FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR# 022207-01
Feb. 22, 2007

BALAD RUZ, Iraq – Last week, a three-judge panel with the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, convicted four terrorists detained during November’s operations in Turki Village, Iraq, of possession of illegal weapons. The panel sentenced them to 30 years imprisonment.

“This is a just verdict. It is significant because it is an Iraqi panel dispensing justice to Iraqi defendants,” said Maj. Paul T. Brooks, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division’s effects coordinator.

The defendants were detained Nov. 15, 2006, after a small-arms engagement with a group of Coalition Forces. This engagement resulted in one U.S. Soldier’s death. During the engagement, Coalition Forces killed the triggerman responsible for the death.

When Coalition Forces detained the individuals, they discovered several small-arms munitions and hand grenades.

“My Soldiers now have clarity concerning the Iraqi justice system. Equally important, these criminals are no longer able to spread their hatred amongst the Iraqi people,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and the senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province.

During November’s operation, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces unearthed more than five weapons caches, killed more than 60 anti-Iraqi forces and detained more than 10 suspected terrorists.

“Our Soldiers continue to work with the Iraqi Security Forces to defeat the terrorists and secure the population. Victories like this reinforce our efforts,” Sutherland said.

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, Central Criminal Court of Iraq, Good News, terrorists