Saturday, December 17
ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR MURDEROUS, HIGH VALUE IRAQI SCUZBALL
Man is leader of scuzball crew that is responsible for the deaths of hundreds.
| December 17, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- On Dec. 4, The Iraqi Central Investigating Court in Baghdad issued an arrest warrant for Mullah Halgurd Al-Khabir, a “Jihadist” terrorist commander, suspected of leading the insurgency against Coalition and Iraqi forces. The arrest warrant states that Al-Khabir is wanted for violation of Iraqi Penal Code 194, committing terrorist acts. Al-Khabir is the senior leader in Baghdad for the Iraqi based terrorist organization Ansar al-Sunna, and has historical ties to al Qaeda terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Khabir replaced the previous commander of Ansar al-Suna, Abdallah Al-Shafi’i, after Shafi’i was killed in December, 2002, in a gun battle with local law enforcement. Ansar al-Sunna, a terrorist organization with links to terrorists in Syria and Iran, have committed multiple suicide bomb attacks in Iraq that have resulted in the deaths of Coalition Forces, Iraqi Army Soldiers, Iraqi policemen and Iraqi citizens. The majority of these attacks have taken place in Baghdad, Kirkuk and Mosul. The arrest warrant claims that Al-Khabir, the Emir in Baghdad and regional commander for Ansar al-Sunna, has designed, coordinated and lead attacks “to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq.” Al-Khabir is the prime suspect in several lethal bombings in Iraq, including the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad in August 2003. That attack killed the top UN envoy in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, 55, from Brazil. It also killed 21 others and wounded more than one hundred. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan commented that the bombing was an “act of unprovoked and murderous violence.” Al-Khabir is also the prime suspect in the October, 2003, bombing of Turkey’s embassy in Baghdad. Two people were killed in that attack. Officials also believe Al-Khabir is responsible for the bombing of the Rahimawa police station in Kirkuk, which killed more than a dozen Iraqis and seriously wounded dozens more. Iraqi and Coalition Forces continue to pursue Al-Khabir in their unwavering effort to ensure he, and all other insurgents and former regime members, is held accountable and punished within the free and democratic Iraqi Judicial System. |
GRUNTS SECURE POLLS, VOTERS CELEBRATE IN AL ANBAR
| December 15, 2005 AR RAMADI, Iraq— Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces helped pave the way for hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens in Al Anbar Province to vote in today’s National Parliamentary Elections. Voter turnout was robust throughout the province, with preliminary reports indicating that a far higher percentage of the predominantly Sunni population participated in today’s elections than did in October’s Constitutional Referendum. Overall, there were few security incidents reported in the Province, and the murder and intimidation campaign that kept many people from the polls during previous votes never materialized. “Today’s vote exceeded all expectations,” said Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. James L. Williams. “What we saw today was the result of months of hard work by the Iraqi government, the US Ambassador and his staff, the international community, particularly the IECI and Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Most of all, it clearly demonstrates the resolve of the local Iraqi people to take their rightful place in the democratic process.” In the provincial capital of Ramadi, where only several thousand citizens took part in the Referendum, tens of thousands of voters lined the streets to vote today. Residents were observed dancing, singing and waving the Iraqi flag in a rare display of national pride. Members of both the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police provided security throughout the city while Coalition Forces remained largely on the outskirts in the event they were needed for an emergency. It is still too early to tell what percentage of voters in the city actually voted, but the numbers are expected to be much higher than they were during the Referendum. In Fallujah, where an estimated 90% of voters participated in October’s Referendum, voter turnout in today’s elections was similarly high. As in Ramadi, Coalition Forces turned over much of the responsibilities for securing the vote to Iraqi Security Forces. In Karmah, on the outskirts of Fallujah, a polling site that was bombed by insurgents yesterday was quickly repaired and operational by the time the polls opened today. There were no casualties reported in the incident. Elsewhere in the province, in cities like Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi, voter turnout was steady throughout the day. Until a few weeks ago, this area near the Syrian border was largely under the influence of al Qaeda in Iraq-led insurgents. Recent Iraqi and Coalition operations such as Steel Curtain and Iron Fist were instrumental in clearing these cities of insurgent fighters. The permanent security presence left behind in this region is seen as a crucial step towards preventing insurgents from establishing a stronghold in the area again. “No one can look at what happened in Al Anbar today and still deny progress is being made,” said Williams. “Overall, attacks against local citizens and Iraqi and Coalition Forces are down, voter turnout is much higher than before and the people are finally beginning to see the fruitlessness of supporting the insurgency. Credit has to also be given to the bravery of Governor Ma’moun, Governor of Al-Anbar Province, to encourage his Sunni population to vote through their tribal leaders’ encouragement. While we still have a long way to go, we have made remarkable strides since last January’s elections, and now have the potential to establish a real measure of order and security in the Province.” |
MORNING BRINGS FLOOD OF IRAQI VOTERS ON HISTORIC DAY
Iraqis exercise choice of government since Saddam took power 27 years ago.
| December 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – With tight rings of security circling the city, Iraqi citizens took to the streets the morning of Dec. 15 to vote for the first full-term government since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Iraqi Police are providing close-in protection at polling stations; Iraqi public Order Battalions and Iraqi Army Soldiers are providing the next level of protection; and more Iraqi Soldiers and Coalition Forces are in a third ring of troops. They will also provide a quick-reaction force if needed. Shortly after polling sites opened in Baghdad, a rocket landed in the International Zone, damaging a vehicle and injuring one Marine and two civilian contractors. The wounded were treated at the site for minor injuries and released. Polling stations throughout south Baghdad reported a constant flow of voters. Early reports indicated voter turnout is higher than the numbers seen on for the Constitutional Referendum vote on Oct. 15. |
GRUNTS KEEP TRIGGER FINGERS READY AS POLLS OPEN
Massive security efforts set up on historic day.
| December 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continued to maintain security at hundreds of polling sites around the city as residents began lining up well before the 7 a.m. opening for the historic national elections Dec. 15. Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police took the lead on polling-site security as Coalition Forces supported the Iraqis with perimeter checkpoints away from voting sites. The tight security involves a three-stage inspection system before voters get in to the polling sites. No one with bags, cell phones or packages will be allowed to enter as citizens cast their historic vote. |
GRUNTS INSURE IRAQI VOTING RIGHTS
| December 15, 2005 CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers of 3rd Brigade,1st Armored Division and Iraqi officials northwest of Baghdad spent the last week working toward a common goal: making polling sites as secure as possible. The Soldiers transported concrete barriers and emplaced them at polling places to ensure that voters remain safe during the historic national elections on Dec. 15. The entire planning process was a collaborative effort between Coalition Forces, Iraqi officials, and the Iraqi Army. Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army will assume the primary role of polling site security on election day. Iraqi officials took the lead in planning election-site security and 3/1 AD troops assisted with logistics, said Maj. Scott Sill, civil military operations officer for the brigade. Joint planning began right after the Constitutional Referendum vote in October. Everyone involved was able to refine and improve their December plans based on their experience from the first two elections. The Iraqi Forces are building on what they achieved during the Referendum vote when they curbed attacks and ensured that citizens made it to the polls safely. |
GRUNTS NAB 28 SCUZBALLS, KILL 2, TAKE GUNS N' AMMO SOUTH OF BAGHDAD
Raids aimed at securing Iraq for the election.
| December 14, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Baghdad Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division detained 28 suspected terrorists in two separate incidents during continuous operations south of Baghdad Dec. 8-9. The Soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment nabbed 17 individuals Dec. 9 after they were identified by an informant to be associated with terrorist activity. The capture began while the unit was conducting a cordon and search. Alert Soldiers observed three suspicious men in a nearby field who appeared to be in an overwatch position. A patrol was sent to question the three individuals. As the Soldiers approached, the suspects jumped up and ran away in two groups. Coalition Forces engaged two of the men, killing them. One of the other terrorists ran into a nearby house. Soldiers from C Co. immediately searched the home, capturing the one individual who ran away, plus an additional 16 suspected terrorists. In another incident, Soldiers from D Company, 1st Bn., 502nd Inf. Reg. detained 11 suspected terrorists after stopping two vehicles in the early evening hours of Dec. 8. The Soldiers were conducting a patrol south of Baghdad when they stopped two suspicious vehicles containing eight individuals. Upon further investigation of the vehicles, the Soldiers discovered multiple cell phones, AK-47 assault rifles, and two 120-millimeter rounds rigged as improvised explosive devices. Six of the individuals were detained but two men ran into a nearby house. The patrol conducted a cordon and search of the house and found an additional three individuals inside. Soldiers detained all five suspects, plus the other six. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the scene to inspect the vehicles. The EOD team confirmed the cars were being used to transport and emplace IEDs. One vehicle was destroyed by EOD, and the other was confiscated by the Iraqi Army. |
13 SCUZBALLS NABBED IN BAHGDAD PRIOR TO ELECTION
Wonder if they are going to vote?
| December 13, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces detained 13 suspected terrorists and located a weapons cache during pre-election operations in the capitol city Dec. 9-10. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment captured three suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation Dec. 9. During two different operations Dec. 10, 3rd Bn., 7th Inf. Soldiers detained six additional suspects and seized a weapons cache which included six AK-47 assault rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines, one bag of money and a hand grenade. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment also conducted an assault operation which led to the capture of three suspects in the Dora neighborhood Dec. 9. In other operations, Iraqi forces assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Public Order Brigade detained one suspected terrorist in eastern Rasheed Dec. 9. |
JAILED SCUZBALLS VOTE IN OVERWHELMING NUMBERS
These guys take the first step toward becoming an ex-scuzball.
| December 13, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Nearly 90 percent of all eligible security detainees in Multi-National Forces-Iraq Theater Internment Facilities participated in today’s democratic vote on the Iraqi National Ballot. MNF-I took special care to ensure that every eligible detainee who wanted to vote was afforded the opportunity. Balloting opened early this morning and continued until all eligible detainee’s passed through the polling stations. Voting took place at Camp Bucca, Abu Ghraib and Fort Suse TIFs. Extending the vote to all eligible Iraqis is another example of how the rule of law is helping to strengthen the Iraqi society. The right to shape a free and representative democracy is not a privilege for few, but a right of all Iraqis. |
Monday, December 12
46 SCUZBALLS AND WEAPONS SEIZED IN MOSUL
Iraqi grunts did most of the work.
| December 12, 2005 MOSUL, IRAQ - Iraqi Security Forces along with Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 46 suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches in northern Iraq Dec. 5-12. In Mosul, Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division along with Iraqi Police detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized loaded AK-47 magazines during a raid Dec. 5. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid Dec. 8. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations Dec. 9. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Division along with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment seized a cache of AK-47’s with multiple loaded magazines, a sniper rifle with loaded magazines, an anti-aircraft missile launcher with four missiles, over 100 rounds of ammunition, 500 more linked rounds of ammunition, a semi-automatic pistol, an automatic rifle, hand grenades, rocket propelled grenade launchers with ammunition, and high explosives during a raid Dec. 12. iraqi Army Soldiers confiscated the cache for future destruction. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported. Iraqi Police detained an individual suspected of placing several IED’s near an election site during operations in Mosul Dec.10. The suspect is in custody with no ISF injuries reported. Also in Mosul, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized an anti-tank mine, detonators, and a timer Dec. 5. Soldiers from 1-17 Infantry detained eight individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations Dec. 6-10. The unit detained another ten individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid Dec. 7. Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 11th Field Artillery Regiment detained an individual suspected of terrorist activity during operations Dec. 9. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations Dec. 10. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported. In Tal Afar, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained an individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid Dec. 5. Soldiers from 2/325 Infantry also discovered a cache of AK-47 bandoleers, a 120-mm round, TNT-filled canisters, sticks of TNT, anti-U.S. propaganda, and various IED materials Dec. 5. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized IED making materials during operations Dec. 9. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported. Iraqi Security Forces in conjunction with Multi-National forces continue successful operations aimed at defeating anti-Iraqi forces in an effort to provide safety and security to citizens of the region. |
IRAQ: TWO MEMBERS OF IRANIAN RESISTANCE GROUP ABDUCTED
| December 11, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Two members of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran, Hossein Pouyan and Mohammad-Ali Zahedi from the City of Ashraf, were reported to authorities as abducted on Aug. 4 in eastern Baghdad while on a routine logistics trip. The residents of Camp Ashraf have been considered protected persons under the fourth Geneva Convention since June 2004. Upon receiving reports of the abduction, Multi-National Force - Iraq requested that the Iraqi Police investigate the incident and is assisting in attempts to locate the missing individuals. |
IRAQ: OPERATION SKINNER ENDS
Grunts nabbed several scuzballs, bomb materials, rockets, 4 piles of guns n' ammo, and disrupted ambush plans.
| December 11, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq — Iraqi Army Soldiers, U.S. Marines and Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team (28th Infantry Division) concluded Operation Gashshaar (Skinner) in central Ramadi Dec. 10. The operation began on the evening of Dec. 7 and was the seventh disruption operation conducted in Ramadi since Nov. 16 to set conditions in the city for successful elections December 15. The operation netted four weapons caches and several detainees and also two command-initiated rocket systems designed to ambush passing convoys in central Ramadi. The combined forces also discovered a roadside bomb that the terrorists planned to use in the rocket attack. Iraqi and U.S. Forces also disrupted terrorist plans when they discovered a terrorist bomb-making factory in the center of the Ramadi shopping district. Artillery and mortar rounds, timers and remote detonators were found in the bomb making facility. The previous operations conducted by the Iraqi Army and U.S. Forces in Ramadi recently were: Operation Panthers, Bruins, Lions, Tigers, Shank and Rams. Details concerning Operation Skinner were not provided earlier due to operational security. |
