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) ahh.mb KUNA 232048 Mar 08NNNN