All Bucca escapees recaptured

Blackanthem.com, BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 17, 2005

Cooperation between Iraqi and US security forces has resulted in the successful recovery of all 11 detainees who had escaped Camp Bucca’s detention facility April 16.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday, US forces discovered a hole in the fence in one of the compounds. The quick reaction force and all available guards responded and conducted a comprehensive search of the interior and exterior perimeter of Camp Bucca. That response team alerted Iraqi Security Forces and other Coalition elements. During the search, a head count was conducted in the compound and 11 detainees were found to be missing.

The Iraqi Security Forces were able to quickly recapture 10 of the escapees at approximately 7 a.m. By 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, the Iraqi Security Forces had recaptured the final missing detainee and transferred the 11 recovered escapees back into control of US forces at Camp Bucca. The 11 escapees were all recaptured in the same general area approximately 15 kilometers north-west of Camp Bucca.

The detainees used a makeshift tool to break the fence wire and create a hole to exit the compound. The detainees used the cover of darkness to cross underneath the perimeter fence and facilitate their escape.

The 11 detainees have been declared security risks under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546. They are being detained on charges which range from possession of illegal weapons to terrorist attacks against the Iraqi people and Coalition forces. An additional charge of escape will now be added when these detainees are tried before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq.

Camp Bucca is located in the south-eastern region of Iraq and holds more than 6,000 detainees.

By - PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER FOR TASK FORCE 134 (DETAINEE OPERATIONS).