Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted multiple cordon and search operations detaining 16 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq insurgents Aug. 11 in the village of Subayat Hamash, near Sinjar.Four of the detainees are suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leaders wanted by the Iraqi Army for improvised explosive device and mortar attacks, facilitation of al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist attacks against civilians, and hijacking food shipments. Their actions have resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent Iraqis in the Sinjar area. Six vehicles, including four passenger cars, a pick-up truck and a dump truck, were seized during the operation.
This operation was conducted in order to provide security to the people of Subayat Hamash, while simultaneously limiting al-Qaeda in Iraq the ability to operate. The expanded purpose was the continued degradation of insurgency support activities in an effort to weaken threats against the Government of Iraq. No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.