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

Press Release A080320a
March 20, 2008

Coalition target roadside bombers, seven terrorists killed

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during operations in central and northern Iraq Wednesday and today.

Coalition forces targeted several suspected improvised explosive device emplacers southwest of Samarra Wednesday. During the operation, Coalition forces engaged two terrorists observed planting an IED in the road, killing them. The assault force also engaged a vehicle believed to be associated with the group. Coalition forces were engaged by small-arms fire by one of the occupants. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, killing four terrorists. The vehicle, which contained rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, land mines, homemade explosives and other IED-making materials, was destroyed by a fixed-wing aircraft to prevent further use for terrorist activity.

Coalition forces stopped another vehicle nearby with two men inside. One exited the vehicle and drew his weapon. Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the armed man and killed him. The other man surrendered to the assault force and was detained.

Coalition forces conducted a precision raid in Baghdad today, capturing an alleged member of a bombing network that supplies suicide vests for attacks against Iraqis. During another operation targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq bombing network, Coalition forces captured an alleged IED attack coordinator and another suspect in Sharquat.

In the northwest Iraq town of Bi’aj this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged operative in the foreign terrorist facilitation network, and in Mosul, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist allegedly linked to AQI senior leaders.

In operations targeting a suicide bomber network in Baqouba, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained two suspected terrorists Wednesday and six suspected terrorists during a related operation today.

Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists today when an operation southwest of Tikrit targeting the AQI media network turned up a small weapons cache and IED-building materials.

“Iraqi and Coalition operations are degrading the terrorist networks, but al-Qaeda in Iraq is still a deadly enemy and a tough fight remains ahead,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The Iraqi people are rejecting al-Qaeda’s extremist ideology and indiscriminate violence, and we are committed to helping them achieve a secure future.”

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