BAGHDAD — Paratroopers captured six members, to include two lieutenants, of an improvised explosive device cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi security and coalition forces in North Babil, Oct. 17.
Paratroopers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained the men during Operation Salcha, an early morning raid.
“The men were members of an IED cell,” said Capt. Eric Nylander, commander of Company B. “The cell is a part of the al-Qaida network in North Babil.”
“Last week, we arrested the leader of the cell,” Nylander continued. “After tonight’s operation, we have captured most of the cell’s senior leadership.”
Nylander believes security in the area will visibly improve since Paratroopers have begun to target the cell so effectively.
“I think we will definitely see a decrease in IEDs,” Nylander said. “I think it will also embolden the local population. We are seeing an increase in Concerned Citizens Program participation and the people are standing up for themselves.”
The two lieutenants were implicated by numerous sources for their involvement in several IED attacks along Iraq’s Highway 1, as well as the bombing of another roadway east of Haswah. That incident completely severed the road, making it impassable.
(Story Written By SGT J.H. French, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division)
Morning Baghdad raid captures a top target
2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, acting off intelligence reports, detained four suspected criminals in an early morning raid Oct. 15.
Based off the intelligence, Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., positively identified and captured one of the top five extremists being pursued by Multi-National Division – Baghdad, allegedly responsible for a rocket attack on Victory Base Camp last week.
Also detained were three known associates.
In the course of this operation, these criminal elements sought to evade capture by hiding in the Ministry of Agriculture compound in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad, and as a result, CF were compelled to enter the Ministry to detain them.
“We have reason to believe that, through two intelligence-driven operations over the last few days, we now have detained all of the leadership and the key operatives of the indirect fire cell that attacked Victory Base last week,” said Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Multi-National Division Baghdad’s deputy commanding general.
Paratroopers detain 12 insurgents
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Airborne Paratroopers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division detained 12 suspected insurgents during an air mobility raid east of Adwaniya Oct. 14.
Six of the individuals are related to one of their top 10 most wanted.
The Paratroopers, who are operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted the mission as part of Operation Marne Torch II, a month-long mission designed to eliminate al-Qaeda leaders in the Arab Jabour and Hawr Rajab areas.
Five wanted terrorists captured and 11 additional suspects detained during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured four wanted individuals and detained an additional 11 suspected terrorists early Wednesday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator and two other suspected terrorists in Tikrit. The wanted suspect is reported to be linked to a primary agent involved in trafficking foreign terrorists and is believed to be an associate of many current and former leaders of the network. Intelligence also links this individual to the movement of weapons, originating from outside of the country, throughout the Tigris River Valley. After the ground force secured the objective, the three were detained without incident
In Ar Ramadi, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual along with four other suspected terrorists with connections to Syrian-based extremists. Intelligence indicates that the wanted suspect was connected to a senior terrorist named Muthanna, who was killed during operations Sept. 11 near Sinjar, in northwest Iraq. Muthanna was the Emir of the Iraq and Syrian border area and a key facilitator of the movement of foreign terrorists once they crossed into Iraq from Syria. Upon securing the target building, ground forces discovered possible improvised explosive device making material and several Iraqi police uniforms.
In Baqubah, a wanted individual surrendered to Coalition forces without resistance as they quickly secured the target area. The suspect is reported to be a well known al-Qaeda weapons facilitator and terrorist cell leader. He has been linked to several previous Coalition objectives and has ties to several associates within the network. Two other suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
Another wanted individual was captured during an operation in Mosul targeting associates of a senior terrorist network leader. Intelligence indicates that the targeted suspect is connected to the leader of the northern terrorist group and individuals with access to the senior leadership of al-Qaeda. In addition to the targeted suspect, three other suspected terrorists were detained in the operation without incident.
In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be the newly appointed leader of a local al-Qaeda cell operating in the southern part of the city. The city’s car-bombing network has been attempting to re-establish operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces in recent weeks including the Oct. 16 capture of the wanted individual and two additional suspects during an operation in southern Baghdad.
“Al-Qaeda still attempts to terrorize the Iraqi people in many areas,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman “There is still more work to be done, but through successful operations like these, they are losing their grip.”
Operation Gecko III B establishes another foothold against extremists
Sgt. Marcus Butler, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Coalition Forces and concerned citizens from Jurf as Sakhr began to move north in the Euphrates River Valley Oct. 7, establishing another foothold against extremists in Operation Gecko III B.
Operation Gecko III B aims to open lines of communication between concerned citizens, establish checkpoints and deny sanctuary in the area.
Paratroopers from Companies A and B, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted vehicle and dismounted patrols as they cleared roads and surrounding areas of any threats to Coalition Forces, Iraqi Security Forces or the concerned citizens.
During OP Gecko III B, the paratroopers were met with opposition ranging from roadside bombs to small-arms firefights.
Day two of the operation brought Company A, 1-501st PIR, calling for precision air strikes to destroy an enemy fighting position.
After reaching the designated target location, Company B set up security to hold the area for establishment of an observation post.
In the opening days of OP Gecko IIIB there have been five IEDs found, one air strike and 6 small-arms engagements.
More than 12 square kilometers of the Euphrates River Valley have been cleared during the operation.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces, USSF detain extremist brigade commander
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained an extremist brigade commander in an early morning raid Oct. 16 in the al Hurriyah area.
The targeted commander is allegedly the main financier and weapons supplier in the al Shula area, near Baghdad. His 300-member cell is responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Army.
Additionally, approximately 12-million Iraqi Dinar, close to $10,000, was confiscated at the target house during the raid.
No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network; 15 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals and detained an additional 12 suspected terrorists Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks throughout Iraq.
Coalition forces captured a wanted individual southwest of Tarmiyah, who is believed to be a member of the terrorist network in the city responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks. Reports also indicate the network is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists on site.
Northwest of Tikrit, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual and detained three others for their alleged involvement in the movement of foreign terrorists. The targeted individual was also allegedly involved in facilitating false documentation and terrorist funds, and is believed to have ties to Syrian-based extremists attempting to communicate with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted and captured an individual reported to be involved in kidnapping operations and attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence reports indicate the individual has links to various Special Groups leaders operating throughout Baghdad. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained two suspects.
“Targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks and criminals responsible for vicious attacks against innocent Iraqis and their security forces is a top priority,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to find and dismantle terrorist networks that try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their own choosing.”
72-year-old concerned citizen takes down suicide bomber
2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A 72-year-old man stopped a suspected suicide bomber from detonating himself at a checkpoint in Arab Jabour Oct. 14.
The man approached a checkpoint where Mudhehr Fayadh Baresh was standing guard, but did not make it very far.
Baresh, a tribal commissioner and member of the Arab Jabour Concerned Citizens program, said he ordered the man to lift his shirt - using training received from Coalition Forces - when he did not recognize him as a local villager.
The suspect refused to lift his shirt. Baresh repeated the command again, and the suspect exposed his suicide vest, running toward the checkpoint.
Baresh opened fire which caused the vest to detonate, killing the suspect.
“I did it for the honor of my family and the honor of my country,” said Baresh, when he met with Col. Terry Ferrell, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Lt. Col. Kenneth Adgie, commander of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment presented Mudher with a battalion coin for his valor Oct. 16.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda seeking refuge: 11 killed, two detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 11 terrorists and detained two suspects during an operation Oct. 15-18 near Samarra along the Tigris River Valley.
Recent intelligence indicated villages in the area are used as safe havens for al-Qaeda in Iraq cells and foreign terrorist facilitators. Reports also indicated the area is used by al-Qaeda to operate illegal checkpoints, conduct meetings and to launch operations.
Upon entering the area late Monday, Coalition forces observed several groups of men from multiple locations gathering into positions in nearby palm groves. One group then began to maneuver toward the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent, supporting aircraft was used to suppress the threat, killing five terrorists and wounding one suspect who was subsequently detained. As the ground force secured the area they discovered a weapons cache consisting of 105mm artillery rounds, one homemade rocket firing mount and several AK-47 ammunition magazines.
During operations Tuesday, time-sensitive intelligence led Coalition forces to the location of a suspected improvised explosive device cell member. The targeted man and another suspect surrendered to the ground force without incident. The men also positively identified the suspected terrorist that was captured on Monday as another member of the cell.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Coalition forces discovered several weapons caches in marsh areas that were connected by a series of small trails and tunnels. While searching one of the caches, the ground force was engaged by a man with an assault rifle. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, wounding the man. Following the engagement, a group of men in a truck drove toward Coalition forces, demonstrating hostile intent. Supporting aircraft engaged the threat, killing six terrorists.
As Coalition forces cleared the area, they discovered additional weapons caches with mortar systems, mortar rounds, 20mm ammunition rounds, homemade pressure plate mines, and homemade mines filled with nails for projectiles. All weapons were safely destroyed on site.
“There are no safe havens for al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “With continued assistance from Iraqi citizens, we are achieving success every day.”
UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent raid
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A terrorist killed in Baqubah Friday has been positively identified as Thamir Aziz Abbas Ashuri.
During an operation south of Baqubah, Coalition forces targeted Aziz for his role as an al-Qaeda in Iraq improvised explosive device cell leader. Reports indicate he led a group of an estimated 250 terrorists, whom he directed on emplacing IEDs and conducting attacks against Iraq and Coalition forces. He was also believed to act as a judge for an illegal terrorist court system in the area.
As the ground force cleared the target building, they discovered a woman in a room and directed her to get down. Aziz fired shots at the ground force from a corner of that room, they returned fire and killed him. The woman was not harmed during the engagement and one other suspect was detained.
Coalition forces recently conducted numerous other successful operations in Baqubah, including an Oct. 16 raid where Coalition forces captured a wanted associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader in the al-Hadid region, a known terrorist stronghold. In addition to the targeted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist.
"Successful operations like these will continue to systematically dismantle al-Qaeda in Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.
Infantry company captures al-Qaeda cell members, clears buildings
Multi-National Division – Center
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Eleven people were detained and 49 buildings cleared Oct. 16 during Operation Belleau Wood II, an intensive search north of Salman Pak to capture or kill al-Qaeda and insurgents operating in the area.
“Acting on local tips, we were able to disrupt an al-Qaeda IED cell,” said 1st Lt. Clifford Cieslak, from Pasadena, Md., fire support officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.
Leaders are optimistic the capture of the cell will allow 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces to better secure the area and allow the local population to continue improving governmental functions, Cieslak explained.
Soldiers from Company A, 1-15 Inf. Regt., detained the men after they were identified as possible insurgents responsible for attacks against 3rd HBCT. Improvised explosive device materials, two AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun and ammunition were found during the search.
The 1-15 Inf. Regt., is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
Tags:Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
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