PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 7, 2008
Troops target al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership; six suspects detained
By PAO MNF-I , MNFI

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists Jan. 6, 2008, during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks along the Tigris River Valley.

During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be the deputy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network operating in the city. Reports indicate the suspect is responsible for approving targets for terrorist attacks and previously served as a judge of an illegal court system involved in ordering and approving abductions and executions.

The wanted individual is also believed to be associated with several terrorists targeted by Coalition forces recently, to include a leader of the al-Qaeda network in west Mosul killed Dec. 25, and two other associates detained Dec. 13.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Rusafah. The wanted individual has close ties to an alleged terrorist attack coordinator who was recruited by the al-Qaeda senior leader in Baghdad. The two individuals were reportedly planning a suicide attack targeting Coalition forces and Concerned Local Citizens operating in the area.

The ground force detained the wanted individual without incident along with another suspect assessed to be his brother.

Coalition forces detained three additional suspected terrorists during an operation in Tikrit targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the region. The targeted individual is reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces and has ties to improvised explosive device operations near Ad Dawr. “Al-Qaeda Iraq is on the run,” said Lt. Patrick Evans. “Coalition and Iraq forces will continue to target their networks in Iraq to degrade their ability to conduct horrific attacks.”

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