Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division captured a known key al-Qaeda in Iraq financier in Nineveh province, and his associate, Sept. 3, during an operation in Mosul.
Both men were positively identified as al-Qaeda in Iraq members by the 2-2-2 IA and one admitted to the arresting Soldiers that he is a key AQI financier and negotiates with families for the release of victims kidnapped by AQI for extortion.
Found in the suspects’ vehicle were funds totaling over 250 million Iraqi Dinar (in excess of $200,000 USD), as well as multiple IDs and correspondence. “The capture of these men by the Iraqi Army, and loss of the financing they provided, will be felt by all those who profit from kidnapping and crimes against the people of Nineveh province,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Stewart, executive officer, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our brothers in the Iraqi Security Forces have struck a blow directly against the terrorists and criminals who threaten Iraqi citizens and the rule of law.” |