Troops Discover Weapons Cache in Iraq, Detain Six

American Forces Press Service

May 18, 2009 - Iraqi and coalition forces found a weapons cache and detained six suspects in operations in Iraq the week of May 11. On May 16, U.S. soldiers and Ameriyah police officers found the weapons stockpile in northern Baghdad's Muhalla district.

The cache, containing mines, small rockets, an 82 mm mortar tube, rusted rocket-propelled-grenade rounds, warheads and rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, was safely secured by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

In Baqouba on May 12, Iraqi emergency response forces worked with coalition forces advisors to arrest two suspected criminals with warrants issued by the major crimes court of Iraq's Diyala province. Within an hour, the suspects were located and arrested. An Iraqi civilian helped to identify the suspects. The suspects were wanted for kidnappings, placing roadside bombs and conducting small-arms fire attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the Bani Zaid area.

On May 11, also in Diyala province, Iraqi special operations forces, working with coalition forces advisors, arrested four suspected terrorist-cell members under warrants issued by the Central Investigative Court of Iraq. The suspects are believed to be responsible for multiple murders and sectarian attacks in and around Qubbah. Most recently, the cell is thought to be responsible for small-arms attacks against Iraqi government and security forces officials, as well as bombing religious and educational institutions.

With the help of an Iraqi civilian who identified the targets, the 8th Regional Commando Battalion detained the men in their homes.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)