Key Al-Qaeda Leader Killed in Iraq

June 23, 2006

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On Friday, June 16, a key Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, Mansur Sulayman Mansur Khalif, also known as Sheikh Mansur, was killed by Coalition Forces, south of Yusifiyah.

Also killed was Abu Tariq, an Al-Qaeda leader and foreign fighter facilitator who operated around Yusifiyah.

Coalition Forces initially targeted a vehicle with three Al-Qaeda members, including Sheik Mansur. The vehicle attempted to flee immediately after noticing security forces approaching. Coalition forces then engaged and killed the three.

Two others were detained in the area without resistance. Sheikh Mansur was a key Iraqi leader in Al-Qaeda in Iraq with excellent religious, military, and leadership credentials within the network. He was tied to senior leadership, including Abu Musab Al- Zarqawi and Abu Ayyub Al-Masri.

The U.S. Department of Defense believes his death will significantly impact Al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to re-organize.