Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13137&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070802-09
August 2, 2007
Al-Qaeda emir of Mosul shot, killed by ISF
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division shot and killed three members of the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization, including its leader Safi, the touted al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Mosul, after they were fired upon Aug. 1.
The incident took place during a series of combined operations involving the 2nd Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police throughout the city of Mosul. The 2nd Iraqi Army Division headquarters element, including Brig. Gen. Moutaa, commander of the 2IA, were conducting cordon and search operations in northeast Mosul when Safi and three of his bodyguards were spotted in a pickup truck.
The convoy gave chase and pulled the vehicle over. All four men exited the pickup and began firing at the IA soldiers. Moutaa and his security element returned fire, killing all three.
“This is a great example of the cooperation between the Iraqi police (who provided the profile and made sure his picture was widely distributed and familiar) and the Iraqi army (who actually stopped Safi),” said Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The Iraqi Security Forces are leading the way here in Ninewah Province, unilaterally executing Provincial Governor Kashmoula’s security plan with incredible success.”
“The death of Safi will further disrupt senior AQI leadership in Mosul, which has been unstable since May, due to the combined efforts of Coalition Forces and ISF offensive operations,” said Twitty.
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13132&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070802-03
August 2, 2007
Tribal members assist in detention of three al-Qaida leaders
Multi-National Division – North PAO
SHERWEEN, Iraq – After receiving information of known al-Qaida members in the Sherween area, a village near Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Iraqi citizens assisted Iraqi Police in the detention of three key al-Qaida leaders, July 29.
“This is a very significant event for Diyala because it is clear that not only are the security forces targeting al-Qaida, but the people are tired of the hatred and destruction al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have to offer,” said Col. David Sutherland, commander of 3-1 Cav. and commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province.
Suspecting an attack on a near-by village, Diyala tribal members informed the Dali Abbas Iraqi police, and together, set up a tactical checkpoint along the known route.
“It is also vital because it shows the people are gaining more and more confidence in the Iraqi security forces – the true protectors of this nation,” Sutherland added. “Al-Qaida truly has no place to hide as the people, not just the security forces, are now determined to work for a safer, more secure Iraq.”
As suspected, the leaders were traveling toward Dali Abbas, and when searched, the IP discovered two AK-47s, a laptop computer and documents detailing past and future al-Qaida operations.
Following the detention of the al-Qaida leaders, the IP transferred the detainees to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.
Despite threats by al-Qaida, the al-Qaida leaders were successfully detained and transported to an IA detention facility for further questioning, demonstrating the steadfastness of the Iraqi Police.
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