Coalition forces detained 19 suspected terrorists Monday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. During an operation north of Taji Monday, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be a key member of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Baghdad. He is allegedly a direct subordinate of the networkÂ’s senior leader and previously served in Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad. The suspected terrorist was involved in attacks against Coalition forces, beheadings, sniper and improvised explosive device attacks, and foreign terrorist facilitation. During the operation an additional four suspected terrorists were detained.
During another operation targeting associates of the network north of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained three suspects in the capital city this morning while targeting a terrorist involved with kidnapping operations.
During operations in Baqubah, east of Samarra and in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in improvised explosive device attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. “Iraqi and Coalition forces continue our efforts to drive al-Qaeda in Iraq members and other extremists from their hiding places, and bring them to justice,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.