Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15791&Itemid=21
Press Release A071211b
December 11, 2007
Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, 11 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups criminal element leader and detained ten other suspects during operations early Tuesday in the Baghdad area.
The targeted individual reportedly supervised criminal splinter group trainers throughout Iraq. He allegedly coordinated the explosively formed penetrator, improvised explosive device, operational security and computer security training of numerous criminals, and was personally responsible for paying each trainer every month. He also reportedly directed his cell to attack Coalition forces and assassinate Iraqis who worked with Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where the wanted individual was captured and the ten other suspects were detained without incident. Additionally, ground forces discovered body armor, two assault rifles, a bayonet, two pistols, multiple ammunition magazines and a large amount of Iraqi currency.
“Al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire pledge has helped stem the violence, but criminal splinter groups remain intent on disrupting the growth and development of the government of Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We remain committed to dismantling these criminal networks.”
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15740&Itemid=21
Press Release A071211a
December 11, 2007
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; one terrorist killed, 19 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 19 suspects during operations Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During two coordinated operations west of al Khalis, Coalition forces killed a wanted individual believed to be a key associate of an al-Qaeda leader involved in the network in northern Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition, nine suspected terrorists were detained during the operations.
During an operation south of Bayji, Coalition forces captured an alleged member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network operating in the region. Reports indicate the wanted individual is tied to al-Qaeda members operating near the border, who assist in the movement of weapons and funds for senior facilitators and al-Qaeda members operating in and outside of Iraq. In addition to the wanted individual, three other suspects were detained.
West of Mosul and west of Maymudiyah, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists during operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader and terrorists reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces.
“Iraqi and Coalition forces are continuing to pressure al-Qaeda’s networks and drive them from their hiding places,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “This disruption of their operations reduces their ability to attack innocent Iraqis, but al-Qaeda remains a threat and we must remain vigilant.”
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