BAGHDAD - US and Iraqi forces have arrested 140 people and uncovered 14 weapons stashes in a week as they they ramp up a security operation in Baghdad, the US military said on Sunday. The combined forces ‘uncovered 14 weapons caches and detained 140 insurgent suspects in and around the Iraqi capital during the week of February 3-9,’ a statement said.Military officials said they were focusing on the Rusafa district, a predominantly Shia area east of the Tigris river. ‘Rusafa is a focal point for us right now,’ the statement quoted Brigadier General John Campbell as saying. ‘We’re addressing that area with increased security forces and patrols.’
The joint Iraqi-US patrols are a key element in the Baghdad security plan designed to restore control of no-go areas to forces controlled by IraqÂ’s unity government. Up to 50,000 Iraqi security forces and 35,000 US troops are to eventually take part in what many
Campbell said he was encouraged by early results of the operations, but cautioned that ‘the implementation of the new security plan for Baghdad is just beginning.’
The plan is to use a major influx of forces to occupy and retain districts by implanting joint combat posts where Iraqi troops and US soldiers are to be based around the clock. Several such posts have been established, one of which was attacked Saturday in the northeastern Adhamiyah district, a frontline between Sunni and Shia fighters.