Good News From The War On Terror 3/7

Coalition targets al-Qaeda in northern Iraq; one killed, five detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained five suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.

In northeast Mosul Thursday, Coalition forces targeted a suspect believed to be the replacement for the former Saudi al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader and foreign terrorist facilitator Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, who was killed by Coalition forces Feb. 27. Reports indicate the targeted individual is involved in coordinating attacks and kidnappings in the area. 

Coalition forces followed a vehicle associated with the targeted suspect to a nearby house, where they observed the driver and passenger get out. As the ground force arrived in the area, one of the individuals attempted to shoot at them. Coalition forces engaged the hostile threat, wounding him. The suspect, who was armed with pistols and a grenade, was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.

Coalition forces returned to the same area today and captured an alleged senior leader for the terrorist network operating on the east side of the city. Intelligence indicates the suspect is involved in the facilitation and distribution of weapons throughout east Mosul, and oversees several other AQI members. One of his subordinates is reportedly responsible for the production of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two other suspected terrorists.

Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Tall Afar near Tall Wardan today, targeting an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator associated with numerous AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq. During the operation, the ground force called for the suspected terrorists occupying the target building to come out.  They did not comply with instructions or heed warnings. Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the noncompliant suspects and engaged, killing one and wounding another.  The wounded suspect was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a medical facility for further care.

 

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, kill armed criminal

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups facilitator and killed an armed criminal here early this morning.

The targeted individual was reportedly an Iranian-backed Special Groups facilitator who arranged for Special Groups criminal militia members to receive training in Iran. The training prepared Special Groups criminals for sniper, improvised explosive device and explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. As a facilitator, he reportedly coordinated Special Groups funding, training and weapons. Reports also indicate the wanted individual was an associate of Iranian-backed Special Groups criminals involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Upon arrival at the target area, Coalition forces were engaged by an armed man with an assault rifle. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing the criminal. Coalition forces continued the operation, capturing the wanted individual without further incident.

 

Al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq disrupted; eight killed, 17 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 17 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

Northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains today, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Kanan village. The targeted individual is reportedly associated with numerous AQI members in the region. During the operation, the ground force called for the occupants of several target buildings to come out and observed them attempting to engage the ground force. Coalition forces responded to the threat, killing four terrorists, including the wanted individual. The ground force secured the building where the wanted individual was located and discovered a cache of Urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials.

As Coalition forces continued to clear additional buildings in the target area, they encountered armed enemy personnel attempting to maneuver on their position. Responding to the perceived threat, the ground force engaged, killing another four terrorists. Once the target area was secure, Coalition forces safely destroyed two buildings which contained the Urea and a cache of weapons, to prevent further use for terrorist attacks. Seven suspected terrorists were also detained during the operation.

During two additional coordinated operations in Samarra this morning, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including two wanted individuals. One of the suspects is an alleged leader for the Samarra AQI network and close associate to the senior leader, providing his residence as a bed down location for the leader’s family. Also, the suspect’s son is reportedly involved in VBIED attacks and part of the cell in the region. The other wanted individual, detained nearby, is reportedly a direct associate of AQI senior leadership, including members of the senior leader’s inner circle.

North of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the AQI northern belt network. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The suspected terrorist is reportedly responsible for providing information on Coalition operations in the area for use in planning attacks. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.

Coalition forces captured another alleged associate of the northern belt AQI network during an operation in Baghdad today. Reports indicate the suspect has direct ties to the senior leader of the network and to numerous terrorists involved in the VBIED network in Karkh. The suspect is also allegedly responsible for forging identification documents for numerous AQI members in the region.

On Thursday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorist during an operation east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting an alleged AQI weapons facilitator involved in smuggling and kidnapping operations.

 

Tal Afar SWAT, U.S. Special Forces recover weapons cache near suspected AQI training camp

BALAD, Iraq – The Tal Afar Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces recovered a weapons and munitions cache near a suspected terrorist training camp south of Tal Afar March 4.

Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF conducted an operation to recover a suspected cache connected with recent al Qaeda in Iraq activity in the area. The cache was discovered near a suspected AQI training camp that was the scene of a Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF operation March 2. The operation to disrupt AQI activity in the area resulted in nine terrorists being killed and eight suspected terrorists detained. 

The cache was located in an abandoned village near the training camp. After investigating the buildings and surrounding area, SWAT and U.S. SF discovered the weapons and munitions in several underground hiding places.

SWAT and U.S. SF recovered more than 700 lbs of home-made explosives; 11 120mm high-explosive mortar rounds; two AK-47 assault rifles; seven sights for RPG-7 rocket launchers; two Russian 120mm mortar rounds; one 122mm Chinese high explosive mortar round; 10, 82mm Chinese high explosive mortar rounds; 100 pounds of mortar propellant charges; two Belgian anti-personnel landmines; and various fuses.

The weapons and munitions were destroyed on-site by a Coalition Forces explosive ordnance disposal team.

 

March 6 airpower summary

Chinese Hackers Say They Hacked The Pentagon

Did they? Who knows, besides the Pentagon and the hackers. But, it's entirely feasible that China would want any info they can get, including hacking computers.

They operate from a bare apartment on a Chinese island. They are intelligent 20-somethings who seem harmless. But they are hard-core hackers who claim to have gained access to the world's most sensitive sites, including the Pentagon.

In fact, they say they are sometimes paid secretly by the Chinese government -- a claim the Beijing government denies.

"No Web site is one hundred percent safe. There are Web sites with high-level security, but there is always a weakness," says Xiao Chen, the leader of this group.

"Xiao Chen" is his online name. Along with his two colleagues, he does not want to reveal his true identity. The three belong to what some Western experts say is a civilian cyber militia in China, launching attacks on government and private Web sites around the world.

[...]

The apartment has cement floors and almost no furniture. What they do have are three of the latest computers. They are cautious when it comes to naming the Web sites they have hacked.

But eventually Xiao Chen claims two of his colleagues -- not the ones with him in the room -- have hacked into the Pentagon and downloaded information, although he wouldn't specify what was gleaned. CNN has no way to confirm if his claim is true.

 

Thank goodness CNN is looking out for the hackers.

CNN decided to withhold the address of these hackers' Web site, but Xiao Chen says it has been operating for more than three years, with 10,000 registered users. The site offers tools, articles, news and flash tutorials about hacking.

Hamas Claims Responsibility For Israeli School Shooting

Hasn't Israel killed all the members of Hamas yet? They need to kick it up a notch. Until they break the will of Hamas, this is going to continue to happen.

Hamas Islamists who control the Gaza Strip claimed responsibility on Friday for the shooting of eight students in a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem, the most lethal Palestinian attack in Israel in two years.

A gunman killed the students late on Thursday at the Merkaz Harav religious school in Jerusalem, but the Israeli government pledged to press on with peace talks with West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas's rival.

"The Hamas movement announces its full responsibility for the Jerusalem operation," a Hamas official told Reuters in Gaza. "The movement will release the details at a later stage."

 

CNN is reporting that it was actually Hezbollah.

Sources in Gaza say Thursday's deadly attack on a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem was planned by a group called the Free Men of Galilee -- an operation with purported ties to Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group in Lebanon.

The information was provided to CNN amid news reports that Hamas, the Palestinian movement that runs Gaza, claimed responsibility for the attack.

But according to CNN's sources, Hamas in the West Bank and Gaza is not claiming responsibility for the attack, and the Hamas military wing says it had nothing to do with the shootings.

The sources say the shooter was a member of Hamas but was acting on marching orders from outside Gaza and the West Bank. Hezbollah is based in Lebanon; Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is exiled in Syria.

 

A move by the UN Security Council to condemn the attacks as terrorism was blocked by Libya

 

The solution to this problem is simple. "palestine" needs to be wiped off the map. Oh, I forgot, they're not on the map. Oh well, maybe they could just enslave them to build Jewish temples. That would be a hoot!

Good News From The War On Terror 3/5-6

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, 22 suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

West of Biaj, in the western part of Ninawa Province, Coalition forces detained two suspects. One of the suspects is an alleged associate of al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq. He is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of finances to networks throughout the Mosul area and associated with several senior level foreign terrorist facilitators.

In Mosul, Coalition forces captured another alleged associate of the wanted individual near Biaj. The Mosul suspect is reportedly connected to foreign terrorist facilitation and smuggling networks in the city. Three suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul in addition to the wanted individual.

Also in Mosul, two suspects were detained while targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in attacks against Coalition forces and connected to Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader killed Feb. 27. 

During coordinated operations in Samarra, Coalition forces captured an alleged facilitator involved in the AQI network in the city. The suspect is reportedly associated with two leaders in the network involved in terrorist military and administrative operations. In addition to the wanted man, the ground force detained two suspects during the operations.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network, and a financial facilitator with direct ties to AQI senior leaders in the Baghdad area.

West of the Hamrin Mountains, in Albu Bakr village, Coalition forces conducted an operation Sunday through Tuesday targeting an AQI propaganda cell and meeting location. During the operation, the ground force detained eight suspected terrorists and discovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including military style assault vests and equipment belts, signal rockets, grenades, machine gun magazines, various ammunition and anti-aircraft rounds.

 

ISWAT, U.S. Special Forces kill 9, detain 8 in Ninewa province

BALAD, Iraq – The Tal Afar Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Forces, killed nine criminals and detained eight suspects during an operation to disrupt an al Qaeda in Iraq cell south of Tal Afar in western Ninewa province March 2.

During the intelligence-driven operation against a known criminal support base and suspected training camp, Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF targeted a cell responsible for assassinations, improvised explosive device attacks, and illegal traffic control points throughout the Tal Afar area. The cell is also suspected of conducting recent rocket attacks in the area against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. 

When approaching the camp, several fighters attacked the lead Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF vehicles with heavy fire from rifles and at least one machine gun. One SWAT vehicle was hit and disabled by a PKC machine gun, killing three Iraqi SWAT members and wounding three others.

ISWAT and U.S. SF continued while under heavy fire from several locations in the camp and adjacent wadi. During this engagement, nine enemy fighters were killed.

Three Iraqi civilians were wounded and treated on-site. Eight suspected cell members were detained for further questioning, including two who were wounded and evacuated to a Coalition Forces hospital for treatment. The three Iraqi SWAT team members were also evacuated for treatment.

The operation discovered 100 meters of electrical wire and 12 blasting caps for constructing IEDs, one PKC machine gun, one RPG-7 rocket launcher, four AK-47 rifles, nine grenades, more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and one Belgian-made landmine.

 

Sons of Iraq in Sabbah Nissan discover weapons cache

BAGHDAD – The Sons of Iraq of Sabbah Nissan, a village southeast of Baghdad, discovered a large weapons cache and handed it over to Soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery at Forward Operating Base Hammer Feb. 28.

This was the most recent of 13 weapons caches the SOI have brought to Battery A since the inception of the SOI program in Sabbah Nissan.

The cache consisted of 28 rocket propelled grenade motors, five 125 mm artillery rounds, two 60 mm mortars, one 125 mm HEAT round, one 82 mm mortar, one rocket propelled grenade warhead, two fuses and a 155 mm round.

 

Iraqi Security Forces recover large weapons cache in Jabella

BALAD, Iraq – Jabellah Iraqi Police recovered a large weapons and munitions cache in Jabella, south of Iskandariyah, March 4.

An Iraqi police officer discovered the cache in a house in Jabella. Jabella IP secured the cache and contacted provincial officials to determine its disposition.

Provincial Iraqi Security Forces responded to provide inventory and take charge of the cache, pending its final disposition. Provincial officials ultimately decided to transfer the cache into Coalition forces control.

The operation was deemed a success in that local and provincial Iraqi Security Forces worked quickly and decisively to remove a significant cache from potential use by criminal and Special Groups in the area.

The cache consisted of 165 one-pound blocks of C-4 explosive, 19 rocket propelled grenades, five RPG launchers, one 60mm mortar tube, three rolls of detonation cord and two blasting caps for making improvised explosive devices, 25 107 mm high explosive rockets and 23 rocket fuses, 10 120 mm high explosive mortar rounds, 84 60 mm and 60 81 mm high explosive mortar rounds, along with six 60 mm mortar fuses.

 

ANSF capture insurgents, destroy known IED making facilities in Zabul

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan- Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, captured seven insurgents Feb. 28 in Surkhagan Village during an air assault mission in Zabul province.

During the recent operations, Afghan National Army and Coalition forces infiltrated several compounds and cave complexes in search of insurgents, bomb-making facilities and material.

They found three Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, IED making materials, storage facilities, ammunition caches and insurgent fighting positions. The combined force called in precision air strikes that  destroyed the cave complex, fighting positions and the ammunition storage areas.

ANA leadership conducted a shura with the villagers to assure them the area is safer now because the insurgents were captured, which helped neutralize the IED threat.

 

ANSF inflict insurgent losses in Helmand province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, killed several insurgents March 2 after a failed ambush by the Taliban 30 kilometers northeast of Gareshk District in Helmand province. 

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a group of insurgents engaged them with small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire.  The combined force immediately returned accurate small-arms and machine gun fire. The large group of insurgents attempted to out-maneuver the combined force and moved into a trench line.

Moments later, the combined force fixed the insurgents in their position and used several precision munitions to effectively eliminate the Taliban insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban networks

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Seven suspected insurgents were detained Mar. 4 during an operation, which targeted a Taliban leader and disrupted weapons-facilitations operations in Garmser District, Helmand Province.

Coalition forces found and detained seven individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban weapon-facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

March 4 airpower summary

Terrorist Opens Fire On Israeli School, 8 Dead

A Palestinian terrorist hid an AK-47 in a box and opened fire, killing 8 students.

A palestinian gunman killed eight people in a Jewish religious college in Jerusalem on Thursday, most of them students, and wounded about 10 others in the most lethal attack in Israel in two years.

The attacker was shot dead by an off-duty Israeli soldier.

"It was a slaughterhouse," said Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, head of the Zaka emergency service, after surveying the scene following five minutes of bloodshed at the Merkaz Harav seminary, one of the most prominent Jewish educational centers in the holy city.

 

It seems as if the Israelis are beginning to hate their neighbors.

Outside the seminary, young Orthodox Jews in traditional black costume chanted periodically "Death to Arabs!"

 

The primates in the palestinian territory thought the whole thing was a grand idea.

In the Gaza Strip, gunmen fired in the air to celebrate the attack, three days after Israel ended a ground offensive it said was aimed at curbing rocket fire. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the group "blesses the heroic operation in Jerusalem, which was a natural reaction to the Zionist massacre".

A loudspeaker blared the message: "This is God's vengeance."

 

The former Israeli soldier who took out the gunman deserves a medal.

The sound of the shooting attracted the attention of an Israeli neighbour, a former member of the army.

He is reported to have climbed on the roof of his house and shot the terrorist through the head.

Iraqi Army Dumps AK's In Favor Of M-16s

They love us, they really love us. Well, our weapons anyways

In a move that could be the most enduring imprint of U.S. influence in the Arab world, American military officials in Baghdad have begun a crash program to outfit the entire Iraqi army with M-16 rifles.

The initiative marks a sharp break for a culture steeped in the traditions of the Soviet-era AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle, a symbol of revolutionary zeal and third-world simplicity that is ubiquitous among the militaries of the Middle East.

"We in the U.S. know that the M-16 is superior to the AK ... it's more durable," said Army Col. Stephen Scott, who's in charge of helping the Iraqi army get all the equipment it needs to outfit its forces.

"The Iraqis have embraced that ... and the fact that it is U.S. manufactured and supplied. They are very big on U.S.-produced [foreign military sales] materials," he said in an interview with military bloggers this month.

So far, the U.S. military has helped the Iraqi army purchase 43,000 rifles - a mix of full-stock M-16A2s and compact M-4 carbines. Another 50,000 rifles are currently on order, and the objective is to outfit the entire Iraqi army with 165,000 American rifles in a one-for-one replacement of the AK-47.

Vermont Leads Nation In Marijuana Use

I guess this shouldn't surprise me.

After all, these are the same people who think they are going to arrest Bush/Cheney and try them for war crimes, and secede and join Canada.

Exit question: Is BDS caused from marijuana use?

I guess the war on drugs IS lost.

Are You Ready For Internet Explorer 8?

The beta version is currently being tested by web developers.

Who cares about IE? I haven't used it in a long time. I prefer to use a browser that isn't some 5000lb hog that clogs everything up.

I love firefox and won't change.

 

Former Navy Sailor Convicted Of Leaking Details About His Ship

I think anyone with the last name of "Jihaad" should automatically be kicked out. He is a Muslim convert formerly known as Paul Hall. It appears that some psychological testing needs to be done to root out people like this. It's a difficult enough battle without having your own turn on you.

A former Navy sailor was convicted Wednesday of leaking details about ship movements to suspected terrorism supporters, an act that could have endangered his own crewmates.

Jurors convicted Hassan Abu-Jihaad, 32, of Phoenix of providing material support to terrorists and disclosing classified national defense information on the second day of deliberations.

The American-born Muslim convert formerly known as Paul R. Hall faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in May. His attorney, Dan LaBelle, said an appeal was likely.

He called the USS Cole bombing a "martyrdom operation"

Prosecutors also said Abu-Jihaad was the only member of the military who was communicating with the suspected terrorists. They cited one e-mail in which he called the attack on the USS Cole in 2000 a "martyrdom operation" and praised "the men who have brong (sic) honor ... in the lands of jihad Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya, etc."

I.E.D Detonated Outside Recruiting Center In NY Times Square

A small IED blew up outside the military recruiting center in Times Square. It's probably one anti-war nutjob who spent many hours online trying to figure out how to build a crappy bomb and thought it would be awesome to do this; yet now hides in his parent's basement scared to death he's going to prison.

A small explosion caused minor damage to a U.S. military recruiting center in New York's Times Square area in the early hours of Thursday but there were no injuries, police said.

Police said an improvised explosive device caused minor damage to the building around 3:45 a.m. (0845 GMT). The thick glass door was cracked and the lower part of its metal frame was twisted. The blast also shattered a window encasing the classic recruiting poster of Uncle Sam saying, "I want you."

The explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning, when there are few people in the often bustling area in the heart of Manhattan.

The U.S. Homeland Security Department said there was no sign of an immediate threat to the United States from the blast, and said the FBI was taking part in a probe of it.

Good News From The War On Terror 3/3-4

Coalition captures three wanted suspects; five terrorists killed, six others detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained nine suspects Sunday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

During operations Sunday in eastern Mosul, Coalition forces targeted an alleged Saudi leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cell in the city. The targeted individual is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of foreign terrorists and conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces in the area. The suspect is also an alleged associate of Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator killed Feb. 27.

As the ground force entered the target area, they discovered a vehicle containing a weapons cache, including two anti-aircraft weapons, mortar rounds and machine gun ammunition. Coalition forces then began to receive heavy machine gun fire from multiple enemy personnel in and around the area. The ground force returned fire in self defense, and during a series of engagements, killed an estimated five terrorists. Coalition forces also found another vehicle containing a cache of weapons, which included two heavy machine guns, one mortar tube, rockets and several hundred machine gun rounds. Both vehicles found in the target area and the weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent future use in terrorist activity. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force departed and was not able to clear the area.

Nearby, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged foreign terrorist involved in improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Coalition forces operating in Mosul.

During coordinated operations in Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals believed to be involved in the northern belt AQI network. One of the suspects allegedly acts as an advisor to the senior leaders in the network, while the other suspect is believed to be the AQI military leader for the network. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  In addition to the two wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operations.

Northwest of Haditha today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an AQI senior leader. Also, an additional two suspects were detained southwest of Samarra while targeting an alleged leader for the AQI network in the area.

 

Three terrorists killed as Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

East of Baghdad Monday, Coalition forces targeted a legacy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region and is believed to be the brother of the alleged AQI facilitator who was detained March 2 for his involvement in the terrorist networks in Baghdad.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. The assault force observed three terrorists in the target vehicle, which was leaving the area. Coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply with instructions or heed warnings. The assault force eventually fired on the vehicle to stop it. The three terrorists were killed, and the vehicle was destroyed as a result of the engagement.

An Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the course of operations. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain two al Qaeda in Iraq suspects

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected criminals during separate operations March 1.

In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspect believed responsible for mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is suspected of involvement in weapons smuggling and a plot to commit murder by poisoning.

Near Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspected cell leader. According to intelligence reports, the suspect and his cell are responsible for car bombings, mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. They are also accused of the murder of Iraqi citizens.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leaders in Zabul, Helmand provinces

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several insurgents were killed and eight suspected insurgents were detained March 1 during two separate Coalition forces’ operations to degrade Taliban leadership networks.

Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations.

Several insurgents were killed when they fired on Coalition forces. 

Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.

Coalition forces also recovered several weapons, ammunition vests and hand-grenades that were destroyed on-site to prevent further use by militant forces.

During a separate operation in the Qalat District of Zabul Province, Coalition forces detained four individuals associated with a Taliban commander responsible for attacks along Highway One. A detainee is also associated with Taliban and foreign fighter facilitation operations.

The detainees from both operations will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

March 2 airpower summary

 

March 3 airpower summary

Super Tuesday II Is Done

It appears Hillary has won Ohio and Rhode Island. Obama won Vermont. Texas was still close, but last time I checked it looked like Hillary was starting to pull away.

McCain had a clean sweep.

Huckabee's Out

The little attention whore finally woke up and realized he was done.

Mike Huckabee bowed to reality Tuesday and out of the Republican presidential race. "We kept the faith," he told his end-of-the-road rally Tuesday after John McCain clinched the nomination. "I'd rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place."

The genial conservative went out as he had campaigned all along, with a quip: "It's time for us to hit the reset button."

Huckabee won the leadoff Iowa caucuses, making him a sudden but short-lived sensation, and then seven other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kansas. Meantime, McCain piled up big victories on his way to winning the prize on Tuesday night.

The writing was on the wall for weeks, but the former Arkansas governor hung on until McCain secured the necessary delegates.

I Just Got Back From Voting

Imagine my surprise and disgust that our machines were not capable of writing in a candidate.

I feel dirty.

Don't bother asking who I voted for; is there really a difference?

Maybe I should've picked up the Democrat card and voted for Hillary.

 

At least the daily phone calls and half-dozen pieces of campaign junk mail will stop for a while.

Good News From The War On Terror 3/1-2

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, detain three other suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured an alleged Special Groups facilitator and detained three other suspected criminals early today in Baghdad.

The targeted individual was reportedly an Iranian-trained sniper instructor involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. He reportedly coordinated and facilitated Special Groups militia training in Iran on the use of explosively formed penetrators. Reports indicate he was an associate of several Special Groups criminal leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered two assault rifles.

 

Weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation networks targeted; six killed, 13 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 13 suspects Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

During a series of operations Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of the Samarra al-Qaeda in Iraq network’s senior leader. Intelligence led Coalition forces east of the city to a location where the associates were believed to be operating. Coalition forces observed several vehicles containing suspects departing the target area. The assault force attempted to stop the vehicles, but they refused to comply with instructions. The assault force followed escalation of force procedures, eventually firing on the vehicles to stop them. Six terrorists were killed and four vehicles were destroyed as a result of the engagement. Coalition forces also detained one suspect on site and recovered several weapons. 

North of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons dealer reportedly associated with the northern belt al-Qaeda in Iraq network senior leader. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was detained along with three suspected terrorists.

During separate operations west of Samarra and in Sharqat, three suspected terrorists were detained today while Coalition forces targeted associates involved in the facilitation of finances and weapons for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Samarra and Mosul.

In northern Iraq, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during two precision operations. In southeast Mosul Friday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting a weapons facilitator for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout the city. Another suspect was detained west of Shammar Jarbah today, during operations targeting an associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator. 

Coalition forces conducted an operation Thursday and Friday east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting associates involved in an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq training facility and media network. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists, and found a weapons cache and various terrorist propaganda materials hidden behind a wall in one of the target buildings. The cache included several machine guns, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, blasting caps, improvised explosive device materials and ammunition. While they were clearing the area, Coalition forces also found and destroyed an IED to eliminate the threat to Iraqi civilians and military forces operating in the area.

 

Iraqi SWAT and U.S. Special Forces detain three following operation in Mosul

BALAD, Iraq – An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained the alleged leader of an assassination and improvised explosive device cell Feb. 29 during operations in northeast Mosul. 

Two other suspected terrorists were also detained. 

ISWAT conducted operations in Mosul to disrupt the facilitation of IED attacks throughout the area.

 

Local man discovers large cache in barn after return home

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – MND-C Soldiers discovered a large weapons cache Feb. 28 thanks to a tip from an Iraqi citizen who recently returned to southern Arab Jabour.

The man, driven from his home by al Qaeda in Iraq, recently returned to the area thanks to the efforts of Abna al-Iraq or Sons of Iraq, and Soldiers of the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

The man, whose son is a member of the SOI, located the cache while removing debris from his barn. He noticed discoloration in the dirt and reported his find to Soldiers at Patrol Base Meade.

Approximately five feet underground, Soldiers and local volunteers discovered six 55-gallon drums containing 50 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, an RPG launcher, 200 rounds of 37 mm ammunition, 500 rounds of 23 mm ammunition and 2,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition among other munitions.

Besides providing for the safety of the community, the man was also compensated for cache find. In a show of good will, the man split the reward with the other local men who helped with the cache recovery.

 

Coalition captures IED facilitator near Baghdad, 19 other suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 20 suspected terrorists Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

East of Baghdad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged improvised explosive device facilitator associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout the capital city. The suspect is reportedly involved in a facilitation network supplying explosive materials to the leader of a central Baghdad AQI network, who is a close associate of the overall senior leader for the city’s AQI networks. The suspect is also believed to be a close associate and alleged relative of the leader of the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates south of Baqubah and east of Kahn Bani Sa’ad. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained nine suspected terrorists on site. Coalition forces detained an additional suspect nearby, on the west side of Baghdad, while targeting an associate of an AQI senior leader. 

In Sharqat, Coalition forces conducted operations today targeting two alleged AQI leaders involved in the network in the city. The ground force captured one of the wanted suspects, who reportedly served as a leader in the Bayji AQI network and led an assassination cell in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists during the operations.

During an operation in east Mosul Saturday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator, and his associate Hamdan, who were killed during an operation Feb. 27.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces recover weapons caches in Nangarhar

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Recently, Afghans provided information leading to the recovery of a suspected insurgent weapons cache in Zawa Village of Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistan Border.

The cache, recovered Jan. 16, consisted of 93 recoilless-rifle rounds. Insurgents frequently use these weapons to attack Afghan National Security Forces or Coalition forces, or terrorize Afghan citizens throughout the province.According to a Coalition soldier, the weapons found were in good condition.

 

Afghan, Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leadership networks

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Six suspected insurgents were detained Feb. 29 during an Afghan National Security and Coalition forces operation in Zabul province to disrupt Taliban command and control networks.

The joint force performed a search of compounds in the Deh Chopan district targeting a Taliban commander with ties to Taliban support networks and weapons facilitation operations in the area.

Afghan and Coalition forces found and detained six individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks while conducting their search. The detainees will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

Feb. 29 airpower summary

 

March 1 airpower summary

A Funny Letter To The Editor I Read Today

From the Morning Journal:

Obama visited too soon

To the Editor: I wish Barack Obama had delayed his visit to Lorain until the ice had melted at Lakeview Park. It would have been interesting to watch him walk on water.

Glenn Walter, Lorain

 

For any of you that care where Lakeview park is located:

View Larger Map

U.S. Hits Targets In Somalia

The people may have forgotten about the disastrous incursion into Mogadishu during the Clinton years, but not the military. On Monday, missiles were launched at a terrorist safe house.

The U.S. launched an airstrike Monday on a Somali town held by Islamic extremists to go after a group of terrorist suspects, U.S. defense officials said.

Three missiles hit Dobley, a town four miles from the Kenyan border, destroying a home and seriously injured eight people, police and witnesses said. The remnants of an Islamic force that had once ruled much of southern Somalia took over Dobley last week.

"It was a deliberate, precise strike against a known terrorist and his associates," one U.S. military official said in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the record.

He gave few other details, except to say the targets were believed staying in building known to be used regularly by terrorist suspects.

Good News From The War On Terror 2/28-29

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; two killed, 15 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 15 suspects Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

During an operation Wednesday afternoon in Mosul, Coalition forces killed two wanted terrorists involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. Coalition forces confirmed the location of the wanted individuals and directed a precision helicopter strike, killing two terrorists and destroying their vehicle. 

Today in Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in suicide bombing operations, weapons facilitation, and attacks against Coalition forces.

During coordinated operations in Baghdad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged cell leader associated with the Karkh and Mansour al-Qaeda in Iraq networks. The suspect is allegedly responsible for high-profile kidnappings and assassinations in the region, including attacks targeting Concerned Local Citizens. The suspect is reportedly a close associate of numerous senior leaders in Baghdad, to include one who was detained Feb. 17 for his involvement in the Karkh AQI network. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during the operation.

Southwest of Mahmudiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged vehicle-borne improvised explosive device facilitator for the southern belt AQI network. The suspect is reportedly associated with several recently detained senior network leaders. Coalition force operations in Baghdad have severely disrupted the VBIED network.

Four suspects were detained this morning west of Taji and in Samarra during operations targeting alleged associates of the al-Anbar AQI propaganda network and a suspected weapons facilitator.

Also, east of Samarra in Karwi, Coalition forces conducted an operation today targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in weapons smuggling, kidnappings and attacks against Coalition forces. Three suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.

 

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq network; five terrorists killed, 22 suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq facilitator associated with a member of the Baqouba improvised explosive device and suicide bombing network. As the ground force arrived in the area, they called for occupants of the target building to come out. The ground force was then engaged by enemy fire and returned fire in self-defense, killing five terrorists. An Iraqi child was wounded during the engagement, received treatment on site and was transported to a nearby medical facility for further care. 

As the ground force cleared the building, they discovered numerous IED materials, to include crush wire, pressure plates and circuit boards. Once the area was secure, supporting fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft were called to destroy the building to prevent further use by terrorists and eliminate any threat to locals in the area. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists on site.

During a supported operation in Baghdad today, intelligence reports led Coalition and Iraqi forces to a mosque compound. After obtaining proper approval, Iraqi forces entered the compound and detained a wanted individual who was hiding inside, along with one additional suspect. The individual was captured without incident, no damage occurred to the mosque compound as a result of the operation and Coalition forces did not enter the compound. As they secured the area, the ground force also discovered a cache of urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials. 

The captured wanted individual is an alleged AQI weapons facilitator. The suspect was allegedly involved in the facilitation of IEDs, and vehicle and suicide bombers for use by terrorist networks throughout the capital city region. He is also believed to be a direct associate of several alleged facilitators operating inside and outside of Iraq, to include several who have been detained by Coalition forces within the last month.

Southeast of Samarra this morning, Coalition forces detained four suspects to include an alleged associate of the terrorist network in the city. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with the leader of the AQI network in Jalam, who was detained Feb. 19 for his involvement in kidnappings and the facilitation of finances for terrorist operations. The suspect is also allegedly tied to two senior leaders in the Samarra AQI network, who were killed Feb. 2.

During operations in northern Iraq today, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists. Southeast of Mosul near Salamiyah, four suspects where detained during an operation targeting a foreign terrorist associated with mortar and suicide operations, weapons facilitation and attacks against Coalition forces. Another two suspects were detained northwest of Bi’aj during an operation targeting an associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator.

In other operations Thursday, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist north of Samarra while targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in IED attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation.

 

Iraqi Security Force, U.S. Special Forces detain criminal leader, two cell members in separate operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces advising, detained a suspected criminal element leader and two suspected cell members in separate operations Feb. 28.

In Baghdad, an Iraqi Special Operations Forces team detained the alleged deputy company commander of a criminal group of approximately 100 people.

The suspect and his criminal organization are believed to be responsible for mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

According to intelligence reports, they are also involved in the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.

In Fahama, near Baghdad, soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Army Division detained two suspected criminal in an operation targeting Al Qaeda in Iraq activities.

The suspects are believed to be active members of a cell facilitating the movement of arms, ammunition and equipment for use in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

One of the suspects is also a known improvised explosive device triggerman.

 

Feb. 27 airpower summary