IA kills rogue JAM leader near Baqubah

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070204-08

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD — 5th Iraqi Army Forces killed a reported leader of rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi (JAM) violence and criminal activity within Diyala Province during operations Feb. 4 near Baqubah.

The suspect was killed Feb. 4 during a raid by Iraqi Forces, with Coalition advisers, to capture him on suspicion of controlling rogue JAM violence and criminal activity in Al Huwaydir and other areas north of Baqubah. The suspect is believed to have facilitated and directed numerous kidnappings, assassinations and other violence targeting Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Police. He is reportedly responsible for several attacks against Iraqi and Coalition force members in the area. Reporting indicated he was directly linked to rogue JAM leadership in western Diyala Province and Baghdad.

Iraqi Forces did not find the suspect in the building originally entered. Believing he had fled to a second building, Iraqi Forces entered it and encountered a male, armed with an assault rifle, displaying hostile intent and posing an immediate threat to Iraqi Forces. The male was shot by two Iraqi Soldiers and killed. The male was identified as the suspected rogue JAM leader.

One additional suspect was detained by Iraqi Forces.

Operations caused minimal damage and there were no Iraqi Forces or Coalition force casualties.