Iraq - Days when no troops died.

are getting more frequent.

And business is booming.

The BBC is as you would expect silent on the great news, except for a "Have your say" page on their website. Go here and read the comments. Here's the most recommended one I could find as of this writing.

Added: Friday, 2 November, 2007, 20:50 GMT 20:50 UK

This is terrible news for the Bush-hating lefties...

They would prefer to see a higher death rate than Bush's troop surge succeeding!

[BROWNED_OFF], London, United Kingdom

Recommended by 101 people

copied from USSneverdock

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces saw a possible glimpse of the future in Hawr Rajab recently, when they observed Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) at a checkpoint come under attack from insurgents, defend themselves, and then receive reinforcements from Iraqi Army troops, Oct. 31.

Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, currently attached to 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Stewart, Ga., observed the event from a rooftop.

Everything kicked off with a bang.

Paratroopers were en route to the concerned citizens’ southern-most checkpoint just outside of Hawr Rajab, when their casual conversations were shattered by the thunderous sound of a mortar landing nearby. The Paratroopers moved into a building to avoid any potential threats. From inside, Paratroopers began to hear bursts of small arms fire coming from the south. “Get to the roof, go, go,” one Paratrooper shouted.

In a flurry of movement, they ascended the stairs to the second floor and in seconds they were on top of the action, weapons drawn and at the ready. The momentary confusion of the gunfight cleared up as soon as communication was established with the checkpoint.

Initial reports from concerned citizens indicated the insurgents were attacking from a position behind a canal, approximately 400 meters from the checkpoint.

As 1-40th Cav. Regt. troops saw the events unfold, 1st Lt. Daniel L. Doverspike, a platoon leader for Troop A, contacted the Iraqi Army (IA) troop commanders in the area. He asked IA commanders to move the tanks belonging to the newly arrived IA mechanized company into position and assist the concerned citizens at the checkpoint.

When the tanks arrived, they engaged the enemy forces, alongside their concerned citizen counterparts.

Soon an Apache attack helicopter air weapons team from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, arrived on site and was scouring the nearby canals for enemy forces.

The insurgents retreated after a 45-minute ‘cat and mouse’ game with IA and concerned citizens, which resulted in no injuries.

The determination and team work of the IA and concerned citizens showed Paratroopers that both groups could work together effectively.

Spc. Charley Stetson, an infantryman with 1-40th Cav. Regt. said he felt his unit had done a good job of rooting out insurgents in the area around Entry Control Point 20, but the addition of concerned citizens and now the IA has helped the security situation.

Their actions during the insurgent attack gave insight into the growing relationship between the two groups.

Stetson, a native of Falmouth, Maine, said the IA’s resources add much to the concerned citizens’ capabilities and the concerned citizens add much to the IA’s knowledge of the area.

“It’s like the best of both worlds,” he said.

Capt. Frederick B. Giles, effects coordinator for the military transition team assigned to the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division said the concerned citizens were happy about the Iraqi troops moving into the area and assisting with security.

“I haven’t sensed any tension between the CLC leadership and the IA leadership,” said Giles, a native of Honolulu.

The good relationships developing between the concerned citizens, the IA and Coalition forces in the urban farming community of Hawr Rajab may signal the beginning of a community with a secure future.

(Story by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div)

Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist networks; 15 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured one wanted individual and detained 14 other suspects early Saturday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

West of Balad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. Reports indicate the targeted individual is an associate of an al-Qaeda senior leader operating outside of Iraq, who is involved in facilitating terrorist funds and information into the country. During the course of operations, the suspect identified himself to the ground force and was detained without incident. In addition to the targeted individual, seven suspected terrorists were detained on site.

Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted another member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network. Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individual is associated with senior facilitators operating outside of the country, and is reportedly planning a meeting with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Six suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.

During another operation north of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted a suspected associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and a building used as their safe house and meeting place. One suspect was detained on site.

These operations continue successful Coalition forces targeting of foreign terrorist facilitation networks across Iraq, including operations Oct. 23 and 26 in Bayji. During these operations, the ground forces killed one terrorist, captured two wanted individuals and detained 14 other suspects for their roles in providing operational and logistical support.

"We're continuing to target terrorists at every level," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Foreign terrorists who come to Iraq with the help of al-Qaeda and commit murderous acts against the Iraq people have no place in the future of this country."

Suicide bomber detonates upon discovery by CLCs (Muqdadiya)

Multi-National Division – North PAO

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Acting on a tip from a local citizen, a group of Concerned Local Citizens located a suicide bomber, who detonated himself upon discovery in Muqdadiya Oct. 26.

The suicide bomber, who was believed to be targeting a populated area, detonated as soon as the CLC group entered the house he was located in, causing it to collapse. The collapse wounded one CLC and a suspected extremist who was in the house with the suicide bomber.

“Today’s discovery is a sure sign the population continues to grow tired of al- Qaeda’s barbaric acts,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province. “The local citizens and CLCs are both playing active roles in securing their areas and neighborhoods across Diyala – an important sign that they realize they must be the definers of their own democracy.”

“Because of the actions by the CLCs, many lives were saved,” Sutherland continued. “This is not the first time the CLCs have saved lives in their neighborhoods.

They truly are patriots serving to protect their families, tribes and neighbors.”

The wounded were transferred to a Coalition Forces’ medical facility for treatment.

1-15 Infantry detains 6 suspected insurgents

Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained.

Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist networks, six suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained another four suspects early Sunday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reportedly attempting to re-establish the city's car-bombing operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces. During several recent operations, Coalition forces captured numerous suspects with ties to the car-bombing network involved in numerous attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.

In an operation to disrupt foreign terrorist networks in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a terrorist cell leader in the southern part of the city. The suspect is believed to have a long history of terrorist activity and is associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.

Intelligence gained from previous operations led Coalition forces north of Habbaniyah to a location believed to be an al-Qaeda safe house and meeting place. During the operation, the ground forces were targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Reports indicate the targeted individual was previously responsible for finances and served under several terrorist leaders who fought Coalition forces in Fallujah in 2004. Three suspected foreign terrorists were detained on site.

In another operation, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist southwest of Kirkuk while targeting an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be the senior terrorist leader in the province. The targeted individual allegedly makes frequent trips across northern Iraq and has knowledge of al-Qaeda operations in the province, to include the whereabouts of foreign terrorists operating in the region.

"This operation is another example of our continued success against al-Qaeda," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Their networks are being systematically dismantled by Iraqi and Coalition forces, disrupting their operations, diminishing their pool of manpower and limiting their ability to attack innocent Iraqis."

Dragon Talon II: Cache, 13 suspected terrorists seized
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers, acting on tips from residents, found a large weapons cache and detained 13 insurgent suspects during ongoing operations in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital Oct. 25.

Following a tip from Iraqi Security Volunteers, “Warriors” from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, found four 82mm mortars, 17 sticks of PE4 explosives, seven blocks of C4 plastic explosives, 300 feet of detonation cord, 29 blasting caps, 28 grenade fuses, 725 assorted 7.62mm rounds, eight rocket-propelled grenade ejection motors, two rocket fuses, six mortar fuses and 78 electric fuses. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel were called in to remove the cache.

Early that morning, volunteer tips led the Warriors of Co. A to a Doura home, where they conducted a raid and detained eight terrorist suspects. The volunteers are part of a plan to help provide neighborhood security by empowering local citizens to protect their towns, and one day become members of the Iraqi Police.

The morning of Oct. 25, “Raiders” from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, raided a home and captured three military-aged men allegedly involved with terrorist cells. That evening, Warriors of Co. D, 2-12 Inf., captured a suspected murderer and an alleged terrorist cell leader in two other raids.

All detainees are being held for further questioning.

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations, 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained another nine suspects early Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq.

In southern Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in improvised explosive device and small arms attacks against Coalition forces and Iraqi citizens. Reports indicate the wanted individual is an associate of senior al-Qaeda members operating in the Arab Jabour area and southern Baghdad. During the operation, Coalition forces also detained a suspect reported to be a senior member in the southern belt terrorist network and an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader suspected of planning and executing high-profile attacks in the area. The ground force detained two suspects without incident, one who is believed to be the targeted individual’s brother.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during an operation in Tarmiyah reported to be a terrorist cell leader associated with mortar attacks. The wanted individual allegedly was an associate of Ali Latif Ibrahim Hamad al Falahi, a former terrorist leader who coordinated car-bombing operations in Baghdad and was killed during a Coalition forces operation Aug. 20. Time-sensitive intelligence led the ground forces to the targeted individual’s exact location where he and another suspect were detained without incident.

In another operation in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained five suspects while targeting a terrorist believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation in the area. Reports indicate he is an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq northern belt network leader. The network is allegedly responsible for extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking.

“We’re continuing to engage terrorists who carry out brutal attacks on the Iraqi people and threaten Iraq’s security,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

Iraqi Army, Security Forces detain members of terrorist kidnapping group

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers conducted two separate raids in Fallujah and Tal Afar Oct. 29, detaining four people.

In the first operation near Fallujah, the assault force detained two suspected terrorists believed to be leaders of an insurgent group responsible for kidnappings and executions in Nasser Wa Salaam. The suspected terrorists are also thought to be responsible for conducting surveillance operations on members of the Iraqi Police and local citizens and conducting improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

Two more people were detained by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces during a raid in Tal Afar. Besides the detained suspects, a stolen truck and 350 cases of illegally smuggled cigarettes were recovered.

U.S. Special Operations Forces were on hand as advisers. No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured.

Four terrorists killed, 17 suspects detained during Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 17 suspects during operations late Monday and early Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

South of Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged terrorist cell leader believed to be involved in attacks against Coalition forces in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the targeted individual was a close associate of several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.

During the operation, Coalition forces began to clear the target area and observed four armed men maneuver into a ditch. When the ground force approached, they were engaged by enemy fire from two separate locations. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing one terrorist believed to be the targeted individual. Supporting aircraft was called to suppress the enemy fire, killing another armed terrorist.

Coalition forces continued to track the remaining armed men, engaging and killing one additional terrorist. As the ground force proceeded to clear the area, they observed a man emerge from the rear of a building and run to a nearby palm grove. He did not comply when directed to come out from hiding by Coalition forces. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged killing the individual. Three suspects were also detained on site during the operation.

During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist activity in the city. The suspect was allegedly attempting to recruit Iraqi Army intelligence officers to gain information on Iraqis working with Coalition forces. Time-sensitive intelligence led the ground force to the wanted individual’s exact location where he and one other suspect, believed to be his brother, were detained.

Coalition forces detained three suspects during an operation northwest of Tarmiyah targeting an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in mailings, Internet postings and propaganda distribution. Intelligence information indicates the targeted individual is part of a group that records and reports terrorist operations near Tarmiyah. Past reporting indicates that the targeted individual also serves as a courier for the leader of the northern belt terrorist network. The network is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks, foreign terrorist facilitation, extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking.

In two coordinated operations near Kirkuk and in Bayji, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be the terrorist leader for the city. The targeted individual reportedly has a long history of involvement in al-Qaeda in Iraq and has numerous connections to senior terrorist leaders. In addition, the individual reportedly makes frequent trips to Mosul, coordinating terrorist operations and attacks in Kirkuk. The ground force detained eight suspects southwest of Kirkuk and one additional suspect in Bayji.

“These operations demonstrate that we’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike; we’re going after the terrorists where they hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue targeting them to diminish their ability to attack the Iraqis people and their elected government.”

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq, three terrorists killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists during an operation today targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Kirkuk.

Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the al-Tamim province. The individual allegedly has ties to several terrorist senior leaders operating throughout Iraq and is believed to be involved in a variety of roles within the network, to include oversight of assassinations and car-bombing attacks.

Upon arrival to the area, the ground forces called for the target building’s occupants to come out. As they were awaiting response, Coalition forces observed a group of men maneuvering toward them from the rooftop. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing three terrorists.

“We’re continuously assaulting al-Qaeda in Iraq to bring down the networks conducting vicious attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

Coalition forces capture targeted Special Groups member, eleven others detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained eleven others early Wednesday during an operation in support of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.

The captured suspect is a Special Groups commander with close ties to several other criminal organization members. Intelligence further indicates the suspect conducted multiple types of criminal operations in the Khalis and Qasirin area. The suspected criminal appears to be directly linked to providing lethal weapons used against Coalition and Iraqi security forces, and innocent civilians.

Intelligence led ground forces to the Special Groups commander’s location. The wanted individual was captured on site and eleven others were detained without incident.

Coalition forces continue their successful targeting of Special Groups members throughout Iraq, to include operations Oct. 21 and 27 in Baghdad. During these operations, Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal, killed an estimated 51 terrorists and detained an additional 14 admitted Special Groups members for their roles in providing operational and logistical support.

“Coalition forces will continue to apply pressure to splinter groups that are not honoring Sadr’s pledge to cease attacks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Groups honoring the pledge have made Iraq a safer place and criminal elements dishonoring Sadr’s pledge cannot be allowed to destabilize Iraq.”

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, 12 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 12 suspects during operations early Thursday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Surveillance elements led Coalition forces to a location in Mosul, where they captured a wanted individual and three suspected terrorists. The wanted individual is reportedly an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq members involved in foreign terrorist facilitation, to include one who was captured in a previous Coalition forces operation in Bayji Oct. 26 (SEE MNF-I PRESS RELEASE A071026b, "Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist networks; one killed, nine detained," dated Oct. 26, 2007). Reports indicate one of the suspect’s associates, a senior facilitator currently residing outside of Iraq, is attempting to communicate with terrorist leaders in the country. During the operation, the wanted individual was identified by his wife and detained without incident.

West of Ramadi, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. The wanted individual is allegedly a close associate of numerous foreign-based terrorists responsible for facilitating funds and weapons for al-Qaeda operations. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained another five suspects during the operation.

In Tikrit, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader also involved in foreign terrorist facilitation. The targeted individual is believed to have ties to several foreign-based facilitators who may have recently entered the country. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.

"The foreign fighters' mission is to derail progress in Iraq, and they have no place here," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations and their facilitation of foreign terrorists."

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Combat Aviation Brigade pilots flying south of Baghdad destroyed an anti-aircraft weapon Nov. 1.

The Apache pilots, members of 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, 3rd Infantry Division, spotted two suspected insurgents walking away from the weapon, which had been covered by a tarp. The pilots destroyed the weapon with a Hellfire missile.

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; 10 killed, three detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists and detained three suspects during operations Friday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Southeast of Baghdad in Salman Pak, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior members operating in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the individual is also associated with several foreign terrorist facilitators operating outside of Iraq, and an al-Qaeda in Iraq member who claims involvement in attacks against Coalition forces.

The ground force was engaged by small arms fire as they approached the target building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists and called for supporting aircraft to help suppress the enemy fire. The ground force observed multiple secondary explosions from one of the buildings when it was engaged by Coalition aircraft, indicating explosives may have been inside. The ground force continued to be engaged by enemy fire from several individuals who emerged from the target area, so supporting aircraft was requested, which engaged this hostile threat. When the enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces found that 10 terrorists had been killed. Two of the terrorists two were armed with suicide vests.

As Coalition forces secured the area, they discovered a small weapons cache, which included several suicide vests, heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery. The building, including the small weapons cache, was safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.

In another operation, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and one other suspect near Shaqat. The wanted individual is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader responsible for facilitating communications from terrorist members to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The wanted individual was allegedly the replacement for Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, the radical religious advisor for the self-proclaimed Minister of Information for al-Qaeda in Iraq, Muharib Abdul Latif, both of whom were killed during a Coalition forces operation May 1 (SEE MNF-I RELEASE A070504b, “COALITION IDENTIFIES TWO AL-QAEDA ADVISORS KILLED,” dated May 4, 2007).

In Kirkuk, one suspect was detained during an operation targeting a leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bomber network. Reports indicate the targeted individual is responsible for organizing, planning and directing vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Iraq citizens in Kirkuk, as well as being a foreign terrorist facilitator associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist leaders.

“We’re continuing to clear and hold areas where terrorists think they can hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “By disrupting their operations, we are helping to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens.”

Annoyed rant at worthless leftie scum MP alert.

**The silence from Paul Flynn MP over Iraq in recent days is deafening. The libel case loser who has banged on and on and on for fucking hours about it being our Vietnam and how we would be forced out has nothing to say about captured terrorists, or the good work by allied troops. Far easier to stick the knife into the armed forces from your comfy chair in Westminster whilst fucking the UK taxpayer for £144 thousand in expenses you cunt.

Strange to how he stays damn quiet on North Korea as well, a nation that this cock of an MP planned to visit. His trip was cancelled due to the DNK testing their nuke much to Mr Flynn's annoyance, a shame as I am sure that he would have loved to fawn at the dictators feet. A sort of South Wales version of George Galloway swanning around with Saddam.

Alas no gob full of Asian delight for Mr Flynn and strangely no comment from him at any point on the death camps, torture and oppression in North Korea, far easier to bash Western nations than your fellow commies. Oh and its strange how North Korea can test missiles and yet he wants us to get rid of our nukes and to disarm. He says not a word, not a fucking peep from the mad old MP on North Korea arming up.
Tags:Iraq
MNF Iraq
Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Iraqi Army
101st Fighting Keyboardists

.