Good News From The War On Terror 12/27
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks in Diyala; 12 killed, 37 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 12 terrorists, detained 37 suspects and freed one hostage during a multi-day operation Dec. 22 to 25 to disrupt al-Qaeda networks near Muqdadiyah in the Diyala River Valley.
Coalition forces returned to an area where recent operations indicated an al-Qaeda in Iraq network was operating. A recent operation resulted in the discovery of nine weapons caches, mass graves and a torture complex. During the four-day operation, Coalition forces were involved in multiple engagements with groups of armed men, resulting in 12 terrorists killed and 37 suspects detained.
On Sunday, a local citizen led the ground force to what they assessed to be a terrorist medical facility, complete with surgical equipment, numerous medical supplies and medication. Also in the compound, Coalition forces discovered ammunition, maps of the area, and a set of instructions on making improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
During operations Monday, Coalition forces discovered an al-Qaeda suicide-bomb making facility with numerous bomb-making materials inside. As the ground force cleared the building, they found a man held captive in a locked room, who appeared to have been beaten. The individual told Coalition forces he was kidnapped a few days prior, beaten, handcuffed and blindfolded. The man was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care. Once able, the individual will be turned over to Iraqi officials for repatriation.
Over the course of the multi-day operation, Coalition forces discovered several hide sites where terrorists allegedly conducted attacks. One of the sites was assessed to be a firing point for IED attacks. At that location, the ground force discovered a structure with various wires leading from a lookout hole to a nearby road intersection.
While clearing areas Monday and Tuesday, the ground force discovered two buildings assessed to be rigged with explosives. Coalition forces safely destroyed the buildings to prevent any injury to Iraqis in the area or damage to their property. Secondary explosions erupted from both buildings, indicating explosives were likely inside. Five additional buildings and a water tower used as a terrorist sniper position were destroyed during the operation to prevent future use for terrorist activities.
Coalition forces also located and destroyed eight weapons caches, which included machines guns, a sniper rifle, pistols, rocket propelled grenade rounds and propellant, ammunition, grenades, detonation cord and several bags of homemade explosives.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda assassination and facilitation networks, 19 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 19 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be responsible for a group of terrorists who conduct assassination operations in the city, to include attacks against Iraqi security forces. Intelligence indicates the wanted individual is responsible for reporting on the locations of Coalition and Iraqi forces for use in planning attacks. He is also allegedly involved in extortion, execution and counterintelligence operations. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained six suspected terrorists on site.
Northeast of Samarra, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The targeted individual is also believed to be tied to foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation networks operating in and outside of Iraq. During the operation, the ground force detained seven suspected terrorists and destroyed a vehicle that was being used for terrorist activity.
During other operations in Samarra and Baghdad, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates involved in the facilitation of weapons, finances and foreign terrorists.
Coalition forces disrupt Al Kut criminal element networks, 11 terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an estimated 11 terrorists during operations targeting Special Groups criminal networks early today in Al Kut.
Coalition forces were targeting a Special Groups criminal element member reportedly responsible for attacks against Coalition forces and supporters of Coalition forces. The individual was also reportedly an associate of criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area they were engaged by terrorists with direct enemy fire from assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, and called for supporting aircraft to engage. The ground force assessed that approximately 11 terrorists were killed during the engagement. No suspects were captured or detained during the operation.
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader and three additional suspects in two separate raids Dec. 26.
In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the leader of an AQI terrorist cell.
Intelligence reports indicated the cell is responsible for several improvised explosive device and sniper attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as the kidnapping and torture of innocent Iraqis.
In Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces conducted a raid to degrade al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership, deter IED attacks and to prevent the killing of Iraqi citizens.
Three suspects were detained in the raid for questioning.
Three suspected militants detained in Nangarhar
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Tuesday to detain Taliban extremists in Nangarhar Province.
The combined Afghan and Coalition force searched compounds in Chaparhar district targeting Taliban facilitators believed to be operating in the area.
The combined force detained three individuals suspected of having links to Taliban networks during the course of operations.
ANSF, Coalition forces arrest two IED-cell leaders
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, disrupted two major insurgent rings by arresting key facilitators responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against civilian and military targets Dec. 24.
The combined operations, led by Afghan National Police and Afghan Border Police units, were conducted in Kandahar and Paktya Provinces.
The first operation involved tracking and arresting an insurgent in Chamkani District, Paktya Province. The insurgent was suspected to be involved in a number of attacks against ANSF and Coalition forces operating in the area.
