Iraqis detain Ansar al-Islam leader

MOSUL, Iraq, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Iraqi security forces under U.S. supervision captured several insurgent members of Sunni terrorist group Ansar al-Islam operating in the northern city of Mosul.

The Iraqi army joined up with local security forces in a raid in the restive northern Iraqi city of Mosul, capturing 10 members of Ansar al-Islam.

The al-Qaida-linked Islamic radical group was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in 2004. In its review of the operation, the online Long War Journal says former al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi operated terrorist training camps with the approval of the Sunni group.

U.S. military reports from Iraq say national security forces had captured Fakri Hadi Gari, though to be the deputy commander for Ansar al-Islam. The report says Gari is responsible for recruitment and financial programs for the militant organization.

A "financial emir" and courier, Mullah Halgurd, along with 10 other suspected terrorists were also arrested pursuant to warrants issued by Iraqi authorities in Erbil, the U.S. military reports.

Officials in the Kurdish government of Iraq say Iran controls elements of Ansar al-Islam operating in Iraq.