Coalition Forces killed seven terrorists and detained one suspected terrorist during an operation near Muqudadiyah July 25-26. As Coalition Forces approached the targeted area, which was a previously assaulted terrorist stronghold, the assault force and airborne assets observed several armed terrorists maneuvering through the village and occupying fighting positions. Coalition Forces responded appropriately to the imminent threat posed by the organized hostile force and engaged the terrorists with direct fire and close air support. Five terrorists were killed due to close air support strafing and two terrorists were killed by direct fire from ground forces.Coalition Forces later discovered a woman who was injured by shrapnel from the air strike against the group of terrorists. A Coalition Forces medic attended to her until she was transported to a military medical facility for treatment.
Coalition Forces detained one man who was found with extremist training materials and fake identification. “Terrorists continue to endanger innocent Iraqis by operating in their homes and neighborhoods,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson. “We take extensive precautions to protect civilians during our operations, but we will continue to target al-Qaeda and its terrorist operatives.”