LOC20:48
17:48 GMT
BAGHDAD, March 23 (KUNA) -- US coalition forces killed 17 terrorists and
detained 30 suspected ones during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq's
central and northern parts on Saturday and today, a US military statement said
on Sunday.
Coalition forces conducted an operation Saturday near the Hamrin Mountains,
targeting weapons facilitators and associates of AQI leadership, the statement
added.
Intelligence reports led the assault force to the targeted suspect's
location, where five individuals failed to comply with Coalition forces'
instructions or heed warnings, the statement said.
Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men with
small arms fire, killing them, the statement added.
The statement explained, secondary explosions from a vehicle following the
initial engagement indicated explosives or weapons were inside.
Meanwhile, coalition forces killed 12 terrorists today during an operation
east of Baqouba, targeting members of a suicide bombing network.
The ground force was attacked with small arms fire as they approached the
target building, the statement said.
Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged five armed men,
killing them, the statement added.
The ground force ordered the occupants to come out of the building. Some
complied, but others remained inside.
Coalition forces entered the building and were fired upon by several armed
men.
Seven more terrorists were killed in the engagement.
Assault weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests
discovered on site were safely destroyed. Six of the terrorists killed had
shaved their bodies, which is consistent with final preparation for suicide
operations.
Coalition forces continued to target the terrorist bombing network in
southwest Baghdad this morning, capturing a suspected bombing facilitator, who
allegedly specializes in the distribution of homemade explosives, the
statement said.
After he identified himself as the targeted suspect, the man led Coalition
forces to four other wanted individuals, who were also detained, the statement
added.
In the city of Mosul, coalition forces conducted a precision operation in
which they captured an alleged terrorist leader suspected of carrying out
attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.
In a nearby operation, the ground force detained three suspected terrorists
while targeting associates of AQI senior leaders.
Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of AQI senior leaders and
three other suspected terrorists this morning in Tikrit.
On two occasions during the operation, vehicles sped toward the security
perimeter. (end)
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