One “terrorist” killed, 18 suspects in custody – MNF

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: One “terrorist” was killed and 18 suspects were detained during operations waged by Coalition force targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leadership and bombing networks in central Iraq, according to a release issued by the Multi National Forces (MNF) in Iraq on Wednesday “Coalition forces further disrupted terrorist command and control nodes Tuesday, detaining three suspects during an operation targeting an AQI leader in Bayji, about 160 km south of Mosul,” said the release that was received by IraqiNews.com. “About 15 km southwest of Baghdad Tuesday, forces captured two wanted men allegedly involved in improvised explosive devise facilitation in the Fallujah area. The two suspected terrorist are also believed to have connections to Anbar AQI leadership,” it added. “Early Wednesday, Coalition forces continued to degrade Baghdad AQI bomb networks during an operation targeting an IED facilitator just south of the city. Forces were led to a residence in Salman Pak after reports suggested it to be the location of the wanted man. After arriving at the residence, forces called for the building’s occupants to surrender. A man from the building initially complied with Coalition forces’ instructions, but then returned inside the house. When he returned outside, he attempted to engage the forces with an AK-47. Perceiving hostile intent, the force engaged the armed man, killing him. Forces later identified the dead terrorist as the wanted man. Seven additional suspects were detained without incident for further questioning,” it explained. “In Samarra, 110 km northwest of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists believed to be associated with a regional AQI leader. During the operation, forces found multiple rifles and a pipe bomb,” it noted. MH (S)/SR 1