Iraq: On Ground Updates - October 11, 2009

On Ground Updates - Iraq
ISF Arrest 18 ISI Criminals in Mosul for Extortion,
Staging Deadly Attacks
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

PRESS DESK

BAGHDAD, Iraq
Press Release A091011-01

Sunday, October 11, 2009
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BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces arrested 18 suspects today in Mosul during a highly coordinated search for members of an Islamic-State-of-Iraq extortion network based in the northern-Iraq city.
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The 2nd Iraqi Army Division, the 3rd Federal Police Division, with U.S. forces advisors, searched several buildings throughout areas of Mosul for warranted extortion-network members. Accurate intelligence collected prior to the operation led the security teams to the buildings where the suspects were known to be hiding.
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The suspects are part of an ISI-led terrorist group that extorts money from innocent people by threatening violence against them. People typically targeted by the extortion network include those who own or work at construction sites and local businesses, although individuals at their private residences have been victims as well. ISI extortionists then use the stolen money to fund terrorist attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.
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All suspects were arrested without incident.
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Not only do the security operations conducted today disrupt the ISI’s criminal operations and help to further protect the people of Nineveh Province, but they also enhance the safety of all citizens in Iraq.
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Particularly, because the Mosul extortion network helps fund the entire ISI network, which is closely tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq.
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By weakening ISI, the security forces in Iraq are also weakening AQI, thereby increasing both security and quality of life in Iraq.

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Article taken from the MNF-I website
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