From MNF-I, Al-Qaeda in Iraq networks degraded.
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces dealt another blow to terrorist networks Saturday, detaining nine suspects during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders and operatives in northern Iraq.
Associates of an alleged al-Qaeda leader led Coalition forces to an area near Bi’aj, about 130 kilometers southwest of Mosul, where they captured him and another wanted man. The alleged leader is assessed to oversee terrorist operations in northwest Iraq, including finances, attacks and the movement of foreign terrorists. One additional suspected terrorist was detained.
Two wanted men are in custody after Coalition forces targeted them during a raid in Bayji, about 160 kilometers south of Mosul. The men are believed to be members of a bombing network that operates in the Tigris River Valley. One of the men captured is also suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into central Iraq. Coalition forces detained four additional suspects in the operation.