Good News From Iraq

AIR STRIKE KILLS TERRORISTS EAST OF RAMADI

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Coalition air strike killed a terrorist leader and his driver Wednesday in Eastern Ramadi, diminishing the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
Rafa Abdul Salam Hamud Al Ithawi, also known as Abu Taha, was the Emir of Shamiyyah. He frequently harbored foreign fighters who entered Iraq illegally in order to assault innocent Iraqis and Coalition Forces.
Precision laser guided munitions were used to destroy the vehicle carrying Abu Taha and his driver.
This and other recent operations in the region highlight the deliberate, methodical dismantlement of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and those who contribute to its illegal actions.

Land mines transiting near Iraq-Iran border

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – While on routine patrol in eastern Diyala Province, five kilometers from the Iraq-Iran border, Iraqi security forces intercepted six heavily loaded donkeys.

Upon investigation, the patrol discovered six donkeys carrying 53 anti-tank landmines and one anti-tank projectile.

Two men in the area fled and evaded capture. The donkeys were later released unharmed into the local area.

A coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal team was called in and transported all munitions to a safe area and disposed of them by detonation.

“This action by an alert Iraqi border patrol prevented dozens of very lethal munitions from being employed by terrorists,” said Col. Gary Patton, Task Force Lightning chief of staff.

The mines were found in good condition and determined to be Soviet (TM 62) and Italian (IT VS 2.2) made models. One of the mines was pre-rigged to be used as an IED.

Units from Task Force Lightning, together with 5th Iraqi Army Division, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Border Patrol units are responsible for security in Diyala Province.

Coalition Forces kill assassination team
Multi-National Corps – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq- An Al Qaeda assassination team was killed by Coalition Forces in Fallujah Tuesday. Coalition snipers heard gunshots and quickly responded to the murder of an off-duty Fallujah policeman by gunmen in civilian clothes. The Marines from 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5 immediately engaged the armed gunmen and killed two of them.

The third gunman was killed as he attempted to flee in a vehicle.

“We honor the service of the Fallujah policeman Hamed Mohammed Jassim,” said Coalition spokesperson Marine Lt. Col. Bryan Salas. “He stood against the murder and intimidation campaign of the terrorists to help bring security and prosperity to his neighbors in Fallujah. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Assault rifles and other items were recovered from the gunmen.

Iraqi Police Enter Government Center to Detain Suspected Insurgents
Multi-National Corps – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police officers detained eight Iraqi local nationals, including three of the Fallujah mayor’s personal security officers, for suspected insurgent activity after receiving attacks from a government building Nov. 3 in downtown Fallujah.

Following a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Joint Coordination Center in the heart of the city, Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 were attacked with small-arms fire from a mosque. The Marines established positive identification of the target, returned fire and commenced to cordon the area surrounding the mosque.

Soon thereafter, Iraqi Police officers arrived on the scene and entered the mosque.

A grenade was subsequently hurled at the Marines from a government building near the mosque, so the Iraqi Police, with the Marines in support, gained entry to the structure and uncovered multiple AK-47s, ammunition and magazines.

The eight local nationals, seven of whom are employed in the government center, are not authorized by the Fallujah government to bear arms and were detained for further questioning.

Coalition Forces are currently investigating the matter.

SEVERAL TERRORISTS KILLED; GRENADES, EXPLOSIVES FOUND DURING RAID

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Coalition Forces killed an estimated 13 terrorists, detained one suspected terrorist and seized a cache of explosives during two associated raids early Friday morning near Al Mahmudiyah.

As Coalition Forces approached the two objective areas, they attempted to call out the personnel within both buildings. None of the personnel responded to the Coalition Forces’ attempts to allow them to peacefully surrender. As a result, Coalition Forces attempted to enter the buildings, at which time they were encountered by five armed individuals, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. Coalition Forces engaged and killed these five terrorists.

During the initial engagement, an estimated eight armed personnel fled the target area and were subsequently engaged and killed by close air support and ground forces.

Intelligence reports identified the location of a suspected terrorist with ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and a foreign fighter network. Several of the terrorists killed appeared to be foreign fighters.

During clearance of the objective area, ground forces discovered a cache consisting of multiple explosives, hand grenades and suicide vests, which were destroyed onsite.

Coalition Forces are making progress dismantling the AQIZ terrorist network inside Iraq. The results of today’s raid reduce the ability of the terrorist network to operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces, and Iraq’s Multi-National partners.

Iraqi Army raids murder, kidnapping cell in Sadr City

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces, with coalition advisors, detained three suspects during an operation this morning in Sadr City to capture the leader and members of an illegal armed group murder and kidnapping cell which attacks, injures and kills innocent Iraqi citizens and security forces.

Iraqi forces received small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from hostile elements during departure from the objective. Iraqi forces returned fire at clearly identified targets to neutralize the threat and continued their return to base.

There were no reports of Iraqi forces or coalition casualties.

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