First off this little gem: Operations against al-Qaeda Iraq in 2007 resulted in the capture of 8,800 terrorists and 2,400 were killed.
Air strikes hit more than 40 targets in Arab Jabour
Multi-National Division – Center
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – More than 40 targets were hit Jan. 10 after precision air strikes destroyed reported al-Qaeda safe havens in Arab Jabour. Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds.
The precision air strikes supported Operation Phantom Phoenix, the overarching operation that includes Operation Marne Thunderbolt.
A joint operation between the Air Force and Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division required extensive planning to prevent collateral damage and to deny the use of the area for attacks into Baghdad and against Coalition Forces.
Two B-1 Bombers and four F-16 fighter jets, directed bombs at three large target areas. Each bomber made two passes and the F-16s followed to complete the set. Coordination between the Army and Air Force was essential in making the operation a success.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt is an ongoing operation aimed at flushing out remaining al-Qaeda extremists operating in the southern Arab Jabour area, and to create conditions for improved security.
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division will join Iraqi Security Forces and Concerned Local Citizens to continue these offensive operations to keep pressure on the enemy.
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq IED specialists (Hillah)
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq improvised explosive device specialists in separate raids Dec. 28.
The Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces detained a suspected AQI terrorist believed to be a primary facilitator of improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
Additionally, the suspected terrorist is thought to have helped foreign fighters enter the country and facilitate suicide bombings in northern Babel province.
He is also believed to be responsible for the murder of numerous Iraqi citizens.
Near the city of Balad, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and U.S. Forces detained a suspected AQI terrorist who specializes in IED construction.
He is also believed to belong to a terror cell that is responsible for IED emplacement and weapons trafficking as well as the intimidation of Iraqi citizens.
No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured in these operations.
Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, disrupt criminal networks
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups facilitator early Thursday during operations to disrupt criminal element networks in the Baghdad area.
The targeted individual reportedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in the use and construction of explosively formed penetrators in the Khan Bani Said area and in Baghdad. He was reportedly a weapons facilitator and arranged for the transportation and storage of EFPs and rocket propelled grenades. The wanted individual was also reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target location where they captured the wanted individual without incident.
“Coalition forces welcome al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire, but we will continue to target any criminal group not honoring this pledge,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Each successful operation brings us one step closer to a secure future for Iraq.”
Coalition forces targets al-Qaeda networks in Baghdad, Mosul; 15 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists today and Friday during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist reportedly associated with the facilitation of explosive materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for use in terrorist operations throughout the capital city. The individual is believed to be a direct contact of the suspect detained Jan. 10 for his role in the network and his association with foreign terrorist facilitators, and al-Qaeda in Iraq and Ansar al-Sunna leadership (see MNF-I press release A080111b, “Coalition targets al-Qaeda leadership, media networks; two killed, 11 detained,” dated Jan. 11, 2008).
In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists today and Friday during coordinated operations targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq media cells and senior leaders.
“We know it will continue to be a tough fight against al Qaeda; one that will test the courage and strength of the Iraqi people, the Iraqi forces and the Coalition forces,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “But amidst this tough fight, we will continue to pursue al Qaeda wherever they attempt to take sanctuary.”
Coalition forces find prison facility, weapons caches in Diyala; 15 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Jan. 7 to 10 to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in the Diyala River Valley.
Coalition forces conducted operations in the Sherween Village area targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks associated with media and foreign terrorist facilitation networks. Reports indicate the region has become a safe haven for terrorists due to continued pressure from Coalition and Iraqi forces pushing al-Qaeda networks out of central portions of the country and into the Diyala River Valley. Recent operations in the Diyala River Valley have uncovered a significant amount of weapons caches, as well as execution sites, and torture and detention facilities.
With the help of numerous Iraqi local citizens, Coalition forces discovered four weapons caches, a former al-Qaeda in Iraq prison and torture facility, and an improvised explosive device-making facility during the four-day operation. Local Iraqis confirmed the use of the prison facility by al-Qaeda in Iraq, but said it had not been used recently due to the presence of Coalition forces in the region. In addition, Coalition forces also destroyed four buildings that were found rigged with explosives and a river-crossing point that was being used to facilitate the movement of terrorists.
During the four-day operation, Coalition forces also uncovered and eliminated several IEDs on various roadways.
Fifteen suspected terrorists were detained over the four days for possession of weapons, explosive materials, and confessions to being involved in terrorist operations.
“We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security and safety of all Iraqis,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We will not allow al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists to take back the hard fought gains that the Iraqi and Coalition forces have made.
CORRECTED: Coalition forces targets foreign terrorists, propaganda and IED cells; 13 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 13 suspected terrorists Saturday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Taji Saturday, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be associated with a senior level al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate the suspect was heavily involved in the terrorist network operating that is responsible for the flow of foreign terrorists and the facilitation of money and weapons into Iraq. Additionally, the suspect is alleged to have close ties to the car-bombing network operating in the Karkh area of Baghdad.
The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained, along with seven suspected terrorists. During a separate operation nearby, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist while targeting an additional associate of the network.
Also Saturday, two suspected terrorists were detained in Baghdad during a Coalition forces operation targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq senior member of the terrorist media and propaganda network in the city.
In Mosul today, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting a suspected terrorist who is reportedly in charge of an improvised explosive device cell operating in the Risalah neighborhood. During the operation, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.
“Foreign terrorists who come here with the help of al-Qaeda to commit murderous acts against the Iraqi people have no place in the future of this country,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.
Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist facilitation networks, eight detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Samarra, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be associated with a senior level al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate the suspect is tied to a terrorist network responsible for the flow of foreign terrorists, as well as the facilitation of money and weapons into Iraq. The suspect is also allegedly a relative of a terrorist who was killed by Coalition forces during an operation Oct. 6 (see MNF-I press release A071006a, “Six terrorists killed, 18 suspects detained in Coalition forces operations,” dated Oct. 6, 2007). The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained with two other suspected terrorists.
Coalition forces captured another suspected terrorist tied to foreign terrorist facilitation networks during an operation in Tikrit. The suspect is reportedly involved in the facilitation network operating between Tirkit and Samarra, and is believed to be a direct associate of an individual who uses his residence as an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe house for foreign terrorists. The suspected terrorist also allegedly has close ties to numerous terrorist leaders involved in the al-Qaeda network in Samarra.
During another operation targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists south of Bi’aj in northwestern Iraq. During the course of operations, a civilian was wounded, treated on site, and transported to a military medical facility for further care.
Near Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist while targeting a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be involved in attacks against Iraqi citizens for not following Sharia law. The targeted individual is allegedly a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the network north of Baghdad, which is responsible for improvised explosive device attacks, extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.
During a separate operation nearby, the ground force detained another suspect while targeting associates of the same network.
“Iraqi and Coalition forces are dismantling al-Qaeda’s supply of foreign terrorists and weapons,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We’re eroding the terrorists’ resources and their ability to strike fear into the people of Iraq.”
Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain terrorist cell leader (Mosul)
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected terrorist cell leader during a raid in Mosul Jan. 14.
According to intelligence reports, the suspect is responsible for numerous improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
The terrorist cell that he is reported to lead, is involved in storing and emplacing IEDs and car bombs for use in attacks throughout Mosul. He is also believed to be involved in the kidnapping and murder of innocent Iraqi civilians.
There were no Iraqi or U.S. Forces injured during these operations.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, 14 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 14 suspected terrorists today and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Monday in Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist reportedly involved in the murder of a U.S. citizen and members of a personnel security detail for the Iraqi National Dialogue Council. The suspect is also believed to be an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the network in Kirkuk and involved in the Baghdad car bomb network. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists on site.
During an operation in Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured another suspected terrorist who is an alleged associate of an improvised explosive device attack cell in Karkh. Reports indicate the individual is a former Iraqi intelligence officer and is associated with several of the suspected terrorists detained during an operation Dec. 25 for their ties to car bomb attacks (see MNF-I press release A071225a, "Coalition forces target terrorist facilitators, suicide bombers; 13 killed, 27 detained," dated Dec. 25, 2007).
West of Muqdadiyah this morning, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. During the operation, the ground force detained four suspected terrorists and found a weapons cache inside one of the buildings. The cache contained 15 fused mortars and several machine guns and grenades, which were safely destroyed to prevent future use for terrorist attacks.
During other operations in Mosul and near Samarra today, five suspected terrorists were detained while targeting associates of an assassination cell leader and a senior level al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist facilitator.
"Iraqi and Coalition forces are making steady progress against al-Qaeda in Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Though they remain a threat, our operations continue to deny the terrorists safe haven and diminish their manpower."
Coalition forces degrade al-Qaeda networks; three terrorists killed, four detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained four suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation west of Muqdadiyah, Coalition forces targeted a known al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location for the network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. As the ground force arrived in the target area, an armed terrorist engaged them from a building the rooftop. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed him.
Continuing to clear the target area, the ground force entered one of the buildings and encountered two armed men. Coalition forces engaged the perceived hostile force, killing the terrorists. Inside the building, the ground force discovered a weapons cache which included several machine guns and magazines, grenades, a mortar and military style assault vests. Coalition forces assessed the building to be structurally unsafe and destroyed it, along with the weapons inside, to prevent further use for terrorist activities. Two suspected terrorists were also detained during the course of operations.
In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist who is reportedly an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq car bomb cell leader in Karkh. The cell leader allegedly was involved in the manufacture of a car bomb that was used in an attack in Baghdad Dec. 20 that resulted in two Iraqi civilians being killed. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained.
The al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the capital city, including Karkh, is operating in a degraded state following recent Coalition operations in the region. These operations resulted in the capture of a suspected key leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network south of Baghdad, who was detained Jan. 10, and several suspected Karkh network leaders, who were detained Dec. 7 for their alleged role in planning a spectacular suicide car bomb attack in the city.
During an operation farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be associated with senior leaders of the terrorist network in the eastern part of the city. Several of the suspect’s associates reportedly have direct ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The operation builds on several recent Coalition successes which have degraded the network in Mosul, to include operations Dec. 14 and Jan. 6, which resulted in the detention of several key senior leaders in the network.
“We will continue to find the terrorist networks that threaten the security and safety of the Iraqi people and take them apart,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We will not allow al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists to take back the hard fought gains Iraqi and Coalition forces have achieved.”
ISF, MND-N Soldiers kill seven extremists after attack (Mosul)
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Seven extremists were killed Jan. 15 after they attacked Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul.
Multi-National Division-North Soldiers in support of ISF observed the extremists load a vehicle with weapons and then attack the ISF with small arms.
MND-N Soldiers engaged the vehicle, destroying it and killing an extremist.
The Coalition Forces cordoned the area and moved in to search a house the remaining individual ran into.
There they came under attack by small arms fire and hand grenades.
After an air weapons team engaged the house, MND-N Soldiers searched the building and recovered the bodies of three more extremists.
Al-Qaeda operations in northern Iraq disrupted; two killed, 17 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 17 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq.
In Bi’aj, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network in the western region of Mosul. Reports indicate the wanted individual is a direct associate of numerous terrorist leaders, to include the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The suspect allegedly has a history of terrorist activity that originated in Baghdad, and is believed to have been recently appointed to a leadership position in the region after the previous terrorist leader was killed.
As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, an armed terrorist ran at their position and was repeatedly directed to stop, but did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged the man and killed him. As Coalition forces continued to clear the area, they were engaged by small arms fire north of their position. A supporting aircraft was called to suppress enemy fire, killing the armed terrorist. Three suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation without further incident.
During two coordinated operations in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted senior leaders involved in the al-Qaeda network operating in the city. In one location, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist who was allegedly operating as a judge of a terrorist illegal court system. Reports indicate the suspect is involved in the interrogation of individuals who have been kidnapped by al-Qaeda in Iraq networks and is responsible for the facilitation and maintenance of weapons caches in the area. The individual is also allegedly a subordinate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Mosul network, who was detained Jan. 6 for his role in terrorist attacks, abductions and executions (see MNF-I press release A080107a, "Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership; six suspects detained," dated Jan. 7, 2008).
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a follow-on operation where they detained five suspected terrorists while targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for Mosul.
Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Samarra targeting associates of the al-Qaeda network in the city. Information gained from previous operations in the area led the ground force to a location where al-Qaeda in Iraq members were believed to be operating. Eight suspected terrorists were detained.
"The results of these operations represent another step forward in disrupting the al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "As the terrorists try to re-establish themselves in new locations, we will follow and drive them from their hiding places."
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda near Hamrin Lake, three terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks north of Jalula.
Intelligence reports from previous operations led Coalition forces to a location northeast of Hamrin Lake, where al-Qaeda in Iraq networks were believed to be operating. Coalition forces assessed that recent success in the Diyala River Valley region pushed these terrorists to seek safe haven in the area.
As Coalition forces arrived at one of the target buildings in the area, they repeatedly called for the occupants to come out, but they did not comply. The ground force was then engaged by armed gunmen from the rooftop and surrounding courtyard. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense and a supporting aircraft engaged to suppress the enemy force. The ground force was also engaged by an armed man near the entrance to the courtyard of the building, and pulled back to allow supporting aircraft to engage the hostile threat.
Once the enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces cleared the area and assessed that three terrorists were killed during the engagement. The ground force discovered that two women were also killed and two other women were wounded during the engagement. The wounded women received immediate medical attention by Coalition forces medical personnel before being airlifted to a military medical facility for further treatment.
During another operation in the area, Coalition forces returned to a building from a previous operation and called for the building’s occupants to come out. An individual exited, but did not comply with verbal instructions and ignored warning shots. The man continued to approach the ground force and Coalition forces engaged, killing him. Similar tactics have been used in the area by suicide bombers to attack Coalition forces, and the ground force perceived hostile intent.
“Coalition forces deeply regrets when civilians are hurt or killed during operations to rid Iraq of terrorism,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “These terrorists deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by their actions and presence.”
Operation Phantom Phoenix air strikes take out al-Qaeda training area (Arab Jabour)
By Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
BAGHDAD – Air strikes dropped 10,000 pounds of munitions Jan. 16 on bunkers in Arab Jabour used by al-Qaeda as training sites for new recruits.
Intelligence led the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. to the location of the AQI bunkers. Air Force B-1 Bombers dropped 19 GBU-31s on the site.
“This operation maintains the momentum of Operation Thunderbolt by denying enemy sanctuaries and enemy caches, ultimately downgrading their capabilities,” said Maj. James Wilburn, daytime chief of operations, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
South of Zambraniyah, Soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regt., 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. found two booby-trapped houses while on a foot patrol.
Air support was called by 6-8 Cav. to destroy the houses. Navy F-18 jets dropped a 500-pound bomb on each of the houses.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt, a part of the country-wide Operation Phantom Phoenix, continues to relentlessly pursue al-Qaeda and other extremists elements operating south of Baghdad.
Coalition forces conduct air strike on al-Qaeda meeting, four terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Qulay’ah, west of Muqdadiyah.
During the operation, surveillance elements positively identified several terrorists at an al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location. Coalition forces directed a precision air strike and assessed that four terrorists were killed in the operation.
Coalition forces also directed a precision air strike on a vehicle, which intelligence reports indicated was carrying an anti-aircraft weapon. The driver of the vehicle transporting the weapon was one of the terrorists killed in the initial air strike. The vehicle and weapon were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
“We continue to strike the al-Qaeda networks that conduct heinous attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, and innocent civilians,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition forces are taking the fight to these terrorists, keeping them on the defensive and diminishing their ability to attack.”
Al-Qaeda operations in northern Iraq disrupted; 13 killed, three detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists and detained three suspects Thursday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Southwest of Hawijah this morning, Coalition forces targeted an alleged senior leader involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Kirkuk. The suspect is allegedly responsible for facilitating finances for terrorist operations in the region and involved in improvised explosive device attacks. Reports also indicate he was a close associate of Abu Harith, the senior leader of the Kirkuk terrorist network, before he was killed during a Coalition forces operation Nov. 21 (see MNF-I press release 071128a, “UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorists killed in recent raids,” dated Nov. 28, 2007).
As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they were engaged by small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The ground force returned fire in self-defense and called for supporting aircraft. As the firefight continued, Coalition forces observed armed terrorists emerging from the target building. Supporting aircraft engaged them and enemy personnel firing from inside the target buildings. The ground force then observed secondary explosions erupt from the buildings, indicating that explosive materials were likely stored inside. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force pulled back and called for supporting aircraft to engage the buildings to destroy any remaining explosives. The ground force assessed that a total of nine terrorists were killed during the engagement.
West of Muqdadiyah today, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Reports indicate the individuals were associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting that was targeted by Coalition forces Thursday after they identified a terrorist transporting an anti-aircraft weapon in his vehicle (see MNF-I press release A080118a, “Coalition forces conduct air strike on al-Qaeda meeting, four terrorists killed,” dated Jan 18, 2008). Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the target area and called a supporting aircraft to engage, killing four terrorists and destroying two buildings believed to be used for terrorist activities.
During three coordinated operations near Samarra Thursday and this morning, Coalition forces detained three suspects while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators involved in the al-Qaeda network in the city. Reports indicate that one of the suspected terrorists detained is involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and is associated with al-Qaeda members that conduct attacks against Coalition forces. The individual allegedly uses his residence as a safe haven for al-Qaeda members and foreign terrorists, and has ties to senior leaders in the network.
“Al-Qaeda has the capability to carry out violent, spectacular attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We are continuing to keep the pressure on them and are squarely focused on dismantling al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.”
Iraqi Police, MND-N Soldiers kill insurgent leader during raid (Salah ad Din)
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – One of the most wanted men in Salah ad Din province was killed Jan. 16 by Sharqat Iraqi Police and Multi-National Division – North Soldiers after the units came under attack by small arms fire.
The extremist leader was a planner, financier and IED facilitator and was a key target Iraqi Police and MND-N Soldiers have been aggressively pursuing, said Lt. Col. Thomas Dorame, commander for 1st Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment.
“His capture eliminates one of the worst of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders operating in southern Ninewah and the Sharqat Police District. His death damages the command and control structure of multiple terrorist IED cells in the area, disrupts the financing of terrorist activities in southern Ninewah, and sends a message to enemy forces that even the elite among them are vulnerable,” Dorame said.
Iraqi Police and U.S. Soldiers surrounded the house to conduct a raid after intelligence reports confirmed the extremist leader was in the building.
As they moved into position, they were attacked by small arms fire.
After an air weapons team engaged the house, Soldiers cordoned the area and the Iraqi Policemen entered the home and cleared it. One other extremist was killed during the battle.
Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda networks across Iraq, 16 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 16 suspected terrorists Friday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
In Salman Pak this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in attacks against Concerned Local Citizens groups in the region. Reports indicate the suspect is a close associate of the cell leader for the terrorist network in the city, which is involved in attacks against Coalition forces, beheadings, sniper and improvised explosive device attacks, and foreign terrorist facilitation. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist.
During an operation in Baqubah today, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, to include a wanted individual allegedly involved in the planning of an improvised explosive device attack in Sadr City. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with a terrorist responsible for car bomb attacks in Baghdad, who has ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the capital city.
North of Samarra this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged terrorist senior leader tied to the al-Qaeda networks operating in Tikrit, Bayji and Mosul. Reports indicate the wanted individual is connected to terrorist leaders throughout the Tigris River Valley. Three additional suspects were also detained during the operation.
During two coordinated operations in Mosul today, four suspected terrorists were detained while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders involved in the area’s terrorist network and associated with Haydar al-Afri, a terrorist leader for the western region of Mosul, who was killed Dec. 25 for his involvement in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces (see MNF-I press release A080109a, “UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in operation Dec. 25,” dated Jan. 9, 2008).
Northeast of Taji Friday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating north of Baghdad. The network is reportedly responsible for improvised explosive device attacks, extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking. Reports indicate the suspect is responsible for foreign terrorist facilitation, to include arranging travel for the individual detained by Coalition forces Jan. 14 for his role in attacking Iraqi citizens for not following Sharia law (see MNF-I Press Release A080114a, “Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist facilitation networks, eight detained,” Jan. 14, 2008). In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.
“These operations are further examples of our successes against al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “With the help of Iraqi citizens, Iraqi and Coalition forces are finding where the terrorists hide and dismantling their networks.”
Coalition significantly disrupts al-Qaeda networks: two killed; 18 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 18 suspects Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces west of Muqdadiyah to an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location and weapons cache. The target area was assessed to be associated with the individuals recently killed during an operation Jan. 18 for their involvement in the terrorist network in the northeast Diyala River Valley region.
As the ground force called for the occupants of the target building to come out, two armed terrorists maneuvered toward them. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed men, Coalition forces engaged, killing the two terrorists. As the ground force cleared the area, they discovered a weapons cache which they safely destroyed, along with a building assessed to be used for terrorist activity. The ground force also detained three suspected terrorists during the course of operations.
North of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals who are allegedly brothers and associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating north of Baghdad. The network is reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces, beheadings, sniper and improvised explosive device attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. One of the suspects is believed to be a leader in the network and involved in enforcing Sharia law. The other suspect is reportedly associated with several senior terrorists in the city, as well as the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for Baghdad. The ground force detained four suspected terrorists in addition to the targeted suspects.
During an operation in Tikrit, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator for the terrorist network operating in the city. The suspect is believed to be a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the network and associated with the facilitation of foreign fighters in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist.
In Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate reportedly planning a large-scale operation against Coalition, Iraqi and Awakening forces in the Bayji area. The wanted individual allegedly relocated to Sharqat from Bayji in an attempt to avoid capture by Iraqi and Coalition forces. Three additional suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists including a wanted individual allegedly involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. The suspect reportedly served as an assassination officer for a former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the city who was killed during an operation Dec. 25.
Also, during an operation east of Samarra one suspected terrorist was detained while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq members associated with safe houses and meeting locations in the region.
“The result of these operations are further steps forward in our continued efforts to disrupt the al-Qaeda networks operating in Iraq,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We stand committed, along with the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi population, to end the al-Qaeda’s terror and create a safer country for all Iraqis.”
**Don't expect the BBC to be reporting any of this any time soon...http://www.mnf-iraq.com/
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