Good News From The War On Terror 7/18
Update: Detainee captured June 28 identified
BAGHDAD – A detainee held in Coalition custody since June 28 and alleged to be a key leader of a rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia element, known as a Special Group, is identified as Sheikh (Ahmed) Mohammad Hassan Sbahi Al Khafaji. Al Khafaji was detained during an operation in Nasiriyah.
During the operation, Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with Coalition Forces present as advisors, detained Al Khafaji without incident and also detained five other suspicious individuals during the operation.
Al Khafaji is allegedly responsible for direct attacks on Coalition Forces, rocket attacks on Coalition bases and has been implicated in the kidnappings and murders of Iraqi citizens. It is also believed he provides financial support to weapons trafficking networks which supply Iranian affiliated Special Groups in the Baghdad area. The Special Groups received training, arms and funding from Iran’s Quds Force.
Coalition Forces kill three terrorists, detain two suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained two suspected terrorists during two coordinated operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitator July 17 southwest of Tarmiyah.
During the first precision operation, Coalition Forces approached a vehicle believed to contain a terrorist weapons facilitator connected to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. As Coalition Forces neared the vehicle, three men emerged from the vehicle and engaged them with small arms fire. Coalition Forces, responding in self-defense, returned fire and killed the three armed men.
Nearby, Coalition Forces conducted a second precision operation targeting associates of high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and detained two suspected terrorists.
Iraq Army and Coalition Forces detain two al-Qaeda Iraq leaders in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Members of the 1/6th Iraqi Army Scout Platoon, with Coalition Forces advisors, detained two suspected al-Qaeda leaders July 16 during an intelligence driven operation in western Baghdad.
The operation was conducted simultaneously at three separate locations. At one location, Iraqi Forces subdued a suspect who attempted to engage the team with a screwdriver. Thirteen other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation were also detained.
The primary suspect is believed to command three cells under the al-Qaeda Iraq banner. He allegedly distributed money, weapons, and equipment among his subordinates.
The second suspect is alleged to lead at least two of those cells. He allegedly constructs vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, conducts cells meetings at his home and creates terrorist video propaganda materials.
The targeted individuals are suspected of using foreign fighters to facilitate attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, using direct fire and improvised explosive devices. They are also accused of kidnapping and extorting local Iraqi civilians who disrupt al-Qaeda Iraq efforts in the area.
Iraqi National Police officers graduate from NCO Course
BAGHDAD — Twenty Iraqi National Police corporals graduated from the Warrior Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Falcon in the Rashid District last week.
Five corporals from each of the three battalions of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division and the unit’s headquarters attended the class and graduated, said Lt. Col. Michael E. Lonigro, commander of the 7-2nd’s National Police Training Team.
The course consisted of classes on noncommissioned officer responsibilities, force protection techniques, close quarter battle drills, map reading, a sand table exercise, basic medical training and human rights, he said.
Iraqi Brig. Gen. Karim, gave a 10-minute graduation speech, lauding the course and the hard work put in by the graduates. He told the policemen that their discipline and training and non-sectarianism will help the country.
Lonigro said the course takes place every other week.
