Iraqi security forces arrest 39 suspected al-Qaeda militants

Iraqi security forces arrest 39 suspected al-Qaeda militants

2010-12-03 06:01:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (BNO NEW) — Iraqi Security Forces in the past five weeks have captured 39 suspected al-Qaeda militants accused of conducting terrorist operations in the western region of the country, officials said Thursday.

Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani described the operation in a news conference as a "major achievement," adding that the militants would conduct terror attacks in Anbar province, which is principally a Sunni region. He also identified one of the arrested individuals as Hazim al-Zawi, al-Qaeda's third most important in Iraq.

"The repeated and painful blows to al Qaeda, by the killing and arrests of its leadership, will lead to the demise of al-Qaeda in Iraq," Bolani said, adding that the individuals were captured during several operations in Anbar, Salahudin and Niniveh, which are north of Baghdad.

In addition, officials said questioning revealed the real name of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His real name was said to be Ibrahim Awad al-Samarrie. The real name of ISI's minister of war was also revealed, identifying him as Nuaman Salman. Both individuals are still wanted.

During the press conference, as all 39 men were shown handcuffed and in orange jumpsuits, Bolani called for their execution. The Interior Minister said their prompt sentencing would avoid them to be released and rejoin terrorist groups.

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