A Day Enjoying The Outdoors

I finally did it. I took vacation. I'm not sure how often I will be posting. I have a lot of things I want/need to do.

Yesterday I went to Resthaven Wildlife Area in Castalia. I started out at the hand trap range to prepare for bird hunting. It's been a long time since I've shot clays. I didn't do too bad considering. I hit about 20 out of 50. My brother didn't fare so well, he only hit 2 out of 50. I have a New England Firearms 12ga single-shot shotgun. It's very similar to shooting a cannon. I have a shoulder hickey from the recoil. It doesn't feel too good today. I expect my arm to fall off shortly.

I also took my dog along. He's a 5 year old black lab/rottweiler mix. He's my pet, not a hunting dog. He can barely find his food much less track animals. This would be his first experience with gunshots. Surprisingly enough, he wasn't gun-shy. He felt uneasy about the gunshots, but he didn't bolt. He just laid down in my truck for a while. After several shots, he become accustomed to the gunshots and was right there with us while we were shooting. Usually you have to train them as pups to get them used to gunshots. Nevertheless; he won't be flushing out pheasants any time soon.

After the hand trap range, we went fishing at the ponds. I caught a largemouth bass and a bluegill, my brother caught the same. Fishing wasn't going too well so we headed to the dove fields.

After wading through waist-high soybeans, I was pretty much exhausted. I only saw one dove, I missed. My brother claims to have seen five, he missed all of them. It shouldn't be too shocking considering his performance at the hand trap range.

I completely forgot about the early goose hunting season. The 15th was the last day of the early season. I almost went and got the necessary licenses to hunt waterfowl, but I didn't. Toward the end of the day, I had 10 Canadian geese fly low over my head. It would've been nice to have a goose dinner on my vacation.

If anyone needs to wonder why wildlife areas with public hunting is shrinking, you can point the finger at PETA (for the obvious reasons) and lazy hunters. At the hand trap range, I picked up approximately three dozen shotgun shells that weren't mine. It was even worse in the dove fields. In some spots there were piles of shells. It doesn't take that much effort to bend over and pick up your spent shells. Money that could be spent on improving or expanding public wildlife areas now have to be used to clean up after lazy hunters. I wish there were more game wardens there to dole out hefty fines to those hunters.

Wednesday, I may be heading to Clarksfield. Apparently, someone knows a spot near a grain silo where 100's of doves congregate. I hope so, those tasty morsels are making my mouth water.

Good News From The War On Terror 9/15

Iraqi Army, Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain extremists

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained a Shi’a extremist cell member Sept. 14 during an operation in Wassit Province.  Intelligence reports say the suspect conducts attacks using improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators as well as launching direct fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the Al Aziziyah area.   On Aug. 23, the suspect’s cell detonated an EFP on an Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces convoy, killing two Coalition Forces soldiers and wounding three others. He was also involved in an Aug. 2 IED attack on a convoy that killed two civilian contractors. Further intelligence indicates the extremist is also a member of a cell that conducts extra judicial killings against innocent civilians. The suspect is also accused of several criminal acts against the citizens of the town of Al Aziziyah. These criminal acts include emplacing IEDs, assault and kidnapping. During the raid, Iraqi and U.S. Forces confiscated two AK-47 rifles and six grenades. Two other suspicious individuals were also detained for further questioning.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain nine

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, detained nine suspected terrorists and destroyed approximately 170,000 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition during operations Sept. 11 and Sept. 13 in northern and western Iraq.  Iraqi Security Forces led an operation in Mosul Sept. 13 and detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq Emir who is an alleged battalion commander for the terrorist group.  He is also suspected of financing illegal activities in the local area.  One rocket propelled grenade launcher, three RPG rockets, two hand grenades, ammunition with magazines, propaganda and various materials used to make improvised explosive devices were seized during the operation.   Five other suspected terrorists were also detained.     In a separate operation Sept. 13, ISF detained six individuals believed to be linked to al Qaeda in Iraq during an early-morning operation in Al Qaim.  Intelligence reports indicate that one of the detainees is responsible for facilitating the re-supply of insurgents operating in the southern Rutbah deserts, just south of Al Qaim.  He is also suspected of obtaining weapons and equipment to be used in vicious attacks against Iraqi soldiers and police.  The second detainee allegedly supplies weapons, water and food to the al Qaeda in Iraq network south of Al Qaim and is believed to be meeting with foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq Emirs to plan future attacks in the area.  During an earlier operation, ISF detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq insurgent and seized more than 170,000 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition near Rawah Sept. 11. While operating in the vicinity of Samsiyah, forces detained the cell leader and discovered a buried storage container containing 3,500 cases of 14.5-millimeter armor-piercing incendiary anti-aircraft ammunition.   The ammunition was seized and the storage container was destroyed.  During a patrol near Lubiyah, forces discovered IEDs at two separate locations and destroyed the devices in place.

 

14 terrorists killed, 17 detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition forces killed 14 terrorists and detained 17 suspects during operations Saturday targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and their facilitation networks in central and northern Iraq. Iraqi and Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders during two operations in Tamim and Diyala provinces. As the assault force moved toward a target north of Bayji, surveillance elements observed several enemy elements moving into tactical position against the friendly forces. Iraqi and Coalition forces, responding to the hostile threat, called for close air support, which engaged and killed nine terrorists. Iraqi and Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist during the operation. Another raid targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders north of Muqdadiyah. Four armed terrorists engaged Coalition forces with small arms fire and grenades when the ground forces approached the target building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire and killed them. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists and called in an air strike to destroy two buildings used as terrorist safe houses. Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and four additional suspected terrorists believed to be part of the facilitation network in Mosul. One individual allegedly facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists and funding for use in al-Qaeda in Iraq operations. The other wanted individual is believed to be a cell leader who coordinates the distribution of mortars and improvised explosive devices for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in northern Iraq. During the operation, two armed terrorists engaged the assault force with small arms fire and Coalition forces responded in self-defense, killing one terrorist and wounding another. Coalition forces treated the injured suspect on scene and transported him to a military medical facility. Coalition forces also disrupted the foreign terrorist network in the southern belts around Baghdad when they captured six suspected associates of the network’s leaders west of the city. Two other operations around Baghdad netted two suspected terrorists. One of the suspects was wanted for his involvement in al-Qaeda in Iraq’s operations in the city’s car bombing network.

 

Sept. 14 airpower summary: F-15Es cover coalition forces

 

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 9/14

Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators; 5 killed, 21 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Friday in central and northern Iraq targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and a foreign terrorist network. Near Yusufiyah, Coalition forces targeted the network that facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists in the southern belts around Baghdad. Surveillance elements observed four armed men maneuvering from the target building into position against the assault force. Responding to the hostile threat, Coalition forces engaged the armed men and called in close air support to assist them. Two armed terrorists were killed by ground fire and two were killed by aircraft fire. The ground forces detained five suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to that foreign terrorist network. Two coordinated operations in the Jabouri Peninsula east of Balad targeted foreign terrorists and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. Coalition forces captured two brothers who allegedly operate a safe house for foreign terrorists planning and conducting attacks in the area. The brothers are also believed to be responsible for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces. Four additional suspected terrorists were detained in the operations. Operations in Mosul and Kirkuk targeted senior leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq and their networks in northern Iraq. Coalition forces captured a suspected administrative leader for al-Qaeda in Iraq’s Mosul network and detained nine other suspected terrorists. Based on information from an operation Sep. 8, Coalition forces conducted a raid northwest of Tarmiyah and killed an armed terrorist who attempted to engage the assault force.

 

Shi’a extremist leader killed, one insurgent detained

BAGHDAD –Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, killed a Shi’a extremist company commander during an intelligence driven operation Sept. 13 in Diwaniyah. Reports indicate the dead insurgent leader, Najah Al-Agra also known as Abu Ali, was responsible for leading a group of more than 25 individuals who conducted mortar and small arms fire against Coalition Forces in the Diwaniyah area. Intelligence connects the suspect and his company to various criminal activities including a July mortar attack on the Coalition base in Diwaniyah and a separate attack on a Coalition patrol in the same area. The insurgent leader aimed his pistol at the Iraqi and U.S. Forces, displaying hostile intent during the mission. The Iraqi and U.S. team members responded, killing the individual. While on target, the team also received fire from a building to the south. The team suppressed the hostile fire with proportional and well-aimed fire. One suspicious individual was detained for further questioning during the raid.

 

Suspected militants killed in Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Early today Afghan and Coalition forces killed several suspected militants and detained two others during an operation in Helmand Province. The detainees include a suspected militant who was wounded during the course of operations and evacuated for further medical attention. The forces suspected the targeted compounds, located in the Garmser District, were housing a weapons facilitator. Several caches of opium and multiple weapons were found on-site. These weapons included several AK-47s, numerous full ammunition vests, a machine gun and several rocket propelled grenades. Some damage was done to compounds in the area during the course of operations. There were no injuries or deaths to non-combatants. The detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities.

 

One detained, several killed in operation

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several suspected militants were killed and one was detained during an operation in Ghazni Province today. Afghan and Coalition forces were led by credible intelligence to Qara Bagh District where they suspected Taliban-affiliated militants were hiding. There were no non-combatant injuries or casualties. The detainee will be questioned as to his involvement in militant activities.

 

Sept. 13 airpower summary: B-1Bs keep enemy in check

 

 

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

O.J. Arrested In Armed Robbery

I really hope they can nail him. He's already gotten away with murder, hopefully he won't get away with this.

O.J. Simpson was arrested Sunday on charges related to an armed robbery involving sport memorabilia, police said. Simpson was arrested shortly after 11 a.m. and is being brought to a police office, Capt. James Dillon said. Simpson has said he and other people with him went to the Palace Station casino-hotel on Thursday to retrieve items that belonged to him. He told police no guns were involved. Police said earlier Sunday that two firearms and other evidence had been seized during the investigation after a search of a private residence. At least one other person has been arrested.

 

***UPDATE***

O.J. is held WITHOUT bail on armed robbery charges.

O.J. Simpson was arrested Sunday and held without bail on charges related to the armed robbery of sports memorabilia in a Las Vegas hotel room, Las Vegas police said Sunday. Prosecutors were planning to charge Simpson with two counts of robbery with use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and coercion, said Clark County District Attorney David Roger. A conviction on the most serious charge, robbery with use of a deadly weapon, could bring a sentence of three to 35 years for each count, he said. "He is facing a lot of time," Roger said.

 

Technorati tags: O.J., Simpson, Las Vegas, Robbery, Murderer

Good News From The War On Terror 9/13

Five terrorists killed, 11 suspects detained in Coalition operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their operatives in central and northern parts of the country. Using intelligence gained from an operation Aug. 30, Coalition forces targeted a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq in Baqubah. Two armed men attempted to maneuver against the assault force and, in response, the assault force engaged the men in self-defense, killing them. As they called for the target building’s occupants to come out, the assault force saw a woman attempt to draw a pistol from a weapons belt she was wearing.  Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the armed woman, killing her. Another woman approaching the assault force dropped a grenade from under her clothes. When she attempted to retrieve and activate the grenade, Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat, killing the woman. The assault force detained five suspected terrorists during the operation, including another woman who was armed with a pistol. Coalition forces targeted a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s Baghdad network involved in planning and executing car-bombing attacks against Iraqis and the security forces that protect them. When an armed man emerged from the target building and maneuvered against the ground forces, Coalition forces engaged and killed him. Two suspected terrorists were detained in the operation. In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to conduct assassinations for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The ground forces detained three additional suspected terrorists in the raid.

 

Taji terrorist safe house destroyed, 12 suspected insurgents detained

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, conducted an intelligence driven helicopter assault raid Sept. 12 resulting in the detention of 12 suspected insurgents and the destruction of an explosively-rigged structure. Assault forces conducted a series of raids in the vicinity of Taji and detained ten targeted individuals and two additional persons of interest. While securing one of the objectives, an assault team discovered a command detonation wire leading from an abandoned structure and the area was immediately evacuated. After ensuring full accountability of all forces and ensuring no civilians were located within the vicinity of the structure, close air support was called in to destroy the target with four laser-guided bombs. The targeted individuals are purportedly linked to the Lions of Islam Martyr Group and are suspected of improvised explosive device trafficking, facilitating foreign fighters and conducting murder and intimidation campaigns in the region.

 

10 detained in Garmser District

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Acting on credible intelligence, Afghan and Coalition forces detained 10 suspected militants early today in Garmser District of Helmand Province. The detainees will be questioned as to their identities and involvement in militant activities. A small cache consisting of multiple small arms, ammunition and a grenade was found on-site and destroyed.

 

Commandos successful in first operation in Nangahar Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The brand-new battalion of Afghan National Army Commandos, along with a contingent of Afghan National Police advised by Coalition forces, conducted its first mission successfully during a two-day operation, which concluded this morning. The operation was conducted 30 miles southwest of Jalalabad in the Sherzad District of Nangahar Province and the Commando-led force is credited with eliminating two weapons caches, a large quantity of opium and capturing a known Taliban facilitator, along with two other possible Taliban extremists, from three targeted compounds. The planning and execution of the operation fell to the first unit of Commandos, an elite organization of Afghan soldiers, which graduated from the three-month training program at a camp near Kabul on July 28.  The Commando and ANP teams, acting on credible intelligence, moved to the objective by both helicopters and ground vehicles. The Commandos detained a key Taliban extremist facilitator identified as Haji Shir Khan.  Khan is a known improvised explosive device maker, who is responsible for numerous IED attacks on Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Coalition forces in the Nangahar province. During the search of the three compounds, the combined force discovered 18 rocket propelled grenade rounds, one anti-tank mine, 10 hand grenades, one 12-gauge shotgun, eight fully-loaded AK-47 magazines, and more than 80 kilograms of opium.  All the items, except the shotgun and AK-47 magazines, were destroyed at the site.

 

Sept. 12 airpower summary: A-10s unleash the thunder

 

 

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

160 Crazies Arrested During Protest In D.C.

It would be better if they had just "disappeared".

Several thousand anti-war demonstrators marched through downtown Washington on Saturday, clashing with police at the foot of the Capitol steps where at least 160 protesters were arrested. The group marched from the White House to the Capitol to demand an end to the Iraq war. Their numbers stretched for blocks along Pennsylvania Avenue, and they held banners and signs and chanted, "What do we want? Troops out. When do we want it? Now." ... Counterprotesters lined the sidewalks behind metal barricades. There were some heated shouting matches between the two sides. The arrests came after protesters lay down on the Capitol lawn in what they called a "die in" — with signs on top of their bodies to represent soldiers killed in Iraq. When police took no action, some of the protesters started climbing over a barricade at the foot of the Capitol steps. Many were arrested without a struggle after they jumped over the waist-high barrier. But some grew angry as police with shields and riot gear attempted to push them back. At least two people were showered with chemical spray. Protesters responded by throwing signs and chanting: "Shame on you."

 

 

Technorati tags: September 15, War Protesters, Washington, D.C.

NY Times Gives MoveOn.org Bargain Price For Petraeus Ad

It's sickening, yet it doesn't surprise me that the NY Times would drastically cut their ad price for MoveOn.org. I'm beginning to think that whole fairness doctrine thing would be a good idea. The democrats would lose most of their favorable media coverage.

The New York Times dramatically slashed its normal rates for a full-page advertisement for MoveOn.org's ad questioning the integrity of Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq. Headlined "Cooking the Books for the White House," the ad which ran in Monday's Times says Petraeus is "a military man constantly at war with the facts" and concluded - even before he testified before Congress - that "General Petraeus is likely to become General Betray Us." According to Abbe Serphos, director of public relations for the Times, "the open rate for an ad of that size and type is $181,692." A spokesman for MoveOn.org confirmed to The Post that the liberal activist group had paid only $65,000 for the ad - a reduction of more than $116,000 from the stated rate.

 

Technorati tags: NY Times, Democrats, MoveOn.org, Petraeus, Liberal, Nutroots

Good News From The War On Terror 9/12

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 21 terrorists

BAGHDAD – Members of 9th Iraqi Army Division detained sixteen suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in two separate intelligence-driven raids Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 near Taji. The targeted individuals are suspected of participating in improvised explosive device attacks against civilians, and Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  One suspected terrorist is a known facilitator and manufacturer of vehicle-borne IEDs, while another extremist allegedly supplies weapons to an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell in Taji. Nine AK-47 rifles with eleven loaded magazines, one anti-aircraft machine gun with a belt of ammunition, and one hand-held machine gun were seized during the raids. In a separate operation Sept. 11, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a Shi’a extremist, who is suspected of using his position in the Ministry of Interior to kidnap and murder Sunni citizens in the Jihad area of Baghdad. Additionally, the suspected terrorist cell he operates is allegedly responsible for IED and mortar attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in addition to innocent citizens who stand against the group’s criminal activities.  Four AK-47 rifles, one Uzi sub-machine gun, two pistols, one machine gun, and computer equipment were seized while four other individuals, suspected of being linked to his cell, were detained.

 

East Baghdad raid nets 16 suspected insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division captured 16 suspected insurgents during a raid Sept. 10 in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad.   The raid, carried out by Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, was part of the continuous effort to sweep out insurgent strongholds in the area.

 

Coalition Forces nab three suspected militants

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – An air assault mission south of Baghdad Sept. 10 yielded three suspected militants who were detained after they were discovered with explosives. The mission, dubbed Operation Falcon Fury, was led by 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade’s attack and assault elements and supported on the ground by Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to Task Force Marne.

 

One terrorist killed, 13 suspects detained as Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 13 suspected terrorists during raids Wednesday to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate in central Iraq. Coalition forces raided several buildings southeast of Baqubah during an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader in the area. When one man refused to follow the interpreter’s instructions and moved to retrieve a weapon, Coalition forces engaged the man in self-defense, killing him. The ground forces detained two suspected terrorists during the raid and found weapons and military-style assault vests on scene. Coalition forces conducted two operations to disrupt car-bombing networks in the Tigris River Valley. In Tikrit, the ground forces captured an individual believed to operate a car-bombing cell and allegedly associated with Haytham Sabah al-Badri, the mastermind behind the Samarra Golden Mosque bombing, who was killed in a Coalition operation Aug. 2. North of Taji, Coalition forces captured a suspected car-bombing operative from the Baghdad network. Four additional suspected terrorists were detained in the two operations. Coalition forces further disrupted the Baghdad terrorist network when they detained five suspected terrorists during an operation targeting foreign terrorist facilitators on the south side of the city.

 

15 suspects detained in operations targeting al-Qaeda in northern Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their networks in the northern part of the country. Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals in Mosul believed to be finalizing plans for an attack on the Mosul airfield during Ramadan. The two are also suspected of conducting attacks against Coalition forces and planning the attack on the Mosul airfield during Ramadan in 2006. Near the Syrian border, Coalition forces captured a mortar expert wanted for his suspected involvement in August attacks on Kurdish government buildings in Sinjar.  The ground forces detained six additional suspected terrorists during the raid and discovered a cache of weapons, including machine guns and vehicle mounts.  After clearing civilians from the area, Coalition forces called in an air strike to destroy the cache. Iraqi and Coalition forces in Kirkuk captured a suspected terrorist wanted for his ties to senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. The ground forces detained five additional suspects during the raid.

 

ANA, Coalition eliminate insurgents in Oruzgan battle

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, killed a large group of Taliban insurgents in a battle today in the Oruzgan Province. The engagement started when insurgents in Aduzay Village, Deh Rawood District attacked a combined ANA and Coalition patrol with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. The ANA-led force immediately returned fire and called for Coalition close air support after confirming the enemy was drawing large amounts of reinforcements from areas across the Helmand River. The ANA soldiers cleared extremist Taliban from multiple firing positions located within the village’s green zone.  Coalition aircraft destroyed the positively identified insurgent positions using precision guided munitions. More than 45 insurgents were killed in the engagement.  No ANA, Coalition or non-combatants were reported injured or killed.

 

Sept. 11 airpower summary: Airlifters resupply daily

 

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 9/11

Coalition forces advance Baghdad security, six terrorists killed, five detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained five suspected terrorists during operations Tuesday to disrupt the al-Qaeda network and boost security in Baghdad. Coalition forces targeted the expected replacement for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the southern belts around Baghdad, who was killed in a Coalition operation Sept. 5.  A group of armed men engaged Coalition forces with heavy small arms fire in Southern Baghdad. Coalition forces responded in self-defense, returned fire and called in close air support to engage the enemy force. Coalition forces ground and air fire killed six armed men in the engagement. Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operative allegedly associated with senior terrorist leaders. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground forces detained four other suspected terrorists.

 

Eight terrorists killed, 15 suspects detained in northern Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Eight terrorists were killed and 15 suspected terrorists were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in northern Iraq. Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network that conducts attacks and facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists in northwestern Iraq. Several armed men engaged Coalition forces during a raid in a desolate area six miles from the Syrian border. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing six armed men. Coalition forces also discovered two men hiding inside a tent, one of whom detonated a suicide vest he was wearing, killing only himself and the other terrorist. Coalition forces found several suicide vests, weapons, rockets, grenades and $18,000 in U.S. currency at the site. They also detained one individual. In the second operation, in the far western part of Ninewa province, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists. In Bayji, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have taken over the sniper and assassination network in the area after Coalition forces captured his predecessor Aug. 4.  Also in the Tigris River Valley, ground forces detained one suspected terrorist near Balad for his alleged ties to a network known to attack Coalition forces. Iraqi and Coalition forces in Kirkuk targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the city’s car-bombing network, who also facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists who conduct suicide attacks.  The ground forces detained seven suspected terrorists and found a cache of bomb-making materials, which they safely destroyed on site.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain two al Qaeda cell leaders, five insurgents

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Forces detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leaders during an intelligence driven raid in support of Operation Phantom Strike Sept. 10 in the Sharqat village in northern Iraq. One of the targeted individuals is accused of the kidnapping and beheading of Iraqi Soldiers and emplacing improvised explosive devices targeting Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Iraqi Army and U.S. Special Forces also seized five AK-47 assault rifles, one shotgun, one 9mm pistol, five AK-47 bayonets, body armor and numerous al-Qaeda documents. The forces also detained three other suspected al-Qaeda terrorists during this operation. In a separate operation, Iraqi Army forces detained two Sunni extremists during a raid near Tikrit. The extremists are linked to a small arms and rocket propelled grenade attack on Coalition Forces August 28 that left one civilian critically wounded.

 

Suspected militants killed in Sangin district

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several suspected militants were killed and eight were detained early today in an operation by Afghan and Coalition forces. The suspected militants were shot and killed after they threatened the force in the Sangin district, Helmand province.  A small cache consisting of grenades and several AK-47s was found and destroyed in a safe place. The detainees will be questioned as to their identities and involvement in militant activities.

 

Sept. 10 airpower summary: F-15s strike enemy

 

 

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

Israel Spots Nuclear Installations In Syria

It is now known that Israel's violation of Syrian airspace was to take out Iranian missile sites in Syria. Recent surveillance has indicated Syria now has a nuclear installation believed to be from North Korea.

Israel believes that North Korea has been supplying Syria and Iran with nuclear materials, a Washington defense official told the New York Times. “The Israelis think North Korea is selling to Iran and Syria what little they have left,” he said. The official added that recent Israeli reconnaissance flights over Syria revealed possible nuclear installations that Israeli officials estimate might have been supplied with material from North Korea. Meanwhile on Wednesday the Nazareth-based Israeli Arab newspaper The Assennara cited anonymous Israeli sources as saying that Israeli jets "bombed a Syrian-Iranian missile base in northern Syria that was financed by Iran... It appears that the base was completely destroyed."

It becomes more apparent that North Korea is involved because they sure got worked up over Israel bombing the missile site.

North Korea commented on the incident Tuesday, calling it a "dangerous provocation", Chinese News Agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday. "This is a very dangerous provocation little short of wantonly violating the sovereignty of Syria and seriously harassing the regional peace and security," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the above-said intrusion and extends full support and solidarity to the Syrian people in their just cause to defend the national security and the regional peace."

 I have no doubt Israel with deal with this swiftly.

 

Technorati tags: Israel, Syria, Nuclear Materials, North Korea, Middle East

Showdown With Iran

The past few days in the Middle East has been increasingly volatile. Today, Germany has decided to halt sanctions against Iran, concerned that continuing Iranian sanction would be damaging to the German economy. This is a ridiculous cop-out. The United States has had sanction against Iran for nearly 30 years and our economy has managed nicely.

Diplomacy has failed. The U.N. sanctions cannot go any further because of Russia and China shielding Iran, and Germany refusing to continue self imposed sanctions. An Iranian blockade had been considered, but the burden would be placed more on the citizens of Iran, rather than the regime. What else can be done to halt the Iranian threat? Looks like "Shock & Awe" is in the works.

The Germans voiced concern about the damaging effects any further sanctions on Iran would have on the German economy — and also, according to diplomats from other countries, gave the distinct impression that they would privately welcome, while publicly protesting, an American bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear facilities.

The blockade of oil and gas would likely be followed by severe bombings. If Iranian jets can't get off the ground, they can't challenge ours.

Now that there is heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, British troops have begun massing along the Iraq/Iran border to prevent Iran from escalating the proxy war.

The deployment came within a week of British forces leaving Basra Palace, their last remaining base inside Basra city, and withdrawing to the airport for a widely expected final departure from Iraq. Brigadier James Bashall, commander of 1 Mechanised Brigade, based at Basra said: "We have been asked to help at the Iranian border to stop the flow of weapons and I am willing to do so. We know the points of entry and I am sure we can do what needs to be done. The US forces are, as we know, engaged in the 'surge' and the border is of particular concern to them."

Gen. Petraeus feels that the situation with Iran can longer be dealt with inside Iraq and cannot be tolerated.

In an interview after his appearance before a congressional panel on Monday, General Petraeus strongly implied that it would soon be necessary to obtain authorization to take action against Iran within its own borders, rather than just inside Iraq. "There is a pretty hard look ongoing at that particular situation" he said.

I'm sure this situation will continue to evolve during the day.

h/t: HotAir

Technorati tags: U.S. United States, Iran, Germany, Britain, U.K., U.N. Sanctions, War on Terror

One Of The Stupidest Things I've Seen

First of all, is the person is this video male or female? Second, what kind of messed up person would get so worked up about someone they have never/will never meet? She probably cut her thighs in angst.

 

 

 

Technorati tags: Britney Spears, Video, Mtv Awards

Good News From The War On Terror 9/10

In 24-hr battle, Hawr Rajab turns on al-Qaeda

HAWR RAJAB, Iraq – Over the course of 24-hours across September 6-7, a decisive battle reshaped the security outlook for Hawr Rajab, when more than 80 concerned local citizens swept through the streets looking to drive al-Qaeda elements out of the city. The concerned local citizens coordinated with the imam of a local mosque to broadcast the message to al-Qaeda, “Move to the mosque and they will be given amnesty, and there will be peace in Hawr Rajab.” Initial fighting kicked off as U.S. Soldiers were preparing to depart. The Soldiers, of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, adjusted their plans after the first shots were fired, moving into an overwatch position. As the day progressed, al Qaeda fighters engaged the CLCs with small-arms fire and mortar rounds. More than 45 mortar rounds were fired into the city during fighting that lasted nearly 24-hours. The battle finally ended in the early morning hours of Sept. 7 with the CLCs in control of strong points in Hawr Rajab. This turning point for concerned local citizen involvement with the area’s security came just five weeks after the soldiers of the 2nd BCT, 3ID began working with the residents of Hawr Rajab. While U.S. troops do not fight side-by-side with the concerned citizens, Coalition Forces assist thru over watch and air support if they request help. The citizens are providing security in an area that does not have Iraqi Security Forces.  After confirming the location of al-Qaeda forces, Troop A Soldiers called in an AH-64 Apache helicopter in the midst of the battle. The helicopter was engaged by al Qaeda with a .23 millimeter anti-aircraft gun. The Apache responded with a Hellfire missile, killing two al-Qaeda members and destroying the weapon. U.S. Air Force F-16 jets were also called in to destroy a bridge that was being used by al-Qaeda as a crossing point into city. Over the course of the day, four enemy fighters were killed, with an additional 30 suspected al-Qaeda detained. Two of the detainees confessed to belonging to local al Qaeda cells, while two were included in reports of terrorist activity in the area. All four were taken into custody by U.S. forces for questioning. The concerned local citizens emerged with only one individual killed in action, and four wounded. U.S. troops suffered no casualties.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain extremist Islamic Army cell leader, 9 insurgents

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Scouts detained a high-level insurgent working for both the Islamic Army and al-Qaeda in Iraq during a raid Sept. 9 in the Yarmouk area, near Baghdad. The suspect is accused of ordering the assassination of a security guard for a local school and the attempted murder of an Iraqi policeman. In addition, he allegedly orders his cell members to attack citizens who oppose his terrorist criminal activities and those who support efforts to provide security and stability in the region. Reports say his terrorist cell is responsible for numerous kidnappings, murders, extra-judicial killings and improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Forces  detained seven other individuals believed to be linked to this terrorist cell while seizing four AK-47 assault rifles, one 9mm pistol and a shotgun. In a separate operation, members of an Iraqi Army Reconnaissance unit detained a suspected terrorist Sept. 9 in Taji during an air assault operation. The cell member acquires fuel and materials to prepare vehicle borne improvised explosive devices for use against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Forces detained one other suspicious individual during the raid and seized two weapons. U.S. Special Forces were advisers during both operations and no Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain 18 insurgents near Karmah, Kirkuk

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces detained 16 individuals suspected of supporting al Qaeda in Iraq activities Sept. 8 near Karmah. Iraqi Forces coordinated a series of raids northeast of Fallujah, detaining thirteen individuals at the targeted locations. Three other individuals were pursued and taken into custody after fleeing from the assault force. The detained individuals are suspected of supporting an al Qaeda sniper cell allegedly responsible for a series of attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces in and around the Karmah area. Six AK-47 assault rifles, multiple identification cards, passports and terrorist propaganda were seized during the raid. In an earlier operation, 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected al Qaeda in Iraq assassins during an early morning raid Sept. 8 in Za’ab Village near Kirkuk. The two extremists are suspected of shooting and killing General Jaber, former Iraqi Army officer, in the Kirkuk area Sept. 7 as he was driving home after a meeting with a group opposed to the al Qaeda in Iraq insurgency.

 

ANP detain insurgent commander in Ghazni

BAGRAM AIFIELD, Afghanistan- Afghan National Police, advised by Coalition forces, detained the Taliban district commander of Andar, Ghazni and four others in an operation designed to disrupt insurgent activities in Ghazni Province early this morning. Maulawi Ahmad Jan is known to be extensively involved in the coordination of insurgent activities in Ghazni Province. He has directed IED and ambush attacks against ANSF and Coalition forces throughout the region. During the search of Ahmad Jan’s compound, ANP discovered a weapons and ammunition cache.

 

Sept. 9 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover

 

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

Duncan Hunter On O'Reilly Factor

Duncan Hunter discusses illegal immigration and the border fence (and lack thereof). They also discuss the Moveon.org hack job against General Petraeus.

 

 

 

 

Technorati tags: Duncan Hunter, Bill Oreilly, Oreilly factor, Fox News, Illegal Immigration, Border Fence, Presidential Candidate, Republican, Conservative

Israeli Excursion Into Syrian Airspace To Take Out Iranian Weapons

A few days ago there were reports that Israeli jets violated Syrian airspace. What was not reported was why. Apparently some Iranian weapons found their way to the Syria/Israel border. Imagine that. So Israel once again took the needed steps to protect herself from attack.

CNN news network reported Tuesday that the incident in which Israeli planes reportedly invaded Syrian airspace was actually an attack on Iranian weapons transferred to Syria. According to the report, the incident involved an aerial operation that also included ground forces that were meant to mark targets or inspect the damage caused by the attack. It was also reported that the operation left "a great hole in the ground" in the Syrian desert. The report was based mainly on sources in the American government and CNN said that Israel was satisfied with the operation's results. The report said Israel apparently targeted a type of weapon transferred through Syria to Hizbullah from Iran.

 

Technorati tags: Iran, Syria, Israel, Hezbollah, Iranian Weapons