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

July 15, 2007
Release A070715a

Coalition Forces detain 13 suspected al-Qaeda operatives

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 13 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Saturday and Sunday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and suppliers.

Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid Saturday near Samarra and captured an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and logistician suspected of supplying al-Qaeda cells with operatives and suicide bombers. 

After Coalition Forces cornered the targeted individual and two of his associates, the three men fled into a nearby house.  Coalition Forces yelled for the house’s occupants to come out, and several women and children exited the building.  The ground forces moved the civilians away from danger and entered the house, where they detained the three suspected terrorists.

Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists during a Sunday morning operation southwest of Baghdad.  One of the men has alleged close ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the Southern Belts, and is believed to be involved in kidnappings, attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, and attacks against civilians.

Coalition Forces captured two targeted individuals southwest of Baghdad Sunday.  The men, who are brothers, are suspected of involvement with a weapons dealer and foreign terrorist facilitator who supplies al-Qaeda in Iraq with weapons and operatives.

North of Baghdad, Coalition Forces targeted a suspected terrorist involved in planning chlorine vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks.  The ground forces detained six individuals on the scene for their alleged connections to the bomber.

“We’re continuing to conduct operations that target specific links in the al-Qaeda in Iraq chain, to ultimately destroy the network,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson.
 
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