Good News From The War On Terror 12/6-7

Al-Qaeda networks disrupted; three terrorists killed, 19 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 19 suspects during operations Thursday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations along the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during an operation northwest of al-Khalis while targeting alleged associates of the terrorist network north of Baghdad. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in the network’s car-bombing operations, to include procuring and delivering vehicles for attacks.  As the ground force arrived at the area, an armed man emerged, maneuvering west of the target building. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing the armed man. The ground force detained five suspects on site in addition to the targeted individual.  South of Yusufiyah, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be associated with the terrorist network in southern Baghdad and suspected of planning a potential attack on Coalition forces operating in the area. The suspect also reportedly has ties to foreign terrorists and senior al-Qaeda leaders operating in the Arab Jabour and southern Baghdad area. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained along with another suspect.  North of Mosul, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in Hawijah involved in weapons and financial facilitation. The individual reportedly commands numerous terrorists, whom he uses to conduct assassinations targeting Iraqi security forces.  As Coalition forces entered the target building, a man armed with a knife lunged at their position.  Responding in self-defense, they engaged, killing the man. Also in the building, the ground force discovered a man wrapped in a blanket with wires protruding out of it. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged, killing him.  Additionally, six suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident. In another operation, five suspected terrorists were detained north of Bayji while Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq member associated with weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation.

 

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces kill 2 insurgents, detain 12

KIRKUK, Iraq – Soldiers of the 4th Iraqi Army Division and 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Iron, conducted a joint operation near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 21. Operation Ghost Round-Up Reaper was intended to disrupt terrorist activities in the Tuz Province, and increased the presence of IA and Coalition Forces in the area. By the end of the operation, the joint forces detained 12 suspected terrorists.

 

Coalition forces detain two suspects, disrupt criminal network (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals during operations early Wednesday in the Al Kut area, southeast of Baghdad. The operations targeted an individual who reportedly received specialized weapons and tactical training, including sniper rifle and rocket-propelled grenade employment, the construction of improvised explosive devices, and operational security. He was also suspected of being involved in training Special Group criminal element members on weapons and operational tactics. The individual is reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.  While in the target area, ground forces came under assault by small arms fire. During the operation, two suspects were detained.

 

Coalition forces capture Special Groups weapons trainer; two killed, five detained (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups criminal element leader, killed two armed men in self-defense, wounded two others and detained five suspects during operations early Thursday in the Al Hayy area, southeast of Baghdad. The targeted individual reportedly received special weapons training in order to train Special Group criminal element members for insurgent operations. His skills consist of improvised explosive device operation, sniper fire, rocket propelled grenades, operational security, mortars and insurgency combat tactics. He is also believed to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. During the operation, ground forces came under assault by small-arms fire. Assault forces engaged the armed men in self-defense, killing two and wounding two others. Additionally, the targeted individual was captured and four other suspects were detained.

 

Iraqi Security Forces kill one terrorist, detain 55 suspects in operations against al-Qaeda

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 55 suspects and killed one al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist in two separate operations Dec. 6. Iraqi Special Operations Forces and U.S. Special Forces conducted a raid near Balad to capture a known AQI terror cell leader who is reported to have conducted indirect fire attacks against Logistic Support Area Anaconda.  The cell is also suspected to have been involved in improvised explosive device and other attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces and Iraqi civilians in the area.  Reporting indicates this cell was directly responsible for emplacing an IED that killed three U.S. Air Force Airmen near LSA Anaconda in November 2007. During the operation, the AQI leader was killed and eight suspected terrorists were captured.  Found during the operation and destroyed on site were 82mm mortar rounds, several assault rifles and loaded magazines, hand grenades and body armor.  In a separate operation, Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 47 suspects for questioning during a cordon and search of Al Aswad village. Iraqi Forces conducted the operation to disrupt AQI cells, safe houses and weapons storage areas in the vicinity.  All detainees were placed in the custody of Khalis Iraqi Police.  Two improvised explosive devices were discovered and destroyed on site.

 

Coalition forces capture terrorists involved in Baghdad car-bombing operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and seven additional suspects during an operation in Baghdad Friday to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in the capital city. The wanted individuals are reportedly leaders in the al-Qaeda network operating in the Karkh area and are believed to have been involved in the planning of a future car-bombing attack in the city. The two wanted individuals are allegedly close associates to several other senior leaders involved in the network’s car-bombing operations. In addition to the wanted individuals, the ground force detained seven suspects on site without incident. Recent successful Coalition forces operations have left the Karkh terrorist network in a severely degraded state. Over the last month, Coalition forces have captured four other wanted individuals tied to the Karkh network, who were reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces and trying to re-establish the city's car-bombing operations.

 

1-15 Inf. Regt. finds cache with Iranian RPG

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, seized a cache that included an Iranian-made rocket propelled grenade southeast of Baghdad, Dec. 5. A local citizen provided the information that resulted in the seizure. Soldiers collected one 122mm mortar round, one propellant stick, 100 feet of dual strand electrical chord, and one bag of ball bearings, as well as the Iranian-made rocket propelled grenade. Explosive ordnance disposal Soldiers from the 789th Ordnance Company, assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, confirmed the rocket propelled grenade was manufactured in Iran in 2006. The 3-1st Cav. Regt. and 1-15th Inf. Regt. are both assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March. An Iranian-made rocket propelled grenade seized by Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment southeast of Baghdad, Dec. 5.

 

ANSF push Taliban out of northern Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers pushed back Taliban insurgents from Now Zad, Helmand Province, Dec. 5. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad when Taliban insurgents attempted to ambush the patrol from established fighting positions.  The enemy fired on the ANSF using small arms, rocket and mortar fire.  The ANSF immediately returned small-arms and machine-gun fire, putting the enemy on the defensive.  The enemy moved to secondary positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces, as the battle escalated. ANSF identified the new enemy fighting positions and engaged with small arms, machine gun fire and precision air strikes. The insurgents attempted to hide among the civilian population by moving into their homes. The Afghan civilians prevented them from using the compounds and its inhabitants as human shields. Tthe enemy executed a disorderly retreat and the ANSF continued to clear the village to ensure no insurgents remained.

 

Coalition precision strike kills several militants

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed during a Coalition forces operation Friday in Helmand Province targeting Taliban support networks. Coalition forces conducted a precision-guided munitions strike targeting a Taliban commander responsible for planning and conducting attacks against Afghan and Coalition forces in several districts including Musa Qaleh. Reports also indicate the individual is associated with weapons facilitation and narcotics smuggling. Coalition Forces targeted a building on a compound in the Musa Qaleh district containing several militants, including the Taliban commander, during the course of operations. Coalition Forces employed a precision-guided munition, destroying the building and killing the militants. Multiple secondary explosions were also reported, indicating the presence of a sizeable weapons cache.

 

ANSF foil Taliban ambush in Farah

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers foiled a Taliban ambush in Kariz-e Sadeqin, Farah Province, Dec. 5. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance mission for a weapons cache when two squad-size elements of insurgents ambushed them with small-arms, rocket and indirect fire.  ANSF returned small-arms and mortar fire, which allowed them to out-maneuver the insurgent forces and engage them with close air support.  The combined forces overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower, despite the arrival of enemy reinforcements.

 

 Dec. 5 airpower summary: F-16s watch over coalition troops

 

Dec. 6 airpower summary: C-17s deliver airlift support

Pearl Harbor Day 66th Anniversary

On this day, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pear Harbor.

The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant. Eighteen months earlier, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had transferred the United States Fleet to Pearl Harbor as a presumed deterrent to Japanese aggression. The Japanese military, deeply engaged in the seemingly endless war it had started against China in mid-1937, badly needed oil and other raw materials. Commercial access to these was gradually curtailed as the conquests continued. In July 1941 the Western powers effectively halted trade with Japan. From then on, as the desperate Japanese schemed to seize the oil and mineral-rich East Indies and Southeast Asia, a Pacific war was virtually inevitable. By late November 1941, with peace negotiations clearly approaching an end, informed U.S. officials (and they were well-informed, they believed, through an ability to read Japan's diplomatic codes) fully expected a Japanese attack into the Indies, Malaya and probably the Philippines. Completely unanticipated was the prospect that Japan would attack east, as well. The U.S. Fleet's Pearl Harbor base was reachable by an aircraft carrier force, and the Japanese Navy secretly sent one across the Pacific with greater aerial striking power than had ever been seen on the World's oceans. Its planes hit just before 8AM on 7 December. Within a short time five of eight battleships at Pearl Harbor were sunk or sinking, with the rest damaged. Several other ships and most Hawaii-based combat planes were also knocked out and over 2400 Americans were dead. Soon after, Japanese planes eliminated much of the American air force in the Philippines, and a Japanese Army was ashore in Malaya. These great Japanese successes, achieved without prior diplomatic formalities, shocked and enraged the previously divided American people into a level of purposeful unity hardly seen before or since. For the next five months, until the Battle of the Coral Sea in early May, Japan's far-reaching offensives proceeded untroubled by fruitful opposition. American and Allied morale suffered accordingly. Under normal political circumstances, an accommodation might have been considered. However, the memory of the "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor fueled a determination to fight on. Once the Battle of Midway in early June 1942 had eliminated much of Japan's striking power, that same memory stoked a relentless war to reverse her conquests and remove her, and her German and Italian allies, as future threats to World peace.

 

Here is some pictures that I acquired a while ago that is appropriate to share today.

 

Do As We Say, Not As We Do. (Global Warming Farce)

The Goreacle has become famous for his work on "Global Warming". He has also become famous for his contributing to "Global Warming". The private jets he flies around in and his home that uses 20 times more electricity and gas than the average Tennesseean are among the examples.

We now have a big UN "Global Warming" convention in Bali, Indonesia. Total pollution for this event, the equivalent of 20,000 cars in a year. Don't worry though, they are planting 73 MILLION trees to offset their carbon emissions. Is there enough room in Indonesia to plant 73 million trees?

Government officials and activists flying to Bali, Indonesia, for the United Nations meeting on climate change will cause as much pollution as 20,000 cars in a year. The delegates each will produce an average 4.07 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or CO2, to reach the resort island 950 kilometers (600 miles) from Jakarta, according to estimates e- mailed to Bloomberg by the UN agency holding the conference. Some of the 187 nations participating in the two-week forum promised to offset their so-called carbon footprint by planting trees or buying emission credits. The symbolic actions won't help stop global warming, some scientists say. [...] Indonesia will plant 79 million trees to offset the entire conference's emissions, Emil Salim, head of the host country's delegation, told reporters yesterday in Bali. The Asian nation is investigating how to develop its tree-planting activity to ensure a lasting offset, said Amanda Katili, special assistant to Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/5

MND-C Soldiers discover cache in haystack (Al Ja’ara)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, uncovered a weapons cache Dec. 1 in Al Ja’ara, Iraq, while delivering kerosene to local citizens. While the Soldiers were delivering 15,000 liters of kerosene to the village sheik, they received information regarding the location of a possible weapons cache. Barwick said Pfc. Mark Hayes, from Louisville, Ky.; Pvt. Phillip Crum, from Miami; Spc. Mishael Francois, from Trinidad and Tobago; and Pfc. Steven Moya, from Redding, Pa., dug through the entire pile of hay and discovered two 75mm rockets, 17 grenades, two mortars, 10 pounds of a stripped propellant and one two-liter bottle of explosive material. Co. B, 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and has been deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.

 

Coalition forces capture weapons and foreign terrorist facilitators, 10 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq. In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual is allegedly associated with foreign terrorist facilitation networks operating in the region and weapons facilitators recently detained by Coalition forces during operations Nov. 17 and 18. Additionally, the ground force discovered a large amount of terrorist propaganda materials on site.  Farther north, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and car-bombing attacks in Tikrit. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with other al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitators operating in the southern belt terrorist network. During an operation in al-Hadid, the ground force detained a wanted individual involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations. The suspect is allegedly associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq members recently detained or killed by Coalition forces, to include the terrorist media cell leader for the Diyala province who was killed during an operation Dec. 4 (See MNF-I Press Release A071204b, “Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, media cells; two killed, 25 detained,” dated Dec. 4, 2007). In other operations in Samarra and Mosul, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in improvised explosive device attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation.

 

Taliban commander killed in precision strike positively identified

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces positively identified one of the militants killed in a Dec. 2 precision munitions strike in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand Province as former Taliban senior commander Mullah Ikhalas. Mullah Ikhalas was a senior Taliban commander active in the Musa Qaleh district. He is reported to be responsible for the March 5 kidnapping of Italian journalist, Daniele Mastrogiacomo, his interpreter, and his driver. Mastrogiacomo’s interpreter and driver were executed by Taliban insurgents. Reports also indicated Ikhalas was responsible for a number of mortar attacks on coalition bases as well as several IED attacks.  During the course of the Dec. 2 operations, Coalition forces targeted a vehicle in the Musa Qaleh district containing Mullah Ikhalas and three other unidentified militants.  A supporting aircraft employed a precision-guided munition, destroying the vehicle and killing the occupants.

 

Several militants killed in Helmand operation

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed during a Coalition forces operation Tuesday to disrupt foreign fighter and weapons facilitation networks in Helmand Province. In the Garmsir district of the Helmand Province, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be associated with weapons smuggling operations in the province. Reports indicate the individual is associated with a Taliban leader responsible for facilitating the weapons and explosives recovered and destroyed during a Nov. 16 Coalition forces’ operation. Furthermore, the individual is reported to have knowledge of foreign fighter movements throughout the area. Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in the district.  While performing a search of one of the compounds, Coalition forces killed several armed militants who posed an imminent threat. After hostilities ceased, Coalition forces recovered several weapons and explosives, which were removed to prevent their use by extremist forces.

 

Dec. 4 airpower summary: C-130s fleet workhorse

Iran, The NIE, & Nuclear Weapons

So the 2003 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) stated that Iran halted nuclear weapons production in that year. Of course those with BDS will be have a field day with this. Al-Reuters was thrilled to turn it into a Bush-bashing article.

A new U.S. intelligence report says Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and it remains on hold, contradicting the Bush administration's earlier assertion that Tehran was intent on developing a bomb.

A lot of things could change in 4 years, including building and burying a reactor. I'm not sure how you can dispute satellite pictures of this event occurring.

Israel, which has a lot more human intelligence on the ground in the Middle East than the United States, said that Iran did stop production 4 years ago, but has since restarted the program.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Iran was continuing in its efforts to produce a nuclear bomb despite the report. According to the minister, Iran had indeed stopped its program four years ago but has since renewed it.

For more information, read this assessment from a former member of the Intelligence community.

 

I don't really see the need for people to get worked up over this. Perhaps if more recent NIE's indicated that Iran had continued to halt production or acquirement of nuclear weapons, than there would be reason. But more recent NIE's state that Iran has resumed production.

However; Iran is still providing training and weapons to those in Iraq and Afghanistan who are killing American troops. If anything, this should be on the front burner for our government. This is happening now, the nuclear weapons may or may not happen later.

 

***UPDATE 12/6/07 12:30AM***

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, weighs in on the NIE report.

That such a flawed product could emerge after a drawn-out bureaucratic struggle is extremely troubling. While the president and others argue that we need to maintain pressure on Iran, this "intelligence" torpedo has all but sunk those efforts, inadequate as they were. Ironically, the NIE opens the way for Iran to achieve its military nuclear ambitions in an essentially unmolested fashion, to the detriment of us all.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/4

Mosul Airport reopens for commercial flights after 14 years; religious pilgrims board Iraqi airplane for Hajj

MOSUL, Iraq – For the first time in 14 years, a commercial airlines flight departed the Mosul Airport Dec. 2, carrying Muslim religious pilgrims on their annual trek to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Mosul Airport, built in 1992, had not seen commercial airline traffic since U.S. military forces declared the city a no-fly zone in 1993. After recent cooperation between by Iraqi and U.S. government agencies, and employing local workers, the airport was rebuilt with the intent to continue commercial air service to Saudi Arabia and other locations. Around 10:30 Sunday night, 152 Hajj pilgrims departed on Iraqi Airways Flight 020, bound for Baghdad, where they were to board another flight for Saudi Arabia. “The Iraqi Airlines staff here performed wonderfully, overcoming operational obstacles in stride,” said R.C. Shackelford, provincial program manager in Ninewa. “The process will only get better with each experience.”  “This is a significant step for the revitalization of the economy, not just (for) Mosul, but all of northern Iraq,” said Jason Hyland, team leader for the Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team. “December 2 was a great day for the Iraqi people.” In partnership with Ninewa’s Provincial Council and Governor Kashmoula, the U.S. Department of State contributed $3.2 million to help renovate the passenger terminal. Other funding came from the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance.

 

UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent raid

BAGHDAD, Iraq – An al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist killed during a recent Coalition forces operation has been positively identified as Abu Maysara. Maysara, also known as Abu Basha’ir, was a Syrian who spoke an Iraqi dialect. He was a member of Abu Ayyub al-Masri’s inner circle and served as a senior advisor. Maysara was specifically responsible for providing extremist spiritual guidance and rebuttal on terrorist matters, perverting Islamic faith to allow terrorism, murder and torture. He was also known to provide logistical support to al-Qaeda operations and was a key leader in the al-Qaeda in Iraq media network. Maysara was killed during an operation northeast of Samarra Nov. 17. During the operation, Coalition forces were targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq media networks, specifically, a building which was reportedly used as a propaganda house. As the ground force approached the target building, they received heavy fire from inside. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing six terrorists, including Maysara. The ground forces then secured the area, finding a weapons cache, improvised explosive device components and propaganda material. In March, Maysara and a group of foreign terrorists escaped from the Badush Prison.  It is believed he was one of the lead planners of the escape. Maysara fought against the Government of Iraq in Fallujah in 2004 and was reportedly one of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s senior advisors. On Nov. 29, 2004, Maysara was captured by Coalition forces in Fallujah, using the name Muhammad Wasim Abdullah Halabi, also known as Abu Assim. He had in his possession a forged Ministry of the Interior identification card with the name Ahmad Ibrahim Karim, also known as Abu Ibrahim. Abu Maysara was positively identified using DNA evidence.

 

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, media cells; two killed, 25 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 25 suspects during operations Tuesday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq. South of Baqubah, Coalition forces killed a wanted terrorist believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq media cell leader who replaced the previous Diyala leader after his death during a Coalition forces operation Nov. 11. Coalition forces approached the target area and secured two buildings. As they moved to secure an adjacent building, two men were seen maneuvering into the palm groves nearby. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing both terrorists. One of the terrorists killed was later identified as the wanted individual. During the operation, the ground force discovered a large amount of al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda materials. Coalition forces detained three suspects during the operation. In other operations targeting al-Qaeda’s media cells, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Baghdad reportedly involved in numerous aspects of media and propaganda operations for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The wanted individual is also believed to be an associate of senior terrorist leaders in the region and a facilitator of terrorist operations. Coalition forces detained one other suspect during the operation without incident. Coalition forces targeted foreign terrorist facilitators during three operations in various cities. East of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate he also is involved with media and propaganda operations along the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces detained three other suspects without incident. Also targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, Coalition forces detained six suspects north of Samarra. Then, in Haditha, Coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the region. During the operation, Coalition forces discovered a large amount of American money. Later, targeting kidnappers and those responsible for attacking Iraqis, Coalition forces targeted an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in kidnappings and assassinations with ties to senior terrorist members operating in Mosul. Four suspected terrorists were detained on site without incident. During operations west of Kirkuk, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader for the city. Reports indicate the targeted individual was an associate of Abu Nahr, former car-bombing cell leader and terrorist facilitator Abu Harith, both of whom were killed during Coalition forces operations north of Hawija Nov. 21. During the operation, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists, one of whom was hiding from Coalition forces.

 

Coalition forces detain two suspected criminal element members

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals during operations early Saturday in the Khan Bani Said area, north of Baghdad. The targeted individual was reportedly a significant explosively formed penetrator facilitator and trainer within Special Group criminal elements in the Khan Bani Said area and Baghdad. The suspected criminal was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where two suspected criminals were detained without incident. The identities of the two suspects, and whether or not one of them may be the targeted individual, are still being determined.

 

Four suspected militants detained in Oruzgan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition Forces detained four suspected militants during an operation Monday in Oruzgan Province to disrupt extremist networks in the area. Coalition Forces conducted a search of compounds in the Deh Rawod district targeting Taliban insurgents reported to be conducting insurgent operations. Intelligence reports also indicated Taliban insurgents were actively engaged in facilitating foreign-fighter networks. During the course of operations, Coalition Forces detained four individuals suspected of having links to Taliban extremists. The detained individuals will be questioned as to their involvement in insurgent operations as well as other extremist activities.  Coalition Forces also recovered several weapons and explosives which were destroyed in place to prevent their use by extremist forces.

 

 Dec. 3 airpower summary: B-1B bombs enemy in Afghanistan

Armed Services Committee Member Duncan Hunter

Here is a brief summary of Duncan Hunter's accomplishments as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

In April 2004, while the congressman was in the middle of a committee hearing in Washington, he received a satellite phone call from his son in the midst of the siege of Fallujah, not so subtly asking his father why his unit was being ordered to stop attacking when it had the insurgents on the run.  “I ended up with this young Marine officer cussing me out on a cell phone,” Hunter recalls with a laugh.   Within minutes, the congressman was on the phone with top Pentagon brass, relaying his son’s message and demanding answers.  Hunter’s family has deep military roots. His father served in World War II, and he was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star.  Away from the committee, the past year has been a tumultuous one for the congressman, as his presidential bid has failed to surge, leaving him an asterisk in the polls.   Hunter is particularly stung by criticism from Democrats that he did not conduct tough enough oversight of the Iraq war while he was committee chairman, citing efforts to bolster protections against improvised explosive devices and to provide “jammers” to scramble the triggers insurgents were using to set off roadside bombs. “We produced 10,000 portable jammers and moved them out to the battlefield — from a concept to the field — in just 70 days,” he said.  In fact, Hunter’s zeal to come up with protective body armor to defend against improvised explosive devices earned him the derisive nickname “SpongeBob HunterPants” after a military staffer fabricated a picture of Hunter wearing the bulky contraption, drawing comparisons to the famous children’s television character, according to an account in The Washington Post.  When he was in charge, Hunter said, “this committee moved up the production of armored Humvees by seven months” after he took his case directly to the steel mills that manufactured the plating.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/2-3

Troops arrest 3 alleged terrorists, find roadside bombs

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops arrested a suspected terrorist bomb-maker and two financiers and found two improvised explosive devices in the Iraqi capital’s Rashid district Nov. 30. Scouts from Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment “Raiders,” 4th “Dragon” Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, received a tip from an area resident that a maker of roadside bombs was operating out of a house in Doura neighborhood. The unit arrested the suspect without incident. The suspect is being held for questioning. Later in the day, Soldiers from “Destroyer” Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment “Warriors,” detained a pair of suspected financiers involved with al-Qaeda in a north Doura neighborhood.  Both suspects are being held for questioning. Soldiers with Apache and Bandit Companies, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment “Tuskers,” uncovered two roadside bombs, including a buried IED in East and West Rashid. The bombs, consisting of homemade explosives, wiring and other materials were destroyed in place by explosive ordnance disposal teams.

 

Iron Reaper continues pursuit of al-Qaeda

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Task Force Iron – the multinational division responsible for operations north of Baghdad – launched another operation involving four U.S. brigade combat teams and three different Iraqi Army divisions across the northern provinces of Iraq, Nov 27.  The purpose of Operation Iron Reaper is to continue the pursuit of al-Qaeda and set the conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in key northern provinces. Task Force Iron’s previous division-level operation, Operation Iron Hammer, began the process of improving security in the north and set in motion reconciliation efforts. The reconciliation paved the way for the signing of 6,000 Concerned Local Citizens. Iron Reaper should create similar results for the security of residents in northern Iraq. Within the first three days of the operation, often working off of tips from local citizens across northern Iraq, Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces discovered and destroyed several weapons caches. These caches included more than 850 mortars of various sizes with several tubes for launching. In addition to mortars, the caches contained more than 70 various rockets.  The rockets are used to attack CF and ISF convoys or the explosives inside could be used in making improvised explosive devices. The caches contained several other explosive materials for making IEDs including more than 15 blocks of C4, 30 TNT sticks, 50 pounds of homemade explosives and a 200-pound AH-3 Chinese practice bomb along with wire, timing devices and IED-making instruction manuals. The caches also included about a dozen explosively formed projectiles, which are used in IEDs to pierce armored vehicles.

 

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; seven detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained seven suspects during operations Monday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in Tarmiyah. During one operation, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in the northern belt terrorist network. Reports indicate the wanted individual was a facilitator for terrorist operations. Coalition forces approached the target building and called for the occupants to come out. The ground force detained five suspected terrorists, including the wanted individual who identified himself to Coalition forces. Upon securing the area, they found a machine gun and pistol. In other operations south of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq’s media and propaganda networks. Coalition forces detained one other suspect, in addition to the wanted individual, without incident.

 

Troops capture suspected terrorists (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops arrested seven individuals believed to have terrorist ties in southern Baghdad, Dec. 1. The 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and the 4-64th Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, both attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, initially detained the suspects after getting positive identifications from area residents and Iraqi Security Volunteers. The seven are suspected of murder, working as informants and recruiters for al-Qaeda and emplacing improvised explosive devices.

 

Coalition precision strike kills several militants in Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed during a Coalition forces operation Sunday in Helmand Province targeting Taliban command-and-control networks in the area. Coalition forces conducted a precision-guided munitions strike targeting a senior Taliban commander believed to be involved in the March kidnapping of Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo, his interpreter and his driver. Reports indicate the individual is also responsible for a number of mortar attacks on Coalition bases as well as several improvised explosive device attacks.  Coalition forces targeted a vehicle in the Musa Qaleh district containing five adult males during the course of operations, one of whom intelligence reports indicated to be a senior Taliban commander. A supporting aircraft released a precision-guided munition, destroying the vehicle and killing the occupants.

 

Dec. 1 airpower summary: F-15s engage enemy combatants

 

Dec. 2 airpower summary: F-16s support ground troops

Firehouse Noose Incident A Hoax, Black Fireman Responsible

Well looky here. I would like to know why he is not facing criminal charges. If the firefighter was white, do you think he would be let off the hook. I.Think.Not.

A firefighter who reported finding a knotted rope and a threatening note with a drawing of a noose in an East Baltimore station house last month had placed the items there himself, city officials said yesterday. The man was suspended last week for performance-related issues and will likely face additional punishment, fire officials said. Sterling Clifford, a spokesman for the Police Department and for Mayor Sheila Dixon, said the man admitted to the hoax and will not face criminal charges.

Just another example of the race card.

Chavez Socialist State Utopia Is Shot Down

Venezuelan voters decided that they didn't want a socialist state. The amazing thing is that only 51% of the people voted no.

President Hugo Chavez suffered a stinging defeat Monday in a vote on constitutional changes that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely and solidify his bid to transform this major U.S. oil provider into a socialist state. Voters defeated the sweeping measures by a vote of 51 percent to 49 percent, said Tibisay Lucena, chief of the National Electoral Council, with voter turnout just 56 percent. She said that with 88 percent of the votes counted, the trend was irreversible. "This was a photo finish," Chavez said immediately after the vote, adding that unlike past Venezuelan governments, his respects the people's will.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/1

An Nasiriyah SWAT captures high-level IED facilitator, four others

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Police from the An Nasiriyah Special Weapons and Tactics team detained a suspected high-level improvised explosive device facilitator during operations Nov. 30 to disrupt extremist networks operating in the area. The suspect is reported to be an extremist company commander and the primary facilitator for an IED network that is responsible for multiple IED attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in the An Nasiriyah area. The suspect has a history of travel to Iran and, when captured, the suspect had Iranian weapons and munitions in his possession. This included an Iranian rocket propelled grenade launcher, three new Iranian-made RPG rockets and boosters, several AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition. Four other individuals were detained by SWAT for further questioning.  Operations occurred without any significant incidents. The operations were part of a continued Iraqi effort to rid Dhi Qar province of violent elements and improve security for Iraqi citizens.

 

Insurgent safe house, house-borne IED blown up

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – An insurgent safe house and an anti-aircraft weapon gun were destroyed by Coalition Forces near Arab Jabour Nov. 29. A Kiowa helicopter from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade took fire from an insurgent anti-aircraft weapon near a structure next to a palm grove. Three insurgents were seen leaving the weapon and entering the safe house. The building also had a machine gun nest on the roof. Two U.S. Air Force F-16s engaged the enemy machine gun and safe house, destroying both. The building was in the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division area of operations. Later in the afternoon on Nov. 29, another building was destroyed in the area of Maderiyah. The building was believed to be rigged as a house-borne improvised explosive device. It was destroyed by a U.S. Air Force F-16. Secondary explosions were seen when the bomb detonated indicating explosives in the building. The building belonged to al Qaeda in Iraq brothers who left the area earlier in the month after being wounded in attacks against Concerned Local Citizens and Coalition Forces. Through intelligence provided by local Iraqis and patrols conducted by Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion 9th Field Artillery, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., it was confirmed the building was rigged as an HBIED. The patrol noticed wires leading out of the windows of the building. Inside the building, multiple jugs of unknown bulk explosive were observed. After it was confirmed the structure was rigged with explosives, the decision was made to destroy it.

 

Coalition forces capture two targeted suspects; disrupt criminal network

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two suspected criminals Friday during operations in the Kadhimyah and Sha’ab areas, near Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the captured suspect in the Kadhmiyah area was a weapons facilitator for Special Group criminal elements. His logistics supply network includes Basrah, many locations in the Maysan province, and Baghdad.  The second suspect was reportedly a Special Groups weapons facilitator and distributor, who transported weapons from Baghdad to Diyala Province. The suspected criminal provided improvised explosive device and mortar instruction to subordinates, operational guidance, and various types of munitions to multiple criminal element cell leaders. The suspected criminals were also reportedly associates of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Both wanted suspects were captured without incident.

 

Concerned Local Citizens, Coalition Forces secure 3 weapons caches

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Ongoing cooperation between Concerned Local Citizens and Coalition Forces led to the identification and eventual destruction of three weapons caches in Arab Jabour and Hawr Rajab Nov. 29. Soldiers from Company E, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., located two improvised explosive devices in Arab Jabour. Each IED was made of three 57 mm projectiles. An explosive ordnance disposal team safely destroyed the six rounds. As the EOD team was conducting the detonation, a group of CLCs approached them and turned over a pressure switch initiator. The group led the EOD team to the location where the switch was found. A second investigation led to the discovery of a smoke bomb. In another location in Arab Jabour, CLCs brought Soldiers from Company B, 1-30th Inf. Regt. IED components. The components consisted of two 57 mm projectiles and a 4-pound bag of homemade explosives tied to the munitions.  An EOD team conducted a controlled detonation. CLCs also delivered a cache in Hawr Rajab. The cache consisted of 25 kg of HME, one 155 mm illumination round and one 155 mm high-explosive round. An EOD team safely destroyed the contents in a controlled detonation.

 

Coalition forces target car-bombers, assassins, kidnappers; one killed, 16 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations Friday and Saturday to disrupt al-Qaeda operations in the central and northern parts of the country. Coalition forces conducted operations southwest of Mahmudiyah, while targeting an individual believed to be responsible for facilitating funds for the southern belt terrorist network. The targeted individual is reportedly involved in the supply of vehicles and materials to car-bombing networks based in Baghdad. During the operation, the ground force called for the target building’s occupants to come out, but they did not comply. Then Coalition forces saw four individuals attempting to evade them escaping from the building. Tracking the four individuals, the ground force detained three suspects. The fourth individual, who was armed, was taking cover in a nearby field. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing the terrorist. In al-Hadid, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to be involved in a suicide attack cell in the region. The targeted suspect reportedly recruits individuals to conduct the attacks and was involved in the attack that killed three Coalition forces members in Baqubah Nov. 18. After approaching the target, Coalition forces secured the target building and detained two suspects. Three suspected terrorists were detained while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq who are suspected of trying to neutralize the effects of local citizens aiding Iraqi and Coalition forces in the Tarmiyah. The suspects were detained without incident. Four suspects were detained during two coordinated operations near Mosul, where Coalition forces were targeting members of the city’s terrorist network. One of the targeted individuals is believed to be involved in kidnappings and assassinations, and has ties to senior al-Qaeda members operating in the region. As the ground force entered the area during the first operation, they saw a man run from the target building, attempting to evade capture. As they continued to clear the area, they arrived at a location where they believed the suspect was hiding. He was subsequently detained. In an operation that followed, Coalition forces detained three suspects without incident. In other operations, Coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the northern belt.

 

4 suspects detained in Rashid

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops detained four suspicious men during three raids across the Rashid district of the Iraqi capital Nov. 29. “Tuskers” with Company B, 4-64th Combined Arms Battalion, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, detained two men who were trying to flee from a raid. One was found to have been previously arrested on a weapons charge. After questioning, the men were handed over to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. Later that day, scouts from 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment detained a man believed to be involved in terrorist activities. That night, “Warriors” of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th IBCT, arrested a man suspected of murder, auto theft, car bomb construction and improvised explosive device placement. Both men were taken into custody and held for further questioning.

 

ANSF-led forces control Chenartu, Kandahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Kandahar Auxiliary Units engaged in a day-long battle to seize control of Chenartu, Kandahar Province, Nov 27. While conducting reconnaissance patrols in the Zampto Valley to facilitate supply movements, the combined force was engaged by insurgents with small-arms fire from a village.  The combined force immediately returned accurate small-arm, machine gun and mortar fire, killing Taliban fighters and putting the remaining enemy forces on the defensive. Shortly after, ANSF-led forces secured the area and set up multiple checkpoints to enhance security and facilitate safe humanitarian supply movement into Kandahar Province.

 

 Nov. 30 airpower summary: B1-Bs provide overwatch