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

Oct. 11, 2007
Press Release 11OCT07-348b

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces conducted a coordinated operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the Lake Thar Thar region Thursday killing an estimated 19 terrorists and 15 civilians, wounding six and detaining one suspect.

Intelligence reports indicated senior members of al-Qaeda in Iraq were meeting in the area.  Surveillance elements observed and confirmed activity consistent with the reports and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target.

The ground force assessed that 4 terrorists were killed on site. 

Surveillance elements observed some members from the initial meeting location travel to an area south of Lake Thar Thar.

Upon assault, Coalition forces were engaged by small arms fire from the target building.  Responding in self-defense, supporting aircraft engaged the enemy threat.  After securing the area, the ground force assessed 15 terrorists, six women and nine children were killed, two suspects, one woman and three children were wounded, and one suspected terrorist was detained. 

All of the injured received immediate medical treatment on site by a Coalition forces medical expert and were taken to a near-by military facility for further treatment.

Operations are currently ongoing and Coalition forces are reviewing information from the scene as well as assessing the level of damage involved.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

“We regret that civilians are hurt or killed while Coalition forces search to rid Iraq of terrorism,” said Maj. Brad Leighton, MNF-I spokesman.  “These terrorists chose to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by their actions and presence.” 

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