Good News From The War On Terror 3/13-14
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain 15 during three separate operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, detained 15 suspected terrorists during three separate operations March 11.
In areas of Muthana and Khasraj, twelve suspected members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq network were detained by a 1st Iraqi Army Division Special Actions Company while they were conducting sustained activities in the area to disrupt al Qaeda in Iraq.
During the operation, the team also located and destroyed weapons caches.
In Mosul, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained two suspected terrorists.
One of the men allegedly holds a leadership role within an al Qaeda in Iraq cell in Mosul and attacked Coalition forces in and around Mosul. The other man is reportedly involved with al Qaeda in Iraq and is wanted for murders, improvised explosive device emplacing, and recruiting for al Qaeda.
The Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team detained another suspected terrorist in northern Babil Province.
The man is wanted on an Iraqi Ministry of Interior warrant in connection with a recent improvised explosive device attack in Hasawa.
BALAD, Iraq – In three different operations March 13, Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained the suspected leaders of three terrorist cells engaging in attacks against LSA Anaconda.
In Baghdad, ISOF captured a suspected terrorist and major cell leader allegedly responsible for improvised explosive device and mortar attacks, hijacking, car theft, kidnapping, murder, and assassination in the area surrounding LSA Anaconda.
In Balad, ISOF detained the suspected leader of a 15- to 20-man terrorist cell conducting attacks against Coalition forces and Sons of Iraq. Specifically, the group is believed to be responsible for IED, mortar, and sniper attacks in the vicinity of Balad and LSA Anaconda.
Also near Balad, ISOF detained the suspected leader of an IED cell operating near LSA Anaconda. The individual is allegedly also part of a larger terrorist network that conducts mortar attacks against the base.
Militant operations degraded in Khowst Province
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Eleven suspected militants were detained Wednesday during an Afghan National Security and Coalition forces operation to degrade militant activities in Khowst Province.
The combined force performed a search of compounds in the Tanai District targeting militants linked to foreign fighter, improvised explosive device and weapons facilitation operations.
During the course of the operation, ANSF and Coalition forces found and detained 11 individuals. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in militant facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities.
Additionally, the combined force discovered a number of IED making materials, several hand grenades, small-arms, ammunition and ammunition vests.
ANSF, CF cause insurgents to flee, discover IED, weapons cache in Zabul
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, conducted a security patrol to disrupt insurgent activity near Surksang, Zabul Province, Afghanistan, March 11.
The patrol was attacked by a large group of insurgents from two different locations with small-arms, heavy-machine gun, and recoilless-rifle fire. The ANSF force returned fire and precision close air support suppressed the enemy. After pursuing the retreating enemy, the ANSF found a weapons cache consisting of a recoilless rifle, three heavy machine guns and two other weapons.
The insurgents regrouped and began to fire 82 mm recoilless rifle rounds and small-arms at the combined forces. The ANSF responded with direct fire and precision air strikes eliminating the threat. Following the engagement, a motorcycle-based improvised explosive device and a recoilless rifle were found.
ANSF, CF neutralize insurgent fighting positions in Helmand
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces assisted by Coalition forces conducted a security patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in Tambah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, March 11.
The patrol was traveling through the village when a large group of insurgents engaged them with small arms, rockets, and indirect fire from multiple fighting positions. The ANSF-led force responded with precision munitions causing the remaining insurgents to retreat. During the engagement, friendly forces discovered a weapons cache and destroyed it in place.
ANSF discovered a pressure plate improvised explosive device in the middle of a road heavily traveled by Afghan citizens while pursuing the insurgents. ANSF quickly secured the area and destroyed the IED in place. Insurgents re-engaged with sporadic small arms and rocket fire from a trench line and ANSF responded with direct and indirect fire neutralizing the enemy and destroying two fighting positions.
Later in the day, friendly forces discovered and destroyed 1,600 pounds of ammonium nitrate in two different caches. The explosive substance is commonly used in IEDs, suicide vests and vehicles.
The insurgents continued to engage the team with a wheeled multi-rocket launcher system until ANSF destroyed it with indirect fire.
During a final insurgent attack, several of the enemy were defeated when friendly forces countered their efforts with two aerial precision strikes. The day-long battle was concluded with the discovery of a large insurgent fortification with numerous fighting positions, guard towers and underground tunnels.
