Captured suicide bomber forced into mosque by terrorists

An explosive ordnance disposal robot's mechanical arm approaches the captured suspect Sept. 16 as he stands facing a wall with his arms raised. The suspect was apprehended by Iraqi security forces after allegedly fleeing captors whom, he said, had coerced him into wearing a suicide vest. (Official DoD photo)

Blackanthem.com, BAGHDAD, Iraq, September 18, 2005

The interrogation of a suicide bomber Sept. 16 revealed to Coalition forces that terrorists allegedly kidnapped, drugged, abused and forced the bomber to enter a mosque with the purpose of killing innocent Iraqi citizens during religious services.

The suspected Saudi expatriate and Iraqi citizen said he was kidnapped from a field near his home by terrorists in early September. The bomber stated he was blindfolded, tied up and placed in the trunk of a vehicle and transported through a series of safe houses before he was forced into the suicide bombing.

"The U.S. medical examination of the bomber is consistent with his story and characterization of his treatment," said Col. Billy J. Buckner, spokesman for the Multi-National Corps.

The suicide bomber was transported by his captors to a mosque in Tuz, where he was told he would become a good Muslim and go to heaven if he carried out the task. The man said he did not want to enter the mosque before terrorists forced him to. The man then seized the opportunity to run out of the mosque while his captors were not paying attention. The man was apprehended by Iraqi police just moments after another suicide bomber detonated a bomb outside another mosque in the city.

"The kidnapping of this man further demonstrates the desperateness of AMZ and his ability to execute his strategy," said Buckner. "He knows he can’t win against Iraqi security and Coalition forces and is therefore willing to use innocent Iraqi citizens to further his cause to disrupt the election process and prevent a free and democratic Iraq."

Source : CPIC - Iraq

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

	This view from the explosive ordnance disposal robot's camera shows the arm extended toward the suspect, captured Sept. 16. Medical examination of the suspected expatriate Saudi and Iraqi citizen revealed his reluctance to participate in his own suicide bombing. (Official DoD photo)
	The two halves of the vest worn by the suicide bomber suspect captured Sept. 16. (Official DoD photo)
	The two halves of the vest worn by the suicide bomber suspect captured Sept. 16. (Official DoD photo)