Well Its Good News Friday - All the good news from Iraq over the past week.

All of the below are news reports I have picked up - as not reported by the BBC.

Operation continues snagging caches, detainees … and de-worming sheep
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi army and coalition troops continue to find stockpiles of weapons and detain terror suspects near the main highway, Route Tampa, leading into Baghdad, where operations have been ongoing since Feb. 3.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and Troop B, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment “Wolverines,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) are working together as part of Operation Wolverine Alesia. The operation has uncovered two major caches – including one that contained 1,100 mortar rounds – and three minor ones. They have also detained six suspected insurgents in the course of the operation.

Soldiers continue to conduct cordon-and-search operations as well as route clearance and deliberate search-and-attack village clearance.

“We have effectively denied the zone as an anti-Iraqi forces sanctuary in the Wolverine area of operations,” said Lt. Col. Mark Suich, a native of Redding, Pa., and commander of the 1-89th Cavalry.

The operation also included a veterinary treatment clinic. Iraqi farmers brought 187 animals to be treated by Multi-National Division – Baghdad veterinarian, Lt. Col. Neil Ahle. The animals, wrangled mostly by the local children, were given de-worming medicine and vaccinations for endemic area diseases.

Encouraging Iraqi veterinarians was Ahle’s main goal, he said.
“Maybe by doing this veterinary care, we’ll get a vet in the area to step up,” he said. “We put a lot of effort into many areas, but pushing the Iraqi people to step up and do it – well, this is one way to do that.”

Iraqi Army stops car bomb cell
1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment

BAGHDAD – Another car bomb cell is off the streets after Iraqi and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers responded to a tip and conducted a raid in the northwest neighborhood of Ameriyah Feb. 8.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army conducted the raid while Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, provided security from the outer cordon.

The Iraqi Army troops detained one terrorist suspect. During initial questioning, the suspect implicated a second suspected car bomb cell member living next door.

Cavalry Troops Destroy Terrorist Facility
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, using artillery fire, destroyed a building used by terrorists near a village west of Baghdad Feb. 9.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment coordinated the strike in cooperation with other units from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in Al Sumalat, Iraq.

The 2-5th Cavalry troops recently attempted entry into the building, only to find that it had been booby-trapped with multiple improvised explosive device (IED) traps.

The building, which has been a known insurgent sniper position and an alleged IED-manufacturing site, was destroyed to prevent its further use by insurgent forces.

Marine unit extended in Iraq
Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) will have their deployment extended in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in support of Multi-National Force-West.

15th MEU (SOC) forces began arriving in Iraq Nov. 11, 2006 and are currently headquartered in the vicinity of Rutbah in western Al Anbar. The 15th MEU (SOC) continues to conduct counter-insurgency operations, support the introduction of new police forces and ensure the freedom of movement for legitimate commerce along the major routes that link Jordan and Syria to Baghdad and the rest of Iraq.

The Marines and sailors of the 15th MEU (SOC), commanded by Col. Brian Beaudreault, and their families have been notified of the extension.

“Though it is always regrettable for the families to learn of a later than planned return of their Marines and Sailors, the extension of the MEU is vital to maintaining the significant forward progress that is being made throughout the province,” Beaudreault said.

Large explosives caches found in Arab Jabour

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces conducted operations Thursday in Arab Jabour targeting local al-Qaida terrorists linked to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cell.

During operations, Coalition Forces found numerous caches containing VBIED/IED making material including multiple containers of ammonium nitrate, numerous primers and blasting caps, mortar systems, rocket propelled grenades, numerous small arms and a rocket launcher mounted on a truck. Coalition Forces destroyed all of the caches found on site.

During the operation, ground forces spoke with numerous Iraqi civilians who thanked Coalition Forces for their efforts. According to a Coalition Forces translator, the overall feeling in the community was that of “great appreciation.”

The translator explained to the Coalition Forces that the residents described their fears of living among terrorists and how glad they were to see Coalition Forces walking through the streets, providing a much-appreciated level of safety.

CCCI convicts 14 insurgents
Seven sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 14 insurgents from Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, possessing fake identification and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found four Iraqi men guilty of illegal possession of special weapons in violation of Order 3/2003. Multi-National Forces-Iraq were on patrol in the vicinity of Rawah Sept. 20, 2006 when they spotted a vehicle acting suspiciously. MNF-I stopped the vehicle with the four defendants and then preceded to search the vehicle. MNF found one IED, one Berretta 9mm pistol with two full magazines and det cord. Explosive Ordinance Disposal responded to the scene and recognized the IED as a “speed-bump style” IED that contained 15-20 pounds of explosive filler. On Jan. 28, the trial panel sentenced all four men to 15 years imprisonment.

The trial court found a Jordanian man guilty of entering the country illegally in violation of Article 10/1 of the Passport Law. On March 10, 2004 MNF-I conducted a targeted raid on a known safe house for foreign fighters where the defendant was apprehended. The defendant stated he came to Iraq legally, but to conduct terrorist activities. The defendant though could not produce the legal documentation. On Jan. 28 the trial panel considered all the evidence and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

The trial court found a Yemeni man guilty of entering the country illegally in violation of Article 10/1 of the Passport Law. On Sept. 6, 2006 during a targeted raid MNF-I captured the defendant who was a leader of a five man IED cell operating in the Al-Ramadi Region. At the time of capture the defendant was in possession of a hand grenade and a false ID card. The defendant confessed to entering Iraq illegally to conduct terrorist activities. On Jan. 31 the trial panel found him guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

On Jan. 7, 2004, a foreign fighter from Saudi Arabia was detained by Karmah Police for being a foreign fighter from Saudi Arabia. The defendant was detained for suspicion of having a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED). Although that suspicion turned out to be false, the defendant admitted to being in Iraq illegally and claimed he walked to Iraq from Saudi Arabia. He was charged with violation of Article 10/1 of the Iraqi passport law. On Jan. 31 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

Those convicted of passport violations, possessing and using false ID’s and illegal possession of special category weapons were sentenced from between six to 15 years imprisonment. Those convicted were 10 Iraqis and one each from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

Since its reorganization, under an amendment to CPA order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,842 trials for Coalition-apprehended insurgents. The proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,594 individuals with sentences ranging up to death.

Operation targets car bomb manufacturers in Rusafa neighborhood
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Operations in support of the Baghdad security plan continued in the Rusafa area, as a combined Iraqi Army and coalition task force conducted targeted raids focused on disrupting vehicle-borne improvised explosive device networks Feb. 11.

Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army, the 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army and 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division are engaged in the operation. The government of Iraq requested coalition support to enter this area and address the emerging threat of car bombs, a frequent killer of Iraqi citizens.

“Our mission is to clear areas in Rusafa specifically focusing on the VBIED networks,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Davidson, a Congers, N.Y., native and executive officer for the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

One suspect with a fake identification card has been detained. This operation is one of many ongoing efforts designed to attack the construction and assembly sites for car bombs.

Implementing the security plan Suspects detained, caches found, assistance provided
1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces and Soldiers from the Multi-National Division – Baghdad uncovered 14 weapons caches and detained 140 insurgent suspects in and around the Iraqi capital during the week of Feb. 3-9.

With more than 7,400 patrols conducted during the week, the trend of having Iraqi security forces in the lead on day-to-day missions continues, according to Brig. Gen. John Campbell, MND-B deputy commanding general.

“Nearly 3,800 of those patrols were conducted by Iraqi police and Iraqi national police,” Campbell noted. “Clearly, our Iraqi partners are taking the lead.”

During the week, 34 operations, at company level or higher, were conducted. These operations, 20 of them joint and 14 U.S.-led resulted in the cache finds and detention of suspected terrorists, Campbell said. He said as the implementation of the new security plan progresses, the focus of operations will shift throughout the Iraqi capital.

“Rusafa is a focal point for us right now,” Campbell said of the east Baghdad district. “We’re addressing that area with increased security forces and patrols.”

Campbell noted that elements of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd “Falcon” Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi security forces have established a Combat Outpost in the Iraqi capital – located in the Adhamiyah district, just north of Rusafa.

“These joint combat outposts allow Iraqi security forces and coalition troops the ability to reach out within these neighborhoods, providing a steadying presence and allowing them to understand the security and safety concerns of the residents, firsthand,” Campbell said. “Just having us there, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will improve the security situations within these areas.”

Campbell said these outposts will continue to spring up in Baghdad as the security plan continues. The first COP was established last month in the Kadamiyah security district by elements of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team.

While security remains the top concern for MND-B, civil military operations aimed at providing economic, educational and humanitarian assistance are on-going throughout the Iraqi capital.

One of the highlights this week was the opening of a new business center at the Baghdad International Airport.

“The center, sponsored by the Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is designed to host business meetings at the airport,” said Navy Cdr. Mike Sanchez, a civil military plans officer with MND-B.

Sanchez said Feb. 5 marked the grand opening of the Taji High School for Girls, north of the Iraqi capital. More than 400 students will attend this school starting next month.

South of the city, the Sadr Yusafiyah Farm Association distributed 100 bags of potato seed.

“This comes just in time for the spring planting season,” Sanchez said. “Potato farming is a large portion of the agricultural business in the western section of Baghdad province.”

Iraqi and U.S. forces also distributed meals, blankets and other necessities to hundreds of needy Baghdad citizens this week, Sanchez added. Residents of the often volatile Haifa Street neighborhood in central Baghdad were the recipients of humanitarian aid from Iraqi security forces and troops from 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, Sanchez said.

“Our Civil Military Operations Centers throughout Baghdad continue to serve the local populace,” Sanchez said.

Though the implementation of the new security plan for Baghdad is just beginning, Campbell said he’s encouraged by the early results.

“With the cache finds this week, the detentions we’ve made and creating a larger presence on Baghdad streets with the establishment of another combat outpost, we are making headway with the Baghdad security plan,” Campbell said.
“This is only the beginning.”

Alleged Al Qaeda military planner, 14 others captured

BAGHDAD –Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq military planner and detained 14 other suspected terrorists during operations Sunday.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists including an alleged al-Qaeda military planner who is suspected of attacks in the Muhalabiyah village.

In Baghdad, five suspects were detained with alleged ties to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices procurement and operations cell.

Coalition Forces also detained six suspected terrorists northeast of Balad who have alleged ties to foreign fighter operations.

Two more people were detained in Tikrit with suspected ties to al-Qaeda foreign fighter facilitation.

No civilians or Coalition Forces were injured during the raids.

These types of operations continue to disrupt al-Qaeda’s ability to operate in Iraq.

Coalition Forces will continue to capture or kill terrorists who are trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq.

Iraqi Army detains 10 after receiving small arms fire 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army troops working with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained 10 insurgents northeast of Al Haswah, Iraq, Sunday.
Soldiers or 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division working with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment detained the suspects after coming under small arms fire near the village of Ubaydah. There were no casualties in the incident.
The suspects are being held for further questioning by Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi Army, 2-7 Cavalry take down insurgent operation; solve murder, uncover large weapons cache
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MOSUL – Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division and A Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, raided several buildings in northeast Mosul on Feb. 9 in response to intelligence received about a possible weapons cache.

2-7 Cavalry Soldiers arrived on site and began receiving small-arms fire from the upper floor of an adjacent mosque.

They managed to suppress the fire while the IA soldiers investigated. No additional fire was reported and the 2-7 troops continued their mission.

10 suspects were detained in the southern compound, five of which tested positive for explosive residue.

Millions of Dinar, worth thousands of dollars in U.S. currency, was also found in an underground storage room along with over 400 fake identification cards.

One suspect was detained in the northern compound, and a tunnel gave way to the discovered cache of ordnance and weapons.

o approximately 250,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition
o grenade fuses
o dozens of rockets
o 100 grenades
o over 200 mortar rounds
o more than a dozen rocket launchers
o approximately 100 pounds of IED-making material
o more than a dozen small arms

All of the ordnance was turned over to explosive ordnance disposal teams, and the remaining evidence was processed along with the 11 detainees.

Soldiers from 2-7 Cavalry continue to partner with members of the Iraqi army and Iraqi police in rooting out illegal weapons and shutting down illegal operations that harm the citizens of Ninewa Province.

Polish Civil Military Cooperation group accomplishes projects
Multi-National Division – Central South PAO

CAMP ECHO – The Polish Civil Military Cooperation group of Multi-National Division-Central South completed four public works projects in Al Qadisiyah province Sunday.

In the village of Abu Gerror, in the Nuffar district of Al Quadisyah province, soldiers finished a water purification and distribution station project.

“From our project, four adjacent villages will profit. It is approximately 500 inhabitants,” said Capt. Mariusz Migon, commander of the 2nd Tactical Support Team of the CIMIC group, who supervised the project.

In the towns of Umm Shorin, Al Haffar and Abu Fulus, the CIMIC Group completed three more projects. “Two projects concerned the renovation of medical centers.

"The last one is related to the water station,” said Capt Ernest Szumelda, who supervised those projects.

“An access to renovated and equipped medical centers will have got over 1,000 inhabitants.” Each facility employs medical personnel. Before renovation, the buildings were in ruins.

The water purification station is an entirely new project. Thanks to it, roughly 700 people will have access to potable water.

“We accomplished these projects to benefit the local society. The estimated price of these four projects is $369,000,” said LTC Andrzej Dylong, PhD, the commander of the CIMIC group. “I am glad that we could hand over projects without any faults.”

All these projects were accomplished within three months.

Iraqi Army Captures Members of Kidnapping, Murder Cell
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured an alleged member of a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi militia during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 13 in northern Baghdad. The suspects are believed responsible for kidnapping, torture and murder of Iraqi citizens and security forces in the area.

The Iraqi-led and planned operation was targeting a rogue JAM cell operating against civilians and Iraqi Police in the Salih Hassan area of north-central Baghdad. Ten other persons were detained for further question by Iraqi Forces.

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

Iraqi Army Captures Weapons Supplier
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a suspected weapons supplier and financier of sectarian violence conducted by rogue Jaysh Al Mahdi cells. The capture occurred during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 13 in Raminiya, in northern Baghdad.

Iraqi Forces detained an additional person for questioning.

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

Al Qaeda network targeted; 27 suspected terrorists detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 27 suspected terrorists during a series of coordinated raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Wednesday morning.

These operations disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate within their network.

During a series of raids in Ramadi, Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists with alleged ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks. Ground forces seized computers and electronic equipment during the operations.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists and detained three more suspects in Karmah, all with alleged ties to the al Qaeda in Iraq network.

Coalition Forces continue methodical, deliberate efforts to eliminate terrorism in Iraq.

IA Captures Weapons Cache in Baghdad Mosque
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a large weapons cache during operations with Coalition advisers Feb. 14 in central Baghdad.

Iraqi Forces entered the Barantha Mosque during operations targeting illegally armed militia kidnapping, torture and murder activities. The mosque is reportedly used as a place to conduct sectarian violence against Iraqi civilians as well as a safe haven and weapons storage area for illegal militia groups.

While Coalition Forces established security around the mosque, Iraqi Forces entered the mosque in search of the weapons cache. Security guards at the mosque cooperated with Iraqi Forces during the search. Iraqi Forces took every effort to have doors and locks opened by key holding escorts during the search.

Iraqi Forces found and confiscated three PKC heavy machine guns and 80 assault rifles.
Minimal damage occurred during operations and there were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi Forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

IA conducts operations against rogue JAM in Al Mashru
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces detained several suspects during operations Feb. 15 targeting a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi cell in Al Mashru, south of As Suwayrah. The operation, conducted with Coalition advisers, targeted a number of rogue JAM involved in running a punishment committee in Al Mashru, sectarian kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians as well as the assassination of several Iraqi Policemen. The cell is involved in numerous improvised explosive device attacks as well as small-arms and machine-gun attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in the area.

Iraqi Forces entered several locations during operations. Iraqi Forces detained two suspects at one location and were moving to another location when they received small-arms fire from two hostile fighters outside the structure. Iraqi Forces returned fire against the threat, causing the two fighters to surrender. They were detained by Iraqi Forces.

Iraqi Forces received additional small-arms fire from hostile fighters located within the structure. Iraqi Forces entered the building, clearing two rooms and detaining several individuals. Entering a third room, Iraqi Forces again received small-arms fire from hostile fighters located inside. Iraqi Forces returned fire against the threat, killing one hostile fighter.

Iraqi Forces secured the building without further incident.

Operations resulted in minimal damage and there were no Iraqi Forces or Coalition Forces casualties. There were no reports of Iraqi civilian casualties.

HOSTAGE RESCUED IN SALMAN PAK

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces rescued an Iraqi citizen during an operation Wednesday in the Salman Pak area targeting al-Qaida terrorists and an associated vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices/IED network.

During the operation, Coalition Forces found a male Iraqi citizen shackled in one of the rooms of a targeted building. Ground forces detained four males who were found hiding near the building. During a search, Coalition Forces found the hostage’s cell phone on one of the detainees. The detainees are being held for questioning to determine their involvement in the hostage taking.

According to the hostage, he was tied up with a hood over his head for three days. He said he had prayed and fasted the entire three days because he believed he was going to be executed by his captors.

The man was transported to a nearby military medical facility for an examination.
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.

‘Polar Bears’ nab caches in unexpected finds
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

RUSHDI MULLAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad forces found several large caches along Iraq’s Mulla Fayad Highway near the village of Rushdi Mullah, Iraq Feb. 14.
Soldiers of Company C, 4th “Polar Bear” Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were burning reeds along the highway to destroy concealment used by terrorists when they heard explosions caused by the fires at approximately noon.
They discovered a directional charge loaded with explosives, four empty directional charges, five tank rounds, a burned AK-47 and two magazines, two 60mm mortar base plates, and 300 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
The remainder of the cache was destroyed with a controlled detonation.
Later that afternoon, a patrol from Co. C found five more caches in the same area, which contained four 120mm tank sabot rounds, Russian tank rounds, a sack of 12.7mm rounds for a heavy machine gun, 15 empty directional charges, five explosive-packed directional charges rigged with detonation cord, a 105mm rocket round and homemade explosives.
“We took 25 improvised explosive devices off the street today,” said Maj. Web Wright, spokesman for the 2nd BCT, of the find. “We are definitely making an impact on the Al-Qaida and former regime members’ freedom of maneuver, as well as their weapons stockpiles.”
The caches were seized and destroyed.

Iraqi, U.S. forces seize extensive caches in Iraq
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

LUTIFIYAH, Iraq — A combined operation of Iraqi and Multi-National Division - Baghdad forces discovered and destroyed two caches of weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials near Lutifiyah, Iraq Feb. 13.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division in conjunction with the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), discovered the stockpile west of Lutifiyah at approximately 12:30 p.m. while on patrol.
The first cache contained a land mine, a silencer, 20 feet of detonation cord, a nine-volt battery, a washing machine timer, 11 blasting caps, 10 feet of crush wire, 5,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five rocket-propelled grenade propellant charges, four RPG rounds, a Dragonov sniper rifle magazine, 60 unlinked rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 70 linked 5.56mm rounds, six AK-47 magazines, eight black masks, three tactical vests with Iraqi flags on them and a drum of ammunition for a medium machine gun.
The second cache, found nearby, contained 11 RPG rounds with propellant charges and five RPG launchers.
The weapons were seized and destroyed in a controlled detonation.

IA, CF target terrorist cells in Muqdadiya
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Coalition force members from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, targeted specific terrorist cells in the Jazeera neighborhood of Muqdadiya, Iraq, Thursday as part of an ongoing operation.

The 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, together with Soldiers from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, detained two suspected terrorists and discovered more than 10 weapons caches during the operation.

“The discovery of the weapons caches and the elimination of terrorist cells is credible evidence to the progress of the 5th Iraqi Army Division,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province and commander of 3-1 Cav. “As we continue to discover these caches, a significant impact is made on the enemy’s ability to target the security forces and the people of Diyala.”

One of the individuals detained is a leader of a sub-group responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices and conducting kidnappings.

Two of the 12 caches contained IEDs, which were fully prepared for detonation. The other caches included several anti-tank mines; and IED making material such as mortar rounds, propane tanks and other explosives.

BOMB-MAKING FACILITY DESTROYED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces performed a controlled detonation destroying an improvised explosive devices factory in Salman Pak Thursday during an operation targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq-related IED network.

During a search of a targeted building, Coalition Forces found a large amount of IED making material including 1,000 pounds of various types of explosives.

An explosives ordnance disposal team determined that the material was too unstable to remove. Ground forces cordoned off the area and ensured local citizens were moved to a safe distance during the controlled detonation.

The IED-making materials and building were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

Coalition Forces take great precautions to mitigate risks to civilians while in pursuit of terrorists. Terrorists continue to put civilians in danger by operating among them.

IA Captures Al Qaeda In Iraq Cell Leader, Recovers Weapons Cache
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 5th Iraqi Army Division captured a suspected Al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader during operations Feb. 15 in Muqdadiyah. The suspect is believed responsible for coordinating and carrying out several improvised explosive device and rocket attacks targeting Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

During the operation, several munitions caches were recovered by Iraqi Forces. Munitions confiscated included 12 152mm artillery projectiles, ten 130mm artillery projectiles, five 105mm artillery projectiles, ten 120mm mortar rounds, 15 82mm mortar rounds, ten 60mm mortar rounds, 23 anti-tank mines, explosives and detonation cord.

The operation was planned and conducted by 5th IA Division forces. Coalition Forces accompanied the Iraqi force in an advisory role. Operations caused minimal damage and there were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

The operation is another example of the increasing capability of Iraqi Forces to combat violent elements operating within Iraq and Iraqi Forces ability to provide for the safety and security of citizens within Muqdadiyah.

Iraqi Government and 1st Iraqi Army Division assumes control
Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Major General W.E. Gaskin, commanding general, Multi National Force-Western Iraq (MNF-W), relinquished operational control of the 1st Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Tariq Abual Wahab Jasim el Azawi, to Iraqi Ground Force Command in a ceremony held today in Habbaniyah, 65 km west of Baghdad.

The 1st Iraqi Army Division, headquartered in Habbaniyah, is one of two Iraqi Army divisions located in Al Anbar and the first to assume control of its own battle space in Iraq’s western-most province. The division’s area of responsibility is centered largely in the strategic city of Fallujah, but brigades from the 1st Iraqi Army Division operate from Baghdad to Ramadi.

“We share a common goal - to provide a secure and stable environment so that Iraq and its citizens can achieve the prosperity they deserve,” said Gaskin in his address to the division’s soldiers.

Coalition Forces will continue to coordinate logistical and medical support with the Iraqi government and army.

“I have every bit of respect for American families and American people in general who lost their loved ones in the way of liberating Iraq and establishing a democracy here,” said Brig. Gen. Baha’a Hussay ‘Abd, deputy commanding general, 1st Iraqi Army Division.

Commanding General, Multi-National Force-West, Maj. Gen. W.E. Gaskin, Sr., hands a flag to Deputy Commanding General, 1st Iraqi Division, Brig. Gen. Baha'a Hussay 'Abd, during a Transfer of Authority ceremony in Habbiniyah, Iraq, Feb. 15. The ceremony marks a transition of Iraqi resuming control of more of the Al Anbar Province.

Soldiers from the 1st Iraqi Division march in a pass in review during a Transfer of Authority ceremony in Habbiniyah, Iraq, Feb. 15. The 1st Iraqi Division will now report to Iraqi Ground force Command vice Multi-National Force-West.

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101st Fighting Keyboardists

Last bit was here: http://newportcity.blogspot.com/2007/02/more-good-news-from-iraq.html

Before that it was 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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