Good News From The War On Terror 3/15-18

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda networks throughout Iraq, 15 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation in Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader responsible for terrorist propaganda operations. The suspect is also believed to be involved in propaganda activities and connected to various other associates of the AQI network in Baghdad. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists on site.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured two alleged associates of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells in the capital city Saturday. Reports indicate the suspects are connected to various AQI leaders throughout the capital city. Intelligence reports led the ground force to the location where one of the wanted individuals was believed to be operating and he was detained without incident. The first suspect then led Coalition forces to a follow-on location, where the other wanted individual was detained. 

During continued efforts to degrade the AQI networks in northern Iraq, Coalition forces detained five suspects today during two separate operations. In Mosul, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged associate of several leaders involved in the city’s AQI network. Another three suspects were detained west of Bi’aj, while targeting an alleged associate of a foreign terrorist facilitation network in the region.

 

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda networks across Iraq, 27 suspects detained (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 27 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation east of Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator associated with the AQI networks in northern Iraq. The suspect is also believed to be a close associate of the AQI leader for the network in al-Abassi. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained nine suspected terrorists and found 1,000 pounds of homemade explosive materials, which were safely destroyed on site along with three buildings believed to be used for terrorist activity.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces detained two alleged AQI leaders for the networks in Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. The suspects are believed to be involved in a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell that operates in the region. Reports indicate the suspects are responsible for several recent attacks in Sulaymaniyah, to include a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device that struck a hotel in the city March 10, resulting in one Iraqi civilian killed and 29 wounded.

Northeast of Taji, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of several members of the northern belt AQI network, to include a leader responsible for carrying out punishment for an illegal terrorist court system. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspect and destroyed a vehicle and bomb-making materials found on site.

During a series of operations northwest of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists to include two wanted individuals allegedly associated with AQI media and propaganda operations. The suspects are also believed to be connected to the AQI media cell leader in al-Anbar Province.

Further north, Coalition forces conducted three coordinated operations in Mosul targeting associates of AQI operating in the area. The ground force detained nine suspected terrorists on site, to include three wanted individuals with suspected connections to an AQI senior leader. Two of the suspects are believed to be involved in an AQI affiliated insurgent group in the region and the facilitation of suicide vests, while another is allegedly involved with a foreign terrorist leader in the city.

 

Seven killed, eight detained during Coalition operations targeting al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained eight suspects Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation north of al-Mansuriyah in the Hamrin Mountains, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of a suicide bombing cell for al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the Diyala River Valley. Reports indicate the individuals were associated with terrorists throughout the Hamrin Mountains region believed to be planning an upcoming suicide attack, and with terrorists killed during Coalition forces operations March 14 and 16.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the individuals were believed to be operating. The assault force observed five armed men who did not comply with directions or heed warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing them. Secondary explosions were observed inside their vehicle indicating explosive materials were likely inside.

East of Samarra near Shuzayf, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in foreign terrorist facilitation, and smuggling weapons and improvised explosive device materials into the Diyala River Valley. Reports indicate the targeted individual is also associated with terrorists killed during operations March 5 and 9.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. Two armed individuals were observed in the target location. The armed men, one of whom was the targeted individual, ignored Coalition forces warnings and were subsequently engaged and killed. Upon securing the area, Coalition forces found two AK-47 machine guns, a pistol, hand grenades and IED making materials, which were destroyed on site to prevent future use for terrorist activity.

During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist believed to be a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device maker involved in the south Karkh network and an associate of senior terrorist leaders for the region. The suspect was allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi civilians and Coalition forces, including the VBIED attacks Feb. 11 on the Karada peninsula that killed 15 Iraqis and the March 10 suicide bomber attack in Mansour that killed five U.S. soldiers. Intelligence indicates the suspect was planning similar attacks in the future. During the operation, the wanted individual was wounded. He received medical care on site and was transferred to a military medical facility for further treatment prior to being detained.

In west Mosul, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists believed to be associated with senior terrorist leaders and foreign terrorist facilitators in the region.

 

Two terrorists killed, 23 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 23 suspects today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces killed two terrorists and wounded two of their alleged associates during coordinated operations targeting a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda network southwest of Samarra. When the ground forces approached the target building, several occupants refused to follow Coalition forces’ instructions to come out. Coalition forces perceived hostile intent from the resistors and engaged them, killing two and wounding two, who were subsequently detained. In addition to the wounded individuals, 11 other suspected terrorists were detained, and Coalition forces discovered hidden weapons and media materials on scene. 

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted suspect who is allegedly part of a homemade explosives facilitation ring and is believed to have terrorist connections in the region. The ground forces also captured two additional suspected terrorists. 

Coalition forces continued to target terrorist leaders in the Mosul area, capturing an alleged AQI leader for the network operating in East Mosul and one other suspect during operations.

A Coalition operation in northwest Iraq netted three suspected terrorists, including an individual who allegedly helps move al-Qaeda foreign terrorist fighters into Iraq. Further east, Coalition forces targeted a suspected AQI operative in the Hamrin Mountains region and detained two suspected terrorists.

The Courage And Sacrifice Of Our Troops

Mike from Lamplighter News sent me a link today to a post at Charming, Just Charming, about Marine Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician who had a IED blow up on him while he was trying to disarm it. It's a sad story that really makes you appreciate the job our military is doing to ensure our freedoms. Here is an excerpt, but you really should read the whole thing.

I had the great fortune to be sitting at the same therapy table with him this morning and to talk with him as we both grimaced and grinned as the therapists worked us over..and the grins were the grin and bear it type..except he had a hell of a lot more to bear than I did.

When he teared up his face was red from embarrassment but he never uttered a sound..except to apologize to the therapist and tell her to continue..and then I looked at the face of the therapist and she was openly crying..and I could not stop my own tears while I watched them.

Yes, tears of pride..pride in this young man and the country that bred him. And tears of sorrow..sorrow that he is having to suffer while there are those who call themselves Americans who do not and probably cannot appreciate what this Marine has done. And yes, my tears were also from sympathy..for Sgt Joe and for the therapist who was only doing what she had to do.

Afterwards I talked some with Sgt Joe. He told me his motivation for doing what he has to do to regain the use of his arm..if he can do so he can remain on active duty.
"I am a Marine," he told me. " It is what I do."

 

I don't think there is any way we can thank them enough for their service.

 

***UPDATE***

If you want to leave Sgt. Joe some get well wishes or a thank you, leave a comment over there and GUYK will take them to him at therapy.

Obama's Pastor Thinks Hamas Is Super!

Read this post over at BizzyBlog

 

A few days ago I was at the TUCC website and was able to download the bulletins. It now appears they have taken the online bulletins down.

 

h/t:LGF

Obama Says, "Move Along Sheeple, Nothing To See Here"

Is his pitiful attempt at excusing his pastors hate speech, Obama tries to tell the "people" they should move past judging him on his associations.

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday criticized his preacher's racially charged sermons but said he could not disown him in a speech urging Americans to move past their "racial stalemate."

Obama sought to quell a political firestorm ignited when news outlets called attention to sermons by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, which the Illinois senator attended for two decades.

"We have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism," he said. "Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, 'Not this time."

 

After hearing the bad reverend's sermons over and over again on the news, it made me realize that he sounds like an imam in a middle eastern mosque, or Dearborn-istan, Michigan.

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.

 

 

ISOF, U.S. Special Forces capture suspected leaders of three terrorist cells responsible for attacks against LSA Anaconda

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.

 

March 13 airpower summary

 

March 14 airpower summary

New Governor Same As Old Governor

Former Vice-Governor and now Governor David Patterson admitted to having affairs during a "rough" part of his marriage.

Gov. David Paterson, who took over the state's top job Monday after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal, has admitted he and his wife Michelle had affairs during a rough patch in their marriage several years ago, a newspaper reported.

Paterson told the Daily News that he maintained a relationship with another woman from 1999 until 2001. He and his wife eventually sought counseling and repaired their relationship.