Press Release 20100217-01
Feb. 17, 2010

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) illegal weapons dealer and two suspected AQI terrorists during a series of joint security operations conducted in Baghdad today.  

Iraqi and U.S. intelligence led ISF and U.S. advisors to a residential building in western Baghdad in search of an AQI terrorist wanted for building and distributing silencers for pistols used to conduct robberies and assassinations.  Based on incriminating evidence and information gathered during the operation, ISF arrested the suspected AQI weapons dealer.

AQI terrorists use weapons equipped with silencers while robbing financial institutions, businesses and private citizens to acquire funds for attack operations. In addition to robberies, AQI has recently claimed responsibility for assassinating Iraqi officials, security forces and civilians in attempt to disrupt the national election process. Members of AQI also admit to conducting robberies and claim to use stolen funds to purchase illegal weapons, explosive material and IED components.

During a separate security operation conducted in southwestern Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for a suspected AQI leader believed to be responsible for planning and coordinating robberies of financial institutions and private businesses in Baghdad. The individual is also allegedly involved in vehicle bomb attacks, and is connected to AQI members responsible for building improvised-explosive devices.  

The security team discovered circuitry used to make IEDs within the building.

Information obtained during a preliminary investigation led ISF to arrest an individual allegedly linked to the leader of the AQI robbery cell and one other suspected AQI associate.

The joint security operations conducted in Baghdad today are part of a pre-election security plan to disrupt terrorist networks attempting to derail elections and destabilize Iraq. These security operations were coordinated and approved by the government of Iraq, which will continue to deploy security forces in pursuit of terrorists and prosecute those who threaten national security.  US forces support and advise the ISF upon request by the government of Iraq under the Security Agreement between Iraq and the U.S.

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