Preemptive security operation averts massive terror attack in Baghdad

By Mohammed al-Qaisi in Baghdad
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-01-12

[ALI YESSEF/AFP/Getty Images] Iraqi security forces man checkpoints in Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces in Baghdad disrupted a massive operation and arrested 25 suspected terrorists on Tuesday (January 12th). Security sources said the planned attacks targeted government ministries and important security sites.

According to Iraqi government spokesperson Ali al-Dabbagh, the plan was foiled thanks to information provided by a citizen.

"Iraqi forces received accurate and important information describing how armed terrorist cells were planning deadly attacks in Baghdad using car and suicide bombers, much like the bombings that took place last month," said Baghdad Operations Command spokesperson Gen. Qassim Atta al-Musawi.

"Iraqi forces arrested 25 individuals involved in planning the operation, and seized large quantities of dangerous explosives," al-Musawi said.

The suspects were arrested at different places in Baghdad, which al-Musawi declined to name. The security forces found 200 kilograms of TNT, 200 kilograms of C-4 plastic explosives, 250 liters of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, and 60 mortar shells of different sizes.

To avert the attacks, Iraqi forces drew up a swift emergency plan, al-Musawi said. Security forces imposed a partial curfew in a number of areas in Baghdad, on both the al-Rasafa and al-Karkh sides, and launched raids in various neighborhoods.

The security forces also stopped traffic on a number of main roads in Baghdad, including Mohammed al-Qassim road, al-Dorra highway, bridges linking the two sides of Baghdad, and the ring road around Baghdad. In addition, large trucks and pickups were banned from entering central Baghdad.

In a press conference held Tuesday, al-Dabbagh said, "Curfew was imposed to protect citizens in the interest of saving their lives. Precautionary measures were in place, and the terror plans targeting the capital were thwarted."

"Baathists are collaborating with terrorist groups to carry out bombings targeting citizens' lives," Al-Dabbagh said.

"Thanks to the tip-offs we received, Iraqi forces managed to thwart a terror operation that might have killed dozens, if not hundreds, of citizens," Lt. Col. Ali Hussain of Baghdad Operations Command told Mawtani.com.

"The operation this time was targeting important ministries, including the Ministry of Health on the al-Karkh side of Baghdad, as well as other areas near the Green Zone. We can say that we succeeded in thwarting the attack," he added.

The operation came hours after Anbar police announced the arrest of two individuals involved in the recent attacks in Ramadi, which killed and wounded dozens of citizens, including Anbar governor Qassim al-Fahdaoui.

"Police forces arrested two out of 11 defendants accused of planning the bloody Ramadi attacks," said Aifan Saadoun al-Aifan, chairman of Anbar's Security and Defence Committee.

He added that the initial information obtained by police will lead to the arrest of the remaining cell members.

After learning of the thwarted attack, many Baghdad residents said they did not mind the inconvenience caused by the extra security measures.

"We woke up this morning to find that the roads were sealed off and the police were preventing cars from moving, and even people from walking. We were very afraid," said Soumia Fadhel, 43. "However, hours later, we felt proud of the ability of our security forces and the progress they have made in thwarting attacks against our security."

"I greatly regret my attitude earlier today because I was resentful of the measures taken by the security forces this morning, not knowing that they were in fact implemented to protect us," said Ahmed Khamis, a taxi driver. "We are happy of this achievement, and our trust in the ability of police and army forces to thwart such terrorist operations has greatly increased."

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