MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Press Release A080112b
January 12, 2008

Coalition forces find prison facility, weapons caches in Diyala; 15 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Jan. 7 to 10 to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in the Diyala River Valley.   

Coalition forces conducted operations in the Sherween Village area targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks associated with media and foreign terrorist facilitation networks. Reports indicate the region has become a safe haven for terrorists due to continued pressure from Coalition and Iraqi forces pushing al-Qaeda networks out of central portions of the country and into the Diyala River Valley. Recent operations in the Diyala River Valley have uncovered a significant amount of weapons caches, as well as execution sites, and torture and detention facilities.

With the help of numerous Iraqi local citizens, Coalition forces discovered four weapons caches, a former al-Qaeda in Iraq prison and torture facility, and an improvised explosive device-making facility during the four-day operation. Local Iraqis confirmed the use of the prison facility by al-Qaeda in Iraq, but said it had not been used recently due to the presence of Coalition forces in the region. In addition, Coalition forces also destroyed four buildings that were found rigged with explosives and a river-crossing point that was being used to facilitate the movement of terrorists. 

During the four-day operation, Coalition forces also uncovered and eliminated several IEDs on various roadways.

Fifteen suspected terrorists were detained over the four days for possession of weapons, explosive materials, and confessions to being involved in terrorist operations.

“We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security and safety of all Iraqis,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.  “We will not allow al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremists to take back the hard fought gains that the Iraqi and Coalition forces have made.

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080109-F-0929W-087:  A Coalition forces member talks over his radio during an operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Diyala province Jan. 8, 2007. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Worrell)

080110-F-2509J-014:  Various Sheiks, Iraqi Army, and Coalition Forces members take part in a town meeting in the Diyala Province region of Iraq during a mission January 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Ricky A. Bloom)

080109-F-0929W-172:  Coalition forces locate an initiator for an improvised explosive devise found at a terrorist safe house during a search for al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Diyala province, Jan. 8, 2007. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Technical Sgt. Sean M. Worrell)

080109-F-0929W-161:  Coalition forces find various items at a terrorist safe house during an operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Diyala province Jan. 8, 2007. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Worrell)

080109-F-0929W-214:  A Coalition forces member lays out items found at a terrorist safe house during an operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Diyala province, Jan. 8, 2007. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Worrell) 

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