CCCI convicts 25, sentences 6 to deathBAGHDAD, Iraq — The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 25 individuals from March 11 - 17, for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary.
The trial court sentenced four individuals to death Mar. 14 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The four individuals were apprehended Jan. 4 by Multi-National Forces. Multi-National Forces found an anti-tank mine near one of the convicted individual’s vehicle and a video camera and video tape in the vehicle’s glove compartment showing the convicted individuals making Improved Explosive Devices. Detailed instructions on how to use a sniper rifle and scope were also found. Two of the convicted individuals told Multi-National Forces they were paid to emplace IEDs.
CCCI sentenced another individual to death Mar. 11 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The convicted individual was apprehended in Fallujah Dec. 18, 2006 after the individual and two insurgents attacked an Iraqi Police Recruiting Center with Rocket Propelled Grenades and a PKM machine gun. After a small arms firefight, where the two insurgents were killed and the convicted individual was injured, the convicted individual was apprehended. Iraqi Police discovered two RPG launchers, two RPGs and one PKM machine gun.
The trial court also sentenced another individual to death on Mar. 15 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The convicted individual was apprehended by Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Police near Al Rutba Dec. 9, 2006. After searching the individual’s vehicle, Iraqi Police found four feet of detonation cord, ten electric blasting caps, sixteen 120mm mortars and two 155mm explosive mortar projectiles.
Ten individuals were convicted Mar. 11 – 17 for possessing illegal weapons in violation of CPA Order 3/2003. The convicted received sentences ranging from one to 30 years imprisonment.
Six individuals were convicted for possessing illegal weapons in violation of 27/3 of the Iraqi Weapons Law. The convicted received sentences ranging from a 100,000 dinar fine to 15 years imprisonment.
The remaining three individuals were found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, violation 10/1 of the Iraqi Passport Law and violation of Article 430 of the Iraqi Penal Law. The convicted individuals were sentenced to 10 years, 15 years and one year imprisonment respectively.
Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,965 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,706 individuals with sentences ranging from fines to imprisonment to death.SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS SELF; AIR STRIKE KILLS THREE TERRORISTS
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – A Coalition Forces air strike killed three terrorists Saturday and 12 other suspects were captured during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.
During an operation in a rural area southeast of Ar Rutbah, Coalition Forces attempted to detain four armed terrorists. One terrorist detonated an explosive device killing himself. The other three attempted to escape in a vehicle. Determining hostile intent, Coalition Forces engaged the vehicle with precision fires from a fixed wing aircraft killing the three armed men. Coalition Forces found a suicide vest, grenades and multiple weapons during a search of the scene. No civilians or friendly forces were injured during the operation.
In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation and weapons distribution.
Two suspects were captured in Baghdad with reported ties to vehicle-borne improvised explosive device manufacturing.
A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq courier was also detained east of Balad.
“These operations serve as a message to terrorist elements that they will not operate freely or find safe haven in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Mansour Security District Clearing Continues- Soldiers Find 7 Caches Including 150 Cases of Alcohol
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 3rd SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Officer
BAGHDAD – In a third day of clearing operations in the Iraqi capital’s Al Mansour Security District, Iraqi security forces and coalition Soldiers discovered seven weapons, explosive and contraband caches; detained three suspected terrorists; and found two improvised explosive devices March 23.
One cache included 100 cases of Smirnoff Vodka, 50 cases of Johnny Walker Bourbon, three hand grenades and several passports. The six other weapons and explosives caches totaled 50 gallons of nitric acid, six bags of homemade explosives, one suicide vest, one PKC light machine gun, two AK-47 assault rifles, one shotgun, two hand grenades, one set of body armor, several hundred rounds of ammunition, 15 propaganda videos, and numerous improvised explosive device materials.
Over the last three days of clearing operations Iraqi security forces and coalition Soldiers detained 34 suspected terrorists and found 15 weapons and explosives caches.
The operation coined as Arrowhead Strike 9 included approximately 500 Iraqi security forces from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division; 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division; 4th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division; and 5th Battalion, 2nd National Police Brigade. Nearly 1,100 U.S Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division were also involved in the operation.
Golden Dragons finds second weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs
RADWANIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found a large
weapons cache southwest of here March 23.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache
during a combat patrol in the area.
In the cache were 1,682 7.62mm rounds, 1,500 machine gun rounds, 883 60mm
fuses, 18 60mm rounds, 10 120mm rounds, an empty rocket-propelled grenade crate, a
machine gun pedestal, a 60mm bipod leg and two waterproof stuff sacks.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation
conducted by the explosive ordnance disposal team.
Iraqi Police detain driver of car bomb
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
FOB KALSU, Iraq — A parked vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonated
wounding two Iraqi Policemen and one civilian March 23 north of An Najaf.
An individual, identified as the vehicle driver, was detained and is in custody of
the Najaf Iraqi Police.
Additional Iraqi security forces responded to the attack, secured the site and took
the injured to a nearby medical facility.
The incident is under investigation.
Paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th
Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division received the report,n“This incident highlighted the importance and effectiveness of IP check points and provincial security since the achievement of provincial Iraqi control late last year,” said Maj. Eric Verzola, 4th BCT (ABN), 25th Inf. Div. spokesman.
IA Captures suspect connected to kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a suspect tied to the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians as well as attacks targeting Iraqi Security Forces during operations Saturday with Coalition advisers in Sadr City.
Iraqi Forces captured the suspect without incident during the early morning operation.
Credible intelligence indicates the suspect allegedly plans, organizes and participates in the kidnapping and killing of civilians as well as intimidation and extortion. He is suspected of illegally trafficking weapons and munitions and is suspected of participating in indirect fire attacks against Iraqi Security Forces.
Conference brings together leaders of Tigris River Valley
Multi-National Division – North PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – Community leaders, commanders in the Iraqi Police and Army, members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, and Coalition leaders met March 20 to share information and assess program successes and failures in their respective areas.
The Southern Tigris River Valley Leadership Conference, attended by Ninewa Provincial Governor, Kashmoula, and Ninewa Provincial Director of Police, Maj. Gen. Wathiq, was held in the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, and provided a forum for all in attendance to voice their issues to their peers as well as the elected officials within the Government of Iraq’s Ninewa Province.
Following an extensive question and answer session, the participants were separated into four informal working groups, based upon their specialization. These included the:
Executive Group – containing the Ninewa Provincial Governor, distinguished guests, local mayors, and the municipality managers.
Legislative Group – containing the district and sub-district council members, as well as members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Iraqi Police Group – containing the Ninewa Provincial Director of Police, Maj. Gen. Wathiq, and the local area police chiefs.
Iraqi Army Group – containing several 2nd Iraqi Army Division commanders, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, Col. Stephen Twitty, and the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment commander, Lt. Col. Robert McLaughlin.
Topics discussed included water, electricity, fuel, detainee operations, and security. Participants briefly discussed the funding of future projects, but primarily focused on ways to improve the standard of living for the local populace.
Baghdad Eagles and Commandos find nine caches near Al QaQaa Weapons Facility
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi and coalition forces detained 62 suspected terrorists, discovered four improvised explosive devices and found a massive weapons cache in the Mahmudiyah, Iraq area near the Al QaQaa Weapons Facility March 23.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment’s advisory team, also of the 2nd BCT detained the suspected terrorists and found the weapons cache during Operation Eagle Dive, an operation intended to disrupt anti-Iraqi forces within the 2-15 FA area of operations.
During the operation, Soldiers discovered a series of small caches and consolidated it into one massive cache.
In the nine caches was a 120mm mortar tube with a base plate, five 82mm mortar tubes, a 82mm base plate, three 82mm tripods, a complete 60mm mortar system, a mortar bore brush, 30 boxes of mortar primers, 70 loose mortar fuses, two sniper rifles with scopes, nine 155mm projectiles, 122 82mm projectiles, a 105mm projectile, 122 82mm projectiles, 106 60mm projectiles, six rocket-propelled grenade-7 systems, an RPG scope, an RPG night scope, 55 RPG-7 rounds, seven RPG-9 rounds, 15 boxes of PKC ammunition, 18 AK-47s, 10 pounds of unknown explosives, 15 hand grenades, a partial 14.5mm projectile, a M-759 fuze, 15 complete sets of Iraqi Army uniforms, 20 feet of detonation cord, 24 blasting caps, three anti-aircraft platforms, two anti-aircraft barrels, 100 loose rounds, four acetylene tanks, three Motorola radios, a 8mm video tape, various medical supplies, various anti-Iraqi forces compact discs and
religious paperwork.
“These caches are probably related to larger trafficking of arms throughout that area,” said Lt. Col. Frank Andrews, the 2nd BCT executive officer and native of Apex, N.C. “The IA uniforms found in the cache were likely to be used by the terrorist to intimidate local nationals in the area in an effort to discredit the Iraqi Army.”
The caches were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Four improvised explosive devices were also discovered in the area along Route Jackson, one of the main routes leading into the Mahmudiyah area.
During the operation, Soldiers discovered two bodies of local nationals who appeared to have been executed.
The 68 detainees were taken to Patrol Base Mahmudiyah, Iraq for further questioning.
“This operation highlighted the competence of the extremely capable 4th Brigade., 6th Iraqi Army Division, who planned and executed it (the operation) with support from their partnered unit, 2-15 FAR,” Andrews added.
Golden Dragons discover home-made explosives near Radwaniyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
RADWANIYAH, Iraq — Coalition and Iraqi forces discovered a cache containing homemade
explosives southwest of here March 25.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the
explosives, totaling 700 pounds, in potato sacks along a reed line during a combat
patrol.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted
by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Operation reaps large cache, 31 detainees
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
KALSU, Iraq – An operation south of Baghdad by Iraqi Army Soldiers uncovered a large weapon and ammunition cache, improvised explosive device making material and detained insurgents March 23.
2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition Military Transition Team from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted a cordon and search near Diyarah which greatly limited the ability of insurgents to operate in the area.
The Iraqi Army led cordon was effective, resulting in the detainment of 31 insurgents.
“This was an outstanding operation. The IA was aggressive in taking the initiative,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Roth, commander, 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion and native of San Jose, Calif. “Their execution of this mission and others like it will bring security to northern Babil province.”
They conducted a precise operation that apprehended detainees wanted by Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces and found several insurgent bunkers used as hiding places when pursued by Iraqi Security Forces.
Bomb detector kits revealed 12 positive results on detainees; indicating they had been handling explosives.
The cache uncovered during the operation included nine AK-47s, one assault rifle, one heavy machine gun, 500 rounds 7.62, 50 rounds 14.5 mm, 150 rounds for heavy machine gun, 32 AK-47 ammunition magazines, three concussion grenades, one 122 mm artillery round, one 105 mm artillery round, one anti-tank mine, one rocket-propelled grenade, 400 feet of command wire, two 15 in. pressure wires, one time fuse, several electric blasting caps and non-electric primer caps, six 6-volt motorcycle batteries, five washing machine timers, 50 pounds of explosive accelerator, three grenades, one chemical protective mask, one tractor, and five civilian trucks.
The operation was a joint effort which involved over 400 Iraqi Army personnel and assisted the people of Iraq in establishing security in the northern portion of Babil province.
“This operation was a major step forward towards Babil achieving provincial Iraqi Control and the IA Soldiers preformed well,” said Roth.
“Our Soldiers felt good about their performance in this operation,” said Brig. Gen. Abdul Amir, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division commander. “Much was achieved by this operation today.”
The detainees are being held for further questioning.
Large Weapons Cache Found in Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces operating in the Sadr City area of the Iraqi capital discovered a large weapons cache March 24.
Iraqi Security Forces of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Iraqi National Police and 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR), 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conducted operations in Sadr City in their efforts to secure the area from militia extremists.
The Iraqi National Police received a tip from an Iraqi citizen about the location of a weapons cache. The National Police and Coalition force members investigated the tip and found a weapons cache containing 470 anti-tank mines.
“The cache found by the 2/8/2 National Police and the 2-325th AIR Paratroopers will definitely have an impact in Sadr City” said 2-325TH AIR operations officer Maj. Trey Rutherford.
Suicide Truck Bomb Captured in Ramadi
Multi-National Force – West PAO
RAMADI, IRAQ – Iraqi Police apprehended a suicide truck bomber and captured his vehicle, containing a large quantity of chlorine and explosives, when it failed to detonate in Ramadi March 23.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., a white cargo truck came to a halt near the entrance to the Jezeera police station, located about 150 meters from a water treatment plant. The police approached the truck for further investigation and detained the driver when they discovered the truck was rigged with explosives and the driver was attempting to detonate the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the truck contained an unknown number of 55-gallon drums, which were used to camouflage five 1000-gallon barrels filled with chlorine and more than two tons of explosives.
The driver is being held for further questioning and all explosives were removed from the truck and destroyed by demolition experts.
Mansour Security District Clearing Continues: Local Tips Lead to 5 Suspected Terrorists and One Weapons Cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – In a sixth day of clearing operations in the Iraqi capital’s Al Mansour
security district, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Soldiers detained a total of eight
suspected terrorists and discovered four weapons caches. Five of the eight people
detained came as a result from tips provided by local citizens.
On the evening of March 25, a local Iraqi woman provided a tip to Soldiers from
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment and they conducted an early morning raid March 26
that led to the arrest of five suspected terrorists. A second tip provided by an Iraqi
citizen led to the discovery of an 82mm mortar tube in an abandoned house. Two other
weapons caches found today included two AK-47 assault rifles, one shotgun, two 9mm
pistols, two black ski masks, and electronic components used for making improvised
explosive devices.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division
searched the Al Shaheed Mosque and found a fourth weapons cache consisting of two
rocket propelled grenade boosters, five AK-47 assault rifles with 12 magazines, one
hand grenade, four rolls of concertina wire and a box of medical supplies.
Over the last six days of clearing operations Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition
Soldiers have detained 63 suspected terrorists, discovered 27 weapons caches and
found two prepared car bombs. The operation coined as “Arrowhead Strike 9” included
Iraqi Security Forces from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division; 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army
Division; 4th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division; and 5th Battalion, 2nd National Police
Brigade. U.S Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Stryker
Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division were also involved in the operation.
Suspected Suicide Car Bomb Ring Leader Captured
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – The alleged leader of an insurgent cell that specialized in suicide vehicles was captured in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah security district at approximately 9:00 a.m. March 21.
The alleged cell leader and his driver were engaged by small arms fire after elements from A. Co., 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division noticed his vehicle weaving in-and –out of traffic. The driver initially ignored signals to stop the vehicle.
Upon stopping the vehicle, the passenger was identified as Haytham Kazim Abdallah Al-Shimari. He is suspected of being involved in the planning and execution of the majority of car bombs which have killed hundreds of Iraqi citizens in Sadr City.
Haytham and his driver are being held for questioning.
Five terrorists killed, 22 suspects detained in raids
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists in operations during the past week targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.
During a four-day operation near Karmah, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists after receiving enemy fire and detained a total of 10 suspected terrorists. Three hostages were liberated and treated for injuries they sustained while in captivity.
Several weapons caches were discovered consisting of five DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine guns, 12 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, homemade rocket launchers, mortar tubes, 57mm rockets, improvised explosive devices, and multiple wired propane tanks. The caches were destroyed at the scene to prevent future use by terrorists.
On Monday near Taji, Coalition Forces conducted a raid targeting known foreign fighter facilitators operating in the area. During the raid of one foreign fighter bed down site, Coalition Forces encountered and killed an armed terrorist. Two more terrorists ran from a targeted building and set up defensive positions along the embankment of an irrigation canal. Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing the two terrorists. Near the targeted site, four suspected terrorists surrendered and were detained. Women and children were present during the operations, but none were injured.
“Terrorists continue to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by operating among them,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Coalition Forces take extensive precautions to protect civilians while in pursuit of terrorists.”
Also on Monday, Coalition Forces captured seven suspected terrorists southwest of Karbala during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators. One suspect was also detained north of Karmah with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq.
U.S. Army Soldiers ward off attack by Al Qaeda
Multi-National Force – West PAO
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team 6 repelled a coordinated attack on a Coalition post, including two suicide truck bombs, approximately 4 km north of Karmah March 26.
The attack started at about 2 p.m. when a Soldier from 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment (Airborne), attached to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), engaged a water truck attempting to enter the compound without authorization, causing it to detonate.
Immediately following the explosion, approximately 30 terrorist fighters engaged the compound with small-arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and mortars.
The Soldiers returned fire with small arms, mortars and artillery from Regimental Combat Team 6.
Approximately five minutes into the attack, Soldiers engaged a dump truck following the same path as the previous suicide attacker, causing it to also detonate.
Initial estimates indicate as many as 15 terrorists were killed.
Eight U.S. Soldiers were wounded in the attack. One was evacuated to a nearby Coalition medical facility and the remaining seven were treated on site and returned to duty.
2-12 Cav holds free health clinic in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD—Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers put smiles on kid’s faces during a health clinic operation on March 25. The clinic treated over 200 Iraqis from all over southern Ghazaliya, a neighborhood in northwestern Baghdad.
While the Iraqi Army provided security, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, medics screened the Iraqis to determine their health needs. If care was required, the battalion’s physician’s assistant, 1st Lt. Luis Lozada, examined the patients. The brigade dentist, Capt. Matthew Philips, was also present and serviced any dental requirements.
Since the make-shift clinic was at a school, the Soldiers took the opportunity to help the school kids out by donating school supplies. Teamed up with the Iraqi Army, the Soldiers gave out pens, pencils, paper, backpacks, soccer balls, newspapers, and various other items.
Company D came well stocked with boxes of medical supplies to provide care for the Iraqi people. The boxes consisted of ibuprofen, bandages and other medical supplies. The company also treated Iraqis with a variety of health problems, varying from eye and skin issues to ear infections. The Soldiers even gave out prescription medications for Iraqis with diabetes and hypertension.
Iraqi Army and coalition forces detain two suspected terrorists
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi Army and coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists in Mahmudiyah, Iraq March 24.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) detained the suspected terrorists during a combat patrol.
While conducting the patrol, a local Iraqi woman signaled for the soldiers to stop, pointed to two vehicles saying they were terrorists. The soldiers immediately established an outer cordon and searched the vehicles within the area.
While searching the vehicles the four Iraqis ran. Two of those who fled were captured and detained.
The detainees were taken to an Iraqi Army compound for further questioning.
IA, Black Dragons find IED components in wadi
Multi-National Division – North PAO
QAYARRAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers, in a joint patrol with their Coalition counterparts, discovered various mortar rounds and propellant canisters March 24 in a drainage culvert under a major roadway.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, along with Coalition troops from B Co., 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, found shell casings, dried cement with finger imprints, cordite pellets, and a makeshift funnel, indicating the improvised explosive devices were being completed under a culvert, concealed from aircraft.
The munitions found included:
• Six 120mm mortar shells
• 28 122mm mortar shells
• 19 155mm mortar shells
• Two 57mm anti-aircraft rounds
The patrol also recovered several hundred meters of copper wire leading away from the munitions and highway.
All of the captured explosives were removed from the area and destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal specialists.
Polar Bears seize terrorists and weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs
RUSHDI MULLAH, Iraq — Coalition forces detained an 18 year-old terrorist and discovered a weapons cache along Route Malibu south of here Saturday.
Scouts from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) detained the terrorist and found the cache during a combat operation.
The scouts noticed two local national men emplacing an improvised explosive device along Route Malibu. The patrol engaged them with small arms fire.
One terrorist was wounded during the incident, both were captured.
The scouts then searched the area where they were emplacing the IED and found a cell phone, a shovel and copper wire.
The wounded terrorist was medically evacuated to Patrol Base Inchon for medical care.
Both are being held for further questioning.
THREE ANTI-IRAQI FORCES DETAINED
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Iraqi and Coalition Forces captured three suspected criminals during an operation Tuesday morning targeting anti-Iraqi forces in Najaf.
Intelligence reports indicated individuals in the targeted area were involved with the facilitation of weapons into Iraq.
“Iraqi and Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate the threat to Iraqi forces," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “These threats are a hindrance to the peace and stability the Iraqi people deserve.”
Weapons cache destroyed, four suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists and destroyed a weapons cache Tuesday morning during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.
During an operation in Mosul, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq. The two suspects were in the process of accessing a weapons cache consisting of mortar tubes, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft rounds and several thousand rounds of small arms ammunition. The cache was destroyed on site to prevent future use by terrorists.
One suspect reportedly involved with al-Qaeda was detained in Tarmiyah and one suspect was captured in Fallujah with alleged involvement in a foreign fighter facilitation network.
Baghdad Eagles and Commandos find five weapons caches and detain 38 suspected terrorists
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi and Multi-National Division – Baghdad forces detained 38 suspected terrorists, and discovered an improvised explosive device and seized five weapons caches south of Baghdad March 27.
Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) participated in Operation Eagle Thunder III, an operation intended to deny terrorists safe haven within the southern region of Iraq.
Of the suspected terrorists detained during the operation two were wanted for ties to terrorism, five were carrying illegal weapons and four others were in a vehicle that contained an AK-47, four magazines and a hand grenade.
In the caches were anti-aircraft propaganda, an insurgent information booklet, two bags of homemade explosives, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with five rockets, a 122mm projectile, a propane tank and various small arms ammunition.
Later in the operation a command wire IED was discovered near the road near the al QaQaa weapons facility, southwest of Yusufiyah.
The detainees are being held for further questioning.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by the explosive ordnance disposal team.
US and Iraqi Forces Help Victims of Western Baghdad Fire
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD —Iraqi and U.S. Army forces teamed up to provide relief for victims of a fire in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Kadamiyah on March 27. Tuesday was the second of two days set aside for the residents of the neighborhood to file claims for losses that occurred during a fire around the middle of the March.
The cause of the March 21 fire is still unknown. The unit that patrols the area, the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, has energized the relief effort.
On March 24 and March 27, US representatives from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, set up a claims processing center at the Kadamiyah Government Building. Normally claims are only accepted at a small operating base near the Baghdad International Airport, but the brigade’s Judge Advocate General decided to go to the neighborhood in order to reach a greater number of people.
Shortly after 10:00 AM the doors were opened and people who had gotten the word about the event began trickling in.
Two loudspeaker teams from the 2nd BCT began moving throughout the neighborhood broadcasting an announcement about the claims in Arabic.
Iraqi and US Soldiers provided security for the event ensuring the crowds that eventually gathered stayed safe and under control. Specially trained Iraq is pre-screened claimants disqualifying many who did not have valid claims and ensuring timely service for the residents affected by the fire.
In two days 81 claims for over $197,000 were settled.
“We have yet to receive any negative comments,” says Capt. Jimmy Peay, one of the architects for the event. “We’ve had several (Iraqis) express their appreciation for the Army’s efforts in Baghdad.”
Operation disarms insurgents with Iraqis in the lead
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
KALSU, Iraq – An Iraqi security force led operation executed a city wide weapons confiscation campaign March 27 in Hillah.
The 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division soldiers and Hillah Iraqi Police worked together to conduct a cordon and search operation to confiscate unauthorized weapons, detain 14 insurgents, and secure bomb-making materials in Hillah and outlying areas.
A military transition team from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division assisted in command and control.
The weapons that were confiscated included 124 AK-47 rifles, 15 various 7.62 rifles, fifteen pistols, one shotgun, 84 AK-47 ammunition magazines and 10 pistol magazines.
Eighteen sticks of C-4 explosives were found and secured, and 14 insurgents were detained and are being held for questioning.
More than 700 Iraqi security force personnel took part in the operation.
MNF-I updated statement on violence in Tal Afar
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Prime Minister of Iraq has formed a committee composed of Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior officials to investigate the recent incidents in Tal Afar. Those individuals or parties responsible for these horrific acts will be pursued and brought to justice in accordance with Iraqi law.
The Multi-National Force–Iraq commander joins the Iraqi Prime Minister in condemning the acts of violence and in calling upon the citizens of Tal Afar and all parties to cooperate in stemming the violence.
The Coalition force stands ready to lend assistance to our Iraqi partners in the coming days as well as to assist in enforcing the rule of law.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured and to the families of those Iraqis martyred in Tal Afar.
Fallujah Government Center attacked by chlorine truck bombs
Multi National Force – West PAO
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers and police repelled a complex attack at the Fallujah Government Center, including two suicide truck bombs containing chlorine, on the morning of March 28.
The attack began at 6:33 a.m. with mortar fire, followed by two truck bombs and small arms fire. Iraqi Police identified the first suicide attacker and fired on the truck, causing it to detonate before reaching the compound. Iraqi Army soldiers spotted the second suicide truck approaching the gate and engaged it with small arms fire, causing it to also detonate near the entrance of the compound.
Approximately 15 Iraqi Security and Coalition Force members sustained injuries from the bomb blast and were evacuated to the 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade’s aid station and a Coalition medical facility.
Numerous Iraqi Soldiers and Policemen are being treated for symptoms such as labored breathing, nausea, skin irritation and vomiting that are synonymous with chlorine inhalation.
No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were killed in the attack.
Joint operation disrupts extremist power base
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BAQUBAH, Iraq – During a joint operation targeted at destroying an Islamic State of Iraq power base in the Diyala River Valley, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces discovered eight weapons caches, killed more than 25 anti-Iraqi forces and detained more than 15 suspected terrorists.
“The Iraqi Security Forces, with our support, will maintain an aggressive approach to operations in order to secure the population and defeat the terrorists. Working together, we are attacking the anti-Iraqi forces in their perceived safe havens,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander. “The ISF continues to improve as we conduct these operations together and the people gain confidence in their security forces’ ability to take the fight to the enemy and secure the population.”
Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with CF from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, have unearthed eight caches to date, consisting of small-arms munitions, more than 60 grenades, rocket-propelled munitions, improvised explosive device-making material and other terrorist equipment.
“These weapons and supplies have been used by the terrorists to attack ISF, CF and the local population in Diyala to destabilize the area. However, the initiative and ability to seize every opportunity to aggressively attack the terrorists will actually destabilize the terrorists,” Sutherland added.
The detainees have been transferred to the Forward Operating Base Warhorse detention facility for further questioning.
The operation, which began March 24, continues to destroy enemy safe havens and restore security to the people of the Diyala River Valley and Iraq.
Coalition forces capture 19 suspected terrorists in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 19 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday morning targeting al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.
During operations east of Karmah, Coalition Forces captured five suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in al-Qaida terrorist operations.
Five suspected terrorists, reportedly tied to foreign fighter facilitation, were detained during a raid northwest of Haditha.
In southwest Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained five suspects who are reportedly involved in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device operations. Three more suspects were detained in Baghdad with alleged ties to al-Qaida.
One suspect, detained south of Fallujah, is reportedly involved in the movement of weapons and forgery of passports.
“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," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
COALITION FORCES KILL FOUR TERRORISTS, DETAIN 15 OTHERS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists and detained 15 others during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks Thursday morning.
In Mosul, ground forces entered a targeted building and were fired upon by four armed men. Ground forces returned fire, killing the armed terrorists. During the raid, ground forces also detained two suspected terrorists. Intelligence reports indicated the targeted individuals were involved in several improvised explosive device attacks on Coalition Forces in the area.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists allegedly involved in al-Qaeda related foreign fighter facilitation.
A raid of a foreign fighter safe house netted two suspects northwest of Haditha and two others were detained during a raid south of Fallujah targeting al-Qaeda finance operations and foreign fighter facilitation.
“Successful Coalition operations continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, restrict the flow of foreign fighters and reduce the terrorist organization’s manpower pool,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Statement from Gen. David H. Petraeus,
Commanding General, Multi-National Force – Iraq,
regarding the recent violence in Tal Afar
BAGHDAD, Iraq – “Al-Qaeda in Iraq elements once again displayed their total disregard for human life, carrying out barbaric actions against innocent Iraqi citizens in an effort to reignite sectarian violence and to undermine recent Iraqi and Coalition successes in improving security in Baghdad.
“These horrific attacks demonstrated al-Qaeda’s complete rejection of respect for life itself and the Coalition joins Iraqi leaders in condemning these latest acts of cold-blooded murder.”
SUSPECTED ANTI-IRAQI FORCES MEMBER DETAINED
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Iraqi and Coalition Forces captured a suspected criminal tied to explosively-formed projectile facilitation networks during an operation Friday morning targeting anti-Iraqi forces in Sadr City.
The suspect is believed to be involved with several violent extremist groups responsible for attacks against the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces and facilitating the movement of EFPs into Iraq.
“Iraqi and Coalition Forces are continually working to degrade extremist operations which are unrelenting against the innocent Iraqi people and the government of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Finally the next time some lefty starts banging on about glorious freedom fighters in Iraq, remind them of this one from the Michael Yon site:
He was dressed as a woman(more cross dressing!) as he walked down the alley toward the mosque full of worshippers. It was Friday, just before Ashura, and the air was chilled.This guy knew what was going to happen and knew that in saving lives it would cost his own, to me that makes him worth more than every arm chair general on the left, better than every politician who sells out our troops, better than every sniping Guardian reader finding excuses to support murdering terrorist scum, just too bad that there wasn't a soldier about to take out the terrorist first. Of course had there been I am sure that George Galloway and his terrorist hugging ilk would have been screaming about nazi US soldiers killing a harmless woman in a burka.
The bomb strapped to his body was studded with ball-bearings so that he could kill more villagers as they gathered for prayer. The detonation would eviscerate and dismember those closest, shattering bones into fragments, but the ball-bearings would ensure lethality beyond the percussive edge of the blast wave, ripping through the flesh of people who might not have been knocked down by the explosion.
There were no soldiers in his path to stop him; no police to alert to the man in women’s clothes. There were only villagers. The man dressed as a woman was to be the agent of their deaths. He kept walking down the alley toward the mosque where more than one hundred people were praying, a mass murderer masquerading in a woman’s garb.
The prayerful people may not have known he was coming, but we hear the explosions every day. Every single day. Seven days per week. I remember the story told to me by Tennessee National Guardsman of another such man who had grabbed the hand of a nearby child as cover, then walked over to some policemen before detonating himself and the child. I remember the bomber who rammed a car full of explosives into vehicle full of American soldiers in Mosul. The Americans had been surrounded by Iraqi children, and the bomber could have waited a block or two then attack the Americans man-on-man, but instead he chose to blow up the Iraqi kids.
The closer a counterfeit comes to the genuine article, the more obvious the deceit. As the murderer dressed in women’s clothes walked purposefully toward his target, there was a village man ahead. But under the guise of a simple villager was a true Martyr, and he, too, had his target in sight. The Martyr had seen through the disguise, but he had no gun. No bomb. No rocket. No stone. No time.
The Martyr walked up to the murderer and lunged into a bear hug, on the spot where we were now standing.
The blast ripped the Martyr to pieces which fell along with pieces of the enemy. Ball-bearings shot through the alley and wounded two children, but the people in the mosque were saved. The man lay in pieces on the ground, his own children having seen how his last embrace saved the people of the village
Tags:Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists
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