Coalition forces killed seven terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Muqdadiyah. Coalition forces targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly responsible for coordinating and directing a large terrorist group, and carrying out executions in the Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the group killed at least two people execution style in the last few days and has engaged with Coalition forces on multiple occasions. This operation follows several weeks of coordinated raids against this group by Coalition forces. During the operation this morning, the terrorists were positively identified at a known al-Qaeda in Iraq safe-house. Coalition forces directed a precision air strike and assessed two terrorists were killed in the operation.
Later in the day, Coalition forces positively identified terrorists involved in the same terrorist group operating in the region, and Coalition forces directed a second air strike killing an additional five terrorists. “Al Qaeda remains a threat to the safety and security of the Iraqi people,” said Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to strike the al Qaeda networks that are responsible for conducting heinous attacks against the Iraqi people.”