May 25, 2007

Coalition Forces Nab 20 Suspected Al-Qaeda Terrorists

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Release A070525b

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists during several raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq around the country Friday morning.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces raided a house looking for a suspected al-Qaeda battalion commander. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists at the targeted location, including the alleged leader. Intelligence reports indicate he is responsible for numerous attacks in Baghdad, including assassinations, attacks on news media and attacks on the city’s infrastructure.

Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists in an operation southwest of Baghdad targeting al-Qaeda leadership. One of the individuals detained is allegedly a close associate of a Libyian who facilitates the movement of foreign fighters in the area.

In continuing operations to disrupt the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network in Baghdad, Coalition Forces targeted a known explosives expert associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The individual is also known to have knowledge of explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, and was recently promoted within the network. Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists from the target location.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists linked to an al-Qaeda weapons dealer allegedly involved in an IED network there.

Two suspected terrorists were detained during a Coalition Forces raid targeting al-Qaeda leadership in Baghdad. Ground forces found a small cache of weapons, which they safely destroyed on site.

“We’re continuing to take the fight to al-Qaeda, to thwart their ability to attack Iraqis and spoil their attempts to destabilize the country,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

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