BAGHDAD – Iraqi army and intelligence services captured a five-member al-Qaeda cell last month that specialised in manufacturing “extremely dangerous” chemical weapons intended for use in Iraq and abroad, the Iraqi Defence Ministry said.
The operation followed three months of intensive surveillance of the cell members.
Cell members confessed they intended to launch attacks in Iraq and in neighbouring countries using sarin, mustard and nerve gases they had manufactured.
Security services shut down two plants, “one in Baghdad and the other in an area near the capital,” and confiscated chemicals and the equipment used to manufacture them, the ministry said.
“Military intelligence closely monitored the cell for three months to uncover and identify all those involved in the scheme, the places they frequent and those who back and fund them, for a full picture,” said ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari.