Dear Interested Readers,
Our last story is really a most important story, introducing our new commander of MNC Iraq, Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin 111, in a transfer of authority ceremony, replacing Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno. It's a most interesting story. Two high level insurgents captured, as well as many others, including weapon caches, and a celebration of security gains in Hawijah.
Joanna
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
February 15, 2008
ISOF, CF SOF detain seven criminals in separate operations
BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF, with U.S. SF advising, detained 7 suspected criminals during separate raids Feb. 10.
In Baghdad, an Iraqi Emergency Response Unit team, advised by CF Specal Ops Forces (SOF), detained 6 members of a criminal group operating in the Rasheed district. Reports indicate, the group is responsible for murdering, torturing and kidnapping innocent Iraqis. The group is also involved in blackmail and extortion plots against Iraqi citizens.
In Tahmaziyah, near al-Hillah, an Iraqi SWAT Team, advised by SOF, detained a suspected criminal accused of IED attacks against Iraqi and CF. According to intel reports, the suspect was planning rocket attacks against Iraqi and CF.
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ISOF, SOF detain criminal in Baghdad
BALAD - Iraqi SF, with U.S. SF advising, detained a suspected member of a criminal gang Feb. 12 in a Baghdad raid.
The suspect is believed to belong to a criminal organization responsible for IED and explosively formed projectile attacks. Reports indicate, the suspect is responsible for obtaining IEDs, EFPs, and rockets to be used in criminal attacks. Intel reports further indicate the criminal gang is responsible for kidnapping, torturing and murdering Iraqi citizens.
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Joint IA and IP operation nets 21 suspects detained by Mosul ISF
MOSUL - The Iraqi Army conducted an op based on intel received from IP resulting in the detention of 21 suspects in Mosul, Feb. 13.
"This coordination between the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police proves the ability of the Iraqi SF to act both successfully and autonomously in Mosul," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesperson for the 1st Armored Div.
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Munitions cache found near Jurf as Sakhr
FOB KALSU - CF found a weapon cache buried in a large mound of dirt in Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, Feb. 10, consisting of 120 mm, 82 mm and 23 mm munitions and mortar fuses.
Soldiers from 3rd Plt, Co A, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID found the cache through intel from local residents. "We were searching for a suspected rocket cache that was reported in a (Draft Intel Report), and we were digging wherever the mine detector was going off," said 1st Lt. Chris Blom, exec. officer for Co A. "We had 2 mine detector kits scanning an area about the size of an entire grid square. It was going off over the loose dirt that was dug up recently so we started digging and we kept pulling stuff out." The munitions that were found were new, indicating people in the area still stockpiling weapons.
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Apache crews find 50 artillery shells
BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers found 50 artillery rounds, a rocket and a mortar round during 9 separate sites within an hour of patrolling southwest Baghdad Feb. 14.
Soldiers of Co A, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, 3rd ID, attached to Task Force Dragon, seized the cache during an early morning patrol in Saydiyah.
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Wolfhounds capture brigade's #1 high-value individual
CAMP TAJI - Elements of 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID, detained the brigade's #1 high-value individual and his brother early Feb. 14.
The two are suspected al Qaeda in Iraq as IED facilitators and are allegedly linked to a fatal IED attack Jan. 29. "The capture of these individuals will greatly contribute to a safe and secure Iraq," said Col. Todd McCaffrey, com., 2nd SBCT.
Five others suspected of facilitating IED activity in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad were also detained.
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ISOF, SOF detain splinter group leader
BALAD - Iraqi SOF, with U.S. SF advising, detained a suspected leader of a criminal splinter group near al-Hillah, Feb. 13.
The suspect and his criminal splinter group are suspected of mortar attacks and attacks using IEDs and explosively formed projectiles. According to intel reports, the group is also involved in the torture, kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.
Also detained in the op was an associate member of the criminal splinter group.
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"Operation Lion Victory" Celebrates Security Gains in Hawijah
Key members of the Kirkuk Provincial Govt. walk the streets of downtown Hawijah toward the market square to see first hand, the security improvements achieved in the once violent city. Hawijah has enjoyed an 80% reduction in violent activities over the last 3 months, since the standing up nearly 6,000 Sons of Iraq members in early December 2007, according U.S. military sources.
Key members speak with local merchants and citizens to hear their concerns during a market walk. "Hawijah has enjoyed significant security gains during the last few months brought largely by local citizens standing up against extremists and working together with Iraqi SF," said Col. David Paschal, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div Com.
Key members speak with Hawijah merchants and customers about their concerns to better understand the needs of the citizens of Hawijah. "Today's visit by the key leaders of the Kirkuk Province is a testament to the provincial govt's commitment to bring unity among all its citizens," said Col. David Paschal.
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Lieutenant General Austin assumes command of MNC-I
By Sgt. Laura M. Bigenho
BAGHDAD - Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III assumed command of MNC-Iraq during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Victory's Al Faw Palace Feb. 14.
His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, is scheduled to become the the U.S. Army's next vice chief of staff.
Army Gen. David Petraeus, MN Force Iraq com. gen., spoke highly of Odierno's accomplishments and leadership as commander of III Corps and MNC-I. Petraeus said Iraq was a much different place when Odierno first took command 14 months ago. "He forthrightly requested additional forces and he and his staff began developing an operational concept for their employment," Petraeus said. "His recommendations for what came to be known as the surge forces have since been proven correct. They reflected a mastery of the operational level of war and they explicitly laid out the concepts that have guided our forces over the past year."
Odierno said he was humbled by Petraeus' remarks and for having served among the ranks of others. "You restored optimism to a country once enslaved by the influence of terrorists and allowed a nation to take control of it's own destiny," Odierno said. "I'm humbled to serve in your ranks, and I salute each and every one of you. Thank you for being at my side and for being the Soldiers that you are."
Austin said he looks forward to working alongside the Iraqi SF, who share ideals similar to those of CF. "Iraqis, like the Coalition soldiers by their sides, believe that there are ideals and responsibilities that transcend the individual, and they're denying the terrorists the freedom to launch their attacks from their neighborhoods," Austin said. "Every day, Iraqis are getting involved with the govt."
Austin said he plans to help Iraqis promote progress. "We will help the Iraqi govt integrate local volunteers into the Iraqi SF and other employment opportunities that will promote progress for this great country," he said. "It is clear that the Iraqi people have a new confidence in tomorrow and in their future," he said. "With will, determination and focus, together we can achieve lasting security and give all Iraqis a future of hope."
Gen. David Petraeus, MNF Iraq com. gen., Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, III Corps com. and Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, MNC-Iraq com. salute the colors during a playing of 'The National Anthem.'
Army Gen. David Petraeus hands off the MNC-Iraq colors to Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III during a change of command ceremony.
Gen. David Petraeus, (left) and Com. Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, III Corps com. sgt major (right), applaud Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno.
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