Iraqi SWAT Unit Targets Bomb-Making Cells Near Nasiriyah

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 30, 2007 - Iraqi special weapons and tactics police targeted two known insurgent bomb makers during raids near Nasiriyah today, officials said. Nasiriyah's police are working to disrupt several extremist networks operating near the municipality. These networks are responsible for multiple roadside-bomb and explosively formed projectile attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces. One individual is reported to be an extremist company commander and a primary facilitator for a bomb network.

The second targeted individual reportedly is a key bomb builder in the area. He is believed to be involved in at least eight attacks between April and November.

Also today, a coalition official reported that plans are moving ahead to build a temporary bridge to replace the Qayyarah Bridge, which was damaged by a Nov. 23 terrorist bomb attack. Specific plans for construction of the temporary bridge are being worked on by the provincial government as a high priority, said Army Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team.

In yesterday's news, Iraqi and coalition forces found a vehicle-mounted bomb near the office of Council of Representatives member Adnan al Dulaimi. More than 40 suspected criminals were detained during the operation.

In Nov. 28 operations:

-- Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team recovered the fourth weapons cache in a week during an operation in eastern Baghdad. Acting on a tip from an Iraqi resident, soldiers of 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, found five 120 mm mortar rounds, 34 82 mm mortar rounds, eight 60 mm mortar rounds, six rocket-propelled-grenade rounds, one 60 mm mortar base plate, 150 rounds of small-arms ammunition, and four improvised-explosive-device triggers.

-- Multi-National Division Baghdad forces arrested two alleged criminal extremist leaders and another suspect during a cordon-and-search operation in West Rashid. "Black Lions" from Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, captured the suspects during an early morning operation. The two alleged insurgents, along with a third suspect, are being held for further questioning.

In Nov. 27 operations, Iraqi army troops captured two suspected insurgents and recovered $900 million in counterfeit Iraqi dinars during an operation in eastern Baghdad. A printing press and four computers also were seized. The suspects are being held for questioning.

Also on Nov. 27, coalition troops and Iraqi citizens captured seven suspected terrorists during operations across Baghdad. Two suspects were arrested by Iraqi security volunteers in the Doura neighborhood. Later, U.S. troops detained five more suspects during raids at two houses located in Baghdad's western Rashid sector.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)