Good News From Iraq

Iraqi Forces target ‘death squad’ activities in four Baghdad operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi army and security forces conducted four early-morning raids in Baghdad Aug. 1, capturing three primary suspects associated with "death squads" in an ongoing effort to stem activities of these organizations.

The precision operations, conducted by Iraqi forces accompanied by coalition force observers, occurred in three areas, all in the western part of Baghdad.

In the Ashulla area of northwest Baghdad, Iraqi army forces captured two individuals, including one known high-level insurgent leader. This "leader" controls several smaller cells that allegedly conduct improvised explosive device attacks against coalition forces, traffic weapons, and kidnap, torture, and murder Iraqi citizens and Iraqi soldiers. It is believed that one of his "punishment cells" kidnapped and murdered 14 Iraqi soldiers in May as he looked on.

In the al Rasheed area of southwest Baghdad, Iraqi security forces conducted two separate raids and captured two primary targets. One individual is an insurgent informant alleged to be an active participant in targeting and killing Iraqi citizens. A second individual allegedly conducted a mortar attack against Baghdad International Airport, transported weapons and IEDs, and participated in the murder of Iraqi citizens.

During the fourth and final operation, an insurgent cell leader and two others were captured by Iraqi army scouts in the Ghazaliya area of western Baghdad. This cell leader is believed to have conducted IED and rocket propelled grenade attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces; he also is believed to be involved in killing Iraqi citizens.

Each operation occurred without incident; no Iraqi or coalition forces were injured.

Iraqi and Coalition forces search Al Anbar University in response to insurgent activity

RAMADI, Iraq – This morning Iraqi Security Forces, with support from Coalition forces, began searching Al Anbar University in southwestern Ramadi, which is being used as a center for insurgent activity.

Iraqi and Coalition forces have received sniper fire from the hospital on multiple occasions, and credible intelligence reports indicated the university is being used as an insurgent safe haven and command center. Iraqi and Coalition forces are securing the university to provide a safe and secure educational environment.

Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, with support from soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, will conduct the search of the university. The 7th Division Military Police Company will assist in providing security.

Military personnel will leave the university as soon as possible, turning over security to Iraqi Police. Operations were planned to coincide with a recess from summer classes. No classes were in session.

Extensive planning has been conducted to ensure the operation does not interrupt the new school year and to ensure the university continues to provide academic services.

MND-B Soldiers capture 4 suspected kidnappers

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers foiled a kidnapping attempt by four men disguised as Iraqi policemen in southeast Baghdad early today.

Soldiers from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, spotted four kidnappers dressed in Iraqi police uniforms attempting to abduct an Iraqi civilian.

The four kidnappers were detained for questioning.

IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache

FOB LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from Battery B, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, located a munitions cache during a combined patrol in east Baghdad Monday.

A tip from an Iraqi citizen led the patrol to a location where they discovered 18 60mm mortar rounds in two separate ammunition boxes; the rounds had fuses already installed.

It took the MND-B Soldiers less than 15 minutes from the time the tip was called in to locate the cache. The ordnance was collected and removed to a secured location in less than an hour.

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