Saddam Hanged

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Saddam has been Hanged today for all the Death, Destruction, Pain, and Sorrow he has personally caused to be inflicted on the good people of the World. Good riddance to a thorn in the side of decency. I will sleep better tonight knowing a evil demon has met his reward.

Welcome Home Son

My Son Donnie (SSG Harris) arrived home to hugs and kisses from his wife and children last night to celebrate Christmas and take a timeout from his duties in Baghdad and the surrounding hostile areas of Ramadi, Baji, and who knows where. He is about a third of the way through his second tour. Although I can't be with him personally, he is home in Colorado Springs and I in my home near Tampa, the relief knowing he is safe from the War makes for a great nights sleep. Unless you have a family member or close friend in harm's way, you can only imagine the weight that jumps off your shoulder when your phone rings and you hear "Dad, I'm home". Merry Christmas everyone. There is a Santa!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Pa

Merry Christmas

We pray for our Servicemen and women all over the World who have given up their Christmas with their Families so we may enjoy the Freedom to be with ours.

God Bless you all

Donnie (Pa)

Lisa

Alexia

Christopher

Suicide truck bomber hits U.S. patrol in Mosul, IED factory destroyed in Tikrit

BAGHDAD, Dec. 7 (Xinhua News) -- A suicide truck bomber struck a U.S.patrol in northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Thursday, damaging two U.S. Humvees, local police said.
"A suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden refrigerator truck into a U.S. patrol at about 8:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) in the Muthanna neighborhood in eastern Mosul City and detonated it," a well-informed police source in the city told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The U.S. troops cordoned off the area, preventing the local police from approaching, said the source, adding that two U.S.Humvees were totally destroyed.


IA, CF discover, destroy IED factory
Dec. 9, 2006 TIKRIT, Iraq – While conducting a series of cordon and knocks throughout Baqubah Friday, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Army, with support from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered an improvised explosive device factory inside a house. The factory contained more than five rocket-propelled grenades, small arms munitions, 1,000 pounds of fertilizer, blasting caps and timers, fuel containers, several hundred feet of detonation cord, two compressed air tank IEDs and other IED-making materials. “It is believed that the IED factory used by the terrorists was intended for attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and local citizens based on its proximity to other recent attacks in the area,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province. “The terrorists are using these materials to kill those that desire a safe and secure Iraq. Their goals have no political, economic or religious objectives – only death,” Sutherland added.Upon discovery, the unit requested support from a coalition forces explosive ordinance disposal unit. The EOD unit determined the material was too unstable to move and conducted a controlled detonation on site.Before the controlled detonation, the Iraqi Army soldiers, with support from Coalition Forces, went door to door to ensure the community was informed about the IED factory and cleared from their homes. Multi-National Division – North PAO

American & Iraqi Forces fighting insurgents

Thursday 7 December 2006


Iraqi Police detain suspects during raid in Tall Afar -- BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police forces, with Coalition advisors, conducted a raid Dec. 6 in Abdan, near Tall Afar, to capture an insurgent associated with al Qaeda in Iraq, detaining seven suspects during the operation.The insurgent is believed to be responsible for supplying weapons to AQI and providing them with funding and a safe house for carrying out attacks against Iraqi Security Forces in the Tall Afar area.

Iraqi Army captures insurgent sniper during raid -- BAGHDAD – 4th Iraqi Army Division forces, with Coalition advisors, captured an insurgent sniper Dec. 6 in Bayji believed to be responsible for direct and indirect attacks targeting Coalition forces. He is also allegedly involved in improvised explosive device and car bombing attacks in the Bayji area.The insurgent sniper is associated with other insurgent cells within Iraq. Iraqi forces also detained an additional suspect during the raid.

Five Task Force Lightning Soldiers killed -- TIKRIT, Iraq – Five Task Force Lightning Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, were killed Wednesday as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in Kirkuk Province.


Friday, 08 December 2006


Roadside bomb strikes joint patrol, kills one Soldier -- BAGHDAD – An improvised explosive device detonated near a Multi-National Division - Baghdad patrol, killing one Soldier in the Iraqi capital Thursday. The combat patrol was conducting joint operations with the Iraqi Army to prevent sectarian violence in a western neighborhood of the city when the bomb exploded near one of their vehicles.

Iraqi Army, Coalition forces detain three suspected Anti-Iraqi Forces -- TIKRIT, Iraq – Three suspected insurgents were detained and three vehicles were destroyed by Iraqi and Coalition Forces after being observed conducting an indirect fire attack on Forward Operating Base Gabe and endangering local civilians in Baqubah Wednesday. CF reconnaissance observed insurgents fleeing the scene of the indirect fire attack in a vehicle. The insurgents began driving erratically around the city, firing small-arms fire and machine guns at innocent civilians. The insurgents stopped at an abandoned building where they cross loaded weapons and equipment with two other vehicles. “This is another example of the terrorists’ and violent insurgents’ disregard for the welfare and safety of all the people of Diyala,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala Province. “Their hatred is spread through the streets with no regard for those that respect peace,” he said.An air weapons team engaged and destroyed two vehicles as they attempted to flee, before returning to the abandoned building and destroying the third vehicle. Air reconnaissance observed secondary explosions from the first two vehicles. Iraqi and Coalition ground forces conducted a search of the abandoned building and detained three suspects. The detainees were taken to a secure location for questioning.

MND-B Patrol finds IED, suspected bomb-maker -- PATROL BASE DRAGON, Iraq – Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), detected an improvised explosive device south of their patrol base on the bank of the Euphrates River, southwest of Baghdad, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Dec. 5. Upon examination of the IED, the Soldiers began searching the surrounding buildings in the area, looking for the terrorist suspects connected to the bomb. Within the bedroom of a nearby house, a bag with IED making materials that matched the found IED was discovered. The patrol arrested the owner of the house and confiscated the rest of the IED making materials. The suspect was detained for further questioning.


Seven suspected terrorists detained; weapons cache destroyed -- BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists and destroyed a building containing a weapons cache Friday morning near Fallujah.Intelligence reports indicated terrorist activities in the targeted area. When ground forces searched the targeted building, they discovered a weapons cache consisting of multiple weapons and improvised explosive device making material. Most of the weapons material was buried in the floor throughout the house. Due to the amount of weapons material and the safety considerations, Coalition Forces destroyed the building containing the buried weapon cache.

Roadside bomb hits dismounted patrol, kills two MND-B Soldiers -- BAGHDAD – An improvised explosive device detonated near a Multi-National Division – Baghdad patrol, killing two Soldiers south of the Iraqi capital Dec. 7. The Soldiers were conducting a dismounted patrol responding to a possible IED, south of the city, when a roadside bomb detonated, killing two Soldiers and wounding two others.

Multi-National Forces Baghdad

War update Sat. Dec. 2 to Tues. Dec. 5

Tuesday, 05 December 2006


Insurgents attack MND-B patrol, killing one Soldier -- BAGHDAD – Insurgents attacked a Multi-National Division - Baghdad patrol Dec. 4, killing one Soldier and wounding five others.
The patrol was conducting operations to deny enemy movements and enforce curfew restrictions in a northeastern neighborhood of the city when it was attacked.


Coalition forces capture suspected insurgent leader in Baghdad raid -- BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured six suspects Dec. 4 during a raid in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad.One of the suspects captured is believed to be an insurgent with ties to the Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network. He is a local tribal leader who is believed to have ordered attacks against Iraqi civilians and Coalition forces.

Insurgents attack MND-B patrol, killing one Soldier -- BAGHDAD – Insurgents attacked a Multi-National Division - Baghdad patrol Dec. 4, killing one Soldier and wounding five others. The patrol was conducting operations to deny enemy movements and enforce curfew restrictions in a northeastern neighborhood of the city when it was attacked.


Monday, 04 December 2006


Iraqi Police, Army team up with paratroopers, discover threeweapon caches -- FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraqi – Iraqi police and Iraqi armytroops teamed up with paratroopers from 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25thInfantry Division, to discovered three large weapons caches Dec. 3.The first cache was discovered in the town of Bahbahani, Iraq, outside ofMusayyib. It contained 15 rockets, 30 mortar fuses, one sniper rifle, 15 rocket-propelledgrenades, one rocket propelled-grenade launcher, one tripod, one mortar tube, and two60mm mortar rounds.
Once the joint patrol discovered the cache, they halted the patrol andimmediately cordoned off the area. An explosive ordnance disposal team was alertedand destroyed the cache.The second cache was discovered north of Karbala. It contained two mortarfuses, two mortar charges, one machine gun with one belt of ammo, one sub-machinegun with seven magazines, several grenade fuses, artillery fuses, blasting caps, and skimasks.The third cache was uncovered south of Baghdad and contained 100 mortar rounds.

TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, SIX DETAINED IN N. BAGHDAD RAID -- BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists, detained six suspected terrorists, and destroyed a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during a raid Monday morning in northern Baghdad.
Intelligence reports identified the location of a suspected terrorist with ties to the al-Qaida in Iraq network and the production of VBIEDs.
As ground forces entered the targeted buildings, they were confronted by two armed terrorists. The ground forces killed both terrorists.
While clearing the buildings, ground forces discovered a VBIED and they destroyed the vehicle on the scene so it could not be used by terrorists. They also seized a cache consisting of numerous types of ammunition, including 13 artillery rounds, several AK-47's, and small arms ammunition.
Before leaving the scene, ground forces detained six suspected terrorists.

Two Soldiers killed, two others wounded -- TIKRIT, Iraq - Two Task Force Lightning Soldiers, assigned to 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, were killed and two others were wounded from an explosion near their vehicle that occurred while they were conducting operations in Multi-National Division – North, Dec. 3.The two wounded Soldiers were transported to Coalition Forces' medical treatment facilities.

Soldiers unearth weapons cache on outskirts of Baghdad -- BAGHDAD – A large weapons cache was discovered Dec. 2 at a farmhouse in the neighborhood of Bayaa on the outskirts of Baghdad by Soldiers from Co. A, 9th Engineers, part of Task Force 1-18, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The Soldiers were conducting a routine patrol of the area when their lead vehicle hit a roadside bomb. None of the Soldiers were injured during the explosion, and while they were clearing the area, they came across a wire which led them to a small farmhouse and the weapons cache. After following the wire back to the farmhouse, the engineers focused their attention on three vehicles parked in the yard. According to Coos Bay, Ore. native, Sgt. David Baker, the engineers quickly discovered that the cars contained explosives, and it was when they took cover in the nearby building, that they discovered the first of what turned out to be a large cache of weapons. “There was one false wall that contained a lot of munitions but other than that everything was strewn around inside the house,” Staff Sgt. Edward Simon, a platoon sergeant from Pensacola, Fla. explained of the scene. Among the weapons found were two surface-to-air missiles, five improvised rocket launchers, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 18 hand grenades, more than 140 mortar rounds, three heavy machine guns, two sniper rifles, five AK-47 rifles, three car bombs in various stages of completion, small arms munitions, various bomb-making components, and documents. The executive officer for Task Force 1-18, Maj. Scott Nelson, said that he wasn’t surprised by the discovery of the cache. “We know there are foreign fighter and al-Qaeda cells that are operating in this area,” the native of Columbia, S.C. said. “I think we were able to significantly disrupt al-Qaeda and anti-Iraqi forces operations in this particular sector of Baghdad,” Nelson added. In cooperation with the Iraqi National Police, the Soldiers cordoned off the area for nearly 30 hours while explosive ordinance disposal teams were brought in to assess the situation, along with heavy equipment to further excavate the land. “The INP are helping to jointly secure the outer cordon of this sensitive site and will assist in conducting some more cordon and search operations in the area,” explained Nelson. Throughout the day, police officers from the INP’s 7th Brigade, 2nd Division searched nearby houses before detaining an individual for further questioning.Lt. Col. Ali Hesen Al-Qurishi of the INP said his greatest concern was for the safety of the people, an opinion shared by the Soldiers. “Getting this stuff out of the hands of the insurgents makes a big difference,” said Simon. “It makes it safer for the Iraqi people and our Soldiers.”


Iraqi girl killed in attack on Coalition forces in al Doura -- BAGHDAD, Iraq – During an attack on Coalition forces and national police in the al Doura district Sunday, a 5-year-old Iraqi girl was shot and later died of her wounds. The girl was taken to a military hospital in the International Zone by U.S. Army medics after the Soldiers saw she was wounded. The 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team Surgeon, Maj. Bruce Rivers, said medics treated her on the scene and then transported her to the Combat Surgical Hospital. Once there, Rivers said the girl received further treatment but died from the wound.

Weapons cache discovered west of Baghdad -- BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops discovered a weapons cache west of the Iraqi capital Sunday. Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division uncovered a cache consisting of four 155mm artillery rounds; two 120mm mortar rounds; six 60mm mortar rounds; one 32mm round; one 25mm round; one 12.7mm upper receiver; five rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers; 14 RPG rounds; three RPG propellant sticks; and 500 rounds of machine gun ammunition. An explosive ordnance team was called in to the site and destroyed the weapons and munitions.


Sunday, 03 December 2006

Soldier killed by roadside bomb -- BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Corps – Iraq Soldier died from injuries sustained whenthe convoy he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq, atapproximately 8:30 a.m. Saturday.


Six terrorists killed, foreign fighter safe houses destroyed -- BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and destroyed two known foreign fighter safe houses as they conducted a raid in Gharma Saturday night. Recent intelligence reports indicated the targeted building was being used to harbor foreign fighters. Intelligence reports also verified that several men were present at the targeted building during the time of the raid. Coalition Forces determined that the use of precision fires against the building provided the greatest safety measures for both the surrounding residents and friendly forces by avoiding the possibility of stray small arms rounds during a firefight. After the air strike destroyed the building, Coalition Forces were able to determine that five terrorists, along with two women and one child, were killed.Just before the air strike occurred, ground forces witnessed several terrorists moving to a nearby building. Coalition Forces were able to clear that building, killing one other terrorist and detaining three suspected terrorists. During a search of the building, ground forces found a weapons cache consisting of numerous small arms weapons and munitions. The cache was destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.Local villagers expressed their gratitude to Coalition Forces after the raid for “ridding the area of terrorists,” whom they claimed had killed several of the men in their village. When asked the whereabouts of her husband, one 21-year-old single mother of five children said, “The terrorists killed him.”


Soldier killed in Baghdad -- BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier was killed during combat operations in the Iraqi capital Dec. 3.

Patrol finds weapons cache, detains three suspects -- BAGHDAD, Iraq – During an afternoon raid on a suspected sniper hideout, troops from Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache and detained three men suspected of being connected to sectarian murders in the vicinity of the Furat neighborhood in western Baghdad Nov. 29.At approximately 6:15 p.m., Coalition forces were patrolling the neighborhood when a man waved their convoy down. The resident told the platoon leader that he’d been shot at by a sniper. The man pointed out the house where the shots came from, noting that there was a possible weapons cache inside.Upon entering the home, the platoon found more than 100 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, two AK-47s, sniper rifle ammunition, a rocket-propelled grenade, several other machine guns, four cell phones, 75 pre-paid cell phone cards, two wire spools and bombmaking materials.Three men found inside the house were detained for possessing illegal weapons. They are suspected of having ties with sectarian militias.


Saturday, 02 December 2006


Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces secure Baqubah -- BAQUBAH, Iraq – The 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, with support from the 1-12Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, begancoordinated offensive operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Baqubah today.Acting on intelligence reports and tips, 2/5 IA, with support from coalition forcesbased in Diyala, commenced operations aimed at terrorist cells responsible for placingimprovised explosive devices, sniper operations, kidnapping and murder in Baqubah.“This is a great indicator of the commitment of Iraqi Army officers and Soldiers toprotect and secure the people of the province,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “These operations are intelligence driven and target specific terrorist cells that are attempting to destabilize the government and economic growth in the province. Some individual targets are also responsible for instigating the sectarian violence in the province,” he continued. This operation has been carefully planned between coalition forces and Iraqi Army leaders. The intent of this operation is to eliminate the terrorist cells that are operating in areas of Baqubah, and then allow the local Iraqi Police to enforce the rule of law. Iraqi Police are currently manning many critical check points; the Iraqi Army are manning several others, and another checkpoint is manned by both IA and IP in a joint effort. These check points are used to provide security and control movements within the city limits. “This military operation is designed to separate the terrorists from the honorable people of Baqubah, and better enable the Iraqi Security Forces to maintain a secure and stable environment,” Sutherland said.


Soldier killed in Al Anbar Province -- CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – One Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Division died Dec. 1 from wounds sustained due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar Province.


Cavalry Paratroopers find bomb-making materials and weapons in Hawr Rajab 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th I -- KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers from the Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division found ammunition and materials used in constructing improvised explosive device in a house near Hawr Rajab Dec. 1. The cache discovery came as part of Operation Artic Sunrise. The paratroopers found two weapons, ammunition, mortar and artillery ammunition fuses, ski masks and blasting caps. Part of the cache was found immediately outside the home.The weapons and munitions were destroyed in place by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Iraqi, US forces combine to find cache, detain 12 suspects 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team -- FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – In a joint effort, the Iraqi Army supported by the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, captured a weapons cache and detained 12 terrorist suspects Dec. 1 in Narwahan.The Soldiers were conducting a dismounted patrol to gain intelligence when they received a tip by a local resident regarding the cache. They discovered a weapons cache which included 10 AK-47 assault rifles, two machine guns, two mortar tubes including 70 60mm rounds, one illumination round, five cases of 12.7mm ammunition and 61 explosive primers. The 12 suspects were taken to a secure location for questioning.

Eight terrorists killed during early morning raid near Baqubah

Wednesday, 29 November 2006

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed eight al-Qaida terrorists today in an early-morning raid near Baqubah. Acting upon numerous intelligence sources, Coalition Forces launched an operation to detain individuals running a known terrorist cell. At the objective, Coalition Forces received enemy rifle and machine gun fire. Due to the heavy volume of enemy fire, Coalition Forces also engaged the terrorists with aircraft. Coalition aircraft fired rounds neutralizing the enemy threat. Ground forces then cleared the objective of enemy activity. Upon a search of the objective area, they found two female local nationals who were killed during the firefight. Coalition Forces found machine guns, AK-47s and rifles at the scene.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

More terrorists killed, buildings destroyed, weapons found

Tuesday, 21 November 2006


Terrorist caches seized in raid


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces conducted an operation against terrorist activities in the vicinity of al-Habbaniyah Tuesday. Intelligence reports indicated two targeted buildings were being used for terrorist activity. Coalition Forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of rocket-propelled grenades, multiple explosives and small arms in the first targeted building. After breaching the second targeted building and discovering another weapons cache, Coalition Forces realized the building was a mosque. There were no external markings on the building to indicate it was a mosque. Both the weapons cache from the mosque and the weapons cache from the first building were destroyed.


ISF targets kidnapping and murder cell, captures 7


BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces, with coalition advisers, detained an illegal
armed group kidnapping and murder cell leader during a raid Nov. 21 in Sadr City,
Baghdad. The raid was launched to target this individual and to obtain information on
the whereabouts of a kidnapped U.S. Soldier. The person detained is reported to have first-hand knowledge of the control and movement of Spec. Ahmed Al Taie, the Soldier who was abducted Oct. 23. Six additional suspected cell members were detained. During the operation, Iraqi forces received small-arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from enemy fighters. Supporting coalition aircraft received enemy ground fire; coalition aircraft neutralized the threat with precision fires at identified enemy targets.


Three terrorists killed, four detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained four suspected terrorists during a raid in Baghdad Tuesday.

Upon approaching the objective, ground forces received small arms fire. Coalition Forces returned fire killing three terrorists.

Coalition Forces continued their mission and approached the first targeted building. As they breached the building using a small explosives charge, some linen inside the room caught fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured.

During the search of the second targeted building, Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists and found four machine guns, ammunition and ammo cartridges.


MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

Sunday Sermon for terrorists in Baghdad and Ramadi

NOVEMBER 19, 2006

TWO TERRORISTS KILLED NEAR BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists in an air strike Saturday afternoon near Baghdad.

Intelligence reports indicated the terrorists were associated with improvised explosive device attacks and suicide bombing operations.

Coalition aircraft engaged and destroyed the vehicle with precision fires, killing the driver and occupant.


EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED, WEAPONS CACHES DESTROYED

Ramadi, Iraq – A Saturday morning raid targeting a terrorist in the Ramadi area led to eight terrorists killed and two suspects detained.

As Coalition Forces moved toward the target building, terrorists began firing rocket-propelled grenades at them; ground forces returned fire, killing three terrorists. Two suspected terrorists were detained, one of whom had been shot during the raid.

Ground forces provided him with on-scene medical care before detaining him.Ground forces also received mortar fire from armed terrorists during the raid. Coalition air support used precision fires to destroy the terrorists’ vehicle, killing five terrorists.

After inspecting the targeted building and property, Coalition Forces found multiple weapons caches, explosives, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. All items were destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists.

This raid allowed Coalition Forces to continue the destruction of critical weapons caches and the disruption of the terrorist network in the Ramadi area.

One Soldier and 9 terrorists killed in separate operations

Thursday, 16 November 2006

Soldier killed in Baghdad -- A Multi-National Corps-Iraq Soldier was killed by small arms fire Tuesday while conducting combat operations in Baghdad.


NINE TERRORISTS KILLED, NINE DETAINED SOUTH OF YUSUFIYAH

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed nine terrorists and detained nine suspected terrorists during a raid Thursday just south of Yusufiyah, further diminishing the al-Qaida in Iraq network.As Coalition Forces approached the targeted area, they called out for people to exit the buildings. Ground forces noticed several armed individuals in a nearby wooded area maneuvering against them.Close air support was called in to mitigate the threat to the Coalition Forces ground team. Coalition aircraft engaged the terrorists with precision fires.Several of the terrorists killed were wearing suicide vests.This and other recent operations in the region highlight the deliberate, methodical dismantlement of the al-Qaida in Iraq network and those who contribute to its illegal actions.


Multi-National Corps – Iraq

More raids by Coalition Forces around Baghdad

Wednesday, 15 November 2006

Coalition Forces capture members of insurgent cell

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces captured six insurgents and detained one other suspect Nov 13. in the Al Doura area of Baghdad during a raid against an insurgent cell responsible for deadly attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

The insurgent cell is linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgent groups and conducts improvised explosive device, rocket and mortar attacks which injure and kill Iraqi civilians, ISF and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi Army detains kidnapping, murder-cell suspects

BAGHDAD – Forces from the 7th Iraqi Army Division, with coalition advisors, conducted a raid Nov. 14 in Ramadi to capture members of a kidnapping and murder cell responsible for abducting, torturing and murdering Iraqi civilian and Iraqi security forces.

The cell members are also responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices that injure and kill Iraqi police.
Iraqi Army forces detained eight suspects during the raid.

18 Suspected terrorists detained; IED materials destroyed


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 18 suspected terrorists and destroyed a cache of improvised explosive device materials while conducting multiple raids Wednesday morning. The raids targeted individuals in the northern Baghdad region and al-Anbar Province who are believed to have direct ties to al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cells.

Ground troops located and detonated a stockpile of automobile batteries believed to be stored for use in vehicle-borne IED attacks on innocent Iraqi civilians and Coalition Forces.The detainees are currently being assessed for their level of involvement in terrorist activity.

The raids are part of ongoing, coordinated efforts to eliminate al-Qaida operations in the Baghdad region. Coalition Forces continue to prevent suicide bombings by killing and capturing terrorists, intercepting and destroying VBIEDs and suicide vests and continuously degrading al-Qaida cells operating within Iraq.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

Coalition Forces kill 11 insurgents in Ramadi

Nov. 14, 2006 -- RAMADI, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed 11 insurgents in three related incidents in Ramadi. On Nov. 13, Coalition Forces observed a small number of insurgents emplacing an improvised explosive device. The insurgents were engaged by Coalition Forces with small arms fire, killing two. The three remaining insurgents returned to the emplacement site and Coalition Forces fired one tank main gun round, killing all three insurgents. There were secondary explosions, and the remains of the IED continued to burn for about an hour.Following an IED attack on a Coalition Vehicle four hours later in the same vicinity, four insurgents were killed after they attempted to take mission essential equipment from the vehicle. Two of the insurgents were killed by small arms fire and two were killed with one main gun tank round. This event occurred during curfew hours. In a separate incident Nov. 14 in the same vicinity, three insurgents were observed emplacing an improvised explosive device. They were engaged with small arms fire and a main tank gun round. Two insurgents were killed.

Multi-National Corps – West PAO

MND-B Soldiers respond to rocket attack, detain three suspected terrorists

Monday, 13 November 2006 -- BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained three suspected terrorists in Baghdad’s Doura Province at approximately 5:45 a.m. Nov. 13.

The Soldiers, from 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, responded to a rocket attack and observed two suspects fleeing from the scene. The suspects attempted to evade the patrol, but were unsuccessful.

Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

Weekend Baghdad Update

Saturday, 11 November 2006


Iraqi Army captures leader of insurgent cell -- BAGHDAD – 8th Iraqi Army Division forces, with coalition advisers, conducted a raid Nov. 11 near Suwayrah and captured the suspected leader of an insurgent cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi security forces. The cell leader is suspected of also being responsible for a car bomb attack in Suwayrah that killed at least nine and injured more than 50 Iraqi civilians.

The insurgent cell is thought to have also coordinated an attack which destroyed an Iraqi Army headquarters in Suwayrah. Iraqi forces detained four additional suspects during the raid.


IA detains suspects in search for death squad leader -- BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces, with coalition advisers, conducted a raid Nov. 10, in Sadr City to capture a top-level death squad leader who is believed to be responsible for carrying out widespread death squad activities in eastern Baghdad.

This criminal allegedly controls the actions of multiple cells, with hundreds of cell members, that conduct sectarian murder and torture, kidnappings, improvised explosive devices attacks and other attacks and crimes against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi security forces. He also facilitates the flow of weapons and explosives into Iraq which are used to conduct sectarian attacks.

Iraqi Army forces detained five suspects during the raid and confiscated six improvised explosive devices and Iraqi military uniforms.


Iraqi Army detains suspects in search for IED supplier -- BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces, with Coalition advisers, conducted a raid Nov. 11 in Abu Ghraib to capture a criminal who is suspected of providing supplies for improvised explosive devices and munitions to an IED cell in the area. The cell is believed to be responsible for bombings which kill and injure Iraqi civilians and security forces.

The Iraqi Force confiscated several sniper and assault rifles during the raid and detained three suspects.

Coalition offers reward for help in the return of kidnapped U.S. -- BAGHDAD – Multi-National Force – The U.S. Government is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of kidnapped U.S. Army Specialist Ahmed Kousay Altaie who was abducted outside the International Zone in Baghdad October 23.

Altaie is an American of Iraqi decent who moved to the United States as a teenager and joined the Army Reserve in December 2004. He was mobilized in August 2005 and deployed to Iraq three months later.

Since the October 23rd abduction, the Coalition Force has continuously searched for Altaie conducting operations in response to over 300 tips provided by Iraqi citizens.

The Coalition will pay up to $50,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the recovery of Specialist Altaie. Individuals who have information on him should call the Iraqi National Tips Hotline by dialing 130.

Sunday, 12 November 2006

MND-B Soldiers detain four suspected terrorists, seize weapons cache -- BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained four suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache in one of the capital’s western neighborhoods Nov. 11.

After witnessing suspicious activity, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, searched four suspects.

They found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an RPG round, an AK-47, a heavy machinegun, three grenades and two assault rifles with two 100-round belts of ammunition.


Three Soldiers Killed in Al Anbar -- CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Three Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division died Nov. 11 from wounds sustained due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar Province.

Coalition Forces repel insurgent attack, kill three insurgents -- CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq – Three insurgents were killed Nov. 11 in a thwarted attack against a Coalition Forces patrol in the Euphrates River city of Hit, Iraq.

Coalition Forces came under gunfire attack near a road intersection by a group of six insurgents.

Coalition Forces responded to the attack with gunfire killing three of the insurgents. The other three fled the scene.

Ten suspected terrorists detained in early morning raid -- BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected terrorists while conducting an early morning raid today in Baghdad. Credible intelligence indicates the suspected terrorists have ties to key leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s network.

It is believed they are associated with terrorists who are involved in the housing, movement and enabling of foreign fighters, to include the organization of suicide operations within Baghdad.

Close coordination allowed Coalition Forces to detain the 10 individuals without injuries or casualties to Iraqi citizens or Coalition Forces.

Coalition Forces destroy booby-trapped building -- RAMADI, Iraq – Coalition Forces used air-delivered precision munitions to destroy a building in Ramadi Saturday that contained explosives set to detonate upon entry.

Coalition Forces were made aware of the explosive-laden building by intelligence and surveillance assets. There were no reports of civilian casualties and no Coalition casualties.

Monday, 13 November 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 41 suspected terrorists while conducting multiple raids in the Baghdad area this morning. During one of the raids, Coalition Forces called for the suspects in a building to surrender. The suspected terrorists began firing on Coalition Forces and attempted to flee the building. Coalition Forces returned fire killing eight terrorists and wounding one. Sixteen others threw down their weapons and surrendered.

The detainees are believed to have close ties with members of an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell as well as links to foreign fighter facilitators.

Recent intelligence reports indicate the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell has been active with local vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and supporting the foreign fighter network. This intelligence was confirmed after ground forces discovered a suicide IED initiator and other explosive devices during the early morning raids.

IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in apartment complex -- MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers seized a large weapons cache and detained three individuals in the Qa-Qaa apartment Complex in Mahmudiyah, 30 km south of Baghdad, Saturday morning.

Iraqi Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, Fourth Brigade, Sixth Iraqi Army Division, teamed up with a U.S. advisory team from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and conducted a “cordon and knock” operation in the apartment complex.

Three 107 mm rockets, 24 82 mm mortar rounds, 17 60 mm mortar rounds, 19 60 mm mortar fuses, 100 mortar charges, two mortar tripods and aiming devices, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an AK-47 assault rifle, a RPK medium machine gun, false identification cards and four license plates were seized during the operation.

The most significant find in the cache was the discovery of 25 anti-armor improvised explosive device cover plates.

The operation was delayed briefly with the discovery of a car bomb parked near the apartment complex. An explosive ordinance team was brought in to dispose of the car bomb. The bomb was detonated on site.

The operation was based on actionable intelligence collected from sources in the area.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld steps down

This News just released

Donald Rumsfied is resigning. President Bush is nominating Robert Gates, former head of the CIA, to replace Mr. Rumsfeld.

America Fights on

Democrats may have taken over the House and possibly the Senate (not confirmed), but our Soldiers will continue to overtake the War on Terrorists

Four terrorists killed, 48 detained in Ramadi raid

Wednesday, 08 November 2006

Four terrorists killed, 48 detained in Ramadi raid

RAMADI, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists and detained 48 suspected terrorists during a raid of a known al-Qaeda meeting place in Ramadi Tuesday afternoon.
During the raid, Coalition ground forces encountered two hostile men fleeing from the scene in a vehicle. Despite repeated requests to surrender, the two men continued to threaten Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces killed the two terrorists. Upon searching the terrorists’ vehicle, Coalition Forces discovered rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns, grenades and suicide vests.
Coalition Forces were later engaged outside nearby buildings and ground forces killed two more terrorists. During the raid a male civilian received a minor wound to the neck and Coalition Forces provided medical care on the scene.
This area is known to be frequented by foreign fighters, and an al-Qaeda senior leader has launched suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices at Coalition and Iraqi checkpoints in the past.


TEN FOREIGN FIGHTER FACILITATORS KILLED; IRAQI POLICEMAN RESCUED

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed ten al-Qaeda terrorists associated with foreign fighter organizations today near Muqdadiyah and rescued a kidnapped Iraqi Policeman. Acting upon numerous credible intelligence sources, Coalition Forces launched an operation to detain individuals running a known terrorist cell. At the objective, Coalition Forces made contact with and killed 10 terrorists carrying AK-47s, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, and a machine gun.
Once inside the building, Coalition Forces found a hostage blindfolded and shackled to the floor. The hostage revealed he was an Iraqi Policeman that was taken hostage six days before with two other Iraqi Policemen and was being held ransom to raise money for the terrorist cell. He said the two other policemen had been ransomed earlier by the terrorists. Coalition Forces also found a 60 mm mortar system with ammunition, a sniper rifle, numerous IED components, a significant amount of ammunition and other terror related material. Ground units destroyed the munitions before these items could cause any harm to innocent victims The al-Qaeda cell was responsible for bringing foreign fighters into the Muqdadiyah area. These terrorists and other foreign terrorist facilitators are killing innocent Iraqis daily and preventing the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve. This well coordinated operation was designed to eliminate the terrorist threat and further the degradation of the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER

MND-B Soldier dies of wounds following roadside bomb attack

BAGHDAD –Tuesday, 07 November 2006 - A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 10:40 p.m. Monday from wounds he received after the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device in northwest Baghdad.

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

Hussein and 2 co-defendants sentenced to hang

BAGHDAD — Saddam Hussein was convicted and sentenced Sunday to hang for crimes against humanity in the 1982 killings of 148 people in a single Shiite town.

Court rules Hussein be hanged (CNN)

Saddam Hussein Sentenced
To Death by Hanging (Fox)

Shaken Saddam is sentenced to hang (Reuters)

..........I could go on and on, oh well, one more dictator off the streets

Soldier killed by small-arms fire

BAGHDAD – Sunday, 05 November 2006 - A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 1 p.m. Saturday when terrorists attacked his patrol with small-arms fire in western Baghdad.

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

Noose tightens around Baghdad

Several terrorists killed; grenades, explosives found during raid

Friday, 03 November 2006 -- BAGHDAD, Iraq — Coalition Forces killed an estimated 13 terrorists, detained one suspected terrorist and seized a cache of explosives during two associated raids early Friday morning near Al Mahmudiyah.

As Coalition Forces approached the two objective areas, they attempted to call out the personnel within both buildings. None of the personnel responded to the Coalition Forces’ attempts to allow them to peacefully surrender. As a result, Coalition Forces attempted to enter the buildings, at which time they were encountered by five armed individuals, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. Coalition Forces engaged and killed these five terrorists.

During the initial engagement, an estimated eight armed personnel fled the target area and were subsequently engaged and killed by close air support and ground forces.

Intelligence reports identified the location of a suspected terrorist with ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and a foreign fighter network. Several of the terrorists killed appeared to be foreign fighters.

During clearance of the objective area, ground forces discovered a cache consisting of multiple explosives, hand grenades and suicide vests, which were destroyed onsite.

Three Soldiers killed by roadside bomb

Friday, 03 November 2006 -- BAGHDAD – Three Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers died at approximately 2:15 p.m. Thursday when the vehicle they were riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device in eastern Baghdad.


Iraqi Army raids murder, kidnapping cell in Sadr City

Saturday, 04 November 2006 -- BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces, with coalition advisors, detained three suspects during an operation this morning in Sadr City to capture the leader and members of an illegal armed group murder and kidnapping cell which attacks, injures and kills innocent Iraqi citizens and security forces.

Iraqi forces received small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from hostile elements during departure from the objective. Iraqi forces returned fire at clearly identified targets to neutralize the threat and continued their return to base.

There were no reports of Iraqi forces or coalition casualties.

MNF - Baghdad

Air strike kills terrorists east of Ramadi

November 1, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A Coalition air strike killed a terrorist leader and his driver Wednesday in Eastern Ramadi, diminishing the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
Rafa Abdul Salam Hamud Al Ithawi, also known as Abu Taha, was the Emir of Shamiyyah. He frequently harbored foreign fighters who entered Iraq illegally in order to assault innocent Iraqis and Coalition Forces.
Precision laser guided munitions were used to destroy the vehicle carrying Abu Taha and his driver.
This and other recent operations in the region highlight the deliberate, methodical dismantlement of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network and those who contribute to its illegal actions.

Multinational Force - Baghdad

MND-B Soldier killed by roadside bomb

November 1, 2006

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately noon Wednesday when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device west of Baghdad.

Multinational Force - Baghdad

Two Soldiers killed in Baghdad Monday

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device south of Baghdad.

Another Soldier died at approximately 5 p.m. Monday when he was hit by small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in western Baghdad.

MNF -Baghdad

89th Military Police Brigade service member killed by sniper

BAGHDAD – An 89th Military Police Brigade servicemember died of wounds sustained due to small arms fire Oct.30 at approximately 9:31 a.m. in east Baghdad.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

IPs ambushed by insurgents, IPs and CF fight back

Friday, 27 October 2006

KHAN BANI SA’AD, Iraq – At approximately 6:30 a.m.
Thursday, a Baqubah based Iraqi police unit came under attack by an
unknown number of anti-Iraqi forces, in the vicinity of Khan Bani Sa’ad
in Diyala Province.

The police under fire fought back in intense house to house fighting.

An
element from 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat
Team, Task Force Lightning, was diverted from another mission and
rapidly responded to reinforce the IPs in contact.

The reaction force consisted of ground and air elements; they engaged the AIF immediately upon arrival.

Iraqi
and Coalition forces engaged AIF with direct fire, killing 18 AIF,
wounding eight and capturing 27 more.  Additionally, enemy weapons and
ammunition were captured.

One Iraqi civilian and 24 IPs were
killed in action.  Seven IPs were wounded and transported to FOB
Warhorse for medical treatment. No Coalition forces were killed or
injured in the attack.

MNF -- NORTH PAO

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Iraqi Army Raid to Capture Death Squad Commander

BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces, with Coalition
advisers, conducted two raids Oct. 25 in Sadr City, Baghdad to capture
a death squad leader and capture criminals involved in the kidnapping
of a U.S. Soldier. Iraqi forces and Coalition forces had
credible intelligence indicating the location of an insurgent leader
personally involved in and directing widespread death squad activity
for numerous murder cells in eastern Baghdad. The ground assault force
also planned to act on credible intelligence indicating that criminals
involved in the kidnapping of a US Soldier were located in a Sadr City
mosque. Iraqi forces quickly secured the insurgent’s residence
in Sadr City and detained 10 suspected death squad members. As soon as
the Iraqi forces arrived at the objective, enemy small arms fire was
received and suppressed by aimed, controlled fires from the assault
force; enemy rocket propelled grenade fire was neutralized by precision
gunfire from a supporting Coalition aircraft. Ten enemy fighters were
killed and two were wounded. The ground assault force departed
the first objective and moved through Sadr City to the mosque where the
kidnapping suspects were believed to be located. Iraqi forces secured
the mosque, entered it, and detained three suspects for further
questioning.

(courtesy of: MNF - Baghdad)

U.S. soldier was reported missing in Baghdad on Monday

October 24, 2006

The missing soldier is apparently an Iraqi-American Translator and may be assigned to the 4th ID. Door to door searches are being conducted in the central Karadah district of Baghdad. al-Furat TV in Baghdad was raided by U.S. Forces conducting the search looking for an abducted American officer of Iraqi descent. More later as it becomes available.

.....Pa

4 MND-B Soldiers killed, 2 by small-arms fire, 1 by a roadside bomb, and 1 by an IED in separate incidents

Sunday, 22 October 2006

BAGHDAD – Two Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers died at approximately 11:25 a.m. Oct. 22 after terrorists attacked their patrol with small-arms fire west of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 1 p.m. Oct. 22 after his patrol struck a roadside bomb in eastern Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died Oct. 22 when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive devise in western Baghdad. (media release - Camp Liberty)

MND-Baghdad Soldier killed by roadside bomb, another by small arms fire

Oct. 23, 2006

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier
died at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday when terrorists attacked his
patrol with small-arms fire southwest of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad
Soldier died at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday when the vehicle he was
riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive devise in western
Baghdad.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

You gotta read this, I couldn't pass it up

Air strike kills five terrorists setting roadside IED


Sunday, 22 October 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An air strike early Sunday morning
killed five terrorists and wounded one as they emplaced an IED on a
road near Arab Jabour. 
Coalition Forces observed a group of
terrorists digging a hole in a road on the outskirts of Arab Jabour
while one individual stood watch.  As the terrorists placed an IED in
the hole, Coalition aircraft engaged the group with precision fires
causing the bomb to detonate.   
Ground forces transported the wounded terrorist to a nearby medical facility. 
Coalition Forces conducted this operation after careful and deliberate analysis to mitigate collateral damage.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq

(note from Pa:  I can't help but marvel at the thought the Terrorist's couldn't foresee the possibility they were being watched by someone from above, other than Alla.  The US is really sneaky...hee hee)

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One terrorist killed and seven detained in Ramadi

Saturday, 21 October 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one suspected terrorist
and detained seven other suspected terrorists, to include a close
associate of the targeted terrorist, during a raid in Ramadi Saturday
morning.

The targeted terrorist is a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq
leader in Ramadi known for facilitating the movement of explosives and
participating in multiple operations against Iraqi and Coalition
Forces.  Credible intelligence indicates he is responsible for
coordinating access to weapons and finances for foreign fighters and
for media production and propaganda distribution for al-Qaeda in Iraq.
 On Oct. 18, the targeted terrorist facilitated a suicide VBIED
attack on the Khaldiyah Bridge in Habbaniyah that killed two Iraqi
soldiers and wounded two Iraqi soldiers along with four civilians.

During
the assault on the objective buildings, Coalition
Forces  were engaged by and  killed the terrorist.
  Due to the primary target’s background, and the
discovery of a booby trap in the building during clearing operations,
Coalition Forces suspected the presence of explosives and destroyed the
building as a measure to ensure the safety of the civilian populace.
  

Coalition Forces are making progress dismantling the
al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network.  The capture of this suspected
terrorist reduces the ability of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network to
operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces,
and Iraq’s Multi-National partners.  

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER

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MND-B Soldier killed by roadside bomb

Oct. 20, 2006
BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 2:37 a.m. today when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device in southwest Baghdad.

The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

Nine Soldiers killed in separate incidents Tuesday

Oct. 18, 2006

BAGHDAD - Four Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers were killed at approximately 6:50 a.m. Oct. 17 when the vehicle they were riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device west of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately 9:30 a.m. Tuesday when terrorists attacked his patrol with small-arms fire in northern Baghdad.


TIKRIT, Iraq – Three Task Force Lightning Soldiers assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were killed and one was wounded Oct. 17 as a result of enemy action while conducting operations in Diyala Province.

The wounded Soldier was transported to a coalition forces’ hospital.


BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier was killed at approximately 1:10 p.m. Oct. 17 when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device north of Baghdad.

Excerpts from PAO press releases
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

MND-B Soldier killed by roadside bomb

BAGHDAD – Oct. 16, 2006
A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier was killed at approximately 10:45 p.m. Sunday when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised-explosive device north of Baghdad.
The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

Update on FOB Falcon

On October 10, 2006, at approximately 10:40 p.m., a 82mm mortar round, fired by militia forces from a residential area in Abu T-Shir, caused a fire at an Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) at FOB Falcon. The ASP, containing tank and artillery rounds, in addition to smaller caliber ammunition, set off a series of large explosions. About 100 troops from the 4th Infantry Division were reported to be stationed at the base at the time, but no injuries were reported.

(I knew about the exploding ammo dump, but not its location at FOB Falcon. I found this out from here: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/rasheed.htm .... Pa.)

Troops busy taking care of business in Baghdad AO

Note from Pa: This news item released by MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER BAGHDAD, Iraq shows just how much effort our troops and coalition soldiers are expending to reel in terrorists. Busy Days for our men and women in uniform.

Oct. 13, 2006
Release A061015a
Iraqi, Coalition forces target terrorist operationsIraqi Security Force and Coalition Force combined operations targeted terrorist operations and resulted in the capture of numerous terrorists.

Baghdad
On Oct. 7, ground forces conducted a raid in Baghdad, killed an armed terrorist, and detained a medical doctor associated with insurgent activity. Credible intelligence sources indicated the doctor was involved with Al-Qaeda in Iraq’s medical operations and also linked to a foiled Baghdad International Zone attack exposed in late September. Intelligence reports also linked the doctor to suicide attacks throughout the Baghdad area, and indicated he was responsible for housing and supporting foreign fighter suicide bombers. During the operation, ground forces received small arms fire from a suspected terrorist. The forces returned fire, killed the shooter, and detained the doctor and one other suspected terrorist. On Oct 12, ground forces killed two suspected terrorists and detained five suspects in Baghdad during a raid targeting an Al-Qaeda in Iraq operative linked to mortar and small arms attacks against innocent Iraqis. During the operation, ground forces were confronted by two armed men inside a building. In response, the ground forces engaged, killed both suspected terrorists, and then detained five other terrorist suspects without incident. A search of the area turned up several AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun, and terrorist literature. Two vehicles were destroyed on site after testing positive for explosives.

Ramadi
Ground forces destroyed a car bomb factory in Ramadi Oct. 6 that stored an extensive weapons cache. The cache consisted of several types of projectiles, homemade bombs, rocket fuses, grenades, bulk explosives, detonation cord, and other Improvised Explosive Device making materials. The ground forces then destroyed the cache and a vehicle associated with the explosive materials on site.

Habbiniyah
Ground forces killed four terrorists and detained six others Oct. 11 during a raid on an Al-Qaeda compound northwest of Habbiniyah, Iraq. As ground forces entered the compound, a suspected terrorist attempted to fire a handgun at the forces. The combined ground forces immediately engaged and killed the individual. Three other suspected terrorists attempted to throw grenades at the ground forces. The forces took cover, fired, and killed the suspected terrorists.MahmudiyahGround forces killed one terrorist and detained six suspects Oct. 12 during a raid targeting a suspected terrorist linked to foreign fighter movement, Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, and suicide bomber operations in Mahmudiyah. As the ground forces approached the target, two male suspects fled from a group of people sleeping outside the house. The ground forces pursued and detained the two suspects without incident. A third man ran into an adjacent building whereby ground forces followed and killed the suspected terrorist when he emerged from a room wielding a pistol.

Tarmiya
Ground forces detained six suspected terrorists and rescued a kidnapping victim during an operation targeting foreign fighters Oct. 11 in Tarmiya. During the operation, ground forces attacked a building and detained six suspects without incident. After questioning the suspects, one individual claimed he was kidnapped by the suspects in Taji seven days earlier and was held for ransom. Two of the suspects corroborated the story and admitted to the kidnapping. Credible intelligence links the suspects to Al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership. After searching the target building, the ground forces discovered a “hostage” holding room, several AK-47 assault rifles, magazines and ammunition.

Tikrit
Ground forces conducted a raid Oct. 9 in Tikrit against a local hawala allegedly used by individuals and businesses to provide financial support to insurgent groups. During the raid, ground forces detained 16 individuals. Insurgents and criminals allegedly used the hawala, a local financial system for banking and money exchange, to hide money made through illegal activity, and money illegally funneled into Iraq. Tips from local Iraqi citizens initiated the daylight raid. The ground forces shut down the suspected illegal financial activity allegedly supporting foreign fighters and the ongoing insurgency. During the raid, the buildings did not have significant damage and no civilian or combined force casualties were reported.

link to original item here http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6449&Itemid=21

Operation Dealer Discovers SVBIEDs, Large Weapons Cache in Western Ramadi

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

Oct. 13, 2006
RAMADI, Iraq – Soldiers detained 15 suspected insurgents, discovered two vehicles being fitted as suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, and found a significant weapons cache during Operation Dealer, Oct. 12, in the Ta’meen area in western Ramadi.
Based on a tip from a local resident, Soldiers from Task Force 1-35 detained 15 individuals who were identified as suspected terrorists. According to CPT Matt Graham, Commander, Bravo Company, 2-6 Infantry, “This is a great example of the cooperation and support of the local residents in the task to rid their neighborhood of anti-Iraqi fighters.”
During Operation Dealer, the task force captured two stripped-down vehicles in the process of being converted to VBIEDs. Additionally, four individuals were detained in connection with the operation.
The large found weapons cache consisted of four rocket propelled grenade launchers, 34 155mm artillery shells, 13 60mm mortar rounds, eight AK-47s, a PKC machine gun, a Dragonov sniper rifle with scope, three pounds of high explosives, 400 pounds of detonation cord, 48 blasting caps, eight radio controlled IED initiators, four pressure activated IED initiators and more than 600 rounds of small arms ammunition. Several smaller caches and additional munitions were found during the course of Operation Dealer.
Operation Dealer was a combined operation with Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and Coalition Force units involved. The Iraqi Police assisted by establishing vehicle check points at critical intersections and conducted vehicle searches in order to deny insurgent forces the ability to evade the combined Iraqi and Coalition force operation.
The 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, with elements of 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th IA Division, conducted house-to-house searches to help establish a new combat outpost.
“This was truly a joint operation. I had U.S. Army Soldiers, Marines and Airmen alongside Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police units. It shows what great effects can occur when each of these units bring their special capabilities to the fight,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tony Deane, TF 1-35 Commander. “Each unit did what it does best, and the results speak for themselves.”
“Ta’meen has been identified as an area where Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces still faced a great deal of resistance. Operation Dealer was undertaken to establish a combat outpost in this area,” according to Col. Sean MacFarland, Commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “Local residents were cooperative and individuals who were displaced in the establishment of the new combat outpost received immediate initial compensation and will be provided full compensation through the civil-military operation center.”

Fire at Ammunition Holding Area

BAGHDAD – Oct. 11, 2006. Multi-National Division – Baghdad has determined that an 82mm mortar round, fired by militia forces from a residential area in Abu T-Shir, caused the fire at an ammunition holding area at approximately 10:40 p.m. Oct. 10.The fire ignited tank, artillery and small-arms ammunition at a forward operating base in the central Rasheed district of Baghdad.“Intelligence indicates that civilians aligned with a militia organization were responsible for last night’s mortar attack,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington, MND-B spokesman.At the time of the attack, base personnel went to full alert. Attack aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles flew overhead in an attempt to locate the terrorists’ mortar position. Soldiers and base employees were moved immediately to the safety of hardened buildings and structures on the base. Firefighters from the base and hazardous material experts will continue to work toward extinguishing the fire. Engineers and explosive ordnance detachment teams will begin deliberate clearance of potential unexploded ordnance on the base to facilitate follow-on engineer cleanup efforts. The attack does not effect ongoing Baghdad security operations in the focus areas, and the loss of the ammunition will not degrade the operational capability of MND-B.The base’ essential services were not disrupted, and all life support remains in place. There were no reported injuries.

U.S. airstrike on building in western Ramadi

Ramadi - October 10, 2006 (Excerpt from Reuters)
A U.S. airstrike on a building in western Ramadi killed seven insurgents, the U.S. military said in a statement. It said U.S. troops had earlier come under "extremely heavy fire" from the building.

IA, MND-B Soldiers seize multiple weapons caches, detain three suspects

Saturday, 07 October 2006
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, along with elements of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, responded to a tip from a detainee and discovered a weapons cache during a combined raid in Baghdad’s Mansour district at approximately 2:40 p.m. Wednesday.The cache consisted of an M40 improvised-explosive device, 12 anti-tank mines, six 60mm mortar rounds, 63 TNT sticks, 12 hand grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, three RPG booster rockets, a 60mm illumination round, a PKC assault rifle and various bomb-making materials. In another incident, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th BCT, 101st Airborne Division, detained three suspects who were attempting to take control of a propane station in Baghdad’s Karadah district at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. In a separate incident, MND-B Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized 120 23mm anti-aircraft rounds and an anti-aircraft gun while conducting combat operations south of Baghdad at approximately 1:40 p.m. Wednesday. As of Wednesday, Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B Soldiers have cleared approximately 96,000 buildings, 80 mosques and 65 muhallas, detained more than 168 terrorist suspects, seized more than 1,735 weapons, registered more than 750 weapons and found 35 weapons caches in support of Operation Together Forward. The combined forces have also removed more than 200,043 cubic meters of trash from the streets of Baghdad.
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE No. 20061007-06- MNF Baghdad PAO)

MND-B Soldiers find 14 weapons caches, IEDs and body armor

Saturday, 07 October 2006
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized 14 separate caches containing weapons, explosives and propaganda material during a combat operation in southern Baghdad Thursday.The unit found the caches while conducting Operation Commando Hunter which is targeting the al Qaeda network in the Shakariyah Triangle, southwest of Baghdad.Some of the seized weapons included three anti-tank mines, five anti-personnel mine, six rockets, a 22mm rocket tip, tools for fabricating improvised-explosive devices, 12 sticks of dynamite, a rifle, three rifle scopes, 30 partially completed IEDs, 525 pounds of bulk explosives, three fused rockets, 14 60mm rounds, 19 82mm rounds, 22 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 44 IEDs, three RPGs, three AK-47 rifles, two PKM machineguns and various bomb-making materials.The Soldiers also seized a large amount of bomb-making materials, three uniforms, written documents and various types of body armor were found.
By Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.

IP, IA, MND-B Soldiers detain 8 suspected terrorists, seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD – (Sept. 27, 2006) Iraqi national policemen detained eight suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache in western Baghdad at approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Policemen from 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, were attacked by terrorists using small-arms fire from the Al Kur Mosque and requested assistance from Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and 8th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, arrived on the scene to set up a cordon while the INP entered the mosque.
Inside the mosque, the INP discovered two hostages and detained eight suspected terrorists. They also found five AK-47 assault rifles, an MK4, a hand grenade, 300 rounds of 7.62 ammunition and 250 large caliber rounds.
The suspects were detained for questioning, and the munitions were destroyed by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
Four police vehicles were destroyed in the attack on the INP and an Iraqi citizen was killed.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

MND-B Soldier dies from wounds following small-arms fire attack

BAGHDAD – (Sept. 26, 2006) A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier died at approximately noon today from wounds he received when his patrol was attacked by small-arms fire in southern Baghdad.
The name of the Soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
(posted from Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory)

What are we doing to our troops?

I found this news item while scanning the internet this morning. Any parent with sons or daughters returning to war for a second or third tour already has experienced this. Shame on our leadership for allowing such abuse to our heros

Critic: Troops at risk in quick return to war

Rocky Mountain News (By Associated Press August 12, 2006)

COLORADO SPRINGS - Short stays at home and quick returns to combat for soldiers coming back from Iraq will burn out troops and crush morale, a retired Fort Carson battalion commander says.
That, as base commanders last week confirmed that the post's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, due back from Iraq in November, will return to the front in October of 2007, after just 11 months at home.
The quick return to combat is another failure of the Army's stated goal of providing two years at home for every year of combat deployment. In recent years, most Fort Carson-based soldiers have been returning to war after about a year home.
Pentagon spokeswoman Betsy Weiner in an e-mail last week said the demands of war trump the Army's desire to rest troops.
But Ralf Zimmerman, retired lieutenant colonel and former battalion commander in the 3rd Brigade, said the pace is burning out soldiers. Many have spent two of the past three years at war, he said.
Commanders have repeatedly predicted fewer troops would be needed. But sectarian infighting and continued struggles with the insurgency in Iraq have never allowed for the drawdowns officials have hinted at.
The Army's stated goal of two days home every one day at war is misleading and leaving soldiers feeling lied to, Zimmerman said.
While Army leaders say so far soldiers have proven resilient, and the service has met recruitment and retention goals, Zimmerman warns of trouble down the road.
Fort Carson units have lost 168 soldiers since the war began in 2003.

Ding Dong Zarqawi's Dead

Good news for us "Infidels"

"Go Army"

A young lady with direction

Some kids finish High School, if they finish at all, with no idea what to do next in their life. They have set no goals, aimed no farther than hanging out at McDonald's or securing a spot in front of the TV. Eventually they may get a job and a purpose to look forward to. Hopefully they will succeed in life or at least learn to support themselves without outside help. Thankfully, there are many exceptions to this rule.

One young adult, Raeven Harris, of Zephyrhills, Florida is shown above receiving an award from her Sergeant Major at this years JROTC Awards Program at the Zephyrhills High School. She is graduating a full year ahead of her class while maintaining a 4.10 grade average. In addition to her participation in numerous school activities she found time to squeeze in some College courses at PHCC and work at the local Golden Corral Resturant after school and on weekends.

Sounds busy. She hasn't slowed down yet. Raeven has enrolled at the University of South Florida after receiving a full Scholarship to pursue a Degree in Law. Gee, with so many accomplishments and goals one wonders what could possibly come next. Join a Law Firm? Nah! Not Raeven. She has set goals to follow.

Her father SSG Donald Harris, a career US Army soldier, just returned from a tour in Iraq with the 3rd ACR. Raeven's plans include becoming a 3rd generation soldier, following the footsteps of her father and her Grandfather. She could have had her choice of major colleges and a properous law career in the civilian workforce, but that doesn't seem enough for this hard driving teen. She has chosen a field to be proud of. Without doubt, an Army of One.

New Blog coming soon

The 3rd ACR has been out of Iraq and back home for a couple months now. Their contributions to the War on Terror are well documented. The sacrifices of its men and women will forever be remembered. Best Wishes to the 3rd ACR Soldiers who served their Country so honorably and to their families and friends who daily followed the events in Iraq and prayed for their safety. You are truly American Combat Veterans to be proud of.

Look soon for me to start a new blog. The name has yet to be decided, but it will follow the lead of another US Army unit in Iraq. Thanks to everyone who supported our young men and women of the 3rd ACR and remember........The War is far from over. Keep the faith and show the world what it means to be Free.

A Letter from the Mayor of Tall Afar

In the Name of God the Compassionate and Merciful
To the Courageous Men and Women of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who have changed the city of Tall’ Afar from a ghost town, in which terrorists spread death and destruction, to a secure city flourishing with life.
To the lion-hearts who liberated our city from the grasp of terrorists who were beheading men, women and children in the streets for many months.
To those who spread smiles on the faces of our children, and gave us restored hope, through their personal sacrifice and brave fighting, and gave new life to the city after hopelessness darkened our days, and stole our confidence in our ability to reestablish our city.
Our city was the main base of operations for Abu Mousab Al Zarqawi. The city was completely held hostage in the hands of his henchmen. Our schools, governmental services, businesses and offices were closed. Our streets were silent, and no one dared to walk them. Our people were barricaded in their homes out of fear; death awaited them around every corner. Terrorists occupied and controlled the only hospital in the city. Their savagery reached such a level that they stuffed the corpses of children with explosives and tossed them into the streets in order to kill grieving parents attempting to retrieve the bodies of their young. This was the situation of our city until God prepared and delivered unto them the courageous soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who liberated this city, ridding it of Zarqawi’s followers after harsh fighting, killing many terrorists, and forcing the remaining butchers to flee the city like rats to the surrounding areas, where the bravery of other 3d ACR soldiers in Sinjar, Rabiah, Zumar and Avgani finally destroyed them.
I have met many soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment; they are not only courageous men and women, but avenging angels sent by The God Himself to fight the evil of terrorism.
The leaders of this Regiment; COL McMaster, COL Armstrong, LTC Hickey, LTC Gibson, and LTC Reilly embody courage, strength, vision and wisdom. Officers and soldiers alike bristle with the confidence and character of knights in a bygone era. The mission they have accomplished, by means of a unique military operation, stands among the finest military feats to date in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and truly deserves to be studied in military science. This military operation was clean, with little collateral damage, despite the ferocity of the enemy. With the skill and precision of surgeons they dealt with the terrorist cancers in the city without causing unnecessary damage.
God bless this brave Regiment; God bless the families who dedicated these brave men and women. From the bottom of our hearts we thank the families. They have given us something we will never forget. To the families of those who have given their holy blood for our land, we all bow to you in reverence and to the souls of your loved ones. Their sacrifice was not in vain. They are not dead, but alive, and their souls hovering around us every second of every minute. They will never be forgotten for giving their precious lives. They have sacrificed that which is most valuable. We see them in the smile of every child, and in every flower growing in this land. Let America, their families, and the world be proud of their sacrifice for humanity and life.
Finally, no matter how much I write or speak about this brave Regiment, I haven’t the words to describe the courage of its officers and soldiers. I pray to God to grant happiness and health to these legendary heroes and their brave families.
NAJIM ABDULLAH ABID AL-JIBOURIMayor of Tall ‘Afar, Ninewa, Iraq

Soldiers' return marks first wave of homecomings

Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Co) Feb. 3, 2006
With sirens from their police escort blaring, horns honking, cheers and an erupting water cannon, dozens of soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived at this post late Thursday, marking the first wave of homecomings for thousands serving their second tour in Iraq since 2003.
About 90 soldiers in three buses arrived shortly before 9 p.m.
They were whisked to an area of the base where they were to turn in their weapons and other gear before being reunited with their families, Fort Carson spokeswoman Dee McNutt said.
The 5,200-soldier regiment's latest mission, which began with their deployment in March, was counterinsurgency and security missions in southern Baghdad and northwestern Iraq.
Fort Carson spokesman 1st Lt. Justin Journeay said 39 soldiers from the regiment were killed during the latest deployment.
A large crowd gathered for a ceremony celebrating the soldiers' return

Iraqi Soldiers and civilians killed in Tall Afar

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER

Jan. 27, 2006
TIKRIT, Iraq – Two Iraqi Army Soldiers died and four were wounded when an IED exploded in Tall Afar Jan. 27.
A second IED exploded while Iraqi Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division were evacuating the casualties from the first IED, but no one was injured in that explosion.
A third explosion occurred while the Soldiers were conducting a cordon and search of the area. One Iraqi civilian was killed and one was wounded in that explosion. Two Iraqi Soldiers were also wounded in the explosion.
Task Force Band of Brothers Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment immediately responded and conducted a cordon and search in the area of the third explosion. They detained two suspects who tested positive for explosive residue.
Iraqi security forces are working with their U.S. partners in the area to identify and capture those responsible for conducting these attacks

"Ain't Gonna Happen"

U.S. personnel strategy in Iraq raising questionsTroop rotations and unit sizes are called detrimental to the war effort
By JOSEPH GALLOWAYKnight Ridder Tribune News


TAL AFAR, IRAQ - The mayor of this city in western Iraq is unhappy that his friends in the U.S. Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment are going home soon, and he's written to President Bush and Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, begging them to extend the regiment's tour of duty until it's finished pacifying Tal Afar.


The mayor, Najim Abadullah al Jibouri, is a Sunni Muslim Arab and a former officer in Saddam Hussein's army who's not from Tal Afar.
The provincial police chief in Mosul last summer appointed him a brigadier general to replace the local police chief, a Shiite who was turning a blind eye to police commando units that were causing suspected insurgents, all Sunnis, to disappear. Terrorists had blown up the police stations and driven out most of the policemen who weren't killed. On a U.S. recommendation, he was later promoted to mayor.
Since then, al Jibouri has worked hand in glove with Col. H.R. McMaster, the commander of the 3rd ACR, and Lt. Col. Christopher Hickey, who commands Sabre Squadron, which is based inside Tal Afar. The mayor doesn't want them to leave when their yearlong deployment is over in March.
The regiment's success and the mayor's concern about its departure raise two important questions about America's strategy in Iraq:
The first is whether the American practice of rotating troops in and out of Iraq — typically one-year tours of duty for soldiers and seven months for Marines — may be undermining the fight against Iraq's insurgency.
Limiting tours as the United States did in Vietnam helps relieve stress, support families and maintain morale. It also means that soldiers and Marines who are new to an area have to learn all over again what their predecessors discovered, often the hard way. And it disrupts personal relationships, such as the one al Jibouri has developed with McMaster and Hickey, which are indispensable in Iraq.
Over cups of hot, sweet tea, al Jibouri slyly jabbed at McMaster, a Philadelphia native who commanded a tank company in the 2nd Armored Cavalry in the Gulf War, and Hickey, an Army brat who was born at Fort Bliss, Texas, but grew up everywhere. "For you to leave is like a surgeon leaving in the middle of an operation," he said.
"We don't doubt there are many fine officers in the American army," the mayor explained. "But during these months, Colonel Hickey and I have created a relationship where I know what he will say even before he says it, and he knows what I will say. We have been through hard times together to forge these bonds. You should finish the job and then you can move on. "
The second question is whether the United States has sent enough troops to Iraq to duplicate the 3rd ACR's success in Tal Afar in bigger cities and nationwide. Al Jibouri said the American cavalrymen in Tal Afar had conducted "the best operation in Iraq, with none of the big destruction like in Fallujah."
Tal Afar has some 250,000 people, and the city is relatively remote and self-contained. The 3rd ACR, which has some 4,700 troops, walled off the city and cleared out terrorists and insurgents block by block.
Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who commanded the Army's 101st Airborne Division, was given high marks for rebuilding the Mosul area after the 2003 invasion, but community relations soured when his division left and was replaced with a much smaller brigade.
And while violence is way down in Tal Afar compared with last summer, there are only faint signs of reconciliation between the city's competing ethnic groups.
Order is enforced by outsiders with a heavy military hand.
McMaster and his troops arrived last summer after Tal Afar suffered 140 terrorist attacks in June.
Then the Americans, the mayor, a new chief of police and an emboldened Iraqi army division began the long, hard work of pacifying the city and restoring some semblance of law and order.

Note from Pa -- I ran across this news item scanning for information on the 3rd ACR this morning. While the Tall Afar mayor has legitimate respect for Col. McMaster, LTC. Hickey and the soldier's of the 3rd ACR, extending the tour of our sons and daughters certainly won't hasten the end to terrorism. It won't do much to maintain moral, relieve stress, or increase family support either. Think about it. "Ain't gonna happen"

First group of 3rd ACR soldiers return from Iraq

By Cary Leider Vogrin The (Colorado Springs) Gazette
At 12:21 a.m. today, two Gray Line buses filled with soldiers drove through Fort Carson’s main gate, escorted by the flashing lights of military police. It was the first of several homecomings for the 5,200-soldier 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, which deployed from Fort Carson for Iraq in March. Family and friends anxiously awaited the group’s scheduled 1 a.m. arrival inside a gymnasium on post. "The nerves have settled now. It’s just excitement," said Bonnie Harris as she waited for her son, Staff Sgt. Jesse Harris, to walk through the door. Farther up the bleachers, Kay and Steve Lance got out Kleenex and positioned their camera for the arrival of Spc. Noah Lance. "All Right. Come on!," Kay Lance said, getting a bit restless. "It’s 2 (minutes) after." They wouldn’t have to wait much longer. "You guys ready?" Maj. Mark Solomon, the regiment’s rear detachment commander, asked before the soldiers, dressed in their desert camouflage, marched in the gymnasium to cheers and claps and the blare of Toby Keith’s "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." The soldiers lined up, faced the bleachers and scanned the crowd as Col. David Saffold, assistant division commander for support, promised to keep his message brief. "Folks, this will be short if that’s OK with you. Good morning!" Saffold said before thanking the group for their service. "The only thing between you and them is the Army song," he said. Minutes later, the song over, their were whoops and cheers as family members rushed from the bleachers to the gym floor. Staff Sgt. Anthony Reid said his plans for the next few days are simple: Rest, watch some TV and drink diet Mt. Dew. "Maybe get out and see how much has changed," he said. The regiment is just completing its second year-long deployment to Iraq. Most of the unit policed Tal Afar, an insurgent stronghold, in northwest Iraq; about 1,000 soldiers were deployed in Baghdad. Thirty-nine of the unit's soldiers were killed during this deployment. The rest of the regiments soldier’s will return over the next several weeks.

Terrorist blows himself up

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
TIKRIT, Iraq – A terrorist bomber was killed Jan. 12 near Tal Afar when the IED he was emplacing detonated prematurely.
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment discovered the bomber's body and part of a shovel near a roadside blast crater.
This is the second such incident over the past three days. Two terrorists were killed Jan. 9 while emplacing an IED near Samarra .
Roadways are consistently monitored throughout the area by security forces, to curb the ability of terrorists to dig holes in the roads to plant IEDs for indiscriminate attacks on civilians, Iraqi and Coalition forces.
Anti-Iraqi forces and terrorists choose well-traveled roads to bury IEDs and mines in a blind effort to kill civilians or security forces. Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers, as well as Iraqi Police, provide route patrols whose sole mission is to locate the IEDs and capture those responsible for their emplacement in order to prevent the destruction of life and travel routes around the country.

Weapons seized, suspects detained

(TFBOB Press Release)
TIKRIT, Iraq – Three weapons caches were discovered and 21 anti-Iraqi forces suspects were detained in northern Iraq Wednesday.
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted a raid against a suspected AIF cell in Tal Afar just after midnight Wednesday. The unit discovered two mortar rounds, a large supply of small arms ammunition and a home-made mine. Seven men were detained at the site.
Two separate raids in Mosul by Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team resulted in the capture of eight AIF suspects, including one believed to be involved with mortar attacks against civilian targets in the area.
Two other Mosul residents are being credited with discovering a cache of anti-tank mines after reporting what they believed to be an IED to local police. Police officers secured the area and an Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal unit responded and found 20 AT mines and an artillery round.
Another Iraqi EOD team in Kirkuk was called in Wednesday morning to dispose of a collection of old munitions discovered in the back of a truck. Eighteen artillery shells and two mortar rounds were safely destroyed.
Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division captured three suspects near a weapons cache in the Tikrit area Wednesday afternoon. The cache, consisting of mortar rounds and rockets, was discovered near an area where numerous rocket and mortar attacks have originated.
An ineffective rocket attack against a base near Balad led to the capture of three more AIF suspects. Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division stopped the suspects’ vehicle after a coalition aircraft observed them trying to flee the area.