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Iraq

U.S. military: Troops kill shaved would-be suicide bombers

2008-03-24

U.S. troops raided a suspected suicide bomber cell Sunday, killing a dozen militants, half of whom had shaved their bodies -- which the U.S. military says indicates they were in the final stage of preparation for a suicide attack. Troops came under fire while approaching a building in the volatile Diyala province, military spokesman Maj. Winfield Danielson said in an e-mail. The troops returned fire, killing five men, before demanding that the remaining occupants exit the building. Some complied; others remained in the building, Danielson said. The militants inside opened fire when U.S. troops stormed the building. Seven more militants were killed in the gunfight, Danielson said. "Six of the terrorists killed had shaved their bodies, which is consistent with final preparation for suicide operations," he said. Inside, troops found assault weapons, ammunition, grenades and vests like the ones suicide bombers use to conceal explosives. Diyala province stretches north and east of Baghdad and has been a major front for U.S. troops fighting militants.

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Iraq

AQI 'Intelligence' Leader ID'd Dead

2008-02-20

This may explain why the news releases have been light the past few days. UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in operation Sunday BAGHDAD – A terrorist killed during an operation Sunday has been positively identified as Abu Karrar. Karrar, also known as Arkan Khalaf Khudayyir, was a senior intelligence leader involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network ... There's an oxymoron for you! ... in Baqouba. He was also a terrorist facilitator for the suicide bombing network in the Diyala River Valley region, which conducts attacks in Baghdad, to include attacks by female suicide bombers. Reports indicate the network has been disrupted by recent successful Coalition operations in the area. Karrar was killed when Coalition forces conducted an operation near Khan Bani Sad Sunday afternoon. As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they observed Karrar and another suspect fleeing their vehicle. Karrar brandished a weapon with the perceived intent to fire on Coalition forces. The assault force engaged, killing both men. Coalition forces discovered an AK-47 and ammunition in the vehicle, and they destroyed the vehicle to prevent further use for terrorist activity. And so his buddies wouldn't know what information we recovered from it - let them assume Abu and all his stuff just got blown up. "Iraqi and Coalition forces will relentlessly pursue terrorist leaders, like Abu Karrar, who plan al-Qaeda's indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

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Iraq

Coalition forces targets weapons facilitation networks; two killed, 12 detained

2008-02-18

Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq. In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist safe havens northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains, Coalition forces conducted an operation Saturday targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network operating in the Albu Awad village. As they arrived at the target location, two men were observed fleeing the area and were directed to stop. Both men continued to maneuver in opposite directions and Coalition forces followed one, engaging and killing him. The other individual was found hiding with a pistol, ready to fire at the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed suspect, Coalition forces engaged, killing him. In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged senior level car-bomb facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout Baghdad and north to Tikrit. Reports indicate the suspected terrorist was a former leader for the AQI network in Karkh, and was involved in the abduction of an Iraqi intelligence officer last spring. The suspect is believed to be a direct associate of AQI senior leaders throughout Baghdad and the surrounding terrorist networks. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained one suspect on site without incident. In the western region of the city, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists to include an alleged weapons facilitator who specializes in transporting improvised explosive device and car-bomb supplies in northern Iraq. Reports indicate the individual is associated with another suspected car-bomb facilitator, who was detained by Coalition forces Feb. 15 (see MNF-I press release A080215a, "Coalition targets suicide bombing cell, IED network; three killed, 10 detained," dated Feb. 15, 2008). An additional seven suspects were detained during operations in Baqouba and southwest of Samarra targeting associates of the AQI suicide network operating in the region, and an associate of the AQI leader for the Jazirah area. "Iraqi and Coalition forces are on the offensive against al-Qaeda in Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "We're finding the places they hide and disrupting the supply of weapons they use for vicious attacks against innocent Iraqis."

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Iraq

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq, six suspected terrorists detained

2008-02-11

Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq. In Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of a senior leader for the northern belt al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The network is responsible for car bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as terrorist operations involving extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The suspect is reportedly responsible for procuring and facilitating safe houses for senior AQI leadership. Information from previous operations led Coalition forces to an alleged terrorist meeting location and safe haven east of Samarra while targeting associates of an AQI leader in the region. Two suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident. Further north, Coalition forces detained three additional suspects, during an operation southeast of Tall Afar targeting an AQI senior leader directly connected to Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the overall AQI senior leader. "Each time we execute operations like these, we learn more, leading to another target," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and Coalition forces are systematically dismantling al-Qaeda in Iraq, diminishing their ability to attack innocent Iraqis."

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Iraq

15 Hardboyz converted to Purina WormChow

2008-01-23

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 15 terrorists Tuesday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks north of Baqubah. During an operation Tuesday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the Diyala province. The targeted individual is believed to be an improvised explosive device specialist involved in coordinating IED and suicide-vest attacks in the region. Reports also indicate the targeted individual has ties to several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they observed several individuals reach for their weapons. Coalition forces fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to cease their actions, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed men, Coalition forces engaged, killing two terrorists, to include the wanted individual. Upon clearing the area, the ground force discovered improvised explosive devices and grenades, which were safely destroyed, along with a vehicle in the target area. Coalition forces returned to the region this morning, targeting another alleged leader of the Diyala network associated with the terrorist killed during operations the previous day. As Coalition forces arrived in the target area they observed a group of enemy personnel moving into fighting positions. Responding in self-defense, the ground force called supporting aircraft to engage the hostile force, killing 10 terrorists. Coalition forces continued to clear the area and called for the occupants of the target building to come out, but they did not comply. Several terrorists were then observed maneuvering toward Coalition forces and they engaged the perceived hostile threat, killing three terrorists. As Coalition forces secured the building, they discovered a cache of weapons to include machine guns, military style assault vests, rocket propelled grenade propellant and various ammunition. Nearby, the ground force discovered additional weapons caches to include rocket propelled grenades, artillery and mortar rounds, improvised IEDs, and suicide-vest materials. All of the weapons were safely destroyed on site. “Iraqi and Coalition forces are committed to ending the terror of al-Qaeda in Iraq and creating a safer country for all Iraqis,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

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Iraq

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq networks, 19 suspected terrorists detained

2008-01-23

Coalition forces detained 19 suspected terrorists Monday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. During an operation north of Taji Monday, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be a key member of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Baghdad. He is allegedly a direct subordinate of the network’s senior leader and previously served in Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad. The suspected terrorist was involved in attacks against Coalition forces, beheadings, sniper and improvised explosive device attacks, and foreign terrorist facilitation. During the operation an additional four suspected terrorists were detained. During another operation targeting associates of the network north of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained three suspects in the capital city this morning while targeting a terrorist involved with kidnapping operations. During operations in Baqubah, east of Samarra and in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in improvised explosive device attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. “Iraqi and Coalition forces continue our efforts to drive al-Qaeda in Iraq members and other extremists from their hiding places, and bring them to justice,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

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Iraq

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator

2008-01-11

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups facilitator early Thursday during operations to disrupt criminal element networks in the Baghdad area. The targeted individual reportedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in the use and construction of explosively formed penetrators in the Khan Bani Said area and in Baghdad. He was reportedly a weapons facilitator and arranged for the transportation and storage of EFPs and rocket propelled grenades. The wanted individual was also reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence led ground forces to the target location where they captured the wanted individual without incident. “Coalition forces welcome al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire, but we will continue to target any criminal group not honoring this pledge,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Each successful operation brings us one step closer to a secure future for Iraq.”

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Iraq

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; 14 terrorists killed, 12 detained

2007-12-12

I am not certain but this synopis may contain overlap with other posts. Almost every paragraph could be a news story of its own. BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 14 terrorists and detained 12 suspects during operations Tuesday and Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq. During an operation northwest of Muqdadiyah, Coalition forces targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly responsible for a large terrorist group operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the individuals executed a man earlier in the day and were later observed in the target area. Upon arrival, Coalition forces received enemy fire from the target building. Responding in self-defense, the ground force returned fire, killing two terrorists. Coalition forces then observed several men maneuver away from the target area into nearby palm groves and underneath a foot bridge. The ground force called supporting aircraft to engage the enemy threat, killing another 12 terrorists. The ground force also encountered multiple explosions as they attempted to clear the target buildings. The buildings were assessed to be rigged with explosives and a supporting aircraft was called to destroy them. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Baghdad believed to be involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. The wanted individual is allegedly involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations, and is a close associate of suspects recently detained by Coalition forces Dec. 9 and 10. Rollin', rollin', rollin' (sang Frankie Laine); keep them rolling to the last roundup. During the operation, another individual was wounded as the ground force entered a building. The man was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility. Two additional suspects were detained and the ground force discovered various media equipment and a small weapons cache during the course of operations. Media equipment which might keep the roundup rolling? In Tikrit, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists to include a wanted individual believed to be involved in facilitating funds for al-Qaeda operations. Reports indicate the wanted individual not only operates in Tikrit, but also in western Baghdad, and in and around Fallujah. The suspect is also allegedly associated with foreign terrorist facilitation networks and al-Qaeda leaders operating in the Tigris River Valley. Sounds like a fairly important guy; I wonder if he's being held for questioning by the American part of Coalition forces, or some Iraqis from Amarah? Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three additional suspected terrorists during two operations south of Yusufiyah Tuesday and Wednesday targeting associates of the terrorist network operating in southern Baghdad. The wanted individual is reportedly a leader involved in the Karkh terrorist network, which is operating in a degraded state. Over the last month, Coalition forces have captured five other wanted individuals tied to the network, who were reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces and trying to re-establish the car-bombing operations in the city. Somebody has re-established a car bomb factory somewhere of late. During the operation, the ground force also discovered a cache of weapons, which was safely destroyed on site. “We will continue to aggressively locate and dismantle the al-Qaeda networks that threaten the security of Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The Iraqi people have chosen a future that does not include al-Qaeda’s brutal ideology.”

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Iraq

Coalition forces capture weapons and foreign terrorist facilitators, 10 detained

2007-12-07

Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq. In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual is allegedly associated with foreign terrorist facilitation networks operating in the region and weapons facilitators recently detained by Coalition forces during operations Nov. 17 and 18. Additionally, the ground force discovered a large amount of terrorist propaganda materials on site. Farther north, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and car-bombing attacks in Tikrit. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with other al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitators operating in the southern belt terrorist network. During an operation in al-Hadid, the ground force detained a wanted individual involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations. The suspect is allegedly associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq members recently detained or killed by Coalition forces, to include the terrorist media cell leader for the Diyala province who was killed during an operation Dec. 4. In other operations in Samarra and Mosul, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in improvised explosive device attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. “Our operations are steadily chipping away at the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to pressure these terrorists who conduct brutal attacks on the Iraqi people until al-Qaeda cannot recover.”

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Iraq

Al-Qaeda networks disrupted; three terrorists killed, 19 detained

2007-12-07

Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 19 suspects during operations Thursday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations along the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during an operation northwest of al-Khalis while targeting alleged associates of the terrorist network north of Baghdad. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in the network’s car-bombing operations, to include procuring and delivering vehicles for attacks. As the ground force arrived at the area, an armed man emerged, maneuvering west of the target building. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing the armed man. The ground force detained five suspects on site in addition to the targeted individual. South of Yusufiyah, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be associated with the terrorist network in southern Baghdad and suspected of planning a potential attack on Coalition forces operating in the area. The suspect also reportedly has ties to foreign terrorists and senior al-Qaeda leaders operating in the Arab Jabour and southern Baghdad area. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained along with another suspect. North of Mosul, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in Hawijah involved in weapons and financial facilitation. The individual reportedly commands numerous terrorists, whom he uses to conduct assassinations targeting Iraqi security forces. As Coalition forces entered the target building, a man armed with a knife lunged at their position. Responding in self-defense, they engaged, killing the man. Also in the building, the ground force discovered a man wrapped in a blanket with wires protruding out of it. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged, killing him. Additionally, six suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident. In another operation, five suspected terrorists were detained north of Bayji while Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq member associated with weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation. "These operations are further examples of the progress we've made against al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "We're continuously pursuing them, finding the places they hide and disrupting their ability to attack innocent Iraqis."

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Iraq

Abu Maysara/Abu Basha’ir Positively ID'd as Dead

2007-12-04

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. He was the official news releaser of the Zarqawi News 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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Iraq

Special Groups Fish Caught near Baghdad

2007-12-01

Coalition forces capture two targeted suspects; disrupt criminal network BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two suspected criminals Friday during operations in the Kadhimyah and Sha’ab areas, near Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the captured suspect in the Kadhmiyah area was a weapons facilitator for Special Group criminal elements. His logistics supply network includes Basrah, many locations in the Maysan province, and Baghdad. The second suspect was reportedly a Special Groups weapons facilitator and distributor, who transported weapons from Baghdad to Diyala Province. The suspected criminal provided improvised explosive device and mortar instruction to subordinates, operational guidance, and various types of munitions to multiple criminal element cell leaders. The suspected criminals were also reportedly associates of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Both wanted suspects were captured without incident. “These criminal splinter groups are not honoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire pledge,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Their time has passed. Iraqi and Coalition forces will find these groups and systematically dismantle them.” Every day there are another one or three captured. However, I have not seen any announced convictions in quite some time. No longer newsworthy? Or perps are looping through the revolving door?

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