Good News From The War On Terror 11/16-17

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; two terrorists killed, 12 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspects Friday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual southeast of Baghdad during operations targeting foreign terrorist facilitators in the Southern Belt. Reports also indicate the individual was involved in planning attacks on coalition aircraft. The ground force approached the target building and called for the occupants to come out, but the individuals did not comply. One of the men was wearing a vest loaded with grenades. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing two of the men. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three other suspects on site. In other operations in Ramadi, Mosul and Kirkuk, Coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and those believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and small arms attacks against Iraqi police and Coalition forces.

 

Coalition forces kill one terrorist, target criminal element networks

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist during operations targeting Special Groups criminal elements north of Baghdad, in the Rashidiya area early this morning. The targeted individual was reportedly a main logistics facilitator for Special Groups in central Iraq, and the chief financial advisor to criminal elements in the Diyala Province. The suspected criminal was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level splinter group leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. As ground forces approached the target building, a man exited the building armed with an assault rifle and maneuvered against Coalition forces. Responding in self-defense, ground forces engaged the individual, killing him.

 

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; six terrorists killed, 10 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects today during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq. During operations northeast of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq's media and courier networks. Reports indicate the area was used as a propaganda house and is associated with a courier service for senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. As the ground force approached the target building, armed men inside engaged Coalition forces with heavy fire. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing two terrorists. During the operation, two of the armed men were seen leaving the first building and maneuvering into a second building. Coalition forces called for the building's occupants to come out, but no one complied. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing four terrorists. As the ground force secured the buildings, they found three of the terrorists killed were wearing suicide vests, including one that had detonated. They also found a weapons cache, improvised explosive device making materials and a media cache. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to safely destroy the two buildings, which were assessed to be structurally unsafe. Coalition forces also detained three suspects from two other locations during the operations in northeast Samarra. Supporting Coalition aircraft safely destroyed two known al-Qaeda in Iraq safe houses to prevent further use by terrorists.  In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, couriers and associates of senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained five other suspects without incident. During operations southwest of Kirkuk, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq. Reports indicate the targeted individual is believed to be planning terrorist attacks in the region and is associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Mosul.

 

Former extremist leads joint forces to huge weapons cache

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A former member of an extremist group led Coalition Forces, Iraqi Army and Concerned Local Citizens to a cache site near southeast of Baghdad in the morning hours, Nov. 13. The citizen, who reconciled with Iraqi and Coalition troops, knew where the cache was because he helped bury it sometime ago. He said he is now helping Coalition Forces because he is tired of al-Qaeda trying to force him to work with them. He said al-Qaeda imprisoned him and tortured his friends for not joining forces with them. The Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and IA found refrigerators that contained numerous rockets, mortars and ammunition.

 

Iron Hammer successful in pursuit of al-Qaeda in Iraq (Tikrit)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – North Soldiers have made significant progress against al-Qaeda in four provinces in northern Iraq after two weeks of Operation Iron Hammer. The operation to disrupt al-Qaeda involves three U.S. brigade combat teams and four Iraqi Army divisions. During the operation, Coalition Forces and ISF have undermined al-Qaeda operations and discovered more than 50 caches across the Multi-National Division-North area of operations. The caches have contained more than 500 mortar and artillery rounds, three tons of homemade explosives, countless IED-making materials, hundreds of anti-tank and personnel mines and more than 100 machine guns. Beyond the weapons found, CF and ISF discovered various documents and related information material. CF and ISF have also detained hundreds of suspected al-Qaeda members.

 

Iraqi Army, volunteers find cache during raid (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Members of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Volunteers conducted a raid of the cemetery adjacent to the Abu Hanifa Mosque in Adhamiyah Nov. 16, seizing a cache of weapons hidden in two pits disguised as graves. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division provided the outer cordon and explosive ordnance disposal team to support the cache seizure. The Iraqi Security Forces entered the cemetery based on information provided by the Adhamiyah volunteers. In the two simulated graves, the volunteers led Iraqi Security Forces to seven rocket-propelled grenade launchers, nine RPG rounds, one SKS sniper rifle with scope, one RPK rifle, three PKC assault rifles, nine AK-47 assault rifles, 14 hand grenades, hundreds of rounds of small arms ammunition and various improvised explosive devicemaking items.

 

Eight suspects captured, cache discovered (Baghdad)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division captured eight suspected extremists and recovered a weapons cache in eastern Baghdad Nov. 15. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment found the cache and detained the suspects. The cache included one RPK machine gun, two AK-47 assault rifles and fifteen AK-47 magazines. The eight suspects are being held for further questioning.

 

Nov. 15 airpower summary: Crew chiefs keep missions flying

 

Nov. 16 airpower summary: C-17s deliver troops, cargo

William "Cold Cash" Jefferson Accused Of Soliciting Bribes

He's at it again. That famous congressman from Louisiana has been accused of soliciting bribes. However; they will not be added to his federal indictment of racketeering, soliciting bribes, and money laundering.

Federal prosecutors on Friday accused Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-La.) of soliciting bribes in two alleged schemes that had not been previously disclosed. The allegations, detailed in a seven-page document filed in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, will not result in new charges, prosecutors said, but they plan to present them during Jefferson's federal bribery trial as evidence of a pattern of intentional wrongdoing. In 2002, the government alleges, Jefferson asked a lobbyist of a U.S. oil service company for $10,000 a month for a family member in exchange for Jefferson's assisting the company in promoting business in Africa. The lobbyist turned down Jefferson's request, the document said. Three years later, according to the filing, Jefferson allegedly agreed to urge NASA in a letter to consider doing business with a U.S. rocket technology and rocket launch services company. In exchange, the company allegedly agreed to pay Jefferson's family business and a relative.

LLLLLLoyd Carr Loses Again. Buckeyes Beat That Team Up North 14-3

I actually had them picked to win by at least 20. Maybe if Jim Tressel wouldn't have run down the clock we could've scored more. Oh well, A win is a win.

Jim Tressel got the best of Lloyd Carr again, maybe for the last time. Tressel became the first Ohio State coach to beat Michigan six times in seven years, and the seventh-ranked Buckeyes' 14-3 victory Saturday over their archrival gave them consecutive outright Big Ten titles for the first time in a half-century. Chris Wells ran for a career-high 222 yards and two touchdowns and Vernon Gholston and the Buckeyes' defense dominated Michigan's banged-up offense. "Our defense was not going to let Michigan control the game on the ground," Tressel said. "I wish our offense could have scored more, and that we could have been a little more consistent, but today, 14 points was enough to win the Big Ten." The Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) are likely headed to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997. They also hold onto slim hopes of climbing back into the BCS title game, but several teams ahead of them would need to go down.

 

Carr's resignation press conference is 10am Monday.

 

I saw this .GIF and thought it was hilarious. I don't know who the teams are, but it doesn't matter.

The Clinton's Have A New Puppy. His Name Is Wolf.

Ugh! I am so grateful I have Fox News.

From Drudge

CNN debate moderator Wolf Blitzer did an 'outstanding' job in Vegas, a senior adviser to the Hillary campaign said early Friday. 'He was outstanding, and did not gang up like Russert did in Philadelphia. He avoided the personal attacks, remained professional and ran the best debate so far. Voters were the big winners last night.' A rival campaign insider charges: 'Wolf turned into a lamb. No follow-up question on Clinton's huge flip on drivers licenses?'

 

Newsbusters

Rush Limbaugh has often indicated that he has no beef with Wolf Blizter. And I must say that I've generally found Blitzer to be a straight shooter who has rarely-if-ever provided grist for my NewsBusting mill. All of which makes that much more perplexing Blitzer's bail-out at arguably the key moment last night's debate. The CNN anchor's failure to follow up on Hillary's monosyllabic answer on driver's licenses for illegals, letting her slide with her terse "no," was in my opinion the greatest single act of journalistic malpractice thus far in this campaign season.

Massive Explosion At Iranian Missile Site

Before these idiots can wipe Israel off the face of the map, they're going to wipe themselves off of it.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, November 13) a series of explosions rocked Parchin Military Site (where missiles, including Cruise missiles, are manufactured) in southern Tehran. As a result, several military personnel of the site were injured. The explosions reportedly started in missile industries section of the Site. When shrapnel of the explosions hit another sections, eight other warehouses located next to each other were engulfed in flames.   The fire, which began at 2:00 p.m. and was put out at 8:00 p.m., was so extensive that fire fighters from seven fire stations rushed to the scene. Four of the injured were Mostafa Nourizadeh, Alireza Verdi-lou, Nasser Rezai, and Morteza Motahari. [...] The huge site is organized into 11 different projects for production of various weapons and munitions. Projects 4 and 11 are devoted to production of Cruise missiles; projects 1, 2 and 8 are devoted to chemical weapons production. In addition to Cruise missiles, other types of missiles, including Oghab (Eagle), Nazeat missiles, air to air missiles and solid fuel for missiles are manufactured in Parchin's missile complex.

 

h/t: LGF

Good News From The War On Terror 11/15

Coalition forces disrupt senior al-Qaeda operations; 25 killed, 21 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 25 suspected terrorists and detained 21 suspects, four of whom were wounded, late Tuesday and early Wednesday during operations targeting senior terrorist leaders in central Iraq. During a series of coordinated operations west of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces targeted associates of senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders believed to be in the area. Coalition forces observed several armed men in the target area and, perceiving hostile intent, called for supporting aircraft to engage. The supporting aircraft fired on the target, but intelligence reports indicated the men unloaded an anti-aircraft weapon from the target and moved to a secondary location. The ground force engaged the armed men, killing one, wounding another and detaining one suspect. Upon securing the area, the ground force found a weapons cache, to include anti-aircraft weapons and artillery. Supporting aircraft was used to safely destroy an associated building, vehicle and site believed to be used for anti-aircraft attacks against Coalition forces. The ground force also followed suspects from the initial meeting to several buildings in the area. As Coalition forces approached the target areas, they were engaged by enemy fire from both locations. Responding in self-defense, ground forces called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing 24 and wounding three. As the ground forces secured the areas, they found two substantially large weapons caches, which were safely destroyed by supporting aircraft to prevent further use by terrorists. The caches included numerous anti-aircraft machine guns, surface-to-surface missiles, rifles, pistols, grenades, mortar rounds and artillery shells. Coalition forces also found a large quantity of ammunition and components used to manufacture improvised explosive devices. Coalition forces also detained 16 suspects at the two locations.

 

Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police detain 12, discover caches, car bomb factory

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Police units involved in Operation Iron Hammer discovered caches containing more than 2,900 liters of nitric acid, a car bomb factory and more than 340 mortar and artillery rounds of various caliber in addition to large quantities of military equipment in the al Jazeera desert, Western Salah ad Din Province, Iraq, Nov. 10. The caches, discovered by 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, also contained four DSHKA anti-aircraft machine guns with more than 13,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 1,000 47mm anti-aircraft rounds, 32 anti-tank mines, detonation cord and small arms with ammunition. Iraqi Police detained 12 men for al-Qaeda related activities. In addition to arms, the car bomb factory contained seven vehicles, welding equipment and auto parts to reinforce suspensions and heavy duty struts, which enable vehicles to carry increased loads. Two 36,000 gallon capacity fuel tankers used to transport black market fuel were also discovered.

 

Coalition forces detain 10 suspects during operations targeting al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspects Thursday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq members and those believed to be involved in the courier network. The ground force detained the wanted individual and one suspect without incident. In other operations in central Iraq, Coalition forces detained eight suspects during operations targeting foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators, couriers and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders familiar with the northern belt. A small weapons cache was found during one of the operations, and it was safely destroyed by the ground force to prevent further use by terrorists.

 

Several militants killed, seven detained during Helmand Province operation

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed and seven more detained during a Coalition forces’ operation Wednesday in Helmand Province to disrupt foreign fighter and militant weapons facilitator operations.  During a search of compounds in the Garmser District, Coalition forces encountered armed militants in multiple buildings on the compounds. Coalition forces responded with a combination of small-arms fire; accurate, conventional munitions and precision-guided munitions killing several militants during the engagement.  Continuing their search of the compounds, Coalition forces found and detained seven individuals, who intelligence sources indicated as having possible connections to foreign fighter and weapons facilitators in the area. One individual sustained a non-life threatening injury while resisting detention. Coalition forces treated the detainee’s injury on-site and transported him to a medical facility for possible follow-on medical care said Maj. Belcher. The detained individuals will be questioned as to their involvement with facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities. Coalition forces also recovered several weapons and associated ammunition that were destroyed to prevent further use by extremist forces.

 

 Nov. 14 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support

Cleveland Indian's Manager Eric Wedge Wins AL Manager Of The Year!

What in the world is going on?! Two awards going to the Cleveland Indians Organization?! First C.C. Sabathia wins the AL Cy Young Award, now Eric Wedge wins AL Manager Of The Year.

Eric Wedge, who guided the Cleveland Indians to their first division title in six years, was named American League Manager of the Year on Wednesday. It was the second major award won by a member of the Indians in as many days, as C.C. Sabathia captured the American League Cy Young Award on Tuesday. Wedge was the only manager listed on all 28 ballots cast by two writers in each American League city. He collected 19 first-place votes and 116 points - based on a five-three-one tabulation system - to easily win the award. Mike Scioscia of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim finished a distant second with 62 points. Scioscia received four first-place votes. Only four managers received votes. Former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre, now the Los Angeles Dodgers' skipper, got the other five first-place votes and finished third. Terry Francona, who guided the Boston Red Sox to their second World Series title in four years, was fourth. Wedge, the only manager named on every ballot, guided the Indians to a 96-66 record, winning the Central Division crown by eight games over the Detroit Tigers. It was an 18-game turnaround from 2006, when Cleveland finished in fourth place with a 78-84 record.

66 Olympia Morons Arrested During Protests

First they want the war to end and the troops to come home, then they protest the troops returning.

Police arrested more war protestors Thursday as the final shipment of equipment returning to Fort Lewis from Iraq made its way out of the Port of Olympia. Police used pepper balls to subdue protestors in the afternoon, then arrested five people.  Some who refused to move were dragged out of the way, even through standing water. The protestors have been outside the Port for several days, blocking trucks hauling the equipment.   In all, 66 people have been arrested over the past several days of protests.

Good News From The War On Terror 11/14

Iraqi Special Forces capture extremist leader in Taji

BALAD, Iraq – 9th Iraqi Army Division forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, captured an alleged extremist leader during operations Nov. 13 in the city of Taji. The suspect is reported to control several extremist cells and to be one of the key individuals responsible for perpetrating violence against Iraqis in the south Taji area. Several eyewitnesses report the suspect is personally responsible for the murder of at least 10 Iraqi civilians. He is also linked to multiple improvised explosive devices emplacements along a major U.S. military supply route and an IED attack against a Coalition Forces convoy Oct. 4 near Baghdad. The raid was one in a series of ongoing operations led by Iraqi Security Forces specifically targeting extremist networks illegally operating within Iraq.

 

UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent raid

BAGHDAD– One of the terrorists killed in Tarmiyah Nov. 5 has been positively identified as Tha’ir Malik.

Tha’ir Malik was the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Reports indicate Malik was previously involved in a terrorist group that conducted attacks against Iraqi citizens for not following Taliban-like rules. During the operation, surveillance elements observed Malik operating in the area and supporting aircraft was called to strike the time-sensitive target. Secondary explosions erupted from the building, indicating that weapons and ammunition were stored inside. As Coalition forces cleared the surrounding area, they discovered two terrorists believed to be killed by the initial blast to include Malik, small arms ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. The target building ignited from the secondary explosions, preventing the ground force from assessing the building’s interior. Malik was a subordinate of Abu Ghazwan, the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the northern belt and direct associate of Abu Ayyub al-Masri. Reports indicate that as Coalition forces operations captured al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in Tarmiyah, many of the northern belt leadership were forced out, but Malik remained and was promoted to military emir of the northern belt network. He was allegedly in charge of as many as 120 individuals and directed a variety of operations, including kidnapping, car-jackings, extortion, and attacks on Coalition and Iraqi security forces, and members of the Awakening.  The previous AQI military leader for the Northern Belts who Malik replaced was killed as a result of Coalition Force operations last August.

 

Coalition forces detain 26 suspects targeting al-Qaeda networks

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 26 suspects Wednesday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq. West of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained 16 suspects during operations targeting foreign terrorist financiers and al-Qaeda facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into the region. The wanted individual is believed to be associated with senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership, including the alleged Saladin provincial leader. During other operations along the Tigris River Valley, Coalition forces detained five suspects targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, propaganda operations and terrorists planning attacks against Iraqi Security forces. South of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained three suspects during operations targeting improvised explosive device engineers and terrorists operating in the Arab Jabour area.

 

Special Groups Leader captured by Coalition forces (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a senior Special Groups leader on November 4. Intelligence reports indicate the suspected criminal was the Special Groups leader for Diyala Province and oversaw all logistics and operations in the area. He was reportedly responsible for smuggling and storing Iranian weapons, and associated with the largest explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, cache found in Iraq.  While he is currently being cooperative with Coalition forces, he has allegedly used Iranian funding and training to support Special Groups activities. He is also believed to be an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups members in Iraq who have been involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

 

Iraqi volunteers find 5 car bombs (Adhamiyah)

BAGHDAD – Five vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices were uncovered in the Al-Rhabi neighborhood of the Adhamiyah District Nov. 13 thanks to reports from Iraqi Security Volunteers. Members of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment and elements from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division blocked off the Al-Rhabi Gardens in northeast Baghdad to dismantle five car bombs found in a parking lot. Once isolating positions were established by the U.S. and Iraqi platoons, an explosive ordnance disposal team began investigating several cars, discovering the presence of the explosively rigged vehicles. Coalition EOD personnel conducted controlled detonations of the five vehicles, rendering the area safe. There were no casualties or collateral damage to the surrounding area. The Adhamiyah fire department was on site and quickly extinguished the flames after the explosions. Following the mission, the Adhamiyah Security Volunteers continued to man their checkpoints. The volunteers are men and women from this Sunni-dominated district who were trained by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police to provide security for critical sites throughout their local neighborhoods. The ISV operates a liaison cell at the Adhamiyah District Joint Security Station, which also houses elements from the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Army and Soldiers of 3-7 Cavalry. This cooperative effort has resulted in 14 weapons cache finds and the identification and eventual detainment of 12 suspected extremists by Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

 

Tip leads to large explosive cache (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Acting on a tip, elements of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division and 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment conducted a cordon and search of a house containing several hundred pounds of components capable of making homemade explosives in the Adhamiyah neighborhood Nov. 12. The chemicals were found in bags behind a false wall inside the home. The components uncovered included nine bags labeled potassium nitrate, two bags of an orange powder, possibly urea nitrate, and one 50-kilogram bag of aluminum powder. These chemicals, when mixed together properly, can form a deadly explosive. After consulting the Iraqi Army officials, an explosive ordnance disposal team was called to conduct a controlled detonation inside the house, due to the instability of the explosives. EOD was able to minimize the blast so that it did not destroy the house or neighboring homes. However, the potassium nitrate caught fire and damaged the interior of the house. The local fire department was on scene during this event and was able to isolate the flames and prevent them from spreading to other homes.

 

 Nov. 13 airpower summary: C-17s resupply forces

Bomb Parts Make It Through Airport Screeners...Again

This can be filed under "NOT doing the job you're supposed to do"

The report, obtained exclusively by CBS News, details how GAO investigators conducted covert tests at 19 airports earlier this year to test the vulnerabilities of the passenger screening process. The investigators succeeded in passing through TSA checkpoints undetected with components for making improvised explosive devices (IED) and improvised incendiary devices (IID). [...] Investigators identified two devices a terrorist could use to cause such "severe damage." The first was an IED made up of a "liquid explosive and a low yield detonator." The second was an IID "created by combining commonly available products (one of which is a liquid) that TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage." The bomb parts were purchased over the Internet and from a local store for approximately $150, according to the report.

Good News From The War On Terror 11/13

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks; one killed, 14 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and 14 suspects were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday, while targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces conducted an operation in Mosul targeting an alleged terrorist leader in the city. The targeted individual has reportedly been involved in the planning of attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, to include several suicide car-bombing attacks, and the purchase of various weapons and explosives. As Coalition forces approached the target building, they immediately received enemy fire from the ground floor and roof of the building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists. As a result of the engagement, a fire erupted in the courtyard and quickly spread to the kitchen. At that time enemy fire ceased. Coalition forces continued to follow the armed men who fired from the roof and subsequently detained one suspect. After the fire was out, the ground force entered the building and found that one terrorist had been killed during the engagement. Upstairs they found one woman had been killed and one child was injured as a result of the fire. The child received medical care on site, but later died while being transported to a military medical facility. During an operation southeast of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three other suspects while targeting associates of a terrorist network operating in Arab Jabour. Reports indicate the targeted individuals are intimately involved in the planning and direction of terrorist operations in the area. South of Bayji, Coalition forces detained nine suspects during operations targeting an alleged terrorist weapons facilitator. The target replaced the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the border region who was killed during a Coalition forces operation Sept. 11. The targeted individual reportedly facilitates the movement of funds for senior facilitators operating in and outside of Iraq.

 

Local children find mortar, Concerned Local Citizens find caches (Hawr Rajab)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Kalsu, Iraq – Three weapons caches were found in separate incidents in the Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour regions Nov. 11. Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab located a cache consisting of one 155mm mortar and one 130 mm mortar round. The CLCs brought the ordnance to Paratroopers of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, who were conducting a roadside security mission. Local children in Arab Jabour discovered a 57 mm mortar, which they brought to Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Stewart, Ga. The third cache was discovered in Arab Jabour by Soldiers of Company A, 1-30th Inf. Regt. while conducting operations in the area. The cache consisted of one 120 mm mortar and one 125 mm mortar.

 

1-15th Inf. Regt. detains 10, kills one extremist (Al Bawi)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault early Nov. 11 near Al Bawi, resulting in 10 suspected extremists detained and one killed. During the air assault, Company A Soldiers cleared 17 buildings of weapons and military paraphernalia. All detainees were brought in for questioning. The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

 

Seven extremists captured in night raid (Jisr Diyala)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Scouts from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment’s Time Sensitive Target platoon, arrested seven extremists during a night raid near Jisr Diyala Nov. 8. The team cleared four buildings looking for the extremists. At the last building, the Soldiers burst into a room while the suspected insurgents were conducting a meeting. Leaders from the 3-1st Cav. Regt. considered one of the detainees a highvalue individual due to his leadership position in a local extremist cell. In addition to the arrests, the scouts seized a pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials and several cell phones. Cell phones are commonly used as detonation devices for IEDs.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain extremist leaders in Baghdad

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two extremist leaders Nov. 11 in southwest Baghdad during operations targeting criminal networks operating against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. The individuals were detained on suspicion of involvement in criminal networks operating in the neighborhood of Al Amil. One suspect is believed to lead several criminal cells and is reportedly involved in mortar attacks against Coalition Forces. He is also suspected of involvement in several bank robberies which are used to fund his network’s activity. The second suspect is a cell leader within the network. He and his cell are reportedly responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is also believed responsible for the kidnapping and murder of 15 Iraqi civilians.

 

Six suspected militants detained in Wardak Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Monday to detain Taliban facilitators operating in Wardak Province. The combined force of Afghan and Coalition members conducted a search of compounds in the Nerkh District where Taliban facilitators were indicated to be gathering resources to aid in extremist activities. During the search, six individuals were detained, who intelligence reports indicated as having links to Taliban extremists.  The individuals will be questioned about their involvement in facilitating operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces kill Taliban insurgents in Oruzgan Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces engaged and killed a large group of insurgents near the Deh Rawod District, Oruzgan Province today. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a large group of insurgents engaged the patrol with small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The Taliban fighters attempted to break contact and moved into a nearby compound causing women and children to flee the area.   Shortly after the combined force determined the enemy’s positions, four separate precision air strikes effectively eliminated the insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions. ANSF and Coalition forces assaulted the positions, conducting a thorough exploitation of the engagement area.

 

 Nov. 12 airpower summary: KC-135s help fuel 233 aircraft

Hezbollah Spy In FBI, CIA

Hooking these people up to lie/stress/voice inflection detectors and asking them, "Are you a terrorist?" or "Are you a spy?" should be a priority for our intelligence community. It just seems to me that it would be imperative that our intelligence agencies not be infiltrated.

A former FBI agent who pleaded guilty Tuesday to fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship and then improperly accessing sensitive computer information about Hizbollah was working until about a year ago as a CIA spy assigned to Middle East operations, Newsweek has learned. The stunning case of Nada Nadim Prouty, a 37-year-old Lebanese native who is related to a suspected Hizbollah money launderer, appears to raise a nightmarish question for U.S. intelligence agencies: Could one of the world's most notorious terrorist groups have infiltrated the U.S. government? [...] A U.S. official familiar with the case said Tuesday that the government's investigation has uncovered no evidence so far that Prouty, who was employed by the CIA until last week, had compromised any undercover operations or passed along sensitive intelligence information to Hizbollah operatives.  After joining the CIA in June 2003, Prouty was an undercover officer for the agency's National Clandestine Service, the espionage division, working on Middle East-related cases.  She was reassigned to a less sensitive position about a year ago, after she first came under suspicion, officials said.

I Hate To Do This, But It's Too Ridiculous To Ignore

Paris Hilton is on a quest to sober up elephants. If only she would spend more time sobering herself. If she thinks drunk elephants are dangerous, maybe she should realize how dangerous it is to be driving a car while intoxicated.

GAUHATI, India - Paris Hilton is being praised by conservationists for highlighting the problem of binge-drinking elephants in northeastern India. Activists said a celebrity endorsement such as Hilton's was sure to raise awareness of the plight of the pachyderms that get drunk on farmers' homemade rice beer and then go on a rampage. "The elephants get drunk all the time. It is becoming really dangerous. We need to stop making alcohol available to them," the 26-year-old socialite said in a report posted on World Entertainment News Network's Web site. Her comments were picked up by other Web sites and newspapers around the globe. Last month, six wild elephants that broke into a farm in the state of Meghalaya were electrocuted after drinking the potent brew and then uprooting an electricity pole. "There would have been more casualties if the villagers hadn't chased them away. And four elephants died in a similar way three years ago. It is just so sad," Hilton was quoted as saying in Tokyo last week. She was in Tokyo to judge a beauty contest.

 

***UPDATE 11/14/07 12:45AM***

Apparently the AP was punked. Hilton's PR person said she never uttered those words.

Cleveland Indians Pitcher C.C. Sabathia Wins Cy Young Award

Did hell freeze over today? I am so shocked, I'm almost speechless. Not only did Sabathia win, but another Indians pitcher, Fausto Carmona, came in 4th place. I thought it was illegal for anyone outside of Boston, New York, and California to win the award.

C.C. Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award on Tuesday, beating out several worthy contenders by a comfortable margin and becoming the first Cleveland pitcher in 35 years to earn the honor. The Indians ace received 19 of 28 first-place votes and finished with 119 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Boston's Josh Beckett was second with eight first-place votes and 86 points, while John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels got the other first-place vote and came in third. Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 209 strikeouts, pitching a major league-high 241 innings. Beckett (20-7) became the only big league pitcher to win 20 games since 2005, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 200 2-3 innings. Lackey led the AL in ERA at 3.01, going 19-9 and tossing 224 innings.

 

*NOTE-I will add that neither Sabathia or Carmona's playoff performances warranted Cy Young consideration. It's a good thing the voting was held during the regular season.*

National Right To Life or National Right To Lie

The National Right to Life Committee endorsed Fred Thompson yesterday. The question I have is...why? There are other Republican candidates with better pro-life records. In fact, Duncan Hunter has a 100% lifetime rating from the NRLC and 0% from NARAL. Here is the theories and rebuttals for the endorsement.

Why did the National Right To Life committee and NRLC PAC decide to endorse Fred Thompson? We won't know until tomorrow's press conference, but here are some theories (1) His record in the Senate. It's strong and solidly pro-life. Rebuttal: But other candidates -- John McCain, Duncan Hunter, have better records. ... And Thompson was just as much of a force behind McCain-Feingold as McCain... and he lobbied on behalf of pro-choice causes in the early 1990s... (2) Political calculation -- Duncan Hunter can't win; Mike Huckabee is too independent and allegedly alienates fiscal conservatives; Mitt Romney is going to be beaten and the abortion policies of his Mass. health care plan are a problem; Thompson will win in the South. Thompson will owe the NRLC. Rebuttal: The NRLC isn't generally like that; more than almost any interest group, it's faithfully represented the interests of its 3000 chapters and hundreds of thousands of members. And so far as political calculations go, Thompson's standing in early state polls has been declining. (3) Huckabee hatred: the one person in the race who doesn't have to pander to pro-life activists has aroused the ire of the Beltway establishment. Rebuttal: again, the NRLC prizes itself on its independence. (4) They forgot McCain-Feingold: Remember, NRLC and its affiliates are as responsible as anyone for the fight against the issue ad provisions of BCRA. Thompson has backed away from his support of those provisions, but his support of the thrust and principles behind McCain-Feingold is undeniable. Rebuttal: ??

 

The statement from the president of the NRLC said this:

Since announcing his candidacy in September, Fred Thompson has run second only to pro-abortion candidate Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination in the overwhelming majority of national polls. As pro-lifers throughout the nation begin to unite behind his candidacy, he will be well positioned to win the nomination and the presidency.

 

It's obvious that 1, 2, & 4 of the above theories are correct.

Five Iranians Arrested Entering Iraq

They only wanted to visit Shi'ite shrines? Sure they did.

American forces have arrested five Iranians near Al-Khales town in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad, on Monday, an Iraqi security source said. The source, requesting anonymity, told KUNA the US troops, accompanied by support Iraqi forces, arrested the five Iranians after they made sure they entered Iraqi without passports thus illegally. The source did not elaborate, but US and Iraqi forces are frequently arresting Iranians entering the Iraqi territories illegally claiming they wanted to visit the shrines of the Shiites.

Good News From The War On Terror 11/11-12

Soldiers find large cache in Haswa

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Airborne found a large cache during a combat patrol in Haswa, Iraq, Nov. 9. The Soldiers discovered the cache while setting up a cordon. They found a building containing 22 blocks of C4, one improvised Claymore mine, one propane tank of accelerant and one 125mm mortar round. Upon finding the cache, located in the vicinity of an area mosque, the Soldiers called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to destroy the cache.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network; 16 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspects, including three wanted individuals, Sunday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist operations in central and northern Iraq. During an operation in southern Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the car-bombing network in the Rusafa and Karkh area. Reports indicate the suspect was associated with several of the network’s senior leaders and allegedly tried to re-establish operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a residential house, where the ground force called for the occupants to come out. Two men were detained by Coalition forces, one of whom led Coalition forces to two nearby buildings. The ground force called for the buildings’ occupants to come out and they complied. Coalition forces detained four other suspects, including the wanted individual. During an operation northeast of the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be tied to foreign terrorist facilitators and other senior al-Qaeda leaders operating in Salman Pak. Coalition forces entered the target area, called for a building’s occupants to come out and they complied without incident. The suspect identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained. Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in the city’s terrorist propaganda network. The ground force isolated the target building, called for the building’s occupants to come out, and they complied without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces found significant al-Qaeda propaganda believed to be for distribution as part of the media network. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained. During three separate operations near Salman Pak, Bayji and Mosul, Coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting alleged foreign terrorist facilitators, couriers, associates of senior level al-Qaeda members, and planners of improvised explosive device attacks against the Iraqi people.

 

Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces strike enemy west of Samarra

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police conducted a combined operation with Coalition Forces against al Qaeda in Iraq west of Samarra, Nov. 9. In the operation, seven insurgents were killed, four more detained and a weapons cache was secured. Several media outlets quoted a civilian in Samarra, and an unnamed Iraqi policeman suggesting they had conducted this attack against al Qaeda in Iraq with permission from CF. The unnamed sources further claimed they requested CF not use aviation assets in the area due to concern their group might be accidentally attacked. These claims are false. Iraqi Security Forces and CF do not coordinate operations with militias, as the Iraqi government does not recognize the authority of any militias. Additionally, ISF and CF only coordinate with CLCs on security of key infrastructure. We encourage Iraqi citizens interested in their own security to join the CLC movement and continue assisting the ISF by providing tips on criminal and terrorist activities.

 

Two caches, suspects seized

BAGHDAD – Baghdad Soldiers seized two suspected extremists and uncovered two caches during ongoing operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital, Nov. 9. “Warriors” from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., detained two men suspected of terrorist activities and were positively identified by Iraqi Security Volunteers. The suspects are being held for further questioning. Also that day, “Warriors” of Co. D., 2-12 Inf. found a weapons cache in the Jaza’ir neighborhood. The cache consisted of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a PKC machine gun with two barrels, three RPG rounds and eight RPG boosters, a 60mm mortar tube and two rounds, a bolt-action rifle, an AK-47 with 19 full magazines, four hand grenades, a suicide vest, three sets of body armor, approximately 3,000 rounds of small arms ammunition and 22 ski masks. A second cache was uncovered by the “Black Lions” of Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, attached to Task Force 1-18, part of the 4th IBCT.  Soldiers found eight mortar rounds of various sizes, four RPG rounds, two rocket fuses, five radios and a set of body armor.

 

Concerned Local Citizens find and remove IEDs, mortars

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found numerous improvised explosive devices and mortars along a route frequently traveled by Coalition Forces in Adwaniya Nov. 10. The CLCs came to Soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry, Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, reporting the IEDs emplaced along the route. The IEDs and mortars consisted of five five-gallon jugs of homemade explosives, four antifreeze jugs filled with homemade explosives, three 120mm mortar rounds, three 82mm mortar rounds, one 60mm mortar round and one 105mm artillery round. The IEDs were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team in a controlled detonation. Later the same day, the CLCs reported more weapons and ordnance. Nine fire extinguishers filled with HME, five oxygen tanks filled with HME, two rockets, and five two-liter bottles filled with HME and fitted with pressure plates and blasting caps were found. The munitions were taken to Paratroopers from Troop A, 1-40th Cav. Regt., at Entry Control Point 20, a small patrol base in Hawr Rajab.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda media networks; six killed, 15 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 15 suspects, including two wanted individuals Sunday and Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda propaganda operations in central Iraq. During an operation southwest of Baqubah Sunday, Coalition forces targeted the alleged media emir of the Diyala province. Coalition forces observed four armed men in the target area, and, perceiving hostile intent, fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to drop their weapons. When the suspects failed to comply, the ground force engaged the armed men. A vehicle associated with the men caught on fire from the engagement, and Coalition forces observed secondary explosions, indicating bomb-making materials were likely inside. As the ground force secured the area, they assessed four terrorists were killed from the explosions during the operation. Coalition forces conducted a separate operation targeting a suspected terrorist associated with the four terrorists killed southwest of Baqubah. As the ground force approached the target building, they called for the building’s occupants to come out. One man came out of the building, but ignoring their instructions he continued to move toward them and ignored warning shots. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist. As the ground force secured the area, they found two large weapons caches of rockets, mortars and improvised explosive devices, which the ground force safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists. The ground force detained two suspects on site. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual west of Baqubah during operations targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including the suspected Diyala media emir and an associate. Coalition forces secured the target building, finding a media cache, believed to be used for al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda. The wanted individual was subsequently detained. In an operation east of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda media headquarters and safe house, also believed to be used by foreign terrorists. As Coalition forces secured the target building and entered a room, a man reached for a suicide vest. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist before the vest detonated. The ground force detained seven suspects on site. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations in southern Tikrit targeting foreign terrorist facilitators and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. The wanted individual was believed to be an associate helping with the movement of senior terrorist leaders in the Haditha region. Coalition forces detained four suspects in addition to the wanted individual.

 

Tip leads to 7th cache in 3 weeks for Iraqi Forces

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – During a cordon-and-knock operation Nov. 11, Iraqi National Police officers, along with Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, joined forces for the seventh time in three weeks to uncover a weapons cache in eastern Baghdad. This time, the cache was discovered inside the grounds of the Imam Al Madhi Husseniyah Mosque. Officers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division found the cache during a search of the mosque following a tip from a concerned resident. While the officers searched, Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., pulled security outside the mosque. The cache discovery continued a trend that sees both Iraqi Security Forces playing a key role in disrupting insurgent activity and Iraqi citizens taking the protection of their families into their own hands and working to rid their streets of dangerous caches by providing valuable tips to authorities. Items found in the weapons cache included: three hand grenades, one five-pound bottle of explosive, one rocket-propelled grenade tube, five rocket propelled grenade propellants, 11 rocket-propelled grenades, six AK-47s, 10 flak vests, 15 plates of body armor, 10 sets of desert camouflage uniforms, one propane tank with propellant, and two sets of police lights.

 

Five suspected foreign fighter facilitators detained in Zabul Provience

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation in Ghazni Province Nov. 10 to help prevent the flow of foreign militant extremists into Afghanistan, and they detained five people suspected of being foreign fighter facilitators. The operation focused on disrupting foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the Shajoy District. The combined force of Afghan and Coalition members conducted a search of a compound in the district where the foreign fighter facilitators were hiding. During the search, the combined force detained the five individuals who may have links to foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the area.

 

Several militants, three civilians killed in Helmand Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted an operation  Nov. 11 to detain Improvised Explosive Device and weapons facilitators with links to Taliban extremists in Helmand Province.  Approximately 15 militants were killed along with one woman and two children during this operation. Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Garmser District where intelligence sources indicated the facilitators were hiding. Militants engaged Coalition forces with heavy small-arms fire from several different buildings on one of the compounds. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing several militants.  During one of the engagements, several militants barricaded themselves in a building on the compound and engaged Coalition forces with a high volume of gunfire. Coalition forces used a single grenade which killed the attacking militants; however, the building the militants were fighting from collapsed.  Performing a post-hostilities search of the area, Coalition forces found a woman and two children in the collapsed building who were dead along with several militants and their weapons. Coalition forces also found a wounded woman in the immediate area. She and her escort were transported to a medical facility for treatment.  The injury to the woman was non-life threatening.  Continuing their search of the compounds, Coalition forces found and detained two suspected militants, who intelligence indicated as having possible connections to IED and Taliban linked weapons facilitators. The detained individuals will be questioned as to their involvement with facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities. Coalition forces also recovered several weapons and associated ammunition from the deceased militants that were destroyed on-site to prevent further use by extremist forces.

 

Nov. 10 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

 

Nov. 11 airpower summary: F-16s support mission

American Flags Fall During Clinton Press Conference

No doubt these won't be the only American flags to fall should she be elected president.

After a very Presidential-esque news conference - Clinton turned around to leave the reporters and their peppering questions. A staffer swooped open a curtain, and chaos ensued. Four large American flags came crashing in front of Senator Clinton as she headed for the door. In a controlled panic,  the staffers and the Senator attempted to catch the flags before they fell to the ground. [...]  There were no planted questions to worry about, but on this Veterans Day - the flags dropping all around the Senator created quite a stir among the press before Clinton fled the scene.

 

VIDEO

Veterans Day

Thank you to all who have served and are serving.

 

...and a special thanks to my family who are veterans.

Grandpa (Navy-WWII)

Uncle Bob (Navy-Vietnam)

Uncle Jerry (Marines-Vietnam)

Uncle Ron (Navy-Vietnam)

Cousin Jason (Army-Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Cousin Brad (Army-Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Cousin Steve (Air Force-Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom)

I may as well throw someone else in here. Not family, but close enough

John AKA SSGT. DRAGONSLAYER (Marines-Operation Iraqi Freedom)