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

Aug. 14, 2007
Release A070814a

16 suspects detained from foreign terrorist and bombing networks

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations Tuesday targeting foreign terrorists and bombing networks in the Tigris River Valley.

Coalition Forces captured a suspected terrorist when he identified himself as the targeted individual to ground forces during a raid west of Baqubah.  The man allegedly specializes in weapons facilitation for terrorists in Diyala province.

North of Taji, Coalition Forces conducted two operations targeting associates of an al-Qaeda emir whose network is responsible for most of the bombings in the northern belts around Baghdad.  Ground forces detained six suspected terrorists associated with the network’s military leader, and five suspected terrorists associated with an individual believed to conduct beheadings for the network.

Coalition Forces also conducted operations against the car-bombing network in western Baghdad targeting a direct associate of a media and car bombing cell leader with contacts in several foreign countries.  Ground forces detained two suspected terrorists who were assessed to be foreigners.

Northwest of Balad, Coalition Forces detained two individuals believed to be part of the network facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists in Iraq.  The two are allegedly associated with suspects detained in Coalition operations on Apr. 28 and Aug. 8.  An Iraqi citizen provided important information to the ground forces on the scene.

“We’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike – we’re constantly going after these networks,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “Dismantling the car-bombing network that conducts vicious attacks against the Iraqi people is a top priority for us.” 

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