Coalition Forces Target al-Qaeda in Iraq

Coalition forces detained 18 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – North of Samarra, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate responsible for supplying improvised explosive devices and weapons to terrorists operating throughout the region. Reports indicate the suspected terrorist operates between ad-Dawr and Samarra and has ties to senior al-Qaeda leaders throughout those areas. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained four suspected terrorists on site.

Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists during continued operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in the central regions of the country. North of Baqubah, six suspects were detained while targeting associates of an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq headquarters tied to the suicide attack cells and media networks in the region. In Tarmiyah, Coalition forces targeted the alleged leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating north of Baghdad and detained two suspects. Southwest of Baghdad, one suspected terrorist was detained during an operation targeting an alleged IED cell leader in Karkh.

Further north in Sharqat, Coalition forces detained an additional four suspected terrorists during an operation targeting the alleged leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq affiliated insurgent group responsible for attacks on U.S. forces.

“Each capture is another step forward on the path to an Iraq free from al-Qaeda’s violence,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “While al-Qaeda is still capable of brutal and spectacular attacks, we are working to dismantle their networks and keep them off balance.”

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In case you’ve forgotten some of the other fronts in the Global War on Terror … from Pros and Cons