Wednesday, 28 November 2007

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
www.mnf-iraq.com

703.343.8790
Press Release 071128a

November 28, 2007


UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorists killed in recent raids


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Three terrorists killed during two recent operations have been positively identified as Abu Tiba, Abu Harith and Abu Nahr.


Abu Tiba, also known as Talal Abd al Aziz or Captain Talal, was the leader of a terrorist network operating in Samarra. Tiba assumed command of the network after the previous leader, Haythim Sabah al-Badri, was promoted to oversee terrorists operating in the Salah ad Din province. Al-Badri was killed during a Coalition forces operation east of Samarra Aug. 2.


Tiba was involved in extortion, kidnappings, planting improvised explosive devices, the movement of foreign terrorists and conducting attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, and Iraqi police.


Tiba was killed during an operation east of Samarra Nov. 12. Coalition forces were targeting an al-Qaeda headquarters believed to be used as a safe house for foreign terrorists. As the ground force entered the target building, Tiba reached for a suicide vest. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed him before the vest detonated.


Abu Harith, also known Abu Tariq, was a legacy al-Qaeda in Iraq member, most recently operating as the leader of a terrorist network in Kirkuk. Harith had numerous connections to senior terrorist leaders in Mosul and frequently made trips there to coordinate al-Qaeda activities for his network.


Abu Nahr was a member of a car-bombing network in Kirkuk. Nahr was responsible for coordinating numerous attacks against Iraq and Coalition forces and was believed to be acting as Harith’s deputy in the Kirkuk network.


Harith and Nahr were killed during an operation north of Hawija Nov. 21. The ground force called for the target building’s occupants to come out and they did not comply. The individuals attempted to draw their weapons and, perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing Harith and Nahr.


“These were dangerous terrorists who are thankfully no longer part of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We will relentlessly pursue any terrorist leader who tries to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice.”
- 30 - FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE MNF-I PRESS DESK at: MNFIPressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil. FOR THIS PRESS RELEASE AND OTHERS VISIT WWW.MNF-IRAQ.COM.


Ellie