Tuesday, 20 November 2007 Multi-National Force – Iraq Press Desk

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces killed (12) terrorists, detained five suspects and found two bodies Sunday and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaida networks along the Tigris River Valley here.

During coordinated operations east of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) propaganda operations and several senior terrorist leaders. As the ground force approached the target area, they were immediately engaged by armed men. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft, who engaged the enemy, killing five terrorists.

During the firefight, several armed men maneuvered inside a nearby building and continued firing on Coalition forces. The ground force returned fire killing five terrorists. Upon further investigation, the ground force discovered an (AQI) detention facility containing the bodies of two additional men bound in shackles and believed to have been executed prior to Coalition forces’ arrival. Information on the individuals held in the detention facility is not available at this time.

Coalition forces also found suicide vests on three of the killed terrorists and a weapons cache, including rocket propelled grenades, rockets and anti-aircraft weapons. Coalition forces detained one suspect during the operation.

During operations In Mosul, Coalition forces killed a wanted individual believed to have been a senior leader in Mosul’s terrorist security network. Reports indicate the wanted individual planned attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, which included multiple suicide car-bombing attacks. Reports also indicate he purchased weapons and explosives for the terrorist network. As Coalition forces approached the target building, an armed man emerged. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing the terrorist, who was later identified as the wanted individual by one of the building’s occupants. Two suspects were also detained during the operation.

Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaida in Iraq car-bombing network facilitator during operations south of Baghdad late Sunday. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to engage a vehicle associated with the targeted individual. The vehicle was safely destroyed and Coalition forces assessed one terrorist was killed by the precision air strike.

In another operation south of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting members of AQI in Arab Jabour believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

“We will relentlessly pursue terrorist leaders who try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Car-bombings and other attacks against innocent Iraqis will not be tolerated.”

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