TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) - American soldiers arrested one current and two former members of the U.S.-trained Iraqi Civil Defense Corps soldiers in an operation targeting anti-coalition forces in Saddam Hussein's hometown. The troops detained the former soldiers at a house in downtown Tikrit late Monday night on suspicion of stealing and selling weapons of the U.S.-trained force. The men are also suspected of bombing the homes of Iraqis who collaborate with American forces in Tikrit, said Lt. Col. Steve Russell, a battalion commander.
Acting on information from the detained men, the troops from the Army's 4th Infantry Division arrested the current member of the Iraqi force early Tuesday on suspicion of planning attacks against coalition forces. The Iraqi soldier was on duty at the time of his arrest. In the raid on the house, U.S. soldiers confiscated parts of Iraqi government-issued AK-47 assault weapons along with Defense Corps uniforms and other equipment.
| "Mahmoud, take these aspirins. You're not going to feel so good shortly." |
American authorities are concerned about anti-coalition forces infiltrating the U.S.-trained Defense Corps but do not believe a large number have done so, Russell said. All three men are being held by U.S. authorities for further questioning.
| Going to have to sweep out the trash every so often. |
|