Good News From The War On Terror 4/10-4/11
COALITION AIRCRAFT ENGAGES INSURGENTS FIRING ON CONVOY
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - A coalition helicopter engaged insurgents with machine gun and missile fire after positively identifying them following an attack on Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops south of Baghdad April 8.
Paratroopers from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment observed six insurgents personnel carrying weapons northeast of Mahmudiyah, Iraq. The insurgents engaged the paratroopers and a convoy of trucks on a nearby highway with gun fire.
The insurgents fled to a nearby house after engaging the paratroopers, and an attack helicopter was called in for assistance. After positive identification of the insurgents, the helicopter fired on the house.
Five insurgents were seen fleeing the house, and the attack helicopter engaged them again. Following the attack, paratroopers on the ground searched the house and the surrounding grounds, finding three insurgent trucks destroyed.
One individual was detained near the house. He reported that possibly five insurgents had been killed and three more wounded. The detainee was held for further questioning.
ONE TERRORIST KILLED, 12 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN RAIDS
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Tuesday morning.
During operations south of Haditha, Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained three suspects with alleged involvement in al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation. As Coalition Forces entered a targeted building, they instructed the occupants to put their hands up. One man, who initially complied with instructions, rushed and tackled a Coalition Forces member and attempted to grab his weapon.
Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing the terrorist. The remaining suspects surrendered without incident.In Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained nine suspects with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq courier operations.
"Coalition Forces continue systematic operations to capture terrorists," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "Terrorists will be brought to justice and will be prosecuted for their crimes."
ONE MILITANT CAPTURED IN JALALABAD RAID
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police and Coalition forces captured one militant during an early morning raid April 10 in the city of Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province.
The combined force was targeting an anti-coalition militia commander who was responsible for attacks against Afghan and Coalition forces in the Khogiani District of Nangarhar Province. The targeted militant was also teaching and facilitating the use of improvised explosive devices in Kunar province.
No shots were fired and there were no injuries reported as a result of the operation.
ANA, COALITION FORCES CONTINUE TO ELIMINATE TALIBAN FIGHTERS
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army and Coalition forces operating northeast of the Sangin District Center, Helmand Province, received Rocket Propelled Grenade and small arms fire from an unknown number of Taliban fighters hiding in a compound Monday night.
Coalition close air support was requested and fired on the enemy occupied compound. As Taliban fighters began to flee, Coalition aircraft engaged and killed four Taliban fighters who were attempting to escape.
Later yesterday evening, near Chamkani, Patika Province, Coalition and ANA forces repelled five Taliban fighters with mortar and small arms fire as the fighters were attempting to attack a checkpoint located within Patan village.
There were no Afghan civilian injuries reported during the separate enemy engagements.
“The Taliban are no match for ANA and Coalition forces,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesperson. “We will intensify our operations to rid Afghanistan of all Taliban fighters’ who harm innocent Afghan civilians and threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
JOINT OPERATIONS ROOT OUT TERRORISTS IN AD DAWR
TIKRIT, Iraq - Iraqi army troops and Coalition Forces began major operations March 28, 2007, near Tikrit in Mujamma and Ad Dawr, Iraq, to root out known insurgents who have been using the town as a safe haven and orchestrating acts of terror against the town's people and security forces.
Anti-Iraqi forces here have carried out heinous acts such as the attack on the Ad Dawr police headquarters by a car bomb Feb. 11, 2007, which left 12 policemen killed, 22 wounded and the entire building in rubble. The backside of the Ad Dawr City Hall was also destroyed.
More than 500 Paratroopers from Task Force Loyalty - which is centered around the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division - and their IA counterparts from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, established a city-wide cordon and 24-hour curfew, then began a round-the-clock presence along the Tigris River and in small villages to the east of Ad Dawr conducting raids and patrols.
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Numerous weapons caches have also been discovered throughout the operation:
- * Large numbers of various mortar and illumination rounds
* rocket-propelled grenades
* RPG launchers, sticks of TNT, grenades
* automatic machineguns
* sniper rifles - with scope
* two anti-tank mines
* washing machine timers, identification card-making materials
* multiple remote detonation devices
* propellant, detonation cord, assorted command wire
* assorted small-arms ammunition and assorted fuses
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES CONDUCT CORDON AND SEARCH IN DIWANIYAH
KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi security forces conducted a cordon and search against suspected insurgents in Diwaniyah April 11.
This search was an intelligence-driven, precision operation searching for a known terrorist believed to be in an office belonging to the Organization of the Martyr Sadr.
Coalition force soldiers provided security outside the office as Iraqi troops entered the office and began their search for the terrorist suspect and weapons.
Once inside, the Iraqi troops found hand grenades, multiple identification cards, improvised explosive device-making materials, anti-government propaganda, photos of wounded soldiers and battle-damaged vehicles, and a low-power transmitting station.
In accordance with the Iraqi Prime Minister’s directive given in a recent speech, any buildings, including those used by political parties, that are being used for criminal or illegal purposes may be entered and searched.
In addition, when these sites are used for criminal or terrorist activities, they lose any protective they may have under international law.
