Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers trap 5 terror suspects

Courtesy Photo | BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Police officers work together with a Task Force Baghdad Soldier searching for terrorists and illegal weapons in east Baghdad Oct. 11. (U.S. Army photo)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.13.2005

Courtesy Story

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Maj. Russ Goemaere
2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Police joined forces with members of Task Force Baghdad to capture five suspected terrorists in east Baghdad Oct. 11.

This is the second mission in the last few days where intelligence from the community directly led to the capture of suspected terrorists. On Oct. 8, the same unit detained five other terror suspects.

"We learned a lot about other terrorists" cells from them -- then we talked to people in the community to help us pinpoint their locations, and those are the terrorists we went after today," said Capt. Jason Pelletier, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Intelligence reports and tips from local residents indicated that the suspects detained were involved in roadside bombings.

The detainees were found with small arms, machine guns, Iraqi Army uniforms, cell phones and other electrical components which could be used in roadside bomb construction.

Pfc. Afhafiz Karteran was the first U.S. Soldier in the door at two of the targeted homes. "You never know what to expect when you go through the door," he said. "We go in fast and expect the bad guy knows we are coming."

In this case, the terrorists were taken totally by surprise.

"We found seven men at the house where one of the suspects was staying," Karteran said. "We quickly did our job and secured the target -- and identified another man who was wanted for questioning."

After 10 minutes in the home, the mission was over. The five suspects are currently detained and being processed in the Iraqi judicial system.

About 25 Iraqi Police officers joined the U.S. Soldiers on the mission.

"Working with the Iraqi Security Forces is mutually beneficial for both us and the ISF," Pelletier said. "The people like seeing Iraqis in uniform, and they have faith in us to always do the right thing. The Iraqi Security Forces continue to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the Iraqi people. Their capability impresses me more and more each day."

Offensive operations throughout the area are designed to improve the chances of a peaceful referendum vote. The U.S. Soldiers said the stepped-up operations are appreciated by the local populace.

"The people want us in their communities looking for the bad guys," Karteran said. "The people work with us and the Iraqi Police'they often tell us where we can find the suspected terrorists."

• Date Taken: 10.13.2005
• Date Posted: 10.13.2005 15:15
• Story ID: 3312
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ