Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070824-11
August 24, 2007

Iraqi citizens, police stand up to Al-Qaeda attack
Multi-National Division – North PAO

KANA’AN, Iraq – Iraqi citizens and police fought back against an al-Qaeda attack on two villages near Kana’an early Thursday morning, brought on because the villagers had begun assisting Iraqi Security Forces in pushing the terrorist group out of the area.

An unknown number of terrorists were killed, said Skeik Thar al-Karki, the paramount sheik for the Karki tribe, stating they could not determine the number because AQI members load the bodies in vehicles during attacks.

Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province, visited leaders in both villages where they reported 10 citizens killed, 11 wounded and 14 women and children taken hostage.  Many villagers commented to Sutherland that this kind of brutality would only stiffen their resolve and cause other nearby villages to stand up against AQI.

“This is a disgraceful act showing the truly barbaric acts of al-Qaeda and the disdain they show for the foundations of Islam,” said Col. Sutherland.  “Their actions will not be tolerated and they will be brought to justice.”

The attack was targeted at two senior sheiks in Kana’an who have been backing concerned local nationals and security forces in their stand against AQI, said Thar.

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