Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terror cell leader, a suspected criminal weapons supplier and two suspected terrorists in separate operations Jan. 4 and 5.Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader near the city of Balad Jan 5. The suspect is believed to lead a cell that is responsible for numerous mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces stationed at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.
The operation was the latest in a series of operations over the last 40 days, targeting extremists and extremist cells that are responsible for indirect fire and improvised explosive device attacks against LSA Anaconda. In all, 17 extremists have been detained and two have been killed during the operations, resulting in a decrease of indirect fire attacks against LSA Anaconda.
In Diwaniyah, Iraqi Forces detained a suspect believed to have been transporting weapons and providing financing to extremists operating in the region.
In Keshkul Kabir, near As SaÂ’ Diyah, Iraqi Forces detained two suspected extremists and six other persons of interest. The operation targeted an extremist network involved in kidnapping and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi civilians in the Keshkul Kabir area.