Good News From The War On Terror 4/16-18
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 13 suspected terrorists during operations Tuesday and Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in the Tigris River Valley and northwest Iraq.
Coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists Tuesday during an operation west of Samarra, including an alleged close associate of a regional AQI leader. Intelligence gathered Tuesday also led the ground force to another target Wednesday morning, where they detained two more suspected associates of the AQI leader.
Using information from recently detained suspects, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation southwest of Taji Wednesday and apprehended a suspected AQI agent believed to associate with several different terrorist cells.
Coalition forces detained six suspects Wednesday during an operation northwest of Tal Afar targeting terrorists who facilitate the movement of foreigners who enter Iraq to plan and conduct criminal attacks.
In Bayji Wednesday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an individual believed to conspire directly with the leader of a car bombing network and a weapons supplier.
Eight suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq facilitators detained in Mosul
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists in Mosul today, including two wanted men believed to facilitate the movement and operations of a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader.
Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists at a house in Mosul, and one of them identified himself as the targeted individual before leading the ground force to another area. Additional tips directed Coalition forces to the second targeted individual, who surrendered to the ground force. Five additional suspected terrorists were detained in the operation.
Coalition forces detain four suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during operations targeting alleged associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders southwest of Samarra and in south Baghdad Friday.
In southern Baghdad, Coalition forces secured a building and detained a suspect allegedly involved in the procurement of bomb-making materials, including components for suicide vests.
Coalition forces also received information on another terrorist suspect in the area. While the ground force secured the suspect’s building, a woman and child nearby received minor injuries. The child was treated on scene and returned to the family, and Coalition forces transported the woman to a local medical center for additional medical care.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a building southwest of Samarra where they secured the area and detained three suspects.
Taliban commander detained in Zabul province
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces detained a Taliban commander and a suspected militant Tuesday during an operation to disrupt Taliban operations in Zabul province.
Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Qalat District targeting a Taliban commander linked to financial, foreign fighter and Improvised Explosive Device facilitation operations.
During the course of their search, Coalition forces detained the targeted Taliban commander and a suspected associate linked to Taliban operations.
Targeted militants detained in Khowst, Nimroz Provinces
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Two targeted militants and 10 suspected militants were detained during two separate operations April 16 in the Khowst and Nimroz provinces.
In the district of Tani in Khowst province, Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces detained two targeted militants linked to foreign fighters and Improvised Explosive Device operations after searching multiple compounds. Five of their associates, also suspected of having links to foreign fighters and IED operations, were detained. Several weapons, ammunition, an ammunition vest and IED components were confiscated and destroyed on-site.
In a separate operation in the district of Kashroad in Nimroz province, Coalition forces searched multiple compounds for a targeted Taliban commander and detained five suspected militants linked to the target and Taliban operations.
ANA, CF capture Taliban leader in Khowst
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Recon Company, 203rd Thunder Corps, assisted by Coalition forces, captured a suspected Taliban leader in Khowst province, April 14.
The ANA elements, led by the Recon Company, conducted an air-assault cordon and search operation to establish security, disrupt insurgent activity and deny enemy sanctuary southeast of Shembaut village. While searching the village, they detained the insurgent leader.
The individual is suspected of being a Taliban operative responsible for several attacks against Afghan National Security Forces. He is also suspected of providing housing and intelligence for suicide bombers planning operations in the area.
Afghan and Coalition forces relied on information provided by Afghan citizens through the Small Rewards Program. The SRP offers Afghan citizens financial compensation for information that leads to the capture of enemy personnel or the recovery of weapons.