IRAQI SECURITY FORCES, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES INITIATE OPERATIONS IN TAL AFAR

	NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

September 9, 2004
Release Number: 04-09-18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES INITIATE OPERATIONS IN TAL AFAR

MOSUL, Iraq – Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Security forces initiated operations to restore control of Tal Afar to legitimate Iraqi government officials. The operation comes after MNF and Iraqi Security forces were repeatedly attacked by a large terrorist element that has displaced local Iraqi Security forces throughout the recent weeks.

Numerous attacks in the past two weeks not only targeted MNF and Iraqi Security forces, but civilians as well. These attacks by terrorist groups included rocket propelled grenades, small arms fire, mortars and roadside bombs, and resulted in civilian casualties. Many Iraqi families have been forced from their homes under threat by these terrorists.

Ninevah Provincial governor, Duraid Kashmoula, has been working with sheikhs and local leaders in the area to bring about peace and stability to the city. However, attempts at a peaceful solution have failed, resulting in the decision by local Iraqi leaders to initiate operations to free Tal Afar of the terrorists and to restore order.

The Ninevah Provincial Government and the Iraqi Security forces are committed to returning the city of Tal Afar to its citizens. Operations will continue in the city until the threat has been eliminated and the hard-working citizens of Tal Afar can return to their homes in safety and security.

September 9, 2004
Release Number: 04-09-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISF, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES DETAIN SIX, FOIL ROADSIDE BOMB, COLLECT WEAPONS

MOSUL, Iraq -- Iraqi Security forces and Multi-National Forces from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained six people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities, foiled a roadside bomb attack and discovered a variety of weapons and munitions Sept. 9 in northern Iraq.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment detained three people wanted for planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are associated with the terrorist element that has repeatedly attacked Multi-National Forces, Iraqi Security forces and civilians during the past two weeks in Tal Afar. They were arrested after attempting to gather intelligence near a MNF base in Tal Afar. The suspects are in custody and no injuries were reported during the detention operation.

Soldiers from the Iraqi National Guard conducted two cordon and searches 45 kilometers northwest of Mosul and detained three suspected anti-Iraqi personnel. The suspects are in custody with no injuries reported during the operation.

Iraqi Police foiled a roadside bomb attack after they noticed a suspicious item lying near the road in the neighborhood of Al Mosul Al Jadidah. The Iraqi Explosive Ordnance Disposal team destroyed the device and no injuries were reported.

A concerned citizen came to Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment in northern Mosul and turned in a SA-7 surface-to-air missile and launcher. The U.S. Explosive Ordnance Disposal team secured the missile for future destruction.

Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Local citizens are urged to cooperate with security forces by providing information that leads to the capture and arrest of anti-Iraqi forces. Anyone with information is urged to call the Joint Coordination Center in Mosul.

http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/news_release.asp?NewsRelease=20040919.txt

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