RELEASE NUMBER: 071226-03
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 26, 2007

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Terrorist Weapons Dealer

BALAD (Courtesy of CJOTF-AP Public Affairs, Dec 26. 2007) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected terrorist weapons dealer during a Dec. 25 raid in Baghdad.

The suspect is believed to deal in a variety of weapons systems including mortars, rockets, medium and small arms.  He is also thought to be a possible improvised explosive device cell leader.  

During the raid, the assault force recovered several weapons including: two assault rifles, four grenades, three combat knives, 11 AK-47 magazines, an RPG launcher sight and an IED initiation system.  An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team determined that the munitions were unstable and destroyed them at the site.

During the course of the operation, an explosive breach caused a secondary explosion which significantly damaged one of the structures at the target objective.  The explosion was caused by IED making material stored within the structure.
 
There were no Iraqi or U.S. Forces injured during the operation.

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