Forces Capture Suspected Senior Terrorist, Others in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

July 2, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, detained an alleged senior leader of a terrorist group along with other suspected terrorists June 29 and 30 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported.

In June 30 operations:

-- The Emergency Response Brigade and coalition advisors arrested a suspected senior leader in Taji, north of Baghdad. The leader is believed to be responsible for organizing sophisticated operations against coalition forces in the area.

-- In Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an Iraqi-led operation. The man is believed to be a member of a group responsible for murder and roadside-bomb attacks.

-- In Ninevah province, a Mosul special weapons and tactics team, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspect believed to be a weapons instructor for a terrorist group operating in the province. He also is suspected of detonating roadside bombs against coalition forces and conducting other attacks against Iraqi security forces.

In June 29 operations:

-- The 4th Emergency Response Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested five suspected terrorists in Salahuddin province. One of the arrested men is suspected of leading a terrorist cell, and the other four are suspected of terrorism. The cell is responsible for making magnetic bombs for use against Iraqi civilians and security forces.

-- The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Diyala province. The suspect is believed to be a member of a violent terrorist cell operating in the Balad Ruz area. The cell is responsible for murder and emplacing roadside bombs against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the province.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)