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

Aug. 22, 2007
Release A070822b

Coalition Forces strike al-Qaeda in Iraq; one terrorist killed, 24 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 24 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Tuesday and Wednesday targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and their degrading network.

Coalition Forces conducted two precision raids east of Samarra Tuesday targeting a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq and his associates.  Five suspected terrorists were detained in the coordinated operations, one of whom is believed to be the terrorist leader’s close associate.

Wednesday, Coalition Forces continued targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq with two more operations in Salah ad Din province.  In a raid south of Tikrit, ground forces captured an individual believed to use his position with Iraqi emergency response teams to assist al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists.  When the assault force arrived at the target area, they observed several armed men moving into positions around them.  Coalition Forces called in close air support to defend against the armed men, and machine gun fire from the aircraft killed one armed man.  Another suspected terrorist was injured in the engagement.  He received medical attention on site and was transported to a military medical facility for further treatment. Several other suspected terrorists surrendered as the ground forces advanced, and eight were detained in the operation.

In the other operation in Salah ad Din province, intelligence reports led Coalition Forces to Bayji, where an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir was allegedly seeking refuge because of pressure from Coalition operations.  The ground forces detained four individuals for their suspected ties to the emir and other al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders.

During a raid in Baghdad Wednesday, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be a close associate and bodyguard of an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir.  The suspected associate identified himself to Coalition Forces on the scene as the targeted individual, and four additional suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition Forces conducted an operation in Anbar province Wednesday to further decimate the al-Qaeda in Iraq media network.  During the operation, Coalition Forces captured the cell’s alleged leader and one other suspected terrorist.

“Our steady operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq are affecting terrorists’ ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “While they struggle to maintain their network, we will continue our efforts to dismantle it.”

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