THE TENSION: Troops in Iraq Prevent Suspected al-Qaeda Assassination Attempt

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Feb. 1, 2008 -- Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers prevented a suspected al-Qaeda assassination attempt on a Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) leader when they discovered a car bomb in Doura Jan. 30.

After receiving an early morning tip, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, attached to Task Force Dragon, found an improvised bomb underneath the CLC leader’s car.

The CLC are volunteers who help Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces secure various parts of the district by guarding infrastructure, and providing information on anti-Coalition activities to ISF and Task Force Dragon elements.

“We believe that al-Qaeda is targeting the CLCs because of their effectiveness in helping us disrupt anti-Coalition activities in the Rashid District,” said Maj. Kirk Luedeke, Task Force Dragon spokesman. “We are proud of their courage and of the work they are doing in helping secure the district.”