Good News From The War On Terror 10/21-22
Coalition forces target Special Groups member, kill 6 criminals
BAGHDAD – In an intelligence driven operation this morning in Sadr City, Coalition forces were engaged in a firefight that resulted in the killing of an estimated six criminals.
The operation’s objective was an individual reported to be a long-time Special Groups member specializing in kidnapping operations. Intelligence indicates he is a well-known cell leader and has previously sought funding from Iran to carry out high profile kidnappings.
Upon arrival, the ground force began to clear a series of buildings in the target area when they were engaged by machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades from adjacent structures. Supporting aircraft was called in to suppress the enemy fire, killing an estimated six criminals.
Coalition forces capture four wanted terrorists, detain 11 suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured four wanted individuals and detained 11 other suspected terrorists during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks Sunday in central Iraq.
Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and seven additional suspects west of Samarra during an operation targeting foreign terrorist facilitation networks. The wanted individual is believed to have ties with several foreign-based al-Qaeda members responsible for the movement of terrorists and funds into the country. Also, one of the suspect’s associates is allegedly attempting to communicate with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri.
South of the city, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting suspected foreign terrorists operating in the region. Intelligence from previous operations indicated the area is known to be a safe haven for numerous foreign terrorists.
In Baqubah, one wanted individual was captured and another suspect was detained during an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s media cell leaders. Intelligence led the ground force to the targeted individual’s exact location, where the two individuals were detained without incident.
Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and one suspected terrorist in Baghdad during coordinated operations targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s northern belt and media cell networks. One of the targeted individuals is believed to have close ties to the emir of the northern belt network responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area. Reports also indicate the network is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.
Also, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist during an operation in Tarmiyah targeting suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders operating in the city’s terrorist network.
UPDATE: Coalition forces target Special Groups leader, 49 criminals killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces were engaged in a heavy firefight this morning killing an estimated 49 criminals during operations in Sadr City.
The operation’s objective was an individual reported to be a long time Special Groups member specializing in kidnapping operations. Intelligence indicates he is a well-known cell leader and has previously sought funding from Iran to carry out high profile kidnappings.
Upon arrival, the ground force began to clear a series of buildings in the target are and received sustained heavy fire from adjacent structures, to include automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, or RPGs. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing an estimated 33 criminals. Supporting aircraft was also called to engage enemy personnel maneuvering with RPGs toward the ground force, killing an estimated six criminals.
Upon departing the target area, Coalition forces continued to receive heavy fire from automatic weapons and RPGs and were also attacked by an improvised explosive device. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged the hostile threat, killing an additional estimated 10 combatants.
All total, Collation forces estimate that 49 criminals were killed in three separate engagements during this operation. Ground forces reported they were unaware of any innocent civilians being killed as a result of this operation.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain two suspected terrorist operatives, kill one
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operation Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two officials of Jaysh al-Mahdi’s al Habibiyah Office, who are accused of conducting criminal activity despite Muqtada al-Sadr’s request to cease such activity. The individuals were detained during an intelligence-driven raid Oct. 21 in New Baghdad.
One of the detained terrorists, the al Habibiyah’s office director is believed to be the commander of three extremist companies and leads a group of 50 terrorist cell members. His group is allegedly responsible for terrorizing local Iraqi citizens in al Habibiyah, al-Baladiyat and Baghdad al-Jadida.
He is also suspected of supplying weapons, including a truckload of Katyusha rockets, to terrorists and conducting multiple mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
In one terrorist attack in September his group killed 20 innocent citizens. During a separate attack on a residential compound last month, his group allegedly robbed residents of their money and valuables and raped five young girls.
The second detained terrorist, who is the head of the political department in al-Habibiyah Office, is believed to lead 10 terrorist cell members responsible for terrorizing local citizens and attacking Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
In a terrorist attack on a civilian neighborhood last summer, his cell allegedly evicted residents, stole their money and occupied their homes. The attack resulted in the deaths of seven civilians who refused to leave their homes. The accused cell leader is also believed to use corrupt Iraqi Police members to facilitate the shipment of weapons to terrorists. Additionally, his cell is thought to be responsible for IED and Katyusha rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
While approaching the target house, the assault force was confronted by an individual who exhibited hostile intent with an AK-47 assault rifle. In response to the threat, the assault force engaged the terrorist, killing him.
Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to support the Government of Iraq in welcoming the commitment by Muqtada al-Sadr to stop attacks and will continue to show restraint in dealing with those who honor his pledge.
ANSF, Coalition forces defeat insurgents for second time in 2 days
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and Coalition forces engaged and killed nearly three dozen Taliban fighters in a second day of sustained fighting near the Musa Qaleh Wadi region of Helmand Province today.
The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance mission when Taliban fighters engaged the patrol with rocket and small-arms fire. ANSF and Coalition forces returned fire and easily out-maneuvered the enemy, quickly putting them on the defensive.
The Taliban continued attempting to reinforce their ambush positions for several hours. The Coalition used accurate small-arms, machine gun, mortar fire and precise close-air support to destroy Taliban fighters.
The enemy also placed an improvised explosive device along the route to prevent ANSF and Coalition forces movements however, an Afghan citizen led Coalition members to the IED, where it was destroyed in place.
Today’s actions are part of a larger operation to disrupt terrorist activities in the Helmand Province. On Friday, more than a dozen Taliban insurgents attacked the combined ANSF and Coalition forces reconnaissance patrol in Musa Qaleh Wadi region but were also repelled. There were no reports of non-combatant injuries or damage to property.
Oct. 20 airpower summary: C-17s support warfighters
