Release No. 20060706-02
NP, MND-B Soldiers detain 7 terrorists, discover 3 weapons caches
BAGHDAD — Police from 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, along with Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad's 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, detained seven suspected terrorists and discovered three weapons caches during a search in Baghdad's Doura neighborhood early today.
Following a search of his house, one suspect was arrested by National policemen, who found two AK-47 rifles in his home. Three other suspects in the house were also detained. The policemen found a third AK-47, magazines and a sniper rifle on the roof of the house.
Shortly thereafter, Soldiers from 2nd Bn., 506th Inf. Regt., found two 82mm mortar rounds, blasting caps, and suicide bomber propaganda at another site nearby. A second cache, containing four 82mm rounds with blasting caps, a 122mm artillery round, suicide bomber propaganda and a magazine for a Russian sniper rifle, were also found.
The third cache, found across the street from a local mosque, contained a rocket-propelled grenade, two grenade rockets, two unknown rockets, two AK-47 rifles with ammunition and various bomb-making materials. A video camera and tapes were also discovered. The tapes contained video of tortures and mortars being launched. In a pile of trash, Soldiers found four mortar rounds, a 122mm round, a base plate, four cell-phones, one rigged as a timing device and plastic explosives.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams destroyed the munitions.
Release A060706a
Joint Statement by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey
BAGHDAD – General George W. Casey, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, United States Ambassador to Iraq , release the following statement July 6, 2006 concerning the alleged killing of four Iraqi civilians in Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
“On behalf of the U.S. Mission and the Multi-National Force in Iraq , we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to all the family members who lost a loved one in Mahmudiyah on March 12, 2006. We understand this is painful, confusing and disturbing not only to the family who lost a loved one, but to the Iraqi people as a whole. The loss of a family member can never be undone.
The alleged events of that day are absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable behavior. We will fully pursue all the facts in a vigorous and open process as we investigate this situation. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has an ongoing investigation into the incident. One former Soldier was arrested in the United States , June 30, 2006, and charged with killing four civilians - a man, two women and a young girl - and raping one of the adult females before killing her.
Coalition Forces came to Iraq to protect the rights and freedoms of the Iraqi people, to defend democratic values, and to uphold human dignity. As such, we will face every situation honestly and openly, and we will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the facts. We will hold our service members accountable if they are found guilty of misconduct in a court of law. We will work closely with the government of Iraq to ensure transparency as we complete the investigatory and legal processes.”
Release No. 20060707-04Iraqi Forces Capture High-Level Insurgent Leader in Baghdad
BALAD – Iraqi Army forces captured a high-level insurgent during an early morning raid today in eastern Baghdad as part of Operation Together Forward, or in Arabic – Amaliya Ma'an ila Al-Amam , the Iraqi government's plan to improve security conditions in Baghdad.
Iraqi forces returned defensive fire when they were attacked with small arms fire including fire from crew-served weapons and rocket propelled grenades from the roof top of the building from which the insurgent leader was detained. An estimated 30-40 enemy fighters were killed or wounded in the 43-minute firefight.
The captured individual heads multiple insurgent cells in Baghdad whose main focus is to conduct attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. These attacks include the use of Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, and vehicle-borne IEDs.
He and his followers have kidnapped, tortured and murdered Iraqi citizens, and he is also is personally responsible for the killing two Iraqi soldiers in an attempt to improve his organization's status with higher leadership. Additionally, he is linked to a “punishment committee” that carries out vigilante judgment on perceived enemies of his organization.
This individual is also involved in the transfer of weapons from Syria into Iraq to reportedly facilitate his efforts to splinter away from his current insurgent organization.
No Iraqi or coalition forces were wounded or killed during this operation.
RELEASE No. 20060707-01
National police thwart attack on Salman Pak Mosque, NP headquarters
BAGHDAD – Policemen from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, repelled an attack by an unknown number of terrorists at the Salman Pak Mosque and the National Police headquarters, which is located in the Salman Pak Hotel, today.
The terrorists conducted coordinated attacks on the sites with rocket propelled grenades and mortars.
During the attack, two local nationals were killed and 4 national policemen were injured.
Terrorists reportedly fled into nearby palm groves after being repelled by the national police. Witnesses said they observed boats waiting at the banks of the river. Five of the alleged terrorists were captured and detained for questioning.
There is no reported damage to the hotel.
Release No. 20060707-02
Iraqi Forces Conduct Raid in Baghdad
BALAD –Iraqi Army forces conducted an early morning raid today in eastern Baghdad as part of Operation Together Forward, or in Arabic – Amaliya Ma'an ila Al-Amam , the Iraqi government's plan to improve security conditions in Baghdad . The forces were immediately engaged by insurgents and a firefight ensued.
The purpose of the raid was to capture an insurgent leader responsible for numerous deaths of Iraqi citizens. No Iraqi or coalition forces were wounded or killed during this operation.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Release No. 20060707-05
Soldiers and IPs discover marijuana field
ASYIESH – Soldiers from Troop C., 4 th Battalion, 14 th Cavalry Regiment, 172 nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi police discovered a marijuana crop field here July 3.
The field contained juvenile marijuana plants grown in a series of furrows. The owner claimed that he was growing sesame.
The plants were collected, placed in piles and burned. The estimated crop value at maturity was $2 million.
The man, who owned the field adjacent to his home, was detained by IPs
Release No. 20060707-02
Iraqi Forces Conduct Raid in Baghdad
BALAD –Iraqi Army forces conducted an early morning raid today in eastern Baghdad as part of Operation Together Forward, or in Arabic – Amaliya Ma'an ila Al-Amam , the Iraqi government's plan to improve security conditions in Baghdad . The forces were immediately engaged by insurgents and a firefight ensued.
The purpose of the raid was to capture an insurgent leader responsible for numerous deaths of Iraqi citizens. No Iraqi or coalition forces were wounded or killed during this operation.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Release A060707a
Iraqi Security Forces capture regional insurgent force commander
BALAD – Iraqi security forces conducted a raid early on July 6 in Babil Province , capturing an insurgent force commander who controlled operations of his group throughout the entire middle Euphrates region.
The Iraqi forces, assisted by Coalition Force advisers, raided a house in Mahawil, north of Hillah, and captured this insurgent commander without incident.
He is responsible for the following activities: weapons smuggling, including the movement of SA-7 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles; espionage activities for Iran ; participating in coordinated improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition forces; murder and intimidation of Iraqi citizens, inciting sectarian violence; and financing the operations of his organization through contacts in both Lebanon and Iran .
Iraqi forces also seized one Glock G-19 pistol and one magazine of nine millimeter hollow point rounds.
According to a Coalition Force adviser, the capture of this elusive individual is a major victory for Iraqi Security Forces serving to protect the future of Iraq .
No Iraqi or Coalition forces were killed or wounded during this operation.
Release No. 20060707-06
MNC-I Commander Completes Investigation Review
BAGHDAD— The Commander, Multi-National Corps-Iraq has completed his review of the investigation conducted by Maj. Gen. Eldon Bargewell into reporting, training and command climate as it related to circumstances surrounding the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha on November 19, 2005.
Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli completed his findings and recommendations today and forwarded copies of the report to the Commander, Multi-National Forces-Iraq.
Release A060706a
Joint Statement by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey
BAGHDAD – General George W. Casey, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, United States Ambassador to Iraq , release the following statement July 6, 2006 concerning the alleged killing of four Iraqi civilians in Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
“On behalf of the U.S. Mission and the Multi-National Force in Iraq , we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to all the family members who lost a loved one in Mahmudiyah on March 12, 2006. We understand this is painful, confusing and disturbing not only to the family who lost a loved one, but to the Iraqi people as a whole. The loss of a family member can never be undone.
The alleged events of that day are absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable behavior. We will fully pursue all the facts in a vigorous and open process as we investigate this situation. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has an ongoing investigation into the incident. One former Soldier was arrested in the United States , June 30, 2006, and charged with killing four civilians - a man, two women and a young girl - and raping one of the adult females before killing her.
Coalition Forces came to Iraq to protect the rights and freedoms of the Iraqi people, to defend democratic values, and to uphold human dignity. As such, we will face every situation honestly and openly, and we will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the facts. We will hold our service members accountable if they are found guilty of misconduct in a court of law. We will work closely with the government of Iraq to ensure transparency as we complete the investigatory and legal processes.”
RELEASE No. 20060708-09
1 terrorist killed, 2 wounded trying to place an IED; CF find weapons cache
AL YUSUFIYAH – One terrorist was killed and two were wounded when the improvised-explosive device they were trying to emplace detonated near Al Yusufiyah Wednesday afternoon.
Following a search of the area nearby, Iraqi army soldiers from 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found the two wounded terrorists at a sheik’s house and offered to medically evacuate them to their patrol base.
One of the terrorists fled the scene.
Iraqi authorities detained the other wounded man after he was provided medical attention. Also detained were the sheik and his three sons, who were receiving suspicious phone calls.
While searching the house, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, discovered a weapons cache consisting of five rocket-propelled grenade launchers, five anti-personnel mines, four RPG rounds, three 60mm mortar rounds and two cans of .50 caliber rounds.
Release A060707a
Iraqi Security Forces capture regional insurgent force commander
BALAD – Iraqi security forces conducted a raid early on July 6 in Babil Province , capturing an insurgent force commander who controlled operations of his group throughout the entire middle Euphrates region.
The Iraqi forces, assisted by Coalition Force advisers, raided a house in Mahawil, north of Hillah, and captured this insurgent commander without incident.
He is responsible for the following activities: weapons smuggling, including the movement of SA-7 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles; espionage activities for Iran ; participating in coordinated improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition forces; murder and intimidation of Iraqi citizens, inciting sectarian violence; and financing the operations of his organization through contacts in both Lebanon and Iran .
Iraqi forces also seized one Glock G-19 pistol and one magazine of nine millimeter hollow point rounds.
According to a Coalition Force adviser, the capture of this elusive individual is a major victory for Iraqi Security Forces serving to protect the future of Iraq .
No Iraqi or Coalition forces were killed or wounded during this operation.
Tags:
Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists