Good News From The War On Terror 3/7
Usually I do this every couple days, but today there is so much news that it requires it's own post.
IRAQ
24 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED THROUGHOUT IRAQ
BAGHDAD, Iraq -Coalition Forces detained 24 suspected terrorists during raids Wednesday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.
Ground forces detained eight suspected terrorists during a raid in South Baghdad when they targeted a group reported to be involved in the coordination, movement and emplacement of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices used against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
During a raid in Rutbah, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting a suspected weapons dealer who is known for providing IED-making material and is also believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation.
Coalition Forces also detained two suspected terrorists in Samarra.
Intelligence reports indicate terrorists in the targeted area are involved in weapons trafficking and the acquisition of identity cards and passports.
Northeast of Karmah, Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists with alleged ties to senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership.
"Coalition Forces operations continue to systematically dismantle the al-Qaeda in Iraq network," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "The al-Qaeda in Iraq network is contrary to the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve."
STRYKERS CAPTURE 22, SECURE AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES
KALSU, Iraq - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers detained 22 insurgent suspects and secured weapon and ammunition caches south of Baghdad March 6.
Soldiers of 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division conducted targeted raids to capture known terrorists and secure weapons and ammunition near Jabella, Iraq.
Besides the 22 detainees taken into custody, several caches were found.
The caches consisted of one 60mm mortar round, two sticks of dynamite, nine feet of detonation cord, three blasting caps, one set of desert camouflage uniform, three AK-47 ammunition magazines, three passports, one machine gun barrel, one AK-47 butt stock, two empty ammunition boxes, one box of primers, two AK-47s, six 7.62mm ammunition magazines, one 8mm round, two 8mm mortar fuses, five blasting caps and one rocket-propelled grenade booster.
The suspects are being detained for further questioning.
OPERATION WHITE ROCKETS NETS TWO CACHES, TWO SUSPECTS SOUTH OF BAGHDAD
KALSU, Iraq - Iraqi Army troops and paratroopers from Multi-National Division - Baghdad worked together to successfully complete "Operation White Rockets" March 6, finding two ammunition caches and detaining two suspects.
Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Squadron dismounted to clear out suspected insurgent sanctuary areas near Bin Muhammad, Iraq, south of Baghdad.
The caches consisted of various amounts of homemade explosives, 50 five-gallon plastic fuel cans, a table with a white crystal substance, blue barrels filled with a white crystal substance, one gas can with a white crystal substance with red detonation cord, one 50-pound sack filled with a fine gray powder, one 75-pound bag filled with a white crystal powder, one 15-foot length of pipe, two mortar sights, three bags of detonation cord, one AK-47 receiver, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and 11 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
While clearing buildings, two suspects were detained. The ammunition caches were secured by an explosive ordnance disposal team for controlled detonation. The unknown substances are being tested for identification.
Both suspects were detained for further questioning.
AFGHANISTAN
AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES PREVENT VBIED ATTACK IN KAPISA PROVINCE
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police interdicted a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device yesterday in Kapisa Province near a Coalition fire base in Nejrab.
The ANP had chased the vehicle after AK-47 ammunition was observed falling from the vehicle. The driver fled the vehicle, and the ANP discovered the right side of the vehicle was wired with explosives. The ANP secured the area and notified Afghan National Army and Coalition forces of their discovery.
A combined Afghan and Coalition patrol responded, and a thorough search of the vehicle was conducted by trained personnel. They determined that the device was too dangerous to disarm, and ANA and Coalition forces rigged the vehicle with explosives to detonate it and deem it safe. The charges blew up, and multiple secondary explosions occurred, destroying the right side of the vehicle, ensuring the VBIED was no longer a threat. There were no injuries to local Afghans, ANP, ANA or Coalition forces during the conduct of this operation.
“Afghan civilians are fed up with the violence and destruction Taliban insurgents bring,” said Army Lt. Col. David Accetta, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “The successful interdiction and disposal of this vehicle before it could be used in an attack increases security and reduces the danger posed by criminals and insurgents who have no regard for Afghan life and would harm innocent civilians, Afghan National Security and Coalition forces.
TERRORIST FACILITATOR, IED EXPERT CAPTURED
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – A suspected al-Qaeda facilitator and improvised explosive device expert along with five other suspected terrorists were captured during an assault by Afghan and Coalition forces on a compound near Jalalabad in the Nangarahar Province early this morning.
Credible information indicated that a suspected terrorist with strong ties to al-Qaeda and the Tora Bora Front was within the compound. The suspected terrorist was an IED expert and logistics officer for the Tora Bora Front, which facilitates the movement of fighters from Pakistan to Afghanistan. The suspected terrorists were taken into custody for questioning.
No shots were fired and no civilians or forces were injured during the assault.
ALL
AIRPOWER SUMMARY FOR MARCH 6
