Good News From The War On Terror 3/3-4
Coalition captures three wanted suspects; five terrorists killed, six others detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained nine suspects Sunday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.
During operations Sunday in eastern Mosul, Coalition forces targeted an alleged Saudi leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cell in the city. The targeted individual is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of foreign terrorists and conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces in the area. The suspect is also an alleged associate of Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator killed Feb. 27.
As the ground force entered the target area, they discovered a vehicle containing a weapons cache, including two anti-aircraft weapons, mortar rounds and machine gun ammunition. Coalition forces then began to receive heavy machine gun fire from multiple enemy personnel in and around the area. The ground force returned fire in self defense, and during a series of engagements, killed an estimated five terrorists. Coalition forces also found another vehicle containing a cache of weapons, which included two heavy machine guns, one mortar tube, rockets and several hundred machine gun rounds. Both vehicles found in the target area and the weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent future use in terrorist activity. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force departed and was not able to clear the area.
Nearby, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged foreign terrorist involved in improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Coalition forces operating in Mosul.
During coordinated operations in Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals believed to be involved in the northern belt AQI network. One of the suspects allegedly acts as an advisor to the senior leaders in the network, while the other suspect is believed to be the AQI military leader for the network. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition to the two wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operations.
Northwest of Haditha today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an AQI senior leader. Also, an additional two suspects were detained southwest of Samarra while targeting an alleged leader for the AQI network in the area.
Three terrorists killed as Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
East of Baghdad Monday, Coalition forces targeted a legacy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region and is believed to be the brother of the alleged AQI facilitator who was detained March 2 for his involvement in the terrorist networks in Baghdad.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. The assault force observed three terrorists in the target vehicle, which was leaving the area. Coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply with instructions or heed warnings. The assault force eventually fired on the vehicle to stop it. The three terrorists were killed, and the vehicle was destroyed as a result of the engagement.
An Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the course of operations. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain two al Qaeda in Iraq suspects
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected criminals during separate operations March 1.
In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspect believed responsible for mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is suspected of involvement in weapons smuggling and a plot to commit murder by poisoning.
Near Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspected cell leader. According to intelligence reports, the suspect and his cell are responsible for car bombings, mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. They are also accused of the murder of Iraqi citizens.
Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leaders in Zabul, Helmand provinces
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several insurgents were killed and eight suspected insurgents were detained March 1 during two separate Coalition forces’ operations to degrade Taliban leadership networks.
Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations.
Several insurgents were killed when they fired on Coalition forces.
Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.
Coalition forces also recovered several weapons, ammunition vests and hand-grenades that were destroyed on-site to prevent further use by militant forces.
During a separate operation in the Qalat District of Zabul Province, Coalition forces detained four individuals associated with a Taliban commander responsible for attacks along Highway One. A detainee is also associated with Taliban and foreign fighter facilitation operations.
The detainees from both operations will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.
