Good News From The War On Terror 2/12
Coalition forces disrupt Special Groups criminal networks, detain two suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected Special Groups criminals early today during operations in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad.
Coalition forces were targeting an individual who reportedly facilitated paramilitary training for Special Groups members in preparation for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. Reports also indicate he was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target location where they detained the two suspected criminals without incident. The identity of the suspects is still being determined.
Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; two terrorists killed, two detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained two suspects Monday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Samarra Monday near the Hamrin Mountains targeting alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in the suicide bombing network in the Diyala River Valley. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individuals were believed to be operating. As they arrived in the target area, Coalition forces were engaged by enemy fire. Responding in self-defense, the assault force engaged, killing two terrorists, who were both armed with suicide vests.
Once the area was secure, the ground force recovered two AK-47s and destroyed the suicide vests inside a vehicle on site to prevent further use for terrorist activity.
Southwest of Samarra today, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the facilitation of weapons and improvised explosive devices. The suspect is believed to be responsible for a car-bomb factory located in the area and several weapons caches on another property. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with numerous AQI members involved in car-bomb facilitation networks, to include individuals detained last fall for their alleged involvement in terrorist attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. An additional suspected terrorist was also detained.
Suspected special group criminal cell leader detained in Abu T’shir
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected special group criminal cell leader in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 11.
Soldiers captured the alleged criminal cell leader during a pre-dawn raid in the Abu T’Shir neighborhood in southeast Rashid.
The suspected cell leader is believed to have been involved in attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces involving improvised-explosive device, explosively-formed penetrator, small arms and rocket.
Large cache discovered in southern Arab Jabour
BAGHDAD – A local citizen led Coalition forces conducting a foot patrol near the village of Minori in southern Arab Jabour to a massive weapons cache Feb. 8.
The cache, recovered by Soldiers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, consisted of 59 rocket-propelled grenades, eight rockets, 128 propellant charges, 32 ammunition canisters with a variety of rounds and five 57 mm mortar illumination rounds.
Soldiers capture suspected al-Qaeda leader
BAGHDAD – A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader was captured in a house in the Ubaydi region of Iraq Feb. 9 during a reconnaissance operation by Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.
The suspect is believed to be linked to training foreign fighters, constructing explosive devices and organizing attacks against Coalition forces.
Suspected special groups criminal cell leader arrested in Hurriya
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected special group criminal cell leader in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Hurriya Feb. 10.
Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), MND-B, detained the alleged cell leader during a raid in Hurriya.
The cell leader is believed to have been involved in improvised-explosive device and small-arms attacks aimed at Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.
The suspect was taken to a Coalition Forces Detention Facility for further questioning.
ANA Commandos capture key Taliban IED facilitator
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos from the 203rd Kandak, assisted by Coalition forces, captured a key insurgent facilitator in Khowst Province Feb. 9.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense announced that ANA forces captured a known Taliban commander, Nasimulla, during a combined operation in the Dand Faqiran area of Yaqubi District.
Nasimulla is suspected of being a key Taliban facilitator responsible for several attacks against Afghan National Security Forces using improvised explosive devices. He is also suspected of commanding an IED emplacement cell based in the Sabari District and travels throughout Khowst and Paktika Provinces to conduct attacks against GIRoA forces and civilians.
ANSF, GIRoA and Coalition forces are making a concerted effort to disrupt insurgent activity throughout the country, according to Bowman.
As part of that effort, Afghan National Police in Shkin arrested three men Feb. 6 suspected of facilitating IED operations near the Pakistan border in the Bermel District of Paktika Province. Earlier that day, a local villager alerted the ANP officers of suspicious materials near a bridge in Kakkhel. Upon investigation, the officers found three IEDs consisting of a 107 mm rocket and an anti-tank mine. The munitions were covered by dirt and placed in the roadway near a family home.
