ISOF kill two suspected terrorists in Diyala Province

Iraqi Special Operations Forces killed two suspected terrorists in Diyala Province July 17 during an operation to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq activity in the region.

As the ISOF approached the suspects, one of the suspects raised his hands while the other reached for a suicide vest. Perceiving hostile intent, the ISOF engaged the men, killing both suspects.

The two suspects were allegedly part of an AQI cell with at least 20 members, including foreign fighters. The cell is said to conduct mortar attacks and murders against Iraqi civilians and improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition forces. Reports indicate the cell moves at night and uses “spider holes” by the canal to emplace IEDs. Reports also indicate many of the terrorists manning these positions wear suicide vests or control the IED triggers.

A Coalition force explosive ordnance disposal team safely destroyed the suicide vest.

Baghdad National ERB detains two suspected Special Groups criminals, kills six

Baghdad National Emergency Response Brigade detained two suspected Special Groups criminals and killed six during an operation in Baghdad July 20.

In Sadr City, the ERB detained a suspected Special Groups criminal leader and an associate believed to be responsible for supplying lethal weapons to other Special Groups criminals in Baghdad.

One of the suspected criminals is said to be the leader of a cell responsible for multiple attacks against Coalition forces in the area and for seeking lethal weapons from Iran.

After detaining the suspects, ERB proceeded to a suspected cache site located in the New Baghdad district and came under attack, returning fire and killing two. After a brief cease fire, ERB came under fire again from elements within the building and called for close air support from Coalition forces. Coalition aircraft fired 40 and 105 mm rounds at the building, when a large explosion occurred, leading the team to believe it contained a weapons cache.

While assessing the building, ERB continued to come under attack. Three suspected criminals fled into an adjacent building while four others were killed during the exchange of gunfire.

“The Baghdad National ERB demonstrated its ability to execute precision operations in support of the Government of Iraq’s efforts to disrupt Special Groups criminal activities in Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, a Multi-National Corps – Iraq.