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

March 26, 2007
Release A070326a

Five terrorists killed, 22 suspects detained in raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists in operations during the past week targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.

During a four-day operation near Karmah, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists after receiving enemy fire and detained a total of 10 suspected terrorists. Three hostages were liberated and treated for injuries they sustained while in captivity.

Several weapons caches were discovered consisting of five DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine guns, 12 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, homemade rocket launchers, mortar tubes, 57mm rockets, improvised explosive devices, and multiple wired propane tanks.  The caches were destroyed at the scene to prevent future use by terrorists.

On Monday near Taji, Coalition Forces conducted a raid targeting known foreign fighter facilitators operating in the area.  During the raid of one foreign fighter bed down site, Coalition Forces encountered and killed an armed terrorist.  Two more terrorists ran from a targeted building and set up defensive positions along the embankment of an irrigation canal.  Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing the two terrorists.   Near the targeted site, four suspected terrorists surrendered and were detained.  Women and children were present during the operations, but none were injured.

“Terrorists continue to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by operating among them,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “Coalition Forces take extensive precautions to protect civilians while in pursuit of terrorists.”

Also on Monday, Coalition Forces captured seven suspected terrorists southwest of Karbala during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators.  One suspect was also detained north of Karmah with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

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