MND-B Soldiers capture key criminal suspect, seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.24.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers capture key criminal suspects also led to the seizure of a weapons cache in the Mansour District in northwestern Baghdad, March 19.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), captured the individual during a mission to capture him.

While the Soldiers detained the individual, Iraqi security forces provided a ring of security.

The suspect is allegedly a mid-level leader of al-Qaida in Iraq who is believed to be responsible for conducting several vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks throughout Baghdad and southern Iraq.

"His capture will likely provide us with the information we need to capture other AQI members" said Capt. H. Eric Perez-Rivera, assistant military intelligence officer for 2nd BCT.

After Soldiers detained him, they searched his house and discovered a cache of weapons behind a hidden wall.

The cache consisted of 14 AK-47 rifles, three rocket propelled grenade launchers, six 9 mm handguns, various hand grenades and other munitions. The cache also contained seven landmines, detonation cord and other improvised explosive device making materials.

The cache was turned over to an Explosive Ordinance Detachment for disposal.

"This is another example of what the partnership of Iraqi security and coalition forces can produce", said Maj. David Hollis, 2nd BCT spokesman. "This arrest, coupled with the cache find, is another step toward a safer and more unified Iraq."

• Date Taken: 03.24.2008
• Date Posted: 03.24.2008 17:29
• Story ID: 17699
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ