Iraqi Special Operation Forces detain two suspected insurgents during morning raid Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces apprehended a cell leader for a militant terrorist group during an early morning raid south of Baghdad June 2. With Coalition Forces present as advisors, ISOF detained their primary suspect and a second individual who was present during the operation without incident. Acting on previous intelligence, Iraqi Forces detained the individuals for allegedly being responsible for numerous rocket attacks against Coalition Forces and constructing and placing improvised explosive devices and mines. During the raid, ISOF confiscated an insurgent identification card, propaganda and weapons. The weapons were an AK-47 rifle with a 100 round drum magazine and an Iranian made sniper rifle. No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during this operation.
Iraqi National Police hone their leadership skills, 19 graduate course2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — Nineteen members of the Iraqi National Police graduatedthe Leaders Training Course at the Iraqi Security Forces Training Center atCoalition Outpost War Eagle in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District May 30.
Noncommissioned Officers from 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne FieldArtillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, trainedthe National Police during the four-day course focused on basic leadership skillssuch as battle movements, conducting searches and troop leading procedures.
The course is designed so that graduates can take what they’ve learnedback to their units and conduct similar training for new recruits.
Paratroopers find, destroy 24 IEDs in five days4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division Multi-National Division – Center PAO
KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers found and destroyed 24 improvised explosivedevices of various sizes and designs in the northern Babil province in the last fivedays.
While conducting security patrols in the area, the 4th Brigade CombatTeam (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division paratroopers found the IEDs before theycould be used against Coalition Forces or Iraqi Security Forces.
The devices were either destroyed in place or taken by explosiveordnance disposal teams for further investigation prior to destruction
SEVEN DETAINED, VBIED DESTROYED IN COALITION RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists in overnight raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the Mosul and Taji areas.
Two coordinated operations targeted four brothers in Mosul who are suspected of heading and staffing a terrorist cell associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists in the raids, including two of the brothers, one of whom allegedly leads a group responsible for attacks on Coalition Forces.
During the operation, Coalition Forces found a vehicle rigged as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. A team of explosives experts safely destroyed the VBIED on site.
Coalition Forces raided a suspected al-Qaeda safe house west of Taji and detained two suspected terrorists there. One of the individuals allegedly works directly for an al-Qaeda military emir who coordinates all military operations in the Southern Belt and provides foreign fighters to al-Qaeda cells in Baghdad.
“These terrorists have no place in the future of Iraq, and we will continue to hunt them down,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
TERRORIST LEADER, NETWORK MEMBERS CAPTUREDBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 14 suspected terrorists in raids Monday morning targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader networks in Mosul and Karmah.Based on information gained from a previous successful operation in Anbar province, Coalition Forces captured a suspected senior terrorist leader in Mosul connected to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. The individual is also suspected of making decisions on enforcing religious punishments and operating a smuggling ring transporting weapons and cargo.Coalition Forces detained 12 suspected terrorists tied to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader network in Karmah. One individual is allegedly a close contact of several high-level terrorist leaders.“Al-Qaeda in Iraq and its terrorist networks continue to lose ground with every operation we conduct,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Terrorists have no place in the future of Iraq.”
SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA LEADER, 17 OTHERS DETAINEDBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 18 suspected terrorists in raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Tuesday morning based on information gained from previous successful operations.North of Taji, Coalition Forces captured an alleged key leader in the Rusafa vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network. Coalition Forces also detained another suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist on the scene.Based on information from a suspected terrorist detained May 29, Coalition Forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda facility manager who operates a safe house southwest of Tarmiyah.In Mosul, Coalition Forces raided two buildings and detained two suspected terrorists, one of whom is allegedly the assistant to a senior terrorist leader captured May 29.During continued operations to disrupt the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Anbar province, Coalition Forces conducted a raid on four associated buildings northeast of Fallujah. The ground force detained 13 suspected terrorists for their association with a cell that carries out attacks against Iraqis and Coalition Forces with VBIEDs, snipers, and mortars, and targets Iraqi infrastructure.“Our continuing operations are frustrating al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We are targeting them, detaining them, and they in turn are giving us information to disrupt the networks further.”
CCCI Convicts 51: Sentences 6 to death, 6 to life imprisonmentBAGHDAD, Iraq – The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 51 individuals from May 13 - 19 for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary. Three Iraqis were convicted and sentenced to death by the CCCI May 15 for violating Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code. Convicted were: Barag Hussain Ali, 18, Ahmad Muhammad Mahmud, 19, Adib Dali Muttar, 19. They were directly involved in the murder of another detainee at Camp Cropper near Baghdad, Iraq. Ahmad Hassan Ali, 25, Jasim Muhammad Hilal, 32 Ali Asama’Ail Abrahim, 21 were convicted and sentenced to death May 16 for violating of Article 4/1 of the Terrorist Law. On Sept. 13, 2006 a joint patrol consisting of Macedonian and Iraqi Special Forces raided a farmhouse believed to be part of an insurgent training camp in Baghdad. Inside the house, joint forces found the three defendants dressed in military attire, carrying weapons and guarding two hostages who were blindfolded, handcuffed and had been beaten. During the raid, joint forces found two AK-47’s, four magazines for the AK-47’s, one Glock pistol, three pistol magazines, two pairs of handcuffs and one ski mask. The joint forces brought the two victims to MNF forces who treated their wounds and took statements from the victims, which included the names of all three defendants as individuals who had kidnapped and tortured them. Aquil Sabah Dawas Hasan, 20, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for a violation of Article 4/1 of the Terrorist Law May 13. Aquil, a known Al-Qeda member, was captured during a targeted raid at his home in Ramadi by U.S. Special Forces. Aquil was responsible for housing, feeding, transporting and training foreign fighters coming to Iraq to fight or become suicide bombers.Uday Muhammad Mahmud, 25, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment May 13 by the CCCI for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. Captured Feb. 22 by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force in Baghdad, Uday was a high value target who had been identified by multiple reliable sources as being the leader of an Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) terrorist cell operating in the Yusufiyah area. A local national source agreed to take MNF to Uday’s house and while enroute, the local national source saw Uday driving a black KIA Daewoo Prince. MNF then stopped the vehicle and searched the defendant and the vehicle. When searching the car, MNF found one loaded 9mm pistol under Uday’s seat, one anti-MNF cassette tape and a hand-written note containing a price for weapons. MNF also found a fake ID card in the possession of Uday. Ra’ad Ibraham Thater, 42, Sa’ad Ibraham Salem, 32, Omar Ibraham Salim, 23, all of Iraq were convicted and sentenced to life in prison May 13 for violating CPA Order 3/2003, possessing illegal weapons. On October 21, 2006 Multi-National Forces spotted 14 Iraqi males in a car dealership parking lot where two males were taking out weapons and black ski masks out of the trunk of a car and passing them out to the other members of the group. Following a firefight, six members were detained and MNF searched the car lot and found three RPGs, one rocket, 12 AK-47s, five sniper rifles, two RPKs with tripods, one PKM rifle, two G3 long rifles, eight black ski masks, two sets of body armor, six chest rigs, 25 AK-47 magazines, armor-piercing ammo, two sniper magazines, two grenades, two Mauser rifles, and an insurgent video showing multiple attacks on MNF forces with RPGs and sniper rifles. Ja Far Abdalla, 25, a Saudi Arabian National who admitted to crossing the border to Iraq illegally on at least two occasions in order to fight jihad, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for violation of Article 4/1 of the Terrorist law May 14. Ja Far also admitted to joining Al-Qaeda and becoming a religious leader for a terrorist cell as well as participating in an attack against MNF in Al Dulu’iya, during which he was shot in the neck and lost consciousness. At the time of capture by U.S. Special Forces near Tikrit, Ja Far had a fake ID in his possession with the name Jafar Abdulla Jasim and did not have a passport on him at the time of his capture. He possessed several papers at the time of capture, including one outlining the terror cell structure, a martyr note, and a notebook with terrorist messages. Nineteen individuals were convicted of violating CPA Order 3/2003 possessing illegal weapons May 13-17. Four were sentenced to 30 years imprisonment, four were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, three were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, two were sentenced to seven years imprisonment and six were sentenced to six years imprisonment. Nine individuals were convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment May 16 for violation of Article 444/11 of the Iraqi Penal Code for stealing government property.Four individuals were charged with a violation of Article 10/1 of the passport law for illegally entering Iraq. Two individuals were sentenced to 15 years May 14-15, and the other two were sentenced to six years imprisonment May 14 -17.One individual was convicted and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for violation of Article 295 for using or taking advantage of legal documents May 15.One individual was convicted May 14 and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for violation of Article 298 and 292 of the Iraqi Penal Code for possession of fake identification.One individual was convicted May 13 and sentenced to three years imprisonment for violation of Article 4/1 of the terrorist law.One individual was convicted May 13 and sentenced to three years imprisonment for violation Article 292 for using or taking advantage of someone else’s legal documents.One individual was convicted May 14 and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for violation of Article 247, failing to report to the proper authority information contrary to the health and safety of any Iraqi citizen.One individual was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment for violation of Article 1246 of the commanding revolution council order for 1983, for not renewing his resident ID and he was tried according to this order May 15.One individual was convicted May 16 and sentenced to one year imprisonment for violation of Article 421/31 of the Iraqi Penal Code for concealing evidence from the authorities. Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 2,181 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,909 individuals with sentences ranging from imprisonment to death
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces held off a female extremist from injuring and killing others when she detonated a concealed explosive device near the main entrance of the Iraqi National Police Academy in the Adhamiyah District June 5.The woman approached the main gate at the academy and was ordered to stop by Iraqi Security Forces after an Iraqi soldier saw her adjusting a vest underneath her clothing. The attacker continued to approach the gate and after another verbal warning, followed by a warning shot, she started running toward a crowd of national police recruits. Iraqi Army troops opened fire on the woman, at which time she detonated an explosive device, killing herself. No Iraqi Security Forces or police recruits were injured in the attack.The failed suicide attack occurred one day after a recruiting drive, where hundreds of Iraqi citizens volunteered for service at the training academy.
SIX SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED, ONE TERRORIST KILLEDBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists and killed one terrorist during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Wednesday throughout Iraq.During operations in the Anbar province Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists. Based on information from a suspected terrorist detained June 1, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have close ties to Abu Ayyub al-Masri. In a coordinated raid, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists believed to be involved with numerous kidnappings and murders.Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist in Mosul during operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell responsible for the recent bombings in Irbil and Kirkuk. During the course of the early morning operations, two vehicles drove at Coalition Forces on the ground. Using appropriate escalation of force Coalition Force attempted to stop the vehicles. When the vehicles failed to stop ground force engaged the vehicles, killing one terrorist.“We continue to chisel away at the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, deliberately and methodically dismantling their ability to harm the people of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
VBIED AND WEAPONS CACHES DESTROYED NEAR BALADBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained 11 suspected terrorists and destroyed several explosive caches during an operation June 2-4 northeast of Balad.During the two-day operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq activities in the area, Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists for their involvement with al-Qaeda, uncovered seven weapons caches and found a fully assembled vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.As Coalition helicopters were dropping off the assault force to begin the operation, the helicopters began receiving small arms fire. The assault force on the ground also began receiving small arms fire, and Coalition Forces, acting appropriately to eliminate the threat, called in an air strike to engage the enemy. Two terrorists armed with AK-47s and grenades were killed.Coalition Forces discovered the VBIED set back from the road and concealed with tall vegetation. The truck was equipped with a bomb and trigger devices, and four 55-gallon barrels of chemicals were found next to the VBIED. An explosives team destroyed the bomb on site, which temporarily set fire to the surrounding brush. Local emergency crews quickly responded to the location, but the fire extinguished itself with no damage to dwellings or livestock.Local Iraqis led Coalition Forces to seven separate weapons caches in the area. One of the caches was concealed in a small, man-made cave and contained a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG rounds, a light machine gun, anti-personnel rounds, various ammunition, four bayonets, military-style assault vests and black masks. Another cache buried in a barrel contained small arms, a gas mask and chemical agent first aid kit, five assault vests and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.Five of the caches contained military-style uniform components, including Iraqi Army uniforms, U.S. military-issue boots, camouflage clothing and black masks, as well as anti-aircraft artillery rounds, small arms and electronics.“The people are choosing to reject Al-Qaeda’s vision for Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Our continuing operations to eliminate the weapons of the terrorists disrupt their ability to attack innocent Iraqis.”
COALITION FORCES ATTACK VBIED NETWORK: 2 KILLED, 10 DETAINEDBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists in raids targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network Wednesday morning.Coalition Forces raided several locations in follow-on operations after a Tuesday raid that killed a senior leader in a Baghdad VBIED cell. When Coalition Forces entered a building in Baghdad, two suspected terrorists ignored an interpreter’s instructions to comply with Coalition Forces’ orders. The two men ran into the building and attempted to retrieve weapons visible inside. Coalition Forces, reacting to the hostile threat, engaged the two men, killing them. One other suspected terrorist was detained on the scene and three vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the VBIED cell were destroyed.In five other raids in Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists associated with the VBIED network and destroyed two vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the cell. A related raid south of Tarmiyah netted three suspects tied to the terrorist group.Reports from suspected terrorists captured during the Coalition raids indicate there are IEDs in place around the city, which Coalition Forces are now identifying and neutralizing. Intelligence reports also indicate that the VBIED cell is responsible for chlorine attacks, assassination attempts against Iraqi officials and other high-profile attacks in Baghdad.“Targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq VBIED network is a top priority for Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We continue to work to reduce and eventually eliminate the ability of terrorists to attack innocent Iraqis.”
16 SUSPECTED SECRET CELL TERRORISTS DETAINED BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained 16 suspected terrorists Thursday morning during raids in Sadr City. The individuals detained during the raid are believed to be members of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.Based on information from a suspected terrorist detained May 30, Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained 16 suspected terrorists during the pre-dawn operation believed to be associates of a key leader in the secret cell terrorist network. Four of the suspected terrorists detained tested positive for explosives.Intelligence reports indicate that the suspected terrorist targeted during the raid is a key leader in the secret cell terrorist network who has ties to Iranian intelligence and is believed to be responsible for attacks on Iraqi civilians as well as Iraqi and Coalition Forces in Baghdad.“We will seek out and find terrorists where they hide,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Removing the networks that bring in explosively formed penetrators is a top priority to protect the Iraqi people and the security forces that serve them.”
AL-QAEDA LEADERS TARGETED; 16 DETAINEDBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations targeting the al-Qaeda senior leadership network Thursday in central Iraq.In three coordinated raids southeast of Fallujah, Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists tied to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader network. Two of the targeted individuals are believed to be al-Qaeda in Iraq members responsible for recruitment and facilitation of terrorist cells in the area.Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader during a raid on two buildings in Hit. The individual allegedly replaced another senior leader who recently fled the area. Coalition Forces detained three more suspected terrorists at the scene for their connection to al-Qaeda senior leadership.In continuing operations to disrupt the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist in Baghdad.“Our methodical, sustained operations are making it more difficult for al-Qaeda to operate, and we’ll continue to apply pressure to eliminate their attacks against Iraqis and those who are working to secure the country’s future,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Attack Helicopters destroy AIF ambush siteMulti-National Division – North PAO
BAQOUBA, Iraq – Attack helicopters engaged and destroyed an ambush site, killingeight insurgents south of Khanan, June 9.
The gunmen at the ambush site engaged a Coalition Forces helicopter, who thencalled for additional reinforcements.
Attack helicopters, already operating nearby, moved into the area where theyobserved several insurgents occupying fighting positions, armed with rocket propelledgrenade launchers and a mounted heavy machine gun.
The attack helicopters engaged the ambush site, killing eight and destroying thefighting positions.
MND-B attack aviation assets destroy building containing homemade explosives south of BaghdadBy Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public AffairsMulti-National Division – Baghdad PAOCAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division - Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a building June 9 where homemade explosives were being produced south of Baghdad.Apache helicopter crews from the 1st “Attack” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, observed metal roof panels with a white substance on them near a building at approximately 7:20 p.m. After reporting the find to the ground unit and getting clearance to fire, the Apache crews engaged the panels and observed a secondary explosion.Based on the size of the secondary explosion, the ground unit gave clearance for the Apache teams to fire on the nearby building. A secondary explosion from within the building confirmed that it was used to manufacture homemade explosives, possibly to be used in improvised explosive devices.“This reconnaissance find shows the … incredible teamwork and efforts taking place in the fight to reduce the flow of IED materials into Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Walach, 1-227th commander.
1 Killed, 12 Detained in raid on al-Qaeda networkBAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Friday in Anbar province.Based on information gained from an operation May 27, Coalition Forces raided several buildings northeast of Fallujah. After they announced their presence through an interpreter, one terrorist outside the building threw a hand grenade at the ground forces. Coalition Forces took appropriate self-defense measures and engaged the armed terrorist with small arms fire, killing him.Coalition Forces searched the buildings and detained 12 suspected terrorists on scene for their alleged involvement in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network. Information gained from earlier operations indicates the suspects are involved in indoctrination for al-Qaeda in Iraq. In one ceremony conducted by the network, those who declined to join the terrorist group were killed.“Terrorists have no place in the future of Iraq, and their elimination will help allow the people of Iraq to choose a secure future,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
BASRAH — The new UK Brigade Commander in southern Iraq, Brigadier James Bashall, delivered a powerful message to the Iraqi people June 5 aimed at reassuring them that he has their best interests at heart.
Brigadier Bashall, of Tidworth-based 1 Mechanised Brigade, joined forces with Brigadier Akeel of the Iraqi Army 10th Division at a joint press conference, the first since his recent arrival in Basrah when he took over from Brigadier Tim Evans, Commander 19 Light Brigade.
1 Mechanised Brigade officially took control of the Brigade Headquarters on June 1. With the exception of a few units, the Brigade is now fully operational in southern Iraq and an important component of Multinational Division South East (MND(SE)).
Brigadier Bashall was keen to reassure the local people that he intends to build on the excellent work achieved by his predecessors in 19 Light Brigade during the last six months.
And his message was simple: that he and the rest of the UK personnel in southern Iraq had the best interests of the Iraqi people at heart. He said that there would be no let up in operations against the terrorists and criminals who continue to pose a threat to the people of Basra and the surrounding area.
"This is my third tour of duty here and I would hope that I have learned many valuable lessons that will assist me during this tenure," he explained. "I intend to put my previous experience to good use."
The Brigadier went on to confirm 2007 as the year of transition and that Iraqi Security Forces were making significant movements in order to ensure the transition to Provincial Iraqi Control. He also said that the training and support of the Iraqi Security Forces is his top priority and that he will do everything he can in order to assist them.
"You will have heard many times that 2007 is the year of transition and there has been much talk of British troops withdrawing,” he said. “This is simply not the case. The Prime Minister did announce a reduction in our force levels in Iraq but this is because the Iraqi Security Forces are growing both in confidence and capability.
"As the Iraqi Security Forces increasingly take the lead for security, the Multi National Force will adjust its force posture so that we can help with the crucial task of building Iraqi capacity while retaining the ability to intervene in support of the Iraqi forces should the situation demand it,” Brigadier Bashall said.
"Your security is of great importance. The training of your Security Forces is my top priority and I have soldiers dedicated to this task. Your military, the Police Service and the Department of Border Enforcement have achieved a great deal in the past year,” he continued. “We must build on this and continue to enhance your security. Improvements to the security situation will encourage investment in Al Basrah and your economy to grow as a result."
Brigadier Bashall added that attacks against multi-national forces are an attack against the ordinary citizens of Iraq.
"Criminals and terrorists hamper our efforts to assist you as well as causing injuries and damage. Whilst my priority is to train and mentor your security forces, I will continue to defend my forces against militia attacks and target those who are responsible,” he said. "I would be grateful if you could take away the message that my Brigade is here to offer you support and we will stand by you. There are many challenges ahead, but it is in all our interests that we succeed. Only you, the Iraqi people will provide the lasting solution."
MND-B attack aviation assets destroy building containing homemade explosives south of BaghdadBy Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public AffairsMulti-National Division – Baghdad PAOCAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division - Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a building June 9 where homemade explosives were being produced south of Baghdad.Apache helicopter crews from the 1st “Attack” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, observed metal roof panels with a white substance on them near a building at approximately 7:20 p.m. After reporting the find to the ground unit and getting clearance to fire, the Apache crews engaged the panels and observed a secondary explosion.Based on the size of the secondary explosion, the ground unit gave clearance for the Apache teams to fire on the nearby building. A secondary explosion from within the building confirmed that it was used to manufacture homemade explosives, possibly to be used in improvised explosive devices.“This reconnaissance find shows the … incredible teamwork and efforts taking place in the fight to reduce the flow of IED materials into Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Walach, 1-227th commander.
BASRAH — Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) are scheduled for completion by July 2007 in the Basrah province of southern Iraq.
The 11 PHCs are designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South district, to provide essential medical care to the Iraqi people.
“The new PHCs will offer much more than a standard health clinic for the Iraqi people because they will improve the preventative care and medical services in Iraq,” said Thomas Edison, chief of engineering and construction with the GRS district.
The health centers include a pharmacy, a dental area, an x-ray facility, maternity facilities and a modern fire alarm system, Edison said.
“We [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] believe the PHCs will make health care much more accessible, [which] will improve the health of all the Iraqi people,” said Edison.
GRS officials estimated each PHC is expected to serve between 100,000 to 250,000 patients each year.
“I’ve got two PHCs in the area nearly finished,” said Stanley Dowdy, an engineer for the Basrah area office, GRS. “Both PHCs will be finished within the next two months.”
The cost for each healthcare center costs approximately $500,000 to $600,000 and training will be required for all personnel who will work at these clinics, said Jermias De Dios, GRS project engineer.
“We are working with the Iraqi Ministry of Health about providing or dedicating staff to operate these systems so that these clinics will remain operational,” De Dios said.
Once completed, the clinics will relieve the overburdened outpatient care currently provided by older hospitals and reduce infant mortality by at least 25 percent nationwide, GRS officials said.
An Iraqi engineer with the Basrah Area Office said construction of these facilities makes an important initial step for community healthcare.
All eleven PHCs will save Iraqi lives, provide family healthcare services at the neighborhood level and employ more healthcare professionals, he said.
“People throughout Basrah province will find it much easier to access quality health care at local PHCs,” he added
(Story by A. Al Bahrani, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South)
Tags:
Iraq MNF Iraq Al Qaeda War on Terror Iraqi Army 101st Fighting Keyboardists.
So true.
My humble effort(1 minute in paint above) and its better than the original.
Another day another parody.
