WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2008 Coalition and Iraqi forces detained three suspected Iranian-backed “special groups criminals” and discovered weapons during recent operations throughout Baghdad, military officials said.
In operations yesterday, local police found more than 1,700 small-arms rounds, 18 grenades, 10 AK-47 assault rifles with magazines and eight munitions vests in Baghdad’s New Baghdad district. Also, a local citizen turned in a 60 mm mortar round and a rocket-propelled grenade round to U.S. troops patrolling the area, officials said.
In operations Sept. 12, a U.S.-Iraqi-joint patrol captured an alleged Iranian-backed “special groups leader” in Baghdad’s Jihad community. The suspect is reportedly responsible for orchestrating a July attack on troops at Baghdad International Airport. Also, U.S. troops discovered a rocket system in Baghdad’s Zubaida community based on a tip from Iraqi policemen, officials said.
In operations Sept. 11, U.S. troops and Iraqi policemen detained two alleged Iranian-backed “special groups criminals” in Baghdad’s Bayaa community after responding to a drive-by shooting on a police checkpoint. Also, in Baghdad’s Hadar community, U.S. troops found various small arms ammunition and two artillery rounds, officials said.
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