MNFI Press Release - Apr 24

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES CLEAR HYYANIYAH, BASRA
As part of ongoing operations to secure the Hyyaniyah district in Basra, Iraqi Security Forces searched the area for criminals and weapons caches on April 19th and 20th. The ISF involved were Soldiers from 1st Division and 14th Division; the 26th Brigade attached to the 1st Division; a Battalion with the National Police from Baghdad; and elements from an Emergency Police Battalion.

"It went rather well considering the threat and many different organizations that were involved," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Washington, military advisor for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. Additionally, the major said the Iraqi Army found a large weapons cache in a school during the search. In the two days, they found substantial amounts of 60 mm mortars, 105 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenade rounds, RPG tubes, artillery shells for use as IEDs, homemade grenades, heavy machine guns, various rockets, including a 220 mm rocket, large amounts of small-arms ammunition and various mortar tube sizes.

"We were told it was a stronghold," Washington said. "Possible threats were IEDs, small-arms fire, snipers and a house-borne IED where they rig a house to blow up when searched," he added. "The Iraqi Army worked well. They met timelines and controlled their forces... They are continuing their efforts in humanitarian aid and intelligence gathering with the local populations," Washington said.

COALITION TARGETS AQI; 3 KILLED, 14 DETAINED
Coalition Forces killed three al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) terrorists and detained 14 suspects during operations targeting terrorist networks in the central and northern parts of the country on Wednesday. West of Bi’aj, Coalition Forces captured an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and three additional suspects. While rounding up the detainees, one terrorist attempted to escape. After the terrorist refused commands to halt, Coalition Forces engaged, killing him.

Coalition Forces targeted an alleged leader of an AQI propaganda cell during an operation in Mosul. As Coalition Forces arrived at the target area, two individuals attempted to seize their weapons from them. Coalition Forces responded in self-defense, engaging and killing the two men. Three suspected terrorists were detained. Coalition Forces also captured a suspected senior AQI leader in Mosul during a precision operation Thursday. Intelligence reports indicate he is involved in kidnapping and suicide bombing operations. West of Baghdad, Coalition Forces conducted two operations targeting operatives in the area's bombing network. Six suspected terrorists were detained, and four are believed to be part of a bombing cell that attacks Coalition Forces.