OPERATION SQUEEZE PLAY NETS 285 SUSPECTS

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

May 23, 2005 Release Number: 05-05-31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION SQUEEZE PLAY NETS 285 SUSPECTS ON FIRST DAYBAGHDAD, Iraq —

Coalition Forces, in conjunction with the Iraqi Army and Ministry of Interior Forces, have detained 285 suspected terrorists in the western Baghdad district of Abu Ghraib in less than 24 hours.The massive joint-combat operation involves two battalions from the 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, two battalions from the 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force, three battalions from the 2nd Brigade Special Police Commandos, and Soldiers from Task Force 2-14, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.Task Force Baghdad officials said the purpose of the operation is to hunt down, kill or capture terrorists who have been staging attacks in the Iraqi capital. “This is the largest combined operation with Iraqi security forces to date,” said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Task Force Baghdad spokesperson. “The Iraqi Security Forces have the lead in this operation while we perform shaping and supporting roles.” The operation is still underway.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT: TaskForceBaghdadPAO@id3.army.mil.