Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 30 suspects Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. During operations northwest of Baqubah, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader believed to specialize in sniper attacks and emplacement of improvised explosive device weapons. As the ground force approached the target area, the enemy opened fire from their defensive positions. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to engage the armed men, killing three terrorists, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. As the ground force secured the area, they discovered multiple grenades, small arms weapons and ammunition. Coalition forces detained two suspects.
Coalition forces conducted an operation in Tarmiyah targeting the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Reports indicate the targeted individual was previously part of a terrorist group that conducted attacks against Iraqi citizens for not following Sharia law. During the operation, surveillance elements observed the targeted individual in the area and supporting aircraft was called to strike the time-sensitive target. Secondary explosions erupted from the building, indicating that weapons and ammunition were stored inside. As Coalition forces cleared the surrounding area, they discovered two terrorists believed to be killed by the initial blast, small arms ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. The target building ignited from the secondary explosions, preventing the ground force from assessing the buildingÂ’s interior.
During an operation in Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and career terrorist considered an expert in making car bombs used to attack Iraqi citizens and an alleged associate of several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, including Abu Ayyub al-Masri and his predecessor, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed during a Coalition forces operation in June 2006. Reports indicate he was responsible for the suicide car-bombing attack that destroyed the Taji Bridge Aug. 14, killing approximately 10 Iraqi civilians and wounding six. Surveillance elements led Coalition forces to the wanted individualÂ’s location and seven other suspected insurgents were detained without incident.
North of Tikrit, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals during operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader reportedly involved in weapons facilitation, mortar training, improvised explosive device emplacement and facilitating funds from outside of Iraq. Both are reportedly associates of terrorist leaders, and one of the captured individuals is believed to have ties to terrorist networks in Haditha and is allegedly a subordinate of the leader for the al-Qaeda network operating in the Salah Ad Din province. Coalition forces detained six suspects during these operations.
In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting an alleged associate of a Mosul-based foreign terrorist facilitator. Additionally, nine suspects were detained without incident.
West of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an individual suspected of recruiting for al-Qaeda and allegedly an associate of a terrorist leader in the Fallujah area and a foreign terrorist facilitator. Two suspects were detained without incident. “We are continuing a steady drumbeat against al-Qaeda’s leadership,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Our operations are diminishing terrorist’s ability to attack the Iraqi people.”