LOC09:52
06:52 GMT
BAGHDAD, Oct 3 (KUNA) -- Two leading members of Al-Qaeda Organization were
arrested on Friday by Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in coordination with US
military advisors, the US Army said on Saturday.
A Multi National Forces (MNF) statement said the army troops detained two
members of Al-Qaeda Organization who are responsible for multiple
vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks throughout the capital
Baghdad and the northern city of Kirkuk.
In Mansour, southwest Baghdad, the forces arrested Muhammad Walid Khalid
al-Juwali, also known as Abu Anas, who was planning future attacks in the
city, threatening the national security.
Abu Anas is suspected of having associates linked to the planning and
execution of the August 19 attacks against headquarters of the Ministries of
Finance and Foreign Affairs, the MNF statement said.
In a separate security operation, the Iraqi forces and the US advisors
arrested Khalid Husayn Khalif Mari al-Juwali, also known as Hajji Khalid, near
Tuz Khurmatu, located approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Kirkuk.
Hajji Khalid helped plan and carry out indiscriminant attacks throughout
the region.
The security team found Hajji Khalid in the first building they searched.
The team also encountered three additional suspects who, after questioning,
were deemed to be conspirators who presented a threat to the local community.
The suspects were found with VBIED associated chemicals, as well as terrorist
propaganda. All four individuals were arrested without incident.
Iraqi Security Forces are making a concerted effort to identify, locate,
and arrest members of VBIED networks throughout the country, ultimately
increasing security and safety for all its citizens.
Baghdad accused the second most wanted man on the current list Mohammad
Yunis Al-Ahmad, who is said to finance most of the attacks against the
Multi-national force (MNF) in Iraq. He now heads the Iraqi Baath party abroad
and is trying to bring its members back together. He resides in Syria. (end)
ahh.mar
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