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

Aug. 28, 2007
Release A070828b

8 terrorists killed, 11 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 11 suspected terrorists during raids targeting leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and their networks Tuesday in central and northern Iraq.

During operations southeast of Kirkuk, Coalition Forces targeted a regional emir of al-Qaeda in Iraq and one of his operatives, both of whom are believed to facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists in Iraq.  As the assault force approached the target site, they observed two armed men in tactical fighting positions waiting for them.  Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition Forces called for close air support, which engaged the two armed terrorists, killing them.  Once the assault force was at the target location, four armed men attempted to maneuver around them into tactical positions, but Coalition Forces responded to the hostile threat and engaged them with fire from the supporting aircraft.  Ground forces assessed four armed terrorists were killed.  Once the location was secure, the ground forces surveyed the area and found weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, an RPG sight and a suicide vest.  An explosives team safely destroyed the materials on site.

Two coordinated operations straddling the provincial borders of Salah ad Din and at Tamim northeast of Tikrit targeted a senior-level al-Qaeda in Iraq advisor operating primarily in the Kirkuk area.  The targeted individual is believed to be tied to the international terrorist Khalid al-Turki, who was killed in an operation Jun. 23, and several other al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in the area.

As soon as Coalition Forces arrived at the first location, they received small arms fire from a nearby rooftop.  Coalition Forces responded to the enemy fire by calling for close air support to engage two armed men identified on the roof. The two terrorists were killed.  When Coalition Forces secured the building, they discovered two women and a boy who were injured in the engagement.  The assault force treated the three civilians on site and transported them to a military medical facility for further treatment.  Six suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.  At the second location, Coalition Forces detained two suspects for their alleged ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq advisor.

Al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders associated with the car-bombing network in southern Baghdad were the target of a Coalition Forces raid there.  The ground forces captured three alleged members of the cell with ties to both its current leader and a suspected former leader detained in an operation May 5.

“We continue to seek out terrorists wherever they hide, to diminish their ability to attack the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.  “We work very hard to avoid injuring innocent bystanders and provide immediate medical care if we do.” 
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