Good News From Iraq.

FOUR SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists Saturday morning during an operation in Sadr City targeting a secret cell network that trains terrorists for operations in Iraq.

Intelligence reports indicated a building in Sadr City housed suspected terrorists. Coalition Forces targeted the building in an overnight raid. During the operation, individuals ran out of the building and into other houses on the block. Coalition Forces followed and detained four individuals.

One individual received minor injuries when Coalition Forces used explosives to breach a door, but the injured man was treated on site.

“Terrorists continue to hide among women and children, and deliberately place innocent people in danger,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.

Weapons cache found
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi army and Multi-National-Division Center Soldiers discovered a weapons cache west of Al Iskandariyah April 27.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division and Paratroopers with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, fought anti-Iraqi forces near Abu Shemsi and discovered three weapons caches.

The caches contained one machine gun, one rifle, 75 hand grenades, two mortar tubes, one mortar tripod, three mortar rounds, and one base plate. All of the mortar items were a 120mm weapon system.

The cache was secured for destruction.

Iraqi Army-led mission nets large cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi troops from the 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, together with a military transition team from the Multi-National Division - Baghdad discovered a large weapons cache in Baghdad’s Ghazaliya district April 26.

The Iraqi troops acted on a tip and found the cache in the Shulla neighborhood, in the northwestern portion of the Iraqi capital.

Following a cordon and search of the area, the Iraqi troops found 127 mortar rounds, more than 200 pounds of TNT, 10,000 PKC rounds, 10 mortar tubes, 15 hand grenades, 13 rifles, including two M16s, 150 fuses and three anti-tank mines.

The Iraqi Army troops also detained seven suspected insurgents in the operation.

Marne Forward Newscast – Soldiers work with Iraqi Police
Multi-National Division – Center

BAGHDAD – The latest edition of the 3rd Infantry Division’s Marne Forward newscast is available upon request from the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) by calling (678) 421-6604 or by accessing the DVIDS Web site at www.dvidshub.net.

The footage is of Task Force Marne Soldiers working with Iraqi police in a newly opened Joint Security Station and Soldiers from Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment on patrol outside of Yusufiyah, Iraq.

Commandos, Baghdad Eagles detain suspected extremists, find caches and IEDs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD – Coalition and Iraqi Forces detained extremists, found weapons
caches and improvised explosive devices south of Baghdad Thursday.

Soldiers of 4th Brigade “Baghdad Eagles,” 6th Iraqi Army Division and 2nd
Brigade Combat Team “Commandos,” 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) of
Fort Drum, N.Y., detained the suspected extremists and found the caches during
routine combat operations.

U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, detained two
suspected extremists after discovering a weapons cache in the vicinity of the
detainees’ house southwest of Radwaniyah.

In the cache was a bayonet, four bandoleers, two cases of 7.62mm ammunition and 26 AK-47 magazines, while soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 4-6 IRaqi Amy discovered a cache consisting of two Katyusha rockets in Mahmudiyah.

Three improvised explosive devices were discovered; two were found by Soldiers of 4-4-6 Iraqi Army near Yusufiyah. The other IED was found by Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT.

The detainees are being held for further questioning.

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

Baqubah: Local’s tips lead to success
Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – Local citizens in Baqubah’s Tahrir neighborhood led Iraqi Army, police and Coalition Forces to more than 20 caches and assisted in capturing five suspected terrorists and engagements that left approximately 25 anti-Iraq forces dead.

The most significant cache items, many of which were found due to tips by local citizens, include small-arms weapons, more than 5 mortar tubes, nearly 140 artillery and mortar rounds, more than 10 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, approximately 55 RPG rounds, more than 10,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, grenades, and improvised explosive device materials to include several hundred pounds of home-made explosives, timers and blasting caps.

Aside from the caches, the security forces have also discovered and cleared more than 20 IEDs emplaced throughout the neighborhood.

“As we continue our aggressive and persistent operations, the discovery of these caches shows that our forces have entered yet another perceived safe haven,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “The enemy shows nothing but hatred and disdain toward the innocent people of Diyala, and these weapons systems are clear indicators of that.”

The ongoing operation will allow the Iraqi Security Forces to maintain a permanent presence in the area while simultaneously providing security for the people of Tahrir.
“As in Buhriz, the citizens of Tahrir are gaining more and more confidence in the Iraqi army and police,” Sutherland added. “It is vital that their security forces maintain a permanent presence as they are the true defenders of this country. Together with the ISF, we remain focused on targeting the enemy and disrupting their operations.”

17 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED IN IRAQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 17 suspected terrorists during a series of overnight raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Saturday.

Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists northwest of Karmah. Intelligence reports indicate they are connected to a group responsible for murders, kidnappings, the manufacture of improvised explosive devices and attacking Coalition Forces.

Two suspected terrorists were detained southeast of al Asad, including one individual who is allegedly an intelligence officer for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces detained two individuals with suspected ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and the bombing of the Sarafiyah bridge in Baghdad.

In Mosul, four suspected terrorists are in Coalition Forces custody for allegedly distributing arms for al-Qaeda in Iraq and operating a network using vehicle-borne IEDs.

Coalition Forces also detained three individuals in an overnight raid east of Balad.

“We’re achieving a deliberate, systematic disruption in the al Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “These operations will slow al-Qaeda’s ability to target and harm the people of Iraq.”

Marines destroy truck bomb near Karmah

Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A truck bomb loaded with explosives was destroyed by Coalition aircraft with precision guided munitions four kilometers east of Karmah, just after midnight April 27.

Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 detained a suspected terrorist in the course of routine combat operations, approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Fallujah. During questioning, the man provided the location of a dump truck rigged with explosives.

After confirming the location of the truck, the Marines identified eight 55 gallon barrels, the contents of which were unknown, wrapped with detonation wire and explosives.

Marines immediately established a security cordon and evacuated the citizens in the surrounding area.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team determined the safest way to destroy the truck was by precision guided munitions.

Marines providing security expanded the cordon and further aided in the evacuation of civilians out of harms way.

Fighter jets from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), in support of RCT-6 ground forces, destroyed the truck, causing minor damage to nearby structures. Coalition Forces in the area are assessing the blast site and damage to nearby buildings to compensate the owners appropriately.

There were no reports of civilian or Coalition Forces injured in the operation.

US, Iraqi raid in Mahmudiyah nets Iranian-marked rockets, mortars
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

Mahmudiyah, Iraq – A U.S. and Iraqi raid in a Mahmudiyah apartment complex
detained eight suspected extremists and discovered three caches containing
mortar systems, rockets and ammunition April 22.

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 2nd
Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division, from Fort Drum, N.Y., discovered the caches at about 6:30
p.m. local time.

Coalition forces have found many weapons caches in the Mahmudiyah
area, but most rocket and mortar rounds found there have been deteriorated and
apparently intended for use in improvised explosive devices.
In contrast, the 60mm and 82mm mortar systems, three 107mm rockets,
three 60mm and three 82mm rounds found in the latest cache were nearly new.

Soldiers of the unit examined the weapons, which were stamped with
recent dates and Iranian markings.

Also found was bulk ammunition for a PKC machine gun.
The munitions were seized for further investigation.

The detainees were taken into Iraqi Army custody for further questioning.

72 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 72 suspected terrorists and discovered bomb-making materials Sunday during a constellation of overnight raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

In a massive synchronized effort, Coalition Forces descended on targets in Anbar and Salah ad Din provinces to disrupt the al-Qaeda network. Operations in Samarra alone uncovered 36 individuals with alleged ties to al-Qaeda terrorists.

Near Karmah, intelligence reports led Coalition Forces to 20 five-gallon drums of nitric acid and other bomb-making materials.

“Coalition operations like these continue to chip away at the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, and we will continue to target them as long as they continue to injure and kill the innocent people of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi soldiers find VBIED in Mahmudiyah area
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi soldiers discovered a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in Mahmudiyah April 30.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division noticed the VBIED along a highway in north Mahmudiyah.

Upon discovery of the VBIED, 2-4-6 IA soldiers contacted the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., who then cordoned off the area and escorted the explosive ordnance disposal team to the site.

The EOD team executed a controlled detonation of the VBIED.

The incident is under investigation.

Iraqi Security Forces raid lands suspected death squad leader
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained Sayyid Sallih Al-Jezzaani, an individual believed to the leader of a rogue element of the Jaysh Al-Madhi (JAM) militia in the Basrah area, as a result of a raid launched on 30 Apr.

The Iraqi SOF initiated the raid with coalition forces present as advisors. Al-Jezzaani offered no resistance while being captured. He was found equipped with body armor and a weapon. Seven other suspicious individuals were also detained during the operation.

As Iraqi and coalition forces arrived in the district of Al-Abilla in Basra, enemy forces fired rocket propelled grenades and detonated improvised explosive devices on the assault force. No fire was returned as the assault force proceeded to their objective.

Al-Jezzaani is alleged to be linked with death squad activities and attacks against coalition forces in Basrah. Additionally, he is responsible for providing insurgents with funding and weapons and assisting in the recruitment of new militia members. He is also linked to the Feb. 2007 murder of two Iraqi interpreters working with coalition forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

Seven suspected terrorists detained in central Baghdad operation
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted a morning operation on April 27 in Baghdad, capturing three suspects believed to be involved in insurgent activities.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided several residences in the Yarmouk neighborhood of central Baghdad and detained their targets without incident.

Iraqi forces also detained four other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation. Two vehicles containing explosives were destroyed. All civilians and detainees were cleared from the area before detonation.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for conducting insurgent activities in the Yarmouk area, for civilian kidnappings and murders as well as attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

Cavalry foils insurgent attack at Tarmiyah Huda Girls’
School
By Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers foiled an
insurgent attack comprised of numerous improvised explosive devices targeting
an all-girls’ school north of Baghdad April 28.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered a command wire leading from the
school’s outer perimeter to one of the rooms at the Huda Girls’ School, in
Tarmiyah, Iraqi. Inside the room, the cavalry troops discovered five artillery shell
explosives.

The insurgent’s planned attack, in opposition of the construction of the
school, also included two large explosive-filled propane tanks buried underneath
the school’s floor and numerous projectiles emplaced underneath electrical
conduits in front of each classroom.

The unit believes Al Qaeda extremists, operating in the area, are
responsible for the emplacement of the explosives in an effort to thwart the
progress the local government has made to improve the lives of the people of
Tarmiyah.

The reconstructed school, a project led by the local Tarmiyah government,
was scheduled to open in the coming weeks. This is the second time this month
explosives have been found in the facility.

“This is a testimony of how little the Al-Qaeda of Iraq truly care about the
citizens of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Scott Efflandt, commander of 2-8th Cavalry.
An explosive ordnance disposal team transported all of the explosive
rounds from the school for disposal.

Iraqi Security Forces Launch Raid Seeking Capture of Suspected Death Squad Leader
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Iraqi Special Operations Forces have launched a raid aimed at the capture of a key individual linked to alleged death squad activity and attacks against coalition forces in Basrah. He is believed to be a rogue element of the Jaysh-Al-Madhi (JAM) militia in the Basrah area. The detainee is also alleged to be responsible for providing JAM with funding and weapons and assisting in the recruitment of new members.

The Iraqi SOF initiated the raid with coalition forces present as advisors.
More details on this operation will be released as they become available.

Polar Bears, Golden Dragon discover IEDs, weapons cache
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO, Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD— Coalition forces discovered two improvised explosive devices and
a weapons cache southwest of Baghdad today.

Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd
Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 4th Battalion,
31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears,” and the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry
Regiment “Golden Dragons,” both units of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., discovered the weapons.

The first IED was discovered by 2-69 Armor Soldiers southwest of
Yusufiyah at 9:35 a.m. local time.

Soldiers of D Co., 4-31 Inf. discovered another IED in the vicinity of
Rushdi Mullah at 10:05 a.m. local time, while conducting a dismounted patrol.
The IED was found near a wood line in a white plastic bag.

In another incident, the Golden Dragons found a weapons cache near
Rushdi Mullah.

The cache consisted of three rocket-propelled grenade rounds, a bag filled
with unknown types of explosives, three bags of crystalline powder and three
large blasting caps.

The cache and IEDs were destroyed by the explosive ordnance team
during a controlled detonation.

11 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED

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

Coalition Forces continued to crack down on the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, detaining 10 suspected terrorists near Samarra.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured one suspected terrorist. Intelligence reports indicate he was allegedly a part of a local operation to acquire bomb-making materials.

“Al Qaeda in Iraq uses explosives to kill and maim innocent Iraqis, and the security forces striving to protect them, almost every day,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Removing these explosives and the terrorists who use them is a top priority.”

Proposed water line would provide for Iraqi villages
13th SC(E), LSA ANACONDA PAO

LSA ADDER, Iraq – Iraqi engineers recently met with residents along the path of a proposed water pipeline between villages outside Logistical Support Area Adder and the city of Nasiriyah.

The project, which is in its early stages of planning, would provide potable water to more than 3,000 people and at least four villages, according to Capt. Jeremy Berndt of Buffalo, Minn., a civil affairs officer with 134th Brigade Support Battalion.

“It will mean an uninterrupted source of water. The villagers have been very cooperative,” he said. “This is one of the ways we can pay them back for all the things they’ve done for us.”

Residents in the villages of Al Awaya, Abu Sweech, Abdul Razag and Al Tuwamy, currently pay for trucks to bring drinking water from Nasiriyah every two or three days, Berndt said.

The water does not always arrive when it is supposed to, which can be dangerous during the heat of summer, Sheik Dhia Kadhum of Abdul Razag said through a translator. The shipped water, which is only used for drinking, also costs money that could be used elsewhere, he noted.

A pipeline would mean running water for villagers for the first time since 2003, Kadhum said.

“The civil affairs team works hard to help us,” he said. “We trust them.”

The group of Iraqi engineers studying the project, including a consultant for the Ur District and a surveyor for Nasiriyah, recently examined the areas where the proposed pipeline would run and discussed the problems it could face.

Berndt said as the project progresses, they plan to request for bids from local contractors.

Iraqi Soldiers detain three, find weapons, ammunition
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

LUTIFIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi forces detained three suspected terrorists and discovered a weapons and ammunition Monday in Lutifiyah, Iraq.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division detained the suspected terrorists and found the cache during a routine combat operation.

While conducting a search of a Lutifiyah neighborhood, the Soldiers discovered the weapons in a house.
The items captured included two hand grenades, two AK-47s and four magazines.

The suspected terrorists were detained for being in the house that contained the weapons.
The detainees are being held for further questioning.

The items were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by the explosive ordinance team.

5 TERRORISTS KILLED, 20 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists Tuesday during overnight raids targeting senior leaders within the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to targets associated with senior al-Qaeda leaders west of Taji Tuesday morning. During an operation there, terrorists engaged ground forces with small arms fire. Coalition forces used appropriate self-defense measures and engaged the armed men, killing five.

Six suspected terrorists were detained.

Coalition forces found weapons and grenades, which they destroyed on site.

North of Samarra, Coalition forces detained seven individuals with alleged ties to senior leaders in Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Five suspected terrorists were detained in a separate Coalition forces raid west of Taji, and two suspected terrorists were detained in an operation in Mosul.

“These operations will affect al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate effectively against the people of Iraq, and provide us with more information to disrupt their activities,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces clash with insurgents in Baghdad; insurgent network disrupted
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted an early morning operation in Baghdad May 1, capturing five suspects believed to be involved in building vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and carrying out death squad murders.

With Coalition advisers present, Iraqi SOF raided several residences in the neighborhood of Aamel in southwest Baghdad. Small arms fire was exchanged and the primary suspects were detained.

Iraqi forces also detained six other suspicious individuals who were present at the target location during the operation. Five sniper rifles, ammunition and electronic communication devices were also seized.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be involved in an insurgent network that is responsible for conducting attacks against local civilians, Iraqi security forces and Coalition Forces in the Baghdad area.

No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during this operation.

11 Suspected terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists late Wednesday and early Thursday during raids targeting a foreign fighter facilitation network and improvised explosive device networks.

Wednesday afternoon, Coalition Forces raided four buildings in Mosul as part of two related operations. When Coalition Forces searched the buildings, they detained three suspected terrorists that intelligence sources link to arms trafficking, a vehicle-borne IED network and attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

North of Karmah, two separate raids resulted in Coalition Forces detaining eight suspected terrorists allegedly involved in facilitating foreign fighters and an IED network known to use chlorine in its attacks.

Coalition Forces found IED-making materials and a double-barreled anti-aircraft weapon and mount, which they destroyed on site.

“Every time we eliminate another member of the of the deadly IED networks in Iraq, the people of Iraq are one step closer to a safer existence,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Two suspected secret cell terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists Thursday morning during raids in Sadr City.

The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

During the course of the morning’s operations, Coalition Forces targeted a concentration of buildings associated with the terrorist network.

Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq.

“This and other recent operations in the region highlight the deliberate, methodical dismantlement of terrorist networks in Iraq and those who contribute to their illegal actions,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Operation Eagle Dive II nets 33 suspected terrorists
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi forces detained 33 suspected terrorists
during a combat operation in Lutifiyah, Iraq March 26.

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division in conjunction
with 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) of Fort Drum, N.Y., detained the terrorists
during Operation Eagle Dive II, an operation intended to deny planned attacks on
Patrol Base Lutifiyah.

The suspects were captured in a house-to-house search.
The detainees are being held for further questioning.

16 SUSPECTED SECRET CELL TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 16 suspected terrorists Friday morning during raids in Sadr City.

The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq as well as interactions with rogue elements throughout Iraq and into Iran.

“This morning’s success is yet another example of the dedication and determination of Coalition forces to rid Iraq of the terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and security of this country and its people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

COALITION IDENTIFIES TWO AL-QAEDA ADVISORS KILLED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces positively identified two more senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders killed in an operation May 1 west of Taji, the same operation where Muharib Abdul Latif was killed.

Coalition forces followed leads from intelligence reports on senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and conducted a raid in the Taji area Tuesday morning. During the operation, terrorists engaged ground forces with small arms fire. Coalition forces used appropriate self-defense measures and engaged the armed men, killing five terrorists.

One of the terrorists killed during the operations was later positively identified as Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, also known as Sabah al-Alwani and Abu Nuri. Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi was reportedly the religious advisor for Muharib Abdul Latif.

Another terrorist killed during the Tuesday morning raid was Abu Ammar al-Masri. Intelligence reports indicated that he was a foreign fighter that was facilitating insurgent activity and infrastructure support for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Both terrorists were positively identified by associates at the site, and positive photo identification was also verified on Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi.

“We will not wait for these terrorists to strike – we will seek them out. This is what al Qaeda in Iraq members can expect when they target the Iraqi people and security forces that protect them,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED, SIX SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists Thursday and Friday during raids in Central Iraq targeting al-Qaeda leaders and a foreign fighter facilitation network in the area.

En route to the first targeted location, Coalition Forces received small arms fire from an armed individual with a chest rack of magazines and grenades. Coalition Forces reacted to the hostile threat with appropriate self-defense measures and returned fire, killing the armed terrorist.

Coalition Forces continued to the first targeted site, where they called to the occupants to leave the building. Two armed men ran out of the building and engaged Coalition Forces with small arms fire. Coalition Forces used appropriate self-defense measures and returned fire, killing one and injuring another. The injured individual was taken to a military medical facility, where he later died of his wounds.

Further searches of the targeted buildings uncovered four individuals suspected of ties to a foreign fighter facilitation network and al-Qaeda in Iraq. The four suspected terrorists were detained.

In other operations, one suspected terrorist was detained southwest of Taji and another was detained in a raid in northern Baghdad. Both individuals are allegedly tied to al-Qaeda senior leaders and their network.

“Each operation we conduct in pursuit of these terrorists is a systematic maneuver to chip away at the network of al-Qaeda and rogue foreign fighter elements that are trying to derail the progress of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi, MND-B troops work together; detain 3 suspects, find 10 caches

4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs Officer Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces, along with Soldiers from the 3rd “Arrowhead” Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, continued clearing operations in the Rashid District of southwestern Baghdad May 3, detaining three suspected terrorists and confiscating 10 weapons caches.

Working in conjunction with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, Stryker troops from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment “Tomahawks” and 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment “Patriots” continued to methodically clear areas in the western portion of the Rashid district, detaining three individuals suspected of involvement with an extrajudicial killing cell, while also seizing weapons and ammunition from multiple caches.
Numerous AK-47s, SKS carbine rifles, RPK machineguns, RPG launchers as well as 60, 81 and 82mm mortar rounds were discovered during the second day of operations, in addition to the confiscation of two sniper rifles, blasting caps and body armor.

“The weapons and ammunition are never going to be used against innocent Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and U.S. Soldiers again,” said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, whose unit is responsible for the operational area within the Rashid District. “It is a credit to the professionalism and experience of the Arrowhead Brigade’s Soldiers and their leadership that they have played such a prominent role in the operation’s early success.”

The operation included about 400 Iraqi national policemen and more than 1,000 U.S. Army Soldiers working together to keep pressure on those conducting activities against the government and coalition in Iraq.

An Iraqi policeman with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, pulls security in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad as part of Operation Dragon Fire, which has detained 21 individuals suspected of anti-coalition activities and confiscated more than 15 weapons in a 48-hour period.

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