IA, CF rescue six hostages from AQI hold in Mosul
Multi-National Division – North PAO

August 14, 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi army and Coalition Forces, working with tips from local citizens, rescued six people while detaining five terrorists in the al-Intisar neighborhood of Mosul, in Nineveh province, the morning of Aug. 13.
 
While searching for caches, soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, discovered the suspected al-Qaida in Iraq prison. They freed the six hostages, made up of Kurdish and Christian men, and detained a guard. The hostages, bound and blindfolded for over two weeks, were being held for ransom of $100,000 each.
 
The rescue also yielded a cache containing weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and money.
 
“This is a great example of the efforts of Iraqi security and Coalition Forces working together to protect the people of Nineveh province,” said Col. Stephen Twitty, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “This wouldn’t have been possible without tips from the local community.”
 
While continuing to search the area, CF stopped a suspicious vehicle containing four males that had been circling the area. The men tested positive for signs of handling explosives and were promptly detained. $4,500 in U.S. currency and identification cards were taken.
 
The four men and prison guard were detained by 2nd IA soldiers and taken to a nearby CF facility.
 
“Due to the continued vigilance of our joint forces, these six men will be safely reunited with their families,” said Twitty. “And these terrorists will be forced to take responsibility for their actions as they face Iraqi justice.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13351&Itemid=128

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