Anti-tank mine found, three suspects detained Gulf Region Division Iraqi police foil car bomb attack, detain two suspects at IZ checkpoint BAGHDAD – Iraqi police and Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops stopped a car bomb as it attempted to enter the International Zone here Jan 20. Sentries spotted explosives during a check of the vehicle as it attempted to enter the International Zone, the seat of the Iraqi government in the city’s center. The checkpoint was immediately cordoned off by troops from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment and Iraqi police. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were detained. Iraqi police from Tahrir and Musayyib teamed up with paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment to recover three 120mm mortar rounds and detain two suspected insurgents wanted on an IP arrest warrant for criminal activities. Polar Bears find weapons cache along banks of Euphrates River YUSUFIYAH— Baghdad troops found and seized a weapons cache west of Yusufiyah, Iraq Friday. Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found the cache along the backs of the Euphrates River. The cache, included a recoilless rifle round rigged as an improvised explosive device, a propane tank, an artillery round of unknown caliber filled with homemade explosives, a pressure plate triggering device, two directional charge IEDs, a spool of wire, two fully-loaded 30-round AK-47 magazines and two feet of detonation cord. An explosive ordnance team conducted a controlled detonation of the weapons at the site. Soldiers Training Iraqi Troops Pays Off BAKARIYA, Iraq –The military training teams have worked hard to teach the Iraqi’s to run operations with little help from Coalition force members, and there efforts are starting to pay off. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division provided outer cordon while the 136th Military Training Team supervised the Iraqi operations on the ground. MUSHAHIDAH, Iraq – It has been said that fostering education is one of many steps toward improving safety and stability for Iraq’s future—its children. Paratroopers detain two suspects in south Baghdad KALSU – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops detained two suspected insurgents during operations in southern Baghdad Jan. 19. Paratroopers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Divisions seized the suspects in a search of vehicles after a tip from an off duty Iraqi Army soldier. The suspects are being held for further questioning. One Terrorist Killed, 18 Captured During Raids In Iraq Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces combine in balanced approach to security Iraqi National Police, Soldiers provide heating fuel to Al-Hadher families BAGHDAD – With most areas in Baghdad receiving a limited amount of electricity each day, families have come to depend on generators to provide power for their homes. While this option is popular for many families, acquiring the fuel to run a generator can be a problem. “The people here are poor people and they are happy because they get kerosene,” Aadel said. “There is nobody here to represent them to get them kerosene.” Iraq police and CF find cache, more than 200 artillery rounds SAMARRA, Iraq – Iraqi policemen from Samarra working with Paratroopers of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, discovered a cache during a patrol east of Samarra. Transition of Authority ceremony marks progress of Iraqi battalion AR RAMADI, Iraq – The 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division officially took charge of independent operations in west Ramadi during a ceremony at Camp Ali Jan. 22. This is the third battalion in the 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division to assume authority over another area in the city during the past five months, signifying the continued progress of the brigade. The 2nd Battalion commanding officer, Col. Khalid, said after the ceremony the transfer of authority was the result of the cooperative effort with the Coalition Forces’ Military Transition Team. “They are serving our country in a great way and I am very grateful to them,” he said. The Coalition Forces Military Transition Team under 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, acted as advisors to the Iraqi battalion staff in training and operations. Marine Lt. Col. William Jurney, battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, spoke during the ceremony and praised Col. Khalid’s leadership as well as the ability of the Iraqi soldiers. “We are proud of the progress this unit has made,” Jurney said after the ceremony. “I believe they are capable of conducting security operations against those Anti-Iraqi Forces who want to do further harm to the people of their country.” Marine Lt. Col. James Bailey, the Military Transition Team Leader for 1st Brigade, 7th Division, said the Iraqi battalion is very capable and will continue to work with Coalition Forces and Iraqi Police. “They’ve been performing magnificently … We’re already seeing positive things happen in the battle space,” he said. "It means progress for the city of Ramadi and Iraqi security forces.” 16 TERRORISTS KILLED, 10 DETAINED IN RAIDS Search yields ammunition, two suspects The two suspects are being held for questioning. IA Detains 3 Members Of Insurgent Cell During Raid BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division detained three suspected members of an insurgent cell during operations with coalition advisors Jan. 22 in the village of Ibrat As Saghirah, in northern Iraq. The insurgent cell is responsible for coordinating and carrying out mortar and small arms attacks against Iraqi civilians. Four suspects seized, linked to Karbala attack KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army troops, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and a special Iraqi police unit from Hillah teamed up to detain four insurgents suspected of involvement in the Jan. 20 attack at the Karbala Provincial Joint Coordination Center. Marines Discover 14 Caches in Al Anbar Four detained in raid of suspected ‘safe house’ Insurgents’ torture house found – three captives freed CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Coalition force members discovered a building with blood-stained walls in southeast of Fallujah Jan. 22 and rescued three Iraqis found shackled inside. One of the victims was so badly beaten he had broken limbs. He was examined and quickly evacuated by Coalition forces to receive life-saving medical care. During their patrol, Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment discovered multiple weapons caches in other nearby houses early this morning while conducting intelligence-driven searches. The discovery included a mortar targeting system and a sniper rifle with scope, as well as a Bongo truck with a mounted anti-aircraft gun and another vehicle rigged as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. “This is a perfect example of how information can save lives,” said Coalition spokesman Major Alan F. Crouch. “More often it’s the Iraqi Army and police who use this information to help people, but the Coalition Forces will always be glad to use tips and information we receive to help civilians.” The Guardsman from Minnesota also detained four suspects in one house and six suspects in another house. The suspects have been moved to a nearby base for questioning. Once the bound hostages were rescued from the house with the blood-stained walls, the suspected “torture house” was destroyed by Coalition forces. There were no other civilian, Iraqi security forces or Coalition force casualties reported. 13 suspected terrorists detained in raids The capture of these detainees reduces the threat to the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces and brings Coalition Forces one step closer to stopping foreign terrorists from entering Iraq. Operation Warm-Up delivers the goods in Tal’ Afar TAL’ AFAR – Students from the Kawla and Darar Primary Schools received an assortment of winter clothing, to combat the cold weather, school supplies, and additional treats from Tal’ Afar Mayor Najim, Iraqi Police officers, and Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment during Operation Warm-Up Monday. Mayor Najim and the delegation traveled from classroom to classroom rewarding the students with winter clothing and an Iraqi flag. In addition, the school headmaster at each location was provided a First-Aid kit, with instructions for medication translated into Arabic. The total items distributed included 280 items of winter clothing, 650 pencils, 250 pens, 200 erasers, 60 spiral notebooks, and 30 folders. Every child received school supplies and candy. Operation Warm-Up was a targeted mission conducted as part of the ongoing IP and 3-4 Cavalry humanitarian assistance program Operation Kids. Nine insurgents killed during weapons distribution “While we do everything we can not to harm civilians, we will do all we can to both eliminate insurgents distributing weapons and defend ourselves against attack,” said Coalition spokesman Maj. Alan F. Crouch. Two hours later in the same area, the same Coalition Force members observed additional insurgents distributing hand grenades to approximately seven others near the same building as before. The insurgents then attacked the Coalition outpost. Coalition force members defended themselves killing three of the assailants and injuring three more. IP Captures Leader Of Terrorist Bombing Cell Near Haswah IA Captures Leader Of Terrorist Bombing Cell in Mosul FOURTEEN INSURGENTS KILLED, FOREIGN FIGHTER SAFE HOUSE DESTROYED SOUTH OF BAQUBAH CCCI convicts 11 insurgents Also found was a video tape showing the defendant firing a missile. On Jan. 16 the trial panel considered all the evidence and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. Those convicted include six Iraqis and one each from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Syria.
Well theres loads of it, so much it will make a liberal cry.
Kidnapping victim freed
Operation in Al-Doura nets caches, suspects
By Capt. Dawn Williams
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division Baghdad Soldiers rescued a kidnapped Iraqi man while resuming clearing operations in a southern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Jan. 18.
Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army and elements of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, continued operations to clear and secure the Hadar and surrounding neighborhoods in Baghdad’s Al-Doura district to disrupt insurgent and militia activities.
While searching a house in the area, the joint patrol found a man handcuffed and noticeably tortured in the basement of the residence. The victim claimed he was taken from a local market for selling bread to Americans. In the cellar, the patrol found blood soaked rags, additional signs indicating the area was being used to torture captives.
In addition to the rescued individual, searches in the area also yielded seven caches, seven detainees and the corpses of nine murdered victims. The caches included numerous weapons, grenades, ammunition and improvised explosive device-making materials.
This section of Al-Doura is believed to be a dumping site for the bodies of murdered local nationals. Iraqi police operating in the area were called to remove the dead bodies and take the kidnapping victim to a nearby hospital for medical care.
The on-going operation in the Al-Doura district has resulted in 26 suspected insurgents detained to date, and the recovery of various weapons, ammunitions and bomb-making material.
All seven suspects detained in the operation are being held for further questioning. The weapons and ammunition uncovered have been handed over to explosive ordnance teams for disposal.
These joint efforts continue in Al-Doura to ensure the safety of the local population and improve the security of the community.
Local tip leads police to car bomb
Multi-National Division – North PAO
KIRKUK, Iraq – A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was safely neutralized after being reported to local Iraqi police hours after a separate VBIED struck a police station in Iraq’s northern city of Kirkuk, Jan. 17.
A bystander notified police after witnessing a suspicious driver abandoning the parked car. Iraqi police investigated the scene and notified coalition forces from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, operating in Kirkuk. An explosive ordnance team was sent to the site and conducted a controlled detonation with no casualties.
Local tips have prevented at least two VBIED attacks within the past three days.
“Civic action is a key to preventing the violence,” said Maj. Patrick Campbell, civil affairs officer, 3rd IBCT, 25th ID. “The citizens are beginning to realize they have a role in security and are also demonstrating an increasing level of trust in the police.”
COALITION FORCES DETAIN 25 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN AREA RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 25 suspected terrorists Saturday during several raids targeting al-Qaida and foreign terrorist facilitation cells throughout Iraq.
In Tarmiyah, seven suspects were detained allegedly tied to the extortion and killing of local nationals. Among those detained in Tarmiyah, was a driver of a senior al Qaida leader.
Seven more suspected terrorists were detained in Fallujah and Balad in association with foreign terrorist facilitation.
West of Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained 11 suspects reportedly involved with the facilitation of numerous foreign terrorists into Iraq to conduct suicide operations.
No one was killed or injured during the raids.
Foreign terrorist facilitators are killing innocent Iraqis daily. Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists who are trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops seized three suspected terrorists following the discovery of a roadside bomb Jan. 19 in eastern Baghdad.
Following a controlled detonation of the device, three suspicious individuals were seen walking away from the mine site. The three were detained.
The suspects are being held for questioning.
Pencils, paper bring smiles to Baghdad school kids
By Staff Sgt. Mary Rose
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP SLAYER, Iraq – An infantry unit from the Kentucky Army National Guard spent the morning of Jan. 14 not patrolling the streets of Baghdad like they usually do, but delivering supplies to local school children.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, loaded up an up-armored Light Medium Tactical Vehicle with wooden crates full of backpacks, pencils, pens, rulers and notepads. Then they headed out to the Al Hamdaniyah School with an entourage of humvees for security.
The troops arrived a little early for school, but it didn’t take long for the children to start coming in from all directions to greet the Soldiers.
The children seemed excited to see the Soldiers and asked for pens by pretending they were writing on paper with their hands. While the Soldiers interacted with the horde of children they tried to teach them English words, to help with communication.
For the children, they were open to taking whatever the Soldiers had to give them whether it was an English word, a smile or better yet, a pen.
“It doesn’t matter what you give them they’ll take anything,” said Spc. Jason Davenport, a medic for Company C.
The children, with their pants tucked into their socks to keep from getting muddy are willing to take what the Soldiers give because they have so little themselves. Their nine-room school house has 310 students, water damage, no electricity, no running water, no heat and many of its windows broken out, said Maj. Chris Cline, a civil affairs officer with the unit.
Along with all the damage, there is no money being given to the school to fix the problems.
“The teachers haven’t been paid in three months,” said Cline a native of Hodgenville, Ky. Despite that, he said the teachers still come in to teach the children who attend the school.
The supplies from U.S. Soldiers are the only thing the school has received in months, according to a teacher at the school.
While at the school, troops unloaded the LMTV and played with the children, until it was time for classes to begin. The children filed into the cold classrooms, after collecting their new supplies and waited for the teachers to join them for their studies.
One of the teachers, who spoke through an interpreter, said there is no school being held in many of the more populated areas around Baghdad, due to security issues.
“We need security,” the teacher said. “With security, we can make better education.”
Security and lack of financial assistance wasn’t the only problem the school had; they had children with medical needs.
Davenport assisted two girls who had ailments, but because of the limited resources on hand, he referred them to the Civil Military Operations Center’s free medical clinic for local Iraqis.
“It is important for them to know that we are here to help them,” said Davenport a native of Barbourville, Ky.
Even though the school is barely operational, 1st Lt. Robert Andersen, a civil affairs officer with the regiment, said he was impressed with the number of students still attending.
“For a war going on and so many children to still be in school, it shows that parents do care about the future of their children, which is a good thing,” said the native of Elizabethtown, Ky.
“We could be here a hundred years and not make a dent if they don’t want to help themselves,” Davenport noted. He said the teachers’ dedication to the children at the Al Hamdaniyah School is an example of what Iraq needs to get back on its feet.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
BASRAH, Iraq – A shutdown to install four isolation spools at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in the Persian Gulf was completed ahead of time, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division.
The isolation spools allow the oil terminal to continue exporting crude oil while old meters are replaced by new or rebuilt turbine meters. The installation of the spools was scheduled to take 96 hours, but was completed in less than 72 hours.
“The installation completed earlier than scheduled due to a well-coordinated, joint effort between the South Oil Company, Parsons Iraqi Joint Venture and their subcontractor, AFI, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Navy Capt. Richard Fritzley, Oil Sector Lead at GRD. “They even installed five 24-inch emergency shutdown valves during this short shutdown period, which were not originally scheduled to be installed. The SOC and AFI crews really performed flawlessly as they shaved one full day from the shutdown schedule while performing extra scope.”
ABOT, which exports approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, is currently responsible for the vast majority of Iraq’s oil exports, so the one-day time savings is extremely important.
Once the entire project is completed, it will “provide improved platform safety, reliability and efficiency in addition to fiscally compliant metering,” Fritzley added.
The $55 million rehabilitation and refurbishment program on ABOT will restore full terminal loading and custody metering capacity. The completion of these projects – schedule for May 2007 - will bring the oil platform up to internationally accepted standards and enhance the reliability and safety of operations.
Phase 1, which was successfully completed in March 2006, refurbished and repaired all loading arms and ensured that four berths were fully operational for the first time in many years - greatly improving tanker loading efficiencies. Phase 2 refurbishment, which began on September 2006, will effectively be almost a complete replacement of the electrical, instrument, shutdown system, fire protection and metering systems. This work includes two new generators, new control buildings and substations on both platforms.
All the work has been completed on a “live” platform and apart from the recent shutdown required to isolate the meters for replacement of all four berths on ABOT will be kept operational and not impact oil exports.
In total, of the 182 oil projects valued at $1.3 billion - 57 projects are engineering, procurement and construction projects valued at $336M and 125 are non-construction valued at $924M. Overall in Iraq, crude oil production capacity is at 2.5 million barrels per day – with an end goal of 3 million barrels per day.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Maj. David Shoupe
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Joint operation nets weapon cache, detainees
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Maj. Eric Verzola
4th BCT (A), 25th Inf. Div. PAO
KALSU, Iraq – A joint operation south of Baghdad by Iraqi policemen and American paratroopers uncovered weapon caches and detained two insurgents Jan. 18.
The suspects are being held for further questioning.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Iraqi troops from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division searched homes and fields in Bakariya Jan.17.
The mission was planned by the Iraqis. They made all the calls on the ground and used mostly their own intelligence to complete the mission, said the 136 MTT team chief, Maj. Ken Carlson, a native of Long Beach, Calif.
“In 10 months of working with this particular battalion of Iraqi soldiers we have watched them grow,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Jenkins, a native of Newnan, Ga., with 136 MTT. “We have gone from driving all of their missions to just tagging along, because they are running things without much help from us.”
The military training teams have an important role in turning Iraq over to the control of Iraqis. They are teaching them to handle problems on their own.
“We are here as advisors to the (Iraqi Army) so they can run things for themselves,” Jenkins said.
Part of the Iraqis being able to conduct missions successfully on their own is Iraqi leadership.
The army has grown leaps and bounds since the start of the war, but their weakness is a not having strong noncommissioned officer corps, Carlson said. “We are teaching them about what it means to be an NCO and how important it is.”
They are not lacking leadership completely though. They do have some strong officers, Carlson said.
The Iraqi’s 1st Bn., 3rd Bde., 6th Div., commander Lt. Col Jaber uses tough love and it works to get things done, Carlson said.
“I watched him today as his Soldiers were getting tired and trying to retreat to their vehicles,” he said. “The mission wasn’t complete yet and he wasn’t ready to go home until it was, so he got over the radio and screamed. Magically many soldiers appeared out of thin air and were ready to finish the mission.”
They were able to complete the mission. Nothing significant was found but nobody was hurt and they were able to communicate with the locals, so it was still successful, Carlson said.
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
The Soldiers assisted with opening a girl’s elementary school, a girl’s secondary school and a boy’s elementary school.
“This project is an example of the close partnership we have with the Mushahidah city council to create a secure, safe and stable environment in Mushahidah,” said Capt. Adrian Spevak, the Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment commander and a native of Allentown, Pa., during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the girls’ schools. “It is an honor and privilege to be here for the ceremony, and I look forward to continuing our close relationship with future projects.”
Just as Spevak said he was excited to see the children have a new place to go to school, the Mushahidah city council members said they were also very excited.
“This is a great example for the projects in this area,” said Shiek Naif Moutlak, the chief of the city council. “We thank the coalition for all they have done and hope for other projects in the area to help the people.”
And helping people is what makes all the hard work worth while.
“We have been working for six months to get the school to a good standard for the kids,” said Capt. John McGowan, the Company C, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion commander and a native of Birmingham, Ala. “By working with the Iraqi government, we have made a better place for the students to go to school.”
While the council members and the Soldiers celebrated the ribbon cutting, McGowan had chance to talk to a few people at the school.
“By being here talking to the students, I know that they are very happy to have a better place to go school,” he continued. “And the teachers are happy to have a good place to go to work and teach from.”
The newly opened schools are a great improvement from the old schools the children were attending, according to McGowan.
“The children now have classrooms with new desks and unbroken windows,” said McGowan. “They also have new school supplies that they may not have had without the help of the coalition partnership.”
Before leaving the girl’s secondary school, Spevak stepped into one of the classrooms to talk to the students.
“I am honored to be here to help make this school a better place,” he told the girls. “It is definitely a privilege to look into the eyes of tomorrow’s leaders in Iraq.”
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 18 suspected terrorists while conducting multiple operations throughout the country early Sunday morning.
The operations targeted foreign fighter facilitators and those who support al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists based on recent intelligence reports.
A Coalition Forces raid in the al Anbar province resulted in six detainees believed to have ties to a weapons and bomb facilitator.
Another raid in Mosul resulted in one terrorist shot and killed after he began firing at Coalition Forces.
Other raids in Fallujah, Tikrit, North Karmah and near eastern Balad resulted in the detention of 12 suspected terrorists.
Coalition Forces discovered numerous weapons with and among the suspected terrorists.
On one of the operations, documents were found containing information about a Coalition Forces member stationed at a nearby U.S. military installation.
Coalition Forces are working closely to eliminate foreign terrorists trying to hijack the development and building of a new stable and peaceful Iraq.
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD --- In the past 45 days, combined coalition operations included 52 operations primarily focused on Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and 42 focused on Sunni Rejectionists / Extremists.
Key findings regarding JAM:
* Iraqi Security Forces working in unison with Coalition Forces detained 16 high level JAM militiamen and killed one JAM commander. Five of the individuals are JAM commanders in Sadr City.
* The recent detentions are in addition to six other JAM leaders who have been detained by ISF / CF since the beginning of October.
* There are currently over 600 illegal JAM militia in detention awaiting prosecution by the Government of Iraq.
* The detainees were responsible for attacks against the Government of Iraq, Iraqi citizens, and CF. Criminal activities by these individuals propagated instability within Iraq, and their removal from the social structure is a critical start to providing the Iraqi populace with a safe and stable environment.
Key findings regarding Sunni Rejectionists / Extremists:
*Among the detainees captured over the past 45 days, 33 are cell leaders in Baghdad.
* Recent detainees are responsible for foreign fighter facilitation, car-bomb facilitation, and propaganda operations
* ISF / CF and unconventional forces will continue to target Sunni Rejectionists / Extremists in order to disrupt their abilities to destabilize the Government of Iraq.
ISF, supported by CF partners, will continue to actively target and eliminate all elements who attempt to destabilize and disrupt the Government of Iraq.
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
In an effort to help with the fuel shortage, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in cooperation with the Iraqi national police, distributed kerosene to the residents of the Al-Hadher neighborhood after conducting a joint cordon and search operation in the area Jan. 18.
The neighborhood is one of the poorest in Task Force 1-14’s area of operations and it was evident by the crowd’s enthusiasm that the kerosene was greatly needed.
“Out of our sector, this is probably the neediest and poorest neighborhood,” explained platoon leader, 1st Lt. Stephen Hornsberger. “If they needed the kerosene anywhere, it was probably here.”
After spending a couple of hours searching homes in the area, Soldiers and police officers carried the cans of kerosene around the neighborhood as the locals flocked to them with their empty cans.
According to Troop C’s commander, Capt. Adam Grim, giving away the kerosene is a goodwill gesture that he hopes will strengthen the developing relationship between the Soldiers, police officers and local residents.
“Our squadron commander talked to all the commanders and basically said, ‘What’s something good we can do as a positive thing to reintegrate the national police and build trust in the community?’” the Orange Park, Fla. native explained. “The thing we came up with was trying to get them more access to fuel, whether its benzene, propane or kerosene. The easiest one to get was kerosene, which we handed out today.”
Grim said that in the past, the Soldiers and police officers have handed out other things like blankets and clothes, but fuel seems to have the greatest effect.
“I think the thing that has the biggest impact directly is fuel,” he said. “We do get a lot of clothes from the states to hand out, but fuel is a really big ticket item that a lot of people just can’t get.”
Although the American forces provide the fuel, they try to step back and let the national police control most of the distribution. According to Grim, this provides just another opportunity for the locals and national police to interact on a positive level.
“We complete the search and then at the end, we have the national police hand out the kerosene,” he said. “It’s a symbol of good will that helps the community and national police interact on something more than just doing a search.”
According to Ahmed Aadel, a police officer with the 1st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, the INP are glad they can provide for the people of Al-Hadher.
Since the squadron started handing out kerosene, Grim said that he has seen some change in his interaction with the locals.
“It definitely helps you to get more friendly faces and more waves and people say ‘Thank you,’” Grim explained. However, he noted that the fuel that his Soldiers and the police provide is only enough to last for a few days, and solving the overall problem of the fuel shortage in Baghdad will take some time.
“It’s a little something we can do. It’s better than not having anything, and you can directly see it helping the people,” Grim said. “When you can go out and give someone something, or watch the national police give someone something, you know at the end of the day something positive was done.”
Multi-National Division – North PAO
The patrol was initiated after the Paratroopers received a tip from a local Iraqi about foul play in the area where the cache was found.
More than 200 rockets, mortars and other various artillery rounds were found inside the cache in addition to six grenade launchers, 25 pounds of rocket propellant and several large-caliber machineguns and other small arms.
Multi-National Force – West PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed 16 terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists while conducting operations Tuesday morning in the Baghdad and Haditha areas.
Intelligence reports indicated foreign terrorist facilitators were operating in an area northwest of Haditha. As Coalition Forces approached the area, several armed men exited buildings. Coalition Forces killed two armed terrorist and detained six other suspected terrorists as they attempted to flee the area.
Three terrorists made their way to a boat along the bank of the Al Qadisiyah Lake. They sped away to the opposite end of a small peninsula where they met up with four more men and were seen entering a tent. As Coalition Forces approached the area, the men exited the tents with weapons and ammunition vests.
Coalition Forces engaged the enemy force with rotary wing aircraft killing seven terrorists. Several weapons including grenades, machine guns and pistols were found in the tents.
In other operations in Baghdad, Coalition Forces approached a targeted building and called for the occupants to come out. Two men, a woman and four children exited the building, while several armed men were seen moving across the rooftop from an adjacent building.
Coalition Forces moved the women and children to a safe area away from the buildings and directed the men to surrender. The men began shooting at Coalition Forces and throwing grenades. One of the grenades started a fire in the building. Coalition Forces returned fire killing six terrorists. The two men who surrendered were detained for questioning.
The woman and her children were placed under Coalition Forces care until the area was deemed safe for return.
A raid in Yusufiyah targeted foreign fighter facilitators and individuals involved in the production of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. Upon arrival at the objective building, one terrorist fled the building and maneuvered toward the ground forces. Ground forces assessed the terrorist as hostile and shot and killed him. One suspected terrorist was detained.
While searching the building, Coalition Forces discovered materials and equipment used in the detonation of explosive devices.
During a raid in Mosul, Coalition Forces detained a suspected foreign terrorist facilitator.
Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate foreign terrorists trying to prevent the development and building of a new stable and peaceful Iraq.
2nd BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized thousands of rounds of ammunition and detained two suspected insurgents during a security operation in eastern Baghdad Jan. 21.
Troops with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, recovered approximately 7,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during a neighborhood search.
The Soldiers were acting on a tip when they uncovered the cache. Two suspects were detained following the search.
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
The insurgent cell is also suspected of being linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and supports them in their violent attacks against Iraqi security forces by providing them with weapons and supplies. Additionally, the cell has conducted numerous improvised explosive device and small arms attacks on Iraqi security checkpoints.
There was minimal damage done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition force casualties.
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Paratroopers with the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and Iraqi security forces detained the four suspects Jan. 22 following a tip from a Karbala resident.
The suspects were found in a house near the area where the vehicles used in the attack were abandoned after insurgents made their get away from the scene.
The suspects are being held for further questioning.
Multi-National Force – West PAO
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 uncovered 14 large caches during Operation Northern Venture in Al Anbar Province Sunday.
“The discovery of such caches is extremely important as it provides the Iraqi civilians a better sense of security,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth M. DeTreux, battalion commanding officer. “When we take these weapons away, we lessen the ability of the enemy to terrorize and intimidate civilians.”
While conducting patrols north of Fallujah, Marines discovered seven heavy machine guns, one small machine gun, six AK-47 assault rifles, one bolt-action rifle and two Iranian assault rifles. The cache also included 23 82 mm high explosive mortars, five 60 mm high explosive mortar rounds, one 120 mm high explosive mortar round, 4,263 rounds of 14.5 mm ammunition, 2,427 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 87 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, 110 rounds of Z3 precision munitions, 131 Soviet rocket fuses, two hand grenade bodies, 12 hand grenade fuses, three gas masks with filters and a large assortment of weapons related equipment.
"The caches that we found were a mix of all sorts of ordnance from mortars to heavy machine guns,” said Maj. Sean M. Riordan, battalion executive officer. “There’s no doubt that the rural areas in Iraq contain numerous weapons caches, and the things we took away from the insurgency help to chip away at their tactical capabilities."
The Marines discovered the stockpiles in a combined cache hunt designed to interrupt insurgent activity in the area. Intelligence reports led the Marines to the area, and an immediate operation ensued to uncover the buried caches.
All explosive materials were destroyed on site while the machine guns, rifles and ammunition were brought to Camp Fallujah.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Four suspected insurgents were detained after a raid on a suspected insurgent safe house south of the Iraqi capital Jan. 23.
Iraqi Army troops and Paratroopers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted the raid on the suspected terrorist safe house, which was believed to be used to hide insurgents and store weapons.
The four suspects are being held for further questioning.
Multi-National Force – West PAO
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs
RUSHDI MULLAH, Iraq — Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists and found weapons during a combat operation in Mahmudiyah, Iraq Jan. 23.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) worked with troops from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division during Operation Black Eagle II, aimed at denying anti-Iraqi forces sanctuary within the Mahmudiyah area.
During the operation, the Soldiers detained three suspected terrorists for suspicious activity. Weapons found during the operation included two AK-47 bandoleers and two Katusha rocket casings.
The suspects are being held for further questioning.
Operation ‘Wolverine Feast’ nets 10 terrorists, 4 weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — Coalition and Iraqi Army soldiers detained 10 suspects and seized four caches in the Al-Doura district as part of Operation Wolverine Feast Jan. 24.
The operation began as witnesses reported seeing several men load a mortar tube and ammunition into the trunk of a car.
Company C, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division were alerted and cordoned off the target area. They then conducted a systematic clearance of the area.
In the first objective they captured one wanted man with an 82mm mortar system, two AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm pistol and two hand grenades.
A sweep of a second targeted area uncovered six men with 10 120mm mortar rounds.
The third cache found contained a 60mm mortar system and various rocket-propelled grenade launchers and RPG rounds. Three men were detained at this location.
The last cache contained several RPG rockets and accelerators.
The ten suspects detained in the operation are being held for further questioning.
The weapons were confiscated and the munitions were destroyed on the scene.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 13 suspected terrorists during raids Thursday morning in Karmah and Mosul.
In Karmah, 12 suspected terrorists were detained. Intelligence reports indicate the detainees have key logistical ties to the al-Qaida in Iraq network and to improvised explosive device production. Reports indicate that they are responsible for the recent increase in IED attacks in the Karmah area. During the raid, Coalition Forces found several AK-47s and ammunition.
In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured a foreign fighter facilitator with ties to a senior al-Qaida leader responsible for bringing large numbers of suicide bombers into Iraq.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police Forces detained six suspected members of an insurgent cell during operations with Coalition advisors Jan. 23 in Fuhaylat, near Fallujah. The insurgent cell is believed to be responsible for carrying out improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition force members.
The insurgent cell is reportedly linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MND-B Soldiers Discover Multiple Caches in Southwest Baghdad
2nd BCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Reacting to a tip provided by local residents, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered three large caches in the Jihad neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Jan. 24.
The timely and accurate tip provided by citizens of the area led Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, to the location of the caches. The caches consisted of seven rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two mortar tubes, more than 80 mortar rounds, two 30mm rockets, two heavy machine guns, two roadside bombs, one block of plastic explosive and nearly 2000 rounds of small arms ammunition.
“The success of this mission resulted in these items being removed from the hands of the insurgents,” said Capt. Philip Hensel, 1st Bn., 18th Inf. Regt. “(It) increases security for American and Iraqi forces and citizens by taking dangerous weapons out of the hands of insurgents and terrorists.”
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Police Forces captured five members of an illegally armed militia and detained seven others during operations with Coalition advisors Jan. 24 near Kawam, south of Baghdad. The suspects are allegedly responsible for coordinating and carrying out numerous improvised explosive device and other attacks against Iraqi Police, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in the Babil Province.
There was minimal damage done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi Forces or Coalition Forces casualties.
Iraqi Police-led operation finds torture house and weapon caches, detains 21
Multi-National Force – West PAO
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police and Marines completed Operation Three Swords in an area south of Fallujah Tuesday. The purpose of the operation was to detain members of murder and intimidation cells within the rural area of Zaidon and the villages of Albu Hawa, Fuhaylat and Hasa. It was led by the Iraqi Police with support from the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 6 and Marines and Soldiers of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Headquarters Group.
During the operation, members of the Fallujah Police Department and Coalition Forces discovered a torture house and rescued three individuals. Two of the hostages were transported and treated at Camp Fallujah. The third hostage was transported by helicopter to Camp Taqqadum for further treatment. Torture devices were found and confiscated. The house was demolished by Coalition Forces in order to remove the reminder of such violence from the landscape. Also, one of the victims asked that it be destroyed so that no one will ever be taken there and tortured like him.
Additionally, Coalition Forces uncovered numerous weapons caches during the operation. Among the caches, two 14.5 mm anti-aircraft guns, high explosive mortar sights, rocket propelled grenade related materials, a sniper rifle with scope and four assault rifles. Two vehicles were also discovered in which one was rigged as a car bomb and the other with an anti-aircraft gun mounted. The explosives were destroyed on scene by Coalition Forces and the weapons were returned to Camp Fallujah.
The Iraqi Police and Marines detained 21 individuals suspected of coordinating insurgent attacks against Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces.
“This operation was successful in the fact that Coalition forces were able to free three hostages and seize weapons used for murder and intimidation away from insurgents,” said Captain Chip R. Rankin, Company B commanding officer, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment. “The Iraqi Police led this mission with confidence and it demonstrated their desire to provide a more secure mindset for the civilians within these areas.”
Our joint operations demonstrate the interoperability of the Marines and the Iraqi Police to remind the terrorists that their presence will not be tolerated;” said Coalition spokesperson 1st Lt. Barry L. Edwards.
Multi-National Force – West PAO
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq –American Soldiers observed six insurgents unloading AK-47 rifles into a building near the gas station in Central Ramadi Jan. 23. The soldiers attacked the insurgents with grenades and gunfire killing three and wounding the other three.
Another adjacent Coalition post was subsequently attacked by six insurgents later the same morning. The Soldiers defended themselves and killed three of the attackers and wounded another three.
There have been false reports of Coalition Force members killing six Iraqi civilians waiting in line at the gas station. One report suggested Coalition forces killed 10 Iraqis.
A total of nine insurgents were killed and nine were injured the morning of the 23rd in Ramadi. There were no Coalition or civilian casualties.
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Police Forces captured the suspected leader of a terrorist bombing cell during operations with Coalition advisors Jan. 25 in northern Babil Province near Haswah. The cell leader is responsible for coordinating and carrying out improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the area.
The cell is suspected of being linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and facilitates AQI efforts in targeting Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces in IED and indirect fire attacks. The cell is believed responsible for several attacks against ISF and CF convoys in Babil Province. The cell is also suspected of murdering Iraqi civilians in sectarian attacks and ambushes.
Iraqi Forces detained eight additional suspects for questioning.
There was minimal damage done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi Forces or Coalition Forces casualties.
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 2nd Iraqi Army Division captured the suspected leader of a terrorist bombing cell, during operations with Coalition advisors Jan. 26 in Mosul, who is allegedly responsible for coordinating and participating in multiple mortar, small arms and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi Forces and Coalition Forces.
The cell leader was allegedly involved in an IED attack carried out against an Iraqi Police convoy in Mosul last year. He is also implicated in coordinating and conducting IED.
An additional suspect was taken into Iraqi custody for questioning.
There was minimal damage done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed 14 terrorists, detained two suspected terrorists and destroyed a known foreign fighter safe house Saturday morning during a raid south of Baqubah.
Intelligence reports indicated that a foreign fighter facilitator responsible for conducting multiple attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces was operating in the area.
As ground forces approached the objective building, several terrorists began to flee the targeted and surrounding buildings. Others were observed maneuvering against the Coalition forces.
Ground forces called for close air support resulting in 14 enemy fighters killed during the air strikes.
Additionally, Coalition aircraft delivered precision munitions and destroyed the building to prevent it from further use as a terrorist safe haven.
This is another step closer to defeating the facilitation of foreign fighters in Iraq and helping establish a safe and peaceful Iraq.
Two sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 11 security detainees from January 13 to 18, for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, taking advantage of someone else’s legal documents and illegal border crossing.
The trial court found one Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003. Multi-National Forces conducted a raid of the defendant’s compound near Tameem, Iraq. MNF searched the buildings and found numerous explosives including 35 pounds of ammonium nitrate. On Jan. 15, the trial panel sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.
The trial court found an Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons, in violation of Order 3/2003. MNF came under attack near Al Anbar University Sept. 4, 2006. MNF pursued the attackers in their vehicles and stopped them. The defendant threw a grenade at MNF from the driver-side door. MNF shot two of the attackers and killed them. MNF searched the defendant and found a wallet which contained a fake ID. MNF then searched the vehicles and found a large cache of weapons including RPG’s, PKC machine guns and other weapons and ammunition.
Those convicted of passport violations, using someone else’s legal documents, illegal possession of special category weapons and entering the country illegally were sentenced from between one to ten years imprisonment.
Since its reorganization, under an amendment to CPA order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,826 trials for Coalition-apprehended insurgents. The proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,580 individuals with sentences ranging up to death.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces rescued eight Iraqi citizens who had been tortured while being held hostage in Arab Jabour Wednesday. During the same operation, ground forces also detained nine terrorist suspects while conducting a raid targeting a vehicle-borne improvised explosives devices network.
According to the hostages who were tied up and hidden in an underground bunker, they were tortured, beaten, deprived of food and water and told they were being held for ransom. One of the hostages reported he had been held hostage for 50 days, and another for 47 days. Another hostage indicated the terrorists had captured other Iraqis and tortured them before receiving ransom payments.
Ground forces stated the hostages were very afraid for their safety and looked as if they had been physically abused and severely mistreated.
Military medical personnel provided on-scene first aid to the liberated hostages after which Coalition Forces transported the men to a medical facility for further treatment. Seven of the men have since been released to their families; the eighth hostage, who had been held for 50 days and had to be carried out of the bunker, is currently undergoing medical treatment and will be released to his family.
While searching the scene, Coalition Forces found 10 caches consisting of IED-producing materials, multiple shotgun shells, mortar primers, machine guns, military-style uniforms and boots.
Coalition Forces will continue to work closely with Iraqi officials to ensure terrorists and those who commit crimes against the Iraqi people are brought to justice under the Iraqi justice system.
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A few previous posts on this:
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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Saturday, 3 February 2007
Good News From Iraq
The joint operation was an effort to help Iraqis establish security in north Babil province.
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