Good News From The War On Terror 12/24
Coalition forces disrupt criminal element network; two armed men killed, two suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals and killed two armed men during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early today in the Al Kut area, southeast of Baghdad.
The targeted individual was reportedly a Special Groups leader responsible for attacks against Coalition forces and its supporters. He allegedly received training on urban combat tactics and explosives, including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFP) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The wanted individual is believed to have conducted surveillance against Coalition forces in order to plan attacks against them. He was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area, two armed men maneuvered against them displaying hostile intent. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed them both. During the operation Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals without further incident. The identities of the two suspects, and whether or not one of them is the targeted individual is still being determined.
MND-Center troops uncover 3 caches
BAGHDAD – In less than an hour, an infantry battalion known as the “Cottonbalers” discovered three weapons caches in their area of operations near Kidhr, Iraq, Dec. 19.
The first report came from Company D, 3rd Battalion, 7th Inf. Regt., 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The findings were one rocket propelled grenade and several 30mm mortar rounds.
The second report came from Company B, who established Patrol Base Kelsey in the area only one day prior. Concerned Local Citizens in Kidhr came to the patrol base with a truck full of munitions consisting of seven 105mm tank rounds, one 120mm mortar round, 70 57mm rounds and 60 fuses.
Less than 20 minutes later, Company A discovered a mud-hut farm house filled with weapons. The building contained 30 anti-armor rounds, one rocket propelled grenade, three 155mm rounds, eight 120mm rounds, and three medium tubes of explosives material called Composition B. A report was called up on the discovery of the three caches, and the munitions were destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal.
The discovery of the weapons caches came days after an extensive underground tunnel network was discovered; the first of its kind in the area.
With the establishment of PB Kelsey, the intent is to secure the area, build trust with local residents and rid the area of weapons caches.
The “Cottonbalers” deployed from Fort Stewart, Ga., home of the 3rd Inf. Div., in late October. They have conducted searches for weapons and explosives, conducted raids and given humanitarian aid to local residents.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda foreign terrorist facilitators, media networks
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with a foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation network. Reports indicate the wanted individual is related to one of the key facilitators in the network, who is also allegedly involved in al-Qaeda media and propaganda operations. In addition to the wanted individual, two suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
Also in the capital city, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be an Ansar al-Islam leader involved in media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual is reportedly associated with numerous terrorist leaders involved in media operations who operate in and outside of Iraq.
During a series of operations in Samarra, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting another alleged foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate the targeted individual is associated with an al-Qaeda leader who facilitates logistics, to include finances and weapons.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting an alleged terrorist responsible for coordinating and directing numerous attacks in the region.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected criminal extremists during a raid Dec. 24 near the Iraqi village of Abu Saydah as Saghir, northeast of Baqubah in Diyala Province.
The two suspects are believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens. Additionally, the suspects are believed to have repeatedly targeted the families of Iraqi Security Forces for intimidation and forced civilians from their homes.
During the course of the operation, the assault force received small arms fire from an individual on the target objective. Iraqi and U.S. Forces engaged the individual, killing him.
