3 nabbed as part of “effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq”

Iran Focus: London, Jun. 24 – U.S.-led forces in Iraq have detained three individuals “as part of an effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq”, according to a statement by the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I). Iran Focus

London, Jun. 24 – U.S.-led forces in Iraq have detained three individuals “as part of an effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq”, according to a statement by the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I).

Coalition forces detained the three suspects during pre-dawn operations on Saturday in the Baghdad slum Sadr City.

“Saturday, Coalition Forces working with Iraqi informants conducted an operation to capture suspected terrorists with ties to Iran. The assault force detained three suspects for questioning”, the statement said.

“Coalition Forces are determined to counter Iranian influence in Iraq, pursuing those suspected of smuggling arms and other forms of lethal aid into Iraq. Disrupting the bombing network in Baghdad remains a high priority for us, and we will continue to target the cells’ leaders and members”, said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

“Iranian surrogates are suspected of smuggling explosively formed projectiles (EFP) and other munitions to be used against Coalition Forces and civilians in order to further destabilize Iraq and fuel sectarian violence”, the statement added.