Iraqi National Police entered the Al Houda and Al Aqsa mosques during a daytime operation in a southern district of the Iraqi capital March 18.
The National Police received tips from neighborhood residents of insurgent activities being conducted at the mosques.
Iraqi Security Forces seized two caches of weapons, munitions and bomb-making materials at each mosque. A total of five people were detained in connection with suspected anti-Iraqi activities and are being held by the police for questioning.
Six AK-47 assault rifles and a shotgun were found at the Al Aqsa mosque, along with small caliber ammunition and bomb-making materials. Two AK-47s, and several mortar rounds and bomb-making material were confiscated in the Al Houda mosque.
The 1st Battalion of the 7th Brigade National Police entered the mosques, while MND-B forces provided the outer cordon for the operation. No MND-B troops entered the mosque or immediate premises. |