Release A050926c
Foreign fighter safe haven destroyed
Multi-National Force-Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition air forces conducted an air strike and destroyed an al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter safe house in al-Ushsh, Iraq, Sept. 26, at about 1:30 a.m.
Multiple intelligence sources and information from concerned citizens directed Multi-National forces to the safe house. In the house was Abu Nasir, a senior al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitator and the alleged new al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Karabilah. Nasir was linked to other al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and foreign fighter facilitators in the Hit, al Qaim, Karabilah and Husaybah areas.
Nasir’s presence in the safe house during the air strike was indicated by intelligence. Additionally, there were a large number of terrorists and foreign fighters present at the safe house. About 20 armed male terrorists and foreign fighters were identified at the location prior to the air strike.
The type of munitions used, and the time the air strike was conducted, mitigated the risk to civilians in the local area.
Unconfirmed reports alleged that Nasir recently became the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Karabilah, where he assumed control of all terrorist operations in the area. These operations include vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and individual explosive device bombings, mortar attacks, ambushes, and other direct attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces.
Nasir is also known to have al Qaeda connections in the region that include links to Syria, where all of his foreign fighters are funneled prior to their arrival in Iraq. Once in Iraq, they are sent to various groups and cells to attack Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS-IRAQ,
BY E-MAIL AT MNCI-PAO-VICTORYMAINJOC@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL.
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