FALLUJAH, Iraq - Iraqi Security Forces conducted a series of intelligence driven operations in Western Iraq July 9, resulting in the detainment of four individuals allegedly responsible for running an extortion network and two individuals suspected in planning attacks against Coalition Forces.

In the vicinity of Rawah, Iraqi police seized numerous documents and detained four insurgent extortion suspects without incident.  The detained individuals were allegedly engaged in extorting protection money from Government of Iraq and Coalition Forces contractors and using the funds to finance al Qaeda in Iraq activities.

During a separate operation in the vicinity of Hit, two suspected insurgents were detained after Iraqi Police received information tying them to recently seized weapons caches. 

 

According to independent sources, the individuals were planning an attack against Coalition Forces and allegedly stored the caches, which included suicide belts, propane tank improvised explosive devices and 60mm mortar tubes, on a farm in the area. They are believed to be part of an insurgent group responsible for a series IED and small arms fire attacks against Coalition Forces. 

The capture and detainment of these individuals will disrupt insurgent activities in Western Iraq as well as their ability to interfere with the Iraqi government and destabilize the al Anbar area.

Coalition Forces were present as advisers during both operations and no Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces members were injured.

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