Jihad denied - Good news from Iraq

Iraqi National Police find cache in Rusafa District

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Officers with the Iraqi National Police recovered a weapons cache in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad Sept. 15.
The officers found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and nine 120mm mortars. The weapons were turned over to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s Special Troops Battalion for their explosive ordnance detachment Soldiers to destroy the weapons.
The discovery comes as U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces continue to sweep out insurgent strongholds in eastern Baghdad. This includes the establishment of Coalition outposts and joint security stations as part of the Baghdad Security Plan to pacify the capital.

7 terrorists killed, 31 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 7 terrorists and detained 31 suspected terrorists during operations in central and northern Iraq Monday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operational networks.

Coalition forces continued operations to secure Baghdad and the surrounding belts during two operations targeting terrorist networks in and around the city. West of Yusufiyah, Coalition forces raided a group of buildings while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders who organize foreign terrorists to conduct suicide attacks. When the assault force approached the target building, two men in the yard drew weapons. Coalition forces, responding in self-defense, engaged the two armed men, killing them. A number of men from inside the buildings were maneuvering into tactical positions in the surrounding area, indicating they had advance warning of the raid. When the assault force followed the men, they encountered four individuals acting as lookouts and passing information to other enemy elements. Coalition forces defended against the hostile threat by calling for close air support, engaging and killing the four terrorists. The assault force engaged and killed another man who refused to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions to surrender. The ground forces detained 19 suspected terrorists during the raid.

North of Taji, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting members of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the Rusafa neighborhood of Baghdad.

Farther north in the Tigris River Valley, Coalition forces conducted two raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders who facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists. Near Balad, the ground forces detained two individuals allegedly tied to an al-Qaeda in Iraq group responsible for moving terrorists in and out of Iraq, as well as sniper and bombing attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. In Bayji, Coalition forces used information from an operation Sep. 7 to conduct a raid that netted four suspects believed to move weapons, supplies and foreign terrorists for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Coalition forces near the Syrian border used information from an operation Sep. 11 to target a foreign terrorist facilitator there and detained four suspected terrorists.

“We’re relentless in our operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to terrorize the people of Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to target terrorists and reinforce the positive steps Iraqis have taken in securing their country.”

Coalition forces capture 12 suspected terrorists in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured an Iraqi terrorist with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps - Quds Forces (IRGC-QF) and eleven other suspected terrorists during coordinated early morning operations in Baghdad Monday.

The operations targeted a senior Special Groups leader directly linked, according to sensitive intelligence, to several other high-ranking terrorists operating in and around Baghdad.

Those in custody are believed to be involved in smuggling and storing weapons from Iran used to attack Iraqi civilians and the security forces that protect them. Intelligence further indicates that the group is linked to the production and distribution of deadly Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) and the supporting of foreign terrorist operations.

Coalition forces detained six individuals at the first target area without incident, and followed on with operations at two other sites where they captured the other individuals.

A vehicle approached the security perimeter of the ground force during the operation. The vehicle, which was out after curfew, was warned with lights and warning shots before Coalition forces engaged the hostile threat with machine gun fire and destroyed it. The ground forces assess the driver was killed.

“The capture of key Special Groups leaders will allow us to further disrupt the activities of those who attempt to undermine the security and stability of Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

Senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist detained near Taji during Iraqi Scout, U.S. Special Operations Forces mission
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, conducted a series of helicopter assault raids near Taji Sept. 16, resulting in the detention of a senior Al Qaeda in Iraq member of the Abu Ghazwan network.

He is suspected of conducting attacks that target local citizens in the Tarmiyah area who join the Iraqi Police or Iraqi Army forces. His cell has attacked the Tarmiyah Regiment of the 9th Iraqi Army division, the 9th Oil Protection Division, guards at the Al Karkh water treatment plant and Coalition Forces in the Taji area. The cell is also suspected of distributing propaganda and installing illegal check points.

This terrorist is additionally suspected of being the second in command to Abu Ghazwan’s network and the gatekeeper for access to Abu Ghazwan himself. This criminal network is known to commit robberies, kidnappings, murder, and is responsible for the Sept. 6, 2006 attack against a British Contractor convoy near Tarmiyah.

This terrorist network is believed to be linked to the kidnappings of employees from the Nasr Industrial Plant and is known to stage attacks from a local mosque. The cell provides salaries and materials for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices to be used in the Baghdad area. The cell is further suspected of storing and supplying weapons such as surface-to-air missiles, mortar rounds, mortar launchers, and heavy machine guns to be used in future terrorist attacks.

Iraqi soldiers raided a series of residences in a remote area northwest of Taji, detaining the alleged terrorist, two snipers, and 15 additional suspects. Three AK-47 assault rifles, three tactical assault vests and various explosive components were seized during the operation.

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

Three terrorists killed, 13 al-Qaeda suspects detained in Tigris River Valley

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 13 suspected terrorists during several operations Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives and mid-level leaders in the Tigris River Valley.

Three operations around Baghdad were aimed at improving security in the city and surrounding area. In an operation in Arab Jabour, Coalition forces targeted a key operative in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. When the assault force arrived at the target building, armed men attempted to maneuver into position against them. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat by calling for close air support, and two terrorists were killed by fire from the aircraft. Another man refused to comply with the ground forces’ instructions to surrender. Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the man, killing him. Six suspected terrorists were detained in the raid.

During two coordinated operations in the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a key operative for al-Qaeda in Iraq and its international network. Intelligence reports also indicate the man works for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the southern belts around Baghdad. The ground forces detained two additional suspected terrorists during the raids.

In Bayji, Coalition forces used information from an operation Aug. 4 to capture a suspected mid-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and two other suspects. About 50 miles farther north, ground forces detained one suspected terrorist believed to help smuggle weapons for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“Al-Qaeda in Iraq is on the run,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Our operations are hampering their ability to terrorize the Iraqi people.”

Coalition forces capture wanted terrorist in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Iraqi terrorist linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps - Quds Force network and two others during an operation early Tuesday in Baghdad.

The operations were targeting a Special Groups criminal that is believed to be a leader of an improvised explosive device network and is also believed to have close ties to the production and distribution of explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).

Reports indicate the targeted individual has been involved in the procurement of weapons and the facilitation of foreign terrorists in order to target Iraqi and Coalition security forces.

Information from concerned citizens in the neighborhood led the assault force to a local facility, where the suspected Special Groups officer was also working as a security guard. The forces apprehended the man there without incident after close coordination with Iraqi police.

“We will continue to target any group with followers who commit hostile actions and oppose security and stability in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Each time we capture one of these terrorists, it brings us one step closer to a secure future for Iraq.”

Operation Dragon Talon II nets arrests, cache discoveries
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Army troops continued Operation Dragon Talon II in the southern part of the Iraqi capital Sep. 17 with the capture of two individuals suspected of anti-Coalition activities and the confiscation of several weapons caches.

Troops from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment “Dragoons” and 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team “Dragons,” 1st Infantry Division maintained pressure on extremist elements in East Rashid with clearing operations involved in a kidnapping cell in the Doura neighborhood of southern Baghdad Sept. 17. The individual is being held for further questioning.

Earlier in the day, 2-12th Infantry troops seized a pair of caches in Doura, consisting of an assortment of weapons and explosives, including AK-47 assault rifles, sniper rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, loose sticks of TNT, homemade explosives and an assortment of improvised explosive device components such as wiring, timers, and batteries.

In West Rashid, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, captured an individual suspected to be involved with an assassination cell. The unit also uncovered weapons, ammunition and cash in the operation. The suspect is being held for further questioning.

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces kill Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist, detain 18 others in northern Iraq
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

TAJI – Iraqi Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, killed one al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist and detained 18 others during three separate operations Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 in northern Iraq.

During an operation Sept. 18, Soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division were called in to support other Iraqi forces that began receiving enemy fire in Sharqat, near Mosul. After suppressing the enemy, the forces conducted an operation on intelligence that several high-ranking AQI terrorists were meeting in the area. One suspected terrorist, who is believed to be responsible for facilitating AQI movement, was detained. A 9mm sub-machine gun, a handgun and AK-47 ammunition were seized.

In a separate raid Sept. 18, Iraqi Security Forces in Bulayj detained three individuals while conducting a presence patrol through multiple villages reported to be AQI safe havens. Two of the detainees are alleged AQI facilitators in the area.

During an earlier operation, Iraqi Army forces killed one extremist and detained 14 others after receiving enemy fire during a combat patrol to recover a weapons cache Sept. 17 in the village of Hugna, near Kirkuk.

Upon entry into the village, the patrol came under direct small arms fire. The forces immediately returned well-aimed and proportionate fire, killing Baha Turki Abd Shabib, a known AQI assassin operating in Hawijah, Bayji and Mosul. He is linked to the deaths of more than 60 innocent Iraqis, including the beheading of an Iraqi Army Soldier, and is responsible for manufacturing improvised explosive devices to be used in future terrorist attacks.

After the fire-fight, the forces began clearing targeted structures within the village. Iraqi forces pursued multiple fleeing individuals into a nearby mosque and detained 14 suspected terrorists.

No Iraqi or U.S. Special Forces were injured during these missions.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain seven terrorists
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD – Iraqi Army Scouts conducted a series of intelligence-driven helicopter-assault raids Sept. 18, resulting in the destruction of an insurgent weapons cache southwest of Taji.

During the raids, an insurgent weapons cache was discovered with more than 100 containers of nitric acid, eight anti-aircraft weapons, and improvised explosive device materials. The cache was destroyed in place using close air support. Three individuals, including a purported al Qaeda in Iraq sniper team spotter, were detained.

During a concurrent operation, members of the Emergency Response Unit detained an al Qaeda in Iraq Emir and two cell members Sept. 18 in the al Adhamiyah area of Baghdad.

The Emir and his cell members are suspected of conducting IED and indirect fire attacks against local citizens and Coalition Forces. The cell also kidnaps and murders Iraqi forces and Sunni citizens who stand against their criminal activities.

The extremists are linked to a May 3, 2007 IED attack that killed several civilians, as well as several attacks in March 2007 against an Iraqi National Guard facility and Coalition forces in the al Kadhamiyah area.

In October 2006, they were linked to an attack that killed several Iraqi National Guardsmen and found to be responsible for detonating an IED against a U.S. military convoy. In July 2005, they were suspected of murdering a female college student attending the IBN al Haythm College.

In a separate raid, Iraqi Army Reconnaissance Soldiers detained a suspected extremist Sept. 18 in the Taji area. The suspected extremist leads a company who is responsible for conducting multiple attacks using IEDs and explosively formed penetrators along main supply routes including an August 22, 2007 attack using an EFP against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

U.S. Special Operations Forces were advisers during these operations and there were no Iraqi or U.S. Forces injured.

Coalition forces kill one terrorist, detain 7 suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one Iraqi terrorist linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps - Quds Force and detained another seven suspected terrorists during pre-dawn operations in Balad Ruz and northern Baghdad Wednesday.

The operation in Balad Ruz targeted a wanted Iraqi suspected of links to the movement of weapons, equipment and foreign terrorists across the Iran-Iraq border. He is believed to have numerous connections to other suspected Special Groups leaders operating out of Diyala Province.

When ground forces arrived at the target area, an armed terrorist engaged them with small arms fire. Coalition forces responded in self-defense and returned fire, killing the terrorist. Additional intelligence during the operation led the ground forces to a follow-on location, where they detained four men without incident.

A separate operation north of Baghdad targeted a Special Groups leader who reportedly oversees all logistics and operations in the area. The individual is linked to a large cache of explosively formed penetrators found Feb. 25 in the Baqubah area (SEE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS – IRAQ RELEASE #20070226-01, “Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces Discover Large EFP Cache,” DATED Feb. 26, 2007). Intelligence reports also indicate the targeted individual facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists by providing them with false identification cards, trains operatives in bomb-making and smuggles weapons from Iran. Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during the operation.

“Though weakened, extremist groups continue to threaten Iraq’s stability and security,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to target them, ensuring they have no safe haven anywhere in Iraq.”

Coalition forces capture 11 suspected al-Qaeda members

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition forces captured five wanted individuals and detained six additional suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday targeting terrorist leaders in northern Iraq and their operatives in the Tigris River Valley.

Iraqi and Coalition forces captured two alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives in the Hamrin Mountains southeast of Kirkuk. Both are believed to be tied to al-Qaeda leaders in Iran and Pakistan, and have extensive knowledge of the network’s smuggling operations. The ground forces detained one additional suspect for his alleged involvement in the terrorist network.

Northwest of Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq adviser and recruiter who had provided a two-month indoctrination to terrorists joining the network. Two additional suspects were detained.

Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during operations near Tikrit and Samarra. One of the detainees was wanted for allegedly leading an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell and conducting attacks on Coalition forces. Another detainee was wanted for his suspected association with al-Qaeda in Iraq’s network south of Baghdad, where he was believed to facilitate the movement and training of foreign terrorists.

“As we apply the pressure, al-Qaeda in Iraq is losing its effectiveness,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “There is nowhere for these terrorists to hide – our operations will find them.”

Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an al-Qaeda in Iraq military advisor during an operation Aug. 31 west of Tarmiyah.

Coalition forces conducted a precision operation west of Tarmiyah Aug. 31. The assault force followed a vehicle containing two suspected terrorists and attempted to get the driver to stop. When the driver resisted capture, the assault force fired on the vehicle. Both the driver and the passenger were killed in the operation. Coalition forces later identified one of the men as Abu Yaqub al-Masri.

Al-Masri, who is also known as Zakkariya or Doctor, was a military advisor to al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Baghdad and the surrounding belts. He provided guidance and direction for attack planning, coordination and execution.

Intelligence reports indicate al-Masri was directed by senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders to plan attacks that would cultivate sectarian strife. The former al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir of Baghdad, now detained by Coalition forces, described al-Masri as director of the “car bomb division.”

Al-Masri was one of the primary architects behind the Nov. 26 car bombings in Sadr City that killed 181 Iraqi civilians and injured another 247. He also planned major attacks on the bridges in the Rusafa area to isolate the Shi’ite population there.

Al-Masri previously fought against Coalition forces in Afghanistan and is linked to several senior leaders of al-Qaeda. He was allied with Dr. Ayman Zawahiri, bin Laden’s second-in-command. He was also close to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the former leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq killed in a Coalition air strike in June 2006.

“Coalition operations are disrupting and destroying al-Qaeda’s terrorist networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “There is nowhere to hide.”

Seven terrorists killed, eight captured in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained eight suspected terrorists during operations Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in the central part of the country.

Coalition forces targeted a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq during an operation in Mahmudiyah in continued efforts to boost security in the southern belt around Baghdad. After several hours of monitoring a known terrorist group, ground forces returned to the area where terrorists had engaged them with small arms fire during previous operations. As Coalition forces arrived at the target area, they identified hostile intent from the group of men they were monitoring and called for close air support. Seven terrorists were killed and three suspected terrorists were detained on the scene.

In Samarra, Coalition forces captured three individuals believed to be closely tied to senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and two additional suspected terrorists.

"Terrorists cannot hide from our operations against their leadership network," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and Coalition security forces will ensure al-Qaeda in Iraq does not come between the Iraqi people and the future they choose for their country."

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces engage extremists, kill three; detain 14 others

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Special Operations Forces killed three militant extremists during an early morning intelligence driven operation targeting an extremist Special Groups battalion commander Sept. 19 in the Baya’a area of Baghdad.

As the Iraqi and U.S forces arrived at the target location, two armed insurgents pointed their weapons at the forces exhibiting hostile intent. The forces responded with proportional and well-aimed fires, killing the two individuals. At a second location, a third insurgent attacked the teams with small arms fire. The teams responded with proportionate and well-aimed fire, killing the insurgent.

The ISOF detained three other suspicious individuals at the targeted locations.

The targeted militant extremist Special Groups battalion commander is wanted for launching rocket and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Intelligence indicates he is also the media representative for the Jaysh al-Madhi militia in al Baya’a.

In two other separate intelligence driven operations Sept. 19 in Diwaniyah, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained 11 other individuals. The operations targeted smuggling operations and supply routes bringing arms, ammunition, mortars and IEDs into Diwaniyah. They were also targeting an extremist IED cell leader and assassination cell member.

U.S. Special Forces were advisers during these operations and there were no Iraqi or U.S. Forces injured.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 7 Shi’a extremists
Multi-National Corps – Iraq

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained seven suspected Shi’a insurgents during an early-morning operation Sept. 20 in Sadr City.

Iraqi and U.S. Forces were en route to detain a high-level Shi’a extremist, when several armed individuals were spotted on the rooftops of nearby buildings. The forces called in an AC-130 Gunship to provide suppressive fire, allowing the forces to continue to their objective.

Once at the objective area, several targeted residences were searched and seven suspected Shi’a extremists were detained.

As the team departed the objective, they were ambushed by several insurgents. One ISOF Soldier received non-life threatening injuries and has been transported to a medical facility in Baghdad for treatment.

Joint operation puts al-Qaeda on the run, builds rapport with locals

Multi-National Division – North PAO

ARAB JABAR, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected al-Qaeda operatives during a three-day operation that concluded Sept. 17, in Arab Jabar, Iraq.

During the joint operation Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers from Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, captured six suspected members of an al-Qaeda cell that is responsible for emplacing numerous improvised explosive devices along routes in southern Diyala province.

In addition, 2-1 Cav. medical personnel treated 52 Arab Jabar-area residents.

“We really built a rapport with the villagers,” said Capt. Al Bangura, Troop C, 2-1 Cav. commander. “We let them know that the Coalition is here and that the Iraqi government and the U.S. government care about them.”

IA and their CF counterparts also detained three people suspected of killing two IA Soldiers and several civilians. The tenth individual captured was suspected of being an al-Qaeda informant.

Bangura also noted the operation helped gather valuable intelligence on remaining al-Qaeda in the area.

During the operation, the joint forces uncovered 18 IEDs and found a weapons cache containing two sniper rifles.

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