Forces Disrupt al-Qaeda Operations; Three Terrorists Killed, 12 detained in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2007 -- Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 12 suspects during operations Friday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations east of Samarra targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Salah ad Din province. During the operation, one terrorist was killed and three suspects were wounded. The wounded men were detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility. Nearby, the ground force engaged and killed two individuals who were armed with machine guns and wearing suicide vests.

In addition to the three wounded individuals, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists in the target areas. Coalition forces found an anti-aircraft weapon, ammunition, grenades, and multiple improvised explosive devices surrounding the target buildings. Supporting aircraft were called to safely destroy the threats, including the two suicide vests, demolishing two buildings and a vehicle that was allegedly used for transporting weapons.

North of Jalula, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in facilitating materials for use in al-Qaeda in Iraq attacks against Coalition forces. Reports also indicate the wanted individual is closely associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader detained by Coalition forces during an operation Nov. 21, who was also wanted for his involvement in terrorist attacks.

During the operation, the ground force observed two armed men in a ditch, and repeatedly directed the individuals to come out. One of the men started to maneuver and was instructed to stop, but instead started moving toward the ground forces’ position. Coalition forces again directed the individual to stop, but he did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the man, wounding him. The individual then surrendered, was subsequently detained and transported to a medical facility.

The second man surrendered to the ground force and identified himself as the wanted individual. Both men were armed with machine guns and grenades. In addition to the wanted and wounded individuals, the ground force detained two other suspected terrorists armed with machine guns, military-style vests and grenades.

“These terrorists are dangerous adversaries that are still able to carry out barbaric attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to fight for lasting peace and a stable Iraq.”

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq releases.)

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