MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Press Release A080323a
March 23, 2008

Coalition forces kill 17 terrorists including six likely suicide bombers, detain 30 suspects

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed 17 terrorists and detained 30 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern parts of the country Saturday and today.

Coalition forces conducted an operation Saturday near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting weapons facilitators and associates of AQI leadership. Intelligence reports led the assault force to the targeted suspect’s location, where five individuals failed to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions or heed warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men with small arms fire, killing them. Secondary explosions from a vehicle following the initial engagement indicated explosives or weapons were inside.

Coalition forces killed 12 terrorists today during an operation east of Baqouba, targeting members of a suicide bombing network. The ground force was attacked with small arms fire as they approached the target building. Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged five armed men, killing them. The ground force ordered the occupants to come out of the building. Some complied, but others remained inside. Coalition forces entered the building and were fired upon by several armed men. Seven more terrorists were killed in the engagement, and Coalition forces detained five suspects on the scene. Assault weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests discovered on site were safely destroyed. Six of the terrorists killed had shaved their bodies, which is consistent with final preparation for suicide operations.

Coalition forces continued to target the terrorist bombing network in southwest Baghdad this morning, capturing a suspected bombing facilitator, who allegedly specializes in the distribution of homemade explosives. After he identified himself as the targeted suspect, the man led Coalition forces to four other wanted individuals, who were also detained.

In Mosul today, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation in which they captured an alleged terrorist leader suspected of carrying out attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. In a nearby operation, the ground force detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of AQI senior leaders.

Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of AQI senior leaders and three other suspected terrorists this morning in Tikrit. On two occasions during the operation, vehicles sped toward the security perimeter. After using visual signals, Coalition forces fired a warning shot. In one incident, the vehicle turned around and left; the other vehicle stopped, and the driver ran away. There were no injuries reported in either incident.

Two coordinated operations today in the Tigris River Valley targeted AQI’s propaganda network. Northwest of Tikrit, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists, and west of Samarra, six additional suspects were detained.

“Though Iraqi and Coalition forces have captured and killed a substantial number of terrorists in operations like these, al-Qaeda in Iraq is still lethal, and a tough fight remains ahead,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We are committed to this fight and to improving public safety and security for all Iraqis.”

-30-