Good News From The War On Terror 3/21-23
ISF, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detain 10 in overnight operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained five suspected insurgents and five additional suspects during three separate operations earlier this week.
In Iskandariyah, north of Kalsu, the Hillah Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics unit captured three suspected insurgents who are believed to be responsible for facilitating a suicide attack at the Hateen apartment complex in Iskandariyah.
It is believed, the suspects also participated in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in Babel province.
In Mosul, Ninewa ISWAT unit detained a suspected insurgent with ties to al Qaeda in Iraq groups in the Kirkuk area. The suspect is reported to have knowledge concerning the transport and facilitation of foreign fighters and suicide bombers, as well as knowledge about the financing of attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.South of Suwayrah, 8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers detained a suspected member of a vehicle-born improvised explosive device cell. Members of this cell have been linked to attacking Iraqi and Coalition forces in Babil and Wasit provinces.
Coalition forces detain eight, disrupt al-Qaeda Network
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists today during operations targeting the al-Qaeda network in northern Iraq.
Coalition forces captured two alleged terrorists, including an individual suspected of coordinating and conducting improvised explosive device attacks in the Tigris River Valley, during an operation in Sharqat.
In Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an individual allegedly tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. In the northwest Iraq town of Bi’aj, Coalition forces detained three suspects during an operation targeting operatives in the area’s AQI network.
One terrorist killed, 21 detained in operations against al-Qaeda (Karwi)
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Friday and today targeting the al-Qaeda network in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted an operation Friday near Karwi, targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq – or AQI – explosives network. The ground forces detained eight suspected terrorists, including one man who tried to hide his weapon on a child. On the scene, Coalition forces discovered a building with more than 600 pounds of materials used to make explosives, as well as three vehicles and a boat that tested positive for explosives residue. Coalition forces safely destroyed the bomb-making materials, vehicles, boat and building on site to prevent further use by terrorists.
Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting the AQI propaganda network Saturday. West of Samarra, Coalition forces killed an armed terrorist when he threw a grenade at them from a tactical position. On the scene, they found terrorist propaganda materials. In Baghdad, the ground force captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with AQI’s media network.
North of Taji, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists Saturday, including an alleged AQI operative suspected of organizing bombing attacks.
During two Saturday operations in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged AQI terrorist leader who is believed to have recently moved up in the organization after Coalition operations decimated terrorist leadership in the area. Eight additional suspects were detained.
Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist Saturday in Bi’aj while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators.
Coalition forces kill 17 terrorists including six likely suicide bombers, detain 30 suspects
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed 17 terrorists and detained 30 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern parts of the country Saturday and today.
Coalition forces conducted an operation Saturday near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting weapons facilitators and associates of AQI leadership. Intelligence reports led the assault force to the targeted suspect’s location, where five individuals failed to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions or heed warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men with small arms fire, killing them. Secondary explosions from a vehicle following the initial engagement indicated explosives or weapons were inside.
Coalition forces killed 12 terrorists today during an operation east of Baqouba, targeting members of a suicide bombing network. The ground force was attacked with small arms fire as they approached the target building. Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged five armed men, killing them. The ground force ordered the occupants to come out of the building. Some complied, but others remained inside. Coalition forces entered the building and were fired upon by several armed men. Seven more terrorists were killed in the engagement, and Coalition forces detained five suspects on the scene. Assault weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests discovered on site were safely destroyed. Six of the terrorists killed had shaved their bodies, which is consistent with final preparation for suicide operations.
Coalition forces continued to target the terrorist bombing network in southwest Baghdad this morning, capturing a suspected bombing facilitator, who allegedly specializes in the distribution of homemade explosives. After he identified himself as the targeted suspect, the man led Coalition forces to four other wanted individuals, who were also detained.
In Mosul today, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation in which they captured an alleged terrorist leader suspected of carrying out attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. In a nearby operation, the ground force detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of AQI senior leaders.
Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of AQI senior leaders and three other suspected terrorists this morning in Tikrit. On two occasions during the operation, vehicles sped toward the security perimeter. After using visual signals, Coalition forces fired a warning shot. In one incident, the vehicle turned around and left; the other vehicle stopped, and the driver ran away. There were no injuries reported in either incident.
Two coordinated operations today in the Tigris River Valley targeted AQI’s propaganda network. Northwest of Tikrit, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists, and west of Samarra, six additional suspects were detained.
ANSF, Coalition forces inflict casualties on attacking insurgent forces
BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, killed more than a dozen insurgents March 21 when the combined force foiled a Taliban ambush in Oruzgan Province.
Insurgents in concealed fighting positions attacked the patrol with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. ANSF supported by Coalition forces immediately returned fire and advanced on the insurgent positions.
Once the enemy fighting positions were located, friendly forces called in close air support, eliminating the insurgents.