'New' Old Bin Laden Video Released

It's a new tape with old footage. There's a reason Bin Laden hasn't been shown on video for the past year or so, it's because he's dead or severely disabled.

A new al-Qaida videotape posted Sunday on a militant Web site featured a short, undated clip of a weary-looking Osama bin Laden praising martyrdom. The bin Laden clip, which lasted less than a minute, was part of a 40-minute video featuring purported al-Qaida fighters in Afghanistan paying tribute to fellow militants who have been killed in the country. Bin Laden glorified those who die in the name of jihad, or holy war, saying even the Prophet Muhammad "had been wishing to be a martyr." "The happy (man) is the one that God has chosen him to be a martyr," added bin Laden, who was shown outdoors wearing army fatigues and looking tired. The authenticity of the video could not be verified, but it appeared on a Web site commonly used by Islamic militants and carried the logo of as-Sahab, al-Qaida's media production wing. It was not immediately clear when the video of bin Laden was filmed. Bin Laden was last heard from in a July 1, 2006 audio tape in which he voiced support for the new leader of al-Qaida in Iraq and warned nations not to send troops to fight a hardline Islamic regime that had recently seized power in Somalia. Sunday's video, dedicated to Muslims who have left their homes to fight jihad, included a series of animated scenes showing green fields overlaid with Arabic names written in gold, representing Arab fighters who had died in Afghanistan.

 

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Afghanistan, War on Terror, Terrorists, Bin Laden, Islam

Good News From The War On Terror 7/13

Coalition Forces kill two terrorists, capture 19 suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 19 suspected terrorists during operations in central and western Iraq Friday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and their associates. Coalition Forces targeted the leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq during coordinated raids on several buildings in Tarmiyah.  As Coalition Forces entered one of the buildings, two men charged the ground forces and attempted to assault them.  Coalition Forces, reacting in self-defense, engaged the two men, killing them.  Another man was injured by a ricochet bullet from the engagement and was taken to a military medical facility. During the raids, Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists, including a targeted individual who is an alleged weapons facilitator in Anbar province and closely tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.  A separate raid in Tarmiyah netted two more suspected terrorists tied to the religious emir of al-Qaeda in Iraq. West of Taji, Coalition Forces conducted operations on two buildings in search of a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Karmah.  The ground forces captured eight suspected terrorists, including the targeted individual, who is allegedly involved in conducting terrorist attacks, coordinating suicide operations and importing weapons from abroad. Coalition Forces raided two buildings in southwestern Baghdad and detained three suspected terrorists allegedly tied to the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of Baghdad.

 

Dragons’ Operation ‘Hammers’ enemy

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops detained more than 100 suspected insurgents and seized more than 200 weapons caches during Operation Dragon Hammer in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital July 1 -11. The operation, launched by the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team “Dragons,” 1st Infantry Division, was aimed at rooting out suspected terrorists; interdicting their supplies; and helping the elected Iraqi government secure the southern Baghdad district. Between July 1-11, 101 suspects were detained, including suspected leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq and rogue elements of Jayesh Al Mahdi.  One suspect, believed to be an Al Qaeda cell leader, was killed July 9. During this time, Dragon Brigade Soldiers located 237 weapons caches which included two intact explosively formed penetrator devices, one complete 120mm mortar system, 37 mortar rounds and various other IED-making materials; and numerous small arms and small arms ammunition On July 11, alone, 11 suspected Al Qaeda members were detained in the Massafee area during a targeted raid. Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th IBCT, launched the raid to capture suspected terrorists in order to disrupt Al Qaeda activities in the area. The suspects were detained for further questioning.

 

MND-B aircrews destroy homemade explosive factory, cache

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed a homemade explosive factory and cache July 12 northwest of Baghdad. An AH-64D Apache team from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, first observed two buildings that appeared to be part of an HME factory during a reconnaissance mission July 5. An air assault was planned to establish whether the buildings were used to manufacture the explosive, frequently used by terrorists in roadside and car bombs. The air assault, Operation Eagles, launched at approximately 2 a.m. July 12, with two UH-60 Black Hawks from 3rd “Spearhead” Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, transporting Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div. to the potential HME site. The 1-37th FA Soldiers were inserted near the site and confirmed that the buildings were used to manufacture explosives. The Soldiers also found an anti-aircraft weapon in the buildings and two trailers and eight vehicles at the site. After getting clearance from the ground forces, the Apache helicopter crews fired on the buildings, destroying them and the anti-aircraft weapon system. The Apaches also destroyed the two trailers and fired on the vehicles.

 

Taji’s “Neighborhood Watch” turns over fourth cache in two weeks

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — For a fourth time in two weeks, a large cache of improvised explosive device-making material and mortar rounds was turned over to Coalition Forces by the “Neighborhood Watch” in Taji, Iraq July 9. The cache contained more than 20 mortar rounds, multiple makeshift mortar tubes and mortar fuses. Also in the cache were IED timing devices and IED detonation material. This is the fourth time since the establishment of a Coalition outpost in Falahat, a village near Taji, north of the Iraqi capital, that weapons caches have been turned in or identified to Soldiers from Troop D, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, who man the outpost.  Thus far, six caches have been removed from the village, two discovered by Coalition and Iraqi Army troops patrolling the area.  The “Neighborhood Watch” is made up of a group of 500 local volunteers, tribe members in the Taji area who want reconciliation with the Coalition and the Iraqi government. These volunteers are currently being vetted for possible future selection for training as Iraqi Police or some other organization within the Iraqi Security Forces.

 

U.S. Special Forces apprehend high-level Al-Qaeda cell leader

BAGHDAD – U.S. Special Forces and Iraqi Security Forces detained an alleged high-level Al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader July 13 at Baghdad International Airport. The alleged cell leader turned himself in to U.S. Special Forces and Iraqi Security Forces without a struggle and is currently in U.S. custody for questioning.   The alleged cell leader has reportedly targeted Coalition Forces, distributed mortars, organized and ordered vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks. He is believed to operate out of the Karh district of Baghdad, along with Mahmudiyah and the Arab Jabour districts.

 

Iraqi Forces detain sniper cell leader in Bayji

BAYJI, Iraq – Elements of the 4th Iraqi Army Brigade detained the leader of a terrorist sniper cell in Bayji during an intelligence driven operation in Bayji July 12. The targeted individual is allegedly responsible for leading attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, including attacks against the joint security site in downtown Bayji. Two other individuals were also detained during the operation. One other member of this cell had been previously captured last month. Iraqi Forces, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisors, also confiscated an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and computer equipment.

 

Iraqi citizen leads Soldiers to caches in known terrorist safe haven

QARGHULI VILLAGE, Iraq — An Iraqi citizen who has been working with Coalition Forces during the past week led them to two caches in Qarghuli Village, Iraq, a known terrorist safe haven. The local resident accompanied Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., on a dismounted patrol in the village July 12 and led them to two caches. The caches consisted of a rack system, a video camera, a 61mm fuze, a spool of command wire used to make improvised explosive devices, 44 Dragonov sniper rounds and a 155mm round. During the past few days the Iraqi residents have led the Polar Bears to more than 14 caches in the village. “The people of Qarghuli Village coming forward to help the Iraqi and Coalition Forces is a positive sign that they are willing to take more responsibility in their own security,” said Maj. Kenny Mintz, the 2nd BCT operations officer and native of San Diego. “They are taking steps that they have never taken before.” The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by members of the explosive ordnance team.

 

13th MEU finds 50,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate

CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq –  Marines from Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discovered 500, one hundred-pound bags of ammonium nitrate July 11.  Marines stopped two 18-wheel tractor trailers while conducting a vehicle check point north of Karmah. The ammonium nitrate, a common ingredient in improvised explosive devices, was found during a search of the vehicles. Marines are currently conducting operations north of Fallujah and Karmah to search for weapons caches and to deny enemy activities throughout the area.

 

 

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

Fred's Still Ahead In Poll 7/13

Fred! 25% Giuliani 24%

The race for of the Republican Presidential nomination following the July 4th holiday looks a lot like it did before the nation’s birthday party. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani essentially tied for the lead. It’s Thompson at 25% and Giuliani at 24%. Trailing the frontrunners at a distance are former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Arizona Senator John McCain. They’re tied at 12%. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback each attract support from 2% of voters nationally. Five other candidates split 3% of the vote (Congressman Ron Paul, Congressman Tom Tancredo, Congressman Duncan Hunter, former Governors Tommy Thompson and former Governor Jim Gilmore). Twenty percent (20%) of likely Republican Primary Voters are undecided at this time.

 

Technorati tags: Fred Thompson, Giuliani, McCain, Romney, 2008 Presidential Candidates, Republicans

Grand Jury Indictment Of Usama Bin Laden, 1998

I thought there was no ties between al-Qaeda and Iraq? I guess only if a Republican is president.

New York -- A U.S. Federal Grand Jury in New York on Nov. 5 issued an indictment against Usama Bin Laden alleging that he and others engaged in a long-term conspiracy to attack U.S. facilities overseas and to kill American citizens. The indictment noted that Al Qaeda, Bin Laden's international terrorist group, forged alliances with the National Islamic Front in Sudan and with the government of Iran and with its associated group Hezballah to "work together against their perceived common enemies in the West, particularly the United States." Additionally, the indictment states that Al Qaeda reached an agreement with Iraq not to work against the regime of Saddam Hussein and that they would work cooperatively with Iraq, particularly in weapons development.

Read the whole thing here.

 

Technorati tags: Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, al-Qaida, Iraq, Terrorists, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Hizbollah, Indictment, Saddam Hussein

Pakistan Blocks CNN, "Highly Biased And Misleading"

...and the Pakistani's are exactly right.

Pakistan government has barred the US television channel CNN from entering the Lal Masjid complex accusing it of telecasting a "highly biased and misleading" report against the country. The battered mosque was opened to the media for the first time on Friday after the military operation against militants. Officials said CNN was denied access to the Lal Masjid for telecasting a "highly biased, inaccurate and misleading report" on Pakistan to create an impression that the country was not doing enough to curb terrorism and extremism. Nick Robertson of CNN had contacted the Pakistani authorities seeking access to North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Balochistan to do a story highlighting Pakistan's efforts to stamp out terrorism and extremism. The CNN team was given maximum access and was even provided a helicopter, Dawn quoted an official as saying. The team conducted dozens of interviews but chose to pick up five negative interviews, including that of former ISI chief Gen (retd) Hameed Gul, Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and Amir Mir, he said. Moreover, the right to reply was also denied to the government when a contact was made to this respect. "We are not a banana republic. If we can give access, we can also deny the same when necessary," the official said. A CNN spokesperson, on the other hand, said: "The actions by the Pakistan government are regrettable. We remain committed to reporting from Pakistan."

 

Technorati tags: Pakistan, CNN, Censorship

Terror Apologist To Head Ohio Homeland Security

Words cannot describe my anger about this. As a Ohio citizen and VOTER, I am once again forced into national humiliation by the Democrats jackasses elected by the low-level intelligence found in the big cities. All that those worthless scabs want is handouts and that is what the Dem's promised them. I had a post awhile back about Gov. Strickland being being a speaker at a CAIR-OH banquet. CAIR being an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas fundraising case.

Last Monday, Ohio freshman US Senator Sherrod Brown (D) probably had no idea that when he met with a group of Columbus-area Somali leaders that they were being led by one of the most vocal Western supporters of the Somali al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). That oversight is forgivable, considering that Abukar Arman, one of my Hilliard, Ohio neighbors, regularly operates among the political elite of the state of Ohio, though as I discovered in my extensive investigation, Abukar Arman’s powerful friends will go to great lengths to promote and protect their Somali terror apologist friend. Arman’s position overseeing Central Ohio’s homeland security (discussed further below) is an example of how his politically powerful friends have worked hard to position him at the top of the governmental and educational hierarchy in the area.

Sen. Sherrod Brown is such an idiot I would be shocked to find out he can actually tie his own shoes. One of his supporters came knocking on my door at election time. I debated her for several minutes until she got mad that I would actually question Sherrod Brown's qualifications for senator. She screamed at me that I was wrong and started crying and then left. I've never felt such accomplishment.

Abukar Arman is one of the most prominent public defenders of the al-Qaeda-backed ICU terrorist organization in the West, having published numerous articles in print and online defending the group prior to their violent takeover of Somalia last summer, during their campaign to impose shari’a on the Somali population during brief time in power, and following the ICU’s expulsion late last year by Ethiopian troops to restore the UN-backed Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and to defuse the threats made by the ICU to conduct terror operations inside Ethiopia. Back this past December, Arman called the ICU takeover of Somali “the best thing that happened to Somalia in the past 16 years”: And internally, ICU, with its various shortcomings, is the best thing that happened to Somalia in the past 16 years. And due to a severe shortage of technocrats and civil servants, the courts suffer from lack of capacity in areas of diplomacy and overall governance; as such, they ought to be supported...(“Iraqization of Somalia Could Widen the Divide between West and the Islamic World,” California Chronicle, December 11, 2006) Three days after Arman made this announcement, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer described al-Qaeda’s operational control over the ICU: The Council of Islamic Courts is now controlled by al-Qaida cell individuals, east Africa al-Qaida cell individuals. The top layers of the courts are extremist to the core. They are terrorists and they are in control. They are creating this logic of war, and that’s a problem. (David Gollust, “US Says al-Qaida Elements Running Somali Islamic Movement,” Voice of America, December 14, 2006 The ICU, headed by Hassan Dahir Aweys, who is listed by the US government as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, has partnered with al-Qaeda to set up terrorist training camps to wage jihad all over Africa. According to a Reuters report, as many as 4,000 foreign jihadists had been trained and were fighting as part of the ICU’s front against the TFG. The ICU has also given shelter to three al-Qaeda terrorists directly responsible for the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. (For more info on the ICU’s background, see Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Bill Roggio’s article, “A New Terrorist Haven”.) Lest I be accused of falsely imputing to him a position of support for the ICU, despite all of this prior evidence, I would note that Arman published an article in July 2006, at the very time that the ICU’s armed takeover of the country and imposition of Taliban-like shari’a was occurring, entitled, “Somalia: Why the International Contact Group Should Support the Islamic Courts Union”, describing the al-Qaeda-backed ICU takeover of Somalia as a “spontaneously formed popular uprising”. And as recently as last month, Arman was continuing his public apology for the ICU (“Ungovernable Somalia and the Imminent Collision of External Interests”), and advocating for “dialogue” with the terrorist group, which is still conducts assassinations and suicide bombings against Somali civilian targets despite being pushed out of power.

Read the rest here. It just keeps getting more ridiculous.

 

h/t: LGF

Technorati tags: Ohio, Homeland Security, CAIR, Terrorists, Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland, Democrats, Abukar Arman

12,000 Pakistani Troops Deployed To Northern Pakistan

It looks like President Musharraf realized that you cannot negotiate with terrorists. He's deployed 12,000 troops to Waziristan, which is where most of the Taliban and al-Qaeda fled when they were pushed out of Afghanistan. Those terrorists were welcomed with open arms by tribal warlords in that region.

TANK/PESHAWAR, July 12: The army started deploying troops in NWFP's southern districts, adjoining the Waziristan region, amid reports that an operation to curb militancy and extremism was imminent. Sources told Dawn on Thursday that 12,000 troops, backed by artillery units, were moved to Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts from Okara. Troops took over the building of a vocational college in Tank city and were stationed in paramilitary forts in the remote district. Security forces were also being deployed in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, considered to be hotbed of militancy. Besides, troops have also been stationed in the northern Swat and Lower Dir districts. Security officials said that two army divisions were being deployed in the NWFP and tribal areas. Local Taliban expressed resentment over the troops' redeployment in North Waziristan. They asked the government to pull troops back by July 15 and threatened that if it was not done, they would not abide by the peace agreement. Militants' spokesman Abdullah Farhad accused the government of violating the peace agreement signed on September 5, 2006, under which it had to withdraw all troops. Sources said that soldiers reinforced their positions around Miramshah town, headquarters of the North Waziristan Agency, and started checking vehicles, looking for heavy arms.

 

Technorati tags: Pakistan, Waziristan, Musharraf, Pakistani Military, Terrorists, Taliban, al-Qaeda, Warlord

Israel 'Approved' To Strike Iran

The proposed strike against Iran has bounced back and forth between the United States and Israel. I remember several months ago, in one week, there was at least four different articles posted online with some saying it would be Israel and some saying it would be the U.S. I think at one time, Saudi Arabia was a candidate.

When it happens, it happens. They are surely not going to announce it before the attack.

Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs said he has received approval from the U.S. and Europe for an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. "If we start military operations against Iran alone, then Europe and the U.S. will support us,” Avigdor Lieberman said following a meeting with NATO and European Union officials. Lieberman said the Western powers recognized the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel, Israel Today magazine reported. But military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are "going to prevent the leaders of countries in Europe and America from deciding on the use of force to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities,” and they are sending the message that Israel should "prevent the threat herself.”

 

Technorati tags: Israel, Iran, United States, Europe, Military Strike

Senators Introduce The Iran Amendment

Lieberman, McCain, Kyl, Graham, and Coleman Offer Iran Amendment.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Lieberman, McCain, Kyl, Graham, and Coleman today introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, confronting the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran over its proxy attacks on American soldiers in Iraq. The amendment details the publicly available evidence put forward over the past year by General David Petraeus, commanding general of Multi-National Force Iraq, and others about Iran’s violent and destabilizing activities in Iraq. The amendment states that “the murder of members of the United States Armed Forces by a foreign government or its agents is an intolerable act of hostility against the United States,” and demands the government of Iran “take immediate action” to end all forms of support it is providing to Iraqi militias and insurgents. The amendment also mandates a regular report on Iran’s anti-coalition activity in Iraq. “For many months, our military commanders and diplomats have warned us that the Iranian government has been training, equipping, arming, and funding proxies in Iraq who are murdering our troops,” said Senator Lieberman. “This amendment is a common sense, common ground statement of the Senate to Tehran: we know what you are doing, and you must stop.” “American officials attest that the government in Teheran seeks to bleed the United States and render unsuccessful our efforts to bring about a stable and self-governing in Iraq,” said Senator McCain. “This amendment will send a clear signal: Iran’s activities in Iraq are wrong, and they must end immediately.” “The Iranians are attempting to thwart our policies in the Middle East by actively supporting terrorists who are killing our troops in Iraq,” said Senator Kyl. “It is time we acknowledge this hostility against us, and this amendment tells the Iranians we will not tolerate any actions which threaten our troops or allies.” “The evidence is increasingly clear the Iranian government is working to destabilize the Iraqi government,” said Senator Graham. “It is long past time for Congress to speak out about this destructive behavior by Iran. We need one voice, and I expect it will be a unified bipartisan voice, speaking out and condemning these actions by the Iranian government.” “The United States will not tolerate Iran’s hostile attempts to sabotage our efforts in the Middle East region,” said Senator Coleman. “On my last trip to Iraq, our Minnesota troops in Southern Iraq showed me Iranian-made explosives that were used against them on convoy missions. This crucial amendment makes it clear to the Iranian government, and any other government in the region that seeks to harm our soldiers, that providing any form of support to Iraqi insurgents will not be tolerated and must cease immediately.”

 

Technorati tags: Iran, Iraq, War on Terror, Terrorism, Proxy War, Kyl, McCain, Lieberman, Colman, Graham, Senate

Good News From The War On Terror 7/12

Safe haven disrupted, Iraqi Forces detain ten

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police Forces lead an intelligence driven raid in Muqdadiyah July 10 that led to the detainment of ten targeted suspected terrorists allegedly linked and responsible for providing a safe haven to al-Qaeda in Iraq. The capture and detainment of these suspected terrorists will continue to disrupt efforts to control the area while providing an opportunity for tribal leadership to operate and secure their region. Advised by Coalition Forces, Iraqi Forces seized four weapons, material for making improvised explosive devices, a grenade, and various documents.  Iraqi Forces also identified and destroyed several anti-tank mines and mortar rounds during a controlled detonation.

 

ISF, Coalition Forces conduct operations to bring security to Ad Diwaniyah

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces conducted combat operations July 10 and 11 in the city of Ad Diwaniyah with the aim of improving the security situation in the local area and detaining extremists. During the operations four suspected insurgents were detained, eight were killed and 30 were wounded.

 

2 captured during Operation Geronimo Strike III

KALSU, Iraq — Paratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo detained two suspected Al Qaeda insurgents during an air assault and raid July 10 northwest of Iskandariyah. Paratroopers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted Operation Geronimo Strike III in order to capture members of an Al Qaeda cell wanted in connection with the kidnapping of three American Soldiers and other attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. In addition to capturing the cell members, the operation netted two AK-47 assault rifles, eight fully loaded magazines, two hand grenades and a ski mask. The insurgents are being held for further questioning. The weapons and ammunition was confiscated for use in the investigation.

 

Two Suspected Secret Cell Terrorists Detained by Coalition Forces

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained two suspected Secret Cell terrorists before dawn on Thursday in Baghdad.  It is believed that the terrorists are members of the Special Groups affiliated with Jaysh al-Mahdi, the terror group active in Baghdad and believed to be responsible for numerous attacks on Iraqi civilians as well as Coalition Forces in Baghdad. Coalition Forces conducted the raid to capture or kill terrorists who allegedly specialize in kidnapping, killing  and building and placing improvised explosive devices.  Intelligence reports indicate that the suspected terrorists targeted during the raid are associated with key leaders in the secret cell terrorist network and have ties to Iranian terrorists groups.  Coalition Forces also confiscated AK-47s and pistols from the suspected terrorists. During the operation, terrorists fired upon Coalition Forces with a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and hit a house causing undetermined damage.  Coalition Forces engaged the RPG team, who fled the area.  There were no known casualties from the RPG attack.

 

19 suspected al-Qaeda detained in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 19 suspected terrorists during raids targeting al-Qaeda operations cells in central and northern Iraq Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday in Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be the most active terrorist cell leader in Mosul.  The suspected terrorist is allegedly involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces, and facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists for participation in terrorist activities.  During the raid, the ground forces also detained five suspected associates of the targeted individual. Another raid in Mosul Thursday netted one suspected terrorist allegedly tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the area. Coalition Forces east of Balad captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq financier for the northern part of the country who has ties to senior leaders within the al-Qaeda organization.  During the Thursday raid, Coalition Forces detained a total of 11 suspected terrorists. Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid in Baghdad Wednesday and captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq operative who allegedly is an electrical engineer and bomb-making expert.  Intelligence reports indicate he is connected to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and had been considered for a terrorist leadership position abroad.

 

Paratroopers capture cell leader

KALSU, Iraq — Task Force Geronimo Paratroopers captured a cell leader responsible for conducting rocket and improvised explosive device attacks in Iskandariyah, July 9, near Mussayyib. Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted a raid on the man’s house and arrested him without incident. The man was responsible for conducting attacks against the residents and security forces of Iskandariyah.

 

Insurgent leader captured during Operation Grenada

KALSU, Iraq — The ringleader of a cell responsible for conducting rocket and improvised explosive device attacks on the people and security forces of North Babil was captured by Task Force Steel near Tunis, July 7. Paratroopers of 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, and Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted an assault named Operation Grenada while simultaneously surrounding the target’s house with tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. Task Force Steel also captured two other cell members along with a rangefinder used to aim and target rocket attacks, IED materials, two AK-47 assault rifles with 600 rounds of ammunition, and militia propaganda. In addition to the cell leader, cell members, weapons and materials, the Task Force also captured a truck that tested positive for exposure to explosive materials. The suspects were detained for further questioning. The weapons, propaganda and other materials were confiscated for use in the investigation.

 

IA, 2-7 Cavalry find IED factory, detain 18 during raid

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers and their Coalition counterparts found an improvised explosive device factory during a raid in Mosul’s Al Sina’a neighborhood July 11. Working from local tips, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, in coordination with Coalition forces from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment moved into the neighborhood and came under small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from insurgent gunmen.  The CF and IA returned fire, killing three of the insurgents while the remaining attackers fled to a nearby building. The Iraqi soldiers entered the building and discovered several unique elements used to create improvised explosive devices.  These included an acetylene tank, fertilizer, sugar, and an industrial-grade sifter. One of the detainees tested positive for TNT and a total of 18 suspects were detained. The factory and bomb-making components were reduced on site.

 

Firefight in New Baghdad; US, Iraqi forces kill 9 insurgents, detain 13

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, with their Iraqi Security Force counterparts, killed nine insurgents and detained 13 more after coming under fire July 12 in the New Baghdad District of eastern Baghdad. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, both operating in eastern Baghdad under the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, along with their Iraqi counterparts from the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Division National Police, were conducting a coordinated raid as part of a planned operation when they were attacked by small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition Forces returned fire and called in attack aviation reinforcement.   Nine insurgents were killed in the ensuing firefight.  One insurgent was wounded and two civilians were killed during the firefight.  The two civilians were reported as employees for the Reuters news service.

 

Ubaidi, Anbakia tribes sign peace agreement in Diyala

TIKRIT, Iraq – Key tribal leaders from the Ubaidi and Anbakia tribes signed a peace agreement, July 10, during a meeting at the Baqouba Government Center to end tribal conflicts that have been occurring for decades and stand together against al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations. Sheik Hamed Hazber Hasan Abdal al-Anbak, paramount sheik for the Anbakia tribe, and a key tribal leader from the Ubaidi tribe, have been meeting for the past several months to discuss and work through grievances between their respective tribes. By signing the peace agreement, the tribes agreed to “swear by God and his holy book Koran that we will unite in fighting terrorism in our areas.” Key promises of the agreement include ending tribal infighting and kidnappings; providing names of tribal members operating against the people; fighting al-Qaida within Diyala; cooperating and working with the Iraqi Security Forces to assist in discovering improvised explosive devices and locating corrupt individuals within the government and security forces; honoring the law; solving agricultural disputes within tribes and assist in returning displaced families to their homes. After signing the agreement, both tribal leaders placed their hand on the Koran to signify their commitment to the stipulations of the agreement.

 

MND-B troops detain 31 at suspected Al Qaeda meeting in Rashid District

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops detained 31 suspected insurgents at a possible Al Qaeda meeting in the Rashid District, July 11. Soldiers from Company A, 1sy Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, detained the suspects during an evening raid aimed at disrupting a suspected terrorist meeting in the district.

 

 

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

Good News From The War On Terror 7/11

Targeted raid in Sadr City kills eight insurgents

BAGHDAD — Eight insurgents were killed during a targeted raid in eastern Baghdad July 9. Elements of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, killed eight members of a criminal militia, believed to be responsible for roadside bomb emplacements and indirect fire attacks originating from Sadr City, while conducting an early morning precision raid in the eastern Baghdad security district July 9. After receiving a tip from residents on the whereabouts of leaders of a criminal militia operating inside Sadr City, Soldiers from the unit cordoned off the area and began searching the objective area. Within minutes of arriving on the scene, the Soldiers were engaged by rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire from numerous locations. The Soldiers responded, killing the eight insurgents during the ensuing firefight.

 

20 terrorists killed, 20 detained during Operation Saber Guardian

MUQDADIYAH, Iraq – Operation Saber Guardian, a joint operation between 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army soldiers, local concerned citizens, and 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, targeted at al-Qaida leadership near the town of Sherween, Iraq, resulted in 20 al-Qaida terrorists killed, 20 detained, and two weapons caches and 12 improvised explosive devices discovered. The operation began early Tuesday morning with close air support engaging three river crossings and one bridge with eight 2,000 pound bombs and 14-500 pound bombs. The locations are used by al-Qaida to conduct their attacks and were engaged to prevent their escape. The people of Sherween played a vital role in this operation as they fought side-by-side the ISF to help them capture and kill known terrorists. Members of the IA also cleared a local mosque, a suspected terrorist haven, and identified mortar tubes, a mortar cache, small-arms munitions, a sniper rifle and machine guns. The other weapons cache included small-arms munitions and IED-making materials.

 

MND-B Soldiers seize cache, detain suspects

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found a weapons cache in the western portion of the Rashid District, and detained numerous suspected insurgents during operations in southwestern Baghdad, July 9-10. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment “Black Lions,” 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache consisting of 10 60mm mortars, five 120mm mortars, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an RPG round and a 60mm mortar tube. During early morning operations July 10, scouts from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment “Raiders,” captured a man believed linked to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device that target Coalition Forces a few days prior. Also that morning, a tip led Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment “Vanguards” to launch a raid aimed at interdicting militia activities. During the raid, eight suspects were detained. “Black Lions” troops captured three suspected terrorists during a cordon and search operation. One of the suspects detained had been wounded earlier in the day and was taken to a medical facility for treatment. “Warriors” of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, also detained a man with two government identification cards. One card had his photo in it, the other was blank.  Elsewhere, Company A, 2-12 Inf. captured the triggerman of an improvised explosive device.

 

IA, CF discover al-Qaeda safe house north of Baqouba

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces discovered an al-Qaida safe house, north of the capital of Diyala province, early this week. Iraqi Army soldiers and CF Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, found the building while conducting operations north of Baqouba. Inside, the patrol found medical supplies, medical equipment and al-Qaida related propaganda. Also inside the building was a room with indicators that it had been used as a place of torture, such as blood on the walls and blacked out windows. One person was detained near the building after locals identified him as being an insurgent. The Iraqi Soldiers destroyed the medical supplies after finding they were expired. Since the beginning of Operation Arrowhead Ripper, at least 60 al-Qaeda operatives have been killed, 222 have been detained, 55 weapons caches have been discovered, 125 improvised explosive devices have been destroyed and 24 booby-trapped structures have been destroyed.

 

IED factory discovered, specialized in ‘curb-shaped’ bombs

MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division discovered an improvised explosive device-making facility July 8 during operations in the Al-Sina’a neighborhood. The accompanying cache consisted of 400 lbs. of Ammonium Nitrate, fragmentation material, cement and molds for shaping, and numerous batteries and other IED components.  A completed curb-shaped IED, ready for emplacement, was also found. The 2nd Iraqi Army Division Bomb Disposal Company responded to the find and reduced all of the material in place.

 

Rockets, mortars seized in Rashid

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad troops discovered three weapons caches in the western part of the Rashid District July 10. Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, part of Task Force Black Lion, found a weapons cache while searching an area with a metal detector.  The cache included one 107mm rocket, two rockets larger than 107mm, a 130mm rocket, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two RPG rounds and a 60mm mortar tube. An explosive ordnance disposal team detonated the cache at the site. There was no collateral damage. In the early afternoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, seized a cache of five 120mm mortars in their original containers. A few hours later, Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment “Black Lions” found three 107mm rockets with wires attached, and three cases of U.S.-made .50 cal ammunition.

 

Two terrorists killed, 20 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during raids targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq throughout the country Wednesday morning. During early morning raids in Mosul, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists.  The five individuals are allegedly active al-Qaeda cell members and operatives in Mosul.  While the ground forces were conducting the operation, one terrorist attempted to attack ground forces with knife.  Responding to the threat, Coalition Forces reacted in self-defense and engaged the armed man, killing him. In western Baghdad, Coalition Forces raided a building and detained one suspected terrorist for his involvement in the deadly Baghdad IED and VBIED network operations.  During the early morning raid, one man refused to comply with the translator’s instructions from the ground force.  Despite repeated attempts by Coalition Forces to subdue the man, he continued to resist and made threatening motions toward the ground force.  Coalition Forces, reacting to the hostile threat, engaged the man, killing him. Six suspected terrorists were detained in a Baghdad raid for their association with a deadly al-Qaeda in Iraq improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne IED terror cell leader known to conduct kidnappings, assassinations and numerous mortar attacks on Coalition Forces bases. A precision raid west of the capital city netted a suspected terrorist believed to be key logistics link and conduit in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.  Coalition Forces raided a series of buildings in Samarra and detained four suspected terrorists there for their association with an al-Qaeda leader known for bringing foreign terrorists into Iraq. During coordinated raids west of Taji, Coalition Forces detained a direct associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and two other suspected terrorists for their involvement with al-Qaeda in Iraq.

 

Suspected Secret Cell Terrorist Detained by Coalition Forces

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained one suspected Secret Cell terrorist before dawn on Wednesday in Southwest Baghdad.  It is believed that the military aged male is affiliated with the Jaysh al-Mahdi affiliated Special Groups, the terror group active in Baghdad and believed to be responsible for numerous attacks on Iraqi civilians as well as Coalition Forces in Baghdad. No shots were fired when Coalition Forces conducted a raid to capture or kill terrorists suspected of kidnapping, killing, and conducting attacks against the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces.

 

Extortion network shut down in Rawah, insurgents detained in Hit

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces conducted a series of intelligence driven operations in Western Iraq July 9, resulting in the detainment of four individuals allegedly responsible for running an extortion network and two individuals suspected in planning attacks against Coalition Forces. In the vicinity of Rawah, Iraqi police seized numerous documents and detained four insurgent extortion suspects without incident.  The detained individuals were allegedly engaged in extorting protection money from Government of Iraq and Coalition Forces contractors and using the funds to finance al Qaeda in Iraq activities. During a separate operation in the vicinity of Hit, two suspected insurgents were detained after Iraqi Police received information tying them to recently seized weapons caches.  According to independent sources, the individuals were planning an attack against Coalition Forces and allegedly stored the caches, which included suicide belts, propane tank improvised explosive devices and 60mm mortar tubes, on a farm in the area. They are believed to be part of an insurgent group responsible for a series IED and small arms fire attacks against Coalition Forces.  The capture and detainment of these individuals will disrupt insurgent activities in Western Iraq as well as their ability to interfere with the Iraqi government and destabilize the al Anbar area.

 

Iraqi Police detain alleged mortar, sniper cell leader in Samarra

SAMARRA, Iraq – Iraqi Police Forces conducted an intelligence driven operation in Samarra July 9 and detained an individual allegedly responsible for running a mortar and sniper network in Samarra. With Coalition Forces along as advisors, Iraqi Forces seized a large amount of ammunition, four sniper rifles, parts for sniper rifles, various mortar rounds, material for making improvised explosive devices, two black masks, and documents. The capture and detainment of this individual will reduce the amount of sniper systems in Samarra and the number of sniper and mortar attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

 

 

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

Iran Foils British Squirrel Spy Ring

If they think this is bad, wait until the USAF unleashes the flying pigs. 

Police in Iran are reported to have taken 14 squirrels into custody - because they are suspected of spying Britain's latest secret weapon? The rodents were found near the Iranian border allegedly equipped with eavesdropping devices. The reports have come from the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). When asked about the confiscation of the spy squirrels, the national police chief said: "I have heard about it, but I do not have precise information." The IRNA said that the squirrels were kitted out by foreign intelligence services - but they were captured two weeks ago by police officers.

 

 

Technorati tags: Britain, British, Squirrel, Spy, Spies, Iran

Truck Carrying 200 Explosive Belts Found Entering Iraq From Syria

They only want to help the Iraqi's

Iraqi security forces have seized 200 explosive belts from a truck they say crossed into Iraq from Syria today. That word comes from a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. The driver of the truck is being held for questioning. Iraq's government and US authorities have been accusing Syria of allowing foreign fighters to cross into Iraq. Syria denies the charge, but acknowledges it's impossible to control the long desert border between the two countries.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Syria, Terrorists, Insurgents

Have A P.O. Box? You Can Acquire Nuclear Materials Too

Apparently, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission gives these licenses away on a whim. Homeland Security...Is anybody home?

Undercover investigators, working for a fake firm, obtained a license to buy enough radioactive material to build a "dirty bomb," amid little scrutiny from federal regulators, according to a government report obtained on Wednesday. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the license to the dummy company in just 28 days with only a cursory review, the Government Accountability Office said in a report to be released on Thursday. The GAO, which set up the sting, said the NRC approved the license after a couple of faxes and phones calls and then mailed it to the phony company's headquarters -- a drop box at a United Parcel Service location. "From the date of application to the issuance of the license, the entire process lasted 28 days," the GAO said. "GAO investigators essentially obtained a valid materials license from the NRC without ever leaving their desks." The NRC oversees the U.S. nuclear industry and nuclear material safety issues. The GAO report said its undercover agents made counterfeit copies of the license, changed the wording to remove restrictions on how much they were allowed to buy and then ordered enough radiological materials to build a dirty bomb.

That makes me feel a whole lot safer.

 

Technorati tags: GAO, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Dirty Bombs, Nuclear Materials, NRC

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wants To Kill President Bush

More BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) from a bleeding heart liberal. 

Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams came from Ireland to Texas to declare that President Bush should be impeached. In a keynote speech at the International Women's Peace Conference on Wednesday night, Ms. Williams told a crowd of about 1,000 that the Bush administration has been treacherous and wrong and acted unconstitutionally. "Right now, I could kill George Bush," she said at the Adam's Mark Hotel and Conference Center in Dallas. "No, I don't mean that. How could you nonviolently kill somebody? I would love to be able to do that."

I hope she finds herself in a dirty little cell soon for threatening the president.

When an audience member told Ms. Williams that Vice President Dick Cheney would become president if George Bush were impeached, she said, "Can't you impeach them both?" "It's twisted. It's all wrong," she said. "There are so many lies being told. It's hard to be an American and go out into the world right now."

If it's that hard for her, she should renounce her citizenship and live in another country.

 

It's not the first time she said she wanted to kill the President either:

On July 24, 2006, while delivering a speech at the Earth Dialogue forums, Williams told school children at the Brisbane City Hall, "I have a very hard time with this word 'non-violence,' because I don't believe that I am non-violent." She went on to say, "Right now, I would love to kill George Bush", blaming him for the deaths of children, particularly in the Middle East. "I don't know how I ever got a Nobel Peace Prize, because when I see children die the anger in me is just beyond belief. It's our duty as human beings, whatever age we are, to become the protectors of human life."

How classy of her. Telling a bunch of children she wants to kill the president. Shouldn't she be stripped of her award?

 

 

Technorati tags: Bush, Cheney, Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Prize, Laureate