Saturday, September 17
MUCKETY-MUCK SCUZBALLS NABBED IN MOSUL
| September 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National forces, acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens, raided a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist location in southwest Mosul, Sept. 5, capturing the top al-Qaida leaders in the city. Captured during the raid was Taha Ibrahim Yasin Becher, (aka Abu Fatima), the al-Qaida in Iraq’s Emir of Mosul, and Hamed Sa’eed Ismael Mustafa, (aka Abu Shahed), the organization’s West Mosul Emir. Abu Fatima and Abu Shahed were in a meeting at the time of their capture. Abu Fatima had recently taken over the role of Emir after Abu Talha was captured in June and Abu Zubayr, who replaced Talha, was killed in mid-August. Abu Fatima had only held the position for 12 days when he was captured. Abu Fatima supervised and directed the day-to-day operations of the organization and was responsible for numerous attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces. Abu Shahed was responsible for organizing al-Qaeda activities in western Mosul. He was responsible for attacks conducted in the area and also participated in attacks involving small arms and other weapons directed against Iraqi security and Coalition forces. As the leader of one of Mosul’s territories he was in line to succeed Abu Fatima in the event of his death or capture. The simultaneous capture of both leaders damages the organizational structure of al-Qaida in Iraq’s northern network. Abu Fatima and Abu Shahed were both originally from Tall Afar prior to assuming their roles in Mosul. In the past, the Emir position had been filled by terrorists who were already operating in the Mosul area. Multi-National Force-Iraq announced the Sept. 6 capture of Dara Mohammad Sept. 16. Dara Mohammad was the Ansar al Sunna Emir of Mosul. Weblog LINK |
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GRUNTS KILL SCUZBALL-SHRED CARBOMB, AMMO, AND GUNS-NO ONE HURT
| September 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces raided two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq foreign fighter safe houses in the town of Ubaydi, located in northern Iraq and discovered a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and other terror weapons Sept. 17 at 4:14 am. Intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Coalition Forces to the location of the foreign fighter safe houses. Upon entry into the first safe house, Coalition Forces discovered that all the foreign fighters had fled prior to their arrival. However, Coalition Forces did find weapons and a large amount of small arms ammunition and bomb-making materials. Additionally, extremist propaganda was found throughout the safe house. Upon leaving the safe house, Coalition Forces set delayed explosive charges and destroyed the terrorist material. At the second location, one VBIED which was found outside the safe house was rigged to detonate on command. Coalition close air support assets destroyed the VBIED in place. Large multiple secondary explosions were seen from the destroyed VBIED. Coalition Forces were departing the area when they were engaged by approximately eight terrorists and/or foreign fighters. They returned fire, killing one terrorist -- the others fled the scene. There were no Coalition casualties. Weblog LINK |
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DEFENSE GETS DELAY IN G.I.s MURDER TRIAL
| September 17, 2005 Baghdad, Iraq--The Article 32 Investigation for Staff Sgt. Alberto B. Martinez, formerly of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division (Mechanized), has been delayed until Oct. 19 in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Martinez is charged with two specifications of premeditated murder, violations of Article 118 (Murder), of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The appointing authority, the Task Force Dragon commander, approved a Defense request for the delay. Staff Sgt. Martinez was attached to TF Dragon on Aug 20, a subordinate separate brigade of Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Staff Sgt. Martinez is currently in pretrial confinement at a military confinement facility in Kuwait. Weblog LINK |
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Friday, September 16
Baathist HQ Will Become New Iraqi Cop Shop
Basrah, Iraq – A shot rang out from the nearby vicinity, but the trio of visitors noticed that the workers continued laboring behind the thick, twenty-foot-high walls without a pause or so much as a raised head. The compound is being visited because it was once a hotbed of those affiliated with the previous Iraqi dictator and – like the country itself – currently is receiving a major overhaul. Before long, the compound will become the Basrah Provincial Police Headquarters – a change symbolic of the move from rule of the few to rule by the people. At the site where Ba’athist zealots once strove to maintain dominion over the masses, hardworking, local laborers energetically worked to rebuild the large structure. The first phase, the renovation of buildings one and two, is complete; the second phase, renovation of building three is 90 percent complete, and phase three, the demolition of unnecessary structures is 25 percent complete. The compound visitors are Karen Durham-Aguilera, Project and Contracting (PCO) Director of Programs, Tom Eidson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South (GRS) Basrah Area Engineer, and Stan Dowdy, GRS Basrah Palace Resident Office resident engineer. They came to observe this particular piece of the reconstruction effort – just one of 2,827 starts valued at $6.6 B, initiated across Iraq by the USACE Gulf Region Division and the PCO in the past year. Of those numerous starts, 1,728 reconstruction projects, at a value of $2B, have been completed so far. Noting the outstanding work being done, particularly in such a tense environment, Eidson complimented the many Iraqi workers and placed emphasis on the dedicated, conscientious work performed by the Iraqi engineers. “These folks understand what is at stake. They recognize that it is they who must step forward and accept increasingly larger responsibility for the rebuilding of their country,” said Eidson. “This project speaks well of their commitment.” Weblog LINK |
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GIs FIND, FLYBOYS BLOW UP CARBOMB FACTORY
| September 16, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Air Forces raided an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist complex south of Haditha that contained a vehicle borne improvised explosive device factory and weapons caches Sept.16 at 4:24 am. Upon departing the facility, Coalition Forces conducted air strikes against the Euphrates River Valley complex and destroyed it. Tips from local citizens and intelligence resources confirmed the existence of the complex, which consisted of 12 buildings. Coalition Forces raided the complex, but all terrorists had fled the facility prior to their arrival. After searching the complex, Coalition Forces found that three of the buildings were used to store weapons and explosives, as well as to manufacture VBIEDs (CARBOMBs). During the search of the complex, Coalition Forces found two weapons caches with mortars and artillery shells in one building and a significant number of RPG rounds, launchers, AK-47s and other small arms and ammunition in another building. Coalition Forces also found three VBIEDs ready for use and two vehicles that were rigged as VBIEDs but awaiting explosives. After a search of the complex, Coalition air assets delivered precision guided munitions that destroyed three buildings and five vehicles. During the strikes, multiple large secondary explosions were observed as the VBIEDs and weapons caches were destroyed. The complex was located south of Haditha in a remote area, and the type of munitions used and the time that the air strikes were conducted mitigated the risk to local civilians. Weblog LINK |
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Thursday, September 15
MOSUL CITIZENS TURN IN 3 SCUZBALL LEADERS
| September 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Acting on intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, Multi-National Forces recently raided suspected terrorist safe houses in the Mosul area, resulting in the capture of three Al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist leaders. Abdallah Najim Muhammad Husayn (aka Abu Nijim or Abu Muhammad) was captured Aug 26. Muhammad was a terrorist battalion commander for Al-Qaida in Iraq in Mosul. He planned, coordinated and financed terrorist attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces in the Mosul area. The methods of these attacks and ambushes included the use of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, improvised explosive devices and mortars. Also captured Aug. 26 was Bassam Muhammad Ahmad Sultan (aka Abu Shayma, Shayma), who was a cell leader under Abu Muhammad. As a cell leader, Abu Shayma led his cell in executing terror attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces. On Sept. 3, Iraqi Police assisted Coalition Forces in capturing Nawfal Muwafaq Ahmad ‘Abdullah (aka Abu Abd al Karim). Abu Abd al Karim was the driver for Abu Zayd, the Al-Qaida in Iraq Military Emir of Mosul. He was responsible for driving Abu Zayd as well as other terrorists to various meetings between the Mosul terrorist leadership. Abu Abd al Karim participated in more than 30 attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. He was elevated to cell leader under Abu Zayd, who was recently killed by Coalition Forces. Weblog LINK |
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Wednesday, September 14
AIR SUPPORT ROUNDUP, WAR ON TERROR: 09-10-2005
IRAQ: — Coalition aircraft flew 48 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Sept. 10 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. U.S. Air Force F-16s performed a pre-planned strike against an anti-Iraqi forces staging area in the vicinity of Samarra, expending one GBU-38. A U.S. Air Force Predator expended one Hellfire missile in the vicinity of Tall Afar, successfully destroying a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Other sorties included U.S. Air Force F-16s that provided close air support to Coalition troops in the vicinities of Al Mansuriyah. Ten U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft also performed in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. Afghanistan: Coalition aircraft flew 21 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included supporting Coalition and Afghan troops, the parliamentary and provincial election process, and reconstruction activities, and providing presence route patrol. U.S. Air Force A-10s, a B-52, and a Predator provided close air support to Coalition troops in the vicinities of Kowst, Qalat, and Qal’eh-Ye Gaz. Seven U.S. Air Force and French Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Royal Air Force aircraft also performed in a non-traditional ISR role. U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 170 airlift sorties were flown, moving nearly 490 short tons of cargo, and more than 3,700 passengers. This included approximately 12,300 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in Southeastern Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Republic of Korea flew in support of either OIF or OEF. On Sept. 9, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, Singapore Air Force, and French Air Force tankers flew 43 sorties and offloaded more than 2.2 million pounds of fuel. |
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Tuesday, September 13
GRUNTS KICK SCUZBALL BUTT IN TALL AFAR
| September 13, 2005 TALL AFAR, Iraq – In the last 24 hours, the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Division and U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment have continued Operation Restoring Rights in Tall Afar. The objectives are remaining pockets of terrorist resistance in the area. That phase of the operation has resulted in the deaths of several terrorists, capture of 79 suspected terrorists, and the discovery of nine weapon caches. Since the operation began, there have been dozens of terrorists killed, 341 detained and 22 weapons caches found. “Their goal is to deny Iraqi citizens the right to choose their future, vote on the constitution referendum and hold democratic elections. The solidarity between national, provincial, local leaders and the predominant use of Iraqi security forces show they are committed to protecting their citizens and driving Al Qaida from Iraq," said Col. Brian Stephenson, chief of operations for Multi-national Corps - Iraq. Short-term potable water needs are being provided by tanker trucks, portable water tanks and water cans distributed throughout the city, while engineers and national agencies pursue a permanent upgrade to Tall Afar’s water supply and distribution system. The Iraqi government is currently discussing funding to rebuild Tall Afar. To date, the U.S. has already approved $5 million to help rebuild the infrastructure of the city, with more than $3 million in additional funds already requested. More than $730,000 is earmarked for transformers, wiring and other electrical infrastructure repairs, and two electrical lift trucks are standing by to aid in repairs to the electrical grid. |
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TALL AFAR: 78 SUSPECTED SCUZBALLS NABBED
| September 13, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – Task Force Freedom detained 78 suspected terrorists during operations in Tall Afar Sept. 12 as Operation Restoring Rights continued. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 57 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two operations. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 15 terror suspects during a cordon and search operation. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained four suspected terrorists. Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment also detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported. |
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GRUNTS CATCH HIGH LEVEL SCUZBALL, KILL 4 OTHERS
| September 13, 2005 Baghdad, Iraq -- Coalition Forces captured a known terrorist during a raid in Haditha Sept. 13 at approximately 2:30 a.m. The terrorist, known to have connections with senior leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq, was captured at a safe house without incident. During the operation, terrorists associated with the detainee converged on the safe house. Coalition Forces engaged the terrorists and called in close air support. Coalition aircraft destroyed one of the vehicles being used by one of the terrorists. Four Terrorists were killed during the engagements. There were no Coalition Forces casualties. |
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U.S. SOLDIERS, IRAQI COPS FIND HUGE TRUCK BOMB
| September 13, 2005 FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq— U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Police discovered and defused a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device near Sha Lanei, southwest of Musayyib, on Sept 10th. The vehicle was a blue Mercedes dump truck that, according to the police, was stolen from Fallujah over a month ago. It was discovered when the owner recognized the vehicle and notified the Iraqi Police. Items seized from the vehicle and subsequently destroyed included one 500 lb. bomb, sixteen 75 lb. propane cylinder and thirty 57 mm rounds The Soldiers who assisted in the vehicle recovery and ordnance disposal are from the 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery, 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). The 155th BCT is a U.S. Army unit assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. |
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CITIZEN LEADS GRUNTS TO AMMO CACHE NEAR IRANIAN BORDER
| September 13, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- A civilian led Task Force Liberty Soldiers to a large number of munitions along the Iranian border in eastern Diyala Province at about 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12. The Soldiers recovered 18 anti-tank rounds, 12 60 mm mortars, two 82 mm mortars, one 155 mm artillery round and one rocket-propelled grenade. The munitions were secured by Iraqi personnel from the Department of Border Enforcement. |
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2 SCUZBALLS KILLED TRYING TO PLACE BOMB
| September 13, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq --Task Force Liberty Soldiers killed two terrorists who were trying to emplace an improvised explosive device in Samarra at about 2:30 p.m. Sept. 12. One terrorist was engaged and killed emplacing the IED, and the second was killed trying to approach the IED. Task Force Liberty Soldiers secured the site and destroyed the IED. |
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WEAPONS, AMMO SIEZED IN CENTRAL IRAQ
| September 13, 2005 Camp Echo, Iraq – Multi-National Division Central-South units along with Iraqi security forces seized a weapons cache in Wasit province Sept. 12. The cache contained 22 machine guns, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and other military equipment. |
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Monday, September 12
ROCKET ATTACK FOILED, SCUZBALLS FLEE
| September 12, 2005 ALI BASE, Iraq. – Security forces members on combat patrol interrupted insurgents as they set timers on rockets aimed at the base here Sunday. The Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron confiscated the rocket launchers several miles from the base while conducting the base-defense patrol mission. They saw insurgents setting timers on the missiles, but were unable to arrive on scene before the insurgents fled the area. Munitions specialists from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron were called to the scene to destroy the munitions in place. No one was harmed during the situation. “I am continually amazed at the security forces members’ dedication to duty in the face of adversity and threat,” said Col. Michael J. Nowak, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander. “These men and women patrol the hot, dusty desert around the clock in order to keep each one of us on the installation safe.” Ali Base is located near the town of An Nasiriyah and is home to more than 9,000 Coalition forces. The 407th Air Expeditionary Group here operates C-130 Hercules and is the sole training base for Iraqi Air Force Airmen learning how to fly and maintain C-130s. |
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RAIDS NET SCAMMMING PROPS, MONEY, WEAPONS, AND SCUZBALLS
| September 12, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Across North-Central Iraq this past week, deliberate raids by Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Liberty Soldiers resulted in the capture of suspected terrorists and weapons, helping secure the region for upcoming elections. The 116th Brigade Combat Team of Task Force Liberty and Iraqi security forces led the way in deliberate raids in Kirkuk Province this week, netting several wanted terrorists, an array of exotic weaponry to include a Sterling light machine-gun and a bag of swords, and Ba’ath Party relics including outdated ID cards bearing the image of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Fake police and oil company ID cards, computers, cameras, uniforms, two dozen rifles and pistols, three RPG sights, a land mine, information regarding the movement of Coalition forces, $2,300 (U.S.) and more than three million Iraqi Dinar were also captured in the raids, which took place in the North-Central Iraq cities of Kirkuk and Hawija. The 116th BCT detained more than a dozen individuals for questioning in the course of these missions. Raids this week by the 1st BCT and Iraqi security forces in Salah Ad Din Province captured two wanted terrorists and seized two rifles, a pistol and several cellular and satellite phones. Four other individuals were detained for investigation. Meanwhile, the 278th Regimental Combat Team of Task Force Liberty raided a series of targets near Jalula and other locations in Diyala Province, capturing five terrorist suspects and detaining more than a dozen others for questioning. |
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MID LEVEL SCUZBALL MUCKETY-MUCK NABBED IN BAGHDAD
| September 12, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Multi-National Forces captured Ammar ‘Abd-Al-Hafiz ‘Abd Muhummad (aka Ammar Amam Wakhtif or Sheik Ammar), an admitted terrorist and leader of the Nu’man Brigade, in a raid earlier in September in the Ramadi area. Sheik Ammar oversaw and directed the day-to-day operations of the organization. He ordered numerous vehicle borne improvised explosive device and improvised explosive device bombings and other direct attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces. Sheik Ammar took over as leader the brigade when Muhammad Daham was captured in May. Sayf-al-Din Yahya 'Anad (aka Sheik Sayf or Abu Hamza), a Nu’man Brigade cell leader, was also captured during the raid. He was responsible for organizing and directing attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces. “The capture of these two terrorists coupled with the more than 200 others captured or killed throughout Iraq recently demonstrates the coalition’s continued progress in removing these key terrorist leaders,” said Col. Billy J. Buckner, Multi-National Corps spokesman. “We are degrading the overall effectiveness of the Al-Qaida in Iraq terror network and its ability to conduct operations in Iraq,” |
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U.S/IRAQI GRUNTS BEGIN ROOTING OUT SCUZBALLS IN RUTBAH, IRAQ
| September 12, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces have launched a cordon and search operation against a known terrorist safe haven in the western Al Anbar province town of Rutbah. Operation Zoba’a (Cyclone) began in the early morning hours with the objectives of rooting out Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating within the area and disrupting terrorist support systems in and around the city. For the past several months, terrorists within Rutbah have escalated their intimidation and murder campaign against the local populace and city government officials. The resulting effect was an increased ability to move freely within the area and a base for them to launch attacks against innocent civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. As with all coalition operations, strict measures are taken to prevent civilian casualties and unnecessary collateral damage to property. More information will be released as it becomes available. |
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SCUZBALL COMES TO GET AMMO, GETS CAUGHT, LEADS TO 3 MORE
| September 12, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- Task Force Liberty and Iraqi Army Soldiers followed a civilian tip to a cache of artillery and mortar rounds near Jalula in Diyala Province and detained four individuals Sept. 10 at about 4:30 p.m. While Soldiers investigated the tip, an individual arrived at the cache site and began to dig. That individual was detained, and the Iraqi Soldiers detained three more suspects after searching the first detainee’s house. The cache included 29 82 mm mortar rounds, 14 122 mm artillery rounds and six 130 mm artillery rounds. Task Force Liberty explosive ordnance disposal personnel conducted a controlled blast to destroy the munitions. |
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41 SCUZBALLS, WEAPONS, AMMO TAKEN IN TAL AFAR, IRAQ
| September 12, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – In Tal Afar, Iraqi security forces and Coalition Forces continued operations Sept. 10 to purge the city of terrorists, detaining 41 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search. Security forces also seized a mortar system with multiple rounds of ammunition and a cache consisting of hundreds of rounds of ammunition. “Operation Restoring Rights is being conducted to remove terrorists and foreign fighters operating in Tal Afar. This operation is in support of the Iraqi government’s efforts to bring safety and security to the citizens of the city,” said Col. Billy J. Buckner, spokesman for the Multi-National Corps-Iraq. “The local government requested Coalition assistance in setting the conditions needed to establish permanent Iraqi security for the people of Tal Afar that will allow them to vote in upcoming elections,” Colonel Buckner said. Since Aug. 26, Iraqi and Coalition Forces have captured 211 terror suspects, killed 141 terrorists and confiscated nine weapons caches. |
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