Forces Disrupt Al-Qaeda in Iraq Networks

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 25, 2008 -- Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 19 suspects Thursday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Northeast of Samarra, near the Hamrin Mountains Thursday, Coalition forces targeted a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq associate who allegedly serves as an interrogator at a terrorist prison and training camp in the region. Reports indicate the individual facilitates weapons purchases and fighter movements in the area. Also, the targeted individual’s brother was killed during an operation Sep. 30 for his involvement in the foreign terrorist facilitation and kidnapping network in the Hamrin mountain region (see MNF-I press release A070930b, “Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network; two killed, 21 detained,” dated Sept. 30, 2007).

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating and they engaged, killing one armed terrorist and destroying a vehicle.

During another operation in the area this morning, two suspected terrorists were detained while Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member associated with terrorist media and propaganda operations.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual near Baghdad Thursday believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader in Al Bawi. Reports indicate the suspected terrorist was responsible for a car bomb attack that targeted a Coalition forces patrol Oct. 30. The individual is also allegedly involved in trafficking weapons throughout the southern Baghdad region and was reportedly planning an attack in the capital city area. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained four suspected terrorists during the operation.

In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual allegedly involved in the facilitation of weapons, improvised explosive device materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for use in al-Qaeda in Iraq attacks. Reports indicate the suspect is also connected to foreign terrorist facilitation networks, to include several terrorists currently operating outside of Iraq. The wanted individual is also reportedly associated with another suspected terrorist detained Jan. 12 for his involvement in terrorist attacks (see MNF-I Press Release A080112a, “Coalition forces targets al-Qaeda networks in Baghdad, Mosul; 15 detained,” dated Jan. 12, 2008).

Coalition forces conducted a series of coordinated operations in Bayji today, capturing two wanted individuals and four additional suspects. One of the wanted individuals is reportedly an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the media and propaganda network in Bayji. The other wanted individual was captured at a follow-on location and is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of a sniper cell responsible for attacks against Coalition forces. Both individuals are allegedly tied to numerous terrorist leaders in the region to include the senior leader of the Bayji network.

During operations in Mosul Thursday and this morning, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and three suspected terrorists. The two wanted individuals detained Thursday are allegedly involved in the Ansar al Sunna group operating in the city. Reports indicate the suspected terrorists are senior leaders of the group and have ties to a network of other extremists operating in the region.

“We will continue to pursue al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists wherever they take sanctuary,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Their indiscriminate attacks and oppressive practices will not be tolerated, and we stand committed with Iraqi Security Forces to end their campaign of terror.”

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Tags: DOD, War, Military, GWOT, terrorism, al Qaeda, al Qaida, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, U.S., coalition, Iraq, Dispatches from the Front, Multinational Force
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