More Terrorist Bombing Cells broken up across Iraq

Press Release A080613b-213 June 13, 2008 Bombing network disabled BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 18 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists throughout Iraq Thursday and Friday, further degrading terrorist networks that organize and execute terrorist attacks. Coalition forces continued to target the al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist networks across northern Iraq and in the Tigris River Valley Friday. A wanted man and an associate were captured near Bi’aj, about 130 kilometers southwest of Mosul. Coalition forces also detained one suspected AQI terrorist near Lake Thar Thar and three alleged foreign terrorist facilitators in Bayji, about 100 kilometers south of Mosul. During operations on Thursday, Coalition forces detained three individuals, including a wanted man suspected of having ties to an AQI bombing network that operates in the Tigris River Valley. Al-Qaeda’s network in the Northern Belt around Baghdad was further degradedFriday when Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists in separate operations just north of Baghdad. Coalition forces also targeted associates of AQI leaders in the Southern Belt around the city and detained three suspected terrorists Thursday west of Baghdad. In Mosul, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during operations Thursday and Friday while targeting associates of AQI leaders in the northern city. “Coalition forces will continue to seek out terrorists throughout Iraq and remove them as a threat toinnocent citizens,” said Navy Lt. David Russell, MNF-I spokesman.