Three Hostages Freed, 13 Susptected Terrorists Detained

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Release A070322a

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces liberated three hostages and detained 13 suspected terrorists Thursday morning during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks. During an operation northeast of Karmah, Coalition forces liberated three Iraqi citizens who said they were handcuffed and beaten by suspected terrorists. The liberated hostages are undergoing medical treatment and will be reunited with their families.

In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist allegedly responsible for setting up al-Qaeda terrorist training camps in Iraq and Syria. While performing an operation in North Baghdad, Coalition forces discovered a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices factory.

The area around the factory was cordoned off to ensure the safety of nearby residents. One suspected terrorist was detained during the operation with alleged ties to an al-Qaeda VBIED and assassination cell.

Seven suspects were detained during operations northwest of Taji with reported ties to foreign fighter facilitation and four more were detained in Ramadi with alleged ties to al-Qaeda.

“Coalition forces will continue systematic and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “This is especially true when those terrorists are employing weapons that can damage or destroy Coalition aircraft or using vehicle-borne IEDs in attacks against Iraqi citizens.”