U.S., Iraqi Forces Detain Senior Terrorist Suspect

American Forces Press Service

June 12, 2009 - U.S. and Iraqi forces captured an alleged insurgent leader and found three weapon stockpiles in recent operations in Iraq, military officials reported. The suspect was arrested by Iraqi police June 10 in Kirkuk. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Iraqi government for allegedly purchasing weapons and bombs to fight coalition forces. The man is believed to be responsible for at least 10 murders in the area, officials said.

The weapons caches were discovered by U.S. soldiers and Iraqi troops June 9 in Taji, just north of Baghdad. The joint force found 44 mortars, 16 grenades, seven rocket-propelled grenades, four pounds of explosives, three rifles, two rockets and suicide belts. Most of the weapons were destroyed in place, but some were saved for use by the Iraq troops, officials said.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)