Friday, October 27, 2006

Iraqi Forces Disrupt Kidnapping Cell, Raid Illegal Armed Group

Iraqi police forces captured members of a murder and kidnapping cell and the leadership of an illegal armed group in separate operations yesterday, U.S. military officials reported. Special Iraqi police forces conducted an early-morning raid yesterday in the Hillah area to capture members of a murder and kidnapping cell wanted by the Ministry of the Interior. Iraqi forces, with coalition advisors, arrived at the objective and gained entry to several locations where 11 suspected members of the cell were found and detained.

The cell was targeted for its attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces with improvised explosive devices and mortars and their numerous criminal activities, including extortion, kidnapping, car theft and the murder of Iraqi civilians.

Elsewhere, Iraqi
army forces conducted an early-morning raid yesterday in Khalis in eastern Diyala province to capture the leadership of an illegal armed group responsible for attacks against Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces, with coalition advisors, arrived at the objective and gained entry where they were met with small-arms fire from a member of the illegal armed group. Iraqi forces returned fire and killed the group member. Members of the group were being sought for their connection to IED attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces that have left several soldiers dead.

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