Coalition Forces killed at least 20 terrorists, wounded six suspected terrorists and detained one suspected terrorist during operations targeting Secret Cells operating in Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir. The individuals detained during the raid is believed to be members of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
In coordination with the Government of Iraq, Coalition Forces conducted coordinated raids in the Maysan province of eastern Iraq. During the morningÂ’s operations, Coalition Forces came under heavy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade attacks in both Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir. Using appropriate escalation of force measures, ground forces were forced to use close air support to suppress the enemy fire. During the close air support, at least 20 terrorists were killed and six suspected terrorists were assessed to be wounded by the strafing. A vehicle being used by the terrorists as a fighting position was also destroyed by the close air support.
Intelligence reports indicate that both Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir are known safe havens and smuggling routes for Secret Cell terrorists who facilitate Iranian lethal aid. Reports further indicate that Iranian surrogates, or Iraqis that are liaisons for Iranian intelligence operatives into Iraq, use both Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir as safe haven locations.
“Terrorists learned this morning that there is no safe haven in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Coalition Forces will seek out and find terrorists anywhere and everywhere in Iraq.”