Ghassan Muhammad Amin

Key Zarqawi aide captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-national forces conducted a raid in western Iraq capturing the Qa’idat al-Jihad Fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn (QJBR) Amir of Rawah, Ghassan Muhammad Amin Husayn Al-Rawi Apr. 26. Ghassan Amin was one of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s key associates; he served to coordinate meetings for other senior QJBR members, facilitated movement and meetings for Zarqawi in the Rawah region, facilitated movement of foreign fighters, and allegedly was responsible for terrorist activity resulting in the murder of innocent Iraqis.

Multi-national forces conducted three consecutive raids in late April to capture Ghassan Amin and his followers. In the first raid, multi-national forces discovered a car bomb factory three kilometers west of Rawah linked to Ghassan Amin.

Four vehicles being prepared as car bombs, approximately 200 bags of ammonium phosphate, two DSKH 38/46 12.7mm machine guns and ammunition were found inside the warehouse. Coalition forces destroyed the warehouse and its contents to prevent their use in manufacturing a variety of bombs to be used by the terrorists. As reported just three days later, AMZ's network claimed responsibility for the multiple car bombs that were detonated throughout Iraq Apr 29.

In the second raid, two of Ghassan Amin’s associates were captured. The third raid of the morning netted Ghassan Amin.

According to statements provided by Iraqi residents of Rawah, Ghassan Amin and his network terrorized the local citizens by stealing cars to convert into bombs and allegedly kidnapping Iraqis for profit to further support the purchase of weapons and ammunition. One male who was temporarily detained due to his proximity with Ghassan Amin during the third raid claimed, “Ghassan Amin runs Rawah and nobody does anything without Ghassan Amin’s approval. Ghassan Amin is well known in Rawah and it is well known that he is part of the mujahideen. Ghassan Amin destroyed the police station and the Headquarters of the Islamic party of Rawah.”

In a raid days prior to capture of the Rawah Amir, forces found several weapons caches buried near a farm belonging to Ghassan Amin. Due to the large amount discovered, the weapons and ammunition were destroyed in place.

Ghassan admitted to meeting Zarqawi once in January and allowed Zarqawi to reside with one of Ghassan’s relatives for approximately five days.

Iraqi Security and Coalition forces continue to capture or kill high level terrorists associated with Zarqawi, seize and destroy large amounts of bomb making material, and prevent terrorist attacks on a regular basis. The capture of Ghassan Amin removes a significant leader of terrorism from the now safer streets of Rawah. -30-

SOURCE: United States Central Command THE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES - IRAQ CONSOLIDATED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER PROVIDED EDITORIAL SERVICE FOR THIS RELEASE, AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED THE PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT. FOR QUESTIONS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, E-MAIL THE MNF-I CPIC AT cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil .

May 7, 2005 Release Number: 05-05-09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Key Zarqawi aide captured MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER BAGHDAD, Iraq May 7, 2005 Release A050507d

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