Good News From The War On Terror 6/11-6/12

12 DETAINED IN COALITION RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations to disrupt the al-Qaeda in Iraq network Monday. Coalition Forces targeted a location southeast of Fallujah where an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader was staying based on intelligence reports and information gained from an operation June 7.  The ground forces detained six suspected terrorists on site for their association with the cell leader, who is known for emplacing improvised explosive devices.  Coalition Forces raided a group of buildings in Tarmiyah in an operation targeting a suspected terrorist associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.  Coalition Forces detained the individual, who is allegedly a financial emir for the terrorist organization. During four coordinated raids in Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists linked to an al-Qaeda in Iraq emir.  The ground force also found a cache of weapons at the site, which they safely destroyed.

 

'PATRIOTS' UNCOVER CACHE, CAPTURE SUSPECTED TERRORIST IN WESTERN BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division- Baghdad Soldiers, in cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces, conducted a raid in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Hateen June 10, uncovering a cache of bomb-making materials and capturing a terrorist suspect believed to be linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq. "We've been looking for this guy for some time," said 1st Lt. Kevin Mills, a tactical intelligence officer with 2-32nd FA.  Mills said the operation's success can be attributed to the cooperation and shared intelligence between U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces. Soldiers from the 2nd "Patriot" Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, acted on a tip and apprehended the alleged al-Qaeda member.  The troops also found approximately 500 boxes of toilet bowl cleaner and 20 boxes of circuit breaker covers, which can be used to build improvised chemical weapons.  Mills said the planning and coordination for this operation took place at Joint Security Station Torch in the Yarmouk neighborhood, near the site of the raid.  The raid was a product of coordination and cooperation between the Patriot Battalion and members of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army and the Yarmouk Iraqi Police.

 

'DRAGON' SOLDIERS SEIZE, DESTROY BOMB FACTORY

BAGHDAD - Multinational Division - Baghdad Soldiers seized a bomb-making factory, along with another large weapons cache while on patrol in the eastern portion of the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital June 11. "This is tremendous work by our Soldiers to take more than 300 (improvised explosive devices) off the streets," said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Troops from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, and Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th IBCT, discovered the factory, a complex of small buildings deep in the thick palm groves of East Rashid, after receiving word of the objective's location from other Coalition Forces. The find consisted of one vehicle wired and loaded with explosives as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device; 54 82mm mortars; 27 155mm artillery shells; one 500-pound bomb; 64 anti-tank mines; two 200-pound bombs; three 100-pound bombs; 30 130mm projectiles; 30 hand grenades; 200 artillery boosters; 10 40mm rounds; one bag of blasting caps; one rocket of unknown caliber and origin; one bag of booster charges; six bags of propellant; 300 five-gallon cans of nitric acid used to make homemade explosives; one bag of breaching charges and 15 bags of anti-personnel mines with 100 mines per bag. Also found in the cache was enough wiring and bomb-making material to create more than 300 improvised explosive devices. In a separate cache near the complex, an additional 125 five-gallon containers of nitric acid were found. Three other vehicles were also found at the site wired as car bombs, but did not contain explosives. A Coalition explosive ordnance disposal team catalogued the weapons and explosives found and will dispose of them properly, preventing them from being used against innocent Iraqi people or Iraqi Security and Coalition Force personnel.

 

1-15 INF CONDUCTS AIR ASSAULT MISSION, DESTROYS CACHE

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, seized a weapons cache near Al Dur'aya June 4. The unit conducted an air assault operation into the area to capture insurgents and destroy weapon caches. "With us moving by air, we were able to get our elements to the objective, and was ideal in this situation," said Capt. Leo Buehler, Company B, 1-15 Infantry commander. "Because of the objective's remote location and enemy's network of early warning observation posts along the limited ground routes into the village, a ground infiltration would have given the enemy more than one hour early notice." By dropping from CH-47 Chinook helicopters, Coalition Forces gained the advantage by allowing the enemy only minutes to prepare. "As a result, the enemy was unable to recover their equipment prior to our arrival on site," Buehler said. The mission netted one insurgent cache containing 30-60 mm mortars, seven AK-47 assault rifles, 32 AK-47 magazines, two 60 mm mortar tubes, one set of body armor and one military-style uniform. During the mission, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters engaged and destroyed a truck after receiving small-arms fire. The cache was destroyed by explosive ordnance personnel at the scene.

 

MILITANTS DETAINED IN KHOWST

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces detained two militants in an operation early Tuesday against militant Taliban forces in the Mandozai district of Khowst Province.  Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence identifying the location suspected of housing local Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters.  A search revealed two suspected militants. Two females in the house were wounded by flying debris during the operation: one 13-yr-old girl had minor abrasions and a 25-yr-old woman received a wound to her underarm.  She and her family refused medical evacuation for the injury, and the medics on site determined it was not necessary.  Medical personnel treated the wound, giving her antibiotics and instructions on how to care for it. “Civilian injuries are always regrettable, and coalition forces train extensively on how to avoid them,” said coalition spokesman Army Major Chris Belcher.  “When Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives hide among their families, they are putting everyone in harm’s way.” The detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities.

 

ENORMOUS MUNITIONS CACHE RECOVERED

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police and Coalition forces received information from local villagers while conducting a medical engagement for 50 families, which led to the discovery of a massive munitions cache in the Chamkani district of Paktya province June 10. Local Afghans from the village of Sultak provided information to the ANP on the whereabouts of an insurgent logistical improvised explosive device facilitator while conducting a shura.  After receiving the information, the ANP quickly located and began searching the suspected compound. While entering the compound, the ANP received sporadic enemy machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire. ANP immediately returned fire forcing the insurgents to flee.  Once securing the compound, a subsequent search led to the discovery of the entrance of two large caves hidden under two animal pens.  Within the caves, ANP and Coalition forces recovered a substantial amount of munitions consisting of RPG rounds, 82mm mortar rounds, mines, grenades, blasting caps, machine gun ammunition, detonation cord, assorted fuses and charges, IED receivers and power sources, blocks of explosives, and medical supplies. There were no injuries to any Afghan civilians or ANP members during the brief firefight.  Local elders were able to view the munitions cache and assisted ANP and Coalition forces in removing the contents of the cache.  The elders also vowed to track down the IED facilitator and bring him to justice. Afghan civilians who facilitate the recovery and turn-in of munitions caches are compensated for their efforts through the Small Rewards Program.  The SRP was created to encourage and compensate Afghan civilians for their efforts to rid the country of weapons used by insurgent and foreign fighters.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Terrorists, Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaida, Coalition

Freedom Journal Iraq #667

This edition features stories on an NCO Symposium, Latin music by the Task Force Marne band, Iraqi heat and Iraqis taking the lead. Hosted by Pvt. Rheanna Douglas.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Operation Enduring Freedom, Coalition

Lawsuit: Cops Executed Pets After Katrina

If this is true, it's probably one of the most disgusting things I've heard. There is four pages to this article. Read them all here.

For nearly two years, pet owners from the low-lying Louisiana parish of St. Bernard have accused sheriff's deputies of having wantonly killed dozens of dogs they forced evacuees to leave behind during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, without regard to the dogs' size or the potential threat they might pose. One owner said her family was forced at gunpoint to leave its dog behind. Another owner said residents became frantic when, they said, they overheard one deputy claim that "once everybody's gone, we're going to have target practice tonight." They claim in court papers that deputies were under " authorization...of their superiors and employers. Two deputies have already been indicted by a grand jury in New Orleans on charges of felony, aggravated cruelty to animals. The Louisiana attorney general's office is investigating and this morning lawyers for a group of owners will file a comprehensive complaint in federal court in Louisiana seeking class action status for their clients. For the first time, the St. Bernard Parish sheriff's office has acknowledged to ABC News' Law & Justice Unit that an internal investigation has been launched. In an interview last week, Sal Gutierrez, who represents the sheriff's office, defended the department's handling of a clearly difficult evacuation. Gutierrez said the shells left behind in the schools did not necessarily come from the weapons issued to department deputies. He denied allegations that orders to kill the dogs came from superior officers, calling that claim "false." He said that if the investigation turned up any wrongdoing by deputies, the St. Bernard sheriff would take appropriate disciplinary action. If something false has been alleged in the lawsuit, he said he would consider countercharges of defamation of character. He said that he and the sheriff were animal lovers.

I am by no means a PETA activist, but I do believe that all animals should be treated humanely. This also includes cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals we eat. There's no reason they should be beaten or suffer horrible death. We have the capability to make it quick and painless, so there's no reason why we shouldn't. They feel pain just as you and I do. If you had a choice of being beaten and suffering to death, or a quick and painless death, which would you choose?

 

Technorati tags: Louisiana, New Orleans, Katrina, Animals, Pets, Animal Cruelty, Abuse

Fred! Vaults To The Top Of Polls

LA Times/Bloomberg Poll: Giuliani 27% / Fred! 21%

Republicans antsy for a conservative standard-bearer in the presidential race have begun to rally behind Fred Thompson, propelling the former Tennessee senator to within hailing distance of the lead for the party's nomination, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll has found. Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani holds first place in the survey, with support from 27% of the Republicans and independents who said they plan to vote in the party's 2008 primaries. But Thompson, an actor who played a prosecutor on NBC's "Law & Order," runs just behind, with 21%. Indications are he will join the race within the next month. The two other major GOP contenders, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, fall well short of the leaders and are in a battle for third place. McCain was backed by 12% of those polled, Romney by 10%. The rest of the crowded field is mired in single digits.

 

Rasmussen Reports: Giuliani 24% / Fred! 24%

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has to share his spot atop the field of Republican Presidential hopefuls this week. The newest face in the race, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, is now tied with Giuliani. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds each man earning support from 24% of likely Republican Primary voters. A week ago, Giuliani had a six percentage point lead over Thompson, 23% to 17%. It is not unusual for a candidate to gain ground in the polls when they first announce their intentions. However, Thompson’s rise has been meteoric. It remains to be seen whether the reality of his candidacy can measure up to its allure as an alternative for those dissatisfied with the other candidates in the field. At the moment, 59% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of their newest candidate. Just 14% hold an unfavorable opinion of Thompson while 27% are not sure. Forty-two percent (42%) of Republicans view Thompson as politically conservative. Twenty-four percent (24%) see him as politically moderate, 3% say liberal and 30% are not sure. Twenty-one percent (21%) of Republicans view Giuliani as politically conservative (63% see the former Mayor of New York as politically moderate while 12% say liberal).

 

Technorati tags: Fred!, Fred Thompson, Candidate, Presidential Candidates, Election, Polls, Republican, Conservative

Gore Criticizes Bush Sr. For Ignoring Iraq's Ties To Terrorism

Thank you Gore-acle, your hypocrisy never ends.

Al Gore blasts George H.W. Bush for disregarding Iraq's ties to terrorism and ignoring Iraq's attempts to acquire weapons of mass destruction. (1992)

 

 

Technorati tags: Gore, Goreacle, Algore, H.W. Bush, Bush, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Terrorism, WMD, Weapons of Mass Destruction

The Motor City Madman Ted Nugent, On Immigration Reform

Ted would make an excellent Vice-President. Can you imagine a Fred! and Ted! ticket?! That is gold right there people. The election has already been won.

This is already better than that garbage immigration bill Congress and the President is trying to throw at us.

It would start with fingerprints and an IIC. That's an immigrant identification card. The I.D. would be for foreigners who seek to live in, work in or become citizens of the United States. That's if I were writing the immigration laws. It would include the reciting and signing of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America and denouncing any and all allegiances to other countries. But first: If you are not a legal U.S. citizen or documented alien, you would have to complete the following actions: Upon passage of this legislation, you would return to your country of origin within six months at your expense. You then would register at the nearest U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service office or designated border station. Prior to your re-entry, a security background check would be completed that would require a passport or other legal document positively identifying you. You'd be fingerprinted, photographed and would submit to a DNA sample. Within 30 days of entry you would register with the U.S. Immigration authorities or be subject to immediate deportation with no opportunity to return. If you have been convicted of one felony or of three or more misdemeanor offenses by any court, forget it. You would be barred from entry, as would individuals who have documented ties to criminal elements or terrorist organizations. Employers would have to ensure that persons they hire for any level of pay have a valid IIC. An employer who hired a person without a valid IIC would be fined $100,000 per non-documented worker and would face two years in jail for each undocumented worker he or she employed. Developing, manufacturing, procuring or otherwise possessing invalid or fake IICs would be a felony with a fine of $100,000 for each false IIC and two years in prison for each fraudulent IIC. Persons wishing to work or otherwise reside in the U.S. would be highly encouraged to become proficient in English. States would offer driving license exams only in English. All persons would comply with states laws pertaining to owning and operating motor vehicles, motorcycles or other conveyances. IIC holders who wished to become citizens of the United States could do so. However, their applications would go to the back of the queue from those already in the system. Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen takes a considerable amount of time. To remain as only temporary workers or reside here would have to have a valid IIC. It would have to be renewed every three years. Such persons would pay $25 a month to the U.S. Treasury. Any such person earning pay in the U.S. would be subject to all applicable tax laws. Persons who resided in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or did not possess a valid IIC — or other legal document (e.g. student visa) — would be deported to their countries of origin, with costs of incarceration and deportation to be paid by the guilty party. They would forever be banned from entering the United States. Though federal law enforcement agencies would be charged with carrying out these requirements, states would be required to fully cooperate in identification, apprehension and temporary incarceration. States failing to comply would be subject to the withholding of federal funds. Federal funds would be barred from legal aid and/or legal support to persons who had previously entered without proper authorization. Holders of IIC would not be eligible for any Social Security or other federal assistance programs until that person becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen. The American dream comes with individual responsibilities to be an asset to this unique experiment in self-government. Bloodsuckers need not apply.

Technorati tags: Ted Nugent, Immigration

Boise Infantryman In Baghdad Shares Views On Troop Surge

The soldiers are the only legitimate source of information as to what is happening in Iraq. They deal with the war day-in and day-out. Unlike most of the media reporters, the troops are not hiding away in some hotel far from the reality of war. I'm glad someone has started to ask them.

In less than a week, all the troops for the so-called surge in Iraq will finally be in position and U.S. commanders will push hard to get results on the ground. Some say the troop build up is already draining American military resources with moderate results. But First Sergeant Noah Edney of Boise sees it differently. The 36-year-old Boise High graduate is serving with the Army's Second Infantry Division in Baghdad. "The surge from my standpoint is wildly successful," Edney told CBS 2 Eyewitness in an interview via satellite from Baghdad. "I can't speak to the grand strategy, I'm only talking about the view of a soldier on the ground. I'm just a grunt, so to speak." But grunts like Edney, who has seen his share of combat, are the backbone of the American military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 400,000 of them have seen multiple tours of duty. Edney is on his second tour of Iraq and we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all. "Am I tired of war? Of course, everybody is." he said. But Edney points out he is where he belongs. "I've been an infantryman for 19 years. If there's a war anywhere in the world, there's only one place where an infantryman should be." Edney says things have improved in Iraq since his first tour in 2004. He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school. He knows the war is emotionally debated back home, but as they patrol 14 hours a day in 114 degree heat, Edney says he and his buddies have more pressing concerns. "I can't speak for everybody, but the average grunt, most people in my company couldn't care less (about political infighting)," Edney explained. "Politics takes a far back seat of the bus. We'll deal with it when we get home."

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Soldier, Boise, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Troop Surge

Reid: It's Perfectly Fine For Iranians To Kill American Soldiers

Because launching an attack on a country that has launched a proxy war against us,  could be "destabilizing" to that part of the world. Way to support the troops "Dingy" Harry. You've already declared the "War is Lost", so you may as well support the wholesale slaughter of our military while you're at it.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid rejected on Monday another prominent senator's call for a military strike against Iran, saying a U.S. attack would destabilize the Middle East. [...] "The invasion of (Iran) is only going to destabilize that part of the world more," Reid said on Monday after speaking at a forum hosted by the Center for American Progress think tank.

I could be wrong, but I'm not, but I don't see the Middle East being "stable". There are Islamic nut-jobs and state sponsors of terror all over the Middle East whose sole desire is to kill anyone who doesn't agree with their insanity.

 

Technorati tags: Reid, Iran, Middle East, United States, Military, Terrorism

Fred!: An Unsustainable Development

ABC Radio Networks

If there's a hell on earth, it's probably Zimbabwe. Life expectancies in the landlocked nation in the South of Africa are the world's lowest. Reports say women live an average of 35 years; men a bit longer. Four in five people are unemployed. Government printing presses run day and night to produce enough money to keep the military from rebelling, so inflation is at an annual rate of 3,700 percent and rising. Cash loses over ten percent of its value everyday. It wasn't always that way. Before Robert Mugabe's government took power a quarter of a century ago, this land was one of the most prosperous in Africa. Known as the breadbasket of south Africa, it exported food to the rest of the continent. Then Mugabe was elected. He used his office to destroy his own market economy, silence the press, murder his opposition and persecute minority ethnic groups, black and white alike. Zimbabwe was, by any account, the most disastrously managed economy on the planet. Two United Nations agencies have just released a report saying that 4 million people in Zimbabwe are in danger of starving. That's a third of the entire country's population. Take note that I said "two United Nations agencies" are predicting the mass starvation. The reason I want you to take note of that is that, last month, the same United Nations elected Mugabe's Zimbabwe to lead the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. That's the organization charged with promoting sound long-term economies. Now you might ask why a country in economic freefall would be chosen by the UN to advise the rest of the world about economic growth. But you might also ask why Iran was made vice-chair of the UN Disarmament Commission last year -- even as it ramped up its nuclear weapons program and threatened to destroy Israel. Or, for that matter, you might wonder why Libya was made chair of the Commission on Human Rights -- as Libyans don't even have basic democratic rights. The UN never seems to have good answers, but I'll offer one. Robert Mugabe was given chairmanship of the commission because his view on sustainable development fits right in with much of the UN's. He claims that third-world poverty is caused by free market economies like Americans’ -- and like the one that once made his country the envy of his region. He blames free and prosperous countries for the suffering that comes with tyranny and corruption. The sad thing is; Mugabe gets away with it, in part, because he has the glamour and prestige of the UN behind him. Now we have to keep in mind that while the UN is hopeless in some respects, a Security Council vote provides political cover for some timid nations to do the right thing -- like help us in Iraq. Also, UN humanitarian assistance, like the World Food Program’s, run by Americans, do much good. But it’s a constant challenge at the UN, and the reason we must always have a strong ambassador there willing to blow the whistle when they do outrageous things.

 

Technorati tags: Fred, Thompson, Africa, Radio, Presidential Candidate

Michigan Man In Wheelchair Takes Wild Ride

I saw the headline for this a few days ago. I thought it was some kind of stunt. It wasn't until I actually read the story that I realized it was real.

Only in Michigan would something like this happen.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A 21-year-old man got the ride of a lifetime when his electric wheelchair became lodged in the grille of a semitrailer and was pushed down a highway for several miles at about 50 mph. Ben Carpenter was unharmed but was taken to a hospital as a precaution. He had been secured to his wheelchair by a seat belt. Carpenter, who has muscular dystrophy, told a television station that he thought he might not make it through the ride. [...] Ben Carpenter's father, Donald, told The Associated Press that his son had started to cross at an intersection Wednesday afternoon in Paw Paw, about 140 miles west of Detroit. The light changed to green while his son was in front of a semi, which started moving. The wheelchair's handles became lodged in the grille, the father said, and the wild ride started. Motorists called 911 on their cell phones, and a pair of undercover police officers who happened to be nearby saw what was happening. They pulled the truck over and told the disbelieving driver, Donald Carpenter said. The chair was undamaged except for losing most of the rubber on its wheels, he said.

 

Technorati tags: Wheelchair, Semi, Truck, Michigan, Wild Ride

Va. Tech Families Demand Role on Panel

BRIETBART.COM

The families of several of the 32 Virginia Tech shooting victims are demanding representation on a panel studying the killings, saying in a letter Monday they feel "ostracized." They are also questioning the status of a memorial fund that has generated millions of dollars. "We are angry about being ostracized from a government-chartered panel investigating a government-sponsored university, and about how the university has used the names and images of our loved ones to raise millions of dollars without any consultation," the families said in a statement expected to be presented to the review board Monday. The statement was written on behalf of 13 families, said Holly Sherman, the mother of slain student Leslie Sherman.

I do not believe there is a need for any of these parents to sit on the panel investigating the VT shootings. This is a panel of experts breaking down the shooting, probably second by second, in an attempt to figure out what went wrong and what can be done better. Unless these parents are certified as experts in the required fields that would make up this type of panel, they don't need to be there. All they would bring to the panel is emotion, and in an investigation, that is not needed.

In regards to the memorial, they should have some input, but they should not take over the memorial. I'm sure there is plenty of students at VT that will be able to imagine and create a terrific memorial to those students and professors that died. As terrible a tragedy as this was, and the families have my sympathy, we need to ensure they do not tread into the "moral authority" area. It will do nothing but cause hard feelings.

 

Technorati tags: Virginia Tech, VA Tech, VT, Shootings, University Panel, Memorial

Military Plan Against Iran Is Ready

The Jerusalem Post tends to exaggerate these things. So take it with a grain of salt. I think it's a fair assumption that the military has plans for every country, just in case.

Predicting that Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon within three years and claiming to have a strike plan in place, senior American military officers have told The Jerusalem Post they support President George W. Bush's stance to do everything necessary to stop the Islamic Republic's race for nuclear power. Bush has repeatedly said the United States would not allow Iran to "go nuclear." A high-ranking American military officer told the Post that senior officers in the US armed forces had thrown their support behind Bush and believed that additional steps needed to be taken to stop Iran. Predictions within the US military are that Bush will do what is needed to stop Teheran before he leaves office in 2009, including possibly launching a military strike against its nuclear facilities.

 

Technorati tags: Iran, Nuclear, Military, United States

Good News From The War On Terror 6/10

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain insurgent commander in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted an operation June 8 in eastern Baghdad and detained a militia group commander.  The detainee is accused of directing attacks on local civilians and Iraqi and Coalition Forces. With Coalition Forces present as advisors, ISOF entered the residence and detained the suspect.  While detaining their suspect, ISOF began to receive enemy fire.  With well-aimed fire, Iraqi and Coalition Forces suppressed the enemy and completed the mission. The target of this operation is believed to be a commander of an anti-nationalist splinter organization of Jaysh al-Mahdi.

 

Security operation nets weapons cache, suspects

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Mult-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers recovered a weapons cache and seized four suspects during a security operation June 9 in the Kamaliyah area of eastern Baghdad. Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., recovered 23 120mm rockets, 21 107mm rockets, 20 pounds of propellant, three mines, two 155mm artillery rounds and more than 150 rounds of assorted ammunition.

 

Attack Helicopters destroy AIF ambush site

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Attack helicopters engaged and destroyed an ambush site, killing eight insurgents south of Khanan, June 9. The gunmen at the ambush site engaged a Coalition Forces helicopter, who then called for additional reinforcements. Attack helicopters, already operating nearby, moved into the area where they observed several insurgents occupying fighting positions, armed with rocket propelled grenade launchers and a mounted heavy machine gun. The attack helicopters engaged the ambush site, killing eight and destroying the fighting positions.

 

Six al-Qaeda suspects captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured six suspected terrorists Sunday morning during operations that continue to deny safe haven to members of the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network. Based on information gained during a successful operation May 27, Coalition Forces targeted a location in Fallujah looking for an individual suspected of recruiting for al-Qaeda.  The suspected jihad leader is known for using “join or die” sermons and indoctrination ceremonies where those who refuse to swear allegiance are killed.  Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist associated with the leader. In Mosul, two coordinated operations netted three suspected terrorists tied into the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.  One of the suspects is allegedly a recruiting emir for the terrorist network in Mosul, while another is suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign fighters for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Southeast of Fallujah, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists for their alleged involvement with a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader known for placing improvised explosive devices and coordinating terrorist attacks.

 

MND-B attack aviation assets destroy building containing homemade explosives south of Baghdad

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division - Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a building June 9 where homemade explosives were being produced south of Baghdad. Apache helicopter crews from the 1st “Attack” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, observed metal roof panels with a white substance on them near a building at approximately 7:20 p.m. After reporting the find to the ground unit and getting clearance to fire, the Apache crews engaged the panels and observed a secondary explosion. Based on the size of the secondary explosion, the ground unit gave clearance for the Apache teams to fire on the nearby building. A secondary explosion from within the building confirmed that it was used to manufacture homemade explosives, possibly to be used in improvised explosive devices.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, al-Qaida, Military, Coalition

Good News From The War On Terror 6/9

One secret cell terrorist killed, three detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting secret cell network operations in Baghdad. The individuals detained during the raid are believed to be members of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training. As Coalition Forces moved to the targeted building, two terrorists on the roof drew their weapons to engage the ground force.  Coalition Forces, responding in self-defense, engaged the armed terrorists, wounding them.  One terrorist died while the ground force was administering medical aid, and the other was taken to a military medical facility for treatment. Coalition Forces detained two more suspected terrorists at the scene.  Both detainees and the wounded terrorist tested positive for explosives residue, and the ground force found 12 million Iraqi dinar on the individuals. Intelligence reports indicate the terrorist killed was a mid-level facilitator for the secret cell terrorist network.

 

Five terrorists killed, 11 detained in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network in central Iraq Saturday morning. Coalition Forces tracked a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons distributor to a building southeast of Fallujah.  As they approached the area, five men in the front yard reached for weapons.  Responding appropriately to the hostile threat, Coalition Forces engaged the armed men, including the suspected weapons distributor, killing them.  Two other suspected terrorists were detained. During the firefight between Coalition Forces and terrorists outside the target building, a ricochet bullet struck a teenage Iraqi boy.  Medics on the scene stabilized the boy, and Coalition Forces transported him to a military hospital for treatment.  At the medical facility, Marines donated blood to save the boy’s life. In two coordinated operations in western Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspected terrorist who was allegedly promoted to replace an al-Qaeda senior leader Coalition Forces detained in an operation May 29.  Intelligence reports also indicate the alleged leader has a store of weapons in a mosque.  Two other suspected terrorists linked to the leader were also detained in the raids. Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists in a raid north of Taji.  Three individuals in the target building were detained for their association with an al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader who allegedly runs a foreign fighter safe house.  Two other suspected terrorists were captured in the immediate area. Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist during a pre-dawn operation in Sadr City.  As the ground forces left the area, they encountered three improvised explosive devices.  Despite large explosions, there were no injuries to Coalition Forces or damage to the vehicles.

 

Iraqi Army Forces Detain Two Insurgent Leaders, Nine Other Suspected Insurgents in Northern Iraq

BAGHDAD – Acting on tips from local citizens, Iraqi Army Forces conducted an intelligence driven operation June 7 capturing two suspected insurgent leaders linked to a sniper cell in northern Iraq. With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces detained their primary targets without incident. Nine suspicious individuals who were present during the operation were also detained. The two insurgent leaders are accused of attacking the Joint Security Site in downtown Bayji with small arms fire, sniper fire, rocket propelled grenades and indirect fire using mortar and rockets, which have wounded multiple Iraqi and Coalition Forces members. Acting on previous intelligence, Iraqi Forces entered four residences and detained their primary targets and the nine other individuals without incident. With Coalition Forces acting as advisors, Iraqi Forces seized two AK-47 assault rifles, 60 AK-47 rounds, two radios, nine phones, one passport and a large amount of money.

 

Iraqi Forces detain four suspected al-Qaeda cell members near Camp Fallujah

BALAD – Iraqi Army Forces on June 7 detained four members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell believed to be responsible for setting improvised explosive devices and conducting small arms fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces on and around Camp Fallujah. With Coalition Forces present as advisors, Iraqi Soldiers detained the four suspects in the vicinity of Al Fayath, located south of Camp Fallujah. During the operation they seized assault rifles, numerous magazines, ammunition, and materials used to construct, trigger and place improvised explosive devices. The cell, which is suspected of conducting al-Qaeda in Iraq operations in Al Fayath and the surrounding areas, is allegedly responsible for indirect fire attacks against Camp Fallujah. The group is also suspected of carrying out a series of improvised explosive device attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces on main supply routes and conducting insurgent activity in the Kharma area.

 

2/10th MTN, 1 ACB kill IED emplacers

AZ ZAIDON, IRAQ – Apache attack helicopters engaged and destroyed an improvised explosive device emplacement team near Az Zaidon, Iraq, southwest of Baghdad, June 7. The IED emplacement team was observed preparing a site, emplacing, and covering the IED by an unmanned aerial vehicle at about 10:30 a.m. The UAV, controlled by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, continued surveillance of the team until AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade arrived at the scene. As the sedan was moving away from the IED site, the Apaches engaged the sedan with a rocket, killing the two occupants and destroying the vehicle.

 

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Terrorists, Terrorism, al-Qaeda, al-Qaida, Military, Coalition

Lieberman: U.S. Should Weigh Attack On Iran

Finally, someone is taking the Iranian problem seriously.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman said Sunday the United States should consider a military strike against Iran because of Tehran's involvement in Iraq. "I think we've got to be prepared to take aggressive military action against the Iranians to stop them from killing Americans in Iraq," Lieberman said. "And to me, that would include a strike over the border into Iran, where we have good evidence that they have a base at which they are training these people coming back into Iraq to kill our soldiers." The U.S. accuses Iran of fostering terrorism and Tehran's nuclear ambitions have brought about international reproach. Lieberman, the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2000 who now represents Connecticut as an independent, spoke of Iranians' role in the continued violence in Iraq. "We've said so publicly that the Iranians have a base in Iran at which they are training Iraqis who are coming in and killing Americans. By some estimates, they have killed as many as 200 American soldiers," Lieberman said. "Well, we can tell them we want them to stop that. But if there's any hope of the Iranians living according to the international rule of law and stopping, for instance, their nuclear weapons development, we can't just talk to them." He added, "If they don't play by the rules, we've got to use our force, and to me, that would include taking military action to stop them from doing what they're doing." Lieberman said much of the action could probably be done by air, although he would leave the strategy to the generals in charge. "I want to make clear I'm not talking about a massive ground invasion of Iran," Lieberman said. "They can't believe that they have immunity for training and equipping people to come in and kill Americans," he said. "We cannot let them get away with it. If we do, they'll take that as a sign of weakness on our part and we will pay for it in Iraq and throughout the region and ultimately right here at home."

 

Technorati tags: Iran, United States, Lieberman, Terrorism, Terrorists