Iraqi Security Forces arrested the warranted terrorist-cell leader and a suspected criminal associate based on preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene.

During a second security operation carried out in southwest Baghdad today, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several residential buildings for a suspected terrorist-cell member who builds and employs IEDs in coordination with AQI, targeting security forces in Iraq. The suspect is also wanted for hiding illegal weapons used by AQI terrorists for attack operations.  

An IED arming device and forged official documents were found on scene.

Based on evidence and information gathered during the operation, ISF arrested the warranted suspect and nine suspected criminal associates.  

During a third security operation conducted today in Al Muqdadiyah, located approximately 88 km northeast of Baghdad, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected member of an AQI-attack cell that employs IEDs and suicide-bombers against ISF and local nationals.

Evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi Police to arrest a suspected criminal associate of the warranted individual.

During a fourth security operation conducted near the town of Sulayman Bak, located approximately 81 km southeast of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI-cell leader. Iraqi Police arrested a suspected criminal associate of the warranted individual.

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