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