Iraq captures al-Qaida computer data

BAGHDAD, June 15 (UPI) -- Iraqi security forces have captured a wealth of computer information on terror planning by al-Qaida, the country's national security adviser announced.

Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said at a news conference a laptop computer, "thumb drives or flash disks" and documents have been seized in security operations. The items contained data on al-Qaida members, leaders, their whereabouts and meetings, he said.

He said it was also clear the terror group's strategy was to divide, destroy and rule, and that al-Qaida is using almost everyone as a pawn in its fight, CNN reported.

Rubaie was not specific about when and where the confiscations occurred but said those arrested were not prepared.

"They were taken by surprise by our attack," Rubaie said. "They did not anticipate how powerful the Iraqi security forces are."

Al-Qaida in Iraq lost its leader to a U.S. air strike last week. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and several aides were killed in a safe house intelligence officials were able to locate from reviewing a videotape Zarqawi released.