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

May 4, 2007
Release A070504b

COALITION IDENTIFIES TWO AL-QAEDA ADVISORS KILLED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces positively identified two more senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders killed in an operation May 1 west of Taji, the same operation where Muharib Abdul Latif was killed.

Coalition forces followed leads from intelligence reports on senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and conducted a raid in the Taji area Tuesday morning.  During the operation, terrorists engaged ground forces with small arms fire.  Coalition forces used appropriate self-defense measures and engaged the armed men, killing five terrorists.

One of the terrorists killed during the operations was later positively identified as Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, also known as Sabah al-Alwani and Abu Nuri.  Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi was reportedly the religious advisor for Muharib Abdul Latif.

Another terrorist killed during the Tuesday morning raid was Abu Ammar al-Masri.  Intelligence reports indicated that he was a foreign fighter that was facilitating insurgent activity and infrastructure support for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Both terrorists were positively identified by associates at the site, and positive photo identification was also verified on Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi.

“We will not wait for these terrorists to strike – we will seek them out.  This is what al Qaeda in Iraq members can expect when they target the Iraqi people and security forces that protect them,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

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