High level terrorist captured in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, 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.