Troops in Iraq Release Detainees, Apprehend Suspects

American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Iraqi and U.S. forces monitored the release of dozens of detainees and apprehended nine suspects during recent operations in Iraq, military officials said. During an operation yesterday, Marines from Multinational Force West in Ramadi oversaw the release of 32 detainees from U.S. custody.

The Marines followed a detailed release process to ensure the security of the people of Anbar, and the safety of the detainees, were not in jeopardy following the release, military officials said.

In accordance with a security agreement between Washington and Baghdad, U.S. and Iraqi authorities coordinate to ensure the safe and orderly release of detainees held in U.S. custody or the transfer of detainees who are wanted pursuant to a valid warrant.

During Aug. 14 operations in Iraq:

-- An element of the Iraqi special operations forces, along with U.S. advisors, arrested four suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission in Baghdad. The soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh. The suspects are believed to be affiliated with al-Qaida in Iraq and responsible for conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi security forces.

-- The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists in Diyala province. The suspects were arrested with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Al-Karkh for suspicion of attacks against Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces, and kidnapping and murdering local civilians in Diyala.

-- Iraq's Emergency Response Brigade's 3rd Battalion, along with U.S. advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists under warrant during an intelligence-driven mission in Babil province. The suspects are allegedly affiliated with a terrorist group in Iraq, and are accused of providing weapons to insurgent groups operating against Iraqi security forces.

-- Iraqi troops arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader in Ramadi. The suspect, arrested under the authority of a warrant issued by a Ramadi judge, is an alleged financier and cell leader known for car bomb attacks and other terrorist activities in Anbar province.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)