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

Press Release A080311a
March 11, 2008

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; five killed, 11 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspects Monday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

North of Ad Dawr Monday, surveillance elements positively identified a group of terrorists attempting to emplace improvised explosive devices in a road and called for a supporting fixed-wing aircraft to attack the time sensitive target, killing three terrorists. 

Also Monday, during an operation northwest of Mosul, Coalition forces killed a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in the city’s AQI network. The suspect was believed to be responsible for vehicle-borne IED operations and is associated with numerous AQI leaders and operatives throughout Mosul. Coalition forces confirmed the location of the wanted AQI leader and a supporting helicopter was called to engage, killing him and another terrorist, and destroying the vehicle they were operating in. 

In Mosul today, Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting Saudi foreign terrorists associated with the AQI networks in the west and southeast regions of the city. The ground force detained four suspects during the two operations.

In Bayji today, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting an alleged associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator and AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq.

During operations west of Samarra and near Tikrit today, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting alleged associates of an AQI leader involved in propaganda operations for the network in al-Anbar Province. 

Another two suspects were detained today during an operation in Abu Ghraib targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network. 

"We will not allow al-Qaeda to interfere with the progress the Iraqi people and their elected government are making," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. "With the help of Iraqi citizens who reject al-Qaeda's targeting of innocent civilians and corrupt Taliban-like ideology, Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to find the terrorists, dismantle their networks and improve safety and security for the Iraqi people."

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