MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
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Press Release A071204b
December 4, 2007

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, media cells; two killed, 25 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 25 suspects during operations Tuesday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq.

South of Baqubah, Coalition forces killed a wanted terrorist believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq media cell leader who replaced the previous Diyala leader after his death during a Coalition forces operation Nov. 11. Coalition forces approached the target area and secured two buildings. As they moved to secure an adjacent building, two men were seen maneuvering into the palm groves nearby. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing both terrorists. One of the terrorists killed was later identified as the wanted individual. During the operation, the ground force discovered a large amount of al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda materials. Coalition forces detained three suspects during the operation.

In other operations targeting al-Qaeda’s media cells, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Baghdad reportedly involved in numerous aspects of media and propaganda operations for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The wanted individual is also believed to be an associate of senior terrorist leaders in the region and a facilitator of terrorist operations. Coalition forces detained one other suspect during the operation without incident.
 
Coalition forces targeted foreign terrorist facilitators during three operations in various cities. East of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate he also is involved with media and propaganda operations along the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces detained three other suspects without incident. Also targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, Coalition forces detained six suspects north of Samarra. Then, in Haditha, Coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the region. During the operation, Coalition forces discovered a large amount of American money.

Later, targeting kidnappers and those responsible for attacking Iraqis, Coalition forces targeted an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in kidnappings and assassinations with ties to senior terrorist members operating in Mosul. Four suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident.

During operations west of Kirkuk, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader for the city. Reports indicate the targeted individual was an associate of Abu Nahr, former car-bombing cell leader and terrorist facilitator Abu Harith, both of whom were killed during Coalition forces operations north of Hawija Nov. 21. During the operation, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists, one of whom was hiding from Coalition forces.

“Iraqi and Coalition forces are continuing to pressure al-Qaeda’s networks and drive them from their hiding places,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “This disruption to their operations reduces their ability to attack innocent Iraqis, but al-Qaeda remains a threat to peace and stability, and we must remain vigilant.”

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