As not reported on the BBC.
Two dump trucks, one pick up truck containing chlorine explode in Al AnbarMulti-National Force – West PAO
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Approximately 350 Iraqi civilians and six Coalition Force members were treated for chlorine gas exposure after two suicide bombers detonated their dump trucks in separate areas south of Fallujah, and one Coalition Forces member and one Iraqi civilian were injured in a smaller attack northeast of Ramadi on the evening of March 16.
The first suicide truck bomb containing chlorine detonated at a check point northeast of Ramadi at 4:11 p.m., injuring one Coalition service member and one Iraqi civilian.
The second explosion occurred at 6:36 p.m., 17 km south of Fallujah near the town of Amiriyah. The Amiriyah Police Department reported that two policemen were killed in the blast and estimated that as many as 100 local citizens showed signs of chlorine exposure.
Coalition Forces confirmed that the Amiriyah citizens exposed to the chlorine were treated locally for symptoms ranging from minor skin and lung irritation to vomiting.
The third explosion occurred 37 minutes later at 7:13 p.m., 5 km south of Fallujah in the Albu Issa region when a suicide bomber detonated a dump truck containing a 200 gallon chlorine tank rigged with explosives.
Coalition Forces responded to the attack and found approximately 250 local civilians suffering from symptoms related to chlorine exposure. Of those affected by the attack, four adults and seven children were evacuated to Coalition medical facilities for further treatment.
Suicide car bombers have used chlorine against Iraqis in Al Anbar a total of five times since Jan. 28. (nice to see the holy warriors repect the laws on chemical weapons)
COALITION FORCES DETAIN 18 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 18 suspected terrorists Saturday morning during raids targeting al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.
During a raid southeast of Balad, Coalition Forces discovered improvised explosive devices components, several AK-47s, two sniper rifles, grenades and rocket propelled grenade launchers at the targeted location. Twelve suspects were detained during the raid.
In Fallujah, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists during an operation targeting a foreign fighter facilitation cell.
“Successful coalition raids continue to disrupt al-Qaida in Iraq operations, restricting freedom of movement and reducing the organization’s manpower pool,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The loss of even lower-echelon members diminishes the organization’s ability to attack innocent civilians as well as Iraqi and coalition forces.”
MND-B Soldiers kill two insurgents before they can plant
roadside bomb
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division Baghdad Soldiers engaged and killed two
insurgents who were preparing to plant an improvised explosive device March 16 on a
road east of Mirad as Suki, Iraq.
Soldiers from Troop B, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment observed two men
loosening the road’s surface with gasoline. When they dispatched two M2A3 Bradley
Fighting Vehicles to investigate the activity, the insurgents fled the scene in a vehicle.
The insurgents later returned to the site to finish digging the hole. The 2nd Bn.,
5th Cav. Regt. troopers then engaged and killed the men from more than one kilometer
away with machine guns on the Bradleys.
No U.S. Soldiers were killed or wounded during the engagement.
Medical assistance operation in Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi police from the 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division and
paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team conducted a
humanitarian medical assistance operation in Sadr City Mar. 17 as part of operations to
bring security and stability to the former Mahdi Army stronghold.
Iraqi and Coalition medical providers treated 453 people, including 153 women
and 122 children, during the first large-scale humanitarian aid operation conducted in
Sadr City since Iraqi and Coalition forces moved into the area in early March.
“Medical operations are just one way that we can make an immediate positive
impact in areas in which we operate. This is just the beginning of a long-term program
to improve the quality of life for residents of Sadr City,” said Maj. Kyle Simpson, Brigade
Civil Affairs Officer for the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.
“As we move forward, we will work with the Iraqis to improve the security,
infrastructure, and economic conditions in Sadr City. It will take time, but life will get
better in Sadr City,” added the civil affairs officer.
While residents were waiting to be seen, Civil Affairs Soldiers asked them about
needs in their community in order to plan future development projects. Iraqi policemen
and U.S. paratroopers also passed out hundreds of soccer balls, clothing, toys, shoes,
and school supplies.
Since Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces entered Sadr City as part of the
Baghdad Security Plan, violence has dropped off 75% and the overall security situation
has dramatically improved since December, when surge troops began arriving.
Iraqi Police react quickly and detain five involved in mortar attack
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
AL HILLAH, Iraq – Insurgents attacked Coalition force members, and Iraqi civilians with mortars; killing one Iraqi and wounding 13 others in Al Hillah March 15.
Iraqi Police and a military transition team from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division reacted quickly to the attack and conducted a cordon and search that detained five insurgents connected to the mortar attack.
The incident is being further investigated and the detainees are being held for questioning.
Iraqi Army leading operations in Mosul:
Deliberate operations against AIF uproot significant caches and personnel
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – Anti Iraqi Forces in Mosul suffered another setback with a significant
loss of weapons and munitions at the hands of the 2nd Iraqi Army Division Friday.
Yesterday, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2IA Division discovered a large cache
hidden in west Mosul uncovering nearly a ton of explosives, more than 300 projectile
rounds, 115 rocket-propelled grenades, 156 grenades, 124 rockets, IEDs in various
stages of construction and other explosives and bomb making material.
This was the seventh AIF cache uncovered over the past several weeks in
Ninewa province. Additionally, 2nd IA units have captured 25 insurgents and killed more
than 16, all tied to IED emplacement or attacks against Iraqi Security Forces or
Coalition force troops.
“Not only did General Mutaah and his brave men lead operations to bring about
more security in Ninewa, they also took gross amounts of arms and explosives off the
streets and out of the hands of the enemy, who continuously use them to harm innocent
civilians,” said Maj. Rodger Lemons, executive officer, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Cavalry Division, Task Force Lightning.
Since taking command of 2nd Iraqi Army Division in mid-February, Maj. Gen. Mutaah,
has led numerous deliberate operations against known and suspected insurgents and
locations in Ninewa province with impressive results.
“All our combined efforts have resulted in aggressive and successfully led
operations by the Iraqi Army with tangible results that the people here can see,” said
Maj. Jeff Stewart, operations officer, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division,
Task Force Lightning. “The people of Iraq need to know this and the rest of the world
needs to see that this approach is working, and our efforts are paying off,” he said.
Coalition forces capture 12 suspected terrorists
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 12 suspected terrorists during separate raids Sunday targeting the al-Qaida in Iraq network and associated improvised explosive devices cells.
During an operation in Ramadi, five suspected terrorists were captured with alleged ties to vehicle-borne IED and rocket attacks against Coalition Forces.
Coalition Forces captured two suspects in Baghdad for their reported involvement in procuring IED-making material.
Two suspects were detained in Mosul with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation and IED operations.
In Habbaniyah, Coalition Forces capture three suspects with alleged ties with the al-Qaida in Iraq network.
“Coalition forces will continue systematic operations to kill or capture al-Qaida and associated terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Terrorists captured will be prosecuted for their crimes under the Iraqi justice system.”
Iraqi Security Forces Soldiers stop suicide bombers
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, shot and killed a suicide bomber Saturday, south of Shakarat, Iraq.
Coalition force members near the area where the incident occurred reported that the suicide bomber was running toward an Iraqi tactical check point, and after failing to obey several verbal warnings to stop, the Iraqi Army shot him, which prompted the vest to detonate.
This is the second suicide bomber incident in two days in the Diyala province.
Friday, a suicide bomber targeted the Balad Ruz Chief of Police during his visit at the Balad Ruz Hospital.
Iraqi Police reported that the suicide bomber was walking toward the hospital between the Iraqi Police’s posted vehicular security. The IPs warned the individual to stop, but were forced to engage him when he continued toward them. The vest detonated when the individual was shot, injuring three IPs on site.
“This is why we are seeing an increase on audible attacks — attacks that are attempting to create fear within the local population. I applaud the ISF members whose vigilance and attention prevented those suicide bombers from achieving their targets,” said Sutherland. “Those are the actions of a professional force, which is helping gain the support of their people.”
Insurgents captured, cache recovered
2nd BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division captured seven suspected insurgents and recovered a large weapons cache during a security operation on March 17 in eastern Baghdad.
The detainees are in U.S. military custody and the recovered weapons were seized by the Soldiers.
Recovered items included 15 AK-47 rifles, two body armor vests, five 107mm rockets, two 122mm rockets, 50 full AK-47 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four grenades, one grenade round, six 60mm mortar rounds, and assorted fuses.
The arrested insurgents bring the number of persons detained by the brigade in March to 87.
Iraqis and coalition forces continue a Baghdad security sweep aimed at reducing sectarian violence.
Cavalry Soldiers discover weapons cache
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
AL RASHEED, Iraq – Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache near Iraqi Highway 1, just south of Baghdad March 18.
Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache during a combat patrol.
In the cache was a 120mm mortar round, 42 82mm mortar rounds, 79 60mm mortar rounds and an anti-personnel mine.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by the explosive ordnance disposal team.
Iraqi Soldiers aid one of their own
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public AffairsMulti-National Division – Baghdad PAO
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi and coalition forces responded to a vehicle-borne
improvised explosive device at the Mahmudiyah Marketplace here March 17.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division 2nd
Battalion and from the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division (Light Infantry) responded to the car bomb.
During the detonation of the VBIED, one Iraqi policeman was wounded.
The policeman was taken to the local hospital and the incident is under investigation.
Cav Troops Find Weapons Cache, Detain Two Suspected Insurgents
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache Friday north of the Iraqi capital and detained two men in connection with the find.
While on a combat patrol troopers from the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment discovered a buried blue plastic container containing a cache.
The cache included one 155 mm artillery round, one 120 mm mortar round, 25 blasting caps, six AK-47 magazines with armor-piercing ammunition, 240 shotgun flares, one flak vest and two items used for the detonation of improvised explosive devices.
Soldiers subsequently detained two suspected insurgents, one of whom tested positive for the handling of explosive materials. The incident is under investigation, and the men are being held for further questioning.
IED maker, eight other suspects detained in raids
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists including an alleged improvised explosive device maker Monday morning during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and foreign fighter facilitators.
In Ramadi, Coalition forces captured three suspected terrorists including one who is an alleged maker of IEDs and is reportedly responsible for attacks against Coalition forces.
Four suspects were detained in Fallujah and two more suspects were detained in East Baghdad with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq associated foreign fighter facilitation.
“Al-Qaeda and foreign terrorists have no interest in a peaceful Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver. “Terrorists captured will be prosecuted for their crimes under the Iraqi justice system.”
Paratroopers find large weapon cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Paratroopers from Company D, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division discovered a weapons cache March 18 south of Baghdad.
While on patrol, the Paratroopers discovered the cache which consisted of 400 tank rounds, 50 130mm mortars and three 60 mm mortars.
The cache was secured, the site was marked and an explosive ordnance disposal team was notified for the demolition of the cache.
Fresh troops assume battle space in Baghdad Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
1st Lt Charles Bloomfield
2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment
BAGHADAD — Fresh troops have arrived in western Baghdad and have assumed control in their area of operations.
2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, the ‘Proud Americans,’ officially assumed responsibility for operations March 15, during a transfer of authority ceremony held on Camp Liberty, Iraq.
This is the first time the Proud Americans uncased their colors in a combat zone since the unit departed Vietnam in 1971.
Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson, Commander of 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, gave a motivational speech during the ceremony. He touched upon the progress the unit has made since receiving a change of mission from its traditional field artillery role, to mounted and dismounted infantry operations in western Baghdad.
“I am truly amazed at the transformation the Proud Americans have made over the past four months,” he said. “As recently as October, 2006, we were manning our howitzers and providing fires for the Dragon Brigade; now we are poised for a new mission in west Baghdad and we are honored to serve with the Dagger Brigade, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.”
MND-B Soldiers find two weapons caches, kill one insurgent
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A contraband search turned firefight yielded two caches for Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers March 19 in Falahat, Iraq.
Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment raided three buildings in Falahat, where they detained three suspected insurgents and confiscated two AK-47s, one shotgun and five magazines.
Troop C was preparing to enter a fourth building when a vehicle with four men drove by and fired weapons at the Soldiers, who reciprocated with shots of their own.
Three of the men fled the scene on foot but were captured by the Soldiers. Follow-on searches yielded the day's second cache: one 122 mm artillery shell, four fuses, one grenade, four rocket sleds, four ammunition vests, one AK-47 and more than seven magazines.
No U.S. Soldiers were killed or wounded in the engagement.
COP Thrasher up and running
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Soldiers from the 887th Engineer Support Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, and troops from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, constructed a new combat outpost in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Ghazaliya, March 17.
By putting a combat outpost here in the neighborhood of Ghazaliya, a decrease in insurgent presence, and making a more stable area is what is hoped for, said Sgt. Maj. Russell Hurley, with 2-12 Cav, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.
The combat outpost was built in an area that has seen many attacks over the past few months and is known to be a hot and disputed area, said Hurley, a native of Fort Worth, Texas.
There are many things that went into building COP Thrasher, Hurley said.
Some of the things that need to go into building a combat outpost are building protective concrete walls and guard towers throughout the outpost, said 1st Lt. Seth Nieman, with 887th Eng. Support Co., 20th Eng. Batt., 36th Eng. Brigade.
“887th Engineer Support Company’s mission out here is to set up the concrete barriers used to protect the outpost,” said Nieman, a native of Calvin, N.D.
“Although the goal is to knock out the mission as soon as possible, it can be long and tedious,” Nieman said.
By putting up tall concrete barriers around the outpost the threat of sniper fire is reduced, Nieman, said.
One of the biggest things that needs to be looked in whether a combat outpost will be successful is knowing if the units will be able to defend the area, and to determine what the outcome of the mission in building the outpost, Hurley said.
A combat outpost is basically a smaller version of a forward operating base, Nieman said.
Both American and Iraqi forces will be able to run and operate within Combat Outpost Thrasher, Hurley said.
Iraqi soldiers capture three terrorists
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Three terrorists were taken into custody by Iraqi Army soldiers during an operation March 19 near Al-Taqa, Iraq.
Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division detained the three men, who were found on a road that skirts the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, with materials for making improvised explosive devices.
The soldiers detained the men for further questioning.
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police captured a suspected insurgent, reportedly linked to an Improvised Explosive Device cell, during operations with Coalition advisors Mar 19 in Ramadi. The suspect is allegedly involved in multiple bombing attacks targeting Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.
Iraqi Forces detained 3 additional persons for questioning.
National Police enter two mosques, seize weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police entered the Al Houda and Al Aqsa mosques during a daytime operation in a southern district of the Iraqi capital March 18.
The National Police received tips from neighborhood residents of insurgent activities being conducted at the mosques.
Iraqi Security Forces seized two caches of weapons, munitions and bomb-making materials at each mosque. A total of five people were detained in connection with suspected anti-Iraqi activities and are being held by the police for questioning.
Six AK-47 assault rifles and a shotgun were found at the Al Aqsa mosque, along with small caliber ammunition and bomb-making materials. Two AK-47s, and several mortar rounds and bomb-making material were confiscated in the Al Houda mosque.
The 1st Battalion of the 7th Brigade National Police entered the mosques, while MND-B forces provided the outer cordon for the operation. No MND-B troops entered the mosque or immediate premises.
Western Baghdad Raid Lands Three Detainees
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces conducted a raid in the western Baghdad
neighborhood of Kadamiyah on March 19. The raid was targeting suspected insurgents
implicated in the placement of roadside bombs in the area.
During the raid, elements of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division entered the
Abass Mosque. No contraband was found in the mosque and approximately 50 people
were held in the area until the search was complete. All 50 from within the mosque were
released.
After the search, Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers came under rocket-propelled grenade
and small arms attack at approximately 9 p.m. from a separate group of roughly 20
armed men in the same area. Coalition force members returned fire killing three insurgents.
Three men from the armed group were detained.
U.S. military aircraft participated in the operation but did not expend any ordnance.
COALITION FORCES DETAIN NINE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists Tuesday during raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
In Mosul, seven suspected terrorists were detained with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and attacks against Coalition Forces and the Iraqi police. One of the detainees reportedly procures chemicals for the production of improvised explosive devices.
In another raid southwest of Abu Ghurayb, Coalition Forces netted two suspected terrorists allegedly involved in moving foreign terrorists into Iraq.
National Police, MND-B Soldiers drop off school supplies
4th BCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers dropped off supplies to a school in West Rashid March 15 in an effort to improve relations with the Shurta community.
Among the supplies dropped by the 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade of the Iraqi National Police and members of 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division troops, was 30 desks, 20 backpacks and toys for the children.
Alaskan Paratroopers find enemy cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FOB FALCON, Iraq – An enemy ammunition and bomb-making cache was found by Multi-National Division – Baghdad paratroopers during an operation March 19 south of Baghdad.
Paratroopers of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division found the weapons, ammunition, and materials for making improvised explosive devices in two targeted houses near the skirts of the western bank of the Tigris River.
The cache consisted of six anti-tank mines, two fire extinguishers, 15 propane tanks, 30 feet of silver cord, an electric igniter, six 60mm mortar rounds, one 81mm mortar round, one bayonet, 100 feet of copper wire, 75 feet of detonation cord, seven rubber pressure plates, six pistol ammunition rounds, seven .50 caliber ammunition rounds, a quarter pound of C4 explosive, six 57mm anti-aircraft ammunition rounds, five pounds of home-made explosives, one digital camera memory card, one six inch pipe bomb, and ten pounds of accelerant.
An explosive ordnance disposal team detonated the cache on site.
Soldiers build Combat Outpost in Baghdad B-Roll Troops construct COP in Furat District
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — ‘B-Roll’ of Soldiers building a Combat Outpost in the Furat Distrist of Baghdad is available upon request from the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) by calling (678) 421-6604 or by accessing the DVIDS Web site at www.dvidshub.net.
The footage depicts troops from B Co., 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, from Fort Riley, Kan., unloading sandbags and using heavy equipment to set up concrete barrier walls as they build Combat Outpost Battle.
The Kansas-based unit is part of the 1st Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team and is in Iraq as part of the “troop surge” of 21,500 forces into the capital city.
VBIED discovered; terrorists fail
Multi-National Division – North PAO
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Soldiers from the 303rd Military Police Company and Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, discovered a car bomb around noon March 19 near the Al Fatah Mosque in Bayji.
“This mosque is located along a main road in Bayji and is traveled daily by tens of thousands of people. If detonated, it would have been a disaster,” said Maj. Curtis Buzzard, executive officer, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. “If it had exploded, damage to the Al Fatah mosque and deaths to innocent civilians in the area would’ve been inevitable. Clearly, the terrorists here have no respect for Islam and no respect for the Muslim people and Bayji community.”
An explosive ordnance disposal team was immediately dispatched to the scene where the four-door sedan was discovered with three 50-pound propane tanks filled with three 152 mm, two 155 mm, and one 130 mm rounds. Detonation wire was also found laid from the car bomb, across three light poles, and dropped down the base of a fence within the mosque’s facility.
Coalition forces received sporadic small-arms fire throughout the clearance and investigation of the car bomb. Only minor damages to vehicles were sustained, and no casualties were taken by the troops.
After disabling the car bomb, the troops detained three individuals near the start of the detonation wire, which they traced to a group of buildings near the mosque. The detainees were taken into custody for questioning.
Golden Dragons capture mortar team
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — A 120mm mortar system and terrorist cell were captured southwest of Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, March 19.
Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) ran into four terrorists with AK-47s at about 1:30 p.m. local time. The terrorists fled.
The men had seemed to be guarding a home; Soldiers entered and questioned 13 local nationals in the home while other Soldiers of the team pursued the fleeing terrorists.
In the house, the Soldiers discovered two 120mm mortar rounds and three 82mm rounds, as well as a number of hand grenades.
Approximately a half-hour later, the Soldiers found a 120mm mortar tube in a truck parked at a house nearby. In the truck were also found two 120mm rounds, a loaded PKC machine gun with 200 rounds of ammunition, a mortar sighting device, nine 120mm charges, and 30 Russian-made shape charges.
As the terrorists fled, they left many objects in a nearby reed-line, which the Soldiers seized. The objects included four 82mm mortar rounds, two load-bearing vests full of loaded magazines, two hand grenades, two 82mm mortar charges, a video camera, a black ski mask, a DVD and a bag of tools.
In the second house, the Soldiers discovered five 82mm mortar fuses, two AK-47s, seven full magazines for AK-47s, a new global positioning system unit, a mortar compass, a calculator, a piece of paper with mortar tables on it, two notebooks, a video cassette, an unknown rifle, and a bag of electrical components.
“They’ve been launching attacks throughout our area of operations, aimed at (coalition forces) but in a lot of cases they have been injuring civilians as well, so we’ve put a lot of priority on capturing them”. said Maj. Web Wright, a native of Annapolis, Md., and a spokesman for the 2nd “Commando” BCT.
“Capturing 120mm mortar system is significant,” Wright continued. “When you find the tube it strips away their capability to attack, whereas if you find a cache of rounds, although it takes ammunition from them, that tube can still be used again. This time we captured the tube and the people who are trained to use it. This is a very significant event.”
The cell was suspected to have attacked Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, earlier that day.
FIVE TERRORISTS KILLED, EXPLOSIVES FACTORY DESTROYED
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces killed five terrorists, destroyed a bomb-making factory and detained three suspected terrorists during an operation Wednesday near Taji.
As ground forces entered the target buildings, they encountered several armed men. Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing five terrorists and detaining three suspected terrorists.
During the raid, Coalition Forces discovered an adjacent building was being used as an explosives factory. Inside the building, Coalition Forces found large caliber ammunition and explosive manufacturing materials including numerous 50-gallon barrels of explosive material.
Coalition Forces conducted an air strike to destroy the explosives factory, associated vehicles, ammunition and weapons.
At least four large secondary explosions were noted after the initial bomb was dropped on the target, indicating the destruction of the explosive material within and beneath the structure.
A careful analysis was conducted prior to the strike, and every possible precaution to avoid unnecessary collateral damage was taken. No Coalition Forces or civilians were injured during the operation.
“Coalition Forces will continue to systematically kill or capture al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “No place is safe for a terrorist in Iraq.”
Coalition forces destroy weapons cache, detain 23 suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces destroyed a weapons cache and detained 23 suspected terrorists Wednesday morning during raids targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.
During a raid near Balad, Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected terrorists and found a large amount of weapons in two targeted buildings.
The weapons found included numerous machineguns, assault rifles, AK-47s, grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun. Due to the large amount of weapons found, Coalition Forces destroyed the two buildings and the weapons inside to prevent further use by terrorists.
West of Taji, Coalition Forces captured three suspects with alleged ties to vehicle-borne IED operations and foreign fighter facilitation.
Six suspected terrorists believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation were detained in Mosul.
Coalition Forces also conducted a raid west of Abu Ghurayb targeting foreign fighter facilitators. During the raid, ground forces detained four suspected terrorists at the targeted building.
“Coalition Forces will continue systematic 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. “This is especially true when those terrorists are employing weapons that can damage or destroy Coalition aircraft or vehicle-borne IEDs that can be used in headline grabbing attacks against Iraqi citizens.”
Network leaders captured over last three days
BAGHDAD -- Over the past several days, Coalition forces in Basra and Hillah captured Qais Khazali, his brother Laith Khazali, and several other members of the Khazali network, an organization directly connected to the kidnapping and murder in January of five American soldiers in Karbala.
Yesterday in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured the individual believed to be the head of the Rusafa car bomb network, the Al Qaeda-Iraq organization responsible for some of the horrific bombings in eastern Baghdad in recent weeks. In yesterday’s operation and in another operation early this morning, Coalition forces also captured three other individuals believed to be key members of the network, a vehicle prepared as a car bomb, and a cache of weapons and explosives.
Early this morning in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a former Saddam Fedayeen leader involved in setting up training camps in Syria for Iraqi and foreign fighters.
These actions, and others underway, reflect intensified and even-handed efforts to reinforce the rule of law in Iraq. They have also been complemented by recent initiatives to promote dialogue and reconciliation in Iraq.
We will provide further details of the ongoing initiatives and operations as they become available.
Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers begin clearing operations in the Mansour Security District
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Major Rob Parke
3-2 SBCT Public Affairs Officer
BAGHDAD - Approximately 1,600 Iraqi security forces and coalition force Soldiers began clearing operations in Baghdad’s Mansour Security District March 21 to rid the area of Al Qaeda terrorists and illegal militias. The clearing operations began in southern Ghazaliya and Ameriya neighborhoods.
Iraqi security forces partnered with coalition Soldiers conducted precision raids this morning against multiple known terrorist targets and then quickly transitioned to clearing neighborhoods house by house looking for terrorist support zones and illegal weapons caches. They spoke with the local citizens to hear their concerns and gather information to better support the continuing Baghdad Security Operation known as Operation Fardh Al Qanoon.
Over the course of the operation, Iraqi security forces detained 20 individuals for further questioning and coalition forces detained 11 individuals. Two weapons caches were discovered with containers of nitric acid and chlorine.
The operation coined as Arrowhead Strike Nine 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.
Three hostages freed, 13 susptected terrorists detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces liberated three hostages and detained 13 suspected terrorists Thursday morning during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.
During an operation northeast of Karmah, Coalition forces liberated three Iraqi citizens who said they were handcuffed and beaten by suspected terrorists.
The liberated hostages are undergoing medical treatment and will be reunited with their families.
In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist allegedly responsible for setting up al-Qaeda terrorist training camps in Iraq and Syria.
While performing an operation in North Baghdad, Coalition forces discovered a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices factory.
The area around the factory was cordoned off to ensure the safety of nearby residents.
One suspected terrorist was detained during the operation with alleged ties to an al-Qaeda VBIED and assassination cell.
Seven suspects were detained during operations northwest of Taji with reported ties to foreign fighter facilitation and four more were detained in Ramadi with alleged ties to al-Qaeda.
“Coalition forces will continue systematic 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.“This is especially true when those terrorists are employing weapons that can damage or destroy Coalition aircraft or using vehicle-borne IEDs in attacks against Iraqi citizens.”
Mansour Security District Clearing Continues:
Kidnap Victim Rescued, Six Weapons Caches Found
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Maj. Rob Parke, 3rd SBCT
2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Officer
BAGHDAD – Nearly 1,600 partnered Iraqi security forces and coalition Soldiers continued clearing operations today in the Iraqi capital’s Mansour Security District. This was the second day of clearing in the southern Ghazaliya and Ameriya neighborhoods.
During clearing operations coalition Soldiers from A Co, 1-23 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division rescued a kidnap victim in an empty house handcuffed to a chair. The victim had three gunshot wounds in his leg and was evacuated to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. After a more extensive search of the house, Soldiers found a weapons cache consisting of one rocket propelled grenade launcher with 10 rounds; three AK-47 assault rifles; nine 60mm mortar rounds; seven hand grenades; plastic explosives; containers of ferric nitrate, sodium hydrogen
and chromic oxide; and numerous explosive making materials.
In addition to the weapons cache above, five other weapons caches were discovered today totaling one 155mm artillery shell, three 120mm mortar rounds, two 60mm mortar rounds, three mortar rounds of unknown diameter, two improvised
explosive devices, 15 pounds of homemade explosive, three RPG rounds, and two hand grenades.
Iraqi Army soldiers also detained two suspected terrorists with two assault rifles and 18 magazines of ammunition.
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 Dragon troops find large weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
RADWANIYAH, Iraq — A large cache of weapons was found by coalition forces near here March 22.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were moving as part of a security operation when they discovered two 81mm mortar tubes and a 68mm mortar rocket with an electronic launching system southwest of Radwaniyah.
Upon searching around the tubes, the Soldiers found more cache weapons hidden in two 50-gallon drums.
The first drum contained 1,500 rounds of 7.62mm machine gun ammunition, 1,000 rounds of RPK machine gun ammunition, a black load-bearing vest, an ammunition drum for a machine gun, a roll of detonation cord, 75 blasting caps, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a grenade, a roll of electrical wire, and a mortar charge.
The second drum contained three RPG launchers, an RPG night sight, three RPG-7 rounds with accelerators, 500 rounds of PKM machine gun ammunition, five RPG-9 rounds and two unknown RPG boosters.
“This is a significant find,” said Maj. Web Wright, a spokesman for the 2nd BCT. “Taking mortar tubes out of the terrorists’ hands removes their ability to launch indirect-fire attacks. Additionally, the seizure of the detonation cord, blasting caps, and wires means that those things cannot be used in the construction of improvised explosive devices.”
The cache was destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Wolverine troops discover cache of weapons
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
MUSHADAH, Iraq — A cache of weapons was found by Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers near here March 22.
Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment “Wolverines” of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache in an area known as the “mixing bowl” due to its position at the junctures of three major highways.
The cache contained a wooden crate and two ammunition cans full of AK-47 ammunition, 100 blasting caps, eight rocket-propelled grenade rounds, a dozen 122mm mortar rounds, 46 60mm mortar rounds, six fuse tips, two mortar tailfins, a barrel for an RPK machine gun, 200 primers, two burlap bags each containing 50 mortar charges, and two M6 mortar fuse tips.
“Discovery of caches like this impedes the terrorists’ ability to harm coalition forces and Iraqi civilians,” said Maj. Web Wright, a spokesman for the 2nd BCT. “Indirect fire by terrorist forces often injures innocent Iraqis. The Soldiers’ vigilance in finding caches like this protects not only themselves, but the Iraqis as well.”
The cache was destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Raid seizes weapons cache in southern Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Baghdad troops seized a large weapons cache found in Zubaida, March 21.
The joint search between the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Div., and the Iraqi security forces resulted in the capture of three AK-47s, one rocket propelled grenade launcher with three warheads and boosters, one 9 mm handgun, two grenades, more than 10 improvised explosive device initiators, an IED and assorted small arms ammunition.
The raid also netted more than 50 blasting caps, four bundles of copper wire, two 60 mm, five 57 mm, and three 81 mm mortar rounds. Also seized were two cell phones, eight SIM cards, six remote control car batteries, two hand drills, and anti-coalition propaganda.
An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in to dispose of the munitions.
National police find weapons cache in mosque
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Maj. Kirk Luedeke, 4th BCT
1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police discovered a weapons cache during a search of the Al Baneen mosque in Southeast Rashid March 21.
The operation occurred as a result from tips about anti-Iraqi activities received from civilians in the area.
National Police entered the mosque and confiscated the weapons and munitions, while MND-B forces conducted the outer cordon and security.
Discovered on the mosque’s premises were: one RPK machinegun, six AK-47 assault rifles, four rocket propelled grenade launchers, two RPG warheads, a spool of copper wire and other assorted bomb-making materials, cell phones, and anti-coalition propaganda.
No MND-B forces entered the mosque at any time during the operation.
Weapons cache destroyed, seven suspected terrorists detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces destroyed a weapons cache and detained seven suspected terrorists during a series of raids Friday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq.
During two raids northwest of Taji, Coalition Forces destroyed an explosives cache consisting of several large barrels of highly flammable material. They also detained a suspected terrorist believed to have ties to a foreign fighter facilitator network.
A raid in Mosul, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists, including one who is believed to have connections with facilitating money transfers for anti-Iraqi forces.
In Baghdad, one suspect was detained with alleged ties to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cell.
“Coalition forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists who are trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq. These operations will continue to be successful with the support and cooperation of the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
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