Good News From Iraq

Statement by Multi National Force – Iraq on death squads murdering young Iraqis at soccer fields in Hadhra and Amil district of Baghdad

BAGHDAD – The Multi National Force – Iraq condemns the recent attacks by terrorists and death squads against the innocent Iraqi children and civilians at soccer fields in Hadhra and in the Amil district of Baghdad. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families and tribes who lost loved ones in these vicious attacks, and for all the Iraqi people who suffer at the hands of these killers. Innocent Iraqis, who desire nothing more than security, unity, and prosperity, suffer fear and terror from murder squads on a daily basis.

On Aug. 4 in Hadhra, murderers killed 10 people, including innocent civilians watching a soccer game. Two days earlier in Amil, death squads also targeted a soccer field, killing 10 people, mostly young soccer players. These two recent attacks establish a shameful precedent. These murderers realize they’re failing, and are now targeting the future of this country, its children.

The Hadhra and Amil attacks were carried out by death squads who murder indiscriminately. Death squad murderers who kill innocent children will be brought to justice before the Iraqi people. These killers are destroying Iraq’s future. There is no justification for murdering innocent children enjoying the blessings of youth.

Coalition forces stand by the people of Iraq. The Iraqi government is ushering in an era of peace, stability, and prosperity for all Iraqis. The Iraqi people are uniting against those obsessed with chaos and hate and are providing the Iraqi security forces information to bring death squads and terrorists to justice. That is why the terrorists are targeting the innocent, freedom loving people of Iraq.

All children deserve the right to experience the happiness of childhood. We are working in support of the Iraqi government to ensure Iraqi children can enjoy their youth, free from worry that death squads and terrorists could destroy their dreams.

God bless the people of Iraq.

Coalition forces conduct raid north of Bayji
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one man during a raid north of Bayji the morning of Aug. 6.

Recent intelligence led troops to target terrorists responsible for an attack against an Iraqi army checkpoint near Hawija Aug. 5. During that attack the terrorists shot and killed five Iraqi soldiers and wounded two others. Intelligence led Coalition forces to a location where the terrorists were suspected of hiding.

Troops secured multiple buildings simultaneously upon arriving at the target. The man killed attempted to grab a weapon when Coalition forces entered, so they engaged and killed him.

Multiple women and children were present at the raid sites. None were harmed and all were returned to their homes once the troops ensured the area was secure.

Coalition forces take precautions to mitigate risks to civilians while in pursuit of terrorists, and deeply regret any injury or death to non-combatants.

IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, detain suspected terrorist
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
FOB KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons and detained a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint Friday in Iskandariyah.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, along with Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were manning a checkpoint when a group of 20 buses approached.

A search of the buses uncovered weapons, to include 13 AK-47 rifles, 36 AK-47 magazines of ammunition, two RPK machine guns, four 9mm pistols with six magazines of ammunition, a .45-caliber pistol, a sniper rifle with five magazines of ammunition and two hand grenades.

The Soldiers detained one suspected terrorist in connection with the weapons seizure.

Coalition forces conduct raids near Taji
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one suspected terrorist and detained 11 others during simultaneous raids near Taji Aug. 5.

Intelligence from several sources led security forces to target members of an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell operating throughout central Iraq. The terrorist cell is known for improvised explosive device attacks and assisting foreign terrorists carry out deadly attacks against innocent Iraqis and security forces in the region.

The Coalition forces raided multiple buildings and detained the suspects without incident. During the assault, a vehicle rapidly approached the ground troops. The driver ignored multiple warnings to stop, so the troops engaged and killed the driver.

Upon approaching the vehicle, a working military dog indicated that explosives were present. Troops used a grenade to destroy the vehicle, which caught the vehicle on fire.

This operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorists and disrupt their operations throughout Iraq. Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq.

4th Bn., 320th FA Regt., finds large cache, detains four terrorists
BAGHDAD – Soldiers of Battery A, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, seized a large cache of explosives and captured four terrorists in Adhamiyah in a predawn raid Aug. 4.

Operation Guinness, a battalion level operation which was part of Operation Together Forward, a Multi-National Division – Baghdad operation, concentrating on disrupting murders, kidnappings and bombings in Baghdad. The suspects detained are believed to have launched bombing attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces.

At about 3 a.m., Battery A Soldiers cordoned off the neighborhood surrounding the house pointed out by a tip. Four individuals were in the residence and were detained. The Soldiers searched the house and found 130 anti-personnel mines, one anti-tank mine rigged as an improvised-explosive device, one stick of rocket-propelled grenade propellant, an RPG launcher, 25 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition and various other bomb making materials. A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team secured the explosives.

“We received some very specific intelligence that led us to the site. A Battery led by Capt. (Michael) Stewart, executed the mission flawlessly with assistance from the EOD team,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Milton, commander, 4-320th FAR.

Pivotal to the operation was the blending of various skill sets to bring the right forces to the battle.

“Operation Guinness was an excellent example of intelligence driven operations that integrated all available asset. Our leaders integrated military working dogs, human intelligence teams, attack air, Combat Camera and EOD,” said Maj. Bruce Coyne, operations officer, who provided battalion-level coordination at the site of the operation. “After detailed rehearsals, the battery commander maintained momentum through precise command and control of his assets,” Coyne added.

“We have rehearsed and executed raids like this many times, and we were able to enter and search the target house quickly and smoothly,” said Capt. Michael Stewart, commander, Batt. A. “Our Soldiers are simply the best in the profession, and we can do this anytime, anywhere,” said Stewart.

Neither the suspected terrorists nor any Coalition Soldiers were injured during this operation.

Investigation into this incident by Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces continues.

“This mission was a victory for our unit and the people of Iraq,” said Coyne.

The Iraqi Central Criminal Court convicts 16
BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted16 security detainees July 27 to August 3 for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, attempting to or using explosives and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found Ammar Abbas Farhan Kathem guilty of joining armed groups to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq, in violation of Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant during a raid to disrupt anti-Iraqi and anti-Coalition elements when he confessed to being a member of the Islamic Front for the liberation of Iraq.

The trial court found Himin Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Kobadi guilty of joining armed groups to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq, in violation of Article 4 of the Terrorist Law, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant for being a known Iranian insurgent.

The trial court found Abdullah Ali Ibrahim Abdullah guilty of joining armed groups to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq, in violation of Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after they found him in possession of terrorist propaganda, false Iraqi identification documents and more than $130,000 in cash.

The trial court found Muhammad Hamid Hassan Khalaf guilty of joining armed groups to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq, in violation of Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after a search of his house revealed six RPGs, two RPG launchers, one RPK, three AK-47s, and two grenades.

The trial court found Khalid Mohammed Abdul Qhader guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Laws, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after he illegally entered Iraq.

The trial court found Falah Khamees Saleh guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after a search of his house revealed four AK-47s, 375 AK-47 rounds, 17 AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, 50 shotgun shells, one 9mm magazine and 100 9mm rounds.

The trial court found Ahmed Khaboor Abed guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended Abed and two other defendants after a search of his vehicle revealed one mortar tube, one mortar round, one mortar base plate, one mortar aiming sight, one compass, one mortar tri-pod and a chemical solution. The charges against the other two defendants were dismissed.

The trial court found Mowloud Manfi Dayeh Hamadi guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended Hamadi and three other defendants after a search of his house revealed three AK-47 rifles, one bolt-action sniper rifle, two bags full of rifle ammunition, 20 AK-47 magazines, two time fuses for mortar rounds, two cans of liquid weld, one roll of copper wire, an empty wooden box of Syrian explosives and $5,300 in cash. The charges against the other three defendants were dismissed.

The trial court found Hussein Mahmoud Hussein guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Laws, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after they found him in possession of a forged passport, marriage certificate and identification documents.

The trial court found Hussein Saleem Abed Humadi guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after a search of his house revealed multiple forged identification cards, three hand grenades and anti-coalition materials.

The trial court found Hisham Shehab Ahmed Saleh and E’sam Shehab Ahmed Saleh guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced them each to 10 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendants after a search of their house revealed one RPG launcher, four RPG rounds, six RPG propellants, 18 RPG arming tips, 12 rockets, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a 9mm sub-machine gun, 9mm magazine and a 155mm artillery round.

The trial court found Mohammed Naji As’ad, Mohammed Mukhlif Bayeez Taha and Ammar Humoud Zaidan Khalaf guilty of attempting or using explosives, in violation of Article 345 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced them each to 10 years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendants after a search of As’ad’s vehicle revealed a Senao long-range cordless telephone whose serial number matched the serial number from the base of the telephone found on an IED, a Sony video camcorder, 6 rolls of electrical tape, a flat head screwdriver, wire and a current tester.

The trial court found Mohammed Ibrahim Ali guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to six years imprisonment. Coalition Forces apprehended the defendant after a search of his vehicle revealed a remote detonator and three 130mm anti-tank mortar rounds in the trunk.

Upon conviction, defendants will be turned over to the Iraqi Corrections Service to serve their sentences.

To date, the CCCI has held 1,340 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 1,144 individual convictions with sentences ranging up to death.

Combined mission nets 13 suspected terrorists
Maj. David Olson
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers from the 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, along with Soldiers from the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained 13 suspected terrorists while conducting a combined air-assault mission and raid using Blackhawk helicopters north of Baghdad at approximately 1 a.m. Friday.

Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, attached to 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., supported the Iraqi army soldiers, who seized 12 objectives, detained the suspected terrorists and seized six AK-47 assault rifles and a flare gun.

In addition to the combined efforts of the two ground elements, the U.S. Air Force played a vital role in the successful air-assault mission by managing air space involving two Falcon Fighter jets and two U.S. Navy Prowler aircraft that provided air coverage and support.

U.S. Army Apache Longbow attack helicopters and Blackhawk assault helicopters from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., also provided effective support for the raid.

Iraqi soldiers thankful for Coalition support
TIKRIT — Coalition forces joined with their Iraqi army counterparts to do something all Soldiers like to do, fire weapons.

Weapons firing was held for newly enlisted Iraqi soldiers, “the jundhi,” at Forward Operating Base Dagger and was planned and conducted solely by the Iraqi army.

“We mainly just provided them with a little input,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Barrick of the 101st Airborne Division. “We were there more as observers than anything.”

Iraqi Army noncommissioned officers ran the range. Their U.S. counterparts helped set up targets and provided guidance and demonstrations, but it was an Iraqi-run operation. Members of the Iraqi army welcomed the critique. They were ready to learn more about firing their rifles.

“I would like my soldiers to see your military culture and the experience of American Soldiers when it comes to shooting,” said Iraqi Army Capt. Nakeeb Saheed, an executive officer with the 4th Iraqi Army Division. “They want to see how highly experienced you are.”

Many of the Iraqi Soldiers had little to no experience on a range. Despite the blistering 110-degree heat of an early July morning, these new Soldiers were eager to launch bullets down range.

“It was a good range today,” said Jundhi Adnon Essan, who enlisted in the Iraqi Army only four months ago.

The Soldiers were divided into two groups. One group fired while the other provided security for the range. Each Iraqi Soldier was issued one 30-round magazine. They fired 10 rounds each from the prone, kneeling and standing positions.

This day’s training was just one more step in the Iraqi Army taking the lead in security for this area in northern Iraq. It’s an arrangement Nakeeb said he hopes to continue in the coming months.

“Right now, we want to keep our friendship working for us,” Nakeeb said. “We appreciate everything you do for us.”

Nakeeb also hopes Coalition forces will help train his troops in urban warfare because it is a key task for the future of the Iraqi army. “All the combat now is in the cities,” Nakeeb said.

As the firing ended and an after-action review was completed, Nakeeb expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Soldiers. He said he realized many of them were spending a year away from their homes and their families.

“As an Iraqi officer, I would like to thank you for the great efforts you are doing for us,” Nakeeb said. “I appreciate the efforts and the sacrifices you are making.”

U.S. Soldiers should take heart and know that the majority of Iraqis support their presence here, Nakeeb said.

His people would be grateful forever for being freed from Saddam’s reign of terror.

“When the Iraqi people see the American trucks, they would like to wave their hands, say ‘Hi’ and greet them,” Nakeeb said. “They are so scared if the terrorists see them that they will be killed or something bad will happen to their families. The Iraqi people love the Americans from their hearts and this is more important than waving their hands.”

Barrick thanked the Iraqis for their support. He said he was sure they would win in the end.

“We hope we don’t have to come back, and the Iraqi Army will keep the Iraqi people from living in fear,” Barrick said. “We hope Iraq is a place we come back and visit as a tourist, and not as an Army.”

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