Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 17 suspects during operations today targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in central and northern parts of the country.
Using intelligence gained from an operation Mar. 18, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq – or AQI – financial manager in Tuz Khurmatu. One man at the target building refused to comply with the ground forces’ instructions and surrender. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the man, killing him. In the same area, an armed man barricaded himself in a building and engaged the ground force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing the armed terrorist. Six suspects were detained during the operation.
In a related operation in Tuz Khurmatu, Iraqi and Coalition forces caught a suspected leader in a suicide bombing cell. The individual was allegedly planning attacks on Sons of Iraq groups near Baqouba.
In Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted two precision operations, capturing a suspected car bomber and an individual allegedly tied to AQI senior leaders.
Coalition forces north of Bayji captured a suspected terrorist who allegedly coordinates and conducts bombing attacks. Intelligence reports indicate he and his associates are responsible for attacks in the Bayji and Sharqat areas.
Coalition forces continued to target associates of AQI senior leaders in Mosul, detaining seven suspected terrorists during coordinated operations in the city.
