Duncan Hunter Tops Fred Thompson In Iowa Straw Poll

The Republican wing of the Republican Party realizes Hunter is the man for this country. Hunter received 64.8% of the vote. Thompson came in second with 35.2%. Hunter was 1.2% away from receiving an official endorsement. For those of you wondering why I dropped my support for Fred Thompson, read this previous post.

(Ames, Iowa)... The National Federation of Republican Assemblies, who calls themselves the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party," held a straw poll at its convention in St. Louis last weekend and California Congressman Duncan Hunter exceeded all expectations. Hunter missed receiving the official endorsement of the Assemblies by a couple of percentage points. After seven rounds of voting by the endorsement committee of the organization, Hunter received 64.8 percent of the balloting, less than two percent of the two thirds vote needed. After seven ballots Fred Thompson was the only other candidate considered. Hundreds of conservatives attended the event that attracted six GOP presidential candidates. After the general Assemblies vote, convention delegates were charged with making a formal endorsement of one candidate. Their rules required that the delegates cast their votes while in session for candidates that they wish to endorse. Only candidates receiving more than 15% of the delegate's votes in the first round of voting in the second session were considered for endorsement. After that vote, only Hunter and Fred Thompson received more than 15% of the delegate's votes. After the seventh and final round of voting Hunter had 64.8 percent support, less than two percentage points short of the needed vote. Thompson had 35.2 percent. The assemblies made no endorsement. Tom DeLay was the keynote speaker of the convention telling fellow conservatives that unless Republicans "get their act together" in a hurry, Senator Hillary Clinton will become the next President of the United States.

  Some quick stats about Duncan Hunter:

A+ National Rifle Association

100% Eagle Forum

100% National Right to Life

92% Lifetime rating, American Conservative Union

100% Concerned Women for America

100% Christian Coalition

100% Campaign for Working Families

 

Technorati tags: Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, National Federation of Republican Assemblies, Iowa Straw Poll, Republican, Conservative, Presidential Candidate

Caught Cheating By 1-800-FLOWERS

The guy's messing around with another woman while he and his wife are divorcing. He sends flowers to other woman, the wife gets the "thank you for your order" card from 1-800-Flowers. Man sues 1-800-FLOWERS

A Missouri City, Texas, man has filed a federal lawsuit against 1-800-FLOWERS, Inc. after they sent his wife a thank-you card for flowers he ordered for another woman. MyFOXHouston.com reported Leroy Greer ordered a dozen red roses and teddy bear through 1-800-flowers.com for a woman while he was in the middle of divorcing his wife. However, at the time the flowers were sent, Greer and his wife were reconciled. After Greer ordered the flowers in April, 1-800-flowers reportedly sent a thank-you card to his home, which his wife saw. She then called the company, and they faxed her a copy of the receipt, the note he sent with the flowers that read "just wanted to say that 'I Love you'" and a report of what he actually purchased. His wife re-filed divorce papers and is asking him for a $400,000 divorce lump sum and $6,000 per month in child and spousal support. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages from the flower company.

 

Technorati tags: Infidelity, Divorce, Marriage, Flowers

Good News From The War On Terror 8/9

Iraqi, U.S. Special Forces detain 12 insurgents, kill two during three operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained five suspected rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia insurgents, Aug. 8 in the neighborhood of Mahmudiyah in Baghdad. During the operation, ISOF and USSF came under enemy small-arms fire. With well-aimed fire, two insurgents were killed. The primary individual detained in the operation is allegedly a rogue JAM leader suspected of trafficking weapons. The Shi’a extremist is the alleged leader of a death squad, whose members are known to conduct kidnapping, torture and execution of local Iraqi citizens. Iraqi Forces detained four other suspicious individuals present during the raid. Additionally, the rogue JAM extremists are suspected of emplacing explosively formed penetrators that target Coalition and Iraqi Forces. In a second operation a rogue JAM militia cell commander was detained Aug. 8 in Karbala, a town on the southwestern outskirts of Baghdad. The primary suspect is believed to have directed and overseen attacks on Coalition Forces using improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators on multiple occasions. One other suspicious individual present during the operation was also detained. During the final operation an alleged rogue JAM Death Squad leader and four members of his cell were detained in East Rashid, a district in Baghdad. The Shi’a extremist leads a cell that conducts kidnapping of local citizens, displacement of residents from their homes, and extra judicial killings of Sunnis and Egyptians living in the Baghdad area.

 

Raid uncovers large cache in southern Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops discovered a large weapons cache during a raid in the West Rashid District of Baghdad Aug. 8. Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided a house in the Aamel neighborhood where they found a cache hidden behind a false door blocked by a refrigerator. The Soldiers found an 82mm mortar tube, a 60mm mortar tube, 16 60mm mortar rounds, 53 82mm mortar rounds, seven AK-47s, three Type- 85 sniper rifles, a PKC machine gun, 18 cans of ammunition, 14 AK magazines and a pair of binoculars. The unit also found two 107mm rockets and a launcher at the site. The munitions were taken to a Coalition Forces base for disposal.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces capture five suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists; destroy VBIED weapons

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, captured five suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists near the village of Ibrahim Sinjar during intelligence driven operations in western Iraq Aug. 7. Information from local residents indicated that al Qaeda in Iraq used the village for meetings and storing weapons caches and medication. These suspected terrorists are believed to be involved in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces using improvised explosive devices. During the operation, a house used by al Qaeda in Iraq to store explosives, stage attacks and facilitate operations, was destroyed. After moving residents to a safe distance, U. S. Special Forces destroyed the building.  In addition, weapons, ammunitions, and Iraqi and U.S currency at the site were seized. In a second operation, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cache was destroyed Aug. 6 in the village of Bi’ag, near Sinjar, Iraq. Already in the area conducting vehicle inspections, the Iraqi and U.S. air-assault force noticed suspicious materials in the bed of a white truck that contained four individuals.  The forces stopped the vehicle, causing the four armed suspected terrorists to exit and run in opposite directions.  The assault force however secured the vehicle. The vehicle contained five 120mm mortar rounds, one 120mm mortar system including the tripod and base plate, a rocket-propelled grenade, one PK general purpose machine gun with 1,000 rounds of associated ammunition, one improvised-three tube rocket launcher system, two cell phones and a video camera. Using controlled proportional fire, the vehicle was destroyed in place.

 

3 terrorists killed, 21 detained in operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday and Thursday targeting terrorist cells associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Tigris River Valley. West of Balad Wednesday, Coalition Forces conducted a precision operation targeting the leader of a terrorist cell of foreigners and internationally connected Iraqis associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq.  The cell is known to provide logistics support to al-Qaeda in Iraq, as well as facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists and suicide bombings.  Surveillance teams identified the targeted individual and his associates inside a vehicle and, based on the nature of the cell’s activities, declared it a hostile target.  When the vehicle stopped near a house, Coalition Forces fired on the vehicle, killing the three terrorists.  Explosions erupted from inside the car, and Coalition Forces later found rocket-propelled grenades, rifles and propane tanks in the vehicle. Based on information from the Wednesday operation, Coalition Forces raided five buildings west of Balad associated with the foreign terrorist Thursday morning.  After securing the area, the ground forces found a man, assessed to be a foreigner, hiding in a well near the buildings.  He was detained for his suspected associations with the foreign terrorist cell. Coalition Forces captured the suspected deputy of a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the northern part of the country during a Thursday operation north of Tikrit.  The captured individual allegedly works for the terrorist emir of Salah ad Din province, who intelligence reports indicate was involved in developing strategy for al-Qaeda in Iraq.  In addition to the deputy, Coalition Forces detained seven individuals for their suspected ties to the terrorist leader. In Mosul Thursday, Coalition Forces targeted a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operative who allegedly escaped from Badush prison in March and conducted attacks against Coalition Forces in May.  Ground forces detained three suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the terrorist group. Coalition Forces detained nine more suspected terrorists in Mosul Thursday while targeting a close associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.

 

Two weapons caches discovered in Jamia

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces discovered two large weapons caches in a western portion of the Iraqi capital Aug. 7.  Working off a tip from a resident, members of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 6th Iraqi Army uncovered two munitions caches in the Baghdad neighborhood of Jamia.  The troops found three 81mm rockets, 14 57mm rockets, 42 81mm mortar rounds and 71 120mm mortar rounds at the first site.  These munitions were found buried in the yard behind an abandoned home.  Eight rifles and two rocket-propelled grenade launchers were discovered within the house, along with other assorted improvised explosive device-making materials. A second cache site was found two blocks from the first site in yet another abandoned home.  Twelve 120mm mortar rounds and IED-making materials were discovered at this location. All of the munitions were consolidated and taken to a local field where they were destroyed in a controlled detonated by a Coalition explosive ordnance disposal team.

 

Cache seized, suspect detained

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a cache of weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials and detained a man believed to be connected with the cache in the western Yarmouk neighborhood Aug. 7. Soldiers from Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment came upon the cache just before midnight while searching houses during Operation Firecracker.  The operation was launched to seek out a suspected IED-cell in the area.  The Soldiers detained one Yarmouk resident connected to the house where they found the cache.  He is a suspected IED cell member, and remains in custody for further questioning.  The troops uncovered  two AK-47 assault rifles, approximately 200 AK-47 rounds, three 9V batteries, one 9mm pistol, two hand-held radios, numerous wires and electronic connectors and switches used for IED making materials.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Mahdi

Nancy Pelosi Invests In Iran-Linked Company

When these traitors invest in state sponsors of terror, they know first hand the "war is lost". She is financing a company that deals with a country that is directly responsible for the deaths of U.S. Troops.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has disclosed that she holds stock valued at up to $15,000 in Alcatel-Lucent (formerly Alcatel SA), a company with extensive investments in Iran and Sudan — nations that sponsor terrorism. The disclosure of Pelosi’s holdings comes at the same time that legislation is making its way through the California legislature barring state pension fund managers from investing in companies, like Alcatel-Lucent, that do business with "terror-friendly" nations. According to Divestterror.org, a citizens group pushing a South Africa-style disinvestment program to discourage companies from doing business in terror countries, Alcatel-Lucent’s investments in terror countries are so extensive that it is included on the organization’s “dirty dozen” list of offending companies. The organization estimates that the company has invested upwards of $300 million in terror sponsoring nations during the past five years. According to Divestterror.org, Alcatel is aiding Iran’s terrorist activities by providing state controlled companies with data transmission and switching network capabilities. “These contracts have reportedly included the provision of hardware, software, technologies, and training to Iranian companies.” It is also installing an undersea telecommunications cable in Iran.

 

Technorati tags: Nancy Pelosi, Iran, Alcatel-Lucent, Terrorism, Democrat, Liberal, Treason

Al-Qaeda Threatens Radioactive Attack On Major U.S. Cities

For what it's worth, this is from the DEBKA website.

The threat was picked up by DEBKAfile’s monitors from a rush of electronic chatter on al Qaeda sites Thursday, Aug. 8. The al Qaeda communications accuse the Americans of the grave error of failing to take seriously the videotape released by the American al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gaddahn last week. “They will soon realize their mistake when American cities are hit by quality operations,” said one message. Another said the attacks would be carried out “by means of trucks loaded with radio-active material against America’s biggest city and financial nerve center.” A third message mentioned New York, Los Angeles and Miami as targets. It drew the answer: “The attack, with Allah’s help, will cause an economic meltdown, many dead, and a financial crisis on a scale that compels the United States to pull its military forces out of many parts of the world, including Iraq, for lack of any other way of cutting down costs.” There is also a message which speaks obliquely of the approaching attacks easing the heavy pressure America exerts on countries like Japan, Cuba and Venezuela. DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources and monitors say there is no way of gauging for sure how serious these threats are, how real, or whether they are part of a war of nerves to give the Gaddahn tape extra mileage. But it is important to note that the exchange of messages took place over al Qaeda’s internal Internet sites and that they contained the threat of radioactive terror and specific American cities for the first time after a long silence on these subjects. In addition, a growing number of clips has been disseminated of late over al Qaeda sites instructing the faithful how to design remote-controlled gliders, pack them with explosives and launch them against predetermined targets.

 

Technorati tags: War on Terror, Radioactive, United States, al-Qaeda, Terrorist Attacks

Good News From The War On Terror 8/8

U.S. Special Forces, Iraqi SOF detain eight, kill one in air-strike

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted an early morning intelligence driven raid detaining five alleged rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents in the Aamel area of Baghdad, Aug. 06. Iraqi SOF detained their primary targets without incident, along with three other suspicious individuals who were present during the raid. The primary individuals detained are alleged to be part of a Special Groups unit with the rogue JAM insurgents. They are believed to be responsible for conducting attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces as well as Iraqi citizens in the Aamel area of southwest Baghdad. Upon leaving the objective, Iraqi and U.S. Forces received enemy-fire from insurgents. The insurgents fled the area after ineffective fire, while the Iraqi and U.S. Forces continued the mission. A surveillance air-craft found one of the insurgents from the earlier attack and carried out a precise air-strike killing the individual.

 

Coalition Forces Kill 30 Special Groups Cell Terrorists, detain 12

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces killed 30 Special Groups Cell terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday in Sadr City. The individuals detained and the terrorists killed during the raid are believed to be members of a cell of a Special Groups terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq into Iran for terrorist training. As Iraqi and Coalition Forces approached the objective location, they observed two armed men in tactical fighting positions assessed to be early warning operatives for the individual targeted in the operation.  Responding appropriately to the immediate threat, ground forces engaged the two armed men, killing them.  While in the objective area, ground forces raided a concentration of buildings and detained 12 suspected Special Groups Cell terrorists.  Ground forces received sporadic small arms fire throughout the course of the operation. During the course of the operation, the assault force and the overhead aerial support observed a vehicle and large group of armed men on foot attempting an assault on the ground forces.  Responding appropriately to the threat of the organized terrorist force, close air support was called and engaged the terrorist vehicle and organized terrorist force, killing an estimated 30 terrorists. Building upon a series of coordinated operations efforts that began with the raid in al Amarah in June, Coalition Forces continue to attack the supply chain of illicit materials being shipped from Iran.  Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual in last night’s raid acts as a proxy between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and the Iraqi EFP network.  Reports also indicate that he assists with the facilitation of weapons and EFP shipments into Iraq as well as the transfer of militant extremists to Iran for training.

 

Six suspected terrorists detained, one terrorist killed in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists and killed one terrorist during operations Tuesday and Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its associates in central Baghdad and Kirkuk. Northeast of Samarra, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists during a precision raid Tuesday.  The targeted individual of the raid was the al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir of Samarra.  The three individuals were detained for their association with the targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq emir. During an early morning raid north of Tikrit Wednesday, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists for their ties to an al-Qaeda in Iraq key leader.  Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual of the Wednesday raid is a key al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in Bayji who oversees a cell of approximately 400 terrorists and is linked to numerous attacks on Coalition Forces. Iraqi and Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq Mosul-based emir who assists with terrorist operations in Kirkuk Wednesday morning.  While Coalition Forces were on the targeted location two individuals were observed rapidly maneuvering towards the assault force providing perimeter security on the target.  Responding appropriately to the immediate threat, Coalition Forces engaged the two men, wounding both.  Both individuals were taken to a military medical facility for treatment where one later died.  The terrorist who later died at the military medical facility was positively identified as the targeted individual.

 

Iraqi Scouts, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain suspected extortionist in Rawah

FALLUJAH –– Iraqi Army Scouts and U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a series of targeted raids in Western Iraq Aug. 5, resulting in the detainment of an individual allegedly responsible for running an extortion network. With U.S. Special Operation Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers raided a residence and office in the vicinity of Rawah and detained their primary suspect without incident.  Several bags and boxes of paper documents, computer equipment and compact discs were also seized during the operation. The detained individual was allegedly engaged in extorting money from local contractors and using those funds to finance al Qaeda in Iraq activities.  He is also accused of paying insurgents significant sums of money from construction project contracts he has been awarded in the Rawah area.

 

Joint Iraqi Police, Army operation nets seven near Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq – A joint cordon and search operation conducted by Iraq Police and Army units with Coalition advisers netted seven detainees wanted by Iraqi Security Forces and seized more than a dozen weapons northwest of the provincial capital, Aug. 7.  Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division combined with IPs, from the northern city of Dibbis, conducted the early morning mission into the town of Kif, a small village that sits between Kirkuk and Dibbis. The IA battalion staff conducted planning based on information gathered from previous operations and brought in the local Iraqi police to assist with the mission. “This is another notable example of the Iraqi Army performing the mission planning on their own,” said Capt. Ryan Nacin, fire support officer for the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.  Soldiers of the 2-35th Infantry Battalion served as Coalition advisers during the operation.  “The Iraqi Army identified the additional man-power and resources provided by the police and invited them to conduct this operation with tangible results.” All the men detained were wanted by ISF for suspected crimes or insurgent activity.  The men were detained in different areas of the village.  Weapons seized by the local security forces included 14 AK-47 machine guns, one pistol and one bolt action rifle.  A four-door sedan was also impounded for improper vehicle registration. The 2-35th Infantry Battalion is part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and has been serving in Iraq for nearly a year.

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 8/7

Five suspected insurgents detained in Thar Thar region

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces detained five suspected insurgents believed to be part of a Thar Thar region al-Qaeda in Iraq cell during a helicopter assault raid Aug. 4. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers detained the five persons of interest without incident at a residence located in a rural area west of Balad.   Seven assault rifles, one shotgun, assorted ammunition magazines, compact discs and propaganda materials were also seized during the operation. The detainees are believed to be members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell allegedly responsible for hijacking semi trailers, planting improvised explosive devices on Coalition Forces supply routes, and aiding foreign fighters.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain Shi’a extremist commander

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces acting as advisers, detained a rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi battalion commander Aug. 5 in Baghdad. The suspected Shi’a extremist is believed to command five companies of terrorists who conduct improvised explosive device, suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Iraqi Forces in the area. The suspect also allegedly participated in the murder of several local nationals. The suspect is being detained for further questioning.

 

Strike targets al-Qaeda senior leaders; 8 terrorists killed, 14 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 14 suspected terrorists during coordinated operations targeting a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader west of Tarmiyah Monday and Tuesday. Coalition Forces conducted an operation Monday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad, who is associated with deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the city.  Surveillance indicated the senior leader and his associates had entered a building in a remote area.  Coalition Forces then declared the target hostile, and to engage the terrorists before they were able to disperse, called in an air strike on the building.  Secondary explosions ignited after the initial strike, indicating there were explosives inside.  Coalition Forces assess five terrorists were killed in the strike. When ground forces attempted to approach the site to assess damage, one terrorist engaged them with small arms fire.  Countering in self-defense, Coalition Forces returned fire and killed the armed man.  The ground forces resumed their approach to the building but discovered multiple fighting positions, heavy machine guns, booby traps and vehicles wired with explosives.  Coalition Forces evacuated the area and called in air assets to destroy the enemy weapons. Acting on intelligence gained from the Monday operation, Coalition Forces conducted additional coordinated raids in the area Tuesday morning.  During the first of those, Coalition Forces used explosives to breach a door and enter a targeted building.  A woman standing behind the door was killed in the explosion.  Iraqis on the scene told Coalition Forces her husband had told her to block the door from the Americans. As ground forces secured the building, one man was discovered concealing himself in another room, armed with grenades and a rifle aimed at the assault force.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the armed man, killing him.  As they secured additional buildings on the scene, a man rushed to a window and attempted to pull a rifle from behind the curtains.  Coalition Forces reacted to the hostile threat by engaging the man and killing him. During a raid on another building, ground forces brought the occupants of a building outside to secure the area.  One man, after previously being compliant, turned and rushed back into the building.  Coalition Forces, perceiving a hostile threat, engaged the man and wounded him.  He was treated on site and taken to a military medical facility for further treatment.  He and six other suspected terrorists were detained during the raid. Coalition Forces detained three more suspected terrorists during raids on four more buildings in the area.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected rogue JAM recruiter; ISOF detain suspected Al-Qaeda emir

BAGHDAD – Elements of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected insurgent recruiter and organizer for the rogue Jaysh al-Madhi militia operating in An Najaf during an intelligence driven operation in southern Iraq Aug. 4. The alleged rogue JAM insurgent is suspected of using local charities as a front to screen and recruit individuals by offering them $500 to emplace IEDs. He is also suspected of facilitating cross-border training, garnering financial support, and transporting equipment and weapons (to include Explosively-formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices) with Persian militant groups to be used against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  EFPs and IEDs are responsible for many Coalition Force deaths in the area. He is suspected of supplying the IED that killed two Coalition Soldiers in Karbala and is linked to other deadly attacks in Diwaniyah, An Najaf and Karbala. In a separate operation Aug. 5, Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces acting as advisors, detained a suspected al-Qaeda emir in Radwaniyah. The alleged Sunni extremist commander is believed responsible for conducting attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces southwest of Baghdad.  Another suspected extremist was also detained. Both individuals are currently being held for questioning and further investigation.

 

15 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists, including two alleged high-level operatives, during raids along the Tigris River Valley targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network Tuesday. Coalition Forces targeted and captured an individual north of Tikrit believed to be involved in terrorist activities in Salah ad Din province.  Intelligence reports indicate the suspect is tied to al-Qaeda, and he controls sensitive operational documents and media for the terrorist group.  The ground forces detained two additional suspected terrorists during the raid. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured a high-level member of a terrorist group whose leader was detained during a Coalition operation Aug. 4.  The group is linked with al-Qaeda in Iraq and is known for placing improvised explosive devices. Coalition Forces raided six buildings in Bayji targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader there who allegedly oversees hundreds of terrorist fighters.  On scene, the ground forces found a suitcase filled with Iraqi dinar and detained seven suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the targeted individual. In Baghdad, Coalition Forces targeted a cell leader in the city’s vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network who is also believed to be involved in an April police station bombing.  During the raid, the ground forces detained four suspected terrorists.

 

IA find night vision goggles, detain two during Operation Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers joined U.S. Soldiers from Task Force Steel in a joint operation dubbed Algeria III in support of Operation Marne Avalanche Aug. 4 in the Chaka III region of North Babil, to secure the area from insurgent activity. Soldiers from 8th Iraqi Army Division and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, moved from house to house searching for any presence of insurgent activity or violations of the rule of law set forth by the Iraqi government. This Iraqi-led operation yielded one pair of night vision goggles, three detainees and five AK-47 assault rifles with ammunition.

 

Rogue JAM company commander detained during Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers captured a suspected rogue Jaish Al Mahdi (JAM) militia company commander wanted for a string of attacks using explosively formed projectiles, murder and intimidation against citizens in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 5. Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted an early morning raid in Musiyyib to capture the suspected cell leader. They also detained five suspected members of his ring.  During Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th BCT (Abn.) have killed 16 insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, and captured more than 110 suspected insurgents, including eight cell leaders and other high value individuals.

 

Suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist captured during Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Paratroopers captured a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist wanted for a string of attacks against the security forces and citizens in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 5. The Iraqi Army, police and Paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted an early morning raid in Snadeej near Jurf As Sukhr to capture the suspected insurgent. Thanks to joint operations like this one, the Jurf As Sukhr area is on the road to security and stability, Moltz said The JSS isn’t the only key to success in the area. According to the soldiers and Paratroopers who work in the region, citizens are a big factor in their success. During Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th Brigade have killed 16 insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, captured more than 110 insurgents including eight cell leaders and other high value individuals.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marne Avalanche, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Middle East

The Fully Automatic Assault Rock

You can only get it here.

 

Technorati tags: Weapons, Assault, Rock, Firearms, Ebay

Happy Birthday To Tater!

Today is her 1st birthday. No, that's not her real name. I call her Tater because of the shape of her head when she was born.

I am in the process of making her present. It should look something like this when I'm done:

I will be making some modifications. I don't like the "horn" coming out of the head so I'm eliminating that and adding two ears. I'm not sure if the seat is going to be wide enough, I may have to change that. I still haven't decided whether I like that tail or not. I may go with something more realistic that hangs down.

If I'm not too embarrassed at the outcome, I will post the finished product.

I Now Introduce..."The Barf-Beam"

The newest in non-lethal weapons.

It looks like a big flashlight — but it's really a nonlethal weapon designed to make you sick. Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc., of Torrance, Calif., has been granted a contract by the Department of Homeland Security to develop what it calls the "LED Incapacitator," according to a DHS online newsletter. The handheld device using light-emitting diodes to emit super-bright pulses of light at rapidly changing wavelengths, causing disorientation, nausea and even vomiting in whomever it's pointed at. "There's one wavelength that gets everybody," says IOS President Bob Lieberman. "Vlad [IOS top scientist Vladimir Rubtsov] calls it 'the evil color.'"

 

Technorati tags: Homeland Security, Nonlethal Weapon, Barf-Beam

John Edwards Embarrassed At Union Strike

The Silky Pony went to a Teamsters strike to support them, in return, receives a large "Hillary for President" sign unfurled before him.

John Edwards, speaking yesterday at a rally in support of striking Teamsters members here, encountered an unexpected protest of his own. As Edwards praised the workers for their courage -- they have been on strike since last October -- the owner of the Standard Ready Mix cement plant unrolled a 10-foot-long "Hillary For President" banner in front of a truck next to the rally. "Cute, that's cute," Edwards said, pausing for a moment as he watched the huge blue and white banner unfurl in support of his rival. It was the first stop for Edwards as he kicked off a two-day Iowa trip that focuses on trade and economic policies. Today he is delivering a major address in Cedar Rapids outlining what he bills as a smart and safe trade policy that grows the economy for all working families while protecting labor and environmental standards.

 

Technorati tags: John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Teamsters, Silky Pony, Presidential Candidate, Democrat, Liberal, Politics

20 Taliban Go To Meet Allah

You gotta give them credit though, they tried to take our military head-on.

A group of 75 Taliban militants tried to overrun a U.S.-led coalition base in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a rare frontal attack that left more than 20 militants dead, the coalition said in a statement. The insurgents attacked Firebase Anaconda from three sides, using gunfire, grenades and 107 mm rockets, the coalition said. A joint Afghan-U.S. force repelled the attack with mortars, machine guns and air support. "Almost two dozen insurgents were confirmed killed in the attack," the statement said. Two girls and two Afghan soldiers were wounded during the fight in Uruzgan province, it said. A firebase like Anaconda is usually a remote outpost staffed by as few as several dozen soldiers. "The inability of the insurgent forces to inflict any severe damage on Firebase Anaconda, while being simultaneously decimated in the process, should be a clear indication of the ineffectiveness of their fighters," said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a coalition spokeswoman.

 

Technorati tags: Afghanistan, War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrrorists, Insurgents, Taliban, Middle East

The Ultimate Global Warming Challenge

Think you can prove the Goreacle right? Do you want to win $100,000 for doing so?

JunkScience.com is offering $100,000 to anyone who can prove humans are causing "global warming".

CHALLENGE: $100,000 will be awarded to the first person to prove, in a scientific manner, that humans are causing harmful global warming. The winning entry will specifically reject both of the following two hypotheses: UGWC Hypothesis 1 Manmade emissions of greenhouse gases do not discernibly, significantly and predictably cause increases in global surface and tropospheric temperatures along with associated stratospheric cooling. UGWC Hypothesis 2 The benefits equal or exceed the costs of any increases in global temperature caused by manmade greenhouse gas emissions between the present time and the year 2100, when all global social, economic and environmental effects are considered.

Good Luck to all the mad scientists out there.

 

Technorati tags: Global Warming, Al Gore, Algore, Goreacle, Climate Change

Good News From The War On Terror 8/6

Adhamiyah residents oust terrorists from mosque, help uncover weapons cache

BAGHDAD — Fed-up with violent and indiscriminate terror tactics, a group of more than 80 residents of the Adhamiyah District on the east side of the Iraqi capital banded together to oust suspected terrorists from a local mosque Aug. 5. The uprising led to a string of events over the next 12 hours that ultimately resulted in the arrest of 44 suspected terrorists and the capture of three weapons caches. The initial take-over of the Abu Hanifa Mosque occurred at approximately 2 p.m., apparently triggered by news that terrorists had murdered two relatives of a prominent local sheik. As the news spread, angry residents joined the sheik to storm the mosque, long-believed to be a sanctuary for terrorists operating in the area, and ousted the suspected terrorists inside from the building. Iraqi Army troops from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Infantry Division responded quickly to control the situation and secure the area around the mosque. Residents led them to several individuals among those ousted from the mosque, who were suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. Thirteen suspects were eventually detained. After order was restored, the Iraqi Army received a tip about a weapons cache hidden in the vicinity of the mosque. At approximately 7 p.m., Iraqi forces returned to the Abu Hanifa Mosque and uncovered a massive illegal weapons cache in an outside courtyard. The cache contained several already-assembled improvised explosive devices, dynamite, mortars, rockets, landmines, bomb-making materials and various weapons. Shortly after midnight, acting on information volunteered by Adhamiyah residents, Iraqi forces and Coalition Forces from the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, mounted a combined cordon and search operation of the Al Assaf Mosque in the nearby Maghrib neighborhood. The mosque was entered and cleared by the Iraqi Soldiers, who took three suspects into custody. Immediately afterwards, Iraqi and U.S. forces returned to the Abu Hanifa Mosque area to investigate reports of additional weapons caches. Iraqi soldiers again entered the building to search the mosque compound and the cemetery behind it. They discovered two more weapons caches, which contained two IEDs, 16 mortars, two hand grenades, a sniper rifle, remote detonation devices, radios and more than a dozen weapons. Twenty-eight suspects were taken into custody.

 

F-16 Fighting Falcons eliminate rogue JAM extremists attempting an attack on Coalition Forces

BAGHDAD – Two F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a rocket site being used by suspected Shi’a extremists linked to Jaysh al-Mahdi to target Coalition Forces Aug. 4 in the outskirts of Diwaniyah. According to preliminary reports, more than three members of the extremist group at the site were killed in the bombing. The aircraft also destroyed a tractor-trailer used in the attempted rocket attack against the nearby military installation. A local citizen called in the tip to U.S. Special Forces to report the impending attack.  Upon confirmation of the rocket site, close air support was used to eliminate the threat.

 

8 more insurgents detained in Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo captured eight suspected al-Qaeda insurgents believed to be responsible for attacks against citizens and security forces in North Babil, during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 4 northwest of Iskandariyah. Paratroopers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted an early morning air assault and raid after receiving reports pinpointing the suspects’ hideout. One of the suspects was listed as a high value target on the brigade’s most wanted list.  All are being held for questioning. In addition to the eight detainees, pressure wire and other components used to construct improvised explosive devices were also found and were taken for use in the investigation. In numerous precision raids during the first 10 days of Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Abn.) have killed seven insurgents and captured more than 80 others including seven cell leaders and other individuals identified as high value targets.

 

MND-B Apache crews kill four armed insurgents

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Apache helicopter crews killed four armed insurgents at approximately 1 a.m. Aug. 5 in northwest Baghdad. The air weapons team of two Apaches from the 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, was providing area security for 1st Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Infantry Regiment, when the unit came under small arms fire. The “Guns” Apaches saw five insurgents with weapons maneuvering through alleyways. After being cleared by the ground unit, the Apache crews engaged the insurgents, killing four and wounding one.

 

Local resident brings large cache to Soldiers

PATROL BASE INCHON, Iraq — An Iraqi man came to Patrol Base Inchon, Iraq, Aug. 5 with a truckload of explosives he found in a cache. Soldiers of Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., helped the man unload the cache contents from his pickup truck into an unexploded ordnance pit near the patrol base. The load consisted of two 155mm rounds and one 120mm round, two plastic pipes filled with homemade explosive, plastic gloves, 200 meters of command wire, 150 rounds of 14.5mm ammunition for a heavy machine gun, a 14.5mm machine-gun barrel, and 60 crush bar-type triggers for improvised explosive devices.

 

11 terrorists killed, 10 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed 11 terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations in the Tigris River Valley targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Monday. East of Balad, Coalition Forces conducted a raid targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir responsible for carrying out attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in Salah ad Din province.  Immediately upon their arrival at the targeted location, the ground forces received heavy small arms fire.  In self-defense, Coalition Forces called in close air support and confirmed seven armed terrorists were killed during the air engagement.  Coalition Forces proceeded to secure the target building and detained two suspected terrorists. Coalition Forces targeted a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad during a raid northwest of Tarmiyah.  As they approached the building, armed terrorists engaged them with small arms fire.  Coalition Forces, acting in self-defense, returned fire and killed three terrorists. The ground forces secured the building and detained four suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the senior leader, whose network is known for deadly car bombings and attacks on Iraqi infrastructure. Near the town of Khaylaniyah northeast of Baghdad, Coalition Forces conducted coordinated raids targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist network.  As the ground forces moved toward their first objective, surveillance teams saw an armed man maneuvering toward a nearby canal.  Coalition Forces called close air support to engage the perceived hostile threat.  The terrorist was killed and Coalition Forces found him with a heavy machine gun. The ground forces also discovered a weapons cache containing rocket-propelled grenades and a launcher, dynamite and an anti-tank mine.  Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists during the operation. In a raid east of Samarra, Coalition Forces detained one individual associated with a suspected senior foreign terrorist who is believed to support suicide bombing operations in the Samarra area.

 

Two terrorists killed, weapons cache destroyed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained one suspected terrorist and destroyed a cache of bomb-making materials during an operation Aug. 4-5 in Diyala province. Ground forces had set up a security perimeter for their operation near Kahylaniyah when a vehicle sped toward them and stopped.  Two men armed with AK-47s got out of the vehicle and attempted to fire on the ground forces.  Coalition Forces, reacting in self-defense, engaged the armed men, killing them.  During a patrol in the area, Coalition Forces discovered a house containing bomb-making materials and military-style equipment, including camouflage uniforms, binoculars and assault vests.  In addition to mortar rounds, a drum of homemade explosives, wires and blasting caps, the ground forces found one fully assembled improvised explosive device.  Coalition Forces cleared civilians from the area and military explosives experts conducted a controlled detonation of the house, which had several secondary explosions as the volatile weapons and materials ignited. A Coalition Forces element stopped at a patrol base during the operation received small arms fire from a nearby palm grove.  The ground forces, responding appropriately to drive out the hostile threat, returned fire with mortar rounds and suppressed the incoming fire. Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist during the operation for his alleged ties to the local al-Qaeda in Iraq network.

 

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

Muslim American Society Plans Protest Against "The War"

They are teaming up with A.N.S.W.E.R. on Sept. 15th to protest the war/counter-protest the Gathering of Eagles which will be there the same day. The MAS is nothing more than another front group for extremists.

From The Weekly Standard:

THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD is an international Islamist group that largely operates underground and behind the scenes, with branches in about 70 countries. The Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, an Egyptian schoolteacher who--in the wake of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and abolition of the caliphate--bemoaned the sickness of the Ummah, or larger Muslim community. The Brotherhood's response to this perceived sickness was to emphasize doctrinally that Islam encompasses all the affairs of man. As al-Banna wrote, "Islam is faith and worship, a country and a citizenship, a religion and a state. It is spirituality and hard work. It is a Qur'an and a sword." The group also emphasizes that Islam is a universal faith. As al-Banna put it, Islam "has encompassed all aspects of human life, for all peoples and nations, and for all times and ages." Because the Brotherhood views Islam as all-encompassing and universal, one of its highest goals is to spread Islamic law. The Chicago Tribune explains that the controversial "ultimate goal" of the U.S. Brotherhood is "to create Muslim states overseas and, they hope, someday in America as well." Brotherhood members did emphasize to the Tribune that they operate within the laws of the countries where they live: They stress that they do not believe in overthrowing the U.S. government, but rather that they want as many people as possible to convert to Islam so that one day--perhaps generations from now--a majority of Americans will support a society governed by Islamic law. Despite these pronouncements, the Muslim Brotherhood has not always been known for non-violence. The "Qur'an and a sword" outlook trumpeted by al-Banna is, for example, evident in the organization's militant motto: "Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. Qur'an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope." Consistent with this motto, Muslim Brotherhood members have been involved in such episodes as the assassination of Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmud Fahmi Nokrashi and the attempted assassination of Gamal Abdel Nasser. [...] THIS BRINGS US to MAS, which was incorporated in Illinois in 1993 and today has 53 chapters nationwide and about 10,000 members. According to the Chicago Tribune, a contentious debate among Brotherhood members preceded MAS's incorporation, and the Muslim American Society is now the name under which the U.S. Brotherhood operates. While MAS leaders admit that their organization was founded by the Muslim Brotherhood, they claim that the two are now completely distinct.

Our constitution is a Islamic extremist's best ally. They have all the freedoms to preach their hate without repercussions.

 

Technorati tags: Gathering of Eagles, A.N.S.W.E.R., Muslim Brotherhood, Muslim American Society, MAS, Islamic Extremists, Islamofascists

Good News From The War On Terror 8/5

Golden Mosque bombing mastermind killed in Coalition operation

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces positively identified a terrorist killed during an operation Aug. 2 east of Samarra. Coalition Forces killed Haythem Sabah Shaker Mahmud al-Badri, also known as Haythem Sabah al-Badri, during an operation east of Samarra targeting him and a network facilitating the movement of foreign fighters in Iraq.  Al-Badri was the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Greater Samarra and the terrorist responsible for planning the Golden Mosque bombing in Samarra June 13, 2007. During the operation, Coalition Forces raided a series of four buildings associated with al-Badri.  Approximately four armed men moved from the targeted buildings into outdoor tactical fighting positions in what was assessed by the ground forces to be an ambush on approaching Coalition Forces.  Responding appropriately to the hostile threat, Coalition Forces called in close air support.  Al-Badri, along with three other terrorists,  was killed by the air strike.  One of the other terrorists was assessed to be a foreigner.  Ground forces also found weapons on site and detained seven other suspected terrorists. Al-Badri was positively identified by close associates and family members. Al-Badri was the mastermind behind the first bombing on Samarra’s Golden Mosque in February 2006, as well as the second bombing Jun. 13 of this year.  Intelligence reports indicate he had a working relationship with al-Qaeda in Iraq and was considered an operational planner and emir in the Samarra area. Reports also indicate Al-Badri was involved in the Kirkuk courthouse bombing Jun. 23, 2006, that killed 20 Iraqis and wounded more than 100, and a suicide bombing attack on an Iraqi Army checkpoint in Samarra that killed 29 and wounded more than 100 Iraqi soldiers and civilians. Al-Badri operated a terrorist network in Samarra responsible for improvised explosive device  and vehicle-borne IED attacks, sometimes acting as the triggerman.  He was known to target Coalition Forces and Iraqi civilians who work with the Coalition, as well as a rival tribe and politicians from that tribe. Al-Badri helped move foreign terrorists around Iraq for terrorist activities, and received logistic support, including money, cars and suicide bombers from al-Qaeda associates outside Iraq.

 

Iraqi Army, Special Operations Forces capture beheading, torture cell leader

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army Forces, and U.S. Special Operations Forces captured a suspected senior member of an al Qaeda in Iraq beheading and torture cell during a helicopter assault raid, Aug 4. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers detained their primary suspect and four additional persons of interest without incident at a residence in the vicinity of Karmah, located northeast of Fallujah.  Two assault rifles, numerous rounds of ammunition, cassette tapes, propaganda materials and photos were also seized during the operation. The primary suspect is second in command of an al Qaeda cell in Karmah.  He is purportedly responsible for approximately 40 executions where he personally kidnapped, tortured, killed and beheaded individuals or gave orders for others to do so.  He and his cell are also alleged to have facilitated foreign fighters, smuggled large weapons caches into Iraq, and planned attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and facilities.

 

Four terrorists killed, seven detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists and detained seven suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Sunday. As Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to be the terrorist emir of a small town east of Balad, surveillance teams observed a group of men enter a nearby mosque.  Coalition Forces began their operation, and the surveillance teams saw two enemy elements of two armed men exit the mosque and maneuver into tactical positions against the assault force.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged each of the enemy elements, killing one armed man from each.  The ground forces continued their operation, which was not associated with the mosque, and detained two suspected terrorists.  East of Samarra, Coalition Forces observed five armed men emplacing improvised explosive devices on the road.  Coalition Forces followed the men to a nearby building associated with a Moroccan extremist believed to facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists in Iraq.  Coalition Forces observed three armed men outside the building after the IED emplacers entered.  Responding appropriately to a group of armed enemy fighters, Coalition Forces called in close air support, which engaged the armed men in the yard of the building, killing two of them.  A boy was also injured when a ricochet struck his foot.  Coalition Forces medics treated the boy on site and transported him to a military medical facility for further treatment. Coalition Forces on the ground approached the targeted building and secured the area before detaining four suspected terrorists for participating in the placement of IEDs and their ties to the foreign terrorist facilitator. North of Fallujah, Coalition Forces targeted and captured an individual with alleged ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Diyala Province.  Intelligence reports indicate the suspect is also connected to other high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces Detain Suspected Insurgents in Karabilah

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Forces and U.S. Special Forces conducted a series of raids Aug. 3, detaining three suspected members of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell believed responsible for facilitating Iraqi insurgents and foreign fighters with weapons in the Al Qaim area. With U.S. Special Forces present as advisers, Iraqi soldiers detained the three suspects without incident in the vicinity of Karabilah, located on the Euphrates River east of Al Qaim. Various documents, identification cards and passports were also seized during the operation.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Operations Forces, detain suspected insurgents near Taji

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a series of raids Aug. 3, detaining two suspected insurgents believed to be members of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell operating in and around the Taji area. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers detained the two suspects without incident at a targeted residence northwest of Taji. Four assault rifles, numerous rounds of ammunition and multiple identification cards were also seized during the operation. The detained individuals are suspected members of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell believed to be responsible for planning improvised explosive device attacks, smuggling weapons and facilitating foreign fighters in and around the Taji, Karma, Nasser Wa Salaam and Dra Dijla areas.

 

MND-B Apache crews destroy rockets

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Apache helicopter crews destroyed three enemy rockets and damaged five more at approximately 1 a.m. Aug. 4 southeast of Baghdad. The aircrews from the 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, responded to a request for support from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The ground unit had positively identified eight enemy rocket systems, set to launch by a timing mechanism. Cleared by ground forces to engage the target, the air crews fired on the rockets, destroying three and damaging the other five. The ground unit’s EOD team later conducted a controlled detonation of the damaged rockets.

 

Rashid clearing continues: multiple caches uncovered by MND-B Soldiers

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers uncovered five weapons caches as clearing operations in Rashid District continued Aug. 3-4. While searching an area with metal detectors, at approximately 10 a.m. Aug. 4, troops of Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, attached to Task Force Black Lion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, found four rockets, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two RPG rounds and a 60mm mortar tube.  The cache was destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal unit. Elsewhere, “Black Lions” from Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment found three 10mm rockets with wires attached, three cases of American-made .50-caliber rounds and a large quantity of mortar rounds of various sizes. Earlier that morning, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, searched a house believed to be connected to an explosively-formed penetrator cell and found two sets of body armor and a ballistic helmet, as well as 19 cans of large caliber ammunition. Also that day, Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, found five 120mm mortar rounds still in their original packaging. Two more caches were uncovered on Aug. 3.  The first munitions cache was found by Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, as they searched an abandoned farm in east Rashid.  An EOD team was called in to destroy the 50 .50-cal. rounds, three RPGs, a machine gun barrel, 100 7.62mm rounds, one high-explosive anti-tank grenade and 15 mortar fuse caps. Later that day, Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, found seven sticks of explosives, seven blasting caps, an assault rifle and 13 full AK-47 magazines. The explosives were taken to a Coalition Forces base for disposal.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Three, Disrupt Samarra al-Qaeda Cell

BAGHDAD – AJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces conducted an early-morning raid Aug. 3 detaining two people believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks in the Samarra area. With U.S. Special Forces as advisers, the primary target was detained without incident. He is believed to be the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir in Samarra, One other individual present during the raid was also detained. Iraqi Security Forces raided multiple targets in the surprise attack against the suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell. Iraqi Security Forces also recovered five anti-armor IED Canisters, five remote firing devices, batteries, metal machining bits, various IED manufacturing materials; two cell phones, five AK-47 assault rifle magazines, fake identification cards and pictures were also confiscated.

 

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

Middle Eastern Men + Pipe Bombs + Navy Base = A Good Reason

No link to terrorism found yet? I don't know about most people who are not mooselimbs, but I haven't had a good reason to carry pipe bombs around, in my car, near a Navy base, where foreign terrorists are held. But I've been called weird before.

Authorities say two Middle Eastern men arrested near a Navy base had several pipe bombs in their car. Authorities say 24-year-old Ahmed Abda Sherf Mohamed and 21-year-old Yousef Samir Megahed were charged Monday with possession of an incendiary device. An FBI spokeswoman says a joint state-federal investigation is under way to see if there was any terrorism connection but no link had been found yet. The Navy base is the site of a brig where enemy combatants have been held. According to an affidavit with his arrest warrant, Mohamed admitted he made the pipe bombs from items he bought at Wal-Mart. Defense attorney Dennis Rhoad says Mohamed and Megahed have a reason for having the devices, but he declined to comment further during their bond hearing. Both are students at the University of South Florida.

 

Technorati tags: Pipe Bombs, Navy Base, Middle Eastern Men, Terrorists

Fire Crew Bosses Lose Job Because They Don't Speak Spanish

So much for the "melting pot". It's amazing that Americans lose their jobs because they don't speak a foreign language.

With 24 major wildfires burning across the southwestern United States, fire officials need every firefighter they can get. They've done that in Oregon, but it's created another problem. Officials are now having to lay off some of the bosses who manage those firefighting crews because the bosses are not bilingual. Many of the newer hires in Oregon only speak Spanish. "What we do know is 85 percent of the crew makeup is of Hispanic descent," said Jim Walker, with the Oregon Department of Forestry. The state said all bosses must speak the same language of their crew on the fire lines for safety reasons. They want to make sure that the leader of the crews can quickly communicate during an emergency if the fire turns or if there is another problem on the fire lines. "Our main concern is that they are safe, and they are in a safe environment, and a lot of that deals with communication," Walker said. Because of the state's language requirement, Jaime Pickering can no longer work as a crew boss and supervise 20 firefighters. He can only manage a squad of four firefighters. "If you have one Spanish guy on the crew, as an English crew boss, you can no longer be a crew boss. You have to step back to a squad boss, which is a demotion," Pickering said.

Good News From The War On Terror 8/3-4

Coalition Forces detain 17 suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 17 suspected terrorists during raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operations in the Tigris River Valley Friday. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an alleged terrorist cell leader and four suspected associates.  The targeted individual is believed to be involved in sniper and suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. During a precision raid in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq operative allegedly involved in weapons trafficking and supplying terrorist groups with IED materials.  One other suspected terrorist was detained during the operation. Coalition Forces raided four buildings during coordinated operations in Bayji targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leaders there.  The ground forces detained six suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to a sniper team leader and terrorist cell known to attack Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces continued to target al-Qaeda in Iraq operations in Tarmiyah with an operation focused on terrorist senior leaders.  The ground forces detained four individuals with suspected ties to an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir responsible for administering Shari’a law in the northern belt around Baghdad.

Coalition Forces Kill Four Suspected Secret Cell Terrorists, Detain Eighteen

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces conducted a raid to capture or kill suspected Special Groups Cell operatives in Qasirin before dawn on Saturday. The Special Groups operatives are suspected of coordinating logistical support from Iran for rogue Jaysh al Mahdi elements and Special Groups operating in Iraq. The captured Special Groups operatives are also believed to have been involved in improvised explosive device attacks and explosively formed penetrator attacks against Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces conducted a complex, multi-faceted operation, killing four armed terrorists when they began to maneuver against ground troops.  During the engagement, Coalition Forces employed a fixed-wing close air support aircraft to destroy a weapons cache. Coalition Forces also destroyed six cars that were being used by the suspected terrorists.  There were no Coalition Forces casualties during the operation.

 

Coalition raids nab 33 suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 33 suspected terrorists during operations Saturday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its associates in Kirkuk and the Tigris River Valley. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured the alleged leader of a terrorist group responsible for placing improvised explosive devices.  The ground forces detained a second individual for his ties to the group, which is linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq. During a raid on several buildings west of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces detained 20 suspected terrorists for their association with the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad.  Intelligence reports indicate the terrorist leader’s network is responsible for extortion, kidnappings, training female suicide bombers and vehicle-borne IED attacks using chlorine.  One of the detainees led Coalition Forces to a nearby cache of IED and bomb-making materials, which an explosives team safely destroyed. Coalition Forces conducted coordinated raids in Baghdad and Tarmiyah targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir believed to administer Shari’a law in the northern belts around Baghdad.  The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operation. In Bayji, Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid targeting a sniper cell leader associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir in the area.  The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists associated with the alleged leader, who reportedly oversees 35 snipers. Iraqi and Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq media emir believed to operate a media cell in Kirkuk.  Three individuals were detained for their alleged association with the media cell.  Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained two people during a nearby operation targeting an IED cell member believed to be part of the terrorist group responsible for the Jul. 16 vehicle-borne IED attacks in Kirkuk.

 

Air assault south of Baqouba destroys four VBIEDs

BAQOUBA, Iraq -- Soldiers attached to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, located and destroyed four vehicles to be used as vehicle-borne improvised explosives devices during an air assault operation south of Baqouba, Iraq, that began August 1. Soldiers from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion located two vehicles laden with explosives while searching the area August 2. Later that afternoon, Soldiers found two vehicles that had wires and trigger mechanisms installed but had not yet been loaded with explosives. The purpose of the two-day air assault, called Operation Wickersham, was to clear an area used by al-Qaeda in Iraq to launch mortars into Baqouba. Soldiers from 1-12 CAB also located and destroyed seven IEDs and 12 caches containing weapons and IED-making material.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces capture six in Mosul

TAJI – Iraqi Security forces detained six suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives during an early-morning raid in eastern Mosul August 1. Three of the detainees are believed to be responsible for small-arms fire, improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne IED attacks against U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces. With U.S. Special Forces as advisors more than 200 security forces simultaneously raided multiple targets in the surprise attack against the suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leaders. In addition to the detainees, the following items were seized: an AK-47 assault rifle, three AK-47 magazines, 31 cell phones, passports, film, passport photos, multiple forged Iraqi National Identification cards, a computer, miscellaneous photos and documents, IED initiation systems and multiple electronic schematics.

 

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