Iraqi Special Operation Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two officials of Jaysh al-MahdiÂ’s al Habibiyah Office, who are accused of conducting criminal activity despite Muqtada al-SadrÂ’s request to cease such activity. The individuals were detained during an intelligence-driven raid Oct. 21 in New Baghdad. One of the detained terrorists, the al HabibiyahÂ’s office director is believed to be the commander of three extremist companies and leads a group of 50 terrorist cell members. His group is allegedly responsible for terrorizing local Iraqi citizens in al Habibiyah, al-Baladiyat and Baghdad al-Jadida. He is also suspected of supplying weapons, including a truckload of Katyusha rockets, to terrorists and conducting multiple mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. In one terrorist attack in September his group killed 20 innocent citizens. During a separate attack on a residential compound last month, his group allegedly robbed residents of their money and valuables and raped five young girls.
The second detained terrorist, who is the head of the political department in al-Habibiyah Office, is believed to lead 10 terrorist cell members responsible for terrorizing local citizens and attacking Iraqi and Coalition Forces. In a terrorist attack on a civilian neighborhood last summer, his cell allegedly evicted residents, stole their money and occupied their homes. The attack resulted in the deaths of seven civilians who refused to leave their homes. The accused cell leader is also believed to use corrupt Iraqi Police members to facilitate the shipment of weapons to terrorists. Additionally, his cell is thought to be responsible for IED and Katyusha rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
While approaching the target house, the assault force was confronted by an individual who exhibited hostile intent with an AK-47 assault rifle. In response to the threat, the assault force engaged the terrorist, killing him.
Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to support the Government of Iraq in welcoming the commitment by Muqtada al-Sadr to stop attacks and will continue to show restraint in dealing with those who honor his pledge. No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during this raid.