Good News From Iraq

Paratroopers find seven IEDs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

KALSU, Iraq — Paratroopers found and destroyed seven improvised explosive devices in the northern Babil province, south of Baghdad, Sunday.

While conducting security patrols in the area, the paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division were able to find the IEDs before they could be used against Coalition Forces or Iraqi Security Forces, helping to secure the region.

All of the devices were either destroyed in place or taken by explosive ordnance disposal teams for further investigation prior to destruction.

Good Neighbor Plan:
Locals stash dangerous cache, rid streets of weapons, munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division discovered a large weapons cache during a security patrol May 16. The cache was found in eastern Baghdad.

To their surprise, the cache was not found in an insurgents hiding area, but in a large container left by Coalition Forces to be used as an amnesty box. The container was empty when the unit departed the area, and local residents started stock-piling munitions they found on the streets or within their neighborhood.

Inside the container Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, based out of Fort Carson, Colo., found two anti-tank mines, one anti-personnel mine, five rocket-propelled grenades, three 125mm artillery rounds, two 155mm artillery rounds, one 152mm round, one 122mm round; three 120mm mortar rounds; three 82mm mortar rounds, six 60mm mortar rounds, one rifle grenade, one 57mm rocket, one recoilless rifle round, one improvised explosive device and assortment of small arms ammunition and grenades.

The Soldiers called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to blow up the munitions at a designated site.

Soldiers kill insurgent and seize deadly weapon
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Center PAO

AL TARAQ, Iraq – Coalition Forces took an insurgent and his weapon off the
streets of Al Taraq, Iraq during a combat operation May 19.

Soldiers from Fort Drum, N.Y.’s, 1st Platoon, Company A, 4th Battalion,
31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry) thwarted a possible sniper attack while looking for evidence of
three missing U.S. Soldiers who were abducted by insurgents May 12.

“While searching the area, we were notified that there were two insurgents
with weapons who were near our location,” said Staff Sgt. Jon Eyton, a 4-31 fire
support NCO. “One of them positioned himself on a berm, waiting for us to walk
by. “

After the insurgents were positively identified, they were shot by an AH-64
Apache helicopter gunship.

“As soon as the Apache fired, we searched the area to see if the enemy
fighters were killed and to look for any weapons in the area,” Eyton said.
During the search, a semi-automatic sniper rifle and a magazine full of
7.62mm ammunition was found by one of the Company A Soldiers. The unit also
confirmed one of the insurgents was killed.

“It is good to get the sniper rifle off the streets and away from the
terrorists,” said Spc. Doug Coleman, a team leader with the company, and the
Soldier who found the weapon. “I am sure that same rifle would have been used
on one of us during the mission.”

Getting the rifle off the streets will help to make the battalion area of
operations safer.

“Sniper fire has been one of the problems in the surrounding area,” Eyton
said. “Hopefully this will help keep the guys in the surrounding areas safe.”
“These guys did an excellent job – they were very professional and
worked hard,” Eyton said of his Soldiers.

“This massive search for our Soldiers is having some positive second- and
third-order effects,” said Maj. Web Wright, spokesman for the BCT. “We are
finding weapons and many of the suspects wanted for terrorist and criminal acts
not necessarily related to the abduction.”

The weapon will be analyzed to see if it had been linked to previous
incidents within the area of operations.

MND-B Soldiers find sizeable cache, detain one suspect near Al Hamdanyia
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found a large weapons cache and detained one suspect May 19 near Al Hamdanyia, Iraq.

While on a patrol, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment discovered a component often used for improvised explosive devices and traced it to a house which the troops subsequently searched. During the search, they uncovered the weapons cache. A suspect was found with the cache and detained.

The find yielded two AK-47 assault rifles, 1,000 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, several magazines, a video camera, six propane tanks and many components used in the making of roadside bombs.

An hour after finding the cache, the troops also found an IED near the site. The suspect is being held for further questioning.

Iraqi Army Forces detain 16 suspected Al Qaeda terrorists near Samarra M
ulti-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Army Forces detained 16 members of an alleged terrorist cell during early morning raids in Samarra May 20. The targeted individuals are alleged to be members of an Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) foreign fighter cell which is involved in anti-Iraq forces training activities in the Samarra area.

Iraqi Forces seized a number of weapons and other materials including:
•Two sniper rifles
•One RPG with various rockets
•Four AK-47 Assault Rifles
•One 9mm pistol
•60 ammunition magazines
•Six cell phones
•Body armor
•ID cards

The interdiction of the terror cells should result in a reduction of attacks and illegal checkpoints against Coalition and Iraqi Forces as well as residents in the area.

No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during this operation. Coalition Forces served as advisors during this operation.
3 SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA CELL LEADERS, 9 OTHERS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured three suspected al-Qaeda cell leaders during raids Monday morning in continued operations to thwart terrorist attacks in Iraq.

Coalition Forces raided a building in western Baghdad searching for leaders within the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists, one of whom is allegedly a commander of a group that conducts assassinations and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the capital city.

A suspected commander of an IED cell in Mosul and an alleged senior cell leader there were detained during Coalition Forces operations in the area. Intelligence reports also indicate the alleged senior cell leader formerly led a sniper cell.

Acting on information from successful raids on May 15, Coalition Forces targeted an area northeast of Karmah to further disrupt the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader network there. Four individuals with suspected ties to the network were detained in the raid.

Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists south of Fallujah for their alleged involvement with a regional al-Qaeda in Iraq commander.

“Every day, we are hitting al-Qaeda and disrupting their network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue this incremental progress against them, using each operation as a stepping stone to the next.”

FIVE IRAQI HOSTAGES FREED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Five Iraqis who were held captive and tortured by terrorists were freed Monday morning during a Coalition Forces raid on the site where they were imprisoned.

Coalition Forces targeted the building northeast of Karmah during continued operations to disrupt the al-Qaeda network operating in the area. After a thorough search of the building, ground forces found a padlocked room. Inside were four men and a boy who had been kidnapped and severely beaten with chains, cables and hoses. The four captives also showed signs of torture, and the boy stated the terrorists had hooked electrical wires to his tongue and shocked him.

Coalition Forces evacuated the five individuals and provided treatment for their injuries. The hostages indicated their captors were foreign fighters who spoke with different accents. The hostages, who are from different tribes, will be turned over to their respective tribal leaders for repatriation.

“The brutality and viciousness of these acts demonstrate the complete disregard terrorists have for human life,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to hunt foreign fighters who bring this violence into Iraq.”

CCCI Convicts 37: Sentences 8 to life, 3 to 30 years imprisonment

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 37 individuals from May 6 - May 12 for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary.

Six Iraqi’s were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the CCCI May 8 for violating Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Order 3/2003 for possessing illegal weapons. Convicted were: Khalid Uthman Ahmad, 22; Thamir Abbas Ahmad, 23; Muthana Jamil Hamid, 33; Ali Fayah Midkur, 24; Khalid Abid Mahmud, 23; and Mahmoud Mohammed Hayes Al Dolaimi, 34; all from Iraq.

The six were part of a 20-person Al Qaeda terrorist group that attacked Multi-National Forces from the 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Feb. 27 in Sumalat. Soldiers from the 2/5 killed six Al Qaeda in the attack and captured seven – including the six convicted. The seventh captured terrorist died of wounds sustained from the firefight. A Sumalat resident positively identified the six terrorists, and reported that the group had recently arrived to the area and had taken over three houses and a barn. The Soldiers searched those buildings and discovered a large weapons cache that included surface to air missiles, rockets, rocket propelled grenade launchers, numerous automatic machine guns, ammunition and improvised explosive devise-making materials.

The Central Criminal Court also convicted Majid Frayhan Hewal, 43, of Iraq, May 8 for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Majid was apprehended by Soldiers from the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division May 9, 2006 after the Soldiers searched his dump truck in North Baghdad and found twenty-eight 107mm Katyusha Rockets, 82 anti-personnel land mines, 43 rocket-propelled grenades, an RPG launcher, two complete mortar systems, mortar systems and improvised explosive device components.

Nasir Taha Abbas, 19, was also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment May 9 by the CCCI for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. Nasir was captured Jan. 27 by I Marine Expeditionary Force units in Modiq, near Ramadi while he was attempting to adjust the position of an improvised explosive device set near a local mosque. After Nasir’s capture, IED activity in the area stopped for more than 30 days.

The Central Court convicted and sentenced two Iraqis to 30 years imprisonment for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. Ahmed Mohamad Saibi Al Shujairi, 24, was captured by units from the 1st Cavalry Division Jan. 9 and Mohammed Sabee Hamadi Al Mousawi, 62, was caputed by 1st Cavalry units Jan. 19. The individuals were captured as a result of a raid on Mohammed’s house in Dora after being informed the house was being used as an improvised explosive device factory. Ahmed was captured during the raid on the home and Mohammed was captured during a later search of the area. During the raid, 1st Cavalry Soldiers found two complete IEDs, blasting caps, electronic components, detonation cord, boat batteries, IED shrapnel ball bearings and nails, timers and IED initiators during the raid. Soldiers also found a vehicle rigged as a Vehicle Borne IED, 23 artillery shells, C4 explosives and numerous grenades.

Harbi Thabit Hassun, 26, of Iraq, was convicted and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment May 9 by the CCCI for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. Harbi was captured Jan. 23 in his home in Al Dora by Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 89th Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division. During a search of Harbi’s house, Soldiers found two AK 47 rifles, two grenades, 400 Dragonov sniper rifle rounds, and hundreds of AK 47 rounds. The Soldiers found a mortar firing tube that smelled like it had just been fired and a mortar firing bipod in Harbi’s vehicle. Harbi tested positive for explosives during an X-spray test.

The CCCI also convicted and sentenced Khalid Adwan Thamer, 28, to 20 years imprisonment May 6 for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. Khalid was captured Feb. 23 by 1st Cavalry units in Mugdadijah at a weapons cache site.

Faiz Marzuq Al-Mutayri, 24, an Iraqi with Saudi Arabian citizenship, was convicted and sentenced by the CCCI May 8 to 16 years imprisonment for violating Article 10/1 of the Iraqi passport laws. Faiz was apprehended Jan. 25, 2006 and he admitted he entered Iraq unlawfully to wage war against the Iraqi people and Multi-National Forces.

The Central Criminal Court also convicted 12 Iraqis May 7 - 9 for violating CPA Order 3/2003 and sentenced each to 15 years imprisonment.

Two other Iraqis were convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment – one for violating Article 289 of the Iraqi Penal Code for using or taking advantage of someone else’s legal documents and the other for violating CPA Order 3/2003.

Eight Iraqi’s were convicted of violating CPA Order 3/2003. Six were sentenced to six years imprisonment and two were sentenced to two years imprisonment. One Iraq was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for violating Article 292 and 298 of the Iraqi Penal Code for forging a fake identification card.

Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 2,143 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,858 individuals with sentences ranging from imprisonment to death.

15 AL-QAEDA SUSPECTS DETAINED IN COALITION RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists, including two alleged terrorist cell leaders, during raids around Iraq Tuesday morning targeting the al-Qaeda network.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for identifying Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police targets, and directing attacks against them.

Using information from a successful raid May 21, Coalition Forces targeted associates of a suspected terrorist commander in Baghdad. Two individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in the terrorist group, which conducts assassinations and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks.

Coalition Forces conducted two coordinated operations in Anbar province, where they detained 10 suspected terrorists for their alleged involvement in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the area.

“Each operation we conduct provides another link in the chain for dismantling al Qaeda in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
12 IRAQI HOSTAGES FREED IN FOLLOW-ON OPERATION

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces freed 12 Iraqis who were held captive and beaten by terrorists during a raid Tuesday morning on a site northeast of Karmah targeted for its ties to another terrorist detention facility.

After five Iraqi hostages were freed May 21, intelligence reports indicated two buildings were being used for kidnappings and murders. As Coalition Forces approached the first building, armed men engaged them with small arms fire. In an appropriate response to the hostile threat from an organized force, ground forces returned fire and called in air support. Five terrorists were killed by the ground forces and four were killed in an air strike.

Coalition Forces then secured the building and discovered 12 Iraqis held captive in a locked room, three of whom appeared to have been beaten. The ground force evacuated the 12 individuals and provided treatment for their injuries. The hostages will be turned over to their respective tribal leaders for repatriation.

The first building also contained a cache of weapons, including two rocket-propelled grenades, a sub-machine gun, rifles and 19 military-style assault vests. The weapons were safely destroyed on site. In the second building, Coalition Forces found stolen goods and detained three suspected terrorists there for their alleged ties to the kidnapping network.

“Terrorists continually show their disrespect for human life and for the citizens of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Our operations continue to systematically dismantle their organizations.”
Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain two suspects, destroy IED factories in search for missing Soldiers
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained two personnel suspected of insurgent activities, while conducting an early-morning operation in search of three missing Soldiers on May 21, south of Baghdad.

The ISOF destroyed several trucks in a controlled detonation, which were fabricated as vehicle borne improvised explosive devices as well as several IED material caches. No civilians were present during the detonation.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces received enemy-fire as they moved to their objective. Iraqi forces returned fire and suppressed the enemy and continued on their mission. Weapons and ammunition were also seized at the objective from the two suspects who were detained.
Search nets weapons, suspects
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD — Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., continued to find weapons caches and detain terror suspects during search operations for three missing Soldiers May 22.

The 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT discovered a series of caches which contained five 57mm rocket rounds, two six-volt batteries, two spools of copper wire, two 58mm rocket rounds, a 120mm rocket round, and two complete DSHKA heavy machine guns.

Batteries, artillery rounds and wire are some of the most basic materials used in the construction of improvised explosive devices.

The battalion’s scout platoon discovered two AK-47s with five magazines, two ammunition vests, a hand grenade, four grenade fuses, four blasting caps, a stick of plastic explosive, an IED detonator, 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Kawasaki motorcycle, and over 150 homemade CDs labeled in Arabic.

The caches were seized and the explosives destroyed by controlled detonation.

Second Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment seizes weapons, suspects in raids
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) PAO
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
BAGHDAD — The ongoing search for three Soldiers who disappeared in a May 12 attack near Yusufiyah, Iraq, continues to turn up caches of weapons and new suspects in the case.

Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment conducted house-to-house searches southeast of Yusufiyah today, detaining 17 Iraqis and
seizing a cache.

The Soldiers found an AK-47, a 9mm pistol, five magazines, a gas mask, two bandoliers, three ammunition vests, ten magazines and five other weapons,
three of which were hidden in tennis-racket cases.

In another home the Soldiers found a modified cell phone, an AK-47, and another 9mm pistol, and next door, an AK-47 with an ammunition bandolier and
five magazines, and in a nearby house, another bandolier, gas mask, and a bayonet.

The detainees were taken to U.S. facilities for further questioning.

ISF, MND-B Troops Free Kidnapped Iraqi Soldier
By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Timmons, 4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops freed an Iraqi soldier being held by a militia’s kidnap cell May 20 in the Rashid District of the city.

Troops from 1st Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, and the “Black Lions” from Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., rescued Mosher Ahmmaed Abdualrahman, during a pre-dawn cordon and search operation.

“Two months of conducting combat operations with the Citadel Brigade (1-2nd Iraqi Army) have led us to develop exceptionally strong ties to our Iraqi partners,” said Lt. Col. Pat Frank, 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt. commander. “Finding their soldier alive was the main effort mission for the Black Lions.”

The Iraqi Army soldier was abducted by a Jashya al-Mahdi kidnap cell May 17 in the Shurta neighborhood. Task Force Black Lion executed the
operation, which rescued the soldier unharmed.

“The combined operation between Iraqi and American troops was a complete success,” said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “They aggressively followed up on leads and were able to save one of their own. This serves as an effective reminder of the on-going cooperation between the Black Lions and Soldiers of the Iraqi Army’s Citadel Brigade in northwest Rashid.”

COALITION FORCES RAID SECRET CELL CACHE, DETAIN 19
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained 19 suspected terrorists and uncovered a cache of Iranian money and bomb-making materials Wednesday morning in Sadr City.

The individual targeted during the raid is suspected of facilitating weapons shipments from Iran to secret cell terrorist elements in Baghdad, Basrah and Maysan province.

Coalition Forces searched 11 buildings during the operation. As Coalition Forces moved to the site, four armed terrorists engaged them with small arms and automatic weapons. The ground force, acting in self-defense toward the hostile threat, returned fire and confirmed two of the four terrorists were killed.

As they continued to search the buildings, Coalition Forces found a large quantity of Iranian money, more than $6,000 in U.S. money and improvised explosive device-making materials.

“Rogue militia elements and terrorists are seeking to destroy the future of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to capture or kill them and dismantle their organizations.”
FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED; TIED TO IED PRODUCTION

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists in related raids targeting senior leaders of an al-Qaeda suicide attack cell and detained 23 others in operations around Iraq Wednesday morning.

Based on intelligence gathered from a successful raid Apr. 11, Coalition Forces targeted a suspected terrorist leader southeast of Baghdad. As the ground force approached the objective, they encountered two armed men, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. Coalition Forces took appropriate self-defense measures in response to the hostile threat and engaged the two armed terrorists, killing them.

One of the terrorists is believed to be an al-Qaeda regional leader, responsible for al-Qaeda personnel and operations in the Arab Jabour area, as well as coordinating foreign fighters and suicide attacks.

In a related operation northwest of Taji, Coalition Forces targeted an individual suspected of supplying foreign fighters for suicide attacks. Ground forces on the scene received small arms fire from four terrorists who took cover behind a bus. Coalition Forces returned fire in self-defense and killed the four terrorists.

When they searched the building, Coalition Forces found weapons and detained one suspected terrorist for his involvement with the al-Qaeda cell.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces raided six buildings in an operation targeting foreign fighter facilitators and the al-Qaeda network. The ground force detained five suspected terrorists, including an alleged cell leader with subordinate groups that conduct assassinations and attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces.

In three coordinated raids near Karmah targeting al-Qaeda cells, Coalition Forces detained 13 suspected terrorists, including an alleged cell leader in the area.

Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists in Fallujah for their alleged direct ties to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell there.

“We continue to disrupt the leadership of the al-Qaeda in Iraq organization and its affiliates,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Step by step, we work to keep these terrorists from launching brutal attacks on the Iraqi people.”

Iraqi National Police apprehends three insurgents
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –The Iraqi National Police and Coalition Forces arrested three wanted insurgents Monday.

Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Soldiers assisted policemen from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police in a cordon and search that led to the arrest near Jisar, Diyala, Monday.

“This is one operation of many that we have conducted with the National Police,” said Maj. Jeremy B. Moore, the Iraqi Security Force chief, 3rd HBCT, from, Portland, Ore. “We look forward to continued success in interdicting
extremist within (operating environment) Hammer.”

The captured insurgents were wanted for murder, kidnapping and displacing Shiia families.

COALITION FORCES FIND EXPLOSIVES CACHE, DETAIN 15

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists and destroyed a cache of explosives during operations Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces called in an air strike near Salman Pak after they raided a house there and found a cache of mortars, dynamite and jihadist media. They were targeting individuals known to supply foreign fighters to suicide attack cells in Baghdad. A search of the buildings revealed no people were present, and the ground force cordoned off the area, where the explosives were safely destroyed.

Information from successful operations in the last five days led Coalition Forces to three buildings in Karmah, where they targeted an al-Qaeda leader. Near the first target, Coalition Forces found four suspected terrorists hiding outside the building and detained them. In the other buildings, they found six more suspected terrorists. All were detained for their alleged association with a suspected al-Qaeda emir and anti-aircraft attacks.

Coalition Forces raided a building east of Ameriyah while targeting an improvised explosive device cell in the area. Four individuals were detained for their suspected involvement in the cell.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained a suspected terrorist who is allegedly the leader of an al-Qaeda group in the area.

“We continue to target al-Qaeda in Iraq’s leaders and its manpower resources,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Each operation contributes to eventual security for the people of Iraq.”

Iraqi Army finds weapons caches near Abu Ghraib

1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Two Iraqi Army battalions found several weapons caches near Abu Ghraib, Iraq May 23.

During a combined cordon and search in Abu Ghraib’s Mencia area, troops from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division discovered caches near an apartment complex and in an abandoned house.

The caches yielded six mortar rounds, ten AK-47 assault rifles, three PKC sniper rifles, six hand grenades, several explosives, six rocket-propelled grenade rockets, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 10 improvised explosive devices and numerous IED-making materials.

In a subsequent search on the same day, troops from the 3rd Bn., 3rd Bde., 6th IA Div., working off tips from a concerned Iraqi citizen, found an AK-47, two PKC sniper rifles and a box of PKC ammunition in a vehicle.

Iraqi Security Forces are investigating to find those responsible for the caches.

Seven hostages rescued in Baqouba

BAQUBAH, Iraq – During a three-day operation in Chibernat, a village north of Baqouba, Iraqi and Coalition Forces rescued seven kidnapped victims Wednesday; and discovered more than 10 caches, reduced nine improvised explosive devices and detained 11 suspected insurgents throughout the course of the operation.

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division; and 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted the target-driven operation to eliminate the insurgents’ perceived safe havens throughout the area and secure the population of Chibernat.

“We continue to aggressively target the enemy, destroying the insurgents’ perceived power base and depleting their supplies,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “They offer nothing but death and destruction, and will be brought to justice.”
While clearing the neighborhood, Soldiers from Company B, 5-20 Inf. Regt., rescued seven local residents, to include an Iraqi Police captain, who were been held hostage.

As the Soldiers conducted a cordon and search, they entered a house, discovering the seven hostages in a room which was locked from the outside. Approximately 100 meters from the house, the Security Forces discovered nine civilians who were killed prior to their arrival.

The freed hostages were taken to the Provincial Joint Coordination Center to provide a detailed account of their experience.
According to the victims, who were taken from Muqdadiya, Balad Ruz and Baqouba, insurgents associated with the Islamic State of Iraq were responsible for their kidnapping and the killing of the other nine citizens in the house.

During an interview, the freed hostages said if the Soldiers would have arrived “an hour later,” they would have been killed by the terrorists.

Also during the cordon and search, the security forces unearthed 11 weapons caches to include rocket-propelled grenade munitions, small-arms weapon systems, approximately 200 loaded AK-47 magazines, IED-making materials, grenades, mortar rounds, and a suicide vest and belt.

The detainees were transferred to a facility for further questioning.

“The discovery of caches and IEDs during this operation proves that the terrorists do not have safe havens within Diyala,” Sutherland added. “We will continue to be persistent, and provide a safe and secure environment to the innocent people throughout this province.”
Iraqi Special Operations Forces liberate Imam held by insurgents

Story by Master Sgt. Melissa Phillips, CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces liberated an Imam held captive in an insurgent stronghold May 21 in the Iskandariyah area of Baghdad during a search for missing U.S. Soldiers.

“It felt great to help set an Iraqi religious leader free from terrorists who tortured him for more than 20 days,” said a senior enlisted Coalition advisor to the ISOF Brigade during the operation.

The Iraqi and Coalition Forces found Imam Tariq Hussain Hamdan, at an isolated farmhouse, while searching for the missing soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division who were kidnapped by insurgents May 12.

During the search, the ISOF detained one suspect. The team also found and destroyed several vehicles containing IED materials, multiple weapons, grenades, weapons, RPG rounds, face hoods and parts to make improvised explosive devices hidden inside food storage devices.

“Operations like this one are just one way our two cultures can come together to help defeat the insurgency who are undermining the progress of their country’s citizens,” the adviser said.

Iraqi Forces received enemy fire as they moved to their objective. Iraqi Forces returned fire and suppressed the enemy. One Iraqi soldier suffered a minor wound during the operation.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces kill insurgent commander during afternoon raid in Basrah

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD – Iraqi Special Operation Forces and Coalition Forces killed Wisam Abd Adbul, also known as Wisam Abu Qadir, the suspected commander of the militia group Jaysh al-Madhi (JAM) in Basrah and his bodyguard while attempting to detain him on May 25.

ISOF and Coalition Forces were manning a vehicle checkpoint when the targeted individual’s vehicle approached the checkpoint. Despite signals to pull over, the targeted subject failed to do so. The ISOF fired warning rounds to disable the vehicle, but the vehicle sped forward for another 800 meters. Three individuals then exited the vehicle and aimed weapons at ISOF and Coalition Forces. The ISOF took appropriate self-defense measures, engaging two of the insurgents and killing them.

The third individual, the vehicle driver, ran away. Both during and after the incident, ISOF and Coalition Forces came under attack from small-arms fire; rocket propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IED).

Qadir has a long history of violence in the region. He managed operations to murder and intimidate local Iraqis and is credited with ordering attacks on U.S. and Coalition Forces.

He also instructed new recruits on terrorist methods as well as the construction and detonation of IEDS.

Additionally, Qadir was allegedly involved in weapons trafficking, theft, the procurement of rocket propelled grenades, IEDs, and conventional explosives from terrorists in Iran.

Iraqi forces conducted the operation with Coalition Forces acting as advisors. No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during this operation.

1-15 Inf. finds, destroys large munitions cache
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, uncovered a weapons cache Tuesday during a combat patrol in an area west of Wahida, Iraq.

The cache consisted of 40 mortar rounds varying in size from 82mm to 120mm.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit detonated the cache soon after it was found.

“This is the largest cache found by 1-15 to date,” said 1st Lt. Joshua Powers, assistant operations officer for 1-15, from Decatur, Ga. “Our presence is bringing more security to the Wahida province and disrupting the enemy’s line of movement into Baghdad.”

ONE SECRET CELL TERRORIST DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist while targeting a terrorist cell leader Friday morning during raids in Sadr City.

The individual detained during the raid is closely linked to a suspected leader in 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.

En route to the objective, Iraqi forces began receiving heavy small arms fire from multiple locations near an intersection.

Ground forces returned fire, but the incoming automatic fire continued.

Coalition Forces supporting the Iraqi forces, using appropriate self-defense measures, called in close air support.
Although there were no terrorists confirmed killed in the fighting, the opposing gunfire was subdued and Iraqi and Coalition Forces moved on to the objective.

Intelligence reports indicate the individual targeted is suspected of having direct ties to the leader of the EFP network as well as acting as a proxy for an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officer.

“These rogue militia elements have no respect for the peace of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

“We will continue to track them and diminish their ability to attack the Iraqi people and disrupt the progress of the country.”

Iraqi army, police discover underground cache
Multinational Division – North PAO

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi army and police, supported by Coalition Forces, discovered a weapons cache in northern Mosul, located in Nineveh Province, during a planned operation Monday afternoon.

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, supported by Iraqi police officers from Northeast 1 station, and CF Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, made the cache discovery, which was concealed under an inoperable toilet.

“This is another example of Iraqi Security Forces’ adept efforts to maintain a secure, safe environment for the citizens of Mosul,” said Lt. Col. Michael Boden, acting commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the site as Iraqi police secured the cache which contained three improvised hand grenades, 12 rifles with approximately 3,000 rounds of ammunition, more than 80 rocket-propelled grenades, seven RPG launchers, three dozen mortar rounds, 10 pounds of explosives and one suicide bomber’s vest.

The EOD team secured the explosives for safe disposal and the rifles, ammunition and mortars were turned over to ISF.

“ISF have demonstrated they are capable of seeking out and destroying the weapons and materials terrorists use to inflict pain and suffering on the populace,” said Boden.

“Together, we will keep Nineveh Province safe for its citizens.”

COALITION FORCES NAB 20 SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA TERRORISTS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists during several raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq around the country Friday morning.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces raided a house looking for a suspected al-Qaeda battalion commander. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists at the targeted location, including the alleged leader. Intelligence reports indicate he is responsible for numerous attacks in Baghdad, including assassinations, attacks on news media and attacks on the city’s infrastructure.

Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists in an operation southwest of Baghdad targeting al-Qaeda leadership. One of the individuals detained is allegedly a close associate of a Libyian who facilitates the movement of foreign fighters in the area.

In continuing operations to disrupt the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network in Baghdad, Coalition Forces targeted a known explosives expert associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The individual is also known to have knowledge of explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, and was recently promoted within the network. Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists from the target location.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists linked to an al-Qaeda weapons dealer allegedly involved in an IED network there.

Two suspected terrorists were detained during a Coalition Forces raid targeting al-Qaeda leadership in Baghdad. Ground forces found a small cache of weapons, which they safely destroyed on site.

“We’re continuing to take the fight to al-Qaeda, to thwart their ability to attack Iraqis and spoil their attempts to destabilize the country,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Giant cache complex, explosive factory found during search for troops

2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI) PAO
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

CAMP STRIKER, IRAQ – Coalition troops searching for the Soldiers captured in
the May 12 attack, discovered a huge weapon cache complex and an explosives
factory in an isolated area between Iskandariyah and the Euphrates River Friday.

After conducting a company-sized air assault into the area known as the
‘fish farms’ due to the prevalence of man-made ponds used to harvest fish,
Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (Strikers) discovered the
complex of 13 weapons caches and a facility to prepare homemade explosives.
The explosive factory contained approximately 1,000 pounds of
homemade explosives stored in grain bags.

The cache complex contained eight 155 mm artillery rounds, three 130
mm artillery rounds, a 120 mm artillery round, 850 mortar fuses, 7 rocket
propelled grenade launchers with five sighting assemblies, 34 RPG boosters, 46
RPG warheads, 1000 12.7 mm heavy machine gun rounds, 4000 14.5 mm
heavy machine gun rounds, and 200 25 mm anti-tank rounds.

Also found were a 122 mm rocket, 1000 9 mm rounds, six hand grenade
fuses, 17 fragmentary hand grenades, 205 30 mm anti-aircraft artillery rounds, 60
57 mm anti-aircraft artillery rounds, two 2.75 mm rockets, 215 blasting caps,
1000 small arms ammunition primers, 500 shotgun rounds, 1000 feet of
detonation cord, 7400 7.62 mm machine gun rounds, a 40 mm high explosive
grenade, various small arms and sub machine gun magazines, eight pre-cut
lengths of wire (presumably used as IED initiators) and five former regime Iraqi
army helmets.

After processing the site for evidence relating to the missing Soldiers, the
caches were destroyed by explosive ordnance personnel.

In other developments, the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army
Division detained 22 individuals believed to have information in the attacks.
This air assault was the 35th conducted by 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain
Division since May 12.

TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, 23 SUSPECTS DETAINED, EXPLOSIVES DESTROYED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained 23 suspected terrorists and destroyed a cache of explosives during operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq Saturday.

Coalition Forces targeted a suspected terrorist leader in a raid southwest of Taji Saturday morning. As the ground forces approached the building, two armed men took up fighting positions. Coalition Forces, reacting to the perceived hostile threat, engaged the two men with small arms fire, killing them.

Inside the building, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists. One is believed to be an al-Qaeda senior leader whose group supplies vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices for use in the Taji area. The group is also known to be responsible for indirect fire and IED attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

In a follow-up operation southeast of Karmah, Coalition Forces found a cache of weapons and explosives, including 10 homemade bombs, a 55-gallon drum of ammonium nitrate, 200 anti-aircraft rounds and an anti-aircraft artillery mount, and a dump truck outfitted with a detonation cord. Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists and safely destroyed the weapons cache on site.

Coalition Forces targeted a suspected terrorist in Baghdad and detained two individuals during a raid there. One of the individuals is allegedly a member of a deadly VBIED cell. In another raid in the city, Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists for their involvement as associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.

In a raid targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network known to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists in Fallujah.

Acting on intelligence gained from successful operations May 22, Coalition Forces raided three buildings in Mosul, where they detained three suspected terrorists with alleged ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network there.

“These operations illustrate the steady drumbeat of our assault on al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We continue to disrupt their networks and diminish their ability to attack Iraqi civilians and those who are working to rebuild the country.”

SECRET CELL KEY LEADER DETAINED, AIR STRIKE IN SADR CITY
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist cell leader and killed at least five terrorists Saturday morning during raids in Sadr City.

The individual detained during the raid is believed to be the suspected leader in 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.

After successfully detaining the suspected secret cell leader during the morning’s operation, nine vehicles moved into the target area and were positioning themselves to block and ambush Iraqi and Coalition Forces as they began to depart the area.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces responded to a perceived threat and called in close air support.

All nine vehicles were engaged during the air strike, killing at least five terrorists.

Intelligence reports indicate the individual detained is suspected of having direct ties to a senior leader of a significant EFP network as well as acting as a proxy for an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officer.

“We will continue to seek out and tirelessly pursue these terrorists who seek to undermine the Iraqi government and place innocents Iraqis in harms way,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

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