MNFI Press Release - Nov 30

ALLEGED AQI CAR BOMBER DETAINED
Coalition forces struck al-Qaeda in Iraq’s (AQI) Baghdad bombing networks during an operation on Saturday night, capturing a suspected car bomb operative. Forces were lead to a residence in the Karkh neighborhood after reports suggested the wanted man was there. The suspected terrorist, who is believed to have connections to a Baghdad-area AQI car bomb cell leader, was detained by ground forces without incident.

ISF CAPTURES 8 AQI SUSPECTS IN NORTH IRAQ
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), with Coalition force advisors, captured eight suspected AQI terrorists during separate operations in northern Iraq on November 27th-28th. These operations demonstrate the commitment and capability of the Government of Iraq in their effort to reinforce the rule of law and bring stability to the region.

Third Iraqi Army elements conducted an operation on November 28th, capturing two AQI terrorists in Bulayj. One of the individuals is believed to be the Amir of a newly formed direct action cell operating in the area. The individuals are believed to be responsible for planning attacks against Coalition forces.

During an operation on November 27th, Baqubah Special Weapons and Tactics captured three suspected AQI terrorists operating within the district. These individuals are believed to facilitate AQI operatives and provide safe havens in the area. In a separate operation on November 27th, Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrested three suspected AQI cell members in East Mosul. These individuals are believed to be operating as an assassination cell and are suspected of killing local nationals and Iraqi Security Forces. Two of the individuals are allegedly responsible for facilitating the escape of insurgents from the Badush Prison in 2006.

IA SOLDIERS TAKE LEAD DURING JOINT PATROL
Iraqi Army (IA) and MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) Soldiers conducted a joint compliance neighborhood inspection patrol on November 26th in the town of Al Murtada in the Mahmudiyah Qada, south of Baghdad. IA soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division and MND-B Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 63rd Combined Arms Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, conducted the dismounted patrol visiting more than 30 houses.

The Iraqi Army uses compliance patrols to hold residents accountable for the safety and sanitation of their neighborhoods. Each household is asked to sign a form stating they will keep their walls clean of graffiti and will report any suspicious behavior to an Iraqi Army soldier. “This patrol is a great way for the Iraqi Army to make the locals take an active stance in their neighborhoods,” said 1st Lt. Cameron Mays, mortar platoon leader, Company D. “The best part about the patrol though is that the Iraqi Army was in the lead; we were purely in a supervisory role.”

The Soldiers provided security to Iraqi Army soldiers as they went door to door speaking to the residents. “The Coalition Soldiers have been great partners throughout my time with them,” said Iraqi Captain Salah, the Iraqi Army mission Commander. “It is good to be able to show them how much we’ve learned from them in their time here.”