NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
September 9, 2004
Release Number: 04-09-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES INITIATE OPERATIONS IN TAL AFAR
MOSUL, Iraq - Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Security forces initiated operations to restore control of Tal Afar to legitimate Iraqi government officials. The operation comes after MNF and Iraqi Security forces were repeatedly attacked by a large terrorist element that has displaced local Iraqi Security forces throughout the recent weeks.
Numerous attacks in the past two weeks not only targeted MNF and Iraqi Security forces, but civilians as well. These attacks by terrorist groups included rocket propelled grenades, small arms fire, mortars and roadside bombs, and resulted in civilian casualties. Many Iraqi families have been forced from their homes under threat by these terrorists.
Ninevah Provincial governor, Duraid Kashmoula, has been working with sheikhs and local leaders in the area to bring about peace and stability to the city. However, attempts at a peaceful solution have failed, resulting in the decision by local Iraqi leaders to initiate operations to free Tal Afar of the terrorists and to restore order.
The Ninevah Provincial Government and the Iraqi Security forces are committed to returning the city of Tal Afar to its citizens. Operations will continue in the city until the threat has been eliminated and the hard-working citizens of Tal Afar can return to their homes in safety and security.
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