During one of the raids, Coalition Forces called for the suspects in a building to surrender. The suspected terrorists began firing on Coalition Forces and attempted to flee the building. Coalition Forces returned fire killing eight terrorists and wounding one. Sixteen others threw down their weapons and surrendered. Innocent until proven guilty?
The detainees are believed to have close ties with members of an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell as well as links to foreign fighter facilitators.
Recent intelligence reports indicate the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell has been active with local vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and supporting the foreign fighter network. This intelligence was confirmed after ground forces discovered a suicide IED initiator and other explosive devices during the early morning raids.
Coalition and Iraqi forces continue to conduct operations around the clock and will persevere in their mission to deny and destroy terrorist safe havens, equipment and weapons.
