Good News From Iraq

Iraq says captures local al Qaeda deputy - Hamid Juma Faris al-Suaidi(owned)

The announcement came as talks between the United States and Iraq on transferring operational command of Iraq's forces to the Defense Ministry were deadlocked. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was demanding more independence for the U.S.-trained army that Washington hopes can take over and let Americans go home.

Maliki was also at loggerheads with the leader of ethnic Kurds, who brandished the threat of secession in a growing row over the symbolic issue of flying the Iraqi national flag at government buildings in the autonomous Kurdish north.

Hours after an "embarrassed" U.S. military again postponed a ceremony to hand command of Iraqi troops to the government, the National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie summoned reporters to a hastily arranged news conference to announce that al Qaeda leader Hamid Juma Faris al-Suaidi had been seized some days ago.

Hitherto little heard of, and also known as Abu Humam or Abu Rana, Suaidi was captured hiding in a building with a group of followers. "Al Qaeda in Iraq is severely wounded," Rubaie said.

He said Suaidi had been involved in ordering the bombing of the Shi'ite shrine in Samarra in February that unleashed the wave of tit-for-tat killings now threatening civil war. Iraqi officials blame al Qaeda for the attack. The group denies it.

Rubaie did not give Suaidi's nationality or say where he had been captured, though he did say he had been tracked to the same area, north of Baghdad near Baquba, where U.S. forces killed al Qaeda's Jordanian leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in June.

"He was hiding in a building used by families. He wanted to use children and women as human shields," Rubaie said.

Little is publicly known about Suaidi. Rubaie called him the deputy of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, a shadowy figure, probably Egyptian, who took over the Sunni Islamist group from Zarqawi.

The U.S. military says al Qaeda is a "prime instigator" of the violence between Iraq's Sunni minority and Shi'ite majority but that U.S. and Iraqi operations have "severely disrupted" it.

Iraqi Army Brigade takes over Abu Ghraib Prison

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Iraqi Army Division assumed control of the Abu Ghraib prison from U.S. Army Task Force 134 in a ceremony held Sept. 1 and will provide security for the facility until the Iraqi Ministry of Justice dispatches its own security detail.

“Returning the empty prison to the control of the Ministry of Justice clearly says that enforcement of the rule of law is a cornerstone of the constitutional government of Iraq,” said Col. Monam Hashim Fahed, the Iraqi battalion commander.

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 will remain with the Iraqi brigade for a short duration and serve as a training cadre in order to assist the Iraqi unit through the initial stages of their mission. Additionally, an RCT-5 military transition team that has mentored the brigade for roughly the last year will continue to advise the Iraqi commanders and supply any requested guidance.

“It highlights the continued responsibility of the Iraqis,” said Army Lt. Col. Scott Marley, the military transition team leader.

The Abu Ghraib prison, which was erected in the 1960s and subsequently became an international emblem of Sadaam’s oppressive regime, is currently vacant.

Operations impede terrorist activities

BAGHDAD – Combined operations by Iraqi security force and Coalition Force troops continued to target terrorist cells this week. The operations resulted in the death and capture of multiple terrorist suspects and associates.

Baghdad

Iraqi army and security forces, with Coalition forces supporting, conducted multiple early-morning raids on Aug. 23, capturing three primary suspects tied to placing improvised explosive devices and illegally armed groups. The first raid resulted in the capture of an individual suspected of emplacing IEDs and targeting U.S. military personnel in Al Ramadi. Five other persons were detained for questioning. The second raid resulted in the capture of two persons who allegedly belonged to a cell that engaged in promoting sectarian violence through kidnapping and murder in southern Baghdad.

Two early raids on Aug. 28 resulted in one terrorist killed and four others detained southwest Baghdad. The assault forces conducted operations to search for a known al-Qaida in Iraq leader with ties to the illegal movement of foreign fighters, and attacks against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces. The assault forces found three suspected terrorists and detained them for further questioning. The forces then approached a subsequent objective to search for an associate of the senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader. At this point, the forces observed an individual running through the building. Upon clearing the building, they engaged and killed a terrorist armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. An additional suspect was detained for further questioning.

An Aug. 27 raid, targeting an associate of an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist leader responsible for car bomb and rocket attacks, resulted in one terrorist killed and two detained. Ground forces moved on the objective, located in a rural area south of Baghdad, and engaged an armed terrorist posing an immediate threat to the forces and other Iraqis in the area. Numerous civilians were in the area, but none harmed. Terrorists often operate in the vicinity of innocent Iraqis.

Mussayib

On Aug. 27 Iraqi Security Force captured an IED maker and cell leader near Mussayib. Intelligence indicates the suspect participated in multiple IED attacks on Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces, including one killing 4 U.S. servicemen on May 5th. This suspect also allegedly supplied IEDs to illegal armed groups and incited sectarian violence and government instability through kidnapping, murdering and conducting armed attacks. Additionally, ground forces detained another suspect.

Mosul

A raid on the evening of Aug. 29, targeting a key figure in the Mosul al-Qaida in Iraq organization, led to one terrorist killed, two detained, and the recovery of a cache of grenades and bomb making materials. The targeted terrorist is linked to the movement of explosives and participated in other anti-coalition operations. During the assault on the objective buildings, two terrorists fled to the roof of a nearby house. When located, one engaged the assault team with a pistol. Forces returned fire and killed him. Ground forces detained the second terrorist on the roof and another suspect for further questioning. This raid resulted in the discovery of grenades and explosives inside one of the objective buildings.

On Aug. 31 ground forces conducted an operation in Mosul and captured the city’s chief of terrorist operations and his head of security. Intelligence indicates these terrorists have directed attacks against Iraqi military and police, and Coalition forces. The suspects are also allegedly responsible for the movement of fighters, weapons, explosive materials, and funds to support terrorist operations near Mosul.

Muqdadiyah

An Aug. 28 morning raid targeting an associate of a former al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader resulted in three terrorists killed in Muqdadiyah. While moving to the objective, forces began clearing multiple buildings. Several terrorists ran out of the buildings into an adjacent field. The terrorists began digging up a possible weapons cache. The troops did not pursue the fleeing suspects. As the forces prepared to depart the target area, they observed the three suspects moving into positions to attack incoming aircraft. The terrorists began firing on a Coalition helicopter. The helicopter returned fire until the terrorists fire ceased.

Coalition officials said the removal of terrorists in Iraq will significantly hamper al-Qaida in Iraq’s abilities to move personnel into and out of Iraq, and cut financial support channels. Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces will continue to dismantle the al-Qaida in Iraq network through constant, deliberate, and methodical operations.

ISF, MND-B Soldiers find IED-making facility, seize weapons caches in Adhamiyah

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad captured an improvised-explosive device-making facility and three mortar caches Wednesday during clearing operations in support of Operation Together Forward in Adhamiyah.

During clearing operations, ISF and MND-B Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, found a large supply of bomb-making components and engineering manuals in what is believed to be a bomb-making facility.

In another incident, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry, 172nd SBCT, found a mortar base plate, a mortar bipod, 12 60mm mortar rounds, three full AK-47 magazines, a pistol belt and various terrorist materials during a search of a school in Adhamiyah. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team disposed of the munitions.

Later, Soldiers from 1-17 Inf. Regt. found a smaller cache in an ice cream/bakery shop in Adhamiyah. They seized a set of body armor, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, four RPGs, three bandoliers, various bomb-making materials, a belt of PKC rifle ammunition and random amounts of loose ammunition. An EOD team backhauled the cache to eliminate the threat.

As of Thursday, ISF and MND-B have cleared more than 36,000 buildings, 32 mosques and 26 muhallas, detained 42 terrorist suspects, seized more than 900 weapons, registered more than 184 weapons and have found 18 weapons caches. The combined forces have also replaced 444 doors, 18 windows and 656 locks damaged during clearing operations and have removed more than 17,000 tons of trash from Baghdad streets.

1st Iraqi Army Division assumes operational control of 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade

CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq – The 1st Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Brigadier General Abdul Wahab Jasim el Azawi Tarik, assumed operational control of the 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade at a 1:00 pm ceremony here August 31. The event marks the start of a three-phase transition aimed at shifting operational control of four brigades from Multi-National Forces West, to the 1st IA Division.

Throughout the transition, coalition forces will continue to support the unit, however, the ceremony marks the first time since the new Iraqi government was elected, that an Iraqi division in the Al Anbar province, independently controls forces operating in Iraqi battle space.

Iraqi army conducts raid against illegal armed group leadership

BAGHDAD – A specially trained Iraqi army unit captured a mid-level leader of an illegal armed group during an early-morning raid on Aug. 31 in south-eastern Baghdad.

The Iraqi unit, with coalition force advisers, was searching for a suspect believed to be the commander of several units of an illegal armed group that incites sectarian violence, fear, and governmental instability through intimidation and murder. The suspect is wanted for authorizing the purchase and use of heavy weapons and improvised explosive devices used in attacks against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces.

There were no civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition forces casualties during the raid.

Iraqi Ground Forces Command assumes command and control of 8th Iraqi Army Division

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ground Forces Command assumed command and control here today of one of its Iraqi Army divisions from the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, marking the first step toward Iraqi sovereignty over their own armed forces.

The 8th Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Maj. Gen Othman Ali Salih Farhood, which had reported to Multi-National Division-Baghdad as a subordinate unit, will now report directly to the IGFC as an adjacent unit to MND-B. It was the first Iraqi Army division to take the lead in its sector on January 27, 2006.

In a gradual sequence over the following months, the IGFC will assume control of the remaining nine Iraqi Army divisions.

The IGFC was stood up on May 15, 2005 as the Corps-level command for providing command, control and guidance to the 10 Iraqi Army divisions. Over the past year, MNC-I worked closely with the IGFC in a partnership to develop procedures, training and infrastructure that enables the IGFC to effectively command and control maneuver units to provide for Iraq’s security. Later this week, the IFGC will join its sister services, the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Navy, in a formal ceremony marking the transition of operational control of Iraqi Armed Forces from Coalition Forces to the Government of Iraq.

On May 3, 2006, the IGFC officially opened its Joint Operations Center, a modern, command center in which all elements of the headquarters staff are represented, to monitor and process data from throughout Iraq in real time.

Today’s assumption of control by the IGFC demonstrates the increased capability of the Iraqi Army to assume control of security tasks and is another significant step toward Iraqi security self-reliance.

CCCI convicts 25 people, two sentenced to life

BAGHDAD – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 25 people Aug. 18 to 24 for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, joining armed groups and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found Essam Imohammed Mohammed 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 gun battle between Coalition forces and terrorist elements.

The trial court found Adnan Mohammed Dah’ham 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 he admitted to being a foreign fighter who entered Iraq for Jihad.

The trial court found Amir Hasan Ubayd Al Zobai guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced him to 30 years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after a search of his home revealed 1,250 AK-47 rounds, two fragmentation grenades, four mortar rounds, one RBK machine gun, two sniper rifles, six AK-47s, 14 AK-47 magazines, two RPGs, five RPG launchers, materials for making improvised explosive devices, timers frequently used with IEDs, IED initiators and IED transmitters, two video cameras, spotting scopes, three computers with anti-coalition propaganda material including vehicle borne improvised explosive device videos, CDs and cassettes, and seven large bags of explosives. Coalition forces also found RPG rounds and IED-detonation devices in the bed liner of a vehicle on the defendant’s property.

The trial court found Mohed Abdella Al-Ithawi 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 home revealed five AK-47 rifles, one RPG launcher, two RPG rounds, one bayonet, and 150 linked 7.62mm rounds.

The trial court found Sulayman Hammud Ghadir Al Galari, Otham Utham Al Hayoni, Ali Bedouie Adnan Al Subhini, Shadha Hammud Ziyad Al Gabaly, Ammash Sakar Hamad Al Jalafi, Mohammad Salih Mohammad Al Alusi, and Jabir Hammad Emhadie guilty of possession of illegal weapons, in violation of Coalition Provisional Authority Order 3, and sentenced them each to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendants after they trespassed on a Coalition forces military installation and were caught attempting to steal artillery shells and fuses.

The trial court found Mohammed Shareef guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Law, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after he illegally entered Iraq from Iran.

The trial court found Mujib Said Al-Adham Salih Mabkhut 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 they found him with one AK-47 rifle, one full magazine loaded in the rifle, an additional four AK-47 magazines in a holster, and two Russian hand grenades.

The trial court found Ismael Ibrahim Ibrahim guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Law, and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after he admitted to being a foreign fighter who entered Iraq for Jihad.

The trial court found Emmad Mohammed Jasem Al Hayahi guilty of attempting to use explosives, in violation of Article 345 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced him to 13 years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after he was seen fleeing the scene of an IED attack. During the defendant’s arrest, his cell phone rang and the witness who answered the phone heard the person on the other end say, “Did you blow up the bomb and record it?”

The trial court found Mohassen Abdalah Muhammad Maudidi and Nasir Abdallah Muhammad Maudidi 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 three AK-47s, 22 AK-47 magazines, six 12-gauge shot gun shells and three 20-gauge shells, three pistol holsters, one bayonet, one 155mm artillery shell, a bag with black powder, detonation cord, and three blasting caps.

The trial court found Rafat Talib-Husayn Khudayir guilty of forging and using three identifications, in violation of Article 292 and 298 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced him to nine years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after they found him with several false identification cards.

The trial court found Abas Fadil Hazim 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 they found him with a washing machine timer and eight mortar propellant rounds

The trial court found Omar Hassam Hameed 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 property revealed an anti-coalition video, sniper rifle, rifle parts, and an RPG head.

The trial court found Makmoud Yousef Abbas and Hadi Nizal Abdulla guilty of attempting to use explosives, in violation of Article 345 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and sentenced them each to six years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendants after they detonated an IED as a Coalition forces convoy passed.

The trial court found Nadir Shahooth Abd Al-Karim 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 house revealed one blasting cap, two lengths of detonation chord, two large bags of propellant, one small bag of black gunpowder, four .50 caliber rounds, 42 AK47 rounds, 15 7.62mm x 51 rounds, five loose 9mm rounds, and one drum of 9mm rounds.

The trial court found Awad Abdul-Dalil Zeka guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Law, and sentenced him to six years imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after he illegally entered Iraq.

The trial court found Abdul Ghani Mustafa Hamdo guilty of illegal border crossing, in violation of Article 10 of the Iraqi Passport Law, and sentenced him to one year imprisonment. Coalition forces apprehended the defendant after he illegally entered Iraq.

Upon conviction, defendants will be turned over to the Government of Iraq to serve their sentences.

To date, the CCCI has held 1,414 trials of people suspected of anti-Iraqi and anti-Coalition activities threatening the security of Iraq and targeting MNF-I. These proceedings have resulted in 1,214 individual convictions with sentences ranging up to death.

Air strike near Yusufiyah kills three terrorist mortarmen

BAGHDAD – An air strike near Yusufiyah Sept. 1 killed three terrorists observed operating a mortar there.
While conducting operations to disrupt al-Qaida in Iraq activities in the area, Coalition forces reported receiving indirect mortar fire. Shortly thereafter, Coalition aircraft observed a white bongo truck with three passengers and three mortar rounds in the back of the truck.
The vehicle was tracked to a nearby location where the three terrorists exited the vehicle and entered a building. The structure was declared hostile and close air support was cleared to engage.
The first bomb hit vicinity of target and struck a portion of a nearby building. A second bomb hit target and destroyed it. Ground and aerial reports indicate bystanders may have been injured.
An assessment from this aerial strike is ongoing at this time to determine if there are any civilians injured and the extent of the damage to the buildings.
Further details will be provided as they become available.

Iraqi Army Recruits 293 Iraqis in Habbaniyah and Fallujah

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st Iraqi Army Division enlisted 293 Iraqi males from greater Fallujah and Habbaniyah as part of an al Anbar Province-wide recruiting drive Tuesday and Wednesday.

“They looked enthusiastic about doing this, and that’s a good sign,” said Maj. William Gerst, a Regimental Combat Team 5 assistant operations officer who assisted the Iraqis in the coordination of the campaign. “It’s a sign that they notice we’re here to help them and they are taking control of their own destiny.”

“I want to serve our country and defend Iraq,” said one recruit through an interpreter.

“Patriotism… I want to defend my country,” said another.

After undergoing literacy tests, medical examinations, physical fitness evaluations and security screenings, the eligible applicants signed contracts adorned with the Arabic header, “In the Name of God.”

The recruits were then transported by Marines from RCT-5 to a month-long boot camp in Habbaniyah staffed solely by Iraqi personnel drawn from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Brigades of the 1st Iraqi Army Division.

Upon graduation from basic training, the Iraqi soldiers will report to the Iraqi division of their choice and receive a period of leave.

“This is very important,” said Hassanian Mussa, a 32-year-old interpreter from Kut, Iraq, attached to 2nd Brigade. “This is a good step for these guys. The new government gives these guys the opportunity to show their loyalty to their country.”

“America’s Battalion” captures 16 insurgents, 24 suspected insurgents, in Haditha Triad region of Iraq

CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 30, 2006) – U.S. Marines detained 16 confirmed insurgents and 24 suspected insurgents yesterday throughout the Haditha Triad region in western Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Marines from the Hawaii-based 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, known as “America’s Battalion,” captured the known and suspected insurgents during both routine and pre-planned counterinsurgency operations in the “Triad” region.

Some of the insurgents captured are known for intimidating the local populace, attacking Coalition and Iraqi forces, and providing logistical support to local insurgents. In one captured insurgent’s home, a Marine patrol discovered various materials used to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an AK-47 assault rifle with multiple round cartridges and binoculars.

Furthermore, a U.S scout sniper team fired upon anti-Iraqi forces, which were firing upon a Marine M1A1 tank on a road in Haditha. Two of the insurgents were killed; one was critically wounded and medically evacuated to a U.S. military medical facility for treatment. This follows a day after a separate scout sniper engagement which resulted in one insurgent being killed while digging a hole in a spot where numerous IEDs have recently been discovered or detonated.

“The Battalion’s successes over the last several days are really the result of the anti-Iraqi forces conducting attacks out of desperation. They see the growing capability of the Iraqi Army and recent fielding of the Iraqi Police as the clear beginning to the end of their influence in the Triad,” said Lt. Col. Norm Cooling, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

The Haditha Triad is a region made up of three neighboring cities – Haditha, Barwanah and Haqlaniyah – with a combined population of about 70,000, nestled along the Euphrates River about 160 miles northwest of Baghdad.

Third Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, which is part of Regimental Combat Team 7, arrived in Iraq in March and has spent the past five-plus months providing security to the Haditha “Triad” region and mentoring Iraqi Security Forces.

RCT-7 is the U.S. military unit responsible for western Anbar Province, an area more than 30,000 square-miles in size which stretches from the Jordanian and Syrian borders hundreds of miles east to Hit, a city about 70 miles northwest of Ramadi.

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