Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15613&Itemid=128
Press Release A071203b
December 3, 2007
Coalition forces target an al-Qaeda facilitator; one detained (Baghdad)
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist during an operation to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq south of Tarmiyah today.
Coalition forces targeted an alleged associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders involved in terrorist operations in the city. The targeted individual is believed to also be responsible for logistics for Baghdad-based terrorist leadership. When Coalition forces approached the target, they called for the individual to step out of the vehicle. The suspect complied and was subsequently detained.
As the ground force began to clear the target area, a separate vehicle approached their position. Coalition forces fired warning shots to get the vehicle to stop, but it continued to maneuver towards them at a high rate of speed. A second set of warning shots was fired, but the driver again did not comply, ignoring Coalition forces instructions. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, wounding the four passengers inside the vehicle. The four individuals were evacuated to a military medical facility to receive treatment, but one died during transport.
“While progress is being made, Iraq is still a violent place beset by many challenges,” said Maj. Anton Alston, MNF-I spokesman. “We regret when Iraqis are hurt or killed while Coalition forces work diligently to rid this country of the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq and our forces.” -30-
and the good news keeps rolling in...
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15616&Itemid=128
Press Release A071204a
December 4, 2007
UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent raid
BAGHDAD, Iraq – An al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist killed during a recent Coalition forces operation has been positively identified as Abu Maysara.
Maysara, also known as Abu Basha’ir, was a Syrian who spoke an Iraqi dialect. He was a member of Abu Ayyub al-Masri’s inner circle and served as a senior advisor. Maysara was specifically responsible for providing extremist spiritual guidance and rebuttal on terrorist matters, perverting Islamic faith to allow terrorism, murder and torture. He was also known to provide logistical support to al-Qaeda operations and was a key leader in the al-Qaeda in Iraq media network.
Maysara was killed during an operation northeast of Samarra Nov. 17 (see MNF-I Press Release A071117a, “Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; six terrorists killed, 10 detained,” dated Nov. 17, 2007). During the operation, Coalition forces were targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq media networks, specifically, a building which was reportedly used as a propaganda house.
As the ground force approached the target building, they received heavy fire from inside. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing six terrorists, including Maysara. The ground forces then secured the area, finding a weapons cache, improvised explosive device components and propaganda material.
In March, Maysara and a group of foreign terrorists escaped from the Badush Prison. It is believed he was one of the lead planners of the escape.
Maysara fought against the Government of Iraq in Fallujah in 2004 and was reportedly one of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s senior advisors. On Nov. 29, 2004, Maysara was captured by Coalition forces in Fallujah, using the name Muhammad Wasim Abdullah Halabi, also known as Abu Assim. He had in his possession a forged Ministry of the Interior identification card with the name Ahmad Ibrahim Karim, also known as Abu Ibrahim.
Abu Maysara was positively identified using DNA evidence.
“This was a dangerous terrorist who is no longer part of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorist leaders who try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice.”
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