MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

July 12, 2007
Release A070712a

19 suspected al-Qaeda detained in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 19 suspected terrorists during raids targeting al-Qaeda operations cells in central and northern Iraq Wednesday and Thursday.

Thursday in Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be the most active terrorist cell leader in Mosul.  The suspected terrorist is allegedly involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces, and facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists for participation in terrorist activities.  During the raid, the ground forces also detained five suspected associates of the targeted individual.

Another raid in Mosul Thursday netted one suspected terrorist allegedly tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the area.

Coalition Forces east of Balad captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq financier for the northern part of the country who has ties to senior leaders within the al-Qaeda organization.  During the Thursday raid, Coalition Forces detained a total of 11 suspected terrorists.

Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid in Baghdad Wednesday and captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq operative who allegedly is an electrical engineer and bomb-making expert.  Intelligence reports indicate he is connected to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and had been considered for a terrorist leadership position abroad.

“We are not just whittling away at the al-Qaeda organization, but cracking their command network,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson.  “We will continue to target terrorists and their organizations so the Iraqi people can move forward and build their own country.”

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