Coalition forces killed a terrorist leader and two other terrorists during operations on December 28th to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks operating near the capital city. During the operation, Coalition forces targeted Muhammad Khalil Ibrahim, the deputy military leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating south of Baghdad. Ibrahim was a key planner in numerous attacks against Coalition forces operating in the Mahmudiyah area, and was also involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and weapons. Also, Ibrahim and other senior al-Qaeda members were allegedly planning to conduct a large-scale attack against Coalition forces in the near future. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location in Mahmudiyah where Ibrahim was believed to be operating. Coalition forces confirmed his presence and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target. Once the area was secure, the ground force assessed that three terrorists were killed in the strike, to include Ibrahim. The two other terrorists were assessed to be leaders associated with the terrorist network in Iskandariyah. The ground force also discovered a machine gun, a suicide vest and several grenades in Ibrahim’s vehicle. “This was a dangerous terrorist who will never again harm innocent Iraqis or the security forces that protect them,” said Maj. Anton Alston, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to relentless pursue terrorist leaders, like Ibrahim, who threaten our forces and attempt to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice.”