Pat Dollard | Young Americans

MNF-I:

Six Al Qaeda terrorists killed, 22 detained during Coalition force operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 22 suspects Thursday and Friday during operations to disrupt terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

Southwest of Mosul Friday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting a suspected terrorist believed to be responsible for logistical and security functions for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The suspect reportedly was also involved in efforts to procure weapons and manpower for attacks against Coalition forces.

When Coalition forces approached the target area, they received small arms fire from two separate buildings. The ground force returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to assist in suppressing the enemy threat. Once the enemy fire ceased, the ground force assessed one terrorist was killed during the engagement. Meanwhile, Coalition forces observed three men attempt to flee the area in a vehicle. The ground force engaged the vehicle, disabling it and killing three terrorists. Secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged and the ground force discovered several grenades, assault rifles and pistols inside the vehicle.

As the ground force continued to secure the area, they called for the buildings’ remaining occupants to come out, resulting in the detention of 20 suspects. One of the suspects had a gunshot wound he reportedly received from a previous engagement. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility.

Also on Friday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during an operation north of Fallujah targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Intelligence reports indicated the target building is a suspected safe house and meeting place for numerous terrorist senior leaders. The suspects are allegedly brothers and have knowledge of terrorist leadership locations.

Coalition forces killed two terrorists and wounded another Thursday during a precision operation in Mosul. Intelligence reports led the ground force to a location where an al-Qaeda in Iraq member responsible for terrorist activity in the city was believed to be residing. Reports indicate the terrorist was allegedly involved in kidnappings and other terrorist attacks in the city and an associate of the al-Qaeda leader for northern Iraq. During the course of operations, two men emerged from the target location and maneuvered toward the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the men, killing two terrorists, one of whom was the targeted individual, and wounding another who evaded capture.

“We continue to clear and hold areas where terrorists think they can hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Nowhere in Iraq is al-Qaeda safe from the Iraqi and Coalition forces who seek to bring them to justice.”