Thaindian News

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) arrested the suspected leader of the Mosul branch of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) on Monday during a joint security operation conducted in northern Iraq, U.S. Forces in Iraq said.

In western Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors conducted a vehicle stop and apprehended a suspect believed to be the new leader of AQI in Mosul, who is allegedly responsible for directing attacks and assassinations in the region. The security operation was conducted pursuant to warrants issued by Iraqi judges.

With the gathered information at the scene, Iraqi Police proceeded and also arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted AQI leader.

In additional operations, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings in northeast Baghdad and Mosul area targeting another AQI leader, which led to the arrest of another three criminal associates of the wanted individual.

The AQI leader is believed to be involved in multiple terrorist activities including improvised explosive device operations, directing attacks and assassinations within the region.

Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in accordance with the Security Agreement and in coordination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq.