MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER

BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

Nov. 8, 2006
Release A061108b 

TEN FOREIGN FIGHTER FACILITATORS KILLED; IRAQI POLICEMAN RESCUED 

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed ten al-Qaeda terrorists associated with foreign fighter organizations today near Muqdadiyah and rescued a kidnapped Iraqi Policeman. 

Acting upon numerous credible intelligence sources, Coalition Forces launched an operation to detain individuals running a known terrorist cell. At the objective, Coalition Forces made contact with and killed 10 terrorists carrying AK-47s, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, and a machine gun. 

Once inside the building, Coalition Forces found a hostage blindfolded and shackled to the floor.  The hostage revealed he was an Iraqi Policeman that was taken hostage six days before with two other Iraqi Policemen and was being held ransom to raise money for the terrorist cell.  He said the two other policemen had been ransomed earlier by the terrorists. 

Coalition Forces also found a 60 mm mortar system with ammunition, a sniper rifle, numerous IED components, a significant amount of ammunition and other terror related material. 

Ground units destroyed the munitions before these items could cause any harm to innocent victims 

The al-Qaeda cell was responsible for bringing foreign fighters into the Muqdadiyah area.  These terrorists and other foreign terrorist facilitators are killing innocent Iraqis daily and preventing the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve. This well coordinated operation was designed to eliminate the terrorist threat and further the degradation of the al-Qaeda terrorist network.                                                                      

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