MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

March 24, 2007
Release A070324a

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS SELF; AIR STRIKE KILLS THREE TERRORISTS

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – A Coalition Forces air strike killed three terrorists Saturday and 12 other suspects were captured during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.

During an operation in a rural area southeast of Ar Rutbah, Coalition Forces attempted to detain four armed terrorists.  One terrorist detonated an explosive device killing himself.   The other three attempted to escape in a vehicle.  Determining hostile intent, Coalition Forces engaged the vehicle with precision fires from a fixed wing aircraft killing the three armed men.  Coalition Forces found a suicide vest, grenades and multiple weapons during a search of the scene. No civilians or friendly forces were injured during the operation.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation and weapons distribution.

Two suspects were captured in Baghdad with reported ties to vehicle-borne improvised explosive device manufacturing.

A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq courier was also detained east of Balad.

“These operations serve as a message to terrorist elements that they will not operate freely or find safe haven in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. 

 
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