Saturday, December 3
OPERATION SHANK CONTINUES
Shank and its brother operations decreased scuzball activity by 60 percent in Ramidi last month.
| December 2, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq — Operation Harba (Shank) is the fifth in a series of operations by the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces conducting combined clearing operations to disrupt the insurgency and set the conditions for a successful Dec. 15 election in the al Anbar provincial capital of ar Ramadi. Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. Forces began the operation in the early morning hours by conducting targeted raids on suspected terrorist safe houses in central Ramadi resulting in the discovery of bomb making material. Operation Shank follows four previous disruption operations which began Nov. 16 in the al Anbar provincial capital. The purpose of the operation is to disrupt a terrorist group that utilizes an area of Ramadi as its base for attacks on local Ramadi citizens, the Iraqi and U.S. military. Approximately 200 Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 7th Division and 300 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, are taking part in Operation Shank. The operation was carefully planned by using information and intelligence gathered by Iraqi and U.S. Forces operating in the city on a daily basis. There is no correlation between Operation Shank and the erroneous reports which were circulated by a terrorist propagandist. Due to operations in and around Ramadi and in Western al Anbar, attacks by al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists have decreased 60 percent in Ramadi in the last month. More information on the operation will be released as it becomes available. Weblog LINK |
PAK QUAKE RELIEF SUMMARY
| December 2, 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 25- December 2. Three U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, two C-17 Globemasters, and one contracted B-747 flew in more than 280,000 pounds of medical supplies and equipment, clothing and construction and runway materials in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted nearly 10 million pounds of relief supplies on 1,806 pallets to Pakistan using 40 C-17 Globemasters, 39 C-130 Hercules and 51 various contracted aircraft. Our Airmen remain ready, capable and on call to support the people of Pakistan and simultaneously to sustain ongoing combat operations anywhere in the world. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI AIR FORCE FLIES TO AL MATHUNA, MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE
Fledgling organization's solo jaunt is the first of many.
| December 2, 2005 BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq – An all Iraqi aircrew flew their first solo mission aboard a C-130E from Ali Air Base to New Al Muthana Nov. 28. The nine aircrew members are part the 23rd Iraqi Squadron, which have been receiving training at Ali AB. They performed an engine running on-load prior to returning to Ali AB. “The flight marked a major milestone achievement by showing Iraq’s capability of providing its own military transport,” said Air Force Capt. Jerry Ruiz, Forward Operations executive officer at New Al Muthana. New Al Muthana is the only Iraqi Air Base in the country and will be home to three C-130E aircraft. The 23rd IS will move to their new home here in January. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION SHANK BEGINS IN RAMADI
Shank is number five in a series of operations to disrupt scuzball plans and prepare for a successful Dec. 15 election in Ar Ramadi.
| December 2, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq — Approximately 200 Iraqi Army soldiers from 1st Brigade, 7th Division and 300 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, launched Operation Harba (Shank) today in Ar Ramadi. Operation Shank is the fifth in a series of operations by the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces conducting combined clearing operations to disrupt the insurgency and set the conditions for a successful Dec. 15 election in the Al Anbar provincial capital of Ar Ramadi. The purpose of the operation is to disrupt a terrorist group that utilizes an area of Ramadi as its base for attacks on local Ramadi citizens, Iraqi and U.S. military. Since Nov. 16, Iraqi and U.S. Forces actions resulted in numerous terrorists killed or detained, to include Imad Salih Al-Fahdawi, a known terrorist involved in attacks against government officials and imams; and Khamis Manfi Hammud Al Klaibawi, a truck driver responsible for placing roadside bombs on the streets of Ramadi. Additionally, Operations Panthers, Bruins, Lions and Tigers were successful in discovering numerous weapons caches, which collectively contained surface- to-air missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, mortar and artillery rounds, hand grenades, landmines, small arms and ammunition, and bomb-making equipment. Weblog LINK |
Thursday, December 1
IRON HAMMER: OPERATION CONTINUES TO GRIND SCUZBALLS INTO THE DUST
| December 1, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq —Operation Matraqa Hadidia (Iron Hammer) is progressing with the clearing of the Hai al Becker region on the eastern side of the Euphrates River across from Hit and approximately 170 km west of Baghdad. Approximately 500 Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and 1,500 Marines and Sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit along with 500 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion-114th Field Artillery Regiment are participating in Iron Hammer. The Hai al Becker region is suspected to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe area and base of operations for the manufacture of vehicle car bombs and roadside bombs. During Operation Saif (Sword) the bridges across the Euphrates River from Hit into the Hai al Becker were disabled to vehicle traffic. These strikes prevented terrorists in Hit from fleeing across the river into the Hai al Becker region. Today, Iraqi and U.S. Forces used specialized explosive charges to clear paths through routes suspected to be seeded with roadside bombs. Secondary explosions caused by hidden mines or bombs were observed. One antipersonnel mine was also discovered during the clearing. The Iraqi commander from 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and a local sheikh addressed a group of citizens. The commander and sheikh explained the purpose of the operation and addressed their concerns. There are no reports of Iraqi Army or U.S. Forces casualties. Weblog LINK |
IRAQIS TAKE CONTROL OF BORDERS
Another step taken toward the goal Iraqi sovereignty, democracy and stand alone-ism.
| December 1, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A ceremony was held Nov. 30 in western Iraq symbolizing the securing of the borders through cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior and Multi-National Force Iraq. The ceremony in the Iraqi-Syrian border town of Husaybah was attended by Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadoun al-Dulaimi, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Ali Muhsin al-Khafaggi, Deputy Minister of the Interior for Support Forces and Gen. George Casey, MNF-I commander. “This is a historic day for Iraq,” said al-Dulaimi. “I won’t forget this day. The insurgents are no longer controlling the border. Our friends have helped us. We are now a country of freedom, of human rights, and of peace.” Controlling the borders is the key to Iraqi sovereignty and necessary to defeat the terrorists and foreign fighters who attempt to harm Iraqis and wish to disrupt Iraq’s path to democracy. Developing capable border forces will significantly disrupt entry for terrorists and foreign fighters and integrate with provincial counterinsurgency efforts. This began with Iraqi forces reestablishing initial control of Iraq’s borders Nov. 30 with limited Coalition Forces support and continues until Iraqi forces control all ports of entry and provide their own security support. Weblog LINK |
GRUNTS FIND GUNS N' AMMO, SCUZBALLS ON ISLAND
Euphrates river island, southwest of Baghdad, yields large stash of GNA.
| November 30, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Baghdad Soldiers found multiple weapons caches on an island in the Euphrates River Nov. 28. Military officials had been monitoring suspicious activity near the Euphrates River southwest of Baghdad for a couple of weeks. When conditions were right, Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division were ready to spring into action. Soldiers from 2/101st’s 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment secured the objective and discovered three significant weapons caches. Soldiers also searched surrounding homes and facilities, detaining two suspected terrorists. In total, the Soldiers uncovered 11 500-pound bomb shells, C4 explosives, welding equipment, mortar rounds, miscellaneous bomb-making material, 57 mm rockets, 40 bags of fertilizer, 12 directional charges, five 155 mm rounds, 100 feet of detonation cord, three rocket-propelled grenades, eight bags of 20 mm rounds and other munitions and explosives. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the site to conduct a controlled detonation of the caches. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI 2ND ARMY GRUNTS SET TO TAKE OVER BABIL PROVINCE
Iraq 2nd Army made it's bones during the October 15, 2005 referendum operation.
| November 30, 2005 AL HILLAH, Iraq -- On Nov. 29 the 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade from al Hillah successfully accomplished its certification process. From Nov. 24 – 27, military instructors from Multi-National Division Central-South tested the combat readiness of 2nd Brigade Headquarters and subunits. The exam confirmed that the 2nd Brigade is ready to plan and conduct military activities independently. It opens the way to hand over the responsibility for a safe and secure environment in Babil Province from Coalition Forces to Iraqi Army units. From now on 2nd Brigade will plan and conduct independent operations within its area of responsibility. MNDCS support will be given only in emergency situations by providing a quick reaction force, MEDEVAC or air support. However, MNDCS military advisors and trainers will still monitor 2nd Brigade activities. The 2nd Brigade certification is a two stage process of IA training within MNDCS AOR. After battalion level certification had been achieved in mid-July, the higher brigade level has now also been accomplished. The 2nd Brigade consists of two battalions located in different places within Babil province. It numbers about 1,800 Soldiers equipped in light armored vehicles with a variety of weapons. The brigade has taken part in five combat operations so far. They were executed in cooperation with Coalition Forces. During these operations, 2nd Brigade Soldiers searched hundreds of vehicles, persons and buildings. Ninety different illegal weapons and a large amount of ammunition have been seized as result. Also many persons suspected of terrorism have been detained. The most significant success of 2nd Brigade was the referendum operation. The brigade established 41 checkpoints and 12 mobile patrols effectively preventing any attacks on Nov. 15. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM COALITION CONFERENCE IN ALBANIA
“Maintaining Post-Election Momentum”
| November 30, 2005 Tirana, ALBANIA-On November 29-30, the Albanian Ministry of Defense hosted representatives from 34 countries for a United States Central Command coalition member conference. The purpose of the conference was to address the strategy for supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom for 2006 and lay out future requirements. The conference was attended by senior Coalition representatives, including General John P. Abizaid, Commander U.S. Central Command and General George W. Casey, Jr., Commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq. “The momentum from the January elections and Iraq’s successful Constitutional Referendum are both extraordinary and irreversible,” according to Casey. “But the work of the Multi-National-Force partners and the Iraqi Transitional Government is not complete. A continued commitment by the Coalition to Iraq is essential to sustain and expand this success.” Although attendees could not commit to specific requirements at the conference, coalition representatives will take this information back to their governments for consideration. Also addressing the conference were Fatmir Mediu, Albania Minister of Defense, and Lt.Gen. Pellumb Qazimi, Chief of General Staff, Albanian Armed Forces. According to Minister Mediu, the presentations during the conference clearly demonstrate the progress made in Iraq. “…we need to share the same belief that Iraq is heading toward democracy and that the Iraqis are not left alone in their progress.” This was the second annual conference to highlight the Coalition/Iraqi progress and identify requirements for continued success. Last year’s conference was held in Romania. Weblog LINK |
MOTHER LODE OF GUNS N' AMMO FOUND IN KIRKUK
Weapons mine still producing after one week of constant digging. Site geology indicates several rich GNA veins nearby.
| November 30, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. forces have removed more than 4,200 mortar rounds from a major weapons cache found outside of an abandoned military base near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk Sunday. The buried rounds were discovered by Iraqi Soldiers Sunday morning. The Soldiers removed about 800 mortar rounds before realizing that the cache was much larger than they originally thought. U.S. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team were called in to help excavate the munitions and secure the area. The ammunition was buried under concrete blocks with dirt mounded on top. All of the ammunition removed so far has come from one mound located in a field full of similar mounds. The explosives ordnance disposal team at the site expects to find more rounds as the search expands throughout the field. “It was a good find,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Wayne, the EOD team chief at the site. “I’m glad we found it over someone else. All those rounds are potential IEDs. We just stopped that many more IEDs.” The rounds will be destroyed in a controlled detonation. Weblog LINK |
MNDCS GRUNTS COMPLETE PROJECTS IN AD DIWANIYAH
Polish soldiers bring sewage service, electricity and new roads to Iraqi village.
| November 30, 2005 CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Multinational Division Central-South Soldiers completed three civil-military cooperation projects this week in the Diwaniyah province. In al Shamiyah, 30 kilometers south of ad Diwaniyah, MNDCS soldiers provided a new sewage system for 60 houses. The new system will improve the problem of flooding during the rainy season. Another project involved upgrading the central fuel station with a 500 kilowatt generator to improve the efficiency of the station. The third project completed this week was a new 3.5 kilometer road built in the northern part of al Diwaniya city. All three projects were prepared by Polish Soldiers. From the beginning of its mission in Iraq MNDCS materialized more than 2,100 projects, including water-purification facilities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings. More than 300 of these projects are in the Diwaniyah province. Weblog LINK |
Wednesday, November 30
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS NAB 33 SCUZBALLS
Operation Thunder Blitz is one of many aimed at clearing scuzballs from southern Baghdad.
| November 30, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers teamed up with Iraqi security forces to conduct Operation Thunder Blitz in southern Baghdad Nov. 29, resulting in the capture of 33 terror suspects. Moving rapidly into the area, hundreds of U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi forces from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Commando Brigade (Wolf Battalion) took the enemy by surprise by securing seven different objective areas along the Tigris River. Operation Thunder Blitz focused on removing weapons and terrorists from the streets prior to the Dec. 15 elections. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS/JARHAEDS BEGIN OPERATION IRON HAMMER
Iron Hammer aims to clear scuzballs from eastern side of Euphrates river near Hit.
| November 30, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq — Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers began operations near Hit in the Hai Al Becker region. The aim of the operation is to clear the region of al Qaeda and Iraq-led terrorists and establish a secure environment for the upcoming National Elections, Dec. 15. Approximately 500 Iraqi Army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and 1,500 Marines and Sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit along with 500 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion-114th Field Artillery Regiment are conducting Operation Matraqa Hadidia (Iron Hammer) east of Hit, approximately 170 km from Baghdad. The Hai Al Becker region is suspected to be an al Qaeda in Iraq safe area and base of operations for the manufacture of vehicle car bombs, roadside bombs. It is also believed to be a stopping point for terrorists as they transit the ‘rat lines’ down the Euphrates River from Syria into the interior of Iraq. In early July, Iraqi and U.S. Forces established long-term security presence in the city of Hit during Operation Saif (Sword). During Saif, few terrorists were located; however, a score of weapons caches have been discovered in the region. Operation Iron Hammer will clear the area on the eastern side of the Euphrates River, an area not typically patrolled by Iraqi and U.S. Forces. Routine updates concerning Operation Iron Hammer will be provided as additional information becomes available. Weblog LINK |
GRUNTS FIND 66 PILES OF GUNS N' AMMO THIS WEEK
Found and destroyed from Fallujah to al Qa’im.
| November 29, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq —Iraqi Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines, Soldiers and Sailors of the 2nd Marine Division, discovered 66 weapons caches during the past week in al Anbar. Blocks of plastic explosives, sticks of TNT, artillery and mortar rounds used in vehicle and roadside bombs along with remote detonators were found by Iraqi and U.S. Forces. Machine guns, assault and sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and the munitions were also discovered. Last Sunday, in Haqlaniyah, Iraqi Soldiers and Marines excavated more than 8,800 heavy machine gun rounds along with 150 artillery, mortar and tank rounds. Information gained from local citizens indicated that the cache was buried approximately one month ago by three carloads of terrorists working through the night. Yesterday near Habbaniyah, four complete mortar systems, including their aiming sites and instruction manuals were found. At the same location, more than a dozen remote detonators for roadside bombs were also found. Thirteen men were detained at the site for further questioning. Caches were found and destroyed from Fallujah to al Qa’im. Many of these weapons and explosive cache sites were located after receiving information from local citizens. Local citizens frequently speak to a passing patrol or by call local tips lines, while others cache sites are found during the course of clearing operations. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI, COALITION GRUNTS CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST SCUZBALLISM
Round up of successful anti-scuzball operations.
| MOSUL, IRAQ (November 28, 2005) Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 50 suspected terrorists, killed seven, and seized multiple weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Nov. 19-26. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division along with Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity while conducting joint operations east of Tal Afar Nov. 20-25. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade along side Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 20. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade along side Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 3rd ACR detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations near the Syrian border Nov. 20. The Iraqi Police, with assistance from Soldiers Stryker Brigade Combat Team soldiers killed seven terrorists during a raid in Mosul Nov. 20. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Division detained one individual suspected of terrorist activities during operations east of Mosul Nov. 22. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division along with 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR detained one individual during operations Nov. 23. in Tal Afar. Iraqi Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade in conjunction with 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR detained two individuals Nov. 25 while conducting joint operations in Tal Afar. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade 3rd Division detained one individual during a successful cordon and search in Tal Afar Nov. 23. Seized in the operation were a rifle and RPK rounds. Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 3rd ACR detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations near the Syrian border and seized a weapons cache consisting of 86 122mm rounds in Tal Afar Nov. 19-23. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd ACR detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during operations near the Syrian Boarder Nov. 21. Soldiers from the172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during separate operations in Mosul Nov. 20-21. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity in a successful raid in western Mosul. During the operation, Soldiers confiscated 30 boxes of explosive material, a timing device and a bundle of wire. Soldiers of 1-17 Infantry detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search of a residence in western Mosul Nov.22. Soldiers from the 65th Military Police Battalion detained one individual and seized a weapons cache consisting of rockets, mortars, and grenades in Mosul Nov. 24. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 23rd Infantry Regiment detained 11 individuals while conducting operations Nov. 25 in Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment detained seven individuals while conducting operations in Mosul Nov. 25. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations Nov. 24, east of Mosul. Iraqi Soldiers from 3rd Division detained an individual suspected of terrorist activity during a search Nov. 22. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained 15 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 19-21. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR detained one individual and seized a weapons cache during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 21. Soldiers of 113th Engineer Battalion discovered an ordnance cache consisting of a number of mortar rounds in Der Umtutha 23 Nov. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion 180th Field Artillery detained two individuals attempting to enter FOB Marez under false pretenses Nov. 22. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron 3rd Armed Cavalry Regiment detained two individuals for questioning after they were pointed out by informants in Tal Afar Nov. 26. 1st Squadron 3rd ACR Soldiers detained five individuals at a traffic control point Nov. 26. The individuals were turned over to Iraqi Police. Iraqi Security Forces supported by Multi-National forces continue successful operations aimed at defeating terrorists in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi-insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 0770163300 Weblog LINK |
GRUNTS TAKE GUNS N' AMMO, NAB 4 SCUZBALLS
Patrol discovers smorgasbord of guns n' ammo. See bottom paragraph for list.
| November 28, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — A routine patrol yielded significant results Nov. 27 when Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discovered terrorists’ weapons and bomb-making materials and detained four suspects in the Abu Ghraib district of west Baghdad. Soldiers from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment were traveling through an area known for attacks with improvised explosive devices when they saw something suspicious in a chicken coop behind a farmhouse. They discovered what first appeared to be unexploded ordnance buried in the ground but slightly exposed on the surface. Explosive experts were called in and they destroyed the ordnance, but the explosion uncovered a large supply of weapon systems. This is the 29th cache discovered by B Troop since May. The Soldiers found 19 rocket-propelled grenades, 16 82 mm mortar rounds, seven rifle grenades, six anti-tank mines, five rocket launchers, three rockets, three AK-47 assault rifles with 12 magazines, two hand grenades, two sniper rifles, two 130 mm artillery rounds, a pipe bomb, one mortar tube, one RPK rifle, a 9 mm pistol, one 50-caliber machine gun, 20 primers, 20 SKS magazines, and 10 pounds of various ammunition. Weblog LINK |
STRIKE GROUP 8 GOES THROUGH SUEZ CANAL
Will deny use of the sea to scuzball operations.
| November 28, 2005 ABOARD USS NASSAU – (Nov. 28, 2005) Expeditionary Strike Group 8 (ESG-8) passed through the Suez Canal Nov. 26, entering the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). ESG-8 left Norfolk, Va., Nov. 7 for a scheduled six-month deployment. “We are finally to the AOR that we have been training to get to in our deployment in support of maritime security operations,” said Capt. Martin Allard, Commander, Nassau Strike Group. “Our initial mission is to support the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and we will conduct other maritime security operations as assigned by CENTCOM.” ESG-8 will fully support MSO while operating in the 5th Fleet AOO. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. Using a supported-supporting relationship between the Navy and Marine Commanders, the ESG composition adds to the combat proven amphibious and Marine Expeditionary Unit capabilities with increased defenses, strike, power projection, and a range of unique combined capabilities. These capabilities provide the combat commander a wide variety of options and enables sustained independent operations in dynamic environments. “We are well-prepared for any mission assigned to us by CENTCOM,” said Capt. Allard. As the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group 8, passed through the Suez Canal, some Sailors and Marines were topside to observe the landscape. “This is a very cool experience that I know many people would like to have the opportunity to see,” said Storekeeper Seaman Jason Aristizabal, aboard Nassau. “This is my third time through and I am just looking to see if I recognize anything from last time. It does look a little bit different.” ESG-8 includes 6,000 Sailors and Marines aboard six ships. In addition to the Nassau, the strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), the amphibious transport dock USS Austin (LPD 4), the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81) and the attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714). The 22nd MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships, is composed of its command element, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced), and the MEU Service Support Group 22. Weblog LINK |
HUGE PILE OF GUNS N' AMMO FOUND NEAR KIRKUK
As much as been normally uncovered in two months.
| November 28, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers discovered more than 2,700 mortar rounds near an abandoned Iraqi Army base south of Kirkuk Sunday morning. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and explosive ordnance disposal experts began the task of unearthing the weapons from a mound located in a field full of similar mounds. Iraqi and U.S. forces are securing the site and preparing to excavate the remaining mounds in search of additional weapons. This cache alone has yielded as much explosive material as gathered in the brigade’s area over the past two months, according to the EOD team at the site. Weapons and explosives seized by Iraqi and U.S. forces are normally moved to a secure location and disposed of through controlled detonations in order to keep them from being used against local citizens and coalition forces. Weblog LINK |
GUNS N' AMMO FOUND BY OPERATION TIGERS
| November 27, 2005 AR RAMADI, Iraq – Early morning efforts of Operation Numur (Tigers) by Soldiers of the Iraqi Army and Task Force 2-69, U.S. Army, have netted several caches, including two that were found along a railroad track used by local citizens. The caches found consisted of numerous artillery and mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, high explosives, small arms weapons, small arms ammunition, bulletproof vests and bomb making equipment. The Iraqi Army spearheaded the operation by providing security, identifying cache sites and gathering important information through their interaction with the local citizens. “These actions prove the Iraqi Army is truly making very rapid advances. With time, we will be able to secure all of Ramadi and remove all of the hidden enemy weapons cache points,” said Lt. Col. Abdul Majeed, commander of the 3-2-1 Iraqi Army. Additionally, several suspected insurgents, to include Imad Salih Al-Fahdawi, a known insurgent linked to the Abu Khattab-al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) terrorist cell, were detained during the operation. Imad Salih was involved in attacks against government officials and imams. Insurgents linked to the al Qaeda in Iraq cell which is a part of the Abu Musab Zarqawi network in Ramadi have vowed to prevent the local citizens from participating in the up-coming Dec. 15 elections. Operation Tigers is the fourth in a series of offensive operations which have been executed by the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (from the 28th Infantry Division) assigned to 2nd Marine Division. Operation Tigers consists of approximately 150 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 400 Coalition Forces. Weblog LINK |
A GRUNT'S LETTER FROM IRAQ
This came across our desk today. It is not an official Centcom news release.
| Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 1:34 PM Subject: Update from Iraq... Hello everyone, Here is todays journal entry, un-edited. Copied exactly as I wrote it. 20Nov05 - I was in Mosul today. There was Major I (my team leader), Brian (one of my young Sergeants), Zack (our interpretor) and myself. We were at a coalition base, we were finished with our business for the day, and had some time to relax before our convoy departed for the return trip. Our terp suggested that we have some chai (tea) at the Turkish restaurant that is on the base. This restaurant sits next to the airfield, right next to the flight line where passengers board aircraft of all kinds for flights to various locations. As we sat there, I noticed that there were a large number of ODA guys (SF guys…easily identifiable by there trademark customized uniforms, custom weapons and usually beards) gathering around. Then I realized what was happening. Over the previous 18 hours I had heard several accounts of this story. This is what I have pieced together: Yesterday in Mosul, two American soldiers were killed in action while fighting terrorists. One was a Special Forces guy, and the other was an Infantry soldier from the Stryker Brigade in Mosul. The story is that the Iraqi Army had taken some sniper fire from a house while out on a patrol. A quick reaction force was assembled, consisting of SF, IA and some infantry guys. As they stormed the house that the fire was coming from it suddenly exploded. Apparently there was a vehicle borne IED parked in the garage of the home, and it was detonated as the Coalition Forces entered the home. The whole house exploded…then caved in on the soldiers in the home. One American soldier died instantly, and another died of his wounds later. An IA soldier was killed and several terrorists (I had heard 7 terrorists). So as we sat there on the patio of this Turkish restaurant, this scene was slowly starting to develop. It was a very somber, yet proud moment. The crowd of SF guys was steadily growing. Over 20-30 mins, they grew in numbers. I think all of us knew what was about to happen, but none of us stood up to leave. Instead, we sat there for 2 hours waiting for the moment. Two blackhawks land, offload a few passengers and some gear. They load a few new passengers, then are off again. A C-130 landed, off-loaded a few passengers and some cargo. The crew chiefs swept the plane out. Got all their gear stowed. Basically cleared the deck of the plane. SF guys still coming, there must be about 200 of them by now. There is a guy carrying some draped colors. Two more blackhawks land, actually looks like the same ones from before. I recognize the crew chiefs. But this time, they don’t offload anyone, or load anyone. They park and kill their engines. Again, all of us know what is about to happen. Yet, none of us move, we sit quietly sipping our chai. There are quite a few people on the patio now, all the chairs are full around us. I think they are waiting for the same thing we are. Finally it all starts to happen. Approx 300-400 soldiers head out toward the back of the waiting C-130. They quietly line up in two lines, facing each other off the back of the plane. Then an Army 5-ton truck drives slowly onto the tarmac, backs into place at the end of the waiting line of soldiers. As the 5-ton gets into position, two groups of soldiers of about 12 soldiers each march toward the truck. The second group is moving very slowly, and moving kinda funny. Then I remember a detail I had heard, that quite a few US soldiers had been injured in the incident. The second group is full of injured soldiers, some limping, others just moving like they are in obvious pain, and one guy on crutches. I am thinking these are these guys teammates, that were on the raid with him when they died. Everyone on the patio is standing now. Everyone in sight of the tarmac is stopped, standing quietly, facing the tarmac and the plane. I even notice the crews of the parked Blackhawks are standing on the edge of the tarmac, as well. A Sergeant Major calls the soldiers on the tarmac to attention. Everyone on the patio comes to attention. Everyone within sight of the tarmac come to attention. It is hard to describe the feelings you have when you first see it. The flag draped over a casket. Red, white and blue…slowly coming out of the back of a desert sand colored 5-ton truck. Its like a kick to the stomach, really. Pride. Sorrow. I didn’t even know these guys. And it is my gut feeling that most of the people standing around didn’t either. Yet, we all stood at attention. I’m not sure about everyone else around me, but it was probably the most emotional moment I have had since I have been here. The Sergeant Major calls Present Arms. We all salute. The first casket moves slowly down the line toward the awaiting plane. Then the second one comes out of the truck. Again, red, white and blue contrasting against the sand colored truck. This time, the group of obviously injured soldier move into position to carry the casket. No injury was going to stop these guys from carrying their brother to his ride home. This flag covered casket slowly moves toward the plane. Order Arms. Salutes drop. The two lines slowly file onto the plane to say their good-byes. It was a quiet ride to the link up point to catch our convoy home. Like I said, I didn’t know either one of these soldiers. But I can say that I was truly honored to be there at that moment. I was honored to be able to pay my respects. Honored to have been able to salute to a fallen brother-in-arms. Seeing that whole scene today just re-affirms many feelings I have about why I am here…why we are here…tonight, my resolve is deepened. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. As I write this tonight, my heart goes out to their families, who are grieving…to the hearts that are broken at the passing of these two warriors. Rest in Peace, brothers. As I write this tonight, I am thankful and honored to be an American Soldier. Weblog LINK |
Sunday, November 27
CITIZEN TIPS, GRUNT'S DETERMINATION TAKE SCUZBALLS OFF STREETS
| November 27, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers captured four suspected terrorists during operations Nov. 24-25. An Iraqi tipster provided information about a roadside-bomb cell operating in western Rashid. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment responded to the tip and conducted the operation during the early-morning hours of Nov. 25, detaining three terror suspects. The previous evening, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment conducted a mission in eastern Rashid, detaining a suspected terrorist who is believed to be responsible for attacks on Coalition Forces. The suspect attempted to flee the scene as the Soldiers arrived but was unable to evade the U.S. forces. Weblog LINK |
BUSY DAY FOR IRAQI, COALITION GRUNTS
The best news is that nine scuzballs were hoist on their own petard during a bombmaking operation.
| November 27, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. forces continued the fight against terrorists operating throughout the north central region of Iraq Saturday. Sixteen suspected terrorists, including one female, were captured in a series of unrelated events. In an early morning cordon and search mission near Baqubah, Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers detained nine suspected terrorists and seized fuses used for detonating explosives along with several anti-aircraft artillery rounds. Police in Samarra investigated an explosion that occurred at a gas station southeast of the city Nov. 26 at about 11:30 a.m. Four 155mm artillery shells, converted into IEDs, detonated before they could be moved out of the station, killing nine suspected terrorist and injuring four others. The four injured suspects were detained by the Samarra Police. In the nearby city of Balad, U.S. Soldiers detained a suspect at a checkpoint after he attempted to avoid questioning. A search revealed that he was carrying more than $3,000 in U.S. currency. To finish off the day, U.S. troops conducted a clearing operation in Baqubah the evening of Nov. 26. The Soldiers detained a man and a woman after discovering them with eight blocks of C-4 plastic explosive, an AK-47 with several hundred rounds, blasting caps and various other IED-making materials. Weblog LINK |
ZARQAWI BUTTBOY NOW AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, SAYS RELATIVE
Dead man was gatekeeper, confidant, and “executive secretary” for Zarquawi as well as providing that essential stress relief on lonely nights.
| November 26, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A close family member as well as Coalition sources claimed earlier this week that a gatekeeper and confidant of Abu Mu’sab al-Zarqawi, Bilal Mahmud Awad Shebah, aka Abu Ubaydah, who reportedly met weekly with the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is dead. Abu Ubaydah was reportedly killed Oct. 14 when Coalition Forces raided several suspected terrorist hideouts in the Albu Ubayd neighborhood north of Ramadi. Although intelligence analysts assessed Abu Ubaydah was killed during the mid-October raids, they could not determine his death with certainty at that time. In late November, Coalition Forces received information from knowledgeable sources and a close family member of Abu Ubaydah claiming independently that Zarqawi’s confidant and gatekeeper was killed as a result of the Oct. 14 raids. Detained members of al-Qaeda claim Abu Ubaydah served as an “executive secretary” for Zarqawi; met with Zarqawi frequently; served as a messenger and gatekeeper for Zarqawi; screened all messages and requests for meetings with Zarqawi; was one of Zarqawi’s most trusted associates; provided Zarqawi with safe house locations; and used intimidation and death threats to gain the cooperation of the Iraqi people to support al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist activity. During the course of the raids, several weapons caches, containing mortar rounds, small arms and ammunition, were found and destroyed. Mortar rounds were also emplaced along the road leading to the safe houses, serving as improvised explosive devices against incoming vehicle or foot traffic. The forces were engaged by small-arms fire upon their arrival to the suspected terrorist location and immediately returned fire. Combining the ground attack with the use of close-air support, the terrorists’ hideout locations were destroyed. No Coalition forces were injured or killed during the raids. Weblog LINK |
SALVADORIAN GRUNTS COMPLETES ROAD IN AL HILLAH
2,100 projects completed by this group, benefitting more than one half million Iraqis
| November 26, 2005 CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Multinational Division Central-South Soldiers completed a new road in al Hillah. Before the project, the area was a dirt road which turned to mud after every rain. The project, prepared by Salvadorian soldiers, lasted 30 days and consisted of hardening the ground and laying 1250 meters of asphalt. Since the start of the mission in Iraq, the Salvadorian soldiers completed 78 projects worth more than $3 million. Additional projects are ongoing. MND CS has been actively engaged in improvement of living conditions for local society in the area of responsibility. MND CS soldiers organize reconstruction of the civilian infrastructure and provide humanitarian relief for Iraqi citizens. During the past two years, civil military relations’ specialists materialized 2,100 projects; including water purification facilities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings. In total they helped more than 500,000 Iraqi people. Weblog LINK |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESTORED IN AL ANBAR
Scuzballs cut the fiber optic cable two months ago.
| November 26, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – The people of al Anbar Province were reconnected to their country’s capital and the rest of the world today as telecommunication services were restored to the region. Terrorists cut al Anbar’s electronic ties to the globe nearly two months ago, but telephone, television and Internet service was restored by the collaborative efforts of provincial government telecommunication officials and Coalition Forces. “This is a tremendous achievement, and it means a lot to the people in al Anbar Province,” Mahmoud Abdul Jabbar Mutlak, the al Anbar director general of telecommunications, said through a translator. “The people can get a lot of benefit out of this.” The repair of the fiber-optic cable reconnected the province with the national fiber-optic network and will provide many of the more than 1.3 million residents of al Anbar access to services such as telephone, television and Internet. This ability to communicate and enhance access to information comes just in time for the Iraqi national election in December. Weblog LINK |
IRAQI, U.S. GRUNTS NAB SCUZBALLS, STOP BOMB ATTACKS, TAKE GUNS N' AMMO
2,400 routine patrols in 3 days make the city safer for the December 15th elections.
| November 26, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Army and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continued to pursue terrorists and deny them opportunities for attacks during operations in various districts of the capitol city Nov. 21-23. During the course of more than 2,400 patrols, Iraqi and U.S. forces detained terror suspects, seized weapons caches and found improvised explosive devices before they could be detonated. Military officials also had help from the local population as individuals came forward with information about terrorist activity. On Nov. 21, a local resident told Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division about an IED which had been placed around a weapons cache in an area west of Baghdad. The informant also told Soldiers that three vehicles were currently at the location. U.S. forces cordoned off the area and began searching houses and questioning residents. Two terrorists were detained and processed into the Iraqi judicial system. Another tipster reported an IED concealed in a pile of rubble along a road in east Baghdad Nov. 22. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry secured the site and called in an explosive ordnance disposal team which disarmed the device consisting of two 57-millimeter rockets and a 130-millimeter round. Public Order Brigade troops operating in Salman Pak south of Baghdad detained three terror suspects and confiscated a small weapons cache Nov. 23. The arrests also came as a result of information provided by a local resident. Iraqi Army Soldiers working a checkpoint Nov. 22 detained three suspicious individuals in a vehicle who tried to do a quick U-turn after approaching the Soldiers. The individuals threw a compact disc out of a window and started to flee, but were quickly stopped by a squad of IA Soldiers. After being questioned, the three suspects admitted they were responsible for attacks against U.S. forces in Baghdad, Fallujah and Najaf. The CD contained documents and video footage of terrorist attacks. In other operations, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment reported finding a large IED placed under an overpass in north Baghdad Nov. 22. The Soldiers secured the area and called in an EOD team to collect the explosive device. After a convoy from 2/101st Abn. Div. struck an IED southwest of Baghdad Nov. 21, they noticed three suspicious individuals who appeared to be watching for the explosion. The three suspects exhibited signs of recently handling explosives and were detained for further questioning. Weblog LINK |
OPERATION TIGERS BEGINS IN RAMADI
Another in the continuing series of operations to kill, or capture scuzballs, disrupt their operations, blow up their supplies, and now to implant Grunts to protect the territory gained is instituted.
| November 26, 2005 CAMP AR RAMADI, Iraq — Approximately 550 Iraqi Army soldiers and U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team attached to the 2nd Marine Division, kicked off Operation Tigers (Nimur) this morning in the Ma’Laab District of eastern Ramadi. Operation Tigers is the fourth in a series of disruption operations executed by the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces to set the conditions for a successful Dec. 15 election in the AL Anbar capital city of Ar Ramadi. The previous operations which began Nov. 16 were operations Panthers (Numur), Bruins (Dibbah), and Lions (Asad). Since Nov. 16, actions conducted by the 2BCT resulted in numerous terrorists killed or detained and netted several weapons 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 discovered weapons caches were used by al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists to conduct direct attacks on Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces and Ramadi citizens and also to build roadside bombs. Cordon and searches, blocking off known terrorist escape routes, and searching for weapons caches in the targeted areas, are incorporated as part of Operation Tigers. Operation Tigers consists of approximately 150 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 400 Coalition Forces. More information on the operation will be released as it becomes available. Weblog LINK |
WE'RE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY! SORRY WE BURNT THE SCUZBALLS
We've made a .pdf file but the link may, or may not work. There seems to be a lot of traffic on it.
| November 27, 2005 KABUL , Afghanistan – Coalition officials have released an executive summary today of the investigation into U.S. Soldiers burning the bodies of two dead Taliban fighters. The Combined Joint Task Force-76 Commanding General, Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya announced the results and actions taken as a result of the investigation into the events occurring Oct. 1 near Gumbad during a press conference held today at Kandahar Airfield. The executive summary is available on the following link: http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/News%20Release/Nov05/Investigation%20into%20the%20Gumbad%20Incident.pdf Weblog LINK |
