Good News From Iraq

As not reported on the BBC.
ABC:

Algerian army soldiers shot dead the coordinator and second-in-command of Al Qaeda's North African branch on Thursday, official news agency APS reported, quoting security sources.

Samir Moussaab, whose real name is Samir Saioud, was killed during a skirmish with an army patrol in the Boumerdes region around 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Algiers, APS said.

He was tracked down using information gathered from ex-members of the group pardoned under an amnesty for Islamist rebels.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is led by Abdelmalek Droudkel, whose predecessor Nabil Sahraoui was killed by the army in 2003.

School reopens in Ramadi
Multi-National Force – West PAO

AR RAMADI, Iraq - Marking the culmination of a 53-day renovation project, members of
the West Central Ramadi District Council and local residents held a grand re-opening ceremony for the Al Warar Boys School here, April 17.

Approximately 100 students, more than a dozen teachers and numerous city leaders were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly renovated facility. Arif Mokber Sayad, vice president of the WCRDC, and Fadel Khalaf Saleh, provincial director general of education were given the honor of cutting the ribbon for the celebratory occasion.

“Being here and seeing these happy children makes me remember my own childhood,” Sayad said. “Because of the cooperation of the people of Ramadi and the Coalition Forces, we will be able to educate our children properly.”

Approximately 100 Iraqi workers from local neighborhoods were contracted for the renovation, adding four new classrooms, repairing the roof, floors and plumbing, replacing all the doors and windows, installing air conditioning and heating units, and repainting the building.

The improved security in and around Ramadi has made this project and others possible in recent months. The cooperation between tribal leaders, local citizens and the Iraqi Police and Army in the province along with Coalition Forces continues to grow, providing a more solid foundation for future development.

MND-B Soldiers engage insurgents, kill three after discovering IED
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers engaged three men involved in improvised explosive device attacks, killing all three near Tarmiyah, Iraq April 18. One U.S. Soldier was wounded in the engagement.

Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a foot patrol searching for terrorists responsible for IED attacks in the area when the incident occurred.

While on the patrol, the troops came across a man attempting to emplace an IED. The man threw his detonator and ran from the Soldiers. The Soldiers pursued the insurgent to an abandoned house from which objects were thrown at them. Two other men came at the Soldiers from the direction of the house.

One of the insurgents attacked a Soldier. Following hand-to-hand fighting, the insurgent was killed. The Soldier suffered minor injuries.

The other two insurgents, who were carrying an IED, attempted to run but were engaged by 2-8 Cavalry troops. The two insurgents were killed when the gunfire detonated the IED.

The wounded Soldier was treated for minor wounds and was then returned to duty.

There were no other U.S. casualties from the engagement.

COALITION FORCES ELIMINATE POTENTIAL VBIED STOREHOUSE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces raided a building southeast of Fallujah today where terrorists had been operating and uncovered two dump trucks and materials to make improvised explosive devices.

In addition to the dump trucks, Coalition Forces found twenty 20-pound bags of sodium sulfate and 76 five-gallon drums of nitric acid, materials that are used to make explosives.

The materials were destroyed at the site.

US, Iraqi raid in Mahmudiyah nets Iranian-marked rockets, mortars

Multi-National Division – Center PAO
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO

Mahmudiyah, Iraq – A U.S. and Iraqi raid in a Mahmudiyah apartment complex
detained eight suspected extremists and discovered three caches containing
mortar systems, rockets and ammunition April 22.

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 2nd
Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division, from Fort Drum, N.Y., discovered the caches at about 6:30
p.m. local time.

Coalition forces have found many weapons caches in the Mahmudiyah
area, but most rocket and mortar rounds found there have been deteriorated and
apparently intended for use in improvised explosive devices.
In contrast, the 60mm and 82mm mortar systems, three 107mm rockets,
three 60mm and three 82mm rounds found in the latest cache were nearly new.

Soldiers of the unit examined the weapons, which were stamped with
recent dates and Iranian markings.

Also found was bulk ammunition for a PKC machine gun.
The munitions were seized for further investigation.

The detainees were taken into Iraqi Army custody for further questioning.

Marines destroy truck bomb near Karmah

Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A truck bomb loaded with explosives was destroyed by Coalition aircraft with precision guided munitions four kilometers east of Karmah, just after midnight April 27.

Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 detained a suspected terrorist in the course of routine combat operations, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Fallujah. During questioning, the man provided the location of a dump truck rigged with explosives.

After confirming the location of the truck, the Marines identified eight 55 gallon barrels, the contents of which were unknown, wrapped with detonation wire and explosives.

Marines immediately established a security cordon and evacuated the citizens in the surrounding area.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team determined the safest way to destroy the truck was by precision guided munitions.

Marines providing security expanded the cordon and further aided in the evacuation of civilians out of harms way.

Fighter jets from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), in support of RCT-6 ground forces, destroyed the truck, causing minor damage to nearby structures. Coalition Forces in the area are assessing the blast site and damage to nearby buildings to compensate the owners appropriately.

There were no reports of civilian or Coalition Forces injured in the operation.

Operation Commando Dive leads to detentions, cache finds

Multi-National Division – Center PAO
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO

BAGHDAD — A multifaceted-coalition operation in the Shubayshen area, just
south of Baghdad, led to the detentions of almost 50 detainees and a number of
cache finds April 21.

Operation Commando Dive incorporated several units’ operations from the
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort
Drum, N.Y., as well as the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. Operation Eagle Dive was conducted by the 4/6 IA “Baghdad Eagles” in conjunction with 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, and netted 33 detainees, mostly suspected of involvement with improvised explosive device manufacture and emplacement.

Caches found during the operation contained two machine guns, two
shotguns, six AK-47s, two ski masks, 27 mortar rounds, 280 57mm rockets, four
155mm rockets, nine 12-volt batteries, multiple mortar fuses, three ready-toemplace IEDs, 500 hand grenades, four 82mm mortar tubes, a large rocket, and six rocket-propelled grenade launcher sights. Additionally, numerous IEDinitiation devices and 30 DVDs of Al-Qaeda propaganda were discovered.

Operation Polar Dive, executed by 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment,
2nd BCT, and the 4th Battalion, 4/6 IA, detained three suspected terrorists and
found a cache of improvised-explosive device-making materials including wire,
black powder, explosives manuals in English and Arabic and chemistry
textbooks.

One of the men detained admitted to making over 100 IEDs. Operation Trident IV, conducted by the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, and 3rd Bn., 4/6 IA, detained six terror suspects and found a small weapons cache containing small arms and ammunition as well as 300 pounds of homemade explosive material and ball bearings for use in IEDs. Company A, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT, cleared the routes of IEDs, discovering three emplaced explosive devices en route to the objectives.

“This was in an area that has been a safe haven for terrorists,” said Maj. Brian Kerns, operations officer for the 2nd BCT and native of Fairfax, Va. “The 4/4/6 Iraqi Army has improved their capability to get into these areas … and the operations will definitely disrupt terrorist operations.” “The terrorists realize that Shubayshen is no longer a safe haven for anti- Iraqi forces,” Kerns added.

The detainees were taken into Iraqi custody for questioning. The contents of the caches were destroyed in place with controlled detonations.

COALITION FORCES DETAIN NINE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Nine suspected terrorists are in Coalition Forces custody Friday after raids to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations around the country.

Near Salman Pak, Coalition Forces detained a suspected terrorist known to associate with al-Qaeda in Iraq and lead a group responsible for kidnapping Iraqis.

Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists in Mosul who are allegedly involved in a group responsible for making and using vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, and attacks on the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained an individual suspected to facilitating the movement of foreign fighters and IED-making materials.

Two suspected terrorists were detained near Ramadi when Coalition Forces found them with weapons and IED-making materials.

“Coalition Forces are continuing to disrupt the networks that make and use deadly IEDs to harm Iraqis and those who are trying to build a stable Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists Friday morning during an operation in Sadr City.

The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq.

“Individuals coming into Iraq from other countries for the purpose of endangering Iraqi civilians and disrupting security won’t be tolerated,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to work diligently to rid Iraq of foreign terrorists trying to thwart the development of a stable and peaceful Iraq.”

TERRORISTS KILLED, VBIED NETWORK DISRUPTED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists Thursday morning while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq west of Taji.

Coalition Forces targeted the location based on intelligence reports that indicated associates with links to the al-Qaeda in Iraq deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device networks were present at the location.

Ground forces were searching buildings at the targeted location when they began receiving heavy small arms fire from one of the buildings. Coalition Forces returned fire and engaged the armed terrorists.

Despite efforts to subdue the armed terrorists, Coalition Forces continued to receive enemy fire. Coalition Forces used appropriate escalation of force to react to the perceived threat and called for close air support, killing four armed terrorists.

During a search of the objective, Coalition Forces found multiple weapons and explosive materials. All these items were destroyed on site.

Additionally, Coalition Forces believe that two women and two children were also killed during the strike. Al-Qaeda in Iraq continues to place women and children in harm’s way with their terrorist activities.

“Unfortunately al-Qaeda in Iraq continues to use women and children in their illegal activities,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Al Qaeda continues to demonstrate they do not care about the future of Iraq, and we will continue to target all terrorists in Iraq regardless of their titles or positions within the community.”

Four terrorists killed, two suspects wounded

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists, wounded two suspected terrorists and detained nine during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq around the country Thursday.

Three armed terrorists engaged Coalition Forces with small arms fire from within a building in eastern al-Anbar province. Coalition Forces exercised proper self-defense measures in response to the perceived threat, killing them.

When Coalition Forces entered the building, they found weapons, a suicide vest, and propane tanks rigged to explode. They evacuated the area and the propane tanks were destroyed on site.

One armed terrorist was killed in his vehicle when he attempted to run a Coalition Forces checkpoint in the area. Two other suspected terrorists were wounded when they attempted to run a Coalition Forces checkpoint. They were taken to a military medical facility for treatment.

An operation targeting a network facilitating foreign fighters netted five suspected terrorists north of Fallujah.

West of Taji, Coalition Forces detained one armed, suspected terrorist, and three suspected terrorists were detained in Baghdad with alleged ties to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network in the area.

“These raids are helping Coalition Forces get a clearer picture of the enemy network, and the best ways to capture or eliminate those who threaten the security of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

CCCI Convicts 41, Sentences 4 to death, 3 to life imprisonment

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 41 individuals from April 1 - 14, for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary.

The trial court sentenced an individual to death April 4 after being found guilty of violating Article 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The individual was also convicted of violating Article 24 of the Iraqi Penal Code for crossing the border illegally and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for that offense. Iraqi Police captured the individual July 16, 2005 with a suicide vest made up of explosives, a trigger device, battery and ball bearings. The individual admitted he was in Iraq to kill Americans.

The CCCI sentenced a self-admitted member of the 20th Century Revolutionary Brigade and a foreign fighter to death April 10 after being found guilty of violation of Article 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law for participating and planning terrorist operations. The convicted individuals were captured by Multi-National Forces Aug. 31, 2006. The 20th Century Revolutionary Brigade member admitted to personally participating in four mortar attacks on the International Zone and two mortar attacks near Baghdad Airport. The member also admitted to providing refuge for foreign fighters.

A self-admitted Al Qaeda cell leader was sentenced to death by CCCI April 11 for violating Article 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law for planning and participating in terrorist operations. The individual admitted to being an Al Qaeda cell leader and to rigging a house with explosives targeting Multi-National Forces.

Three individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment for violating Article 4/1 of Iraqi Terrorist Law and 14 individuals were sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possession of illegal weapons. Ten other individuals were convicted for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possession of illegal weapons, and were sentenced to six to ten years imprisonment. Four individuals were convicted of violating Article 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law and were sentenced to ten to 20 years imprisonment. One individual was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for violating Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code, organizing, heading, leading or joining an armed group.

One individual was sentenced to 15 years for violation of Article 10/1/A of the Iraqi Passport Law. One individual was awarded two sentences to be served consecutively, one for five years for violating Article 292 of the Iraqi Penal Code for using or taking advantage of someone’s legal documents and the other for three years for violating Article 298 of the Iraqi Penal Code, illegal use of documents.

One individual was convicted of violating CPA Order 27/3, illegal weapons possession and was sentenced to one year imprisonment. Another individual was sentenced to six years for violating Article 292 of the Iraqi Penal Code for using or taking advantage of someone’s legal document. CCCI also convicted another individual and sentenced him to two years for violating Article 298 of the Iraqi Penal Code for illegal use of documents.

Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 2,084 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,788 individuals with sentences ranging from imprisonment to death.

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED DURING OPERATIONS IN SADR CITY

BAGHDAD, Iraq – – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists Thursday morning during an operation in Sadr City targeting a network that trains terrorists for operations in Iraq.

Four armed terrorists engaged Coalition Forces with small arms fire, and Coalition Forces exercised proper self-defense measures, killing one.

A vehicle approached Coalition Forces during the engagement, which occurred during curfew hours. Vehicle movement is not allowed during curfew, and Coalition Forces disabled the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire and the two occupants ran into a nearby building.

Four more armed terrorists entered the area and hid behind a stationary vehicle while they engaged Coalition Forces with small arms fire. Coalition Forces returned fire with automatic weapons, killing two terrorists and destroying the vehicle.

“We will continue to target terrorists wherever they operate, to diminish their ability to conduct operations against the people of Iraq and security forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.

SIX SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Wednesday.

Southeast of Salman Pak, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists in a raid targeting senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and a group that provides foreign fighters to the group.

Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists in a raid north of Karmah, and one suspected terrorist in an operation in Mosul.

“We are continuing to disrupt the al-Qaeda network and stop those who harm civilians and security forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Al-Qaeda in Iraq security emir killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces positively identified a terrorist killed in an operation April 20 northwest of Baghdad.

Muhammad Abdullah Abbas al-Issawi, also known as Abu Abd al-Sattar and Abu Akram, was a known al-Qaeda terrorist leader known to operate in Karmah and Ameriyah areas and was the al-Qaeda in Iraq Security Emir of the eastern Anbar Province.

Coalition Forces were conducting operations targeting associates of a known senior leader within al-Qaeda in Iraq. During the operation the terrorists engaged ground forces with small arms fire. Coalition Forces used appropriate self-defense measures and engaged the armed men, killing two and detaining one. One of the terrorists killed has been positively identified as Abu Abd al-Sattar.

Coalition Forces recovered assault vests, weapons, hand grenades and suicide vests at the site.

Abu Abd al-Sattar had links to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and was reported to have been in contact with him since late 2004, up to al-Zarqawi’s death. He was also a weapons supplier to insurgent forces fighting against the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces, and had links to the recent surge in chlorine VBIED attacks across Iraq.

Intelligence reports also indicate that his VBIED cell used 12- to 13-year-old children as VBIED drivers.

“Abu Abd al-Satter’s death is a serious disruption to al-Qaeda in Iraq’s VBIED network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “This represents one more victory in the war against those that would deny safety and security to the Iraqi people.”

5/5 ADA assumes Garrison command of COB Speicher
Multi-National Division -North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – The 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment assumed control of Garrison command at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Monday, relieving the 149th Brigade Combat Team of its duties.

The unit is responsible for maintaining the living conditions of service members
and civilians living at the base. The unit also oversees the COB’s force protection plan.

“We have a disciplined team that is dedicated to serving Soldiers, Sailors and
Airmen across the COB,” said Lt. Col. Daniel P. Sauter III, 5/5 ADA commander, during his speech. “The ‘Dragonslayers’ understand the importance of ruthlessly enforcing the standards and we will be good teammates.

“During our transition we quickly learned that we have an invaluable resource in
the proactive, dedicated, selfless contractors and civilians who make COB Speicher run on a daily basis,” he continued. “We look forward to working with each of you and your organizations.”

During their transition period at the operating base, Sauter and his troops quickly saw they will have large shoes to fill replacing the departing 149th BCT.

“Col. Charles Jones and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Shumacher, [149th BCT
commander and command sergeant major, respectively] your accomplishments are seen not only in the physical improvements throughout the COB, but more tellingly in the eyes and words of the Soldiers, leaders, contractors and civilians,” Sauter said to the his outgoing counterparts. “You have handed us an installation that is fully functional and we will continue to improve our battle position.”

10 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED, CACHE FOUND

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected terrorists and uncovered a cache of weapons in several operations in central Iraq Tuesday.

Three coordinated Coalition Forces raids apprehended 10 individuals suspected of operating with al-Qaeda in Iraq and facilitating foreign fighters southeast of Fallujah.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces discovered a weapons cache containing rockets, mortars, terrorist propaganda and improvised explosive device-making materials. Explosive ordnance disposal teams neutralized the cache.

“We will continue to work diligently to eliminate foreign terrorists, who are killing innocent Iraqis every day and destabilizing the country,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

19 TERRORISTS DETAINED IN COALITION RAIDS

BAGHDAD - Coalition Forces detained 19 suspected terrorists associated with facilitating foreign fighters, working with al-Qaeda in Iraq and operating a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network Monday.

South of Karmah, Coalition Forces captured six suspected foreign fighter facilitators connected to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

In Anbar province, nine individuals suspected of working with al-Qaeda in Iraq were detained in three separate Coalition raids.

Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists south of Taji for their alleged involvement in a network responsible to making and placing VBIEDs.

“The success of coalition operations continues to disrupt al-Qaeda’s operations in Iraq. These captures help restrict their freedom of movement and reduce the organization’s manpower pool, diminishing their ability to attack innocent civilians as well as Iraqi and Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

ONE TERRORIST KILLED, 19 SUSPECTS CAPTURED, BOMB-MAKING CACHE FOUND
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist, detained 19 suspected terrorists and found caches of weapons and chemicals used to make improvised explosive devices during operations Sunday.

An armed terrorist was killed and 19 suspected terrorists were detained when Coalition Forces raided several buildings southeast of Fallujah.

During that raid, Coalition Forces found large amounts of chemicals used to make IEDs, several weapons and bomb-making accessories, including more than 50 pressure plates and a suicide vest. A controlled detonation destroyed the materials on site.

A vehicle found on the scene loaded with explosives was destroyed by an air strike.

“Coalition forces continue to remove dangerous stores of weapons and explosives from the hands of terrorists and the enemies of the people of Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "This represents one more small victory in the war against those that would deny safety and security to the Iraqi people.”

CAMP SPARROWHAWK — Iraq passed another important milestone on the road toward self-reliance when the security of another province was transferred to Iraqi control at a ceremony here April 18.

Maysan province, the fourth of 18 Iraqi provinces to be transferred to Iraqi control from the Coalition Force, lies within the British-led Multi-National Division-South East area of operations.

“This is a moment for optimism,” said British Maj. Gen. Jonathon Shaw, commander of MND-SE, at the ceremony. “This is a testament to what is possible when the people of Iraq work together,” he added.

The ceremony also demonstrated cooperation between Iraqi people and the Coalition, as Shaw and provincial governor Adil Maliki signed a memorandum of understanding and shook hands.

The ceremony concluded with a parade of Iraqi Soldiers, Police border officers and firemen.

A joint statement issued by U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, British Ambassador Dominic Asquith and General David H. Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Forces-Iraq reads, “The joint decision of the Iraqi Government and the MNF-I to transition security responsibility reflects the assessment of the situation in Maysan and the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces there.”

Even though Iraqi Police and Soldiers now have control of all law enforcement and security operations in Maysan, the Coalition force will continue to provide support to Iraqi Security Forces as needed, according to the joint statement.

Lt. Col. Kevin Stratford-Wright, a British military spokesman, said that British forces will continue their mission of securing the border between Maysan and Iran, as mobile units equipped with Range Rovers and light armored vehicles will conduct regular patrols of the frontier.

Investment in the province will also continue, according to the joint statement.

To date, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed more than 200 projects in Maysan, 41 more are under construction and another 15 are planned. Investment in the province totals nearly $100 million.

In the coming months, more provinces are expected to join Maysan as Iraq continues along the path to national unity, improved security and increasing prosperity.

WASHINGTON - A top Al Qaeda commander who led operations in Afghanistan and plotted the assassination of Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf has been taken into US custody, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Abd Al Hadi Al Iraqi, who was taken to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba within the past week, was intercepted as he was trying to reach Iraq to manage Al Qaeda operations and possibly plot attacks against western targets outside Iraq, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

Whitman said al-Iraqi “was one of Al Qaeda’s highest ranking and senior operatives at the time of his detention.”

He was a key Al Qaeda commander in the late 1990s and from 2002 to 2004 was in charge of cross-border attacks against coalition forces, working directly with the Taliban, he said.

“He also in recent years was involved in plots to assassinate perceived opponents of Al Qaeda to include Pakistan President Musharraf as well as other officials,” he said.

Al-Iraqi was held by the CIA before being turned over to US military authorities, said Whitman.

A CIA spokesman said the interrogation methods it used in holding al-Iraqi “were legal, and thoroughly reviewed by our government to ensure they are in accordance with our laws and treaty obligations.”

“The information that CIA’s terrorist interrogation program has produced has prevented attacks and saved innocents lives,” said spokesman Paul Gimigliano.

President George W. Bush in September announced that all high value prisoners being held by the CIA at secret overseas detention centers had been transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

A US intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said al-Iraqi was captured late last year, well after the president’s announcement, as part of a complex international organization.

“There were a lot of people who did a lot of hard work to make this operation a success,” the official said. “It’s not confined to the United States, but plainly US intelligence had a key role.”

The Pentagon and the CIA declined to comment on where al-Iraqi was captured or whether US forces were directly involved.

“At the time of his capture he was trying to return to his native country, Iraq, to manage Al Qaeda’s affairs and possibly focus on operations outside Iraq against western targets,” Whitman said.

“He was intercepted before he got there,” he said.

Whitman said al-Iraqi also met with Al Qaeda members in Iran, but would not say when.

A fact sheet released by the Pentagon said al-Iraqi believed that Al Qaeda members in Iran “should be doing more with the fight, including supporting efforts in Iraq and causing problems within Iran.”

As a senior Al Qaeda planner and operative, al-Iraqi “had fundamental responsibility for Al Qaeda operations in that whole stretch of the world as well as other responsibilities,” the intelligence official said.

“I would think of him in relation to the plot against Musharraf as someone who had a leadership or guiding role,” he said.

He was born in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in 1961 and served in the Iraqi military before going to Afghanistan where he spent 15 years, it said.

Before the September 11, 2001 attacks, he was a member of the Al Qaeda military committee that oversaw terrorist and guerrilla operations and paramilitary training, according to the Pentagon.

He also was a member of a 10-member group of advisors to Osama bin Laden, and was known and trusted by the Al Qaeda leader and his deputy Ayman Al-Zawahiri, the Pentagon said.

It said that at one point he was Zawahiri’s caretaker and that he interacted with top Al-Qaeda planners and decision makers such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, Abu Faraj al-Libi, Hamza Rabi’a and Abd al-Rahman al Mujair.

More recently, he associated with leaders of other extremist groups allied with Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the Taleban, it said.

He worked “directly with the Taliban to determine responsibility and lines of communication between Taliban and AlQaeda leaders in Afghanistan, specifically with regard to the targeting of US forces,” it said.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Hundreds of Afghan soldiers and police retook a district outside the capital from the Taliban on Friday, pushing out militants who had seized the area in fierce fighting a day earlier, a senior Afghan official said.

Marajudin Pathan, the governor of Ghazni province, said a hastily organized force of more than 250 officers encountered no resistance when they swept into Giro.

"The district is under our control," Pathan told The Associated Press by telephone. "There was no resistance because the cowardly enemy escaped."

He said police, assisted by Afghan soldiers and troops from the U.S.-led military coalition, were combing villages in search of any fighters still hiding there.

The Taliban takeover of Giro, just 110 miles from Kabul, helped undermine claims by the Afghan government and its foreign backers that President Hamid Karzai has expanded government control of the country.

Militants have repeatedly overrun towns in rural areas, especially in the south and east, despite the presence of NATO and U.S. troops whose numbers have swelled to the current 47,000.

But the Taliban's hold is usually short-lived.

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