Coalition Forces Find Prison Facility, Weapon Caches in Diyala; 15 Detained

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^

[SandRat]

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Jan. 7 - 10 to disrupt al-Qaida in Iraq networks in the Diyala River Valley. Coalition forces conducted operations in the Sherween Village area targeting al-Qaida in Iraq networks associated with media and foreign terrorist facilitation networks.

Reports indicate the region has become a safe haven for terrorists due to continued pressure from Coalition and Iraqi forces pushing al-Qaida networks out of central portions of the country and into the Diyala River Valley.

Recent operations in the Diyala River Valley have uncovered a significant amount of weapon caches, as well as execution sites, and torture and detention facilities.

With the help of numerous Iraqi local citizens, Coalition forces discovered four weapon caches, a former al-Qaida in Iraq prison and torture facility, and an improvised explosive device-making facility during the four-day operation.

Local Iraqis confirmed the use of the prison facility by al-Qaida in Iraq, but said it had not been used recently due to the presence of Coalition forces in the region. In addition, Coalition forces also destroyed four buildings that were found rigged with explosives and a river-crossing point that was being used to facilitate the movement of terrorists.

During the four-day operation, Coalition forces also uncovered and eliminated several IEDs on various roadways.

Fifteen suspected terrorists were detained over the four days for possession of weapons, explosive materials, and confessions to being involved in terrorist operations.

“We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security and safety of all Iraqis,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We will not allow al-Qaida in Iraq and other extremists to take back the hard fought gains that the Iraqi and Coalition forces have made.”

[SandRat]

SUQ ASH SHUYUK – An Iraqi man reported a possible explosive formed penetrator to troops located near a combat outpost at a main highway intersection, Jan. 12.

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists Friday and Saturday during operations targeting al Qaida networks in central and northern Iraq.

Press Releases

• Coalition forces disrupt criminal element networks, armed man killed (Baghdad)
• MND-North Soldiers attacked by an IED (Ninewah)
• Coalition forces targets foreign terrorists, propaganda and IED cells; 13 detained
• Tips lead to destruction of booby-trapped houses during Operation Phantom Phoenix (Himbus)
• Operation Raider Harvest holding phase begins (Diyala)
• Key leaders discuss issues in southern region (Camp Ur)

[SandRat]

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[yoe]

These are brave men who are protecting the Iraqis and we snug and warm Americans....may God Bless them all!

[Allegra]

Diyala is pretty much the last remaining hotspot. There are a couple of small pockets to the south of Baghdad, but those are being routed as well. Our forces will get it cleaned up and the al Qaeda scum won't have anywwhere to go.

At least not in Iraq.

[RSmithOpt]

And with your continued dedication and help (again), hopefully this will come true soon. I am grateful for one thing in that W has stayed the course in Iraq long enough to allow the Iraqis to now see the truth that they can have a much better life than the one they had under Saddam at the expense of the brave and dedicated US troops who have died and been wounded, their families and the US taxpayer.

Syria and Iran are another big reason we went in.

[Loud Mime]

Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Jan. 7

Gentlemen, meet our Iraqi version of Ted Kennedy and his oldsmobile....