Coalition Forces Kill 2, Detain 12 Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 16, 2007 - Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspects during operations today targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual southeast of Baghdad while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators. Reports also indicate the individual was involved in planning attacks on coalition aircraft, officials said.

The ground force approached the target building and called for the occupants to come out, but the individuals did not comply. One of the men was wearing a vest loaded with grenades. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing two of the men. In addition to the wanted individual, coalition forces detained three other suspects.

In other operations today in Ramadi, Mosul and Kirkuk, coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting associates of al Qaeda leaders and those believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and small-arms attacks against Iraqi police and coalition forces.

"Iraqi and coalition forces will continue targeting al Qaeda to diminish their ability to attack Iraqis," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

Yesterday in Kirkuk, a suicide car bomb attack killed two children, injured 11 more, and damaged an Iraqi school. The bomb also killed an Iraqi teacher, two Iraqi police officers, and an unidentified Iraqi citizen.

The wounded children, eight wounded Iraqi police officers and 11 wounded Iraqi citizens were transported to the Sulymaniyah Hospital. All of the children were under the age of 12, officials said.

The emergency services unit of the Kirkuk Police Department was the apparent target of the bombing. The commander of the unit, Gen. Katab, was among the people injured in the blast.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families of today's attack. This senseless act of violence against innocent women and children and those who protect them, highlights the vicious nature of our enemy who contribute nothing except death and destruction for Kirkuk's citizens," said Army Col. David Paschal, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. "The soldiers of the Warrior Brigade will relentlessly hunt down those responsible for the attack and bring them to swift justice."

(Compiled from Multinational Forces Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)