"Coalition forces disrupted an AQI [Al Qaida in Iraq] bombing network in
the Tigris River
Valley during two related operations," a U.S. military statement said.
The use of Tikrit by Al Qaida was disclosed in July 2008. Officials said
captured Al Qaida operatives reported that the insurgency movement was using
Tikrit and the surrounding area, including Bayji, to coordinate suicide
bombings and recruitment.
At least one senior Al Qaida operative was reported to have been
captured in Tikrit, about 160 kilometers north of Baghdad. Officials said
the unidentified detainee facilitated the movement of suicide bombers and
foreign volunteers. Later, U.S. and Iraqi forces arrested another
Al Qaida suspect linked to a suicide attack cell.
Officials said Al Qaida was using Tikrit and other locations to help
reestablish the Islamic insurgency presence in Baghdad. They said Al Qaida
was recruiting foreigners to conduct operations, including suicide attacks
on Shi'ite pilgrims, in the Iraqi capital.
"In Baghdad, coalition forces captured a wanted man and one associate
reportedly working for the AQI foreign terrorist facilitation network that
has developed in the city," the U.S. military said.
