Four leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq detained by security forces

Four leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq detained by security forces

2011-05-18 23:11:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

SALAHAL-DIN, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) -- Iraqi security forces on Wednesday announced the arrest of four suspected leaders of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, the Aswat Al Iraq news agency reported.

The four suspects were detained in the early hours of Wednesday during an operation in Samarra city, Salahal-Din Province. The operation was carried out by security forces with the Samarra Operations Command.

One of the arrested individuals was identified as Mikhlif Mohammed Hussein al-Azzawi, also known as "Abu Radhwan." He is the alleged military leader (Emir) of the al-Qaeda cell in Samarra.

In addition, Iraqi security forces detained Mohammed Saad Muzzaham al-Daraji, Fawzi Abbas Ali al-Badri and Qassim Mohammed Taha. The latter is wanted for the March 29 attack in Tikrit city, in which 58 people were killed and 97 injured.

Al-Daraji is the leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq unit in charge of planning and conducting assassinations. The other suspect, al-Badri, also known as "Abu Abdulrahman," is accused of kidnapping soldiers.

One of the arrested is also suspected of being the organization's Mufti (Religious Judge). The four individuals are considered as some of the most dangerous, most wanted figures of al-Qaeda.

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