Good News From The War On Terror 12/15-16
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; four terrorists killed, 18 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 18 suspects during operations Friday and today targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
North of Muqdadiyah Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for a large terrorist group operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individuals are associated with a group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces. The presence of the wanted individuals was confirmed in the target area and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target, killing three terrorists and destroying a vehicle. Secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged, indicating explosives were likely stored in it.
Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Muqdadiyah today, targeting an alleged senior facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and one man was killed when the ground forces perceived him as a hostile threat and engaged him.
In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in extremist activity in the Arab Jabour area, and a close associate of the terrorist network in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site without incident. West of the city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in an improvised explosive device network in the region. Reports also indicate the wanted individual is associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the media and weapons facilitation network in the city.
Two suspected terrorists and another wanted individual were detained by Coalition forces today during an operation west of Tarmiyah. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is a close associate of individuals recently detained by Coalition forces for their involvement in the network north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.
Farther north in Hawija, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda network in the Salah ad Din province.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; six terrorists killed, 23 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 23 suspects during operations Saturday and today targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Muqdadiyah today targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in the region. Reports indicate that the target building was used as a terrorist safe house and associated with the group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces.
When the ground forces called for the occupants of a building to come out, one man emerged, but then went back inside the building. A second individual came out and charged directly at the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged him, and then observed explosions from the man’s position, indicating he was likely wearing a suicide vest. Another individual was observed attempting to put a suicide belt on and, perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing him.
Coalition forces were then engaged by men inside the building and returned fire in self-defense. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force pulled back from their position and called for supporting aircraft to engage the enemy threat, killing an additional two terrorists and destroying one building.
In Mosul, Coalition forces conducted an operation today targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in the city. The targeted individual is reportedly involved in the facilitation of weapons and improvised explosive device making material, which he provides to other al-Qaeda cell leaders. As the ground force cleared the target area, an individual lunged toward their position. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the man, killing him. Four suspected terrorists were also detained on site.
During coordinated operations today southeast of Samarra, Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists while targeting associates of al-Qaeda senior leaders operating in Samarra and Salah al Din.
Near Mahmudiyah, Coalition forces conducted operations today targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq member associated with a leader of the terrorist network operating south of Baghdad. The wanted individual is reportedly involved in the movement of foreign terrorists and attacks against Coalition forces. During the operation, the wanted individual maneuvered toward the ground force’s position. Coalition forces directed him to stop, but he did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged, killing him. One suspect was also detained on site without incident.
During an operation southwest of Mahmudiyah Saturday, Coalition forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network north of Baghdad. The wanted individual reportedly replaced Tha’ir Malik, who was killed during an operation by Coalition forces Nov. 5. The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.
In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists and found a cache of improvised explosive device materials. The weapons, and the vehicle they were found in, were safely destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists.
Iraqi and Coalition Forces flush al-Qaeda from Euphrates hideouts (Iskandariyah)
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces launch Marne Roundup, an operation focused on flushing out al-Qaeda extremists and weapons smugglers operating near Iskandariyah, Iraq, Dec. 15.
The ground assault included Iraqi Army forces and Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
By afternoon, troops had encountered no resistance as they moved through the target area.
In tandem with the start of the offensive, U.S. soldiers destroyed two buildings used by insurgents to store improvised explosive device-making materials, using a total of 12 Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System rockets.
As soon as the target area is secured, U.S. troops will begin construction of a new security outpost, Patrol Base Khidr. From there, Concerned Local Citizen programs will be developed in the area and together with Iraqi Police, the CLCs will secure major roads leading to and from Iskandariyah.
According to the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., one of the intended effects of the operation is that Iraqi residents of the region will witness a demonstration of Iraqi Police and Army forces standing up to AQI and providing services.
Operation Marne Roundup is the latest in a series of combat offensives launched by Multi-National Division – Center Soldiers to squeeze AQI from the areas south and west of Baghdad.
The operation follows on the success of Operation Marne Courageous, in which Iraqi and Coalition forces secured an area on the west bank of the Euphrates River, near Owesat, Iraq.
MND-Center Soldiers disrupt extremist activity (Khargulia)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – In two separate operations Dec. 12, Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment detained a suspected extremist and seized an enemy weapons cache.
Using information provided by local citizens, Soldiers from Troop A, 3-1st Cav. Regt. apprehended an individual in the early morning hours in a house north of Khargulia.
The suspect is believed to be a leader in a local extremist cell that is active in the trafficking of weapons and ammunition.
Later in the day, Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3-1st Cav. Regt., discovered a weapons cache during an operation near Jisr Diyala.
As they searched a house, Soldiers discovered a large sum of Iraqi dinar, a spool of detonation wire, a pistol, a large bag of 7.62 mm ammunition and a camcorder.
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. and the 3-1st Cav. Regt. are part of the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.,and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
ANSF, Coalition forces declare a victory in Helmand
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces from the 205th Corps, under the leadership of Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Muyaiden, raised the Afghan national flag high above the Musa Qalah District Center Dec. 12 as part of the largest operation in years to remove insurgents from Musa Qalah, Helmand Province, Dec. 5 to Dec. 12.
The fighting began Dec. 5 when ANSF Kandaks, advised by Coalition forces, conducted a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad. Taliban insurgents attempted to stop the ANSF-led force by firing from established fighting positions. Enemy fighters fired on the ANSF using small-arms, rockets and mortar fire. ANSF returned fire with small-arms and machine gun fire, quickly putting the Taliban on the defensive.
The Taliban moved to different fighting positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces as the battle escalated. ANSF identified the enemy’s hardened fighting positions and engaged them by calling in precision munitions strikes. The bombs hit their target and destroyed the threat. The enemy radioed for reinforcements from positions south of the fighting when they realized their defensive fighting positions were being destroyed.
The Taliban tried to take refuge in local villager’s homes and use the remaining civilians as protection and the ANA advanced. However, the Afghan civilians resisted Taliban efforts to take over their homes.
Concurrently, Coalition forces identified a prominent Taliban leader providing instructions to a large number of insurgents. ANSF quickly manuevered to engage the insurgents by first using small-arms and machine gun fire, then calling in precision munitions, ultimately destroying the enemy.
After a short consolidation and reorganization of men and munitions, the ANSF-led force resumed their effort to drive out the Taliban.
The Taliban continue to make false claims on the Internet about the battle in Musa Qalah. In one report, the Taliban claimed to have killed several Coalition forces and captured two abandoned tanks in the Musa Qalah District of Helmand Province. They also claimed to have captured large amounts of ammunition and military equipment.
Another Internet posting claims Coalition forces dropped leaflets telling Afghan civilians to leave their homes or Coalition bombs would destroy them.
ANA soldiers from the 205th Corps, assisted by Coalition forces, successfully secured the center of Musa Qalah after several days of fighting.
ANSF discover insurgent safe house near Musa Qala
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s 205th Corps, assisted by Coalition forces, conducted follow-on operations in Musa Qalah, Helmand Province, Dec 13.
While ANA troops were conducting a dismounted patrol near Musa Qalah, the troops discovered an insurgent safe house. The safe house consisted of two compounds in which ANSF found improvised explosive device-making materials, suicide vests and clothes with the ranks of senior insurgent leadership. Two prepared insurgent sniper positions were also discovered in the compounds.
Later in the clearing operations, ANA soldiers found an improvised explosive device-making factory and more suicide vests. An explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a thorough search and disarmed the IEDs. While searching the compounds, soldiers also found more than 2,000 kilograms of opium.
