Centcom Press Release - Jan 23

COALITION DISRUPTS AL-QAEDA; 15 TERRORISTS KILLED
Coalition Forces killed 15 terrorists Tuesday and Wednesday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) networks north of Baqubah. On Tuesday, Coalition Forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged leader for the AQI network operating in the Diyala province. The targeted individual is believed to be an IED specialist involved in coordinating IED and suicide-vest attacks in the region. Reports also indicate the targeted individual has ties to several AQI senior leaders. As Coalition Forces arrived in the target area, they observed several individuals reach for their weapons. Coalition Forces fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to cease their actions, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed men, Coalition Forces engaged, killing two terrorists, including the wanted individual. Upon clearing the area, the ground force discovered IEDs and grenades, which were safely destroyed, along with a vehicle in the target area.

Coalition Forces returned to the region on Wednesday, targeting another alleged leader of the Diyala network associated with the terrorist killed during operations on the previous day. As Coalition Forces arrived in the target area they observed a group of enemy personnel moving into fighting positions. Responding in self-defense, the ground force called supporting aircraft to engage the hostile force, killing 10 terrorists. Coalition Forces continued to clear the area and called for the occupants of the target building to come out, but they did not comply. Several terrorists were then observed maneuvering toward Coalition Forces and they engaged the perceived hostile threat, killing 3 terrorists.

As Coalition Forces secured the building, they discovered a cache of weapons including machine guns, military style assault vests, RPG propellant and various ammunition. Nearby, the ground force discovered additional weapons caches including RPGs, artillery and mortar rounds, improvised IEDs, and suicide-vest materials. All of the weapons were safely destroyed on site.