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

Oct. 6, 2007
Press Release A071006a

Six terrorists killed, 18 suspects detained in Coalition forces operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 18 suspects Saturday while conducting operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in the northern and central parts of the country. 

Coalition forces conducted an operation south of Baghdad targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be involved in foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation. Upon arriving to the area, surveillance elements observed four armed men maneuvering from the target building. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the men, killing them. All four terrorists were wearing military-style assault vests and had rifles and grenades in their possession. The ground force safely destroyed the weapons on site. Three suspected terrorists were also detained during the course of operations.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders who is reportedly involved in the capital city’s car-bombing network. Two suspects were detained without incident.

Coalition forces killed two terrorists, captured one wanted individual and detained another six suspects during two coordinated operations near Samarra. The wanted individual is believed to be an associate of several Syrian-based network leaders that support the flow of foreign terrorists. As Coalition forces approached the target area, they observed one individual jump from the roof of a building, attempting to evade capture. The ground force engaged the fleeing terrorist, killing him. As the ground force entered the building, they discovered an armed terrorist and, responding in self-defense, killed the armed man. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists on site. Also in Samarra, intelligence reports led Coalition forces to an area alleged to be a terrorist safe haven; one suspected terrorist was detained.

Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and four suspected terrorists during coordinated operations in Kirkuk. During one operation, Coalition forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader believed to be involved in foreign terrorist facilitation in the al-Tamim province and detained four additional suspects. Nearby, the ground force captured the alleged leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq media network in Kirkuk. The suspect is believed to have numerous ties to senior leaders operating in the province.

“We’re on the offensive against al-Qaeda in Iraq and the foreign terrorists who help them,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will hunt down terrorist leaders and those who help plan and execute their vicious attacks against the Iraqi people.”

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