Troops Detain 26 Suspects, Uncover Five Car Bombs in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 15, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces detained dozens of insurgents and discovered five car bombs in Iraq in recent days, military officials said. During a series of operations yesterday targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq, combined forces nabbed 26 suspects.

-- West of Samarra, coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained 16 suspects during operations targeting foreign terrorist financiers and al Qaeda members who facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists into the region. The wanted individual is believed to be associated with senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including the alleged Salahuddin provincial leader, military officials said.

-- During operations along the Tigris River Valley, coalition forces detained five suspects targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, propaganda operations and terrorists planning attacks against Iraqi security forces.

-- South of Baghdad, troops captured a wanted individual and detained three suspects in operations targeting engineers of improvised explosive devices and terrorists operating in the Arab Jabour area.

"We remain vigilant and determined to eliminate the extremist enemies of Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The increased willingness of the Iraqi people to share information with Iraqi and coalition forces will end al Qaeda's campaign of terror and intimidation."

In other news, coalition forces uncovered five car bombs in the Rhabi neighborhood of the Adhamiyah district on Nov. 13 thanks to reports from Iraqi security volunteers. Members of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and elements from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, blocked off the al Rhabi Gardens in northeastern Baghdad to dismantle five car bombs found in a parking lot.

Explosive ordnance disposal personnel detonated the five vehicles, rendering the area safe. There were no casualties or collateral damage to the surrounding area, and the Adhamiyah fire department quickly extinguished the flames after the explosions, military officials said.

"Because these brave people in the (Iraqi security volunteers) decided to stand up against terrorists, we have been able to reduce their effectiveness. The terrorists can no longer hide in the shadows to torment the good people of Adhamiyah," said Army Lt. Col. Jeffery Broadwater, commander of 3-7 Cavalry.

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