Iraq Bombings.

Rescuers used bare hands and shovels Wednesday to claw through clay houses shattered by an onslaught of suicide bombings that killed at least 250 and possibly as many as 500 members of an ancient religious sect in the deadliest attack of the Iraq war.

Four trucks approached two areas in the northern town of Qahataniya, 75 miles west of Mosul, and exploded within minutes of each other on Tuesday night.

The bombs contained cargos of pebbles which made them even more deadly.

In scenes resembling an earthquake, bodies lay in the street covered in blankets amid the shattered ruins of clay-built houses.

The U.S. military blamed al-Qaida in Iraq, and an American commander called the assault an “act of ethnic cleansing.”

The victims of Tuesday night’s coordinated attack by four suicide bombers were Yazidis, a small Kurdish-speaking sect that has been targeted by Muslim extremists who consider its members to be blasphemers.

The blasts in two villages near the Syrian border crumbled buildings, trapping entire families beneath mud bricks and other wreckage. Entire neighborhoods were flattened.

“This is an act of ethnic cleansing, if you will, almost genocide,” Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, told CNN. He said that was evident from the fact Yazidis live in a remote part of Ninevah province that has been far from Iraq’s conflict.

Al Qaeda sympathisers recently handed out leaflets to residents near the scene of the tragedy warning that an attack was coming because Yazidis are "anti-Islamic".

**And the left wants us to close our eyes to this, pull out and sit down at the table to "sell out the people of Iraq." pretend that its not happening. So long as we can pull the troops out and we have our deal with what they term militants.

If there were no troops of any western nation in Iraq the murderers of AL Quada would still have bombed these people, in fact by now they would all be dead. Because to them they are infidels, they are seen not as people, not as part of the Umma but as kuffir to be slaughtered.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 16 al-Qaeda in Iraq

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted multiple cordon and search operations detaining 16 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq insurgents Aug. 11 in the village of Subayat Hamash, near Sinjar.

Four of the detainees are suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leaders wanted by the Iraqi Army for improvised explosive device and mortar attacks, facilitation of al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist attacks against civilians, and hijacking food shipments. Their actions have resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent Iraqis in the Sinjar area.

Six vehicles, including four passenger cars, a pick-up truck and a dump truck, were seized during the operation.

This operation was conducted in order to provide security to the people of Subayat Hamash, while simultaneously limiting al-Qaeda in Iraq the ability to operate. The expanded purpose was the continued degradation of insurgency support activities in an effort to weaken threats against the Government of Iraq.

No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.

Attack helicopters engage and kill eight insurgents

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade continued its lethal fight against insurgent forces when attack helicopters engaged and killed eight insurgents Aug. 9 in Salah ad Din province.

An attack helicopter received a “troops in contact” call from Coalition ground forces. The group of insurgents broke contact by the time the attack helicopters arrived to the location of the engagement. Moments later, the team observed 12 gunmen moving tactically near their attack position.

“Our attack and scout weapons aircraft will continue to fly day and night in support of Coalition and Iraqi ground forces,” said Maj. John Herrman, Brigade Fires and Effects Officer, 25th CAB. “For the enemy’s part, he should know that the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade is always watching.”

After confirming positive identification of the enemy with ground forces, the attack team fired on the gunmen, killing eight.

“The use of attack helicopters provides great leverage in our fight against al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations trying to disrupt and harm the civilian population,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition forces in Diyala. “Our ability to have lethal eyes in the sky is vital to our mission accomplishment and truly shows the enemy that they cannot and will not hide from our forces.”

Correction to MNF-I Release A070812a: 30 suspects detained in raids targeting al-Qaeda and bombing networks

The previous press release stated:

Coalition Forces targeted close associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders during operations in western Baghdad and Mosul. The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists in the two raids.

The corrected version should read:

Coalition Forces targeted close associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders during operations in western Baghdad and Mosul. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists in the two raids.

This is the corrected version:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 30 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Sunday targeting bombing networks and senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings north of Karmah targeting terrorist operatives working for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the area. The emir’s network is responsible for car bombings, including attacks using chlorine. Ground forces detained 17 suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the network.

During an operation south of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting an explosives expert believed to be part of the Baghdad car bombing network. In a nearby operation, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist involved in weapons trafficking for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition Forces targeted close associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders during operations in western Baghdad and Mosul. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists in the two raids.

Northeast of Samarra, ground forces raided several buildings associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Samarra. Two men were discovered outside the buildings and were detained. Coalition Forces targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Tikrit with an operation there that netted three suspected terrorists.

“Our operations continue to target those who associate with and work for al-Qaeda in Iraq’s leaders,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The pressure is on, and we are keeping them on the run.”

Iraqi, U.S. Special Forces detain two suspected terrorist cell leaders in Baghdad operations

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained two suspected terrorist leaders and three other suspected terrorists during early morning operations in Baghdad, Aug. 10.

During the first operation, joint forces conducted a systematic search of the three buildings in the town of
Yusufiyah and detained their primary target; a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq Amir.

The suspected terrorist is believed to command a large cell involved in improvised explosive devices, mortar and small arms attacks. Two other suspected al Qaeda in Iraq cell members were also detained during the operation. A passport, a camera, a video cassette tape and various documents were seized.

In another operation, forces detained a suspected commander of Jaysh al-Mahdi, a Shi’a extremist group, Aug. 10 in western Baghdad.

The primary suspect allegedly commands a JAM cell whose members conduct extra-judicial killings of Iraqi civilians. His group is also believed to be responsible for attacks on an Iraqi National Guard checkpoint using mortars and small arms. In addition, one other suspicious individual was also detained.

Iraqi, U.S. Special Forces detain key rogue JAM leader, capture Al Qaeda in Iraq medic
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected platoon leader of the rogue Shi’a militia Jaysh al-Madhi during an intelligence driven operation Aug. 12 in central Baghdad. The forces also detained five of the suspected leader’s associates.

The forces detained the targeted individual and his associates without incident. The primary suspect is suspected of conducting attacks targeting Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in the vicinity of Karada.

In a second operation Aug. 12, Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq medical doctor in the vicinity of Ghazalijah in Baghdad. The doctor is suspected of harboring Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists following their operations. He is also accused of providing logistical support to the terrorist group.

No Iraqi or U.S. members were harmed in either operation.

Coalition Forces Capture Key Financier of Special Groups Terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a key financier of Special Groups terrorists during a pre-dawn raid Monday in Western Baghdad. The detained individual is believed to be a Special Groups leader for the Bayaa province in Western Baghdad.

No shots were fired when Coalition Forces conducted a ground assault to capture or kill a suspected key financier of the “Special Groups” that are believed to have direct ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps – Quds Force (IRGC-QF). These Special Groups terrorists are suspected of killing Iraqi citizens, directing attacks against Coalition Forces, and promoting sectarian violence.

Coalition Forces confiscated a vehicle, two computers, photographs and various documents that may lead to future operations targeting Special Groups.

“Coalition Forces and their Iraqi interagency partners continue to build on a series of successful, integrated operations,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Breaking the financial support chain of the Special Groups is an integral part of dismantling terror networks that seek to kill innocent Iraqis and Coalition Forces. We will continue to pursue these Special Groups in order to promote peace and stability in Iraq.”

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 26 suspected terrorists linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq during coordinated operations east of Balad the week of Aug. 9-14.

Coalition Forces conducted the two operations to disrupt terrorist operations in the area. During a 24-hour operation Aug. 10, they found a small cache of machine gun rounds and components used to make improvised explosive devices. The ground forces detained 21 suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Several women on the scene wept while the men were detained. They told ground forces they were crying because they were happy that their sheikh, who had been run out by terrorists, could return to the community.

Coalition Forces followed up the 24-hour operation with a precision raid Aug. 14. As they began the operation, surveillance teams observed several men maneuvering into a previously secured area near the assault force. Coalition Forces, responding to the organized enemy force, requested close air support to engage the men. After the air strike, ground forces assessed six terrorists were killed in the engagement, and detained five suspected terrorists on the scene.

“Terrorists cannot conceal themselves in small villages, disrupting the lives of Iraqi citizens," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “There are no safe havens for terrorists here -- we will continue to seek them out wherever they hide.”

Coalition Forces Kill Three, Detain Six, Capturing a High-Priority Special Groups Weapons Smuggler

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a highly sought Special Groups weapons facilitator before dawn Thursday northeast of Baghdad.

Coalition Forces conducted a raid to capture a known weapons smuggler and distributor connected to various Special Groups. The captured high priority individual was responsible for smuggling explosively formed penetrators (EFP), Katusha rockets and other weapons from Iran into Iraq. The target was also responsible for the distribution of those weapons to Special Groups and extremist militants operating throughout Baghdad. The weapons smuggler had direct ties to senior militant leaders and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force.

On the approach to the objective, Coalition Forces were fired upon by three armed gunmen. Coalition Forces returned fire, killing the three gunmen.

Five others detained during the raid are suspected of distributing weapons smuggled into Iraq from Iran. Four of the detainees tested positive for explosives residue. One of the buildings searched during the raid produced money and questionable documents that were confiscated for analysis and evaluation.

“Coalition troops continue to target terrorists who bring weapons and explosives, especially explosively formed penetrators, and other aid into Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Coalition Forces will continue their focused operations against unhelpful Iranian influence interfering in Iraq. We remain committed to dismantling terror networks that seek to kill innocent Iraqis and the security forces that protect them.”

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain seven suspected terrorists in western Ninewa Province
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces advising, conducted a cordon and search operation in the village of Abu Bareyj, near Bulayj, and detained seven suspected terrorists Aug. 14.

One of the alleged terrorists was detained during the initial search on the east side of the village. The individual is a suspected cell leader and is believed to be operating a safe-house used by anti-Iraqi forces to conduct attacks in the Bulayj area. One other suspicious individual was also detained.

Another five individuals were detained during a search of the west side of the village who are believed to be part of a terrorist cell that is responsible for attacking an Iraqi Army checkpoint in Bulayj two weeks prior.

No Iraqi or U.S. Special Forces members were injured during this operation.

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain 3 Al-Qaeda in Iraq high-level leaders
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 1/6th Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained three suspected key Al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders during an intelligence driven operation Aug. 14 in the Mansour area of Baghdad.

The forces detained an alleged group leader and both his cell leaders. Both cells traffic weapons into the Mansour area and conduct mortar and rocket attacks to harm Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

One cell leader is suspected of coordinating extra-judicial killings against innocent civilians and Iraqi government personnel. Intelligence reports indicates the other cell leader finances al-Qaeda with money supplied to him by foreign associations and has also orchestrated numerous vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi military and political figures.

The forces also seized weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, and computer equipment at the detainees’ locations.

No U.S. or Iraqi members were harmed during the operation.

Operation ‘Lightning Hammer’ pounds al-Qaida in Diyala
Multinational Division North-PAO

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Operation Lightning Hammer kicked off with a powerful barrage of artillery fires and air strikes on carefully selected targets in Diyala province, Iraq, Tuesday, sending al-Qaeda in Iraq a strong message that they have no safe haven there.

More than 300 artillery munitions, rockets and bombs were dropped throughout the night and into morning, blocking al-Qaeda movements and suppressing suspected al-Qaeda targets. This barrage set the stage for subsequent nighttime helo-borne and ground assaults into the Diyala River Valley by 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, and 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, respectively.

These forces combined with other units already conducting operation Lightning Hammer elsewhere in Diyala and Salah ad Din provinces, totaling approximately 10,000 Coalition Forces and 6,000 Iraqi Security Forces.

The 5-73 Soldiers defeated several ineffective small arms attacks, killing three al-Qaeda gunmen, detaining eight, and uncovering a weapons cache, numerous IEDs and a booby-trapped house.

“Enemies of Iraq will not get a chance to rest or hide in Diyala Province,” said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy command general for operations, Task Force Lightning and Multinational Division-North. “We are moving forward together for the benefit of the Iraqi people and this operation proves the growing strength of Iraq’s partnership with the Coalition,” said Bednarek.

In a supporting offensive north of Baqouba, the 5th Iraqi Army Division and 5-20th Infantry Regiment discovered an AQI hideout, complete with bedrolls, believed to house 25 fighters, along with a substantial weapons cache of IED making material, mortars and rocket propelled grenades. The cache was destroyed in place.

Coalition Forces kill 11 terrorists, detain four

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed 11 terrorists and detained four suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition Forces continued to attack Baghdad’s car bombing network, targeting an individual who has attempted to coordinate carjackings and use the vehicles and drivers as suicide car bombers. As the assault force approached the target building, four armed men maneuvered to a position on a nearby rooftop. Coalition Forces, responding to the organized hostile group, engaged the men, killing all four. Inside an associated building, ground forces found a cache of weapons and terrorist media. During the engagement, the roof of the targeted building caught fire. Coalition Forces called Iraqi emergency crews, who responded to the scene and contained the fire.

North of Muqdadiyah, Coalition Forces raided a suspected safe house complex while targeting a foreigner who provides weapons to al-Qaeda in Iraq. As ground forces approached the targeted buildings, three men scrambled for their weapons. Responding appropriately, Coalition Forces engaged the three armed men, killing them. When the ground forces called the remaining people out of the building, one man resisted and made threatening movements toward the assault force. Coalition Forces, perceiving a hostile threat from the man who was part of an armed group, engaged the man in self-defense and killed him.

Three more armed men ran into a building in a nearby palm grove. Coalition Forces called in close air support to engage the maneuvering terrorists, and surveillance teams confirm three terrorists were killed in the strike. The building where they hid was destroyed.

Two individuals on the scene were detained for their suspected involvement in facilitating the movement of weapons to al-Qaeda in Iraq for terrorist activities.

Coalition Forces also raided three buildings in Kirkuk while hunting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader known for extortion, kidnapping, weapons trafficking and directing car bombings. Ground forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.

“Whether al-Qaeda in Iraq is using Iraqis or foreigners to conduct their brutal attacks, we will target those criminals who terrorize the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Our operations are degrading the ability of the terrorists to operate freely.”
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