Good News Saturday- More bits from Iraq that the BBC missed.

US strike near Taji Friday took out a terrorist network responsible for targeting coalition helicopters:

Reuters—A U.S. air strike killed senior insurgents suspected of targeting American helicopters in Iraq, and the Iraqi government said 39 militants had been killed in western Anbar province in recent fighting.

The U.S. military said on Saturday the air strike took place on Friday north of Baghdad near the town of Taji, which is home to a major U.S. air base. It said weaponry, including a vehicle mounted with anti-aircraft artillery, was destroyed.

"Coalition forces believe key terrorists were killed during 1the air strike ... Intelligence reports indicated this network is responsible for threats to coalition aircraft," the military said in a statement without elaborating. ...Hmmm lets see thats some 2808 virgins Allah has to come up with.

Ninewa SWAT Detains Foreign Fighter Facilitator Near Tall Afar
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Members of the Ninewa Special Weapons and Tactics Team detained a suspected member of a foreign fighter smuggling network during air assault operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 24 near the village of Tall Abtah, outside of Tall Afar.

The suspect is believed to be part of a network facilitating the movement of foreign fighters, arms and money into Iraq that support insurgent attacks targeting Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces.

IA Detains 5 Members of Rogue JAM Network During Raid
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces detained five suspected rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi militiamen during operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 24 in Husayniyah, east of Taji.

The suspects are believed to be part of a rogue JAM network responsible for kidnapping, murders and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces.
The suspects are implicated in several IED attacks against Coalition Forces in northern Baghdad and Taji.

Iraqi national police hold off attack at checkpoint, 2 terrorists killed
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

Camp Striker, Iraq — Iraqi national police killed at least two terrorists during a coordinated attack on a national police checkpoint along an Iraqi highway two miles south of the Baghdad International Airport at noon Feb. 24.

Eight national policemen were killed in the defense of the checkpoint.

Witnesses described the attack as two vehicles driving from the east towards the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Eight to ten gunmen exited the lead vehicle, firing assault rifles and throwing hand grenades at the policemen. A firefight ensued. The second vehicle was forced into a ditch. It was cordoned off as a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

Elements of a military transition team from the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) responded to the sound of the attack, attempting to intervene. Upon receiving gunfire from the attackers, the Soldiers called in aviation support.

After securing the area, 1-89 rendered medical aid to the two wounded national policemen and evacuated them to a nearby combat support hospital. The MiTT members identified two dead attackers.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was alerted to render the possible VBIED harmless.

The incident is under investigation.

Four terrorists convicted in Turki Village case

BALAD RUZ, Iraq – Last week, a three-judge panel with the Central Criminal Court of Iraq,
convicted four terrorists detained during November’s operations in Turki Village, Iraq, of
possession of illegal weapons. The panel sentenced them to 30 years imprisonment.

“This is a just verdict. It is significant because it is an Iraqi panel dispensing justice to
Iraqi defendants,” said Maj. Paul T. Brooks, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division’s
effects coordinator.

The defendants were detained Nov. 15, 2006, after a small-arms engagement with a
group of Coalition Forces. This engagement resulted in one U.S. Soldier’s death. During the
engagement, Coalition Forces killed the triggerman responsible for the death.

When Coalition Forces detained the individuals, they discovered several small-arms
munitions and hand grenades.

“My Soldiers now have clarity concerning the Iraqi justice system. Equally important,
these criminals are no longer able to spread their hatred amongst the Iraqi people,” said Col.
David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and the senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province.
During November’s operation, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces unearthed more than five weapons caches,
killed more than 60 anti-Iraqi forces and detained more than 10 suspected terrorists.

“Our Soldiers continue to work with the Iraqi Security Forces to defeat the terrorists and
secure the population. Victories like this reinforce our efforts,” Sutherland said.

12 suspected Al Qaeda terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 12 suspected terrorists during raids Saturday morning targeting foreign fighter facilitators and the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

In Fallujah, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists with alleged ties to a foreign fighter facilitation cell. Intelligence reports indicated the suspected terrorists were associated with senior-level foreign fighter facilitators in the local area.

Coalition Forces captured the suspected leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell in Mosul. The al-Qaeda cell in Mosul reportedly facilitates financial transactions in Iraq and neighboring countries. Four others were detained during the raid.

Another raid in Mosul netted a suspected terrorist with financial ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq. During the raid Coalition Forces discovered a large amount of Egyptian and Syrian money and false passports and identification cards.

North of Amiriyah, three suspected terrorists were detained including the alleged leader of a local vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell.

“Successful Coalition operations continue to disrupt al-Qaida in Iraq operations, restrict the flow of foreign fighters and reduce the terrorist organization’s ability to finance terrorist operations,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Three-day Operation Leads to 15 Terrorists Killed, IED Factory Destroyed

ENGLISH SLIDES

ARABIC SLIDES

VIDEO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent three-day operation in Salman Pak targeting al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists, Coalition Forces killed 15 terrorists involved in an improvised explosives device cell, destroyed an IED factory and thwarted two explosives emplacements.

On Feb. 14, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy contact on the ground from a fortified building in the area. Determining the targets too hostile for ground troops, Coalition Forces called for close air support. Fixed wing aircraft used precision fires to destroy the building killing five terrorists and wounding four suspected terrorists.

Also during this raid, Coalition Forces disrupted two separate groups of terrorists who were in the process of emplacing IEDs alongside a road. Due to the high level of danger, fixed wing aircraft were used to destroy the IEDs. Ten terrorists are believed to have been killed as a result.

Coalition Forces continued their raid the following day and found a male Iraqi citizen shackled in one of the rooms of a targeted building. Ground forces detained four males who were hiding near the building. During a search, Coalition Forces found the hostage’s cell phone on one of the detainees.

According to the hostage, he was tied up with a hood over his head for three days. He said he prayed and fasted during his captivity because he believed his captors were going to execute him. He was transported to a nearby military medical facility for an examination.

On the third and final day of the operation, Coalition Forces performed a controlled detonation destroying an IED factory. During a search of the targeted building, ground forces found a large amount of IED-making material including 1,000 pounds of various types of explosives, including nitric acid.

An explosives ordnance disposal team determined the material was too unstable to move. Ground forces cordoned off the area and ensured local citizens were moved to a safe distance during the controlled detonation. The IED-making materials and building were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

A total of 13 suspected terrorists were detained during the three-day operation.

“Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaida network inside Iraq. This operation contributes to the reduction of this IED terrorist network’s ability to operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces and Iraq’s Multi-national partners,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Cavalry troops find cache, detain suspect
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

KORESH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops found a weapons cache near the village of Koresh, Iraq during a security patrol at approximately 9:30 a.m. Feb. 24.

Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found a weapons stockpile consisting of two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, a star-cluster flare, 600 rounds of linked 7.62mm ammunition, an assault rifle, two machine guns, a machine-gun barrel and two bipods for rifles.

The Soldiers detained the owner of the property where the cache was discovered for questioning. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in and conducted a controlled detonation to destroy the weapons and munitions.

SUSPECTED SENIOR AL-QAEDA LEADER CAPTURED IN MOSUL

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and captured a suspected senior al-Qaida leader during a raid Sunday morning in Mosul.

While approaching the first targeted building, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy fire from an adjacent building. Coalition Forces fired back, killing one terrorist.

Upon entering the adjacent building, ground forces were confronted by an armed terrorist who began maneuvering on the ground forces. Ground forces took proper self-defense measures and killed the armed terrorist.

During the raid, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists, including the targeted individual who is believed to be a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating a terrorist cell in Mosul.

This operation was part of ongoing efforts to empower the Iraqi people to defend, govern and rebuild their country. Coalition Forces will continue to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces disrupt terrorist cells in Titten
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, in conjunction with a
Military Transition Team from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted a cordon and knock operation targeting improvised explosive device and ambush cells in Titten, Iraq, Saturday.

During the operation, the IA Soldiers detained six suspected terrorists who were transferred to the Khalis detention facility for further questioning. A small cache of small arms munitions was discovered in the yard of one of the detainees.

“The Iraqi Soldiers and officers are continuously showing their commitment to making Diyala a safer province,” said. Col. David W. Sutherland, 3/1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province. “They are now conducting targeted operations independent of Coalition Forces, and are experiencing the successes of well-planned and executed operations.”

Following the cordon and knock, the Soldiers delivered school supplies throughout the area. The school supply drop was received very well by the local population.

Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces Discover Large EFP Cache
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – An informant’s tip led Iraqi Police officers from Judidah, Iraq, and
Coalition force members from the 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Cavalry Division, to a large improvised explosive device cache in the Baqubah area
Saturday.

The cache consisted of:
• 2 explosively formed projectiles in various stages of assembly
• One completed improvised mine and more than a dozen others in various
stages of construction
• More than two dozen mortar rounds and 15 rockets
• Over 130 disks capable of producing as many individual EFPs
• Six rocket launchers
• Five anti-aircraft rounds
• Over two dozen RPG warheads
• More than 400 plastic and steel containers in various stages of fabrication for
IED construction
• Large quantities of IED-making material such as detonation cord, C4, blasting
caps, fuses, EFP launching tubes, bags of ball bearings and voltage
regulators

"The vigilance of the Iraqi Police and the willingness of the people of Diyala to
end the cycle of violence led to this discovery,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav.
commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province.
A Coalition Forces explosive ordnance disposal unit safely disposed of some of
the munitions with the majority of the cache being transferred to Forward Operating
Base Warhorse.

"The terrorists and sectarian fighters who use these explosives have no other
desire than to stop the progress of the country,” Sutherland said. “Their hatred
manifests itself in the weapons that these supplies would have been used for. The
people realize this and understand that progress is impossible without stopping the
violence.

"The people are choosing, and they are choosing progress and development by
providing information," he added.

Cavalry paratroopers find, destroy cache
4th BCT (Abn.), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

KALSU, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a cache while
conducting a reconnaissance patrol south of Baghdad Feb. 23.

Paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division uncovered the cache in a two-foot deep hole
near Hawar Rajab, Iraq.

The cache consisted of one AK-47 rifle, a bandolier with two magazines, copper
command wire, two cell phones, one 155mm artillery round, and one rocket-propelled
grenade round.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the site and performed a
controlled detonation of the cache.

SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA EMIR, 14 OTHERS CAPTURED
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists including a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq emir during raids Monday morning targeting foreign fighter facilitators and the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq emir and one of his associates.

Three suspected foreign terrorist facilitators were captured in operations northeast of Samarra, and eight more were captured in a foreign fighter safe house west of Mahmudiyah.

In downtown Ramadi, Coalition Forces captured two suspects in a foreign fighter safe house. Intelligence reports indicated members of the cell were allegedly planning suicide operations against Coalition or Iraqi Forces.

“Coalition Forces are making progress dismantling the foreign fighter and al-Qaeda terrorist networks inside Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "These operations send a message to terrorists that they will be caught and prosecuted for their crimes under the Iraqi justice system."

Mosque opens for first time since terrorist attack
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – To most Iraqis, a mosque is a sacred place, but to terrorists it can be a target for sectarian violence.

Iraqis celebrated the re-opening of a Yusufiyah mosque as Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the Iraqi Police secured the area for the event Feb. 23.

The mosque had been closed since it was attacked by terrorists last October. Since then, the Iraqis have been working diligently to reopen the mosque.

“This is a good day for the people of Iraq,” said 1st Lt. Ali Kudair, an Iraqi police officer. “There are a lot of mosques opening in the area and it shows that we are progressing as a nation.”

Although the Yusufiyah area is primarily Shia there has been tension with neighboring Sunnis. The opening signifies the unity of the sects.

“Both tribes are welcome to the mosque,” Kudair explained. “This opening shows that we can get along since we are brothers.”

With the history of the violence in the area, the opening of the mosque was conducted under tight security. Soldiers of Company A., 4-31 secured areas around the mosque ensuring the safety of the Iraqi people. As the mosque opened, Iraqis began to pour in and begin worship. A couple of fist fights broke out, but the scene was otherwise peaceful.

“This is good for the Iraqi people,” said Capt. Chris Sanchez, a 4-31st staff planner and native of Los Angeles. “I hope this (the unity) continues and in time things will get better.”

Iraqi Army, Cavalry troops uncover large cache in Baghdad’s Ameriya district
1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment

BAGHDAD — A large weapons cache was discovered in the Ameriya district of the Iraqi capital Feb. 24.

Elements of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, working in conjunction with 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army, conducted a search in Ameriya and discovered the largest weapons cache to date in that area.

This cache was found in a school near the Al Fridas Mosque.

The search, conducted in the early morning hours, uncovered a cache consisting of 17 improvised rocket propelled grenades, 10 Kutusa rockets, five 60mm mortars, 13 81mm mortars, one 81mm mortar tube and two 60mm mortar tubes.

Iraqi Army detains 16 suspects during operations against rogue JAM

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Special Iraqi Army Forces detained 16 suspected militiamen during operations Feb. 27 with Coalition advisers in Sadr City targeting the leadership of several rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi cells operating against Iraqi civilians.

Iraqi forces targeted several individuals who allegedly control multiple rogue JAM cells and illegally direct and perpetrate sectarian murder, torture and kidnapping. The wanted individuals are reported to operate out of Sadr City and are linked to attacks on Coalition Forces and the supply of weapons and munitions which support continued rogue JAM violence.

Iraqi forces entered several secondary objectives during operations, but caused only minimal damage.

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

SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA EMIR, ELEVEN OTHERS DETAINED IN RAIDS THROUGHOUT IRAQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 12 suspected terrorists including a suspected Al-Qaeda in Iraq emir during raids Tuesday morning targeting foreign fighter facilitators and the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq emir and three of his associates. Based on intelligence reports, these suspects are allegedly involved in the production of improvised explosive devices.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists who have alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and anti-Coalition Forces activities. Two suspected terrorists were detained during a raid in Mosul. Intelligence reports indicate the suspected terrorists have ties with an al-Qaeda terrorist who has coordinated attacks against Iraqi security and U.S. military personnel.Another suspected terrorist was detained in Fallujah during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators.Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists in Tikrit who are believed to have links with terrorists involved in explosives shipments from other countries and facilitating the production of vehicle-borne IEDs.

In Ramadi, Coalition Forces netted a suspected terrorist who is allegedly involved in courier activities for al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq.

“These raids, taking place all across Iraq this morning show that Coalition Forces continue to make progress dismantling the terrorist networks,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

“The capture of these detainees reduces the ability of the terrorist networks to operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces, and Iraq’s Multi-National partners,” he said.

Tips Leads to Weapons Cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

By Cpl. John Androski
1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division Baghdad Soldiers, discovered a large weapons cache in the western Ameriya region of the nation’s capital Feb. 27.

Elements of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered the cache after receiving a tip from a local resident.
The cache consisted of 34 rocket propelled grenades, 35 propellant sticks for the grenades, 11 mortar rounds, five bags of anti-personnel mines, seven rifles, one sniper rifle, and 14 crates of AK-47 ammunition.

Upon further inspection of the house, ball bearings, detonation cord and several other bomb making materials were discovered.

An explosive ordnance detonation team destroyed the munitions and weapons on site.

Iraqi swat captures eight Mahdawiyah insurgent group members
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Al Hillah Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics personnel captured eight suspected members of the Mahdawiyah insurgent group during operations with Coalition advisors Feb. 26 in the Wardiyah district of Al Hillah. The suspects are believed to be involved in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and civilians in the area.

The suspects are allegedly part of the insurgent group that fought against the Coalition force and Iraqi Security Forces Jan. 28 in Najaf. The suspects are believed to threatening the lives of persons within the leadership of Iraqi Security Forces in Babil Province.

There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition force casualties.

Iraqi Police detains four suspects during operations against IED cell near Samarra
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO


BAGHDAD – Samarra Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces captured a suspected insurgent bomber during operations Feb. 27 southwest of Samarra.

The suspect was captured during operations targeting an insurgent improvised explosive device cell conducting attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces. The cell is responsible for emplacing IEDs targeting Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces along Main Supply Route TAMPA and other locations in Samarra.

Three additional suspects were detained by Iraqi Police for further questioning.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces caused only minimal damage during operations.

There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Iraqi Army troops nab five insurgents with cavalry paratroopers supporting operation
4th BCT (Abn.), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – An Iraqi battalion conducted a raid with Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops supporting to curb sectarian violence south of Baghdad, capturing five suspected insurgents Feb. 27.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division with support from paratroopers of 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, raided buildings in Hawr Rajab, Iraq, detaining the five suspects.

The raid was part of Operation Lion’s Roar which was an effort to curb sectarian violence south of Baghdad. This was the second successful raid in Hawr Rejab in the last two weeks.

Iraqi Army, Task Force Lightning unearth massive weapons cache

MAALEF, Iraq – Based on information gathered from a source, soldiers from the 2nd
Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, supported by Soldiers from the 5th
Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, uncovered a cache of illegal weapons Feb. 26
near the village of Maalef.

The cache was buried in various plastic containers and refrigerators arrayed in a 200
meter radius circle and contained the following:

• Eight anti-personnel landmines
• 14 mortar tubes of various sizes to include 60, 82, and 120mm
• Seven assorted hand grenades
• 194 mortar rounds of various sizes to include 60,82, and 120mm
• 18 rocket-propelled grenade launchers
• 153 57mm rockets
• Five 81mm rockets
• Two 107mm rockets
• Two SA-7 launchers
• Two IP vests, one with plates, and one with a detonation button rigged as a
suicide vest
• Almost 200 fuzes of various sizes
• Assorted bags of propellant, rolls of wire, and blasting caps

“The Iraqi Army was truly in the lead in the discovery of this cache,” said Col.
Stephen Twitty, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “It
resulted from exploitation of intelligence gained from one of their detainees captured in
an earlier raid.”

Soldiers from the 5-82 FA assisted the IA in removal of the weapons and with an
explosive ordnance disposal team on site to coordinate reduction.

“The large volume of weapons found here was clearly intended for use against the
[Iraqi security forces], Coalition forces and the people of Iraq. The anti-Iraqi forces need
to realize that the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces will stop them, and will protect the
Iraqi people from them.”

EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED, SIX SUSPECTS DETAINED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained six suspects during operations Wednesday morning targeting foreign fighter facilitators and the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
Intelligence reports indicated terrorists associated with small arms and rocket attacks against Coalition Forces were operating northeast of Taji.
As Coalition Forces approached the targeted area, they noticed several armed men maneuvering toward them in a nearby palm grove. Coalition Forces called in close air support to eliminate the threat. Rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft used precision fires killing eight armed terrorists. Two suspected terrorists were detained.
Coalition Forces also captured two suspected terrorists in Amiriyah and two more in Baghdad with alleged ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
“Coalition Forces continue methodical, deliberate efforts to eliminate terrorism in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Hostages freed by paratroopers, weapons cache secured
4th BCT (A), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

KALSU, Iraq – Dismounted paratroopers located an insurgent safe house uncovering a
weapons cache and freeing two hostages south of Baghdad Feb. 26.

Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th
Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division located the safe house, where
they found the two hostages and a weapons cache near Mahmudiyah.

The cache contained three AK-47s, 14 30-round magazines, one 100-round
magazine drum, two fragmentary grenades, one cell phone and one hand held radio.

The freed hostages were given immediate medical treatment.

Iraqi Army Detains 5 Suspects During Operations Against IED Builder
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces detained five suspects during operations with Coalition advisors March 1 in Baghdad, targeting an improvised explosive device builder.

During operations, a Coalition force over-watch element observed a man armed with an assault rifle moving from roof top to roof top appearing to track Iraqi Forces and Coalition force members on the ground. The man positioned himself in a vantage point where he had a clear sight of the ground forces. The suspect was then observed raising his weapon and aiming it in the direction of Iraqi Forces and Coalition force members, posing an immediate threat to them. The Coalition over-watch element shot the man neutralizing the threat.

Coalition force and Iraqi Army medics rendered immediate aid to the gunman to help stabilize him for movement to a hospital. The man died before he was able to be transported.

There was minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi Forces or Coalition force casualties.

Iraqi Police Detains 6 during Raid against AQI in Karma
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Fallujah Iraqi Police detained six suspects during operations with Coalition advisers Mar. 1 in Karma targeting al Qaeda in Iraq facilitators.

Iraqi Police were targeting several suspected insurgents responsible for providing funds, weapons and transportation to al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and insurgents conducting attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

There were no reports of Iraqi civilians, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

CCCI convicts 10 insurgents
One sentenced to 30 years, three sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq convicted 10 security detainees from Feb. 18 - 22, for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, possessing fake identification, use of explosives, passport violations and illegal border crossing.

The trial court found an Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Jan. 19, 2005, MNF conducted a raid on several houses in Taji searching for the defendant and several other individuals. The defendant’s brother led MNF to the defendant’s house. Inside they found a locked door that the defendant said was empty and the temperature change had swelled the door shut. MNF broke down the door and inside they found: one RPK machine gun, one AK-47, a pistol, one G3 assault rifle, Iraqi and CIA intelligence manuals and documents as well as many fake identification documents and photographs. The defendant admitted to MNF that he was once an Iraqi intelligence officer. MNF then searched outside the house using metal detectors and found more buried weapons and ammunition. Some of the ammunition was found in American ammunition boxes with serial numbers that matched the serial numbers of ammunition boxes taken from Humvees which had recently been destroyed by IEDs’ in which two American Soldiers died. On Feb. 18 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 30 years imprisonment.

The trial court found an Iraqi man guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Dec. 25, 2006, MNF conducted a targeted raid to capture the defendant. The defendant is a weapons dealer and has sold weapons to various groups on many occasions. At the point of capture, MNF found an AK-47, a sniper rifle, a PKC machine gun, an RPG, two pistols, a rifle and assorted ammunition. At the time of capture the defendant also had fake identification with him. On Feb. 19 the trial panel found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

The trial court found two Iraqi men guilty of illegal possession of special category weapons in violation of Order 3/2003 Section 6, Paragraph 2B. On Nov. 11, 2006, MNF were conducting census operations near Fallujah. MNF entered one defendant’s home and noticed both defendants acting nervous. Because of their behavior, MNF began a search of their home. MNF first discovered one loaded AK-47 magazine under a mattress on the second floor of the home. MNF continued their search and discovered the following weapons: two AK-47’s, seven AK-47 loaded magazines, four fan switches, two 9mm pistols, one blasting cap, one RPG trigger assembly, anti-MNF propaganda and numerous types of ammunition. At the hearing MNF presented two eye witnesses, photographs and a sketch. On Feb. 20 the trial panel found the defendants guilty and sentenced them each to 15 years imprisonment.

Those convicted of immigration violations, taking advantage of someone else’s legal documents, use of explosives and illegal possession of special category weapons were sentenced from one to 30 years imprisonment. Those convicted totaled nine Iraqis and one Palestinian.

Since its reorganization, under an amendment to CPA order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,902 trials for Coalition-apprehended insurgents. The proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,640 individuals with sentences ranging up to death.

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED, 16 OTHERS DETAINED IN OPERATIONS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations Thursday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq.

During an operation west of Ramadi, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation.

South of Baghdad, Coalition Forces killed one armed terrorist who charged at them as they entered a targeted building.

Six suspected terrorists allegedly associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq were detained in operations in Bayji, and four others with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation were detained in Ramadi.

“Coalition Forces will continue to successfully 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.”

Golden Dragons discover massive cache southwest of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops found and seized a massive weapons cache along one of Baghdad’s main highways Feb. 28.
Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache while conducting a combat patrol along Mulla Fayad Highway, west of Yusufiyah.
The cache consisted of two Sanger missiles with launch tubes, 200 meters of fuse, 1000 12.7mm Dishka rounds, two 122mm rockets, 18 60mm mortar rounds, 80 hand grenades, six rocket stabilizers, 10 120mm mortar tail fins, 100 60mm mortar fuses, five 106mm artillery rounds, one 57mm rocket, one rocket-propelled grenade, one 57mm anti-aircraft round, two RPG-9s, 60 120mm mortars, two unknown mortar rounds, one RPG launcher, one 60mm mortar illumination round, one Dishka heavy machinegun receiver, 20 canisters,

Iraqi, U.S. troops unearth large weapons caches

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Military operations southwest of Baghdad snared extensive weapons caches March 1 near Yusufiyah, Iraq, hindering terrorist activity.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted search missions into an area known to coalition forces as Janabi Village, uncovering multiple caches and detaining several Iraqis suspected of being involved in or having knowledge of terrorist operations.

The caches included five AK-47s and 19 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four bandoliers for ammunition, a flare, an unknown type of machine gun, an Iraqi Army-issued radio, a radio tuned to the Iraqi national police frequency, four false identification cards, three rolls of copper wire, a garage-door remote control, a log book and paperwork documenting terrorist operations, a collapsible baton, two sniper rifles, an 82mm mortar system with 64 rounds and 400,000 Iraqi Dinar – about $312 in U.S. currency.

Also found were two 155mm rounds, 46 105mm rounds, a directional charge, a roll of detonation cord, eight 120mm rounds, three 60mm rounds, an Iraqi soldier’s load-bearing vest, a bag of unidentified powder, a remote timer, altered identification papers, a camera, two lengths of crush wire, two long-range cell phones and command detonation wires.

The Iraqi and U.S. troops also found a Dragonov sniper rifle with telescopic sights, 800 rounds for a PKC machine gun, a pressure-wire improvised explosive device, a rifle with a telescopic sight, two shoulder-fired rocket launchers, a receiver for a Dishka machine gun, a bipod, a bottle of homemade explosive, 20 shotgun shells, two gas masks, two air-delivered bombs, 70 unidentified fuses, a used rocket shell, two Katyusha rockets, 44 60mm mortar rounds, three small artillery charge bags and one large artillery charge bag, two 70mm rockets, two video cassettes, two hand grenades, five electric switches, a Japanese-made grenade, 46 mortar charges, 19 155mm mortar fuses and a destroyed camera.

“The caches found by the 4/6 and the 2-15th Soldiers will definitely have an impact in the Sayyid-Abdullah corridor,” said 2-15th executive officer Maj. Douglas Mayzel.

The two units are working together as part of Operation Commando Viper, said Maj. Web Wright, a spokesman for the 2nd BCT.

“The mission is being conducted to deny the enemy freedom of movement in southern Baghdad,” he said. “We have found multiple caches throughout the area of operations.”

Iraqi Army and Coalition soldiers detain 42

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI)

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained 42 individuals as part of an operation approximately three miles southwest of Baghdad, March 1.

Soldiers from the 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 suspects for involvement in storing weapons and improvised explosive devices.

The operation is intended to deny enemy freedom of maneuver in the area and to deny them a staging area for attacks into the capital city.

The detainees are being held for questioning.

Paratroopers find large ammunition cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div. (ABN) Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered a large ammunition cache containing more than 100 mortar rounds south of Baghdad March 2.

Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division located the cache near Bahbahani while on a dismounted patrol.

The cache contained 87 60mm mortar rounds, 15 82mm rounds, two 120mm rounds, one 122mm round, 16 130mm rounds and two 155mm rounds.

An explosive ordnance disposal team secured the cache for a controlled detonation.

Task Force Iron Claw finds booby-trapped vehicle
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — A burned-out vehicle on a rural Iraqi road proved to be a vehicleborne improvised explosive device when it was investigated by Soldiers Thursday near here.

The vehicle was found along a road outside Yusufiyah, Iraq, near a settlement known to coalition forces as Janabi Village.

Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)’s Task Force Iron Claw noted wires leading out of the trunk of the vehicle at approximately 1 p.m. and called for an explosive ordnance disposal team to investigate further.

The vehicle was destroyed by EOD with a controlled detonation.

The ordnance in the trunk could not be identified.

“This vehicle was rigged to detonate for no other reason than to kill the Iraqi
security forces or U.S. Soldiers,” said Maj. Web Wright, 2nd BCT spokesman.

“Attention to detail by the Soldiers of Task Force Ironclaw saved lives today.”

Men captured while emplacing explosive device
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — Two men were arrested while attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major Iraqi highway Tuesday near Camp Striker, Iraq.

Soldiers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were patrolling Route Tampa, the main highway running in and out of Baghdad, at approximately 10:30 p.m. when they spotted two men crawling in a canal on the south side of the road.

The troops stopped the men and searched them, discovering that they had a U.S.-made night-vision tool. A further search of the area revealed an IED ready to be emplaced.

IEDs are commonly placed on Route Tampa due to its central location south of Baghdad and the heavy traffic, both civilian and military, that it supports.

The IED consisted of six 57mm rounds in a white bag about 200 meters from the road, as well as a video camera, a washing-machine timer, a pressure plate and a blasting cap.

The men were detained for further questioning.

Golden Dragons discover six more caches in operation
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to find weapons caches along Mullah Fayad Highway during an ongoing operation southwest of Baghdad, Feb. 28.

As reported earlier, Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found a massive cache along the highway as part of Operation Commando Viper, an operation intended to deny terrorists’ freedom of movement in southwest Baghdad.

After continuing to scour the area, the ‘Golden Dragons’ found an additional six caches along the highway, just west of Yusufiyah, March 1.

The first cache consisted of 12 mortar warheads, 28 tear gas grenades, 150 cassette tapes, a 200 round ammunition drum, 20 feet of wire, 29 mortar charges, three rocket propelled grenade sights, a rifle scope, an AK-47 magazine, four chest-rigged AK-47 kits, four small cloth bags of gun powder, 250 loose 7.62mm rounds, a battery charger, an alternating current adapter, three rifle slings, and various bomb making materials.

The second cache, smaller than the first, included 22 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 300 feet of detention cord, a 62mm high-explosive anti-tank rounds and a 106mm anti-tank round.

The third cache had two unknown aiming tools, three AK-47 magazines (two full and one empty), 100 7.62mm rounds, a box containing 1,000 7.62mm rounds, 11 cloth bags filled with gun powder, 20 feet of time fuse, 20 feet of detonation cord, two RPG-7 rounds, 10 blasting caps, a 57mm warhead, an AK- 47, a bottle of unknown liquid, a spotting scope, four cell phones, two mortar sights, an RPG sight, an unknown electronic site, various digital and paper
archival equipment, and initiators for improvised explosive devices.

In the fourth cache were four RPG-7 rounds, 22 81mm warhead rounds, 39 60mm warhead rounds, 25 mortar charges, an 81mm mortar round, three high-explosive assembled warhead rounds, two RPG-9 rounds, 55 various grenades, 16 blasting caps, five AK-47 chest kits, six AK-47 magazines, a set of binoculars, an RPG sight box, a machine gun rod, an unknown aiming device, a mortar sight and a test light.

The fifth cache had three AK-47 magazines, a two-way radio, a plastic grenade, 300 7.62mm rounds, a spool of wire, a camera bag, a tripod, a hand drill and an improvised explosive device kit.

The last cache included five RPG-9 rounds, two 81mm mortar rounds, three blasting caps, a mortar site, a warhead, a homemade rocket launcher, 22 boxes of mortar charges, an 81mm warhead, two 60mm warheads, a ammunition can, 20 feet of detonation cord, a set of binoculars and a cell phone battery.

“The Soldiers of 2-14 are putting a huge dent in the terrorists’ capabilities,” said Maj. Brock Jones, the 2-14 Inf. executive officer and native of Lakewood, Ohio. “Each large caliber round is one less (improvised explosive device) the enemy can emplace.”

The Soldiers will continue to search the area in hopes of finding more caches.

An explosive ordnance detonation team destroyed the contents of the caches and the operation is still ongoing.

EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED DURING SALMAN PAK RAID

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists during a raid Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the Salman Pak region.

Intelligence reports indicate a significant number of individuals involved with the AQIZ terrorist network currently operating in the area. Activities in this area have been linked to a roadside and vehicle-borne explosives network. Terrorists in the area are also believed to be involved in smuggling weapons and facilitating foreign fighters.

During the raid, in which Coalition Forces were repeatedly confronted by small arms and mortar fires, Coalition Forces identified three armed terrorists maneuvering toward them with hostile intent. Ground forces engaged the enemy, killing the three terrorists.

Twenty minutes later, ground forces were again confronted by eight terrorists who began firing upon them. Ground forces returned fire, killing four terrorists. The other four fled the area.

Ground forces also witnessed armed terrorists in a vehicle who were accessing a weapons cache and removing small arms. Coalition Forces engaged, killing one terrorist. Two terrorists were wounded and fled.

Coalition Forces recovered several sniper rifles, AK-47s and rocket-propelled launchers from one of the engagement sites.

“Successful coalition operations continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, restricting freedom of movement and reducing the organization’s manpower pool,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.

Hillah SWAT Captures Leader of Rogue JAM IED Cell
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Hillah Special Weapons and Tactical team members captured the suspected leader of a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi militia cell during operations with Coalition advisors Friday in Babil Province.

The suspect allegedly controls an improvised explosive device cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi civilians and Coalition Forces.

The suspect is implicated in six IED attacks since December that have resulted in the deaths of three Coalition Forces Soldiers.

He is also involved in the murder of Iraqi civilians working with Coalition Forces.

Iraqi forces detained five additional suspected cell members for questioning.

The Iraqi led operation resulted in minimal damage to the objective.

There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Iraqi Police Captures 3 Members of Insurgent Network During Raid
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Fallujah, Iraqi Police captured three suspected members of an Al Qaeda in Iraq linked insurgent network during operations with Coalition advisors Friday in Fallujah.

One suspect is believed to have participated in a recent attack on the Saqlawiyah Police station.

The other suspects are implicated in recording insurgent attacks against Coalition Forces on video and selling them to an Iraqi television station.

The videos are broadcast to support AQI’s effort to recruit more insurgents and incite attacks against Iraqis civilians and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi forces detained one additional suspect for questioning.

Tags:
Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists

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

oh and also here and also here and here And some previous posts on this: first off here oh and here! oh and here oh more here oh and also here oh and here oh and here oh and also here

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