Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq improvised explosive device specialists in separate raids Dec. 28.The Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces detained a suspected AQI terrorist believed to be a primary facilitator of improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Additionally, the suspected terrorist is thought to have helped foreign fighters enter the country and facilitate suicide bombings in northern Babel province. He is also believed to be responsible for the murder of numerous Iraqi citizens.
Near the city of Balad, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and U.S. Forces detained a suspected AQI terrorist who specializes in IED construction. He is also believed to belong to a terror cell that is responsible for IED emplacement and weapons trafficking as well as the intimidation of Iraqi citizens.