More Good News - None reported by the BBC news.

Stryker Brigade unearths another large weapons cache near Rawah

MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment (172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized a large weapons cache during a search operations in the Rawah area, near the Euphrates River, Oct. 23. The cache included over 1,000 anti-tank mines, over 250 rocket propellant, and several timed mines. The weapons were destroyed on the scene.

Iraqi security forces supported by Multi-National Forces continue operations in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region.

Terrorists detained and VBIEDs destroyed in Husaybah

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces find two car bombs and detained four suspected terrorists during raids in Husaybah Oct. 24.

The safe houses were suspected of housing senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and foreign fighters who used them as operational bases to plan and conduct attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces in the Husaybah and Karabilah areas.

The two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices were found outside the safe houses and were fully operational for use against Iraqi security and Coalition forces. The VBIEDs were destroyed.

Kindergarten school receives facelift

MOSUL, Iraq – Kindergarten children in Tal Usquf, a town north of Mosul, have a newly renovated school to learn and play in, thanks to Soldiers of 401st Civil Affairs and 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.

Tal Usquf Kindergarten was furnished with all new electrical wiring, water coolers, water closets, furniture for the staff, new toys for the children, and painting of the entire school. The project was completed Oct. 22.

A contractor is also in the process of completing a play area in the rear of the school and plans to make any other needed repairs which could pose potential hazards to children.

Coalition forces conduct search operation in Basrah

BASRAH, Iraq – Multi National Division South East conducted a search operation in the al Hartha and Hayy al Shuhda areas of Basrah City Oct. 22. This was the result of an ongoing Multi National Force-Iraq investigation into those organizing and conducting terrorist activities, in particular attacks against Coalition forces and the people of Basrah.

The operation resulted in the discovery of bomb making equipment and a number of heavy weapons. The operation also led to the arrest of nine individuals associated with these finds. The individuals are now being questioned.

This operation was completed in accordance with UNSCR 1546 that requires Coalition forces to conduct security and stabilization operations in support of the political process.

Terrorist stronghold raided

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces raided three suspected terrorist safe houses, detained six terrorists, and killed several others in the town of al Ushsh, northwest al Qaim Oct. 25.

Acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, Coalition forces raided the safe houses suspected to be a terrorist stronghold used to conduct attacks against local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security and Coalition forces.

Upon arriving at the suspected terrorist safe house, Coalition forces entered the safe house where armed terrorists were located with women and children. As a result of the ensuing exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and Coalition forces, the suicide vest of one of the terrorists was detonated, causing the building’s roof to collapse.

The women and children were rescued from the rubble and treated by medical personnel. The group was then moved to a safe area.

Coalition forces then moved to two additional suspected safe houses and secured and searched them, detaining six terrorists.

Upon departing the terrorist stronghold, Coalition forces called in close air support and destroyed the three buildings.

U.S. Soldiers find, destroy roadside bombs

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers sealed off a road in west Baghdad Oct. 24 after finding two large explosive devices rigged to explode.

The patrol first reported finding an improvised explosive device in the median of the road. A short time later, they discovered another about 10 meters away.

To ensure the safety of the local residents along the busy road, the U.S. Soldiers cordoned off the area and called in an explosives ordnance disposal team to take care of the IED.

The EOD team recovered 12 60 mm mortar rounds with a timing device.

In other combat operations Oct. 23, a Task Force Baghdad patrol in northwest Baghdad found an IED comprised of a 152 mm round encased in a concrete block with wires protruding from the end. The Soldiers detained a suspicious man who was mixing concrete nearby. Along with the incomplete IED, the patrol found two AK-47 assault rifles and 400 rounds of ammunition.

Another U.S. patrol west of Baghdad found an anti-tank mine wired to batteries in a plastic bag. An EOD team later destroyed the IED.

Around the same time on Oct. 23, another Task Force Baghdad patrol on a combat mission found two 130 mm rounds rigged for remote-controlled detonation alongside a road north of Baghdad. EOD also disposed of that IED.

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