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

Press Release A080116a
January 16, 2008

UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in Diyala province raid

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A terrorist killed during an operation Dec. 30 near Muqdadiyah has been positively identified as Abu Layla al-Suri.

Abu Layla al-Suri, also known as Abu Abd al Rahman, was assessed to be one of the key al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders operating in Diyala province. Layla has been intricately involved in the terrorist network operating in the Diyala River Valley region since October 2006, and was closely associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.

Some of al-Suri’s direct associates included Abu Maysara, the senior radical religious advisor to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who was killed by Coalition forces Nov. 17 and another Diyala province terrorist leader detained during an operation Dec. 10. In addition, al-Suri had ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda cell leaders in Baghdad, due to his involvement in terrorist media and propaganda operations in Diyala.

Al-Suri was killed during a Coalition forces operation Dec. 30 near Muqdadiyah. The ground force was engaged by enemy fire as they approached the target area, and they returned fire in self-defense. The ground force then observed two armed terrorists emerge from the target building and maneuver in separate directions. The ground force engaged one of the men, killing him.

The other individual moved to a nearby palm grove and supporting aircraft engaged his position. As the ground force approached the armed terrorist’s position, the suspect engaged, and the ground force returned fire, killing him.

Once enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces began to clear the site and found two weapons caches, including 10 rifles, eight grenades, four military-style assault vests with 20 loaded magazines, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and rocket propellant. One of the terrorists was also wearing a suicide vest, who was later assessed to be al-Suri. The ground force found numerous fake IDs and media materials on site, believed to belong to al-Suri, to include propaganda and recruiting videos showing al-Qaeda in Iraq executions and attacks.

The weapons caches, and a vehicle allegedly used for terrorist activity, were safely destroyed on site. Seven suspected terrorists were also detained.

“There is no place in Iraq for dangerous terrorists like al-Suri to hide,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.
 
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