More Good News From Iraq and some cartoons

Soldiers discover cache near Iskandariyah

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 155th Infantry, 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), discovered a weapons cache in an area west of Iskandariyah Nov.13th

Troops seized and subsequently destroyed 287 82 mm mortar rounds.

Five individuals suspected of insurgent activity were detained in conjunction with the weapons cache seizure.

The 155th BCT is a U.S. Army unit assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Steel Curtain continues in Ubaydi

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 continue Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in the town of Ubaydi Nov. 15.

It is suspected that many of the terrorists who are now fighting in Ubaydi fled from Husaybah and Karabilah, the first two cities that were secured by Iraqi and Coalition Forces at the beginning of the operation. While the fighting has been sporadic, it has been characterized by commanders on the ground as some of the heaviest since Operation Steel Curtain began Nov. 5. Intelligence reports indicate that the strong resistance to the Iraqi and Coalition push into the city is due in large part to the fact that terrorists believe they are trapped and have nowhere else to go.

An additional 30 terrorists have been killed since last night, for an overall total of approximately 80 killed since entering the city yesterday morning. Most of those terrorists were targeted by coalition air strikes, although some were killed in direct small-arms fire engagements with Iraqi and Coalition Forces on the ground.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces continue to clear the city house-by-house, occasionally encountering buildings that are rigged with explosives and triggered to detonate upon entering the building. Numerous weapons caches have also been seized, to include several that contained suicide vests and bomb making material. Overall, there have been 36 weapons caches found and destroyed during Operation Steel Curtain.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces have also discovered numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines during the operation, the vast majority of which were destroyed by Coalition Forces before they could inflict any damage. The precise locations of many IEDs were revealed by detained terrorists. There have been a total of 107 IEDs and mines discovered during the course of Operation Steel Curtain.

Several detainees were captured trying to sneak out of the area by crawling among a flock of sheep. Overall, there have been approximately 150 terrorists detained since Operation Steel Curtain began 10 days ago.

Ubaydi is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, 20 km from the Syrian border and separated into two main areas, Old and New Ubaydi. Old Ubaydi has been cleared and now the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces are focusing on clearing the al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold of New Ubaydi.

The intent of Operation Steel Curtain is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating throughout the Al Qa’im region. The towns of Husaybah and Karabilah were cleared earlier in the operation which began Nov. 5 and a permanent security presence has been established. Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army soldiers and 2,500 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors are participating in Operation Steel Curtain.

This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout Al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army presence in the Al Qa’im region.

Coalition Forces capture high level Ba’ath Party leader

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured Hamid Sharki Shadid, the leader of the New Ba’ath Party in Diyala Province, during a patrol November 9th.

Coalition members apprehended Shadid along with physical evidence at his home.

Shadid is a former member of the Ba’ath Party in Diyala Province and is suspected of being responsible for all anti-Iraqi forces Ba’ath Party activities in that area.

Shadid’s capture is a major achievement for Coalition Forces as they believe he can provide crucial information on the whereabouts of former Staff General Jamal Karki, a suspected Ba’athist insurgent, and Abd-al-Baqi al-Sa’adun, who has been a fugitive since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003.

As the former Ba’ath Party Regional Chairman of Diyala Province and Regional Chairman of Southern Iraq, al Sa’adun is wanted for crimes against humanity committed during the 1999 Shi’ite uprising. Al-Sa’adun has remained a key leader within the Iraqi insurgency, recruiting and financing foreign terrorists in eastern and central Iraq. Al-Sa’adun also actively coordinated, financed and directed attacks against Iraqi police and civilians in Nasiriyah, Basrah and Diyala provinces.

It is believed that Sa’adun finances insurgent activities with money stolen from the people of Iraq during the Saddam regime and that Shadid may be an accomplice.

Coalition Forces will continue their pursuit of al-Sa’adun and Karki and view Shadid’s capture as a step closer to their apprehension. Up to one million U.S. Dollars is being offered to capture or kill Abd-al-Baqi al-Sa’adun.

Arrest warrants issued for two leaders in the insurgency; one has ties to al Zarqawi

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Iraqi Central Investigating Court in Baghdad issued arrest warrants for two men suspected of leading and facilitating the insurgency against Coalition and Iraqi Forces and who are responsible for many Iraqi deaths.

Issued on October 17, 2005, and only recently made public, was an arrest warrant for Muhammed Hilah Hammad al Ubaydi, also known as Abu Ayman. Abu Ayman, a Saddamist, was a former aide to the Chief of Staff of Intelligence in the Baathist Regime and has been financing and leading insurgency operations since Saddam Hussein’s fall in 2003. The arrest warrant states that Abu Ayman is wanted for violation of Iraqi Penal Code 194, which addresses terrorist activities.

Coalition and Iraqi security forces have long suspected Abu Ayman of leading an extensive network of terrorists, whose aim is to disrupt democracy in Iraq. He is suspected of leading and facilitating kidnappings, improvised explosive device attacks and attacks on convoys that resulted in deaths, assassination attempts on government officials, non-Iraqi citizens, and destruction of property. Abu Ayman has focused his attacks against Iraqi forces in Baghdad, Salman Pak, and Mahmudiyah. Abu Ayman leads the Secret Islamic Army in northern Babil Province, an organization with ties to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and al Qaeda.

Also issued on October 17, 2005 was an arrest warrant for Jamal Wahab al-Dhari al ZawbaI, also known as Abu Asim. A former Special Republican Guard officer under Saddam Hussein, authorities believe Abu Asim has been active within the insurgency since the fall of the former regime.

The arrest warrant states that Asim, like Abu Ayman, is wanted for violation of Iraqi Penal Code 194.

Coalition and Iraqi security forces believe that Abu Asim is responsible for coordinating, facilitating, funding, and training different terrorist groups sharing the common goal of destroying the progress of a free and democratic Iraq. Abu Asim’s focus remains in Baghdad although Coalition and Iraqi Intelligence officials believe Abu Asim is also responsible for terrorist attacks in Abu Ghraib.

Security forces continue robust operations in northern Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 76 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Nov. 9-14.

Iraqi Police along with Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 24 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized AK-47’s during separate operations in Tal Afar Nov. 10-11.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division detained 15 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in Tal Afar Nov. 13.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment seized weapons during a search operation in western Mosul Nov. 11.

Soldiers from 2/3 ACR detained 12 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized weapons during separate operations in Tal Afar Nov. 9-14.

Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations near the Syrian border Nov. 10-12.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained eight individuals suspected of terrorist activity during separate operations in Tal Afar Nov. 12-13.

Soldiers from 65th Military Police Company seized weapons from a vehicle in northern Mosul Nov. 10.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity in northern Mosul.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 17th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized mortar rounds and fuel during operations in Mosul Nov. 9-13.

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment seized a weapons cache during a search operation in Qayyarah Nov. 11.

Iraqi Security forces supported by Multi-National forces continue successful operations aimed at defeating terrorists in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region.

Terrorists caught with IED materials

TIKRIT, Iraq – Two men were taken into custody by U.S. troops near Hawija Nov. 12 after they were caught red-handed with IED-making material and $1,000 in U.S. currency.

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team were patrolling in Hawija when they came under small arms fire. The Soldiers determined that the shots were coming from a nearby cement factory and moved in to investigate.

They found the first suspect sitting in a vehicle outside the plant with a television remote control, a common detonator for IEDs, electrical wire and wire strippers.

A second man was discovered in a factory office with 50 feet of wire. A safe in the office contained a cordless phone and charger that was in the process of being turned into an IED trigger.

Suspects detained after attack

TIKRIT, Iraq – Five suspected terrorists were captured by Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers late Nov. 12 after a mortar attack against an Iraqi Army officer’s home near Baqubah.

The troops responding to the attack came under small-arms fire as they approached the area and called for air support. The combination of boots on the ground and aircraft overhead quickly overwhelmed the terrorists, leading to their capture.

The terrorists fired nearly a dozen mortars at the house but were unsuccessful at hitting the structure.

Weapons caches discovered

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police and Task Force Band of Brothers’ Soldiers found and disposed of two weapons caches Nov. 12.

The police discovery was made at an abandoned Iraqi Army compound near Kirkuk. The cache consisted of 22 proximity fuses for artillery rounds, two mortar rounds and two crates of small arms ammunition.

A second cache was discovered by Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team near Hawija. The Soldiers seized and destroyed 19 rockets and a shaped charge designed to penetrate armored vehicles.

Removing weapons from terrorist hands is a priority for Iraqi and U.S. forces in the area. During the past week, a dozen caches have been unearthed in the north central region of the country by Iraqi security forces and U.S. Soldiers.

Coalition Forces continue hunt for Al Duri

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces continue the hunt for Izzat Ibrihim Al Duri, long-time Saddam Hussein associate, in spite of the latest Baath party announcement of his death. Coalition officials question the validity of the Baath party claim, and a reward of up to $10 million remains for information leading to Al-Duri’s capture or his gravesite.

There have been conflicting reports regarding Al-Duri. On Nov. 12 a Baathist website reported his death, but the author of this site has made false claims in the past. Another website, also claiming to be associated with the former Baath Party, apologized for the false reporting of Al-Duri’s death and claimed Al Duri was still alive.

Al Duri remains the senior ranking fugitive among the failed former regime associates of Saddam Hussein. Numerous reports indicate he is suspected to be in poor health and running out of hiding places and supporters willing to help him in northern Iraq.

Iraqi and Coalition intelligence officials note that there is strong evidence that Al Duri’s influence within the fragmented underground Iraqi Baath party leadership has rapidly diminished since he is unable to maintain the visibility and contacts required to uphold loyalty among what little remains of his network and supporters. Officials believe that Al Duri still has access to funds that he personally transferred to Syria. This money was looted from Iraq during the Saddam Hussein reign and is now being used to recruit and finance numerous insurgent attacks in Iraq.

As the former Minister of Interior, Al Duri is also suspected of playing a key role in the chemical shelling of Kurdish villages near the city of Halabjah in 1988, resulting in the deaths of 5,000 Kurds. He is also suspected of direct involvement in mass executions, torture and destruction during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and the brutal repression of the Shiite uprising that followed the Gulf War in 1991.

Coalition keeps pressure on terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to disrupt and defeat al Qaeda, foreign fighters and terrorists during more than 230 company-level combined Coalition and Iraqi security forces and 90 independent ISF operations throughout the country this week.

“Conditions are being set for the national election, which is one more milestone for the Iraqi people to reinforce the sovereignty they’re building,” said Maj. Brandon Robbins, operations officer, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

Operations resulted in Coalition and Iraqi security forces locating and clearing more than 90 caches, capturing or killing of five bomb makers and clearing of nearly 170 improvised explosive devices.

Operation Steel Curtain is one of the larger operations of the week involving Regimental Combat Team-2. The operation began Nov. 5 in Husaybah with RCT-2 also clearing the towns of Al Karabilah and Sa’Dah. RCT-2 is comprised of a specially trained Iraqi Army scout platoon called the Desert Protectors, elements of the 1st Iraqi Army Division and 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers.

Operation Steel Curtain resulted in the detention of more than 100 terrorists and clearance of 33 caches. Most residents who sought assistance in the displacement camp have returned to their homes. Electrical power and water is expected to be restored to pre-operational level within the next 24 hours.

“The objective of Operation Steel Curtain was to restore security along the Iraqi-Syrian border and support the Coalition’s efforts along the Euphrates River Valley,” Robbins said. “Ultimately our intent is to assist the ISF in establishing a permanent presence on the border and to set the conditions for a safe and secure national election Dec. 15.”

Other significant operations conducted this week include Operation Knockout in Baqubah where Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior forces detained 370 suspected terrorists.

In the northwestern region of Iraq, Operation Wolf Stalk 2 continues to disrupt terrorists’ ability to carry out attacks in western Ninevah, while reconnaissance operations in northwestern Ninevah are identifying the needs of local residents and supporting legitimate economic and civic ventures.

“Several operations are out in sector to identify locations where CF and the Iraqi Transitional Government can focus on future stability and reconstruction efforts,” Robbins said.

In Baghdad, Operation National Unity, which began in July, is dedicated to increasing the capability of the Iraqi security forces to control the security environment and decreasing the number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices in the city.

Operation Open Window, in the central south region of Iraq, continues to pave the way of handing responsibility of the area to the 8th Iraqi Division.

“The way ahead is clearer,” Robbins said. “Senior leaders of MNC-I have integrated with Iraqi Ground Forces Command and continue to look forward to those critical points where ISF will sustain themselves and take over battle space responsibilities to keep up tactical and operational momentum.”

Safe house raided, four terrorists killed, four detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens, raided a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist safe house Nov. 12 in the village of Qazwan, near Ramadi.

The safe house was suspected to be an operational base of a senior Ramadi area al Qaeda in Iraq leader. During the raid, Coalition Forces killed four terrorists, and detained four additional terrorists, two of which were wounded while attempting to detain them.

Coalition Forces cordoned off the area and called in close air support during the engagement.

The two wounded terrorists were evacuated to a nearby Coalition hospital to be treated for their wounds. They are expected to recover.

** Now if you thought that good news was just the troops sending off barbarians to get their 72 virgins(yeah right), then there is also this...

• Fifty-eight teachers, supervisors, and administrators attend training to improve teaching methods.
• The Model Schools training program shows continued success in preparing secondary school teachers.
• Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI) grant provides for the rehabilitation of a local road, employing 60 local residents.
• ITI helps expand a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on promoting gender equality and combating the physical abuse of women.
• A community center in northern Iraq, established to assist returning refugees, receives help in facilitating a training series.
• Construction continues on the library and student center for a university in the Wassit governorate.
• Universities discuss Centers for Excellence (CFE) to increase cross cultural understanding.
• Reconstruction of primary school in Qadissiyah completed.
• Work continues on Al-Sadder Stadium.
• Internet center in Wassit benefits Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

Now for some cartoons: (All found on various blogs out there in the blogverse...)

Historical Rewrite

**And if you think islam will treat the unbeliever fairly then read on...

o11.5 Such non-Muslim subjects are obliged to comply with Islamic rules that pertain to the safety and indemnity of life, reputation, and property. In addition, they:

1. are penalized for committing adultery or theft, though not for drunkenness;
2. are distinguished from Muslims in dress, wearing a wide cloth belt (zunnar);
3. are not greeted with "as-Salamu 'alaykum";
4. must keep to the side of the street;
5. may not build higher than or as high as the Muslims' buildings, though if they acquire a tall house, it is not razed;
6. are forbidden to openly display wine or pork, (A: to ring church bells or display crosses,) recite the Torah or Evangel aloud, or make public display of their funerals and feastdays;
7. and are forbidden to build new churches. [emphasis mine —ed.]

—Reliance of the Traveller (´Umdat al-Salik), Justice, o11.0 Non-Muslim Subjects of the Islamic State (Ahl al-Dhimma)

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