MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790
    
Press Release A080102a
January 02, 2008

Coalition targets al-Qaeda networks in Diyala, Samarra; three killed; 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 11 suspects Tuesday and Wednesday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.

In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist operations in the northeast Diyala River Valley region, Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Muqdadiyah Tuesday targeting associates of the network operating in the area.  Intelligence reports indicate a group of individuals executed a man earlier in the day and were later observed in the target area.  Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during the operation for their alleged involvement in the network.

North of Jalula Wednesday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and weapons for Ansar al Sunna groups operating in Kirkuk.  Reports indicate he is associated with several terrorists operating in the Diyala area, one of whom was detained during an operation Nov. 21 for his involvement in the facilitation of weapons for use in attacks against Coalition forces.

During the operation, Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from four armed men.  Coalition forces called supporting aircraft to engage their position, killing three and wounding one. The wounded man was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care. The ground force found a fifth man hiding in a building in the target area and detained him, along with two other suspects.

In Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual was reportedly a close associate of a terrorist killed during an operation Nov. 17, Abu Maysara, a senior advisor to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri.  Reports indicate the wanted individual is also associated with numerous other senior terrorists involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations.

In a separate operation nearby, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting an alleged associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. 

“Iraqis are rejecting Al-Qaeda in Iraq and their Taliban-like ideology,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesperson.  “There is a continuing need to disrupt the al Qaeda network and keep increasing the pressure on them.”

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