Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080802-01
August 2, 2008

IA tracks down AQI fleeing from Diyala

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers operating in the Salah ad-Din province during Operation Eagle Pursuit killed three al-Qaeda in Iraq fighters as another detonated his suicide vest, killing himself, July 31.
Operation Eagle Pursuit is in direct support of Operation Iron Pursuit being carried out by Multi-National Division – North Soldiers in the volatile Diyala Province, which began a few days ago.

 The IA Soldiers also detained nine AQI members during their initial stages of the operation that has them pushing toward the Uzaym River Valley attempting to kill or capture AQI members fleeing from Diyala into Salah ad-Din in order to escape advancing Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.

 “This operation is significant in that it signals a step forward for the Iraqi Army’s ability to conduct self-sustained and long-term unilateral operations in the Salah ad-Din province,” said Capt. James Hodgson, ISF liaison for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “The IA has shown marked improvement in recent months in its ability to gather intelligence, disrupt enemy activity and gain the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people. The initial stage of this operation is simply a tribute to their continuous efforts.”

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR DSN 318-856-0218