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Coalition Forces Round Up 397 Suspects in Iraq
Nearly 400 Iraqis suspected of criminal behavior are being detained by coalition forces in an operation designed to continue the clean-up and rebuilding of the country, Central Command said Wednesday. Operation Peninsula Strike began on Monday, when soldiers launched a number of raids in northeast Balad, Iraq, along the Tigris River to clear out Baath Party loyalists, paramilitary groups and other deviant elements.So far, Operation Peninsula Strike has resulted in the capture of 397 suspects and the seizure of numerous weapon systems and ammunition. Some of the top 55 most wanted Iraqis may be among the 397 captured, Fox News has learned. Something that Steven Den Beste commented on today. Have you noticed that after we announce that we have bagged one of these guys, they drop off the face of the earth? Somewhere, there is a whole lot of interogation going on. But the operation is not a search for a specific person; it is more of an ongoing effort to secure Iraq. The first stage is the transporting of soldiers and equipment into strike positions, intelligence gathering and coordination with local police, according to Centcom. Then, in an effort to eliminate or seize subversive elements, air assault teams, ground attack squads, raid teams, river patrol boats and local security will conduct raids. During the last 24 hours, coalition forces throughout Iraq conducted eight raids and a total of 2,595 patrols, Centcom reported. Arrests and detentions were made of 264 individuals for a myriad of criminal acts, including drug dealing, looting, curfew violations, weapons violations, theft and larceny. The voluntary weapons turn-in program that began on June 1, in which Iraqi citizens deliver weapons to collection points manned by coalition forces, has netted a total of 85 pistols, 72 semi-automatic rifles or shotguns, 363 automatic rifles, 40 machine guns, 120 anti-tank weapons, 10 anti-air weapons and 230 grenades and other explosive devices, Centcom reported. The voluntary program ends June 14. Good work, guys. Stay sharp. Posted by: Steve 2003-06-11 |
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