The Democrats Will Do ANYTHING To Get Their Way

They don't like the way the vote was turning out so they closed the vote while representatives were still voting. On top of that they expunged the record to make it appear that there was no vote at all.

The rancor erupted shortly before 11 p.m. as Rep. Michael R. McNulty (D-N.Y.) gaveled close the vote on a standard procedural measure with the outcome still in doubt. Details remain fuzzy, but numerous Republicans argued afterward that they had secured a 215-213 win on their motion to bar undocumented immigrants from receiving any federal funds apportioned in the agricultural spending bill for employment or rental assistance. Democrats, however, argued the measure was deadlocked at 214-214 and failed, members and aides on both sides of the aisle said afterward. One GOP aide saw McNulty gavel the vote to a close after receiving a signal from his leaders – but before reading the official tally. And votes continued to shift even after he closed the roll call - a strange development in itself. Whatever the final tally, acrimony quickly exploded between lawmakers on either side of the aisle as Democratic leaders tried to plot a solution, while parliamentarians on either side argued over protocol. Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) eventually offered a motion to reconsider, according to floor staff on either side, ostensibly giving members a chance to recast their votes. But the maneuver sparked a chorus of angry protests from the Republicans, yelling “shame” on Democrats, while they returned fire with angry volleys of their own. When Democrats finally moved to consider the spending bill as the last vote of the night, furious Republicans left the chamber en masse to protest the maneuver. The House eventually recessed at 11:18 p.m. But Republicans quickly discovered that there was no longer any record of the controversial vote and immediately charged Democrats with erasing the bad result.

 

Technorati tags: Democrats, House of Representatives, Congress, Illegal Immigration

Odd-Looking Submersible Found Floating Near Queen Mary II

It's not terrorism. It was just three guys in a replica antique submersible vessel who floated off in the wrong direction.

For a few moments, it looked like a terror plot unfolding before officials' eyes. Three men had floated a historic submarine replica within about 25 yards of the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship moored off a Brooklyn pier. "It looked like a big sea buoy bobbing in the water. It was about 25 yards from the stern of the Queen Mary," said State Deputy Public Safety Secretary Michael Balboni, who watched the incident unfold from a helicopter directly overhead as he examined port vulnerabilities. Coast Guard and New York police department boats moved in immediately, and the men were taken into custody. In the end, it turned out to be just a couple of guys fooling around with a historic replica - no link to terrorism whatsoever. "File it under weird," Balboni said. "They appear to have put the sub in the water at Red Hook to see if it would float, and it got carried within the secured area by the current." The Coast Guard responded to a report of a "semi-submersible device" in the water near the luxury liner off Pier 41 late Friday morning, said Petty Officer Seth Johnson. The pedal-powered "turtle", a replica of a historic submersible vessel, was being towed by people in an inflatable rowboat.

 

Technorati tags: New York, NY, Queen Mary, Submersible, Coast Guard

Good News From The War On Terror 8/2

Two alleged Al-Qaeda emirs, 20 other suspects captured; four terrorists killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured two alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq emirs, killed four terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq media cells and senior leaders Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday night, Coalition Forces captured the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq sniper emir of Mosul.  As the assault force entered the two targeted buildings, a man approached the perimeter security element.  Even after the ground forces used appropriate escalation of force measures, the man continued to advance on the security element.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the man, killing him. Inside the targeted buildings, Coalition Forces detained the alleged emir, who was believed to be involved in a plot against the mayor of Mosul on March 9 and has allegedly claimed responsibility for at least one Coalition Forces death in the last month.  The suspected terrorist allegedly supervises 10-15 operatives and has conducted kidnapping operations to bring in money for his own use.  Ground forces on the scene detained one additional suspect and discovered a small cache containing body armor, weapons, a rifle sight manual and extremist propaganda. In western Baghdad Thursday morning, Coalition Forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq media emir tied to propaganda cells throughout Baghdad.  During the raid, the ground forces found a large amount of U.S. currency and improvised explosive device-making materials.  Two more individuals were detained for their ties to the suspected emir. Coalition Forces targeted a media cell and its leader, also suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists, in a raid near Samarra Thursday morning.  As Coalition Forces approached the target building, surveillance showed a man come out of the building and move to a tactical fighting position against the assault force.  Responding appropriately to the hostile threat, Coalition Forces called in close air support.  The man was killed by aircraft strafing, and was determined to be a foreigner.  The ground forces found weapons on site and detained seven suspected terrorists during the operation for their alleged ties to the foreign terrorist network and media cell. North of Karmah Thursday, Coalition Forces continued to target senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Anbar province.  As the assault force approached the targeted buildings, two terrorists armed with AK-47s drew their weapons on the ground forces, using a woman as a human shield.  Coalition Forces closed in on the armed men when one terrorist attempted to assault an element of the ground forces.  Coalition Forces moved the woman out of the way and engaged the two armed men, killing them.  Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation. A raid in Tarmiyah Thursday targeted a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist who has close ties to the al-Qaeda emir of Baghdad.  The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists during the operation.

 

High Value Individual detained in Al Anbar Province

BALAD, Iraq – While executing a convoy security mission, Paratroopers from 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 2-504th Parachute Infantry Regiment were decisively involved in the detention of a High Value Individual in Al Anbar Province July 24. The Paratroopers were informed to “be on the look out” for a specific vehicle.  Upon positive identification of the vehicle, the men of Charlie Company quickly transitioned to isolate and secure the HVI.

 

Al-Qaeda emir of Mosul shot, killed by ISF

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division shot and killed three members of the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization, including its leader Safi, the touted al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Mosul, after they were fired upon Aug. 1. The incident took place during a series of combined operations involving the 2nd Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police throughout the city of Mosul.  The 2nd Iraqi Army Division headquarters element, including Brig. Gen. Moutaa, commander of the 2IA, were conducting cordon and search operations in northeast Mosul when Safi and three of his bodyguards were spotted in a pickup truck. The convoy gave chase and pulled the vehicle over.  All four men exited the pickup and began firing at the IA soldiers.  Moutaa and his security element returned fire, killing all three.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain four rogue JAM suspects

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Special Forces detained four suspected Shi’a extremists who are believed to be linked to the rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia during an intelligence driven in Baghdad July 31. The suspected Shi’a extremists are allegedly responsible for engaging in death squad killings of innocent civilians in the Baghdad area. The suspects are also allegedly connected to a terrorist network responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices and participating in criminal activities aimed at undermining legitimate elected officials.

 

Tribal members assist in detention of three al-Qaida leaders

SHERWEEN, Iraq – After receiving information of known al-Qaida members in the Sherween area, a village near Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Iraqi citizens assisted Iraqi Police in the detention of three key al-Qaida leaders, July 29.  Suspecting an attack on a near-by village, Diyala tribal members informed the Dali Abbas Iraqi police, and together, set up a tactical checkpoint along the known route. As suspected, the leaders were traveling toward Dali Abbas, and when searched, the IP discovered two AK-47s, a laptop computer and documents detailing past and future al-Qaida operations. Following the detention of the al-Qaida leaders, the IP transferred the detainees to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division. Despite threats by al-Qaida, the al-Qaida leaders were successfully detained and transported to an IA detention facility for further questioning, demonstrating the steadfastness of the Iraqi Police.

 

MND-B Soldiers find large weapons cache near Falahat

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers found a large weapons cache near Falahat, Iraq July 30. While conducting a dismounted patrol in an area just outside of the village, Soldiers from Troop D, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, uncovered a cache consisting of 155 Russian-made 57mm mortar rounds. Iraqi Security Forces are currently investigating to find those responsible for storing the mortar rounds.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain five, disrupting VBIED cell in Kirkuk

TAJI – Iraqi Security Forces conducted an early morning raid Aug. 1 in Kirkuk that resulted in the capture of a suspected key leader of the terrorist criminal network of al-Qaeda in Iraq. The targeted suspect is believed to be responsible for a vehicle born improvised explosive device attack in Kirkuk on July 16 that killed more than 85 civilians and injured more than 180.  With U.S. Special Forces as advisors, the Iraqi Security Forces also detained four suspects in addition to the primary target.

 

Combined operation nets four suspects

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Police officers captured four suspected insurgents and recovered materials for making improvised explosive devices during a security operation in the Al Amin section of eastern Baghdad Aug. 1. The operation, dubbed Operation Winston Salem, was carried out by Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi Police.  The operation was intended to clear the area of insurgents and confiscate weapons caches.

 

950 pounds of explosives found

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, along with their Iraqi Army counterparts, discovered two large homemade explosive caches during Operation Rogue Stomp from July 29-30 in the Baghdad neighborhood of Jamia.  Troops from 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, made the discoveries during their two-day clearing operation.  The first cache, more than 400 lbs. of homemade explosives, was found on the evening of July 29.  Military working dogs assisted in the find, and an explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a controlled burn of the substance.  The explosives detonated, destroying the abandoned house where it was discovered.  The second cache netted 16 bags of homemade explosives, totaling 550 lbs., along with a rocket-propelled grenade and other IED-making materials.  An explosive ordnance disposal unit performed a controlled detonation of the bomb-making materials. Both caches were located close to the newly constructed Coalition Outpost Lion.  That outpost serves as the Iraqi Army’s primary patrolling base for operations in and around the Jamia neighborhood. More than 2,000 lbs. of homemade explosives have been confiscated in Jamia by Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces in July.

 

Iraqi provisional volunteers lead Soldiers to cache

BAGHDAD — Iraqi provisional volunteers found a weapons cache in Radwaniya, in the western portion of the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital and handed it over to Coalition Forces July 31. Members of the group of volunteers found the munitions just after noon, and contacted troops of Company E, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment “Vanguards,” who took control of the site. The volunteers are a group of local Sunni men who are assisting in the fight against Al Qaeda, alongside Iraqi and Coalition Forces. At the site, the troops found 40 grenades, 40 60mm mortar rounds and 20 pounds of homemade explosives.  There were enough mortar rounds to make six improvised explosive devices.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF-I, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East

Mitt Romney: America Needs To Be More Like Hezbollah

Yeah, you read that right. The man who wants to be president prefers our country to be like a terrorist organization.

Republican presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney has cited the social welfare network of the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group as a role model the U.S. should copy to help promote "goodness" and "freedom" around the world. Sections of Hezbollah's social welfare network, including schools and camps, are routinely used by the terror group to indoctrinate students in anti-Israel propaganda, instruct in military tactics and promote Shiite Islamic beliefs, including the waging of a final, apocalyptic world battle against "evil."

In remarks caught on camera by C-SPAN, Romney stated, "Did you notice in Lebanon what Hezbollah did? Lebanon became a democracy some time ago, and while their government was getting under way, Hezbollah went into southern Lebanon and provided health clinics to some of the people there, and schools. "And they (Hezbollah) built their support there by having done so. That kind of diplomacy is something that would help America become stronger around the world and help people understand that our interest is an interest towards modernity and goodness and freedom for all people in the world. And so, I want to see America carry out that kind of health diplomacy."

Israeli security officials say Hezbollah's social infrastructure works to endear the group to the local population to help generate domestic support since Hezbollah also functions as a Lebanese political party. The security officials state Hezbollah's civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including hospitals and apartment buildings, is routinely used by the terror group to store and utilize rockets, weapons and other munitions. Hezbollah has built schools in southern Lebanon that reportedly are used to recruit youngsters to the group's guerrilla army. Some of the schools reportedly train students in military tactics.

 

***UPDATE***

Here's the video.

 

***UPDATE***

The Romney camp went into full freak-out mode. They issued this statement today.

"Governor Romney believes that bloodthirsty terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas have smothered the progress of the people and nations where they have built their networks, Lebanon serving as an example. These terror organizations cannot and should not be allowed to gain an advantage with the citizenry in Muslim nations just because they mask their terror agenda with an offering of some vital services. America can make great progress and provide more stability by creating partnerships with moderate Muslim governments to perfect the institutions of democracy and showcase the wonders and benefits of American democracy, such as our healthcare technology, educational institutions and free market commerce. "By working with moderate Muslims to break down and defeat terror organizations like Hezbollah militarily, we can then turn to a new 'Marshall Plan' approach that strengthens the foundations of freedom and prosperity in burgeoning Middle East democracies." - Romney Press Secretary Kevin Madden

h/t: LGF

Technorati tags: Mitt Romney, Hezbollah, Terrorists, Lebanon, Presidential Candidate, Republican

Glasgow Airport Terrorist Goes To Meet Allah

Kafeel Ahmed was the guy who caught himself on fire during the airport "attack".  I'm glad he had to suffer everyday.

Kafeel Ahmed, the man who set himself on fire after crashing a jeep into Glasgow airport, has died in hospital. The 27-year-old Indian national was one of two men held at the airport after the attack on June 30. Television footage had shown the badly burned Ahmed being detained by police at Glasgow airport. He sustained 90% burns and had not been expected to survive. He died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, police said last night. He had been in hospital since the incident.

 

Technorati tags: Glasgow, Airport, Terrorist, Ahmed, United Kingdom, U.K.

Obama Shows A Complete Lack Of Understanding Of The World

Barack "Osama" Obama has shown, once again, he is no where near being qualified for President. First, he wants to negotiate with terrorists and receives a smackdown from Hillary.

The question that sparked the controversy at Monday's debate seemed simple enough: Would the candidates for president be willing to meet, within their first year in office, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea?

"I would," he said. "And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them — which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration — is ridiculous."

...Clinton said no, arguing that the president should only meet with world leaders who are hostile to the United States after lower-level diplomatic contacts are conducted. In an interview today with the Quad City Times, Clinton more directly criticized Obama's answer. "I thought that was irresponsible and frankly naive," Clinton said...

He argues against the War on Terror in Iraq, yet wants to attack Iran and Pakistan.

U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama suggested Friday that the United States one day might have to launch surgical missile strikes into Iran and Pakistan to keep extremists from getting control of nuclear bombs.

Given the continuing war in Iraq, the United States is not in a position to invade Iran, but missile strikes might be a viable option, he said. Obama conceded that such strikes might further strain relations between the U.S. and the Arab world.

As for Pakistan, Obama said that if President Pervez Musharraf were to lose power in a coup, the United States similarly might have to consider military action in that country to destroy nuclear weapons it already possesses. Musharraf's troops are battling hundreds of well-armed foreign militants and Pakistani tribesmen in increasingly violent confrontations.

What would cause Musharraf to lose power? This would. B. Hussein Obama is aware that Pakistan has nuclear weapons. That should be a considerable factor when deciding to launch attacks against them. Those nuclear weapons can't reach the United States, but they can hit our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday that he would send troops into Pakistan to hunt down terrorists even without local permission if warranted—an attempt to show strength when his chief rival has described his foreign policy skills as naive. The Illinois senator warned Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf that he must do more to shut down terrorist operations in his country and evict foreign fighters under an Obama presidency, or Pakistan will risk a U.S. troop invasion and losing hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.

 Obama says NO TO NUKES...maybe...he's not sure.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday he would not use nuclear weapons "in any circumstance". "I think it would be a profound mistake for us to use nuclear weapons in any circumstance," Obama said, with a pause, "involving civilians." Then he quickly added, "Let me scratch that. There's been no discussion of nuclear weapons. That's not on the table".

 Final verdict...He's clueless.

 

Technorati tags: Obama, Pakistan, Iran, Clinton, Nuclear Weapons, Terrorism, al-Qaeda, Terrorists

Al-Qaeda Threatens "Big Surprise"

I wonder if the "big surprise" will be that they stop acting like primates?

A new al Qaeda propaganda ad, headlined "Wait for the Big Surprise" and featuring a digitally altered photograph of President George Bush and Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf standing in front of a burning White House, was posted on the Internet today. The brief clip from al Qaeda's "as Sahab" propaganda arm juxtaposes the doctored photo of Bush and Musharraf along with previously seen images of al Qaeda's top leadership -- Osama bin Laden, Ayman al Zawahri and Adam Gadahn -- as well as a photo of an SUV in a motorcade. There is no additional information provided in the ad, and it closes with the words, "Soon -- God willing," written across the screen and repeated several times.

It could be the "big surprise" is the mad photoshopping skills of al-Qaeda...ha

 

Technorati tags: al-Qaeda, al-Qaida, Terrorists, Terrorism, Propaganda, Islam

Illegal's Throw Spear, Rocks, At Border Patrol Agents

They just want to do jobs Americans won't do. How many Americans want to kill border patrol agents?

An attempted assault with a rock and a homemade spear was made against Border Patrol agents in the Yuma Sector who were trying to apprehend 15 illegal immigrants. Around 5 a.m. today, agents in the Boat Patrol Unit were assisting agents along the Colorado River in capturing the group, and as they closed in, the group scattered and fled into surrounding brush. One man, suspected to be the group's smuggler, entered the shallow water along the river bank and allegedly threw a rock at agents in the boat, but missed them, according to a Border Patrol press release. When the boat moved closer to the apparent smuggler, he allegedly threw a homemade spear at one of the agents, which also missed, the release said. An agent used a substance similar to pepper spray to stop the spear-thrower, who crawled out of the water and into nearby brush before agents could catch him. He and two others fled to Mexico and five others fled shortly after them. Agents were able to apprehend eight people during their search for the remaining members of the group, the release said. The eight illegal immigrants were transported to the Yuma Border Patrol station for processing.

 

Technorati tags: Illegal Aliens, Mexicans, Border Patrol, Yuma, Arizona, Illegal Immigration

Good News From The War On Terror 8/1

Coalition Forces detain 27 suspects, kill three terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 27 suspected terrorists and killed three terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq key leadership and foreign terrorist facilitators in central and northern Iraq Tuesday and Wednesday. During operations Tuesday in Baghdad and Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists.  The targeted individual in the Baghdad raid, a suspected key operative in the deadly Baghdad improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne IED network, was successfully apprehended by ground forces during a precision raid.  A close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq Baghdad emir and another al-Qaeda in Iraq operative were detained in Tarmiyah. South of Tikrit during operations Wednesday morning, Coalition Forces detained six alleged terrorists while targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq key leader responsible for coordinating attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces and using kidnappings, extortion and manipulation of the fuel market to fund his terrorist operations.  One female Iraqi civilian was also injured during the operation when Coalition Forces breeched the door of a targeted building.  She was treated on scene by military medical personnel and transported to a military medical facility for further treatment. During early morning raids east of Balad, Coalition Forces detained 11 suspected terrorists for their association with a high level foreign terrorist facilitator with links to the foreign terrorist networks in North Africa, Europe and the Arabian Peninsula.  During the raid, three armed men were observed maneuvering towards ground forces.  Responding to the immediate threat, ground forces engaged the armed terrorists, killing one.  The remaining two terrorists moved into a tactical fighting position, which resulted in ground forces using appropriate escalation of force, calling in close air support to engage the armed terrorists in their fighting position.  Ground forces assess that both terrorists were killed from the close air support strafing. In the northern city of Mosul, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists, one of whom is assessed to be a key leader in the Mosul al-Qaeda in Iraq network.  The targeted individual is suspected of leading a sniper cell and a network emplacing IEDs that have resulted in the deaths of multiple civilians, as well as participating in an attack on the Iraqi National Guard building in western Mosul. During operations to the west and north of Tarmiyah, three suspected terrorists were detained for their association with an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir near Tarmiyah.  In pervious Coalition Forces operations targeting associates of the same al-Qaeda in Iraq emir, ground forces were fired on by a terrorist dressed in women’s clothing who was attempting to elude Coalition Forces. In southern Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist for his association with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership of the Northern Belts who use the area south of Tarmiyah as an attempted safe haven from Coalition Forces.

 

Local tip leads to cache discovery

MOSUL, Iraq – Tipped off by an Iraqi citizen, Iraqi army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division conducted a joint mission with Coalition Force Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, July 30, to remove illegal weapons from the neighborhoods of western Mosul. Focusing on the Wade Hajar and Al Sinaa neighborhoods, IA and Coalition troops captured a detainee with knowledge of a substantial weapons cache at a home located in the Al Najar neighborhood. Inside the house, the joint forces discovered a spider hole hidden under tiles beneath a stove.  The tiles were broken away revealing a lit room containing: one anti-aircraft gun barrel; one anti-aircraft gun receiver; one sniper rifle, 2,000 rounds of PKM machine gun ammunition, two AK-47 assault rifles, three rocket-propelled grenades and miscellaneous improvised explosive device-making materials. Two suspected terrorists were also detained for interrogation.

 

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES, U.S. SPECIAL FORCES BATTLE TERRORISTS NEAR DOURA

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained two suspected al-Qaeda terrorists while conducting an intelligence driven operation in the Doura neighborhood of Baghdad, July 29. The two targeted individuals were detained without incident. Iraqi Security Forces also seized one AK-47, two loaded magazines and more than $3500 U.S. dollars. After completing the raid, Iraqi and U.S. Forces received enemy fire from several buildings across the street. After positively identifying four armed insurgents, U.S. Special Forces called in precision aerial fires that resulted in four insurgents killed.  An immediate battle assessment confirmed the four insurgents were killed and no Iraqi civilians present.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF-I, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East

At Least 7 Dead, 60 Injured In Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

I couldn't imagine how frightening it would be to be driving along and all of a sudden, drop 64 feet.

An interstate bridge jammed with rush-hour traffic suddenly broke into huge sections and collapsed into the Mississippi River Wednesday, pitching dozens of cars 60 feet into the water and killing at least seven people. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, a major Minneapolis artery, was in the midst of being repaired and had several lanes closed when it crumbled. "There were two lanes of traffic, bumper to bumper, at the point of the collapse. Those cars did go into the river," Minneapolis Police Lt. Amelia Huffman. "At this point there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a structural collapse." Jamie Winegar of Houston was sitting in traffic shortly after 6 p.m. when all of a sudden she started hearing "boom, boom, boom and we were just dropping, dropping, dropping, dropping." The car she was riding in landed on top of a smaller car but did not fall into the water. She said her nephew yelled, "'It's an earthquake!' and then we realized the bridge was collapsing." At least seven people were killed and 60 were taken to area hospitals, authorities said. Dr. Joseph Clinton, emergency medical chief at Hennepin County Medical Center, said his hospital treated 28 injured people — including six who were in critical condition. Clinton said at least one of the victims had drowned. The Homeland Security Department also said the collapse did not appear to be terrorism-related. The National Transportation Safety Board planned to send a team of investigators to Minneapolis, NTSB spokesman Ted Lopatkiewicz said. Gov. Tim Pawlenty said the bridge was inspected by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in 2005 and 2006 and that no structural problems were noted. "There were some minor things that needed attention," he said. Police Chief Tim Dolan said officers were checking other bridges as a precaution. The steel-arched bridge, which was built in 1967, rises about 64 feet above the river. An estimated 50 vehicles plunged into the water and onto the land below.

 

***UPDATE***

The 2004 bridge inspections by the Dept. of Transportation show 27.5% of all bridges are deficient.

The most commonly cited indicator of bridge condition is the number of deficient bridges. Of the 591,707 bridges in the inventory, 162,869 are classified as deficient (27.5 percent), either for structural or functional causes. Of these, 81,304 are classified as structurally deficient and 81,565 are classified as functionally obsolete. Thus, roughly half of the deficiencies are structural and half are functional. Exhibit 3-28 shows the trend of deficiency percentages from 1994 through 2002. Bridge deficiencies have been reduced primarily through reduction in the numbers of structurally deficient bridges. The percentage of functionally obsolete bridges has remained static over this time period. As indicated earlier, structural deficiencies and functional obsolescence are considered mutually exclusive, with structural deficiencies taking precedence where ratings classify a given bridge as both structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. Roughly half of the 81,304 structurally deficient bridges have no functional obsolescence issues and are deficient solely on the basis of structural safety and deteriorated bridge component conditions. The remaining structurally deficient bridges also have some type of functional obsolescence.

 

***UPDATE***

Security camera footage of bridge collapse.

 

 

Technorati tags: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bridge Collapse

Muslims Protest Pork Emissions

Where's Algore when you need him? He needs to stop these emissions before thousands of Muslims are banished to hell for consumption of pork.

A group of Muslims have opposed plans for a pet food factory to be built as possible pork emissions will violate their religious rights. Butchers Pet Care could shelve plans for a factory in Coton Park, near Rugby, because angry Asian families have complained to their residents' association about pork smells drifting into their garden. Muslim residents in the area also claim the pork will effectively "rain down" on their homes and gardens after the factory's 100ft chimney has pumped the meat extracts into the atmosphere. The Coton Park Residential Association said they have received complaints from Muslims - who are directed to not eat pork by the Qur'an - and are taking the matter very seriously.

 

Technorati tags: Muslims, Islam, Pork, Butchers Pet Care, UK

Good News From The War On Terror 7/31

Nine suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq Monday and Tuesday. Coalition Forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be a driver for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Mosul.  Based on information from that operation, Coalition Forces raided a building in Mosul Tuesday targeting the alleged emir’s associates.  The ground forces detained two suspects allegedly tied to the terrorist leader. West of Baghdad Tuesday, Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq emir, believed to control 20-30 terrorist operatives.  His terrorist cell is allegedly responsible for rocket and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces targeted an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Baghdad during a raid in Tarmiyah Tuesday.  The ground forces detained three suspected terrorists. Southwest of Taji, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an individual suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists in eastern Anbar province.

 

MND-B attack aircraft engage enemy rocket launchers

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Apache helicopter crews located and engaged enemy rocket launchers at approximately 3 p.m. July 29 in northern Baghdad. The crew reported finding 10 rocket-launching systems in an open area, possibly the same area from which a July 29 rocket attack was launched on the International Zone. The 1-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion’s Apache team was conducting a reconnaissance mission when it was called by ground forces from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, to go to the site. The ground forces cleared the Apache crews to engage the launching systems, and the crews fired on them, disabling them. A ground unit from 2nd BCT later moved to the site to confiscate the rocket-launching systems while the Apache crews provided security.

 

Coalition Forces Capture Three Suspected Terrorists with Ties to IRGC-QF

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured what are believed to be terrorists with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) from Iran in a raid Tuesday in Shulah. Coalition Forces received sustained small arms and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire from terrorists during a precision raid to capture or kill operatives with connections to the IRGC-QF.  Coalition Forces returned fire on the identified enemy positions killing four terrorists. The captured suspected terrorists are believed to be key players in a major facilitation network for smuggling weapons and components of Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) from Iran into Iraq to be used against Coalition Forces.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Quds, Iran, Middle East

92% Of Iranian's Hate Their Government

60% favor revolution and/or foreign military action.

A new survey reveals that 92 percent of the subjects of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's totalitarian government do not believe their nation's role is positive, and two-thirds would support a "Velvet Revolution" to remove him from power. The survey, by the Center For the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights, found that almost six out of 10 Iranians would support a foreign military action for the purpose of taking Ahmadinejad out of the role as dictator. "There is clearly a huge distinction between the Islamic Republic of Iran and its intentions as a regime and its people," reported Said Jabbari, a senior analyst with the center. "As a totalitarian regime it does not represent the aspirations of the Iranian people," he said. "Don't use 'Iran' and 'this regime' to represent each other." "We need to create such a huge distinction. We never referred to Nazis as Germans. We clearly wanted to create a distinction between Germans and Nazis," he said. In this instance, Jabbari said, "we need to turn around and say the Islamic Republic regime, and the Iranian people, have two different paths."

 

Technorati tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad, Iranian Government, Islamic Republic, Revolution

Guantanamo Inmate: It's Better Than Living In The Middle East

He filed an appeal to stay at Guantanamo Bay. I don't blame him. Who would want to live in the squalor that is the Middle East? Those that are released end up fighting against us again.

An inmate of Guantanamo Bay who spends 22 hours each day in an isolation cell is fighting for the right to stay in the notorious internment camp. Ahmed Belbacha fears that he will be tortured or killed if the United States goes ahead with plans to return him to his native Algeria. The Times has learnt that Mr Belbacha, who lived in Britain for three years, has filed an emergency motion at the US Court of Appeals in Washington DC asking for his transfer out of Guantanamo to be halted. He was cleared for release from Camp Delta in February and his lawyers believe that his return to Algerian custody is imminent. Mr Belbacha says that if he returns to Algeria, he faces the threat of torture by security services and murder by Islamist terrorists.

 

Technorati tags: Guantanamo, Terrorists, Insurgents, War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military

Good News From The War On Terror 7/30

Eight terrorists killed, 40 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 40 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in Salah ad Din and Anbar provinces Sunday and Monday. A precision raid on Sunday targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir near Tarmiyah.  After Coalition Forces blocked escape routes for three terrorists associated with the alleged leader, the armed men fired on the assault force.  Coalition Forces called close air support in their defense, and the three armed terrorists were killed in the air strike. Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists during the raid and destroyed a cache of weapons and ammunition inside the building. A Monday raid targeted the same al-Qaeda in Iraq network.  As Coalition Forces approached one of the targeted buildings, they received small arms fire from within.  After ensuring that women and children near the scene were a safe distance from the building, Coalition Forces, reacting in self-defense, called in close air support.  Ground forces assess five terrorists were killed in the air strike.  The assault forces detained 10 suspected terrorists and destroyed the building. Near Karmah, Coalition Forces raided four buildings Monday associated with a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq financier who works with senior al-Qaeda leaders in Anbar province.  During the operation, the assault force discovered a cache of weapons containing machine guns, mortar rounds, improvised explosive device materials and military-style assault vests.  A Coalition Forces air strike destroyed the cache and the ground forces detained 17 suspected terrorists on site. South of Samarra, Coalition Forces detained eight suspected terrorists during a Monday raid targeting a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operative tied to suicide bombers and foreign terrorists.  The ground forces uncovered a cache of weapons that included rifles, grenades, mortars, military-style assault vests, body armor and materials to assist in anti-aircraft strikes.  A trained explosives team destroyed the cache on-site. Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists during a raid in Bayji Monday targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader there.

 

Task Force Hammerhead conducts 100th air assault mission

TIKRIT, Iraq – With more than 20,000 combat hours flown in support of Coalition ground forces in Iraq, the 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (Task Force Hammerhead), conducted their 100th air assault mission, July 22-23, in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq. “Our general support aviation battalion has executed an enormous amount of combat air assaults since arriving in Iraq in August of 2006, rivaling other similar formations in the Army,” noted Lt. Col. Michael Fleetwood, commander, 3-25th Aviation and air mission commander for the July 22-23 operation. The battalion consists of CH-47 Chinooks and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with some of the Blackhawks configured as MEDEVAC aircraft. In an ongoing operation, TF Hammerhead rapidly inserted Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, into multiple landing zones to capture, kill and disrupt enemy capabilities marking the mission the 100th air assault mission by 3-25th Aviation. During the operation, Co. B was air assaulted safely and was able to conduct actions in the area where there has been known insurgent activity. “We are having a significant impact on disrupting (insurgent) activity in (Multinational Division-North) due to the pressure we are putting on previous (insurgent) sanctuaries,” Fleetwood said. “By rapidly air assaulting ground forces into objective areas, we are able to defeat the (insurgent) early warning networks and (focus) overwhelming combat power (to) surrounding the objective and preventing escape of (insurgents).” In August 2006, TF Hammerhead officially began their mission supporting air operations in Iraq. Nearly 12 months later, they have flown a total of 5,118 missions, with 2,896 being MEDEVAC missions evacuating 7,471 patients. In addition, TF Hammerhead has flown 78,855 passengers and transported 4,127 tons of cargo. Soldiers from Co. B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, dismount during Operation Blowtorch, July 22-23, in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq. The operation was an air assault mission supported by 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment (Taskforce Hammerhead), 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.

 

Iraqi Army Soldiers graduate first ever Iraqi Ground Force Command Combat Lifesaver Course

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Fifteen Iraqi Army Soldiers, ranging in rank from private first class to warrant officer, graduated from the first Iraqi Ground Forces Command Combat Lifesaver Course at Camp Victory, Iraq on July 29. “The idea for this course is to train the trainer,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Corkrum, senior instructor, “The IA Soldiers did very well despite challenges of training through translators and we stayed on schedule.” “Our goal is to open an Iraqi schoolhouse,” said Capt. Jorge Vargas, IGFC advisor with the Iraqi Assistance Group, “In about one-and-a-half months, they [IA Soldiers] will be able to apply this course solo and train their own troops.” “It will be done in three steps,” said Vargas, “The first step is to bring in the CLS instructors and teach the course as they teach it; the second step is to teach the IA Soldiers advanced skills; and the third step is to have the CLS instructors act as observer/controllers to watch the IGFC CLS instructors teach the class to other Iraqi troops.” “The CLS course is the same three-day course we teach to our Soldiers,” said Corkrum, “It covers tactical combat casualty care; how to evaluate a casualty; how to manage an airway; how to treat an open chest wound; decompress tension pneumothorax, initiation of an intravenous infusion; and evacuation of a casualty using a sked and other litters.” “We didn’t cut them any slack,” said Sgt. Robert Cage, CLS instructor, “They tookwhat we showed them and they applied it directly with no hesitation.” “The IGFC CLS graduates will be able to prepare for their class, execute a class, and conduct an after action review with their students after the class,” said Vargas. “These Iraqis are learning to be instructors,” said Corkrum, “And to get familiar and proficient with their equipment ranging from aid bags to medical equipment to their own ambulances.” CLS instructors who taught the IGFC Soldiers were Staff Sgt. Michael Corkrum, Sgt. Robert Cage, Sgt Peter Moore, and Sgt. Julian Alexander, of the 329th Ground Ambulance Company, which is part of Task Force 3rd Medical Command.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain al Qaeda cell leader in Husaybuh

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces teams conducted a series of raids, July 29 detaining a suspected al Qaeda cell leader responsible for attacks and facilitating foreign fighters in the Al Qaim area. With U.S. Special Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Police detained two primary suspects and three additional persons of interest in the vicinity of Husaybuh, located on the Euphrates River west of Al Qaim. Various documents, including multiple identification cards and passports, were also seized during the operation. The cell leader, who allegedly runs al Qaeda in Iraq activities in Husaybuh, is purportedly involved in the planning of future large scale attacks against Coalition Forces in the western Euphrates River valley. The second primary suspect is a school teacher believed to be spreading propaganda and recruiting his students to kill members of the Iraqi Police and Army.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East

Iraqi Parliament Closed For August Recess

Apparently; democracy is too much work for Arabs because they need an entire month of vacation. I believe the troops should have a month-long vacation also. It's a little hard to defend the war in Iraq when their government won't go the extra mile. I hope their vacation was worth it, the troops will be coming home soon and the Iraqi's will have to fend for themselves.

Iraq's parliament closed for its summer recess on Monday, lawmakers said, deciding to take a break until early September despite having failed to enact a series of laws demanded by Washington. "Parliament has decided to break until early September," Hussein Falluji of the mainly Sunni Accordance Front bloc in parliament told Reuters. "We have already cut the holiday by one month. It is our constitutional right to take it," he added. The recess means parliament will resume just before U.S. military commander General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are due to report back to Congress on the success of this year's surge in U.S. troops to Iraq. A preliminary White House assessment earlier this month faulted Iraqi leaders for failing to enact laws aimed at curbing violence, including measures to distribute oil revenue, hold provincial elections and loosen restrictions on members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party returning to public life.

 

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Parliament, Summer Recess, Vacation, Petraeus, Crocker, White House, Benchmarks

Good News From The War On Terror 7/29

High-level al-Qaeda cell members detained near Taji

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Security Forces conducted a helicopter assault raid July 28 detaining two known al Qaeda in Iraq cell members suspected of numerous crimes including murdering and intimidating Iraqi citizens and improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition Forces. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi police detained their primary suspects without incident in a remote area northwest of Taji. The detained individuals are high-level members of an al Qaeda cell in the Qaryat al Majarrah region and directly linked to a cell leader who was also detained in the same area July 20. The first detainee is allegedly responsible for placing multiple IEDs and carrying out murder and intimidation campaigns against Iraqi citizens.  The second detainee is purportedly an al Qaeda lieutenant who allegedly has ties to an IED cell in Ramadi.  He has also claimed responsibility for murders in Qaryat al Majarrah and the al Tash region.

 

Troops capture three suspected insurgents in East Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured three suspected insurgents in a combined operation with Iraqi Security Forces July 28 in eastern Baghdad. Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in a combined effort with members of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, captured the three suspects during Operation Burkan IV in the Karada District. The Soldiers with Battery B and C, 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, based out of Fort Carson, Colo., were conducting raids with the Iraqi Army targeting insurgents in the Narwhan neighborhood in hopes of shutting down and disrupting a cell believed responsible for training snipers and improvised explosive device attacks. All three suspects are being held for further questioning.

 

U.S. Special Forces, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Security Forces detain four insurgents

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained four suspected rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents during an intelligence-driven raid in Baghdad, July 27. Iraqi forces and U.S. Special Forces detained their four primary targets in the neighborhood of Al Shulla in southern Baghdad without incident.  During the raid, Coalition Forces confiscated an identification card and other documents, which identified one of the men as a JAM battalion commander. A memorandum was also found that instructed JAM members when and where to meet for future JAM activities. The alleged insurgents are responsible for emplacing explosively formed penetrators, more commonly called EFPs, around Baghdad. They are also believed responsible for attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

 

Insurgents detained near Habbaniyah

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Forces conducted a series of raids July 27 detaining two suspected insurgents believed to be responsible of numerous attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi citizens. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi soldiers detained their primary suspects without incident at their residences in the town of Husaybah, located northwest of Habbaniyah.  Rifles, ammunition and false identification cards were also seized during the operation. The first detained individual is allegedly responsible for the coordination and execution of multiple improvised explosive device, indirect fire, and small arms fire attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi citizens.  He is also suspected of financing and providing intelligence support for insurgent activities. The second detained individual is also believed to be responsible for a series of IED attacks.  He is also allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Iraqi citizens.

 

Coalition operations kill 8 terrorists, capture 22 suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday targeting al-Qaeda members in central Iraq and the Tigris River valley. Coalition Forces targeted a foreign terrorist facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Yusifiyah area.  As the assault force approached the location, a group of armed terrorists engaged them with small arms fire. Coalition Forces, reacting appropriately to the hostile threat from an organized force, employed close air support.  The air strike killed five terrorists, while several more moved to a nearby building.  The assault force followed and entered the second building, where they detained seven armed individuals and uncovered fortified fighting positions and a large cache of weapons.  One boy was injured during the operation.  He was treated on site and accompanied by his father to a military medical facility. South of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader and used aircraft to patrol the area.  As the operation began, armed terrorists engaged the aircraft with small arms fire.  The aircraft, returning fire in self-defense, engaged the terrorists on the ground, killing three and wounding one suspect.  The assault force on the ground detained three additional suspected terrorists. South of Baghdad, Coalition Forces used air assets to contain a suspected enemy force while targeting key players in the Baghdad vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network.  As Coalition Forces raided the target building, several suspected terrorists attempted to evade the assault force.  With the help of close air support, the ground force detained seven suspected terrorists. Coalition Forces raided a building in Samarra looking for a suspected foreign terrorist facilitator and financier tied to an individual detained during an operation July 14.  The ground forces detained two suspects on scene and discovered weapons and a mortar round in the building. Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists during an operation south of Tikrit targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir.

 

Caches found, insurgent detained during Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq — Paratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo captured one insurgent from a cell responsible for attacks against citizens and security forces in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche July 26 northwest of Iskandariyah. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted an early morning air assault and continued raids throughout the day in an al-Qaeda stronghold several kilometers northwest of the city.  After securing the safe house, the Paratroopers began pushing into the town, where their mission began in earnest. In addition to capturing the insurgent, Paratroopers discovered three weapons caches during the operation. In the first cache, they found a DSKA .50 caliber heavy machine gun with 75 rounds, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with seven rounds and 100 RPK heavy machine gun rounds.  In the second cache, more than 400 RPK rounds were uncovered.  The third cache consisted of three AK-47 assault rifles, an RPK heavy machine gun, an ammunition vest and a can of 7.62mm ammunition. The insurgent is being held for further questioning. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the weapons on site. During 12 days of Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th BCT (Abn.) have killed seven insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, captured more than 60 insurgents including six cell leaders and other high value individuals.

 

Seven terrorists killed, one detained in Coalition operation

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed seven terrorists and detained one suspected terrorist during an operation near Muqudadiyah July 25-26. As Coalition Forces approached the targeted area, which was a previously assaulted terrorist stronghold, the assault force and airborne assets observed several armed terrorists maneuvering through the village and occupying fighting positions.  Coalition Forces responded appropriately to the imminent threat posed by the organized hostile force and engaged the terrorists with direct fire and close air support.  Five terrorists were killed due to close air support strafing and two terrorists were killed by direct fire from ground forces. Coalition Forces later discovered a woman who was injured by shrapnel from the air strike against the group of terrorists.  A Coalition Forces medic attended to her until she was transported to a military medical facility for treatment. Coalition Forces detained one man who was found with extremist training materials and fake identification.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East

Good News From The War On Terror 7/28

16 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations Saturday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in north-central Iraq. Two synchronized raids in Tarmiyah targeted senior terrorist leaders from the area.  Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq Shari’a judge and his alleged advisor.  Coalition Forces also detained three more suspected terrorists from the location. In Samarra, Coalition Forces raided four buildings in search of an alleged key terrorist leader and close associate of the local al-Qaeda in Iraq emir.  The ground forces captured the targeted individual, who is also an alleged bomb-maker and involved in kidnappings, assassinations and extortion operations.  Four other suspected terrorists were detained with him. Coalition Forces conducted two coordinated raids south of Tarmiyah targeting associates of high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders.  The ground forces detained six suspected terrorists for their ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq operations.

 

 11 terrorists killed, 13 detained during Operation Woodshed

BALAD RUZ, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces conducted a combined air assault into Samood Village, an area near Turki Village, Iraq, July 26, killing 11 terrorists and detaining 13 suspected terrorists in an effort to secure the Turki Village region and provide stability to the local population. Operation Woodshed began early Thursday morning with soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and paratroopers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, targeting known terrorist cells in the area. Throughout the operation, the combined security forces, with assistance from attack helicopters, close-air support and field artillery assets, observed and killed several elements of anti-Iraqi forces attempting to maneuver on their elements. While performing a thorough house-to-house search, Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists, and the Iraqi Security Forces detained an additional six.

 

Operation Iron Blitz:  Caches found, car bomb factory located, kidnapping victim freed

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers located multiple weapons and munitions caches, located a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory and rescued a kidnapping victim in northwest Baghdad July 26. While conducting patrols in the area around Tall Yusuf village of Abu Ghraib, Soldiers form Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment from the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division located five weapons and munitions caches. The caches consisted of mortars, anti-aircraft guns with ammunition, containers filled with high explosives, and other improvised explosive device-making material. The weapons, ammunition, and IED material were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team. Battery C, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Battalion conducted an air assault to relieve Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment at the cache sites and continued to patrol the area. While conducting their patrol the Soldiers discovered a VBIED factory, which contained several vehicles in different stages of completion. While searching the building, a kidnapping victim was discovered. The victim claimed he was kidnapped in the Abu Ghraib area after visiting his relatives there. He said the persons responsible were agents of Al Qaeda, and they had kidnapped him because they believed he was a spy for the “1920 Brigade.” The 1920 Brigade is a former Sunni group that had rejected the government of Iraqi, but has recently made overtures to reconcile with the government and the Coalition to defeat Al Qaeda in Iraq. The victim claims he had been kidnapped for almost four days, and that he had been tortured. After the man had been rescued, Battery C, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Battalion requested aviation assets destroy the vehicles and the building which was being used as a car bomb factory. Aviators from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Div., destroyed the vehicles and a fixed-wing aircraft dropped a 500-pound bomb to destroy the building. Battery C, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Battalion evacuated the kidnapping victim by helicopter back to Camp Taji where his wounds were assessed by Coalition doctors. Noting that the victim had no serious injuries, Soldiers from the 115th Brigade Support Battalion, convoyed the victim to Camp Liberty. From there, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavarly Regiment returned the man to Abu Ghraib to be reunited with his family.  The 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division is conducting Operation Iron Blitz, a series of missions in northwest Baghdad, to eliminate the ability of Al Qaeda and rogue Jaysh al Mahdi special groups to use the area as a staging ground for attacks into central Baghdad.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East