Saturday, November 19
9 SCUZBALLS NABBED IN IRAQI/U.S. RAIDS
| November 19, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Two joint missions between Iraqi and U.S. forces resulted in the detainment of nine suspected terrorists in north-central Iraq Friday. A patrol between Iraqi police officers and Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team discovered a small cache of weapons and detained two men in Kirkuk Friday. The Iraqi police officers noticed one of the men acting suspiciously and questioned him. The patrol escorted the man to his home where they discovered and confiscated the cache of two AK-47 assault rifles, two bolt-action rifles, and hundreds of rounds of sniper-rifle ammunition. The search also turned up a supply of batteries often used in the detonators of IEDs. Another joint mission between the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division and Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team resulted in seven terrorists taken into custody near Baqubah. Five of the seven were known terrorists who were the target of the raid. The other two men tested positive for explosives residue and were detained for questioning. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALL PLANS DISRUPTED BY IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS
| November 19, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq Army and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers disrupted terrorist cells, seized weapons caches and stopped several anti-Iraqi forces from carrying out attacks during operations in the city Nov. 14-16. The Iraqi Army took the lead in a cordon and search designed to ferret out anti-Iraqi forces cell leaders tied to the development, distribution and emplacement of improvised explosive devices. During the operation in Sadr City, the Soldiers from 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade, along with U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, detained 23 individuals and seized weapons, ammunition, and terrorist propaganda materials. This is just one example of the Iraqi Army’s ongoing presence throughout Baghdad as its Soldiers thwart terrorist activities in local neighborhoods. During the three-day period, Iraqi Army units conducted more than 1,250 patrols. In another cordon-and-search operation Nov. 15, a platoon from 1st Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade nabbed five members of an anti-Iraqi forces cell who were planning an attack on the Italian Embassy in Baghdad. The Iraqi Soldiers also seized two vehicles which the terrorists had planned to use in the attack. U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division conducting operations in southwestern Baghdad conducted a knock and search of a house Nov. 15. When the owner appeared reluctant to open a shed on his property, the Soldiers grew suspicious and searched the building. Inside, they found wires, computer parts, timers and 14 magazines for AK-47 assault rifles. The individual was detained for further questioning. An alert Iraqi Police officer discovered an improvised explosive device in a black bag near a bus stop in west Baghdad Nov. 16. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division responded to the incident. An explosive ordnance disposal team summoned to the scene confirmed the bag contained an anti-tank mine wired to a detonation device. The EOD team recovered the explosives and rendered the area safe. In other operations, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers captured suspected terrorists who were seen loitering around attack sites. After a convoy from 1st Bn., 87th Inf. was hit with a small IED in west Baghdad Nov. 15, another Task Force Baghdad unit in the area reported spotting an individual on a nearby roof. The suspect was watching the IED strike and talking on a cell phone. The two U.S. elements joined in a search of a nearby house where they caught the rooftop lurker and detained him for further questioning. Another Task Force Baghdad unit on patrol on a road west of Baghdad Nov. 15 discovered an IED before it detonated. An EOD team disarmed the device and cleared the site. As they were doing so, Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 11th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Div., detained two suspicious individuals who were loitering around the IED site as the EOD team dismantled the device. Military officials later determined they recently handled explosives. Soldiers from 2nd BCT’s 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry came under attack from small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The Soldiers pursued the attackers, returning their fire and killing three terrorists. The unit searched houses in the area and detained eight suspects. There were no U.S. casualties or equipment damage in the incident. Soldiers from 2/101st Airborne Div. discovered a weapons cache of 22 60-millimeter mortar rounds and 18 fuses Nov. 15 during a search of a farm in south Baghdad. An EOD team later destroyed the munitions in controlled detonation. Weblog LINK |
GRUNTS HELP VICTIMS OF KHANAQIN BOMBINGS
| November 18, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division are assisting Iraqi security forces in response to twin bombings in Khanaqin, Iraq. More than 150 Iraqi civilians were killed or wounded in the terrorist attacks that destroyed two Shiite mosques during Friday prayer services, according to the unit’s latest report. The medical evacuation of bombing victims was conducted by Iraqi authorities. U.S. forces have sent medical specialists and supplies to assist the Iraqis. Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal teams searched the area for additional explosives. U.S. Soldiers assisted the local Iraqi forces by providing a security cordon around the area to allow emergency teams to work in safety. Weblog LINK |
RAID NABS 1 SCUZBALL, KILLS 1, UNCOVERS BOMB MATERIALS
| November 18, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – A raid near Ad Dawr Nov. 17 by 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, resulted in the capture of one terrorist, the death of another and the confiscation of improvised explosive device making materials. The Soldiers worked off tips provided by previously captured detainees to conduct the raid. When cornered, one suspect surrendered and the other attempted to flee by driving out of the cordoned area. The Soldiers fired warning shots to deter the suspect, but when that failed the Soldiers fired into the passenger compartment, wounding the driver and stopping the vehicle. The driver later died from his wounds while being evacuated to a nearby medical facility. His remains were turned over to the local Iraqi police. A search of the area turned up several devices used for the manufacture of IEDs, as well as anti-Iraqi videos and compact disks. > Weblog LINK |
AFGHANISTAN: SCUZBALLS RETREAT FROM AFGHAN/U.S. COUNTERATTACK
| November 18, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and U.S. forces conducted offensive operations north of Kandahar today, engaging 10 to 15 enemy forces with small arms and attack helicopters. During these operations, Afghan and U.S. forces came across an estimated 10 to 15 enemy personnel positioned near a ridgeline. These forces opened fire with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenades on the Afghan and U.S. patrol. Afghan and U.S. forces returned fire and called nearby attack helicopters forcing the enemy forces to flee. A battle damage assessment of the attack is ongoing “Make no mistake, Afghan and U.S. forces are continuing to hammer the enemies of this nation,” Lt. Col. Jerry O’hara, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesperson said. “We are bringing the fight to them at every turn, aggressively searching them out wherever they are hiding.” There were no Afghan or U.S. forces injured in the attack. Weblog LINK |
Friday, November 18
U.S. CENTAF PROVIDES PAKISTAN QUAKE AID
| November 18, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — The U.S. Air Force continued to support Pakistan-led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting much-needed supplies into the devastated region November 11-18. Five U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, four C-17 Globemasters, two contracted B-747s, one contracted B-757 and one contracted AN-124 Condor flew in more than 750,000 pounds of medical equipment, food, blankets, tents, trailers, cargo trucks, vehicle parts and aircraft supplies in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted over eight million pounds of relief supplies on 1,241 pallets to Pakistan using 36 C-17 Globemasters, 34 C-130 Hercules and 37 various contracted aircraft. Our Airmen in vital support roles continue to assist with humanitarian efforts in Pakistan as long as required. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS RESCUE CAR BOMB VICTIMS
| November 18, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers responded to reports of two explosions in central Baghdad around 8:20 a.m. Nov. 18. Initial reports indicate terrorists detonated two car bombs near the Al-Hamra Hotel on the Karradah Peninsula. One of the car bombs detonated against a wall and the second car bomb damaged an apartment complex near the hotel. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment responded to the site and requested support from the 92nd Engineer Battalion and the 36th Engineer Group to help in rescue efforts of Iraqi civilians trapped in the rubble. Weblog LINK |
CITIZEN'S TIP LEADS TO HUGE PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO WEST OF BAGHDAD
| November 18, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq - After receiving a tip from a local resident, Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division uncovered what turned out to be a large weapons cache west of Baghdad. The unit initially found a small cache consisting of two rocket-propelled grenades and one AK-47 assault rifle Nov. 14. After uncovering this weapons cache, the Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment expanded the search of the area, resulting in one of the largest of 17 weapons cache discoveries by 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div. to date. After receiving the informant’s tip, the Soldiers started their search by using a metal detector. They began to dig up munitions and weapons at 3 p.m. and the dig continued until after midnight Nov. 16. When an explosives ordnance disposal team arrived at the site, the Soldiers were still discovering more weapons caches buried in the field. “After we found the smaller cache, it just kept going,” said Staff. Sgt. Joel Killian, 1st Platoon, B Troop, 1/75th Cavalry. “First we would find a mortar plate, then we would find the tube. Next, every side road was filled with weapons, so we just continued to search and continued to discover more and more weapons buried in the field.” As of Nov. 16, the weapons cache consisted of 150,000 7.62 rounds of ammunition, 600 propellant charges, 500 blasting caps, 400 artillery fuses, 150 hand grenades, 150 120-millimeter rounds, 125 rockets, 100 primer charges, 85 82-millimeter mortar rounds, 68 60-millimeter rounds, 50 plastic grenades, 35 anti-tank mines, 13 20-millimeter rockets, 12 RPG launchers, multiple barrels and bags of small-arms ammunition, seven unknown type of missiles, seven rolls of copper wire, three 60-millimeter mortar systems, three 55-gallon drums of fertilizer, three rolls of detonation cord, two 82-millimeter mortar tubes with bases, and one 82-millimeter mortar system. “This is a great step in removing capability, the means with which terrorists execute their indiscriminate and cowardly violence,” said Col. Todd Ebel, 2/101 commander. “I am very proud of all the Soldiers involved with this cache find. These Soldiers and others like them across this Brigade Combat Team are making a difference in the safety of south Baghdad.” Weblog LINK |
STEEL CURTAIN UPDATE
| November 17, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors continue Operation al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in the al Qaim region today. Construction of bases for the Iraqi Army and U.S. military’s long-term security presence is steadily progressing in Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi. Simultaneously, Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines continue patrolling to ensure terrorists do not return. These patrols also involve detailed searches, looking for hidden weapons caches and deadly improvised explosive devices. Approximately 120 bombs and mines have been located over the course of Operation Steel Curtain. Three aspects of the operation which makes Steel Curtain different from previous operations in the western Euphrates River Valley are increased Iraqi Army participation, immediate establishment of long-term security presence, and Iraqi Army Soldiers taking the lead in security and care of the citizens temporarily displaced by the operation. Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers took part in Operation Steel Curtain. During Operation Romhe (Spear), conducted in this same area last June, fewer than 100 Iraqi Soldiers took part. Today, more than 15,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers are stationed in al Anbar province and recently locally-recruited Soldiers are joining and operating with Iraqi Army units and U.S. forces. The Desert Protectors, recruited from the al Qaim region, fought alongside Iraqi Army Soldiers and Coalition forces in Operation Steel Curtain. Iraqi Army Soldiers provided security and helped facilitate the care and well-being of residents displaced from their homes due to the operation. Iraqi Army Soldiers provided perimeter security and screened displaced civilians to weed out al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists trying to infiltrate the shelter areas. Iraqi Soldiers also helped to distribute thousands of meals, blankets and health and sanitation items to their fellow citizens. USAID, the principal U.S. agency which extends assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms conducted an initial fact-finding assessment today in order to further assist the Iraqi government in restoring normalcy in the western Euphrates River Valley. Ubaydi residents are currently moving out of the camp established by Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. forces and back into the city. Operation Steel Curtain continues. Weblog LINK |
20 SCUZBALLS NABBED, GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN IN ad DAWR
| November 17, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – A cordon and search mission in ad Dawr to deny a safe haven for terrorists in the area resulted in the detention of 20 suspected terrorists and the confiscation of weapons and materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices. Operation Kennesaw Dragon, a joint Iraqi and U.S. mission, began November 14, as troops from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division set up a cordon around the city. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, supported by the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted an air assault into landing zones outside the town and moved in for the search. Task Force 1-15 and Iraqi Army Soldiers went door to door looking for weapons and known terrorists, as well as explaining to the residents that the search was related to recent attacks by terrorists. More than 30 attacks against Coalition Forces have been reported in the area during the past two months. Many residents willingly turned over weapons to help facilitate the search. An overnight curfew in the city was met with little resistance. Shops and businesses voluntarily closed, which helped accelerate the operation. By November 15, the mission was completed and the units returned to Forward Operating Base Wilson. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP TO CLEAR SCUZBALLS FROM SOUTH BAGHDAD
| November 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained dozens of terror suspects during searches in south Baghdad as Operation Clean Sweep continued to clear neighborhoods of terrorist activity. “Operation Clean Sweep was intended to clean out an area that was known to be used as a way for terrorists to come towards Baghdad from the south as well as an area that a lot of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and IEDs were coming from,” said Lt. Col. Everett Knapp, commander of 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment. In anticipation of the Dec. 15 nationwide elections, the Soldiers of 1/184th Inf., as well as Iraqi forces from the 4th Public Order Brigade and 1st Commando Brigade, raided about 350 homes and detained 49 suspected terrorists. Military officials said 10 of the suspects were forwarded to detention facilities. Some of the 1/184 Soldiers set up the outer cordon of the mission while others shadowed their Iraqi counterparts during the operation. “The Iraqi Soldiers really took the lead (on this mission),” Knapp said. “They don’t need translators; they can tell who the good guys are and who doesn’t belong in a certain situation.” During the Oct. 15 Constitutional Referendum vote, clearing the area of possible dangers to the democratic process was one of the reasons the U.S. Soldiers swept through the fields, clearing every building that stood in their path. Knapp said he looks forward to continuing to work with the ISF in the future, adding, “These guys get better every single day. Their professionalism is outstanding.” Weblog LINK |
IRAQ TRIES TO EXTRADITE SCUZBALL FROM YEMEN
| November 17, 2005 BAGHDAD , Iraq -- Iraqi Attorney General Chathanfar Hmod Al-Jasim presented Interpol with an extradition request to bring Omar Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, Saddam Hussein’s nephew, from Yemen’s capital back to Baghdad to stand trial for violating Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code – committing acts of terror. Omar Sabawi, the son of Saddam Hussein’s half brother, Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, has been sought by Iraqi officials for several years for his leadership role in and financial support to terrorist organizations targeting Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. The recent extradition request is the latest effort to bring Omar Sabawi to justice. Other members of the Sabawi family have been incarcerated for their roles in leading the insurgency. Omar Sabawi’s brother, Aymen, stood trial this past summer in Baghdad and received a lengthy sentence for his role in financing terrorist activities. Two other brothers, Yassir and Ibrahim, are in prison for their financial and organizational support of terrorist activities. Omar’s father, Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, former Director of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, is awaiting trial for committing crimes against humanity. Born in Baghdad in 1970, Omar Sabawi, aka Al-Alusi or Uma Ahmad Ali, focused much of his financial support and leadership on terrorist activities throughout northern and central Iraq, including Mosul. His efforts resulted in many deaths, injuries and destruction of property. Attorney General Al-Jasim fully expects Yemen’s cooperation with Interpol in extraditing Omar Sabawi from Sana’a to Baghdad so that the free and democratic Iraqi people can bring Omar Sabawi to justice. Weblog LINK |
Thursday, November 17
STEEL CURTAIN: 21 SCUZBALLS TRYING TO HIDE AMONG CITIZENS, 1 IN DRAG, NABBED
| November 16, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors continue Operation al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in the al Qaim region. A battle in Ubaydi today left al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists dead and resulted in a number of Coalition Force casualties. This afternoon in a New Ubaydi hospital, Iraqi Soldiers from the Desert Protectors, Iraqi scouts recruited from the al Qaim region positively identified and detained an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist. The terrorist was attempting to evade identification by wearing women’s clothing. Ubaydi residents staying at a nearby displacement camp worked with Iraqi Army Soldiers to help identify 21 suspected terrorists hiding amongst the civilians in the camp. Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines with Regimental Combat Team – 2 have established the Husaybah Civil-Military Operations Center, where meetings have begun between the Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces and local and regional leaders to coordinate the rebuilding of the city and the reconstitution of the city council. The CMOC will also serve as the primary meeting place for city leaders who are seeking assistance with regard to basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, phone services, waste management, and security. “The CMOC in Husaybah is a tangible sign of the committed presence of the Iraqi military and U.S. forces,” said Lt. Col. Todd Ryder, operations officer, 6th Civil Affairs Group. “It also establishes a location for local government officials to meet with military and national government officials to plan and chart a path for the city’s economic and political rejuvenation.” This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army security presence in the al Qaim region. Weblog LINK |
Wednesday, November 16
U.S./FRENCH/PAKISTANI SHIPS CONDUCT SECURITY OPERATIONS IN ARABIAN SEA
| November 16, 2005 AT SEA ABOARD USS CLEVELAND IN THE ARABIAN SEA— Members of Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1) are currently leading a group of six coalition ships conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. The strike group’s flagship, USS Tarawa (LHA-1) and the amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD-7) are joined by the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79). The French ships Var (FS-608) and Lafayette (FS-710), and the Pakistani frigate Badr (PNS-181) round out the coalition task group. MSO are part of ESG-1’s regularly scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations. The ships, currently assigned to Task Force 150 led by French Vice Adm. Jacques Mazars, seek to preserve the free and secure use of the world’s oceans by legitimate mariners, and prevent terrorists from attempting to use the maritime environment as a venue for attack or as a medium to transport personnel, weapons or other illicit material. “The focus is on gathering information that links to the Global War on Terrorism,” said Lt. Cmdr. (RAN) Darren Rushworth, future operations planner for Amphibious Squadron One (CPR-1), the task group commander. “The illegal smuggling means that funds are being created. Where does that money go, that is the link. There is also a link in terms of people smuggling, and we can find out where they are going and what they are doing.” Intercepting illegal smuggling that supports terrorism is only part of the mission, says Capt. Dave Clopp, the assistant chief of staff for operations for ESG-1. The operations and intelligence staffs of ESG-1 and CPR-1 are compiling a comprehensive database, looking for patterns in the maritime traffic in these waters. “We’re developing a baseline on what to expect out here on a given day, and once we have that baseline we can see what looks out of the ordinary,” Clopp said. Assisted by coalition maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60B Seahawk helicopters staged from Tarawa, and the Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), operated from Cleveland, the ships seek to set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment by monitoring maritime traffic, performing routine queries of vessels, and conducting Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations when warranted. “The response to the query can generate suspicion,” Rushworth said. “But mainly we want to spread the word that we’re out here for their safety and their security, that we’re looking for terrorists.” Rushworth added that the boarding teams distribute bottled water and other essentials to crewmembers of the fishing and cargo boats. If a dhow or other vessel is in distress, the coalition ships provide assistance when possible. “They’ve actually been excited to see us,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Michael Greene, a member of one of Cleveland’s boarding teams. “One of the boats we boarded had a transmission problem. We gave them some lube oil, food and water, and our engineers gave them advice on their problem. All the guys on the team are eager to be doing something hands-on with the effort. Any way we can help, makes a difference.” MSO in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman represent just one major effort ESG-1 forces are currently engaged in. Rear Adm. Michael A. LeFever, Commander of ESG-1, and nearly half his staff are in Islamabad, Pakistan, providing command and control of the U.S. military’s Disaster Assistance Center there. USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) and USS Chosin (CG-65) are in the North Arabian Gulf helping to protect the integrity of Iraqi territorial waters as well as helping to defend Iraq’s oil terminals, which are significant sources of Iraq’s revenue. The guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG-66) and the frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61) are also assigned to Task Force 150 conducting MSO. “We’re in four different places, doing four different missions at the same time,” said Clopp. “It definitely shows the agility of the ESG. We are able to conduct multiple missions at once.” Weblog LINK |
AIR FORCE FIGHTERS STRIKE SCUZBALLS IN UBAYDI
| November 16, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — United States Air Force F-15s, F-16s and Predators made air strikes against anti-Iraqi forces near the Iraqi-Syria border Monday in support of Operation Steel Curtain. After ground forces with the Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines swept into Ubaydi, a town near Karabilah, and came in contact with anti-Iraqi forces, F-15s were called in and delivered precision-guided bombs against enemy forces in a grove of trees. A Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a building from where enemy forces were shooting and successfully drove them from their location. Later Monday, F-16s and a Predator responded to provide ground support in the same area. The Predator successfully launched a Hellfire missile against insurgents entrenched in a tree line. The intent of Operation Steel Curtain is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating throughout the Al Qa’im region. The towns of Husaybah and Karabilah were cleared earlier in the operation which began Nov. 5 and a permanent security presence has been established. Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army soldiers and 2,500 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors are participating in Operation Steel Curtain. It is suspected that many of the terrorists who are now fighting in Ubaydi fled from Husaybah and Karabilah, the first two cities that were secured by Iraqi and Coalition Forces at the beginning of the operation. While the fighting has been sporadic, it has been characterized by commanders on the ground as some of the heaviest since Operation Steel Curtain began Nov. 5. Intelligence reports indicate that the strong resistance to the Iraqi and Coalition push into the city is due in large part to the fact that terrorists believe they are trapped and have nowhere else to go. An additional 30 terrorists have been killed since last night, for an overall total of approximately 80 killed since entering the city yesterday morning. Most of those terrorists were targeted by coalition air strikes, although some were killed in direct small-arms fire engagements with Iraqi and Coalition Forces on the ground. Iraqi and Coalition Forces continue to clear the city house-by-house, occasionally encountering buildings that are rigged with explosives and triggered to detonate upon entering the building. Numerous weapons caches have also been seized, to include several that contained suicide vests and bomb making material. Overall, there have been 36 weapons caches found and destroyed during Operation Steel Curtain. Iraqi and Coalition Forces have also discovered numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines during the operation, the vast majority of which were destroyed by Coalition Forces before they could inflict any damage. The precise locations of many IEDs were revealed by detained terrorists. There have been a total of 107 IEDs and mines discovered during the course of Operation Steel Curtain. Several detainees were captured trying to sneak out of the area by crawling among a flock of sheep. Overall, there have been approximately 150 terrorists detained since Operation Steel Curtain began 10 days ago. Ubaydi is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, 20 km from the Syrian border and separated into two main areas, Old and New Ubaydi. Old Ubaydi has been cleared and now the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces are focusing on clearing the al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold of New Ubaydi. This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout Al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army presence in the Al Qa’im region. Weblog LINK |
CAR BOMB GOES OFF IN KANDAHAR
| November 16, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonated near a U.S. military convoy in Kandahar killing one Afghan civilian and destroying a civilian flat-bed truck this morning. The car bomb, which killed its driver, detonated on the outskirts of Kandahar against the convoy as it was returning from a nearby forward operating base. There were no U.S. injuries or deaths. Weblog LINK |
U.S. GRUNTS ROUTINELY DETECT AND STOP BOMB ATTACKS
| November 16, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division uncovered a number of improvised explosive devices and engaged anti-Iraqi forces in southwest Baghdad Nov. 13. By the end of the day, a total of 14 IEDs had either detonated or been found and destroyed by brigade Soldiers. There were no U.S. injuries or deaths in any of the incidents. Troops from D Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, discovered the first IED buried in a road south of Baghdad. The patrol followed wires from the IED to find a two-man firing point. The Soldiers engaged the terrorists, and killed one of them. A second IED was also found in the vicinity. In 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment’s area of operation, Soldiers from A Company discovered three IEDs while on patrol. One of the IEDs was detonated as the troops secured the area and searched for a trigger-man. As dismounted patrols moved through the area securing the site, an additional eight IEDs were detonated in their area. Another IED was detonated while the same company searched a house in the area. Anti-Iraqi forces attacked the patrol with mortar fire and small-arms fire. Attack aviation on the scene engaged and destroyed a truck seen fleeing from the site, killing one terrorist as he tried to escape. Elsewhere, Soldiers stopped another vehicle trying to flee the area. One terror suspect was detained for further questioning. While searching the area, Soldiers also found a cache of 18 155-millimeter rounds. An explosives ordnance disposal team later destroyed the munitions Weblog LINK |
IRAQI AND U.S GRUNTS SEIZE GUNS N' AMMO
| November 16, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers found and disposed of four weapons caches and an IED Nov. 14 in north central Iraq with the help of several local citizens. In the largest discovery of the day, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Division of the Iraqi Army seized 38 120mm mortar rounds and other military hardware near Baqubah after receiving a tip from an area resident. A patrol from the 720th Military Police Battalion received assistance from several Iraqi children in Ad Dujayl. The children led the MPs to two caches of detonating fuses that were removed by an explosive ordnance disposal team. A Balad citizen led a patrol from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team to an IED that had been assembled in a field, awaiting emplacement. The IED was made from two large mortar rounds. Near Kirkuk, troops from the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team turned up 13 mortar rounds after receiving a lead from the Provisional Joint Coordination Cell. Task Force Band of Brothers Soldiers also unearthed and disposed of two rocket-propelled grenade rounds, two hand grenades and 500 rounds of small-arms ammunition near Samarra. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALL IN IRAQ LEADER NABBED
| November 16, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Forces used multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens to locate a known al Qaeda in Iraq safe house harboring terrorists and foreign fighters Nov. 7. Upon arrival at the terrorist safe house, Multi-National Forces detained numerous terrorists and foreign fighters; among them was Sadiq Ayadah Husayn Matar (aka Abu Ahmed), the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Sadah. Abu Ahmed admitted to being the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Sadah. He was responsible for all terrorist operations in Sadah. He also coordinated and conducted terrorist operations in the surrounding areas within the al Qaim region. He was in charge of directing, planning and executing bombing, mortar attacks, and ambushes against Iraqi security and Coalition Forces. Abu Ahmed, as one of the five senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leaders in the al Qaim region, which includes Husaybah, Karabilah, Sadah, Ubaydi, and al Qaim, was connected to numerous al Qaeda in Iraq senior terrorist leaders. He admitted associations, as well as conducting coordinated terrorist operations, with other senior terrorists and foreign fighters in the region. These senior terrorists were responsible for all terrorist and foreign fighter activities in the region to include the smuggling of foreign fighters into the al Qaim region from Syria Weblog LINK |
PAKISTAN: HOT REFUELER FOR QUAKE COPTERS OPENS
| November 16, 2005 U.S. Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – A U.S. military Rapid Refueling Point at Muzaffarabad Airport opened Nov. 15 allowing relief helicopters to refuel quicker and provide earthquake aid further north in support of Pakistani-led relief efforts. The RRP, part of the U.S. military’s Forward Re-supply Base in Muzaffarabad, saves each aircraft 75 minutes operating time at each refueling due to its location and capability to refuel helicopters while they are still running vice having to shut them down as in Islamabad. The 75 minutes gained by the RRP comes from eliminating the 30 minute flight to Islamabad and an additional 40 minutes saved since helicopters can be fueled in five minutes while running instead of 45 minutes when they have to be shut down. The ability to refuel a helicopter while running is known as hot refueling and is made possible by three 20,000 gallon fuel bladders that are capable of fueling two aircraft simultaneously. The RRP also can refuel helicopters while they are shut down, known as cold refueling, with two 2,200 gallon fuel trucks. The ability to refuel father north allows U.S. helicopters more flight time to deliver aid to those affected by the Oct. 8 earthquake that devastated the Kashmir and Northwest Frontier Provinces in Pakistan. U.S. military helicopters began flying earthquake relief aid on Oct. 11 in support of the Government of Pakistan’s relief operations. They have delivered nearly 7.5 million pounds of relief aid and evacuated more than 3,500 casualties. Weblog LINK |
WARRANTS ISSUED FOR SCUZBALL LEADER, ZARQAWI BUTTBOY
| November 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The Iraqi Central Investigating Court in Baghdad issued arrest warrants for two men suspected of leading and facilitating the insurgency against Coalition and Iraqi Forces and who are responsible for many Iraqi deaths. Issued on October 17, 2005, and only recently made public, was an arrest warrant for Muhammed Hilah Hammad al Ubaydi, also known as Abu Ayman. Abu Ayman, a Saddamist, was a former aide to the Chief of Staff of Intelligence in the Baathist Regime and has been financing and leading insurgency operations since Saddam Hussein’s fall in 2003. The arrest warrant states that Abu Ayman is wanted for violation of Iraqi Penal Code 194, which addresses terrorist activities. Coalition and Iraqi security forces have long suspected Abu Ayman of leading an extensive network of terrorists, whose aim is to disrupt democracy in Iraq. He is suspected of leading and facilitating kidnappings, improvised explosive device attacks and attacks on convoys that resulted in deaths, assassination attempts on government officials, non-Iraqi citizens, and destruction of property. Abu Ayman has focused his attacks against Iraqi forces in Baghdad, Salman Pak, and Mahmudiyah. Abu Ayman leads the Secret Islamic Army in northern Babil Province, an organization with ties to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and al Qaeda. Also issued on October 17, 2005 was an arrest warrant for Jamal Wahab al-Dhari al ZawbaI, also known as Abu Asim. A former Special Republican Guard officer under Saddam Hussein, authorities believe Abu Asim has been active within the insurgency since the fall of the former regime. The arrest warrant states that Asim, like Abu Ayman, is wanted for violation of Iraqi Penal Code 194. Coalition and Iraqi security forces believe that Abu Asim is responsible for coordinating, facilitating, funding, and training different terrorist groups sharing the common goal of destroying the progress of a free and democratic Iraq. Abu Asim’s focus remains in Baghdad although Coalition and Iraqi Intelligence officials believe Abu Asim is also responsible for terrorist attacks in Abu Ghraib. Weblog LINK |
SADDAM BUTTBOY AND CURRENT SCUZBALL LEADER NABBED
| November 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured Hamid Sharki Shadid, the leader of the New Ba’ath Party in Diyala Province, during a patrol November 9th. Coalition members apprehended Shadid along with physical evidence at his home. Shadid is a former member of the Ba’ath Party in Diyala Province and is suspected of being responsible for all anti-Iraqi forces Ba’ath Party activities in that area. Shadid’s capture is a major achievement for Coalition Forces as they believe he can provide crucial information on the whereabouts of former Staff General Jamal Karki, a suspected Ba’athist insurgent, and Abd-al-Baqi al-Sa’adun, who has been a fugitive since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003. As the former Ba’ath Party Regional Chairman of Diyala Province and Regional Chairman of Southern Iraq, al Sa’adun is wanted for crimes against humanity committed during the 1999 Shi’ite uprising. Al-Sa’adun has remained a key leader within the Iraqi insurgency, recruiting and financing foreign terrorists in eastern and central Iraq. Al-Sa’adun also actively coordinated, financed and directed attacks against Iraqi police and civilians in Nasiriyah, Basrah and Diyala provinces. It is believed that Sa’adun finances insurgent activities with money stolen from the people of Iraq during the Saddam regime and that Shadid may be an accomplice. Coalition Forces will continue their pursuit of al-Sa’adun and Karki and view Shadid’s capture as a step closer to their apprehension. Up to one million U.S. Dollars is being offered to capture or kill Abd-al-Baqi al-Sa’adun. Weblog LINK |
STEEL CURTAIN: SCUZBALLS WITH NOWHERE TO RUN MAKE STAND IN UBAYDI, 80 KILLED SO FAR
| November 15, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 continue Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in the town of Ubaydi Nov. 15. It is suspected that many of the terrorists who are now fighting in Ubaydi fled from Husaybah and Karabilah, the first two cities that were secured by Iraqi and Coalition Forces at the beginning of the operation. While the fighting has been sporadic, it has been characterized by commanders on the ground as some of the heaviest since Operation Steel Curtain began Nov. 5. Intelligence reports indicate that the strong resistance to the Iraqi and Coalition push into the city is due in large part to the fact that terrorists believe they are trapped and have nowhere else to go. An additional 30 terrorists have been killed since last night, for an overall total of approximately 80 killed since entering the city yesterday morning. Most of those terrorists were targeted by coalition air strikes, although some were killed in direct small-arms fire engagements with Iraqi and Coalition Forces on the ground. Iraqi and Coalition Forces continue to clear the city house-by-house, occasionally encountering buildings that are rigged with explosives and triggered to detonate upon entering the building. Numerous weapons caches have also been seized, to include several that contained suicide vests and bomb making material. Overall, there have been 36 weapons caches found and destroyed during Operation Steel Curtain. Iraqi and Coalition Forces have also discovered numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines during the operation, the vast majority of which were destroyed by Coalition Forces before they could inflict any damage. The precise locations of many IEDs were revealed by detained terrorists. There have been a total of 107 IEDs and mines discovered during the course of Operation Steel Curtain. Several detainees were captured trying to sneak out of the area by crawling among a flock of sheep. Overall, there have been approximately 150 terrorists detained since Operation Steel Curtain began 10 days ago. Ubaydi is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, 20 km from the Syrian border and separated into two main areas, Old and New Ubaydi. Old Ubaydi has been cleared and now the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces are focusing on clearing the al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold of New Ubaydi. The intent of Operation Steel Curtain is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating throughout the Al Qa’im region. The towns of Husaybah and Karabilah were cleared earlier in the operation which began Nov. 5 and a permanent security presence has been established. Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army soldiers and 2,500 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors are participating in Operation Steel Curtain. This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout Al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army presence in the Al Qa’im region. Weblog LINK |
Tuesday, November 15
SCUZBALLS CAUGHT WITH BOMB MATERIALS
| November 14, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Two men were taken into custody by U.S. troops near Hawija Nov. 12 after they were caught red-handed with IED-making material and $1,000 in U.S. currency. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team were patrolling in Hawija when they came under small arms fire. The Soldiers determined that the shots were coming from a nearby cement factory and moved in to investigate. They found the first suspect sitting in a vehicle outside the plant with a television remote control, a common detonator for IEDs, electrical wire and wire strippers. A second man was discovered in a factory office with 50 feet of wire. A safe in the office contained a cordless phone and charger that was in the process of being turned into an IED trigger. Weblog LINK |
STEEL CURTAIN GRINDS ON, MAKING EUPHRATES RIVER VALLEY SAFE FOR DEMOCRACY
| November 14, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 continue Operation al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in the town of Ubaydi today. Ubaydi is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, 20 km from the Syrian border and separated into the Old and New Ubaydi. Old Ubaydi has been cleared and now the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces are focusing on clearing the al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold of New Ubaydi. Iraqi Army Soldiers, Marines and U.S. Army Soldiers engaged groups of terrorist fighters when they entered the city this morning after receiving small arms fire. Approximately 50 terrorists are estimated to have been killed in sporadic but heavy fighting. The combined force of Iraqi Army and Coalition forces has encountered at least six mines and improvised bombs while clearing Ubaydi. This includes a home booby-trapped with explosives. A suspected car bomb placed in the advance of Iraqi Forces was engaged with a round from an M1A1 tank. The blast from the tank initiated a secondary explosion powerful enough to throw the car onto the roof of a nearby building. Iraqi Forces discovered an active minefield southeast of Husaybah which they are working to reduce for the safety of the local citizens. A similar operation, Operation Matador, was conducted last May to eliminate terrorists and disrupt their activity in Ubaydi, a known terrorist transit and training area. Since that time, Iraqi Forces have increased, allowing for a permanent presence within the city. The intent of Operation Steel Curtain is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating throughout the al Qaim region. The towns of Husaybah and Karabilah were cleared earlier in the operation which began Nov. 5 and a permanent Iraqi-U.S. presence has been established. Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 2,500 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors are participating in Operation Steel Curtain. This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army presence in the al Qaim region Weblog LINK |
Monday, November 14
IRAQI ARMY, U.S. GRUNTS KEEP UP PRESSURE, FINDING GUNS N' AMMO, KILLING SCUZBALLS
| November 14, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to disrupt and defeat al Qaeda, foreign fighters and terrorists during more than 230 company-level combined Coalition and Iraqi security forces and 90 independent ISF operations throughout the country this week. “Conditions are being set for the national election, which is one more milestone for the Iraqi people to reinforce the sovereignty they’re building,” said Maj. Brandon Robbins, operations officer, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Operations resulted in Coalition and Iraqi security forces locating and clearing more than 90 caches, capturing or killing of five bomb makers and clearing of nearly 170 improvised explosive devices. Operation Steel Curtain is one of the larger operations of the week involving Regimental Combat Team-2. The operation began Nov. 5 in Husaybah with RCT-2 also clearing the towns of Al Karabilah and Sa’Dah. RCT-2 is comprised of a specially trained Iraqi Army scout platoon called the Desert Protectors, elements of the 1st Iraqi Army Division and 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers. Operation Steel Curtain resulted in the detention of more than 100 terrorists and clearance of 33 caches. Most residents who sought assistance in the displacement camp have returned to their homes. Electrical power and water is expected to be restored to pre-operational level within the next 24 hours. “The objective of Operation Steel Curtain was to restore security along the Iraqi-Syrian border and support the Coalition’s efforts along the Euphrates River Valley,” Robbins said. “Ultimately our intent is to assist the ISF in establishing a permanent presence on the border and to set the conditions for a safe and secure national election Dec. 15.” Other significant operations conducted this week include Operation Knockout in Baqubah where Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior forces detained 370 suspected terrorists. In the northwestern region of Iraq, Operation Wolf Stalk 2 continues to disrupt terrorists’ ability to carry out attacks in western Ninevah, while reconnaissance operations in northwestern Ninevah are identifying the needs of local residents and supporting legitimate economic and civic ventures. “Several operations are out in sector to identify locations where CF and the Iraqi Transitional Government can focus on future stability and reconstruction efforts,” Robbins said. In Baghdad, Operation National Unity, which began in July, is dedicated to increasing the capability of the Iraqi security forces to control the security environment and decreasing the number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices in the city. Operation Open Window, in the central south region of Iraq, continues to pave the way of handing responsibility of the area to the 8th Iraqi Division. “The way ahead is clearer,” Robbins said. “Senior leaders of MNC-I have integrated with Iraqi Ground Forces Command and continue to look forward to those critical points where ISF will sustain themselves and take over battle space responsibilities to keep up tactical and operational momentum.” Weblog LINK |
STEEL CURTAIN MOVES TO UBAYDI
| November 14, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 began a new phase of Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) today by entering the town of Ubaydi. Ubaydi, located on the banks of the Euphrates River, is only 20 km from the Syrian border, and was the site of Operation Matador last May. Insurgent fighters have been battling with Iraqi and Coalition forces since the operation began at dawn. Five targets were struck by Coalition air strikes. The insurgents were engaging Coalition Forces with small arms fire at the time of the strikes. Preliminary reports indicate and estimated 25 insurgents have already been captured and are currently detained. Several improvised explosive devices and mines have also been discovered so far in the operation. The towns of Husaybah and Karabilah were cleared earlier in the operation and permanent Iraqi-U.S. presence has been established. Operation Steel Curtain differs from Matador in the respect that a permanent presence of Iraqi and U.S. forces will be established in the city. The goals of Operation Steel Curtain are to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating throughout the Al Qa’im region. This offensive is part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout Al Anbar and to establish a permanent Iraqi Army presence in the Al Qa’im region. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI COPS, U.S. GRUNTS FIND, BLOW UP GUNS N' AMMO
| November 13, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police and Task Force Band of Brothers’ Soldiers found and disposed of two weapons caches Nov. 12. The police discovery was made at an abandoned Iraqi Army compound near Kirkuk. The cache consisted of 22 proximity fuses for artillery rounds, two mortar rounds and two crates of small arms ammunition. A second cache was discovered by Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team near Hawija. The Soldiers seized and destroyed 19 rockets and a shaped charge designed to penetrate armored vehicles. Removing weapons from terrorist hands is a priority for Iraqi and U.S. forces in the area. During the past week, a dozen caches have been unearthed in the north central region of the country by Iraqi security forces and U.S. Soldiers. Weblog LINK |
