Tribal members assist in detention of three al-Qaida leaders

Multi-National Corps – IraqPublic Affairs Office, Camp VictoryAPO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERELEASE No. 20070802-03August 2, 2007
Tribal members assist in detention of three al-Qaida leadersMulti-National Division – North PAO
SHERWEEN, Iraq – After receiving information of known al-Qaida members in the Sherween area, a village near Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Iraqi citizens assisted Iraqi Police in the detention of three key al-Qaida leaders, July 29.
“This is a very significant event for Diyala because it is clear that not only are the security forces targeting al-Qaida, but the people are tired of the hatred and destruction al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have to offer,” said Col. David Sutherland, commander of 3-1 Cav. and commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province.
Suspecting an attack on a near-by village, Diyala tribal members informed the Dali Abbas Iraqi police, and together, set up a tactical checkpoint along the known route.
“It is also vital because it shows the people are gaining more and more confidence in the Iraqi security forces – the true protectors of this nation,” Sutherland added. “Al-Qaida truly has no place to hide as the people, not just the security forces, are now determined to work for a safer, more secure Iraq.”
As suspected, the leaders were traveling toward Dali Abbas, and when searched, the IP discovered two AK-47s, a laptop computer and documents detailing past and future al-Qaida operations.
Following the detention of the al-Qaida leaders, the IP transferred the detainees to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.
Despite threats by al-Qaida, the al-Qaida leaders were successfully detained and transported to an IA detention facility for further questioning, demonstrating the steadfastness of the Iraqi Police.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT:
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