45 Terrorists Captured and 2 Killed in Operations Around Iraq

In on going operations south of Tarmiyah and in Baqubah and Mosul targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in an effort to disrupt their attack networks. Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, including a terrorist leader and captured 29 more:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, including a terrorist leader, and captured two other suspected terrorist leaders during raids Thursday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq operations network.

During an operation south of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces killed the military emir of Tarmiyah, who was responsible for directing attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi civilians in the area. When the ground forces moved toward the target building, they observed an armed man in a neighboring house maneuvering into position to engage the assault force. Responding in defense against the hostile threat, Coalition Forces engaged the man, killing him. Another armed man moved to the roof of the target building, where Coalition Forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing him. The terrorist on the roof was determined to be the terrorist emir targeted in the operation. The ground forces detained 11 individuals with suspected ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

Operations in Baqubah and Mosul targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders to disrupt their attack networks. Coalition Forces captured an individual in Baqubah who is believed to conduct operations to incite sectarian violence, provide weapons to al-Qaeda in Iraq and attack Coalition Forces. The ground forces detained nine additional suspects for their ties to the terrorist network. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader who recently fled to the northern city and is believed to provide financial support to al-Qaeda in Iraq, facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists and control terrorist operations in an area south of the Baghdad airport. Coalition Forces detained seven of his suspected associates as well.

“We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The people of Iraq continue to demonstrate their desire to build a secure future, without the influence of al-Qaeda in Iraq.”

Elsewhere in Iraq, Iraqi Special Operations forces detained 16 al Qaesa in Iraq members in Muelha and Taji:

BAGHDAD – Members of the Iraqi Security Forces detained five suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in an intelligence-driven operation Aug. 29 in Muelha.

Reports indicate the suspected terrorist belong to a cell of more than 100 men suspected of attacking Coalition and Iraqi Forces in the village south of Baghdad.

Additional intelligence shows the cell members conduct these indirect and direct fire attacks with improvised explosive device, mortar and vehicle-borne explosive attacks.

One of the terrorists is allegedly involved in two specific IED attacks that seriously wounded multiple U.S. Army Soldiers, to include kidnapping and murdering local civilians in Muelha.

In a second operation, Iraqi Army Forces conducted an intelligence driven helicopter assault raid detaining 11 suspected insurgents west of Taji.

Scouts from the 1/7th Iraqi Army Brigade raided a series of targets and detained the primary suspect believed to be an al Qaeda in Iraq member and allegedly involved in supporting a sniper cell operating within the Karmah area.

After detaining six additional suspects, it was discovered that individuals fled from one of the targeted locations into a nearby mosque. U.S. Special Operations Forces provided external security while Iraqi Forces conducted an internal search of the mosque and detained four more suspected insurgents.

During the operation five AK-47 assault rifles, numerous identification cards and a rifle scope were seized. In addition, five rocket propelled grenades, two high explosive hand grenades, fuses and several containers of homemade explosives were destroyed on sight by a controlled detonation.

U.S. Special Operations Forces were advisers on both operations; no forces were harmed during either mission.

Operations of this type will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq and make it safer for every citizen to live in peace.

Good hunting boys, good hunting.