Coalition Forces Attack VBIED Network: 2 Killed, 10 Detained

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Release A070606d

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists in raids targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network Wednesday morning.

Coalition Forces raided several locations in follow-on operations after a Tuesday raid that killed a senior leader in a Baghdad VBIED cell. When Coalition Forces entered a building in Baghdad, two suspected terrorists ignored an interpreter’s instructions to comply with Coalition Forces’ orders. The two men ran into the building and attempted to retrieve weapons visible inside. Coalition Forces, reacting to the hostile threat, engaged the two men, killing them. One other suspected terrorist was detained on the scene and three vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the VBIED cell were destroyed.

In five other raids in Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists associated with the VBIED network and destroyed two vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the cell. A related raid south of Tarmiyah netted three suspects tied to the terrorist group.

Reports from suspected terrorists captured during the Coalition raids indicate there are IEDs in place around the city, which Coalition Forces are now identifying and neutralizing. Intelligence reports also indicate that the VBIED cell is responsible for chlorine attacks, assassination attempts against Iraqi officials and other high-profile attacks in Baghdad.

“Targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq VBIED network is a top priority for Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We continue to work to reduce and eventually eliminate the ability of terrorists to attack innocent Iraqis.”