THE TENSION: Coalition Forces Capture 15 Insurgents in Iraq Operations

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists today during a series of operations targeting al Qaeda networks throughout Iraq.

Coalition forces captured eight suspects linked to local car bombings, improvised-explosive-device attacks and gun-running activities southwest of Tarmiyah.

Northwest of Tikrit, coalition forces detained four suspects for moving foreign terrorists. One of the detainees is linked to false documentation and terrorist-funding activities and is believed to have ties to Syrian-based extremists with ties to the al Qaeda in Iraq.

In Baghdad, coalition forces captured an individual linked to kidnappings and attacks on coalition forces. Intelligence reports indicate the individual has ties to "special groups" terrorist leaders operating throughout Baghdad. Two other suspects also were detained.

"Targeting al Qaeda in Iraq networks and criminals responsible for vicious attacks against innocent Iraqis and their security forces is a top priority," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to find and dismantle terrorist networks that try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their own choosing."

In other news, a local Iraqi leader suspected of terrorist ties was detained by Iraqi security forces in Diwaniyah yesterday. The detainee is suspected of using his government position to support terrorist activities.

In other recent news:

An Iraqi citizen was recognized for bravery at an Oct. 16 ceremony in Baghdad. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth Adgie, commander of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, presented Mudhehr Fayadh Baresh, 72, with a battalion coin for thwarting a suspected suicide bomber at a checkpoint in Baghdad's Arab Jabour district on Oct. 14. After challenging the suspect, Baresh opened fire when the bomber tried to set off charges attached to his vest. The vest blew up, killing the suspect. Baresh said he was compelled to stop the terrorist "for the honor of my family and the honor of my country."

Iraqi commandos detained an extremist leader during an Oct. 16 raid in the Hurriyah area. The detainee is suspected of providing funds and weapons to terrorists operating near Baghdad. About $10,000 worth of Iraqi currency was confiscated during the raid.

Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache near Radwaniyah on Oct. 15. The cache contained three 130 mm rounds, three 155 mm rounds, two rockets, and two 60 mm mortars. The contents of the cache were destroyed.