BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Force teams, advised by U.S. Special Forces, engaged Special Groups criminals conducting a small arms fire attack in Baghdad in two separate operations, May 4 and 5, killing seven and detaining two.During the May 4 operation, ICTF killed one Special Groups criminal who was attacking an Iraqi Police station and Coalition forces with small arms fire from a rooftop.
As the team left the area, they were attacked again by small arms fire from three more gunmen. The ICTF returned fire, killing two.
In the al-Shoalah neighborhood in northern Baghdad, the ICTF conducted an operation May 5 to prevent Special Groups activity and disrupt improvised explosive device networks. During the operation, Special Groups criminals attacked the team with an IED and small arms fire. As a firefight developed, U.S. Special Forces authorized a Coalition aircraft to engage the enemy. The aircraft fired four rounds killing one enemy fighter.
The ICTF then cleared two structures in the area and detained two individuals for questioning. After clearing the two structures, the ICTF left the neighborhood and were attacked by three more gunmen. The ICTF returned fire killing all three.
“Operations to enforce the rule of law, detain criminal elements and disrupt their networks continue across Baghdad,” said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman. “We are chipping away at their ability to intimidate innocent Iraqis and conduct their criminal activities.”