Coalition Forces Disrupt al-Qaeda Operations; Eight Terrorists Killed, 22 Detained

Coalition Forces operating in Northern and Central Iraq are going after AlQaeda cell leaders and disrupting the terror groups operations. In Northern Iraq 10 terrorists were captured:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks operating in northern Iraq.

During two coordinated operations in Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged senior leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city and his deputy. Reports indicate the suspected terrorists are responsible for directing terrorist operations in the region, to include kidnappings, mortar and improvised explosive device attacks.

The suspects are also allegedly responsible for attacks against Coalition and local awakening forces. In addition to the two wanted individuals, the ground force detained three suspected terrorists during the operations.

Further north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during an operation targeting a senior foreign terrorist facilitator. The leader is allegedly associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership, and reportedly commands a group of foreign terrorists and suicide bombers who are responsible for the attack that resulted in the death of five Coalition Soldiers Jan. 28.

Also in Mosul, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged manufacturer of improvised explosive devices involved in attacks against Iraq and Coalition forces.

"These operations are another step forward in the campaign to disrupt the al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "As terrorists shift their operations to new locations, Iraqi and Coalition forces will pursue them, attacking their networks and driving them from their hiding places."

In Central Iraq 8 terrorists were killed and 12 were detained:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 12 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

East of Samarra Thursday and today, Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network in the city and his associates.

Coalition forces observed numerous personnel at a known al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location and followed the suspects to two separate areas, killing one armed terrorist who displayed hostile intent.

Nearby Coalition forces followed two other individuals in a vehicle and observed them reaching for weapons. Perceiving hostile intent, a supporting aircraft engaged, killing two terrorists. Following the strike, numerous secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle, indicating weapons were stored inside. Coalition forces went back to the area today and detained three suspected terrorists for their alleged association to the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader.

Further east, near the Hamrin Mountains Thursday, two suspects were detained while targeting an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network responsible for operating an al-Qaeda in Iraq prison and training camp in the region. The targeted individual is allegedly associated with the suspect detained Jan. 28 for his role as an interrogator at the prison.

In Baqubah today, Coalition forces targeted an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership responsible for the suicide network operating in Diyala, Baghdad, Mosul and other areas of Iraq. As the ground force arrived in the area, they called for a target building’s occupants to come out. Coalition forces then engaged four terrorists in the building and killed them.

A young woman and girl, who had complied with instructions and exited the building, told the ground force that a man remained inside. As Coalition forces assaulted the building they observed it explode. After the area was secure, the ground force assessed the man had detonated explosive materials inside, killing himself and destroying the building. An Iraqi civilian in the area confirmed the terrorist killed inside the building was the targeted individual.

During operations in Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals reportedly involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda network. The suspects include an alleged senior leader operating in the terrorist network in Baghdad; one of his subordinates, who is reportedly responsible for facilitating the movement of media network members; and an alleged leader in the Mosul based media network. All of the suspected terrorists are reportedly close contacts of senior leaders within the media network, who have direct ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri. In addition to the wanted individuals, the ground force detained four suspected terrorists during the operations.

"Iraqi and Coalition forces remain resolved to bring the terrorists to justice, ending their campaign of indiscriminate violence against the Iraqi people," said Lt. Michael Street, MNF-I spokesman.