Saturday, October 29
HIGH LEVEL SCUZBALL MEETING BOMBED,
| October 29, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces, using precision air strike capabilities, targeted a senior al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter who was believed to be holding a meeting with other senior members of the terror organization in Husaybah Oct. 28. Sources indicated Abu Mahmud and the other leaders were meeting to discuss an attack on Iraqi security or Coalition forces in the coming days. Abu Mahmud, believed to be a Saudi, was the commander of several foreign fighter and terrorist cells in Husaybah, and was linked to several al Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators in the al Qaim, Karabilah, and Husaybah areas. Mahmud directed, planned and executed a large amount of the foreign fighter attacks on Iraqi security and Coalition forces, to include most SVBIED and IED attacks. He was also personally active in direct attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. The use of precision guided munitions to destroy the two adjoining foreign fighter safe houses and the timing of the strike mitigated the risk to civilians in the local area. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
HUSAYBAH: 10 SCUZBALLS KILLED, 2 HIDEYHOLES SMASHED
| October 29, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Acting on tips from concerned citizens, Coalition Forces conducted a series of raids on suspected terrorist and foreign fighter safe houses in the town of Husaybah Oct. 29, killing an estimated 10 terrorists. The houses were used as launch points to conduct attacks against local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security and Coalition forces. During the raids, which occurred simultaneously in two separate neighborhoods of Husaybah, Coalition forces were engaged by numerous terrorists. Firefights developed at both locations, during which Coalition forces called in close air support and destroyed both of the terrorist strongholds. While Coalition Forces were leaving the area, they were alerted to another suspected terrorist house with fortified fighting positions. After further investigation, Coalition Forces called in an air strike, destroying the terrorist stronghold with precision guided munitions. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
PAKISTAN QUAKE ROUNDUP
| October 29, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — The United States Air Force continued to support Pakistan-led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting and airdropping much-needed supplies into the devastated region Friday and today. Friday three U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemasters, one U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and a contracted AN-124 Condor flew in more than 346,440 pounds of clothing, aircraft parts, cargo vehicles, and various supplies in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted more than four million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan. Today two U.S. Air Force C-130s airdropped more than 30,000 pounds of food and supplies near the Pakistani villages of Laij Copei and Batagram, bringing the total amount of airdropped supplies to 70,000 pounds. The United States will continue to meet the challenges presented by weather, terrain, and sheer magnitude of this tragedy with technology, innovative planning and determination, in support of the people of Pakistan. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Friday, October 28
1 SCUZBALL KILLED, 2 OTHERS NABBED, ROADSIDE BOMBING FOILED
| October 28, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment killed one enemy and detained two others after they were seen attempting to emplace improvised explosive devices in the middle of a road in the Waza Khwa District of the Paktika Province Friday. The Soldiers were patrolling by vehicle from a forward operating base to the Tarwa Afghan Border Police site when they came across the four individuals placing improvised explosive devices in the middle of the road. The individuals attempted to flee from the scene. U.S. forces killed one individual attempting to escape and captured two others. The last individual was able to evade capture. Two signal mirrors and blasting caps were found on the dead individual. The Soldiers questioned the detained individuals and turned them over to the Afghan Border Police at the Terwa Border Check Point. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
AFGHANISTAN: 13 SCUZBALLS KILLED IN 3 FIREFIGHTS
| October 28, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – During offensive operations near Deh Rahwod, Uruzgan Province , Afghan National Army and U.S. forces were attacked by small-arms, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. As a result, one U.S. service member and an ANA soldier were wounded and medically evacuated to Tarin Kowt for treatment. Both are currently in stable condition. In a second contact with the enemy just a few kilometers from the first location, one ANA soldier was killed and another three were wounded. The wounded were medically evacuated to Tarin Kowt where one is currently in stable condition and the other two have been discharged back to their unit. During another offensive operation north of Dah Rawood, two enemy fighters were killed after they fired upon coalition forces. No coalition forces were injured during this incident. A total of 13 enemy fighters were killed in the three engagements. Coalition aircraft and attack helicopters provided close air support for the operations. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SCUZBALLS KILLED BY SMART BOMB, NOBODY HURT
| October 28, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- Terrorists were killed and wounded Oct. 27 after a precision-guided munition was dropped on their location. The terrorists attacked Soldiers from Task Force 1-15, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division who were on a routine security patrol near Ad Duluiyah. The patrol reported coming under small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire by anti-Iraqi forces terrorists, who occupied a nearby building. The Soldiers cordoned and secured the area, and called in the air strike. Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers provide the local area with security patrols to ensure the safety and well being of the communities, as well as maintaining a strong partnership and presence with Iraqi Police to keep terrorist activities and anti-Coalition attacks at a minimum. The wounded terrorists were given aid and taken to the Balad hospital by local authorities. No Coalition forces were wounded in the incident. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SCUZBALLS FLEEING AFTER ATTACKS NABBED BY U.S. GRUNTS
| October 28,2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq --Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continued to engage enemy terrorist forces during combat operations Oct. 24-26 in various neighborhoods of the capitol city. While on patrol, the U.S. Soldiers found and destroyed several improvised explosive devices before they could be detonated. Other Coalition forces successes included discovering several weapons caches and detaining suspected terrorists who were often caught fleeing the scene of their attacks. One team of terrorists attempting to place an IED along a road west of Baghdad was spotted by U.S. forces who then engaged them with gunfire. Some of the would-be bombers fled in a truck, while other terrorists fired back at the Soldiers pursuing them. Within the hour, two of the terrorists had been detained by Task Force Baghdad Soldiers. Another U.S. patrol operating southwest of Baghdad Oct. 24 found an IED consisting of three 155 mm rounds. The patrol detained one individual in the area who was in possession of an AK-47 assault rifle, a shotgun and a trigger device. A U.S. explosives ordnance disposal team was called in to destroy the IED. On Oct. 26, a U.S. patrol in the al-Doura district in southeast Baghdad found and destroyed an IED which consisted of four 122 mm rounds, a 130 mm round and a land mine. Another Task Force Baghdad patrol struck an IED Oct. 25 southwest of Baghdad. There were no injuries or damage from the blast. As Soldiers were securing the site, they noticed two individuals fleeing the scene. The U.S. Soldiers detained the two terror suspects for further questioning. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continued to aggressively hunt down stockpiles of weapons and bomb-making materials in order to deny terrorists the opportunity to use them against Iraqi security forces, Iraqi civilians or Coalition forces. On Oct. 24, one unit north of Baghdad excavated more than 120 mortar rounds, 49 tank and artillery rounds, eight cases of small-arms ammunition, dozens of rockets, three boxes of mortar fuses, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and two anti-aircraft gun barrels. An EOD team destroyed the cache while Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained 12 individuals for further questioning about the weapons cache. Earlier that same day, another unit revisiting the site of an earlier weapons cache west of Baghdad found more munitions piled at the same site, including 12 hand grenades, three 125 mm rounds and one 115 mm round. That cache was also destroyed by an EOD team. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
ROOKIE SCUZBALLS BLOW UP OWN HOUSE, GET NABBED BY NEARBY GRUNTS
| October 28, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers detained 20 terror suspects and confiscated bomb-making materials during an early morning cordon and search in the Dora neighborhood Oct. 27. While responding to an unexploded improvised explosive device found in the area, Soldiers from 1st Battalion,184th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team heard an explosion about 200 meters from their location shortly before midnight Oct. 26. The Soldiers moved in to investigate the cause of the blast and found 19 men along with assorted IED-making materials in a house. Iraqi security forces from 1st Battalion, 4th Public Order Brigade assisted 1-184 Inf. during the operation and detained the men for further questioning. The IED-making materials consisted of a voltage regulator along with battery packs. An explosives ordnance disposal team conducting the post-blast analysis determined that 60 pounds of explosives were used during the explosion which destroyed one quarter of the house. The owner of the house was later detained as a suspect involved in the explosion. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
3 SCUZBALLS KILLED, SMALL PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO FOUND IN RAMADI STADIUM
| October 27, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed terrorists in Ramadi Oct. 27 while conducting a cordon and search operation at the Malaab Soccer Stadium in the eastern part of the city. At approximately 11:00 a.m. a sniper team that was conducting security for the operation observed a military age male surveying the stadium with binoculars shortly after Coalition Forces were attacked with a rocket propelled grenade. The sniper team determined hostile intent and engaged the terrorist with one round, resulting in the death of the insurgent. At approximately 11:30 a.m., Coalition Forces were attacked with small arms fire from multiple positions on rooftops surrounding the stadium. Coalition Forces returned fire, but were not able to confirm damage to the enemy. At 11:45 a.m., a sniper team at the stadium observed two insurgents armed with AK-47s southwest of their location moving into position on the roof of a building. The sniper team engaged the terrorists and were able to confirm both enemy killed in action. No Coalition Forces were injured in today’s attacks. The cordon and search resulted in the seizure of 30 lbs. of plastic explosives, typically found to be used in Improvised Explosive Devices and vehicle car bombs. The contents of the cache will be destroyed. A few weeks ago, Coalition Forces uncovered a significant weapons cache on the Soccer Stadium premises. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Thursday, October 27
2 SCUZBALLS, WHO MADE BEHEADING VIDEOS, KILLED IN MOSUL
| October 26, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An al-Qaeda terrorist cell leader who personally assisted in at least three videotaped beheadings and his assistant were killed during a Coalition raid of a suspected safe house in Mosul Oct. 22. Nashwan Mijhim Muslet (aka Abu Tayir or Abu Zaid) was a senior operational al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader who operated specifically in the Mosul area. His cell was known as the primary beheading cell for Abu Talha, the al-Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Mosul who was captured in June, 2005, and Abu Zubayr, second in command to Talha and later Emir of Mosul after Talha was detained. Zubayr was killed in August, 2005. The beheadings were filmed to intimidate the local population of Mosul as well as Iraqi citizens throughout Iraq. Intelligence reports indicate that Nashwan personally helped Zubayr behead three Mosul citizens during one of the videotaped gatherings. As a senior operational cell leader, Nashwan was chiefly responsible for attacking Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. These attacks consisted of engaging convoys with small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, IEDs and VBIEDs. His cell was also responsible for intimidating Mosul citizens through criminal activities. Nashwan’s cell conducted roadblocks, stopping local citizens to extort money from them or to kidnap family members of businessmen or prominent families to ransom them for money. Nahi Achmed Obeid Sultan (aka Abu Hassan), assistant to Nashwan, was killed during the raid. He was responsible for providing personal security for Nashwan and running the day-to-day operations of the terrorist cell. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
12 SCUZBALLS NABBED, LARGE PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO FOUND
| October 26, 2005 TAJI, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache while conducting combat operations north of Baghdad Oct. 24. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment attached to 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division excavated more than 120 mortar rounds, 49 tank and artillery rounds, eight cases of small-arms ammunition, dozens of rockets, three boxes of mortar fuses, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and two anti-aircraft gun barrels. An explosives ordnance disposal team destroyed the cache to prevent its use against Coalition and Iraqi forces. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained 12 individuals for further questioning about the weapons cache. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
HIDEYHOLE RAIDED/BLOWN UP, 1 SCUZBALL KILLED, WOMEN AND CHILDREN SAFE
| October 25, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces raided three suspected terrorist safe houses, detained six terrorists, and killed several others in the town of al Ushsh, northwest al Qaim Oct. 25. Acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, Coalition forces raided the safe houses suspected to be a terrorist stronghold used to conduct attacks against local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security and Coalition forces. Upon arriving at the suspected terrorist safe house, Coalition forces entered the safe house where armed terrorists were located with women and children. As a result of the ensuing exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and Coalition forces, the suicide vest of one of the terrorists was detonated, causing the building’s roof to collapse. The women and children were rescued from the rubble and treated by medical personnel. The group was then moved to a safe area. Coalition forces then moved to two additional suspected safe houses and secured and searched them, detaining six terrorists. Upon departing the terrorist stronghold, Coalition forces called in close air support and destroyed the three buildings. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
U.S. GRUNTS FIND, DESTROY ROADSIDE BOMBS
| October 25, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers sealed off a road in west Baghdad Oct. 24 after finding two large explosive devices rigged to explode. The patrol first reported finding an improvised explosive device in the median of the road. A short time later, they discovered another about 10 meters away. To ensure the safety of the local residents along the busy road, the U.S. Soldiers cordoned off the area and called in an explosives ordnance disposal team to take care of the IED. The EOD team recovered 12 60 mm mortar rounds with a timing device. In other combat operations Oct. 23, a Task Force Baghdad patrol in northwest Baghdad found an IED comprised of a 152 mm round encased in a concrete block with wires protruding from the end. The Soldiers detained a suspicious man who was mixing concrete nearby. Along with the incomplete IED, the patrol found two AK-47 assault rifles and 400 rounds of ammunition. Another U.S. patrol west of Baghdad found an anti-tank mine wired to batteries in a plastic bag. An EOD team later destroyed the IED. Around the same time on Oct. 23, another Task Force Baghdad patrol on a combat mission found two 130 mm rounds rigged for remote-controlled detonation alongside a road north of Baghdad. EOD also disposed of that IED. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS CATCH 3 SCUZBALLS, VIDEOTAPE, GUNS
| October 23, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi security forces detained three terror suspects and found two improvised explosive devices during combat operations Oct. 22-23. Responding to a mortar attack north of Baghdad Oct. 22, a U.S. patrol stopped a suspicious vehicle in the area. The occupants had been seen retrieving an object from a bush along the road. Upon searching the vehicle, the Soldiers found a video camera and footage recording the mortar impacts. Two individuals were detained for further questioning. Earlier in the day, another Task Force Baghdad unit patrolling the Al Bayaa district of south Baghdad detained a suspected terrorist who was carrying a loaded rocket-propelled grenade launcher. More munitions were found by a different U.S. patrol on a road southeast of Baghdad Oct. 23. The IED consisted of two 155mm rounds in a fuel can. The Soldiers secured the area and called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to destroy the bomb. Iraqi Police found another potential IED Oct. 23 in Al Bayaa. The IPs took charge of the device which consisted of a 120mm shell with TNT and small bottles of gas with nails. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQIS APPLAUD AS SCUZBALLS ARE LED AWAY, 5 TONS OF GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN, 9 SMUGGLERS NABBED
| October 22, 2005 WESTERN NINEWA, Iraq – The Third Armored Cavalry Regiment, partnered with the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, captured five terrorists and nine smugglers in the past 24 hours. Two of these men are senior-level leaders responsible for planning and funding terrorism in the northern area of Iraq. In the past five days, the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment and Third Iraqi Army Division Soldiers have secured and destroyed more than 10,000 pounds of explosives. Citizens of Tall Afar are providing information that is leading to the capture of terrorists and the discovery of these weapons and military caches. During one raid, citizens applauded Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces as they led captured terrorists away. Along the Syrian border, Third Armored Cavalry Regiment forces and Iraqi Border Police here captured nine smugglers as they were crossing into Iraq. The men were transporting illegal contraband that is being used to help fund the terrorists. The contraband was confiscated and all the men were transported to a holding facility for further questioning. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Wednesday, October 26
32 SCUZBALLS NABBED, 20 PILES OF GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN
| October 22, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – Multi-National Forces from 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) uncovered 10 weapons caches and detained 16 suspected terrorists during two operations in northern Iraq Oct. 17-18. Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained 16 suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during a raid near Rawah along the Euphrates River Oct. 17. The cache included mortar aiming stakes, mortar launching equipment, mortar propellant, and explosive paraphernalia. Soldiers from the 4-14th Cavalry also seized nine weapons caches during search operations near Rawah Oct. 17-18. The caches included over 600 various artillery rounds, over 700 various mortar rounds, mortar tubes, various rockets, several rocket and rocket propelled grenade launchers, over 100 RPG rounds, over 50,000 rounds of small arms and machine gun ammunition, machine guns, assault and sniper rifles, AK-47s, over 800 point detonating fuses, several feet of detonation cord, several feet of timed fuse, 80 pounds of TNT, several sticks of PE-4, landmines, fragmentation grenades, blasting caps, 100 kilogram fragmentation bombs, and various projectiles. Iraqi security forces supported by Multi-National Forces continue operations in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
5 HIDEYHOLES SMASHED, 20 SCUZBALLS KILLED, GUNS N' AMMO BLOWN UP
| October 22, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Twenty terrorists suspected of sheltering al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighters were killed and one captured during Coalition raids on a series of safe houses in Husaybah Oct. 22. Coalition forces raided two neighborhoods in Husaybah and discovered two large weapons caches containing small arms, ammunition, rocket propelled grenades, mortar rounds, explosives, and bomb making materials to include radios and detonators. Additionally, a vehicle bomb was also located near one of the terrorist safe houses. Coalition forces destroyed the vehicle bomb, five safe houses and caches using precision guided munitions upon departure from the area. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
BAYJI: CITIZEN TIP LEADS TO PILES N' PILES OF GUNS N' AMMO
| October 21, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq - Task Force Liberty Soldiers followed a civilian’s tip and found a cache of explosives and weapons buried in several locations at a house in Bayji. The cache included more than 100 pounds of bulk explosives, several bags of TNT, one 155mm artillery round encased in concrete, weapons and rocket-propelled grenade rounds. One suspect was detained and taken to a Coalition Forces base for questioning. Task Force Liberty Soldiers also detained two terrorists planning an ambush with improvised explosive devices and automatic weapons south of Bayji at about 9:50 p.m. Oct. 20. Soldiers on a combat patrol observed the two suspects running from behind a berm along Highway 1, and after detaining them found a loaded RPK machine gun behind the berm. Another Task Force Liberty patrol discovered two IEDs along the highway directly on the other side of the berm. One suspect was wearing body armor and the other had cellular telephones and wire cutters. Both tested positive for explosives. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Tuesday, October 25
3 CAR BOMB ATTACKS FAIL; CEMENT TRUCK MISSES IT'S MARK
| October 24, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Three car bombs detonated near the Palestine and Sheraton hotels in central Baghdad early Oct. 24. The first car bomb caused a breach in an outer barrier wall of the Palestine and Sheraton hotels at Firdos Square traffic circle. About five minutes later a second car bomb approached the square and tried to maneuver through the breach but was engaged by civilian security forces and detonated near the 14th Ramadan Mosque. Thirty seconds later, a Task Force Baghdad Soldier engaged a cement truck that was moving through the breached wall. The truck exploded near a coalition vehicle causing moderate damage. At least six civilians were killed and 15 others were wounded in the attacks. No Coalition Forces were injured. Coalition Forces continue to assist Iraqi security forces restoring order in and around the two hotels. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
5 SCUZBALLS NABBED, GUNS N' AMMO FOUND, HIDEYHOLE BLOWN UP
| October 21, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces raided a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist safe house near the town of al bu Hardan, northwest of Al Qaim on Oct. 21. During the raid, five terrorists were detained and a large cache consisting of weapons, ammunition, mortars and bomb making materials was confiscated in the safe house. Intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Coalition Forces to the location. Coalition air assets, using precision guided munitions, destroyed the safe house and weapons cache after Coalition Forces departed the location. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
LADY SCUZBALL? WE DON'T THINK SO
| October 21, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – On Oct. 19, based on intelligence and credible reporting, Coalition Forces conducted a raid on suspected terrorist safe house in Fallujah. During the course of the raid, three males and one female were detained. The female who was detained was released by Multi National Force - West this morning to Fallujah city officials. During the initial questioning of all personnel on the objective, Coalition Forces decided to detain the female due to voluntary statements she made. These statements gave Coalition forces reason to believe that she was in contact with al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and in support of their activities in the Fallujah area. Additionally, she was treated well and provided food, water and shelter and was given the utmost courtesy and respect. Female Coalition members were present at all times during the detention process to ensure she was treated well and within cultural norms. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
WE'RE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY SORRY WE BURNT THE SCUZBALLS
| October 20, 2005 KABUL , Afghanistan – The Army Criminal Investigation Division continues its investigation into alleged misconduct by U.S. service members, including the burning of two dead enemy combatant bodies under inappropriate circumstances. “The inflammatory nature of this allegation raises two pertinent concerns that the command is investigating,” said Army Colonel Jim Yonts, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan , Public Affairs Officer. “First, the command does not advocate, nor does the command tolerate, the wrongful desecration of anyone’s remains. Second, the use of broadcast messages in conjunction with an act such as this does not represent the values and beliefs of this command therefore necessitating a procedural and policy review.” “These are very serious allegations and if true, they are reprehensible. If the investigation reveals misconduct those responsible will be held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” he said Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
ZARQAWI BUTTBOY AND LESSER SCUZBALLS KILLED IN RAMADI
| October 20, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A senior Abu Musab al-Zarqawi lieutenant and Al Qaeda in Iraq military leader was killed during a series of Coalition raids in western Iraq Oct. 15. Coalition forces conducted the raids on suspected terrorists operating near the town of Ramadi. The terrorists were suspected of having senior Al Qaeda in Iraq connections. At least 12 terrorists were killed during the raids. Recently captured detainees identified one of the dead terrorists as Sa’ad Ali Firas Muntar al Dulaymi (aka Abu Abdullah). Intelligence sources indicate that Sa’ad Ali Firas was highly regarded by many senior Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists, to include Zarqawi himself. Sa’ad Ali Firas facilitated high-level meetings in Ramadi and Fallujah, where senior-level terrorists gathered to discuss strategy and ongoing operations. Zarqawi was said to have attended some of these meetings. Sa’ad Ali Firas quickly ascended the ranks and supposedly worked with Zarqawi’s lieutenant Abu-Qutaiba in a vehicle smuggling network originating in Jazirah, near Fallujah, prior to Qutaiba’s capture by Coalition forces. Sa’ad Ali Firas then ran his own smuggling organization funding bomb making operations in the Fallujah and Ramadi areas. Sa’ad Ali Firas was chiefly responsible for planning and executing all terrorist attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces in the Ramadi and Fallujah areas. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
WE'RE REALLY, REALLY SORRY WE BURNT THE SCUZBALLS
| October 19, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Army Criminal Investigation Division has initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct by U.S. service members, including the burning of dead enemy combatant bodies under inappropriate circumstances. "This command takes all allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior seriously and has directed an investigation into circumstances surrounding this allegation," said Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, Combined Joint Task Force-76 Commander. "If the allegation is substantiated, the appropriate course of action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and corrective action will be taken." Service members are expected to abide by the highest standards of behavior and the law, he said. "This command does not condone the mistreatment of enemy combatants or the desecration of their religious and cultural beliefs," Kamiya said. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI GRUNTS TRAIN TO TAKE IT TO THE SCUZBALLS
| October 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Special operations personnel from both the U.S. Navy and Army finished several weeks of training for the Iraqi Army’s newest soldiers just outside Camp Fallujah Oct. 6. The new Soldiers learned individual and squad movements, reaction to enemy fire and other necessary skills they will use as they join their units. All the graduates from this course are from the same tribe in western Al Anbar Province near Al Qaim along the Syrian border. The men joined to fight the terrorists who have brought violence to their homes, villages and cities of western Iraq. “The families and people of Iraq need to be rid of the terrorists. Iraq will only be better if we get more people to join and fight,” said Pvt. Abdel. “I’m going to fight al Zarqawi’s followers,” Pvt. Ghedha proudly proclaimed one day during a break at the rifle marksmanship range. “We’re going to take everything we learn here and go back and fight the terrorists.” “Iraq needs us to fight,” he continued. “This is our country and we need to fight to keep it safe.” Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI GRUNTS PERFORM 42% OF MISSIONS UNASSISTED
| October 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces conducted 42 raids and searches in and around Baghdad that netted 19 terror suspects and two weapons caches Oct. 16 through Oct. 18. In the three days following Iraq’s historic constitutional referendum vote, Iraqi and U.S. forces combined to conduct more than 1,600 patrols and man more than 700 traffic control points. Iraqi security forces performed more than 1,000 of the nearly 2,400 missions by themselves, and teamed up with U.S. Soldiers on more than 100 others. One of the largest combat operations was carried out by Iraqi Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Oct. 18. Just after midnight, Iraqi Army Soldiers captured five terror suspects during a raid against a terrorist safe-house in the Adhamiyah district of central Baghdad. Many of the operations were based on tips from Iraqi citizens tired of terrorist violence in their neighborhoods. One tip helped Task Force Baghdad Soldiers from the 70th Engineer Brigade seize three suspected bombers during a cordon-and-search operation in north Baghdad Oct. 18. The three men are thought to be involved in placing roadside bombs targeting Iraqi security forces, Coalition Forces and civilians in the area. Later in the morning, a second citizen’s tip helped Coalition Forces capture a suspected weapons dealer and terrorist organization financier during a cordon and search of two houses in north Baghdad. Two days earlier, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers acted on another citizen’s tip to seize a large weapons cache in west Baghdad Oct. 16. When the Soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team searched the area, they found a weapons cache consisting of 103 high-explosive rounds, 151 mortar rounds, six mortar tubes, 31 mortar fuses, five mortar base plates, two mortar tripods and a mortar sighting device. The cache also contained two anti-tank weapons, an anti-aircraft machine gun, 10 sticks of dynamite, 25 grenades, one machine gun, four rifles, sniper scopes, a silencer, 8,000 rounds of ammunition and bomb-making materials. Three suspects at the site were detained for questioning. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Monday, October 24
WE'RE REAL SORRY WE BURNT THE SCUZBALLS
| ( IT'S JUST THAT WE CAN'T FORGET MIKE SPANN) October 19, 2005 MacDill AFB, FL -- Recent media reports out of Afghanistan have alleged that U.S. forces were involved in an incident involving the desecration of the bodies of deceased enemy combatants. Under no circumstances does U.S. Central Command condone the desecration, abuse or inappropriate treatment of enemy combatants. Such actions are contrary to U.S. policy as well as the Geneva Convention. The Army Criminal Investigation Division has initiated an investigation into the alleged misconduct. Should that investigation uncover actions by U.S. personnel that were contrary to the Geneva Convention and U.S. policy, legal and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
GRUNTS DEFUSE 8 ROADSIDE BOMBS
| October 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers found and destroyed terrorists’ bombs and weapons caches during combat operations Oct. 19 in and around various Baghdad districts. The U.S. Soldiers found at least eight improvised explosive devices before they could be detonated by terrorists. One patrol also discovered a cache of about 600 sticks of commercial explosives in a pickup truck in south Baghdad. An explosive ordnance disposal team collected the explosives for later destruction. In one of the biggest discoveries of the day, a Task Force Baghdad unit operating in south Baghdad found a 250-pound aerial bomb with detonation cord. The unit requested EOD assistance and, a short time later, reported finding another IED, consisting of a 125-millimeter and a 120-millimeter round. EOD performed a controlled detonation on both IEDs. An informant’s tip led a U.S. patrol northwest of Baghdad to another IED. The Soldiers found a 155-millimeter and a 60-millimeter round along the side of a road. EOD was called in to destroy that IED as well. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SCUZBALL CLUBHOUSE BLOWN UP IN KARABILAH
| October 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces destroyed a terrorist safe house Oct. 18 in Karabilah where two al Qaeda in Iraq terror cells were attempting to meet and reorganize following successful Coalition operations. At 11:21 p.m., Coalition air forces delivered precision-guided munitions that destroyed the terrorist safe house. The type of munitions used and the timing of the air strike mitigated the risk to civilians in the local area. Multiple intelligence sources identified the terrorist safe house, which was used as both an operational base and safe haven. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SCUZBALLS OUT TO FILM CARBOMBING GET THREE STOOGES AWARD
| October 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Force-Iraq has determined three suspects captured after an incident at a Coalition Checkpoint in Anay, northwest of Hadithah Oct. 9 are al Qaeda in Iraq vehicle bomb makers. Marine Regimental Combat Team 2 captured the three cell members, later identified as Muhammad ‘Abd-al-Razaq Muhammad‘ Abd-al-Tariq (aka Abu Jassim), Ali Tariq Muhammad Salih (aka Abu Husayn), and Walid ’Ali Dhiyab Muhanna, and detained them for further questioning as reported Oct. 10. Husayn told investigators, they were traveling in a vehicle accompanying a vehicle borne improvised explosive device driven by a foreign suicide bomber named Abu Turab, a Saudi national assigned to drive his vehicle bomb into a Coalition convoy and detonate it. The mission of the terrorists in the second vehicle was to ensure that Abu Turab carried out his attack and to videotape it. They were then to give the footage of the attack to their cell leader, who would in turn give it to the local media cell to be used as terrorist propaganda. Abu Husayn admitted that after many hours of looking for a target, they had to stop Abu Turab to give him additional guidance on how to complete his mission. The terrorists decided to take him back to a central location in the Anah area and told Turab to follow them. It was at this point that both terrorist vehicles encountered an Iraqi security forces and Coalition checkpoint. As the first vehicle approached the checkpoint it was stopped and its three occupants searched by Iraqi and Coalition forces. Coalition forces found a video recorder with a recording of Abu Turab’s VBIED, which was recorded earlier that morning with Turab and Abu Jassim on tape. Immediately afterward, a vehicle resembling the car on the tape moved toward the checkpoint. The driver started to maneuver erratically and accelerated toward the checkpoint. Coalition forces used hand and arm signals to attempt to stop the vehicle. They then fired warning shots to attempt to stop the vehicle. Finally, they shot at the vehicle, attempting to disable it, and the VBIED detonated and killed the driver. Husayn admitted he and his cell members were each given $100 for each attack they carried out. They were given the vehicle and bomb-making materials, which they took to a central assembly point the night prior. The next morning, they picked up the vehicle with the foreign suicide bomber ready to carry out his mission. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI DIGGING IN FIELD FINDS PILE OF BOMBS
| October 18, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Task Force Liberty Soldiers followed a civilian tip to a cache of 85 anti-tank mines near Hamrin in Diyala Province at about 4:15 p.m. Oct. 18. A local citizen was digging in the area when he uncovered the munitions and immediately reported it to Coalition Forces. The anti-tank mines discovered are of the same type recently used in IED attacks. Task Force Liberty explosive ordnance personnel removed the munitions for future disposal. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
18 SCUZBALLS KILLED, CAVES BLOWN UP
| October 17, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Marines destroyed a terrorist cave complex used as a weapons cache and bomb-making factory early Oct. 17 near Haqlaniyah. Marines assigned to Regimental Combat Team - 2 observed three men place a roadside bomb and then return to a cave complex nearby. The terrorists were killed by small arms fire from the Marines. An investigation of the first chamber of the cave complex revealed a small cache, bomb-making tools and equipment, black uniforms and ski masks. Coalition aircraft destroyed the complex using precision-guided munitions. During Operation River Gate, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors and their counterparts in the Iraqi Army have discovered numerous caves in the Haditha, Haqlaniyah and Barwana areas. In the Al Qa’im region Oct. 16, an estimated 12 insurgents were killed in a failed attack against Marines at Camp Gannon located in the town of Husaybah, 3.6 kilometers from the Iraqi-Syrian border. Marines responded to the attack with machine-gun fire, mortars and more than 30 rounds from 40mm grenade launchers. There were no Marine casualties reported. Marines killed three insurgents in the nearby town of Karabilah yesterday. The trio engaged the Marines with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Attack helicopters from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returned fire with missiles, rockets and heavy machineguns. No Marines were injured in the attack. Operations in the Al Anbar province continue, with Iraqi and Coalition Forces working together to disrupt and destroy terrorist activities, create a secure environment for Iraqi citizens and restore Iraqi control of the border areas. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
TIP LEADS TO PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO, 3 SCUZBALLS
| October 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers, acting on a tip from an Iraqi citizen, seized a large weapons cache in west Baghdad Oct. 16. After receiving the tip, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 48th Brigade Combat Team went to the location the citizen described and detained three suspects at the cache site. When the Soldiers searched the area, they found a weapons cache consisting of 103 high-explosive rounds, 151 mortar rounds, six mortar tubes, 31 mortar fuses, five mortar base plates, two mortar tripods and a mortar sighting device. The cache also contained two anti-tank weapons, an anti-aircraft machine gun, 10 sticks of dynamite, 19 rocket-propelled grenades, six hand grenades and various bomb-making materials. Additionally, Soldiers found one machine gun with a bipod mounting device, four rifles, sniper scopes, a silencer and 8,000 rounds of ammunition. The unit secured the cache site and continued searching for more weapons. The three suspects were taken into custody for questioning. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
HIDEYHOLE RAIDED, 10 SCUZBALLS TAKE THE DIRT NAP
| October 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces raided a terrorist safe house in Karabilah Oct. 16, killing several terrorists. Acting on multiple intelligence sources, Coalition forces raided the suspected safe house during an early morning operation to capture or kill terrorists operating in the town of Karabilah in western Iraq. The safe house was believed to have been used to conduct attacks against local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces. Upon arriving at the suspected safe house, Coalition forces were engaged by a number of armed terrorists exiting the house. The Coalition team pursued and engaged the terrorists, killing three. Upon searching the building, Coalition forces found a small cache of weapons, ammunition and grenades which were destroyed when the unit left the location. During the initial firefight, two terrorists moved to adjacent houses where Coalition Soldiers engaged and killed them. The assault force then discovered five armed terrorists setting up a mortar position and preparing to engage the Coalition forces. Coalition forces called in close-air support and destroyed the position. All five terrorists were killed. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SCUZBALLS PISSED ABOUT ELECTION, ATTACK, GET KILLED
| October 17, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Coalition forces continued counter-terrorism operations in areas of Al Anbar Province Oct. 16, killing an estimated 70 terrorists in separate actions. At approximately 1:25 p.m., Coalition forces conducted an air strike against a group of terrorists attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device east of Ramadi. While conducting a combat air patrol, crewmembers from an F -15 observed 20 men arrive in four vehicles at the crater site of a previously-detonated IED which had killed five U.S. and two Iraqi Soldiers on Oct. 15. The terrorists were in the process of emplacing another IED in the same spot when the F- 15 engaged them with a precision-guided bomb, resulting in the death of terrorists on the ground. At approximately 7:30 p.m., a UH-1N Huey and AH-1W Cobra helicopter team on patrol north of Ramadi had been observing a group of military age males gathered at a suspected terrorist safe house. After realizing their position had been compromised, the terrorists fled the scene and engaged the Cobra with small arms fire. The Cobra returned fire with 20 mm. munitions, resulting in the death of an estimated 10 terrorists. At approximately 7:50 p.m., a team of F/A-18’s resumed observation at the suspected safe house where they found an additional 35-40 terrorists loading their vehicles with weapons and driving to another location to unload the weapons. The F/A-18 targeted the terrorists with a precision-guided bomb, killing terrorists on the ground. The combined strikes resulted in approximately 50 terrorists killed. The strikes took place in the Abu Faraj region, north of Ramadi, where a large number of indirect fire and IED attacks against civilians, Iraqi infrastructure, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces have originated. At approximately 8:00 p.m., Coalition forces guarding the Government Center in Ramadi were attacked by a small-arms fire attack from multiple locations within an adjacent building. After requesting air support to neutralize the increasing volume of fire, an F/A-18 engaged the target with a maverick missile at approximately 8:50 p.m. When the small arms fire continued, Coalition forces engaged the targets with two shoulder mounted multipurpose assault weapons (SMAWs), resulting in the cessation of all movement from within the structure. An estimated 1-3 terrorists were killed in the strike. All the attacks were timed and executed in a manner to reduce the possibility of collateral damage. There were no reports of Coalition or civilian casualties. The attacks follow a successful Referendum in which there were no major disruptions caused by terrorists at the polls in Al Anbar Province. Coalition forces continue to aggressively pursue terrorists whose aim is to kill Iraqi civilians and Coalition forces in an attempt to disrupt the political process. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
TIP LEADS JARHEADS, TEXANS TO PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO
| October 17, 2005 AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Texas Army National Guard Soldiers and Marines from 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward) discovered weapons caches near a primary school slated as a polling site here on Oct. 14. The Soldiers and Marines responded after being alerted by Iraqi citizens. The cache complex, found in multiple underground locations and a house, netted buried mortar rounds, assorted ammunition, anti-election propaganda and terrorist paraphernalia. A search of a nearby house also revealed 82mm mortars, mortar tubes, IEDs, RPGs and launchers, satchel charges, blasting caps, 82mm shells, grenades, fully loaded automatic rifles and heavy machine guns. In addition to 122mm rocket motors, there were numerous newly packaged two-way radios used for IED attacks. The search also discovered home made rocket launchers on a nearby roof oriented toward the town’s school, which was to be used by the Iraqi government for the election. In addition to the ordnance that has been secured and slated for disposal, Coalition Forces also found computer equipment, medical supplies, phones, and batteries, spools of wire, ski masks, and flak vests. Coalition Forces continue to receive more tips from Iraqis in locating arms caches as Iraqis take a more aggressive stance at ridding their communities of terrorists. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
SOUTH BAGHDAD CITIZENS VOTE IN DROVES
| October 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – On a day when terrorist activity was expected to be at its highest, the citizens of south Baghdad seemed unafraid as they turned out in droves to vote on the Constitutional Referendum Oct. 15. Polling sites throughout south Baghdad were fully operational to receive a constant flow of foot traffic. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
U.S., IRAQI GRUNTS PROTECT POLLS
| October 15, 2005 ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers and Iraqi Police secured polling stations in western Abu Ghraib in the days leading up to the Constitutional Referendum vote. As foot traffic streamed toward the voting sites, Iraqi security forces continued to be a visible presence to deter terrorist attacks. U.S. Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division remained in the background to support their Iraqi counterparts with outer perimeter security operations. Iraqi Soldiers and police had searched more than 4,000 Iraqis in Abu Ghraib district by noon Oct. 15 as the citizens headed to the polls. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
TOP SCUZBALL, BUTTBOY NABBED IN BAGHDAD
| October 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Acting on reliable intelligence and information provided by concerned citizens, Multi-National Forces captured two senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during raids in Baghdad Sept. 24. Captured were Walid Muhammad Farhan Juwar al Zubaydi (aka Firas), (aka Abu Ziyad), (aka “The Barber”); and Ibrahim Muhammad Subhi Khayri al Rihawi (aka Abu Khalil). “The Barber’s” duties included altering senior al Qaeda in Iraq member’s appearances by dying hair color, altering hairstyles and changing facial hair in their efforts to evade capture. Abu Khalil, a close associate of Abu Azzam, served as an executive assistant for the terrorist emir. He also acted as a banker for Azzam and stored the terrorist organizations funds so they would not be confiscated should Abu Azzam be killed or captured. Abu Azzam, second only to Zarqawi in al Qaeda in Iraq, was killed in a Coalition raid in September. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
2 SCUZBALLS NABBED IN THE ACT OF ROADSIDE BOMB INSTALLATION
| October 14, 2005 TAJI, Iraq – While conducting a combat patrol in north Baghdad, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers caught two roadside bombers in the act of placing an improvised explosive device Oct. 10. The patrol of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Soldiers immediately sealed off the area and captured both terrorists before they could trigger the bomb. The two terrorists were taken into custody for questioning, and an explosive ordnance disposal team safely destroyed the bomb. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
Sunday, October 23
SCUZBALL ATTACK KILLS AND WOUNDS SCUZBALLS
| October 14, 2005 Ar Ramadi, Iraq – Insurgents attacked a convoy carrying detainees outside ar Ramadi the night of Oct. 11, killing three detainees and wounding seven. The Coalition force convoy was transporting detainees to a regional detention facility when the convoy was attacked by two improvised explosive devices and small arms fire. The small arms fire ceased when additional coalition forces arrived on the scene. Three U.S. Army Soldiers attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), were also wounded in the attack. All the wounded were treated at a nearby coalition medical facility. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
TIPOFF LETS U.S. GRUNTS FIND, DEFUSE CAR BOMB
| October 14, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers found and disabled a car bomb in western Rashid thanks to a tip from a group of Iraqi citizens Oct. 12. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Combat Brigade Team were on patrol in the neighborhood of Risalah when they were flagged down by a group of Iraqis who reported a suspicious vehicle nearby. An explosive ordnance disposal team was dispatched to the site and safely detonated the car bomb before it could be used by terrorists. Upon investigation the car bomb was determined to be made from seven 122-millimeter artillery rounds, four 130-millimeter artillery rounds and a propane tank filled with homemade explosives. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI, U.S GRUNTS FIND BIGTIME PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO
| October 13, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi and Task Force Freedom soldiers seized a large weapons cache in Rawah Oct. 11. Iraqi Intervention Forces from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division and U.S. Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment seized the cache consisting of 220 rocket propelled grenades, 40,000 7.62 mm rockets, 100 2.75 inch rockets, 10 anti-tank mines, 1,000 .50 caliber rounds, 30-120 mm mortars, 20-82 mm mortars, 3,000 feet of detonation cord, 12-40 pound containers of black powder and 25-40 pound containers of red powder. Thanks to the diligence and innovation of a Soldier they were able to get on site excavation equipment operational and uncover the munitions. The cache was found buried in the ground in a 20 ft. container. The contents were destroyed in place. More rounds were discovered in the surrounding area after the cache was destroyed. As of Oct. 12, more than 1,000 122-mm artillery rounds have been found, 700 of which were destroyed in place. Iraqi and U.S. forces continue to search for additional munitions. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI, U.S. PATROLS TAKE 4 SCUZBALLS, DEFUSE 6 ROADSIDE BOMBS
| October 12, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces, working to provide security for the upcoming Constitutional Referendum vote, captured four suspected bombers, seized bomb-making equipment and prevented several terrorist bomb attacks in the capitol city Oct. 11. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment found bomb-making materials hidden in an abandoned house while patrolling in another area of west Baghdad. The Soldiers discovered four radios, batteries and timing devices, equipment often used to detonate bombs. Two hours later, the same unit seized more improvised explosive device accessories at another house and detained four suspected bomb builders. A search of the house revealed eight radios, four motorcycle batteries and four timing devices. The four terror suspects were taken into custody for questioning. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers also found and disabled six roadside bombs Oct. 11. In every instance, the Soldiers cordoned off the area to keep people away and called in teams of explosive experts to safely detonate or remove the bombs. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
GRUNTS KILL SCUZBALL, RETREIVE HOSTAGE, ALIVE
| October 12, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- After a car chase and gunfight, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers rescued a kidnap victim and killed one of the abductors around noon Oct. 11. Acting on a tip about the kidnapping of a middle-age Iraqi man, Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment planned a hasty attack in order to kill or capture the kidnappers. Within minutes, they identified the kidnappers’ vehicle and began a seven-kilometer chase that ended in west Baghdad. The U.S. Soldiers were engaged with small-arms fire but managed to safely rescue the kidnap victim. During the exchange of gunfire, the 1/11th ACR Soldiers wounded one assailant, who was taken to the Abu Ghraib Prison Hospital where he later died. The other kidnapper is currently in the custody of the Iraqi Police. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS SURPRISE SCUZBALLS, NAB 57
| October 11, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – More than 600 Iraqi and U.S. forces responded to reports of terrorists operating in south Baghdad and conducted multiple cordon and searches in the early-morning hours of Oct. 11. Troops detained 57 terror suspects and killed two others. U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment linked up with Iraqi Special Police Commandos to take the terrorists by surprise. AH-64 Apache helicopters soon arrived on site to engage in the firefight. Iraqi and U.S. forces focused on three objectives and began searching houses in the area looking for anti-Iraqi forces. These operations were mainly driven by Iraqi intelligence. The forces acted on a report that two men were on a roof overseeing a group of terrorists emplacing improvised explosive devices. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
GRUNTS FIND PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO, WILL BLOW IT UP
| October 10, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – For the third time in as many weeks, Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Marine Division discovered a significant weapons cache in Ramadi, Al Anbar’s provincial capital. The unit was conducting a cordon and search operation, which began early morning on Oct. 9, in order to uncover suspected weapons caches at several garages and vacant buildings. Six suspected terrorists were detained. The find included Soviet-made rockets and surface to air missiles, more than one hundred 120 mm mortar rounds, dozens of 81 mm and 60 mm mortar rounds, hand grenades, AK-47s and bomb-making materials. The contents of the cache will be destroyed. Two additional caches were discovered in the Ramadi area within the past several weeks. One was located at a public soccer stadium and the other at an elementary school in the Malaab district. Yesterday’s operation is intended to help establish a more secure environment for the Oct. 15 Referendum. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN FROM HIDEYHOLE, BLOWN UP
| October 10, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces acting on multiple intelligence sources raided a safe house suspected of harboring foreign terrorists on Oct 10. During the raid, Coalition forces found four 120 mm rockets of a type often used to make improvised explosive devices and detained four individuals. Coalition forces removed and destroyed the four rockets in a nearby open field. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
U.S,IRAQI COPS, ARMY KICK SCUZBALL BUTT IN TIKRIT
| October 10, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- Task Force Liberty Soldiers, Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police across North Central Iraq completed more than 175 raids and security missions in their first week of Operation Saratoga. The joint operation led to the capture of nearly 750 suspected terrorists and the killing of 12 terrorists and wounding of eight others. With the assistance of Iraqi civilian tips, more than 50 improvised explosive devices were discovered and neutralized on the roads of North Central Iraq. Weapons seizures included five mortar systems, more than 50 mortar rounds, 75 artillery rounds, nearly 70 rockets and 10 anti tank mines. In one incident, Task Force Liberty Soldiers defeated a suicide vehicle borne IED attack on Oct. 6 near Samarra when a 1st Brigade Combat Team gunner identified and engaged a suicide attacker approaching his convoy from a nearby parking lot.The suicide bomber detonated his vehicle borne IED approximately 50 meters from the Task Force Liberty vehicle, killing an Iraqi child in the blast. In Salah Ad Din Province, Task Force Liberty Soldiers conducted a raid to capture a known car bomb manufacturer on Oct. 4. Soldiers of the 278th Regimental Combat Team returned fire on a terror cell about two kilometers south of the village of Dalish. The unit engaged the terrorists, killing the car bomb maker and capturing an accomplice. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
1st U.S. AIRLIFT ARRIVES IN ISLAMABAD
| October 10, 2005 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – A United States Air Force C-17 delivered the first relief supplies here within 48 hours of the devastating earthquake that has left thousands dead and thousands more injured and displaced. The aircraft and its crew from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets -- weighing almost 90,000 pounds -- of food, water, medicine and blankets from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. With only a few hours notice, Airmen and soldiers at Bagram, successfully worked to palletize the humanitarian relief supplies and prepare them for the flight. Three aerial port specialists were also on the flight to coordinate and manage the cargo once it arrived at Islamabad. “This was a total team effort,” said Col. Mike Isherwood, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Vice Commander. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the earthquake and we are thankful we were able to help out.” Pakistan Army Brig. Gen. Imtiaz Sherazi, director of logistics, is coordinating the relief efforts as supplies arrive and ensuring rapid distribution of assistance to areas that need it most. Said General Sherazi, “These items are very valuable to us because there are lots of people in great distress.” As relief efforts are ongoing worldwide, United States Central Command will continue to identify and provide additional capabilities for airborne reconnaissance, heavy lift ground equipment, medical support, shelters, rations and water to aid and assist the people of Pakistan. Weblog LINK |
Story LINK
