Iraq - Some more good news.

None of which will be shown by the communist run - and state funded BBC.

IA Soldiers’ quick action prevents suicide attack
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – The alert action of Iraqi Army Soldiers prevented a suicide bomber from reaching her intended target in the Rusafa District at approximately 10 a.m. Feb. 17.

As a result of their quick reaction the only death resulting from the aborted attack was that of the female suicide bomber. Two Iraqi citizens were injured in the blast.

The attempted attack took place when a woman, who appeared to be a beggar, was noticed having a bulky protrusion around her mid-section, said Iraqi Col. Fahdel, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division.

Alert Iraqi Army soldiers quickly realized her intent and ordered her to raise her hands, said Fahdel. At that time, she raised one of her hands but had an object with wires attached concealed in her other hand.

Sensing the potential danger, the Soldiers fired three rounds. The woman staggered back to a nearby shop, where the blast detonated.

It is unknown whether she detonated the blast herself or if it was detonated by another source.

The Soldiers’ quick action prevented the potential loss of a large number of civilian lives.

Sons of Iraq detain, turn over suspected criminal
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Members of the Abna’a al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, handed over a suspected Special Groups criminal to Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers in West Rashid Feb. 15.

The SOI, turned the suspect over to soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., attached to Task Force 4-64 at a combat outpost in Risalah.

The suspect was taken to a Coalition Forces detention facility for further questioning.

“We applaud the citizens of Iraq who are taking a firm stand against those who choose not to honor al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s ceasefire pledge,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. “The Sons of Iraq are an able and important ally in this effort.”

Paratroopers capture Hasnawi lieutenant
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers with Multi-National Division – Baghdad captured a top lieutenant of Arkan Hasnawi, a Special Groups leader, during an operation in northern Baghdad Feb. 17.

Paratroopers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, MND-B, detained the individual at approximately 1 p.m. after receiving a tip on his whereabouts.

The suspect is allegedly a key ringleader in Hasnawi’s criminal network, said Maj. Cameron Weathers, the intelligence officer for the 2nd BCT.

He is accused of explosively formed projectile and multiple mortar attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Security Forces, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians.

A day earlier, elements of the Iraqi National Police and the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., seized a large cache with multiple rocket and mortars associated with Specials Groups.

“Northern Baghdad is an area that Special Groups criminals have wanted to dominate for some time, and it is pretty clear that this is the foreign influenced Special Groups,” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, brigade executive officer. “These captures will have a disrupting affect on their operations.

“It is very important to note that these successes have originated as a result of Iraqi civilian tips,” Oclander said. “The vast majority of the locals want to take ownership of their future by eliminating those who refuse to comply with the ongoing cease fire.”

Sons of Iraq members kill two terrorists
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Members of Abna’a al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, killed two al-Qaeda in Iraq members who were transporting homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices in Adhamiyah Feb. 17.

A minivan approached a checkpoint manned by SOI members at a high rate of speed at approximately 8 p.m. The SOI members took appropriate measures, and when the vehicle did not stop, SOI members fired at the vehicle.

The driver jumped out of the vehicle and ran while under fire. The vehicle then blew up, killing two others inside.

A Coalition Forces explosive ordnance disposal team arrived on the scene, and determined the vehicle was being used to transport the explosives.

“The quick reaction of the Sons of Iraq members prevented the terrorists from delivering weapons AQI uses to kill Iraqis,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 4th Inf. Div. spokesman. “These terrorists were up to no good, at night, when most Iraqis are at home with their families.”

UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in operation Sunday

BAGHDAD – A terrorist killed during an operation Sunday has been positively identified as Abu Karrar.

Karrar, also known as Arkan Khalaf Khudayyir, was a senior intelligence leader involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Baqouba. He was also a terrorist facilitator for the suicide bombing network in the Diyala River Valley region, which conducts attacks in Baghdad, to include attacks by female suicide bombers. Reports indicate the network has been disrupted by recent successful Coalition operations in the area.

Karrar was killed when Coalition forces conducted an operation near Khan Bani Sad Sunday afternoon. As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they observed Karrar and another suspect fleeing their vehicle. Karrar brandished a weapon with the perceived intent to fire on Coalition forces. The assault force engaged, killing both men. Coalition forces discovered an AK-47 and ammunition in the vehicle, and they destroyed the vehicle to prevent further use for terrorist activity.

"Iraqi and Coalition forces will relentlessly pursue terrorist leaders, like Abu Karrar, who plan al-Qaeda's indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

MND-B Soldiers capture suspected ‘Prince of Princes’

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a man suspected of being an Al Qaeda weapons trafficker during an operation in East Rashid Feb. 18.
Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, attached to Task Force Dragon, knocked on a suspected criminal’s door in Doura and arrested two alleged weapons traffickers, including one alleged to be AQI’s “Prince of Princes.”
The suspected arms trafficker is believed to have received the moniker for his ability to transport weapons to certain groups.

Paratroopers continue to dismantle criminal organizations
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained five suspected extremists Feb. 19.

The arrests were made by paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, based in northeast Baghdad’s neighborhood of Sha’ab.

Paratroopers were conducting a cordon and knock operation with the Iraqi National Police in Sha’ab when they discovered a suspected criminal. The individual is suspected of conducting improvised-explosive device attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces as well as intimidating local members of the Sons of Iraq security force.

While conducting a search of the suspect’s house and an adjacent property, the paratroopers discovered a 60mm mortar round. The individual and four other men were detained for questioning.

During a follow-on mission shortly before midnight, paratroopers received an additional report on the whereabouts of another suspected criminal. The individual is suspected of running a weapons-smuggling operation for a criminal militia network. Paratroopers detained the suspect and another man who tested positive for having handled explosives.

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; one terrorist killed, 20 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 20 suspected terrorists Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.

West of Taji this morning, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an individual believed to be an associate of the Baghdad improvised explosive device and car bombing networks. Intelligence indicates he is a terrorist facilitator of materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for multiple terrorist cells throughout the city. The targeted individual is also allegedly an associate of a military leader in Abu Ghraib. During the operation, Coalition forces engaged and killed one armed terrorist. The ground force also detained two suspects.

During an operation in Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the senior leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Mosul. Reports indicate the suspect is also connected with several other senior leaders in northern Iraq. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists.

In two operations in southeast Mosul today, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists while targeting the alleged senior leader for the network in Bayji and a suspected improvised explosive device cell leader for a network operating in the city.

During an operation in Bayji, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists this morning while targeting the suspected leader of an insurgent network associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq that operates outside of the city.

Also, during an operation Wednesday north of Tal Afar, three suspects were detained while targeting an alleged associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership.

"Iraqi and Coalition force operations are systematically dismantling the al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "As terrorists try to shift their operations to other locations, we will continue to find and attack their networks. Al-Qaeda will find no safe haven in Iraq."

Paratroopers capture Special Groups criminal leader
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained a Special Groups commander during an operation in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 20.

The detainee is suspected of involvement in multiple murders and other criminal activities.

Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, detained the suspect at approximately 7 p.m. after a tip on his whereabouts.

The suspect is a known Special Groups leader and financier believed to receive funding from Iran that was earmarked to support the Diyala criminal network, said Maj. Cameron Weathers, the 2nd BCT intelligence officer.

The money is typically used to pay and equip Special Groups criminals, procure vehicles and support criminal activities against innocent Iraqis.

“These criminal elements who insist on ignoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s ceasefire pledge are certainly not working in the best interest of Iraqis,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. “We will continue our efforts to bring these criminals to justice.”

Suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader arrested in Abu T’shir

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 19.

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to Task Force Dragon, noticed a man fitting the description of a suspected cell leader during a routine patrol of Abu T’Shir and detained him without incident.

It is believed the alleged Special Groups cell leader had taken over the day-to-day direction of the criminal cell after its previous leader was arrested by Coalition forces in the same area.

The suspect was taken to a Coalition forces detention facility for further questioning.

“The criminal activities of those who choose to dishonor the ceasefire pledge of al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr will not be tolerated,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. “We will continue to work with Iraqi security forces to identify these criminals and bring them to justice.”

Statement from Multi-National Force - Iraq commending cease-fire extension

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Multi-National Force - Iraq joins the Government of Iraq in welcoming al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's has pledged to extend the cease-fire. This extension of his August 2007 pledge of honor to halt attacks is an important commitment that can broadly contribute to further improvements in security for all Iraqi citizens. It will also foster a better opportunity for national reconciliation and allow the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to focus more intensively on Al-Qaeda terrorists.

Those who continue to honor al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's pledge will be treated with respect and restraint. Those who dishonor the Sadr pledge are regrettably tarnishing both the name and the honor of the movement. Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to work closely with the Iraqi people to protect them from these criminals who violate the law and dishonor the commitment made by al-Sayyid Muqtada. We also welcome an opportunity to participate in dialogue with the Sadr Trend and all groups who seek to bring about reconciliation in building the new Iraq.

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; six killed, six suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad today, Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in the suicide bombing and improvised explosive device network that runs from Baqouba to Baghdad and north to Mosul. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with Abu Karrar, the AQI leader also involved in the suicide bombing network who was killed during a Coalition forces operation Feb. 17 (see MNF-I press release A080220a, "UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in operation Sunday," dated Feb. 20, 2008).

As the ground force arrived in the area, they were engaged by enemy fire from what appeared to be an underground bunker. Fixed-wing aircraft was called to engage the threat, killing three terrorists. An additional two enemy personnel outside the building were engaged by a supporting helicopter, and both were killed. As the ground force continued to clear the area, they called for the occupants of one of the target buildings to come out. One individual refused to comply and moved toward two weapons in the building. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist. The ground force also detained two suspected terrorists and destroyed a vehicle in the area that contained a weapons cache.

Also today, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist during an operation in Baghdad, while targeting associates of an AQI network involved in the facilitation of materials, vehicles and suicide bombers to terrorist groups throughout Baghdad.

During an operation in Mosul Thursday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the region.

"Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq's networks across the country," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "The indiscriminate violence wreaked by al-Qaeda’s suicide bombers and explosive attacks only strengthens our resolve to find the terrorists and bring them to justice."

Iraqi, Coalition security forces detain 27, discover 4 caches in recent operations in Mosul
Multi-National Division – North

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces detained 27 suspects and discovered four weapons caches in the Ninewa Province in recent joint operations.

During these operations joint forces also rescued a hostage from an underground prison. These operations are part of Multi-National Division – North’s continuing pursuit of criminals in the area.

“Now is the time for everyone, ISF, Coalition Forces and the people of Mosul to stand together in a united front against these monsters in order to end their wave of violence against the innocent,” said Maj. Daniel J. Meyers, spokesman for Task Force Iron.

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