Iraqis Arrest 9 Terrorism Suspects

American Forces Press Service

March 16, 2010 - Iraqi security forces arrested nine terrorism suspects during two combined operations yesterday in northern Iraq. Both security operations were conducted pursuant to warrants issued by Iraqi judges, officials said.

In western Mosul, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors captured a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader believed to have played a key role in acquiring vehicles and weapons used to carry out assassinations. Six of his associates also were arrested.

In southern Kirkuk, an Iraqi emergency services unit and U.S. advisors captured a suspected mid-level al-Qaida in Iraq leader for Kirkuk and Diyala provinces. He is believed to be an expert bomb maker responsible for multiple attacks and kidnappings in the region. An associate also was arrested.

(From a U.S. Forces Iraq news release.)