Coalition Raids Turn Up 35 Suspected Terrorists

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Release A070513a

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 35 suspected terrorists during several raids Sunday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership.

During a raid near Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained 11 individuals for their suspected involvement with a regional al Qaeda in Iraq emir and al Qaeda senior leaders. In two other operations in the Tarmiyah area, Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists allegedly tied to a network responsible for kidnapping, extortion and attacks against Coalition forces.

Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists in Baghdad, including an individual with alleged close ties to an explosives expert who also facilitates the movement of foreign fighters into Iraq.

Northwest of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted terrorists allegedly tied to an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader and detained 10 suspects.

“We’re steadily dismantling the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Their leadership structure is crumbling and their manpower pool is diminishing.”