TROOP SCOOP

Dear Interested Readers,
There were too many weapons caches stories to report.  Other stories such as high level criminals being captured, and the Iraqi Army (IA) looking sharp like our troops took precedence.
Joanna
_____________________________

February 29, 2008

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

Iraqi SF, U.S. SF detain criminal leader, 2 cell members in separate ops

BAGHDAD -  Feb. 28, in Baghdad, an Iraqi Special Ops Forces team detained the alleged deputy company commander of a criminal group of approximately 100 people.
The suspect and his criminal organization are believed to be responsible for mortar and IED attacks against Iraqi and CF.  According to intel reports, they are also involved in the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens. 
In Fahama, near Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers detained 2 suspected criminal in an op targeting Al Qaeda-in-Iraq activities. The suspects are believed to be active members of a cell facilitating the movement of arms, ammo and equipment for use in attacks.  One of the suspects is also a known IED triggerman.

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Sons of Iraq, IA work to reduce insurgent resources

BAGHDAD - Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, in the Zambraniyah region turned a substantial weapons cache over to CF, Feb. 26.
The SOI brought ordnance they discovered near a house to Soldiers of Troop C, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID and IA Soldiers.
Capt. Chris O'Brian, Troop C cmdr., said the house was in an area where there has been a heavy concentration of insurgent activity.  Outside the house, the SOI located 18 155 mm artillery rounds. Further investigation uncovered 2 pressure plate-initiated IEDs and 2 65-pound jugs of unknown bulk explosives.
Ragone said the relationship the 3 groups share improves daily, and their combined efforts create a more stable region, encouraging a continued partnership.

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MND-B Soldiers detain alleged weapons suppliers

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained 2 suspected weapons suppliers, and seized weapons during ongoing ops in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital, Feb. 26-27.
During a combat patrol in Doura Feb. 26, "Raiders" of Bandit Troop,1st Sqdrn, 4th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID., detained a man suspected to be a major weapons trafficker.
Additionally, Co B, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, Task Force Dragon, detained a man suspected of moving weapons into the Jihad and Furat neighborhoods.

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Iraqi Army patrols Mosul

IA Lt. Gen. Tawfiq salutes and addresses the Iraqi Army.

IA Lt. Gen. Tawfiq, cmdr of the Ninevah Ops Command, greets IA Soldiers as he arrives at an IA station IA Lt. Gen. Tawfiq, cmdr of the Ninevah Ops Command, greets IA Soldiers as he arrives at an IA station in Mosul, Feb. 28.

2nd Lt. Chris Phillips of the 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt, 3rd Bde, 4th ID, scans a rooftop for the source of sporadic gunfire.  Iraqi Army Soldiers behind him provide security from their Humvees.

Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson, cmdr. of 1st Bn, greets IA Soldiers.  Capt. Alexander Rasmussen follows behind him.

A crowd of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers, along with Iraqi reporters, gather around Lt. Gen.Tawfiq as he gives a morale-building speech.

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Paratroopers capture senior Special Groups leader

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected senior leader of a criminal Special Groups network during an op in Baghdad's Beida neighborhood, Feb. 27.
After receiving actionable intel on his whereabouts, paratroopers with the 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, detained the suspect.
The suspect is accused of being a key facilitator in the procurement and movement of weapons in northeast Baghdad, as well as being involved in the kidnapping, torture and death of Iraqi citizens who did not adhere to his beliefs.
"The honorable Iraqis in the surrounding neighborhoods are tired of those who choose to disobey the cease-fire directives from al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr, and are determined to rid themselves of these criminals," said Maj. Trey Rutherford, exec. officer for the 2nd Bn. "The loss of yet another senior Special Groups leader places
additional stress on the criminal Special Groups network," he said. "The network is cornered in Sadr City, and every member of the criminal group who sets foot outside is being captured rapidly.  The network's armament caches are being discovered and destroyed.  Even more importantly, the Special Groups element is being recognized by locals for what it is--a criminal force focused on instilling fear, for monetary profit, in the people they claim to protect."

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Dear Interested Readers,
Huge weapon caches continue to be found, thanks in great part to the Iraqi citizens coming forward.  This partnership must continue until the Iraqi people are strong enough and trained enough to secure their own country.
Joanna
_________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 28, 2008

MND-B Soldiers, ISF, local residents discover multiple caches

BAGHDAD - Feb. 27 northwest of Baghdad, soldiers from 2nd Sqdrn, 14th Cav Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, discovered a 68mm mortar round, a French-made rocket and a 68mm mortar tube during a combat patrol. 
A joint combat patrol with IA Soldiers, discovered 3 82mm mortar rounds, 3 155mm artillery rounds, and 4 mortar tubes.  At the same time, a local resident turned in a rocket-propelled grenade, a grenade, and 2 IEDs to at a joint security station.
During a combat op, soldiers from 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd SBCT, discovered a munitions cache of 15 130mm rockets, 4 107mm rockets, 2 57mm rockets, a 122mm artillery projectile, 8 Italian landmines and 100 pounds of homemade explosive-making material.   At the same location, soldiers also found 82 empty 107mm rocket motors, 20 empty 107mm rocket warheads, 13 empty 152mm projectiles, 16 empty 130mm rocket motors, 2 rocket launchers, an RPG, an RPK rifle, an AK-47 and 100 small-arms rounds.
An Iraqi sheik from the area turned in a weapons cache to soldiers at a JSS  of 5 5 60mm mortars, 2 82mm mortars, an 82mm recoilless rifle, 2 RPGs, 2 RPG launchers, a  2.75 Brazilian rocket.

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IA, MND-C Soldiers locate caches in Owesat, Yusufiyah

By Capt. Allison Flannigan, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

BAGHDAD - MND-Center Soldiers discovered a significant weapons cache Feb. 25, a day after IA Soldiers turned in 3 caches in Yusufiyah.
Soldiers of Co A, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) uncovered one of the largest caches found since the brigade's arrival last October.
While establishing a checkpoint, Soldiers from 1st Plt, Co A, conducted a security sweep.  Staff Sgt. Jon Hood noticed a plastic bag on the ground. When he kicked the bag and heard a clink, he discovered several rounds uncovered by the rainy weather.  Seeing the exposed rounds, Hood and his fellow Soldiers started digging up the cache to see what else was in there.  "There was a lot more to that little cache that we thought," Hood said. In all, more than 300 live mortar rounds, between 56 mm and 155 mm, were intermixed with more than 8,000 mortar shells. With the help of local Sons of Iraq (SoI), the unit spent more than 26 hours digging up the cache.  "This is the largest cache I've seen since I was a plt leader with 3rd ID during Op Iraqi Freedom," said Capt. Terry Hilderbrand, cmdr of Co A.   
Iraqi Soldiers recovered 3 large caches from Qarghuli Village and Shubayshen.  In total, the 3 caches yielded 1 complete IED, 190 pounds of unknown bulk explosive, 40 pounds of dynamite, 74 82 mm mortar rounds, 18 122 mm artillery rounds, 38 60 mm mortar rounds, 400 additional projectiles between 23 mm and 155 mm, hundreds of assorted munitions pieces, several radios and documents.

Soldiers from Co A, uncover a large cache of spent and unused munitions.

Soldiers from Co A, dig out munitions.

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Sons of Iraq discover caches, turn over to MND-C Soldiers

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, discovered 2 weapons caches and turned them over to MND-Center Soldiers in Jurf Nadaf and near al Lej, Feb. 25.
The cache in Jurf Nadaf consisted of 2 122 mm high-explosive projectiles, 2 125 mm HE projectiles, 3 122 mm empty projectile casings and 21 82 mm inert mortar rounds.
The cache near the town of al Lej consisted of a 120 mm high explosive tank round, a 60 mm mortar round and 2 82 mm illumination mortar rounds.

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Dear Interested Readers,
I've added an interesting story about the economic boom in Iraq.  I'm SO surprised that we haven't read or heard about this in the media!
Joanna
_______________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 27, 2008

MND-N Soldiers increase protection at Balad mosque

By Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger   
18th MP Bde.

BAGHDAD - At the request of the Imam of the Balad Shrine Mosque, soldiers of 2nd plt, 164th MP Co, 728th MP Bn, 18th MP Bde and MND-North visited the mosque Feb. 24 to increase force protection measures.  The idea is to prevent future attacks on the mosque.  The soldiers were the first CF to visit the mosque.
Following 8 months of working with the Imam and other local religious leaders, 2nd plt has developed a good working relationship with the community's religious leaders and is frequently asked to provide additional security assistance during events near the shrine, according to Capt. Matthew Norris, cmdr. of the 164th MP Co.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Wogomon, plt sgt for 2nd platoon, said, "The soldiers received many favorable comments from the IP and local populace who continue to see the CF working with the Iraqi SF to improve security in Balad."

Soldiers of 2nd plt, build protective barriers around the Balad Shrine Mosque.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. Special Ops forces detain 9 suspected terrorists in separate ops

BAGHDAD - In Al Hawad, south of Mosul, Iraqi soldiers detained 5 suspected members of a terrorist cell Feb. 24. They are believed to be responsible for IED attacks.  According to intel reports, they are also allegedly involved in a campaign to intimidate Iraqi citizens.
In Balad, Iraqi special ops forces detained a suspected terrorist Feb. 25 in an op targeting al-Qaeda-in- Iraq activities.  He is believed to be responsible for IED attacks, as well as weapons trafficking in the region.
In Kubaysah, an Iraqi SWAT team detained 3 suspected terrorists in an op to halt an insurgent cell believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and CF.

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First Sgt. Wayne Lawrence of Co A, 3-7 Inf, 4 BCT, 3 ID, was among soldiers handing our school bags to children in Jurf al Sahkr, Feb 15. 
The new FM 3-0 elevates "stability ops" t the same level as offensive and defensive ops.

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Army Acquisition Efforts Contribute to Economic Boom in Iraq

Feb 27, 2008
BY C. Todd Lopez

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Army News Service, Feb. 26, 2008) - The Army acquisition community's efforts in Iraq have contributed to an economic boom in the country, and reflect the service's core mission of stability ops.
Dean G. Popps, asst. sec. of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, made that statement during the opening session of the Assoc. of the U.S. Army's winter symposium.  He explained how Army acquisition had inherited responsibility for reconstruction and relief programs worth some $18 billion, and said the Army's management of those programs has transformed both the acquisition community and Iraq.
"During that period of 2003 to 2007, the Army acquisition group, along with the great institution known as the Army Corps of Engineers, committed, obligated and disbursed 4,400-plus projects in Iraq," Popps said. "I would submit to you that that was the largest Army program ever.  It has contributed to a boom in Iraq, an economic boom.  That's 3,000 barrels of oil a day, demand for electricity up five-fold.  Now Baghdad and other parts of the country have 18-20 hours a day of electricity. 

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Dear Interested Readers,
Huge weapon caches found, and high level criminals captured.  Economic growth is coming to Fira Shia Market, and displaced families are returning home, which is evidence of improved security.
Joanna
_______________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 26, 2008

MND-B Soldiers patrol Baghdad streets

Iraqi children greet 1st Lt. Jonathan St. John and 1st Sgt. Pablo Berrientos, as they patrol through a section of northeast Baghdad's Ur neighborhood Feb. 24. St. John is a platoon leader and Berrientos is the first sgt of Co D, 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div.

From left) 1st Lt. Jonathan St. John, Spc. Nathaniel Bankston, and Sgt. Paul Williams, enter a compound during a patrol.

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Weapons cache destroyed in Arab Jabour

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers from Co C, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID found and destroyed a large weapons cache Feb. 22 in southern Arab Jabour, consisting of 166 57 mm mortars, 6 of which were attached to command wire, 18 liters of homemade explosives and a DSHKA heavy machine gun.
This is the 7th cache they've found this week in the area, said Co C exec officer, 1st Lt. Timothy James Williams, adding that by reducing the amount of caches, his Soldiers are drying up the well from which insurgents can draw weapons to fight if they try to return to the area.

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CF kill 7 terrorists in firefight near Khan Bani Sa'ad

TIKRIT - MND-North Soldiers killed 7 terrorists during a firefight east of Khan Bani Sa'ad, in the early morning hours of Feb. 25.
Soldiers from 2nd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., were ambushed while conducting an op to capture a known al-Qaeda-in-Iraq operative.  When the Soldiers closed within 30 feet of the target house, they came under attack by  small arms fire and grenades. Three MND-N Soldiers were injured in the initial attack.
The troops, shielding the wounded with their bodies, returned fire, killing 3 terrorists.  A scout weapons team observed several more fighters fleeing the target house and engaged them with rockets, killing 4.  Two suspected AQI were detained, including the targeted AQI member.
"Everyone fell back on the training, and no one panicked," said Staff Sgt. Carl VanDyke, section leader, 2nd Plt, Troop C, 2-1 Cav., who was one of the  Soldiers involved the attack.  "Everyone was calm and engaged the enemy bravely. This was an example of great teamwork between the ground and air units."  The wounded Soldiers are in stable condition at Coalition hospitals.

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Iraqi Police find more than 500 munitions in cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi police manning a checkpoint near Jurf as Sakhr, discovered a large weapons cache with more than 500 munitions Feb. 22.
The cache contained 240 60 mm mortars, 189 100 mm mortars, 107 fuses, 3 82 mm rockets and 2 88 mm mortars.  Further investigation yielded discovery of 3 cache sites.
Soldiers from 3rd Plt, Co A, and an EODl team worked with the IPs to prepare the site for disposal.  After the initial blast, approx 60 more rounds of miscellaneous ordnance were unearthed.

Large munitions cache.

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MND-B leaders discuss economic growth for Fira Shia Market

Lt. Col. Robert McAleer, Brian Conklin and Cmdr. Melinda Michael, meet with a local store owner in the Fira Shia Market in northern Baghdad to discuss ways to stimulate economic growth in the area.  McAleer serves as the cmdr. of Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt.  Conklin is a member of the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team.  Michael serves as a liaison officer with the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development and Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team.

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Displaced families return home

Lt. Col. Robert McAleer, Jack Myer and Cmdr. Melinda Michael, talk with a family who returned to their home in Agur Quf, a town northwest of Baghdad, Feb. 25. The 21-member family said it felt the area was now safe enough to return.

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MND-B Soldiers capture special groups leader

BAGHDAD - In Baghdad's Sha'ab neighborhood Feb. 24, Paratroopers with 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, detained the suspect after receiving actionable intel on his activities. Several other suspected criminal members were captured with him. The suspect is accused of being involved in multiple IED attacks.
The detainees were captured with components of explosively formed projectiles. The components were allegedly imported from neighboring countries.  "This suspected criminal is allegedly responsible for multiple IED attacks," said Lt. Col. David Oclander, exec. officer for 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div. "He is suspected to be associated with the foreign-influenced Special Groups networks that continue to blatantly disobey the cease fire directives from al-Sayyid Maqtada Al-Sadr that have been in place since Aug. 29, 2007.  Recent tips from locals show they want these criminals off their streets, and the support of the people continues to move toward the legitimate govt of Iraq," Oclander said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Having fresh running water and electricity is something even the poorest of us can take for granted, but you can see how grateful the people of Baqubah are to have this "luxury."
Joanna
______________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 25, 2008

MND-B Soldiers find significant weapons cache

BAGHDAD -  Feb. 24, during a combat op, Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, found a  cache of nearly 200 artillery projectiles of various sizes; 2 82 mm mortar rounds; 70 empty 107 mm rocket tubes; 10, 107 mm empty rockets; 15, 120 mm empty shell casings; 5 5-inch rockets and a 105 mm artillery projectile.
CF continue to assist the Iraqi SF in disrupting terrorist operations in Baghdad and improve the overall security and stability of Iraq.  "Our primary mission is to protect the Iraqi People," said Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy com. gen. for MND-B.  "In full partnership with the ISF, there is no where we won't go to detain terrorists and criminals to take these weapons out of the hand of those who would harm innocent civilians."

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Baqubah citizens receive more water, electricity

The Burhitz water pumping station manager talks with the Baqubah mayor during a ceremony reopening the station in Burhitz, a suburb of Baqubah, Iraq, Feb. 24.

Iraqi govt officials talk while water flows from the pumping station.

A child waves Iraqi flags. Iraqi citizens outside of the station showed their appreciation by waving the flags when the Iraqi govt officials finished the ceremony.

Iraqi school children walk to class in Burhitz, Feb. 14. The school was recently rebuilt and reopened after al-Qaeda-in-Iraq operatives destroyed the building during Op Arrowhead Ripper in July 2007.

A Baqubah public works official repairs an electrical line in Burhitz, a section of Baqubah, Feb. 24.

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Coalition Forces capture 4 key AQI leaders

BAGHDAD - The suspects are accused of being associated with numerous terrorist attacks in the Baghdad area, to include vehicle-borne IED attacks, suicide VBIEDs and suicide vest IED attacks.
A series of recent terrorist attacks is believed to have been actively targeting innocent Iraqi civilians and Sons of Iraq (SoI).

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Dear Interested Readers,
It's so encouraging to see the shining and excited faces of the new Iraqi Police graduates.  With our help, they are so committed to making their country safe.
Joanna
________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 24, 2008

Sons of Iraq contribute to discovery of five cache finds

FOB KALSU - SoI, in coordination with Soldiers from Troop B, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, discovered 5 enemy weapons and IED caches in the Busayefi area Feb. 22.
In 3 separate incidents, SOI members informed the Soldiers of 3 IEDs consisting of a 122 mm projectile, a 130 mm projectile rigged with a pressure plate trigger, and an 8-pound stash of unknown bulk explosives attached to 3 feet of detonation cord.
The SOI also helped Soldiers locate 2 additional weapons caches.  One cache consisted of 3 gallons of homemade explosives, 5 80 mm mortar rounds and 10 60 mm mortar rounds.  The other cache contained 3 rocket propelled grenades, an AK-47 rifle, anti-American propaganda and a small quantity of 7.62 mm ammo.

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First basic recruit class graduates IP academy

BAGHDAD - The inaugural class of more than 1,100 Iraqi Police recruits graduated the Furat Iraqi Police Training Academy in Baghdad Feb. 21.
"Today's graduation makes us very happy because this will provide security and control to this area," said Nihad Taha, an IP graduate.  "We're all very excited about it.  I joined the IP because I've seen how much damage the extremists did to our country, and I wanted to provide protection to my people."
Following the ceremony, graduates were issued orders to report to their respective districts," said Capt. John Soto, the officer-in-charge of the Furat Police Academy. Soto is assigned to HQ Support Co., 18th MP Bde. Once in their districts, the new IPs will undergo additional training in vital police techniques, before attending an 8-week training course.  "This is the first of many steps to help the Iraqi people take control over their country," said Soto. "We're getting more recruits out to the streets, so when people are walking out their houses, they see these Iraqis in the blue uniform providing security to them."

Newest class of Iraqi policemen celebrate after their graduation ceremony.

Baghdad's newest IP stand at attention during their graduation ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Sharhan, provincial dir. of police com., Baghdad, gives a gift to an Iraqi graduate for his exceptional performance during the two-week course. 

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Paratroopers capture Special Groups facilitator in Sha'ab

BAGHDAD - Paratroopers with Co C, 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, detained a suspected Special Groups facilitator during an op in Baghdad's Sha'ab neighborhood Feb. 22.
The suspected criminal was detained after receiving actionable intel.  "This criminal is believed to be responsible for acts of intimidation against people of his own sect and in his own neighborhood," said Lt. Col. David Oclander, the exec. officer for the 2nd Bde.  "He has also been a key player in the Hasnawi Special Groups network that has blatantly disobeyed al-Sayyid Maqtada al-Sadr's ceasefirer pledge since last August."

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Dear Interested Readers,
We're getting more stories of the capture of Special Groups Criminals.  These are criminal cell groups backed by Iran; funded, trained and armed by the Iranian Quds force. 
Joanna
___________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 23, 2008

Coalition Forces discover disguised truck-bomb

MOSUL - CF discovered a VBIED disguised as a Red Crescent food relief truck in southeastern Mosul Feb. 15.
The truck was labeled with hospital markings but contained 8 55-gallon drums with more than 5,000 pounds of unknown bulk explosives.  The discovery was made during a route clearance op as part of Op Phantom Phoenix.
"A VBIED detonation of this size would kill or injure many innocent civilians. This just shows how ruthless al Qaeda is and their lack of concern for the effect of their ops on the Iraqi people," said Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson, com of 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.

The red letters inscribed on this vehicle are "Health Dept., Oxygen Transportation."

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MND-B Soldiers, SOI provide marketplace security

Spc. Daniel Blassingame, provides security next to a SoI at the Taji Market, northwest of Baghdad, Feb. 21.  Blassingame is an infantryman with HHC, 1st Bn, 27th inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID.  Soldiers and Sons of Iraq regularly patrol through the market to ensure the safety of the Iraqi people.

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Operation Red River nets 19 detainees in Sha'ab

BAGHDAD - The op, Feb. 21, consisted of a coordinated series of raids targeting a Special Group criminal cell operating in Sha'ab.  The op involving soldiers from 2nd Bn, 325th Abn Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, raided multiple target houses.  The op lasted from shortly after midnight to just before sunrise.
The Special Group members targeted during the op were identified by local residents, who resent the violence in their neighborhoods. "Local Iraqis living inside Sha'ab are tired of crimes and violence committed by Special Group criminals. The success of this op highlights area residents' support of Iraqi and CF, as well as their desire to rid their neighborhoods of these criminals. Intel provided by local Iraqis was the key to locating and capturing the Special Group criminals who are believed to be involved with kidnapping, IEDs, and indirect fire attacks, murder and intimidation," said, Lt. Col. Richard Kim, com. of 2nd Bn.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected Special Groups criminal

BAGHDAD - Soldiers with 2nd Bn, 14th Cav Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, detained the suspect Feb. 21, who is accused of gathering weapons and storing caches in abandoned houses in Saab al Bour. He is also suspected in an explosively formed penetrator attack Jan. 3.

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Dear Interested Readers,
All of our stories show success in cooperative missions with Iraqi Soldiers.  They truly feel that they are brothers in arm, and it's encouraging to see it.  With the help and tips from Iraqi citizens, huge weapon caches and terrorists continue to be found, and captured.
Joanna
_____________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 22, 2008

MND-N Soldiers patrol Mosul

A Soldier with 3rd Plt, Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt from Fort Hood, Texas, searches the bed of a dump truck looking for threats while patrolling through Mosul, Feb. 21.

Pfc. Karl Mojica, a combat eng. in 3rd Plt, patrols the streets of Mosul.

Pfc. Karl Mojica patrols the streets.

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Sons of Iraq tip lead to weapons cache in Jabr al Ansari

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FOB HAMMER - Acting on info provided by the SoI, soldiers assigned to Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, confiscated a weapons cache in Jabr al Ansari, a small village southeast of Baghdad, Feb. 19.
The cache contained 21 122mm Russian projectiles and 3 130mm Russian projectiles. The munitions were buried approx. 3 feet deep in a suspect's backyard. The suspect was detained and brought back to Combat Outpost Cashe for questioning.
"Every time the SoI bring in or lead us to ordnance, it saves the lives of innocent Iraqis, as well as the lives of Iraqi and CF," said Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Huell, com. sgt major of 3-1st Cav. Regt. "This act signifies that most Iraqis have rejected violence and are on the side of peace."
Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, com. of 3-1 Cav. Regt., believes his troops' effectiveness operating in the Jisr Diyala area is due to the rapport developed with their Iraqi neighbors. "This cache find serves as another example of how our soldiers are winning the trust and confidence of the population," Kolasheski said. "By denying terrorists the use of these dangerous munitions, we collectively make Jisr Diyala and the surrounding areas a safer place for the people of the region. The SoI continue to show their
effectiveness in thickening our lines."
"The SoI continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of local security by decreasing accelerants and extremist activities in our area of ops," said 1st Lt. Jamel Reese, a plt leader in HQ Troop, 3-1 Cav. Regt.

Laying out a cache for removal by the 789th Ordnance Co, from Ft. Benning, Ga.

Soldiers from the 789th Ordnance Co, search for a weapon cache Feb. 19 in Jabr al Ansari.

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Suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader arrested in Abu T'shir

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers from 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to Task Force Dragon captured a suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 19.
Soldiers noticed a man fitting the description of a suspected cell leader during a routine patrol of Abu T'Shir and detained him without incident.  It is believed the alleged Special Groups cell leader had taken over the day-to-day direction of the criminal cell after its previous leader was arrested by CF in the same area.

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3-1 Cav. Regt., Iraqi NP conduct joint operation in Tameem

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt conducted an op with Iraqi NP, supporting the Iraqi Civil Conservation Force and Sons of Iraq in Tameem, a small village southeast of Baghdad, Feb. 18.
Salam Bedin, the nahia council chairman, Lt. Col. Emad, com. of the 3/1 NP, and SoI planned the op, which led to the establishment of several SOI checkpoints, and allowed the Iraqi Civil Conservation Force to conduct cleaning projects in the village.
"The future of Iraq is about cooperation between all players working toward a common goal," said Capt. Darrell Melton, com. of Troop C. 
Soldiers from Troop C brought materials to assist in the construction of the checkpoints. The 3/1 NP provided security while the Iraqi Civil Conservation Force removed trash that had accumulated in the town's canals and streets.  Leaders in Troop C believe the project will help pave the way for continued economic prosperity in the village.
"The work being done today will provide for the next generation of Iraqis," said 1st Lt. Jeffery Ritter, govt lines of op officer for HQ Troop, 3-1 Cav. Regt.

NP help unload materials for SoI checkpoints, and conduct area beautification projects.

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IA, MND-C Soldiers discover cache, disrupt IED, indirect fire cells

Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

PATROL BASE LUTIFIYAH - A significant weapons cache was discovered after a joint effort between Iraqi army and MND-Center Red Knight Rakkasan Soldiers north of Lutifiyah Feb. 19.
Iraqi Soldiers and the 4th Plt, Btry B, 3rd Bn, 320th FAR, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), found a mass of weapons and homemade explosives after a local citizen provided the tip and led the Soldiers to the site. The cache contained various IED-making materials, multiple explosive rounds, firearms and documentation.
"The source of intel for the cache was with us the whole way," said Capt. Charlie Lewis, exec. officer for Btry. B, 3-320th FAR.  "He led us to the location and told us the cache was located between 2 specific houses.  From there, we started our search."
This was the largest find for the battery since arriving into country last October. "The find is extremely significant; we thought it was going to just be a regular cache," Lewis said. "Instead, we found a fair amount of IED-making materials, disrupting an IED cell in the area."  Six men believed to be connected to the cache were detained and brought in for questioning.

Two Iraqi army soldiers pull multiple weapons and explosives from a hole.

Rakkasans and Iraqi army troops organize items found.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Courageous stories of Iraqis and our troops uncovering large weapon caches, capturing high level terrorists, and efforts to keep Iraqi citizens safe.
Joanna
______________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 21, 2008

Sons of Iraq conduct random searches

A Sons of Iraq (SoI) member monitors passing vehicles at a checkpoint in Adhamiya, a northeast Baghdad district, Feb. 18. The checkpoints in the neighborhood are largely credited with the decrease in violence in the area over recent months.

SoI search a random vehicle at a checkpoint in Adhamiya.

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Paratroopers capture Special Groups criminal leader

BAGHDAD - Paratroopers with 2nd Bn, 325th Abn Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div detained a Special Groups com. during an op in Baghdad's Sha'ab neighborhood Feb. 20, after a tip on his whereabouts.  The detainee is suspected of involvement in multiple murders and other criminal activities.
The suspect is a known Special Groups leader and financier believed to receive funding from Iran that was earmarked to support the Diyala criminal network, said Maj. Cameron Weathers, the 2nd BCT intel officer.  The money is typically used to pay and equip Special Groups criminals, procure vehicles and support criminal activities against innocent Iraqis.

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Paratroopers continue to dismantle criminal organizations

BAGHDAD -  Paratroopers with 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, based in northeast Baghdad's neighborhood of Sha'ab. detained 5 suspected extremists Feb. 19. 
Paratroopers were conducting a cordon and knock op with the Iraqi NP in Sha'ab when they discovered a suspected criminal. The individual is suspected of conducting IED attacks as well as intimidating local members of the SoI security force.
While conducting a search of the suspect's house and an adjacent property, the paratroopers discovered a 60mm mortar round.  The individual and 4 other men were detained for questioning.
During a follow-on mission shortly before midnight, paratroopers received an additional report on the whereabouts of another suspected criminal. The individual is suspected of running a weapons smuggling op for a criminal militia network.  Paratroopers detained the suspect and another man who tested positive for having handled explosives.

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Iraqi Army, MiTT patrol seizes munitions in Rusafa

FOB LOYALTY - Iraqi Soldiers and Soldiers from Co B, 2nd Bn, 1st Brigade, 11th Div Military Transition Team seized munitions in the Rusafa Security District of eastern Baghdad, Feb. 20.
As part of a clearance op, the patrol reported finding 2 large containers including munitions of an undetermined amount of C4 explosives, artillery shells, fertilizer and mines.

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Iraqi army soldiers discover weapons cache near Karbala

FOB KALSU - IA Soldiers found a weapon cache and detained a suspect during an op near Karbala Feb. 18.
The Quick Reaction Force platoon conducted the operation based on info from an Iraqi Soldier.  The cache contained 18 grenades, 5 rocket propelled grenade rounds, a AK-47, 4 bags of TNT, a homemade grenade, a large metal container with fuses installed and a bottle of poison.
"The success of this (op) is credited to local citizens coming forward and providing info," said Lt. Col. Eric Roberts, team chief for MiTT 840.  "This is just another example of the confidence that local citizens have in the Karbala Iraqi SF.

The weapon cache.

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IA, MND-C Soldiers discover four caches, spider hole

By Capt. Allison Flannigan, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER - IA and Co C, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) acted on a tip from a local citizen who was questioned by the IA, and discovered 4r weapon caches in Yusufiyah Feb.18. The man admitted to being a member of al-Qaeda-in-Iraq and told IA Soldiers the location of the caches. The 4 caches were located within a square quarter-mile area. 
Each cache had several large plastic tubes, between 2 and four feet long, buried vertically in the ground and loaded with munitions, containing approx. 400 60 mm mortar rounds, 300 82 mm mortar rounds, 50 120 mm mortar rounds, a complete 60 mm mortar,system, seven ski masks, hundreds of mortar parts, 100 pounds of unknown bulk explosives and instruction manuals. 
After collecting the munitions, the Soldiers talked with a number of  people who live near the cache sites. One citizen said he had something to show the Soldiers. "I had heard that there might have been spider holes in the area and I mentioned that to the people we were talking to," said 1st Lt. Casey Zimmerman, 3rd Plt leader, Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt.  "Sure enough, one of the farmers told me there was a spider hole on his farm."
The Soldiers originally thought it was a small hole, barely large enough to hide 2 adults. Once they started digging, however, they found a room that was 10 feet by 12 feet, complete with an aluminum ceiling. 
With the help of the local populace, Iron Rakkasans of Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt. and their IA partners have found 7 caches in the last three weeks. 
"Counterinsurgency ops are fundamentally driven by the relationship between the IA and CF soldiers and the local citizens," Zimmerman said.  "Everyone is working together for the security and future development of the community."

IA soldiers unearth a spider hole on a Yusufiyah farm.

Iraqi army soldiers uncover one of four large caches.

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MND-B Soldiers find EFP cache

BAGHDAD - Numerous tips led "Black Lions" of Co D, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID to seize an explosively formed penetrator cache in West Rashid Feb. 19, and a weapons cache in Bayaa.
The Black Lions found a car containing the following: 4 assembled EFPs; 10 eight-inch copper plates for use in EFPs; a complete 120mm mortar system, a sniper rifle, a rocket propelled grenade, ten RPG boosters, 9 hand grenades; 19 blocks of C-4; 1,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo; an AK-47; 3 passports; a bag of homemade explosives and various IED components.
"We continue to act on the numerous tips from Iraqis who are concerned about the ongoing violence in the area," said Maj. Kirk Luedeke, Task Force Dragon spokesman. "This is a prime illustration of how the criminals' aims are thwarted by Iraqis working with CF."

A complete 120mm mortar system and a rocket propelled grenade launcher were found in the trunk of a car. The Soldiers found 4 complete EFPs inside.

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Stryker Soldiers capture IED cell member

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers with 1st Bn, 14th inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, "Warrior," 25th ID captured a suspected key member of an IED ring Feb. 19, detaining the suspect near the Nassir Factory, northwest of Baghdad.
The suspect is allegedly an al-Qaeda member and IED facilitator that is part of a terrorist IED ring.

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ISF, CF, SOIs continue resolve to combat terrorists

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF, CF and SoI have killed or captured 78 terrorists and special group cell members this week in a series of engagements and precision ops throughout Baghdad.
Iraqi NP and MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained 6 suspected terrorists linked to a rocket attack that struck areas of the Victory Base Complex and West Rashid Feb. 18. The attack killed five Iraqi civilians and wounded 14.
"These recent terrorist attacks have been an obvious ploy intended to disrupt successful reconciliation efforts by attempting to foment sectarian violence," said Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, dep. com. gen., MND-B. "We will not tire in our efforts to bring these murderers to justice."
While en route to an indirect fire attack on an MND-B COP, Iraqi NP discovered a dump truck with rocket systems aimed at the combat outpost.
"The Iraqi police heroically responded to a rocket attack to protect their people," said Milano. "They put themselves in extreme danger to save the lives of their fellow citizens. Their bravery in the face of danger shows their determination to safeguard their nation in the fight against terrorists.
"The reason we are hunting the enemy down is because they kill innocent civilians. There is no where we won't go to chase them down," Milano said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
"Prince of Princes" captured!  Also, a big progress story about the Diyala Provincial govt. working together to get better food distribution.  There is a heartwarming story about a kidnapped victim being rescued.  It is a reminder to us of the cruelty of these terrorists, who also can target children at play on a soccer field.  We must continue to fight them in Iraq, and not give them a chance to come here.
Joanna
_________________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 20, 2008

Iraqi National Police cordon vehicle, MND-B Soldiers seize 9 rockets

BAGHDAD -Iraqi NP and MND-Baghdad Soldiers seized unfired rockets and a piece of unexploded ordnance Feb. 19 following a rocket attack at a combat outpost in eastern Baghdad.
Officials from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div (Light), reported a suspicious vehicle in the area.  Reacting quickly, NP created a cordon and worked with Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt to search the vehicle.
Co B, found 9 rockets in the truck, which had protruding wires, in the bed of the vehicle. The Soldiers also found an unexploded piece of ordnance and called EOD personnel to the scene.

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MND-B Soldiers capture suspected 'Prince of Princes'

BAGHDAD - East Rashid Feb. 18.
Soldiers of Co B, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div, attached to Task Force Dragon, knocked on a suspected criminal's door in Doura and arrested 2 alleged weapons traffickers, including one alleged to be AQI's "Prince of Princes."
The suspected arms trafficker is believed to have received the moniker for his ability to transport weapons to certain groups.

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PRT works with Diyala govt to improve food distribution

BAQUBAH - The Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team facilitated a meeting between Diyala govt officials and the Ministry of Trade at FOB Warhorse, Feb. 18.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss improving food distribution throughout the province.  It was also the first time all of the dept. leaders from the Diyala Ministry of Trade had met together with the Trade Minister. 
"This meeting allowed the managers of various sectors - for example, the manager of the grain silo, the manager of the sales mall, the managers of the warehouses - to find out where their common problems are and to address them," said PRT leader John Jones.
During the meeting, dept. heads discussed what they do, what challenges they face and what needs they have to effectively run their organizations. The ministers also discussed improving communication between the depts., the ministry, the governor's office and provincial council.  A recent joint IA and CF op resulted in the re-opening of a key route between Baghdad and Baqubah, which helped bring in more food to the province.

Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team leader John Jones (left) greets Provincial Council Chairman Ibrahim Bajalan in front of members of the Diyala Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Finance.

Ibrahim Bajalan, (left), John Jones (center) and Diyala Dep. Gov. for Economics Emad Abdullah speaks to members of the Diyala Ministry of Trade, and Ministry of Finance.

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Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces work together to clear village near Turki

Soldiers from Troop G, 2nd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt talk with Iraqi army soldiers before a clearing op near Turki, Feb. 17.

Soldiers from Troop G enter a house.

Sgt. Bryan Lofton, a squad leader in Troop G, looks through the window of a mud hut.

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IA, coalition forces find kidnapping victim

MOSUL - Iraqi Security and CF operating in Mosul rescued a kidnapping victim bound in a hole in the Al Intisar neighborhood of Mosul Feb. 19.
The IA noticed a disturbed area of dirt in the courtyard during a search resulting from info provided to the Iraqi SF and CF by a local resident about a possible terrorist prison and interrogation facility.
The kidnapping victim was discovered in an underground chamber. The man was handcuffed and said he had been locked in the room for a couple of days. The victim was taken to a CF medical facility for treatment.
"The terrorists continue to try and intimidate the Iraqi people through kidnapping and other tactics of fear," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3rd Armored Cav Regt spokesman. "The Iraqi SF and its coalition partners will maintain a relentless pursuit of insurgents by either capturing or killing them."

A padlocked hatch was unlocked to free the Iraqi citizen.

Iraqi Security and Coalition forces rescued a kidnapping victim.

The hole.

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Dear Interested Readers,
After having days of 30 updates, I welcome a slow day!  A detainee was cooperative enough to tell our troops about a weapons cache, and the other cache was thanks to an Iraqi citizen!
Joanna

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 19, 2008

Caches discovered from detainee information

NINEWAH - Soldiers of 3rd Armored Cav Regt, Task Force Iron, discovered 2 caches next to each other in Ninewah Province Feb. 17 after receiving info from detainees.
The cache included rockets, washing machine timers, a suicide vest, grenades and receivers, as well as magazines for different weapons systems.

Soldiers discovered cache near the Jazira desert. Feb. 17.

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MND-B Soldiers seize munitions northwest of Baghdad
 

BAGHDAD - Feb. 18, Soldiers from Co C, 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID,  acted on a tip from an Iraqi citizen and found the munitions, consisting of two 132 mm, two 105 mm artillery rounds, a 120 mm round, 17 18-pound bombs, two 90 mm artillery rounds, a 30 mm artillery round and 7 speed bump IEDs.
"Finding and destroying these caches continue to degrade terrorist ops," said Maj. Al Hing, a 2nd SBCT spokesperson.  "Every operation we execute brings increased security for the Iraqi people."

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Dear Interested Readers,
I usually don't report negative stories.  I leave that for our media, but the "rest of the story" of capturing several of the insurgents who attacked our Victory Base complex, ended on a positive note.  Some more high level insurgents captured, along with huge weapon caches.  We have over 4000 on our mailing list, and many are vets, so from time to time I include  pictures of weapon caches especially for you!
Joanna
_____________________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 18, 2008

Rockets strike Victory Base Complex, West Rashid

BAGHDAD - Insurgents fired a series of rockets that struck areas of the Victory Base Complex and West Rashid in southwestern Baghdad,  Feb. 18.
Initial reports indicate the attack killed 5 Iraqi civilians and wounded at least 14. Two U.S. Soldiers were injured.  Eight Iraqis, including six children, were taken to a CF medical clinic for treatment.
The Coalition and Iraq SF quick reaction teams swept the area and captured several insurgents at the scene of the rocket launch. Six suspects were taken into custody for questioning and one unexploded rocket was recovered.

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Iraqi Special Ops Forces, U.S. SF detain suspected terrorist leader in Mosul

BALAD - Feb. 17, according to intel reports, the suspect is responsible for IED attacks against Iraqi SF in
Mosul. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for distributing insurgent propaganda in the city.

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Sons of Iraq members kill two terrorists

BAGHDAD - Members of Abna'a al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, killed 2 al-Qaeda-in-Iraq members who were transporting homemade explosives and IEDs in Adhamiyah Feb. 17.
A minivan approached a checkpoint manned by SOI members at a high rate of speed.  The SOI members took appropriate measures, and when the vehicle did not stop, SOI members fired at the vehicle.  The driver jumped out of the vehicle and ran while under fire. The vehicle then blew up, killing two others inside.

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Joint IP and CF patrol finds SVBIED near Mosul

MOSUL - CF and Iraqi police discovered a suicide vehicle-borne IED containing approximately 5,000 pounds of explosives, Feb. 15 on a joint patrol in the Ninewah Province neighborhood near Mosul.
After further assessment, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel determined the SVBIED was stable enough to be towed outside of the city for detonation.
"This discovery saved a countless number of innocent lives," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, a spokesperson for 1st Armored Div.  "These joint ops continue to bring added safety to the people of Mosul."

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Paratroopers capture Hasnawi lieutenant

BAGHDAD -  Paratroopers with Co C, 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, captured a top lieutenant of Arkan Hasnawi, a Special Groups leader, during an op in northern Baghdad Feb. 17.  The individual was detained after receiving a tip on his whereabouts.  The suspect is allegedly a key ringleader in Hasnawi's criminal network, said Maj. Cameron Weathers, the intel officer for the 2nd BCT.  He is accused of explosively formed projectile and multiple mortar attacks, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians. 
A day earlier, elements of the Iraqi NP and the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., seized a large cache with multiple rocket and mortars associated with Specials Groups.  "Northern Baghdad is an area that Special Groups criminals have wanted to dominate for some time, and it is pretty clear that this is the foreign influenced Special Groups," said Lt. Col. David Oclander, brigade exec. officer.  "It's very important to note that these successes have originated as a result of Iraqi civilian tips," Oclander said. 

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MND-B Soldiers find large weapons, munitions cache, photos included

BAGHDAD - In Adhamiyah, a district in northeast Baghdad, Feb. 15, acting on a tip from a local Iraqi, Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div. discovered the large cache at approx. 8:30 p.m.

Paratroopers from Co C, 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, and Iraqi NP help transport munitions from a weapons cache found in Baghdad's Ur neighborhood.

36 107mm rockets were among the munitions recovered.

5 rocket propelled grenade launchers and 13 PG-7 AT-1 rounds were among the weapons recovered.

5 rocket propelled grenade launchers and 13 PG-7 AT-1 rounds were among the weapons recovered.

37 120mm mortar rounds were among the munitions recovered.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Air delivering supplies from Baghdad to Mosul will make it safer quicker to get what's needed.  There's also a wonderfully interesting story with some great pictures on training female Iraqi policewomen.  What courage these women have!
Joanna
_________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 17, 2008

Iraqi C-130 brings first air delivery for IA, IP from Baghdad to Mosul

A loadmaster on an Iraqi C-130 Hercules guides a forklift into place to unload crates of equipment for the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police at FOB Marez, Mosul, Feb. 16. The equipment load was organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior.
This was the first time equipment was delivered to the IA and IP by air from Baghdad to Mosul.

Staff General Khalaf, logistics officer for the Mosul District IP conducts a press conference at FOB Marez.  Khalef said this was an important step in securing Mosul because the air delivery is both faster and safer to get equipment to the Iraqis.

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MND-N female MPs train female IPs on search techniques

BAQUBAH -  To help combat the threat of female terrorists, military policewomen with the 202nd MP Co conducted search-technique training with Iraqi policewomen at the IP HQ in Baqubah Feb. 16. "One of the biggest issues we face is the cultural difference between the women here and the women in the states," said Capt. Mary Newell, 202nd MP com.  "It's inappropriate for a male to search a female, or for a male to ask a female to lift up her clothing to look for weapons. Having female IPs to do the searches will help the situation, and it also maintains the dignity of the females being searched."   
"I learned a lot from the training," said Sgt. Aziz, a 3-year-IP veteran, through a translator. "I learned how to use the wand and how to put someone against the wall.  I've never put someone on the ground and searched them before.  We had never done that before in our training."
One of the issues brought up during the training was that the female IPs do not have weapons. "We should have weapons just like the men," Aziz said.  Sadon responded by noting the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior recently reversed a decision made earlier this year, and that the Diyala IP females will soon be issued weapons.

Spc. Catherine Duffy of the 202nd MP Co shows an Iraqi policewoman how to properly search a female.

An Iraqi policewoman watches as Sgt. Kari Golden (left) and Spc. Stephanie Beachley,  demonstrate how to secure a person's hands during a search for weapons and explosives.

Yassmin Khudair, a policewoman, searches Spc. Stephanie Beachley.  Since late Nov., there have been 4 suicide bomb attacks carried out by females in Baqubah. Police in Diyala are adding more female officers to help combat the issue.

Female Iraqi police officers pose after completing female search training.

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Sons of Iraq detain, turn over suspected criminal   

BAGHDAD - Members of the Abna'a al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, handed over a suspected Special Groups criminal to soldiers of Co C, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID, attached to Task Force 4-64 at a COP in Risalah, Feb. 15.
"We applaud the citizens of Iraq who are taking a firm stand against those who choose not to honor al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's ceasefire pledge," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. "The Sons of Iraq are an able and important ally in this effort."

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SOI hand over two suspected criminals; MND-B Soldiers seize munitions

BAGHDAD - Members of the Sons of Iraq (Abna'a al-Iraq) handed 2 suspected criminals over to "Cougars" of 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to Task Force Dragon,  because they were in possession of homemade explosives.
During a patrol in Abu T'Shir, Cougars also seized an explosively formed penetrator, 10 60 mm mortar rounds, and arrested three men, including 2 IP near the ordnance. 

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IA Soldiers' quick action prevents suicide attack

BAGHDAD - The alert action of IA Soldiers prevented a suicide bomber from reaching her intended target in the Rusafa District, Feb. 17.
The attempted attack took place when a woman, who appeared to be a beggar, was noticed having a bulky protrusion around her mid-section, said Iraqi Col. Fahdel.  Alert IA soldiers quickly realized her intent and ordered her to raise her hands, said Fahdel.  At that time, she raised one of her hands but had an object with wires attached concealed in her other hand.  Sensing the potential danger, the Soldiers fired 3 rounds.  The woman staggered back to a nearby shop, where the blast detonated. Two Iraqi citizens were injured in the blast.

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National Police, Coalition Forces find caches

BAGHDAD - NP along with MND-Baghdad Soldiers discovered 2 caches Feb. 15 during a joint mission in Boob al Sham, north of Baghdad.
The joint patrol discovered the initial cache of rocket-propelled grenades, ballistic vests, mortar rounds, hand grenades, small arms ammo and plastic explosives. They requested EOD assistance.
The NP and members of Co D, 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, continued searching the area and discovered a second cache consisting of a rocket and 15 mortar rounds.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Huge weapon caches found and many terrorists captured!  We have an endearing story of a young Iraqi boy given a chance to live a normal life, thanks to the compassion of some loving soldiers.  It's a bit long, but I just couldn't cut any more!  What a thrill to see Iraqis voting, and getting those purple fingers!  We're also taken on missions to Mosul.
Joanna
_____________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 16, 2008

Weapon cache found in Babahani area

BAGHDAD - CF and IA soldiers found 2 large weapon caches containing 361 60 mm mortars, 34 82 mm mortars and 45 rocket-propelled grenade motors in the area of Babahani,  Feb. 12.
Soldiers from Military Transition Team (MiTT) 842, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, and Iraqi Soldiers were looking for the caches based on intel received by the Iraqi brigade.
"The Iraqi army has matured into a tough, dedicated and competent force; and is more than capable of conducting independent ops on par with their American counterparts," said Capt. Alex Vershinin.

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Iraqi Army, Rakkasans find second large cache in two weeks

BAGHDAD - In Qarghuli Feb.12, Soldiers from Co D, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) and their IA counterparts, discovered the second large cache in the area in less than 2 weeks, containing more than 825 pounds of homemade explosives, several rocket fuselages, 120 mm rounds, 720 shotgun shells and a variety of other munitions. 
Info provided by an Iraqi citizen led to the discovery; the same man provided info leading to massive weapon cache finds Jan. 30 in Qarghuli and Shubayshen.  "It's taken a while to build that trust and confidence with the locals," said 1st Lt. Keenan Ellison, 3rd Plt leader, Co. D.  "We have locals coming to us with good intel on the locations of caches now."   
Qarghuli Village, settled along the banks of the Euphrates River, has been relatively quiet since the Sons of Iraq (SoI) started manning checkpoints in the area.  Soldiers from Co D and the 3/4/6 IA are living among the population, getting to know the community. 
"This is what counterinsurgency is all about; the population is the key terrain around here," said Capt. Frank Castro, com. of Co. D. "Once you have them on your side, al-Qaeda and other insurgent elements don't have a chance."

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Weapon cache found in Diddum region

BAGHDAD - CF found a large weapon cache in 2 separate holes approximately 30 meters apart in Diddum, Feb. 11, containing approx. 1,000 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, barrels of ordnance containing 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm rounds, 107 mm rockets, OG-7, PG-7, OG-9, various fuses and mortar rounds.  In addition, approx. 1,500 pounds of unknown bulk explosives in white bags were found about 20 meters away.
"I know this was definitely the biggest cache we've found since we got here," said Sgt. Scott Murray, 1st Plt forward observer, 3-7th Inf. Regt. "We're pretty relieved to get rid of this stuff and [get it] out of somebody else's hands."
Soldiers from 3-7th Inf. Regt. were able to find the cache through intel given from concerned residents in the area.  "I will always tell CF about any weapons hidden in my area that I know about," said Sheik al-Janabi, a local leader in the Diddum region.  "Hopefully insurgents will learn that they cannot find a place in Diddum to hide things."

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Paratroopers capture key Special Groups leader in Sha'ab

BAGHDAD -  Feb. 15, acting on multiple-source reporting, paratroopers with 2nd Bn, 325th AIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div detained the suspect.
Maj. Cameron Weathers, intel officer for the 2nd BCT, said that within the last month alone, the suspect allegedly played a leading role in planning and executing the kidnappings of 4 Iraqi NP officers Feb. 2, and the kidnapping of three SoI security force members Feb. 7.
The suspect is also believed to have masterminded the November bombing of a COP and the 2006 murder of an IP colonel, as well as numerous killings of innocent Iraqi civilians.
Weathers said the suspect has recently been engaged in weapons smuggling. He is suspected of being involved in a long list of additional crimes, including murders, kidnappings and IED attacks.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. Special Forces Detain Seven Suspected Terrorists

BAGHDAD -  Feb. 13, according to intel reports, the suspects are believed to be responsible for multiple IED attacks against Iraqi and CF. 
The op was undertaken after a former insurgent provided info about terrorist groups operating in the area. 

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Iraqi boy returns to family after surgery

By 1st Lt. Tabitha Hernandez

BAGHDAD - A Military Transition Team from 1st Bn, 64th Armored Regt, attached to 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), continues its ongoing sponsorship of an Iraqi youth who was injured in an IED attack last year. 
When the MiTT took over the reigns of training from their IA counterparts, an unofficial part of the relief in place was to take over the care of "Timmy."  The previous team found the child as they cleared houses.  No Soldier worth his boots, Major Hayden said, can bypass a wounded child. It violates everything Soldiers fight and stand for.  So, the team made a commitment that day to doing everything they could to make a difference for the young boy.  They evacuated "Timmy" to 28th Combat Support Hospital in the IZ, which is where the most seriously wounded are cared for, Hayden said. The doctors there were able to save his leg and patch up the wounds to the rest of his body.  He had a myriad of injuries across most of his lower body. 
After his initial surgery, the team checked on the young boy from time to time at his home in Jamia, Hayden said, adding that unfortunately, the care he received from his family was not the greatest.  He essentially remained motionless on the floor of his home for months on end.  His shattered femur did not heal properly despite the external fixator emplaced during the initial surgery, and he suffered from infections.
Sgt. Christopher Pertuit, the MiTTs team medic, took a personal interest in the young boy.  "When we first started this, 'Little Timmy' asked for my watch," Pertuit said. "I told him he could have it when I saw him up and walking on his own. I look forward to the day I come back off patrol without my watch."
During mission planning, they planned routes that allowed them to visit and check on the boy.  At first he remained nameless; during pre-mission briefs, he was just 'the little crippled kid," said Hayden. With Christmas fast approaching however, and in the holiday spirit he soon became known as "Little Timmy or Tiny Tim."  The team set a goal to get him cleaned up and home for Christmas. 
Pertuit is no ordinary combat medic.  He also holds an additional skill identifier as an orthopedic tech., said Hayden.  He knew exactly what had to be done to save the boy's leg and to allow him any chance of ever walking normally again. The team transported "Little Timmy" to the CSH for a 4-day surgical stay.  While there, he was treated by a world-class surgical team that removed the external fixator and replaced it with a plate to stabilize the leg, Hayden said.  The team also recast his ankle to set it at the right angle to heal properly, cleaned his lower leg of severe skin infections and began the first round of physical therapy to regain mobility in the frozen joints. 
Four day's later, children from his neighborhood ran excitedly in the streets when they saw the patrol pull up in front of his Spartan home to return Timmy to his parents. Pertuit carefully explained all the instructions to the boy's family and made a promise to continue to check on the boy and monitor his progress.

Timmy, with the assistance of his crutches, walks for the first time in months.  As a reward for walking again, Sgt. Christopher Pertuita, presented Timmy with his watch.

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MND-B Soldiers find large weapons cache

BAGHDAD - Feb. 15, Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, acting on a tip from a local Iraqi, discovered the cache consisting of 80 81 mm mortar rounds, 38 120 mm mortar rounds, 33 107 mm rockets, a 60 mm mortar round, 500 anti-aircraft rounds, 50 rockets sleds and components, 30 hand grenades, 10 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 5 RPG launchers, 5 mortar tubes, 7 new AK-47s, 5 MP5 submachine guns and 150 200-round belts of 7.62 mm ammo.
"These were weapons ready to be used against the Iraqi people," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B and 4th ID spokesman.   "Countless lives were saved because one concerned Iraqi citizen tipped off CF about this cache."

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Iraqi Civil Defense Directorate hands over rocket, other munitions

FOB DELTA - CF received a weapon cache of more than 2,000 rounds at FOB Delta Feb. 13, collected by the Iraqi Civil Defense Directorate from the villages of Numaniyah, Suveira, and al-Aziziyah, consisting of 2,078 various types of munitions including a 107 mm rocket, 14.5 mm rounds, 82 mm rounds, 155 mm rounds, 100 mm rounds, hand grenades, 130 mm rounds and 30 meters of fuse fire,cord.

A 107 mm rocket was one of 2,078 munitions handed over.

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Iraqis vote for council members

An Iraqi (left) completes the voting process and prepares to place his thumbprint on a registry Feb. 14 while the next man in line places his voting slip in the ballot box. Both men voted at Combat Outpost (COP) War Eagle in northern Baghdad.  Iraqi Soldiers coordinated and hosted the election for voters from the Gray'at, Qahira, Tunnis, Sadar Al Qanat, Shababkhar and Suleihk neighborhoods. They voted for a president, two deputies and a spokesperson for their area's Iraqi Support Council. The council supports essential services with Govt of Iraq and CF funds. After the voting, Iraqis nominated chairmen for area committees including security, travel concerns and issues, youth sports, education, local services and terrorism victims committees.

An Iraqi man places his voting slip in the ballot box.

An Iraqi man presses his thumb on a piece of paper after voting.  Recording thumbprint of voters is a way to help ensure each person only votes once.

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ISOF, SOF detain four extremist suspects in separate operations

BALAD - Iraqi SF, with U.S. Special Ops Forces (SOF) advising, detained 4 suspected extremists in separate ops Feb. 11 and Feb. 12.
In Fallujah, an Iraqi SWAT team, advised by SOF, detained 3 suspected extremists in a Feb. 12 op targeting an al Qaeda-in-Iraq affiliated terror cell.  Reports indicate, the terror cell is responsible for IED attacks. The cell is also suspected of weapons smuggling, hijackings and intimidation of Iraqi civilians.
On Feb. 11, Iraqi SF, advised by SOF, detained a suspected cell member in Tal Hayyal. The suspected extremist is accused of IED attacks.  The suspected extremist's cell is also believed to be involved in a plot to assassinate a local official. 

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Abrams tanks provide security in Mosul

Tank com. Sgt. David Newland of Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt from Fort Hood, Texas, monitors the systems in his M1A2 Abrams Tank.

Tank com. Sgt. David Newland of Heavy Co mans a .50 caliber machine gun from a hatch in the turret of an M1A2 Abrams Tank.
Soldiers of the 77th Eng. Co work through the rainy night to build an IP station, while M1A2 Abrams Tank provide security. These Soldiers work at night to avoid sniper fire and enemy attack.

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MPs search for explosives in Mosul

Soldiers from the 552nd MP Co, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, say a group prayer in Mosul before entering the city to search passenger vehicles for weapons and bomb-making materials Feb. 14.

Sgt. Angela Mathern and Vinny, a bomb-detection dog, both of the 51st MP Detachment, from Ft. Lewis, Wash., walk through traffic in downtown Mosul during a search of random vehicles for weapons and bomb-making materials.

A Soldier and Vinny, inspect a cargo truck in downtown Mosul.

An Iraqi policemen walks by a storefront in downtown Mosul as IP and U.S. MP conducted random searches of vehicles.

A CF Soldier and Vinny, inspect a cart carrying propane tanks in downtown Mosul during a search of random vehicles.

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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
___________________________________

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

Col. Kareem, 4th Iraqi Div com., presents a certificate of achievement to one of his Soldiers for his bravery in fighting extremists in the city of Hawijah during "Op Lion Victory" held Feb. 14.  It was a celebration recognizing the 4th Iraqi Div's successful stand and defense of the Hawijah District against al Qaeda and extremist orgs. that once plagued the city of Hawijah.  The event was highlighted by a market walk conducted by key members of the Kirkuk Provincial Govt.

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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Dear Interested Readers,
Large weapons caches continue to be found, and high level insurgents have been captured or killed.  Taji is getting a new media center, and our troops bring supplies to a girls' school, as well as medical care.  There is a picture of a bunch of giggling girls that is priceless!  A Valentine picture if ever I saw one!  A neighborhood "fish market" is back in business, but sorry, no pictures of fish!
Joanna
__________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 14, 2008

MND-B Soldiers find large weapons cache

TAJI - MND-Baghdad Soldiers discovered a substantial weapons cache northwest of Baghdad Feb. 13.  As part of Op Phantom Phoenix, Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID discovered the cache consisting of 150, 57 mm mortar rounds; 16, 100 mm mortar rounds; 13, 130 mm Brazilian rocket warheads; 425, 23 mm anti-aircraft rounds; 2 120 mm French mortar rounds; 8,000 .30-caliber ammo rounds; 700, .50-caliber ammo rounds; 40 pounds of TNT; a 60-pound bag of high explosives; 9 rocket-propelled grenade warheads; 3 RPG launchers; 8 Ukranian rifle grenades; 3 empty rocket launching tubes; more than 200 various chargers and fuses; and 2 SKS carbine rifles.
"This is one of the most significant caches of ammo and weapons we have discovered," said dep. com. Lt.Col. David Davidson.
Soldiers from MND-B continue to work with the Iraqi SF as part of Op Phantom Phoenix to maintain pressure on al Qaeda-in-Iraq and any other foreign terrorists by targeting their leadership, networks and their sanctuaries.

Soldiers were on a routine patrol in support of Op Bowling Alley when they discovered the cache.

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2nd SBCT CDR visits Taji media center

Col. Todd McCaffrey, com. of the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, MND-Baghdad, meets with Ali Bouni, Taji Qada chairman, in Taji, which is located north of Baghdad, to discuss sustaining construction efforts Feb. 12 for Taji's new media center.

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MND-B Soldiers deliver school supplies to Iraqi school

School girls from the Seyab School express their excitement and anticipation as they wait patiently for the delivery of school supplies from the Soldiers of Batt A, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, MND-Baghdad. The Soldiers of 1st Plt delivered school supplies to the school, as well as medical care provided to more than 100 children, men and women, said 1st Lt. Ryan Johnson, 1st platoon leader.

Capt. Matthew Terry, who serves as a fires direction officer with Batt A, Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, teaches a local boy his secret handshake.

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ISOF, SOF detain extremists in Baghdad, Baqubah

BALAD - Iraqi Security Ops Forces (SOF), with U.S. SF advising, detained 2 suspected extremists in separate ops Feb. 11. 
In Baghdad, an ISOF team, advised by U>S> SF detained an extremist cell leader. The suspect, and his extremist group, are believed to be responsible for rocket and mortar attacks. They are also believed to be responsible for IED and explosively-formed projectile attacks as well as weapons trafficking.
In Baqubah, an ISOF team, advised by U.S. SF detained a member of an extremist cell suspected of supplying explosive vests for use in suicide bombing attacks.  According to intel reports, the cell is also involved in smuggling explosives.

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Neighborhood fish market in business

An Iraqi man places his produce purchase in the storage compartment of his moped before leaving the Shababkhar "fish market" in the northern Baghdad district of Adhamiya Feb. 7.  Due to the increased safety in the area, the marketplace is streaming with new life and activity. This market was largely barren one year ago.

Sgt. Taylor Scott, who serves as a squad leader with 2nd Plt, Battery B, 2nd Bn, 319th AFAR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, currently attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID,  passes by a produce stand while providing security during a marketplace tour for delegates from the House Appropriations Committee for Foreign Ops.

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Iraqi Army patrol seize munitions in Karada

BAGHDAD - Acting on an Iraqi's tip, Iraqi Soldiers seized munitions in the Karada Security District of eastern Baghdad Feb. 11.
IA Soldiers reported to 5th Bn, 25th FAR officials that the patrol seized 53 Russian-made 37 mm anti-aircraft rounds.

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Paratroopers conduct detainees operation

Staff Sgt. Antonio Alvarado, who serves as a squad leader with 2nd Plt, Batt B, 2nd Bn, 319th AFAR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, currently attached to the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, searches a glove compartment Feb. 8 during an op in Suleikh, an area in the northeast Baghdad Adhamiyah district.

Staff Sgt. Antonio Alvarado, searches a box inside a trunk.

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Iraqi Police take charge after small arms attack

MOSUL - An Iraqi Policeman and 7 insurgents were killed during a small arms fire attack, in southern Ninevah Province, Feb. 11. Nearby homes were searched and 16 individuals were detained by the IPs for further questioning.
CF were on the scene to assist, if necessary.  "As we continue to assist local leaders, and ISF addresses the concerns of local citizens, insurgents will no longer be able to hide among the population," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3d Armored Cav Regt spokesman.

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Twilight construction at Abu Nouri in Mosul

Soldiers from HH Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3d Armored Cav Regt, assemble traffic impediments at an Iraqi Police checkpoint in the Abu Nouri area of Mosul Feb. 12. The checkpoint is being built to provide security in an area which routinely sees high levels of insurgent activity in the capital city of Ninevah province.

Capt. Peter Norris, com. of Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, uses spray paint to label a concrete barrier with the name of the Iraqi Police checkpoint 3d ACR troops were building Feb. 11.

An M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle provides security at a newly-constructed Iraqi Police checkpoint.  Soldiers of 3rd Sqdrn used the vehicles to move heavy concrete barriers into place to make a traffic stop.

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Dear Interested Readers,
I didn't have room to report all the caches found!  Many insurgents continue to be captured or killed, some high level.  There's also positive stories about life improving in Arab Jabour, and in the village of al Bata'a.  Special kudos for a job well done to 111 Corps' Task Force Phantom, as XV111 Abn Corps Special Troop Bn takes over.  I challenge you to pronounce Szczepankiewicz!
Joanna
________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 13, 2008

2nd Bde Soldiers discover largest cache finds since start of Marne Thunderbolt

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 3rd ID found 3,000 pounds of munitions Feb. 6, collectively the largest find since the start of Op Marne Thunderbolt Jan. 1.
Co C, 1-30th Inf. Regt. discovered 12 55-gallon barrels of homemade explosives.  Co B, 1-30th Inf. Regt. found a pressure-plate IED consisting of 3 122 mm rounds and a mine of unknown origin.  Another find yielded a cache of 2 mines, a 57 mm projectile, a jar of HME, an artillery shell filled with HME and a 155 mm artillery round.
Soldiers from Co A, 5-7th Cav. Regt. discovered an anti-aircraft gun, completely operational, with an extra barrel.
Co B Soldiers found 45 cans of DSHKA rounds, a DSHKA barrel, 20 rockets, 2 120 mm rounds, 90 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 20 RPG fuses, 130 charges and 4 hand grenades.  In a smaller find the same day, they located a cache of 3 120 mm rockets.

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Iraqi residents see conditions improve in Arab Jabour

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd BCT, 3rd ID

BAGHDAD - Abas Rashed lives in Arab Jabour and is a member of the Sons of Iraq (AoI).   He says he knows the damage insurgents can do firsthand.  Before the insurgents entered this farming community with a Sunni Muslim majority, he said the people in Arab Jabour worked together.  Despite their differences, Rashed says, Sunni and Shia shared a common desire to see their children grow up in a better environment and in peace. 
Yassen Hussein, a Sunni living in Arab Jabour, said he once had Shia neighbors until the insurgency moved in.  Hussein believes that insurgents tried to set the people apart. "At first we rebuffed any difference, so they tried to make difference apparent."  The differences were spelled out in blood, both Shia and Sunni, he said. "They killed both sides to make a problem," Hussein said of the sectarian violence that drove many families from their homes. "We didn't see this problem until they came."
The SoI helped change the security situation, said Capt. Joseph Inge, com. of Co D, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt. "It has been a total 180 (degrees)," he said.  Hussein said he is encouraged by the number of families returning home.  "I want to imagine a unified Iraq, one Iraq, free from outside interference.

Residents with trucks full of household goods are returning to Arab Jabour thanks to security improvements.

Yassen  Hussein, a Sunni living in Arab Jabour (left), and Abas Rashed (center), a SoI member, talk with Alex, an interpreter from 1st Bn, about the return of many Shia families to the neighborhood Feb. 7.

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Paratroopers target criminal elements; detain 25

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers targeting criminal elements detained 25 individuals  during a series of coordinated ops Feb. 11 in the Sabak Sur, a neighborhood in northeast Baghdad.
Paratroopers with the 2nd Bn, 325th Abn Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, MND-Baghdad, conducted the ops, which were designed to root out criminal elements from an area that has recently emerged as a safe haven for Special Groups.
The ops were initiated from tips provided by local residents, said Maj. Trey Rutherford, exec. officer for the 2nd Bn.  "Locals are tired of the violence, extortion and intimidation by Special Group criminals.  They are reaching out to help the Govt of Iraq to target these individuals."  Rutherford said the detained individuals are suspected of multiple mortar attacks and explosively formed penetrator attacks, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians. He said they were also involved in intimidation and attacks on members of the IP, Iraqi NP and the SoI volunteer security force.  There were no casualties or damage to civilian structures reported.

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Local tip yields cache

HUSSEINIYA - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers unearthed a cache Feb. 11 from a tip provided by a citizen in this rural region on the northern outskirts of Baghdad.
The Soldiers of 3rd Plt, Co B, 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, initially discovered an explosively formed penetrator and PVC piping in the backyard of an abandoned building. Upon further inspection, the cache proved to be much larger.  Soldiers also found 12 copper discs, 6 inches in diameter; 6 copper discs, 8 inches in diameter; a battery; detonation cord; 49 PVC pipes and 2 blocks of C-4. "This is the citizens of Iraq making Iraq safer by giving us timely and critical info that results in successful operations," said 1st Lt. Otis Ingram, a plt leader.

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XVIII Abn Corps Special Troops Bn takes the lead from III Corps' Task Force Phantom

By Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp

CAMP VICTORY - MNC-I Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson presided over the ceremony Feb 11 at Al Faw Palace in front of an audience of hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and CF.  As a result of the unit's dedication, 86 Combat Action Badges and 267 Bronze Star Medals were awarded.
"Overall, I can say that it was a great experience," said Col. Gregory Maxton, TF Phantom com. "I think all of us will have positive memories that we can be able to look back upon for a long time, knowing that we made a difference while we were here."
As the ceremony concluded, the new TF Soldiers set their agenda for the future. "It's time to roll up our sleeves and get busy," said TF Dragon Com., Lt. Col. William J. Wanovich. "I'm confident in your abilities and honored to stand in front of you as your commander.  I'll be with you every step of the way."

Lt. Col. William J. Wanovich unfurls the unit colors with the help of the bn's senior NCO, Com. Sgt. Maj. Leroy Chaney as part of a transfer of authority ceremony.

Col. Gregory Maxton (left) and 1st Sgt. Daniel Szczepankiewicz, bn com. sgt. major, case their unit's colors.

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MND-B Soldiers detain 5 suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained 5 suspected terrorists in southern Ghazaliyah Feb. 11.
While conducting a cordon and search, Soldiers with Troop A, 1st Sqdrn, 75th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), detained the suspected terrorists.  They are believed to be a part of an IED cell in the area.
This action is part of MND-Baghdad offensive op in support of Op Phantom Phoenix.

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Suspected special groups criminal cell leader arrested in Hurriya

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers with Co A, 1st Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), MND-B, captured a suspected special group criminal cell leader during a raid in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Hurriya Feb. 10.
The cell leader is believed to have been involved in IED and small-arms attacks. This action is part of Op Phantom Phoenix.   

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3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers conduct joint operation with Iraqi NP

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Soldiers of 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt conducted an op in coordination with Iraqi NP Feb. 7 in the village of al Bata'a, north of Patrol Base Assassin.
Soldiers of Troops A and C, 3-1st Cav. Regt., accompanied Iraqi NP and members of the SoI from al Bata'a patrolling the area.  "Combined ops with Iraqi SF in the lead builds confidence in the govt and the Iraqi SF' ability to provide coordinated security for the populace," said 1st. Lt. Jeff Ritter, chemical and projects officer, 3-1st Cav. Regt.
Soldiers and policemen cleared 55 structures of weapons and munitions.  The group also entered 35 individuals into the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment System.
The HIIDES database is used by law enforcement agencies as a quick reference system to help in the ID and apprehension of criminals. The 3rd HBCT uses the system to quickly ID and catalogue persons of interest during continuing ops in the Mada'in Qada.

Children from the village of al Bata'a, Iraq, show off toys after Soldiers from 3rd Sqdrn, accompanied by Iraqi NP, searched houses in their neighborhood Feb. 7.

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Soldiers capture suspected al-Qaeda leader

Capt. Dennis Leung
4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader was captured in a house in the Ubaydi region of Iraq Feb. 9 during a recon op by Co B, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt and Co A, 2nd Bn, 69th Armor Regt.
The suspect is believed to be linked to training foreign fighters, constructing IEDs and organizing attacks against CF.
"Thanks to the help of the Iraqi people, today we captured who we believe to be a key AQI leader in Task Force Patriot's area of ops," said Lt. Col. Dane Barksdale, com. of Task Force Patriot, 1st Bn, 76th FAR, 4th BCT, 3rd ID. "We believe his arrest removes a known murderer of innocent Iraqi people and improves the security in southern Baghdad."

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ISF, MND-B Soldiers find house rigged to explode with multiple IEDs

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF found a house rigged with at least 11 IEDs in the Rusafa Security District of eastern Baghdad Feb. 11.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 504th PIR attached to 2nd Bn, 69th Armored Regt investigated the site and reported ISF found the house, which was rigged with 10 IEDs in the courtyard and one at the front door.
Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD) personnel were dispatched and executed an explosive breach to allow for further investigation of the house.  EOD found 2 doors booby trapped with wire, an anti-tank mine and 3 57 mm rockets.

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Large cache discovered in southern Arab Jabour

BAGHDAD - A local citizen led CF conducting a foot patrol near the village of Minori in southern Arab Jabour to a massive weapons cache Feb. 8.
The cache, recovered by Soldiers from Troop B, 5th Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 3rd ID,
consisted of 59 rocket-propelled grenades, 8 rockets, 128 propellant charges, 32 ammo canisters with a variety of rounds and 5 57 mm mortar illumination rounds.
First Lt. Levi Lenon said CF are working with citizens to make the community safe and secure. Spc. Kevin Sands, said results are beginning to show.  "Hard work pays off; this is a big find for us."
The 5-7th Cav. Regt. is conducting ops under 2nd BCT, 3rd ID during Op Marne Thunderbolt, which began in early January and is aimed at disrupting al-Qaeda in Iraq activity in the area.

Pvt. Jose Nunez, carries munitions from the site.

Staff Sgt. Jason Gamble, removes a rocket-propelled grenade.

First Lt. Levi Lenon, plt leader, Troop B, works with a SoI volunteer to remove weapons.

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Suspected special group criminal cell leader detained in Abu T'shir

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected special group criminal cell leader in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 11.
Soldiers captured the alleged criminal cell leader during a pre-dawn raid in the Abu T'Shir neighborhood in southeast Rashid.  The suspected cell leader is believed to have been involved in attacks involving IED, explosively-formed penetrator, small arms and rockets.

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Dear Interested Readers,
I find our first story about the market fair organized to revive the local economy so interesting, and there is a picture of 2 Iraqi women that should get a prize!  The Furat Training Facility is a great success story, as well as the trauma training program, and improvements in Al Bawi.
Joanna
___________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 12, 2008

Market fair hopes to revive local economy

By Pfc. April Campbell
3rd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Robert C. Dose, an agricultural market specialist with the USAID-sponsored Agribusiness Program said, "This area is on the edge of an agricultural production area and an urban area," Dose said. "We're here to provide new technology in areas such as food processing and packaging."
"In order to maintain the positive security momentum, we have to have some vehicle to start bringing life back into the community and allow people the means of creating some personal revenue," said Bonner.
Iraqis who attended the fair walked away with a sense of hope. Muthier Salah Abidilkhalik of Suleihk, said he attended the fair because he heard there would be projects to help his neighborhood people.  "The idea of the people working together to better the neighborhood economies will benefit the area now and also in the future," he said.

Local residents from the Suleikh, Tunnis and Qahira neighborhoods in the
Adhamiya district of Baghdad line up to attend the market fair hosted at a
community center in Suleikh Feb. 9.  The event was conducted to provide
business coaching, and to help citizens organize an area market action
committee (MAC); a non-profit business committee similar to a chamber of
commerce.

Fikrat Kareem, the neighborhood advisory council leader for Tunnis, speaks at the beginning of the market fair.

  Col. Jeffery Bonner, who serves as an agricultural and commercial business development officer with embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, speaks.

Iraqi women register during the market fair.

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18th MPs power up Furat training facility

Staff Sgt. Greggory Huff, motor sgt with HHC, 18th MP Bde teaches an Iraqi police officer how to properly operate a donated power generator Feb 11.  The generator was donated to the Furat Training facility to sustain the electricity for the facility.

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MND-B Soldiers capture suspected terrorist, high-value target

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 1st Bn, 21st Inf, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, MND-Baghdad, captured a
suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Abu Ghuraib region of the Iraqi capitol Feb. 9.
This suspected AQI operator is believed to be a key facilitator of terrorist activities in southern Baghdad.  He is the regiment's number-one, high-value target and is being held for questioning.
"The detention of this terrorist suspect demonstrates that we continue to aggressively pursue Al-Qaeda-in-Iraq," said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Cav Regt.

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First Iraqi Police recruits arrive at Furat Training Center

By Sgt. Daniel D. Blottenberger
18th MP Brigade

BAGHDAD - More than 1,000 Iraqi recruits moved through a security checkpoint near the front entrance of the Furat Training Center Feb. 10.
"We are here to become IP officers, to get a good job and we are here for our country," said Jabbav Mitir, one of the recruits.
The Sons of Iraq who are now training to become IP, are part of the IP expansion program. This program is aimed to train more than 12,000 new IP recruits from surrounding provinces.
During the course, a typical training day for the recruits includes learning basic law enforcement techniques, such as weapons training, combative techniques, structure-clearing techniques, first-aid and defensive maneuvers against small-arms attacks.  IP candidates also learn basic understanding of democratic law enforcement and policing skills, while incorporating values, ethics and human rights, crime scene preservation and detention procedures.
The 18th MP Bde Police Transition Team and the 35th Eng. Bde worked for several weeks planning and executing the preparation of the Furat facility, which became operational Feb 9.
"This is an additional opportunity to train police forces to protect the Iraq people," said Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, com. gen. for the 4th Inf Div and com. of MND-Baghdad to reporters following the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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Iraqi Trauma Training Program Graduates 8th Class

By Cpt. Kay McKinnie
86th Combat Support Hospital

BAGHDAD - Ibn Sina Hospital's Iraqi Trauma Training Program graduated its eighth class of students, consisting of 14 Iraqi doctors, nurses and medics from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense (MOD) Feb. 6 within Iraq's Intl. Zone.
The Iraqi Trauma Training Program was initiated by the 10th Combat Support Hospital, a unit from Ft. Carson, Colo. in partnership with the Medical Ops and Clinical Services Health Affairs of MNSTC-I.  The Trauma Training Program is one more step toward the smooth transition of healthcare responsibility from American to Iraqi oversight. 
Dr. David Soloman, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital's Trauma Training Center, expressed the long term impact this program will have on Iraqi medical providers.  "We're hoping that this program will improve the overall Iraqi healthcare system by teaching our students to go out and teach their medical counterparts."
This shared effort between the Iraqi MOD and U.S. Army is one of many programs currently conducted by the 86th Combat Support Hospital at Ibn Sina and across Iraq under the guidance of Task Force 62nd Medical Bde that aims to put an Iraqi face back on Iraqi healthcare.  It is through our relationships with Iraqi healthcare providers developed by programs such as Iraqi Trauma Training that forward strides will be made in the Iraqi military medical system.

Sgt. Daniel Cadnum, 86th Combat Support Hospital medic and instructor, teaches a class on Pharmaceuticals. This 8th class of students who graduated from the course on Feb. 6 experiences 8-weeks of such medical classroom instruction, as well as simulation lab and clinical experience.

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Sunrise missions lead to improvements in al Bawi

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Soldiers and leaders of Co A, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, visited Sons of Iraq (SoI) at checkpoints Feb. 6 in al Bawi village.
According to Capt. William Clark, com. of Co A, Soldiers had executed similar missions in the past and come under attack by small arms and IEDs. The past 3 visits to SoI checkpoints in al Bawi were peaceful, he said.  He attributes this turnaround to 563 members of SoI patrolling the area and manning checkpoints in al Bawi.  He said his main point of contact, Sheik Ali, leader of the SoI in the area, lives in al Bawi. "He went from informing us of AQI leaders and IED emplacers to becoming the public figure for Salman Pak and the Mada'in Qada.  His personal land encompasses a decent part of Al Bawi so most of SoI are his relatives and people from his tribe."
Clark meets with the SoI in al Bawi often, he said. The group has found over 40 IEDs and approximately 10 to 15 caches since last November.  Clark is proud of his Soldiers and the progress they have made in al Bawi.  "In the last 3 months we have seen a significant improvement in Salman Pak." It has been 14 days since the last fire fight.  Since the sunrise missions, things have been relatively quiet. We have found one IED since December.  We were finding them every other day."
Company A, 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, from Fort Benning, Ga.

Maj. John Wolfe, a team leader in Co A, 489th CAB, questions residents about the security of a local pump station.

First Sgt. Troy Moore, assesses a bunker at a SoI checkpoint.

Capt. William Clark, com. of Co A, talks to SoI about their checkpoints.

Pvt. Ryan Testoni, provides security.

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3rd HBCT Soldiers seize large cache

Story by Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from Co D, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, currently attached to the 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, seized a large cache near Jisr Diyala, Feb. 6.
Soldiers from the 3-1 Cav. Regt. obtained a tip from an Iraqi, and Soldiers from Co D moved to identify and secure the munitions, containing 35 82 mm mortars, 24 60 mm mortars, 14 grenades of various origin, four RPG-7 rockets, 14 warheads, and various other munitions and explosive material.  Officers from 3-1 Cav. Regt. determined it was the largest cache the unit has seized since their deployment March 2007.
Capt. Brian Gilbert, com. of Co D, 1-15 Inf. Regt. explained that civilians normally keep their distance when his Soldiers secure a cache site.  When his Soldiers arrived at the supposed cache area, local residents helped point them in the right direction and engaged the Soldiers in conversation throughout the process.
Gilbert further elaborated that he has seen tremendous improvements in the area since his return from leave 2 weeks ago. "While I was gone, the SoI really spurred the people of Jisr Diyala to provide info on extremist groups and point us towards caches," said Gilbert.  "We seized more caches in January than all of October and November combined."

Mortars rounds found.

Propellant charges for RPGs found.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. Special Ops Forces Detain 3 Terror Suspects in Separate Ops

BAGHDAD - Feb. 9, in Balad, Iraqi and U.S. SF detained 2 suspected members of an al-Qaeda-in-Iraq cell believed to be involved in multiple attacks.  According to intel reports, the terrorist cell is involved in mortar and sniper attacks as well as emplacing IEDs. 
In Anah, near Rawah, IP and U.S. Special Ops Forces detained a suspected al-Qaeda-in-Iraq terrorist cell member believed to be responsible for IED attacks. According to intel reports, the suspect has been active in several insurgent groups, recently leading a 50-member terror cell.  He is also allegedly involved in weapons cache emplacement in Rawah.

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MND-C Soldiers seize EFP cache

Story by Maj. Joe Sowers

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Squad, 1st Cav Regt, seized an explosively-formed penetrator cache in Jurf Nadaf, a town southeast of Baghdad, Feb. 8.
The discovery was due to a tip from a "Sons of Iraq" member.  The cache consisted of 13 EFPs; one shape charge; 37 blocks of C4 explosive; 13 blasting caps; a 62 mm mortar tube; and a 40 mm rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

A variety of materials were seized by Soldiers from Troop C.

Thirty-seven blocks of C4 explosive.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have so many pictures to go with our stories.  If any of you wonder why I include so many pictures that feature our troops, it's in the hope that someone seeing the picture will recognize a loved one.  Large weapon caches have been found, as well as captured insurgents.  There is much action in Mosul, and we're happy to have the stories and pictures.
Joanna
________________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 11, 2008

1,000 landmines unearthed

FOB KALSU - 1,000 landmines were unearthed in a weapons cache Feb. 3.  CF and IA Soldiers found a total of 6 weapons caches during the joint op northeast of Iskandariyah.
In addition to the 1,000 landmines, a substantial amount of munitions was found in 2 other caches, including 24 57 mm rounds; 9 130 mm artillery rounds; and 60 pounds of unknown bulk explosives.
The other 3 caches contained lesser amounts of munitions and IED-making materials.

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MND-B commander 'Ironhorse 6' visits Iraqi market west of Baghdad

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond (left), the commanding general of MND-Baghdad and the 4th ID,  along with Hammond's exec. officer, Maj. Andy Gordon, and Com. Sgt. Major Anthony Diamond, Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, listen attentively during a patrol brief Feb. 7 before moving out to the Fira Shira Market, which is located west of Baghdad.

1st Sgt. James Grove (left) and a fellow Soldier from Batt B, Fires Sqdrn, joke around with local residents Feb. 7 in Fira Shira Market.  Recently, the unit provided a micro-grant to a local Iraqi businessman to jump start a bakery in the market.  A week later, a restaurant opened across the street as a direct result of the bakery.

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MND-N Soldiers patrol Mosul

Soldiers from 3rd Plt, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt from Fort Hood, Texas, walk through Al Mansour, a neighborhood in Mosul, and talk to the local men, Feb. 9.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Bruhn, watches his surroundings while on a dismounted patrol in Mosul.

3rd Plt Leader 1st Lt. Rusty Morris, Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, shows a picture of his family to an Iraqi family.

Pvt. Brandon Miles, takes cover behind a wall during a dismounted patrol.

Children follow a Soldier as he walks through Al Mansour.

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Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces find large explosives cache

MOSUL - The IA and CF discovered more than 400 pounds of homemade explosives in a large cache Feb. 10 while searching houses in eastern Mosul in support of Op Phantom Phoenix...
While searching homes in a known insurgent neighborhood, the ISF and CF found the cache. Additionally, the cache held a large amount of explosives including pressure plate IEDs, TNT, blasting caps, an unknown liquid, ball bearings and other materials used to make IEDs.
"Once again the insurgents have decided to store large amounts of explosive materials in residential areas, showing a complete disregard to the safety of Iraqi citizens," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3d Armored Cav Regt spokesman.
Due to the instability of the structure and the amount of explosives in the cache, it was determined that the explosives had to be detonated in place. The IA and CF notified residents, evacuated the area, and conducted a controlled detonation.  The blast resulted in minor damage to 5 adjacent homes.  Residents of those homes will be compensated.

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Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces clear way for new combat outpost

MOSUL - Iraqi SF and CF captured 41 insurgents during the first 24 hours of Op Eagle Harvest II in eastern Mosul, Feb. 7.
The objective of the op is to clear insurgents from the targeted neighborhood and establish a new combat outpost (COP), said Maj. Gary Dangerfield.  The op was conducted by IA Soldiers and 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.
"Op Eagle Harvest II, will enable the ISF and CF to move into what is a troubled part of town and establish better security for the people of that community," Dangerfield said. "The end result will be another neighborhood clear of insurgents and under control of the ISF."

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3d Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR) visits a busy market in Mosul

Spc. Carlos Rivera, a cav scout in 3rd Plt, Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt from Fort Hood, Texas, provides security while patrolling through the Al Dawasa market in Mosul, Feb. 9.

Staff Sgt. Chad Caldwell, patrols the busy Al Dawasa market.

Sgt. Cole Weih, a medic, talks with a young Iraqi boy.

Pvt. Brandon Miles, walks past the flashy store window displays.

Soldiers dismount their Humvees and walk the busy Al Dawasa markets of Mosul.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Bruhn, a cav scout, shows an Iraqi boy how to "shake up" like an American.

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MND-B deputy commander listens to Iraqi's concerns in market west of Baghdad

Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, dep. com. gen., MND-Baghdad, and Lt. Col. Bob McAleer, com., Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, talk to a shop owner Feb. 9 in the Fira Shira Market west of Baghdad.  Milano visited Joint Security Station (JSS) Salamiyat, which is home to the Stryker Soldiers and an Iraqi NP unit, and also a local market and the home of Sheik Zedan, a local "Sons of Iraq" leader who was wounded by a car bomb Feb 3.

Capt. Chris Ellis, who is the com. of Batt B, Fires Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, briefs Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, and Lt. Col. Bob McAleer, about his operational area in the Fira Shira Market west of Baghdad Feb. 9.  Ellis has made a significant impact to the Fira Shira residents and has earned their trust and affection. He was instrumental in reopening 5 area schools.

Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, visits with Sheik Zedan at his home.  Zedan told Milano that despite his
injuries, he and his people remain steadfastly committed to Shia-Sunni reconciliation.  The two leaders talked about security and education concerns in the region.

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ISF detain suspect believed to be associated with recent suicide bombings

BAGHDAD - ISF supported by MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspect at the Rashid Hospital in eastern Baghdad for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities Feb. 10.  The suspect is being detained for further questioning for his suspected links to al-Qaeda-in-Iraq and recent suicide bombings.

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Suspected suicide bomb facilitator arrested in Doura

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspected suicide bomb facilitator during a raid in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 9.
Numerous tips led Soldiers from Co C, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div, MND to detain the alleged extremist. He was found with 5 Iraqi women in a home in Doura.  One of the women is suspected of being a possible suicide bomber-in-training. Two of the women were detained for further questioning.

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Dear Interested Readers,
It's encouraging to read of the continued training of the Iraqi Soldiers, as well as the turning over of responsibility of the city of Hit to the Iraqi Security Forces (SF).  We're also taken along on a mission to al-Saiyid through pictures.
Joanna
______________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 10, 2008

Special Ops Forces (SOF) train Iraqi Security Force (ISF) unit

BAGHDAD - Twenty-five ISF troops recently graduated from a 3-week training course taught by U.S. SOF.
ISF will work closely with SOF during the transition of Al Anbar's security back to the Iraqi Govt. This graduating class is one of the first units in the area consisting of people from all of tribes in the area.
The SOF unit instructed ISF recruits on the importance of physical training, how to secure a building and how to conduct searches once the area is secure. The unit was developed to fight terrorism in Ramadi.

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Operation Phantom Phoenix clears al-Saiyid village

Spc. Bradley Crittenden, a rifleman in HHC, 1st Bn, 38th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., provides security for squad members while preparing to clear al-Saiyid Village, during Op Rock Thrasher, which is part of the country wide Op Phantom Phoenix, Feb. 8. The 38th Inf Regt participated with the IA in the op.

First Lt. Rodney Jackson, plt leader in Co A, discusses an attack plan with an Iraqi Army squad leader.  The IA and CF Soldiers worked together to clear the town of al-Qaeda-in-Iraq and weapon caches.

Soldiers from Co A work together to climb over a wall in Al-Saiyid.  High walls surrounding houses and canals created some challenges for the Soldiers.

Spc. Charles Fitak, a radio operator with Co A climbs a wall.

Spc. Seth Epperson, rifleman in Co A moves debris while looking for a possible weapon cache at a farm near al-Saiyid.

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MND-B, Iraqi leaders address issues together

Lt. Col. Thomas Boccardi, com. of 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th Inf Div, MND-Baghdad, speaks with Sheik Hassan, the Tarmiya Sheik's Council leader following the first Tarmiya Qada meeting Feb. 5. Tarmiya is north of Baghdad.  Sheik Khadr and Boccardi want to see more security and reconstruction improvements in the area.  MND-B Soldiers, IP and the "Sons of Iraq" work together to continually improve security for the people of Tarmiya.

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MNF-W conducts transfer of authority ceremony

CAMP FALLUJAH - Com. Gen. Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), took command of MN Force-West in Al Anbar province from Maj. Gen. W.E. Gaskin, II MEF (Forward), in a ceremony Feb. 9.
During his time in command, Gaskin oversaw dramatic improvements in security and stability throughout Al Anbar.  As Kelly and the California-based I MEF (Fwd) take command, they hope to work alongside their Iraqi counterparts to continue building on those improvements and give Anbaris the ability to stand on their own.

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City of Hit to demilitarize

AL ASAD AIRBASE - Iraqi SF are scheduled to assume responsibility of the city of Hit from Task Force 1st Bn, 7th Marines Feb. 14.  It's the largest demilitarization of an Anbar city to date.
"Just a little over a year ago, the city of Hit was being torn to pieces by gangs of terrorists and insurgents whose attacks and murders spared no one from horror and suffering," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Dill, the com. officer of Task Force 1/7.  "Today, after the IP, the IA, with assistance from CF, cleared the city... the city is back to life and its economy is improving everyday."
The Task Force, from Twentynine Palms, Calif., will also transfer security of Combat Operation Post (COP)1 to the city of Hit and assume an overwatch posture.

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Joint patrol arrests six, find munitions

BAGHDAD - Feb. 8 - During an early morning joint patrol in northwest Rashid, Iraqi soldiers as well as Soldiers of Co B, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, detained 6 men believed to be connected to Al Qaeda.
Later, Soldiers of Co D, 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, found the munitions during a patrol in southeastern Rashid.  Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel detonated 5 60mm mortar rounds, 13 rocket-propelled grenades and 4 RPG boosters with detonation cord at a Coalition base in southern Baghdad.

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New 'Sons of Iraq' lead CF to AQI hideout

BAQUBAH - Newly registered "Sons of Iraq" led CF to an al-Qaeda-in-Iraq safe house, Feb. 8. This tip resulted in the death of 6 enemy insurgents east of al-Mansuriyah.
Soldiers from Troop F, 2nd Sqdrn, 3rd Cav Regt were registering new Sons of Iraq when the local sheik informed the Soldiers where an AQI cell was hiding.
The AQI fired on the Soldiers with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The Soldiers returned fire, immediately killing one armed combatant.  An air weapons team completed the engagement -- killing 5 more armed insurgents.  One insurgent was also detained. There were no Coalition casualties.
"The people in this area will definitely be a lot safer now," said Capt. Torre Mallard, Fox Troop com.  "One of the guys was the main AQI leader in the area.  He was conducting illegal checkpoints, supplying money for IEDs, conducting kidnappings, emplacing IEDs and going around terrorizing people. "This would not have happened had we not had a good working relationship with the local sheik and his people in the area," Mallard said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have an exceptional variety of stories from successful ops in finding weapon caches and capturing insurgents to an engineering school in Taji training new recruits, a woman vetinarian, and an Iraqi orphanage.  Let's hear it for the pro-anglers visiting our troops, and the Royal Tongan Marines as part of our coalition!
Joanna
_________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 9, 2008

Iraqi SF, Special Ops Forces (SOF) detain 4 terror suspects in 3 separate ops

BALAD -  Feb. 7 -  In Baghdad, Iraqi SOF detained a suspected Al Qaeda-in-Iraq terrorist believed to be involved in emplacing IEDs and conducting attacks against Iraqi and CF.
In a separate Baghdad raid, Iraqi SOF detained a suspected terrorist suspected of weapons smuggling and multiple attacks against Iraqi and CF. 
Near the city of Ramadi, IP and U.S. SOF detained 2 suspected members of a terrorist financing cell.  According to intel reports, the terror cell is also involved in providing supplies and safe houses for terrorists.   

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Iraqi Army Engineer School launches training for new recruits

TAJI - The IA Engineer School in Taji is scheduled to begin training 100-140 new recruits for the new IA Infrastructure Repair Bn.
The Equipment Operator Class is led by Iraqi instructors to teach students how to operate an excavator, grader and bulldozers. The course is scheduled to last approx. 6 weeks beginning at the end of February through March.

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Ninewa Special Weapons and Tactics team detains 4 insurgents

BALAD - The Ninewa Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. SF, detained 4 known insurgents in an op in the village of Al Athba Feb. 8. The 4 insurgents are believed to be part of an IED cell responsible for IED attacks along Main Supply Route Tampa. Six other individuals are being held for further questioning.
During the op, the assault force saw 3 men maneuver on top of a roof near the target objective.  An Iraqi sniper killed one individual after seeing him point a weapon at ground forces.

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Operation Phantom Phoenix: Iraqi Army frees 2 kidnap victims, CF kills 3 AQI, detains 7 

TIKRIT - The Iraqi Army found 2 kidnap victims and CF killed 3 al-Qaeda-in-Iraq operatives and detained 7 suspected AQI during Op Blackhawk Thrasher near Qubah, approx. 4 miles northeast of Zaganiyah, Feb. 7. 
During the joint op, which involved the IA, IP and Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, CF detained 7 suspected AQI during village clearing ops. One AQI was killed by an Air Weapons Team and 2 more were killed in a firefight with CF in palm groves directly west of Qubah.  One hour after the firefight, IA Soldiers discovered the 2 kidnapped victims approximately 1 km away in the same palm grove.  CF officials believe the kidnappers fled the area and left the victims when they heard CF helicopters, and then were killed in the process of fleeing. 
The victims had been kidnapped 3 days prior in Zaganiyah, and said they were beaten and tortured by their captors.  The liberated prisoners identified the enemy killed in action as the people who had kidnapped and tortured them.
"This is the first time we've done a big op like this with the IP and IA together," said Charlie Co, 2-23 Inf. 1st Sgt. William Linares. "They did an awesome job. They moved with a sense of urgency, and they knew what they were doing.  As a whole, we are making a huge impact in this area, especially working with IA and IP," Linares continued. "Now we are getting so much more support from the local population. They are actually engaging the enemy themselves when they come in town. That was unheard of before. They see the IA and IP, and (the local citizens) get more confident. They used to be terrified of the insurgents."

Two former AQI kidnapped victims stand next to one of the IA Soldiers who liberated them.

Spc. James Powell, inf scout with HHC, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., stands next to an AQI underground bunker that was used as a prison and torture chamber for kidnapped victims.

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Iraqi Army, MND-C Soldiers organize veterinary visit in Yusufiyah

By Capt. Allison Flannigan, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 3rd Plt, Co C, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) and their IA counterparts arranged a veterinarian visit at a local sheik's house, Feb 5.
Mohel Abdella Mohammed, a local veterinarian, treated more than 120 cows and sheep with the Soldiers' help.  Mohel vaccinated the animals for Clostridium chauvoei, commonly known as Blackleg, a fatal bacterial infection common in cows and sheep. 
Mohel completed her degree at Baghdad University in 1988 and has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 20 years.  She said she was excited to work with Soldiers to vaccinate animals in her town, and hopes to conduct more of these visits to offer medical treatment to other farming communities. 
"We try to tailor our missions to the needs of the tribe. The Abu Alush tribe depends on agriculture and farming," said 1st Lt. Casey Zimmerman, plt leader for 3rd Plt.  Capt. Michael Starz, com. of Co C, said the vet visit was particularly beneficial because they were able to employ a local professional. The event also had a positive impact on the economy because the vaccinations were locally purchased.
Pfc. Andrew Finney, said events like this are very useful because they strengthen bonds between the local populace and CF.  Following the vaccinations, the Soldiers joined Sheik Khudaur at his home.  Finney said the sheik is a good leader who cares about the well-being of his tribe, and is always helpful and hospitable to Soldiers. 
"This, just sitting here, is the most beneficial thing we do. Just sitting and talking breeds a mutual respect," Finney said. "The more we learn about their culture, the more we respect them and the more they respect us for learning about them."

Mohel Abdella Mohammed, prepares a vaccine for a baby sheep.

Mohel walks with 1st Lt. Casey Zimmerman. 

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Sons of Iraq provide tip, Soldiers seize cache

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

BAGHDAD - A Sons of Iraq group discovered a weapons cache near Sabah Nissan, a village east of Baghdad, and turned it over to Soldiers of 1st Bn, 10th FAR, Feb. 5.
The cache consisted of 2 rocket-propelled grenades, a 130 mm artillery round, a 120 mm tank round, a 60 mm mortar round and a 57 mm mortar round.
"The Sons of Iraq continue to prove their worth when they provide us these tips on weapons caches," said Capt. Charles Cannon, com. of Batt A. "They hear and learn things that some local Iraqis may be hesitant to approach CF about.
Soldiers from 1-10 FAR have seized 11 caches as a result of Sons of Iraq tips since last November.
The 1-10 FA is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID out of Fort Benning, Ga.

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MND-N Soldiers provide aid to Iraqi orphanage

KIRKUK - Soldiers with 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div, visited a Kirkuk orphanage Feb. 3
The Soldiers passed out food, supplies and toys -- hoping to "brighten the children's faces and provide them with some things that they often go without," said Capt. Greg Hotaling, the Co D com.
In addition to donating food and supplies, the MND-North Soldiers made plans to help the orphanage build an indoor recreation room, "where the boys have somewhere to play during bad weather," Hotaling said. 
"It's just an amazing feeling to know that we are putting smiles on the faces of these children, and we will continue to work with them until we leave," said Sgt. 1st Class Steven Bailey.  "The boys are real smart, too. I was teaching them English and they were teaching me Arabic."

Sgt. 1st Class Steven Bailey shows an Iraqi boy how to carry his stuffed animal.

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Pro anglers visit Iraq

From right: Eric Mannino, host of ESPN 2's "Inland Fishing Techniques," former Miss Florida and co-host of Sun Sports' and Water Channel's "Professional Tarpon Tournament Series" Kristen Berset, and co-host of "Professional Tarpon Tournament Series" Joe Mercurio sign autographs at FOB Warhorse, Feb. 6. The trio visited several bases throughout Iraq this week and will host the first Baghdad Fishing Tournament at Camp Victory Feb. 8.  Organizers plan on making this tournament an annual event.

Soldiers from 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., receive free T-shirts and other fishing-related merchandise.

Sgt. Maj. Kevin Griffin, ops sgt major for 2nd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, gives a squadron coin to Eric Mannino, to thank him for supporting the troops.

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Royal Tongan Marines awarded for OIF service

By Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp

CAMP VICTORY - A contingent of Royal Tongan Marines was honored at a Camp Victory awards presentation Feb. 5 for their service during a six-month deployment at the Al-Faw Palace. 
Fifty-five Marines from the South Pacific island of Tonga were honored with 3 U.S. Army Commendation Medals and 52 U.S. Army Achievement medals for their service in support of the MNC-Iraq mission.
The Tongans were tasked with providing 24-hour internal and external security for the 48,000 square-foot Al-Faw Palace -- a job they've done "extremely well," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief of staff for MNC-I.
Before the Marines were to be awarded their medals, however, a Camp Victory tradition had to be upheld. The unit was called to attention by their chief of naval defense and he simply said, "a song."  Booming voices of the Tongans had servicemembers from all three floors of the palace coming out of offices and cubicles. The Tongans set a precedent since their deployment in September of 2007 by singing at numerous MNC-I ceremonies, the likes such as this one coming to cheers, rounds of applause and words of gratitude.
"You are dedicated to executing your duties, but as you've just demonstrated today, you're also an awesome chorus," Anderson said. "We thank you for making many of our ceremonies and services all that much more special."
The Tongan's co. com., Capt. Tau Ahoelei, said the honor the unit was bestowed comes from the ability to take any mission given, "and give it our best shot," he said.
"Whatever mission it is, we work hard at it, we enjoy it and we are happy to do it," said Ahoelei, from Nuku'alofa, Kolomotu'a. "We've made a lot of friends, learned about the culture here, and we've even learned American footie (football)."
This is the second contingent of Tongan Marines to be sent to support OIF.  They first deployed in June of 2004 to support ops in Iraq's Al-Anbar Province.  The unit makes up approx. 10 percent of the total Tongan Defense Forces. The Tongans will leave later this month to be replaced by 55 more of their fellow countrymen.

A Royal Tongan Marine stands at attention during an awards ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, (left), congratulates Capt. Tau Ahoelei, on his awarding of the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

   

Dear Interested Readers,
We have so many wonderful pictures that bring the stories to life.  I know many of you will appreciate seeing the "Johnny 5" robot, and see football played in Iraq!
Joanna

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 8, 2008

Salman Pak leaders work to revitalize hospital

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD - Work is underway in Salman Pak to revitalize a hospital which has not been fully operational for approx. 5 years.
Soldiers and leaders from 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, and Team 915 of Co A, 489th CAB, from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to 1-15 Inf. Regt., visited the hospital Feb. 4.  Maj. John Wolfe, a 489th CA team leader, said the NP have been using the facility as a HQ and barracks since 2005.
Wolfe believes CF and Iraqi leaders can restore the hospital to full op. The facility has 70 patient beds, hematology laboratory, surgical room, birthing center, male and female patient accommodations, a café, laundry facility, and emergency and ambulatory services.  If the facility returns to former capacity, jobs will be available for doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals.  "Past insecurity and sectarian violence kept many medical professionals away," Faulkner said. "We are optimistic that the improved security and stability will permit the return of these professionals and essential services."
According to Capt. Jason Carney, a 489th CA team leader, changes have been made since the NP vacated the facility. The Sons of Iraq (SoI) took over security for the hospital and approx. 3 doctors see patients daily, from morning to early afternoon. "Doctors and patients are still leery to stay overnight," Carney said.
Wolfe said the Iraqi Ministry of Health is helping fund health facility improvements.  The hospital in Salman Pak has already used funds to purchase water pipes and porcelain sinks.
The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Jemison, talks to two members of the Sons of Iraq, at a hospital.

Capt. Steven Schmidt, fire support officer, tours the grounds of the hospital as Sgt. Chris Armstrong, provides security.

Maj. John Wolfe, walks with a city council leader, a leader of the Sons of Iraq and a maintenance representative during a tour of the hospital.

Capt. William Clark, com. of Co A, looks through the operating room during the tour.

Sgt. Warren Cash, plays marbles with a young boy after leaders of 1-15 Inf. Regt. and the 489th CAB took a tour of the hospital.

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IA Soldiers, Sons of Iraq recognized for securing northern Baghdad neighborhoods

By Pfc. April Campbell 3rd BCT PAO, 4th ID

COP WAR EAGLE - Iraqi Army Soldiers and Sons of Iraq were presented awards by MND - Baghdad and IA leaders for their efforts in securing the Qahira and Shabakar neighborhoods in northern Baghdad Feb. 6.
Lt. Col. Wilson Shoffner, the com. of the 2nd Bn, 319th AFAR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, and Col. John Hort, the 3rd BCT com., each presented the Iraqis with certificates of appreciation for their service to their country.  Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Rasol, was also present to commend the IA Soldiers and Sons of Iraq.
"I want to commend you for your bravery, for your love of the country of Iraq and for your willingness to work together.  If all of the other (Sons of Iraq groups) and Iraqi Army in the city of Baghdad work together as well as you, I know in my heart that Iraq will succeed," said Shoffner.
"I'm counting on you (the enlisted IA Soldiers) and you Sons of Iraq to carry the day," Hort said. "From thwarting a kidnapping to taking down terrorists, I cannot tell you how proud I am."

Lt. Col. Wilson Shoffner presents a certificate to a member of the Sons of Iraq.

Lt. Col. Wilson Shoffner returns a salute from an IA Soldier, before presenting him a certificate.

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2-23 Inf. works with Sons of Iraq

Pfc. William Small of Co A, 2nd Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., search a vehicle with a Sons of Iraq forIEDs at a hasty checkpoint near Muqdadiyah, Feb. 1. The vehicle was searched due to multiple VBIED threats in the area.

Spc. Douglas Macklin, rifleman in Co A, provides security for a meeting at a Sons of Iraq commanders house.  The meeting was held to discuss current and future projects in the area.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Burlingame, squad leader in Co A, checks the ID of a Son of Iraq.

Pvt. Leo Robertson, rifleman in Co A, uses a HIDDE system to register a Son of Iraq. The person was registered along with 10 other local citizens.

Spc. Charles Gardner, rifleman in Co A, waves to kids in a courtyard below him while providing security for the meeting.

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MND-N Soldiers, Air Force clear route of IEDs

An Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot nicknamed, Johnny Five, picks up a pressure wire attached to a suspected IED along a route in Kirkuk, Jan. 20, as the two-man Air Force EOD team controls and monitors its progress.

Staff Sgt. Christopher McClain, 2nd Plt, Co A, Special Troops Bn, 1st Brigade, 10th Mtn Div, conducts maintenance on a Buffalo H, mine resistant ambush protected vehicle during down time. The Buffalo is an armored vehicle designed with anti-land mine capabilities, which the Army uses to help clear IEDs.

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Iraqi and CF target criminal elements; one killed, 15 detained

CAMP TAJI - Iraqi and Coalition SF conducted an op targeting special group criminal elements today in eastern Baghdad.  Sixteen criminals were initially detained, one died later from wounds received during the op. 
The op involved Iraqi forces and coalition soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, part of the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, MND - Iraq.  As ground forces approached the target house they came under attack by small arms fire.  Iraqi and CF returned fire in self-defense, mortally wounding one terrorist.
The op targeted members of a special group believed to be responsible for multiple indirect fire and explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and CF, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.
"Criminal elements who insist on ignoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's ceasefire pledge remain a threat not only to the citizens of Baghdad but to the security of Iraq," said Lt. Col. James Hutton, MNC-I spokesman. "We will continue to work aggressively to disrupt their networks and bring these criminals to justice."

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Cavalry scouts, IA, IP react to intelligence during Mosul mission

Sgt. Joseph Shirley, a cavalry scout in Troop L, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, from Fort Hood, Texas, uses a metal detector to search for possible weapons caches in a cemetery in Mosul, Iraq, Feb. 5 after suspicious activity was noticed in the area earlier in the day.

A Soldier of Troop L, scans rooftops across the street while dismounted.

IA Soldiers dig for weapons caches as a Soldier from Troop L, uses a metal detector to search for possible caches.

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Iraqi, MND-N Soldiers work, play together

An Iraqi Army Soldier reaches to intercept a pass during a game of football between Soldiers from Troop L, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, and IA troops, Feb. 5 at a combat outpost in Mosul.

An IA Soldier competes with a Soldier of Troop L, for a pass.  Football games like these give Soldiers a way to burn energy and exercise.

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Ironhawk Soldiers maintain good relations with people of Mosul

Sgt. 1st Class John Somogye, 1st Plt sgt, Troop I, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, from Fort Hood, Texas, talks with an Iraqi man about activity in the area.

Sgt. Domingo Sagolili, a cavalry scout, hands an Iraqi boy a bag of candy canes during a patrol in Mosul, Feb. 4.

A cavalry scout in 1st Plt, shakes the hands of a group of Iraqi men while on patrol.

A cavalry scout holds his hand out to a shy Iraqi boy.

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Iraqi local provides cache information

RAMADI - An Iraqi civilian provided info that enabled Iraqi SF and CF to unearth a large cache seven kilometers south of Ramadi Feb. 4.
Acting on a tip to the possible location of a buried cache, the IA and Co. A and C, 1st Bn, 8th Marine Regt maneuvered to the possible location and discovered a partially buried cache, consisting of 120 23mm rounds, 3 82mm mortar rounds, 3 antiaircraft weapons, 4000 14.5mm ammo rounds and 70 pounds of assorted propellant. 
As the ISF and First BCT have improved security and returned life to normalcy, local citizens have been providing info concerning cache locations to security forces on a routine basis.

A local Iraqi provided information that led to 3 anti-aircraft weapons and multiple types of ammo.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have such a variety of interesting stories today, from fine tuning the Iraqi Police (IP) stations, to revitalizing the Narhwan Brick Factory Complex.  In rebuilding a nation, we see that there is much involved.
Joanna
_____________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 7, 2008

3rd ACR conducts Mosul reconnaissance

Sgt. Domingo Sagolili, a cav scout in 1st Plt, Troop I, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, from Fort Hood, Texas, walks dismounted alongside Humvees through a street in a residential area of Mosul on an area recon, Feb. 4.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Bevington watches the surrounding buildings.

Sgt. 1st Class John Somogye, provides security.

Sgt. Michael Gonzales, patrols through Mosul.

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18th MP BDE systems approach focuses IP on sustainment

By Sgt. Daniel D. Blottenberger
18th MP BDE

BAGHDAD - In the past 6 months, IP expansion in Baghdad has reached an all time high. The enhanced Police Transition Team (ePTT) is the new approach being used to move the IP HQ to the next level of performance.
"We are energizing the leadership to take responsibility and support their stations," said Lt. Col. Thomas Lombardo, ops officer, 18th MP Bde.  "We're sending individuals with skill sets, supporting logistics, personnel management, maintenance, budget, police ops, training, leadership and judicial integration sections.  Lombardo said the IP leadership is very proactive and receptive to this new approach, "The stations here in Baghdad are good; we can make them better."
  "The IP were very happy to have someone who knows communications," said 1st Lt. David Delong, a communications officer.  Internet communications are important and vital for the passing of info between the IP stations and HQ in Baghdad, Delong said.  "They have problems in internet connectivity," said Delong "and they are now trying to fix those problems with our help."
Master Sgt. Thomas Francis, maintenance supervisor, 18th MP Bde, who has been working in maintenance facilities for 20 years, said "The IP have a good system in place.  They are very organized and have good accountability of their parts, which they often recycle to get the most out of their equipment. There are a lot of mechanics in training, and once they graduate, we will help them distribute the new mechanics to all levels in Baghdad."
The strategy is a planned foundation for the future success of the IP in Baghdad.  "ePTT is a strategy to build on, and in the future we will hand this off to future brigades to continue," said Lombardo.  The IP leadership is taking the advice from the ePTT and responsibility for their stations while improving the IP systems in Baghdad.

Staff officers of the Patrol HQ Baghdad met with their counterpart staff members of the 18th MP Bde Jan. 27.

Capt. Vaughan Byrum, (left) and Lt. Col. Thomas Lombardo, (right) discuss through a translator, ePTT methods with Brig. Gen. Safaa, (center), dep. com., IP Patrol HQ Feb. 6.

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More jobs available at Narhwan Brick Factory Complex

By Ray McNulty

BAGHDAD - A job boom is in the works at the Narhwan Brick Factory Complex. A reported 3,500 new jobs are anticipated in the weeks ahead.
Thanks to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, enough heavy fuel oil is now flowing to power kilns in more than 120 factories throughout the Narhwan industrial region. The expansion is geared toward generating a total of 7,500 additional jobs.  According to CF coms. in the field, this growth will not only sustain families, it will eliminate the need for young men to look to al-Qaeda for status and income.
Col. Timothy Clapp, dir. of the energy fusion cell for MN Forces-Iraq, is working with the oil production distribution co. of the Ministry of Oil in Baghdad to allocate HFO in sufficient quantities to bring the factory complex to at least 80% capacity.
Lt. Col. Mark Sullivan, 1st Bn, 10th FAR com., said, "No outlay of U.S. funds is required to accomplish full employment at the brick factories.  Progress in securing access to HFO resulted from a strategic assessment of the challenge and an effective facilitation among the parties involved that literally got the HFO flowing."
"Brick by brick, the Narhwan economy is making a comeback that affects every home in the region.  A job and money to support a household is a strong deterrent to al-Qaeda," Baker said.

Bricks are stacked in the kiln before being fired and glazed.

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MND-C Troops detain 14 suspected AQI members in Khidr

BAGHDAD - MND-Center Soldiers detained 14 suspected al-Qaeda-in-Iraq members in the Hanaswa region of Khidr Jan. 30 - Feb. 1.
Soldiers from Co B, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, conducted Op Jedburgh 1 to capture remaining AQI members in the region Jan. 30. Within 3 hours of the raid, 9 targets were detained. 
The raid came a month after an initial push was conducted into Kidhr to disrupt AQI. That op established Patrol Base Kelsey to bring a security presence to the area; IA and CF now operate out of the base.
"The residents are cooperating with us and giving us the bad guys," said Staff Sgt. Parrish Smith, 1st Plt, 2nd Squad leader. "It was good to see results after all of the hard work."
Members of Co A, 3-7th Inf. Regt. detained 4 additional suspected AQI members near Jurf as Sakhr Jan. 31.  Co C captured an additional suspect Feb. 1.  Intel authorities from the unit credited local citizens for the info leading to the captures.
"Recently, citizens have identified AQI insurgents attempting to re-infiltrate the area," said Capt. James Fournier, military intel officer, 3-7 Inf. Regt. "People in this area are showing that they will not allow this area to return to the way it was."

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MND-B Soldiers arrest suspected criminal

BAGHDAD - Following numerous tips, MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspected criminal in the Jihad neighborhood of southern Baghdad Feb. 4.
Soldiers from Co D, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, 3rd ID, attached to the 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, Task Force Dragon, arrested the alleged criminal during a late-night raid. The man is believed to be a former lt. col. in the IA and is suspected of using money taken from contracts to finance weapons trafficking to destabilize the neighborhood.

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MND-B Soldiers seize 2 caches, detain suspected terrorist

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers uncovered 2 large caches and detained a suspected terrorist in Ghazaliyah Feb. 6.
While patrolling the area, Soldiers with Co B, 1st Bn, 75th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), came upon the first cache which included 56 60mm mortar rounds, 43 82 mm mortar rounds and 19 120 mm mortar rounds.  The Soldiers apprehended a suspected terrorist in connection with the cache find.
Additionally, the Soldiers discovered a second cache, consisting of 2 105 mm artillery rounds, a 120 mm artillery round, 8 121 mm mortar rounds, 4 81 mm mortar rounds, 71 60 mm mortar rounds and 66 rocket-propelled grenade propellants. 
This action is part of offensive ops in support of Op Phantom Phoenix.

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Iraq SF leaders in Istaqlal meet with 'Striker' commander

Col. John Hort (center), com. of MND-Baghdad's 3rd BCT, 4th ID, shows pictures of Army leaders at the "Striker" Bde HQ Feb. 4 to Col. Hannun (right), IP chief for Istaqlal region, and NP Lt. Col. Faraj (far right), com. of the Commando Co., 2nd Bde, 1st NP Div.  The Iraqi SF leaders are working with CF in Istaqlal.

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Iraq SF, MND-B Soldiers deliver school supplies and furnishings

By Cpl. Ben Washburn
4th BCT PAO, 1st ID

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers partnered with Iraqi SF and distributed supplies to the Al Esha'a school in Saydiyah in southern Baghdad Feb. 4.  Iraqi NP delivered tables, chairs, book cases, a couch and backpacks for the students.
Soldiers from Co C, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, based out of Fort Stewart, Ga., and attached to Task Force Dragon, provided security. "Their role is increasing," said  Staff Sgt. Timothy Montfort, a squad leader.  "We're pretty much in a supervisory role now. They're pretty much doing everything and we're back observing it, helping out where we can.
While the NPs took the lead in the mission, MND-B Soldiers said they want to reach out to the Iraqi people. "We're uplifting the community," said Cpl. Steven Kramer, a team leader with the unit. "We're making a difference."

Iraqi NP unload a couch at the Al Esha'a School Feb. 4 in southern Baghdad.

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3 suspected extremists arrested in Rashid

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested 3 suspected Sunni extremists Feb. 3 during ops across the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital.
Iraqi NP arrested a man believed to be an al-Qaeda operative after he tried to pass through a traffic control checkpoint in Massafee. The man, suspected of murder, placing IEDs and weapons trafficking, was taken to an Iraqi facility for further questioning.
Earlier in the day, Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div, MND-B, captured 2 suspected AQI cell members in 2 separate raids in Doura.  During the first raid, Co B Soldiers knocked on the door of a home believed to be an AQI sniper, and arrested a man matching the extremist's name and description. The man is accused of setting up false checkpoints to kidnap Shia and Christian Iraqis in the Arab Jabour region of the city.
Later, Co C Soldiers arrested a man accused of murder, forcibly displacing families and placing IEDs in the Doura area.

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Hostages found after 15 days in underground prison

The entrance of the underground prison in the Al Jazeera desert near Samarra. Coalition and Iraqi SF rescued 2 men abducted from a gas station by armed men in black masks after 15 days incarceration.

A view from inside the buried container.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Concerned Local Citizen groups have been changed to Sons of Iraq, which sounds fitting.  We wouldn't have these stories of success without them as huge caches are found, and insurgents continue to be captured or killed.  There are many stories that you should have read in your newspapers, like the major conference "United and Strong" being held in Tikrit.
Joanna
___________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 6, 2008

2 suspects detained following IED attack in Sha'ab

BAGHDAD - The attack occurred as Soldiers from Co B, 2nd Bn, 325th Abn Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn Div were responding to the scene, they noticed 2 suspicious individuals fleeing along the rooftops.
Extremists have been responsible for a spike in the number of roadside bombs planted in Sha'ab during the past month, especially the IEDs known as Explosively Formed Penetrators.

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MND-B Soldiers recover large cache

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers seized a large weapon and bomb making cache in Abu Ghraib, west of the Iraq Capital Feb. 4.
The Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Cav Regt were conducting search ops in the area as part of an ongoing op when the unit recovered 13 120 mm mortar rounds, 132 82 mm mortar rounds, 51 60 mm mortar rounds, 3 cans of 120 mm mortar fuses, 23 boxes of mortar fuses, 3 mortar sights, 35 82 mm mortar primers, 6 60 mm mortar primers, 22 40 mm mortar primers, a 120 mm tube, 130 blasting caps, 30 rifle rocket-propelled grenades, 24 RPG warheads, an RPG sight, 2 bags of RPG propellant, 12 RPG propellants, 4 artillery fuses, 4 anti-personnel mines, 2 57 mm rockets, 126 fragmentation grenades, 3 Russian grenades, 600 yards of detonation cord, a variety of machine guns, 7 cell phones, 4r IED switches, 26 30 mm anti-aircraft rounds and 17 .50 cal rounds.
"This was a  significant cache find," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. "The recovery and destruction of these items does contribute to the overall security of the Iraqi people - our number one priority."
This is part of MND-Baghdad Soldiers on going offensive ops in support of Op Phantom Phoenix to kill or capture al-Qaeda and Shia/Sunni extremists to deny them rest and sanctuary in Baghdad and the surrounding rural areas.  AQI terrorists and
other extremists are the root cause of the most horrific attacks against Iraqi civilians, SF and CF troops.

large weapons and bomb-making cache

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Troops detain known insurgents

BAGHDAD - Soldiers with Troop A, 1st Sqdrn, 75th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), detained 2 suspected insurgents during a raid in southern Ghazaliyah Feb. 5.
One of the men is a known member of an IED network in this area.  He is known to provide and emplace IEDs, and distribute materials within the Karkh District of Baghdad.  His attacks are primarily directed at CF.
This action is in support of Op Phantom Phoenix.

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Tip brings in 10 detainees

FOB KALSU - A tip from an Iraqi on the location of a wanted insurgent led CF to detain 10 suspects in the Sayifiyah area Feb. 4.
Soldiers from Troop C, 5th Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 3rd ID, conducted the intel-driven raid against one of the squadron's high-value targets.  The Soldiers discovered 9 other individuals with the HVT at the site.
The 5-7th Cav. Regt., operationally attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, continues to work aggressively with local citizens in gathering information about the detained individuals, said 1st Lt. David Cooper, 5-7 Cav. Regt. assist. sqdrn. fire support officer.

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MND-C Soldiers working with 'Sons of Iraq'

Story and photos by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo
2nd BCT, 3rd ID

FOB KALSU - In efforts to secure their own neighborhoods, the Sons of Iraq (formerly known as Concerned Local Citizens), are assisting CF by helping remove threats posed by IEDs and discovering weapons caches during Op Marne Thunderbolt which is part of the countrywide Op Phantom Phoenix.
Soldiers of the 2nd BCT, 3rd ID have had the assistance of the Sons of Iraq for more than 8 months.  However, groups' support expanded with the beginning of the Marne Thunderbolt.
The op sent Soldiers into areas of southern Arab Jabour which had never sustained a Coalition presence.  With the goal of establishing security in former al-Qaeda in Iraq strongholds, CF asked for and received assistance.
At their own risk, Iraqi men all over 2nd BCT's area of op assisted with security ops. The Sons of Iraq have assisted their own communities and help save the lives of American Soldiers.
Maj. James Wilburn, chief of ops with 2nd BCT, said one of the main reasons the Sons of Iraq have been willing to work alongside CF is they realize CF represent a way for outlying areas to receive assistance from the govt of Iraq.  "I think that we have been successful in getting the message out.  We are interested in security.  We are interested in conserving infrastructure, and we are concerned about their (Iraqi citizens) well being," said Wilburn.  Areas in southern Baghdad provinces such as Sayafiyah, Adwaniyah, Zambraniyah and Bayjiya all saw the establishment of patrol bases and observation posts.  From these bases Soldiers conduct missions to eliminate AQI's ability to funnel weapons and personnel into Baghdad.
Col. James Adams, dep. com. of the 2nd BCT, said during Marne Thunderbolt, more than 400 IEDs have been turned in or found by the Sons of Iraq. "That could have been 400 Soldiers' lives lost had they stepped on these IEDs.  When the families and the kids see their fathers and their elders providing security in the neighborhood it enhances that perception of security," Adams said.
"Marne Thunderbolt could go on for some time, so long as we have troops on the ground working in and around these villages, we can expect to see some form of local security," Wilburn said.

A member of a Sons of Iraq group speaks with Soldiers of Co A during Op Browning Jan. 22 in southern Arab Jabour.

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ISF, SOF detain 3 terrorist arms dealers, 3 insurgents in separate operations

BALAD - Iraqi SF, with U.S. Special Ops Forces advising, detained 3 suspected terrorist weapons dealers and 3 insurgent cell members in separate ops Feb. 3.
Iraqi Police and U.S. Forces detained 3 individuals suspected of trafficking arms in support of terrorist activities near the city of Ramadi.  At the suspects' residence, a weapons cache consisting of 6 200-gram blocks of TNT; 3 400-gram blocks of TNT; 9 electric blasting caps; electric wiring; a rocket propelled grenade launcher; 4 rocket propelled grenades; 4 AK-47 assault rifles; 3,000 rounds of ammunition; 47 weapons magazines; and several sets of body armor was recovered.
In Mosul, Iraqi Special Ops Forces and U.S. Forces detained 3 suspected members of an insurgent cell believed to be responsible for IED attacks. The cell is also suspected of kidnapping ops targeting Iraqi civilians.

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Sons of Iraq contribute to IED, cache finds

FOB KALSU - Members of the Sons of Iraq assisted CF by discovering weapons caches and IEDs in areas south of Baghdad Feb. 2.  Four weapons caches and a VBIED were found and destroyed.
A four-door sedan was identified by the Sons of Iraq, as a VBIED.  An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team detonated an exploratory charge on the vehicle which caused a secondary explosion.  EOD estimated the sedan contained 60 to 100 pounds of unknown bulk explosives.
In southern Arab Jabour, the SoI found a cache that consisted of 35, 23mm anti-aircraft rounds; 2 27 mm rounds; 6 rocket-propelled grenade boosters; 20 Dragonov rounds and other bomb-making materials.
The same day, 3 smaller caches were discovered by the SoI, turned over to MND-B Soldiers and destroyed by EOD.

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A helping hand

Lt. Matthew Lacki, a platoon leader with Co C, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, lends a hand as Iraqi NP distribute furniture at a school in Baghdad's Saydiyah neighborhood, Feb. 4.  The Soldiers from the 4th Bn, are based out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

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Northern Iraqi governors meet at 'United and Strong' conference

By Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TIKRIT - Seven northern provincial governors and their Iraqi SF' leadership met Feb. 4 during the second United and Strong conference in Tikrit. 
The provincial governing body is being mentored by U.S. State Department's Provincial Reconstruction Teams and CF in each northern province.  All decisions regarding all issues in each province, including security, infrastructure, and economics are currently being made at the Central Govt level in Baghdad. 
The second in a series of conferences entitled United and Strong, are providing MND-North's key military leadership to consolidate and focus issues, which encompass Iraq's northern provinces and deliver them to Iraq's central govt, said Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, com., MND-N and the 1st Armored Div.
The conference was a platform for the 7 northern provinces: Dahouk, Irbil, and Sulymaniah, or better known as the Kurdish Regional Govt, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Sal-ad-Din and Diyala to consolidate their efforts of communicating the needs of their people as a whole -- discussing security, infrastructure and economics.  Once priorities for projects and concerns are established, they are discussed by the governing provincial leadership.  These issues will be presented to the central govt as a northern block issue, Hertling said. "This is a way we can form a united front here in the north," Hertling added.
This conference focuses on placing priorities on essential services such as electricity, roads and bridges that benefit multiple provinces and help build a unified front. This will allow the provinces to prioritize their needs and add more weight to their requests to Iraq's central govt.
At the end of February, local ministries from Baghdad will visit the northern governors to evaluate the 7 provinces' common issues and concerns for action and resolution.

The provincial governors of northern Iraq's 7 provinces answer questions from the region's media at the conclusion of the United and Strong conference.

Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling (right), talks to Col. Kareem, the com. of the Iraq Army's 2nd Bde, 4th Div through his translator.

Northern Iraqi military and provincial leadership.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have too many excellent stories to mention, with pictures that take us there.  Enjoy the picture of the beautiful little Iraqi girl in the arms of one of our soldiers.  I'm continually awed by the compassion and kindness of our beloved troops.
Joanna
______________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 5, 2008

MND-N Soldiers deliver medical supplies to local doctors

Lt. Col. Robert Miller, bn surgeon for 2nd Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., shows pictures of his kids to Dr. Ali, a doctor at a local medical clinic, near Muqdadiyah, Feb. 2.  CF gave medical supplies to the clinic for its patients.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Cheney, a medic with HHC, 2nd Bn, carries chlorine tablets into the medical clinic.  CF' doctors were on hand to assist with the treatment of clinic patients while Soldiers unloaded supplies.

Spc. Alex Park, a medic with HHC, helps unload bottles of children's cough syrup.

Lt. Col. Robert Miller, bn surgeon for 2nd Bn, tours an Iraqi medical clinic with Dr. Ali.

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MND-B Soldiers bond with Jalatah villagers

1st Lt. Nick Piergallini, the plt leader of 1st Plt, Co D, 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, MND-Baghdad, speaks with Musher Ali Shakur (right), chairman of the Fahama regional council, during a stop in the village of Jalatah Feb.1.  MND-B Soldiers stopped in the village, north of Baghdad, to speak with local leaders after completing a separate mission in another area of the Fahama region.  Constant communication with area leaders enables the Soldiers to better understand how to help the Iraqi people.

Spc. Jaylon Gideon, a gunner with 1st Plt, talks to children. Children in this village can speak and understand some English, which helps them communicate with the MND-B Soldiers. The Soldiers also receive Arabic language training in turn.

SSgt. Steve Oullette, a tank com. with 1st Plt, listens to an eager bunch of children gathered around him.

An inquisitive Iraqi child checks out the combat helmet chin strap of SSgt. Jason Ferari, with 1st Plt. The local children often show interest in the small gadgets on Soldiers' uniforms.

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MND-B senior enlisted leaders meet to share views, discuss ongoing ops

CAMP LIBERTY - Com. Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader for MND - Baghdad and the 4th ID, hosted the inaugural MND-B Command Sergeants Major Conference Feb. 1.
Gioia got the idea to hold a senior enlisted conference after attending the commander's conference in early January.  He identified the need to gather his senior enlisted advisors, and provide them the opportunity to share their experiences and observations.  A conference would also allow the lines of communication to flow freely between them and the division staff.  "It is vital that we meet and share our knowledge and experiences with our fellow enlisted leaders," said Gioia. "I appreciate everything you had to go through to get here," he said to the assembly.  "I take every available opportunity to get out and meet with your Soldiers and see how they are doing.  This provides us the ability to communicate directly on what is succeeding, and what we can do to support you here at the division level."
Forty-eight attended the daylong event. Throughout the conference, MND-B's sgt majors and NCOs in charge provided briefings on their staffs' capabilities, ongoing issues, future plans and the ongoing support being provided to the brigades. They also provided feedback from the brigades on how the division could further enhance their support.  Each section had the opportunity to brief the senior leaders about current affairs and future plans within their individual areas of expertise.
The conference goal was to re-establish and re-connect communication lines among the senior enlisted leaders, said Sgt. Maj. Gregory Williams Sr., who serves as the MND-B senior personnel NCO.  With only 10 days planning, Williams organized the conference, which was the first to be geared solely toward the sgt majors. "Some drove and some flew. The bottom line was that when the word was put out, the enlisted leaders went above and beyond in making the effort to attend," said Williams.
One of the highlights of the conference was when the attendees bid farewell to Com. Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, who has served as the senior enlisted leader for MN Corps - Iraq since Dec. 14, 2006.

Com. Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, looks through his notes at the inaugural Sgts Major Conference.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, welcomes his senior NCOs.

Sgt. Maj. Gregory Williams Sr. (center), who is the MND-B senior personnel NCO for the 4th ID and MND - Baghdad, chats with fellow sgt majors.

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Night raids apprehend eight extremists

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers arrested 8 suspected extremists during ongoing ops in the Rashid District Feb. 1 and 2.
"Raiders," from Troop C, 1st Sqdrn, 4th Cav Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID, MND-B, detained 3 men thought to be members of a Sunni extremist IED cell during a raid in Doura, Feb. 1.
During a raid in the early hours of Feb. 2, the "Black Lions" of Co B, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, arrested 3 alleged special group cell members -- one believed to be a cell leader from Rusafa.
Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn., captured a suspected special group cell member thought to be involved with weapons trafficking during a morning raid in Aamel. 
In Doura that morning, Soldiers from Troop B, 1-4 Cav. Regt., arrested a man believed to be involved in an al Qaeda IED cell.

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Families return to Zambraniyah after security gains

By Staff Sgt. Michael Paredes
6-8th Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FOB KALSU - About 1,000 residents returned to Zambraniyah in the last week of January after learning the area had been secured by Coalition and Iraqi forces.
When heavy fighting in the Zambraniyah area broke out in early January, CF advised families to evacuate the area to stay out of danger.  As residents fled, blending in was difficult for al-Qaeda-in-Iraq members, enabling Soldiers to identify and target them.  Over the course of combat ops, more than 40 extremists were killed.
The 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, currently attached to 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, is now helping displaced families return to their homes. "In the past 48 hours, approximately 1,000 Zambraniyah residents have returned to their homes," said Capt. David Lively, 6-8th Cav. Regt. asst. ops officer.
Last year, AQI infiltrated Zambraniyah. Local citizens said those who refused to support AQI were killed. Now citizens are standing up to protect their community. CF have also helped organize a Sons of Iraq (formerly known as Concerned Local Citizens) program. To date, more than 500 Sons of Iraq in the Zambraniyah area have been recruited and organized into a force that works closely with the IA and CF.  More than 100 IEDs have been disposed of with their help.
As the civilian population returns to this agricultural community, the hope is that economic activity will increase.  U.S. Army Civil Affairs teams working with the 6-8 Cav. Regt. are assisting in economic assessments of the Zambraniyah community, and plan to offer micro-grants to small businesses.

Residents of the Zambraniyah area move through a CF checkpoint as they return to their homes.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. SF detain 2 terror suspects, kill 3 terrorists in separate ops

BALAD - In the village of Mashraf, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained 2 members of an al-Qaeda-in-Iraq cell who are believed to be responsible for multiple IED and small-arms fire attacks.
Near the city of Tal Afar, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics Team, together with U.S. SF, conducted an op to detain 2 suspected terrorist cell leaders.  During the course of the op, the assault force came under small-arms fire. The assault force returned fire, killing 3 terrorists.

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MND-B Soldiers bring gifts to village school children

By Pfc. April Campbell
3rd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B

BAYRK - Making a positive impact on the lives of Iraqis, no matter, how small, is a big part of current ops by CF in the Fahama region.
Soldiers with the 1st Plt, Co D, 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, MND - Baghdad, made an impact Feb. 2 by bringing presents to school children in Bayrk, a rural village in Fahama.
Upon arriving at the school, the Soldiers passed out backpacks, pencils and stuffed animals to the eager children who swarmed around them.  Pfc. Dennis Romans, who serves as a driver with the 1st Plt, helped hand out the treats to the children, which he said reminded him of giving presents to his own 3 children. "I just like seeing them smile.  That's my thing.  I love kids."
It was not the first time Soldiers in the platoon handed out treats to the children. These Soldiers make an effort to bring toys and other school supplies when they go on missions in case children are present.  "We try to bring out snacks and toys and sometimes pens,"  Romans said.  "We're in an area where the kids don't have access to the things they need.  I think they truly appreciate it."
While the Soldiers' gift giving mission was successful, there is still much that needs to be done for the school, which was built by Soldiers in a previous unit who operated in the area. The school has a lack of water and electricity.
Soldiers wrapped up the gift-giving mission to Bayrk by searching for more ways to help the people. To help the local economy, the Soldiers spoke to 2 village shop owners to find out if they could use micro grants to help fix up their stores.  The micro grant program provides some shop owners with money to be used in repairing and renovating their businesses.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. SF detain 2 terror suspects in separate ops

BALAD -  Iraqi Special Ops Forces and U.S. SF detained a member of a terrorist cell who is believed to be responsible for numerous mortar and IED attacks.  He is also reported to have hijacked contractors who work on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  Additionally, he is believed to provide safe houses for terrorists in the region.
In the city of Hit, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Ops Forces, detained an insurgent leader believed to be behind several attacks.  According to intel reports, the suspect has been involved in multiple IED attacks, as well as car bombings.

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Iraqi SF, MND-B Soldiers provide warmth to Iraqi homes

By Capt. Mark Miller
4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers from Co A, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, along with Iraqi NP, distributed kerosene to Iraqi families in Saydiyah, Jan. 31.
The distribution was important for local residents since Iraqis primarily use kerosene to provide heat for their homes as well as cooking.  This fuel distribution was also important because it was the first time since September 2007.
When the joint patrol arrived in Saydiyah, there was already a crowd of more than 150 families waiting for kerosene.  The local residents lined up hours before the arrival so they could receive the fuel, said Capt. Benjamin Fielding.  "You can tell these people really needed this precious resource," said Fielding, who is the Co A com.  "Some of the locals have told me they came out to get a place in line as early as 5:30 a.m. this morning."
First Lt. Aaron Hall, the patrol leader who conducted the joint patrol with the NPs, was responsible for securing the site for the kerosene issue and said the event was a good way to get in touch with the people in Saydiyah. "Every time we conduct a mission like this, we get positive feedback from the community," he said. "We always have citizens asking us for phone numbers, which they call later to report extremists in their neighborhoods. They obviously want to see conditions improve."

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Top generals in Baghdad hold joint press conference

By Pfc. Samantha Schutz

BAGHDAD - The top-ranking Iraqi gen. in Baghdad stood side-by-side with the com. of the 4th ID and MND - Baghdad to answer questions for Iraqi and western media during a joint press conference at the media center here Feb. 2.
Iraqi Gen. Hashim, com., Baghdad Ops Command, and Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, who is the com. gen. of the 4th ID and MND-B, responded to queries regarding topics such as current trends in terrorist attacks and recent violence against the Iraqi population.
The primary mission of both CF and Iraqi SF is to protect the people of Iraq, said Hammond.  While al-Qaeda is a determined enemy, CF and ISF remain even more determined to keep violence in the area down. "We will continue to extend our presence across Baghdad and maintain constant pressure upon the enemy," Hammond said.
The Iraqi army plans to keep expanding by adding more units, said Hashim. Senior leaders will focus on getting new Soldiers proper equipment and make sure they are properly armed as well as providing them essential training concerning dealing with acts of terrorism and other violence.
A recent increase in suicide bombings in Baghdad has raised many concerns within the city's population.  Iraqi forces are receiving training on how to spot the warning signs for these types of attacks, how to prevent them and how to react to them.  Also, CF and ISF are working together to educate and warn local citizens about suicide vest bombings, said Hashim. "Terrorism cannot be solved only by an increase in military forces.  The only hope is by increased intelligence.  Iraqi SF have taken the initiative in attacking al-Qaeda - not vice versa."
Both leaders reiterated that they are part of one team fighting against a common enemy, united to protect the population and wipe out the threat of terrorism as the nation of Iraq rebuilds itself as an independent, self-sufficient democracy.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, makes his opening remarks during a press conference at the media center in FOB Prosperity Feb. 2.

Iraqi Gen. Hashim, makes his opening remarks.

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Iraqi SWAT detains 28 suspects, kills 7 terrorists in ops targeting AQI

BAGHDAD - Hillah SWAT launched the mission to capture an al-Qaeda com. who led ops in Al-Suwayrah, south of Baghdad.  According to credible intelligence, he conducted financial transactions for the terrorist group and recruited foreign fighters, including women, to attack Iraqi citizens, Iraqi SF and CF with IEDs and small-arms attacks.
Reports indicate he ordered a female suicide bomber to attack a religious gathering in Diyala Province Jan. 16.  Also targeted was an AQI cell that builds VBIEDs. The cell is reportedly responsible for 6 attacks.
Iraqi and U.S. Forces landed at multiple helicopter landing zones, moved to several objectives and entered multiple residences during the op.  During the op, as 2 enemy fighters were observed maneuvering tactically against one of the HLZs, they were engaged by a CF aerial weapons team and killed. 
Ground forces received small-arms fire during entry into one structure.  One U.S. SF Soldier disarmed an enemy fighter and rendered first aid to him for a hand wound.  Five enemy fighters observed maneuvering from structure to structure to flank ground forces were engaged and killed.   Moving to another structure, ground forces came under heavy small-arms fire. They returned fire and entered the structure. Upon entry, ground forces secured and detained 8 males.
Ground forces detained 28 suspects for further questioning.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Large caches found and many insurgents captured or killed.  There are great hopes for the new IP Training Facility.  The story on the Sons of Iraq, who are Concerned Local Citizens, show their courage and determination to take their country back from the terrorists.  Also encouraging are the 493 new IP officer graduates, and the story of our medics training the IP in life saving skills.  The story of Sgt. Cole Glackin, a family man with 5 children, the youngest being not even 2 months old, totally awed me.
Joanna
_________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 4, 2008

Weapons cache destroyed

BAGHDAD - A weapons cache consisting of various munitions and IED components was found and destroyed Feb. 2 in southern Arab Jabour.
Soldiers from Co B, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, located the cache while conducting ops along a route in Arab Jabour. The cache consisted of 35 23 mm anti-aircraft munitions, 6 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, a pressure plate initiator, and various other weaponry.

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Iraqi, U.S. SF detain two extremist leaders in separate ops

BALAD - Iraqi Special Ops Forces, with U.S. SF advising, detained 2 extremist leaders during separate ops in Baghdad Jan 31.
In the first op, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the suspected leader of an extremist group responsible for IED and explosively-formed projectile attacks.  The suspect is also believed to be involved in supplying IEDs and EFPs to extremists throughout Baghdad for use in attacks against Iraqi and CF.
In the second op, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the suspected leader of an extremist cell responsible for the murder of Iraqi citizens.  Intel reports indicate the suspect is believed to be involved in IED attacks.  He is also thought to be active in supplying weapons, including IEDs and rocket propelled grenades, to extremist groups.         

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Iraqi SF, U.S. Special Forces detain 12 in separate ops

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained a known terrorist, 4 known extremist network members and 7 suspects Jan. 30 during ops in Kirkuk Province and Baghdad.
Iraqi Army Scouts and U.S. SF conducted a raid in the Hawijah district of Kirkuk Province to disrupt a terrorist group reported to be conducting IED and small-arms attacks.  One terrorist detained is believed to be responsible for vehicle-born (VB) and other IED attacks as well as surveillance.
During entry into one targeted residence, assault forces killed one male after he ignored verbal warnings and reached for a weapon. 7 other suspects were detained for further questioning.
In an op in Baghdad, an Iraqi Emergency Response Unit and U.S. SF captured 4 known members of an extremist network. The extremists were reportedly involved in numerous criminal enterprises, including the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.  During that op, several armed individuals were observed entering a house and taking up positions on its roof, presenting a threat to ground forces. The individuals were engaged with gunfire from a CF aircraft, resulting in an enemy fighter killed and 3 enemy fighters wounded.

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Iraqi emergency response unit detains 8 suspects during Baghdad raid

BALAD - An Iraqi Emergency Response Unit detained 6 suspected criminal gang members during a Baghdad raid Jan. 31. The suspects are security workers for the Al Atheer mobile communications co.  They were detained on Iraqi Ministry of Interior warrants for suspicion of engaging in criminal activity within the Monsour area of Baghdad.
The individuals were detained without incident.  Iraqi forces confiscated 2 machine guns, an assault rifle and an armored Mercedes Benz sedan during the op. The Iraqi Army raided the Al Atheer facility in early January 2008 and confiscated several unlicensed weapons. Two other persons of interest were also taken into custody for further questioning.
The ERU was advised during the op by U.S. SF Soldiers.

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Citizen tip leads Iraqi SF to large weapons cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, uncovered a large weapons cache near Diwaniyah after receiving a tip from an Iraqi citizen Feb. 1.
Iraqi and CF were informed of the cache after a telephone call came in on a tip line set up to allow Iraqis to report suspicious activity.
The cache included 4 100-pound bombs, 5 82 mm mortars, 4 107 mm rockets, an 81 mm mortar, 17 mortar fuses, a rocket propelled grenade with 3 boosters, a complete SA-7 missile, a DSHKA machine gun, 2 PKM machine guns and a RPK machine gun.

Weapons uncovered.

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Breaking ground for Iraqi Police training facility

Staff Sgt. Alexander Zivic (foreground) and Spc. Pierre Laroussini, both technical engineering specialists with the 231st Eng. Team, Mississippi National Guard, 769th Eng Bn, 35th Eng Bde survey elevation levels on the construction site of a small-arms range at the Furat Iraqi Police Training Facility in Baghdad. The facility is designed to accommodate more than 1,500 Iraqi Police trainees.

Iraqi Police officers wait in formation outside the Iraqi's Furat Police Training Facility in Baghdad to assist in clean up as CF and IP forces prepare the facility.

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Soldiers live, work at JSS-Istaqlal

Army driver and rifleman Pvt. David Cox, with 2nd Plt, Co C, 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, MND-Baghdad, scans his sector at Joint Security Station-Istaqlal Jan. 30.  Soldiers who operate and live at the JSS perform guard duty as part of force protection when they are not conducting missions in sector.

Army gunner Sgt. Christopher Bryant, stands guard duty atop the roof at JSS-Istaqlal.

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Mortar attack on Sons of Iraq checkpoint kills female bystander

BAGHDAD - A mortar attack killed a female bystander on Jan. 31 in Adhamiyah. The attack is believed to be directed at a checkpoint manned by Sons of Iraq (formerly known as Concerned Local Citizens) in the eastern Baghdad district.
Members of Sons of Iraq groups have been subjected to a campaign of intimidation, including deadly violence, in recent weeks by special group members. The violence has escalated during the past week to include attacks by drive-by shooting, rocket-propelled grenades andindirect fire.
Sons of Iraq leaders report that the intimidation has failed to achieve its effect, and all checkpoints and guard positions remain fully manned.

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Baghdad welcomes hundreds of new Iraqi Police

By Sgt. Daniel D. Blottenberger
18th MP Brigade

BAGHDAD - Top Iraqi Police official Maj. Gen. Sharhan, Provincial Police Com. of Baghdad, members of the 18th MP Bdes' Command Group and Provincial Police Transition Team gathered at the Camp Fiji IP Training Facility to witness 493 new IP officers graduate and perform a training demonstration Feb. 2.
"This increase in police force will better the peace for the citizens," said Capt. Mohammad, training com.  "I see only good things in our future." The increase in police forces is intended to strengthen the overall security of Baghdad as part of a continued IP expansion program. This program is aimed to train more than 12,000 new IP recruits from surrounding provinces.
"I am anxious to find out how many improvements there will be in the near future in Baghdad because of this increase in IP forces," said Maj. Larry Dewey, Provincial PTT Chief, 18th MP Bde. "I am very impressed with the training we have seen to date in this graduating class, as they (IP trainers) have led the class completely on their own."
Additionally to the techniques demonstrated at the graduation, the two-week course offers IP candidates a basic understanding of democratic law enforcement and policing skills, while incorporating values, ethics and human rights, crime scene preservation and detention procedures.
The IP and the 18th MP Bde. continue to partner their efforts to increase the number of recruits and train capable IP to better serve the people of Iraq.

493 IP graduates stood in formation Feb. 2 at Camp Fiji Iraqi Police Training Facility to celebrate their completion of the Iraqi Police basic course.

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Sergeant heeds call, reups again

Sgt. Cole Glackin (right), a Fairbanks, Alaska, native, who serves as the day-shift liaison officer for 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, MND-Baghdad, is congratulated by 3rd BCT's Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, after re-enlisting with the Striker Bde here Feb. 2.  Glackin joined active duty in 2003 after serving with the Alaska National Guard.  He said he felt the need to serve his nation following the terror attacks of Sept. 11. The current deployment is his second to Iraq with the Striker Bde. He has five children with his wife, Catherine. The newest addition to his family was born in December.

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82nd Medics teach Iraqi police combat life saving skills

By Spc. Jaime Avila
1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div

COB ADDER - Medics from the 307th Bde Support Bn, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div recently had the opportunity to train and equip IP of a tactical support unit with a number of combat life saver skills.
Civilian police assisted the training team as they taught the tactical IP simple CLS skills that might one day save their lives.
According to the students, this valuable experience and training will help them be even more successful in coming ops.  "We are very appreciative of the training we received and know that the training we received here today will help us in the future," said Lt. Achmed Dahmed, com. of the TSU team.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Martelle, a medic demonstrates the proper way to carry an injured victim to safety.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Miller, a medic, demonstrates the proper way to splint a victim in the event of a broken bone.

Sgt. 1st Class Craig M. Smith, the brigade medical ops NCO, demonstrates the proper way to treat a patient for shock.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Today definitely makes up for the vacuum yesterday, with a variety of stories, from huge caches found to being taken along on missions accompanied by many photos. 
Joanna
_______________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 3, 2008

Killer Troop 3-3 Armored Cavalry Regiment patrols Mosul

Soldiers of Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt from Fort Hood, Texas, conduct a recon mission in Mosul, Feb. 1.

Spc. Joey McManus, a medic in 1st Platoon, Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, keeps a vigil watch.

An Abrams Tank drives up the onramp of a highway in Mosul.

Sgt. 1st Class Ron Corella, Mortar Platoon sgt., Killer Troop, shares high-fives with Iraqi children.

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Joint U.S., Iraqi Army convoy travels 800 km to deliver supplies to Iraqi base

An Iraqi Army soldier provides security during a convoy conducted from Mosul to Taji, by Soldiers from the Regimental Support Sqdrn, 3d Armored Cav Regt, and Iraqi Army Soldiers, Jan. 28.

An Iraqi Army Soldier watches his sector from the turret of his humvee.  The convoy traveled more than 800 kilometers over the course of three days, delivering supplies to an Iraqi base.

Soldiers of the Regimental Support Sqdrn, refuel their humvee with an Iraqi Army fuel truck.

Command Sgt. Major Terry Abel, top NCO of the Regimental Support Sqdrn, keeps a watchful eye during a pause.

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1-15 Inf. Regt. clear routes near Al Duraiya

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers from the 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt conducted a two-day joint op with Iraqi National Police (NP) to set up Concerned Local Citizen (CLC) checkpoints, and disrupt insurgent networks operating near Al Duraiya, a small village near Salman Pak, Jan. 28 and 29.
During the op, 1-15th Inf. Regt. found 7 IEDs and a weapons cache containing 10 hand grenades, 260 machine gun rounds, 150 rounds of small arms ammunition, 50 high explosive rounds, a can of homemade explosives, a Russian air force bomb converted into an IED and the base of an explosive formed projectile.
First Lt. Ross Pixler, a platoon leader in Co A, said the op was meeting its objective. "We have been pushing insurgents out of the area and securing Salman Pak," Pixler said.  "So far, we have been very successful and hopefully it will continue to be that way."
The CLCs have been instrumental in helping find insurgents and weapons caches by providing info and monitoring roadside checkpoints.  "I joined with them to rescue my neighborhood because it had been attacked by terrorists," said a member of the CLCs through an interpreter.  "At first, they (the insurgents) said what they were doing was jihad, but then they acted like insurgents. That is why we put our trust in God.  Our religion says that if we ask for peace, we will go in peace."
Pixler said most CLCs join with similar hopes of helping secure their neighborhoods. "The fact that they are willing to sign up and get their picture and finger prints taken shows they are going down the right path and they are willing to work with us," Pixler said.  Registration is a minor inconvenience for those who sign up. "If some people don't want peace, then you need to find the people who do," said the CLC.  "You must take care of your neighborhood and fight against those who want harm against it."

Spc. Raquel Martinez, a combat medic with the 1st Bn, takes a knee and scans the area.

Maj. John Cushing (left), ops officer for the 1st Bn, talks with Lt. Col. Jack Marr, com., while keeping an eye out for enemy personnel.

Master Sgt. Heath Potteiger, an infantryman in the 1st Bn, scans for enemy personnel.

Sgt. Adam Hedrick, scans for enemy personnel.

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Joint raids yield caches for Iraqi Army, MND-C Soldiers

By Capt. Rick Hawkins and Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER - Raids in Shubayshen and Qarghuli led MND-Center Soldiers to large caches Jan. 30.
Acting on a tip from a local Iraqi citizen, the IA partnered with "Rakkasan" Soldiers from 3rd Plt, Co D, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) to find caches consisting of dozens of rockets and rocket-propelled grenade rounds.  Several individuals were detained and a stockpile of explosives and bomb-making materials were discovered in chicken coop. "The ground in the chicken coup wasn't right; the soil was loose, almost like sawdust," said 1st Lt. Keenan Ellison, 3rd Plt leader, Co. D.  "We gently and carefully dug through it with our hands until we hit the jackpot.  The platoon leader said "jackpot" was almost an understatement, as they unearthed a 20-pound bag of homemade explosives, switches, conductors, Bulgarian rockets, 4 RPG launchers, 66 RPG rockets, fuses, 30 RPG propellant rods, a container of RPG parts, 8 fragmentary grenades, 27 81mm mortar rounds, 44 60mm mortar rounds, and various other ammo and explosives paraphernalia.  An extra vehicle was needed to carry all of the munitions. 
IA troops and Soldiers from 3rd and 4th Plts, Co. D, 3-187th Inf., conducted a raid on surrounding houses to find those responsible for the cache.  The troops set up inner and outer cordons and Iraqi Soldiers quickly interrogated and gathered intel. The 3rd and 4th Plts alternated houses until the individual responsible was located.  Confronted with intel gathered from his neighbors, the individual confessed to storing the weapons and was detained.
"Without the IA, we would have failed," said 1st Lt. Phil Schupp, 4th Plt leader. "Their language abilities allowed them to interrogate individuals at each house we raided and gather the intel for the next house to target.  If we only had our one interpreter, we would have failed to move quickly enough to catch the insurgent; it's that simple."
"The trust that we've built with the locals laid the foundation for this, and our partnership with the IA made our victory complete, allowing us to catch the insurgent, as well as taking the munitions from their arsenal," said Capt. Frank Castro, com. of Co. D.

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IEDs, weapons caches destroyed

FOB KALSU - Numerous IEDs and weapons caches were found and destroyed in communities south of Baghdad Jan. 30.
CLCs found 5 IEDs and gave them to Soldiers from Co E, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd
BCT, 3rd ID.  Four of the IEDs consisted of 2 one-liter bottles filled with homemade explosives. The fifth IED consisted of two 57 mm projectiles.  Co A, 1-30th Inf. Regt. also discovered a cache of three 57 mm mortars.  Additionally, a route clearance team from 2-3 Bde Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. was clearing a route in 1-30th's area of ops when CLCs reported a weapons cache to the Soldiers.
The cache was a mix of IEDs and IED-making materials.  It consisted of 18 IEDs made from HME, 10 pressure strips used to detonate IEDs, about 75 projectiles, one anti-tank mine and one propane tank.

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Families able to start new lives in Khidr

By 1st Lt. Marshall Tucker, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

KIRKUK - After several years of al-Qaeda presence in the town of Khidr, just west of Iskandariyah in Babil Province, the community recently saw its first month free of al-Qaeda influence, allowing former citizens to return to their homes and begin rebuilding.
IA forces, together with elements of the 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, cleared the area north of FOB Iskan during Op Marne Roundup last December.  Co B, 3-7th Inf. Regt. established a permanent security position in Khidr with a new patrol base.  Building up security in the Khidr region is an ongoing task that will evolve over time.  However, Soldiers say they are already seeing the benefits of the newly-established patrol base.  Only weeks after moving into the area, Soldiers began to hear stories about families planning to return to their homes which had previously been occupied by al-Qaeda operatives.
As Co B patrolled Khidr, they noticed people they had not seen before.  Conversations and interactions between members of Co B and local citizens from the surrounding area soon revealed families were returning home after years of displacement.
First Lt. Ted Blyth, leader of 1st Plt, testified to the enthusiastic return of the locals.  "The people we've seen have been all smiles.  I mean, they realize that there is still a lot of work to do in the town.  A lot of buildings have been destroyed," Blyth said. "But they've been saying that they want to help rebuild.  They're just happy to have their land back, I think."
The resettlement of Khidr is a work in progress.  Having been an al-Qaeda stronghold for so long, most of Khidr's infrastructure and venues of everyday life vanished when residents fled the area.  "It's something we will all be working together on for the rest of our time here," said Capt. Jim Hart, com. of Co B.  "The people need to have their normal lives back," Hart said. "They'll need schools, town halls and markets just like we have back home.  They have the desire to work on those things and we have a lot of the assets that can help.  So we'll continue to work together so that they can look to the future rather than dwell on what's been lost."
Much of these assets come in the form of Commanders' Emergency Relief Program funds which are being used to start projects such as school renovations and trash cleanup.  These programs provide residents with income and improvements to the economy and infrastructure.
The new leader in the area, Sheik al-Janabi, has asked men from Khidr to assist in the CLCs program.  According to Hart, his assistance has been critical to the security and growing economy of the area.
Hart said his goal is to combine the efforts of the Iraqi govt, CF and the local populace in making Khidr a bustling community once again.

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Lightning Troop, 3/3 ACR, patrols Tamooz neighborhood of Mosul

1st Lt. Craig Morehead of Lightning Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3d Armored Cav Regt, based out of Ft. Hood, Texas, talks with a produce vendor in the Tamooz neighborhood of Mosul Feb 1.

Soldiers from Lightning Troop, load into their Humvees at an outpost on the Tigris River before patrolling the Tamooz neighborhood.

Soldiers from Lightning Troop patrol a marketplace.

Soldiers from Lightning Troop provide security outside a local residence.

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Dear Friends, Family and Interested Readers,
We don't have any updates today, but I added the most moving letter from a special soldier, Eddie Jeffers.  As a mom of an "adopted" soldier, I know first hand that his words ring true.  It would be a tribute to him to pass this letter on, so feel free to copy it from the site and pass it on.  Thank you.
Joanna

A Soldier's Last Words

Dear Friends, Family and Interested Readers,
High level insurgents captured, and caches found.  An important conference took place to improve communication and discuss future ops, concerns and essential needs of the IP.  There's also a story about a very nice surprise awaiting our troops entering a village, expecting to find insurgents.
Joanna
______________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

February 1, 2008

MND-B Soldiers capture two alleged IED cell members

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers arrested 2 high-ranking extremists during a raid in the East Rashid district of Baghdad, Jan. 29.
During a raid in Doura, Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Sqdrn, 4th Cav Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID arrested the alleged extremists.  Sources believe they are involved in the manufacture and emplacement of IEDs.

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Task Force Dragon finds two caches

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers found 2 weapons caches during ongoing ops in the Rashid District of Baghdad, Jan. 30.
Soldiers from HHC, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, 3rd ID, attached to Task Force Dragon, found the first cache during an early morning patrol in West Rashid.  Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel were called in to safely dispose of a sniper rifle without scope, 4 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an 81mm mortar round and 3 brick sized containers filled with homemade explosives.
Later while patrolling Doura, Soldiers from Co D, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 10th Mtn Div, also attached to TF Dragon, found 50 pounds of homemade explosives and a large fire extinguisher rigged to detonate in an open field.

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Coalition MPs host Iraqi PDOP conference

Maj. Michael J. Indovina 18th MP BDE

BAGHDAD - Iraqi representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Provincial Director of Police and province police directors met in the International Zone with CF from 720th MP Bn, 18th MP Bde and Brig. Gen. Jim Huggins, Asst. Div. Com. for Maneuver, 3rd ID and MND-Center, Iraq on Jan. 29 to discuss concerns and essential needs for future Iraqi police (IP) ops.
During the Provincial Director of Police Conference, two of the four province directors from southern Iraq were able to attend and provide an overview of police ops, present concerns and support needed to continue police functions in their responsible areas.
A key issue to our success is to keep communicating as we did today. This will help elevate the problems we heard today in terms of weapons, uniforms, vehicles and personnel, said Brig Gen. Jim Huggins.  Iraq is a big country and there are many priorities.  We need to ensure MOI has visibility so they can prioritize. 
MOI Brig. Gen. Amir, assist. dep. Minister of Financial Affairs, explained a process he is working on to get provinces fuel tanks to fill for the police stations that can be filled at a reasonable price.  Amir said, we are here together to help and serve the provinces.  We have a good process in place to provide logistical support to the provinces, but we have to keep communicating with one another to ensure we know what you need.
A media opportunity allowed the MOI leaders and PDOP directors to provide info to the people of Iraq. They said things are improving and the IP are providing good security to its people.

Iraqi Maj. Gen. Maruoosh, left, Dep. Assist. to the Assist. Minister of Interior of IP Service Affairs and Security, responds to a concern and update from Qadisiyah Province's Police Dir., Brig. Gen. Jasim.

Wasit Province IP Director, Maj. Gen. Hannin, discusses the recent successes of his police force and describes several concerns his police stations faced.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers recover weapons cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Soldiers seized a large weapons cache Feb. 1 north of Baghdad.
The cache included a 60 mm mortar tube; 28, 60 mm mortars; 103, 81 mm mortars; 29, 120 mm mortars; 7 pounds of C4 explosives; an IED; cell phone; 100 mortar fuses; and 30, 12.7 mm rounds.

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MND-C Soldiers work with community, cause transformation

Story and photos by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID

FOB KALSU - After just 6 days of ops, MND-C Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 3rd ID began seeing results from their cooperation with community leaders in Sayafiyah, Jan 27.
During the ops out of Patrol Base Meade, Troops B and C from 5th Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 3rd ID, established security in villages near the patrol base leaving Troop A to handle security further south.
As the route clearance team marked IEDs, Troop A cleared buildings and together made their way to the town, a suspected terrorist safe haven.  When Troop A reached its destination, the Soldiers discovered a surprise.  Community residents and local leaders were on hand to greet them.  Local residents said that most, if not all insurgents in the area had fled before the approach of CF.  Local volunteers came forward to offer their assistance after community leaders met with U.S. Soldiers.
With the assurance of a long term U.S. presence, the regional leaders agreed to assist clearing vital roads, which would eventually be used to deliver supplies and equipment.
Now as MND-C Soldiers continue success ops in Iraq, CF and community leaders spoke at length on issues facing the region, the future of CF in the area and the establishment of Concerned Local Citizens (CLCs) group.

Two Soldiers from Troop A, observe a route clearance team clearing roads of IEDs. The regiment is conducting ops in support of Marne Thunderbolt.

Lt. Col. Clifford Wheeler, speaks with a local community leader during a meeting in the Sheik's community.

An Iraqi man prepares a meal of rice pilaf and goat.

A Soldier enjoys a feast presented by the residents of Sayafiyah. The Soldiers were expecting to find some remnants of al Qaeda insurgents in the town, but were instead greeted by the area's Sheik and a lunchtime feast celebrating the unit's arrival.

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MND-N Soldiers engage extremists in Diyala

TIKRIT - CF Soldiers killed 6 extremists Jan. 28 in Al-Aytha, just southeast of Khan Bani Sa'ad.
CLCs operating a checkpoint in the town came under small arms fire from the enemy.  Soldiers from Co B, 2-1 Cav. Regt. spotted a truck leaving the scene with a mortar tube and rifle in the back. The Soldiers called in Close Air Support, which spotted the vehicle picking up more personnel and ammo.  CAS engaged the vehicle carrying the enemy fighters; then engaged the enemy as they fled into a nearby field, killing six.
"Currently al-Qaeda has been attacking our CLC groups and that is an indication of how much they do not want that to be a success," said Lt. Col. Marshall Dougherty, 2-1 Cav. com.  "When the people see CLCs successfully stand up to al-Qaeda, it is empowering to the locals.  More volunteers in more areas have been standing up and coming to the table to provide for their own peace and security."

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