‘Black Lions’ Seize Weapons Cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad forces seized a large weapons cache in southwestern Baghdad March 30, after observing suspicious activity around a residence.
Infantrymen of Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry (The Black Lions) silently established an outer cordon around an Iraqi house and moved in.
The inner cordon element led by 1st Lt. Michael Sheer entered the building with a squad of heavily-armed Black Lions.
Shortly, Capt. Bret Hamilton, Attack Company commander, monitoring the unit radio heard Sheer say, “We have found a cache.”
Attack Company, who was searching the house located in an insurgent-dominated neighborhood, immediately received enemy small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.
“The enemy did not want to surrender this sizable cache without a fight, but our Soldiers had rehearsed this operation and were prepared for multiple contingencies,” Hamilton said.
What began as several weapons in the living quarters of the residence grew to a massive enemy weapons and demolitions storage site as a hidden room was discovered within the home.
The cordon and search held deep within an enemy-dominated area was intended to disrupt enemy actions. The unit was supporting an Iraqi Army forward operating base that had been under enemy attack for 36-hours.
Seizure of “Target-2,” this large weapons, ammunition, and demolitions cache struck an immediate blow to an insurgent attack on Forward Operating Base Lion, the Iraqi Army facility located nearby, said an officer at the scene.
Maj. Will Cotty, an Iraqi Army training team chief, said, “The enemy lost the initiative when the sniper rifles and mortar systems were seized by Attack Company. Capt. Hamilton’s team and the Iraqi Army have developed a strong partnership in a short period of time.”
As the battle raged on in the Baghdad neighborhood, Attack Company with the Black Lion explosive ordnance detachment began to remove the cache from the residence. Attack helicopters prowled the sky overhead looking for enemy movement around the Black Lion perimeter, keeping insurgent fighters at length.
The enemy that were bold enough to attempt to engage the Attack Company Soldiers were met with well-aimed and overwhelming fire.
“There is no doubt that the 25mm chain gun on our Bradley platoon made a dramatic impression on the enemy tonight,” said 1st Sgt Jeffery Griffith from Co A.
Significant weapons removed from the enemy’s possession included: AK-47s, sniper rifles, machine guns, mortar systems, rocket propelled grenades, 107mm rockets, TNT, C-4 plastic explosives, bulletproof vests and a 240mm Soviet rocket.
“Operations developed with actionable intelligence, like tonight, allow us to keep the enemy off-balance,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jamil Gutierrez from Co. A. “My platoon was proud to remove these weapons and demolitions from the enemy’s hands.”
Iraqi Army calls in air strike to engage militia men
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FOB KALSU, Iraq — Fixed wing aircraft conducted an air strike against armed militia men in Diwaniyah April 7.
Iraqi Army and Coalition forces as part of Operation Black Eagle used a strategic air strike to defend against illegally armed militia men using shoulderfired rocket propelled grenades.
IA personnel were informed by local residents, through a tip line, of militia men employing RPGs in the area.
IA made positive identification of the militia men and called for the air strike.
The incident highlights the growing confidence the people of Diwaniyah are having with the Iraqi Security Force as seen in this indication of popular support through use of the local tip line.
14 Detained at cache site
1st Lt. Charles Bloomfield
2nd Bn, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — A large weapons cache was found in the Yarmouok neighborhood on Apr. 3, as security operations continue in western Baghdad.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army, and Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conducted a joint operations raid that discovered a stockpile of weapons in the nation’s capital.
Among the items confiscated were, explosives, IED making materials, 9mm handguns, 60mm mortars, 82mm mortars, and 57mm projectiles as well as numerous AK-47s and other contraband.
Fourteen men were detained during the operation and are being held for further questioning.
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) arrives in theater
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Corps-Iraq welcomed a third U.S. brigade this week to assist the Iraqi Security Forces in support of Fardh Al-Qanoon. The brigade from Ft. Benning, Ga., will assist Iraqi Security Forces in reducing violence and protecting Iraqi citizens. This Brigade will complete arrival in Baghdad by April 8.
The brigade includes more than 3,000 Soldiers.
The 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division will be deployed in and around the city of Baghdad. Their mission will be to assist Iraqi Security Forces to clear, control and retain key areas of the capital city in order to reduce violence and better protect the Iraqi populace.
VBIED CELL LEADER KILLED, EIGHT OTHERS CAPTURED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and captured eight suspected terrorists Saturday morning during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells.
In southwest Baghdad, a terrorist was killed and three suspected terrorists were detained during an assault by Coalition Forces. The detainees indicated that the man killed was a local VBIED cell leader in charge of approximately 40-50 men. Coalition Forces also found several AK-47s in the targeted building.
South of Ramadi, Coalition Forces captured four suspected terrorists with ties to an al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitation network.
“These terrorists are indiscriminately killing innocent Iraqis,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Coalition Forces continue methodical and deliberate efforts to eliminate VBIED cells in Iraq.”
Statement from Multi-National Force-Iraq condemning the killing of journalists
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Force-Iraq joins leaders of all communities in Iraq in condemning the criminal attacks on journalists as they go about their critical daily reporting of the situation in this country.
These attacks undermine the importance of establishing a free and democratic society that allows individuals to express themselves without threat of violence or retribution. The freedom of the press is afforded to everyone by the Government of Iraq and supported by the Coalition forces.
The Coalition stands firmly with the Government of Iraq in protecting all Iraqi journalists as they take advantage of one of the basic freedoms of mankind.
We send our sincerest condolences to the many families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, family member, or friend pursuing a career in journalism and serving the public need for information at this critical time in Iraq.Two detained from mosque in Musayyib
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
KALSU, Iraq – Two suspects were taken into custody when Iraqi police conducted a search of Husaniyah Mosque in Musayyib, Iraq April 7.
Iraqi policemen conducted the search, based on intelligence reports of terrorist activity there, with support from paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, who provided security outside the mosque.
Iraqi security forces and coalition forces respect the sanctity of mosques and take precautions to minimize damage to property and disruption of legitimate activities when operating around such holy sites.
In accordance with the Iraqi prime minister’s directive given in a recent speech, any buildings that are being used for criminal or illegal purposes forfeit their protected status. In addition, when these sites are used for criminal or terrorist activities, they lose their protective status under international law.
The detainees are being held for further questioning.
Operation Black Eagle Update: Militia resistance subsiding
4th BCT (Abn.), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi Army soldiers along with Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Multi-National Division – Center South forces continued Operation Black Eagle in the city of Ad Diwaniyah today to continue disruption of militia
activity and return security and stability of the city back to the government of Iraq.
Soldiers of the 8th Iraqi Army Division supported by Soldiers and paratroopers from Multi-National Division-Baghdad and Multi-National Division- Center South began Operation Black Eagle early April 6 in response to the recent violence threatening to destabilize the region.
“Fighting was less steady than yesterday’s actions. Our assessment is that our operations are being effective,” said Maj. Eric Verzola, spokesman for MND-B’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. In the second day of the operation, one illegally-armed militia fighter was killed by Coalition fixed-wing aircraft.
Currently, there are 39 militia personnel detained and being held for further questioning.
Besides the detention of militia members, several weapons and ammunition caches were found.
The caches included 27 90mm rockets, six claymore mines, five crates of C-4 explosives, eight explosively formed projectiles, four EFP cones and other EFP-making materials, one roll of detonation cord, 14 hand grenades, 12 blasting caps for explosives, six rolls of copper wire, one global positioning system, 13 fully-loaded AK-47 ammunition magazines, 900 PKC machine gun ammunition rounds, two PKC machine gun barrels, one PKC machine gun butt stock, one ortar system sight, and five ballistic vests.
During the operation, one Coalition vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Ammunition and fuel ignited and destroyed the vehicle and three Coalition soldiers were wounded, receiving minor cuts and bruises.
Soldiers help save life of Iraqi infant
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers came to the aid of an ailing Iraqi infant April 5 in the village of Sheik Hammed, Iraq.
While on a patrol through the village, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were approached by a villager carrying his sick 6-month-old son in his arms.
Medics on the patrol determined the child had a high fever and would die without further treatment. Within minutes, they had the child medically evacuated from the area.
The father and son were first brought to Camp Taji for the baby’s initial treatment and then flown to the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad for further treatment.
As of April 7, the child was listed in stable condition and is expected to be released soon.
Weapons cache seized in Adhamiyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD — Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team found and detonated a weapons cache uncovered April 5 in the Adhamiyah district.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment made the discovery while clearing an suspected insurgent safe house located near the Abu Haneefa Mosque. The cache was hidden in an underground bunker beneath a courtyard behind the safe house.
Weapons recovered included a sniper rifle outfitted with a scope and a silencer, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two L2A3 submachine guns, one PKM, mortar, land mines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a variety of bomb-making materials, including 20 pounds of homemade explosives.
An explosive ordnance team conducted a controlled detonation of the explosives at the site, after notifying the local Imam to make sure no damage to the Mosque occurred.
Three known insurgents detained
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
KALSU, Iraq — Coalition force members detained three known insurgents south of Baghdad April 7.
Paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspects while performing a reconnaissance of an area north of Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
Two of the detainees were positively identified as individuals involved in the shooting of two paratroopers April 3. The attack killed one Soldier and the wounded another. The third detainee is linked with a known improvised explosive device production cell near Hawr Rajab, Iraq.
One AK-47 with an empty bandolier was also confiscated. The three suspects are being held for further questioning.
Operation Black Eagle: Iraqi general notes ‘great success’
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
DIWANIYAH, Iraq — Soldiers from the Iraqi Army and the Coalition force entered their third day of fighting against illegally-armed militia in Diwaniyah in order to secure the city and provide stability to the region.
During the second day of Operation Black Eagle, clashes between the Iraqi Army and militia members continued.
“So far, we have achieved great success fighting the terrorists,” said Maj. Gen. Oothman Faroud, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, which is leading the assault. “We have freed the people of Diwaniyah from the murder and intimidation that has plagued the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months.”
The 8th IA Div. and their Coalition counterparts from Multi-National Division-Center South and Multi-National Division-Baghdad have uncovered many large caches of weapons including several explosively formed projectiles and improvised explosive device making factories. They have also uncovered caches of EFPs and IEDs along with homemade explosives and other bomb-making material across the city.
The operation has netted 39 militia members, and killed several more during sporadic fire fights. Two wanted terrorists were captured on the first day of Operation Black Eagle. Both of these detainees have taken part in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition troops and innocent civilian targets.
Joint operation clears terrorists from Diyala River Valley
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BAQUBAH, Iraq – A joint operation, which began March 24 in the Diyala River Valley northeast of Baqubah, cleared two terrorist safe havens and the surrounding palm groves by unearthing more than 15 weapons caches, killing more than 30 terrorists and detaining 28 suspected terrorists.
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Coalition force members from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, cleared enemy territory in Zaganiyah and Qubbah, Iraq and continue to maintain a permanent presence with the newly-constructed patrol base in the heart of the Diyala River Valley.
“To secure the population against terrorists, Iraqi Security Forces are becoming more offensive in their operations,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala.
“They will attack the terrorists in the perceived safe havens. However, the importance of these operations is that the people of the area are showing trust and confidence in their Soldiers by providing specific information relative to the whereabouts of the enemy,” Sutherland added.
Aside from discovering more than 20 improvised explosive devices, the security forces uncovered caches consisting of more than 17,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 130 mortar rounds, 175 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 80 grenades, IED-making materials and other terrorist equipment.
“The people remain our center of gravity, and each of these discoveries continues to deny the enemy the ability to use force to target the population and security forces,” said Sutherland.
The detainees were transferred to a detention centre for further questioning.
CCCI Convicts 41, Sentences 1 to death, 2 to life imprisonment
BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 41 individuals from March 18 - 31, for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary.
The trial court sentenced one individual to death March 27 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law.
The individual was apprehended Dec. 24, 2006 by Multi-National Forces.
After receiving information that the individual was the leader of an al-Qaeda linked cell who was issuing fatwas,
Multi-National Forces searched the individual’s home and found a decapitated human head in a freezer and Improvised Explosive Device components in the home.
CCCI sentenced two individuals to life imprisonment Mar. 28 after being found guilty of violation of Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code. The convicted individuals were apprehended in Mosul on Sept. 3, 2004.
The convicted individuals were spotted by Multi-National Forces as they fired mortars towards Camp Freedom.
They were apprehended after a firefight that injured the two convicted individuals and killed two others.
An MNF search of the vehicle the convicted individuals were in revealed one 60mm mortar, five mortar rounds, one hand grenade, an AK-47 and documents showing the individuals received money for carrying out attacks on MNF.
Thirty-three individuals were convicted Mar. 18 – 31 for possessing illegal weapons in violation of CPA Order 3/2003. The convicted received sentences ranging from three to 30 years imprisonment.
Two individuals were convicted for violation of Article 10/1 of the Iraqi Passport Law. One was sentenced to six years imprisonment and the other was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
One individual was convicted for violation of Article 24/1, illegal border crossing, and Article 295/2, fake official identification, of the Iraqi Penal Code.
The individual was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the Article 24/1 violation and five years imprisonment for the Article 295/2 violation.
Another individual was found guilty of violation of Article 295/2 of the Iraqi Penal Code and was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
One other individual was convicted for violation of Article 27/3 of the Iraqi Penal Code and was fined 100,000 dinar and sentenced to one year imprisonment.
Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,993 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces.
The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,747 individuals with sentences ranging from imprisonment to death.
SENIOR AL-QAEDA LEADER CAPTURED IN BAGHDAD RAID
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a senior al-Qaeda leader and two others during raid Sunday morning in Baghdad.
Coalition Forces identified the man as the gatekeeper to the al-Qaeda emir of Baghdad. He has alleged ties to several senior al-Qaeda members and is reportedly linked to a number of mass casualty vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the Baghdad area.
He was detained along with another known al-Qaeda VBIED cell leader and one other suspect.“This is a significant step in our efforts to disrupt the VBIED network and their devastating attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
**Orange jumpsuit on order for this chap, welcome to club Gitmo scumbag.
Coalition aircraft engages insurgents firing on convoy
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq — A coalition helicopter engaged insurgents with machine gun and missile fire after positively identifying them following an attack on Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops south of Baghdad April 8.
Paratroopers from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment observed six insurgents personnel carrying weapons northeast of Mahmudiyah, Iraq. The insurgents engaged the paratroopers and a convoy of trucks on a nearby highway with gun fire.
The insurgents fled to a nearby house after engaging the paratroopers, and an attack helicopter was called in for assistance. After positive identification of the insurgents, the helicopter fired on the house.
Five insurgents were seen fleeing the house, and the attack helicopter engaged them again. Following the attack, paratroopers on the ground searched the house and the surrounding grounds, finding three insurgent trucks destroyed.
One individual was detained near the house. He reported that possibly five insurgents had been killed and three more wounded.
The detainee was held for further questioning.
Iraqi Army works to secure, clean up Baghdad’s Yarmouk neighborhood
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — In an effort to improve security in the Yarmouk district of the nation’s capital city, Iraqi Army Soldiers have been clearing homes and businesses throughout the neighborhood.
The 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, working in coordination with 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, see this as an important step to improving security in the community.
Early each morning this week, Iraqi Army and Coalition force members have linked up to prepare for the daily operations. Soldiers have discovered weapons caches within the area and confiscated them in order to eliminate the potential threat these weapons pose.
The Iraqi Army Soldiers also cleared the area of trash piles and abandoned vehicles which had allowed terrorists to place and hide IEDs. Other large piles of trash, used to block crossroads and keep insurgents out of the neighborhood, are currently being replaced by concrete barriers.
Al Anbar Security Conference
Multi-National Force – West PAO
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – The 7th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters
hosted the Al Anbar Security Conference here today to discuss security and transition in
the province with leaders from the Government of Iraq, Al Anbar and Iraqi Security
Forces.
The Minister of Defense, Abd al-Qadir al Mufriji, Minister of Interior, Julad al-Bulani, and National Security Advisor, Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubbaie were briefed by the Provincial Director of Police and commanders from the 1st and 7th Iraqi Army Divisions and 2nd Brigade of the Division of Border Enforcement. The joint security conference promoted the transition to provincial Iraqi security control and cultivated the steps necessary to achieve this goal.
Representatives from the Iraqi Ground Forces Command in Baghdad and the Provincial Joint Coordination Center, which is collocated here with the 7th Division, were also in attendance.
Multi National Corps - Iraq and Multi National Force - West commanders offered security and transition assessments as well as their continued support towards provincial Iraqi control.
The conference was a continuation of the dialogue Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki began with the leaders of Al Anbar during his visit here March 13.
Iraqi Police join the security mission in Diwaniyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
DIWANIYAH, Iraq – Operation Black Eagle moved into a new phase of operations with the Iraqi police joining the Iraqi Army and Coalition force members in security operations here April 8.
Iraqi police began manning key checkpoints throughout the city, further adding to the security forces already in place.
“The Iraqi police are now out in force helping to enforce the rule of law in Diwaniyah,” said Col. Michael Garrett, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.
The Iraqi police were not involved in the initial operation for many reasons. They were asked to stay at their stations in order to protect them from the possibility of reprisal attacks from the militias.
“The Iraqi Police lacked the training necessary to conduct this type of operation,” said Brig. Gen. Sadiq Jafar Ali, provincial police chief. “Thanks to the help and expertise of the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces, the Iraqi police will now be able to cooperate with them to secure the city.”
The Iraqi Army was asked by the government of Iraq to rid the town of militia members and other terrorist groups who had waged a campaign of murder and intimidation against the people of Diwaniyah and the security forces charged with protecting them.
Summing up the attacks, Maj. Gen. Oothman Farhood, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division and leader of the assault against the militia, mentioned hundreds of attacks and dozens of kidnappings and murders in the city.
“We have received more than 700 requests for the help of the Iraqi Army from the people of Diwaniyah,” he said. “The Iraqi Army is here for the people of Iraq and to help the Iraqi police provide security for the citizens of Diwaniyah.”
According to Oothman, Operation Black Eagle has achieved tremendous success, but much work remains. From capturing terrorists and their weapons to giving the people of Diwaniyah the hope of returning to their normal lives, the cooperation of the Iraqi Army and their counterparts is moving into the next phase of operations.
Fighting continued in the city April 8 as the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces captured 39 militia members and several larges caches of weapons and explosives.
“We have freed the people of Diwaniyah from murder and intimidation that have plagued the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months,” Oothman said.
Even with the assurances, concerns remain about the future security of the city once the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces leave the city. “As with all wars, this is not a one or two-day event,” Oothman stated. “We are going to be here until we have returned security and stability to
Diwaniyah.”
Maj. Gen. Pawel Lamla, commander of the Multi National Division-Central South also talked about a long and thorough rebuilding and restructuring plan. “As you can see, we are here together as a coalition of many countries for a common goal,” he said. “We are here for the benefit of the city of Diwaniyah and its people.”
Lamla also discussed the next phase of Operation Black Eagle, securing the city and repairing damage caused by the fighting.
“The terrorists and militias seek to destroy the city. We want to destroy the militias and rebuild and repair the damages that have occurred,” Lamla said. He also talked of the link between the new Baghdad security plan and the ongoing operations in Diwaniyah.
“As the Baghdad security plan goes into its next phase, we will do the same. We are going to establish joint security stations throughout the city. The Iraqi Army and police will supervise the stations alongside Coalition Forces,” Lamla said. “With the JSS (Joint Security Station), we will maintain a constant presence within the city and improve the capability of the Iraqi police at the same time.
“As soon as the Iraqi police are capable, we will return security responsibilities to them,” Lamla continued. “Until then, we will do what is required, for as long as it takes to make Diwaniyah safe.”
14 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 14 suspected terrorists during operations Monday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitators and members of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells.
While conducting a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators northwest of Bayji, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists.
During two operations in Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces captured seven suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq.
Northwest of Karmah, two suspected terrorists were detained with links to a VBIED cell. According to intelligence reports, this cell is allegedly responsible for planning attacks against Iraqi police and Coalition Forces.
“Coalition Forces continue systematic operations to hunt down terrorists no matter where they may hide,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Soldiers engage enemy after drive-by shooting, find weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Prior to finding a sizeable weapons cache, Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers engaged four enemy gunmen, killing two and wounding two others after the men had fired from their vehicle toward the troops April 7 near Abu Ghuraib, Iraq.
While conducting a security patrol, Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment received small arms fire from a sedan driving past their position. The troopers subsequently engaged the vehicle, disabling it.
Two insurgents died in the exchange, while two others were wounded.
The troops secured the site and medically evacuated the two wounded enemy fighters to the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad.
An ensuing search of the disabled vehicle yielded a sizeable weapons cache consisting of four 60mm mortars, three AK-47 assault rifles, one sniper rifle with scope, one rocket-propelled grenade, one mortar tube, six AK-47 magazines, one crate of ammunition for a sniper rifle and a pressure plate for an improvised explosive device.
There were no U.S. casualties in this incident.
IA, Coalition clear safe havens near Muqdadiya Multi-National Division – North PAO
MUQDADIYA, Iraq – The 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, in partnership with Coalition Forces from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, unearthed and destroyed seven cache sites and detained 12 suspected terrorists during a combined operation in Jazeera and Mohatta, areas near Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Saturday.
“This operation and several recent operations by the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, show the brigade’s level of planning and execution, as well as their ability to conduct sustained operations throughout the battlespace,” said Lt. Col. Keith Gogas, 6-9 ARS commander.
While conducting combat operations, the Soldiers discovered several small-arms munitions, nine rocket-propelled grenades, more than 25 mortar rounds, approximately 25 artillery rounds, more than 1,000 blasting caps, other improvised explosive device materials and other terrorist materials.
The cache items were destroyed and the suspects were taken for further questioning.
The results of the operation has strengthened the population’s confidence in the IA and CF’s commitment to security for the Muqdadiya area and will allow essential services to be restored into areas previously denied by anti-Iraqi forces.
“The local people benefit from this increased security and sense of well being provided."
ONE TERRORIST KILLED, 12 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Tuesday morning.
During operations south of Haditha, Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained three suspects with alleged involvement in al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation. As Coalition Forces entered a targeted building, they instructed the occupants to put their hands up. One man, who initially complied with instructions, rushed and tackled a Coalition Forces member and attempted to grab his weapon. Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing the terrorist. The remaining suspects surrendered without incident.
In Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained nine suspects with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq courier operations.
“Coalition Forces continue systematic operations to capture terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Terrorists will be brought to justice and will be prosecuted for their crimes.”
MND-B aircraft engages insurgents targeting combined forces in RusafaMulti-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — A Multi-National Division - Baghdad helicopter engaged insurgents with machine gun fire after positively identifying them during a small arms attack on MND-B troops and aircraft in the Rusafa security district in central Baghdad April 10.
At approximately 7 a.m., Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division teamed up with their 9th Iraqi Army counterparts to conduct a routine cordon and search operation in Rusafa when they quickly came under small arms fire in the al-Fadhil area in central Baghdad.
Aviation assets quickly responded to units in contact. Attack helicopters targeted by small arms fire suffered minor damage, returned to base and then continued with their missions.
Combined forces on the ground continued to work with attack aviation assets throughout the day to locate, identify, and engage and kill three insurgents targeting coalition and Iraqi security forces in the area.
As a result of this small arms fire incident, one local nation child was injured, four Iraqi Army soldiers killed and two wounded. Sixteen MND-B Soldiers were also wounded in the attack.
Operation Black Eagle City recovers through efforts of Iraqi Army and coalition partners
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
DIWANIYAH, Iraq – As the fighting in Diwaniyah slowed, the government and military leaders of Operation Black Eagle met to discuss ways to begin rebuilding the city and provide humanitarian aid to the people most affected by the recent militia violence.
Maj. Gen. Oothman Farhood, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, which is leading the operation, gathered his fellow coalition commanders together with the local government to decide how to best help the residents of Diwaniyah.
“We are planning to ease restrictions on movement and allow the people to return to their normal lives,” said Oothman.
In order to reduce the militia’s opportunity to regroup, a curfew which has been in effect since the operation began, will continue. The curfew lasts from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m.
During the day, Oothman said residents are free to go about their daily activities.
According to transcripts from the meeting, the cordon around the city will be opened to allow more freedom of movement. This will allow humanitarian aid, food and other needed supplies to reach the people affected by the recent militia violence.
“The cordon was necessary in order to prevent terrorists from escaping the city or allowing them to receive re-enforcements or supplies from other parts of Iraq,” said Oothman said. “With this plan, we have been able to clean up terrorist activities which have been harming and intimidating the citizens.”
According to Maj. Gen. Pawell Lamla, commander of Multi National Division-Center South, some militia members were coming to Diwaniyah from as far away as Baghdad to conduct kidnappings, assassinations and assist in themilitia’s intimidation campaign.
The cordon and check points located around the city will remain in place in order to ensure safety and security, but four bridges will be opened to help ease the restrictions on movement into and out of the city. The Aorzidi Bridge, the Provincial Joint Coordination Center Bridge, the Hanging Bridge and the Al Dababa Bridge will be opened.
Some areas of the city will remain closed to the public due to on-going operations. In these areas, the Iraqi Army will provide security and transportation to students wishing to return to school.
“Our main goal was to provide safety and security to the people,” Lamla said. “In the last few days, we have achieved more success and I expect that major combat operations will finish up in the next few days.”
With the majority of combat operations drawing to a close and the next phase of Operation Black Eagle starting, the local government and their military counterparts were pleased with the results.
“A month ago, there were murders and assassinations causing instability,” said Al Qadasiyah province governor Khaleel Jaleel Hamza. “Thanks to the skill and brave efforts of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, security has returned.”
Coalition Forces discover sizable cache
Multi-National Division – North PAO
DIYALA – Coalition force members discovered a sizable cache while conducting a combat patrol
near Ashraf, Iraq, Monday.
The Soldiers, from Company D, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, were searching a vacated house when they
discovered 20 prepared pipe bombs filled with 50 pounds of home-made explosives,
approximately 15 incomplete pipe bombs and five bags of HME.
“As we continue to discover items used by terrorist groups in Diyala, we are
successfully denying their abilities to target the people and the security forces,” said
Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander. “The terrorists who use these
explosives have no other desire than to bring harm to the innocent people who wish
nothing more than to live in peace.”
According to the explosive ordnance disposal unit on site, each pipe bomb was
equivalent to three 155mm rounds. The cache was destroyed on site with no damage to
personnel or equipment.
• In other operations throughout Diyala, a female suicide bomber targeted local
citizens and security forces outside the Muqdadiya Iraqi police station Tuesday,
killing nine citizens and wounding an additional 20. A Coalition Quick Reaction Force
responded to the site to assist the Iraqi army and police. The wounded were ground
evacuated to Forward Operating Base Normandy for further treatment, with 14
transferred to LSA Anaconda for additional care.
• Monday evening, CF attack aircraft engaged and destroyed seven anti-Iraqi forces
who were occupying a safe house in Buhriz, Iraq, a suburb of Baqubah. The AIF set
up fighting positions from the house and were armed with AK-47s and rocketpropelled
grenades.
COALITION FORCES CAPTURE AL QAEDA IN IRAQ SECURITY EMIR OF ARAB JABOUR
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured five suspected terrorists including the suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq security emir of Arab Jabour during an operation Wednesday morning.
Intelligence reports indicate that the security emir is suspected of involvement in planning attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the Arab Jabour area.
Coalition Forces found several small arms at the targeted area and these weapons were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
**Get another orange jacket for that scumbag, and a big welcome to Club Gitmo for him.
FIVE-DAY OPERATION RESULTS IN ONE TERRORIST KILLED, 13 SUSPECTS DETAINED; WEAPONS CACHES DESTROYED
BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent five-day operation in Arab Jabour which wrapped up Tuesday morning, Coalition Forces killed one terrorist, detained 13 others and destroyed several weapons caches.
Included in the weapons caches found, Coalition Forces discovered numerous rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, several improvised explosive devices, thousands of anti-aircraft ammunition rounds and three buildings containing large amounts of IED-making materials. The weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent future use by terrorists.
No civilians were injured during the five-day operation.
“Coalition Forces continue to take apart the al-Qaeda network inside Iraq. This operation is a concerted effort to reduce this VBIED terrorist network’s ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Iraqi Security Forces conduct cordon and search in Diwaniyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi security forces conducted a cordon and search against suspected insurgents in Diwaniyah April 11.
This search was an intelligence-driven, precision operation searching for a known terrorist believed to be in an office belonging to the Organization of the Martyr Sadr.
Coalition force soldiers provided security outside the office as Iraqi troops entered the office and began their search for the terrorist suspect and weapons.
Once inside, the Iraqi troops found hand grenades, multiple identification cards, improvised explosive device-making materials, anti-government propaganda, photos of wounded soldiers and battle-damaged vehicles, and a low-power transmitting station.
In accordance with the Iraqi Prime Minister’s directive given in a recent speech, any buildings, including those used by political parties, that are being used for criminal or illegal purposes may be entered and searched.
In addition, when these sites are used for criminal or terrorist activities, they lose any protective they may have under international law.
Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, Coalition force members deny enemy territory in Buhriz
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army, Police and Coalition force members began continuous combat operations in southern Buhriz, a suburb of Baqubah, Iraq, Tuesday, to deny enemy safe havens and clear the area of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organization activities, creating a stable and secure environment for the people of the region.
“Enabling the Iraqi Security Forces in their pursuit to rid the province of terrorists by conducting offensive operations inside the neighborhoods will secure the population and deteriorate the resolve of the enemy,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander. “The ISF is doing this in coordination with the government of Diyala as they increase services throughout the neighborhoods.
“The people want peace, prosperity, services and human rights, and ISF understands the need to destroy the terrorists to achieve these needs,” Sutherland said.
During the first day of operations, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army and the IP Emergency Reaction Force, partnered with the Coalition force from the 5th Stryker Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered more than five weapons caches, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and eight IEDs.
The caches included several small-arms munitions, IED-making materials such as detonation cord, batteries and explosives; mortar rounds, mortar initiators and rocket-propelled grenade munitions.
Wednesday, the Soldiers discovered a cache containing a mortar tube, more than 50 RPG munitions and cases of small-arms ammunition.
A Coalition force explosive ordnance disposal unit was on site to conduct controlled detonations of the caches and the discovered IEDs.
The operation also resulted in the detention of five suspected terrorists, four of whom were associated with a cache and set up an enemy observation post.
The detainees were transferred to a detention facility for further questioning.
According to the unit, people throughout Buhriz were very receptive of the ISF and Coalition presence, and were happy to learn about the future Iraqi police station.
“The people have asked for the extraction of the violent, controlling, and hate-filled terrorists that have been controlling their lives and offering them no help or hope for the future of their children or families,” Sutherland said. “The people understand that the terrorists are trying to become the new dictators of their future and they have had their fill of dictators.”
TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, 17 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorist and detained 17 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Thursday morning.
South of Haditha, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained four others while targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell. During the operation, ground forces encountered two armed terrorists when they entered a targeted building. Self defense measures were used to eliminate the threat.
During operations northwest of Karmah, Coalition Forces captured four suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device operations.
Also, during several operations overnight in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq.
“Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 14 SUSPECTS IN EARLY-MORNING RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 14 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during operations early Friday morning.
During an operation in Karmah, Coalition Forces captured six men with suspected involvement in recent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks and anti-Iraqi and Coalition Forces operations.
In Mosul, five suspected terrorists were captured with suspected links to recent VBIED attacks against Coalition Forces.
A raid east of Amiriyah resulted in the capture of one suspected terrorist with known involvement in al-Qaeda senior leader transportation operations.
In Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured two suspected foreign fighter facilitators.
“Coalition Forces continue to target terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “They will be identified, captured and prosecuted for their crimes.”
Tags:Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists
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