Good News From The War On Terror 8/23

Operation Lightning Hammer disrupts al-Qaeda in Diyala

DIYALA, Iraq – Operation Lightning Hammer concluded Aug. 22 after a 12-day, large-scale operation to disrupt al-Qaeda and other terrorist elements in the Diyala River Valley, a complex area of villages and palm groves in Iraq’s Diyala province. The operation, which involved approximately 16,000 Iraqi and Coalition Forces clearing approximately 50 villages, was a key element in Multinational Corps-Iraq’s overall operation, Phantom Strike; and resulted in 26 al-Qaeda members killed, 37 suspected terrorists detained and the discovery of 10 weapons caches. Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, partnered with members of the 5th Iraqi Army Division, initiated the operation with a late-night air assault into targeted locations Aug. 13, and conducted an additional three air-assaults during the course of the operation. Residents of most villages welcomed the security forces, providing tips and intelligence about recent activities in their towns; and were interested in joining the Iraqi Security Forces. Following clearing operations, the Iraqi army provided medical assistance and humanitarian aid to the local citizens, many of whom said their villages were recently influenced by al-Qaeda. More importantly, more than 80 tribal leaders and representatives, some of whom had not spoken in over a year, met Aug. 19 to discuss their grievances and swore on the Quran to unite in their fight against terrorists and become one tribe of Diyala. Throughout the operation, the Task Force Lightning Soldiers also discovered 22 improvised explosive devices, 11 of which were discovered based on tips from a police chief in the river valley; and reduced three house-borne IEDs and six vehicle-borne IEDs, all of which could have been used to harm a large portion of the population or security forces. Additionally, an al-Qaeda command post was discovered in the village of Shadia, and an al-Qaeda medical clinic was located in Qaryat Sunayjiyah. The command post, which was surrounded by fighting positions, contained bed space for 20 individuals, supply requests, records of munitions, a list of families supporting the element, a list of al-Qaeda members detained by Coalition Forces and other terrorist propaganda. The results of Lightning Hammer cleared the Diyala River Valley of al-Qaeda and allowed Iraqi and Coalition Forces to maintain a permanent presence in Mukeisha, a village in the heart of the river valley area.

 

One terrorist killed, 10 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons and leadership networks. During an operation north of Baqubah, Coalition Forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader and two other suspected terrorists.  Intelligence reports indicate the cell leader was a terrorist weapons facilitator and has been watching a Coalition Forces base, possibly to plan an attack.  During the operation, the ground forces observed a man maneuvering around them and passing information about the assault force to additional enemy elements.  Coalition Forces, responding to the threat against the force, engaged the man, killing him. Coalition Forces captured two targeted individuals and detained two other suspected terrorists during coordinated raids in Bayji.  One of the suspects is an alleged safe house operator and meeting coordinator for senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Another suspect is believed to be second-in-command to the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Bayji, who is linked to several attacks against Coalition Forces. In Mosul, Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid looking for an al-Qaeda in Iraq improvised explosive device facilitator, who is believed to receive, store and assemble IEDs at his home.  The ground forces detained one suspected terrorist.  Coalition Forces also detained one suspected terrorist during a raid on a farm complex north of Muqdadiyah targeting members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq anti-aircraft cell.

 

MND-B Apache crews destroy rocket tubes

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed several possible rocket tubes oriented toward a forward operating base north of Baghdad Aug. 21. While conducting reconnaissance, UH-60 Black Hawk crews from 2nd “Lobo” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, alerted Apache crews from 1st “Attack” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, that they had spotted more than a dozen enemy rocket tubes. When the Apache crews arrived at the site of the rocket tubes at about 4 p.m., they saw that about 10 to 15 tubes oriented toward a Coalition Forces forward operating base.  They sought clearance from the ground unit, from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, to engage the weapons systems and were cleared to fire. The aircrews destroyed more than half of the launchers before expending their ammunition and leaving the area to rearm. Apache crews from 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB, and a team of U.S. Air Force A-10s arrived on station. The Apache crews from 4-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion fired on the rocket tubes destroying them.

 

11 detained in Rashid, including 9 Iraqi Policemen

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers detained nine Iraqi Policemen Aug. 21 as clearing operations in the Rashid District continued, Troops from Company C, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, detained the policemen, suspected to be involved in an improvised explosive device attack near their checkpoint. The detainees are being held for further questioning. Earlier that day, numerous sworn statements led Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4IBCT, to apprehend two men suspected of involvement in anti-Iraqi activities. The two men allegedly financed Al Qaeda actions in the area and trained youths in creating and placing IEDs. The two alleged terrorists are being held for questioning.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorist, Insurgent, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Mahdi, Middle East

Hillary Assaulted By Roe v. Wade Survivor

This photo was taken seconds before the vicious blow.

 

 

 

Technorati tags: Hillary Clinton, Baby, Assault, Roe v. Wade, Politics, Democrat, Liberal

Good News From The War On Terror 8/22

Coalition Forces strike al-Qaeda in Iraq; one terrorist killed, 24 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 24 suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq Tuesday and Wednesday targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and their degrading network. Coalition Forces conducted two precision raids east of Samarra Tuesday targeting a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq and his associates.  Five suspected terrorists were detained in the coordinated operations, one of whom is believed to be the terrorist leader’s close associate. Wednesday, Coalition Forces continued targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq with two more operations in Salah ad Din province.  In a raid south of Tikrit, ground forces captured an individual believed to use his position with Iraqi emergency response teams to assist al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists.  When the assault force arrived at the target area, they observed several armed men moving into positions around them.  Coalition Forces called in close air support to defend against the armed men, and machine gun fire from the aircraft killed one armed man.  Another suspected terrorist was injured in the engagement.  He received medical attention on site and was transported to a military medical facility for further treatment. Several other suspected terrorists surrendered as the ground forces advanced, and eight were detained in the operation. In the other operation in Salah ad Din province, intelligence reports led Coalition Forces to Bayji, where an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir was allegedly seeking refuge because of pressure from Coalition operations.  The ground forces detained four individuals for their suspected ties to the emir and other al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. During a raid in Baghdad Wednesday, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be a close associate and bodyguard of an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir.  The suspected associate identified himself to Coalition Forces on the scene as the targeted individual, and four additional suspected terrorists were detained. Coalition Forces conducted an operation in Anbar province Wednesday to further decimate the al-Qaeda in Iraq media network.  During the operation, Coalition Forces captured the cell’s alleged leader and one other suspected terrorist.

 

Dragons find car bomb, three caches

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers found a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and three caches in southwestern Baghdad Aug. 20. Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th “Dragons” Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, responded to a tip and found a car bomb in the Doura area. While cordoning the off the area, the vehicle exploded. There were no casualties. Earlier in the day, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment “Black Lions,” 4th IBCT, discovered a cache consisting of 94 mortar rounds of various sizes, two 107mm rockets, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, four Iranian-made RPGs, an SKS rifle, a Dragonov sniper rifle, four hand-held radios and chargers and an anti-aircraft sight.  An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in to destroy the cache. At another location, the Black Lions found several thousand rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition inside of a car. Later on in the morning, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4IBCT, discovered an AK-47 with two 30 round magazines and one set of Russian-made body armor.

 

Tip leads to insurgent cache site

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered an improvised explosive device cache site in Khadra on the western outskirts of the Iraqi capital Aug. 19. Acting on tips, members of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, raided a home in the neighborhood with assistance from officers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division. The abandoned home contained seven artillery rounds, two mortar rounds, two recoilless rifles, two hand grenades and 15 pounds of homemade explosive material. Scorch marks within the building indicated that an insurgent cell used the site to produce homemade explosives and build improvised explosive devices.  An explosive ordnance disposal team detonated the cache at a separate location.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces capture high-level terrorist in Mosul

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained a high-level terrorist during an intelligence-driven operation in Mosul on Aug. 20. Intelligence indicates the targeted individual is believed to be in charge of security for Mosul-based ISI, an organization established as a front for al-Qaeda in Iraq and uses kidnapping and executions to enforce his security actions. He also reportedly interrogates kidnapping victims for extortion, information collection and executes them. One other suspicious individual was also detained during the operation. The forces also seized a variety of military equipment and documents at the targeted residence.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces raid nets suspected money laundering terrorist

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted an intelligence driven raid, detaining one individual who is suspected of money laundering Aug. 20 in Bayji. During the operation, Iraqi Army Scouts simultaneously raided multiple buildings, detaining their primary target. The suspected terrorist is believed to be responsible for smuggling money in exchange for weapons, explosives and men, which are then used by the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network for attacks against innocent civilians and Coalition Forces. Ledgers, a large sum of Iraqi and U.S. money, money counting machines, a9mm pistol and various ammunition were confiscated for further analysis.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, Insurgent, Terrorist, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Mahdi, Middle East

Muslim's Upset Over FBI Pics Of Suspicious Ferry Passengers

A few days ago, I posted a request by the FBI for information on two Washington State ferry passengers who showed an interest in the layout and mechanics of the ferries. The pictures of those suspicious men would lead one to believe they were middle-eastern. Now, Muslims have their burqas in a bunch over the pictures.

Now the FBI's release of photographs of two men of unknown origin, who the agency says were observed acting suspiciously aboard as many as six different Washington ferry routes in recent weeks, is creating new worries in the community. Muslim- and Arab-American leaders are upset that the FBI didn't consult them — as it has done in other instances — before releasing the photos on the Internet and to news organizations. They worry that the action may fracture the relationship the agency and the community have carefully built. The FBI has stressed that the release of the photos is a rare move, taken only after it had exhausted other efforts to identify the men. The agency also has said the men's actions could be innocuous, but it needs to question them. The photos were snapped by a ferry captain last month after crew members alerted him to suspicious activity. The men seemed inordinately interested in the operation of the vessel, took photographs of the interiors of the boats and went into areas tourists and commuters don't normally go, the FBI has said. The agency has received many tips but has not yet found the men. Dozens of Muslims and Arabs have complained to community leaders about the photographs. The fallout has led to a meeting planned today between Muslim- and Arab-American community leaders and law-enforcement officials. "We need to get some type of apology from them and figure out how to get back to where we were," said Rita Zawaideh, head of the Arab-American Community Coalition.

Terrorists are usually Middle-Eastern Muslim men between the ages of 18 and 30. Until that changes, those are people we should look out for. If the Muslim community is so concerned about being profiled, they should ditch the terrorist handbook also known as the Quran and live like human beings.

 

Technorati tags: Terrorists, Muslim, Arab, Washington, Middle East, FBI, Ferries

Iraqi Man Sacrifices Life To Stop Suicide Bomber

MNF-I

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – An Iraqi man saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians when he intercepted a suicide bomber during a Concerned Citizens meeting in the town of al-Arafia Aug. 18. The incident occurred while Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were talking with members of the al-Arafia Concerned Citizens, a volunteer community group, at a member’s house. “I was about 12 feet away when the bomber came around the corner,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Kane, of Los Altos, Calif., acting platoon sergeant of Troop B, 3-1 Cav.  “I was about to engage when he jumped in front of us and intercepted the bomber as he ran toward us. As he pushed him away, the bomb went off.” The citizen’s actions saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians. Kane felt the loss personally because he had met and interacted with his rescuer many times before the incident. “He was high-spirited and really believed what the group (Concerned Citizens) was doing,” Kane said. “I have no doubt the bomber was trying to kill American Soldiers. It was very calculated the way the bomber tried to do it. If he hadn’t intercepted him, there is no telling how bad it could have been.” Kane believes the citizen is a hero. “He could have run behind us or away from us, but he made the decision to sacrifice himself to protect everyone. Having talked with his father, I was told that even if he would have known the outcome before hand, he wouldn’t have acted differently.” Capt. Brian Gilbert, of Boise, Idaho, the commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3-1 Cavalry, echoed Kane’s sentiment. “I spoke with the father,” Gilbert said. “He said he has no remorse in his son’s death because he died saving American Soldiers.” Later that night, the Concerned Citizens group contacted the local National Police director, Lt. Col. Samir, with the location of the al-Qaeda cell believed to be responsible for the attack. The National Police immediately conducted a raid that resulted in four arrests. Despite the citizen’s death, Gilbert is encouraged by the cooperation between citizens and the Iraqi National Police. “The effort of the Concerned Citizens group has made the area much safer,” he said. “They are proud of who they are and their area, and want to get rid of the terrorists in their area.” Gilbert also praised the Iraqi National Police’s role in eliminating insurgents in the area. “The cooperation between them and the Concerned Citizens has been key,” Gilbert said. “The NP has done a great job of responding to the tips they have been given by the group.” Gilbert said he believes the area is improving because of the efforts of local citizens. The death, while unfortunate, demonstrated how close many in the area have become with the American Soldiers operating there. “I consider many in the town friends, and I know they feel the same,” Gilbert said. “This is a tough situation, but we’ll move on and try to prevent things like this from happening again. I’ve talked with his family and told them how brave their son was. This is a huge loss for everyone involved.”

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 8/21

Iraqi tips aid Coalition Forces; operations kill 5 terrorists, detain 11 suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspected terrorists during three operations in central and northern Iraq Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its supporting terror networks. Iraqi civilians west of Baqubah reported that al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives had moved into the area and forced civilians out of their homes.  Coalition Forces moved into the area to conduct an operation targeting a terrorist facilitator believed to operate a safe house for terrorist meetings.  An assault force element moved into the target buildings to secure them, but encountered two armed men inside who drew their weapons.  Coalition Forces engaged and killed the men. Another armed man emerged from a nearby building with a weapon aimed at the assault force.  Coalition Forces responded in self-defense and engaged the armed man, killing him. When surveillance teams observed armed men maneuvering to a small palm grove near the assault force, Coalition Forces attempted to call them out of their fighting positions, but the enemy fighters did not comply.  Coalition Forces responded appropriately to the armed hostile threat and engaged with small arms fire while close air support aircraft engaged the armed men with machine gun fire.  Ground forces assess one terrorist was killed in the engagement.  At the scene, the ground forces discovered improvised explosive devices and safely disarmed them.  Five suspected terrorists were detained. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured a Syrian who allegedly facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists and supports an al-Qaeda in Iraq bomb-manufacturing network.  Receiving small arms fire when they arrived on the objective, the assault force returned fire.  The ground forces assessed one suspected terrorist was wounded, and four suspects were detained for their ties to the bomb-making cell.  Intelligence reports indicate the cell was planning a large-scale attack in the Husaybah area. Using information gained during an operation Jul. 26, Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings south of Kirkuk targeting a close associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.  Upon arrival at the scene, surveillance teams observed one man moving into position against the assault force.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the man, killing him.  The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the terrorist leader.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain two, destroy weapons cache

TAJI – The 4th Iraqi Army, with support from an Iraqi Security Infrastructure Battalion, detained one suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist Aug. 19 in a raid near the Heyshel area of Kirkuk. With U.S. Special Forces as advisers, seven houses were searched for the insurgent who is suspected of conducting vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the Mosul and Kirkuk area.  Additionally, he is suspected of mortar and small arms attacks, sniper attacks, murder, kidnapping, ransom, and intimidation of local citizens, resulting in the deaths of innocent Iraqis in the area. Iraqi forces seized one Dragunov Sniper Rifle with magazines, one rocket propelled grenade launcher with rounds, an AK-47 assault rifle, artillery rounds, a rocket, chest harnesses, and military uniforms. In a second operation, Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained one suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist during an intelligence driven raid in the Al Washira district of Ramana near Al Qaim. During the operation local civilians reported that the targeted individuals fled into a nearby mosque.  U.S. Special Forces provided external security while Iraqi Forces conducted a search of the mosque.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces destroy weapons cache

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, destroyed a weapons cache during an intelligence driven raid Aug. 20 near Diwaniyah. The forces discovered a large cache containing large quantities of explosively formed penetrators and rocket propelled grenades in the targeted building. Using precision aerial fires, the teams destroyed the cache. No civilians were present at the scene and there were no injuries.

 

10 detained after RPG attack from mosque

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Coalition troops responding to reports of weapons being moved into a mosque south of Mahmudiyah were attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade Aug. 18. A local resident called Coalition Forces and reported weapons being unloaded from a vehicle and moved into a mosque. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., investigated the report. As the vehicles came up the road near the mosque, an RPG was fired from the building. It struck the vehicle and caused a small fire which Soldiers quickly extinguished. Another platoon of 2-15 FAR troops arrived and secured the area. A bystander said a group of armed men had fled the mosque in groups of three and dispersed in different directions. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division searched the mosque, finding five possible rocket-launching devices. They also examined nearby buildings. A home near the mosque contained a flak vest and ammunition. Iraqi troops detained 10 people on suspicion of involvement in the incident. As Soldiers of 2-15 FAR returned to Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah, another RPG round was fired at them, but missed. The detained men were taken to the Iraqi Army Compound in Mahmudiyah for further questioning. The mosque was not damaged during the incident.

 

Marne Soldiers coordinate air support, kills 5 insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Task Force Marne Soldiers and aviators joined forces Aug. 18 to kill five insurgents targeting a combat outpost southeast of Baghdad. Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment reported receiving small arms fire at Combat Outpost Cahill from two sides late Saturday night. No Soldiers were injured by the sporadic gunfire. The Soldiers on the ground were able to guide 1st Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade aircraft onto the squad-sized enemy element within minutes of the initial contact. The aircraft engaged and destroyed one truck and one anti-aircraft weapon system. The 1-15th Infantry is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Benning, Ga., and the 1-3 CAB is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

 

Four caches discovered in the Diyala River Valley during Operation Lightning Hammer

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered four weapons caches in Qubbah and Mukeisha villages, in the Diyala River Valley, Iraq, during Operation Lightning Hammer, Aug 18. While conducting a clearance operation in the village of Qubbah, Soldiers discovered two caches consisting of small-arms ammunition and magazines, 20 sticks of dynamite, detonation cord, 78 blasting caps, one pistol, a suicide vest carrier, six DVDs of suicide bombers, land contracts to rent land to members of the Islamic State of Iraq, propaganda encouraging extremists to kill Coalition Forces and a Wahabbist handbook. Two other caches were discovered in the village of Mukeisha, which contained 14 Katusha rockets, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 20-60mm mortar rounds, five 60mm mortar tubes, eight sticks of dynamite, and a DSHKA anti-aircraft weapon system.

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 8/20

Residents capture, turn over 11 suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD — Acting on a tip, Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops took into custody 11 alleged insurgents being held by a neighborhood watch in the Mechaniks area of the Rashid District Aug. 19. Soldiers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4thh Cavalry Regiment “Raiders,” 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, received a tip that the suspected Al Qaeda members were being held for allegedly terrorizing local residents. “Tomahawks,” from 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, attached the 4th IBCT, investigated the site before the Raiders came and took the suspects into custody. Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces have been encouraging neighborhoods to form watch programs to help provide a safe, secure area to help spur economic and infrastructure growth. All detainees were transferred to a Coalition detention facility for further questioning.

 

Cache uncovered in Rashid

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops uncovered a weapons cache during a combat patrol in a southern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Aug. 17. Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, discovered numerous caches just before midnight in Baghdad’s East Rashid District. The caches consisted of eight 57mm mortars, one 155mm round, one rocket-propelled grenade warhead, 25 pounds of homemade explosives and 10 blasting caps. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the munitions at the site.

 

Three terrorists killed, 28 detained in operations against facilitators

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 28 suspects during operations around the country Sunday and Monday to put pressure on terrorists facilitating the movement of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. Coalition Forces captured an alleged member of the Baghdad car bombing network and one of his associates during a precision raid Monday morning in the city.  The targeted individual is also believed to be tied to a suspected terrorist detained during an operation Aug. 16 in Baghdad. Coalition Forces also conducted two operations targeting associates of a Syrian-based terrorist facilitator responsible for bringing hundreds of terrorists into Iraq.  In Baghdad Sunday, local Iraqis reported terrorists were occupying several nearby buildings.  Coalition Forces secured the buildings and found rockets, pressure plates and bomb-making materials.  The ground forces detained 13 suspected terrorists for their association with the terrorist facilitation network and a local al-Qaeda in Iraq media producer. On a related mission Monday, a separate assault force closed in north of Hawija while surveillance teams observed several men moving into tactical positions against the assault force.  Coalition Forces responded to defend against the hostile threat by engaging the men, killing three.  Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist on the scene for his alleged ties to a local al-Qaeda in Iraq leader who works with the Syrian-based facilitator. In Kirkuk Monday, Iraqi and Coalition Forces conducted a raid based on intelligence gained from an operation Jun. 19 in the same area.  The ground forces detained one suspected terrorist for his alleged ties to a weapons transporter for Kirkuk-based al-Qaeda in Iraq cells. Coalition Forces in Mosul continued to target foreign terrorist facilitators associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders during two operations Monday.  Based on information from an operation Aug. 13, ground forces conducted a raid in the city and detained one suspected terrorist.  A woman received minor injuries when the assault force breached a door.  Coalition Forces medical personnel treated the woman on site and turned her over to local Iraqi emergency teams for transport to a local hospital.  A nearby raid netted four suspected terrorists. Local Iraqis south of Bayji alerted ground forces to several suspected terrorists tied to the individual targeted in a Coalition Forces operation there Monday.  The ground forces captured the targeted individual and detained five more suspects believed to work for a local leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Coalition Forces also found a cache of weapons and military-style assault vests with the suspects.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces Battle Insurgents, Kill 8 Terrorists

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained 17 rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia members during two intelligence driven operations Aug. 19 in the Baghdad area. During the first operation, Iraqi Special Forces detained 6 members of the splinter JAM militia cell in southwestern Baghdad.  As the forces proceeded to the target location, enemy forces engaged them with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Iraqi forces returned with proportional fire, killing eight insurgents.  No civilians were injured during the operation. The suspected terrorist cell primarily conducts extra-judicial killings in southwestern Baghdad. Additionally, some of the members are alleged to emplace and detonate improvised explosive devices. In the second operation, the 6th Iraqi Army Scout Platoon detained 11 members of a rogue JAM cell in northwestern Baghdad.  This separate terrorist cell is notorious for attacks against Coalition Forces using improvised explosive devices and is believed to conduct extra-judicial killings in the Atafiya area. Forces confiscated six AK-47s with five loaded magazines, one pistol with three loaded magazines, four computers, two radios, multiple cell phones and other documents.

 

Coalition Forces Kill Eight, Detain Three, Capturing a Special Groups Leader and Smuggler of Iranian Weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a weapons smuggler and Special Groups extremist leader before dawn Monday near Qasirin, north of Baghdad.    Coalition Forces conducted a raid targeting this known weapons distributor and Special Groups leader. The captured weapons facilitator was responsible for the storage and distribution of Iranian weapons.   Coalition Forces intelligence suggests the weapons facilitator has traveled to and from Iran numerous times and is responsible for smuggling and distributing deadly explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). The target was also responsible for the distribution of those weapons to Special Groups operating throughout the Baghdad area and was connected to a very large network of weapons facilitators and Special Groups associates.  The weapons smuggler is believed to have had ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force. While on the objective, armed gunmen, suspected to be extremist militants, began gathering and maneuvering against Coalition Forces.  Coalition Forces were fired upon from multiple directions with sustained small arms fire.  Coalition Forces returned fire, killing eight gunmen. Two others detained during the raid are also suspected of distributing weapons smuggled into Iraq from Iran.  One of the buildings searched during the raid produced several AK-47s, ammunition, grenades, a large sum of currency, identification cards and questionable documents, which were all confiscated for analysis and evaluation.

 

Citizens turn in 4 caches

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi concerned citizens led Coalition Forces to four caches located in the southern belts around Baghdad Aug. 19. Troops of Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., and 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, were alerted Aug. 19 there were two caches near a highway in the Mahmudiyah area. The call came after a contractor hired to clean out canals in the North Hargawi area found two caches along the Mulla Fayyad Highway that contained a DShKa heavy machine-gun barrel, receiver, mount, seat and tripod, 133 green flares and 54 red flares. A local citizen took Soldiers of Co. D, 4-31st Inf. Regt. to another cache, north of al-Taqa. It contained eight 57mm and nine 150mm canisters and two 50-pound bags of homemade explosives. Northwest, at Patrol Base Warrior Keep, near Sadr al-Yusufiyah, a concerned citizen brought a cache containing a 155mm round, 10 pounds of homemade explosive, and a pressure-bar trigger for an improvised explosive device to troops of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT. An explosive ordnance team destroyed all contents of the caches during a controlled detonation.

 

MND-B Apache crews destroy anti-aircraft weapon

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a possible antiaircraft weapon and enemy vehicle at about 3 p.m. Aug. 19 in southern Baghdad. Apache crews from the 4th “Guns” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, spotted a sport utility vehicle with something protruding from the back that appeared to be an antiaircraft weapon system covered by a tarp. The Apache crews were cleared to engage the vehicle by the ground unit, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.  The crews engaged the vehicle, destroying it and the possible weapon system. The ground unit was unable to get to the site of the engagement to confirm the presence of an antiaircraft weapon system.

 

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

The Top Of My Christmas Wish List

If you need to ask why, I will destroy your hybrid shoe box thing you call a car.

It's made of near tank grade armor, ballistic glass, run-flat tires, floor explosion protection, and those hatches on the top are not for ventilation. Vehicle specs are below. Base price is $169,000. Vehicle as shown is well over $200,000

 

Armor Specifications... LEVEL A9 (B6+)

• Complete B-6+ (CEN) Overlapping Ballistic Passenger Compartment Protection System
• Entire Vehicle Cab & Passenger Compartment are made of advanced double-hulled ballistic steel armor construction, providing extreme protection against a wide variety of ballistic & explosive threats.
• B-6+ (CEN) 44mm multi layer ballistic glass (certified) with anti-spall layer and ballistic steel plate overlap along edges. (B-7 glass available as an upgrade)
• B-6+ (CEN) Ballistic steel armor plating (certified) located in columns, pillars, roof, doors, door locks & mirror mounts, fire panel, and rear seats. (B-7 steel available as an upgrade)
• Ballistic steel floor explosion protection - ¼" thickness
• Front & rear roof hatches for emergency exits & /or firing positions (made of B-6+ Ballistic Steel)
• Protection for both 90º & 45º shots including fuel tank, battery & engine computer protection(ECM/Electronic Control Module)
• All Terrain Mud Tires (including spare tire)
• Five (5) Run-flat tire inserts/devices (includes spare tire)
• 32-Gallon / 121 Liter Fuel Tank (second 40-Gallon tank available as option for double the fuel capacity)
• Operable front windows, with 6"- 8" of opening
• All critical points upgraded & reinforced, including pillars, posts, hinges, chassis points & suspension
• Integrated Heavy Duty Running Boards
• Heavy Duty Air Conditioning and Heating System
• Limited Slip Axle
• Heavy Duty Suspension System Upgrade - including Double Ranch Shocks on each wheel
• Protected Fuel Tank Protected Battery Compartment
• Front Bull Bar, with Reinforced Ram Bumpers, front and rear
• Front Spot Light/Fog Light Package
• Ballisticom® Outside Intercom System, including Siren
• AM/FM-CD Stereo System
• Telescoping Outside Mirrors
• Radiator Protection
• Emergency Strobe Lights
• Wire mesh tailpipe protection
• Rear area seats are spring-loaded, and automatically fold up when not in use, allowing rear area to be used for cargo, stretchers, or flat area for secure footing while an opened rear hatch is used for observation or as a firing position, during movement.
• Front and rear tow-hook assemblies

Technorati tags: Armor, Limo, Christmas, Vehicle

Good News From The War On Terror 8/19

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces conduct air assault raid

TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted an air assault operation in the village of Golden Hills near Balad Aug 18. During the operation, Iraqi forces acted on intelligence reports and entered the Hay al-Qayum Mosque which is reportedly being used as a terrorist meeting place.  Intelligence has also shown that terrorists are using the mosque as a safe haven for improvised explosive device construction and that the area around the mosque is being used for training and cache emplacement. The targeted terrorist cell was suspected of indirect fire attacks on Coalition Forces and attacks on the Said Mohammed Shrine.  Additionally, it is reported that the terrorist cell is responsible for the kidnappings of local Iraqis as a means to finance its operations. The purpose of the raid was to disrupt insurgent operations and deny sanctuary to insurgent forces. The primary targeted individual of the raid was not present; however, Iraqi Army soldiers confiscated nine bolt-action rifles, an AK-47 assault rifle and one general purpose machine gun from inside the mosque.

 

Coalition Forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq; 3 terrorists killed, 21 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday to further damage the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in central and northern parts of the country. Based on information from an operation Aug. 11, Coalition Forces targeted the leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell near Muqdadiyah believed to conduct attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  The ground forces called for the occupants of several buildings to come out, but the occupants did not comply.  After seeing weapons in the window and identifying two men as a hostile threat, Coalition Forces snipers responded in defense of the ground forces and engaged the armed men, killing them.  No other people inside the building were injured, and one suspected terrorist was detained. In Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces conducted an operation to disrupt a foreign terrorist facilitation network that safeguards senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  While the assault force secured the building, one man refused to comply with the interpreter’s instructions and made threatening movements toward the assault force.  Responding in self-defense against the hostile threat, Coalition Forces engaged the man, killing him.  Iraqis on the scene told the ground forces the man was a member of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists believed to be involved with the group’s leaders. In another operation near Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings looking for an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader who illegally smuggles gas to finance and fuel terrorist operations.  Two suspected terrorists were detained. In Salah ad Din province, Coalition Forces conducted two operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including one who orders, finances and carries out attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  The ground forces detained 11 suspected terrorists during the operations for their alleged ties to the targeted leaders.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces dismantle sniper cell, detain three, kill one in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained three suspected terrorists during a series of operations in the Baghdad area Aug. 16. During the first operation, two suspected terrorists were detained.  One of the suspects is alleged to be a Jaysh al-Mahdi sniper and cell leader responsible for targeting Iraqi and U.S. forces in the Rashid area of Baghdad.  He is additionally suspected for distribution of various weapon systems to include rocket propelled grenades, light machine guns, mortars, short barrel 50 caliber machine guns, and AK-47s as well as sniper rifles with night vision optics in his area. While traveling to the targeted location, ISOF and USSF identified and engaged a hostile individual pointing an automatic weapon at the lead vehicle in the convoy.  Using well-aimed, proportionate fire, the individual was killed. One other suspected terrorist was detained during a second operation in the Baghdad area.  The individual is believed to be involved in funding of foreign fighters for the Islamic State of Iraq.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 31 at al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and 8th Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained 31 suspected terrorists in Sayafiyah during an alleged meeting of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell Aug. 17. Local citizens prompted the operation by reporting that Sayafiyah was a safe haven for many Sunni insurgents.  The individuals targeted during this raid have been connected to multiple improvised explosive device attacks, weapons smuggling, kidnapping, extra judicial killings and are believed to be responsible for the displacement of hundreds of Shiites.  Additionally, the suspected terrorists in this cell are alleged to be behind attacks on Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces; financing their own activities.

 

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

FBI Seeking Information On Two Middle Eastern Men

...for acting suspicious on ferries in Washington State. The men were exceptionally curious as to the layout and inner workings of the ferries. Here are the men the FBI is looking for:

 

The FBI is asking for the public's help to identify two men who have been seen acting suspiciously aboard Washington State ferries recently. The FBI released a bulletin late Monday, including photographs of the two men. One of the photos shows the men side-by-side and the other is a solo shot of one of them. They were snapped by a ferry employee who thought the pair acted suspiciously. "They had more than the average interest in the working parts of the ferry, the layout of the ferry, the size of it -- more than you would see in normal passenger," said FBI spokesperson Robbie Burroughs. The FBI says the men were seen on more then one ferry and more than one run over the past several weeks.  They were also taking photos of parts of the boat, which the agents won't reveal, but that apparently aroused the suspicions of passengers and crew alike. The FBI says the men had an unusual interest in the layout and workings of the ferries. "We got several different reports of this, these same gentlemen," said Burroughs. "We've attempted through law enforcement means to identify and locate them and we've been unsuccessful." So now, the FBI wants to hear from anyone who knows or has seen these men, and it wants passengers to keep an eye peeled. [...] The FBI says outside of the pictures, they have no description of the men and they're not guessing as to their nationality.

I think it's obvious what their nationality is, especially the guy without the coat.

 

***UPDATE***

I forgot the most important part.

Anyone who knows the men or their whereabouts are asked to call the FBI at (206) 622-0460.

 

Technorati tags: FBI, Washington, Ferries, Terrorism, Homeland Security, Seattle

Michael Vick To Plead Guilty In Dogfighting Case

Good. Unfortunately; the punishment is unlikely to be as severe as the crime. He tortured and killed animals and all he will likely receive is a fine and at most a year in prison.

The lead attorney for pro football star Michael Vick said Monday that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback will plead guilty to dogfighting and related charges and will "accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made." Billy Martin, heading up Vick's legal team, issued the following statement: "After consulting with his family over the weekend. Michael Vick ask that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with Federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him. Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of Guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologizes again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter. The legal team and Mr. Vick will appear in court in Richmond on August 27th." The statement apparently took federal officials by surprise. Jim Rybicki, a spokesman for U.S. States Attorney Chuck Rosenberg, said he had not heard of an agreement in the Vick case, and that he was trying to reach prosecutors.

 

Technorati tags: Michael Vick, Dog Fighting, Courts, Law

Good News From The War On Terror 8/18

Two terrorists killed, 16 detained in operations against al-Qaeda in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations in central and northern Iraq Saturday targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and its bombing networks. Coalition Forces raided two buildings in Baghdad looking for a senior leader of the car bombing network there.  As the ground forces arrived at the target location, a man came out of the building brandishing a weapon.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the man, killing him.  Another armed man maneuvered onto the roof of a nearby building, and Coalition Forces engaged the second armed man as well, killing him. In a related operation, Coalition Forces attacked the car bombing network during a raid in Tarmiyah targeting associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad.  The emir has directed car bombing and suicide attacks against Iraqi civilians.  Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists for their alleged involvement with the network. In Salah ad Din province, Coalition Forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and their foreign connections.  During a raid in Bayji, ground forces captured an alleged weapons and logistics facilitator and one additional suspected terrorist.  A precision raid in Tikrit nabbed an individual believed to be a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq operative believed to move large amounts of explosives and foreign terrorists into Iraq. Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists southwest of Kirkuk based on information gained from an operation that killed three foreign terrorists Jun. 23 south of Hawija.  The detainees are believed to be associated with senior-level advisers and leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq. In Mosul, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists based on information gathered from operations earlier in the week.  The two suspects are believed to have ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.

 

Task Force Dragon uncovers caches

BAGHDAD — Multi National Division-Baghdad troops uncovered two large weapons caches in a southern portion of the Iraqi capital Aug. 16-17. Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th “Dragon” Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, discovered the weapons cache while conducting a cordon and search operation in West Rashid Aug. 17. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in to destroy the cache consisting of eight 120mm mortars, seven 130mm to 150mm projectiles wired together as improvised explosive devices, six 60mm mortar rounds and 10 rocket launcher platforms. In the early morning hours of  Aug. 16, “Black Lions” from Company B, 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., found another cache that included a 155mm round rigged as an improvised explosive device, 57 155mm rounds, 20 anti-tank mines, six pressure-plate IEDs, 1,000 pounds of homemade explosives and a DVD containing information for making a car bomb.

 

Local tip leads 3-1 Cavalry to weapons cache

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment seized a weapons cache Aug. 14, north of Nahrwan. Troop B moved to the site where the cache was said to be located and found seven AK-47 assault rifles, 17 AK-47 magazines, one bolt-action rifle, two scopes (one with infrared capability), one periscope, five cell phones, two radios, one outer tactical vest, one pair of binoculars and one hand grenade.  In addition to the cache, the Soldiers detained four individuals. According to 3-1 Cavalry officials, the cache find came days after the capture of key Jaysh al-Mahdi leaders and other suspected insurgents.

 

Bomb production facility destroyed

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device production facility in an abandoned building in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Khadra Aug. 16. Iraqi Police officers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd National Police Division and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, were led to the production site by an anonymous tip from a Khadra resident. The search uncovered a kitchen area being used to produce homemade explosive material.  Nine PVC pipes, three of which were ready-made pipe bombs, were discovered.  Twenty pounds of half-inch ball bearings, 15 gallons of nitric acid, three high-powered rifles and various spools of cellophane and wire were also found.  An explosive ordnance disposal team detonated the cache on site, destroying the facility.

 

Tip leads to largest cache uncovered in western Baghdad neighborhood

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Soldiers uncovered the largest weapons cache found to date in the Ameriya neighborhood Aug. 14.  Acting on a tip called in by a resident, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a search in the western Baghdad neighborhood, uncovering the cache in a woodworking shop.   The Soldiers uncovered the cache, after finding a fake floor board in the shop.   The cache contained 265 mortar rounds of various sizes, 47 rockets of various sizes, 22 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, more than 50 land mines, 300 pounds of homemade explosive, more than 150 pounds of other explosive material and more than 70,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.  An explosive ordnance team was called in to evaluate the cache.  EOD blew the ordnance and weapons on site.

 

Weapons cache found in Adhamiyah

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops uncovered a weapons cache in an eastern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Aug. 15. Military operations in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District by Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment led to the cache.  The Soldiers found the cache after searching an abandoned house. The cache included five AK-47s, 10 magazines, dynamite, hand grenades, an 82mm mortar system with 38 rounds, improvised explosive device components, 17 rockets, a roll of detonation cord, 13 shotgun shells and one machine gun.

 

 

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

Iran Launching Attacks In Northern Iraq

A large U.S. Military presence is needed immediately in Kurdistan. Iran should not be allowed to attack anywhere in Iraq without repercussions. They will continue to push into Iraq until they are stopped. Any violation of Iraqi airspace should be met with severe force. Kurdistan has been one of the great successes in Iraq.

Iraqi Kurdish officials expressed deepening concern yesterday at an upsurge in fierce clashes between Kurdish guerrillas and Iranian forces in the remote border area of north-east Iraq, where Tehran has recently deployed thousands of Revolutionary Guards. Jabar Yawar, a deputy minister in the Kurdistan regional government, said four days of intermittent shelling by Iranian forces had hit mountain villages high up on the Iraqi side of the border, wounding two women, destroying livestock and property, and displacing about 1,000 people from their homes. Mr Yawer said there had also been intense fighting on the Iraqi border between Iranian forces and guerrillas of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), an armed Iranian Kurdish group that is stepping up its campaign for Kurdish rights against the theocratic regime in Tehran. On Saturday the Iranian news agency Mehr said an Iranian army helicopter which crashed killing six Republican Guard members had been engaged in a military operation against PJAK. Iranian officials said the helicopter had crashed into the side of a mountain during bad weather in northern Iraq. PJAK sources said the helicopter had been destroyed after it attempted to land in a clearing mined by guerrillas. The PJAK sources claimed its guerrillas had also killed at least five other Iranian soldiers, and a local pro-regime chief, Hussein Bapir. "If this escalates it could pose a real threat to the Kurdistan region, which is Iraq's most stable area," said Mr Yawar, who said he expected the Iraqi government and US officials in Iraq to make a formal protest to Tehran about the "blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty". The escalation of tensions in northern Iraq came as a senior US army officer renewed allegations of Iranian support for Shia militias in the south. Major-General Rick Lynch told reporters in the capital that up to 50 members of the elite Revolutionary Guard corps had crossed into Iraq and were training Shia militia members.

 

 

Technorati tags: Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Shia