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

Coalition captures three wanted suspects; five terrorists killed, six others detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained nine suspects Sunday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

During operations Sunday in eastern Mosul, Coalition forces targeted an alleged Saudi leader of an al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cell in the city. The targeted individual is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of foreign terrorists and conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces in the area. The suspect is also an alleged associate of Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator killed Feb. 27.

As the ground force entered the target area, they discovered a vehicle containing a weapons cache, including two anti-aircraft weapons, mortar rounds and machine gun ammunition. Coalition forces then began to receive heavy machine gun fire from multiple enemy personnel in and around the area. The ground force returned fire in self defense, and during a series of engagements, killed an estimated five terrorists. Coalition forces also found another vehicle containing a cache of weapons, which included two heavy machine guns, one mortar tube, rockets and several hundred machine gun rounds. Both vehicles found in the target area and the weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent future use in terrorist activity. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force departed and was not able to clear the area.

Nearby, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged foreign terrorist involved in improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Coalition forces operating in Mosul.

During coordinated operations in Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals believed to be involved in the northern belt AQI network. One of the suspects allegedly acts as an advisor to the senior leaders in the network, while the other suspect is believed to be the AQI military leader for the network. The network is responsible for the majority of 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 two wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during the operations.

Northwest of Haditha today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an AQI senior leader. Also, an additional two suspects were detained southwest of Samarra while targeting an alleged leader for the AQI network in the area.

 

Three terrorists killed as Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

East of Baghdad Monday, Coalition forces targeted a legacy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region and is believed to be the brother of the alleged AQI facilitator who was detained March 2 for his involvement in the terrorist networks in Baghdad.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. The assault force observed three terrorists in the target vehicle, which was leaving the area. Coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply with instructions or heed warnings. The assault force eventually fired on the vehicle to stop it. The three terrorists were killed, and the vehicle was destroyed as a result of the engagement.

An Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the course of operations. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.

 

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain two al Qaeda in Iraq suspects

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected criminals during separate operations March 1.

In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspect believed responsible for mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is suspected of involvement in weapons smuggling and a plot to commit murder by poisoning.

Near Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq suspected cell leader. According to intelligence reports, the suspect and his cell are responsible for car bombings, mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. They are also accused of the murder of Iraqi citizens.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leaders in Zabul, Helmand provinces

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several insurgents were killed and eight suspected insurgents were detained March 1 during two separate Coalition forces’ operations to degrade Taliban leadership networks.

Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations.

Several insurgents were killed when they fired on Coalition forces. 

Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.

Coalition forces also recovered several weapons, ammunition vests and hand-grenades that were destroyed on-site to prevent further use by militant forces.

During a separate operation in the Qalat District of Zabul Province, Coalition forces detained four individuals associated with a Taliban commander responsible for attacks along Highway One. A detainee is also associated with Taliban and foreign fighter facilitation operations.

The detainees from both operations will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

March 2 airpower summary

 

March 3 airpower summary

Super Tuesday II Is Done

It appears Hillary has won Ohio and Rhode Island. Obama won Vermont. Texas was still close, but last time I checked it looked like Hillary was starting to pull away.

McCain had a clean sweep.

Huckabee's Out

The little attention whore finally woke up and realized he was done.

Mike Huckabee bowed to reality Tuesday and out of the Republican presidential race. "We kept the faith," he told his end-of-the-road rally Tuesday after John McCain clinched the nomination. "I'd rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place."

The genial conservative went out as he had campaigned all along, with a quip: "It's time for us to hit the reset button."

Huckabee won the leadoff Iowa caucuses, making him a sudden but short-lived sensation, and then seven other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kansas. Meantime, McCain piled up big victories on his way to winning the prize on Tuesday night.

The writing was on the wall for weeks, but the former Arkansas governor hung on until McCain secured the necessary delegates.

I Just Got Back From Voting

Imagine my surprise and disgust that our machines were not capable of writing in a candidate.

I feel dirty.

Don't bother asking who I voted for; is there really a difference?

Maybe I should've picked up the Democrat card and voted for Hillary.

 

At least the daily phone calls and half-dozen pieces of campaign junk mail will stop for a while.

Good News From The War On Terror 3/1-2

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, detain three other suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured an alleged Special Groups facilitator and detained three other suspected criminals early today in Baghdad.

The targeted individual was reportedly an Iranian-trained sniper instructor involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. He reportedly coordinated and facilitated Special Groups militia training in Iran on the use of explosively formed penetrators. Reports indicate he was an associate of several Special Groups criminal leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered two assault rifles.

 

Weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation networks targeted; six killed, 13 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 13 suspects Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

During a series of operations Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of the Samarra al-Qaeda in Iraq network’s senior leader. Intelligence led Coalition forces east of the city to a location where the associates were believed to be operating. Coalition forces observed several vehicles containing suspects departing the target area. The assault force attempted to stop the vehicles, but they refused to comply with instructions. The assault force followed escalation of force procedures, eventually firing on the vehicles to stop them. Six terrorists were killed and four vehicles were destroyed as a result of the engagement. Coalition forces also detained one suspect on site and recovered several weapons. 

North of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons dealer reportedly associated with the northern belt al-Qaeda in Iraq network senior leader. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was detained along with three suspected terrorists.

During separate operations west of Samarra and in Sharqat, three suspected terrorists were detained today while Coalition forces targeted associates involved in the facilitation of finances and weapons for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Samarra and Mosul.

In northern Iraq, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during two precision operations. In southeast Mosul Friday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting a weapons facilitator for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout the city. Another suspect was detained west of Shammar Jarbah today, during operations targeting an associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator. 

Coalition forces conducted an operation Thursday and Friday east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting associates involved in an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq training facility and media network. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists, and found a weapons cache and various terrorist propaganda materials hidden behind a wall in one of the target buildings. The cache included several machine guns, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, blasting caps, improvised explosive device materials and ammunition. While they were clearing the area, Coalition forces also found and destroyed an IED to eliminate the threat to Iraqi civilians and military forces operating in the area.

 

Iraqi SWAT and U.S. Special Forces detain three following operation in Mosul

BALAD, Iraq – An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained the alleged leader of an assassination and improvised explosive device cell Feb. 29 during operations in northeast Mosul. 

Two other suspected terrorists were also detained. 

ISWAT conducted operations in Mosul to disrupt the facilitation of IED attacks throughout the area.

 

Local man discovers large cache in barn after return home

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – MND-C Soldiers discovered a large weapons cache Feb. 28 thanks to a tip from an Iraqi citizen who recently returned to southern Arab Jabour.

The man, driven from his home by al Qaeda in Iraq, recently returned to the area thanks to the efforts of Abna al-Iraq or Sons of Iraq, and Soldiers of the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

The man, whose son is a member of the SOI, located the cache while removing debris from his barn. He noticed discoloration in the dirt and reported his find to Soldiers at Patrol Base Meade.

Approximately five feet underground, Soldiers and local volunteers discovered six 55-gallon drums containing 50 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, an RPG launcher, 200 rounds of 37 mm ammunition, 500 rounds of 23 mm ammunition and 2,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition among other munitions.

Besides providing for the safety of the community, the man was also compensated for cache find. In a show of good will, the man split the reward with the other local men who helped with the cache recovery.

 

Coalition captures IED facilitator near Baghdad, 19 other suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 20 suspected terrorists Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

East of Baghdad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged improvised explosive device facilitator associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout the capital city. The suspect is reportedly involved in a facilitation network supplying explosive materials to the leader of a central Baghdad AQI network, who is a close associate of the overall senior leader for the city’s AQI networks. The suspect is also believed to be a close associate and alleged relative of the leader of the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates south of Baqubah and east of Kahn Bani Sa’ad. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained nine suspected terrorists on site. Coalition forces detained an additional suspect nearby, on the west side of Baghdad, while targeting an associate of an AQI senior leader. 

In Sharqat, Coalition forces conducted operations today targeting two alleged AQI leaders involved in the network in the city. The ground force captured one of the wanted suspects, who reportedly served as a leader in the Bayji AQI network and led an assassination cell in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists during the operations.

During an operation in east Mosul Saturday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator, and his associate Hamdan, who were killed during an operation Feb. 27.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces recover weapons caches in Nangarhar

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Recently, Afghans provided information leading to the recovery of a suspected insurgent weapons cache in Zawa Village of Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistan Border.

The cache, recovered Jan. 16, consisted of 93 recoilless-rifle rounds. Insurgents frequently use these weapons to attack Afghan National Security Forces or Coalition forces, or terrorize Afghan citizens throughout the province.According to a Coalition soldier, the weapons found were in good condition.

 

Afghan, Coalition forces disrupt Taliban leadership networks

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Six suspected insurgents were detained Feb. 29 during an Afghan National Security and Coalition forces operation in Zabul province to disrupt Taliban command and control networks.

The joint force performed a search of compounds in the Deh Chopan district targeting a Taliban commander with ties to Taliban support networks and weapons facilitation operations in the area.

Afghan and Coalition forces found and detained six individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks while conducting their search. The detainees will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

 

Feb. 29 airpower summary

 

March 1 airpower summary

A Funny Letter To The Editor I Read Today

From the Morning Journal:

Obama visited too soon

To the Editor: I wish Barack Obama had delayed his visit to Lorain until the ice had melted at Lakeview Park. It would have been interesting to watch him walk on water.

Glenn Walter, Lorain

 

For any of you that care where Lakeview park is located:

View Larger Map

U.S. Hits Targets In Somalia

The people may have forgotten about the disastrous incursion into Mogadishu during the Clinton years, but not the military. On Monday, missiles were launched at a terrorist safe house.

The U.S. launched an airstrike Monday on a Somali town held by Islamic extremists to go after a group of terrorist suspects, U.S. defense officials said.

Three missiles hit Dobley, a town four miles from the Kenyan border, destroying a home and seriously injured eight people, police and witnesses said. The remnants of an Islamic force that had once ruled much of southern Somalia took over Dobley last week.

"It was a deliberate, precise strike against a known terrorist and his associates," one U.S. military official said in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the record.

He gave few other details, except to say the targets were believed staying in building known to be used regularly by terrorist suspects.

Good News From The War On Terror 2/28-29

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; two killed, 15 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 15 suspects Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

During an operation Wednesday afternoon in Mosul, Coalition forces killed two wanted terrorists involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. Coalition forces confirmed the location of the wanted individuals and directed a precision helicopter strike, killing two terrorists and destroying their vehicle. 

Today in Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in suicide bombing operations, weapons facilitation, and attacks against Coalition forces.

During coordinated operations in Baghdad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged cell leader associated with the Karkh and Mansour al-Qaeda in Iraq networks. The suspect is allegedly responsible for high-profile kidnappings and assassinations in the region, including attacks targeting Concerned Local Citizens. The suspect is reportedly a close associate of numerous senior leaders in Baghdad, to include one who was detained Feb. 17 for his involvement in the Karkh AQI network. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during the operation.

Southwest of Mahmudiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged vehicle-borne improvised explosive device facilitator for the southern belt AQI network. The suspect is reportedly associated with several recently detained senior network leaders. Coalition force operations in Baghdad have severely disrupted the VBIED network.

Four suspects were detained this morning west of Taji and in Samarra during operations targeting alleged associates of the al-Anbar AQI propaganda network and a suspected weapons facilitator.

Also, east of Samarra in Karwi, Coalition forces conducted an operation today targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in weapons smuggling, kidnappings and attacks against Coalition forces. Three suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.

 

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq network; five terrorists killed, 22 suspects detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq facilitator associated with a member of the Baqouba improvised explosive device and suicide bombing network. As the ground force arrived in the area, they called for occupants of the target building to come out. The ground force was then engaged by enemy fire and returned fire in self-defense, killing five terrorists. An Iraqi child was wounded during the engagement, received treatment on site and was transported to a nearby medical facility for further care. 

As the ground force cleared the building, they discovered numerous IED materials, to include crush wire, pressure plates and circuit boards. Once the area was secure, supporting fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft were called to destroy the building to prevent further use by terrorists and eliminate any threat to locals in the area. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists on site.

During a supported operation in Baghdad today, intelligence reports led Coalition and Iraqi forces to a mosque compound. After obtaining proper approval, Iraqi forces entered the compound and detained a wanted individual who was hiding inside, along with one additional suspect. The individual was captured without incident, no damage occurred to the mosque compound as a result of the operation and Coalition forces did not enter the compound. As they secured the area, the ground force also discovered a cache of urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials. 

The captured wanted individual is an alleged AQI weapons facilitator. The suspect was allegedly involved in the facilitation of IEDs, and vehicle and suicide bombers for use by terrorist networks throughout the capital city region. He is also believed to be a direct associate of several alleged facilitators operating inside and outside of Iraq, to include several who have been detained by Coalition forces within the last month.

Southeast of Samarra this morning, Coalition forces detained four suspects to include an alleged associate of the terrorist network in the city. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with the leader of the AQI network in Jalam, who was detained Feb. 19 for his involvement in kidnappings and the facilitation of finances for terrorist operations. The suspect is also allegedly tied to two senior leaders in the Samarra AQI network, who were killed Feb. 2.

During operations in northern Iraq today, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists. Southeast of Mosul near Salamiyah, four suspects where detained during an operation targeting a foreign terrorist associated with mortar and suicide operations, weapons facilitation and attacks against Coalition forces. Another two suspects were detained northwest of Bi’aj during an operation targeting an associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator.

In other operations Thursday, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist north of Samarra while targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in IED attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation.

 

Iraqi Security Force, U.S. Special Forces detain criminal leader, two cell members in separate operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces advising, detained a suspected criminal element leader and two suspected cell members in separate operations Feb. 28.

In Baghdad, an Iraqi Special Operations Forces team detained the alleged deputy company commander of a criminal group of approximately 100 people.

The suspect and his criminal organization are believed to be responsible for mortar and improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

According to intelligence reports, they are also involved in the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.

In Fahama, near Baghdad, soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Army Division detained two suspected criminal in an operation targeting Al Qaeda in Iraq activities.

The suspects are believed to be active members of a cell facilitating the movement of arms, ammunition and equipment for use in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

One of the suspects is also a known improvised explosive device triggerman.

 

Feb. 27 airpower summary

Obama Double Talk On NAFTA

A senior member of Obama's campaign allegedly called the Canadian ambassador and told him that talk of scrapping NAFTA would be part of the campaign, but also said, "Don't worry, it's just campaign rhetoric" and "Don't take it seriously". CTV also reports that the Clinton campaign has indirectly contacted the Canadian government and made similar statements.

 

In NAFTA, Mexico is a far greater problem than Canada. Canada is not a third-world cesspool.

 

h/t: LGF

Toxic Ricin Found In Las Vegas Motel Room

What kind of world are we living in when you have people running around with deadly toxins? Ricin in the quantity of a grain of salt is enough to kill you.

A substance found at a motel may be the deadly toxin ricin, but authorities said Friday they don't believe it was intended for a terrorist attack. Lab tests on the substance were pending and seven people were taken to hospitals as a precaution.

[...]

Police were called to the Extended Stay America Motel on Thursday and retrieved a package from the motel manager that was determined to be a chemical or controlled substance, Officer Ramon Denby said.

Two preliminary tests indicate it contained ricin, Denby said. Results from further tests by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a second local lab are expected later Friday, he said.

The man who brought the substance to the manager told police he found it in a suite and it did not belong to him, police Capt. Joseph Lombardo said at a news conference Thursday night. Lombardo did not identify the man.

Good News From The War On Terror 2/26-27

Iraqi Police find more than 500 munitions in cache

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police manning a checkpoint near Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, discovered a large weapons cache with more than 500 munitions Feb. 22.

The cache contained 240 60 mm mortars, 189 100 mm mortars, 107 fuses, three 82 mm rockets and two 88 mm mortars.

The IPs spotted three masked individuals digging approximately 250 meters from the checkpoint. The policemen yelled at men and moved toward the location. By the time they arrived at the site, the individuals had fled. Further investigation yielded discovery of three cache sites.

Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, and an explosive ordnance disposal team worked with the IPs to prepare the site for disposal. After the initial blast, approximately 60 more rounds of miscellaneous ordnance were unearthed.

 

Coalition forces kill 7 terrorists in firefight near Khan Bani Sa’ad

TIKRIT, Iraq – Multi-National Division – North Soldiers killed seven terrorists during a firefight east of Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq, in the early morning hours of Feb. 25.

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., were ambushed while conducting an operation to capture a known al-Qaeda in Iraq operative. When the Soldiers closed within 30 feet of the target house, they came under attack by  small arms fire and grenades. Three MND-N Soldiers were injured in the initial attack.

The troops, shielding the wounded with their bodies, returned fire, killing three terrorists. A scout weapons team observed several more fighters fleeing the target house and engaged them with rockets, killing four.

Two suspected AQI were detained, including the targeted AQI member.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Special Groups criminal network, detain one suspect

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained a suspected Special Groups member during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early Wednesday in Baghdad.

Coalition forces were targeting Iranian-backed Special Groups criminal networks involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they detained one suspected criminal without incident. The suspect's identity is still being determined.

 

Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; one killed, nine detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained nine suspects today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.

North of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists including an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in the facilitation of finances for the northern belt network. 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. The suspect is reportedly directly associated with AQI's northern belt senior leader and obtains funds by selling vehicles. 

During an operation southwest of Mahmudiyah, Coalition forces targeted an alleged associate of the southern belt AQI network believed to be involved in rigging house-borne improvised explosives devices. One terrorist was killed by supporting fixed-wing aircraft during the operation. As the ground force cleared the area, two suspected terrorists were detained without incident.

In northeast Mosul, Coalition forces captured two alleged associates of an AQI senior leader. The suspects are believed to be relatives of a senior AQI leader and involved in terrorist activity in the region. In addition to the wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained three other suspected terrorists on site.

 

Iraqi security forces, U.S. Special Operations forces detain nine suspected terrorists in separate operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces, with U.S. Special Operations forces advising, detained nine suspected terrorists in separate operations Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.

In Al Hawad, south of Mosul, soldiers from 2nd Iraqi Army Division detained five suspected members of a terrorist cell Feb. 24. The suspects are believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. According to intelligence reports, they are also allegedly involved in a campaign to intimidate Iraqi citizens.

In Balad, Iraqi special operations forces detained a suspected terrorist Feb. 25 in an operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq activities. The suspect is believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, as well as weapons trafficking in the region.

In Kubaysah, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics team detained three suspected terrorists in an operation to halt an insurgent cell believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

 

ANA commandos arrest suspected insurgents in Khowst

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army commandos from the 203rd Kandak, assisted by Coalition forces, arrested 17 suspected insurgents near Tirzaye and Sabari Districts, Khowst Province, Feb. 24.

Intelligence, provided by Afghan citizens, led the combined force to several compounds suspected of housing the militants. The detainees are suspected of being members of the Taliban, operating as facilitators in the emplacement and detonation of improvised explosive devices in Khowst.

Elsewhere, the Afghan National Army’s 201st Kandak, assisted by Coalition forces, responded to a report of an IED placed along a well-traveled road in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

Afghan National Police secured the area to protect the civilian population and the ANA moved in to verify the location and type of IED. The ANA destroyed the IED in place.

 

Feb. 25 airpower summary

 

Feb. 26 airpower summary

Key Bank Pays $200,000 Settlement For Doing Business In Iran

Of course the settlement means they neither accept or reject wrongdoing. You would think companies doing business in state sponsors of terror would face a much harsher penalty. I don't have an account at Key Bank so at least they didn't use my money.

A unit of Midwest regional bank KeyCorp will pay $200,000 to settle allegations that it violated regulations barring transactions with Iran.

Key Bank NA allegedly violated the Iranian transactions rules between 2002 and August 2004, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said last week.

The government said Key Bank "acted without an OFAC license or outside the scope of its license by operating accounts for an entity and a person located in Iran," and did not voluntarily disclose the matter.

Key, which did not admit or deny the allegations related to a "single customer relationship," paid the fine in December, company spokesman Bill Murschel said Monday.

"Along with all major banks, Key has significantly enhanced its policies, procedures and training in the area of anti-money-laundering in recent years, which includes transactions which fall under OFAC-related regulations," he said.

"Errant" Missile Strikes In Pakistan, Terrorists Die

Apparently, an errant missile fired from a drone at a target in Afghanistan, struck a terrorist safe house in Pakistan. Hey, mistakes happen. We would never violate Pakistan's sovereignty. *cough*

A missile struck a house in a Pakistani region known as being a safe haven for al Qaeda early on Thursday, killing 10 suspected militants including foreigners, intelligence officials and residents said.

The attack took place near Kaloosha village in the South Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border.

"The blast shook the entire area," said resident Behlool Khan.

A security official said he believed the missile was fired by U.S. forces who are operating in neighboring Afghanistan, and the house that was hit belonged to a Pashtun tribesman, Sher Mohammad Malikkheil, also known as Sheroo, who was known to have links with militants.

Good News From The War On Terror 2/24-25

Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; three killed, 25 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 25 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted an operation east of Samarra in Karwi Saturday targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate of the Baqouba suicide bombing network. The suspect is reportedly associated with two terrorists killed during operations Feb. 10 and 16 for their involvement in weapons facilitation and ties to the AQI network in the Hamrin Mountains.

When Coalition forces arrived in the area, they were fired on by a man matching the description of the wanted individual. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorist, killing him. As they continued to clear the area, they observed several other enemy personnel nearby, and a supporting helicopter engaged, killing two additional terrorists. Once the area was secure, the ground force confirmed the first terrorist killed was the wanted individual. In one of the target buildings, Coalition forces discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device manufacturing facility. The IED materials and several vehicles found on site were destroyed to prevent future use for terrorist attacks. Coalition forces also detained seven suspected terrorists.

South of Samarra today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an AQI network operating in al-Anbar province. Reports indicate the suspect is connected to an AQI leader associated with numerous senior terrorists operating both inside and outside Iraq, and who is involved in AQI media and propaganda operations.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to an area in Mosul believed to be a possible safe haven for a group of foreign terrorists involved in recent attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. The location is also reportedly connected with a suspect detained Feb. 19 for his association with a senior-level facilitator in the city. During the operation, the ground force cleared the area and detained four wanted suspects on site.

During operations in Tikrit and east of Hamim al-Alil, nine suspected terrorists were detained today while targeting associates involved in foreign terrorist facilitation for the Mosul AQI network. Also, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Friday and Saturday northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains targeting an alleged AQI safe haven and meeting location.

 

Coalition forces target Baghdad, Diyala terrorist networks; one killed, four detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained four suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central Iraq.

Saturday afternoon in Baghdad, Coalition forces killed a wanted terrorist and captured another wanted individual, both of whom were reportedly close associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the networks operating in the city. During the operation, Coalition forces detained both individuals on site. One of the individuals then attempted to escape, lunging toward Coalition forces, who engaged the hostile threat, killing him. 

In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the planning of suicide attacks in the city. The suspect had reportedly arranged to receive a suicide vest in order to attack a group of Concerned Local Citizen recruits. Intelligence indicates the suspect is a close associate of several leaders involved in AQI networks throughout Baghdad. Information gained from this operation led Coalition forces to a nearby location, where they captured an alleged member of the city’s car bombing network, who is also believed to have been involved in attacks against CLCs.

During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad today, one suspected terrorist was detained at an alleged AQI meeting location associated with the suicide network in the Diyala River Valley. Nearby, Coalition forces directed a fixed-wing airstrike on a house assessed to be rigged with explosives.

 

Coalition forces capture Iranian-backed Special Groups facilitator, detain seven suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Iranian-backed Special Groups finance facilitator and detained six other suspected criminals early Sunday in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad.

The targeted individual was reportedly a finance leader for Iranian-affiliated Special Groups criminals and militias in Iraq’s southern provinces to include Najaf, Karbala, Babil, Wasit and Qadisiyah. He was also allegedly a mortar and rocket specialist who had trained in Iran. Reports indicate he was an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the six other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered large amounts of American currency.

 

Coalition Forces capture 4 key AQI leaders

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces capture four suspected  al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in the Baghdad Feb 24.

The suspects are accused of being associated with numerous terrorist attacks in the Baghdad area, to include vehicle-borne improvised-explosive attacks, suicide VBIEDs and suicide vest IED attacks.

A series of recent terrorist attacks is believed to have been actively targeting innocent Iraqi civilians and Sons of Iraq.

 

Coalition forces disrupt Taliban networks in Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted two operations to disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Helmand Province Feb. 23.

Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Kajaki District targeting a Taliban leader responsible for conducting anti-government operations in the area. A number of insurgents were killed during the two operations when they employed small arms and hand-grenades against Coalition forces.

 

ANSF, Coalition forces clear enemy stronghold in Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, cleared Karez deh Baba and Kajaki in Helmand Province of insurgents and returned the area to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s control Feb. 20-22.

Before the fall of Musa Qaleh, insurgents used these villages and the surrounding area as part of a supply line to move weapons and drugs into the city. Insurgents were using the villages to launch attacks on Musa Qaleh and the upper Sangin Valley.

ANSF conducted operations to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to engage friendly forces with small-arms, rocket and indirect fire from the prepared fighting positions in the area in the first two days of fighting.  Friendly forces also used precision air strikes.

The ANSF spoke with the local populace to ensure they understood the purpose of the mission to restore security and to improve the civil infrastructure in the area.

Other villagers said they will welcome ANSF and GIRoA’s leadership along with the security and stability they can provide. Villagers also provided crucial information about common insurgent practices and the locations of insurgent safehouses.

During the next day of fighting, ANSF-led forces deployed in smaller units when they observed insurgents moving into fighting positions to engage them. The ANSF rooted out the insurgents and cleared the position finding an improvised explosive device and a small arms cache.

The enemy reinforced different fighting positions and engaged with indirect fire when the ANSF-led force renewed their assault. They found another small-arms and ammunition cache and destroyed both with precision guided munitions.

Friendly forces found approximately 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate that was destroyed in another insurgent safehouse.

The ANSF-led force eventually discovered the insurgents’ command center and a 100-foot deep interconnected tunnel system.  The command center consisted of a series of caves and the tunnel was littered with spare ammunition and shell casings.  The ANSF suppressed enemy forces in the immediate area before destroying the cave and tunnel system with precision guided munitions.

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