Full text of Coalition statement on arrest of Iranians in N. Iraq

Iran Focus: London, Jan. 14 – The following is the full text of a statement issued by the United States-led forces in Iraq on the arrest of five Iranian citizens in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. In the statement, the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) charged that the arrested individuals were tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Iran Focus

London, Jan. 14 – The following is the full text of a statement issued by the United States-led forces in Iraq on the arrest of five Iranian citizens in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. In the statement, the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) charged that the arrested individuals were tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

January 14, 2007
Release A070114a

Coalition targets Iranian influence in Northern Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces continue investigations into the activities of five Iranian nationals detained in Irbil on Jan. 11. Preliminary results revealed the five detainees are connected to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard – Qods Force (IRGC-QF), an organization known for providing funds, weapons, improvised explosive device technology and training to extremist groups attempting to destabilize the Government of Iraq and attack Coalition forces.

According to Coalition Force officials, efforts will continue to target all who break the law, attack the Coalition Force or attempt to undermine the Government of Iraq.

The facility in which the detention took place has been described by various Iraqi officials as an Iranian liaison office, but it did not enjoy the diplomatic status of a consulate according to Iraqi and U.S. officials.

The Multi-National Force, in keeping with U.S. policy, will continue to disrupt logistical support to extremists that originate from outside Iraq. These initiatives are part of a broader plan including diplomatic efforts designed to support the Iraqi government, protect the Iraqi people, and seek assistance from neighboring nations, according to coalition officials.