MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

http://www.mnf-iraq.com
240-553-0581 ext. 3747

Press Release A090516

May 16, 2009

Iraqi, Coalition forces target Syrian-based AQI network

BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces targeted a Syrian-based al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Iraq and other AQI network cells on Friday and Saturday.

Near Tall al Hawa, approximately 83 km northwest of Mosul, an Iraqi and Coalition team conducted an operation targeting the Syrian-based Al Qaeda-linked foreign terrorist facilitator, Sa’ad Uwayid Ubayd al-shammari aka Abu Khalaf.

The U.S. Treasury Department has recently frozen all of Abu Khalaf’s bank accounts and financial assets found in the United States.  This terrorist is believed to be responsible for facilitating the main pipeline of suicide bombers, as well as the flow of money, weapons, terrorists and other resources from Syria into Iraq.

The combined force was led to a residence where they captured three of Abu Khalaf’s associates.  Iraqi authorities on scene identified one of the detainees as being wanted for his involvement in vehicle-borne improvised explosive devise attacks.

In Mosul, Iraqi and Coalition forces conducted and operation targeting an AQI operative.  The suspected is alleged to have ties to senior AQI leaders in the area and knowledge of AQI activities in the region.

The combined force received information on the suspect’s location.  Upon entering the residence the suspect turned himself over to the combined force without incident.

One additional suspect was detained for further questioning regarding his involvement in AQI activities.

Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to work closely together to ensure terrorists who threaten the security of Iraq are prosecuted under the Iraqi justice system.

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