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

July 25, 2007
Release A070725a

20 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists during raids Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq key leadership and operatives throughout Iraq.

During early morning raids in the northern city of Mosul targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq key leadership, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists.  One of the three individuals detained during the operation is assessed to be the al-Qaeda in Iraq administrative emir for Mosul.

Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations in Tarmiyah.  The 10 individuals were detained for their association with a known al-Qaeda in Iraq key leader who coordinates vehicle-borne improvised explosive device operations and attacks throughout Baghdad.

In a series of coordinated raids in Samarra, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists.  During one operation, five individuals were detained for their association with key al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership in central Iraq known to be involved in the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq.  During a separate operation in Samarra, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist who is assessed to be a close associate of the Baghdad al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership.

In the capital city, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s network in Baghdad.

“With every operation Coalition Forces conduct we are further degrading and destroying the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson.  “Al-Qaeda and its foreign leadership seek only to bring violence and fear to the Iraqi people in its attempt to prevent a secure and democratic Iraq.”

-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.