Good News From The War On Terror 11/13

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks; one killed, 14 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and 14 suspects were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday, while targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces conducted an operation in Mosul targeting an alleged terrorist leader in the city. The targeted individual has reportedly been involved in the planning of attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, to include several suicide car-bombing attacks, and the purchase of various weapons and explosives. As Coalition forces approached the target building, they immediately received enemy fire from the ground floor and roof of the building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists. As a result of the engagement, a fire erupted in the courtyard and quickly spread to the kitchen. At that time enemy fire ceased. Coalition forces continued to follow the armed men who fired from the roof and subsequently detained one suspect. After the fire was out, the ground force entered the building and found that one terrorist had been killed during the engagement. Upstairs they found one woman had been killed and one child was injured as a result of the fire. The child received medical care on site, but later died while being transported to a military medical facility. During an operation southeast of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three other suspects while targeting associates of a terrorist network operating in Arab Jabour. Reports indicate the targeted individuals are intimately involved in the planning and direction of terrorist operations in the area. South of Bayji, Coalition forces detained nine suspects during operations targeting an alleged terrorist weapons facilitator. The target replaced the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the border region who was killed during a Coalition forces operation Sept. 11. The targeted individual reportedly facilitates the movement of funds for senior facilitators operating in and outside of Iraq.

 

Local children find mortar, Concerned Local Citizens find caches (Hawr Rajab)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Kalsu, Iraq – Three weapons caches were found in separate incidents in the Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour regions Nov. 11. Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab located a cache consisting of one 155mm mortar and one 130 mm mortar round. The CLCs brought the ordnance to Paratroopers of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, who were conducting a roadside security mission. Local children in Arab Jabour discovered a 57 mm mortar, which they brought to Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Stewart, Ga. The third cache was discovered in Arab Jabour by Soldiers of Company A, 1-30th Inf. Regt. while conducting operations in the area. The cache consisted of one 120 mm mortar and one 125 mm mortar.

 

1-15th Inf. Regt. detains 10, kills one extremist (Al Bawi)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault early Nov. 11 near Al Bawi, resulting in 10 suspected extremists detained and one killed. During the air assault, Company A Soldiers cleared 17 buildings of weapons and military paraphernalia. All detainees were brought in for questioning. The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

 

Seven extremists captured in night raid (Jisr Diyala)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Scouts from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment’s Time Sensitive Target platoon, arrested seven extremists during a night raid near Jisr Diyala Nov. 8. The team cleared four buildings looking for the extremists. At the last building, the Soldiers burst into a room while the suspected insurgents were conducting a meeting. Leaders from the 3-1st Cav. Regt. considered one of the detainees a highvalue individual due to his leadership position in a local extremist cell. In addition to the arrests, the scouts seized a pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials and several cell phones. Cell phones are commonly used as detonation devices for IEDs.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain extremist leaders in Baghdad

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two extremist leaders Nov. 11 in southwest Baghdad during operations targeting criminal networks operating against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. The individuals were detained on suspicion of involvement in criminal networks operating in the neighborhood of Al Amil. One suspect is believed to lead several criminal cells and is reportedly involved in mortar attacks against Coalition Forces. He is also suspected of involvement in several bank robberies which are used to fund his network’s activity. The second suspect is a cell leader within the network. He and his cell are reportedly responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is also believed responsible for the kidnapping and murder of 15 Iraqi civilians.

 

Six suspected militants detained in Wardak Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Monday to detain Taliban facilitators operating in Wardak Province. The combined force of Afghan and Coalition members conducted a search of compounds in the Nerkh District where Taliban facilitators were indicated to be gathering resources to aid in extremist activities. During the search, six individuals were detained, who intelligence reports indicated as having links to Taliban extremists.  The individuals will be questioned about their involvement in facilitating operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces kill Taliban insurgents in Oruzgan Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces engaged and killed a large group of insurgents near the Deh Rawod District, Oruzgan Province today. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a large group of insurgents engaged the patrol with small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The Taliban fighters attempted to break contact and moved into a nearby compound causing women and children to flee the area.   Shortly after the combined force determined the enemy’s positions, four separate precision air strikes effectively eliminated the insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions. ANSF and Coalition forces assaulted the positions, conducting a thorough exploitation of the engagement area.

 

 Nov. 12 airpower summary: KC-135s help fuel 233 aircraft

Hezbollah Spy In FBI, CIA

Hooking these people up to lie/stress/voice inflection detectors and asking them, "Are you a terrorist?" or "Are you a spy?" should be a priority for our intelligence community. It just seems to me that it would be imperative that our intelligence agencies not be infiltrated.

A former FBI agent who pleaded guilty Tuesday to fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship and then improperly accessing sensitive computer information about Hizbollah was working until about a year ago as a CIA spy assigned to Middle East operations, Newsweek has learned. The stunning case of Nada Nadim Prouty, a 37-year-old Lebanese native who is related to a suspected Hizbollah money launderer, appears to raise a nightmarish question for U.S. intelligence agencies: Could one of the world's most notorious terrorist groups have infiltrated the U.S. government? [...] A U.S. official familiar with the case said Tuesday that the government's investigation has uncovered no evidence so far that Prouty, who was employed by the CIA until last week, had compromised any undercover operations or passed along sensitive intelligence information to Hizbollah operatives.  After joining the CIA in June 2003, Prouty was an undercover officer for the agency's National Clandestine Service, the espionage division, working on Middle East-related cases.  She was reassigned to a less sensitive position about a year ago, after she first came under suspicion, officials said.

I Hate To Do This, But It's Too Ridiculous To Ignore

Paris Hilton is on a quest to sober up elephants. If only she would spend more time sobering herself. If she thinks drunk elephants are dangerous, maybe she should realize how dangerous it is to be driving a car while intoxicated.

GAUHATI, India - Paris Hilton is being praised by conservationists for highlighting the problem of binge-drinking elephants in northeastern India. Activists said a celebrity endorsement such as Hilton's was sure to raise awareness of the plight of the pachyderms that get drunk on farmers' homemade rice beer and then go on a rampage. "The elephants get drunk all the time. It is becoming really dangerous. We need to stop making alcohol available to them," the 26-year-old socialite said in a report posted on World Entertainment News Network's Web site. Her comments were picked up by other Web sites and newspapers around the globe. Last month, six wild elephants that broke into a farm in the state of Meghalaya were electrocuted after drinking the potent brew and then uprooting an electricity pole. "There would have been more casualties if the villagers hadn't chased them away. And four elephants died in a similar way three years ago. It is just so sad," Hilton was quoted as saying in Tokyo last week. She was in Tokyo to judge a beauty contest.

 

***UPDATE 11/14/07 12:45AM***

Apparently the AP was punked. Hilton's PR person said she never uttered those words.

Cleveland Indians Pitcher C.C. Sabathia Wins Cy Young Award

Did hell freeze over today? I am so shocked, I'm almost speechless. Not only did Sabathia win, but another Indians pitcher, Fausto Carmona, came in 4th place. I thought it was illegal for anyone outside of Boston, New York, and California to win the award.

C.C. Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award on Tuesday, beating out several worthy contenders by a comfortable margin and becoming the first Cleveland pitcher in 35 years to earn the honor. The Indians ace received 19 of 28 first-place votes and finished with 119 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Boston's Josh Beckett was second with eight first-place votes and 86 points, while John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels got the other first-place vote and came in third. Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 209 strikeouts, pitching a major league-high 241 innings. Beckett (20-7) became the only big league pitcher to win 20 games since 2005, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 200 2-3 innings. Lackey led the AL in ERA at 3.01, going 19-9 and tossing 224 innings.

 

*NOTE-I will add that neither Sabathia or Carmona's playoff performances warranted Cy Young consideration. It's a good thing the voting was held during the regular season.*

National Right To Life or National Right To Lie

The National Right to Life Committee endorsed Fred Thompson yesterday. The question I have is...why? There are other Republican candidates with better pro-life records. In fact, Duncan Hunter has a 100% lifetime rating from the NRLC and 0% from NARAL. Here is the theories and rebuttals for the endorsement.

Why did the National Right To Life committee and NRLC PAC decide to endorse Fred Thompson? We won't know until tomorrow's press conference, but here are some theories (1) His record in the Senate. It's strong and solidly pro-life. Rebuttal: But other candidates -- John McCain, Duncan Hunter, have better records. ... And Thompson was just as much of a force behind McCain-Feingold as McCain... and he lobbied on behalf of pro-choice causes in the early 1990s... (2) Political calculation -- Duncan Hunter can't win; Mike Huckabee is too independent and allegedly alienates fiscal conservatives; Mitt Romney is going to be beaten and the abortion policies of his Mass. health care plan are a problem; Thompson will win in the South. Thompson will owe the NRLC. Rebuttal: The NRLC isn't generally like that; more than almost any interest group, it's faithfully represented the interests of its 3000 chapters and hundreds of thousands of members. And so far as political calculations go, Thompson's standing in early state polls has been declining. (3) Huckabee hatred: the one person in the race who doesn't have to pander to pro-life activists has aroused the ire of the Beltway establishment. Rebuttal: again, the NRLC prizes itself on its independence. (4) They forgot McCain-Feingold: Remember, NRLC and its affiliates are as responsible as anyone for the fight against the issue ad provisions of BCRA. Thompson has backed away from his support of those provisions, but his support of the thrust and principles behind McCain-Feingold is undeniable. Rebuttal: ??

 

The statement from the president of the NRLC said this:

Since announcing his candidacy in September, Fred Thompson has run second only to pro-abortion candidate Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination in the overwhelming majority of national polls. As pro-lifers throughout the nation begin to unite behind his candidacy, he will be well positioned to win the nomination and the presidency.

 

It's obvious that 1, 2, & 4 of the above theories are correct.

Five Iranians Arrested Entering Iraq

They only wanted to visit Shi'ite shrines? Sure they did.

American forces have arrested five Iranians near Al-Khales town in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad, on Monday, an Iraqi security source said. The source, requesting anonymity, told KUNA the US troops, accompanied by support Iraqi forces, arrested the five Iranians after they made sure they entered Iraqi without passports thus illegally. The source did not elaborate, but US and Iraqi forces are frequently arresting Iranians entering the Iraqi territories illegally claiming they wanted to visit the shrines of the Shiites.

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

Soldiers find large cache in Haswa

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Airborne found a large cache during a combat patrol in Haswa, Iraq, Nov. 9. The Soldiers discovered the cache while setting up a cordon. They found a building containing 22 blocks of C4, one improvised Claymore mine, one propane tank of accelerant and one 125mm mortar round. Upon finding the cache, located in the vicinity of an area mosque, the Soldiers called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to destroy the cache.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network; 16 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspects, including three wanted individuals, Sunday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist operations in central and northern Iraq. During an operation in southern Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the car-bombing network in the Rusafa and Karkh area. Reports indicate the suspect was associated with several of the network’s senior leaders and allegedly tried to re-establish operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a residential house, where the ground force called for the occupants to come out. Two men were detained by Coalition forces, one of whom led Coalition forces to two nearby buildings. The ground force called for the buildings’ occupants to come out and they complied. Coalition forces detained four other suspects, including the wanted individual. During an operation northeast of the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be tied to foreign terrorist facilitators and other senior al-Qaeda leaders operating in Salman Pak. Coalition forces entered the target area, called for a building’s occupants to come out and they complied without incident. The suspect identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained. Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in the city’s terrorist propaganda network. The ground force isolated the target building, called for the building’s occupants to come out, and they complied without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces found significant al-Qaeda propaganda believed to be for distribution as part of the media network. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained. During three separate operations near Salman Pak, Bayji and Mosul, Coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting alleged foreign terrorist facilitators, couriers, associates of senior level al-Qaeda members, and planners of improvised explosive device attacks against the Iraqi people.

 

Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces strike enemy west of Samarra

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police conducted a combined operation with Coalition Forces against al Qaeda in Iraq west of Samarra, Nov. 9. In the operation, seven insurgents were killed, four more detained and a weapons cache was secured. Several media outlets quoted a civilian in Samarra, and an unnamed Iraqi policeman suggesting they had conducted this attack against al Qaeda in Iraq with permission from CF. The unnamed sources further claimed they requested CF not use aviation assets in the area due to concern their group might be accidentally attacked. These claims are false. Iraqi Security Forces and CF do not coordinate operations with militias, as the Iraqi government does not recognize the authority of any militias. Additionally, ISF and CF only coordinate with CLCs on security of key infrastructure. We encourage Iraqi citizens interested in their own security to join the CLC movement and continue assisting the ISF by providing tips on criminal and terrorist activities.

 

Two caches, suspects seized

BAGHDAD – Baghdad Soldiers seized two suspected extremists and uncovered two caches during ongoing operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital, Nov. 9. “Warriors” from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., detained two men suspected of terrorist activities and were positively identified by Iraqi Security Volunteers. The suspects are being held for further questioning. Also that day, “Warriors” of Co. D., 2-12 Inf. found a weapons cache in the Jaza’ir neighborhood. The cache consisted of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a PKC machine gun with two barrels, three RPG rounds and eight RPG boosters, a 60mm mortar tube and two rounds, a bolt-action rifle, an AK-47 with 19 full magazines, four hand grenades, a suicide vest, three sets of body armor, approximately 3,000 rounds of small arms ammunition and 22 ski masks. A second cache was uncovered by the “Black Lions” of Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, attached to Task Force 1-18, part of the 4th IBCT.  Soldiers found eight mortar rounds of various sizes, four RPG rounds, two rocket fuses, five radios and a set of body armor.

 

Concerned Local Citizens find and remove IEDs, mortars

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found numerous improvised explosive devices and mortars along a route frequently traveled by Coalition Forces in Adwaniya Nov. 10. The CLCs came to Soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry, Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, reporting the IEDs emplaced along the route. The IEDs and mortars consisted of five five-gallon jugs of homemade explosives, four antifreeze jugs filled with homemade explosives, three 120mm mortar rounds, three 82mm mortar rounds, one 60mm mortar round and one 105mm artillery round. The IEDs were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team in a controlled detonation. Later the same day, the CLCs reported more weapons and ordnance. Nine fire extinguishers filled with HME, five oxygen tanks filled with HME, two rockets, and five two-liter bottles filled with HME and fitted with pressure plates and blasting caps were found. The munitions were taken to Paratroopers from Troop A, 1-40th Cav. Regt., at Entry Control Point 20, a small patrol base in Hawr Rajab.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda media networks; six killed, 15 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 15 suspects, including two wanted individuals Sunday and Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda propaganda operations in central Iraq. During an operation southwest of Baqubah Sunday, Coalition forces targeted the alleged media emir of the Diyala province. Coalition forces observed four armed men in the target area, and, perceiving hostile intent, fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to drop their weapons. When the suspects failed to comply, the ground force engaged the armed men. A vehicle associated with the men caught on fire from the engagement, and Coalition forces observed secondary explosions, indicating bomb-making materials were likely inside. As the ground force secured the area, they assessed four terrorists were killed from the explosions during the operation. Coalition forces conducted a separate operation targeting a suspected terrorist associated with the four terrorists killed southwest of Baqubah. As the ground force approached the target building, they called for the building’s occupants to come out. One man came out of the building, but ignoring their instructions he continued to move toward them and ignored warning shots. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist. As the ground force secured the area, they found two large weapons caches of rockets, mortars and improvised explosive devices, which the ground force safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists. The ground force detained two suspects on site. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual west of Baqubah during operations targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including the suspected Diyala media emir and an associate. Coalition forces secured the target building, finding a media cache, believed to be used for al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda. The wanted individual was subsequently detained. In an operation east of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda media headquarters and safe house, also believed to be used by foreign terrorists. As Coalition forces secured the target building and entered a room, a man reached for a suicide vest. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist before the vest detonated. The ground force detained seven suspects on site. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations in southern Tikrit targeting foreign terrorist facilitators and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. The wanted individual was believed to be an associate helping with the movement of senior terrorist leaders in the Haditha region. Coalition forces detained four suspects in addition to the wanted individual.

 

Tip leads to 7th cache in 3 weeks for Iraqi Forces

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – During a cordon-and-knock operation Nov. 11, Iraqi National Police officers, along with Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, joined forces for the seventh time in three weeks to uncover a weapons cache in eastern Baghdad. This time, the cache was discovered inside the grounds of the Imam Al Madhi Husseniyah Mosque. Officers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division found the cache during a search of the mosque following a tip from a concerned resident. While the officers searched, Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., pulled security outside the mosque. The cache discovery continued a trend that sees both Iraqi Security Forces playing a key role in disrupting insurgent activity and Iraqi citizens taking the protection of their families into their own hands and working to rid their streets of dangerous caches by providing valuable tips to authorities. Items found in the weapons cache included: three hand grenades, one five-pound bottle of explosive, one rocket-propelled grenade tube, five rocket propelled grenade propellants, 11 rocket-propelled grenades, six AK-47s, 10 flak vests, 15 plates of body armor, 10 sets of desert camouflage uniforms, one propane tank with propellant, and two sets of police lights.

 

Five suspected foreign fighter facilitators detained in Zabul Provience

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation in Ghazni Province Nov. 10 to help prevent the flow of foreign militant extremists into Afghanistan, and they detained five people suspected of being foreign fighter facilitators. The operation focused on disrupting foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the Shajoy District. The combined force of Afghan and Coalition members conducted a search of a compound in the district where the foreign fighter facilitators were hiding. During the search, the combined force detained the five individuals who may have links to foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the area.

 

Several militants, three civilians killed in Helmand Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted an operation  Nov. 11 to detain Improvised Explosive Device and weapons facilitators with links to Taliban extremists in Helmand Province.  Approximately 15 militants were killed along with one woman and two children during this operation. Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Garmser District where intelligence sources indicated the facilitators were hiding. Militants engaged Coalition forces with heavy small-arms fire from several different buildings on one of the compounds. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing several militants.  During one of the engagements, several militants barricaded themselves in a building on the compound and engaged Coalition forces with a high volume of gunfire. Coalition forces used a single grenade which killed the attacking militants; however, the building the militants were fighting from collapsed.  Performing a post-hostilities search of the area, Coalition forces found a woman and two children in the collapsed building who were dead along with several militants and their weapons. Coalition forces also found a wounded woman in the immediate area. She and her escort were transported to a medical facility for treatment.  The injury to the woman was non-life threatening.  Continuing their search of the compounds, Coalition forces found and detained two suspected militants, who intelligence indicated as having possible connections to IED and Taliban linked weapons facilitators. The detained individuals will be questioned as to their involvement with facilitation operations as well as other extremist activities. Coalition forces also recovered several weapons and associated ammunition from the deceased militants that were destroyed on-site to prevent further use by extremist forces.

 

Nov. 10 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

 

Nov. 11 airpower summary: F-16s support mission

American Flags Fall During Clinton Press Conference

No doubt these won't be the only American flags to fall should she be elected president.

After a very Presidential-esque news conference - Clinton turned around to leave the reporters and their peppering questions. A staffer swooped open a curtain, and chaos ensued. Four large American flags came crashing in front of Senator Clinton as she headed for the door. In a controlled panic,  the staffers and the Senator attempted to catch the flags before they fell to the ground. [...]  There were no planted questions to worry about, but on this Veterans Day - the flags dropping all around the Senator created quite a stir among the press before Clinton fled the scene.

 

VIDEO

Veterans Day

Thank you to all who have served and are serving.

 

...and a special thanks to my family who are veterans.

Grandpa (Navy-WWII)

Uncle Bob (Navy-Vietnam)

Uncle Jerry (Marines-Vietnam)

Uncle Ron (Navy-Vietnam)

Cousin Jason (Army-Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Cousin Brad (Army-Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Cousin Steve (Air Force-Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom)

I may as well throw someone else in here. Not family, but close enough

John AKA SSGT. DRAGONSLAYER (Marines-Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Good News From The War On Terror 11/10

Joint operation retakes area from extremists

KALSU, Iraq – Operation Broken Hearts, a combined operation focused on restoring order to the Jabella region which was destroyed by recent sectarian violence, began Oct. 31. Operation Broken Hearts lasted for three days, and was conducted by Iraqi Security Forces and Paratroopers from Military Transition Team 0820, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. The ISF conducted raids of extremist locations and worked to establish a neighborhood watch program. During the raids, Iraqi police officers moved into extremist-controlled locations, turning the buildings into front offices for the IPs and allowing the original owners to return. During the raids, the ISF found a large cache containing 25 60mm mortars, one 60mm mortar tube and base plate, eight 80mm mortars, six 120mm mortars, 30 rocket propel grenades, two grenade bodies, three pistols, four batteries, six battery chargers, five radios, one anti-tank mine, and 30 AK 47s.

 

Ten suspects detained as Coalition forces target al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 10 suspects Saturday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations northeast of Baghdad targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq financier. Reports indicate the wanted individual is an associate of senior terrorist leaders in the region, and his sons are believed to be snipers for the terrorist network. Upon entering the target area, Coalition forces called for a building’s occupants to come out and the occupants complied without incident. The ground force found multiple weapons and detained five other suspects on site. During operations south of Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a military commander familiar with improvised explosive device attacks and an associate of senior al-Qaeda leadership in the area. As Coalition forces entered the target area, they called for a building’s occupants to come out and they complied. The wanted individual was identified by a family member and a civilian on site, and he was subsequently detained along with one other suspect. In other operations in the Bayji area, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, media networks and al-Qaeda leadership responsible for improvised explosive device attacks in the region.

 

Tip from Iraqi volunteers leads to cache, rockets

BAGHDAD – A tip from Iraqi volunteers led Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops to find a cache in the Doura region Nov. 8. Troops from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, “Warriors” from the 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry “Dragon” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. seized a weapons cache in southern Baghdad’s Doura region after receiving a tip from Iraqi volunteers. In a mud hut, the Warriors found three rocket-propelled grenades, a ballistic helmet and vest, 200 7.62mm rounds of ammunition, 32 40mm grenades, four mortar rounds and various electrical devices associated with improvised explosive device production. In West Rashid earlier in the day, “Black Lions” of Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment investigated a site suspected of rocket attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi citizens and found two improvised rocket launchers inside an abandoned vehicle.

 

Iraqi Police, U.S. Special Forces detain 4 extremists in Samarra

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained four suspected extremists and recovered several weapons during operations near Samarra Nov. 8. The raid was conducted after a group of armed individuals were observed manning an unauthorized traffic checkpoint in the area earlier in the day. Further investigation led Iraqi and U.S. Forces to a site where suspected members of an extremist group were meeting. During movement to the site, an Iraqi Police emergency action platoon and U.S. Special Forces were engaged by enemy fire coming from two trucks. The joint force returned fire, destroying one truck. Four extremists were killed by a supporting Air Weapons Team. Along with a platoon from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, Iraqi Police and U.S. Special Forces were able to secure the objective without further incident. Iraqi Police and U.S. Special Forces detained three suspected foreign extremist fighters and one suspected Iraqi extremist. Recovered in the operation were 10 rocket propelled grenades, five RPG-7 launchers, eight improvised mortar tubes, three suicide bomber vests, two DSHKA heavy machine guns and one PKM machine gun.

 

 Nov. 9 airpower summary: B-1B Lancer delivers precision

Spanish King Tells Chavez to "Shut Up"

It is actually shocking that anyone would say this. I figured it was some unwritten rule that a moron is continually allowed to run his/her mouth without repercussions.

...Spain's current socialist prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, responded during his own allotted time by urging Chavez to be more diplomatic in his words and respect other leaders despite political differences. "Former President Aznar was democratically elected by the Spanish people and was a legitimate representative of the Spanish people," he said, eliciting applause from the gathered heads of state. Chavez repeatedly tried to interrupt, but his microphone was off. Spanish King Juan Carlos, seated next to Zapatero, angrily turned to Chavez and said, "Why don't you shut up?"...

Good News From The War On Terror 11/9

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces kill 14 enemy fighters, detain 44 in northern Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, backed by Coalition Soldiers, killed 14 enemy fighters and detained 44 in a series of intelligence-driven strikes and early morning raids that took place within the last 48 hours as part of Operation Iron Hammer. On Nov. 5, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division discovered a cache of 130 blocks of TNT, as well as several rocket-propelled grenades, while conducting a raid in the al Aruba neighborhood of west Mosul. Across the river in east Mosul, Coalition Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment detained eight suspected enemy fighters after finding improvised explosive device-making components. On Nov. 6, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, in partnership with Coalition Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, discovered 200 pounds of homemade explosives and detained nine suspected enemy fighters south of Mosul near Qayarrah. Coalition helicopters from the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment assisted in killing four enemy fighters and destroying three enemy vehicles in east Mosul after the individuals were observed transferring weapons and demonstrating hostile intent. Multiple secondary explosions were seen from the vehicles, confirming their cargo of illegal weapons and ammunition. ISF troops detained 22 individuals in operations throughout the province and Coalition Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment added nine detained enemy fighters from the area west of Mosul near Tal’Afar.

 

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leadership; two terrorists killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists Thursday afternoon during an operation to disrupt al-Qaeda leadership south of Samarra. During the operation, Coalition forces were targeting an individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the terrorist network operating in the Salad Ad Din province. Reports indicate the targeted individual is heavily involved in the production and facilitation of improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks, kidnappings, and small-arms and direct-fire attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. The individual is also believed to lead a group of foreign terrorists, whom he allegedly uses to conduct car-bombing campaigns. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. Coalition forces observed the individual maneuvering away from their location and fired warning shots directing him to stop his movement. The ground force was then engaged by enemy fire and, responding in self-defense, returned fire, igniting a vehicle. The ground force observed secondary explosions erupt from the vehicle, indicating that explosives were likely inside. Upon clearing the target area, Coalition forces assessed two terrorists were killed during the engagement, one whom is believed to be the targeted individual.

 

8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers, U.S. Special Forces capture extremist in Diwianiyah

BALAD, Iraq – 8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Forces, captured a suspected extremist in an operation in Diwianiyah Nov. 8. The targeted extremist is believed to be involved in illegal activities and have knowledge of several weapons and munitions caches that support explosively formed penetrator and indirect fire attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

 

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, one suspected terrorist wounded, 19 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces wounded one suspected terrorist and detained 19 suspects Friday during operations to disrupt foreign terrorist networks in central Iraq. Southeast of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq network responsible for insurgent activities in the region, to include car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks. As Coalition forces arrived at the target building, they were engaged by two armed men. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged and wounded a suspected terrorist, who received medical care on site and was taken to a military medical facility for additional care. The second armed man surrendered to Coalition forces and was subsequently detained, in addition to one other suspect. During the operation, one civilian received minor injuries and was treated on site. Information gained from previous operations led Coalition forces south of Samarra, where they conducted three coordinated operations targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in anti-Coalition force attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. During two of the operations, Coalition forces requested supporting aircraft, which safely destroyed two buildings reported to be used by foreign terrorist facilitators. The ground force saw secondary explosions from one of the buildings, indicating explosives were inside. The buildings were destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists. Also in Samarra, as Coalition forces secured a target area, they found a small weapons cache, including several machine guns, suicide vests and multiple assault vests with ammunition. The ground force detained seven suspects. To prevent further use by terrorists, Coalition forces destroyed two buildings and two vehicles known to be associated with foreign terrorists and anti-Coalition forces. Intelligence reports led Coalition forces east of Samarra, where they targeted locations believed to be safe havens for foreign terrorists. Upon entering the target area, Coalition forces called for several buildings’ occupants to come out and the occupants complied without incident. The ground force detained seven suspects on site. During operations in Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist believed to be involved with car-bombs and a facilitator and trainer of suicide bombers. As Coalition forces secured the target area, they detained three suspects without incident.

 

Several Taliban killed in Helmand Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces engaged and killed several Taliban fighters near the Nahr Surkh District, Helmand Province, Nov. 7. The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol near the Nahr Surkh District when a significant number of insurgents engaged friendly elements with machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire.  The combined force immediately engaged the Taliban fighters with small-arms fire and close air support, killing many of the insurgents before they fled the area.

 

Nov. 7 airpower summary: KC-10's fuel coalition missions

 

Nov. 8 airpower summary: C-130

Happy Birthday To The United States Marine Corps

November 10th marks the 232nd birthday of the USMC.

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world. Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8. The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking. Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps. Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Hillary's Jihadist Donors

She just doesn't care who gives money to her, as long as they do it.

Election 2008: Looks like Hillary Clinton's vetting of campaign donations still needs work. FEC records show she's taken cash from Islamists so tainted that past Democrat candidates have returned their money. Some of the donors, in fact, are under active federal investigation for supporting terrorism, money laundering and tax fraud. After the press reported their alleged terror ties in past elections, Democrat Reps. Jim Moran of Virginia and Cynthia McKinney of Georgia had to refund their donations, making national news. But that hasn't stopped Hillary from pocketing their money. So much for her promise to fly-speck donations for criminal ties following her fund-raising scandal with fugitive donor Norman Hsu. In the past several months, the Democrat front-runner has received at least $2,000 from M. Yaqub Mirza, M. Omar Ashraf and Omar Barzinji, records show. Federal agents raided the Virginia homes and offices of the Muslim donors after 9/11, as part of a counterterrorism investigation targeting the so-called Safa group, a Saudi-backed conglomerate of Muslim businesses and charities. None of the men has been charged with crimes. But their connections are worrisome enough that even Islamist-sympathizing lawmakers such as Moran and McKinney felt compelled to give back their gifts.

Sunday Was "Death To America" Day In Iran

Who knew? I think it's funny. They look like chimps at the zoo gathering for feeding time.