MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

June 14, 2007
Release A070614b

Coalition Forces target al-Qaeda leaders, detain 25 suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 25 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operations throughout the country Wednesday and Thursday.

Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings west of Tarmiyah seeking to capture associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.  The ground force detained seven individuals on the scene for their alleged ties to al-Qaeda leader including one individual believed to be a close associate of Umar al Baghdadi.

During coordinated raids targeting a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists east of Amiriyah.  The nine individuals detained are suspected of being associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq regional Shar’ia Emir.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to an al-Qaeda senior leader in Northern Iraq.  One of the six suspects detained is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader as well as an associate of the al-Qaeda Emir of Kirkuk.

Three suspected terrorist were also detained during operation in Baghdad.  The individuals detained are suspected of being members of the Baghdad vehicle-borne IED network, which is responsible for conducting attacks on Iraqi civilians, as well as Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

“Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill those terrorists who are trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.