UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in operation Sunday

Courtesy Photo | The identification card found on Abu Karrar, also known as Arkan Khalaf Khudayyir, an al-Qaida in Iraq intelligence and suicide operations facilitator in Diyala Province. Karrar was killed Feb. 17 during a coalition operation near Khan Bani Sad. (Department of Defense photo)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.20.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Force Iraq Public Affairs

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A terrorist killed during an operation Feb. 17 has been positively identified as Abu Karrar.

Karrar, also known as Arkan Khalaf Khudayyir, was a senior intelligence leader involved in the al-Qaida in Iraq network in Baqouba. He was also a terrorist facilitator for the suicide bombing network in the Diyala River Valley region, which conducts attacks in Baghdad, to include attacks by female suicide bombers. Reports indicate the network has been disrupted by recent successful coalition operations in the area.

Karrar was killed when coalition forces conducted an operation near Khan Bani Sad Sunday afternoon. As coalition forces arrived in the target area, they observed Karrar and another suspect fleeing their vehicle. Karrar brandished a weapon with the perceived intent to fire on coalition forces. The assault force engaged, killing both men. Coalition forces discovered an AK-47 and ammunition in the vehicle, and they destroyed the vehicle to prevent further use for terrorist activity.

"Iraqi and coalition forces will relentlessly pursue terrorist leaders, like Abu Karrar, who plan al-Qaida's indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2008
• Date Posted: 02.21.2008 14:36
• Story ID: 16553
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ