Al-Mahdi Militia Leader Arrested

KUNA ^ | March 3 2007

[jmc1969]

US army asserted Saturday it arrested Al-Mahdi militia leader who is accused of killing three US soldiers in Iraq and that Iraqi military choppers participated in implementing the law for the first time.

Fallujah police is meanwhile reported to have arrested three members of Al-Qaeda organization, one of which is suspected of attacking the Saqlawiyah Police station.

Iraqi television said Iraqi military choppers participated for the first time in implementing law along with US troops.

[flynmudd]

Cool! Sounds like things are heating up over there. Hang em High.

[SandRat]

FR WAR NEWS!

WAR News at Home and Abroad You'll Hear Nowhere Else!

All the News the MSM refuses to use!

Or if they do report it, without the anti-War Agenda Spin!

[Billthedrill]

If the Iraqis have effective air then it's huge. Watching this one carefully. BTT.

[bnelson44]

Please spread the word about an appeal for redress that people in the military can sign to show support for the mission:

www.appealforcourage.org

[jmc1969]

Ping

[Purrcival]

"Asserted"? What, this reporter doesn't believe them?

[freeangel]

"this reporter doesn't believe them?"

He's hoping it's not true.

[irish guard]

ping

[Txsleuth]

Well alright!!!

Dang...this is what happens when the ROE are changed to favor the "good guys".

[doc1019]

Over the past year we have heard of many arrests, what we have not heard are the depositions of these arrests. Are they still in prison, are they on trial … ?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Excellent!

Just posted this:

Iran, Saudi Heads Vow to Work for Unity ( in Lebanon and Iraq)

Not sure whether Iamanutjob means what he says....

[MEG33]

Good news BUMP!

[ohioWfan]

More good news that will be hidden from the American people......

[ArmstedFragg]

I love it when a plan STARTS to come together....

[NonLinear]

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

March 1, 2007
Release A070301b

CCCI convicts 10 insurgents
One sentenced to 30 years, three sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 10 security detainees from Feb. 18 - 22, for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, possessing fake identification, use of explosives, passport violations and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found an Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Jan. 19, 2005, MNF conducted a raid on several houses in Taji searching for the defendant and several other individuals. The defendant’s brother led MNF to the defendant’s house. Inside they found a locked door that the defendant said was empty and the temperature change had swelled the door shut. MNF broke down the door and inside they found: one RPK machine gun, one AK-47, a pistol, one G3 assault rifle, Iraqi and CIA intelligence manuals and documents as well as many fake identification documents and photographs. The defendant admitted to MNF that he was once an Iraqi intelligence officer. MNF then searched outside the house using metal detectors and found more buried weapons and ammunition. Some of the ammunition was found in American ammunition boxes with serial numbers that matched the serial numbers of ammunition boxes taken from Humvees which had recently been destroyed by IEDs’ in which two American Soldiers died. On Feb. 18 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 30 years imprisonment.

The trial court found an Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B.  On Dec. 25, 2006, MNF conducted a targeted raid to capture the defendant.  The defendant is a weapons dealer and has sold weapons to various groups on many occasions.  At the point of capture, MNF found an AK-47, a sniper rifle, a PKC machine gun, an RPG, two pistols, a rifle and assorted ammunition.  At the time of capture the defendant also had fake identification with him.  On Feb. 19 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

The trial court found two Iraqi men guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Nov. 11, 2006, MNF were conducting census operations near Fallujah. MNF entered one defendant’s home and noticed both defendants acting nervous. Because of their behavior, MNF began a search of their home. MNF first discovered one loaded AK-47 magazine under a mattress on the second floor of the home. MNF continued their search and discovered the following weapons: two AK-47’s, seven AK-47 loaded magazines, four fan switches, two 9mm pistols, one blasting cap, one RPG trigger assembly, anti-MNF propaganda and numerous types of ammunition. At the hearing MNF presented two eye witnesses, photographs and a sketch. On Feb. 20 the trial panel found the defendants guilty and sentenced them each to 15 years imprisonment.

Those convicted of immigration violations, taking advantage of someone else’s legal documents, use of explosives and illegal possession of special category weapons were sentenced from one to 30 years imprisonment. Those convicted totaled nine Iraqis and one Palestinian.

Since its reorganization, under an amendment to CPA order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,902 trials for Coalition-apprehended insurgents.  The proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,640 individuals with sentences ranging up to death.
 

-30-

[jveritas]

Most excellent news.

[Chgogal]

Isn't that the truth? You may enjoy this post if you haven't seen it yet. :)

Pictures of Iraq success stories here [lots o' graphics]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792428/posts

[Chgogal]

"According to the Saudi SPA news agency, Ahmadinejad also endorsed Riyadh's efforts to resolve the political crisis in Lebanon.

It said the two leaders stressed the need to preserve Iraq's national unity and ensure equality between its citizens."

____________________________________________________________________________

"The two leaders affirmed that the greatest danger presently threatening the Islamic nation is the attempt to fuel the fire of strife between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, and that efforts must concentrate on countering these attempts and closing ranks," SPA said.

Ahmadinejad told reporters after returning to Tehran that he discussed with Abdullah "the plots carried out by the enemies in order to divide the world of Islam."

"Fortunately we and the Saudis were fully aware of the threats of our enemies and we condemned them," he said.

He did not specify who the enemies were. Iran's chief Western foe, the United States, is one of Riyadh's closest allies.

____________________________________________________________________________

"But Riyadh and Tehran recently began working together to reduce tensions in Lebanon, and according to the Saudi account of the talks, Ahmadinejad stated that Iran "assists the kingdom's efforts to calm the situation in Lebanon and end its political crisis."

He and Abdullah expressed the hope that "all Lebanese sides will respond (positively) to these efforts," SPA said.

The two leaders affirmed that they were keen on preserving "Iraq's independence, national unity and equality between its citizens," it said.

"We discussed the Palestinian and Iraq issues comprehensively. We have common views in this regard," Ahmadinejad told reporters at Tehran's main airport

____________________________________________________________________________

"The two oil powerhouses have sought to contain differences over Iraq, which at one point saw Saudi Arabia accusing the United States of effectively handing the country to Iran and triggered reports -- swiftly denied by Riyadh -- of possible Saudi intervention on behalf of Sunnis."

____________________________________________________________________________ I am at a loss. Can someone explain to me Arab/Persian speak? I cannot figure out for the life of me what transpired. Should the US be worried?