Members of the 1/6th Iraqi Army Scout Platoon, with Coalition Forces advisors, detained two suspected al-Qaeda leaders July 16 during an intelligence driven operation in western Baghdad. The operation was conducted simultaneously at three separate locations. At one location, Iraqi Forces subdued a suspect who attempted to engage the team with a screwdriver. Thirteen other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation were also detained.The primary suspect is believed to command three cells under the al-Qaeda Iraq banner. He allegedly distributed money, weapons, and equipment among his subordinates. The second suspect is alleged to lead at least two of those cells. He allegedly constructs vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, conducts cells meetings at his home and creates terrorist video propaganda materials.
The targeted individuals are suspected of using foreign fighters to facilitate attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, using direct fire and improvised explosive devices. They are also accused of kidnapping and extorting local Iraqi civilians who disrupt al-Qaeda Iraq efforts in the area.