Diyala: Iraqi Polic Proficiency

Iraqi Police Demonstrate Capability, Penetrate Terrorist Cell in Diyala Province

TIKRIT — Baqubah's Iraqi Police forces, with Coalition forces advisors, infiltrated

a once-impenetrable terrorist cell April 20 to arrest nine individuals allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Army during an operation in Diyala Province.

According to joint intelligence sources, the suspects are responsible for small-arms attacks against patrolling forces in Baqubah and Balad. In the past, the cell’s location and early warning networks obstructed ISF’s ability to detain cell members.

We are conducting legitimate targeting of suspected criminals threatening the stability of the Government of Iraq, explained the IP commander.

“This operation should degrade insurgent confidence in their safe havens, showing that ISF units are

capable of striking whenever and wherever they need (to stop terrorism),” he said.

With a show of force and armed with warrants issued by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, IPs entered each residence, detaining the individuals and confiscating weapons and communication equipment, said a CF advisor present during the operation.

“The IPs continue to perform well and several assault elements were able to operate as a cohesive unit under the command of one non-commissioned officer,” he said.

“This is the second successful operation that has come out of information given by Iraqi citizens who want to begin working with ISF,” said the ground forces commander. “The mission has degraded the cell to the point that it can bolster the local ISF to drive out the remaining members and maintain security in the town.”

(Multi-National Corps – Iraq)