Coalition Forces killed four Secret Cell terrorists during pre-dawn operations on Monday in Sadr City as part of an effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq. While approaching the targeted area, ground forces came under heavy small arms fire from terrorists on the objective. Coalition Forces took appropriate self-defense measures in response to the threat and called for close air support. The air strike suppressed the enemy fire allowing the ground force to continue its mission. As Coalition Forces moved towards the objective, the ground force received small arms fire from terrorists using a car for cover. Coalition Forces destroyed the automobile with a main gun round fired from a U.S. main battle tank. Four terrorists were killed during the operation. “Coalition troops continue to target the secret cell network terrorists who bring EFPs and other aid into Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We remain committed to dismantling the bombing network in Baghdad and throughout the country.”