Good News From The War On Terror 9/6

Six terrorists killed, 25 suspects detained, al-Qaeda network disrupted

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 25 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s operational networks in the Tigris River Valley and Kirkuk Thursday. Coalition forces conducted two raids in and around Tarmiyah targeting senior members of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s network in the northern belts around Baghdad.  During one raid, three armed men drew their weapons when the ground forces approached them.  Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the three armed men, killing them.  As the ground forces continued to secure the area, they observed two men, one who was carrying a rifle, maneuvering into position against them.  Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat, engaging and killing both.  During the second raid, a man drew his pistol on Coalition forces, who responded by engaging and killing the armed terrorist.  Between the two raids, the ground forces detained seven suspected terrorists. Farther north, Coalition forces used intelligence gained during operations Aug. 30 to capture a suspected close associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.  The ground forces detained six additional suspected terrorists during the operations in Samarra and Tikrit. Coalition forces captured a suspected member of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell near Baqubah believed to be responsible for bombing and ambush attacks on Coalition forces and Iraqi civilians.  Intelligence reports indicate the cell member helped emplace snipers and illegal checkpoints used to kidnap civilians and hold them for ransom.  Nine more individuals were detained for their alleged ties to the terrorist cell. Iraqi and Coalition forces in Kirkuk detained one suspected terrorist during an operation targeting a car-bombing cell there.

 

More insurgents killed as government forces continue operations in Kandahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – An eight-hour-long battle this morning in the Kandahar Province ended with another defeat of the Taliban by Islamic Republic of Afghanistan forces. A combined force led by an element of the 205th Afghan National Army Corps, advised by Coalition forces, was on a combat patrol near a small village in the Meian Nashin district, when more than 30 enemy fighters attacked from multiple compounds and fighting positions using small-arms fire. The ANA-led force repelled the attempted ambush with accurate small-arms and crew served weapons fire.  As the insurgents continued to reinforce their positions with additional fighters, the ground commander requested Coalition close air support. Coalition aircraft destroyed multiple enemy positions with precision-guided munitions and also killed additional enemy insurgents in hilltop fighting positions with accurate machine gun fire. The ANA and Coalition force counterattack caused the enemy to break and flee from the field of battle. As the combined force followed the fleeing enemy, they again came under heavy fire from another group of extremist Taliban fighters reinforcing from the nearby Zabutu valley. The ANA and Coalition force repelled this attack with additional air strikes and tactical movement. Over the course of the day, over 20 insurgents were killed and at least four were wounded. Since Aug. 27, more than 200 extremist Taliban fighters have been killed during failed attempts to attack ANSF and Coalition forces in the northern part of Kandahar province.

 

Sept. 5 airpower summary: B-1B supports close-air missions

 

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Middle East

Rep. Paul Gillmor Died As A Result Of A Fall Down Stairs

The autopsy of Rep. Gillmor suggests he died as a result of head and neck trauma from a fall down the stairs. I had assumed it was heart related.

Although a heart attack was at first suspected in the death of Rep. Paul Gillmor, an autopsy revealed Friday that he in fact died of massive head and neck injuries sustained in a fall down the steps of his Arlington townhouse. The cause of death was "blunt head and neck trauma," according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for northern Virginia. "The injuries sustained were consistent with a fall and the death appears to be accidental," said Det. Steve Gomez, a spokesman for the Arlington County Police Department. "We have no evidence of foul play."

I have had an interest in running for congress in the past, but never went beyond that because I thought Rep. Gillmor could do a better job than I could. However; It has been suggested to me that I start the petition process to be put on the ballot to fill the remaining term. Now I have doubts because I don't think I'm ready for that kind of jump.

 

Technorati tags: Paul Gillmor, Congress, House of Representatives, Republican

Good News From The War On Terror 9/5

16 suspected car-bomb cell members captured during Operation Nijmegen III

KALSU, Iraq – A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell, with suspected links to al-Qaeda, believed to be responsible for attacks against citizens and security forces of North Babil, was the target of an early morning air assault and raid north of Diyarah Aug. 23. Paratroopers from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, captured 16 Sunni militants, believed to be members of al-Qaeda in Iraq during Operation Nijmegen III.  In addition to the extremists, the Paratroopers also captured propaganda and books on electronics and chemistry.

 

Coalition forces grab high-value IRGC-QF affiliate

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a pre-dawn raid in Karbala Wednesday, Coalition forces captured a highly-sought individual suspected of being an Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) affiliate.  Coalition forces also detained another individual for questioning. The detained individual is suspected of coordinating with high-level IRGC-QF officers for the transportation of multiple Iraqis to Iran for terrorist training at IRGC-QF training camps.  He is also a known logistics facilitator providing lethal aid to terrorists operating in central Baghdad.  It is likely that the affiliate is closely linked to individuals at the highest levels of the IRGC-QF.  Coalition forces are still assessing his possible connection to the Special Groups. Intelligence derived from other security detainees led Coalition forces to the residence of the individual.  Ground troops confiscated computer equipment, communication devices, miscellaneous documents and photographs.  It is believed that the captured documents may lead to information on other IRGC-QF illicit activities intended to disrupt security operations in Iraq.  There were no Iraqi or Coalition forces casualties during the precision raid. “As Iran continues its proxy war against the people of Iraq, Coalition forces will continue to build on recent operations to disrupt the flow of illicit, lethal materials from Iran into Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokeman.  “The capture of individuals affiliated with the IRGC-Quds Force is an integral part of dismantling terror networks that seek to kill innocent Iraqis and security forces.”

 

Troops detain 16 suspected Shia extremists

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – In a predawn raid on a large apartment complex in Mahmudiyah, Coalition and Iraqi troops detained 16 suspected Shia extremist members Sept. 1. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), out of Fort Drum, N.Y., along with their Iraqi counterparts from 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted the combined air assault and ground operation. Mahmudiyah’s al-Qa Qaa apartment complex is about a square mile of three-story buildings housing thousands of residents, mainly lower-income Shia. After an Iraqi army company commander was killed by Shia extremists in Mahmudiyah Aug. 28, U.S. and Iraqi forces have worked together to bring the perpetrators to justice, raiding Shia safe houses and homes.  Soldiers in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters landed in the darkness and quickly surrounded the target buildings, ensuring no one fled the scene. A few minutes later, U.S. and Iraqi troops arrived in Humvees and Badger armored troop carriers to search the buildings. The force swept through the buildings, and brought all military-age males down to a central point for questioning as OH-58 Kiowa helicopters circled the area.  After the males were in military control and a cursory search had been conducted, Soldiers with bomb-sniffing dogs thoroughly cleared the apartments and put evidence into plastic bags marked with the apartment’s number. Although the dogs did not sniff out any explosives, among the items confiscated were two Iraqi police pistols, 120 Iraqi-style gas masks and an AK-47 assault rifle.      Ziemba, from Wilbraham, Mass., said his unit has a good rapport with the Mahmudiyah soldiers and that they are growing together as a joint force. After 16 suspected Shia extremists were identified by informants and Iraqi troops, the rest of the men were released to their apartments.

 

Al-Qaeda leader killed, 18 suspected terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and detained 18 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday to disrupt the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and its bombing operations in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces killed the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the Arab Jabour area, who managed all terrorist attacks in the area south of Baghdad.  When Coalition forces approached the target building, they received small arms fire.  Returning fire in self-defense, they killed one terrorist who was later determined to be the terrorist emir.  The ground forces detained eight suspected terrorists and discovered a cache of machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.  Coalition forces called in an air strike that safely destroyed the cache. In northern Iraq, Coalition forces conducted three operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their associates.  The ground forces detained 10 suspected terrorists during the operations in Mosul and Bayji.  One suspect is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in his neighborhood, and another allegedly has ties to senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in northern Iraq.

 

Combined forces kill suspected extremists in Ghazni

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Early this morning in Ghazni Province, Afghan and Coalition forces conducted operations resulting in the deaths of several militants. Suspected militants fired upon the combined force using small arms, grenades and rocket propelled grenades.  The combined force returned fire and employed precision munitions, resulting in the death of several militants and significant damage to the compound.  A militant wearing an ammunition vest and carrying a weapon fled the area; he was pursued and killed by Coalition forces.

 

ANSF, Coalition kill nearly four dozen more insurgents in northern Kandahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, killed nearly four dozen insurgents in a 12-hour long battle today in northern Kandahar Province. The Sha Wali Kot District is an area where multiple attacks on ANSF and Coalition forces have taken place in the past.  Since Aug. 27, nealy 200 extremist Taliban fighters have been killed during failed attempts to attack ANSF and Coalition forces. A combined force of Afghan National Civil Order Police and Coalition forces was on a combat patrol near Alekowzi Village, Sha Wali Kot District, Kandahar Province, when they began taking small-arms and machine gun fire from approximately 10 insurgents.  Within 20 minutes of the battle starting, the combined force was further engaged by an estimated 20 RPG’s, fired from the nearby Hutak Village.  The extremist fighters were visually observed firing on the patrol from compounds located within the villages.  Throughout the engagement, insurgents reinforced their positions with an estimated 150 additional fighters. The ANCOP-led force repelled the attack using small-arms, crew served weapons and later called in Coalition close air support.  Coalition aircraft destroyed the positively identified enemy firing positions with precision guided munitions.  More then 40 insurgents were killed in today’s engagement and no ANCOP, Coalition or non-combatants were reported injured or killed.

 

Sept. 4 airpower summary: F-15Es strike from above

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Iran, Iranian Weapons, Revolutionary Guard, Quds, Middle East

Democrat Donor, Norman Hsu, Arrested In Colorado

The big dumb dem donor, Norman Hsu was arrested after fleeing from California. He has had a warrant for his arrest for 15 years on swindling charges.

Disgraced Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu was arrested in Colorado late Thursday after he failed to show up for a court appearance related to a felony theft conviction. FBI agents took Hsu into custody at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., said FBI spokesman Joseph Schadler. Hsu had been scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to turn over his passport and ask a judge to cut in half the $2 million bail he posted last week when he turned himself in after spending 15 years on the lam from a felony theft conviction. Instead, Hsu failed to show up at the bail reduction hearing and a judge issued a new arrest warrant for him. California Attorney General spokesman Gareth Lacy said Hsu's lawyers told prosecutors Hsu arrived by charter jet at the Oakland airport about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday local time and then wasn't heard from again. When it became apparent that Hsu had fled the state, California authorities sought the assistance of the FBI, whose agents arrested him Thursday night on charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, Schadler said.

 

Technorati tags: Democrat, Norman Hsu, Campaign Contributions

Good News From The War On Terror 9/4

Operation Hit and Run results in eight detained

HAWR RAJAB, Iraq – Soldiers of the “Denali Squadron” detained eight suspected al-Qaeda members and confiscated four AK-47 assault rifles during Operation Hit and Run, an air assault mission Sept. 1. Troop C, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd BCT 3rd Inf. Div., along with six Iraqi soldiers, air assaulted into an area near Hawr Rajab where a suspected al-Qaeda cell was operating. The troop conducted raids on five separate buildings, which led to eight suspects detained. This cell reportedly used the area as its sanctuary, from where members could commit violence and intimidation in western Hawr Rajab. Local residents told Soldiers some of the detainees had emplaced improved explosive devices on Coalition routes, murdered and kidnapped citizens, and were involved in an earlier attack on Patrol Base Dog.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain AQI leaders near Kirkuk

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained the suspected al Qaeda in Iraq leader of the Old Za’ab Village during a driven raid Sept. 3 near Kirkuk. The suspected leader’s cell includes former Ba’ath Party, 1920th Revolutionary Brigade, Islamic State of Iraq, New Ba’ath Party and El-Huk Brigade members. Additionally, his group is suspected of orchestrating attacks in Ninewa, Salah ah Dinand At' Tamim provinces. During an earlier operation Sept. 1 in Za’ab, Scouts were able to detain the leader’s deputy, a wanted member of the former Ba’ath Party. In addition, the village is believed to be a safe haven and planning node for synchronization of al Qaeda in Iraq forces. More than a half dozen propane tanks and wires, 125,000 Iraqi Dinar, and assorted documents were seized during these operations.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces dismantle al Qaeda in Iraq cell, detain 46

TAJI, Iraq – Members from the 3rd Iraqi Army, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, dismantled an al Qaeda in Iraq cell, detaining six suspected terrorists during an early morning raid Sept. 3 in Rabi’ah.   The al Qaeda in Iraq cell is believed to be responsible for vicious attacks against innocent civilians, and Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  The cell is also suspected of funding terrorist operations in the local area. One of the targeted terrorists is believed to be linked to a brutal attack in Mosul that resulted in the death of seven Iraqi Police, while another detainee is suspected of having financial ties with Syrian Intelligence to support the insurgency.   In addition,  one of the six suspects is an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq Amir who assists in financing insurgent operations.  After systematically clearing five buildings, forces detained 40 other suspicious individuals with connections to the al Qaeda in Iraq network.  Several ID cards, various documents, photographs, books, improvised explosive device making material, and one box of PKC, heavy machine-gun ammunition were seized.

 

Coalition forces kill one, detain two in search for smugglers of Iranian weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected weapons smugglers in a pre-dawn raid Tuesday in the village of Qazaniyah, near the Iraqi-Iranian border northeast of Baquba. Coalition forces conducted a raid to capture or kill weapons facilitators suspected of smuggling weapons from Iran into Iraq.  The detained individuals are suspected of having regular and recent contact with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps – Quds Force.  The suspects are believed to have smuggled and distributed Iranian weapons, including deadly explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).  Intelligence reports indicate the weapons facilitators have traveled to and from Iran recently.  Coalition forces believe the capture of these two individuals will lead to more intelligence on weapons smuggling networks and possibly more arrests. While conducting the raid, Coalition forces identified an armed gunman maneuvering aggressively against Coalition forces.  In accordance with the rules of engagement, Coalition forces fired in self defense on the armed gunman, killing him. A search of multiple buildings revealed AK-47s, multiple magazines of ammunition, tactical military gear, questionable documents, photographs and currency, all confiscated for further analysis.

 

Several militants killed in Ghazni operation

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces killed several suspected militants and wounded another early this morning during an operation in Ghazni.  The forces suspected Taliban militants were hiding in an area of Qarabagh District. During the course of operations, the forces were engaged by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.  The forces returned fire, using precision munitions as necessary, resulting in the death of several militants who were armed and wearing ammunition vests.  Mines were also found on-site.  Three men were also detained and will be questioned as to their involvement in extremist activities.  One detainee was wounded and was treated on-site.

 

Over dozen insurgents killed in Kandahar fighting

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Over one dozen insurgents were killed after a failed Taliban attack by over 40 enemy fighters on Afghan National Army and Coalition forces during a combat patrol in the Kandahar Province yesterday. An element of the Afghan National Army’s 205th Corps, advised by Coalition forces, was searching for insurgents one kilometer (.6 miles) north of Kharwari Chineh Village, Sha Wali Kot District, when the large Taliban force attacked from compounds and fighting positions using small arms, heavy machine gun and recoilless rifle fire. The ANA-led force repelled the attempted ambush with accurate small arms fire and crew-served weapons.  During the five-hour long battle, the insurgents reinforced their positions with a large group of fighters. The ANSF requested close air support in order to defeat the entrenched enemy.  Coalition aircraft used precision guided munitions on one compound that contained a large Taliban concentration engaging the combined force with a heavy volume of machine gun fire.

 

Several insurgents killed in failed ambushes in northern Kandahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Two attempted insurgent ambushes failed Sept. 4 as Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, repelled and killed nearly two dozen enemy fighters in separate battles in northern Kandahar Province. These attacks come on the heels of a failed attack the night before that saw more than a dozen insurgents killed in the same district of Afghanistan.  Today’s failed ambushes occurred a little more than 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) apart. In the first engagement, a combined force of Afghan National Army and Coalition forces was on a combat patrol near Jalet Push Village, Sha Wali Kot District, Kandahar Province, when they spotted 20-25 insurgents in fighting positions and an unknown number of fighters taking up positions in a compound.  The insurgents attacked the patrol with small arms and machine gun fire and continued to reinforce their positions throughout the daylong battle. The ANSF-led force repelled the attack using small arms, crew served weapons and Coalition close air support.  Surgical and precision air strikes were carried out on positively identified enemy positions from where machine gun and RPG fire was originating.  Over a dozen insurgents were killed in this engagement and one ANA soldier was wounded.  No other ANA, Coalition or non-combatants were reported injured or killed. In the second engagement, a combined force of Afghan National Police and Coalition forces were conducting a separate combat patrol near Kabolah Village, Sha Wali Kot District, Kandahar Province, when they came under small-arms fire from more than a dozen insurgents.  The insurgents attacked from compounds located within the village.  The ANSF patrol returned fire with small arms and crew served weapons and called for Coalition close air support.  Prior to engaging the insurgents with aircraft, the combined force utilized their loudspeaker system and notified the villagers to leave the area because an attack was imminent.  The ANP spoke with the village elders as they left and confirmed that all of the non-combatants had evacuated.  Coalition aircraft then engaged and destroyed the two buildings that the insurgents were using as fighting positions after the Taliban attacked again. Six insurgents were killed and two were wounded in this engagement.  In addition, one Coalition servicemember was wounded during the battle.  No other ANP, Coalition or non-combatants were reported wounded or killed in the fighting.    “The Afghan National Army is proving day after day that they are highly capable of finding and destroying the enemies of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson.  “Even when the insurgents have had time to fortify their positions, the ANA are determined to overcome the enemy obstacles.  Let there be no doubt, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan along with Coalition forces will continue to hunt, fight and defeat the enemies of peace and stability.” The Sha Wali Kot District is an area where multiple attacks on ANSF and Coalition forces have taken place in the past.  Since Aug. 27, more than 150 extremist Taliban fighters have been killed during failed attempts to attack ANSF and Coalition forces.

 

Sept. 3 airpower summary: A-10s support ground troops

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Iranian Weapons, Iran, Revolutionary Guard, Quds, Middle East

Bin Laden Plans Video To "Commemorate" 9/11

I'm guessing this "new" video will be from beyond the grave since it becomes more apparent he is nothing more than worm food. I will almost bet money this video is old footage. The Blotter has this side by side comparison of past and "current" stills of Bin Laden. Doesn't look like a new video to me.

Osama bin Laden will release a new video in the coming days ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in what would be the first new images of the terror mastermind in nearly three years, al-Qaida's media arm announced Thursday. The White House said any new video from bin Laden would serve to highlight threats the West faces. Analysts noted that al-Qaida tends to mark the Sept. 11 anniversary with a slew of messages, and the Department of Homeland Security said it had no credible information warning of an imminent threat to the United States. Still, bin Laden's appearance would be significant. The al-Qaida leader has not appeared in new video footage since October 2004, and he has not put out a new audiotape in more than a year, his longest period without a message. One difference in his appearance was immediately obvious. The announcement had a still photo from the coming video, showing bin Laden addressing the camera, his beard fully black. In his past videos, bin Laden's beard was almost entirely gray with dark streaks. Bin Laden's beard appears to have been dyed, a popular practice among Arab leaders, said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Institute, a Washington-based group that monitors terror messages. "I think it works for their (al-Qaida's) benefit that he looks young, he looks healthy," Katz said. The announcement and photo appeared in a banner advertisement on an Islamic militant Web site where al-Qaida's media arm, Al-Sahab, frequently posts messages. "Soon, God willing, a videotape from the lion sheik Osama bin Laden, God preserve him," the advertisement read, signed by Al-Sahab. Such announcements are usually put out one to three days before the video is posted on the Web.

Technorati tags: Terrorism, Bin Laden, al-Qaeda

Airshow At Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport

This was my first airshow and I was impressed. I took 129 pics of the event. I'm not a photographer, nor do I have a great camera. The zoom doesn't work well and I had to clean up the pictures with PaintShopPro to remove most of the "noise". I've never taken a picture where I had to follow something going nearly the speed of sound.

Airshow

Just click the above pic and it will take you to the picassa web album where you can see all the pics.

Highlights of the day:

To open the show, the Coast Guard did a mock rescue. They are incredibly fast. I think it took all of a minute to rescue the "stranded boater".

The Oracle father-son stunt team had a really close encounter. Everyone gasped at how close they were.

One of the Army Golden Knights parachute team nearly flipped over. His parachute nearly collapsed and you could see him trying to make an adjustment by pulling HARD on the other side to flip him back.

The C-17 cargo plane was pretty cool. You wouldn't think so, but it has reverse thrust engines and can land on a very short runway.

The F/A-18 almost broke the sound barrier. It had that moisture evaporation around the nose and wings right before it breaks the speed of sound. Of course, I missed that pic.

The Air National Guard stunt plane was really good. They had the cockpit hooked up to the speakers. He was talking normally until he would pull back the stick and head straight up. The G-forces made him strain to talk.

The Army Sky Soldiers Cobra team was good too. There's not a whole lot of stunts they can do, but it was still fun to watch.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Words and pictures cannot even begin to describe how awesome they were. You have to actually see it in person.

It was such a great day, I'm already looking forward to next year.

Technorati tags: Cleveland, Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland Airshow, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Stunt Planes, Air National Guard, Thunderbirds, Sky Soldiers, Golden Knights

German Police Searching For 10 In Possible Terrorist Attack

FoxNews

German authorities were searching Thursday for about 10 suspected supporters of an Islamic group linked to Al Qaeda believed to have assisted three militants arrested for plotting imminent attacks against Americans in Germany, an official said. Authorities believed "some 10" further suspects provided support to the two German converts and a Turkish citizen who were arrested Tuesday, August Hanning, a top security official, told the ARD broadcaster. [...] The three arrested suspects had military-style detonators and enough material to make bombs more powerful than those that killed 191 people in Madrid in 2004 and 52 commuters in London two years ago, prosecutors said Wednesday. [...] In Washington, a senior U.S. State Department official said German investigators had determined the Frankfurt International Airport and the nearby U.S. Ramstein Air Base were the primary targets of the plot, but that those arrested may have also been considering strikes on other sites, particularly facilities associated with the U.S. [...] Germany's announcement was the second in two days that a major attack had been foiled in Europe, after Danish authorities arrested eight alleged Islamic militants with links to senior al-Qaida terrorists. The German raids were launched after an intense, six-month investigation by 300 officers, who followed the suspects so closely that, at one point, police stealthily substituted a harmless alternate for the raw bomb material the suspects had collected, according to prosecutors.

Good News From The War On Terror 9/3

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network, detain five suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during operations Monday to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations in the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists in Tikrit, including an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator who moved up to replace a suspected former leader captured Aug. 13.  Intelligence reports also indicate the suspect is tied to senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq. South of Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted a senior leader of al-Qaeda in the Arab Jabour region and detained two suspected terrorists allegedly tied to the terrorist network there. In the northern city of Bayji, Coalition forces raided a suspected terrorist safe house operated by an Iraqi facilitator.  The ground forces detained one individual with alleged ties to the facilitation network.

 

Stryker Soldiers capture three suspected AQI terrorists

TAJI, Iraq – Coalition Forces conducted a raid near the village of Ramadan and detained six suspects including three suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives, Aug. 31. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 9 Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, captured three suspected members of an AQI terrorist cell, believed to be responsible for several coalition deaths. Three other individuals were also detained, one of whom is also suspected in attacks against coalition forces. Ground and air assets were used during the raid to prevent the AQI suspects from escaping during the operation. Soldiers found several assault rifles and ammunition during the raid.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces kill one insurgent, detain 17 others during Jazirah Desert patrol

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, killed an al Qaeda in Iraq insurgent and detained 17 suspected insurgents during a four-day patrol in support of Operation Phantom Strike Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Iraqi Forces from three separate units coordinated a series of intelligence driven raids in the vicinity of Al Rieq, Al Wara and Sinjar, located in the Al Jazirah Desert north of the Euphrates River near Rawah. Six suspects were detained in Al Rieq and 11 suspects were taken into custody in Al Wara. Numerous documents and two AK-47 assault rifles were also seized during the operation. During the assault on a target in Al Wara, U.S. Special Operations Forces pursued a vehicle that fled the scene. When the forces approached one of the vehicles and signaled the driver to stop, he responded with hostile force, firing AK-47 rounds at them. The forces continued to pursue the enemy and engaged the hostile vehicle with fire from a 50-caliber weapon which disabled the vehicle and killed the insurgent.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain militant extremist leader, ten others

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces detained a militant extremist leader and one of his subordinate leaders during an early morning intelligence-driven raid Sept. 2 in southern Babil Province. The suspected terrorist is directly involved in the majority of terrorist acts in Hillah and mortar attacks on Coalition bases and the Regional Embassy Office.  Iraqi citizens have reported that he leads militias to assassinate locals and has recruited a sniper with training in Iran to target Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army Soldiers. Scouts from the 6th Iraqi Army conducted a second operation in Baghdad detaining a suspected extremist cell leader and one cell member.  The suspected cell leader heads an explosively formed projectile cell and is believed to be responsible for an Aug. 14 EFP attack against Coalition Forces and two direct fire attacks against a Coalition base in the Baghdad area July 31 and Aug. 18.   In an earlier operation Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected extremist militant leader and one subordinate during a raid Sept. 1 in Nasiriyah. The detained insurgents are members of a militant suspected for conducting attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq as well as ambushing and killing several Iraqi Army Soldiers in the area.  In addition to seizing three AK-47 assault rifles and a pistol, five other suspected insurgents were detained.

 

Taliban leader captured in Panjshir

PANJSHIR, Afghanistan – A Taliban commander and seven recently-trained Taliban fighters on the run after a heavy firefight in neighboring Baghlan Province were captured here Saturday by Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security. The commander and his followers, who were trained in Pakistan about a month ago, were captured by the Panjshir NDS Chief, Mohammad Salem.  The men, armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, surrendered without firing a shot. The extremists came to Panjshir to escape the pressure of the Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces working to secure Baghlan Province. The seven men accompanying the Taliban leader were identified as being from the Andarab District of Baghlan and have been handed over to NDS officials in Kabul for further investigation.

 

ANSF detain provincial Taliban leader in Nangarhar province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces detained a Taliban leader in the Dowlat Sha District, Nangahar Province yesterday. Zar Jan, a Taliban sub-commander, was detained by the Afghan forces and provided no resistance during his arrest. Intelligence from various sources suggests the captured leader was responsible for facilitating attacks on ANSF and Coalition troops in the area.

 

ANSF detain provincial Taliban leader in Paktika province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces detained a Taliban leader in the Bermel district of Paktika province yesterday. The ANSF detained Noor Mohammed, a Taliban sub-commander, without incident near a Coalition forces base. Credible intelligence suggests the captured leader is a Taliban field commander and is responsible for leading and conducting attacks on ANSF and Coalition troops in the area.

 

Sept. 2 airpower summary: A-10s provide show of force

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Middle East

Good News From The War On Terror 9/2

Coalition forces detain seven suspected weapons facilitators

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured seven suspected weapons facilitators during a pre-dawn raid Sunday in Qasarin. Coalition forces conducted the raid to capture seven suspected weapons distributors that may be connected to various Special Groups operating in and around Baghdad.  Those detained are suspected of being responsible for distributing deadly explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) and other weapons flowing from Iran into Iraq.  Coalition forces believe information provided by these detainees may lead to more detentions of persons affiliated with weapons smuggling networks. Several structures searched during the raid revealed numerous weapons and associated ammunition, rocket propelled grenade components, and electronic devices suspected to be EFP components.  Various documents and photographs were also found and confiscated for further analysis.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition detains 16 suspected extremists

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Coalition and Iraqi Forces detained 16 suspected extremists during a combat air assault operation in Mahmudiyah Sept. 1. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division detained the suspected terrorists during Operation Eagle Chickmauga, an operation intended to deny the enemy safe haven within the area. The operation was targeted against Shia extremist groups in the Mahmudiyah area. While searching houses in the area 59 Iraqis were questioned, but 16 were detained.

 

14 terrorists killed, 6 suspects detained near Muqdadiyah

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 14 terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists during an operation north of Muqdadiyah Aug. 29-31 targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives and bed-down locations. While in the target area, Coalition forces heard a blast from a nearby road.  The ground forces investigated and found that an improvised explosive device had detonated; ground troops also found a trigger wire leading into a nearby house.  Previous intelligence indicated the house was a safe house for foreign terrorists.  Inside, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists. Another Coalition forces patrol discovered a terrorist safe house with locks on the outside.  Inside were two men who had been bound and beaten.  At the house, Coalition forces also found bomb-making materials, extremist propaganda and attack planning materials.  Coalition forces called in an air strike to destroy the explosives and the terrorist jail. The ground forces continued their patrol and received heavy small arms fire from a nearby palm grove.  Responding to defend their force from the enemy, Coalition forces returned fire and called for close air support to engage the armed men.  After suppressing the enemy fire, the ground forces assessed eight terrorists were killed in the engagement.  The ground forces found a nearby bed-down location with extremist propaganda, maps marking planted bombs, military-style assault vests, radios, weapons, mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, first aid materials and an ambulance. As Coalition forces moved forward on their target, an armed man charged toward the assault force, which responded by engaging and killing the armed terrorist.  The ground forces encountered more small arms fire and returned fire in self-defense.  Coalition forces assessed five terrorists were killed in the engagement.  Four suspected terrorists were detained in the area. Intelligence reports and Iraqis living nearby indicated a mosque in the area was controlled by al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Local residents also said al-Qaeda brought in a new imam each week and held terrorist meetings after mosque ceremonies.  Coalition forces investigated the area and discovered a command trigger wire leading from the mosque to a hole in the road created by an IED detonation.  A village elder led a ground element into the mosque, where they took great care in securing the building before departing.  Coalition forces found extremist materials in the courtyard.

 

Coalition Forces liberate nine Iraqis, kill eight terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists, detained four suspected terrorists and liberated nine Iraqi hostages during operations Sunday to further secure Baghdad and the northern belt around the city. Coalition Forces raided a building where terrorists were holding illegal terrorist court proceedings in Tarmiyah.  Al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders imposed vigilante law on residents in the Tarmiyah area, often executing them for violating the terrorist group’s rules.  Coalition Forces found nine Iraqis inside the building, some who had been there for 30 days, bound and awaiting sentencing by the illegal court system.  The former hostages were examined and found to be in relative health. After liberating the hostages, Coalition Forces moved to secure another building nearby.  Surveillance elements observed five men armed with rifles and machine guns maneuver into tactical positions in a nearby palm grove.  Defending against the hostile enemy force, Coalition Forces engaged the armed men and called in close air support.  Two of the armed terrorists were killed by ground fire, while three were engaged and killed by the aircraft.  In the palm grove, Coalition Forces discovered a bed-down location with two suicide vests and other weapons. Inside one of the buildings, Coalition Forces found 12 tons of ammonium nitrate soaked in propellant, ten drums of petroleum, bomb-making materials, weapons and extremist media.  The building also had a complex tunnel system beneath it.  Coalition Forces destroyed the volatile explosive materials on site. Coalition Forces also targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader near Salman Pak.  As the assault force secured the area, they observed a man with a pistol draw his weapon.  Coalition Forces responded by engaging the armed man, killing him.  The assault force also engaged and killed two armed men who moved into position against them.  The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the terrorist cell.

 

Seven detained in raid southeast of Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Marne Soldiers netted seven detainees during an air assault raid, Aug. 31, in the Tigris River Valley southeast of Baghdad. Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, were brought to the target by helicopters from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division as part of Operation Marne Husky. This air assault mission was the fourth in a series of air insertions dubbed Falcon Fury. While the detainees are being held for questioning, four tested positive for explosives residue on their hands indicating they had recently handled explosives. Two are also being held for questioning after having been found in possession of illegal weapons. Marne Husky is a combined air and ground campaign led by the CAB. It is designed to disrupt insurgents’ ability to flee to the Tigris River Valley after Marne offensives in the Arab Jabour and Salman Pak areas.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 36, destroy three large weapons caches

TAJI, Iraq – Two companies from the 5th Iraqi Army detained 36 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and destroyed two weapons caches during an operation Aug. 31 near Muqdadiyah. The suspected terrorists are linked to an Aug. 21 attack on 5th Iraqi Army Soldiers resulting in nine killed. Al-Qaeda in Iraq uses the villages in the Hamrin Ridge area as safe havens, conducting improvised explosive device attacks and weapons smuggling in the area. Due to the large amount of weapons and explosives found inside two houses and in three nearby vehicles, forces conducted controlled detonations to destroy this cache. Forces found a second cache containing 255, 120mm artillery rounds and called in close air support, destroying the cache with proportionate fire from an F-16 Fighting Falcon. In addition, four vehicles, one motorcycle, explosives, four rockets, three antitank mines, artillery rounds, four AK-47 assault rifles, radios and various propaganda documents were seized. In a separate mission, Iraqi Security Forces conducted an operation near Tal Afar that resulted in the destruction of a large cache of explosives and supplies allegedly belonging to al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists. The cache was destroyed in a controlled detonation. Items that were destroyed included mortar rounds, detonation cord, timed fuses, blasting caps, flares, radios, smoke grenades, TNT, and electrical wire.

 

Suspected insurgents command and control headquarters destroyed southwest of Kandahar City

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan –Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition Forces, conducted a cordon and search operation of an insurgent command and control headquarters southwest of Kandahar City, Afghanistan, early this morning. Credible intelligence led the ANSF and Coalition forces to two compounds in Ashoqeh Village, 17 kilometers (10.2 miles) southwest of Kandahar City.  Intelligence suggested that the compounds, comprised of seven buildings, contained multiple insurgent leaders responsible for the deaths of Afghans and Coalition forces during IED attacks and ambushes along Highway 1, west of Sanjaray.  One of the insurgents is suspected of being a Taliban leader who has facilitated IED related attacks against ANSF and Coalition forces in the Kandahar City area. This area was the scene of ISAF Operation Medusa last year.  Operation Medusa cleared insurgents from the villages south and west of Kandahar City.  Local residents had been seen leaving the area for the last few weeks and intelligence has suggested that insurgent commanders were attempting to reestablish their control in the area. The cordon and search operation last night started with ANSF attempting to search the first of the two compounds.  Insurgents attacked the ANSF-led force with small-arms and machine gun fire as they prepared to enter the first compound.  ANSF and Coalition forces returned fire and called for Coalition close air support.  An initial assessment revealed that 11 insurgents were killed in this compound from both small-arms fire and the close air support.  Also found in the compound was bomb making material, including TNT, several heavy machine guns, an RPG and rounds, small arms ammunition and three video cameras.  In addition, during the initial engagement a suicide bomber blew himself up, causing no ANSF or Coalition injuries.  The ground force then moved toward the second compound, approximately 70 meters (210 feet) to the west, when they were engaged again by machine gun fire.  Because of the volume of fire from this compound, the ground forces directed close air support to engage the compound.  Massive secondary explosions were observed after the aircraft engaged the compound.  Fourteen enemy fighters were estimated killed in the second compound.  A total of 25 insurgents were estimated killed during the course of the evening’s operations.

 

ANP detain Taliban leader, 10 insurgents in Khowst Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police, advised by Coalition forces, detained a Taliban leader and 10 other insurgents in the Sabari District, Khowst Province during an operation early this morning. The combined force air assaulted into three separate locations approximately 11 kilometers (6.6 miles) from a nearby Coalition forces base and conducted cordon and search operations.  The ANP effectively used the element of surprise and were able to secure all three locations without firing a shot.    Mohammed Ali Jan, the overall target, was detained at his home near Yaqubi village by the Afghan-led forces and provided no resistance.  The ANP also arrested 10 other suspected insurgents before heading back to their base.  Mohammed Ali Jan is a Sabari District insurgent financier. Credible intelligence suggests that he replaced Nazir Khan after Khan was detained in April.

 

ANP, Coalition forces defeat enemy ambush in Sha Wali Kot district

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police officers, advised by Coalition forces, defeated an attempted ambush by insurgents while conducting a combat patrol in Mir Amad Kalay Village, Sha Wali Kot district, Kandahar Province early this morning. The ANP-led force was patrolling north of Kandahar, in their continuing effort to rid the province of Taliban, when they were attacked by a small Taliban force.  The ANP repelled the ambush with small arms and crew served weapons and pursued the enemy fighters attempting to flee in two vehicles.  The pro-IRoA forces eliminated one of the vehicles before breaking off the counterattack. As the ANP continued their patrol through Mir Amad Kalay Village, they came under additional fire from insurgents located within the village. The insurgents were engaged and eliminated with small arms and crew served weapons. The location of today’s failed ambush attempt is 53 kilometers (31.8 miles) from the location of another military defeat for the Taliban which occurred Aug. 28.  In that battle, over 100 insurgents were killed south of Chenartu Village when they attacked a combined force of ANSF and Coalition soldiers from fortified positions while the pro-IRoA forces were patrolling the area.  An estimated half-dozen insurgents were killed in the engagement.  One Coalition forces service member was wounded and no ANP or civilian casualties were reported.

 

Sept. 1 airpower summary: Tankers keep missions flying

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Jaysh al-Mahdi, Middle East

Rep. Paul Gillmor Was A Great Man

I was shocked to learn that Rep. Paul Gillmor was found dead in his Virginia apartment today. I don't think my district could find another representative as in touch with conservative values as Rep. Gillmor. I've been voting for Rep. Gillmor since I've been able to vote. I've corresponded with Rep. Gillmor several times over the past few years and always received a prompt reply.

Rep. Paul Gillmor, an Ohio Republican who served in the House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, was found dead in his apartment, lawmakers and police said on Wednesday. Gillmor's body was found lying on the floor in his nearby Arlington, Virginia, apartment by members of his staff who went there to investigate Wednesday morning after the 68-year-old lawmaker failed to show up for work, Arlington police spokesman John Lisle said. The body was taken to the medical examiner for an autopsy, but Lisle said there were no signs of anything suspicious or foul play. Gillmor served on the House Financial Services Committee and was well liked by his fellow lawmakers. "Paul Gillmor was a man of genuine humility and deep conviction, a great public servant and a good friend," House Republican Whip Roy Blunt said in a statement. "As a deputy whip of the House, he established himself as a respected leader on issues vital to his district and our country." Gillmor is survived by his wife Karen, and five children. Gillmor's death will not have an impact on Democratic control of the House. Before his death, there were 232 Democrats and 202 Republicans, with one vacancy.

 

 

Technorati tags: Paul Gillmor, House of Representatives, Congress, Republican, Conservative

A Day In The Life Of Me: Part II

So I've been very busy with work and other commitments. I haven't had to time to update this thing. I've spent what free time I've had cleaning up the Air Show pics. The pics have been uploaded and I'm waiting for my brother to ID all the planes and helicopters, he's a military aircraft nut. Once the pics are done, I will have a separate post with a link to all the pics and highlights of the day. The sunburn I incurred from the air show is starting to heal a little. I would've been better off sticking my face on a grill.

Speaking of grills, my wonderful grill which has been great to me for about 3 years, met it's maker. The burners fell apart. So I went shopping for a new grill today and got it put together. While checking all the lines, I caught my hair on fire.

Tomorrow I should get the pics done. I also have to adjust "Tater's" crib and put her new highchair together. The rocking horse I started working on for her has kind of taken a backseat. It's all cut out, it needs sanded, routered, stained, and then put together. It looks good so far, so I shouldn't be ashamed to post the final result. I'm hoping to get it sanded Saturday, after I go shooting.

Speaking of shooting, squirrel season is here. I need to go hit some targets before hunting. Depending on how that goes, I may sneak in some skeet shooting. Pheasant and Quail season is in November. If you never had smoked pheasant or quail, you don't know what your missing. I guess I'm pretty much done with fishing for the year.

Speaking of fishing. The one that got away. I really want to catch the fish that broke my reel and snapped my 24lb test spiderwire braided line. It almost pulled my pole in the water. I had my drag set at the highest setting and the line was still screaming out. I tried to "horse" it in because I was running out of line. The stress on the handle caused it to break. I was left with turning the spool with my hand. Once I started doing that, the line snapped. I was fishing a small reservoir and the only fish in there that could possibly do that is a big ol' catfish or northern pike and I'm not even sure pike are in that particular reservoir.

So that's been and will be my week in a nutshell. I've been thinking about taking vacation in a couple weeks. I don't plan on going anywhere, just catching up on things I need to do and want to do.

Good News From The War On Terror 9/1

Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Baghdad and northern belts: 4 killed, 10 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations Friday and Saturday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in Baghdad and the northern belts around the city.  Coalition forces killed two terrorists, including a member of a group that enforces rules of an illegal terrorist court system in Tarmiyah, during a raid Saturday.  When the assault force approached the target buildings, they called for the occupants to come out.  Coalition forces observed two men in a nearby grove of trees reach for weapons and responded in self-defense, engaging and killing the two armed men.  Five suspected terrorists believed to be associated with the illegal court system were detained.  In Baghdad Saturday, Coalition forces captured the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq security emir of the Rusafa neighborhood and detained four additional suspected terrorists.  The alleged security emir is believed to be involved in kidnapping and car-bombing operations.  Coalition forces conducted a precision raid west of Tarmiyah Friday, targeting associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad.  Coalition forces followed a vehicle containing two suspected terrorists and attempted to get the driver to stop.  The driver refused to comply with Coalition forces and the assault force escalated their level of force, firing on the vehicle to stop it.  Both the driver and the passenger were killed in the operation.

 

3 terrorists killed, 5 suspected detained during operations targeting al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained five suspected terrorists Saturday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s operational and foreign terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq. Intelligence from several sources led Coalition forces to a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location west of Tarmiyah.  As Coalition forces arrived at the target location, an armed man emerged from the buildings and moved toward the ground forces.  Responding to defend against the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the armed man, killing him.  Inside the target building, the ground forces discovered a false floor in a shower stall that led to a tunnel and secret room.  An armed man was hiding in the tunnel, and Coalition forces responded by engaging the armed man, killing him.  The room contained weapons and was safely destroyed.  One suspected terrorist was detained. West of Taji, Coalition forces targeted foreign terrorist facilitators and captured two suspected members of the network.  One of the individuals is allegedly tied to a Syrian-based terrorist facilitator and explosives expert.  Coalition forces killed one terrorist on the scene when they observed him moving toward a possible weapon stash and identified him as a hostile threat. In northern Iraq, Coalition forces continued to target al-Qaeda’s facilitation and operations networks.  Ground forces captured an alleged Iraq-based extremist in Mosul, who is believed to facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists into the country.  Another raid west of Kirkuk targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader whose group is responsible for attacks on Coalition forces.  The ground forces detained one suspected terrorist.

 

Coalition forces detain eight suspected Special Groups terrorists in two separate operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces conducted two separate raids to capture or kill suspected Special Groups operatives in Baghdad before dawn on Saturday. Coalition forces detained eight suspected Special Groups terrorists during the raids. Coalition forces conducted two deliberate ground assaults to raid what were believed to be the residences of two high-level Special Groups leaders.  The targeted individuals are believed to be leaders of Special Groups responsible for logistical facilitation of Iranian weapons and lethal aid flowing into Iraq.  Both targeted individuals are implicated in anti-Coalition forces attacks and the recruitment of extremists to conduct criminal activity.  A search of several buildings during the raids produced three AK-47s, a large sum of Iraqi currency, suspicious documents and photographs.

 

Militants detained, killed in Ghazni operation

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Six men were detained and several others were killed in an operation Aug. 31 in Ghazni Province, which targeted a militant responsible for facilitating the movement of foreign fighters. Credible intelligence led Afghan and Coalition forces to a compound in the Dih Yak district where a cache consisting of mortar and artillery rounds, numerous hand grenades, rocket propelled grenades, small-arms rounds and various ammunition vests was found inside a vehicle and destroyed. During the course of the operation, some damage was also done to area compounds and fields. Several armed males attempted to flee the area and were tracked down by Coalition forces. Militants engaged Coalition forces with small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire and killed the enemy fighters.

 

Aug. 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

Duncan Hunter Wins Texas GOP Straw Poll

Duncan Hunter tops Fred Thompson in the Texas GOP Straw Poll held Saturday. The cult-leader, Ron Paul, finished in third place.

California Rep. Duncan Hunter won a scaled-down Texas Republican straw poll Saturday, and Fred Thompson surged to an unexpected second-place finish – a possible momentum boost as he prepares to join the presidential race. Rep. Ron Paul, the longtime Gulf Coast congressman, managed only a third-place showing despite an aggressive effort to get his grassroots supporters to the nonbinding contest. [...] "Winning the straw poll in Texas is big. Texas is huge," said a jubilant Mr. Hunter. The San Diego congressman, who takes a hard line on illegal immigration and touts strong conservative-value credentials, said the win, with 41 percent of the vote, gives a boost to his candidacy.

I'm sure I will get inundated by the Ron Paulian wing of Fred Thompson supporters. They're the ones that act like I just called their mother a vulgar name because I no longer support Fred Thompson.

 

Technorati tags: Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul, Texas, GOP, Straw Poll, Republican, Presidential Candidates

Good News From The War On Terror 8/31

Marines kill 12 AQI near Karmah

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 observed and engaged an armed group of al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists killing 12 and destroying two vehicles near the town of Karmah Aug. 29. A group of three men was seen loading objects into a bongo truck from a nearby growth of weeds 11 kilometers northeast of Fallujah, in an area known to be a historical weapons cache site. A second group of four men arrived in another bongo truck, followed by a third group of six men on foot through the reeds. A team of Marines was dispatched to better observe the scene and a third cargo truck carrying three men waving weapons and wearing ski masks approached the group a few moments later. The Marines called for air support and a section of AV-8B Harrier jets dropped two precision-guided bombs, destroying the initial two cargo trucks. Marines called for artillery fire on the dismounted enemy personnel immediately following the air attack. Twelve members of al Qaeda were found dead upon investigation of the scene. Numerous weapons and roadside bomb making materials were also found. All unexploded ordnance was removed from the scene and transported to a Coalition base for investigation and disposal.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected al-Qaeda Emir, one terrorist

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained a suspected al-Qaeda Emir and a terrorist cell member during an intelligence driven operation Aug. 30 in Baghdad. Reports indicate the Emir has directed and conducted kidnappings and murders of local nationals. The Sunni extremist is believed to have participated in indirect fire attacks against local citizens. The suspects are currently being detained for questioning for their involvement in the injury and death of Iraqi citizens and other criminal activity.

 

5 terrorists killed, 13 suspects detained in Tigris River Valley

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 13 suspected terrorists during raids Friday targeting leaders of the al-Qaeda operational network in the Tigris River Valley. Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader southwest of Balad who orders, finances and carries out attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in Salah ad Din province.  Intelligence reports indicate he recently assumed a position coordinating terrorist logistics between Baghdad and Mosul, and may be trying to obtain chemical weapons for use in attacks against Coalition Forces.    After ground forces secured the target building, they received small arms fire from a nearby building.  Coalition Forces responded in self-defense and returned fire, killing five armed terrorists.  Four additional suspected terrorists were detained. Coalition Forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq’s network operations during raids in Bayji and Baghdad.  In the northern city, Coalition Forces captured the alleged administrative emir of Haditha, who was believed to be residing in Bayji because of Iraqi and Coalition Forces’ pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq members in Haditha.  Two other suspected terrorists were detained in the raid.  In southern Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspected key leader in the city’s car-bombing network.  Intelligence reports indicate the individual had moved into the leadership position after his predecessor was detained in an operation June 10 and the previous leader was detained May 29.  Several other leaders in the network have been killed or captured in the past two months, including Ali Latif Ibrahim Hamad al Falahi, who coordinated car bombing operations in Baghdad and was killed Aug. 20.  Coalition Forces also detained five other suspected terrorists during the raid. During operations to locate al-Qaeda in Iraq safe houses north of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces found a building containing homemade explosives and rigged with command detonation wires.  An explosives team with the ground forces safely destroyed the materials on site.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 11 militant extremists in Karbala

KARBALA, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces and Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained 11 militant extremists during two separate intelligence driven operations Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 in Karbala. Intelligence indicates that one of the detained Shi’a extremists is linked to the Aug. 22 assassination of the mayor of Husaniyah. The forces received enemy small arms fire, during both operations. The forces returned proportional fire, killing one enemy fighter and wounding another. The wounded individual was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Troops capture 24 suspected insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers captured 24 suspected insurgents during a clearing operationAug. 31 in New Baghdad District of eastern Baghdad to disrupt militia activity. The operation, carried out by Soldiers of the Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was part of ongoing efforts to clear insurgent strongholds in the area.

 

ANSF and Coalition forces defeat insurgents again in Helmand province

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Elements of the Afghan National Army, advised by Coalition forces, continued an operation to clear the Taliban from both sides of the Musa Qalah wadi during a combat patrol in Helmand province early this morning. The Afghan National Security Force-led patrol was seven kilometers south of Regay village, in nearly the same location as an engagement on Aug. 25, when an unknown number of insurgents began attacking with rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire.  The combined force repelled the attack using effective small-arms, machine gun and MK-19 fire.  The pro-government forces called in air strikes to destroy additional enemy fighters as the fighting continued.  No bombs were dropped during the engagement. A number of enemy fighters were killed in the engagement.  No ANSF or Coalition members were injured or killed during the fighting.  There were no Afghan non-combatant injuries reported.    “The continuation of this operation is having the desired effect of disrupting the insurgents in the heart of their support area,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “The combat successes of the combined ANSF and Coalition units are becoming routine in the Helmand province.  With the support and resolve of the Afghan people living in the Helmand region, enemy fighters will be unable to derail the progressive reform efforts of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.” ANA and Coalition forces are conducting operations as part of ISAF Operation Palk Mesher, in southern Afghanistan to disrupt and eliminate insurgents in the Helmand province. Musa Qalah, in particular, is widely recognized as the largest Taliban stronghold left in Afghanistan.

 

Scores of insurgents killed in urban combat

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Auxillary Police, advised by Coalition forces, defeated an insurgent attack Aug. 31 within Regay, Musa Qalah District, Helmand Province. The combined force was on a combat patrol when insurgents attacked with mortars, RPG’s and small-arms fire from multiple compounds located inside of populated areas in northwestern Regay. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan forces tactically maneuvered against the Taliban fighters after calling for close air support.  In the fight that ensued, almost two dozen insurgents were killed.

 

Aug. 29 airpower summary: KC-135 off-loads fuel for GWOT

Aug. 30 airpower summary: C-130's move people, supplies

 

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Military, Coalition, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Jaysh al-Mahdi, Middle East