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

July 14, 2007
Release A070714b

Six terrorists killed after endangering women and children, engaging Coalition Forces

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces called in an air strike against a group of armed terrorists during a raid in Diyala province Saturday, killing at least six of the armed men.

Coalition Forces conducted an operation south of Baqubah targeting a weapons dealer linked to the foreign terrorist network in Samarra.  When they reached the target location, they called out to the occupants of the building and were immediately engaged with small arms fire that escalated to include heavy machine gun fire.

During the engagement, armed terrorists gathered on the roof of one building and brought several women and children to their fighting positions as human shields.  Coalition Forces took extensive precautions to preserve the safety of the women and children.  When the terrorists finally released the civilians, Coalition Forces escorted them to a safe area away from the fighting.

Ground forces continued to take heavy fire.  Reacting appropriately in self-defense against the enemy force, Coalition Forces called in close air support to eliminate the hostile threat.  The air strike is believed to have killed at least six armed men at the target location, but Coalition Forces continued to take enemy fire as they left the area.

Additional assessment of the area is ongoing.

“Terrorists continue to show complete disrespect for human life,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson.  “We will continue to attack the networks that support values so opposed to those of the Iraqi people.”
 
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