Good News From The War On Terror 9/10
In 24-hr battle, Hawr Rajab turns on al-Qaeda
HAWR RAJAB, Iraq – Over the course of 24-hours across September 6-7, a decisive battle reshaped the security outlook for Hawr Rajab, when more than 80 concerned local citizens swept through the streets looking to drive al-Qaeda elements out of the city.
The concerned local citizens coordinated with the imam of a local mosque to broadcast the message to al-Qaeda, “Move to the mosque and they will be given amnesty, and there will be peace in Hawr Rajab.”
Initial fighting kicked off as U.S. Soldiers were preparing to depart. The Soldiers, of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, adjusted their plans after the first shots were fired, moving into an overwatch position.
As the day progressed, al Qaeda fighters engaged the CLCs with small-arms fire and mortar rounds. More than 45 mortar rounds were fired into the city during fighting that lasted nearly 24-hours. The battle finally ended in the early morning hours of Sept. 7 with the CLCs in control of strong points in Hawr Rajab.
This turning point for concerned local citizen involvement with the area’s security came just five weeks after the soldiers of the 2nd BCT, 3ID began working with the residents of Hawr Rajab.
While U.S. troops do not fight side-by-side with the concerned citizens, Coalition Forces assist thru over watch and air support if they request help. The citizens are providing security in an area that does not have Iraqi Security Forces.
After confirming the location of al-Qaeda forces, Troop A Soldiers called in an AH-64 Apache helicopter in the midst of the battle. The helicopter was engaged by al Qaeda with a .23 millimeter anti-aircraft gun. The Apache responded with a Hellfire missile, killing two al-Qaeda members and destroying the weapon.
U.S. Air Force F-16 jets were also called in to destroy a bridge that was being used by al-Qaeda as a crossing point into city.
Over the course of the day, four enemy fighters were killed, with an additional 30 suspected al-Qaeda detained. Two of the detainees confessed to belonging to local al Qaeda cells, while two were included in reports of terrorist activity in the area. All four were taken into custody by U.S. forces for questioning.
The concerned local citizens emerged with only one individual killed in action, and four wounded. U.S. troops suffered no casualties.
Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain extremist Islamic Army cell leader, 9 insurgents
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Scouts detained a high-level insurgent working for both the Islamic Army and al-Qaeda in Iraq during a raid Sept. 9 in the Yarmouk area, near Baghdad.
The suspect is accused of ordering the assassination of a security guard for a local school and the attempted murder of an Iraqi policeman. In addition, he allegedly orders his cell members to attack citizens who oppose his terrorist criminal activities and those who support efforts to provide security and stability in the region.
Reports say his terrorist cell is responsible for numerous kidnappings, murders, extra-judicial killings and improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
Forces detained seven other individuals believed to be linked to this terrorist cell while seizing four AK-47 assault rifles, one 9mm pistol and a shotgun.
In a separate operation, members of an Iraqi Army Reconnaissance unit detained a suspected terrorist Sept. 9 in Taji during an air assault operation.
The cell member acquires fuel and materials to prepare vehicle borne improvised explosive devices for use against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Forces detained one other suspicious individual during the raid and seized two weapons.
U.S. Special Forces were advisers during both operations and no Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured.
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain 18 insurgents near Karmah, Kirkuk
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces detained 16 individuals suspected of supporting al Qaeda in Iraq activities Sept. 8 near Karmah.
Iraqi Forces coordinated a series of raids northeast of Fallujah, detaining thirteen individuals at the targeted locations. Three other individuals were pursued and taken into custody after fleeing from the assault force.
The detained individuals are suspected of supporting an al Qaeda sniper cell allegedly responsible for a series of attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces in and around the Karmah area. Six AK-47 assault rifles, multiple identification cards, passports and terrorist propaganda were seized during the raid.
In an earlier operation, 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected al Qaeda in Iraq assassins during an early morning raid Sept. 8 in Za’ab Village near Kirkuk.
The two extremists are suspected of shooting and killing General Jaber, former Iraqi Army officer, in the Kirkuk area Sept. 7 as he was driving home after a meeting with a group opposed to the al Qaeda in Iraq insurgency.
ANP detain insurgent commander in Ghazni
BAGRAM AIFIELD, Afghanistan- Afghan National Police, advised by Coalition forces, detained the Taliban district commander of Andar, Ghazni and four others in an operation designed to disrupt insurgent activities in Ghazni Province early this morning.
Maulawi Ahmad Jan is known to be extensively involved in the coordination of insurgent activities in Ghazni Province. He has directed IED and ambush attacks against ANSF and Coalition forces throughout the region.
During the search of Ahmad Jan’s compound, ANP discovered a weapons and ammunition cache.
Sept. 9 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover
