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

Aug 19, 2007
Release A070819a

Coalition Forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq; 3 terrorists killed, 21 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday to further damage the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in central and northern parts of the country.

Based on information from an operation Aug. 11, Coalition Forces targeted the leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell near Muqdadiyah believed to conduct attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  The ground forces called for the occupants of several buildings to come out, but the occupants did not comply.  After seeing weapons in the window and identifying two men as a hostile threat, Coalition Forces snipers responded in defense of the ground forces and engaged the armed men, killing them.  No other people inside the building were injured, and one suspected terrorist was detained.

In Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces conducted an operation to disrupt a foreign terrorist facilitation network that safeguards senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  While the assault force secured the building, one man refused to comply with the interpreter’s instructions and made threatening movements toward the assault force.  Responding in self-defense against the hostile threat, Coalition Forces engaged the man, killing him.  Iraqis on the scene told the ground forces the man was a member of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists believed to be involved with the group’s leaders.

In another operation near Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings looking for an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader who illegally smuggles gas to finance and fuel terrorist operations.  Two suspected terrorists were detained.

In Salah ad Din province, Coalition Forces conducted two operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including one who orders, finances and carries out attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  The ground forces detained 11 suspected terrorists during the operations for their alleged ties to the targeted leaders.

“Our steady and precise operations chip away at al-Qaeda in Iraq’s leadership and base of support,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “We won’t stop until Iraqis can choose their own future, free of the violence terrorists inflict on them.” 

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