Multi-National Division-Center Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Soldiers captured an Iraqi man suspected of directing attacks against coalition forces and acting as a conduit for funneling Iranian weapons to Shiite extremists.
They also bagged a bonus: an insurgent-made videotape showing insurgents aiming and firing Iranian-made rockets at American targets.
The individual was the No. 1 high-value target for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his capture is expected to strike a heavy blow to Shiite extremist elements of the Jaish al-Mahdi militia operating east of Baghdad.
The man was captured in an Aug. 7 nighttime raid on a house in the town of Nahrawan, about 20 miles east of the Iraqi capital. U.S. forces believe he is the main link to Iranian weapons and explosively-formed projectiles (an advanced and deadly form of the improvised explosive device) for JAM extremists operating in the area of Nahrawan. They expect his capture will reduce the supply of weapons and EFPs in the area, and have a significant debilitating effect on JAM's intelligence operations.
During the raid, U.S. forces found a video showing 46 Iranian-made rockets aimed at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Several of the rockets had been fired on the FOB during a July 11 attack. A U.S. explosive ordnance disposal team neutralized the remaining rockets after they were discovered July 12. The captured video clearly demonstrates the extremists' training with and knowledge of the weapons system.
In taking an aggressive approach to Shiite extremists, U.S. forces are hoping to win the trust of vulnerable Shiite communities where religious extremists have begun intimidating residents. This would follow the model shaping up in Sunni communities, where residents have turned against al-Qaida terrorists and have begun supplying tips to U.S. soldiers.
Meanwhile, in another gesture of cooperation, U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, are coordinating with Iraqi police and army forces to secure the passage of pilgrims into Baghdad for a Shiite religious holiday honoring Imam Musa al-Kadhim.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2007 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 11735 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 743 |
| Downloads: | 730 |
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