PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 12, 2007
Troops detain suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader
By MNC-I PAO , MNC-I

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader who is believed to command more than 300 terrorists during a raid near Karmah Dec. 11.

The suspected terrorist leader is reported to be responsible for numerous IED and mortar attacks that have killed and wounded several Iraqi and Coalition Forces. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for the kidnapping and killing of three Iraqi National Guard Soldiers.During the course of the operation, a space heater was knocked over, causing a fire on the second floor of one of the target buildings, which was immediately put out.

Additionally, during the course of the operation, an Iraqi male received a minor gunshot wound when he exited his house to observe Iraqi Forces operating in the vicinity. The man was treated by U.S. medical personnel and was not detained.

No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.