Iraqis Round Up 11 Terrorism Suspects

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 17, 2009 - Iraqi security forces arrested 11 terrorism suspects in operations over the last two days, military officials reported. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings throughout Baghdad today during a series of operations to search for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader believed responsible for multiple vehicle-borne bomb attacks in the region.

Credible intelligence led the security team to several locations across Baghdad in pursuit of the suspected cell leader.

When a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed approached a restricted area established by the security team in the city's Mansour district, the team attempted to stop the driver using hand signals and verbal warnings. The driver halted briefly before accelerating toward the security team. Security forces then used several nonlethal methods to deter the driver from advancing, but he did not respond and continued toward the restricted area, threatening the safety of the security team and civilians in the area.

Reacting to the apparent threat, a member of the security team fired a single gunshot to disable the vehicle and protect those nearby. The shot stopped the vehicle and wounded the driver in the hand and leg. The wounded driver received immediate medical attention at the scene and was taken to a U.S. medical facility, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Iraqi forces completed the series of operations and arrested eight suspects based on questioning and evidence found at the scene.

In Kirkuk today, an Iraqi emergency services unit and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for an alleged member of an al-Qaida in Iraq proxy organization believed to be building vehicle-borne bombs.

After a preliminary investigation and questioning of those found on the premises, the security team arrested a man allegedly linked to members of the proxy group.

In southern Baghdad yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi federal police detained two men wanted on arrest warrants.

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