Car bomb factory bust

2004-07-03 13:40

Baghdad - The US army raided an alleged car-bomb factory and several other weapons storage areas around southern Baghdad, detaining 51 people connected to a bomb-making cell, the US military said in a statement on Saturday.

"First cavalry division soldiers recently uncovered a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) production site as well as a large weapons cache in southern Baghdad," the military said, using its lexicon for car bomb.

"Soldiers discovered four potential VBIED vehicles in various stages of completion and three safes containing more than 12 million Iraqi dinar and various documents and ledgers."

"Also found in the search were five AK-47 rifles, approximately 500 rounds, various timers, computer boards, wires and one sight for a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Three individuals were taken in for questioning."

At another safe house, the soldiers found "partially assembled improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, eight RPG rounds, approximately 20kg of C-4 explosives, TNT, five blasting caps, one detonator and other various munitions. The soldiers detained 30 individuals found at the site. All were brought in for questioning."

Eighteen more people were detained in raids on eight other locations.

"The detainees are allegedly part of a cell responsible for placing IEDs that have killed two soldiers in the area. The soldiers believe they have captured the financier, the explosive device manufacturer, the spotter, and the triggerman."

Bombs and car bombs are regularly set off in Baghdad.

More than 20 car bombs were detonated around the country in June ahead of Iraq's transfer of sovereignty.

Hundreds were killed last month before the US-led coalition put forward its ceremony to grant Iraq back its independence by two days to June 28, amid fears of a spectacular attack.

- AFP