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BAGHDAD — For the past four months, Coalition forces have battled to take control of a former insurgent badland south of Baghdad that had no Iraq security forces, a senior commander in the area said today.
For the past two years, the predominately Sunni areas around Arab Jabour and Hawr Rajab have served as a thriving haven for al Qaeda terrorists who used the Tigris River valley to funnel bombs, weapons and ammunition into Baghdad.
Since June 15, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has, for the most part, driven out the insurgency, and a recent rallying of locals against al Qaeda promises a more secure future for the area, said Army Col. Terry R. Ferrell, the unit's commander.
"We are building from ground zero. As we occupied the battle space, it truly was (an al Qaeda) sanctuary. There was no Army; there was no police; there was no governance," Ferrell said.
The brigade combat team was the last of the surge forces to deploy to Baghdad. Since June, the unit has cleared 1,300 buildings, destroyed 81 weapons caches, detained 443 suspects, and encountered more than 80 bombs, Ferrell said.
"It's been a challenging operation, to say the least. But the Soldiers ... continue to take the fight every day, and it's phenomenal what you see these kids doing," Ferrell said.
Earlier this month, officials launched Operation Marne Torch II, which combines airpower, ground forces and locals fighting alongside the Coalition for fast-moving raid operations on al Qaeda strongholds. Since then, more than 600 local citizens have sided with the Coalition forces and have begun providing security for their villages. Already this month, nine insurgents were killed and 71 captured, 14 bombs and 12 weapons caches were recovered, and nearly 200 buildings have been cleared.
Coalition forces have one patrol base set up in Arab Jabour and are increasing their presence in the area by building a new patrol base. At the same time, they are working to build a local security force.
Ferrell said officials there are working fast to get locals streamlined into the Iraqi security-force system. A recruiting drive is planned for November, he said, adding that a long-term Iraqi security force presence in the area is necessary for continued stability there.
"Security forces have to come into our area and replace us," the colonel said. "If our presence is not here, then al-Qaeda will come back."
(Story by Fred Baker, Special Contributor)
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain six in northern Iraq
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, detained six suspected terrorists Oct. 8 in two night-time raids in northern Iraq.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces raided four target objectives in the Ninewa Province and detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq Emir believed to be the approving authority for the appointment of many of Mosul’s terrorist cell leaders.
Additionally, the suspected Emir is directly linked to a Sept. 26 vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack against a Mosul courthouse. One other suspected terrorist linked to the Emir was detained during the raid.
A weapons cache containing a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a RPG sight, two RPG armor piercing rounds, two RPG high-explosive rounds, four RPG boosters, and 10 ski masks was discovered at the targeted location. Because of the size of the cache, the items were moved to a remote location and destroyed in a controlled detonation.
Near Taji, Iraqi Army Scouts detained four suspected members of the Abu Ghazwan al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network which are involved in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, IED, and small arms attacks against Coalition Forces.
These terrorists are directly linked to Abu Bakr who was detained by the Iraqi Army Scouts during a series of helicopter assault raids near Taji Sept. 16 and was second in command of the Abu Ghazwan’s network.
No U.S. or Iraqi forces were injured during these operations.
Coalition forces kill nine terrorists; detain 21 suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed nine terrorists and detained 21 suspects during operations Monday and Tuesday to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks operating in central and northern parts of the country.
South of Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the southern belt. The targeted individual is reportedly responsible for providing guidance on operations against Coalition forces. Upon arriving to the target area, the ground force was engaged by an armed individual throwing a grenade. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire and observed several individuals maneuvering from the target area. The ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage the fleeing men, killing three terrorists. Eight suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation.
In an operation south of Mahmudiyah, Coalition forces targeted an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be a military leader in Yusufiyah. Reports also indicate he is responsible for coordinating the movement of foreign terrorists and suicide bombers for attacks against Coalition forces. Upon arrival to the target area, the ground force discovered three armed individuals in a field. Coalition forces called for the individuals to come out from their location, but they did not comply. Perceiving a hostile threat, the ground force engaged, killing two of the three armed terrorists. The third armed man fled the area and was engaged and killed by supporting aircraft. One of the terrorists killed was wearing a military-style assault vest. The ground force also discovered grenades and blasting caps which were safely destroyed on site. As Coalition forces continued to secure the area, they encountered an individual armed with several grenades. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged and killed him. In addition, one suspected terrorist was detained during the operation.
Near Bayji, Coalition forces captured an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and providing false documentation to facilitate travel for senior terrorist leaders. In addition to the targeted individual, the ground force detained four other suspected terrorists on site without incident.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be responsible for security for the terrorist network in the city. Reports also indicate that the targeted individual is involved in kidnapping operations in the area.
Coalition forces captured another wanted individual during an operation west of Samarra. The suspect is alleged to be a leader of a Sunni extremist group affiliated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and is involved in kidnappings and improvised explosive device production. Intelligence reports indicated that the target area was used as a weapons cache site. In addition to the targeted individual, the ground force detained three other suspects.
South of Samarra Monday, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq alleged to have ties to senior terrorist leaders. Acting on time-sensitive intelligence, Coalition forces pinpointed the exact location of the wanted individuals and supporting aircraft engaged, killing two terrorists.
Coalition forces kill six terrorists attempting to emplace an IED
Click here to download video of air strike
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces conducted an air strike to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations in Mosul Monday evening, killing six terrorists.
Surveillance elements positively identified a group of six men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device in a road and called for supporting aircraft to attack the time sensitive target.
Supporting aircraft engaged, killing four of the six terrorists at the site where they were attempting to emplace the IED. The other two were killed as they attempted to flee the scene.
Iraqi and Coalition security forces have been disrupting terrorist operations in the area in recent weeks. On Sept. 25, during a precision operation targeting an associate of the emir of al-Qaeda in northwestern Iraq, two wanted terrorists were captured (SEE MNF-I RELEASE A070925b, “Five terrorists killed, 22 suspects detained during operations targeting al-Qaeda,” dated Sept. 25, 2007). One of the individuals is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq attack cell leader and is suspected of being responsible for transporting al-Qaeda senior leaders in and out of Iraq.
“Terrorists who attempt to attack civilians, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces will be found, and they will be captured or killed,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesman. “We will not allow criminals to interfere with the progress the Iraqi people and their elected government are making.”
Operation nets 10, destroys two booby-trapped houses
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Two booby-trapped houses were destroyed and 10 suspected insurgents were detained during an operation in Adwaniyah Oct. 9.
Soldiers of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, were conducting operations targeting an insurgent cell responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices.
During the operation, Soldiers found two empty houses that were wired with explosives. They vacated the area clearing it of civilians and requested air and artillery support.
Once the area was cleared, the homes were destroyed with two Hellfire missiles fired from attack helicopters and two 155mm Excalibur artillery rounds from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment.
Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists, kill one
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained 11 suspectedterrorists and killed one during three separate operations in Sinjar and Baghdad Oct. 8.
During one operation, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Army Soldiers detained 6 suspected insurgents while targeting terrorists in a village near Bi’aj, who are believed to be linked to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Sinjar.
The targeted village, Marzoog Halaltair, is suspected of housing al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives who are responsible for weapons dealing, making vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and facilitating terrorists’ travel throughout small insurgent villages located in western Ninewa Province.
Two weapons caches, consisting of 1000 14.3mm anti-aircraft rounds, an antiaircraft gun tripod, 10 anti-tank mines, 1,000 feet of electrical wire, 2,000 feet of copper wire, 11 blasting caps, 10 feet of detonation cord, a three-gallon bag of magnesium turnings, five 60mm artillery rounds, one 120mm artillery round, 10 boxes of PKC ammunition, five pounds of home-made explosives, one 30-liter oxygen bottle, one Mauser pistol, one PKC, eight rocket-propelled grenade propellants, and a suicide vest were destroyed in a controlled detonation.
In Baghdad, Iraqi Army Scouts detained five suspected insurgents in the Askan neighborhood. The terrorist group, which has been using a local school as a safe haven, allegedly facilitates weapons trafficking, murders innocent civilians residing in the local area and attacks Iraqi and Coalition Forces using mortars, rockets and IEDs.
In a separate Baghdad raid, Iraqi Special Operations Forces targeted a terrorist cell that is responsible for conducting IED attacks and kidnappings against the Iraqi Police and the IA.
During the operation, one of the terrorists struggled and assaulted a Soldier as he was being detained. Responding to the threat, the forces engaged the terrorist, killing him. One sniper scope with an amplifier adapter, three cell phones and a pistol belt were seized during the operation.
No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during these operations.
Coalition forces kill one criminal, capture three suspects
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one criminal and detained three suspects early Friday morning in Eastern Baghdad, during an operation to support ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individuals were involved in facilitating the movement of explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, into the area. During the operation, an armed man drew his weapon as the assault force approached. Responding to the perceived threat, Coalition forces engaged the armed man, killing him. Three suspected criminals were detained on site without incident.
"Criminals who participate in the shipment of illegal weapons are clearly not interested in the safety of Iraqi citizens," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Coalition forces will relentlessly pursue these extremists."
Six IED emplacers killed, planned attack disrupted
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – Coalition Force helicopters killed six enemy fighters attempting to plant an improvised explosive device Oct. 8 near a major road in east Mosul.
“These enemy fighters were in the act of placing an IED when our helicopters positively identified them, killed them and maintained observation on the area until ground forces arrived and removed the device, saving countless Iraqi and Coalition lives,” said Maj. Roderick Cunningham, spokesperson for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Helicopters from the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, stopped nine enemy fighters attempting to emplace a roadside bomb in the al-Sinaa neighborhood of east Mosul. Helicopters fired a Hellfire missile, killing two and forcing the others to flee.
Three additional individuals were attempting to escape to the west when they were engaged with 21 rockets and 40 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, killing all of them.
Two more enemy fighters from the original group were discovered hiding in a nearby creek bed. The aircraft engaged them with an additional Hellfire missile, killing one.
A ground force from E Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment was called to conduct a sweep of the area and find the IED that was being emplaced. They found a propane tank IED with an initiator in the middle of the road, as well as a 9mm pistol and a sledgehammer.
One enemy fighter was found wounded in critical condition and died en route to a combat support hospital, despite first aid administered at the scene by Coaltion Forces.
Coalition explosive ordnance disposal specialists destroyed the IED where it was found.Airborne Paratroopers capture #2 High Value Individual
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
KALSU, Iraq – Information provided by concerned citizens in Haswah led to the capture of 12 terrorists, including the second most wanted man in North Babil, Oct. 12.
Acting on the tip, Iraqi policemen and Paratroopers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division cornered the suspected high -value individual inside a mosque.
The 4th BCT’s second most wanted individual is responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces and local residents.
After receiving approval, the Iraqi policemen entered the mosque and detained the men.
Two AK-47 machine guns, two grenades and two ammunition vests were also found inside the mosque.
The suspected extremists are being held for further questioning.
The weapons were confiscated for use in the investigation.
Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; one killed, 17 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 17 suspects during operations early Saturday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in the central and northern parts of the country.
During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for terrorist security in the city. Intelligence reports also indicate the individual was allegedly involved in the facilitating of kidnapping operations, to include transporting the victims to an illegal terrorist detention facility. As Coalition forces entered the target building, the wanted individual fired a pistol at the ground force. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing the armed terrorist.
East of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and one suspect during an operation targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the Ad Dora area. The wanted individual is believed to have information regarding the car-bombing network operating in and around the city.
In an operation near Habbaniyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual alleged to have ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and information regarding their communications. Four additional suspects were detained on site without incident.
Intelligence gained from previous operations led the ground force south of Baqubah to the location of a terrorist reportedly responsible for attacks against Coalition forces. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
During an operation in Bayji, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting an alleged associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist facilitation network. The targeted individual is also believed to have ties to Syrian based al-Qaeda members.
Four suspected terrorists were detained during an operation in Kirkuk targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and a suicide-bombing network operating in the city. The targeted individual is also believed to have knowledge of foreign terrorist facilitators in the region.
“We’re continuing to target specific leadership nodes of al-Qaeda in Iraq to weaken and ultimately destroy their network,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.
UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent operation
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The terrorist killed in Mosul yesterday has been positively identified as Abu Duha.
During operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq, Coalition forces targeted Duha as an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for terrorist security within Mosul. Intelligence reports also indicated he was involved in the facilitation of kidnapping operations, to include transporting victims to an illegal terrorist detention facility.
During the raid, Duha fired a pistol at the ground force as they entered the target building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing the armed terrorist.
Along with kidnapping, Duha and his associates were reportedly involved in weapons facilitation and coordinating attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces. Duha is also known to have numerous terrorist associates, including a key leader with ties to Syrian-based terrorists and the inner circle of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leadership. This individual reportedly received orders directly from Abu Ayyub al Masri, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Coalition forces have recently conducted numerous successful operations in Mosul, including an air strike Oct. 8 (SEE MNF-I RELEASE A071009a, “Coalition forces kill six terrorists attempting to emplace an IED,” dated Oct. 9, 2007), which killed six terrorists after they were positively identified attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device in the road.
“Operations like this bring us one step closer to eliminating al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.
**Meanwhile over here in the UK our co-religionists from the "religion of peace" are even singing songs to celebrate diversity, multi faith cooperation and peace, love and tolerance of other faiths.
From the latest moslem terror plot here i the UK with the nice sing song featured above.
Oh and of course another peacefull lady dealing with that inner struggle called "jihad", it must be so difficult for a member of the Umma to live in Dar-el-harb.
But not to worry plans are afoot to dig up the infidel dead, so its out with the old infidels and in with the faithfull.
An of course no non moslem pagan images shall be allowed in Blair & Browns fine new Cool Britannia, so its time to object to what we hang on the wall especially if it offends moslems sensibilities.
But there is some good news when a scumbag gets poached.
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