Good New Friday - More bits from Iraq that the BBC missed.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Seven U.S. Soldiers were wounded Tuesday, when a suicide bomber detonated himself during the opening ceremony of a new emergency section of the Khost City Hospital in the city of Khowst, Khost Province.

As the ceremony was about to begin, the bomber, dressed as a medical professional was stopped by Afghan National Police inside the compound. As he was being questioned he took off running towards the ceremony.

As ANP forces chased the suspect, Coalition forces verbally instructed him to stop. When he did not, they engaged with small arms fire, hitting the bomber several times. A U.S. Soldier wrestled him to the ground, restraining him long enough to allow the crowd of people to move safely away. He was able to break free from the bomber prior to the explosion. He sustained only minor injuries from the blast.

**That guy had balls of steel, one soldier like him is worth a million looney moonbat lefties.

**Well done Canada

IA, CF units clear Jabouri Peninsula of terrorists
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers from the 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, and Iraqi army soldiers completed clearing operations on the Jabouri Peninsula.

The Jabouri Peninsula lies on the north side of the Tigris River and is 10 miles east of Balad. In October 2006, Sunni insurgents on the peninsula kidnapped and killed 14 Shia day laborers, which ignited sectarian violence in Balad from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18. More than 80 innocent civilians lost their lives.

This operation targeted high-value individuals, training areas and terrorist safe havens in an effort to restore and sustain peace in the peninsula and surrounding areas.
During the operation, 14 insurgents were killed, 23 were detained and multiple weapons caches were found. The caches included rockets, mortars, anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, various small arms and associated ammunition.

The 14 insurgents were killed emplacing roadside bombs.

Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, in Salah ad Din Province have also established robust checkpoints, which are manned by the Iraqi police and army, along the provincial boundary with Baghdad.
The checkpoints were created to stem the flow of insurgents fleeing from Baghdad to find refuge on the Jabouri Peninsula and other areas in Salah ad Din and to prevent other fighters from entering Baghdad from the north.

“Although we believe some of the senior insurgents escaped from the peninsula before we could detain them, the Jabouri Peninsula is secure,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Dunlop, commander of the 3rd Combat Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Regiment.

“Along with the IA, we will maintain a strong presence in this area and deny any insurgent or terrorist group from using this area as a safe haven,” said Dunlop

Hilla SWAT captures 21 insurgent leaders
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics Team members of Hilla SWAT arrested 21 suspected insurgent leaders during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 16 southwest of Hilla. The suspects are believed to be Mahdawiyah leaders who are threatening the lives of Iraqi Security Forces and civilians in the area.

The Mahdawiyah group was involved in the battle against Iraqi Forces Jan. 28 in Najaf. Since the battle, the Mahdawiyah leadership has made death threats to Hilla SWAT policemen and their family members.

There were Iraqi arrest warrants for all the suspects. Hilla SWAT also detained 13 additional persons for questioning.

The operation by Hilla SWAT resulted in minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

ISF captures 2 insurgent cell leaders in Baghdad
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Security Forces captured two suspected insurgent cell leaders during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 16 in the Rashid district of baghdad. The suspects are believed to be responsible for conducting attacks against security checkpoints in Baghdad and emplacing improvised explosive devices for attacks targeting Iraqi civilians and security forces.


DIYALA – An Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement patrol seized a weapons cacheand one suspect after they noticed a donkey loitering in an area about 10 km from the Iraq-Iran border Feb. 14.

The patrol moved in to locate the owner when they identified a cache beside the donkey consisting of more than 30 mortar rounds and three anti-tank mines.

The two individuals, who attempted to flee, were located hiding behind a berm. The patrol captured one of the suspects.

The cache items were secured for disposal and the suspect was taken in for further questioning.

KIRKUK - An Iraqi civilian stopped a coalition patrol in Kirkuk Province Wednesday and led them to a weapons cache consisting of eight anti-aircraft rounds.

SALAH AD DIN – A Coalition patrol conducted a search of house near Balad where they found IED making material along with two suspects who tested positive for explosives residue. The material and suspects were taken into custody.

NINEWA - A joint patrol secured a cache site in Ninewa Province consisting of several projectile rounds and firing components along with three rifle grenades. The munitions were taken back to an Iraqi Army base for disposal.

ISF and CF throughout MND-North continue to root out suspects and materials used in attacks against the ISF, CF and Iraqi civilians in to order improve the security situation for the Iraqi people.

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces detained 21 suspected terrorists during raids targeting foreign fighters and the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Saturday morning.

During operations in Ramadi, Coalition Forces targeted terrorists with ties to al-Qaeda’s senior leaders. The raids netted a suspected leader of improvised explosive devices and sniper cell networks in the Ramadi area. Seven others suspects were detained, including three believed to have close ties to senior al-Qaeda leaders and a foreign fighter facilitation network.

Coalition Forces also detained 11 suspected terrorists including an alleged senior level vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell leader in the Baghdad area. Intelligence reports indicate one of the suspected terrorists is involved in anti-Coalition Force activities, including the procurement of weapons and supporting foreign fighters.

The suspected senior-level VBIED cell leader was detained with two of his associates in a Baghdad hospital. The hospital administration was very helpful during the operation and the detention occurred without incident or damage to the facility.

In Karabilah, two suspects were detained with alleged ties to a foreign fighter facilitation network.
Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate foreign terrorists and al-Qaeda supporters who are trying to hijack the development and building of a new stable and peaceful Iraq.

FOUR FOREIGN TERRORIST FACILITATORS KILLED IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces killed four foreign terrorist facilitators and detained four other suspected terrorists while conducting operations Sunday southeast of Rutbah.

During the operation, Coalition Forces entered the targeted building and encountered four armed men. Coalition Forces used proper self-defense measures and killed the armed terrorists. Four suspected terrorists surrendered and were detained for questioning. Coalition Forces found three pistols and two AK-47s on the terrorists.

In addition, Coalition Forces found eight women and 23 children inside the building. Ground forces confirmed that none of the civilians were injured during the operation.

Another suspect with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq was detained in Baquba.

This is another example of foreign terrorist facilitators putting women and children in harms way by hiding and operating among them.

Coalition Forces are making great strides to successfully disrupt foreign fighter activities around Iraq.

Coalition Forces capture insurgent leader

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces captured a suspected insurgent leader during early-morning operations Feb. 17 in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad. The suspect is reported to be a leader within an improvised explosive device and car-bomb network believed responsible for planning and conducting car-bomb attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the Baghdad area. He is implicated in several bomb attacks that are responsible for inciting sectarian violence in northern Baghdad.

Credible intelligence indicated the suspect was using an area hospital as a safe haven to avoid capture during ongoing security operations. Coalition Forces established security around the Al Numan Hospital and entered the hospital. Coalition Forces immediately met and coordinated with hospital staff to facilitate the search and quickly detained the suspect. Hospital staff provided information on two other persons staying overnight, but who were not listed as patients. Coalition Forces detained these individuals, believed to be associates of the insurgent leader, in a room next to where the insurgent leader was staying.

Coalition Forces worked closely with hospital staff to minimize time spent in the facility and their aid was crucial in the quick identification and detainment of the suspected insurgents.

Coalition Forces operations caused no damage and minimal disturbance to patients.

The operation occurred without incident.

Iraqi Army, MiTT team detain three linked to EFPs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq – An Iraqi Army quick reaction force with a military transition team from 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division found insurgents in the act of constructing Explosively Formed Projectiles and found EFP-making materials, an EFP transporting vehicle and 10 107mm rockets in a house in Hilla, Iraq Feb. 17.

The Iraqi quick reaction force established a cordon and searched the building and discovered two insurgents. The material for manufacturing the deadly roadside bombs was found there, while the two were in the process of assembling EFPs.

A third suspect was captured later in the day in connection with the cache. The three suspected insurgents have been detained for further questioning.

Golden Dragons discover weapons cache
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

RADWANIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered a weapons cache southwest of Radwaniyah, Iraq Feb. 18.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found the weapons cache during a routine combat patrol 30 miles southwest of the capital.

The cache consisted of four 2.5-inch rockets and four 60mm mortar rounds.

The cache was destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance team.

Anti-aircraft weapon uncovered in cache find south of Baghdad
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers teamed up with Iraqi Army forces and seized an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun and ammunition southwest of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, Feb. 18.

Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division discovered the cache just 20 miles southwest of Baghdad during a combat patrol.

The cache consisted of a ZPU-1 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 20 30mm rounds, a tripod and three spare barrels. The weapon was in firing condition and configured for use.

The ammunition was destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance team. The weapon was seized by MND-B troops.

Wolverine Soldiers nab two, defeat roadside bomb
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — A Multi-National Division – Baghdad patrol southwest of Baghdad found an improvised explosive device and detained two men Feb. 17.

Soldiers of Company A, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, “Wolverines,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) spotted the roadside bomb under an overpass while patrolling the major Iraqi highway known as Route Tampa at approximately 7 p.m. The patrol stopped to cordon off the area and a civilian vehicle crossed the cordon.

Soldiers stopped the vehicle and conducted a search, uncovering two locked-and-loaded AK-47s, a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a forged weapons permit. The two men were detained for questioning and the weapons seized.

“Any time you capture logisticians or financiers, you effectively cut off their ability to conduct terrorist operations in the area,” said Capt. John Sirhal, squadron fire support officer for 1-89th.

The IED was destroyed in a detonation controlled by explosive ordnance disposal technicians.

IA captures rogue JAM cell members during raid

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured two suspected members of a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi militia cell during operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 18 in southern Baghdad.

The Iraqi led operation was targeting a cell believed responsible for attacks against Iraqi civilians in the area. The cell is also suspected of participating in the kidnapping, torture and murder of an Iraqi Army officer in December 2006.

Iraqi forces carried out operations with minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilians, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Operation nets 49 suspects, uncovers three roadside bombs

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained 49 suspected terrorists and found three improvised explosive devices during a combat security operation Feb. 16-17 in Quarghuli Village, Iraq, southwest of Baghdad.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted the clearing operation coined as “Operation Polar Iron.”

The two-day operation, which consisted of air and ground assaults, was conducted in order to disrupt anti-Iraqi forces believed to be operating in and around Quarghuli Village, long known as a terrorist safe haven.

During the operation the soldiers received small arms fire, but no one was hurt. The IEDs were detonated during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance team.

The suspects were all detained for further questioning.

Troops detain suspect linked to roadside bomb attacks
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

RADWANIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected terrorist southwest of Radwaniyah, Iraq Feb. 18.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) detained the suspect during a combat operation 30 miles southwest of Baghdad.

The suspect was detained after the Golden Dragon troops discovered improvised explosive device-making materials, to include crush wire initiators.

The suspect was detained for further questioning.

SEVEN DETAINED, VBIED-RIGGED VEHICLE DESTROYED IN RAID NEAR TIKRIT

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists and destroyed a vehicle rigged with an improvised explosive device during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators east of Tikrit Monday morning.

Intelligence reports indicated a suspected terrorist with ties to the foreign fighter facilitator network was working the targeted area east of Tikrit.

Coalition Forces detained the targeted individual, along with six other suspected terrorists, during the raid.

During the raid, ground forces discovered one of the vehicles on the property was rigged with an improvised explosive device. Ground forces cleared the area of civilians, including women and children, before destroying the vehicle.

Ground forces destroyed the vehicle, rendering it useless to future terrorist attacks.

Ground forces searching the building also found numerous AK-47s, a sniper rifle, two machine guns, a pistol and a footlocker filled with ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were seized to prevent further use by terrorists.

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. These operations will continue to be successful with the support and cooperation of the Iraqi people.

MND-B troops fight off insurgents, detain seven in wake of onslaught
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAo 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

BAGHDAD – Twenty-nine Multi-National Division Soldiers were injured when insurgents attacked a combat outpost in Tarmiyah Feb. 19. An initial release on Feb. 19 announced that 17 troops had been wounded and two killed in the attack.

The U.S. Soldiers defending the outpost were able to maintain security of the compound, evacuate the wounded and elements of the unit successfully detained seven suspected insurgents in the wake of the attack.

Of the 29 Soldiers wounded in action, 24 suffered minor injuries and have returned to duty. Five others suffered more serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment for their wounds.

The initial release characterized the attack on the outpost, north of Baghdad, as a coordinated attack, due to the deliberate nature of the operation by insurgents and their use of several weapons systems against the outpost. During the attack, insurgents targeted U.S. troops with small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and a single vehicle-borne explosive device.

The Tarmiyah combat outpost was defended solely by American troops. Iraqi
police left the site in December, relocating the district police headquarters to nearby
Mushada.

Security patrol helps young burn victim
2nd BCT, 1st Inf. Div. PAO

BAGHDAD – While patrolling the streets in the Kadamiyah district of western Baghdad Feb. 16, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment were approached by a local man and his seven year old son.

The child had been badly burned in an accident about a week prior.

The man had immediately taken his son to a local hospital for treatment. Since that time, though, the wound had become infected and the man was concerned for his son’s well being.

Pvt. Robert Connet, a medic from Fort Wayne, Ind., and Spc. Marcus Wagner, from Anaheim, Calif., both from Company D, 1-325th AIR, immediately started treatment for the child.

After removing the old bandages and inspecting the wound they applied new bandages.

The patrol then continued on their way, now followed by a small boy with a new bandage, a piece of candy and a big smile.

IA, 2-7 Cavalry partnership leads to one cache after another

MOSUL, Iraq – On Feb. 16, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division once again teamed with troops from D Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and executed a raid against a possible cache of military ordnance in the Domiz neighborhood of eastern Mosul.

The operation was successful and the joint raid netted two 60mm mortar tubes, 20 60mm mortar rounds, 25 grenades and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with 25 rounds. Ten miscellaneous vehicle license plates were also confiscated. No detainees were found at the scene.

The pairing of Iraqi army and Iraqi police units with Soldiers from 2-7 Cavalry has netted numerous caches in the past weeks, as well as precipitated a large number of suspected insurgents being detained with evidence of illegal weapons, smuggling or bomb-making materials.

Joint operation nets six suspects
Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

Combined Patrol Base Dragon, Iraq — Iraqi and Multi-National Division – Baghdad forces detained six men suspected of insurgent activity during a joint operation near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq Feb. 19.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division detained the men at approximately 8 a.m. The suspects were sought for ties to insurgent cells in the area.

The suspects are being held for questioning.

Iraqi Army troops discover cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Reacting to a tip from a local resident, Iraqi Army troops discovered a large weapons cache in the Al Mansour neighborhood in the northern area of the capital city Feb. 20.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army followed the tip to the location of the cache. The cache consisted of three 120mm artillery rounds, two bags of homemade explosives, one bag of plastic explosives, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one broken machine gun and other miscellaneous bomb-making materials.

Iraqi Army Captures Foreign Fighter Facilitators During Raid
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – 7th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers captured four suspected members of an insurgent cell during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 20 in Ramana, near the Syrian border.

The suspects are believed responsible for facilitating the movement of foreign fighters and weapons into Iraq. They are also implicated in conducting improvised explosive device and other attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi Army Captures 2 Rogue JAM Cell Members During Raid
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured two suspected members of a rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia cell during operations with Coaliton advisers Feb. 21 in the Karadah district of Baghdad. The suspects are implicated in the sectarian kidnapping, torture and murder of Iraqi civilians. They are also suspected of the kidnapping and
murder of Iraqi Army Soldiers.

The operation, controlled and led by Iraqi forces, caused minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilians, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Iraqi Army Captures Members of IED Cell in Baghdad
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces successfully removed three more bombers from the streets of Baghdad after capturing the suspected leader of an improvised explosive device cell and two other cell members during operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 21 in eastern Baghdad.

The suspects are allegedly responsible for carrying out IED attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces, and inciting sectarian violence in the Baghdad area. The men are suspected of being part of a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi group operating against Iraqi civilians and Coalition Forces.

The Iraqi led operations caused minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilians, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces clear Buhriz
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers, partnered with Coalition Forces from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted operations in the Buhriz area of Baqubah, Iraq, Tuesday, targeting specific terrorist cells responsible for the emplacement of improvised explosive devices, murders and kidnappings.

The 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, together with Soldiers from the 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, conducted cordon and search operations within Buhriz, detaining eight suspected terrorists and discovering a cache.

The cache consisted of small-arms munitions, IED-making material, mortar equipment and other illegal weapons. The units also recovered several small-arms munitions and rocket-propelled grenades during small-arms engagements throughout the operation.

“The terrorists are using these weapons and conducting operations in the Baqubah area to spread fear and intimidation and conduct violent acts against the people and security forces that work in and around the city,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province. “Their only purpose is to force their ideology on the innocent people and disrupt their lives.”

While conducting operations, the Soldiers successfully discovered seven IEDs. A CF explosive ordnance disposal team performed controlled detonations with no damage to the population or surrounding areas.

“The [IA] is showing their confidence and competence during these sustained operations,” said Maj. Michael Henderson, the brigade operations officer. “Simultaneously, they are developing leadership skills and discipline commensurate with a counter-insurgency fight.”

Iraqi Police conduct operation Shurta Nasir to clear Hit of insurgents
Multi-National Force – West PAO

HIT, Iraq – Nearly 500 Iraqi Police from Hit recently conducted Operation Shurta Nasir (Police Victory) meant to clear the town of terrorists and identify a new location for new police stations. The operation was supported by a combined force of 1,000 Iraqi Army and Coalition Force soldiers.

This was the first large scale Iraqi police planned and led operation in western Iraq this year and included nearly 100 recent graduates from the Jordanian International Police Training Academy. Elements from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and Task Force 2-7 cordoned off the area to assist the police as they conducted their clearing operations.

The operation comes within a week of 2nd Battalion, 7th Mechanized Infantry, also known as Task Force 2-7, taking over jurisdiction of the Hit area as part of their third Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment.

The operation in this city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants included raids, targeted searches and clearing operations, netting 13 known terrorists and one large cache. It is believed that a number of terrorists went into hiding once the operation began.

With the assistance of Police Transition Teams, the Iraqi Police also began construction of two new police stations to meet the demands of the growing department.

Regimental Combat Team-2 is responsible for training, mentoring and operating alongside Iraqi security forces to assist them in assuming responsibility for their own security.

Joint operation leads to detention of several AIF
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – During a combined operation, Iraqi army soldiers and their Coalition Force counterparts, targeted individuals in a cell responsible for creating and planting improvised explosive devices and other terrorist activity in Balour, Iraq, Tuesday.

The cordon and search operation led the forces from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi army, and 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to detain seven suspected terrorists, one of whom is suspected of placing an IED at a cell phone shop in November 2006 which killed 12 people.

The lack of enemy contact was a clear indicator that the Iraqi and Coalition security forces have successfully disrupted the terrorists’ ability to operate throughout the area.

“The terrorists that work in this area are seeing the improvements taking place in the Iraqi Security Forces and are unwilling to attack them head on. Additionally, the people of the area are beginning to understand that by supporting the terrorists they are preventing growth,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3-1 Cav. and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province.

“The violence perpetrated by the terrorists is recognized by the population as disrupting their lifestyle by preventing services, construction, and economic growth. The local population is sick of it and is providing more support to the government of Diyala and the [ISF],” Sutherland said.
One live round leads to larger weapons cache
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI)

Combined Patrol Base Dragon, Iraq — A request for explosive ordnance disposal technicians to respond to a 105mm round found northwest of Rushdi Mullah, Iraq, became a disposal of an entire weapons cache at about 11 a.m. Feb. 19.

The round, found by Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), was part of a cache that included 14 foot-long pipe bombs and nine rocket-propelled grenade rounds in a buried container. Nearby, Soldiers discovered a homemade rocket launcher.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians destroyed the weapons with a controlled detonation.

Command wire leads to chicken coop, cache find
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI)

Al-Taqa, Iraq — An improvised explosive device found on a road near Al-Taqa, Iraq, led Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops to a cache of weapons Feb. 19.

Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found an IED and traced the command wire into a chicken coop.

In the structure, they found an old-style camera flash, two AK-47 rifles, a well-maintained bolt-action rifle, a gas mask, a cell phone charger, and two AK-47 magazines. One of the magazines was full of ammunition.

All of the items were seized by the Soldiers and disposed of.

Al Qaeda in Iraq operations interdicted by IA, 2-7 Cavalry in Ninewa Province
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MOSUL, Iraq – Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Soldiers, teamed with 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division and conducted a raid on 12 houses in the Rashidayah Neighborhood, targeting known safe houses for AQIZ members on Feb. 14.

D Co. entered the neighborhood and began detaining targeted individuals and other persons identified as anti-Iraqi forces, while 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division troops established blocking positions to isolate the objective.

Seven individuals were detained along with seven AK-47 magazines, rounds for a DsHK machine gun, two pistols and ammunition, 92 identification cards and $50,000 in Iraqi Dinar.

IA soldiers continue to team with Coalition forces in rooting out the sources and funding for insurgent terrorist acts in the Ninewa Province.

Jumaylah citizens deny insurgents
Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Local citizens and Iraqi Police denied an al Qaeda in Iraq convoy entry into Jumaylah, 60 km west of Baghdad, early Feb. 20, firing on the convoy and detonating a suicide truck bomb that injured one Iraqi Police officer, one civilian and the bomber.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne) responded to the attack where Iraqi Police were already on the scene.

An Iraqi officer reported that AQI terrorists seeking a safe haven within the town near Karmah had been threatening the citizens over the past several months. The citizens responded by forming a check point within the town to deny AQI any sanctuary.

At about 4 a.m., an Iraqi Policemen attempted to stop the seven-vehicle convoy from entering the town. When the convoy continued, local civilians manning the checkpoint opened fire and one vehicle equipped as a car bomb exploded.

The injured Iraqi officer was medically evacuated to a coalition hospital. The civilian injured in the attack received minor injuries and was treated on the scene by Coalition Forces.

"The leaders and soldiers of 3/509 applaud the citizens of Jumaylah and others in Karmah who are ready to stand against the terrorists,” said Maj. Paul Edgar, 3/509 executive officer. “They are the true heroes and patriots of Iraq."

The driver of the vehicle used as a car bomb survived the incident and was transported by Coalition Forces to the Joint Coordination Center in Fallujah for questioning where he was later identified as a Syrian national. Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are currently attempting to locate the remaining insurgents involved in the incident.

SEVEN TERRORISTS KILLED, 13 DETAINED IN VBIED, FOREIGN FIGHTER RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed seven terrorists and detained 13 others while performing raids Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda terrorists and those supporting foreign fighters and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells.

Intelligence reports indicated terrorists involved in foreign fighter facilitation and the manufacturing of VBIEDs were operating in Ramadi, Fallujah and Baqubah.

Coalition Forces in an area northwest of Ramadi targeted a building believed to house terrorists involved with foreign fighter activities. Ground forces were immediately confronted by two armed terrorists who refused to surrender. Ground forces killed the two terrorists.

Meanwhile, four more terrorists were attempting to flee the area. Coalition Forces observed they were armed with AK-47s, hand grenades and vests containing magazines. After multiple failed attempts to get the terrorists to surrender, Coalition Forces killed the four terrorists.

Ground forces detained seven suspected terrorists at the site and destroyed the weapons and grenades, preventing further use by terrorists.

Also on the scene were 13 women and 26 children. None of them were harmed during the raid.

During the raid south of Baqubah, three individuals fled the scene as Coalition Forces arrived. One individual was detained without incident; however, another individual lunged at ground forces. Ground forces used proper self-defense measures and killed the terrorist. The third individual crossed the river and escaped. While investigating the scene, Coalition Forces discovered AK-47s, magazines, body armor and a suicide vest. They seized all items to prevent future use by terrorists.

Coalition Forces targeting terrorists involved with a foreign fighter facilitator network in Fallujah detained four suspected terrorists without incident.

"Foreign terrorist facilitators and terrorists involved in the production of IEDs are killing innocent Iraqis daily and are trying to prevent the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve. Coalition Forces will continue to successfully disrupt foreign fighter activities around Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, an MNF-I spokesperson.

CCCI convicts 23 insurgents.
One sentenced to life, six sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 23 security detainees from Feb. 11 - 17, for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, possessing fake identification, passport violations and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found a Moroccan man guilty of Article 24 of the Iraqi Penal Code for illegal boarder crossing. On Dec. 29, 2004, The defendant crossed the border into Iraq and was apprehended by Iraqi Boarder Patrol (IBP). After being questioned by IBP, the defendant was further questioned upon suspicion of being a suicide bomber affiliated with Al Qaeda, these suspicions were validated. The defendant was then transferred to MNF custody. On Feb. 11 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The trial court found two Iraqi men guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Dec. 10, 2006, MNF detained the defendants during a security patrol near Haditha after spotting suspicious antennas on the roof of the defendants’ house. Inside the house MNF found ID making material, a timer, a circuit tester and an HK magazine. MNF then searched two sheds within the compound and found numerous rifles, handguns, explosives, hand grenades, ammunition and military radios. On Feb. 13 the trial panel found the defendants guilty and sentenced them each to 30 years imprisonment.

The trial court found four Iraqi men guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Nov. 15, 2006, MNF were conducting a targeted sweep near Turki Village. MNF saw one defendant carrying a pistol. MNF then chased after him when he ran away. MNF soon came under attack from a shed and one American soldier was killed. MNF defended themselves and killed one of the insurgents and captured three others. The original defendant who had the pistol was apprehended by another team of soldiers nearby. Inside the shed and on its roof were a total of four AK-47s, six hand grenades, one PKC heavy machine gun, dozens of Republican Guard uniforms and 16 AK-47 magazines loaded with armor piercing rounds along with other weapons. All the defendants tested positive for explosives residue. On Feb. 14 the trial panel found all the defendants guilty and sentenced them each to 30 years imprisonment.

Those convicted of passport violations, possessing and using false ID’s, illegal boarder crossing and illegal possession of special category weapons were, sentenced from between two years to life imprisonment. Those convicted totaled 19 Iraqis and one each from Egypt, Morocco, Sudan and Yemen.

Since its reorganization, under an amendment to CPA order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,888 trials for Coalition-apprehended insurgents. The proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,630 individuals with sentences ranging up to death.

IA Captures IED Cell Members near Tikrit
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – 4th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers captured three suspected members of an improvised explosive device cell during operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 22 northwest of Tikrit.

The Iraqi led operation was targeting an IED cell responsible for carrying out IED attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

Iraqi forces carried out operations with minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

MND-B Troops Use Close Air Support to Destroy Bomb
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Using close air support, Multi-National Division - Baghdad forces destroyed a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device approximately six miles west of the village of Sab Al Bor, Iraq Feb. 20. Insurgents had hidden the bomb in a tanker truck fuel trailer.

Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, working off a tip from an Iraqi citizen, reported the bomb. That information led MND-B troops to the location of the bomb. Aircraft were used to destroy the explosive device.

MND-B troops are working with Iraqi Security Forces to find those responsible for emplacing the bomb.


Nine suspects seized near Euphrates River
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

COMBINED PATROL BASE DRAGON, Iraq — Nine local men were detained by Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops when their vehicles were spotted at a boat launch site on the Euphrates River Feb. 22

Scouts from the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) saw several vehicles parked at the launch site and noted that they matched descriptions of vehicles used in terrorist acts.

The scouts approached, apprehending nine men. Three others escaped by swimming across the river. The Soldiers of 2-14th destroyed the vehicles that were on the watch list. The nine suspects were detained for further questioning.

IA captures suspected weapons trafficker in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces captured a suspected weapons trafficker during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 21 in eastern Baghdad.

He is believed to be a key Baghdad facilitator for networks moving advanced improvised explosive devices and components into Iraq.

The suspect was caught in the Baladiat area. He is allegedly linked to several smuggling and distribution network leaders responsible for supplying advanced IEDs used in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

Two additional persons were detained for questioning.

Iraqi forces carried out operations with minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

IA and CF detain Iraqi Police official in Baqubah

BAGHDAD, Iraq – 5th Iraqi Army Division forces and Coalition Forces detained a senior Iraqi Police official during operations Feb. 21 in Baqubah.

Credible intelligence indicates the suspect uses his position to provide cover for his alleged involvement in the murder, torture, kidnapping and sectarian violence of Iraqi citizens in Diyala Province.

The suspect is believed to be a leader within an illegally armed groups operating in Baqubah and Diyala Province and allegedly provides information on Coalition Forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi civilians to illegally armed elements.

The suspect was detained in his office building by Iraqi and Coalition Forces without incident. The building is located next to the Government Center in Baqubah and no damage was caused during the course of operations.

Three terrorists killed, 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 11 others during operations Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators near Taji and Samarra.

During operations west of Taji, Coalition Forces captured six suspected terrorists with alleged ties to Al-Qaeda. Coalition Forces found weapons and several rocket propelled grenades in the targeted building.

As Coalition Forces began departing the area with the detainees, three armed men were seen maneuvering toward them. Using proper self-defense measures, ground forces called for close air support. A rotary wing aircraft used precision fires and killed the three armed men. In operations near Samarra, Coalition Forces captured five suspected al-Qaida foreign fighter facilitators responsible for anti Coalition Forces activities.

"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.

These operations will continue to be successful with the support and cooperation of the Iraqi people," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi Police Conduct Operation Shurta Nasir to clear Hit of Insurgents

Hit, Iraq – Nearly 500 Iraqi Police from Hit recently conducted Operation Shurta Nasir (Police Victory) meant to clear the town of terrorists and identify new locations for new police stations.
Iraqi police planned and led this large scale operation, the first this year in western Iraq, which included nearly 100 recent graduates from the Jordanian International Police Training Academy. A combined force of 1,000 soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Mechanized Infantry, also known as Task Force 2-7, cordoned off the area to assist the police during the operation.
Hit Police captured 13 known terrorists and one large weapons cache in raids and targeted searches through the city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants. It is believed that a number of terrorists went into hiding once the operation began.
With the assistance of Police Transition Teams, the Iraqi Police also began construction of two new police stations to meet the demands of the growing department.

MND-B troops engage weapons smugglers in SE Baghdad Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers engaged gunmen attempting to smuggle weapons across the Tigris River by boat in a southeastern section of the Iraqi capital Feb. 23.

Members of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, initially engaged two armed men on the west bank side of the Tigris River. The smugglers fled in their boat to the east side of the river, where they were joined by three other gunmen.

After an initial firefight, the five gunmen took cover in a bunker and a large shipping container along the river bank. They continued firing across the river at the troops. The Soldiers returned fire with small arms, and eventually used tank rounds to destroy the bunker and end the attack.

A patrol from 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, responded and cleared the bunker and surrounding area. Following the firefight, the Soldiers found three Iraqi children at the scene. One was dead. Two others were wounded.

The patrol provided immediate medical assistance to the two wounded Iraqi children and coordinated with the Iraqi police to evacuate them to a local hospital.

At the hospital, a second Iraqi child died. The incident is under investigation.

Tags:
Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists

Last bit was here:http://newportcity.blogspot.com/2007/02/well-its-good-news-friday-all-good-news.html

and also here and here And some previous posts on this: first off here oh and here! oh and here oh more here oh and also here oh and here oh and here oh and also here

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