OIF Summary, Jan. 19, 2009: Forces in Iraq Target, Arrest Terrorists

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested more than 20 suspects during multiple combined security operations today targeting suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members around Baghdad and Mosul.

In northeastern Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested seven men during an operation targeting a wanted terrorism suspect. With U.S. troops advising, the Iraqi soldiers searched two homes for the suspect, who is believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and bomb attacks against security forces in Baghdad.

In one of the buildings, the team discovered a large bundle of electrical wiring, several handguns, ammunition and blasting caps hidden in a compartment. Preliminary questioning and evidence led to the arrest of seven suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual. One of the suspects was arrested after attempting to run away.

In southeastern Baghdad, Iraq forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for a suspected member of a terrorist cell that conducts kidnappings and attacks against security forces in Iraq. Preliminary questioning and evidence collected led forces to arrest two suspected criminal associates of the warranted terrorist member.

During a separate operation northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for three terrorists wanted on warrants. The security team found two handguns and a silencer in one of the buildings. Evidence collected at the scene resulted in the arrest of nine suspected criminal associates of the wanted individuals.

In an operation northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police with U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected terrorist believed to be responsible for car bomb attacks throughout the area. Iraqi police arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted terrorist.

Also today, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected explosive cell leader in northern Mosul believed to be responsible for attacks throughout the region. After preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, forces arrested three suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual without incident.

In other recent operations:

• Iraqi security forces arrested three suspected terrorists Jan. 17 during an operation in northeastern Mosul targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of being heavily involved in an extortion network.

• Iraqi soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader and three suspected accomplices Jan. 17 in northeastern Baghdad. The man is suspected to have close ties to senior leaders of a terrorist group. During the search of the suspect's home, the team discovered an assault rifle and two handguns.

• Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected terrorist member believed to be involved in planning car bomb attacks in the Mosul and Beiji areas. Troops arrested two associates of the targeted man following questioning and the discovery of weapons on the premises.

• Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected terrorist cell member south of Mosul on Jan. 16. The team discovered an assault rifle and propaganda material in a hidden compartment in the home. Evidence led troops to identify and arrest the wanted individual and two suspected criminal accomplices.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)