Coalition And Iraqi Troops Join To Target Al Qaeda
After Coalition forces worked to get rid of terrorist and insurgent forces in Baghdad, many of the terrorists fled to the Mosul area. The combined forces of Iraqi security and Coalition troops are now targeting Mosul and the surrounding areas. The surge is creating more attention and the terrorists will no longer have any place to be. “Mosul has become the new terrorist hub,” said Navy Rear Admiral Gregory J Smith. Admiral Smith is the spokesman for MNF Iraq, and spoke to reporters recently.
Previously Al Qaeda had wanted to use Baghdad as the center of its operations, but since the surge they have fled to Mosul. Mosul has become the new center of operations, and so it is now going to be the new focus of joint operations against Al Qaeda.
Mosul has provided a place for foreign fighters to gather and try to blend in.
Iraqi forces working with Coalition troops have killed or captured over 142 Al Qaeda insurgents in Mosul since the beginning of the year. Despite the increased interest in Mosul by Al Qaeda the results of the increased joint efforts are bearing fruit.
Many Al Qaeda operative remain in the Mosul area, which is the reason that joint efforts against insurgents will continue to target the city and the surrounding area. Iraqi National Police, Army and Coalition efforts will continue to aggressively pursue insurgents and Al Qaeda in Mosul.
“The residents of Mosul are working together with Coalition forces to stand up against Al Qaeda, and it is working,” said Admiral Smith.
