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

Press Release A080223c
February 23, 2008

Coalition targets al-Qaeda networks operating in Mosul, 11 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in Mosul.

During operations Friday in southeast Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of several foreign al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, who are believed to be responsible for recent attacks against the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists. Upon securing the area, Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of 20 mortar rounds, which was destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

On the west side of the city Friday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of numerous foreign al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Samarra. Reports indicate the suspect moved from Samarra to support terrorist operations in Mosul due to Coalition and Iraqi Security Force success in disrupting the AQI leadership presence in the region.

In Mosul today, five suspected terrorists were detained during an operation targeting an associate of a senior-level foreign terrorist facilitator and AQI leader in the region.

“These operations are further steps in the campaign to dismantle al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Mosul,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman.  “Iraqi and Coalition forces will not tolerate their indiscriminate violence, corrupt Taliban-like ideology and targeting of civilians.”

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