Centcom Press Release - Feb 12

COALITION TARGETS AQI; 2 TERRORISTS KILLED, 2 DETAINED
Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained two suspects on Monday and Tuesday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) networks operating in central Iraq. Coalition Forces conducted an operation northeast of Samarra Monday near the Hamrin Mountains targeting alleged AQI associates involved in the suicide bombing network in the Diyala River Valley. Intelligence reports led Coalition Forces to a location where the targeted individuals were believed to be operating. As they arrived in the target area, Coalition Forces were engaged by enemy fire. Responding in self-defense, the assault force engaged, killing 2 terrorists, who were both armed with suicide vests. Once the area was secure, the ground force recovered two AK-47s and destroyed the suicide vests inside a vehicle on site to prevent further use for terrorist activity.

Southwest of Samarra today, Coalition Forces captured an alleged AQI member involved in the facilitation of weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The suspect is believed to be responsible for a car-bomb factory located in the area and several weapons caches on another property. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with numerous AQI members involved in car-bomb facilitation networks, to include individuals detained last fall for their alleged involvement in terrorist attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. An additional suspected terrorist was also detained.

"Iraqi and Coalition Forces are committed to ending the terror al-Qaeda in Iraq has brought," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Al-Qaeda's war on innocent Iraqi civilians is the result of a twisted and morally bankrupt philosophy that runs contrary to the values of Iraqi citizens. These terrorists are unwelcome in Iraq."

COALITION FORCES DISRUPT CRIMINAL NETWORK, DETAIN 2
Coalition Forces detained two suspected Special Groups criminals early today during operations in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad. Coalition Forces were targeting an individual who reportedly facilitated paramilitary training for Special Groups members in preparation for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Reports also indicate he was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target location where they detained the two suspected criminals without incident. The identity of the suspects is still being determined. "Al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's cease-fire pledge has helped increase stability," said Lt. Michael Street, MNF-I spokesman. "We welcome that stability, but we will continue to dismantle the criminal networks of those who choose not to honor that pledge."