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

June 1, 2007
Release A070601a

SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, VBIED DESTROYED, 18 SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 18 suspected terrorists in operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Thursday and Friday.

North of Fallujah Thursday afternoon, Coalition Forces conducted an operation to capture suspected terrorists allegedly associated with al-Qaeda senior leadership.  Coalition Forces attempted to stop their vehicle, but when the suspected terrorists resisted, Coalition Forces used proper escalation of force measures and engaged the vehicle with automatic weapons, killing three men. 

Inside the vehicle, Coalition Forces found two mortar rounds, a rifle and an approximately 100-pound improvised explosive device.  The vehicle and heavy explosives were safely destroyed on site.

While Coalition Forces were at the scene, they received small arms fire from a nearby orchard.  Taking appropriate self-defense measures, the ground forces engaged the armed terrorists, killing three.  Coalition Forces also found grenades and assault vests in the orchard.

In a follow-on operation Friday morning, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist in a building north of Fallujah for his alleged ties to al-Qaeda senior leaders.  

Also Friday, Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq commander allegedly involved in IED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces southwest of Baghdad Friday morning.  Ten suspected terrorists were detained for their ties to the senior leader.

Two coordinated operations in Taji targeted an al-Qaeda senior leader and his network.  Coalition Forces detained seven individuals linked to a group allegedly responsible for mortar and rocket attacks against Coalition Forces; IED and vehicle-borne IED attacks across western Baghdad; and the bombing of the Sarafiyah bridge.

““We’re continuing to target al-Qaeda in Iraq, and these terrorists are failing to evade us,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “The kill or capture of terrorists gives the people of Iraq the opportunity to build a peaceful country where deadly terrorists do not exist.”

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