Good News From The War On Terror 2/17-18
Coalition forces targets al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq; one killed, 23 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 23 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted an operation in Sharqat today targeting an alleged founder of an anti-Coalition insurgent group tied to the leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Bayji. As Coalition forces called for the occupants of a target building to come out, one man ran out of the building and was directed to stop. He continued to maneuver towards the ground force’s position despite their continued commands to stop. Due to increased threat of suicide attacks in the region, Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the non-compliant man and engaged, killing him. Upon clearing the area, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists.
South of Kirkuk today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the terrorist network in the city. The suspect is believed to be associated with the alleged former leader of the assassination cell in Hawijah who was detained Jan. 10, Abu Harith; the leader of the Kiruk al-Qaeda in Iraq network killed Nov. 21; and another suspected Kirkuk AQI leader, who was detained Feb. 9. Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists in addition to the wanted individual.
Saturday in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged AQI leader involved in the network on the east side of the city. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with several senior leaders in the area, to include a judge of a terrorist illegal court system, and the radical Taliban-like spiritual advisor for the AQI networks in the city. The ground force detained one suspect in addition to the wanted individual.
Also in Mosul Saturday afternoon, Coalition forces targeted an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and associate of an AQI senior leader operating in Mosul. During the operation, Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists. In one of the target buildings, the ground force discovered what they assessed to be an improvised explosive device materials cache. Once the area was clear and secure, Coalition forces destroyed the explosive materials to prevent future use for terrorist attacks.
During two operations in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates of foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators.
Coalition forces targets weapons facilitation networks; two killed, 12 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist safe havens northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains, Coalition forces conducted an operation Saturday targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network operating in the Albu Awad village. As they arrived at the target location, two men were observed fleeing the area and were directed to stop. Both men continued to maneuver in opposite directions and Coalition forces followed one, engaging and killing him. The other individual was found hiding with a pistol, ready to fire at the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed suspect, Coalition forces engaged, killing him.
In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged senior level car-bomb facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout Baghdad and north to Tikrit. Reports indicate the suspected terrorist was a former leader for the AQI network in Karkh, and was involved in the abduction of an Iraqi intelligence officer last spring. The suspect is believed to be a direct associate of AQI senior leaders throughout Baghdad and the surrounding terrorist networks. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained one suspect on site without incident.
In the western region of the city, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists to include an alleged weapons facilitator who specializes in transporting improvised explosive device and car-bomb supplies in northern Iraq. Reports indicate the individual is associated with another suspected car-bomb facilitator, who was detained by Coalition forces Feb. 15.
An additional seven suspects were detained during operations in Baqouba and southwest of Samarra targeting associates of the AQI suicide network operating in the region, and an associate of the AQI leader for the Jazirah area.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected terrorist leader in Mosul
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected terrorist leader during an operation in Mosul Feb. 17.
According to intelligence reports, the suspect is responsible for improvised-explosive device attacks against Iraqi security forces in Mosul. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for distributing insurgent propaganda in the city.
Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Zabul
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Four suspected insurgents were detained Saturday during a Coalition forces operation to disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Zabul Province.
Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in Qalat District targeting a Taliban leader responsible for conducting anti-government operations in the area.
While conducting their search, Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks including one identified as a mid-level Taliban leader. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other illegal activities.
ANSF, Coalition forces recover weapons caches in Nangarhar
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Recently, Afghans provided information leading to the recovery of a suspected insurgent weapons cache in Zawa Village of Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistan Border.
The cache, recovered Jan. 16, consisted of 93 recoilless-rifle rounds. Insurgents frequently use these weapons to attack Afghan National Security Forces or Coalition forces, or terrorize Afghan citizens throughout the province.According to a Coalition soldier, the weapons found were in good condition.
