Paratroopers Capture Rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi Cell Leader
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
KALSU — Paratroopers captured the leader of a Jaysh al-Mahdi rocket cell and 10 other cell members during Operation Marne Avalanche Aug. 12.
Paratroopers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, captured the cell leader and his militants during a raid on four different houses east of Mussayyib.
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne)
25th Infantry Division
A paratrooper from Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, escorts one of the Jaish Al Mahdi rocket cell militants to the pickup zone after the successful completion of a precision raid to disrupt the cell. Photo by Sgt. Ernest Henry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs.
KALSU — Paratroopers captured the leader of a Jaysh al-Mahdi rocket cell and 10 other cell members during Operation Marne Avalanche Aug. 12.
Paratroopers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, captured the cell leader and his militants during a raid on four different houses east of Mussayyib.
“We went after a cell that is known to have launched rockets at Kalsu,†said Sgt. 1st Class Santiago Perales, a platoon sergeant with Company B. “We wanted to go in and secure these people in order to prevent any more attacks.â€
The primary suspect is believed to command a rogue JAM cell that is allegedly responsible for attacks on coalition forces. He is also suspected of paying bribes to gain stature within the Iraqi government.
In addition to capturing the cell leader and 10 militants, paratroopers also discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, 2,500 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a 9 mm pistol with four loaded magazines, and militia propaganda.
“We hope we just eliminated this cell with one strike,†Perales said.