MNFI Press Release - Nov 6

ISF ARREST 5 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) captured five suspected criminals in separate operations throughout central Iraq on November 4th and 5th. On November 5th in Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade Assault Force arrested a suspected criminal for planning and coordinating multiple attacks against Coalition forces. The individual is also believed to be responsible for planning a rocket attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warhorse in June. In a separate operation, Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, arrested two suspected criminals in Hashimiyah. One of the individuals is believed to be a criminal company commander while the other is suspected of financing criminal operations. Also in Baghdad, Iraqi Special Operations Forces captured an alleged criminal with ties to kidnapping and extra-judicial killings in Karkh. He is also suspected of targeting Coalition and Iraqi forces with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). On November 4th, an Amarah SWAT team arrested a suspected criminal responsible for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.

VBIED FOUND, DESTROYED BY IP
Iraqi Police (IP) discovered an unexploded vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in eastern Mosul, during the early morning hours of November 6th. The two IPs who discovered the VBIED, removed and reduced the explosives. “The Iraqi Security Forces have consistently displayed the type of discipline, efficiency and commitment that allows them to protect their citizens from dangerous threats like VBIEDs,” said Major Gary Dangerfield, Multi-National Division-North spokesperson.

WEAPONS CACHES FOUND
Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division discovered four weapons caches in the vicinity of Hawijah in Kirkuk Province on November 4th, during a route clearance mission. The caches yielded rocket propelled launchers, more than 200 mortar rounds, artillery and rocket rounds of different calibers, and materials for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The route clearance team along with explosive experts reduced, through explosion, much of the cache finds at the site of discovery and transferred the rest of the materials to Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk City, for further assessment. “This find will significantly reduce the amount of munitions in the hands of the insurgents that still reside in the Hawijah area,” said Lt. Colonel Kenneth Casey, commander of 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment.

AQI NETWORKS TARGETED, 9 DETAINED
Coalition forces determined to destroy al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) networks in Mosul conducted multiple operations in the city on Thursday, capturing nine individuals with alleged ties to the group’s senior leader, weapons and communications networks. Three coordinated operations targeting the city’s terrorist networks resulted in the detention of two suspects. Mosul AQI leadership networks were dealt another blow when four men were detained during an operation targeting an AQI operative with links to the city’s terrorist leaders. Coalition forces also targeted an alleged weapons smuggler for northern AQI networks in Mosul Thursday. Three men assessed to be associates of the suspected terrorist were detained by forces without incident.

ISOF, CF KILL AQI CELL LEADER
Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) and Coalition Forces (CF) killed an AQI cell leader and captured two suspected AQI terrorists during an operation in East Mosul on November 4th. The individual was a cell leader in the village of Muhallabiyah responsible for the kidnappings and killing of wealthy local nationals. His cell is also responsible for the recent kidnapping and murder of the local mayor’s family in June. This operation was directed toward thwarting criminal activities as the Government of Iraq demonstrates a determination to bring those operating outside the law to justice.

ISF CAPTURES 6 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) captured six suspected criminals in separate operations throughout central Iraq on November 2nd-4th. On November 4th in Baghdad, elements from the 31st Iraqi Army arrested a suspected criminal company commander on a local warrant. The individual’s cell is allegedly responsible for conducting assassinations against Coalition and Iraqi forces in Kifl. In a separate operation on November 3rd, Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, arrested a suspected criminal leader. The individual is allegedly responsible for conducting IED attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. During the operation, one other suspected criminal was detained. On November 2nd, elements from the 6th Iraqi Army captured three suspected criminals in Huriya, a western neighborhood of Baghdad. These three individuals are believed to be responsible for IED attacks on Coalition forces and extra-judicial killings against the local populace.

“This series of operations is directed toward thwarting criminal activities as the GoI demonstrates a determination to bring those operating outside the law to justice,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, Multi-National Corps-Iraq spokesperson.