Friday, November 25
NEW WATER PLANT OPENS IN AL HASAIN
Scuzballs plan to kidnap 300 local Iraqis and make them drink from the river after which they will be blown up. Can't have a Scuzball event without blowing someone up. It wouldn't be complete.
| November 25, 2005 CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Multinational Division Central-South Soldiers and local authorities opened a new water plant for al Husain village near Afak (30 km east of Ad Diwaniyah) Nov. 23. The new facility provides potable water to about 3,000 local citizens. Prepared by Bulgarian soldiers from MNDCS 1 Brigade Combat Team, the project began two months ago and included the building of a new water plant with the pumps, filters, chlorinate system, generator and 3-km long pipeline system connecting the water plant with the village. During the past two years, civil military relations’ specialists facilitated more than 2,000 projects; including water purification facilities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION LIONS ENDS, 20 SCUZBALLS NABBED
Suburb of Ramidi made safer for December 15 elections.
| November 24, 2005 AR RAMADI, Iraq — Approximately 200 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 250 Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2-BCT) concluded Operation Asad (Lions) in the Tammim area of ar Ramadi today. As a result of Lions, 20 suspected terrorists were detained by Iraqi Army Soldiers and 2-BCT Soldiers. Lions is the third in a series of disruption operations that aimed to capture or kill al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in the Ramadi area and deny them the ability to influence the Iraqi people there. Operations Panthers and Bruins denied AQI terrorists the ability to operate in northern ar Ramadi. These operations, paired with operations west of ar Ramadi, are effectively disrupting AQI terrorists across al Anbar and are creating an environment conducive to free and fair elections Dec. 15. Weblog LINK |
CITIZEN TIP LEADS TO SMALL PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO
Another disgusted proves the Scuzball program to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis continues apace. Yeah,Boy!
| November 24, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A tip from a local citizen on the location of a weapons cache in the Tissa Nissan district of east Baghdad resulted in the destruction of the weapons Nov 23. Around 4 p.m., elements of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor responded to the site and discovered 31 60-millimeter mortar rounds and 19 120-millimeter mortar rounds. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the scene and conducted a controlled detonation of the munitions. Weblog LINK |
4,280 IRAQI HOMES GET NEW WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
Scuzballs hope to compete by killing 428 citizens. Yeah! That'll work!
| November 24, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – A water supply and sewer distribution system completed in November will benefit 4,280 Iraqi homes in Baqubah. Construction on the new facility began in May 2005 and employed 250 Iraqi construction workers including pipe fitters, plumbers, electricians, masons, carpenters, plasterers, truck drivers and backhoe operators. The old system provided potable water to only a limited number of homes and needed upgrades to provide a safe water supply to the community. The system could not keep abreast of growth. The new state-of-the-art system serves a larger section of the community and eliminates the need to connect to the storm water system, and stops the discharge of pollution, and health hazards into the river. This community project is another concrete example of how Iraq is working towards reconstruction, autonomy, and prosperity. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALLS ATTACK HOSPITAL, 18 CITIZENS , 6 COPS DEAD
Iraqi government deserves medal for NOT torturing more of these scumbags.
| November 24, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers responded to a suicide car bomb attack in Mahmudiyah around 10:40 a.m. Nov. 24. Initial reports indicate 18 Iraqi civilians and six security guards with Force Protection Services were killed in the terrorist attack at the Mahmudiyah Hospital and at least 30 other civilians were wounded. Four U.S. Soldiers were also wounded. Task Force Baghdad civil affairs Soldiers were at the hospital conducting an assessment for upgrades to the facility when the car bomb detonated. Task Force Baghdad officials said the target appears to have been the hospital, but the terrorist was unable to penetrate the security perimeter before detonating. Initial reports indicate there was no structural damage to the hospital. Iraqi Army Soldiers and additional Task Force Baghdad Soldiers quickly arrived to secure the site and provide additional medical support. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALL PROPOGANDA/BOMB/CHARITY SCAM CHIEF NABBED
Budding career in Scuzballism cut short by combination of citizen disgust and too many irons in the fire.
| November 24, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq - Acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, Coalition forces raided a suspected Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorist safe house in Abu Ghurayb, west of Baghdad, Oct. 23. Captured during the raid was Ahmad Ni’mah Khudayyir Abbas (aka. Abu Shihab), a recently identified Jaysh al-Mujahideen lieutenant who oversaw the propaganda cell and who commanded several mortar and improvised explosive device cells. Abu Shihab, as the propaganda chief for the Jaysh al-Mujahideen media cell operating in the Baghdad area, initially recorded videos and digitized them to compact disc for distribution to various Jaysh al-Mujahideen and al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist groups. These videos would then be downloaded to various Jihadist web sites as propaganda against Iraqi security and coalition forces. Additionally, the videos would be used to recruit terrorists and foreign fighters, as well as to provide information on potential targets for other terrorists. As his skills and terrorist connections developed, he began directing and coordinating media operations throughout the Baghdad area for Jaysh al-Mujahideen. Abu Shihab’s multi-media and organizational skills propelled him to the highest tier within Jaysh al-Mujahideen. Once he became a lieutenant to the Emir of Jaysh al-Mujahideen, he assumed responsibility for a myriad of terrorist duties. Besides overseeing Jaysh al-Mujahideen media operations, Abu Shihab was responsible for the coordination of weapons, explosive purchases and the distribution of money to different terrorist cells, as well as the official record keeping of the organization’s terrorist activities. Abu Shihab was also in command of several terrorist cells in the Baghdad area, specifically mortar and IED cells. He admitted to conducting numerous bombings and mortar attacks against Iraqi security and coalition forces. Abu Shihab admitted to being involved in the swindling of money from Iraqi citizens. He, as well as other Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorists, would represent a local Baghdad charity they set up specifically to funnel donations to Jaysh al-Mujahideen. One method of garnering donations from local citizens, according to Abu Shihab, was to stage pictures with children and young adults highlighting the “charity’s” name and logo in the background. The pictures would be shown to the Iraqis to solicit money supposedly in support of youth education and religious study; these donations would then be used to support terrorist operations in the Baghdad area. The Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorist organization, which is centrally controlled in Baghdad, also has terrorist cells in major cities in Iraq, to include Mosul, Fallujah, Ramadi; Jaysh al-Mujahideen is associated with al Qaeda in Iraq. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALLS PLANT BOMBS, BUT GRUNTS FIND THEM BEFORE THEY EXPLODE
| November 24, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers saw numerous small victories over the terrorist effort in east Baghdad Nov. 22. Around 9:30 a.m., elements of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor discovered a roadside bomb in a pile of trash. An explosives ordnance disposal team was called to the scene and conducted a controlled detonation of the device. At noon, another roadside bomb was spotted by elements of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry. An EOD team was called to the site and transported the device to another location. Looking for terrorist activity, elements of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 2nd Public Order Brigade searched numerous homes in Zafaraniya as part of a joint operation with 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery. “The POB units have gotten very comfortable with cordon-and-search missions. They acted very professionally and are pretty much operating on their own,” said Capt. Jason Pelletier, commander of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery. During the joint operation, one local resident turned over a bag of 59 hand grenades and 10 feet of explosive detonating cord. At about 5:30 p.m., 3/7 Cav. responded to a tip from a local citizen and secured a roadside bomb before it could be used against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces. An EOD team removed the device to another location. Weblog LINK |
Thursday, November 24
MDCS GRUNTS RAISED LIVING STANDARDS FOR HALF MILLION IRAQIS
| November 23, 2005 Starting Nov. 23, 800 Iraqi families living in ad Diwaniyah suburbs have a connection to city water main thanks to the efforts of Multinational Division Central South Soldiers. A pipeline system has been built to provide water for the citizens. A 12 mile long water pipeline system has been built for three housing estates in ad Diwaniyah suburbs which did not have connections to the city water main. Because of the two month long project, about 4000 citizens will have water in their houses. From the very beginning of its mission the MDCS has been actively engaged in improvement of living conditions for the local population. MNDCS Soldiers organized reconstruction of the civilian infrastructure and provided humanitarian relief for Iraqi citizens. During the last two years, civil military relations’ specialists materialized 2100 projects, including water purification facilities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings. In total, they have helped more than 500,000 Iraqi people. Weblog LINK |
CAPTAIN MIRANDA TURNS COMMAND OF TASK FORCE 58 OVER TO COMMADORE WILLIAMS
| November 23, 2005 USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), North Arabian Gulf -- Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams assumed command of Combined Task Force 58, the multinational coalition force responsible for conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf, Nov. 18. Previously, U.S. Navy Capt. Hank Miranda led the MSO effort in the North Arabian Gulf for the past three months as the commander of Task Group 58.1. MSO 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 strength of a coalition is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Williams. “In terms of the coalition here in the northern Arabian Gulf, the real demonstration of that concerted strength and concerted capability is the fact that here I am, as a British one star, in charge of a force made up of Australian, American, United Kingdom and Iraqi forces able to operate together.” As part of MSO in the North Arabian Gulf, CTF 58 is also entrusted with the security of Iraq's Al Basra and Khwar Al Amaya oil terminals. These two oil terminals account for a significant percentage of Iraq's revenue and are vital to the Iraqi rebuilding process. “The role of CTF 58 is to assist the Iraqis sustain their territory and to ensure that it's economic infrastructure is unharmed by those who wish to see the current progress in democracy to fail,” said Williams. “It is a coalition which is increasingly turning toward assisting the Iraqis in the protection of their own assets as opposed to a coalition which is doing it on their behalf. We are in a transition phase, as we speak, in developing the Iraqi forces,” he said. USS San Jacinto (CG 56) will serve as Williams’ flagship, marking the first time a Royal Naval Commodore has flown his flag over a U.S. Navy warship since the end of World War I. “The importance of a flagship is that it has the capacity and capability to command forces both close to and at range and has the flexibility to operate in many different dimensions,” said Williams. “You need a ship of this scale and capacity to be able to command the diversity of forces we have here in the northern gulf to ensure the protection of Iraqi territorial waters.” Weblog LINK |
30 SCUZBALLS, GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN AT HIDEYHOLE ISLAND NEAR BAYJI
| November 23, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – A joint Iraqi and U.S. mission against a terrorist hideout near Bayji uncovered a large amount of money and weapons. The operation named Old Baldy was launched Nov. 21 by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and “Rakkasans” from the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team. More than 30 suspected terrorists and a large cache of money, weapons and material were captured during the operation. The air assault mission was centered on al Bayji Island, a 10 square kilometer land mass splitting the Tigris River north of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown. The island has served as an isolated hideout for terrorists and criminals in the past. According to Lt. Col. Randy George, commander of Task Force Leader, Bayji Island was a “previously untouched area and we wanted to send a clear message to the insurgents: there is no safe haven in AO Rakkasan.” The Soldiers swept onto the island before dawn Nov. 21 in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Over the next 36 hours, the Iraqi and American Soldiers conducted searches of the island, uncovering stores of enemy weapons including rocket-propelled grenades and IED making material. “This operation instilled confidence in our Iraqi counterparts, and served to further strengthen our partnership with the Iraqi Army,” said George, referring to the Rakkasan partnership with the 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers. Weblog LINK |
9 SCUZBALLS NABBED AFTER BOMB ATTACK
| November 23, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Nine terrorists were captured after an IED attack against a 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division patrol Tuesday afternoon near Balad. The nine men were detained after two of them tested positive for explosives residue. The IED was constructed from a 155mm artillery round and hidden alongside the road. One Soldier was wounded in the attack and taken to a local military medical facility. Weblog LINK |
FORMER PALACE NOW GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.....SORRY, SADDAM
| November 23, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq -- The Iraqi government took control of Saddam Hussein’s palace complex from U.S. Coalition Forces in a historic ceremony Nov. 22 in Tikrit. Three different U.S. Army units have used the complex as a forward operating base since 2003. “Now it is the property of the Iraqi people,” said Hamad Hamood Shekti, governor of the Salah Ad Din Province. “Tourists will be allowed to see the palaces.” Colonel Mark McKnight, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, handed the “key to the palace” to Shekti during the ceremony, signifying the release of U.S. control. “The passing of this facility is a simple ceremony that vividly demonstrates the continuing progress being made by the Iraqi government and their people,” McKnight said. “Two years ago, Coalition Forces fought to rid this nation of an oppressive regime. Since that time, Coalition Forces… have resided on FOB Danger, working alongside Iraqis to protect the four provinces of north central Iraq,” McKnight added. Although 24 other coalition operating bases have been turned over to the people of Iraq, ten of them in north central Iraq, the Tikrit palace complex is the most significant transition to date. The complex is on more than 1,000 acres of land along the Tigris River. There are 136 buildings on the property with a combined 1.5 million square feet of administrative and living space. The province was and will stay “a symbol of national unity and brotherhood in Iraq” Shekti said. “[Today], we celebrate the transfer of the presidential palaces to the patriotic Iraqi hands, signifying the many aspirations and goals of the great citizens of the Salah Ad Din province,” Shekti said. Shekti said he looks forward to Iraq’s independence, when all multi-national forces are able to leave Iraq, and wants to prove the people of Iraq can manage their issues independently. “These palaces are owned by not one person anymore,” he said, “and no one will be prevented from entering them in the future, because now it is the property of the Iraqi people.” The palace complex was initially secured by the 4th Infantry Division in 2003 and designated as Camp Iron Horse during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. Saddam Hussein was captured near Camp Iron Horse in December 2003. The base was redesignated FOB Danger once it came under the control of the 1st Infantry Division out of Wurzburg, Germany. The 42nd Infantry Division, a National Guard unit based in New York, took over the FOB Feb. 14, and in July began the process of returning the complex to the Iraqi people. Many Iraqi officials attended the momentous event, including Lt. Gen. Shahid Aziz, commander of the 4th Iraqi Army; Rasheed Ahmad, chairman of the Salah Ad Din provincial council; and Judge Abd al Hussein Shandal, the minister of justice. U.S. Ambassador Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey, commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq were also in attendance. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALL REMOVAL (OPERATION LION) BEGINS IN RAMADI SUBURB
| November 23, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq — Approximately 200 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 250 Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2-BCT) attached to the 2nd Marine Division, kicked off Operation Asad (Lions) Nov. 22, in the Tammim area of southern ar Ramadi. Operation Lions follows Operations Panthers and Bruins, both of which were conducted in different parts of Ramadi. These operations involved Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces clearing sections of the city in order to disrupt the insurgency and set conditions for successful elections on Dec 15. Terrorists operating in Ramadi continue to try and influence the local Iraqi citizens through murder and intimidation tactics. Terrorists linked to the Abu Musab Al Zarqawi network in Ramadi have vowed to prevent the local citizens from participating in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. Since Nov. 16, operations by the Iraqi Army and 2-BCT have resulted in 32 enemy killed and the seizure and destruction of four weapon caches, to include: surface to air missiles, rocket propelled grenades, numerous rockets, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, hand grenades, landmines, small arms, small arms ammunition and various IED making equipment. “The Iraqi Army has been the main effort in many of our operations. They continue to exhibit professionalism and resolve in securing their country,” said Col. John L. Gronski, commanding officer, 2- BCT. Weblog LINK |
YOU ARE NOT A SCUZBALL, GO HOME, FIGHT NO MORE
| November 23, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Eighty-four detainees will be released from the Theater Internment Facilities Nov. 23 after having their cases reviewed by the Combined Review and Release Board. The Iraqi-led CRRB, which was established in August 2004, consists of nine members; two members each from the Ministries of Human Rights, Justice and Interior, as well as three senior officers from the Multi-National Forces. To date, the board has reviewed the cases of more than 21,700 detainees, recommending more than 12,000 individuals for release. Weblog LINK |
QUAKE RELIEF: SEABEES ADOPT, RECONSTRUCT PAK VILLAGE
| November 23, 2005 U.S. Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – U.S. sailors today adopted the Miani Bandi village adjacent to the Muzaffarabad Airport as part of U.S. support to Pakistan-led relief efforts. The sailors, known as SEABEES, are participating in the “Adopt a Village” program started by the Pakistan military to provide sturdy shelters by winter to earthquake survivors in the Kashmir region. The SEABEES home ported in Gulfport, Miss., deployed to Muzaffarabad on Oct. 27 from Okinawa, Japan to assist the Government of Pakistan in relief efforts. Phase two of this program encompasses building durable shelters for the winter using the materials already at the home sites. The SEABEES, Pakistan Military, and the home owners will work together to reconstruct approximately 75 homes, build a school, and sanitation facilities. The Pakistani military “Adopt a Village“ program has three phases, phase one consisted of supplying tents, phase two consists of building durable shelters and the third phase is the rebuilding of permanent homes for those affected by the earthquake. Weblog LINK |
Tuesday, November 22
OPERATION STEEL CURTAIN ENDS, GRUNTS 395-SCUZBALLS 10
| November 22, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 wrapped up Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) today near the Syrian border. The 17-day offensive, which took place in the cities of Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi, was part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter) designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout al Anbar province. The operation made way for the establishment of a permanent Iraqi Army security presence in the al Qaim region and set the conditions for local citizens to vote in the upcoming Dec.15 elections. Operation Steel Curtain ushered in the first large-scale operational employment of the Iraqi Army, approximately 1,000 Soldiers, in western al Anbar province. The Iraqi Soldiers conducted detailed clearing missions alongside Coalition counterparts and began establishing permanent bases within these three cities. Forces at these outposts will prevent the al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists from regaining a presence in these cities and threatening local residents with their murder and intimidation campaign. Integration of locally recruited Iraqi Army Soldiers in al Anbar was introduced by the arrival of the Desert Protectors. The Desert Protectors were recruited from the al Qaim region and worked alongside the Iraqi Army and U.S. units throughout the course of the operation. Their familiarity with the area and its people was crucial in identifying friend from foe and enabled their Iraqi and Coalition partners to better understand the geographical complexities of the region. Ten Marines were killed in fighting during Operation Steel Curtain. Since the operation began 139 terrorists were killed and 256 processed for detention. The porous Iraq-Syria border was identified as a main route for men, material and money to be transited into Iraq. The western Euphrates River Valley region was known to be a major artery for al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists. Iraqi Soldiers and U.S. forces moved in on Husaybah the morning of Nov. 5, followed shortly thereafter by Karabilah, Ubaydi and winding up clearing the Ramana region. Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. forces will continue to maintain presence and increase efforts in securing the Iraq-Syria border. Weblog LINK |
Monday, November 21
OPERATION BRUINS ENDS, AREA MADE READY FOR ELECTIONS
| November 21, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq – Approximately 150 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 300 Marines and Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2 BCT) and 2nd Marine Division concluded Operation Dhibbah (Bruins) in northern ar Ramadi Nov. 20. The operation netted several weapons caches used by al-Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists to conduct direct attacks on Iraqi Army, U.S. forces and Ramadi citizens and to build hundreds of roadside bombs. The caches were found Nov. 20, in a sweep through northern Ramadi. Plastic explosives, artillery and mortar shells, fuses and remote and pressure sensitive detonators were among the items found. Marines conducting a combat patrol in support of the operation were attacked by a roadside bomb. There were no casualties or damage from the bomb which targeted the fourth armored Humvee in the column. Marines were also attacked with a single rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol on the perimeter of the cordon area. The grenade impacted near the al Qudar Mosque but caused no casualties and limited damage. Twenty-one rocket launchers and 43 rounds of RPG ammunition were discovered along with 23 medium machine guns, three sniper rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Thirty-two black ski masks were also found in this cache. Operation Bruins was part of a series of disruption operations in Ramadi designed to set the conditions for successful elections in December. Attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces in the Ramadi area have decreased 60 percent in the last few weeks, as a result of these ongoing operations. Weblog LINK |
TIPS LEAD IRAQI GRUNTS TO GUNS N' AMMO
| November 21, 2005 Baghdad, Iraq – Acting on tips from local residents, Iraqi Army Soldiers confiscated a large number of terrorist weapons and bomb-making materials Nov. 20 in west Baghdad. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division discovered the weapons cache during a follow-up search of an area where an improvised explosive device was discovered and destroyed last week. A small contingent of U.S. Soldiers from D Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry assisted during the search. The weapons were hidden in three vehicles in a parking lot. One vehicle appeared to be wired to be used as a vehicle-borne IED. The Soldiers found nine rocket-propelled grenades, 10 AK-47 assault rifles with 23 magazines, 11 hand grenades, three RPK machine guns, three PKC machine guns, one homemade RPG, a sniper scope, one land mine, assorted small-arms ammunition, 400 PKC rounds, and two ski masks. Weblog LINK |
GRUNTS FIND, BLOW UP, 3 BIG PILES OF GUNS N' AMMO
| November 21, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — More large weapons caches were discovered by 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in south Baghdad. Within 24 hours, the Soldiers of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment unearthed three weapons caches, the third of which was discovered Nov. 19. Each cache was located in fields adjacent to roads that allow easy vehicle access for anti-Iraqi Forces to get the weapons and ammunition. The third cache consisted of 7,000 RPK machine-gun rounds, 20 81-millimeter mortar rounds, seven aviation bomb shells, four rocket-propelled grenade rounds, three 155-millimeter artillery rounds and one 500-pound bomb. An explosives ordnance disposal team destroyed the caches through controlled detonations. Soldiers from 2nd Bat., 502nd Inf. Reg. have secured the site and continue to search for more possible weapons caches. Weblog LINK |
Sunday, November 20
EX DICTATOR'S PALACE COMPLEX SLATED FOR IRAQI CONTROL 11-22-2005
| November 20, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq — Multi-National Forces will turn over control of the former Saddam Hussein Palace Complex here to Iraqi government officials in a ceremony in Tikrit Nov. 22. “The planned turnover of the complex to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance and the provincial government will be a landmark event highlighting the increased capability of the Iraqi government to administer and govern itself,” said Col. Billy J. Buckner, Multi-National Corps-Iraq spokesman. The Tikrit complex consists of more than 1000 acres of land situated on a high bluff overlooking the Tigris River. There are 136 buildings on the property, with a combined 1.5 million square feet of administrative and living space, including 18 palaces. Additionally, there are 60 structures located on the complex grounds used for logistic, utility and maintenance functions. The centerpiece of the complex is the Presidential Palace built by Saddam Hussein for his mother. It is the largest and most elaborate of the presidential sites built by Saddam Hussein. The construction of the facility began in 1991. Other palaces within the complex were used as residences for select members of the regime and visiting dignitaries. The complex is located about 90 miles north of Baghdad. Saddam Hussein was born April 28, 1937, in al Awja, a small village on the outskirts of Tikrit. Because Saddam was a member of the al Bu Nasir tribe, many of his closest advisors and followers were recruited from the Tikrit area. Since the spring of 2003, the complex has served as the headquarters for the 4th, 1st and the 42nd Divisions. Earlier this year, the 42nd began the task of vacating the complex. “Although 28 other coalition operating bases have already been turned over to Iraqi Security Forces control this year, the Tikrit Palace complex is the most significant transition of real estate thus far,” said Buckner. “Soon this place that was once for only an elite few will be a place for the Iraqi People. Instead of representing how one man used Iraq’s wealth, it will represent how Iraq’s wealth can be used for its people,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, 42nd Infantry Division commander, summarizing the future turnover during his remarks at the 42nd ‘s transition of authority ceremony with the 101st Airborne Division Nov. 1. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION BRUINS BEGINS IN NORTHERN RAMADI
| November 20, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq – Approximately 150 Iraqi Army soldiers and 300 Marines and Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2 BCT), 2nd Marine Division began Operation Dhibbah (Bruins) in northern ar Ramadi Nov. 19. Operation Bruins is part of a series of disruption operations in Ramadi and is designed to set the conditions for successful elections in December. The forces are conducting cordon and searches, blocking off known terrorist escape routes and searching for weapons caches. Operation Bruins comes on the heels of Operation Panthers which disrupted operations in the Sophia district of eastern Ramadi. During Panthers, 2 BCT discovered weapons caches and detained suspected terrorists. Additionally, Bruins follows the Nov. 17 engagement where 2 BCT successfully repelled a terrorist attack in which 32 terrorists were killed in downtown Ramadi. The caches found during Operation Panthers, along with the recent capture of three high-value terrorist targets, have been part of continuous disruption operations in the Ramadi area. Attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Forces in the Ramadi area have decreased 60 percent in the last few weeks, as a result of these ongoing operations. Weblog LINK |
AFGHAN COPS COME TO AMERICA, GET HINTS FROM OUR COPS, RETURN
| November 20, 2005 KABUL , Afghanistan – Senior Afghan National Police officers recently returned from a trip to the United States where they met with key leaders from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and officers from several U.S. law enforcement agencies. Brig. Gen. Sahki Baiani, special advisor to the chief of the Afghan National Police, and Col. Wasim Azimi, chief of Operations for the Afghan Ministry of Interior, toured Fort Drum , N.Y. , and local law enforcement agencies to view modern U.S. police stations and law enforcement methods. The primary purpose of the Fort Drum visit was to participate in the Afghanistan orientation briefings for Operation Unified Endeavor, where the Afghan delegation briefed 10th Mountain Division leaders on the ANP and Afghanistan ’s police reform. The forum allowed U.S. Soldiers, who will deploy to Afghanistan early next year, to ask questions of both the Afghan officials and their escort from the Office of Security Cooperation–Afghanistan, Army Maj. Michael Adelberg. It also gave Baiani the opportunity to address the Division’s troops on behalf of the Afghan people. Operation United Endeavor was an exercise that provided the 10th Mountain Division the opportunity to test its plans and procedures for deploying its Soldiers to Afghanistan , where they will serve as the command and control element for the Coalition’s operations against the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. Members from other Armed Services and federal agencies also participated in the joint training event to prepare for the division’s deployment. “I would like to thank you for all that you have done for the people of Afghanistan ,” Baiani said. “Four years ago you helped us get rid of the Taliban, and now you are returning to help us rebuild our country. The United States became my home when I was forced to leave Afghanistan , and now I am happy that you are coming back to my home to help us.” Baiani left Afghanistan when the Socialists sentenced him to death in the turmoil before the Soviet invasion. He eventually settled in Plano , Texas , where he lived until returning to Afghanistan in 2002. Azimi spent eight years as a prisoner in the Pol-e-Charki Prison during the Soviet-Afghan War. Following his release, he lived in Pakistan and eventually moved to Australia in 1999. He also returned to Afghanistan in 2002. In addition to meeting with the 10th Mountain leaders, Baiani and Azimi also had the opportunity to visit the Fort Drum Military Police Station, the Watertown , N.Y. , Police Department, and a New York State Police Barracks. They received briefings from U.S. police officials on civilian law enforcement functions and techniques. Additionally, they observed many of the tools and equipment that modern U.S. police forces have at their disposal. Among the many police assets Baiani and Azimi saw were emergency dispatch systems and computerized criminal database systems, which allow police officers to instantly access information on an individual. After observing the various police departments and their techniques, Baiani said he was impressed with American law enforcement. “This is what we need in Afghanistan ,” he said. “We have the policemen, now we need the systems that help police do their jobs.” Weblog LINK |
BLAST UNCOVERS MORE GUNS UNDER AMMO, 5 SCUZBALLS NABBED
| November 20, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — After discovering a large weapons cache Nov. 16, Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division uncovered even more weapons buried beneath the original cache after a controlled detonation the next day. The Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment began their search of this site Nov. 15 and the excavation continued through Nov. 18. While exploiting the site Nov. 17, the Soldiers received information from an Iraqi citizen that there was going to be an attack by Anti-Iraqi Forces on the American forces securing the area. At 10:30 a.m. Nov. 18, B Troop, 1/75th Cav. conducted a cordon and search of a house identified by the informant, resulting in the capture of five individuals suspected of being the AIF terrorists planning to attack the cache site. Since the discovery of the original weapons cache, the Soldiers have uncovered an additional three 120-millimeter mortar rounds, 1,000 rounds of 7.62-millimeter ammunition, 60-millimeter mortar system, one 60-millimeter mortar and various homemade explosives. Weblog LINK |
TOP SCUZBALL TECHNICIAN NABBED
| November 20, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens raided a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist safe house in Baghdad Oct. 31 capturing an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist named Uthman Faruq Muhammad Abd-al-Hamid (aka Abu Ibrahim). Abu Ibrahim was a technology expert, advisor and supplier to al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and leaders in Baghdad. Abu Ibrahim was a computer store owner, a programmer and part owner in an engineering company in Baghdad. Abu Ibrahim admits he supplied hundreds of triggering devices for improvised explosive devices, as well as other technology items, to the al Qaeda in Iraq military commander in Baghdad on multiple occasions. These items include hand-held radios, cellular telephones, wireless telephones, computers, software and computer parts and electronic components. Abu Ibrahim was also associated with the al Qaeda in Iraq Baghdad propaganda cell. He provided his expertise in the procurement of video equipment, video editing equipment, and computer programs. He was directly connected to the al Qaeda in Iraq propaganda emir and well as other senior terrorists such as Dr. Muhsin, who was detained in June. Abu Ibrahim also admits to being connected to Abu Hassen who was detained last month. Abu Ibrahim provided Abu Hassen with computers and software to make false identifications. Abu Hassen admitted to making false weapons permits, identification cards and press credentials for various al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists as well as the senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leadership in Baghdad. These identifications would be used by terrorists to conceal their true identities if stopped by Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. The forgeries also provided a way to openly carry weapons while conducting terrorist activities. These activities could include attacks, kidnappings, and murders. The false identifications would also provide a means of entry as media representatives to various events to reconnoiter them for potential terrorist attacks. Weblog LINK |
