Coalition Forces detained 43 suspected terrorists during operations Monday targeting al-Qaeda leaders and operatives in central Iraq. Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during two coordinated operations just north of Baghdad targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. The suspects are allegedly members of the Baghdad vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network, and two of the detainees are believed to be bodyguards for the senior leader.Northwest of the capital city, Coalition Forces raided three buildings associated with another al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader tied to the Baghdad VBIED network. The ground force detained 13 suspected terrorists for their alleged association with the network.
Based on information gained from successful operations June 13 and 16, Coalition Forces targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership east of Fallujah. During raids on several buildings in the area, the ground force detained 13 suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the senior leaders.
Coalition Forces captured a suspected terrorist east of Fallujah who allegedly facilitates the movement of foreign fighters for al-Qaeda in Iraq. One other suspected terrorist was detained in the operation. “Our continuous operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its senior leaders weaken their ability to strike from sanctuaries,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “These operations are crucial to reducing the levels of violence in Baghdad and the rest of Iraq.”