Scratch four jihadiscum, but thankfully the dog got away.
Concerned local citizens turn in caches to Coalition Forces
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
PATROL BASE INCHON, Iraq — Concerned local citizens turned in two caches to Coalition Forces at Patrol Base Inchon Sept. 26.
Soldiers from Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., took the cache from the concerned citizens and inventoried the contents.
The first cache consisted of 13 bags of homemade explosives, which were tested positive for Styphnic Acid.
This follows a similar cache of 51 bags of HME that were turned in earlier in the day by concerned citizens to Soldiers of 4-31 Inf. Regt.
The second cache contained 28 projectiles and four 155mm artillery shells formed as improvised explosive devices, five rockets and a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle.
Coalition Forces took the serial number off the Raven to track it back to the unit and time in which it was lost in flight.
The caches were destroyed during several controlled detonations conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda leadership: seven killed, 11 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained 11 suspects Sunday and Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership in central and northern Iraq.
West of Tarmiyah Monday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Surveillance elements observed individuals maneuvering in tactical positions in and around the target area. Perceiving a hostile threat, the ground force called in close air support to engage, killing four terrorists to include the targeted individual. As the ground force continued to secure the area, another individual emerged brandishing a weapon. Responding in self-defense, they engaged, killing the armed man. A small cache of weapons was discovered on site and one suspected terrorist was detained.
During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted the alleged advisor for al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership in the city. When the ground force approached the target building, two armed men emerged. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists, killing one of the armed men. One suspect was also detained during the operation and is believed to be the targeted individual’s brother.
South of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be responsible for the facilitation and planning of car-bombing operations in North Rusafa. In addition to the targeted individual, one suspected terrorist was detained.
In another operation Monday, Coalition forces targeted an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq reported to be a leader in an improvised explosive device network in Tarmiyah and responsible for car-bombing attacks against Coalition forces in the area. Five suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident.
Acting on time-sensitive intelligence, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation near the Hamrin Mountains Friday, killing one wanted terrorist and detaining two suspects. The targeted individual is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and kidnapping networks in the area. During the operation, an armed man emerged from the target area and Coalition forces engaged the hostile threat, killing him. The ground force observed another individual emerge from the target area and hide in a nearby canal. Coalition forces repeatedly directed him to come out, but he refused to comply. Perceiving a hostile threat, the ground force engaged, wounding him. In addition to the wounded man, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist.
“Our steady operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq are affecting their ability to operate,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “While they struggle to maintain their network, we will continue our efforts to dismantle it.”
Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces disrupts AQI meeting, detains 23 terrorist suspects
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained 23 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during an intelligence-driven raid in Sharqat Sept. 29.
Acting on intelligence, Iraqi Soldiers raided targeted locations in Sharqat to disrupt a meeting between al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership. The meeting was held to elect a new emir since their previous one, Sabah Abdul-Rahman Abosh, was killed by Iraqi and Coalition Forces in a firefight Sept. 28. The detainees are suspected of conducting terrorist attacks in the area.
While leaving the targeted location the forces were attacked simultaneously with three improvised explosive devices. The forces then began to receive small-arms fire from multiple insurgents who were attempting to flee the area. The Soldiers returned fire, and detained two armed insurgents.
Six AK-47 assault rifles and associated ammunition, four pistols, one shotgun, office equipment, VHS tapes and various identification cards were confiscated during the operation.
Coalition airpower supports ground troops
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Sept. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle struck buildings in an enemy compound in Garmsir with Guided Bomb Unit-31s and GBU-38s.
The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the buildings were destroyed
Another F-15E engaged enemies in Garmsir, with a GBU-12 to cease hostile activity.
The JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the target and enemy activity was halted.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II used a general-purpose 500-pound bomb and cannon rounds against enemies in Garmsir. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the targets and the desired result was achieved.
An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile at enemy personnel hiding in a tree line in Lashkar Gah. The strike was reported as successful.
In Qal A Nah, A-10s struck and enemy building and enemy personnel with general-purpose 500-pound bombs and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the targets and the desired affect was achieved
In Asadabad, F-15Es strafed enemy positions with cannon rounds to halt enemy fire. The JTAC the rounds hit the target and the enemy fire ceased.
In Farah, an A-10 conducted a show of force to reassure Coalition forces and to make air presence known.
In total, 41 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in Al Muqdadiyah to deter enemy fire.
An F-16 used a GBU-38 to destroy an enemy building in Baqubah. The JTAC reported the strike was successful.
In Baghdad, Air Force F-16s targeted a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device in a building with GBU-38s and a GBU-12. The JTAC reported the target destroyed.
A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force with flares over Al Muqdadiyah to suppress enemy mortar fire. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful.
Near Najaf, another F-18 used a show of force to prevent the loading and unloading of material from a suspicious vehicle. The desired result was achieved.
In total, Coalition aircraft flew 70 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Nineteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 190 airlift sorties were flown; 640 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,200 pounds of supplies air-dropped in Afghanistan in order to re-supply ground forces.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Sept. 29, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.
Operation Anchorage nets five suspected insurgents, stops VBIED
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
FOB FALCON, Iraq — Coalition Forces detained five suspected insurgents and destroyed a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device with two joint direct attack munitions Sept. 30 during Operation Anchorage, east of FOB Falcon.
Paratroopers of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment along with several Iraqi army soldiers conducted a night air assault raid here in the early morning hours. The detainees are suspected to be involved with attacks conducted on an IA checkpoint, said Capt. Donald Braman, commander, Troop B.
The Iraqi troops detained the suspects after finding an AK-47 with four fully loaded magazines, a shotgun, more than 500 meters of command wire, IED-making electronic components and anti-Iraqi forces propaganda in the house where the suspects were found.
The raid also netted a five-ton white bongo truck in the process of being rigged as a VBIED. An explosives-detecting K-9 reacted to explosive residue on the vehicle. An F-16 was called in and struck the truck with a JDAM.
Braman said the IA soldiers are among the elite, and impressed him during this operation. The IA was the main effort responsible for clearing the targeted buildings believed to have been used by high value al-Qaeda leaders as safehouses.
“The Iraqi army soldiers who are part of the scout platoon after just three days of training were just as good as our guys,” Braman said.
The night air assault is a strong way Coalition Forces are keeping insurgents on edge.
“Al-Qaeda isn’t used to seeing Americans in this area,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Ward, a section team leader with 1st platoon. “We caught them by surprise.”
Air assaults, such as this one, are vital to keeping these insurgents on the run.
“It scares them, let’s them know we can go anywhere,” Ward said. “Any disruption we get on these guys is good. It keeps them off their ‘A’ game.’”
Braman agreed.
“Every time we go out and take the fight to the enemy we disrupt them; make his life uncomfortable,” he said. “The life of an insurgent isn’t an easy life. When they are on the run, they have to sleep in open fields, in canals; they get tired. As long as they know we are coming after them they can’t sleep easy.”
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network: one killed, 10 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist, captured two wanted individuals and detained eight suspects during operations Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted a precision operation targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in Kirkuk. When the ground force arrived at the target building, they called for the building's occupants to come out and an armed man emerged. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the armed terrorist.
Additional intelligence from the operation led to a follow-on location where Coalition forces targeted an alleged emir of foreign terrorists in the At Tamim province. The targeted individual is also believed to be involved in the use of explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, against Coalition forces and was involved in recent car-bombing attacks in the area. The ground force detained one suspected terrorist on site without incident.
In another operation, Coalition forces captured the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir of Muhmadiyah believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and attacks against Coalition forces. In addition to the targeted individual, the ground force detained two other suspected terrorists.
Intelligence gained during previous operations led Coalition forces to Tarmiyah, where they conducted two coordinated operations and captured three suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belt.
East of Balad, Coalition forces targeted an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be responsible for coordinating attacks against Coalition and Iraq security forces in the Salah ad Din province. One suspect was detained on site.
In another operation in Samarra, Coalition forces targeted an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in foreign terrorist facilitation who was killed during an operation Sept. 10. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.
"Every day we're removing terrorists from the ranks of al-Qaeda in Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "We will continue to pursue individuals who facilitate and conduct attacks against the Iraqi people."
Coalition Forces detain terrorist leaders responsible for IED/EFP attacks in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO
BOOB AL SHAM, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained two terrorist leaders responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators on roads in Diyala province during a raid in Boob al Sham, Iraq, Sept. 29.
Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, detained the key supplier of weapons and explosives to a terrorist cell operating in and around Boob Al Sham.
The suspect is believed to be the trigger man of an EFP discovered by Coalition Forces, Sept. 20, just north of Jadidah, Iraq.
He is also the close associate of cell members that killed one U.S. Soldier and wounded another in a July 19 EFP attack.
The other suspect is a high-ranking terrorist involved in directing IED/EFP attacks and small-arms strikes against Sunni civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in Diyala province.
“These captures will interrupt the enemy’s ability to disrupt our operations on one of the main routes in our area of operations,” said Lt. Col. John Drago, 2-12 FA commander. “We believe these people were also involved in EFP activity in other areas across the brigade battle space, and we’ve hurt their ability to emplace IEDs and EFPs and to obtain weapons. This demonstrates our ability to curtail insurgent activity in order to provide a more secure and stable environment for the Iraqi people.”
Four other suspects were detained in the raid and all are currently being questioned.
Iraqi, Coalition Forces detain six extremists in Tha’Alba raid
Multi-National Division – North PAO
THA’ALBA, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces captured six enemy targets during the early morning hours of Sept. 25 in Tha’Alba, Iraq, during Operation “Viking Squeeze II.”
U.S. Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., and Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Brigade detained 10 individuals – six of which are suspected of facilitating and executing attacks against innocent civilians, ISF and CF.
Two of the detainees are members of a kill squad, one of whom is suspected of participating in a minimum of three murders in Sha’ab Village. Another detainee is a kidnapping specialist suspected of participating in the abduction of the Iraqi deputy of electricity. The fourth detainee is an anti-Coalition extremist company commander, suspected of being responsible for the emplacement of improvised explosive devices on routes traveled by coalition forces. The other two detainees are suspected of using their homes as safe houses for extremist meetings.
Four other suspects were detained in the raid.
“The operation was conducted in an area known to have IED emplacers, weapons traffickers and individuals involved in some sectarian murders,” said Lt. Col. John Drago, 2-12 FA commander. “We demonstrated to the enemy the element of suprise, which puts them off balance; they don’t know where we are going to go next. For the majority of Tha’Alba citizens who are law-abiding citizens and want some security, this will be a positive step forward. We know the majority of the people in Al Tha’ alba, and eradicating the bad ones will help bring peace to the area.”
Also captured in the raid were four AK-47s, two pistols, one PKC rifle and a shotgun, along with 13 full AK-47 magazines, more than 300 PKC rounds, four body armor vests, $15,400 in cash and numerous propaganda tapes.
“We know there has been some movement of weapons from Sadr City into our area of operations, and this operation has interdicted their logistics train – the ability to move weapons and personnel through our area,” Drago said. “This will adversely impact their ability to conduct IED-type activity and sectarian killings, and positively impact Iraqis.”
“We are going out there engaging the local leaders, and demonstrating to them why we did the operation, who we detained, and the information we have on their involvement in illegal activity,” Drago said. “Although we go out and capture and kill extremists, the whole reason we are doing it is to provide security and to gain the trust and respect of the populace.”
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain four extremists in Southern Iraq
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained four suspected extremists in two separate operations Sept. 30 in Southern Iraq.
Iraqi Security forces detained a suspected Special Groups member in An Nasariyah who is suspected of conducting improvised explosive devices and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He and his group are also suspected of conducting an assassination attempt against Nasariyah Tactical Support Unit commander which resulted in several deaths of innocent civilians.
The extremist is also suspected of smuggling weapons into the country. Intelligence reports tie him to an Iranian explosively formed penetrator ring. His group is linked to an Aug. 8 attack against Iraqi Police with IEDs, an Aug. 14 indirect fire attack on Tallil Air Base and an April 23 attack on an Australian convoy operating in the area.
In a separate operation, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected extremist in Hay Aamel who is responsible for multiple improvised explosive device attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
The most recent occurred Aug. 12, when the group attacked a convoy headed for the International Zone by placing an IED under a Hay Al Alem bridge. He and his group are also responsible for kidnapping and extrajudicial killings of Sunni citizens in the Hay Aamel area.
The assault force found several tools or devices that were used to conduct kidnapping and torture. The devices consisted of electric saws, drills and ropes. Three other suspicious men were detained for further questioning.
No Iraqi or U.S. forces were injured during these raids.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda killing six terrorists, two suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained two suspects during operations Monday and Tuesday targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq in the central part of the country.
West of Balad Tuesday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be the key communications link between senior leaders of al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda in Iraq. When the ground force approached the target, they were engaged by an armed man who emerged from a vehicle. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, killing two terrorists, and igniting the vehicle. Multiple secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged, indicating explosives stored inside. The nature of the explosions and detainee reporting indicated weapons and explosives were present in the vehicle. The ground force also detained one suspect on site.
Early Monday, Coalition forces discovered three men attempting to re-seed improvised explosive devices in an area where the ground force had previously destroyed several two IEDs. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing one terrorist. The ground forces searched a nearby building in the same location and discovered two IED pressure plates which were safely destroyed on-site. That afternoon, surveillance elements witnessed three men emplacing several IEDs along a canal road. Again, perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces called an air strike on the time-sensitive target, killing the three terrorists.
During a two-day operation the Coalition forces also discovered three significant weapons caches. Intelligence led the ground force to a local school reported to be used as an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe house and mortar team staging area. Numerous weapons and ammunition were found on site to include mortar rounds, rocket propelled grenades, pressure plates, blasting caps, and rockets reported to be used as surface-to-air weapons in field expedient rocket launchers. Near the school, Coalition forces also discovered two other large caches with similar material to include hand grenades, IED making material and a training manual. The ground force detained one suspect during the operation. All weapons were safely destroyed by the ground force.
“Successful operations like these will assist the Iraqi people in their reconciliation efforts,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue dismantling al-Qaeda so Iraqis can regain control of their villages.”
Coalition forces detain 12 suspects during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted terrorists and detained an additional ten suspects during operations Wednesday in central and northern Iraq.
In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator with ties to terrorist safe houses in the region. Intelligence reports indicate that the individual is deeply connected to the foreign terrorist network and involved in the coordination of their suicide operations.
Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists during two coordinated operations along the Tigris River Valley. West of Samarra, ground forces targeted alleged associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq group responsible for attacks in and around Huwaish. Intelligence reports indicate that one of the individuals has ties to an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader and his security network, and has held meetings with numerous terrorists in the target area. The ground force captured one wanted individual and detained two additional suspects on site.
In another operation west of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces targeted an alleged associate of Abu Usama al-Tunisi, the former emir of the southern belt who was killed during an operation Sept. 25 (SEE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE – IRAQ RELEASE A070928c, “Coalition Forces kill likely successor to Abu Ayyub al-Masri,” Sept. 28, 2007). The targeted individual is believed to be involved in foreign terrorist facilitation in Tarmiyah and Taji. The ground force detained four suspect terrorists on site without incident.
Farther north, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader in Kirkuk. Intelligence reports also indicate that the targeted individual has numerous connections to al-Qaeda in Iraq members operating in Mosul. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site in Kirkuk. Another two suspects were detained in Mosul during an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the city.
“We’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike, we’re going after them where they hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “These operations are examples of the continued success we’re having against al-Qaeda in Iraq and the foreign terrorists they facilitate.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews engaged a vehicle carrying roadside bombers west of Baghdad Oct. 1.
A Coalition Force ground unit identified five individuals in the vehicle as roadside bombers. The Apache helicopter crews from the 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, received confirmation from the ground unit on the target vehicle and engaged it, destroying the vehicle and killing five insurgents.
Tags:Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
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