Good News From The War On Terror 11/3-4

Large weapons cache located by Concerned Local Citizens

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found a large cache in Arab Jabour Nov. 1. The CLCs told Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division about the cache site. Soldiers investigated the site and discovered three barrels buried in the ground containing rocket-propelled grenade rounds, mortars and various munitions. The items found included eight 60mm mortars, two 82mm mortars, 25 OG-7 RPG projectiles, three RPG-7 propellant sticks, one RPG sight, an unknown sight, 3,000 14.5mm rounds, 200 7.62mm rounds, one AK-47, one 14.5mm gun barrel and receiver, one RPK light machine gun, three hand grenades, 15 fuses and 15 pounds of C-4 explosive.

 

Tip leads Iraqi National Police to cache

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Based off a tip from a concerned citizen, officers with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division recovered a cache in the courtyard and surrounding areas of the al Mustafa mosque in the Mualameen neighborhood of eastern Baghdad Nov. 1. The cache included two explosively-formed penetrators, eight rocket-propelled grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, seven rocket-propelled grenade motors, three rockets, 14 mortars, one sniper rifle with a scope and a 10-round magazine. A spool of wire, body armor and old Iraqi Army uniforms were also recovered.

 

Iraqi Army detains al-Qaeda-linked terrorists upon Mosque entry

BAGHDAD — Elements of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division entered the Abu Hanifa Mosque in the eastern Adhamiyah neighorhood of the Iraqi capital in an early morning operation and detained 12 individuals, including two known terrorists who were using the mosque as a base. The captured terrorists are suspected of improvised explosive device emplacement, kidnapping, murder of Iraqi civilians and attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces throughout Baghdad. They are also known to have links with al-Qaeda, said Capt. Phillip Dow, a staff officer with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, the U.S. unit responsible for security in the area. The operation was a result of tips received from local citizens. After concerned residents relayed the information that the terrorists were inside the mosque, the Iraqi Army moved in, backed by U.S. Soldiers from the 3-7 Cav., 2nd BCT, 82 Abn Div., who secured the perimeter. After requesting proper permission to enter the mosque compound, the Iraqi Army element came under fire inside the building and had to return fire, wounding one of the insurgents. Iraqi Army troops pursued the attackers throughout the mosque compound, eventually detaining the 12 insurgents.

 

Dragon Talon II: Troops detain five suspected extremists

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers detained five suspected extremists during ongoing operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Nov. 2. Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, part of Task Force Vanguard, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided two homes after receiving tips of the possible location of two individuals believed to be involved in weapons trafficking, attacks against Coalition Forces and murdering translators. The troops captured both suspects. Later that morning, “Warriors” from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th IBCT, captured a man positively identified by two sources as a planter of improvised explosive devices. During a patrol a few hours later, the “Warriors” detained a man suspected of attacking MND-B troops with small arms and IEDs. Fifteen minutes later, another man, who allegedly led IED attacks, was detained by the Soldiers of Co. C. during a raid of a house in the Doura region. All five suspects were taken into custody and are being held for further questioning.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks; one killed, 23 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 23 suspects during four coordinated operations Sunday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq. During the first of four operations in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reportedly associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders believed to be actively involved with extortion and kidnapping in the northern belt. The individual, who identified himself to Coalition forces, is believed to be the brother of an al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader. In one of the operations, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual also believed to be associated with terrorist leaders and involved in facilitating meetings within the network. During the operation, the ground force called for the target building’s occupants to come out. One man did not comply with instructions and warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged the man with small arms fire, killing the terrorist. As Coalition forces secured the area, three additional suspected terrorists were detained without incident. The wanted individual in custody identified himself to Coalition forces. Also in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting associates of terrorist leaders in the northern belt. During these operations, Coalition forces detained 17 suspected terrorists without incident. The wanted individual in custody identified himself to Coalition forces and is allegedly a long-time member of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

 

One killed, eight detained as Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist, wounded one and detained eight suspects during operations Saturday and Sunday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. North of Sharqat, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an associate of the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed during a Coalition force operation in June 2006. The wanted individual allegedly has ties to numerous foreign terrorist facilitators and al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership operating throughout the Tigris River Valley. As the ground force arrived at the target area, the individual identified himself to the ground forces and was subsequently detained. Coalition forces conducted an operation in Tikrit targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly involved in weapons facilitation, mortar training, improvised explosive device emplacement and facilitating funds from outside of Iraq. The targeted individual is believed to have ties to terrorist networks in Haditha and is allegedly a subordinate of the leader for the al-Qaeda network operating in the Salah Ad Din province. During the operation, Coalition forces detained seven suspects without incident. In Kirkuk, Coalition forces killed one terrorist and wounded another in an operation Saturday targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to be in charge of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in Baghdad. Reports indicate he was responsible for the suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack that destroyed the Taji Bridge, which killed at least 10 Iraqi civilians and wounded six Aug. 14. The wanted individual was allegedly a close associate of Abu Ibrahim Al Falahi, who was killed by Coalition forces in an operation Aug. 20. During the operation, Coalition forces approached the target area and fired warning shots. Two suspected terrorists did not comply with instructions. Perceiving hostile intent, the assault force engaged the terrorists by direct fire, killing one and wounding another. Coalition forces administered medical treatment on site and transported the wounded individual to a military medical facility.

 

Concerned Local Citizens find large cache in Hawr Rajab

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab reported a large improvised explosive device cache to Coalition Forces at Entry Control Point 20, a patrol base in the area Oct. 31. The cache consisted of 34 83mm mortar rounds and 72 57mm rounds. All of the rounds were filled with homemade explosives and primed with detonation cords. The rounds would likely have been used as IEDs for dismounted patrols and mortar attacks against Coalition Forces.

 

ANSF kill senior enemy leader – Abdul Manan

KHOST, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces killed a top-ranking enemy commander, identified as Malawi Abdul Manan, along with several other enemy fighters in Khost Province Oct. 28. ANSF units spotted 12 enemy fighters attempting to infiltrate from Pakistan near a border check-point in the Spira District.  They set up an ambush, engaged the fighters with small-arms fire and killed several, including the infamous Abdul Manan. In addition to leading a large contingent of militants, Manan was also responsible for the movement of both insurgent fighters and weapons smuggling across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.  His death will seriously hamper the enemy’s organization and operations as there is no known successor.  Originally from Kandahar Province, Abdul Manan later became the senior Haqqani commander of enemy fighters in the Paktia, Paktika and Khost Provinces of eastern Afghanistan and was compared to the late Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah Lang, killed by Afghan and Coalition forces in May, for his span of control, influence and corruption.

 

Taliban commander positively identified

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A suspected militant detained Sept. 22 in an Afghan and Coalition operation in Ghazni Province has been positively identified as the former Andar District Taliban commander Rahmatullah.  According to intelligence sources, Rahmatullah was the Taliban commander of Andar District in Ghazni Province.    During his detention, Rahmatullah stated through a translator he “facilitated the travel of suicide bombers in the district to be used to target Coalition or Afghan forces.”  He further admitted to receiving IED parts, remote detonators and suicide vests from a militant facilitator operating out of Miram Shah, Pakistan.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces repel enemy attack in Oruzgan province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces thwarted an attack by extremist Taliban fighters outside of a Coalition forces’ base in Oruzgan province Nov. 2. The insurgents fired 82mm mortars this morning that narrowly missed the firebase.  Shortly thereafter, the heavily defended firebase was notified that several enemy fighters were moving to a defensive position near the base.   The enemy fighters attacked using small-arms, machine gun and 82mm mortars in the late morning attack. The ANSF and Coalition forces returned fire and maneuvered against the enemy forces.  Enemy forces continued their attack and attempted to reinforce their positions with additional fighters.  Coalition aircraft, under the direction of the Coalition ground force, engaged the fighters and repelled the attack.

 

Combined forces work to disrupt militant recruiting operations

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Nov. 4 in Ghazni Province to disrupt foreign fighter and Taliban recruiting networks in the area resulting in six people being detained, one of whom was wounded, and two other militants were killed. Afghan and Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in the Deh Yak District of Ghazni Province where intelligence reports indicated militant recruiting networks were operating. During the search of several buildings on one of the compounds, Afghan and Coalition forces detained, without incident, three individuals suspected to be linked with militant recruiting facilitators. While performing a search on another set of compounds in the district, the combined forces of Afghan and Coalition members were fired upon from  one of the buildings on the compound. Simultaneously, several suspected militants fled the compound area on foot. The combined forces returned fire killing two militants and wounding one other. They also pursued and subsequently detained two individuals with possible ties to militant recruiting facilitators.

 

Nov. 2 airpower summary: Strike Eagles support combat operations

 

Nov. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide airpower

The Super Toilet

May offend some who don't like the "V-word"

 

 

Stolen from Pat Dollard

h/t: AOSHQ

Darwin Award Finalist?

...or an example of why we should enforce immigration laws?

A man was arrested for drug possession after telling authorities that two masked gunmen had stolen 150 pounds of marijuana from his home. Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies arrived at the home near Penitas in South Texas to find the door kicked in and nearly 15 pounds of pot lying on the floor, Sheriff Lupe Trevino said. Jose Guadalupe Flores, 35, escaped while the men ransacked the house but returned later and told the deputies he had been wrapping the drugs for shipment when the intruders arrived. "The guy walked right up and said the drugs were his," Trevino said. "That's not the smartest move." Flores, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was charged with felony possession of marijuana at an arraignment hearing Monday. Because of his immigration status, Flores will be jailed until his case is heard.

Good News From The War On Terror 11/1-2

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations targeting senior leadership

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an estimated 14 terrorists and detained 25 suspects during operations Wednesday and early Thursday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. On Wednesday in Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reported to be a senior leader for al-Qaeda in Iraq, along with two suspected criminals. Intelligence indicates this individual has several ties to senior leadership, including Abu Ayyub al-Masri. Intelligence gained from previous operations led Coalition forces northwest of Baqubah where they targeted an individual believed to be a senior leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Hib Hib. This area has been reported to be a significant al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven on the outskirts of Al Khalis. During the operation, Coalition forces began to secure the area and observed a group of armed men maneuvering into nearby palm groves. The ground force called for the men to come out, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged with small arms fire, killing two terrorists. Still receiving fire, Coalition forces called for air support, killing an estimated ten additional terrorists by direct fire. Thirteen suspects were also detained during the operation. Southeast of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be an associate of numerous senior al-Qaeda in Iraq members. Reports indicate the targeted individual has a history of involvement with al-Qaeda in Iraq and is believed to have been a senior leader for the terrorist network operating in the Radwaniyah area. As Coalition forces arrived on scene, they called for the occupants to come out of one of the buildings in the target area. Meanwhile, Coalition troops received enemy fire from an adjacent building. As ground forces entered that building, a terrorist wearing a suicide vest detonated it, killing himself and one other terrorist while also destroying the building. No Coalition forces were injured in the explosion. The ground forces then secured the area and discovered a small weapons cache, which was safely destroyed on-site. Coalition forces detained another nine suspects during the operation.

 

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, 12 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 12 suspects during operations early Thursday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. Surveillance elements led Coalition forces to a location in Mosul, where they captured a wanted individual and three suspected terrorists. The wanted individual is reportedly an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq members involved in foreign terrorist facilitation, to include one who was captured in a previous Coalition forces operation in Bayji Oct. 26. Reports indicate one of the suspect’s associates, a senior facilitator currently residing outside of Iraq, is attempting to communicate with terrorist leaders in the country. During the operation, the wanted individual was identified by his wife and detained without incident. West of Ramadi, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. The wanted individual is allegedly a close associate of numerous foreign-based terrorists responsible for facilitating funds and weapons for al-Qaeda operations. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained another five suspects during the operation. In Tikrit, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader also involved in foreign terrorist facilitation. The targeted individual is believed to have ties to several foreign-based facilitators who may have recently entered the country. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.

 

Cache found, destroyed

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A large cache consisting of explosives was discovered and destroyed in Arab Jabour Oct. 30. Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division discovered the cache while searching a field where a previous cache was discovered. The cache consisted of 125 hand grenades and 100 rifle grenades. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in and conducted a controlled detonation.

 

Coalition Forces discover large cache near Turki village

BAQOUBAH, Iraq – Coalition Forces discovered a large weapons cache while conducting a search near the Turki village area south of Balad Ruz Oct. 29. The weapons cache included more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades, about five RPG launchers, approximately 10 60mm mortar rounds, a mortar base plate, two anti-personnel mines, three hand grenades, about 20 blasting caps and other improvised-explosive device making material. The cache was located in an area where a previous cache had been discovered. A CF explosive ordnance disposal unit conducted a controlled detonation to destroy the cache items.

 

Joint Operation reduces al Qaeda’s supply base

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces conducted a joint operation to clear the Muqdadiya area and return the town to its peaceful citizens. The operation resulted in the discovery of 10 weapons caches and two suspected terrorists Oct. 30. The caches consisted of a variety of 60mm and 155mm mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenade warheads, improvised explosive device materials such as copper wire and blasting caps, small-arms munitions, and a list of names al Qaeda paid to kill Coalition Forces. An explosive ordnance disposal unit cleared the area and destroyed the cache on site, and the two detainees were transferred to a detention facility for further questioning. Elsewhere in Diyala, the Iraqi Border Police partnered with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., discovered a cache containing more than 40 assorted mortar rounds, two RPG warheads and four tank rounds in a farmer’s field in Tursaq. The Border Police secured the site and destroyed the cache. Also, while conducting a patrol northeast of Mandali, the Border Transition Team discovered a cache of approximately 20 anti-personnel mines and approximately 60 mortar rounds, all of which were destroyed by an EOD team.

 

Apaches destroy anti-aircraft weapon

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Combat Aviation Brigade pilots flying south of Baghdad destroyed an anti-aircraft weapon Nov. 1. The Apache pilots, members of 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, 3rd Infantry Division, spotted two suspected insurgents walking away from the weapon, which had been covered by a tarp. The pilots destroyed the weapon with a Hellfire missile.

 

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; 10 killed, three detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists and detained three suspects during operations Friday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. Southeast of Baghdad in Salman Pak, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior members operating in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the individual is also associated with several foreign terrorist facilitators operating outside of Iraq, and an al-Qaeda in Iraq member who claims involvement in attacks against Coalition forces. The ground force was engaged by small arms fire as they approached the target building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists and called for supporting aircraft to help suppress the enemy fire. The ground force observed multiple secondary explosions from one of the buildings when it was engaged by Coalition aircraft, indicating explosives may have been inside. The ground force continued to be engaged by enemy fire from several individuals who emerged from the target area, so supporting aircraft was requested, which engaged this hostile threat. When the enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces found that 10 terrorists had been killed. Two of the terrorists two were armed with suicide vests. As Coalition forces secured the area, they discovered a small weapons cache, which included several suicide vests, heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery. The building, including the small weapons cache, was safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists. In another operation, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and one other suspect near Shaqat. The wanted individual is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader responsible for facilitating communications from terrorist members to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The wanted individual was allegedly the replacement for Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, the radical religious advisor for the self-proclaimed Minister of Information for al-Qaeda in Iraq, Muharib Abdul Latif, both of whom were killed during a Coalition forces operation May 1. In Kirkuk, one suspect was detained during an operation targeting a leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bomber network. Reports indicate the targeted individual is responsible for organizing, planning and directing vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Iraq citizens in Kirkuk, as well as being a foreign terrorist facilitator associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist leaders.

 

Iraqi citizen leads Coalition Forces to EFP factory

HUSSEINIYAH, Iraq – A citizen of Husseiniyah led Coalition Forces to a building where explosively formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices were being constructed Oct. 31. Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., discovered a large cache of explosives at the home, including about 10 fully assembled EFPs of various sizes including one 12-inch EFP – the largest found in Iraq – approximately 90 copper plates of various sizes, more than 200 pounds of C-4 explosive, other explosive materials including TNT and numerous other materials used in manufacturing EFPs. On Oct. 23, another 4-2 SBCT unit discovered the largest EFP cache ever found in Iraq in Sa’ada village, near Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq. That cache included over 120 fully assembled EFPs, over 150 copper disks, 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, about 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, more than 30 107mm rockets, two mortar tubes and about 20 claymore-type mines.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces continue to neutralize Taliban insurgents

Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan- Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces engaged and killed several Taliban fighters near the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province today. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol to protect the establishment of an Afghan security checkpoint when they surprised Taliban fighters setting up mortar positions.  ANSF and Coalition forces engaged these fighters, killing several Taliban insurgents and causing the remaining enemy fighters to flee.

 

Oct. 31 airpower summary: A-10s support ground troops

 

Nov. 1 airpower summary: Airmen engineer success

Tater's Rocking Horse

A while ago, I mentioned here that I was going to make "Tater" a rocking horse for her 1st birthday. Lucky for me, she's not old enough to realize it's two month's late. I feel bad about it, but I just didn't have enough time to dedicate to completing it in a timely manner.

I did make some changes to it. I didn't like the "horn" that came out of the head and the seat wasn't big enough. I also switched the legs to make both front legs on one slat and both back legs on one slat.

 

Here is what is was supposed to look like:

 

And here is what it actually looks like:

Chevy Impala Dusts Lamborghini In Drag Race. Oh, A 800hp Impala

I was reading this article about a guy named Johnathan Goodwin who takes ordinary gas-guzzling vehicles and makes them fuel-efficient and is able to increase horsepower and the same time. He's the one that took a 1965 Chevy Impala and converted it to double the mileage and increase horsepower from 250hp to 800hp. They raced the Impala vs Lamborghini on Mtv's "Pimp My Ride".

I am by no means mechanically inclined, but this article is really interesting. You don't have to be a wrench-head to understand what they are talking about.

“Check it out. It's actually a jet engine," says Johnathan Goodwin, with a low whistle. "This thing is gonna be even cooler than I thought." We're hunched on the floor of Goodwin's gleaming workshop in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by the shards of a wooden packing crate. Inside the wreckage sits his latest toy--a 1985-issue turbine engine originally designed for the military. It can spin at a blistering 60,000 rpm and burn almost any fuel. And Goodwin has some startling plans for this esoteric piece of hardware: He's going to use it to create the most fuel-efficient Hummer in history. [...] Goodwin leads me over to a red 2005 H3 Hummer that's up on jacks, its mechanicals removed. He aims to use the turbine to turn the Hummer into a tricked-out electric hybrid. Like most hybrids, it'll have two engines, including an electric motor. But in this case, the second will be the turbine, Goodwin's secret ingredient. Whenever the truck's juice runs low, the turbine will roar into action for a few seconds, powering a generator with such gusto that it'll recharge a set of "supercapacitor" batteries in seconds. This means the H3's electric motor will be able to perform awesome feats of acceleration and power over and over again, like a Prius on steroids. What's more, the turbine will burn biodiesel, a renewable fuel with much lower emissions than normal diesel; a hydrogen-injection system will then cut those low emissions in half. And when it's time to fill the tank, he'll be able to just pull up to the back of a diner and dump in its excess french-fry grease--as he does with his many other Hummers. Oh, yeah, he adds, the horsepower will double--from 300 to 600. "Conservatively," Goodwin muses, scratching his chin, "it'll get 60 miles to the gallon. With 2,000 foot-pounds of torque. You'll be able to smoke the tires. And it's going to be superefficient." He laughs. "Think about it: a 5,000-pound vehicle that gets 60 miles to the gallon and does zero to 60 in five seconds!"

Read the rest

More Dirt On Fred!

Just when you thought you couldn't question Fred's associates any more, we have this. After the Spencer Abraham fiasco, I'm glad I changed my vote to Duncan Hunter. With these shady ties springing up, I'm beginning to think there isn't much difference between Fred Thompson and Hillary Clinton.

Republican presidential candidate Fred D. Thompson has been crisscrossing the country since early this summer on a private jet lent to him by a businessman and close adviser who has a criminal record for drug dealing. Thompson selected the businessman, Philip Martin, to raise seed money for his White House bid. Martin is one of four campaign co-chairmen and the head of a group called the "first day founders." Campaign aides jokingly began to refer to Martin, who has been friends with Thompson since the early 1990s, as the head of "Thompson's Airforce." Thompson's frequent flights aboard Martin's twin-engine Cessna 560 Citation have saved him more than $100,000, because until the law changed in September, campaign-finance rules allowed presidential candidates to reimburse private jet owners for just a fraction of the true cost of flights. Martin entered a plea of guilty to the sale of 11 pounds of marijuana in 1979; the court withheld judgment pending completion of his probation. He was charged in 1983 with violating his probation and with multiple counts of felony bookmaking, cocaine trafficking and conspiracy. He pleaded no contest to the cocaine-trafficking and conspiracy charges, which stemmed from a plan to sell $30,000 worth of the drug, and was continued on probation.

Question for Fred Thompson: Do you support harsh penalties, including hefty fines and long prison sentences, for drug dealers?

 

***UPDATE 11/6/07***

The convicted drug dealer has resigned from the campaign.

Good News From The War On Terror 10/30-31

Four terrorists killed, 17 suspects detained during Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 17 suspects during operations late Monday and early Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. South of Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged terrorist cell leader believed to be involved in attacks against Coalition forces in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the targeted individual was a close associate of several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. During the operation, Coalition forces began to clear the target area and observed four armed men maneuver into a ditch. When the ground force approached, they were engaged by enemy fire from two separate locations. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing one terrorist believed to be the targeted individual. Supporting aircraft was called to suppress the enemy fire, killing another armed terrorist. Coalition forces continued to track the remaining armed men, engaging and killing one additional terrorist. As the ground force proceeded to clear the area, they observed a man emerge from the rear of a building and run to a nearby palm grove. He did not comply when directed to come out from hiding by Coalition forces. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged killing the individual. Three suspects were also detained on site during the operation. During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist activity in the city. The suspect was allegedly attempting to recruit Iraqi Army intelligence officers to gain information on Iraqis working with Coalition forces. Time-sensitive intelligence led the ground force to the wanted individual’s exact location where he and one other suspect, believed to be his brother, were detained. Coalition forces detained three suspects during an operation northwest of Tarmiyah targeting an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in mailings, Internet postings and propaganda distribution. Intelligence information indicates the targeted individual is part of a group that records and reports terrorist operations near Tarmiyah. Past reporting indicates that the targeted individual also serves as a courier for the leader of the northern belt terrorist network. The network is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks, foreign terrorist facilitation, extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking. In two coordinated operations near Kirkuk and in Bayji, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be the terrorist leader for the city. The targeted individual reportedly has a long history of involvement in al-Qaeda in Iraq and has numerous connections to senior terrorist leaders. In addition, the individual reportedly makes frequent trips to Mosul, coordinating terrorist operations and attacks in Kirkuk. The ground force detained eight suspects southwest of Kirkuk and one additional suspect in Bayji.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq, three terrorists killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists during an operation today targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Kirkuk. Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the al-Tamim province. The individual allegedly has ties to several terrorist senior leaders operating throughout Iraq and is believed to be involved in a variety of roles within the network, to include oversight of assassinations and car-bombing attacks. Upon arrival to the area, the ground forces called for the target building’s occupants to come out.  As they were awaiting response, Coalition forces observed a group of men maneuvering toward them from the rooftop. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing three terrorists.

 

Coalition forces capture targeted Special Groups member, eleven others detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained eleven others early Wednesday during an operation in support of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. The captured suspect is a Special Groups commander with close ties to several other criminal organization members. Intelligence further indicates the suspect conducted multiple types of criminal operations in the Khalis and Qasirin area. The suspected criminal appears to be directly linked to providing lethal weapons used against Coalition and Iraqi security forces, and innocent civilians. Intelligence led ground forces to the Special Groups commander’s location. The wanted individual was captured on site and eleven others were detained without incident. Coalition forces continue their successful targeting of Special Groups members throughout Iraq, to include operations Oct. 21 and 27 in Baghdad.  During these operations, Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal, killed an estimated 51 terrorists and detained an additional 14 admitted Special Groups members for their roles in providing operational and logistical support.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain AQI commander, three others

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted a raid Oct. 29 in Khadra detaining a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network leader and three others.     The AQI leader is believed to lead four insurgent groups who are suspected of conducting attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and terrorizing local civilians.  Coalition Forces believe he and his network are involved in attacks on Iraqi infrastructure and medical facilities, including the burning of Iraq’s main drug storehouse which provided medicine to sick citizens. Iraqi Special Operations Forces were advised by U.S. Special Forces in the operation to capture the suspected terrorist. During the operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces came under insurgent fire and responded with proportional return fire.

 

Rock Hammer III disrupts enemy supply network in Baqouba

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Operation Rock Hammer III, a joint Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces operation in southwestern Baqouba, resulted in the discovery of six weapons caches and a bomb-making factory Oct. 28, significantly reducing the enemy’s supply network. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted the operation to prevent extremist organizations from disrupting the progress in Baqouba.  Local citizens continued to provide information which led to several of the discoveries. The caches and factory consisted of more than 150 pounds of home-made explosives, 47 fire extinguishers, four of which were already filled with HME; five rocket-propelled grenades; more than 10 assorted mortar rounds, and a variety of improvised explosive device materials to include strands of copper wire, initiating devices, batteries and oxygen canisters.  Multiple small-arms munitions and terrorist propaganda flyers were also discovered. A Coalition Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal unit destroyed the caches and factory on site.

 

Six suspected insurgents detained in Kandahar City

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan –Afghan National Security and Coalition forces detained six suspected insurgents during an operation in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, early this morning. Credible intelligence led the ANSF and Coalition forces to a compound suspected of housing the militants. One of the detainees is suspected of being a Taliban improvised explosive device (IED) facilitator.  Also found in the compound were significant amounts of IED material, weapons and ammunition. The suspected insurgents were taken to a military detention facility for processing and subsequently handed over to the Afghan authorities.  Coalition forces believe this arrest will disrupt the flow of IED materials to other insurgents in Kandahar City.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces kill several Taliban fighters in Oruzgan Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and Coalition forces killed several Taliban fighters, and captured three additional insurgents near Tarin Kowt village, Oruzgan Province today. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when Taliban fighters engaged them with small-arms fire.  ANSF and Coalition forces returned accurate small-arms and machine gun fire, quickly putting the enemy on the defensive.  The insurgents attempted to break contact and moved into a nearby compound. The insurgents reengaged friendly elements with large volume of small-arms fire. The ANSF and Coalition forces patrol employed effective small-arms and close air support, killing several Taliban insurgents and wounding three others during the engagement.  The three wounded fighters were treated by Coalition medics and turned over to the ANSF.

 

Several militants killed, two detained in Ghazni Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan- Coalition Forces conducted an operation Tuesday to detain militants in Ghazni Province Coalition Forces conducted a search of compounds in the Gelan District where intelligence sources indicated militants were located.                    While conducting a search of the compound, Coalition Forces received sniper fire from a militant in the area.  Coalition forces returned fire killing the assailant.  During the exchange several other militants fled the compound taking up positions outside the compound area. Coalition Forces engaged the militants with a combination of small arms and accurate conventional munitions killing several militants in the process. After hostilities ceased, Coalition Forces continued their search of the buildings on the compound and subsequently detained two suspected militants. The individuals will be questioned as to their involvement with militant forces and other extremist activities.

 

Oct. 29 airpower summary: F-16s deter enemy activity

22 Requirements To Be A Good Democrat

I received this email today and thought it would be a good idea to post it.

 

1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.

2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.

3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. Nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.

4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.

5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.

6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.

7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.

8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach fourth graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.

9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.

10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.

11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make "The Passion of the Christ" for financial gain only.

12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.

13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.

14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, and A.G. Bell.

15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.

16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.

17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.

18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.

19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.

20. You have to believe that illegal Democrat Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States

21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.

22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."

Ready to vote???

Halloween Night Haunted House

Wednesday night I traveled to the Cleveland suburb of Berea, home of the Cuyahoga Country Fairgrounds and visited the haunted attraction, the 7 floors of hell. There is actually seven different haunted houses in the same location. It's been a long time since I've visited a haunted house. I don't care for many of them because they are not necessarily "scary", but rather they are based on "startling" you with various loud noises. However; I was talked into this by a friend who is on a never-ending mission to find a haunted house that actually scares her.

***NOTE - She was scared, but won't admit it. She ran through The Cemetery like an Olympic sprinter because an actor started following her***

The different houses are:

Insane Asylum *new*

The Crypt

Blackout *new*

The House of Nightmares

The Butcher Shop

The Cemetery

Psycho Circus 3-D

Previous houses were Cellblock 13 and Industrial Nightmare 

(The links take you to photo galleries of the houses)

I will start off by saying that "Blackout" was my least favorite. It's a maze in complete darkness. It was based on "startling" you. The Insane Asylum and The Crypt were probably the best ones.

The Psycho Circus was weird. You had to wear 3D classes in order to have the full effect. At the end, you had to walk on a catwalk with this big spinning tube around you. It made you feel like the catwalk was moving.

All in all, it was not terribly frightening, but I still had a blast and will probably go back next year if they change some attractions.

Madrid Train Bombing Mastermind Acquitted

Even though he was bragging about the bombing being "his idea" during a wiretapped phone conversation. 21 out of 28 suspects were convicted of some crime. But, you terrorist sympathizers need not worry, in Spain there is no death penalty or life imprisonment. The most any of them will serve is 40 years. That is the maximum sentence for any crime in Spain.

An Egyptian who allegedly bragged that he masterminded the 2004 Madrid terror bombings that killed 191 people was acquitted of all charges along with six other lesser suspects Wednesday. Three other lead defendants were convicted of murder by the Spanish court, culminating a divisive trial over Europe's worst Islamic militant attack, which also wounded more than 1,800. Four other top suspects — Youssef Belhadj, Hassan el Haski, Abdulmajid Bouchar and Rafa Zouhier — were acquitted of murder but convicted of lesser charges including belonging to a terrorist organization. They received sentences of between 10 and 18 years.

Good News From The War On Terror 10/28-29

1-15 Infantry detains 6 suspected insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained. Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

 

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist networks, six suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained another four suspects early Sunday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reportedly attempting to re-establish the city's car-bombing operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces. During several recent operations, Coalition forces captured numerous suspects with ties to the car-bombing network involved in numerous attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces. In an operation to disrupt foreign terrorist networks in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a terrorist cell leader in the southern part of the city. The suspect is believed to have a long history of terrorist activity and is associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. Intelligence gained from previous operations led Coalition forces north of Habbaniyah to a location believed to be an al-Qaeda safe house and meeting place. During the operation, the ground forces were targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Reports indicate the targeted individual was previously responsible for finances and served under several terrorist leaders who fought Coalition forces in Fallujah in 2004. Three suspected foreign terrorists were detained on site. In another operation, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist southwest of Kirkuk while targeting an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be the senior terrorist leader in the province. The targeted individual allegedly makes frequent trips across northern Iraq and has knowledge of al-Qaeda operations in the province, to include the whereabouts of foreign terrorists operating in the region.

 

Dragon Talon II: Cache, 13 suspected terrorists seized

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers, acting on tips from residents, found a large weapons cache and detained 13 insurgent suspects during ongoing operations in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital Oct. 25. Following a tip from Iraqi Security Volunteers, “Warriors” from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, found four 82mm mortars, 17 sticks of PE4 explosives, seven blocks of C4 plastic explosives, 300 feet of detonation cord, 29 blasting caps, 28 grenade fuses, 725 assorted 7.62mm rounds, eight rocket-propelled grenade ejection motors, two rocket fuses, six mortar fuses and 78 electric fuses.  Explosive ordnance disposal personnel were called in to remove the cache. Early that morning, volunteer tips led the Warriors of Co. A to a Doura home, where they conducted a raid and detained eight terrorist suspects.  The volunteers are part of a plan to help provide neighborhood security by empowering local citizens to protect their towns, and one day become members of the Iraqi Police. The morning of Oct. 25, “Raiders” from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, raided a home and captured three military-aged men allegedly involved with terrorist cells.  That evening, Warriors of Co. D, 2-12 Inf., captured a suspected murderer and an alleged terrorist cell leader in two other raids.

 

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations, 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained another nine suspects early Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq. In southern Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in improvised explosive device and small arms attacks against Coalition forces and Iraqi citizens.  Reports indicate the wanted individual is an associate of senior al-Qaeda members operating in the Arab Jabour area and southern Baghdad. During the operation, Coalition forces also detained a suspect reported to be a senior member in the southern belt terrorist network and an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader suspected of planning and executing high-profile attacks in the area. The ground force detained two suspects without incident, one who is believed to be the targeted individual’s brother. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during an operation in Tarmiyah reported to be a terrorist cell leader associated with mortar attacks. The wanted individual allegedly was an associate of Ali Latif Ibrahim Hamad al Falahi, a former terrorist leader who coordinated car-bombing operations in Baghdad and was killed during a Coalition forces operation Aug. 20. Time-sensitive intelligence led the ground forces to the targeted individual’s exact location where he and another suspect were detained without incident. In another operation in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained five suspects while targeting a terrorist believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation in the area. Reports indicate he is an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq northern belt network leader. The network is allegedly responsible for extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking.

 

Several Taliban insurgents killed in Kandahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and Coalition forces engaged insurgent fighters near the Shah Wali Kowt Distric of Kandahar Province Oct. 27.  The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol near the Shah Wali Kowt District in Kandahar Province when several insurgents engaged friendly elements with rocket and small arms fire.  The patrol immediately engaged the Taliban element killing several enemy fighters before they fled the area.

 

Several militants killed, five detained in Kunar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted an operation Sunday in the Kunar Province to disrupt Al Qaeda foreign fighter and weapons facilitation networks in the area. Coalition forces conducted a search of a compound in the Asadabad District where intelligence reports indicated Al Qaeda facilitators were operating. Upon reaching the compound, Coalition forces called for the occupants to come out.  Several militants fled the compound while an unknown number remained in the buildings, threatening the Coalition forces. Coalition Forces engaged the militants outside the compound area with small-arms fire and accurate conventional munitions as well as engaging the hostile militants inside the compound with small-arms. Several armed militants were killed during the engagements. After hostilities ceased, Coalition forces performed a search of the buildings on the compound and subsequently detained five suspected militants. The individuals will be questioned as to their involvement with foreign fighters and weapons facilitators, as well as other extremist activities. Coalition forces also recovered several weapons in the compound where they were destroyed in place to prevent further use by militant forces.

 

Oct. 27 airpower summary: Reaper conducts first strike

 

Oct. 28 airpower summary: C-130s replenish ground forces

Haunted Places On U.S. Bases

I found these stories today on the Stars & Stripes website. Since Halloween is here, I thought it would be good to share them. Hope you enjoy.

 

CREEPY CREMATORIUM TALE

Many of the buildings on Yongsan Garrison in South Korea have been there longer than the U.S. military. Some date back to Japan’s occupation of Korea before and during World War II. One of those buildings, near the gas station on the garrison’s South Post, has been surrounded by rumors for years. “I hate being here at night. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up just talking about it,” said Sgt. 1st Class Riviere Cools, 52nd Medical Battalion as he eyed the squat, red-brick building in the center of his unit’s complex of offices. “I don’t believe in that kind of stuff, but in the back of my mind, there are souls here.” The entire compound, surrounded by a thick, crumbling, brick wall, was a prison during the occupation. For years, said U.S. Army Garrison spokesman David McNally, soldiers working there have passed along stories claiming that the area, especially the small building in the center, was haunted. McNally said the building was most likely the prison’s administrative office, but those working around it have a more sinister theory. “Everybody that’s worked in that building right there has either seen something or heard something,” said Staff Sgt. Sae Kim, 52nd Medical Battalion. “Because that’s where they burned people.” McNally was quick to point out there was no evidence to suggest that the building was a crematorium, but that doesn’t stop the stories from spreading. “I haven’t seen any ghosts,” said Sgt. 1st Class Freeman Witherspoon. “But I definitely have heard the rumors. People say they see shadows when they have duty at night.”

THE UNEXPLAINED VOICE

Stories of strange happenings abound at the base chapel at Camp Zama in Japan. Strange presences in rooms and doors that mysteriously open and close are part of chapel lore, employees say. Some tell stories of strange figures passing by and then disappearing. “My predecessor said that she used to hear footsteps through the halls late at night,” said Staff Sgt. Desmond West, the Unit Ministry Team noncommissioned officer in charge. Last year, Spc. Jennifer Villagomez, a funds clerk, said she was working late when a voice emanated from her unplugged computer speakers. It sounded like a Japanese man, “like a drill sergeant yelling at a private,” she said. At first, Villagomez said she thought the sounds were a practical joke and called for a sergeant who was the only other person in the building at the time. “And as I heard him come closer to my office, the voice on the speaker went lower and lower until it went away, just before he walked in the room,” Villagomez said. She said that since that incident, she tries not to be the last person to in the office at night. Sgt. Joshua Lee, who works at the chapel with Villagomez, said he didn’t hear the voice that night but has witnessed other strange occurrences. Chapel lights switch on and doors open seemingly on their own, Lee said. West, who has worked in the chapel for four years, said he has never seen or heard anything peculiar. “But the day I start hearing things, I’m running out of here,” he said.

GHOSTS CROWD OKINAWA

Reportedly haunted sites can be found around almost any corner on and off Okinawa bases. So many ghost stories abound that Marine Corps Community Services and 18th Services Squadron on Kadena Air Base both run special Halloween spooky sites tours that sell out weeks in advance. Web sites and a book on the subject — Jayne A. Hitchcock’s “The Ghosts of Okinawa” — celebrate the local haunts. A World War II soldier is said to roam Gate 3 on Camp Hansen in blood-splattered fatigues asking sentries to light his cigarette. Marines refused to stand guard due to the haunting, and the gate was eventually closed, according to Hitchcock. Camp Foster is said to be the home of a ghostly samurai warrior who eternally travels from Stillwell Drive uphill toward Futenma Housing. Kadena Air Base also has its ghost stories. A small house behind the Kadena United Services Organization, numbered 2283, is now used for storage because, it is said, no one willingly lives in it for long. Some say the house remains haunted after a man murdered his family there. Others say the house rests on an ancient burial site, and the souls of the dead beneath are restless. Kadena’s golf course might be the site where in 1945 a group of high-school girls pressed into service in the Japanese Imperial Army committed suicide, according to another yarn. The spirits of the dead girls are said to still haunt the land. Off-base, half-finished buildings are abandoned due to reports of ghostly visitors. Construction of the Royal Hotel off Route 329, near the Nakagusuku Castle ruins, was begun some three decades ago — possibly on a sacred site. Mysterious accidents and deaths drove workers to abandon construction. Meanwhile, at Maeda Point, there is rumored to be a prophet-of-death ghost. The elderly Okinawan apparition is said to appear at a tomb that can be seen only from the water, and within days of a sighting, a body is found on a nearby beach.

Good News From The War On Terror 10/27

Coalition forces capture extremist splinter group leader

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a senior militia extremist, killed two others and detained an additional 14 admitted criminals during operations in the village of al Fawwaliyah, northwest of Khalis early Saturday.  The operation was targeting a splinter group leader, who was not honoring Muqtada al-Sadr's pledge to cease attacks and who was involved in weapons procurement, kidnapping operations and explosively formed penetrator attacks against Coalition forces. Intelligence indicates that this individual also has ties to an Iranian intelligence cell. As the assault force approached the building where the criminals were believed to be housed, they called for the occupants to exit the building. Two armed men with weapons and hand grenades maneuvered on the assault force, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. Coalition forces engaged, killing the two men after they failed to comply with instructions and warning shots. Upon securing the area, the main target of the raid identified himself and peacefully surrendered to the ground force. Inside the building, Coalition forces discovered several automatic weapons, a sniper rifle, maps and ammunition magazines. The area was further assessed to be a substantial militia extremists' compound used to coordinate criminal activity in the area. An additional 14 admitted criminals were detained on site.

 

Concerned Local Citizens help round up suspected extremists

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Seven suspected extremists were detained in three separate incidents over a 24-hour period in Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour. The Concerned Local Citizens in the two areas were key participants in all of the detentions. In the largest incident, four suspected extremists were detained by a group of concerned citizens in Hawr Rajab and turned over to Iraqi Army Soldiers at a checkpoint Oct. 24 for questioning. Concerned citizens in Arab Jabour also detained one individual Oct. 24 when they identified the suspect as a known al-Qaeda operative. Concerned citizens turned the individual over to Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga. The other two alleged insurgents were captured in an overnight raid conducted by Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska. The men were detained after residents pointed them out as possible members of al-Qaeda. All detainees are being held for questioning.

 

Paratroopers discover rocket cache

KALSU, Iraq – A large cache of rockets were found by paratroopers in North Babil Oct. 26. Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Military Transition Team 0820 found a cache containing 27 Iranian-made 107MM Katusha rockets during combat operations in Al Hilla. In addition to the rockets, two multiple launch rocket systems capable of firing 20 rockets at a time, 11 launching rails, nine batteries, eight firing devices, timers, blasting caps and other equipment used to fire the rockets were also found. The rockets, launch platforms and other equipment were taken for investigation.

 

Improvised explosive device cache turned in

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab turned in a weapons cache to Entry Control Point 20, a base located southeast of Baghdad Oct. 24. The concerned citizens, who routinely assist the Company A, 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and the Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, turned in the cache for safe disposal. The cache consisted of one 82mm mortar round, six 56mm rounds, two two-liter bottles filled with homemade explosives, and two 120mm mortars with pressure plates attached to them. This is the sixth improvised explosive device cache concerned citizens have turned in over a six-day period. To date, the Hawr Rajab Concerned Local Citizens have turned in nearly 30 IEDs.

 

Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist networks; 15 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured one wanted individual and detained 14 other suspects early Saturday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. West of Balad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. Reports indicate the targeted individual is an associate of an al-Qaeda senior leader operating outside of Iraq, who is involved in facilitating terrorist funds and information into the country. During the course of operations, the suspect identified himself to the ground force and was detained without incident. In addition to the targeted individual, seven suspected terrorists were detained on site. Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted another member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network. Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individual is associated with senior facilitators operating outside of the country, and is reportedly planning a meeting with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. Six suspected terrorists were detained during the operation. During another operation north of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted a suspected associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and a building used as their safe house and meeting place. One suspect was detained on site. These operations continue successful Coalition forces targeting of foreign terrorist facilitation networks across Iraq, including operations Oct. 23 and 26 in Bayji. During these operations, the ground forces killed one terrorist, captured two wanted individuals and detained 14 other suspects for their roles in providing operational and logistical support.

 

Afghan National Security, Coalition forces kill dozens of Taliban fighters in Helmand Province

BAGRAM, Afghanistan  –  Afghan National Security and Coalition forces killed a large number of Taliban fighters after being ambushed in the Musa Qaleh Wadi region of Helmand Province Oct. 27. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when Taliban fighters engaged them with rocket and small arms fire. The combined patrol immediately returned fire, maneuvered, and employed close air support resulting in almost seven dozen Taliban fighters killed during a six hour engagement. During the battle, the combined force exchanged small arms fire with the fleeing attackers, quickly putting them on the defensive. The insurgents attacked from a trench line using small arms, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The ANSF and Coalition forces fixed the enemy in their positions and four separate precision munition engagements killed over six dozen insurgents while trying to reinforce enemy positions.

 

Oct. 25 airpower summary: F-16s support coaliton forces

I Will Definitely Not Be Going To See The New "G.I. J.O.E." Movie

I pray to God that no one in the United States goes to see this movie either. I had heard they were changing "G.I. Joe", but had not heard many of the details. Until now. The "Real American Hero" has been turned into a "Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity" based out of Brussels, Belgium.

The show biz newspaper Variety reports: "G.I. Joe is now a Brussels-based outfit that stands for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, an international co-ed force of operatives who use hi-tech equipment to battle Cobra, an evil organization headed by a double-crossing Scottish arms dealer." Well, thank goodness the villain -- no need to offend anyone by making our villains Arabs, Muslims, or foreign dictators of any stripe these days, though apparently Presbyterians who talk like Scottie on "Star Trek" are still OK -- is a double-crossing arms dealer. Otherwise one might be tempted to conclude the geniuses at Paramount believe arms dealing itself is evil. [...] According to reports in Variety and the aforementioned IGN, the producers explain international marketing would simply prove too difficult for a summer, 2009 film about a heroic U.S. soldier. Thus the need to "eliminate Joe's connection to the U.S. military."

G.I. Joe was not just a toy. It was based on real person who was a real hero whose wishes that G.I. Joe remain a Marine is being stomped on.