MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790
    
Press Release A071224a
December 24, 2007

Coalition forces disrupt criminal element network; two armed men killed, two suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals and killed two armed men during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early today in the Al Kut area, southeast of Baghdad.
 
The targeted individual was reportedly a Special Groups leader responsible for attacks against Coalition forces and its supporters. He allegedly received training on urban combat tactics and explosives, including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFP) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The wanted individual is believed to have conducted surveillance against Coalition forces in order to plan attacks against them.  He was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

When Coalition forces approached the target area, two armed men maneuvered against them displaying hostile intent. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed them both. During the operation Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals without further incident. The identities of the two suspects, and whether or not one of them is the targeted individual is still being determined.

“Coalition Forces continue to target the criminal elements who are responsible for directing attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces and Iraqi citizens,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesperson. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will take the necessary actions against those who are not honoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease fire pledge.”

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