Good News From Iraq

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Insurgents found guilty of possession of illegal weapons and joining armed terrorist organizations

BAGHDAD , Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 21 security detainees for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons and illegal border crossing.

In the first case, Coalition Security Forces (CSF) apprehended Ahmed Zamil Laheeb, E'dam Munther Faisal, Muzahim Kamil Hamed, Majid Muslih Ejab and Hakeem Zamil Laheeb near the area of Saba al Boor for possession of illegal weapons on Sep. 21, 2005. CSF apprehended the individuals after finding SA-7 (surface to air) missiles, a mortar bipod, 12-gauge primer rounds and AK-47 rifles in the vehicle they were driving in. The defendants were charged with violating Coalition Provisional Authority Order No. 3, Section 6, paragraph 2/B for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found all five defendants guilty of the charge and sentenced them to 7 years imprisonment each.

In the second case, on June 15, 2005, CSF, in conjunction with soldiers of the Iraqi Army, apprehended Mohammed Hamdi Yousef, Waed Abdullah Abdul Razaq, Safa Ali Chiad Al Jeboury, Walid Abd Al-Kader and Hassan Sobhi Khalid al-Sherkil after conducting a raid of a residence in Baghdad suspected to belong to a cell of insurgents known for kidnapping, murder and extortion. Two men participated as armed guards holding two hostages, one man gave medical assistance to the kidnap victims and two others were involved in the holding and extortion of money from the victims and their families. The defendants were charged with violating Iraqi Penal Code 194 for organizing and joining an armed terrorist organization for the purpose of stopping and delaying the laws execution, and disturbing the national security and the stability in the country. The trial court found all five defendants guilty of the charge and sentenced each to a life sentence.

In the third case, on Oct. 3, 2004, CSF apprehended Ahmed Eyden Elewah and Nihad Fadel Muslih after conducting raids at homes where they recovered IED-making materials. The defendants were charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, paragraph 2/A for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found both defendants guilty of the charge and sentenced them to one year and six months respectively.

In the fourth case, on Dec. 14, 2005, CSF apprehended Abass Khalil Ibrahim during a raid on the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Ghadab Brigade associated with Al Tawhid Al Jihad. During interrogation, the defendant acknowledged “repairing” cars for Abu Anas and the Revolutionary Ghadab Brigade knowing that they are terrorist organizations. The defendant also detailed his involvement in the Mujahideen, recruiting six individuals for Abu Anas and Al Tawhid, possessing and using a forged citizenship identification card and identifying a number of individuals who were associated with Abu Anas and the Revolutionary Ghadab Brigade. The defendant was charged with violating Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code for organizing, heading, leading or joining armed groups. The trial court found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced the defendant to a life sentence.

In the fifth case, on May 18, 2005, CSF apprehended Mohammed Abdul Jabbar and Ziyan Abdul Jabbar after conducting a raid on the defendants' home. CSF found explosives, a detonation device and IED-making materials. The defendants were charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, Paragraph 2/A for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found the defendants guilty of the charge and sentenced them to one year in prison.

In the sixth case, on Sep. 12, 2004, CSF apprehended Adnan Taha Danush after searching the defendant's home. CSF found five AK-47 magazines, several hundred rounds of various ammunition, six grenades, explosives and IED-making materials. The defendant was charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, Paragraph 2/B for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced the defendant to seven years imprisonment.

In the seventh case, on Aug. 24, 2005, CSF apprehended Ali Hamad Salih and Jasim Mohammed Sall after stopping them while driving their vehicle, which matched the description of a vehicle that had been placing IEDs along the road. CSF searched the vehicle and found three 130mm artillery shells in the passenger compartment. The defendants were charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, Paragraph 2/B for possession of illegal special weapons. The trial court found the defendants guilty of the charge and sentenced them to ten years imprisonment.

In the eighth case, on Sep. 2, 2004, CSF apprehended Mohammed Bahajat Younis after they came under RPG fire during their investigation of a possible IED site. An unmanned aerial vehicle directed the CSF to the vehicle moving away from the location the rockets were fired from. The CSF found a rocket launcher, eight RPG rounds, one PKC machine gun with one 100-round ammunition drum, two AK-47 rifles with eight full magazines, one 9mm pistol with a full magazine, one anti-tank grenade, five fragmentary hand grenades, two Nokia cell phones, and six black face masks during a vehicle search. The defendant was charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, Paragraph 2/A for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment.

In the ninth case, on Sep. 30, 2004, CSF apprehended Saldou Farraham Shahod after they approached a car that appeared to have broken down near a CSF checkpoint. CSF moved the detainees away from the car and found a mortar, mortar fuses, one Motorola radio, and one Sony video camera. The defendant was charged with violating CPA Order No. 3, Section 6, Paragraph 2/A for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment.

And in the tenth case, on Oct. 22, 2004, CSF apprehended the Abdul Sitaar Abdul Tabbar in a raid on his home in Baghdad . The defendant was found in possession of seven AK-47 rifles, four pistols, one case of 9mm ammunition, and one set of body armor. The defendant was charged with violating Article 27/3 of Iraqi Weapons Law No. 13 of 1992 for possession of illegal weapons. The trial court found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment and a 50,000 dinar fine.

Upon conviction, all defendants are turned over to the Iraqi Corrections Service to serve their sentences.

To date, the CCCI has held 964 trials of insurgents suspected of anti-Iraqi and anti-Coalition activities threatening the security of Iraq and targeting MNF-I. These proceedings have resulted in 879 individual convictions with sentences ranging up to 30 years imprisonment.

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Iraqi and Coalition Forces pressing on in Salah ah Din

TIKRIT, Iraq – Combined operations between Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces began their sixth day in central Salah ah Din province March 21.

Units continue to sweep across the area in an effort to deny terrorist forces the freedom of movement and reduce their ability to operate in the province.

Yesterday, two caches were found containing small arms, ammunition and IED-making materials.

Combined operation participants include 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Operation Swarmer has demonstrated the increased level of proficiency and competence of the Iraqi Security Forces as they continue to assume more responsibility for Iraq 's security needs.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected terrorists, uncover weapons cache

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained 15 suspected terrorists and uncovered a weapons cache southeast of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 a.m. March 21.

A patrol from 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, detained the suspected terrorists after a search of their home yielded a weapons cache.

The cache consisted of three rocket-propelled grenade launchers with nine RPG rounds, one RPK with a spare barrel, two 100-round ammunition belts, six AK-47 rifles, 16 AK-47 magazines, 100 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, one tactical vest, one Glock with 15 rounds of ammunition, four hunting rifles with two magazines and two rounds of ammunition, one pellet rifle, one shotgun, six grenades, $4,700 U.S. and 300,000 dinar.

The incident is under investigation.

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IA, CF detain terrorists, find caches

FOB KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed one terrorist, detained 11 suspected terrorists and confiscated a weapons cache March 22 south of Latfiyah.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, along with their Iraqi counterparts from 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, were attacked with small-arms fire.

They quickly returned fire, killing one terrorist and detaining 11 terrorist suspects in connection with the incident. Working together, IA and MND-B Soldiers confiscated one Dishka heavy machine gun and three 55-gallon drums filled with munitions located nearby.

In another incident, IA and 2-8 Soldiers were attacked by terrorists using small-arms fire near Iskandariyah.

They returned fire, wounding one terrorist and detaining three suspects in connection with the incident.

Soldiers confiscated two AK-47 assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, which were found near the site of the attack.

MND-B Soldiers continue to assist Iraqi security forces in securing areas in the Babil province for pilgrims making the trek to Karbala to participate in the Arba’een commemoration.

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MND-B Soldiers detain 2 terrorist suspects in connection with roadside bomb

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Elements of Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, detained two terrorist suspects who are suspected of manufacturing roadside bombs southwest of Baghdad March 21.

After seeing a suspicious-looking vehicle near the site of a roadside bomb, 1-75 Soldiers searched the vehicle and tactically questioned the occupants. It was determined that they had been handling bomb-making materials.

An explosive ordnance disposal team tested the roadside bomb and confirmed that it had been made from homemade explosives.

The suspects were transported to another site for further questioning.

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Combined operations net 11 suspects

FOB KALSU, Iraq — As the flight crew received the “thumbs up” from the passengers, the Blackhawk helicopter roared away from the airfield here March 22 to an area in the northern Babil province where Operation Strong Fist was well underway.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division and 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, united to conduct a cordon and search of all homes in Samra and detain suspected terrorists.

Samra, a village of approximately 300-400 people, has seen very little Iraqi security or Coalition Forces presence in the past. Sources identified this town as a possible safe-haven for bomb-making cells, said Capt. Dave Zaino, commander, Company A, 2-8 Inf.

The units began the operation at midnight with static load-training at the Kalsu airfield headed up by 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Wells, 2-8 Inf. “The IA and CF soldiers worked hand-in-hand to master aircraft loading and unloading procedures. “We work really well with them, and the training we’ve been conducting paid off during this operation,” said Wells.

The first of three lifts, consisting of four helicopters, took to the sky at approximately 2:45 a.m. to deliver the team to an area just south of the village.

As the Blackhawks touched the ground, the Soldiers were out of the aircraft and positioned on the ground pulling security for themselves as well as for the helicopters departure. As the helicopters faded from view to pick up the next group of Soldiers, the teams consolidated and moved out toward their objective.

As they neared the town, it seemed all was quiet as they peered through their night vision goggles. As they drew closer however, they saw several people run from the town. Without a moment’s hesitation, the Soldiers followed the fleeing figures into an area they refer to as the Suwara jungle.

Meanwhile, the rest of the force continued their patrol into the village to begin clearing houses and escorting males of service age from their homes to a nearby elementary school.

Loud speakers positioned in the middle of the town blared messages of cooperation and safety to the citizens of Samra and that they should take all direction from the IA soldiers. Lt. Col. James Howard, commander, 2-8 Inf. Bn., ensured soldiers treated all residents of the town with dignity and respect.

“The people of the village were very calm and understood how this played into their future security; the proper treatment of the suspects and their families was key,” said Howard. Although the search disrupted a quiet existence for most, the citizens of the village realized the importance of the Soldiers’ actions.

By mid-morning, the unit had collected more than 120 suspects from the village. After identifying and questioning all, 11 were detained and the rest released back to their homes.

“We wanted to ensure they fully understood our intent and that the people of the village were on our side, so we solicited the help of the village sheik to help us help them,” said Howard. The sheik explained to the men of the village that the Iraqi and Coalition Forces were there for the protection of the village and they should cooperate.

After the detainees were turned over to the ISF for processing, the Soldiers relaxed a bit and engaged in friendly banter with several children in the village. IA soldiers handed out soccer balls and candy to the kids and provided humanitarian aid bags with items such as soap, beans, rice and cleaning products to the families.

As the day turned into evening, families of the village dropped off food and tea for the Soldiers consistently throughout the night.

We didn’t know what to expect as we went into this uncharted territory, but we are very pleased with the results, said Zaino. “Although we went in with a “strong fist,” the outcome was one of friendship and trust among the Samra villagers, the Iraqi army and Coalition Forces.

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Citizen’s tip helps MND-B Soldiers foil kidnap attempt

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Responding to a tip from an Iraqi citizen, a patrol from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, foiled a kidnapping attempt at approximately 2 p.m. March 19 in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.

Soldiers received a tip from an Iraqi citizen that armed men were driving around in a black car. The patrol located and pulled over the vehicle.

During a search of the car, the Soldiers noticed pounding and screaming coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon opening the trunk, Soldiers discovered an Iraqi man who said he had been kidnapped.

The Soldiers detained the driver of the vehicle.

The incident is under investigation by Iraqi authorities.

Onto other things and Belfast City Airport is to be renamed the George Best Belfast City Airport. What the hell is up with these people? Although in these days of glorifying minor celebs and even turning criminals into media stars it comes as hardly a suprise. A more acurate name would be the Gut Rot Suffering Self Indulgent Moaning Bastard Wife Beating Cunt Airport. Although some people might object to the word cunt and having to take their rose tinted glasses off and have a look at a player who had it all and pissed up against the pub wall after closing time, oh and the name is a tad long as well.

It seems that the future jihadist and all round angry young woman Miss Shabina Begum is more than a tad miffed at losing her case which has been banging around in the legal system for the last few years. She wanted to wear the Jiljab, which is a stricter version than her schools islamic dress code. The same code that had been agreed with the local muslim community and local clerics.

Miss Shabina Begum stated that she was "saddened" by this, and guess who has been battled for this poor "oppressed" young woman? Now who would take on a case like that, cost the taxpayer a packet for the oppressed rights of some girl who is not happy with the ruling of her own clerics? None other than bottom feeding lawyer and all out profiteer Mrs Cherie Booth QC.

Seems that the jihad is not over yet, as the article in the Telegraph says that they may take it to the European Court of Human Rights. Just seems that you can not please some people. Reuters link

On the flip side of the coin its not all good news as Prince dhimmi himself Charles, has been blathering on about respect between faiths. Yep ol Charlie or as I shall be called Emir Bin Charlie even got an honor out his fawning over the islamic clerics. Give him time and he may come out and admit he is a muslim...

He asserted: "The true mark of a civilized society is the respect it pays to minorities and to strangers." - Yes we are rather good at that here in the UK and across Europe as a whole, the sad thing is it appears to be the people coming into Europe that are not willing to bend in any way to fit it. Oh and need I mention riots in France, Madrid bombs, London bombs and so on and so forth. Add to that religious figures spouting hate such as Abu "jailbird" Hamza and Omar "camel abuser" Bakri.

Twelve cartoons, including one showing the Prophet with a bomb-shaped turban, were first published by Danish daily Jyllands-Posten in September and reprinted by European newspapers on claims of freedom of expression.

The drawings, considered blasphemous under Islam, have triggered massive and sometimes violent demonstrations across the Muslim world.

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