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

Press Release A080217e
February 17, 2008

Coalition forces targets al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq; one killed, 23 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 23 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted an operation in Sharqat today targeting an alleged founder of an anti-Coalition insurgent group tied to the leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Bayji. As Coalition forces called for the occupants of a target building to come out, one man ran out of the building and was directed to stop. He continued to maneuver towards the ground force’s position despite their continued commands to stop.  Due to increased threat of suicide attacks in the region, Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the non-compliant man and engaged, killing him. Upon clearing the area, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists.

South of Kirkuk today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the terrorist network in the city. The suspect is believed to be associated with the alleged former leader of the assassination cell in Hawijah who was detained Jan. 10, Abu Harith; the leader of the Kiruk al-Qaeda in Iraq network killed Nov. 21; and another suspected Kirkuk AQI leader, who was detained Feb. 9. Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists in addition to the wanted individual.

Saturday in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged AQI leader involved in the network on the east side of the city. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with several senior leaders in the area, to include a judge of a terrorist illegal court system, and the radical Taliban-like spiritual advisor for the AQI networks in the city. The ground force detained one suspect in addition to the wanted individual.

Also in Mosul Saturday afternoon, Coalition forces targeted an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and associate of an AQI senior leader operating in Mosul. During the operation, Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists. In one of the target buildings, the ground force discovered what they assessed to be an improvised explosive device materials cache. Once the area was clear and secure, Coalition forces destroyed the explosive materials to prevent future use for terrorist attacks. 

During two operations in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates of foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators.

"These captures represent another step forward in disrupting the al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq," said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman.  "As terrorists move their operations, we will follow. Al-Qaeda will find no safe haven in Iraq."

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE MNF-I PRESS DESK AT: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 
FOR THIS PRESS RELEASE AND OTHERS VISIT WWW.MNF-IRAQ.COM.