CENTCOM: 3 Iraqi Insurgents Killed/17 suspects detained

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ PRESS DESK

BAGHDAD, Iraq

http://www.mnf-iraq.com703.343.8790/

Aug 25, 2007

Release A070825b

Three terrorists killed, 17 suspects detained in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 17suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraqactivities in the Tigris River ValleyCoalition Forces raided several buildings north of Muqdadiyah seekingthe area's al-Qaeda in Iraq media emir.

As the assault force moved tosecure the five buildings, they encountered three armed men, each in adifferent room, who drew their weapons on the assault force. In eachcase, Coalition Forces defended against the hostile threat and engagedthe armed men, killing them. The ground forces also discoveredbomb-making materials, which an explosives team destroyed on site. Onesuspected terrorist was detained.Coalition Forces used information from operations Jul. 14 and Aug. 2 to capture a suspected terrorist financier northeast of Samarra. The individual is believed to provide money for weapons and other support toforeign terrorists in the Tigris River Valley.

Coalition Forces also captured a suspected associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in Salah ad Din province. Intelligence reports indicate the individual moved to Bayji to help al-Qaeda in Iraq set up operationsthere. Coalition Forces detained six more suspected terrorists duringthe raid.Coalition Forces continued their assault against the bombing networks inBaghdad with two operations around the city. The ground forces captured an alleged terrorist cell leader in the Arab Jabour area, believed to oversee 20 explosives experts, and five of his suspected associates. Based on information from operations on Aug. 15 and Aug. 24, CoalitionForces targeted a bomb maker during a pre-dawn operation in western Baghdad. When the ground forces requested for occupants to come out ofthe target building, two men exited and were taken into Coalition Forcescustody. To secure the area, the ground forces entered the building,which was a Red Crescent facility. Inside, Coalition Forces took greatcare to protect the facility's resources before determining the buildingwas secure and leaving.

"Terrorists, especially Al Qaeda in Iraq and members of the bombingnetworks, continue to misuse protected sites and hide among the Iraqipopulation," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson."

Coalition Forces respect the special status of Red Crescent facilities and workers and take their commitment to the Geneva Conventions very seriously."

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