BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 36 suspected terrorists during operations Thursday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in central and northern Iraq.During two synchronized raids near Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader allegedly responsible for coordinating vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks. The ground forces also destroyed a vehicle used to transport terrorist weapons and personnel, and detained 18 other individuals allegedly linked to the VBIED cell.
Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists west of Taji during a raid targeting a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq figure there. The targeted individual is suspected of coordinating VBIED and suicide bombing operations, as well as attacks on Coalition Forces.
In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists. One individual is allegedly the primary weapons facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Mosul area and has experienced a steady rise in power because of the degradation of the terrorist leadership network in the city. The other targeted individual was captured with four other suspected terrorists, and was found with fake documents and materials for counterfeiting identification. “Al-Qaeda in Iraq is on the run, and placing less qualified operatives into leadership positions to make up for vacancies left when Coalition Forces cripple their network,” said Maj. Marc Young, an MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue our operations to keep pressure on the terrorists and diminish their ability to attack the people of Iraq.”