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

July 19, 2007
Release A070719b

12 detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday and Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives in central and western Iraq.

During a precision raid Wednesday, Coalition Forces captured the alleged leader of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell in Baghdad.  Intelligence reports also indicate the suspected terrorist was being considered for a higher position within the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

An associated raid in Baghdad Thursday netted five suspected terrorists allegedly tied to the leader of a VBIED cell who supplies IED components and vehicles for the bombing network.

A suspected terrorist allegedly tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders surrendered himself to Coalition Forces during a raid north of Taji.  The individual is also believed to have worked with three terrorists killed during a Coalition Forces operation July 17.

Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists during two coordinated raids east of Ramadi Thursday while targeting direct associates of a Syrian who facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq.

Northeast of Fallujah, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist allegedly working with an al-Qaeda in Iraq media cell member with access to high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq communications.

“Our efforts continue to put pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq and its foreign leaders,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson. 

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE MNF-I PRESS DESK at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 
FOR THIS PRESS RELEASE AND OTHERS VISIT WWW.MNF-IRAQ.COM.