Pat Dollard | Young Americans

MNF-I:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained 11 suspects Sunday and Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership in central and northern Iraq.

West of Tarmiyah Monday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Surveillance elements observed individuals maneuvering in tactical positions in and around the target area. Perceiving a hostile threat, the ground force called in close air support to engage, killing four terrorists to include the targeted individual. As the ground force continued to secure the area, another individual emerged brandishing a weapon. Responding in self-defense, they engaged, killing the armed man. A small cache of weapons was discovered on site and one suspected terrorist was detained.

During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted the alleged advisor for al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership in the city. When the ground force approached the target building, two armed men emerged. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists, killing one of the armed men. One suspect was also detained during the operation and is believed to be the targeted individual’s brother.

South of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be responsible for the facilitation and planning of car-bombing operations in North Rusafa. In addition to the targeted individual, one suspected terrorist was detained.

In another operation Monday, Coalition forces targeted an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq reported to be a leader in an improvised explosive device network in Tarmiyah and responsible for car-bombing attacks against Coalition forces in the area. Five suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident.

Acting on time-sensitive intelligence, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation near the Hamrin Mountains Friday, killing one wanted terrorist and detaining two suspects. The targeted individual is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and kidnapping networks in the area. During the operation, an armed man emerged from the target area and Coalition forces engaged the hostile threat, killing him. The ground force observed another individual emerge from the target area and hide in a nearby canal. Coalition forces repeatedly directed him to come out, but he refused to comply. Perceiving a hostile threat, the ground force engaged, wounding him. In addition to the wounded man, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist.

“Our steady operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq are affecting their ability to operate,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “While they struggle to maintain their network, we will continue our efforts to dismantle it.”