Iraqi operations kills eight terrorists

YUSUFIYAH , Iraq, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- During operations in central and northern Iraq Thursday and Friday coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained more than 20 suspected terrorists.

In operations near Yusufiyah coalition forces targeted a network of facilitates that allegedly have been enabling the movement of foreign terrorists in the southern belts around Baghdad. During the conflict two of the four men were killed by ground fire, and two were killed by aircraft fire that was called in. Five suspected terrorists were detained in the raid, according to the American Forces Press Service.

"Terrorists are unwelcome in Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, in a statement. "We will continue to attack al-Qaida in Iraq's networks to stem the flow of foreign terrorists who attack innocent Iraqis."

During a raid northwest of Tarmiyah coalition forces killed a fifth terrorist, while in a battle on the Jabouri Peninsula, east of Balad, coalition forces captured two brothers who allegedly operated a safe house for foreign terrorists. Four additional suspected terrorists were detained in that operation.

Additionally, three insurgents were killed by Iraqi army forces, with aid from coalition forces while conducting a helicopter assault mission Thursday near Karmah. During the operation a high-ranking al-Qaida leader allegedly responsible for insurgent activity around Karmah was apprehended by Iraqi army members at a mosque there.