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

May 27, 2007
Release A070527b

BOMBS DESTROYED, 18 SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 18 suspected terrorists and destroyed a cache of weapons and bomb-making materials during operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq Sunday.

Based on information gained from successful operations May 21, Coalition Forces raided a suspected meeting place for al-Qaeda operatives.  Inside the two targeted buildings, ground forces detained five individuals with suspected ties to the al-Qaeda network.  One individual said he had attended an IED-making class in a building nearby.

Coalition Forces moved on to the nearby building and found a cache of weapons, explosives and improvised explosive device-making materials.  The cache contained three fully assembled IEDs, two artillery rounds, multiple IED triggers, eight rifles and assorted IED components.  A trained explosives team safely destroyed the materials on site.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained six individuals in two separate raids targeting al-Qaeda cell leaders in the city.  At the first location, Coalition Forces detained three individuals, including a suspected IED cell leader responsible for attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  At the second site, Coalition Forces detained three more suspected terrorists, including an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader who is known for distributing media and propaganda, including videos showing attacks on Iraqi Forces.

Intelligence reports led Coalition Forces to two buildings southeast of Fallujah, where they searched for associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.  Four suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition Forces raided a building searching for a cell leader within a Baghdad vehicle-borne IED network, where they detained three suspected terrorists for their involvement in the cell and destroyed two vehicles used in the VBIED network.

“Every day, we are chipping away al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate and threaten the people of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.