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

Sept. 1, 2007
Release A070901c

3 terrorists killed, 5 suspected detained during operations targeting al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained five suspected terrorists Saturday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s operational and foreign terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

Intelligence from several sources led Coalition forces to a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location west of Tarmiyah.  As Coalition forces arrived at the target location, an armed man emerged from the buildings and moved toward the ground forces.  Responding to defend against the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the armed man, killing him.  Inside the target building, the ground forces discovered a false floor in a shower stall that led to a tunnel and secret room.  An armed man was hiding in the tunnel, and Coalition forces responded by engaging the armed man, killing him.  The room contained weapons and was safely destroyed.  One suspected terrorist was detained.

West of Taji, Coalition forces targeted foreign terrorist facilitators and captured two suspected members of the network.  One of the individuals is allegedly tied to a Syrian-based terrorist facilitator and explosives expert.  Coalition forces killed one terrorist on the scene when they observed him moving toward a possible weapon stash and identified him as a hostile threat.

In northern Iraq, Coalition forces continued to target al-Qaeda’s facilitation and operations networks.  Ground forces captured an alleged Iraq-based extremist in Mosul, who is believed to facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists into the country.  Another raid west of Kirkuk targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader whose group is responsible for attacks on Coalition forces.  The ground forces detained one suspected terrorist.