LOC17:57
14:57 GMT
BAGHDAD, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- More than 80 suspected terrorists have been
detained in Samarra since Iraqi-led clearing operations began July 31.
The US army announced that the joint operations, dubbed "Operation Jalil"
in honor of the fallen former police chief, targeted suspected al Qaeda
elements working throughout the city. They are believed to be responsible for
numerous acts of terrorism and attacks on Coalition Forces, Iraqi Security
Forces, and the local populace.
The most recent large-scale attack was the June 13 bombing of two minarets
of the holy Shia muslim shrine, the Askariya Mosque, it said.
Maj. Gen. Rashid al-Helfy led more than 1,000 Iraqi Soldiers and policemen
from the 4th Iraqi Army Division, Askariya Police Brigade and local police to
capturing the suspected terrorists and discovery of a number of homemade bombs.
Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd
Airborne Division, served a supporting role in the operations.
Salah ad Din governor, Hamed Hamoud Shekti, the Provincial Council
President, and the provincial police director visited Samarra today following
the completion of the successful operations, it added.
"We hope that normal life will gradually come back to Samarra. The coming
days will witness a development campaign in Samarra," said Hamoud during his
visit, adding "We have big amounts of money allocated for Samarras city
reconstruction from the regional development plan."
ISF and CF continue operations in and around the city. (end)
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KUNA 051757 Aug 07NNNN