February 14, 2008
Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; seven terrorists killed, 16 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained 16 suspects Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
During a series of operations south of Sharqat Wednesday night and early this morning, Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Salah ad-Din province. The targeted suspect is allegedly responsible for the equipping, financing and planning of AQI operations in northern Iraq, and is associated with senior level al-Qaeda members operating inside and outside of the country.
As Coalition forces arrived at one of the target locations, they observed multiple armed personnel maneuvering into position against them. Two armed terrorists fired at Coalition forces, who engaged in self-defense, killing them. A supporting aircraft was called to engage the remaining threat, killing an additional four terrorists. During the engagement, one civilian was wounded, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care. As the ground force cleared the area, they found various weapons and ammunition in and around the target buildings. Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during the series of operations.
During operations Wednesday and today in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the AQI network in Karkh, which is responsible for improvised explosive device and car-bomb attacks in the area. Reports indicate the suspect is also associated with an AQI media and propaganda network operating in the city, to include a suspect detained Feb. 8 for his involvement in media operations (emphasis Howie) (see MNF-I press release A080208c, "Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in central Iraq; eight terrorists killed, 12 detained," dated Feb. 8, 2008).
In southeast Mosul Wednesday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged associate of AQI senior leadership operating in the area, including a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator. As the ground force cleared the target building, they were engaged by small-arms fire from a terrorist wearing a suicide belt. Coalition forces responded in self-defense and engaged the armed terrorist, killing him. Once the area was secure, an expert explosives team destroyed the suicide belt to prevent future use.
"Terrorist actions by AQI only strengthen our resolve to support the courage and strength of the Iraqi people," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck. "We stand with Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi people to end the terror of AQI and create a safer country for all Iraqis."
Read all the MNF-Iraq press releases here.
