John Edwards Cheating On Cancer-Stricken Wife? *UPDATED W/ Love Child*

Ok, so it's from the National Enquirer.

Presidential candidate John Edwards is caught in a shocking mistress scandal that could wreck his campaign, The NATIONAL ENQUIRER has learned exclusively.

Sources have come forward to charge that the "other woman" previously worked on Edwards' campaign and followed the 54-year-old candidate on trips across the U.S.

A source close to the woman, whose name is being withheld by The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, says that she confessed to having an affair in phone calls and emails, saying that her work with Edwards soon exploded into romance. The shocking allegation — if proven true — could devastate the Democratic hopeful's campaign, especially because John's devoted wife Elizabeth is locked in a desperate battle with breast cancer.

"The affair started about 18 months ago," a friend says the woman confessed to her. "When they met at a bar, sparks flew immediately.

"She never expected it would turn sexual since John is married and is running for President. But it soon did — and she fell for him."

 

But, there may be some truth to it. Slate links the Enquirer article with a HuffPo post.

A set of short documentary film "webisodes" made for former Sen. John Edwards prior to his presidential candidacy continues to weave a curious web, this time involving the filmmaker.

The videos, which cost Edwards' One America Committee $114,461, were produced in 2006 by an aspiring actress/producer named Rielle Hunter, who proposed the idea to the senator in a bar in New York City. The objective was to give viewers - and presumably voters - an authentic look at the North Carolinian. But shortly after Edwards declared his White House aspirations, the footage all but disappeared from public view.

 

It's all about family values.

 

***UPDATE 10/11/07 1:01am***

Big surprise...Edwards denies the affair.

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards says a tabloid story that he had an extramarital affair is untrue.

"The story is false. It's completely untrue, ridiculous," Edwards told reporters Thursday after he was asked about the National Enquirer report.

The supermarket newspaper reported that the former North Carolina senator had an affair with a woman who worked on his campaign. It did not identify the woman, nor did it name the source of the information for its report.

Edwards said the story was simply "made up" and that he loves his wife, Elizabeth, who is being treated for an incurable form of cancer.

"I've been in love with the same women for 30-plus years and as anybody who's been around us knows, she's an extraordinary human being, warm, loving, beautiful, sexy and as good a person as I have ever known," he said. "So the story's just false."

 

  ***UPDATE 12/18/07 11:55PM***

The "other woman", Rielle Hunter, is preggers.  She says the father is some yahoo named Andrew Young. However; she has been telling her closest friends that Edwards is the father. The National Enquirer article on the website has disappeared. Here is an excerpt from Dan Reihl via AOSHQ.

The NATIONAL ENQUIRER's political bombshell comes just weeks after Edwards emphatically denied having an affair with Rielle Hunter, who formerly worked on his campaign.

But The ENQUIRER has now confirmed not only that Rielle is pregnant, but she is also living in Chapel Hill, N.C. in a gated community, just a few streets away from Andrew Young, who has been a key official in Edwards' campaign.

Young has been in charge of looking after Hunter, according to sources, and she has been careful to stay out of sight during Edwards' campaign. A former Director of Operations for Edwards' campaign, Young's last official position with the campaign was North Carolina Finance Director.

He left that job about a month ago — nearly the same time Rielle relocated from the New Jersey area to Chapel Hill.

In a bizarre twist, Young, a 41-year-old married man with young children, now claims HE is the father of Reille's baby.

But others are skeptical about his claim and talk of a political cover up is heating up.

Reille, when contacted in person by the NATIONAL ENQUIRER, denied that she was Reille Hunter. Later, she hired a lawyer and issued a statement, saying that Young is the father.

But a source close to the 43-year-old divorcee says Rielle has told a far different story privately.

"Rielle told me she had a secret affair with Edwards. When she found out that she was pregnant she said he was the father."

***UPDATED 08/08/08***

John Edwards Admits He Cheated On Cancer-Stricken Wife

Good News From The War On Terror 12/17

Extremists lose ground in Arab Jabour

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces discovered two weapons caches in Hawr Rajab and Adwaniyah Dec. 11. In Hawr Rajab, Soldiers with 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, located a rocket weapons cache while conducting a patrol west of Patrol Base Stone. The cache consisted of 21 60 mm mortars and one 107 mm rocket. The cache was destroyed via a controlled detonation by an explosive ordnance disposal team. In Adwaniyah, Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., located another cache while conducting a patrol north of Patrol Base W-1. The cache consisted of two 15-pound bags of unknown bulk explosives, one 60 mm mortar tube, five rocket-propelled grenade rounds, one 120 mm mortar, six 80 mm mortars, one 100 mm mortar, two 9 mm handguns, one 7.62 sniper rifle, 50 pounds of 7.62 rounds, two boxes of DSHKA heavy machine gun rounds and one M-240B machine gun.  An EOD team conducted a controlled detonation of the munitions. The M-240B, two 9 mm hand guns and sniper rifle were taken to PB W-1 for investigation.

 

MND-Center Soldiers secure caches, detain 2 suspected AQI operatives

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces in Arab Jabour and Al Buaytha detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members and destroyed four weapons caches Dec. 14. First Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division has been conducting increased offensive operations against AQI for the past week.   The four caches found Dec. 14 included anti-tank mines, a variety of mortars, homemade explosives, mortar tubes, copper wire and numerous boxes of ammunition. Additionally, Concerned Local Citizens identified two Iraqi males as members of al-Qaeda. The suspected al-Qaeda members were detained by the CLCs and turned over to 1-30th Inf. Regt. Soldiers at Patrol Base Murray.

 

Arrests dent extremist cash flow

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad forces arrested two men suspected of financing extremist activities and another suspected of killing Coalition Soldiers in the Doura region of the Rashid District Dec. 14. While on a routine census mission, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., arrested a middle-aged man believed to be an al-Qaeda financier an East Rashid neighborhood. The man allegedly had numerous al-Qaeda extremists routinely visit his home and pay him for anti-Coalition and anti-Iraqi activities. In an early morning raid in western Doura, “Warriors” from Destroyer Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Div, attached to Task Force Dragon, detained another man sources believe works for AQI as a financier and emplacer of improvised explosive devices. Additionally, Soldiers from Baker Company, 2-12 Inf., captured a man who is believed to have attacked Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, shot at aircraft and is allegedly responsible for the deaths of four Soldiers.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; five terrorists killed, 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspects during operations Sunday and Monday targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. During continued efforts to disrupt terrorist operations in the Diyala River Valley Monday, Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Muqdadiyah targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader operating in Shirween.  Reports indicate the target building is used as a terrorist safe house and associated with the group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces.   During the operation, Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the wanted individuals in the target area and supporting aircraft engaged the armed men.  The ground force was then engaged by enemy fire and returned fire in self-defense.  Once the enemy fire ceased, the ground force assessed five terrorists were killed during the operation.  One suspected terrorist was also detained on site. In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be the former leader of the terrorist network operating in Fallujah, and an associate of the terrorist network in Karmah. The individual reportedly has close ties with the leader of the network, who has a history of involvement in extremist activity, and a reputation for fear and intimidation practices among the local populace. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist. During operations south of Samarra and southwest of Hawaji, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates of the networks operating north of Baghdad and in Hawija. South of Balad Sunday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be directly associated with the leader for the al-Qaeda network operating north of Baghdad.  The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspects on site without incident.

 

Coalition forces identify dead, detained Taliban leaders

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces positively identified two Taliban leaders who, in recent weeks, have been killed and one leader who has been detained. Mullah Faizullah, a Taliban commander and the Taliban’s deputy shadow governor for Helmand Province and Mullah Tor Jan, a mid-level Taliban commander, were both killed during airstrikes in the southern part of the country. Mullah Morad Khan was detained during a Nov. 23 operation in the Shajoy district of Zabul Province. Faizullah was a Taliban commander and the Taliban’s deputy shadow governor for Helmand Province. He was believed to have been associated with an unsuccessful missile attack on a Coalition forces’ helicopter.  Faizullah was also the head of the Taliban commission for Helmand province and associated with foreign weapons facilitators and the illegal transport of weapons systems into Afghanistan.  Coalition forces targeted a building on a compound in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand Province where Mullah Faizullah and several insurgents were hiding during the course of operations, Dec. 9.  Precision munitions were used to destroy the building Faizullah was in killing him as well as the other insurgents. Jan was a mid-level Taliban commander responsible for the Musa Qaleh district who was actively involved in insurgent operations in several other districts as well.  He was believed to have planned and led attacks against Afghan and Coalition forces in Musa Qaleh and Now Zad districts.  He was also involved with weapons and narcotics smuggling. Coalition forces targeted a building on a compound in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand province where Jan and several insurgents were hiding during the course of operations, Dec. 7.  Precision munitions were used and the building Jan was in was destroyed, killing him as well as other insurgents. Multiple secondary explosions were reported indicating the presence of a sizeable weapons cache.  Khan was detained by Coalition forces during an operation to disrupt Taliban foreign fighter and weapons facilitation operations in the area. Khan is a Taliban commander who is responsible for the placement of improvised explosive devices and planning attacks on Coalition forces in collaboration with several other Taliban commanders in the Zabul area.  Khan had nearly 100 insurgents under his command, who conducted attacks along Highway 1 near Qalat. Documents found during the course of the operation indicate Khan was an associate of Mullah Shafiq Asif, a former Zabul Taliban commander detained by Afghan and Coalition forces during a May 22 operation.  The documents include personal letters and multiple “safe passage” notes including one signed by Mullah Shafiq that states, “To all Taliban and mujahaddin, Mullah Morad Khan is our agent, please do not give him a hard time.”

 

ANSF find weapons caches, suspected insurgents in Nangarhar

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, arrested two suspected Taliban insurgents in Nangarhar Province and discovered two weapons caches during routine security patrols in the villages of Ragham and Desarak also in Nangarhar Province, Dec. 14. ANSF forces planned and executed the missions after receiving credible information of possible ammunition caches in their area.  The ANSF located and searched the suspected area where they found and recovered approximately 70 85mm recoilless rifle rounds in the Rodat District village of Ragham. In Desarak Village, Achin District, Coalition forces confiscated several rocket-propelled grenades, 82mm mortar rounds, and 85mm recoilless rifle rounds. Afghan citizens receive compensation for their efforts through the Small Rewards Program when they facilitate the recovery and turn-in of armament caches.  Afghan National Police arrested two suspected insurgents in Nangarhar Province in other operations.  The ANSF, with Coalition assistance, arrested two men with possible ties to the transfer of improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers and associated materials in the province. The detainees are suspected of being members of the Taliban, operating as facilitators in the emplacement and detonation of improvised explosive devices and facilitating the movement of suicide bombers.

 

Dec. 16 airpower summary

Falcons Players Concerned About Making Statement, Not Winning

With the dismal record the Atlanta Falcons have this year, they should be concentrating on winning football games. Instead; they are more concerned about making a statement in support of Michael "dog killer" Vick. Five players have been fined a total of $47,500 for uniform violations. It's unbelievable that these people went to college, and yet, are so stupid.

Five Atlanta Falcons players have been fined a total of $47,500 by the NFL for uniform violations that stemmed from demonstrations of their support for banished quarterback Michael Vick during the team's loss to the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 10. Several hours before the game, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his role in an illegal dogfighting ring that was centered on property he owned in Virginia. Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Chris Houston, wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Alge Crumpler each were fined $10,000. Wide receiver Joe Horn was fined $7,500. It is not yet known if any of the players will appeal the fines. Hall brandished a poster of Vick as he ran onto the field for pregame introductions. He later taped the poster to the back of the Falcons' bench, but it was subsequently removed by a member of the club's public relations department. Both Hall and Crumpler wore the message "MV-7," Vick's initial and uniform number, on their eye-black patches for the game. After White scored on a 33-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter of the 34-14 loss, he pulled up his game jersey, with an assist from Horn, to unveil a T-shirt that read "Free Mike Vick." It is not clear why Houston was found to have violated the uniform policy.

Secret War In The Skies Over Korea

On PBS tonight 8pm EST. I rarely watch PBS, mostly because of the all the fundraising that goes on, but I will be watching this show.

The Korean War has been called “the forgotten war,” and “Missing in MIG Alley,” on PBS on Tuesday night, illustrates a little-known chapter. It describes the rivalry in the sky between two types of fighter jets then on the cutting edge of military aviation: the Soviet MIG-15, used by the North Koreans, and the F-86 Sabre, flown by the Americans and the British. The bulk of the dogfights took place south of the Yalu River on the border between North Korea and China, in a track of space known to pilots as MIG Alley. The program, an installment of the “Nova” series, reveals that Soviet airmen were actually fighting on behalf of the North Koreans, a fact concealed by the Soviet and American governments at the time for fear of inciting World War III. (This secret may prompt viewer speculation about possible clandestine maneuvers today.)

Good News From The War On Terror 12/15-16

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; four terrorists killed, 18 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 18 suspects during operations Friday and today targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. North of Muqdadiyah Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for a large terrorist group operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individuals are associated with a group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces. The presence of the wanted individuals was confirmed in the target area and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target, killing three terrorists and destroying a vehicle. Secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged, indicating explosives were likely stored in it.  Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Muqdadiyah today, targeting an alleged senior facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and one man was killed when the ground forces perceived him as a hostile threat and engaged him. In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in extremist activity in the Arab Jabour area, and a close associate of the terrorist network in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site without incident. West of the city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in an improvised explosive device network in the region. Reports also indicate the wanted individual is associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the media and weapons facilitation network in the city.  Two suspected terrorists and another wanted individual were detained by Coalition forces today during an operation west of Tarmiyah. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is a close associate of individuals recently detained by Coalition forces for their involvement in the network north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  Farther north in Hawija, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda network in the Salah ad Din province.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; six terrorists killed, 23 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 23 suspects during operations Saturday and today targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces conducted an operation north of Muqdadiyah today targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in the region. Reports indicate that the target building was used as a terrorist safe house and associated with the group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces.  When the ground forces called for the occupants of a building to come out, one man emerged, but then went back inside the building. A second individual came out and charged directly at the ground force. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged him, and then observed explosions from the man’s position, indicating he was likely wearing a suicide vest. Another individual was observed attempting to put a suicide belt on and, perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing him.  Coalition forces were then engaged by men inside the building and returned fire in self-defense. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force pulled back from their position and called for supporting aircraft to engage the enemy threat, killing an additional two terrorists and destroying one building.  In Mosul, Coalition forces conducted an operation today targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader operating in the city. The targeted individual is reportedly involved in the facilitation of weapons and improvised explosive device making material, which he provides to other al-Qaeda cell leaders. As the ground force cleared the target area, an individual lunged toward their position. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the man, killing him.  Four suspected terrorists were also detained on site. During coordinated operations today southeast of Samarra, Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists while targeting associates of al-Qaeda senior leaders operating in Samarra and Salah al Din. Near Mahmudiyah, Coalition forces conducted operations today targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq member associated with a leader of the terrorist network operating south of Baghdad.  The wanted individual is reportedly involved in the movement of foreign terrorists and attacks against Coalition forces. During the operation, the wanted individual maneuvered toward the ground force’s position. Coalition forces directed him to stop, but he did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, they engaged, killing him. One suspect was also detained on site without incident. During an operation southwest of Mahmudiyah Saturday, Coalition forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network north of Baghdad. The wanted individual reportedly replaced Tha’ir Malik, who was killed during an operation by Coalition forces Nov. 5. The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists and found a cache of improvised explosive device materials. The weapons, and the vehicle they were found in, were safely destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists.

 

Iraqi and Coalition Forces flush al-Qaeda from Euphrates hideouts (Iskandariyah)

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces launch Marne Roundup, an operation focused on flushing out al-Qaeda extremists and weapons smugglers operating near Iskandariyah, Iraq, Dec. 15. The ground assault included Iraqi Army forces and Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. By afternoon, troops had encountered no resistance as they moved through the target area. In tandem with the start of the offensive, U.S. soldiers destroyed two buildings used by insurgents to store improvised explosive device-making materials, using a total of 12 Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System rockets. As soon as the target area is secured, U.S. troops will begin construction of a new security outpost, Patrol Base Khidr. From there, Concerned Local Citizen programs will be developed in the area and together with Iraqi Police, the CLCs will secure major roads leading to and from Iskandariyah. According to the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., one of the intended effects of the operation is that Iraqi residents of the region will witness a demonstration of Iraqi Police and Army forces standing up to AQI and providing services. Operation Marne Roundup is the latest in a series of combat offensives launched by Multi-National Division – Center Soldiers to squeeze AQI from the areas south and west of Baghdad. The operation follows on the success of Operation Marne Courageous, in which Iraqi and Coalition forces secured an area on the west bank of the Euphrates River, near Owesat, Iraq.

 

MND-Center Soldiers disrupt extremist activity (Khargulia)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – In two separate operations Dec. 12, Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment detained a suspected extremist and seized an enemy weapons cache. Using information provided by local citizens, Soldiers from Troop A, 3-1st Cav. Regt. apprehended an individual in the early morning hours in a house north of Khargulia. The suspect is believed to be a leader in a local extremist cell that is active in the trafficking of weapons and ammunition. Later in the day, Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3-1st Cav. Regt., discovered a weapons cache during an operation near Jisr Diyala. As they searched a house, Soldiers discovered a large sum of Iraqi dinar, a spool of detonation wire, a pistol, a large bag of 7.62 mm ammunition and a camcorder.  The 1-15th Inf. Regt. and the 3-1st Cav. Regt. are part of the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.,and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces declare a victory in Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces from the 205th Corps, under the leadership of Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Muyaiden, raised the Afghan national flag high above the Musa Qalah District Center Dec. 12 as part of the largest operation in years to remove insurgents from Musa Qalah, Helmand Province, Dec. 5 to Dec. 12. The fighting began Dec. 5 when ANSF Kandaks, advised by Coalition forces, conducted a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad.  Taliban insurgents attempted to stop the ANSF-led force by firing from established fighting positions.  Enemy fighters fired on the ANSF using small-arms, rockets and mortar fire.  ANSF returned fire with small-arms and machine gun fire, quickly putting the Taliban on the defensive. The Taliban moved to different fighting positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces as the battle escalated.  ANSF identified the enemy’s hardened fighting positions and engaged them by calling in precision munitions strikes.  The bombs hit their target and destroyed the threat.  The enemy radioed for reinforcements from positions south of the fighting when they realized their defensive fighting positions were being destroyed. The Taliban tried to take refuge in local villager’s homes and use the remaining civilians as protection and the ANA advanced.  However, the Afghan civilians resisted Taliban efforts to take over their homes.  Concurrently, Coalition forces identified a prominent Taliban leader providing instructions to a large number of insurgents.  ANSF quickly manuevered to engage the insurgents by first using small-arms and machine gun fire, then calling in precision munitions, ultimately destroying the enemy. After a short consolidation and reorganization of men and munitions, the ANSF-led force resumed their effort to drive out the Taliban.  The Taliban continue to make false claims on the Internet about the battle in Musa Qalah.  In one report, the Taliban claimed to have killed several Coalition forces and captured two abandoned tanks in the Musa Qalah District of Helmand Province.  They also claimed to have captured large amounts of ammunition and military equipment.  Another Internet posting claims Coalition forces dropped leaflets telling Afghan civilians to leave their homes or Coalition bombs would destroy them. ANA soldiers from the 205th Corps, assisted by Coalition forces, successfully secured the center of Musa Qalah after several days of fighting.

 

ANSF discover insurgent safe house near Musa Qala

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s 205th Corps, assisted by Coalition forces, conducted follow-on operations in Musa Qalah, Helmand Province, Dec 13. While ANA troops were conducting a dismounted patrol near Musa Qalah, the troops discovered an insurgent safe house.  The safe house consisted of two compounds in which ANSF found improvised explosive device-making materials, suicide vests and clothes with the ranks of senior insurgent leadership.  Two prepared insurgent sniper positions were also discovered in the compounds. Later in the clearing operations, ANA soldiers found an improvised explosive device-making factory and more suicide vests.  An explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a thorough search and disarmed the IEDs.  While searching the compounds, soldiers also found more than 2,000 kilograms of opium.

 

 Dec. 14 airpower summary:

 

Dec. 15 airpower summary:

John Bolton: Bush Needs To "Rein In" Condi Rice

When Duncan Hunter wins the election, John Bolton had better be his #1 choice for Secretary of State. Once again, Bolton pulls no punches when it comes to foreign policy failures.

US President George W. Bush's foreign policy is in free fall and puts the nation's security at risk, former ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton told a German magazine on Sunday. Bolton , who was a leading hawk in the US administration and favored a tough stance against Iran, North Korea and Iraq, told the Der Spiegel weekly that Bush needed to rein in Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "His foreign policy is in free fall. The president is acting against his own judgment and instincts (and is) under the influence of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice," he was quoted as telling the magazine. Bolton said Rice's was the dominant voice on foreign policy and that she was a channel for the views of liberal career bureaucrats in the foreign ministry. "(Bush) does not supervise her enough. That is a mistake," he was quoted as saying, adding that a moderate foreign policy was a threat to US security. "North Korea will, for example, now keep its nuclear weapons. And the Iranians have got a signal from our own intelligence services that they can do whatever they want. "I am not as confident as the intelligence services that Iran has stopped its nuclear weapons program." The former diplomat, who quit his UN job last December after failing to win Senate confirmation and now works at a think-tank, also predicted a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq if Hillary Clinton became the next US president.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/14

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; three terrorists killed, 12 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 12 suspects during operations Friday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq. Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations east of Samarra targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Salah ad Din province. During the operation, one terrorist was killed and three suspects were wounded. The wounded men were detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility. Nearby, the ground force engaged and killed two individuals who were armed with machine guns and wearing suicide vests. In addition to the three wounded individuals, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists in the target areas. Coalition forces found an anti-aircraft weapon, ammunition, grenades, and multiple improvised explosive devices surrounding the target buildings. Supporting aircraft were called to safely destroy the threats, including the two suicide vests, demolishing two buildings and a vehicle that was allegedly used for transporting weapons. North of Jalula, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in facilitating materials for use in al-Qaeda in Iraq attacks against Coalition forces. Reports also indicate the wanted individual is closely associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader detained by Coalition forces during an operation Nov. 21, who was also wanted for his involvement in terrorist attacks.  During the operation, the ground force observed two armed men in a ditch, and repeatedly directed the individuals to come out. One of the men started to maneuver and was instructed to stop, but instead started moving toward the ground forces’ position. Coalition forces again directed the individual to stop, but he did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the man, wounding him. The individual then surrendered, was subsequently detained and transported to a medical facility. The second man surrendered to the ground force and identified himself as the wanted individual. Both men were armed with machine guns and grenades. In addition to the wanted and wounded individuals, the ground force detained two other suspected terrorists armed with machine guns, military-style vests and grenades.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces detain 27 suspected al-Qaeda in North Babil

NORTH BABIL, Iraq – A joint raid Dec. 7 resulted in the detention of 27 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists in a building in north Babil that was suspected to be an al-Qaeda safehouse where members planned attacks against local citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. The raid was conducted by the Iraqi Army and Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), currently attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Intelligence indicated that the al-Qaeda members operating out of the building included high-value individuals. The raid was conducted by an air assault. As the Soldiers moved from the helicopter, they received direct small-arms fire from the direction of the building. Coalition Forces returned fire and eventually captured the suspects, including one suspect who attempted to flee and hide in a ditch before being captured. That individual turned out to be one of the high-value targets.

 

 Dec. 13 airpower summary:

Al-Qaeda #2 gAyman Al-Zawahiri Whines About Annapolis Meeting

We get to hear more al-Qaeda propaganda begging followers to rise up. I'm guessing the rash of al-Qaeda video/audio is a response to their feeling of inadequacy. They do not control the governments of any Arab country or most of Arab people. The Arab people have seen and heard what al-Qaeda in Iraq has done to Iraqi people and are turning away.

Al-Qaida's deputy leader denounced last month's Mideast peace conference in Annapolis, Md., as a "betrayal" of Palestinians in a new audio message posted Friday on an Islamic militant Web site, It was the first reaction by the terrorist network to the Mideast conference, sponsored by President Bush and attended by key Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Egypt, as well as Palestinian and Israeli leaders. The conference relaunched Palestinian-Israeli peace talks after a seven year hiatus — a key breakthrough in the region's core conflict. "The Annapolis meeting was held to turn Palestine into a Jewish state," the voice, purported to be that of Ayman al-Zawahri, said the 20-minute posting that carried a still photo of the white-turbaned militant against a backdrop of a photograph from the conference. "The czar of Washington invited 16 Arab countries ... to sit in one room, at one table with the Israelis," al-Zawahri said, adding that the conference "witnessed the betrayal deals to sell Palestine." [...] Al-Zawahri mainly addressed Arabs, urging them to condemn the Annapolis conference and label Mahmoud Abbas as "the traitor," adding that the Palestinian "brother-president sold you out in Annapolis and in its aftermath." It's time now, he said, for the Muslims to "extent hands to other jihad brothers"_ a likely reference to militants beyond the Middle East. "My brothers in Palestine, we, all Muslims, the Mujahedeen are by your side, in your confrontation with the Zionist enemy," al-Zawahri said. "We will not let you down even if your politicians do." [...] "I am addressing the Muslim nation in Egypt in particular: where is your role in confronting aggression on Islam and Muslims?" al-Zawahri said. "Stand up and ... be aware of the poisons of weakness and submission which the traitor regime is trying to inject into you through the tongues of the revisionists." He called on Egyptian soldiers and also Bedouin tribes in Egypt's Sinai peninsula to rise against the rule of President Hosni Mubarak.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/13

17 suspected extremists captured in eastern Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division captured 17 suspected extremists during operations Dec. 11 in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital. All 17 suspects are being held for further questioning. The operation, carried out by Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, was part of the continuous effort by Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to sweep out extremist strongholds.

 

CLCs provide vital information on insurgents, weapons

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Using information provided by Concerned Local Citizens, Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion,15th Infantry Regiment, killed two insurgents, seized a weapons cache and destroyed an enemy stronghold during a nighttime air assault in Al Bawi, a small village outside of Salman Pak, Dec. 11. The cache contained mortars, grenades, improvised weapon making materials and an unknown explosive compound. Insurgents had been using the farmhouse of a displaced family to stage attacks on Coalition Forces and rival insurgent factions. At the direction of the Company B commander, Capt. Rich Thompson, from West Palm Beach, Fla., Soldiers from Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, fired three 210mm rockets from an M270 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System to destroy the building with the cache inside. The 2-4th FA is out of Fort Sill, Okla.

 

Iranian rockets found, turned over to Coalition Forces

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – A cache of Iranian-manufactured rockets was turned over to Coalition Forces based at FOB Delta Dec. 4. Iraqi Civil Defense Corps personnel delivered 14 107 mm Iranian rockets and fuses to Kazakhstani Soldiers, said 1st Lt. Almaz Mukashev, the Kazakhstani liaison officer. The rockets were manufactured in 2006. ICDC personnel have turned over munitions to Coalition Forces before, but this was the first time Iranian weapons were turned over from the force to Coalition Forces, said Col. Peter Baker, the 214th Fires Brigade commander. The Kazakhstani unit gave the munitions to Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three Battalion for analysis.

1 Acquitted, 6 To Be Re-tried In Sears Tower Terror Plot

I would like to know why the Justice Dept cannot adequately prosecute terrorism cases. This isn't the first time, and unfortunately, it probably won't be the last time.

One of seven men accused of conspiring to blow up Chicago's Sears Tower was acquitted Thursday, and a federal jury in Miami failed to reach a verdict on six others arrested in the alleged terror plot. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that the six whose cases ended in mistrials would be retried starting on January 7. Lyglenson Lemorin, who also goes by the name Brother Levi, was acquitted in the "Liberty City 7" trial, U.S. District Judge Joan Leonard's office told CNN. The men were arrested in June 2006 and charged with a homegrown terror plot that officials said may have targeted not only the 110-story Chicago tower -- the tallest building in North America -- but also the FBI's Miami offices and other sites. At the time, sources told CNN that the suspects were dealing with a man they believed was an al Qaeda operative but who was actually a government informant. Senior federal sources told CNN that the men were "not related to al Qaeda" but "possibly" were al Qaeda wannabes. Five of the seven men were Americans, one was an illegal alien from Haiti whose visa had expired, and the seventh was a resident alien, federal sources said. The group's supporters and the news media adopted the "Liberty City 7" name because authorities said the men operated out of a warehouse in Miami's Liberty City area.

Marines Allow Adoption Of Dog To Fallen Handlers' Family

It's only the right thing to do.

Marine Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee and his German shepherd, Lex, scoured Iraq for roadside bombs together, slept next to each other and even posed in Santa hats for a holiday photo. When a mortar attack killed the 20-year-old Marine in Falluja a few months later, Lex, whimpering from his own injuries, had to be pulled away, Lee's father was told. That strong bond compelled the slain Marine's family to adopt 8-year-old Lex even though the military said he still had two years of service.

Roger Clemens, Andy Petite, Named In MLB Steroid Probe

Baseball, as we know it, is about to change at 2pm today. The Mitchell report is being released. The Mitchell report is the 20 month investigation by former senator George Mitchell attempting to uncover steroid abuse by Major League Baseball players. Sources are saying that NY Yankees pitchers Andy Petite and future hall of famer Roger Clemens* is included in this report. I really hope no Cleveland Indians players are included. I will be extremely disappointed.

Judgment day arrived for baseball's steroids era, with the Mitchell report set to be released and posted on the Internet for all to see. The first name to emerge Thursday was seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. ESPN.com reported that Brian McNamee, a former trainer for the Yankees and Clemens, said information he gave Mitchell on supplying the pitcher with steroids is in the report. The Web site, citing an unidentified source close to the trainer, said McNamee told investigators he supplied Clemens with steroids. Randy Hendricks, Clemens' agent, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Mitchell's report exposes a "serious drug culture within baseball, from top to bottom," fingers MVPs and All-Stars and calls for beefed-up testing by an outside agency to clean up the game, The Associated Press learned. The report by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell will include names of 60 to 80 players linked to performance-enhancing substances and plenty more information that exposes "deep problems" afflicting the sport, one of two sources with knowledge of the findings told the AP. Both sources said the report would not address amphetamines. The two sources were familiar with discussions that led to the final draft but did not want to be identified because it was confidential until its scheduled release. They said the full report, which they had not read, totaled 304 pages plus exhibits.

 

***UPDATE 12/13/07 2:05PM***

The Mitchell Report has been released. (.PDF file) It's 300+ pages and I don't have time to read all of it now, but I will list the few that I come across while skimming the report.

The bigger names included in the report:

Roger Clemens	Andy Petite	Barry Bonds	Mark McGwire
Miguel Tejada	Gary Sheffield	Paul LoDuca	Kevin Young
Mike Lansing	Jason Christiansen	Mike Stanton	Fernando Vina
Kevin Brown	Eric Gagne	Lenny Dykstra	David Segui
Brian Roberts	Todd Hundley	Mark Carreon	Rondell White
Chuck Knoblauch	Jason Grimsley	Greg Zaun	David Justice
Mo Vaughn	Denny Neagle	Ron Villone

 

Others mentioned:

Hal Morris	Matt Franco	Todd Williams	Phil Hiatt
Todd Pratt	Cody McKay	Kent Mercker	Adam Piatt
Stephen Randolph	Jerry Hairston	Adam Riggs	Bart Miadich
Mike Bell	Matt Herges	Gary Bennett	Jim Parque
Brenden Donnelly	Chad Allen	Jeff Allen	Howie Clark
Exavier Logan	Larry Bigbie	Jack Cust	Tim Laker
Josias Manzanillo	F.P. Santangelo	Glenallen Hill	Ryan Franklin

Chris Donnels

 

A complete list can be found here.

 

***UPDATE 12/14/07 1:30AM***

The new logo for Major League Baseball

Good News From The War On Terror 12/12

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; 14 terrorists killed, 12 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 14 terrorists and detained 12 suspects during operations Tuesday and Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq. During an operation northwest of Muqdadiyah, Coalition forces targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly responsible for a large terrorist group operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the individuals executed a man earlier in the day and were later observed in the target area. Upon arrival, Coalition forces received enemy fire from the target building. Responding in self-defense, the ground force returned fire, killing two terrorists. Coalition forces then observed several men maneuver away from the target area into nearby palm groves and underneath a foot bridge. The ground force called supporting aircraft to engage the enemy threat, killing another 12 terrorists. The ground force also encountered multiple explosions as they attempted to clear the target buildings. The buildings were assessed to be rigged with explosives and a supporting aircraft was called to destroy them. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Baghdad believed to be involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. The wanted individual is allegedly involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations, and is a close associate of suspects recently detained by Coalition forces Dec. 9 and 10. During the operation, another individual was wounded as the ground force entered a building. The man was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility. Two additional suspects were detained and the ground force discovered various media equipment and a small weapons cache during the course of operations. In Tikrit, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists to include a wanted individual believed to be involved in facilitating funds for al-Qaeda operations. Reports indicate the wanted individual not only operates in Tikrit, but also in western Baghdad, and in and around Fallujah. The suspect is also allegedly associated with foreign terrorist facilitation networks and al-Qaeda leaders operating in the Tigris River Valley. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three additional suspected terrorists during two operations south of Yusufiyah Tuesday and Wednesday targeting associates of the terrorist network operating in southern Baghdad. The wanted individual is reportedly a leader involved in the Karkh terrorist network, which is operating in a degraded state. Over the last month, Coalition forces have captured five other wanted individuals tied to the network, who were reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces and trying to re-establish the car-bombing operations in the city. During the operation, the ground force also discovered a cache of weapons, which was safely destroyed on site.

 

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader who is believed to command more than 300 terrorists during a raid near Karmah Dec. 11. The suspected terrorist leader is reported to be responsible for numerous IED and mortar attacks that have killed and wounded several Iraqi and Coalition Forces. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for the kidnapping and killing of three Iraqi National Guard Soldiers.

 

Coalition Forces kill AQI operative

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A member of al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed by Coalition Forces Dec. 10 during a firefight near Adwaniyah, Iraq. Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div. from Fort Stewart, Ga., were conducting a foot patrol when an attack occurred. A Soldier was wounded when he stepped on a command wire improvised explosive device consisting of two 60 mm mortars. The Soldiers were then engaged with small arms fire. While engaged in the firefight a Soldier spotted the IED emplacer leaving the scene in a white pickup truck. Kiowa helicopters from the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div. were called in and engaged the truck with one Hellfire missile. After engaging the enemy truck, the Kiowa helicopter team confirmed the truck was destroyed and the driver was killed.

 

Iraqi Army Soldiers clear caches, detain extremists

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, detained 15 suspected extremists in two separate incidents in Hawr Rajab, Iraq, Dec. 9. During the first incident, Soldiers investigating an improvised explosive device were attacked by small-arms fire. The extremists broke contact and were pursued by the Soldiers. While in pursuit, the IA discovered a second IED consisting of a 122 mm mortar with a cell phone initiator. The IA detained four local residents they believed were involved in the shooting. Both IEDs were cleared by the IA and the suspects were taken in for questioning at Forward Operating Base Falcon. Eleven other suspects were detained by another group of Soldiers with the 5/4/6 IA. The Soldiers, who were conducting a patrol with U.S. Soldiers of the 645th Military Transition Team, detained the residents after discovering a cache consisting of two sniper rifles and a scope. The detainees were taken in for questioning at FOB Kalsu.

 

Dec. 9 airpower summary:

 

Dec. 10 airpower summary:

 

Dec. 11 airpower summary:

North Korea Arming Hezbollah?

The findings are the result of the Congressional Research Service and the Paris Intelligence Online. This is definitely a curveball to speculators. I can imagine almost everyone assumed that Iran and possibly other Middle-Eastern countries were supplying Hezbollah. North Korea probably didn't enter into the equation.

North Korea may have given arms to Lebanon's Hezbollah and Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers, according to a report compiled for Congress that could complicate U.S. plans to drop Pyongyang from its terrorism blacklist. The report obtained on Wednesday by Reuters was written by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), which provides independent analysis to Congress, and cited "reputable sources" as saying Pyongyang had given arms and possibly training to the militant groups, which Washington regards as "terrorist" organizations. [...] It said that in September 2006, Paris Intelligence Online, a French Internet publication that specializes in political and economic intelligence, had published details of an extensive North Korean program to give arms and training to Hezbollah. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party, captured two Israeli soldiers in cross-border raid in July 2006, setting off 34-day war with Israel in which about 1,200 Lebanese were killed. The French publication said the program began in the 1980s with visits by Hezbollah members to North Korea for training and expanded after 2000 with the dispatch of North Koreans to Lebanon to train Hezbollah members how to build underground bunkers to store arms, food and medical facilities. It said this training "significantly improved Hezbollah's ability to fight the Israelis" during the 2006 war. The CRS document also cited a report by a prominent South Korean academic, Moon Chung-in, that the Mossad Israeli intelligence agency believed that "vital missile components" used by Hezbollah against Israel came from North Korea.

Good News From The War On Terror 12/10-11

Troops stop alleged al-Qaeda operatives returning to Rashid

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers arrested two men who were suspected terrorists attempting to infiltrate back into the Rashid District Dec. 6. “Warriors” of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and “Tuskers” from Company B, 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, both attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., made the arrest of the alleged al-Qaeda operatives after receiving a tip from an informant. In the Doura region, the “Warriors” raided a home and detained an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member suspected of multiple murders. Iraqi Security Volunteers believe the suspect was in the neighborhood trying to re-organize a new terrorist group in the area. After a fire fight in Saydiyah, the Tuskers detained a man who the Iraqi Army believes may be a member of a radical AQI splinter group. During a patrol, the Soldiers and members of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division were shot at from a home, and returned fire. Upon clearing the house, Soldiers found a blood trail that led them to the suspect armed with a pistol and a hand grenade.

 

Coalition force operations disrupt al-Qaeda networks; 27 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured four wanted individuals and 23 additional suspects during operations Sunday and Monday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. During continued efforts to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and one additional suspect during an operation in Baghdad. The wanted individual is allegedly involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda and media operations and is a close associate of a suspect detained on Dec. 9.   In Taji, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader also involved in the terrorist networks in Baghdad.  Reports indicate he is a close associate of senior terrorists in a network operating in northern Baghdad.  This network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  One additional suspect was detained during the operation. Northwest of Mansuriyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual allegedly associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Muqdadiyah and involved in foreign terrorist facilitation. The wanted individual is reportedly an associate of several al-Qaeda members previously detained by Coalition forces for their role in networks operating in the Diyala River Valley.  During operations in Samarra, Bayji and Hawija, Coalition forces detained 14 suspected terrorists and wounded one while targeting associates of propaganda and media operations, car-bombing cells, and foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation networks.  During the operation in Bayji, the ground force received hostile fire from a building in the target area and returned fire in self-defense, wounding one. The suspect was detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility. On Sunday, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Mosul believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator associated with senior facilitators operating in and outside of Iraq. The wanted individual is reportedly involved in the facilitation of supplies and finances for use in attacks against Coalition forces.  As the ground force entered the target building, the wanted individual attempted to leave through the back door. Coalition forces engaged to stop his movement, wounding and subsequently detaining him. The individual was treated and transported to a nearby military medical facility.  In addition to the wanted individual, six suspects were detained.

 

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; one terrorist killed, 19 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 19 suspects during operations Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. During two coordinated operations west of al Khalis, Coalition forces killed a wanted individual believed to be a key associate of an al-Qaeda leader involved in the network in northern Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition, nine suspected terrorists were detained during the operations. During an operation south of Bayji, Coalition forces captured an alleged member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network operating in the region. Reports indicate the wanted individual is tied to al-Qaeda members operating near the border, who assist in the movement of weapons and funds for senior facilitators and al-Qaeda members operating in and outside of Iraq. In addition to the wanted individual, three other suspects were detained. West of Mosul and west of Maymudiyah, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists during operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader and terrorists reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces.

 

Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, 11 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups criminal element leader and detained ten other suspects during operations early Tuesday in the Baghdad area. The targeted individual reportedly supervised criminal splinter group trainers throughout Iraq. He allegedly coordinated the explosively formed penetrator, improvised explosive device, operational security and computer security training of numerous criminals, and was personally responsible for paying each trainer every month. He also reportedly directed his cell to attack Coalition forces and assassinate Iraqis who worked with Coalition forces.   Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where the wanted individual was captured and the ten other suspects were detained without incident. Additionally, ground forces discovered body armor, two assault rifles, a bayonet, two pistols, multiple ammunition magazines and a large amount of Iraqi currency.