NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
April 19, 2005
Release Number: 05-04-14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ INVESTIGATES ALTERCATION
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An altercation occurred this morning at Checkpoint # 2 in the International Zone as the Transitional National Assembly was gathering. The altercation involved a member of the Assembly, Coalition Force members, and Iraqi Security Forces.
An immediate preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Fatah al-Shaik's vehicle departed the long line of traffic by crossing the median, and approached checkpoint 2 from the opposite traffic lane. Upon arriving at the checkpoint, he got out of his vehicle and a verbal and physical altercation began with an interpreter supporting Coalition Forces. U.S. Soldiers then intervened and rendered assistance to diffuse the situation by stepping between Mr. al-Shaik and the interpreter which resulted in a Soldier physically separating the two individuals by holding Mr. al-Shaik momentarily. Another member of Mr. al-Shaik's party was prevented from exiting the vehicle by a US Soldier. This incident is under investigation by Multi-National Force-Iraq.
"We have the highest respect for all members of the Transitional National Assembly. Their safety and security is critically important," said Brig. Gen. Karl R. Horst, Deputy Commander for Maneuver, Multi-National Division-Baghdad.
"Professional Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are dedicated to this challenging mission. We regret this incident occurred and are conducting a thorough investigation."
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