Good News From The War On Terror 11/26-27
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 3, uncover 18 IEDs in separate operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained one suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist commander and two suspected extremists, as well as uncovered 18 improvised explosive devices during three separate operations Nov. 25 targeting criminal groups within Iraq.
The Habbaniyah Special Weapons and Tactics team, along with U.S. Special Forces, conducted a raid west of Baghdad specifically targeting an AQI commander. The individual is reported to be responsible for murder and intimidation campaigns against Iraqi Police and their families in Saqlawiyah, and multiple improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
In a separate operation, the 8th Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Forces conducted a raid to disrupt the command structure of an extremist network operating in Ash Shamiyah. This network is alleged to be responsible for multiple attacks against the Iraqi Army, which have killed several IA Soldiers. Two suspects were detained during the operation.
Additionally, during a mission to clear southwest Baqubah of al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists, Iraqi Forces and U.S. Special Forces discovered 18 IEDs along with a homemade mortar system, RPG rounds, remote detonation devices, homemade primers, 30 feet of detonation cord and military grade explosive. All items were destroyed by controlled blast.
Ten detained as Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspects Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks along the Tigris River Valley in Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted several operations targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including foreign terrorist facilitators and planners of car-bombing attacks. During the operations, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained eight suspects on site.
During one of the operations, information gathered from local citizens indicated that a school was being used by al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists as a meeting location and safe house. Coalition forces briefly entered the school, but did not do any damage and left the school as it was found.
Concerned citizen’s tip leads to large cache find in Adhamiyah
BAGHDAD – Based on a tip from a concerned citizen, Iraqi Security Volunteers in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District led Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division to a building containing a large weapons cache Nov. 24.
The cache contained several improvised explosive device-making materials, more than 120 mortar and artillery rounds, two suicide vests and several bags of homemade explosives.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda senior leaders, two terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks north of Bayji in Iraq.
During the operation, as Coalition forces entered the target area, they observed several individuals begin to maneuver in and around the area reported to be a logistical sanctuary and safe haven where terrorists allegedly plan and coordinate attacks. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing two terrorists.
Later in the operation, Coalition forces saw two men in a vehicle approach a road block at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions and warnings. The ground force fired warning shots, but driver attempted to speed through the road block. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing both men. As the ground force secured the vehicle, they also found a child inside that had been wounded during the engagement. The child received immediate medical care before being transferred to a military medical facility where he died while receiving further treatment.
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 13 in separate operations (Balad)
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained seven suspected gang members, four suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and two additional suspects in three separate operations Nov. 26 targeting criminal groups within Iraq.
An Iraqi Emergency Response Unit, advised by U.S. Special Forces, conducted a raid in the Doura neighborhood of Baghdad targeting a criminal element believed to be responsible for a wide range of criminal activities including kidnapping and murder.
Seven suspects were detained during the operation.
In a separate operation, the Habbaniyah Special Weapons and Tactics team along with U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a raid west of Baghdad specifically targeting a suspected AQI smuggler and safe-house provider.
The individual is reported to be responsible for housing AQI terrorists who have been involved in numerous small arms fire attacks, ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in Habbaniyah.
Four suspects were detained during this operation.
Additionally, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and U.S. Forces conducted a raid in Mosul to disrupt terrorist activities in the area. Two suspects were detained.
Operation Varsity March leads to capture of suspect (Sayafiyah)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, captured 13 suspected extremists during a nighttime air assault mission in Sayafiyah, Iraq, a small village outside of Salman Pak, Nov. 24.
One of the detainees was a high-value individual, who is a member of al-Qaeda in Iraq wanted for weapons smuggling and financing attacks on Coalition Forces in Salman Pak and Al Ja’ara.
During the course of the operation Co. B Soldiers cleared eight houses and barns while searching for the suspects.
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
Afghan citizens continue to rid their villages of Taliban insurgents
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s most elite force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in Zormat District, Paktya Province, Nov. 25.
During the early morning hours, Afghanistan’s elite and professional military force was again going into action. This time, the Afghan Commandos were on the hunt in Sheykhan Village, Zormat District. Based on information provided by concerned local civilians, the Commandos and Afghan National Police targeted a compound, known throughout the region to be a Taliban safe house and improvised explosive device assembly site.
As the Commandos infiltrated into the village, the Taliban responded with sporadic gunfire in an attempt to defend their position. After the brief fire fight, several Taliban suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.
