Good News From Iraq

In February, Iraqi and coalition forces conducted just over 200 operations against al Qaeda objectives, resulting -- having killed over 100 terrorists and capturing over 400 terrorists.

In an upbeat assessment of the first 30 days of the security plan, Iraqi military spokesman Brigadier Qassim Moussawi said the number of Iraqis killed by violence in Baghdad since February 14 was 265, down from 1,440 killed in the previous month.

The number of car bombings, a favorite weapon used by suspected Sunni Arab militants fighting the Shi'ite-led government, was down to 36 from 56, Moussawi told reporters.

Read it all at MNF-I:

Insurgent cell leader captured
Multi-National Division – North PAO

KIRKUK, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected financier of insurgent activities in
the Kirkuk province during a cordon and search operation March 7.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
conducted the morning mission and captured an indvidual responsible for collecting and
distributing funds to support insurgent attacks against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security and
Coalition Forces.

The suspect also has ties with insurgent cell leaders associated with several car
bomb attacks that have injured dozens of civilians in the city of Kirkuk.

There were no reports of Iraqi civilian or Coalition Forces casualties during the
operation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070310-12
March 10, 2007

Iraqi Army detains 10 and secures weapons, ammunition
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT (Abn.), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers with the support of Multi-National Division –
Baghdad paratroopers conducted a targeted operation that resulted in 10 detainees and
the discovery of a weapons cache in south of Baghdad March 9.

Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division with support from
1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th
Infantry Division captured 10 insurgents near Arab Jabour.

The cache consisted of six AK-47s, 13 AK-47 ammunition magazines, one rifle,
U.S. $600, three motorcycles, one ammunition bandolier, several pieces of anti-coalition
propaganda, 13 cellular phones, and 39 7.62mm ammunition rounds.

This was the third raid in one month lead by these Iraqi Army personnel as the
main effort and coalition forces in support.

The detainees are being held for further questioning.

atrol leads to discovery of caches, IEDs in palm groves
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division supported by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, attached to 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered three caches and two improvised explosive devices while conducting routine patrols in Muqdadiya, Iraq, Thursday.

“The weapons and supplies found during this patrol have multiple uses, however, the primary reason for their use is to disrupt the future of the Iraqi people living in Diyala Province,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala Province. “The people in the province are choosing reconstruction,
stability, and development. The choices being dictated to them by the terrorists are fear and oppression. Iraqi Security Forces are committing themselves to removing the terrorists’ tools.”

The caches consisted of improvised explosive device-making materials including approximately 20 propane tanks and several mortar rounds.

A Coalition Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal unit conducted controlled detonations of the caches and the IEDs.
The unit also detained three individuals riding on a motorcycle with a mortar round rigged to explode. The detainees will be processed for further questioning.

Citizens Demonstrate in Ramadi
Multi-National Force – West PAO

RAMADI, Iraq – A small number of citizens gathered on the streets of Ar Ramadi and conducted a peaceful protest March 9.

About 60 citizens demonstrated through the city districts of Al Sharikah and Qatana when they were informed that an Iraqi woman was believed to be missing and thought to be detained. When the crowd was informed that Iraqi and Coalition forces had not detained any females, the crowd peacefully dispersed.

“This is a coordinated attack by Al Qaeda attempting to undermine Iraq and Coalition Forces cooperation in Ramadi,” said Col. John Charlton, commander for 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “Al Qaeda is attempting to sway the public’s opinion against us by deliberately giving them false information and coercing them into conducting demonstrations. The Iraqi Police are the Sons of Anbar and the protectors of freedom and security for the citizens of Ramadi.”

The Iraqi Police and city leaders have begun working with the missing woman’s family to locate her and the situation is under investigation by the Ramadi District Police.

The gathering followed daily prayers conducted at the Ar Ramadi Al Qudar Mosque, and lasted for approximately an hour before peacefully dispersing.

Iraqi Army stops car bomb from entering Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi army soldiers successfully aided in stopping a vehicle-borne
explosive device from entering Sadr City at approximately 1:20 p.m., March 10.

A vehicle attempting to maneuver through an Iraqi army checkpoint just south of
the Sadr City security district was halted by soldiers manning a checkpoint from 1st
Battalion, 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division.

After stopping, the explosives in the vehicle were detonated.

Iraqi army soldiers manning the checkpoint reported the incident and additional
soldiers from the Iraqi army unit quickly set up a cordon, securing the immediate area
from any additional threats.

Initial reports state six Iraqi Army soldiers were killed in the explosion and
approximately 20 Iraqi civilians were injured.

This incident is still currently under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 27 suspected terrorists during operations Friday night and Saturday morning targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.

Operations in the vicinity of Taji on Saturday led to one terrorist killed and 18 suspected terrorists detained including an alleged member of the al-Qaeda associated Islamic State of Iraq. The terrorist was killed after he began firing on ground forces.

During a raid Friday night in Mosul, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation and possible involvement in the recent Badush prison break.

Coalition Forces also conducted several raids Saturday morning in Mosul. One raid targeted terrorists believed to be involved in the distribution of weapons used during an attack on an Iraqi police station in January. Three suspected terrorists were detained in this raid. Another raid led to the detention of two suspected terrorists, one of whom is believed to have direct involvement in the facilitation of foreign fighters into Iraq.

Coalition Forces also conducted a raid in Ramadi Saturday morning, detaining one suspected terrorist with alleged foreign fighter ties.

“Coalition Forces continue to systematically 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.

IA Conducts Operations Against Rogue Elements of JAM in Sadr City

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Special Iraqi Army Forces conducted operations with Coalition advisors Saturday in Sadr City against rogue elements of Jaysh Al-Mahdi allegedly responsible for inciting sectarian violence in Baghdad.

The Iraqi led operation was targeting a rogue element of JAM allegedly responsible for coordinating and carrying out numerous kidnappings and murders of Iraqi civilians. It is also implicated in conducting improvised explosive device attacks targeting Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

Iraqi Forces detained six suspects for questioning.

Iraqi Police and National Police assist after escalation of
force incident

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Public Affairs

BAGHDAD – Paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment
fired upon a vehicle failing to respond to visual warning signals March 9 in a northern
neighborhood of the Iraqi capital.

The vehicle failed to respond to paratrooper’s warning signals as it approached
their patrol in the Adhamiyah security district. The paratroopers followed established
protocol for escalation of force but the vehicle continued to advance toward them forcing
them to disable it with small arms fire.

Three Iraqis were wounded and three were killed in this incident. The wounded
were provided immediate medical assistance. Iraqi police and national police secured
the area and Iraqi police evacuated the wounded.
The incident is under investigation.

Iraqi and Coalition force members respond to terrorist attacks in Rusafa
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – At least 20 people were killed and 11 wounded when insurgents launched several attacks in the Rusafa security district of the Iraqi capital March 11.

At approximately 11 a.m., Iraqi Police officers reported a vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonated, wounding one Iraqi officer. Iraqi Police quickly cordoned, secured and cleared the attack area. No further injuries were reported from this incident.

In a separate incident, the 9th Iraqi Army Division reported a suicide bomber attack on a bus several blocks from the Mustansiriyah University at 12:20 a.m. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division responded and secured the scene reporting seven Iraqi civilians killed
and five wounded.

Approximately two hours after the initial attack, a second car bomb detonated near a checkpoint in the Karradah peninsula area in eastern Baghdad. A separate unit from 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment responded and reported 13 Iraqi civilians killed and six wounded.

In all three incidents, Iraqi emergency services responded and aided in transporting the wounded to a nearby hospital. These incidents are under investigation.

One terrorist killed, another wounded while emplacing explosives
Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and another seriously wounded near Balad, Iraq, when an IED they were attempting to emplace detonated on them Saturday.

The wounded man was taken to Tikrit hospital for treatment.

The names of both individuals are unknown at this time. The incident is still under investigation.

Iraqi Police capture seven insurgents during operations near Fallujah
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Iraqi Police Forces captured seven suspected insurgents during operations
with Coalition advisors March 11 in Saqlawiyah, near Fallujah.

The suspects are allegedly responsible for conducting kidnappings and murders
of Iraqi civilians they believe are working with Coalition force members. The suspected
insurgents are also implicated in hijacking and robbing Iraqi civilians in order to help
finance their violent and criminal activities.

Iraqi Forces detained one additional suspect for questioning.
Minimal damage was done to the objective. There were no Iraqi civilians, Iraqi
Forces or Coalition force casualties.

Iraqi Forces target insurgent training network, capture nine
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured nine suspected insurgents during
operations with Coalition advisers March 11 in Abaychi.

The operation targeted an insurgent network believed responsible for providing weapons and tactics training to
insurgents, foreign fighters and terrorists in the Tarmiyah area of Salah ad Din Province.

The network reportedly trains insurgents and terrorists from Ansar al Sunna, Al
Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgent groups participating in sectarian attacks against Iraqi
civilians or attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition force members. The group
reportedly relies heavily on Former Regime Elements to conduct and facilitate the
training.

Iraqi Forces targeted the network’s leadership, trainers, financiers and
weapons suppliers. Insurgents are allegedly trained in emplacing improvised explosive
devices, direct attacks and kidnapping and murder actions.

The network reportedly provides training on using and employing the SA-7 antiaircraft
missile.

Iraqi Forces detained nine additional suspects for further questioning. Iraqi Forces captured the suspects during multiple, simultaneous raids against several objectives in Abaychi.

During entry into one objective, ground forces came under small arms fire from
the roof-top of a nearby building. Iraqi Forces identified one hostile fighter firing at
ground forces and engaged the threat with well-aimed fire, killing the gunman. Another
hostile fighter firing at ground forces was wounded by Iraqi Forces. An Iraqi female with
a leg wound and the hostile fighter were treated by Coalition force medics.

During movement to another objective, a supporting Coalition force aircraft
observed several individuals moving to gain a tactical advantage over the Iraqi and
Coalition ground forces. The group established a possible ambush position and
disregarded several warnings from ground forces to leave the area. The group
remained in position, displaying clear hostile intent against ground forces, despite
several warning shots. The group, an immediate threat to ground forces, was engaged
by a Coalition force aircraft, resulting in six killed.

There were no Iraqi Forces or Coalition force casualties.

Iraqi security forces find weapons cache in cemetery
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. security forces conducted a search of Al Khider cemetery
near Yusifiyah, Iraq in order to capture terrorists and weapons caches March 10.

The Iraqi Soldiers searched the cemetery while Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd
Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division conducted a search of the surrounding area.

Found inside the cemetery were 35 500 pound bombs with the explosives
removed, four hand grenades with explosive removed, one light machine gun, one
damaged 35mm anti-aircraft gun, one surface-to-air missile case and components to a
U.S. radio system.

One individual was detained and being held for further questioning.

FOREIGN TERRORIST FACILITATORS CAPTURED IN IRAQ RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 15 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday morning targeting al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.

Early morning operations conducted by Coalition Forces west of Abu Ghurayb led to the capture of a suspected foreign terrorist facilitation network leader and one of his associates.

Four suspects were detained northwest of Karmah and three suspects were detained in Fallujah, all with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitation.

Northeast of Al Asad, three suspects who allegedly operate an al-Qaeda associated foreign fighter training camp were detained.

Coalition Forces also captured three suspected al-Qaeda members operating west of Taji.

“Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate al-Qaeda and foreign facilitation networks in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “These networks are a hindrance to the peace and stability the Iraqi people deserve.”

Iraqi Army Battalion discovers weapons cache
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi Army Soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device and mortar round cache five kilometers northwest of here March 11.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division discovered the cache at approximately 3:20 p.m.

The cache was comprised of seven 120mm mortar rounds, 68 82mm mortar rounds, 57 60mm mortar rounds, 44 blasting caps and one pound of TNT.

The ordnance was destroyed in a controlled detonation.

Golden Dragons discover weapons cache along Iraqi route
MND-B PAO 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

ALBU FARIS, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a
weapons cache near the village Albu Faris March 11.

Soldiers from Company A 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 along a route which runs
beside the banks of the Euphrates River, 20 kilometers to the southwest of
Baghdad. The village is a former al Qaeda stronghold near the uncompleted
Yusufiyah power plant, occupied by 2-14 Inf. in October.

The cache consisted of three 60mm mortar tubes, one 82mm round, two
60mm rounds, 19 57mm anti-aircraft rounds and two cans of linked 14.7mm
heavy machinegun rounds.

The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation
conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Iraqi Army soldiers and paratroopers detain suicide bomb conspirators
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division

AL HILLA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained
seven individuals March 11 in connection to multiple suicide bombings in Al Hilla.

Acting on a tip, Iraqi Army Soldiers and paratroopers from the 4th Brigade
Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division captured the insurgents during a raid of an ice cream factory in the city.
They also found an AK-47 assault rifle, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, money and other items of interest.

The detainees are being held for questioning.

IA discovers large cache during patrol in Ninewa Province
MND-N PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, discovered a large cache during a patrol in Aleeban Village in Ninewa Province, Saturday.
The cache consisted of:
• 19 mortar tubes
• 60 recoilless rifle rounds
• 3 rockets
• 500 small arms rounds
• 1208 anti-aircraft rounds
• 24 PKA grenades
Iraqi Army soldiers secured the site and are coordinating with Coalition Forces to dispose of the cache.
Units from 2nd IA have netted numerous caches in the past weeks, as well as detained a large number of suspected insurgents with evidence of illegal weapons, smuggling or bomb-making materials.

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 22 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN IRAQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces captured 22 suspected terrorists during operations Monday morning targeting al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitators.

During operations in Mosul, Coalition Forces captured four suspected terrorists allegedly involved in the planning of improvised explosive devices attacks on friendly forces.

A senior foreign fighter facilitator was captured north of Habbaniyah, and two suspects who are reportedly involved in weapons facilitation were detained in Baghdad.

Northeast of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces captured thirteen suspected terrorists with alleged involved in weapons movement and foreign fighter facilitation.

South of Amiriyah, two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation and weapons movement were also detained.

“Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to pursue, capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi Army stops 27 terrorist cell members in As Sadiyah

AS SADIYAH, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi army, in partnership with a
military transition team from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted
operations against specific terrorist cells Thursday through Saturday in As Sadiyah, Iraq, in the
interest of improving stability for the area’s residents.

During the operation, 16 anti-Iraqi forces were killed and 11 suspected terrorists were
detained. The detainees will be processed for further questioning.

The IA exploited a cache consisting of a sniper rifle, a mortar sight, a hand grenade, five
AK-47s and improvised explosive device-making materials.

“The Iraqi army continues to distinguish itself through vigilance and values. Their
selfless service to the people of Diyala is providing confidence and security to the people while
they improve their skills, knowledge and attributes as a professional organization,” said Col.
David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala Province.
The soldiers also discovered and defused an IED which could have been used to target
other innocent people or security forces.

After the operation, the IA provided medical care to citizens with minor medical issues,
and passed out supplies to the local population.

The commander of the IA battalion also met with the As Sadiyah mayor and police chief
in hopes of building a partnership to sustain the security and stability of the region.

“The ISF is improving everyday while securing the population and defeating a
determined enemy,” Sutherland said.

COALITION FORCES DETAIN 17 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 17 suspected terrorists during recent operations over the past three days while targeting al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign facilitation networks.

In a three-day operation that began Wednesday in Yusifiyah, Coalition Forces detained 12 suspects with alleged ties to al-Qaida and foreign fighter facilitation. Coalition Forces found several AK-47s, artillery and mortar rounds, and improvised explosive device-making material.

One suspected terrorist was detained Thursday afternoon in Mosul with reported ties to al-Qaida.
A raid Friday morning in Baghdad resulted in the detention of four suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation and anti-Coalition Forces activities.

“Coalition Forces will continue to systematically target al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign terrorist facilitators regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Coalition forces kill two terrorists, detain 11 others

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 11 suspected terrorists during several raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

During a raid Thursday morning east of Balad, two armed terrorists began firing on Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces engaged the armed men with precision fires from a fixed-wing aircraft, killing both terrorists. Coalition Forces also detained eight suspected terrorists during the raid.

A raid Wednesday evening in Mosul resulted in the detention of three suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing operations.

There we go, lots of good news from Iraq, check out: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/

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