TROOP SCOOP

Dear Interested Readers,
The Mom of a son in Iraq notified me that she spotted his picture in one of our Updates!  It doesn't get any better than that!  During these intense days of enemy confrontations, I've a backlog of success stories of capturing, killing criminals, and uncovering weapon caches.  I've kept the hours of some of the engagements in the stories as they begin as early as 1am.  There are special stories of saving the life of a young Iraqi teenager, and the signing up of more SoIs.
Joanna
___________________________

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

March 31, 2008

Air weapons team engages, kills 12 criminals

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers killed 12 criminals after a small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack in northern Baghdad, March 30.
At approx. 1 a.m., a 3rd BCT, 4th ID patrol was attacked, and Soldiers pursued the criminals as they fled.  An AWT arrived on scene to provide support engaged and killed the 12 individuals.
"We are exercising great effort to protect the people of Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman.  "We are only targeting criminals and those acting outside the rule of law.  We will continue to defend ourselves and the citizens of Baghdad."

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Soldiers, Airmen save Iraqi teen injured by IED

KIRKUK - On his way home from working in his family's field, Rahmey didn't see the hidden IED until it was too late.  Staggering for home after the blast, the 13-year-old Iraqi boy had no way to know that his life would be saved by the quick, selfless actions of Army Soldiers and Air Force Airmen, March 27.
"I heard and saw the explosion from my window," said Arif Jarew, Rahmey's father.  It wasn't long before his son stumbled in with shrapnel wounds riddling his knee, leg and chest. "I was panicked, there was blood coming from his mouth," Jarew said. "My son was dying. He had blood everywhere."
With his son in his arms, he ran out to the street to flag down passing motorists for help.  "Then I saw a convoy of American Soldiers," he said.  Jarew was a little wary of asking for help from CF.   
"We saw some Iraqis waving us to stop and one was cradling a kid," said Pfc. Jeffrey Parson the patrol's medic.  The Soldiers from the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div began treating what they thought were gunshot wounds. "There was blood coming from the kid's mouth and his wounds, so we treated the bleeding first," Parson said. The patrol radioed FOB McHenry in the Hawijah district of the Ta' Mim Province.  A medevac helicopter arrived a few precious minutes after receiving the call to transport Rahmey and his father to the FOB. 
"He's a very lucky boy," said Air Force Capt. Gabriel Rulewicz, a military surgeon. "He'll need some surgery to remove the shrapnel, but we've stabilized him for transport to a hospital in Kirkuk.  It's a perfect ending to what could have quickly resulted in the opposite," he said.  But to one Iraqi father, this ending was more than perfect, it was more than he would have believed. "I did not know how caring U.S. Soldiers are.  I could not believe how well they treated my son and me," Jarew said. "I am so thankful to everyone who saved my son's life."

Soldiers from the 1st Bde, load the Iraqi teenager onto a medevac helicopter.

Army and Air Force doctors treat Rahmey.  Arif Jarew listens to a CF doctor through an interpreter as she tells him about his son's condition.

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SOI sign up in Tuz ceremony

TUZ - More than 750 Iraqis demonstrated their support for peace and the Iraqi Govt as they signed up to become an Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, in Tuz, March 28.
"Our choice is to recognize our govt," said Tribal Sheik Sami prior to signing a contract at ceremony in Tuz. "Today, the citizens of Tuz acknowledge there will be personal sacrifices that will have to be made to ensure security is maintained here, but we choose peace and agree to cooperate with our SF and the CF that are here to help us."
Throughout the region, the program has already stood-up nearly 9,000 SOI's since its inception in December.  Due to the program's continuing success, criminal elements in Iraq are diminishing.
"I would not think a program like this could succeed a year ago," said Tahir, 36, a villager of Muftal.  "But you hear and see more and more people becoming involved with stopping criminal activity."

A tribal leader from Tuz, Iraq Sheik Sami signs a contract agreeing to assist in security efforts.

Sheik Sami swears an Iraqi oath to assist in security efforts in the region.

A tribal sheik speaks with Col. David Paschal, the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div cmdr.

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Iraqi Army, MND-C Soldiers discover EFP cache

Iraqi Soldiers and 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), came across a substantial cache, including more than 15 complete explosively formed projectiles at the Qadasiyah Apartments in Mahmudiyah, March 29.

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ISF, CF discover six caches

TIKRIT - Iraqi and CF Soldiers discovered 6 weapons caches across northern Iraq, March 28. Five were discovered in Salah ad Din and 1 in Diyala province.
In the past two days, nearly 20 caches have been found from tips provided by the DDR program.

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ISF, advised by U.S. SOF, detain 10 suspected AQI in separate ops

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 10 suspected AQI members in separate ops, March 29.
East of Fallujah, IA Scouts detained one suspected AQI leader. This suspect is believed to be responsible for IED attacks in March and June of 2007, which resulted in the deaths of several CF members.  Recent intel reports have linked him and his terrorist network to several kidnappings and murders in the al-Bassam area.
In the village of Makhiat, near Mosul, IA Soldiers detained 4 suspected AQI members and held 5 additional suspects for questioning. They are suspected of violent acts on Iraqi civilians, and Iraqi and CF.  They are also suspected of the kidnapping, torture and murder of innocent Iraqi civilians; suicide and IED attacks against Iraqi and CF; as well as video recording violent attacks for AQI propaganda.

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ISF, CF kill 8 criminals, detain 2 others in Baghdad

BAGHDAD -  March 30, at 6 a.m., Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, were at a checkpoint in the Kadamiyah district when they reported receiving small-arms fire coming from the north. The Soldiers were approached by criminals on foot, and an AWT was called in to fire on them. The aerial strike killed 3 criminals and injured one.
At 7 a.m., Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, detained a criminal in the Karkh district based on suspicion of being highly involved with smuggling explosively formed penetrators and with ties to the fighting in Basra.
At 11:15 a.m., Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. engaged and killed a criminal who was emplacing an IED in New Baghdad.
At approx. noon, Soldiers from 1st BN., 2nd Stryker Cav. Regt. reported encountering a complex attack involving small-arms fire and attacks from rocket-propelled grenades while patrolling in eastern Baghdad. The Soldiers engaged and killed 3 criminals.
At 1 p.m., Iraqi Soldiers arrested an Iraqi man after he was searched at a security checkpoint in Kadamiyah. The man was found to be carrying a large amount of illegal ammo.
At 3:40 p.m., Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. reported receiving 5 mortar rounds at JSS al-Khansa in New Baghdad. The Soldiers fired 3 rounds to counter the attack, then a sniper from the unit engaged and killed one of the criminals. The Soldiers requested an air strike, which destroyed the criminals' mortar tube.
"We will be relentless in our pursuit of those breaking the law," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. "If these criminals continue to attack innocent Iraqis and CF, we will pursue them and bring them to justice."

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MND-B Soldiers kill 25 criminals

BAGHDAD - In eastern Baghdad, March 30, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, were traveling in a combat patrol to investigate a possible point of origin for an indirect fire attack when their MRAP vehicle was struck by an IED.
While attempting to secure a second IED, they were attacked with indirect fire, rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire from a house in the vicinity of the IED strike.  An AWT was called in to support the Soldiers on the ground.  A mortar team was spotted on the roof of the house where the attack was coming from, and the AWT defended the Soldiers on the ground and killed 25 criminals. One Soldier was injured in the IED attack.
"We will defend ourselves when attacked by armed criminals," said Lt. Col. Steven Stover, MND-B spokesman. "We are not the aggressors, but we will defend ourselves and the Iraqi people with all resources available to us."

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MND-B Soldiers kill 8 criminals in separate operations

BAGHDAD -  Late March 29 and early March 30, while on patrol in northeast Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt encountered and engaged a 3-man rocket-propelled grenade team, killing all 3.
MND-B Soldiers later came under fire by a 3-man gun team on a nearby rooftop. The soldiers returned fire in self-defense and killed the 3 criminals.
While manning a checkpoint in Kadhamiyah, soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 75th Cav Regt were attacked and called in an Apache AWT for support. They fired 2 Hellfire missiles and killed 2 criminals.

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MND-N captures key criminal in Diyala

BAQUBA - Soldiers with the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID captured a key criminal leader in Diyala province near Sadiyah, March 29.
The suspect is believed to be the  leader of a criminal cell operating in the Khalis area and is accused of numerous IED attacks.  He is also believed to be an explosives expert who leads more than 300 criminals.
Another key criminal was also detained during the op. The second detainee is suspected of posing as an Iraqi policeman and has been implicated in the murder of 20 Iraqis and the burning of their homes.  Two other individuals were also detained.
"(These) are dangerous individuals who have been at the center of criminal activity in the area for some time now, and we are actively looking for their associates," said Maj. Mike Garcia, MND-N  spokesman.

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MND-N Soldiers support ground troops in Iraq

An M109A6 Paladin remains vigilant after a night of fire missions, outside Mosul, March 28 with a Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle.

An M109A6 Paladin fires its 155 mm Howitzer outside Mosul, in support of ground forces. The Howitzer, with the howitzer battery, 3rd ACR fired illumination rounds, to expose enemy movement in Mosul.

Chief of Section, Staff Sgt. Freddy Perdue confirms a 155 mm illumination round as Gunner, Spc. James Simpson and Cannoneer, Pfc. Brian Chandler load the round into the breach of their M109A6 Paladin.

Staff Sgt. Perdue and Spc. Simpson prepare to fire a 155 mm illumination round from their M109A6 Paladin. These Soldiers are from howitzer battery from Fort Hood, Texas.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 2 Special Groups criminals

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers killed 2 armed Special Groups criminals at approx. 5 a.m., March 30.  The criminals were responsible for an earlier IED attack in the Fadaliyah area of New Baghdad.
A helicopter AWT from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div (Light), engaged the criminals, who were hiding in a courtyard after carrying out the attack on soldiers from 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt.

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Dear Interested Readers,
As we've heard on the news, our troops along with Iraqi Soldiers are engaged in many confrontations with the terrorists and are succeeding in eliminating the enemy.  There is also a story of 3 brothers united in Iraq, a darling little girl delighted with a beanie baby, and a bundle of joy.  This is the other side of the coin to the battles going on to eliminate the terrorists, so these children can grow up in freedom and prosperity.
Joanna
___________________________________

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

March 30, 2008

 

MND-B Soldiers kill 11 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers engaged and killed 11 criminals in separate engagements in Baghdad March 29.
Involved in the engagements were Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, and Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div.    
"Along with our Iraqi SF partners, we are targeting individual criminal networks and anyone involved in violent crimes against the Iraqi people," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  "We will continue to conduct precision ops based on substantial evidence of criminal activity."

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces engage, kill 22 in Basra

BAGHDAD - March 29, the ISOF conducted the op in a known criminal stronghold in western Basra to disrupt criminal activities and capture criminal leaders.
En route to their target, the ISOF were engaged multiple times by small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Upon arrival at the target, and under fire, the ground assault force entered a building and killed 4 enemy fighters.  Ground forces cleared the structure, finding 2 women and 5 children who were unharmed.
While at the target location, ISOF came under enemy fire from ground level and roof-top locations. They killed 2 enemy fighters on an apartment roof.  While engaged with hostile forces, ISOF and a supporting U.S. SF team identified additional armed criminal elements in the area.  A supporting CF aircraft identified enemy forces on three roof-tops and engaged with precision gunfire after being cleared by ground forces. Initial reports indicate 16 criminal fighters were killed.  Two ISOF Soldiers were wounded during the op.

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IA, U.S. SF patrol attacked; 13 criminal fighters killed

BAGHDAD - A patrol IA Scouts and U.S. SF Soldiers was attacked by criminal elements in southeastern Suwayrah, March 29.  Iraqi and U.S. Forces repelled the attack, killing 13 enemy fighters.
Iraqi and U.S. Forces conducted a presence patrol in Suwayrah. During the patrol, an Iraqi woman approached the patrol and told them a criminal member lived in a nearby house.  Iraqi and U.S. Forces searched the house, finding 9 rocket propelled grenades and criminal propaganda.
Shortly after continuing their patrol, a U.S. SF Soldier identified 6 armed individuals exiting a cargo truck, posturing to attack the patrol with RPGs. The U.S. SF Soldier immediately engaged the individuals as Iraqi and U.S. vehicles maneuvered to gain a tactical advantage.  At this time, the patrol began to receive small arms and RPG fire from another location. Iraqi and U.S. Forces continued to maneuver and after a short firefight, neutralized the enemy threat.
Shortly after continuing their patrol, Iraqi and U.S. Forces were again attacked by hostile forces with small arms and RPG fire. The patrol engaged and neutralized the threat.  Approx. 45 minutes later, the patrol received small-arms fire and observed an individual armed with an RPG positioning to attack the patrol.  Iraqi and U.S. Forces fired to suppress enemy small arms-fire and the individual with the RPG. 
In addition to the 13 enemy fighters killed, 2 cargo trucks were destroyed.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 9 supporting ISF

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers supported Iraq SF ops around Sadr City, March 28-29. The 2 ops resulted in 9 terrorists killed.
During checkpoint inspections, March 28, militants attacked Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID with small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The Soldiers returned fire and killed 7.
Soldiers later identified 2 roadside bomb emplacers, who were killed in an exchange of gun fire.

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MND-B Soldiers target criminals; 23 killed

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed 23 criminals in separate engagements in Baghdad, March 28.
Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), killed one criminal in northeastern Baghdad after seeing the individual with a rocket propelled grenade launcher in an alleyway during a patrol.
A 3rd BCT, 4th ID vehicle struck an IED in northeastern Baghdad.  A number of criminals then fired on the soldiers while they attempted to recover the vehicle.  Soldiers spotted and engaged 2 of the attackers,
killing them both.
Iraqi SF and Coalition soldiers were attacked at a checkpoint in northwestern Baghdad.  An AWT was called in to assist the ground force. They fired a hellfire missile from the helicopter, targeting 10 criminals who were armed with RPG launchers and automatic weapons.  All 10 were killed in the engagement.
Soldiers from 4th BCT, 1st ID, were attacked with small arms fire in southern Baghdad while on a combat patrol later in the evening.  Soldiers returned fire in self defense, killing 9 terrorists.
An hour later, a criminal armed with an RPG launcher attacked soldiers from 2-101 Abn. Div., striking an M1A1 Abrams.  Soldiers spotted the terrorist and killed him in an exchange of gun fire.

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MND-B Soldiers find 2 weapons caches

BAGHDAD -  March 28, during combat missions, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, discovered a weapons cache in eastern Baghdad, consisting of 2 explosively formed projectiles, 4 120 mm artillery rounds and 2 60 mm mortar rounds.
Soldiers seized the cache and detained 3 individuals suspected of harboring it.  After discovering the cache and detaining the 3 men, the Soldiers were attacked by terrorists using heavy small-arms fire from multiple locations.  Soldiers returned fire and killed one terrorist and injured 2.
Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., acting on a tip from a local Iraqi, discovered another weapons cache in eastern Baghdad. The cache consisted of two EFPs, 12 60mm mortar rounds, 12 rocket propelled grenades, 12 blocks of C-4 explosives, 32 casings for EFPs, 12 National Police uniforms, 4 body armor jackets, 4 sets of handcuffs and 1,100 PKC rounds.

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Band of Brothers: The Hill Siblings Reunite in Iraq War Zone

by Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson, Regimental Combat Team 5

Lance Cpl. Robert A. Hill, a light armored vehicle mechanic with Delta Co, 4th Light Armored Recon Bn, kneels between his brothers — Army 1st Lt. Josh T. Hill (right), maintenance plt. cmdr., 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Div, and Lance Cpl. Bryan G. Hill, an armorer with Transportation Support Co, Combat Logistics Bn 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group — during their first reunion in more than a year at al Asad Air Base, recently.

AL ASAD — Army 1st Lt. Josh T. Hill, and Lance Cpl. Bryan G. Hill, were informed by a phone call from their mother that their brother Robert was deploying to Iraq sometime in the spring of 2008.  The two brothers gathered and drove over to the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Center to see Robert. They waited 45 minutes to see their brother.  "I didn’t care how long I waited; I was excited to be able to see him,” said Bryan. “The reunion meant more because of the place we are in.”
“It’s pretty cool to see my brothers at one place at one time,” said Josh, 24, the oldest of the three. “Not many groups of brothers see each other at the same time across the world in a war zone.  Our mom was okay with all of us deployed,” said Josh. “I respect her strength, because it’s not easy sending one kid to war, let alone three kids.”
Growing up, each brother was two years older than the other to the month. Josh was always the mentor to his younger brothers.  “Josh was an influence, but he did it by picking on us,” said Bryan. “It wasn’t picking on; it was conditioning them to be better men,” said Josh in response to the comment.
According to Robert and Bryan, Josh was a huge influence in their decision to serve their country. “Josh influenced me in a way to push me into wanting to join the military,” said Robert. “He paved the way for me and my brother.”
Although the two younger brothers didn’t join the same service, Josh said he has a sense of pride when thinking of his brothers. “It made sense why they joined the Marines; it’s because they wanted to do their own thing instead of do exactly what I did,” said Josh. “It was nice just seeing them grow up and see them accomplish things so major,” Josh added.
The Hill brothers’ meeting was fulfilling, but short, as Robert left Al Asad Air Base to conduct operations in the western Anbar province of Iraq.

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North Carolina Kids Send Toys to Iraqi School Children

A young Iraqi girl holds her new Beanie Baby.

FOB KALSU — Iraqi school children in Al Buaytha received toys from children their age from halfway around the world, March 24.
Soldiers of Co D, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, distributed 400 Beanie Babies to children at the Oman and Nassir schools.  Students of North Hills Christian School in Salisbury, N.C., collected and sent the toys as a gift.
“It is important that we do anything we can to make the children happy and help them, because the children are the future,” said Capt. Joseph Inge,  cmdr. of Co D.
First Lt. Kirk Steiner, Co D fire support officer, gave his mother, who teaches at the school, credit for organizing the event. “Most of these children have only seen their country during a time of war.  It was great to be able to give them a small gift and see the smiles on their faces,” said Steiner.

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Al Nassir School Gets Face-lift

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky, 3rd ID

An Iraqi worker adds a fresh coat of white paint to one of the buildings comprising the al Nassir School in al Buaytha, March 25. CF are funding repair of the school's four buildings. Before al-Qaida was driven from the area, the school was hit several times by mortars, causing structural damage.

FOB KALSU — The al Nassir Elementary School is once again a kid-friendly place where area children can go to study.  The school, which suffered severe damage while al-Qaida dominated the area, is now getting a face-lift thanks to the efforts of local residents and CF.
Soldiers of 1st Plt, Co D, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, paid a visit to the school to view work being done by a local construction crew, March 25.
Both girls and boys in grades 1 through 6 attend classes in the four buildings that comprise the school. Currently, 17 teachers work in the school, instructing more than 550 children from the communities of al Buaytha and Arab Jabour.
First Lt. Bryan Diminico, plt leader of 1st Plt, was pleased by the progress.  In addition to aesthetic improvements such as painting and filling in holes in the walls and ceilings, new electrical wiring has been laid down and a water pump installed to provide plumbing.
Diminico promised future meetings to discuss funding and improvements with Mohammed, headmaster, who will also meet with a representative of the Iraqi Ministry of Education, Satar  Katham.  Mohammed said he is in regular contact with Katham, and the Govt of Iraq is paying the teachers and showing a vested interest in the welfare of the school.  Such interest is necessary to provide a better future for the area, Mohammed said.  Many adults in al Buaytha cannot read or write, something he wants to see change in the new generation.

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Bundle of Joy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasmin S. Enciso, who ran the pharmacy in the female care provider's room, handles one of the smaller patients they treated during the cooperative medical engagement in Karbani, March 18, 2008.  This is Enciso's second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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Dear Interested Readers,
With more terrorists coming out of hiding, more are being captured and killed, which is a good thing.  We're taken along on some of our troops' missions to give us an idea of what a day is like for them.
Joanna
___________________________

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

March 29, 2008

1-38th Soldiers clear village near Baqubah

Staff Sgt. Ryan Longacre, squad leader in Co C, 1st Bn, 38th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, from Fort Lewis, Wash., discusses his position with Cpl. Victor Camarillo, a team leader in Co C, during Op Rock Roundup near Baqubah, March 28.

Pfc. Jonathan Barrett, a light-machine gunner in Co C, provides security down a roadway while Soldiers move across the road behind him.

Staff Sgt. Eric Brew, squad leader in Co C, looks for movement in the palm groves while fellow Soldiers look for a weapon cache believed to be in the area.

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MND-B Soldiers destroy rocket site, kill 12 terrorists

BAGHDAD - A MND-Baghdad AWT engaged and destroyed a terrorist rocket site after observing several terrorists removing rocket rails from an attack site in eastern Baghdad, March 28.  After observing the terrorists flee the scene, the aerial weapons team destroyed the attack site, followed the terrorists and destroyed a get-away vehicle which contained rockets in the trunk.
In a separate attack in eastern Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers killed 2 terrorists after their patrol was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.
In a third attack in eastern Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers killed 10 terrorists after a JSS  was attacked by small-arms fire.

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CF, ISF discover 13 caches across MND-N

TIKRIT - Iraqi and CF Soldiers discovered 13 weapons caches across northern Iraq, March 27.  Eight of these cache finds were in the Salah ad Din province alone.  These cache finds amounted to a significant amount of munitions including rockets, more than 90 mortar rounds, grenades, landmines, and an IED.
"As the enemy continues to flee, ops like this show them that we will continue to disrupt their ops until they run out of resources," said Maj. Dan Meyers, spokesperson for MND-North.
The ISF and CF have found a majority of these caches as a result of multiple tips from the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration, or DDR, program.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 13 terrorists

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers engaged and killed 13 terrorists in separate engagements in Baghdad, March 28.
Terrorists attacked Soldiers from the 237th Eng. Bn using small-arms fire in eastern Baghdad.  An AWT responded, engaged the enemy forces and killed 4 terrorists.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, positively identified men in a vehicle armed with rocket-propelled grenades in Adhamiyah, a district in northeast Baghdad.  An  AWT destroyed the vehicle, killing 2 terrorists.
A 3rd BCT, 4th ID M1126 Stryker vehicle struck an IED in northeast Baghdad.  Soldiers observed the terrorist's spotter. He was killed in an exchange of fire.  No MND-B Soldiers were injured in the attack.
A terrorist attacked Iraqi Security and CF with small-arms fire in Kadamiyah, a district in northwest Baghdad.  Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, returned fire and killed the attacker.
Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, killed 5 terrorists after an attack on their patrol by a rocket-propelled grenade in New Baghdad, a district in eastern Baghdad.
"Along with our Iraqi SF partners, we are targeting individual terrorists, extremists, criminal networks and anyone involved in violent crimes against the Iraqi people," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  "We'll continue to conduct precision ops based on substantial evidence of terrorist or criminal activity."

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IPs, MPs protect Diyarah streets side by side

1st Lt. Caleb Oman, left, with the 18th MP Bde, accompanies the Diyarah IP Station cmdr. on a joint patrol through their local village, March 25. The MPs have been overseeing ops at the station in Diyarah since December 2007.

Spc. Adam Kimball, MP Soldier, walks with a local IP on a joint patrol.

Pfc. Michael Zamora, a combat medic, patrols the streets of Diyarah.

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SOI, 1-10th Mountain Soldiers conduct local project in Kirkuk

TIKRIT, Iraq - In addition to assisting local Iraqi SF and CF maintain security in their neighbors, SoI members in northeastern Iraq are lending their support to local civic projects, such as the delivery and assembly of 100 desks with chairs, and school supplies for a rural school in Newafil Village outside the city of Kirkuk, March 25.
"This was a great day for the children, parents, and the whole village to see the progress being made as a result of increased security in the area," said Capt. Matt Lee, Co B cmdr, 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div.
Members of the SoI are comprised of local citizens who protect their neighborhoods and its critical infrastructure under contract with CF and under the supervision of local Iraqi SF.
"In partnership with the recently employed SoIs, this is a great example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together to bring security and stability to their neighborhoods,"  Lee said.
The desks and chairs were donated by a local Iraqi contractor.
   
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ISF, CF take fight to terrorists

BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers killed 8 terrorists in a series of attacks March 27 in Baghdad.  Soldiers from 1st Bn, 68th Armor Regt, were patrolling in Adhamiyah when one of their vehicles was struck by a rocket-propelled Grenade.  Five minutes later, the patrol was attacked by small-arms fire. The Soldiers returned the attack with precision fire and killed one terrorist.  One U.S. Soldier received a minor wound, but continued the mission.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 64th Armor Regt, killed 2 terrorists who engaged them with small arms fire in Mansour.
A team from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, engaged and killed a terrorist who was controlling indirect fire on the northern edge of Sadr City. 
In New Baghdad, a vehicle from 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt, was struck by an IED. The patrol positively identified the trigger man, engaged and killed the terrorist.
In Kadamiyah, Soldiers from 1st Bn, 502 Inf Regt, reported a terrorist who fired a RPG at a building, which set it on fire.  As the Soldiers moved in to investigate, terrorists fired an additional RPG round and small-arms fire at their patrol.  One Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was struck by an RPG.  However, there were no injuries to the team inside.  Soldiers returned fire and killed 3 terrorists.
"At the end of the day, Iraqi SF, with CF support, maintain control of every check point in the city," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  "Wherever terrorists attacked, we put a stop to it."

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MPs overwatch checkpoints with IPs

Spc. Jordan Zollman, 18th MP Bde, partners with local Iraqi Highway Patrol Police at a checkpoint March 24 near Diyarah.  Soldiers have been monitoring the progress of the Iraqi Highway Patrol to help ensure correct checkpoint procedures are being implemented as well as the proper searching of vehicles.  These MPs have been working with the Iraqis since December 2007.

Sgt. Robert Helton, an MP Soldier, lends a hand to a local IP searching a vehicle.  Checkpoints are used to help ensure the rule of law is being enforced as well as providing additional safety measures to protect the citizens of Iraq.

Sgt. Robert Helton, oversees an IP as he inspects the ID card of an Iraqi citizen.

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Dear Interested Readers,
I wasn't able to cut a lot of the story of our heroic nurse, who captivated me with her enthusiasm.  I also didn't have the heart to cut the warm hearted story of how our troops won over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people in a small town.  Enjoy!
Joanna
____________________________

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

March 28, 2008

Face of Defense: Army Nurse Strives to Make a Difference

By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti
25th Infantry Division

Army Capt. Jody Brown, looks for medication for a patient March 17, 2008.

CAMP TAJI — Capt. Jody Brown’s barely 5-foot-tall stature is easily dwarfed by the sea of infantrymen. The Army nurse’s body armor and helmet make her look almost childlike, and her M4 rifle is more than half her size.  “She’s never been outside the wire,” a Soldier said under his breath with a snicker.  He was wrong.
Brown, a registered nurse, supports the 25th ID’s 2nd Stryker BCT’s units with immunizations and travels to wherever the Soldiers are -- even outside the wire. She is assigned to 2nd SBCT’s Co C, 225th Bde Support Bn.
On this day, she was joining her fellow doctors, physician assistants and medics, and 2nd Sqdrn, 14th Cav Regt, to provide medical aid for the people of Batta village.  “I’m so excited,” she said. The mission marked Brown’s first combined medical effort, and she said it is a great way to help the Iraqi people and build positive relationships with them. “This is a great thing, and I hope we can help as many people as possible,” she said.
Brown said she didn’t always want to be a nurse, but she knew it was a great way to help people, which is something she’s always wanted to do.  She joined the Army 10 years ago as a transportation officer, and she credited “great leadership” with her ultimate transfer into the medical corps.  Shortly after making the decision to transfer, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire’s nursing school. “Being a nurse is great,” she said.  Brown said she sometimes finds her experiences to be unfathomable.  “I mean, here I am, this petite woman,” she said. “I know I can’t be infantry, and I know I will never be able to lift what those guys lift, or do what those guys do, but this is just as amazing. I am here, and I can do a lot as a nurse.”
The line at the medical exercise seemed endless, as patient after patient shoved into the overcrowded room.  As in so many places in Iraq, villagers don’t get many opportunities to be seen by a medical professional.  Brown worked easily with the patients, breaking the barriers of culture and language with her actions and tone of voice.  Only when she was satisfied with the level of care she provided to the patient did she move on to the next.
“She’s a great nurse,” said Capt. Drew Webb, who serves as a physician asst. with HH Troop, 2nd Sqdrn, 14th Cav Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT. “She’s very caring, and we are happy to have her here.”
Brown said she is happy to be in Iraq. She volunteered, against the wishes of her husband, Capt. Steve Brown, to deploy by his side.  “Quite frankly, he was mad,” she said, of her husband who is the cmdr. of Co A, 1st Bn, 21st Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, based at Camp Liberty.  “He couldn’t think of his wife in a combat zone.”
Brown said the deployment has made her stronger, and she and her husband talk whenever they can.  Working side by side with Iraqi Army medics and the town doctor as they combine their efforts to help the people of Batta village is a satisfying opportunity, Brown said. “I know I can’t help everyone,” she said. “But just helping these people is a start in the right direction.”

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Soldiers, Iraqi Community Leaders Discuss Rebuilding Effort
      
By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT

Army Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, speaks with Mahmud Jabllawe.

FOB HAMMER — A March 21 gathering in a small village east of Baghdad looked more like a friendly visit than a meeting on reconstruction.  Army Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, cmdr. of 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, and Mahmud Jabllawe, leader of the Tuwaitha SoI community security group, chatted like old friends.
Kolasheski inquired about Jabllawe’s upcoming doctor’s appointment, as Jabllawe offered chairs and chai (tea) to him and Army Capt. Brian Gilbert, cmdr. of Co D, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt.
The conversation quickly moved to business after Kolasheski gave his host a small water purifier as a house-warming gift.  Removing their boots, Kolasheski and Gilbert entered Jabllawe’s house and discussed the future of the area.  Not long ago, Tuwaitha was an al Qaida hotbed.  Local residents never dreamed that U.S. Soldiers would come into their village and sip chai with their local leaders.
“This place was pretty bad when we first arrived here,” said Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Young, a section sgt in Co D. “Al Qaida had killed several people in the area. They were running families out of their homes.  We hit so many IEDs that the route into this area was still considered black 30 days after we cleared it, but that was before the SoI checkpoints.” Establishing the citizens’ security group in the area was a huge step toward enabling residents to take their village back. “Those checkpoints helped keep the roads secure after we cleared them, and it took off from there,” Young said.
The day’s meeting focused on getting Tuwaitha greater representation at regional govt meetings and working with the local leadership council to help Tuwaitha’s have its needs presented in a unified voice.  Jabllawe engaged Kolasheski and Gilbert about getting civil projects brought to the area. The local pump station up the road is functioning, but could be improved. Water purification is still an issue.
Jabllawe admitted that many of his neighbors were not in favor of reaching out to the Americans. “We were once very scared of you … but I am glad we reached out to you,” he said. “All of our people now know that the Soldiers at your bases are good people. You will always be remembered here as brothers.”

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Iraqi SF, CF target terrorists, kill 26

BAGHDAD -  March 27, while patrolling in Adhamiyah, soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt were attacked by small arms fire. The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, killing 5 terrorists and wounding an additional 5 terrorists. 
Later, soldiers from 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, reported receiving indirect fire at a COP in New Baghdad, and immediately following the initial attack, soldiers were attacked with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.  CF returned fire and killed 2 terrorists.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 68th Armor Regt, also came under a small arms fire attack while patrolling north of Baghdad. One terrorist was killed in the engagement.
Soldiers from 2-16 Inf. Regt. killed 3 terrorists in New Baghdad.  Soldiers from 1-2 SCR were attacked by small arms fire by 2 terrorists while patrolling on the outskirts of Sadr City.  An air weapons team in a rotary wing aircraft conducting surveillance positively identified the terrorists and killed them.
In Kadhamiyah, Soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 75th Cav Regt, were attacked while manning a checkpoint in the area.  An AWT flying a rotary wing aircraft was called in to assist the ground force, and fired one hellfire missile, killing 3 terrorists. Thirty minutes later, the checkpoint came under a second, heavier attack by terrorists. The AWT engaged with 30mm rounds, killing an additional 10 terrorists.
"We cannot stress enough how relentless we will be in our pursuit of those who attack Iraqi and CF and who terrorize Iraqi citizens," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  We will pursue them and bring them to justice."

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Iraqi SF, U.S. SF engage criminal elements in Hillah, al-Kut

BALAD - Hillah's Iraqi SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SF, engaged Special Groups criminals in Hillah, killing 14 and wounding 20, March 26.
Also March 26 in Al Kut, an Iraqi SWAT unit advised by U.S. SF conducted a combined presence patrol to counter recent violence in the area.  The patrol took small-arms and RPG fire in the Old Izza and Karamiyah districts.  Both times, the patrol returned fire suppressing the enemy fighters.
As the patrol left the Old Izza and Karamiyah districts, they linked up with IP and  IA Scouts. The group then patrolled the Sharkiyah district, also receiving small-arms fire from a vehicle with 4 armed individuals. The patrol engaged the vehicle, killing 2 individuals.  The Al Kut patrol killed 11 enemy fighters.

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ISF, CF defend checkpoint, kill 8 militants

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and MND-Baghdad Soldiers killed 8 militants after they were attacked at an IA checkpoint with rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire in northern Baghdad, March 27.
An MND-B AWT provided air support and engaged the terrorists, killing the 8.

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National Police help uncover weapons cache

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

BAGHDAD - IP led Soldiers from 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, to 2 weapons caches near al Muntadar, a small village east of Baghdad, March 25, which contained more than 50 mortars and an artillery shell.
"The National Police continue to support us by leading us to caches," said 1st Lt. Aaron Wilkerson, fire support officer for 1st Bn.  Since taking over their current battle space Feb. 15, 1st Bn has seen security in the area improve. "The frequency of small-arms fire and IED attacks have steadily decreased because of the cooperation between the Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, National Police and CF."
This was the fourth cache 1st Bn has recovered in the past month.

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24 terrorists killed in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and MND-Baghdad Soldiers killed 24 terrorists, March 26 in Baghdad.  Soldiers combined with their Iraqi counterparts to conduct precision, intel-based ops in the capital.  In the last 24 hours, militants and terrorists conducted 10 indirect fire attacks, 10 attacks against civilians and 47 attacks against ISF and CF.
"The terrorists also continue to conduct very limited indirect fire attacks against FOBs, JSSs and at the International Zone in an attempt to harm innocent civilians and govt officials working towards reconciliation in the country," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B. "We will relentlessly pursue those individuals who would seek to murder, terrorize or intimidate the people of Baghdad. Contrary to reporting, this is not a battle against Jaysh Al Mahdi - this is straight and simple a fight against those individuals breaking the law."

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Weapons found after aerial engagement

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained 2 suspected criminals and seized weapons after a recent op in West Rashid.
MND-B forces conducted an aerial engagement in support of a combat clearing op in Shurta where 6 individuals were killed. The AWT supported the Soldiers from 4th BCT, 1st ID, who were under fire in Shurta when they positively identified 6 men armed with AK-47 assault rifles.
"The troops were part of a deliberate op to clear West Rashid of criminals," said Maj. Peter Lind, Task Force Dragon's chief of ops. "This wasn't retaliation for anything, but a reaction to suspected criminals trying to ambush our forces."
The Soldiers also found 10 AK-47 assault rifles, 3 PKC machine guns, 3 explosively formed penetrators and 4 RPGs with warheads at the scene.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Some very high level insurgents have been captured and more weapon caches found.  Through the compassion of our troops, Iraqi oil refinery workers will have the necessary equipment needed.  It's also encouraging to read that when fully operational, the electricity output for the Anbar region will be doubled.
Joanna
____________________________

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

March 27, 2008

ISOF, advised by U.S. SF, detains 8 suspected insurgents in separate ops

BALAD -  March 25    in Baghdad, ISOF detained a suspected al Qaeda member who helped create a suicide network associated with attacks against Iraqi and CF in the Baghdad area. The suspect also recently formed a criminal group to conduct attacks against CF in Tahrir, southeast of Baghdad. Two additional suspects were detained in the op.
In Basra, March 26, ISOF detained a suspected criminal who is reported to be an illegal weapons dealer in the area.  The suspect is believed to be smuggling and selling massive amounts of weapons to Special Groups and criminal elements that attack Iraqi and CF.  ISOF conducted the op in support of GoI efforts to stabilize Basra.  Four other suspects were detained.

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Marines, Sailors assist Iraqi refinery employees

HAQLANIYAH - Marines and Sailors delivered the first batch of personal protection equipment to employees of the Northern Petroleum Company at the K3 Oil refinery, March 25.
"During the former regime, protection for the laborers and employees was not available," said the Iraqi manager of the refinery through an interpreter. "We hope the relationship between our two great nations will remain and grow stronger and stronger."
The Marines and Sailors, who are assigned to Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1, Team 6 of the Camp Pendleton-based RCT 5, capitalized on a MNF-West sponsored initiative introduced by Brig. Gen. Martin Post, dep. comm. gen. "They had flip flops that their toes stuck out of, and no eye protection, nothing to protect their hands, and no hearing protection," said Lt. j.g. Eric Palmer, the team leader of Team 6. "We're providing everything from hearing protection, facial shields, goggles, gloves, coveralls, and steel-toed boots.  We're also providing the fire department with bunker gear."
When fully operational, the refinery, in conjunction with the Haditha Dam located several kilometers away, will roughly double Anbar's electricity production.
"This is a good day," said 1st Lt. Brian O'Shea, the exec. officer of Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1.  "It is one of many first steps on the road to economic self-sufficiency for Al Anbar Province."

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CF destroys 4 suspected VBIEDs, in southern Diyala

BAQUBAH -  "Op Viking Expedition was designed to confirm AQI caches and dumping grounds for victims," said Maj. John Burpo, ops officer for 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID.  "This op was part of a series of ops that is disrupting the ability of AQI to influence Baquba and the Diyala region."
As part of the op, air weapon team helicopters engaged 3 suspicious vehicles destroying them with Hellfire missiles.  After a search of the area, a bunker was found containing another vehicle. They also discovered a small cache there. The bunker and cache were destroyed by 2 bombs dropped by close-air support planes.

A vehicle sits in a bunker.

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Two weapons caches found in Shaka 3 area

FOB KALSU - SoI members and an informant provided info to CF Soldiers that led to two weapons caches March 24 and 25 in the Shaka 3 region of Iraq.
SOI members led Soldiers with Co C, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID to the first cache March 24, consisting of 38 rifle grenades, 64 OG-15P grenades, 27 OG-9 rockets, 21 PG-9 rockets, 2 OG-7 rockets and an anti-tank mine.
The second cache was discovered the following day based on a tip from an informant. The cache contained 400 DSHKA rounds.
"This is a testament to their willingness to come forward with info because they want to live a better life," said Capt. Raub Nash, cmdr of Co C.
"This is the fifth cache the unit has found in the area in the past 10 days", said Nash.

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MND-B attack aviation crews destroy enemy positions

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed 2 enemy positions in separate attacks March 25. They responded after enemy forces fired on CF. The aircrews from 4th Sqdrn, 3rd ACR, answered the call from ground forces, who reported that they had received enemy fire from a nearby position as they traveled along an established route.  After obtaining clearance from the ground unit to engage the enemy position, the Apache crews fired upon it, ceasing all enemy activity from the location.
In an earlier attack, aircrews were called to investigate possible suspected terrorist establishing an attack position.  Upon arrival, the aircrews noticed the individuals preparing for the attack and fired upon the position.
There were no CF or Iraqi citizens injured as a result of the 2 attacks.

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Dear Interested Readers,
A great number of weapon caches uncovered, and many more terrorists captured or killed.  A combat outpost is being constructed in Mosul, which helps the CF insure trust with the local people.  A highlight is being taken on a mission to clear a hot spot in Mosul.  The pictures sure are colorful!
Joanna
_______________________________

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

March 26, 2008

MND-C Soldiers conduct air assault, destroy weapons cache

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID

BAGHDAD - MND-Center soldiers from 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, conducted an air assault mission near al-Lej to gain additional infor on terrorist activity near the town, southeast of Baghdad, March 24.
Soldiers secured 4 buildings, finding 2 buried refrigerators and one large hole that may have been used by terrorists to store munitions.  Co leadership directed attack aviation helicopters from 1st Bn, 3rd Aviation Regt, Combat Aviation Bde, 3rd ID, to a possible cache site that could not be safely cleared by soldiers on the ground.
In the search, soldiers discovered Sunni terrorist training literature containing depictions of CF vehicles and aircraft.

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ISF, local citizens join forces to capture senior AQI leader in Ta' Mim province

KIRKUK - ISF collaborated with local Iraqi citizens to capture a senior AQI leader March 24. The senior leader and 5 other suspected terrorists were stopped while traveling on a road southwest of Kirkuk. This capture follows the capture of al-Qaeda's "top emir" in Kirkuk March 20.
The suspected terrorists are believed to have conducted numerous acts of intimidation against innocent Iraqi citizens. The senior leader is believed to be linked to militant ops in the Ta' Mim province.
"You can run but you cannot hide from us, the IP force, the IA, or the citizens of this province," said Col. David Paschal, cmdr of the 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div. "We are committed to hunt down those who want to disrupt the reconciliation and rebuilding efforts here and bring them to justice."

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Iraqi SF, U.S. SF detain 15 in separate operations

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 15 suspects during ops March 24 and 25. 
In Baghdad, Iraqi SOF detained a suspected criminal cell leader reported to be responsible for IED cell members who have attacked Iraqi and CF in the Baghdad area. Three additional suspected cell members were also detained.
In Samarra, Iraqi NP detained a suspected AQI military cmdr, who is reported to lead 25 fighters in the greater Samarra area.  He is also believed to have been involved in organizing small arms fire, IED and VBIED attacks. Ten additional suspects are being held for further questioning.

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UPDATE Hillah SWAT detains suspected terrorist, discovers large cache

BAGHDAD - The Hillah Iraqi SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SF, detained a suspected high-level Special Group leader and recovered a significant weapons and munitions cache during a patrol March 22 in Hashimiyah.
The suspect is believed to be a Special Group bn cmdr and a major figure behind Special Group violence and criminal activity in Babil Province. Credible intel links him to numerous rocket, mortar and IED attacks, criminal activity against Iraqi civilians and trafficking of explosively formed penetrators.  He is believed to be a central figure in weapons trafficking between Najaf, Karbala, and Nasiriyah.
Suspicious of the suspect's motives for not wanting ISWAT near the industrial area, ISWAT began an immediate and thorough search of several buildings in the area, and found a major weapons cache supporting Special Group violence in Babil Province. The cache included several EFPs, EFP components including more than 50 copper disks, 40,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo, 122 mm high-explosive rockets, more than 100 HE mortar rounds, 107 mm HE rockets, more than 200 pounds of C-4 explosive, 240 mm HE rockets, 50 complete rail systems for launching 122 mm rockets, components for constructing IEDs, rocket propelled grenade launchers with RPG rockets, a 81 mm mortar system, anti-personnel land mines and HE grenades.

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MND-B Soldiers detain three linked to indirect fire attacks

BAGHDAD - March 25, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 1st ID, conducted a combat op after a surveillance team provided info about the 3 detainees.
Soldiers cordoned off the building the suspects had entered and apprehended the men. They also seized an 81 mm mortar tube with base plate and tripod, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG warheads, a mortar aiming circle, compass, global positioning system, sets of military-style uniforms, and AK-47s.  Soldiers also discovered multiple mortar documents.

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MND-N Soldiers construct combat outpost

First Lt. Brandon Harper, a platoon leader with Heavy Co, looks through the scope of his rifle after hearing automatic weapon fire in Mosul, March, 25.  Heavy Co., 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt is providing security during the construction of Iraqi COP Nablis.

Soldiers of the 77th Eng. Co. works around the clock. Soldiers began construction on the combat outpost March 22, and expect to complete the project March 26.

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Coalition force COP program solidifying trust in Mosul

TIKRIT - MND-North Soldiers conducted a human intel driven raid in eastern Mosul based on info gained from presence patrols out of COP Rock in east Mosul. The COPs allow soldiers to live in the city and provide constant contact with Iraqi Citizens and foster trust.
"The proximity of the COP allowed us to recon the area... local citizens we interviewed said that the [target] area was a bad area," said 1st Lt. Donald Maloy, a platoon leader for Delta Co, 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.  Although this particular raid did not provide MND-N Soldiers any significant finds, the raid typifies actions that represent a gradual shift in ops which is occurring in Mosul; human intel driven raids based on info coming from Iraqi citizens.
"At first I don't think some of the citizens quite knew what to expect, but now they are starting to react very well.  Our patrols go into the market dismounted," said Major Mike Edwards, exec officer.  "There is a lot of interaction between the people and the troops."
"The people have been intimidated for so long, but they see when we build the COPs, we are here for more than an overnight patrol," said Edwards.  "This leads to tips which we can use to target the enemy in that specific area."

Pvt. 1st Class Jeremy Sparks, Pvt. 1st Class Gerado Guzman and Pvt. 1st
Class Mark Ramirez, move between buildings during a raid in east Mosul, March
24.

Spc. Jimmy Marble, provides security outside a mechanic's shop.

An OH-64 Kiowa helicopter provides close air support.

Sgt. Ian Mcpherson, pries open a door in an abandoned shop.

A U.S. Army working dog checks for the scent of explosives in the trunk of a vehicle.

1st Lt. Donald Maloy supervises his platoon as they search an auto paint shop.

Sgt. Timothy Puckett prepares to exit a paint shop, during the close of a raid.

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Anbar Leaders unite aboard Camp Fallujah

CAMP FALLUJAH - Anbar provincial and tribal leadership assembled at Camp Fallujah in order to discuss Iraqi issues and challenges, March 24.
More than 20 key Anbaris, received firsthand briefs regarding 2008 CF security issues and the US govt (USG) development strategy.
Topics discussed during the conference included ISF posture and readiness and CF and USG integrated support of al Anbar's Provincial Development Strategy -- a five-year Strategic Plan that was created by more than 100 key Anbaris that addresses the following five key sectors: economics, social service, infrastructure, govt and agric.

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Local resident informs 1-187th Inf. Regt. of weapons cache

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi citizen informed MND-Center Soldiers of a buried weapons cache in Sayifiyah, which contained multiple components used to construct IEDs, March 24.
The cache consisted of 16 107 mm rockets, 16 82 mm projectiles, 22 120 mm mortar rounds, one 82 mm projectile, one 55-gallon barrel containing 50 pounds of homemade explosives, 500 7.62 mm AK-47 rounds, 25 bags of propellant, 125 pounds of HME, 3 60 mm projectiles, one 80 mm mortar, 8 firing caps for 82 mm mortars and one 500-foot roll of detonation cord.
Also in the cache was a variety of weapons, HME-manufacturing equipment, documents and mortar fuses.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have an array of fascinating stories.  Yes there are still tragic events happening, because the enemy of freedom doesn't want Iraq to succeed, but it is succeeding with extraordinary progress being made every day.  I know that the story of the local collectives working together to improve the lot of farming is long, but so interesting, as well as the story on improving the health and welfare of the Iraqi people.  The Marines turning over their JSS in Ramadi to the IP is another success story.  It was a banner day for positive stories.
Joanna
_________________________

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

March 25, 2008

Local collectives work together for common goals

TIKRIT - The Ninewah Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has been working to join hundreds of northern Iraqi farmers together, regardless of ethnicity, tribe or religious backround, to create 3 farmer's assocs.
"We have found some true leaders of various communities willing to cross community, ethnic and sectarian bounds and work together across the entire community to get these groups involved," said Michael Hankey, Dept. of State officer in charge of the economic section of the Ninewah PRT.  "There is a commitment and eagerness of each organization to find ways to work together to find community wide solutions."
The PRT donated nine 80-horsepower, four-wheel drive, Iraqi-built tractors to the 3 farming assocs. in the hopes that more local investors will be encouraged by the PRT's investment and invest their own money into the economy.
Local Iraqi businessman George Kako more than matched the PRT's investment.  Kako is one of 7 board members on one of the assocs. called the Brotherhood Union for Agricultural Development and Environmental Protection. "People have made empty promises to us in the past, but thanks to the PRT, this time we have received the tractors and we are moving
forward," Kako said. "These tractors will plow the land much deeper, allowing the soil to retain moisture much longer, allowing the seeds to grow much stronger yielding better crops."
"The land is very tired," said Anwar Kako, cousin of George Kako and member of the organization. "Originally we had primitive harvesting and plowing tools, but these tractors will dig the soil much better.  When we finish with the tractors, we will take them to other farms in the community and allow them to use them so that our whole community is more productive."
Iraq's harsh climate can make it difficult to produce healthy, frequent and consistent crops. The hot, arid summers make farming heavily dependant on the rain.  Fertilizers are required to make the soil usable. "Things like fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation systems will be cheaper to purchase because together as an organization we will buy in bulk," said Anwar Kako.  "We are working together to buy sprayers and wells so that we don't rely on rain and fertilizer for better soil."
This is just the beginning of this agricultural community, but farmers and the U.S. Dept. of State are committed to these association's causes and are working for a brighter future, regardless of culture or religious beliefs. "We are hopeful that this country will experience the agriculture revolution that many European countries have experienced," said Kako. "As Iraqis, multi ethnicity is a part of who we are. It's the terrorists who imported all of these ideas of hatred from abroad.  We ourselves are one country irrespective of our creed or our origin."
Word of the org's success is spreading across northern Iraq and several more assocs. are surfacing, 18 more in Ninewah Province over the last six weeks.  "We're very happy that Iraqis across the province are already reaching out to each other to find an institutional response to some of their hardest economic questions," said Hankey. "We are really
encouraged that this idea is taking off.  Every week we are finding out that there are more and more farmers throughout the province who are looking at copying this model and finding that putting local cooperation into finding common responses to shared problems can help them address some of their most urgent needs."

An Iraqi farmer plows his land.

A young Iraqi farmer's son sits on top of a tractor.

Local businessman George Kako presents a certificate of appreciation to Jason Hyland of the Dept. of State PRT, for his efforts to assist several farmers associations across Ninewah province, Iraq.

Iraqi Sunnis, Shias and Christian members of the Brotherhood Union for Agricultural Development and Environmental Protection dig into an traditional Iraqi meal with members of the U.S. Dept. of State PRT, March 20 in Mosul, Iraq.

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Marines demilitarize station in Ramadi

RAMADI - Marines with 1st Bn, 8th Marine Regt, recently de-militarized JSS Steel.
Joint security stations are designed to embed Marines with their Iraqi SF counterparts, and further develop a close working relationship.
"We started out constantly patrolling when we first got here, mostly by ourselves," said Lance Cpl. Chris Hopkins, a 21-year-old machine gunner.  "After months of hard work alongside the IPs, they've taken the lead role and we're serving more as advisors."
Demilitarizing JSS Steel will have a significant impact on the local economy.  "The people will have more freedom of movement and civil military ops projects will allow people to return their businesses to the surrounding neighborhoods," said 1st Lt. Matthew
Johnson, a Co exec. officer.  "Just opening streets will affect the entire town," said
Johnson, who supervised much of the Co's civil military ops.  "New stores opening will encourage people to come back."
The demilitarization of JSS Steel is yet another sign of progress in the capital of the Anbar province. It marks another progressive step in Ramadi - a source of pride for these
Marines.  "We'll continue our operations in the area," said Johnson. "But, I'll come back in a couple of weeks to see how much the area has changed for the better."

Marines take down concertina wire as part of the process of demilitarizing JSS Steel.

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IA Eng. School graduates engineers for the first Infrastructure Repair Bn

The Engineer School is celebrating the graduation of 125 Iraqi students who will become Soldiers in the first Infrastructure Repair Battalion in the Iraqi Army. This is a media release.

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11 detained after mortar attack on FOB Falcon

FOB KALSU - 11 suspected criminals were detained by Coalition and IA forces March 21, four kilometers south of FOB Falcon. Those detained are suspected to be a part of a criminal cell responsible for a mortar attack directed at FOB Falcon earlier in the day.
Pilots from the Combat Aviation Bde, 3rd ID provided air support to soldiers on the ground after the attack and witnessed a truck, believed to be carrying the mortar team, moving from the probable point of origin to a section of houses about a half-kilometer to the west.
Coalition and ISF searched 14 houses in the area, resulting in the detention of 11 suspected criminals. 

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CF re-open damaged bridge

MOSUL - CF re-opened a critical traffic route between Tal Afar and Mosul March 23.
Soldiers from the 43rd Combat Eng. Co. installed the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, or AVLB, on the Badoush Bridge to restore vehicle travel. This saves vehicles several hours of delays caused by detours.
"The emplacement of the AVLB, along with the IA outposts on the Talafar highway, allows CF and the citizens of Iraq a trafficable route that will allow commerce to start flowing back into Mosul from the west without having to bypass to the south, said Capt. Jerry Jones, the Co's cmdr. "This is not only a step to increase Iraqi commerce, but also tells the insurgents that no matter what they do and no matter how many bridges they try to blow up, they will not succeed."
The AVLB is an interim repair for the bridge. CF and the Iraqi govt are working on plans for permanent repairs to the bridge.

Soldiers from the 43rd extend the AVLB over a hole on the Badoush Bridge.

Vehicles line up to cross the Badoush Bridge March 23.

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Hillah SWAT detains suspected terrorist, discovers large cache

HILLAH - Hillah SWAT and IP forces, working with CF, detained an individual and
discovered a large weapons cache while conducting patrols in the Hamza and Hashimiyah areas March 22.
The detained individual is accused of directing the planting of IEDs on routes used by Iraqi SF and CF.  The cache contained multiple rockets of various sizes, anti-personnel mines, hundreds of rocket propelled grenade rounds, mortar rounds, hand grenades and other materials, including 22 122 mm rockets with 50 complete rail systems, 200 pounds of C-4 explosives, 15 120 mm mortar rounds, 20 Katyusha rounds and three RPG launchers.

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CF kills 4 suspected AQI members in Diyala Province

TIKRIT - MND-North soldiers killed at least 4 suspected AQI members, wounded one, and detained 8 during two different engagements March 23 in Diyala Province.
During an IA-led clearing op in Qasaibah, near Muqdadiyah, an MND-N Apache helicopter fired on an enemy ambush position, killing 3. Two more suspected terrorists fled the area and were again engaged by an Apache  air weapons team.
MND-N soldiers killed one insurgent and wounded another during an op targeting a known AQI safe house.  Soldiers of 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., also detained 8 suspected AQI terrorists at the safe house.
"In conjunction with the Iraqi SF, we have made remarkable gains against terrorists in Diyala," said Maj. Mike Katona, ops officer for the 4-2 SBCT, the CF unit responsible for Diyala province. "While al-Qaeda in Iraq is still capable of isolated spectacular attacks, they are definitely feeling the pressure here in Diyala, as evidenced by the 70 percent reduction in attacks in the province since June 2007."

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Apache crews destroy enemy rocket-launching rails

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed 10 rocket-launching rails northeast of Baghdad that enemy forces had been using to launch rocket attacks March 23.  Apache helicopter crews from 4th "Longknife" Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, Task Force XII, reported seeing rockets launched from the area earlier that evening. 

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Coalition forces engage suspected IED emplacers in Basra

BAGHDAD - CF killed 5 suspected IED emplacers and wounded several others after 10 individuals were spotted conducting suspicious activity in the Al Hyyaniyah District,
Basra, March 24.  After verifying the individuals were burying what appeared to be
an IED, CF directed aerial fires against the enemy force.

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MND-N hosts United and Healthy Conference, discuss public health issues

TIKRIT - The Task Force Iron medical team hosted a United and Healthy Conference at the main dining facility on COB Speicher March 23.
The conference was designed to bring together and engage Director Generals of Health, the Ministry of Health, PRTs and U.S. medical personnel in a forum where they could present their issues and recommend solutions to the Ministry of Health regarding concerns.
"Today's event marks a historic moment in Iraq's history," said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, 1st Armored Div and Task Force Iron cmdrr. "Their presence today demonstrated the strength and determination of the Iraq govt and the people they represented."
The conference gave key leaders a new understanding into the dynamics of provincial, regional, and national processes and systems that will allow MND-North's leadership to develop long-term solutions that will assist in the improvement of the Iraqi healthcare system.

Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, speaks to a group of doctors and health officials.

U.S. military leaders and Iraqi health officials gathered in an important step in
the effort to develop Iraq into an independent and self-sustaining nation.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We're glad to be rid of some IED emplacers, and glad to share with Lt. Gen. Austin his views of the progress being made in the vicinity of COP Carver.  Please visit the website as we are always adding to it.
Joanna
__________________________________________

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

March 24, 2008

Suspected IED emplacers attacked in vicinity of Samarra

SAMARRA - Suspected IED emplacers were killed and some injured in a pre-dawn attack after 5 individuals were spotted conducting suspicious activity in an area historically known for terrorist IED emplacement near Samarra March 22.

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MNC-I commander visits COP Carver

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, attached to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf Div, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, cmdr. of MNC - Iraq, during a visit to COP Carver, March 20.  Austin visited with leaders of 3rd HBCT to discuss the security, governance, and economics of the Mada'in Qada. "Things have gotten better and continue to get better," Austin said.

Lt. Gen. Austin III, presents an MNC-I coin to Staff Sgt. Michael Murray, a water purification specialist with 1st Bn.  "You guys are part of a great legacy," Austin said.  "I am proud of you and glad to serve alongside of you. You are making a significant contribution to this country and the United States of America."

Lt. Gen. Austin III,  shakes hands with Sheik Ali, leader of a Salman Pak Sons of Iraq (SoI) group.  Austin heard from local leaders the successes and challenges in their communities.  "We have gotten a lot of help from the SoI," Austin told Ali.  "We are grateful for the way you blend with our Soldiers in helping to establish security in this region.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have many interesting stories, like the Marines showing the Iraqis the importance of aircraft missions, the workings to make progress in Mosul, and how well the IA is doing now compared to when they first started to train with our troops.  The picture of Erick Rodriguez getting his Bronze Star with Valor is priceless.  He looks about 12!  It's also nice to see some of our troops eating very well!
Joanna
_______________________________

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

March 23, 2008

Marines Show Iraqi Army the Benefits of Aircraft Insertion, Extraction

By Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward)

An MV-22 Osprey, belonging to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Sqdrn 263, sits on the deck waiting for members of the 27th Inf Bde, 7th Iraqi Inf Div and Marines with MiTT 0720 to load up after a heli-borne op.

AL-ANBAR PROVINCE — As CF continue to operate throughout the Iraqi countryside, training the ISF to stand on their own two feet becomes an increasingly familiar scene.  The most recent exercise, involving the Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey, was designed to familiarize the Iraqi Soldiers with the capabilities of an aviation element.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this IA training mission,” said Capt. Jonathan H. Brandt, a pilot with VMM-263.  “Training the Iraqi Soldiers is something taking place all over the country.  This exercise was the most direct opportunity I’ve had to support that mission in Iraq.”
“Using the assets the wing provides is very vital because it enables us to get the IA on objectives in areas that vehicles would possibly not be able to go,” said Gunnery Sgt. Evan A. Good, the ops and training chief for MiTT 0720.  “Any helo-insert enables more of a surprise effect on the enemy.”
“The goal is to train IA and police forces to slowly replace the need for our numbers of ground forces, but until they have their own aircraft, the need for air assets to provide support remains,” said Brandt. “We realize that as long as there is a mission to fulfill, we will accept our assignments and continue to support the remaining CF and the increasing number of Iraqi forces as well.”

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One terrorist killed, 21 detained in ops against al-Qaeda (Karwi)

BAGHDAD –  CF conducted an op March 21, near Karwi, targeting an AQI explosives network. The ground forces detained 8 suspected terrorists, including one man who tried to hide his weapon on a child.  On the scene, CF discovered a building with more than 600 pounds of materials used to make explosives, as well as 3 vehicles and a boat that tested positive for explosives residue. 
CF conducted 2 ops targeting the AQI propaganda network.  West of Samarra, CF killed an armed terrorist when he threw a grenade at them from a tactical position.  On the scene, they found terrorist propaganda materials. In Baghdad, the ground force captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with AQI’s media network.
North of Taji, CF detained 2 suspected terrorists, including an alleged AQI operative suspected of organizing bombing attacks.
During two ops in Mosul, CF captured an alleged AQI terrorist leader who is believed to have recently moved up in the organization after Coalition ops decimated terrorist leadership in the area.  8 additional suspects were detained.
CF detained a suspected terrorist in Bi’aj while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators.  “Iraqi and CF ops have been dismantling AQI terrorist networks, but they are still a lethal enemy,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.

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Soldiers Continue Work to Maintain Security Gains in East Mosul       

By Capt. Richard Ybarra
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Jamel Staton, keeps an alert posture while utilizing available cover and concealment during a mission in the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul, March 15.

MOSUL — Soldiers from 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt, are working the latest phase of the fight against AQI by living among Iraqi citizens at COP Knight in eastern Mosul, and gaining their trust by constant patrolling and interaction.
“We conduct atmospherics gathering, talk to the local populace and see what their needs are, what their security level is,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, a platoon leader with Delta Co. “We're working toward the next phase of ops where we bring projects into the local community and help legitimize the local govt.”
Gwinn also stated that sanitation workers had already been hired through the local govt and were making a difference in the community.  In addition, he noted several other contracts were in the bidding process for community improvements.
“It’s about hearts and minds. We check and see how many schools are around, doctors, retired IA, people that want to help us help them,” added Spc. Jamel Staton.  This requires frequent patrols that originate from COP Knight. The COP is a small fortified base that allows Soldiers to stay close to the surrounding neighborhoods and act as a quick response force for citizens if needed.
The rhythm of COP life goes on relentlessly for the Soldiers as they move from patrols to the COP and back to patrols.  The cycle only breaks on the end of the fourth day when they return to FOB Marez, the main Coalition base in Mosul.
Staton added that he and his fellow platoon members could accomplish whatever was required, regardless of the condition or mission, “We are always going to make do … we are Soldiers first and foremost.”

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Soldiers Follow Insurgents’ Trail, Secure City from House to House
      
By Spc. Ricardo Branch
3rd Infantry Division

Sgt. Thomas Reynolds, pulls security during a stop in an apple orchard, March 10.

RAHALIYAH — The Soldiers moved under the cover of darkness. The rising sun marked the end of their journey and the start of their mission: searching a town for insurgent activity.
Soldiers of Co A, 3rd Bn, 69th Armor, joined with Iraqi Soldiers, along the edge of Al Anbar province to conduct a joint-clearing op in Rahaliyah, March 9 through 11.
“We’re searching the area for weapon caches and anything outside of the norm,” said Co. A Cmdr., Capt. Greg Ralls.  During the first day of the op, Iraqi Soldiers went house-to-house speaking with locals while the U.S. Soldiers remained in the background to provide casualty evacuation and tactical assistance.  “We’re just over-watching them and advising them on anything they have questions with during the op,” said Sgt. Thomas Reynolds, an infantryman with Co. A.
The Iraqi Soldiers moved down the road, occasionally stopping and speaking to the locals. They would travel into a house, search it from top to bottom and then paint a small circle with a slash, signaling the home was safe.
“The Iraqis are doing a good job; they are real proficient,” Reynolds said. “These guys are considered the recon group; they have had several missions with (Army) SF and the Navy SEALS, so I don’t have to worry too much over them.”  Many of the U.S. Soldiers have worked with the IA before and have seen a big change from their Iraqi partners over multiple deployments. Reynolds said today’s IA is a far-cry from the troops he saw last time.  When he watches the Iraqis move down the street, he sees their professional bearing and respect toward the people.  “Not only are we clearing Rahaliyah, we’re making sure that the police are being taken care of,” Reynolds said. “We come down here to make sure they are getting paid and recognized by the Iraqi govt.”
During the second day of the op, the Iraqi Soldiers spread through an orchard with a small contingent of U.S. Soldiers, looking for signs of people traveling through and possibly hiding things in the fields.  “We’re looking to secure the area and push out any terrorists that may be hiding here,” said Iraqi Sgt. 1st Class  Abduljaba. “Terrorists killed two Iraqi police from this area, so we’re here to stop that from happening again.”  He said that since their arrival, the people in Rahaliyah have been very happy to see them.  Locals turned out to greet the IA Soldiers searching the fields and a farmer even offered water to the troops who rested at his house.
As the mission ended, the 2-day op netted about a dozen suspects, uncovered a small amount of weapons, and valuable info for future ops.

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2-502nd Soldier receives Bronze Star with Valor

Pvt. Erick Rodriguez, a medic with Co B, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, attached to 4th BCT, 3rd ID, receives the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, from Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, cmdr of MNC - Iraq, March 20 on FOB Kalsu.  Without regard for his own injuries or safety, Rodriguez provided medical care to injured Soldiers after an IED hit his vehicle Dec. 12.

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Grill Sergeants

Soldiers from the 1st Bn, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, use an outdoor grill at COP Ford to cook some lunch, Feb. 28.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Please check our website for added links pertaining to supporting the troops.  The story of Iraqi farmers is actually a news release video, that I'm sure we won't get to see, and it's such a promising story.  There's a great story on how the muslims celebrate the birthday of Mohammad.  It's refreshing to see a holiday celebrated without the commercialism!
Joanna
__________________________________

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

March 22, 2008

Iraqi farmers grow together

The farmers are members of The Brotherhood Union for Agricultural Development and Environmental Protection, one of three multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian farming groups in the Ninewah Province. The
group met with the Provincial Reconstruction Team from Ninewah to test their new tractors and to discuss future plans for increasing agriculture in the area.

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Iraqi Army doctors, 2-12 FA provide free health care in Al-Abarra

An Iraqi Army Soldier carries medicine to a treatment area during a cooperative medical engagement in Al-Abarra, southeast of Baqubah, March 21. IA doctors treated patients with help from Batt B, 2nd Bn, 12th FAR.  Big Guns Battery is deployed with 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash.

Col. Jon Lehr, comm. officer of 4th Stryker BCT, hands a toy to an Iraqi child after a cooperative medical engagement.

Spc. Howard Redmond, light machine gunner provides security.

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Mosul shows CF spirit of charity during Mawlid celebration

MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi citizens treated CF Soldiers observing the Islamic celebration of Mawlid in the Mosul neighborhood of al-Habda.
The Islamic celebration of Mawlid is held in recognition of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The residents were practicing the tradition of charity as part of the celebration's activities.  "Muslims all over the world are celebrating. They cook food and offer it to friends, or exchange chocolates," said Ibrahim Shahd, a
Muslim and interpreter for CF.  "We do this to share our joy at receiving God's messenger.  In the Mosques, there will be singing and poetry recited, telling the story of Muhammad and the Holy Koran."
The Iraqi people's celebration also impressed the CF Soldiers. "It was really neat, kids were giving me candy, instead of me giving it to them," said 1st Lt. Jeremy Glossen, a platoon leader.  "It was nice to
see the kids out on all the streets and smiling, obviously proud to take part in the day's celebration."
Sunni Muslims practiced the holiday March 20, while Shi'a Muslims will recognize the holiday March 25.

A young Iraqi boy offers candy to Sgt. Jacqueson Poirier as part of the celebration of Mawlid. The Sergeant gives the boy a friendly pat on the head to show his appreciation.

1st Lt. Jeremy Glossen from the 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR, speaks with a couple of young Iraqi men about a handbill listing emergency phone numbers.  A young Iraqi boy awaits to offer Glossen a cool drink, as part of the part of the Islamic celebration of Mawlid.

An Iraqi boy offers a cold drink and sweets to a passing CF patrol. The boy is observing the celebration of Mawlid by offering charity.

An Iraqi toddler takes an inquisitive look at the camera while 1st Lt. Jeremy Glossen talks to the child's father about a list of emergency phone numbers for IP, IA and CF.

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Iraqi Army hands out food in Ninewah province

AL KHUWAYT - Iraqi Soldiers handed out food in Al Khuwayt village March 20. This was a humanitarian outreach program. The Iraqi Soldiers wanted to improve relations with the village leadership, in addition to helping the local community.  By talking to the village mayor, the IA discovered the town needs a water well dug near the village mosque, as well as gravel placed on the main dirt road through the village. The village also needs 4 wheelchairs and a prosthetic left hand for one of the men in the village.
"Building these successful relationships helps pave the way for the future of Iraq," said Capt. Stephen Bomar, a U.S. military spokesman.
The IA and CF are scheduled to distribute 4 wheelchairs on a follow-up engagement later this month, as well as coordinate with a Coalition force hospital for a prosthetic left hand. 

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GoI funds al Durai'ya power lines repair

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers of 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, working with an Iraqi Ministry of Electricity representative, surveyed several damaged high-tension power line towers near al Durai'ya March 17.
The day prior, Lt. Col. Jack Marr, cmdr. of 1-15th, met with IA leadership, the Iraqi Minister of Electricity and Sheikh Majid, the local SoI leader, to discuss repair of the towers.
After surveying the site, the MoE representative agreed the Govt of Iraq would fund labor for the repairs, and security for the laborers would be provided by SOI in the area.  Marr said assisting the al Durai'ya residents will improve relationships between local leaders, citizens and Iraqi SF.  "It is truly great to see Iraqis solving Iraqi problems," he said.
The 1-15th Inf. Regt., 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, is from Fort Benning, Ga.

A 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, Humvee sits beside the survey site of damaged high-tension power line towers near al Durai'ya, March 17.

Sheikh Majid (right), leader of the al Durai'ya Sons of Iraq, and a representative from the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (left), discuss the plan to repair damaged high-tension power line towers.

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MND-B Soldiers capture key criminal suspect, seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD -  In the Mansour District in northwestern Baghdad, March 19 Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 32nd FAR,
attached to the 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div (Air Assault), captured the individual.  Iraqi SF provided a ring of security. 
The suspect is allegedly a mid-level leader of AQI who is believed to be responsible for conducting several VBIED attacks throughout Baghdad and southern Iraq.  "His capture will likely provide us with the info we need to capture other AQI members," said Capt. Eric Perez-Rivera, asst. military intel officer for 2nd BCT.  After Soldiers detained him, they searched his house and discovered a cache of weapons behind a hidden wall.

Soldiers used a sledgehammer to knock a hole in a hidden wall.

An assortment of weapons, munitions and IED making materials.

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Dear Interested Readers,
If anyone has problems understanding the abbreviations, please consult the website.  A story worthy of the front page is of Diyala leaders meeting to establish tribal support councils - tremendous progress toward reconciliation.  How would you like 1,000 people coming to your house for dinner!  Celebrating the Kurdish New Year gives us another view of another culture.  Business investors from Jordan show confidence in Iraq.  Our troops have been very busy in many ops capturing or killing many insurgents, and further weakening AQI.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

March 21, 2008

Diyala leaders meet to establish tribal support councils

SA'AD MUHAMMED - Influential leaders from throughout Diyala province gathered at a home in Sa'ad Muhammed, March 20 to establish tribal support councils.  More than 1,000 people attended the gathering at the home of Sheik Amiri.
Last month the central govt approved the creation of tribal support councils throughout Iraq. The purpose of these councils is for the various tribes throughout the nation to have a voice in govt to help with reconciliation and stability.  Councils will work to help displaced families return home, advise the provincial govt on reconstruction projects, help SoI receive jobs in the Iraqi SF and create social programs in their areas.
"The goal behind this gathering is to bring together the people throughout the province to win them back from al Qaeda and other terrorist groups so that we can work together to achieve security in the province," said Amiri, who hosted the event at his home.  "My hope for the future for all of Iraq is that we the people can live together in peace."
Leaders of the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID were on hand to understand how they could help the process.  "The purpose of these committees is for the tribes to work closely with the Iraqi govt and CF for better security," said Lt. Col. John Steele, dep. comm. officer.  "Part of this was to develop a mechanism to vet the SoI for their inclusion in the Iraqi SF so that these members are vetted through the tribal system as reliable."
The sheiks decided they would establish 25 different councils throughout the province, one for each urban area. They also agreed to meet again in Baquba to finalize details.  "Today was a massive leap forward in the understanding of this (tribal support council) process," Steele said. "It showed the unity of the people and their commitment to the betterment of Iraq."

Col. Jon Lehr, cmdr of 4th Stryker BCT, speaks with Gen. Qaurish, Diyala provincial director of police, and sheiks from different areas in the province.

Sheik Amiri, the most influential sheik in Diyala province, addresses fellow sheiks and govt officials.

A worker prepares a meal of rice and lamb for 1,000 people.

Influential leaders from Diyala province prepare to eat.

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Iraqi Police detain key criminal suspect

FOB KALSU - A suspected key criminal leader was captured in his home in Musayyib, March 19. The alleged criminal is believed to be linked to weapons trafficking, instigating local criminal groups to conduct attacks on CF, and leading criminal groups in Iskandariyah and Musayyib, with links throughout Babil province.

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ISF, advised by U.S. SF, detain 10 in overnight operations

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 5 suspected insurgents and 5 additional suspects during 3 separate ops earlier this week.
In Iskandariyah, north of Kalsu, the Hillah Iraqi SWAT unit captured 3 suspected insurgents who are believed to be responsible for facilitating a suicide attack at the Hateen apartment complex in Iskandariyah. It is believed, the suspects also participated in attacks against Iraqi and CF in Babel province.
In Mosul, Ninewa ISWAT unit detained a suspected insurgent with ties to AQI groups in the Kirkuk area.  The suspect is reported to have knowledge concerning the transport and facilitation of foreign fighters and suicide bombers, as well as knowledge about the financing of attacks against Iraqi and CF.
South of Suwayrah, IA Soldiers detained a suspected member of a VBIED cell.  Members of this cell have been linked to attacking Iraqi and CF in Babil and Wasit provinces.

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Coalition forces destroy terrorist mortar team

BAGHDAD - MNC - Iraq attack aviation assets, responded to an indirect fire attack on CF, killing 6 terrorists in West Rashid, March 20.
The helicopters positively identified 6 men armed with AK-47 assault rifles, rocket propelled grenade launchers and a mortar tube and engaged with a Hellfire missile and 30 mm cannon fire.  Soldiers from 4th IBCT, 1st ID, responded to the scene and seized 4 RPGs, 2 RPK machine guns and a mortar tube.

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IA, U.S. SF detain two suspected insurgents in Al Qayyarah

BAGHDAD -  IA advised by U.S. SF, detained 2 suspected insurgents in Al Qayyarah.  Both men are reportedly responsible for supporting insurgent activities in Northern Iraq by giving money and supplies to AQI, as well as facilitating the movement of foreign fighters toward Mosul. 

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MND-N leaders visit Sulaimany for Kurdish New Year

Governor Dana, governor of Sulaimany, Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, cmdr. of MND-North, and Brig. Gen. Tony Thomas, dep. cmdr of MND-North, get in the New Year's Eve festivities as they learn the local dance from citizens, March 20.

Local citizens of Sulaimany, Iraq, dance in celebration of the Kurdish New Year March 20.  Local leaders gave MND-North leaders a tour of the festivities.

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Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detain 3 suspected insurgents in overnight ops

BAGHDAD - March 19, in Balad, Iraqi Special Ops Forces (ISOF) detained a suspected insurgent who is believed to be responsible for extorting money from Iraqi civilians who work on Logistics Support Area (LSA) Anaconda.  He is also reported to be personally involved in conducting IED and indirect fire attacks against LSAA.
Near Balad, ISOF detained a suspected insurgent who is said to be a command wire IED cell leader who has conducted attacks against Iraqi and CF on LSAA. 
In another op in Mosul, Iraqi SF detained a suspected insurgent cell leader who is reported to lead insurgent activities against Iraqi and CF.

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Business investors from Jordan visit al Anbar

A handful of potential business investors from Amman, Jordan inspect bricks produced by a local factory.

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Baquba Iraqi SWAT unit, U.S. SF detain 25 suspects

BALAD - March 17, acting on intel reports, Baqubah ISWAT conducted an op to investigate possible AQI prisons which may have held kidnapped civilians.   As part of the op, 6 individuals were identified as having ties with AQI with an additional 19 suspects being held for questioning.
A large quantity of IA and IP equipment was also found at the site, as well as a significant amount of IED materials.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our troops along with the IA uncovered large weapons caches, and captured or killed many terrorists.  Progress was made for democracy today with the approval of the Provincial Powers Law.  We also don't ever get to see an aerial view of Baghdad, with palm trees and greenery.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

March 21, 2008

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces recover large weapons cache

BALAD, Iraq -  Iraqi Army, advised by U.S. SF, recovered a large weapons cache linked to AQI during an op in Hawijah, Kirkuk province, March 16.
Acting on intel reports, Iraqi Scouts and U.S. SF conducted a combined patrol where a cache was reported to be hidden. This op led to approx. 150 munitions and explosive devices being uncovered, along with more than 2,000 rounds of ammo and a large amount of AQI propaganda.
Also recovered were several pamphlets on IED construction. The propaganda, comprised of DVDs, cassette tapes and pamphlets, and other documents linked the cache to AQI and foreign fighters traveling from Syria into Iraq.   
The cache included 4 suicide vests, 24 rocket propelled grenades, 61 60mm mortar rounds, 9 120mm mortar rounds, 45 81mm mortar rounds, 2 155mm artillery rounds, 5 grenades, 2 pressure wire initiation systems, 6 RPG launchers, 2 machine guns, a 60mm mortar system, 100 feet of detonation cord, blasting caps, several cell phones and radios for initiating IEDs.

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'Tuskers' detain five suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD - March 18, acting on a tip, Soldiers of Co B, 4th Bn, 64th Armored Regt, attached to Task Force Dragon, arrested the 5 suspects in the Risalah neighborhood within Rashid District.  The men are believed to be associated with those responsible for an attack on CF March 15.

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Joint operations in Mosul detain 16

TIKRIT - Iraqi Security and CF detained 16 suspected terrorists in 4 separate ops in western Mosul, March 18.
The ISF and CF have been focusing on eliminating AQI cells in western Mosul, a hot-bed of insurgent activities.  "Running terrorists out of western Mosul is crucial to taking away AQI's presence in the city," said Maj. Dan Meyers, U.S. military spokesman in northern Iraq.

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'Black Lions' rescue kidnapped Iraqi

BAGHDAD - Following a tip, MND-Baghdad Soldiers rescued a kidnapped man in the northwestern part of the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital March 18.
The tip led Soldiers of Co D, 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID to a building in Bayaa where they found a battered man locked in a room.  He was taken to a Coalition Medical Facility for treatment.

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Iraqi National Police find weapons cache in eastern Baghdad

BAGHDAD - The INP seized a substantial weapons cache March 18 in eastern Baghdad.
NP received a tip from a concerned citizen in the area on a large amount of weapons being stockpiled.
They found 34 107 mm rockets, 44 60 mm mortar rounds, 18 81 mm mortar rounds, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 38 107 mm rocket fuses, 10 completed rocket sleds and another 4 partially constructed sleds, 3 RPG launchers, and numerous other weaponry components.    
"Areas in eastern and southern Baghdad have seen an increase in indirect fire attacks, and the confiscation of the rockets and mortars will deplete terrorist and extremist elements of weapons to conduct attacks," said Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy comm. gen. for MND-B and the 4th ID.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

March 20, 2008

Coalition target roadside bombers, seven terrorists killed

BAGHDAD – CF killed 7 terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during ops in central and northern Iraq March 19 and 20.
CF targeted several suspected IED emplacers southwest of Samarra.  During the op, CF engaged 2 terrorists observed planting an IED in the road, killing them. The assault force also engaged a vehicle believed to be associated with the group. CF were engaged by small-arms fire by one of the occupants. Responding in self-defense, CF returned fire, killing 4 terrorists. The vehicle, which contained rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, land mines, homemade explosives and other IED-making materials, was destroyed by a fixed-wing aircraft to prevent further use for terrorist activity.
CF stopped another vehicle nearby with 2 men inside. One exited the vehicle and drew his weapon. CF perceived hostile intent from the armed man and killed him. The other man surrendered to the assault force and was detained.
CF conducted a precision raid in Baghdad today, capturing an alleged member of a bombing network that supplies suicide vests for attacks against Iraqis.  During another op targeting the AQI bombing network, CF captured an alleged IED attack coordinator and another suspect in Sharquat.
In the northwest Iraq town of Bi’aj this morning, CF captured an alleged operative in the foreign terrorist facilitation network, and in Mosul, CF detained a suspected terrorist allegedly linked to AQI senior leaders.
In ops targeting a suicide bomber network in Baqouba, CF captured a wanted individual and detained 2 suspected terrorists Wednesday and 6 suspected terrorists during a related op today.
CF detained 5 suspected terrorists today when an op southwest of Tikrit targeting the AQI media network turned up a small weapons cache and IED-building materials.
“Iraqi and Coalition ops are degrading the terrorist networks, but AQI is still a deadly enemy and a tough fight remains ahead,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The Iraqi people are rejecting al-Qaeda’s extremist ideology and indiscriminate violence, and we are committed to helping them achieve a secure future.”

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U.S. EMBASSY – BAGHDAD
News Release

March  20, 2008

JOINT STATEMENT

BY US EMBASSY BAGHDAD AND MNF–IRAQ ON THE APPROVAL OF THE PROVINCIAL POWERS LAW

We congratulate the Iraqi Presidency Council on its agreement to withdraw its objection to the Provincial Powers Law after consultation with legislators and political blocs.  The way is now cleared for publication of the law in the Official Gazette, whereupon it goes into effect.
The Provincial Powers Law represents an important step in what is likely to be an ongoing democratic effort to maintain a uniquely Iraqi balance between central govt authority and the preservation of local empowerment.  We welcome this important step forward and extend our warm congratulations to the Iraqi people and their elected representatives. 

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Flying High Again

Army Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Preston, along with Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, fly over Baghdad on their way to visiting MND Baghdad Soldiers, March 16, 2008.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our first story is another fascinating behind the scenes marvel of why we have the greatest military in the world, and makes us swell with pride.  The tide is turning in Mosul, as our troops begin concentrating on infrastructure.  High value targets continue to be captured, as well as numerous weapons caches.
Joanna
___________________________________

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

March 19, 2008

National Geospatial Intelligence Agency Brings Clarity to ‘Fog of War’
   
By Ray McNulty

Specialist Monica Mitchell, ACE GEOINT, G2 section, 3rd ID (left), and Chief Warrant Officer 1 Scott Potter, ACE GEOINT branch chief, evaluate intel data sourced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Support Team 29 embedded with MND – Central.

CAMP VICTORY — MND-Center formed in spring 2007 as part of the U.S. troop surge. The progress made since then has been well-documented.  What is less well-known is the surge in support required from other U.S. govt agencies in bringing about those gains.  One of the most significant of those surge partners is the NGA (National Geospatial Agency).
When the fog of war thickens, as it always does, geospatial intel creates a vivid visual picture of the battle space. The mapping and imagery produced gives commanders on the ground a forward look into enemy territory.
Over the past year, surge forces have launched a series of combat offensives targeting locations near Baghdad or villages that were enemy sanctuaries.  When the mission enters unfamiliar territory, geospatial intel shows the way with maps, charts and imagery.
Analysts work to pinpoint geospatial mapping where it is most effective, to find insurgent locations, identify trends and assist in reducing enemy effectiveness to conduct ops against our forces.
When the enemy tries to hide, geospatial intel makes pinpoint precision targeting possible. As a result of the military success, support to infrastructure and reconstruction projects is becoming a higher priority for the NGA team.  One example of that shift involves exploring the potential use of geospatial analysis and advanced technology to assist in monitoring and depicting the health of agriculture in MND-C and the status of the irrigation canal network – crucial capabilities in supporting a region of Iraq that is heavily dependent on agriculture for its livelihood.

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MND-N Soldiers Take Mosul’s Pulse        

MOSUL — Soldiers assigned to 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt in Mosul are working to assess and help improve services for basic needs such as schools, healthcare and security.
“Essentially we go out and speak with key people at schools, neighborhood healthcare clinics, shopkeepers and local leaders,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, a platoon leader with the Regiment. “We get to know the people and what their needs are; this will help up us as we enter the rebuilding phase.”
Gwinn said sanitation workers were already hired through the local government and were making a difference in the community.  Several other contracts are also in the bidding process for community improvements. “The Soldiers on the ground are fighting the enemy on several different levels.  This phase of the fight helps the citizens, and helps the Iraqi Security and CF through mutual cooperation,” said Capt. Melody Faulkenberry, spokesperson for MND – North.

Iraqi schoolchildren crowd their classroom window to greet Soldiers who have come to assess the needs of their school March 17.

Sgt. John Ozment provides security.

1st Lt. Larry Gwinn meets with a resident of the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul to assess the security situation March 15.

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Local Resident leads CF to weapons caches

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi citizen led Soldiers of Co C, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, attached to 4th BCT, 3rd ID to 2 separate weapons caches in the Shaka 3 region, March 17.
The first cache included 47 82 mm mortar rounds, 10 60 mm mortar rounds and 13 mixed sizes of mortar fuses.
The second cache included 8 155 mm mortar rounds, a rocket launcher and 4 chlorine tanks. The cache was brought back to FOB Kalsu.
“This shows that the locals are cooperating with us and they want their area safe,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Keaton, Co C.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

Coalition detains 17 suspects while targeting terrorist networks
   
BAGHDAD – CF detained 17 suspected terrorists while targeting AQI leaders and weapons facilitators during ops March 18 and 19,  in the Tigris River Valley.
CF captured an alleged al Qaeda operative believed to be part of the network distributing homemade explosives materials and products throughout the country.  The ground forces detained 2 additional suspects at the scene.
Another alleged weapons facilitator and an associate were captured during a Coalition op north of Samarra. The targeted individual has allegedly been stockpiling weapons for the last month.
CF targeted alleged associates of AQI senior leaders in Taji and Baqouba, capturing 2 wanted individuals and detaining 6 suspected terrorists.  In Baqouba, CF discovered a building containing homemade explosives, wires, markings and other indications it was being made into a house-borne IED. The ground forces destroyed the building to prevent future use for terrorist activity.
In Mosul, CF conducted ops, detaining 4 individuals with suspected ties to terrorist leaders in the area. “Iraqi and Coalition ops are systematically dismantling AQI’s terrorist networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi citizens have rejected al Qaeda’s indiscriminate violence and corrupt ideology, and these terrorists have no place in Iraq’s future.”

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Night Raid Leads to Capture of High-Value Target

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

A scout from Troop B, 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, provides security during a night raid.  During the raid, Troop B cleared 3 houses and detained 4 individuals.

Capt. Jared Albright searches a building.

FOB HAMMER — A HVT was captured during a night raid in Narhwan by Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT, March 16.  The HVT was wanted by Iraqi SF and CF for his role in several IED attacks. He was suspected of smuggling weapons and explosives to several criminal groups throughout Iraq.
“Everything went perfectly,” said Capt. Jared Albright, cmdr. of Troop B.  “Our guys did everything according to plan and it went exactly as we rehearsed it.”
First Lt. James Self, platoon leader in Troop B, said the capture of the target was important.  “The target was a really bad guy,” he said.  “It’s a very good thing that he is off the streets.  His capture not only makes Narhwan a safer place, it makes Iraq, as a whole, safer.”
Earlier this month, Troop B detained another HVT in a raid outside of Narhwan.  Staff Sgt. Denis Pettitt, the troop’s ops NCO said, “On average, we’ve been capturing about one high-value target a month, so our guys know what do.”
Troop B is mainly comprised of scouts serving their first deployment, but the troop’s performance hasn’t suffered due to lack of experience.  “Our new guys have performed well,” Pettitt said. “Part of that has to do with our NCOs.  They keep our guys calm and have done a good job getting them ready for those situations. They stay calm and haven’t gotten a big head about our successes.”
The 3-1st Cav. Regt. and 1-10th FAR are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, from Fort Benning, Ga.

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Battle Front

IA Soldiers prepare to go on a patrol March 18, 2008, in the Hawron Wadi, which is just east of Baghdad, after exiting a MV-22 Osprey.  The IA has been training with Marines and Navy SEALS to conduct helo-borne ops such as patrols and cache sweeps.

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Me and My Shadows

A group of Iraqi children tag along as US Army Maj. John E. Orille, right, and other Iraqi and US Soldiers conduct a presence patrol in the town of Hembis, March 5, 2008.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We certainly have a variety of stories from lots of weapons caches found, to Sen. John McCains and Sen. Lindsey Graham's visit to Iraq.  History was made by the first ever recruitment drive for IP in Arab Jabour, and a new police station for Shat al Taji.  Progress is being made every day.
Joanna
____________________________

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

March 18, 2008

ISF, CF discover 8 caches across Salah ad Din

TIKRIT - Iraqi and CF Soldiers discovered 8 different weapons caches across Salah ad Din province, March 17.
The weapons caches included 90mm rounds, more than a dozen various mortar rounds, more than a dozen various rockets, and other explosives and IED making materials.  Since January there have been a total of 591 caches discovered in Northern Iraq.

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'Dragons' seize weapons in Risalah

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad forces seized an insurgent cell's weapons in northwestern Rashid March 15.  Soldiers from the 4th BCT, 1st ID, and the 64th Armored Regt, 3rd ID seized 3 EFPs, an RPG launcher, several hundreds of rounds of PKC ammo, and an anti-tank launcher while conducting a patrol in a neighborhood in Baghdad.

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ISF, CF discover 17 caches across northern Iraq

TIKRIT - Iraqi and MND - North Soldiers discovered 17 different weapons caches across northern Iraq March 16.  The caches included approx. 750 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, more than 250 mortar shells, more than 200 pounds of homemade explosives, several weapons, a 500-pound Spanish bomb, Italian anti-tank mines, suicide vests, IED making materials, and several weapons systems with rounds.
"The safety of the Iraqi people depends on how fast CF and the IA find these caches," said Maj. Dan Meyers, a U.S. military spokesman in northern Iraq.

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Joint operation uncovers cache in Kirkuk

TIKRIT - IA and CF Soldiers discovered a significant weapons cache north of Hawijah March 16.
The weapons cache's explosives included 4 suicide vests, more than 100 mortar rounds, more than 20 RPG rounds with propellant charges, approx.100 cheese charges, about 2,400 rounds, and several other explosive munitions.  The cache also contained IED making material and several weapons.

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ISF, U.S. SF detain 1 suspected IED cell leader, 1 suspected SVEST smuggler in separate ops

BALAD - March 16, the Ninewah Iraqi SWAT team conducted an op in the village of Al Athba, south of Mosul, to disrupt an IED cell responsible for attacks along a main supply route.
The cell is reported to have conducted an IED attack which killed a U.S. Soldier in January. During the op, ISWAT detained the cell leader along with another suspected cell member.
In an op in Al Abtakh, northwest of Tal Afar, Iraqi Soldiers detained an alleged suicide vest smuggler. The smuggler is believed to have smuggled suicide vest IEDs from Syria to Iraq for use during a March 14 attack on the Rabi'ah point of entry.

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Senators McCain and Graham walk the streets of Haditha

By Cpl. Shawn Coolman

HADITHA CITY - Arizona Senator John McCain and a delegation arrived March 16 in Haditha City, Iraq, to view the progress that has been made in the area.
Marines from 3rd Bn, 23rd Marine Regt, Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 5 showcased the vast changes that have occurred here in recent times to the delegation.  South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and top CF leadership also accompanied McCain on the visit.
"We wanted to show the (delegation) the progress of the economy, structure improvements and the increased confidence of the people," said Master Sgt. Cortez L. Pree, 37, op chief. Once the delegation arrived, they were escorted to a meeting with Ma'Moun Sami Rashid, the provincial governor and other local governmental leaders. They spoke on topics concerning how well the CF leadership and Iraqi people are working together, and on the continual improvement of the Iraqi govt.  "Without our (Coalition and Iraqi) commanders, we wouldn't have been able to have such a civilized place in Haditha now," said Rashid.
"What we're about to see when we walk through the city streets is going to be simply amazing," said Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, the comm. gen. of MNF - West, to a member of the delegation.
"A year ago, you couldn't come out here," said Graham who visited Haditha last year. "What a turn around."  As the delegation walked through the city streets, they spoke with the local people about how well their leaders were doing and sampled local products.
During the delegation's visit, words of acknowledgement were given to the Marines.  To each Marine he met, McCain said, "Thank you for your service."  As the delegation prepared to depart, the members all commented on the vast improvements to Haditha.  "Everything was very impressive," said McCain.

The Provincial Governor of Ramadi, Rashid, and Arizona Senator John McCain greet each other in Haditha City, March 16.  The delegation also included South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.

Rashid, and Sen. McCain speak to a local businessman on a tour through Haditha City.

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Senators McCain and Graham visit troops in Mosul

MOSUL - Sen. McCain arrived in Mosul with Sen. Graham to get an assessment of the situation in northern Iraq from American and Iraqi military leaders March 16.
The senators met with Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, cmdr. of MND - North, Col. Michael Bills, cmdr. of the 3rd Armored Cav Regt (ACR), Lt. Gen. Tawfiq, cmdr. of the Ninewah Ops Command, members of the U.S. Dept. of State and other military leaders for a briefing on current ops in northern Iraq.
"The purpose of the day's visit was to provide a first-hand account of the situation in Mosul to elected American political leaders," said Lt. Col. Bob Molinari, regimental ops officer.  "This is a critical location for battling against the terrorists," Hertling said. "They can go back to the American people and tell them how important this battle is."
Since taking over the battle space last November, 3rd ACR troops have been building police checkpoints along the main city roads, establishing combat outposts in city neighborhoods, and bolstering local Iraqi Army and IP forces.

Sen. McCain arrives at the Mosul Airfield accompanied by Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling,  Lt. Gen.  Tawfiq, and Sen. Graham.

Sen. McCain (center) and Sen. Graham (left) are briefed by Lt. Gen. Tawfiq.

Sen. McCain eats Army chow with CF in Mosul.

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Rashid District, 1-30th Inf. Regt. host first-ever IP recruitment drive in Arab Jabour 

By Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID

BAGHDAD - IP from the Rashid District and Soldiers of the 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, hosted an IP recruitment drive March 10-13 at Patrol Base Hawks.  The recruitment drive is the first chance for citizens of the region to establish their own long-term security.
Soldiers of 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, jumpstarted efforts to recruit 300 Arab Jabour men for IP Academy training. The event ushered in an era of transition for some SoI, who with the assistance from IPs of the Rashid District, will one day patrol their neighborhoods and maintain their hard-earned safety.
Lt. Col. Ken Adgie, cmdr. of the 1-30th Inf. Regt., said the event marks a significant step toward linking the Govt of Iraq, which has not had a presence in the region for more than five years, to
the people of Arab Jabour and its neighboring communities.
More than 800 men attended the event and successfully applied for the IP Academy over the 4-day event.
While the SoI have proven effective at rooting out insurgent fighters, the program was never considered a sustainable security solution.  "It's safe now. Our challenge is to keep the security going and allow the Iraqi SF to build that capacity in the area," said Adgie.  "Nobody wants peace more than the people here."
Each morning of the recruitment drive, Soldiers standing guard at the gates were surprised at the crowds of more than 300 men who gathered, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to apply.
1st Lt. Derrick M. Anderson, plt leader with 1st plt, Co B, 1-30th Inf. Regt. said that while pleased with the outcome, it was even more rewarding to see many of the SoI, whom he had come to know while on patrol, participate with the recruitment drive and make a concerted effort to become Iraqi lawmen.
Taking recruits through the process of applying for the academy were Soldiers of the 153rd MP Co, out of Wilmington, Del. "We've had an opportunity to observe several recruiting events before putting this one on and they (applicants) are definitely organized; they come with the proper documents and they want to be here," said Staff Sgt. John French, an MP and squad leader.
CF are working at establishing long-term work programs for citizens of the area, as well as education and vocational programs, which will curb unemployment when the SoI programs have run their course.
"The SoI are motivated, they want to be police, they want to be part of the govt, they want to be part of the security system that takes care of their neighborhoods," Adgie said. "They are patriotic men and they should be given that opportunity ... that's what's wonderful to see."

Spc. Steven Goodwin, a combat medic of HHC, 1st Bn, checks the blood pressure of a man applying. Goodwin assisted Iraqi doctors with the health screenings of more than 800 applicants.

Spc. Allen Ray Harris, Pfc. David Morales and Spc. Brian Anaya, all MP with the 153rd review SoI member's paperwork.

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New police station brings in new era of law

CAMP TAJI - A new era of law was ushered in with the cutting of a ribbon at a ceremony opening the new IP station in Shat al Taji, March 15.
"Our goal is to serve the people and impose the law on all the people," said Maj. Gen. Muhamadani, cmdr. of police, Baghdad.  The large crowd in attendance hung on his every word and nodded in agreement as Muhamadani spoke about the security of the people, the importance of the new police station and what it will bring to the Taji Qada, which lies northwest of Baghdad.  "This is about the security of the people of Iraq," he said. "Stability and peace were brought here with the help of the CF.  It is now our time to keep that peace.  We will keep that peace by imposing the law for everyone regardless if they are Sunni or Shia."
Breaking through the sectarian violence and uniting the Sunni and Shia people was the theme of the ceremony.  This message rang clearly through the crowd and was echoed by Col. Todd B. McCaffrey, cmdr., 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID.  "The concern is the law, not Sunni or Shia, but protecting all," McCaffrey said.  It was just a year ago that the people of Taji were living in
"dark days," McCaffrey said.  There were hardly any businesses open and people lived in fear of terrorists. Today, things have changed in Taji.

Iraqi Police officers salute their boss as he enters the new IP station.

Comm. Sgt. Maj. Karl Morgan, talks to an IP officer before the station's grand opening ceremony. 

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Dear Interested Readers,
Thanks to an interested reader Fred, a map of Iraq has been added to the website.  High level insurgents continue to be captured, and a story close to my heart is the running of Camp Bucca, where I've sent many care packages.  There's a most interesting and untold story about the behind the scene workings of the CIC Soldiers.  "All in a Day's Work" is so well written, and a story guaranteed to please.
Joanna
____________________________________

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

March 17, 2008

Iraqi SF, U.S. SF detain 3 suspected insurgents in Mosul

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained the suspected leaders of 2 different IED cells and one cell member operating in Mosul on March 14.
The Ninawa Iraqi SWAT team captured the suspected leader of a 15 man cell responsible for kidnapping and mortar attacks against FOB Marez.  The suspect is also allegedly responsible for IED placement and small arms fire attacks.  The ISWAT also detained a suspected member of the cell.
In another op in Mosul, Iraqi Special Ops Forces (SOF) detained a suspected murderer and insurgent.  The suspect is believed to work with several insurgent groups. 

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728th MPs hold special run in Iraq

Lt. Col. Brian Bisacre, 728th MP Bn cmdr., left, holds the Special Olympics torch prior to a 5K run March 15 at Contingency Operations Base (COB) Speicher. The battalion held the race in support of the Special Olympics in Hawaii.

Lt. Col. Brian Bisacre, left, and Comm. Sgt. Maj. Gerald Stegemeier hold the Special Olympics torch as they cross the finish line. The run helped raise money for the Special Olympics in Hawaii and allowed Soldiers to boost their morale by participating in the 5K race.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

March 16, 2008

Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda networks throughout Iraq, 15 detained

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists Saturday and Sunday during ops to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an al Qaeda-in-Iraq (AQI) senior leader responsible for terrorist propaganda ops. The suspect is also believed to be involved in propaganda activities and connected to various other associates of the AQI network in Baghdad. In addition to the wanted individual, CF detained 7 suspected terrorists on site.
Also in Baghdad, CF captured 2 alleged associates of VBIED cells in the capital city.  Reports indicate the suspects are connected to various AQI leaders throughout the capital city.  Intel reports led the ground force to the location where one of the wanted individuals was believed to be operating and he was detained without incident. The first suspect then led CF to a follow-on location, where the other wanted individual was detained.
During continued efforts to degrade the AQI networks in northern Iraq, CF detained 5 suspects during 2 separate ops. In Mosul, CF detained 2 suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged associate of several leaders involved in the city’s AQI network.  Another 3 suspects were detained west of Bi’aj, while targeting an alleged associate of a foreign terrorist facilitation network in the region.
“Iraqi and CF efforts to dismantle AQI reach into every corner of the country,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, an MNF-I spokesman.  “Al Qaeda’s extremist ideology and indiscriminate violence are turning away even its most sympathetic former supporters.  A tough fight remains ahead, and we'll continue to attack the terrorist networks, increasing public safety and security for all Iraqis.”

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

Running a City in Southern Iraq

CAMP BUCCA  –  Sewers, water, electricity, trash and fuel are services vital to any city in the United States, and urban populations simply cannot function effectively without proper city management oversight.
Approx. 30 members of Oklahoma's 1st Bn, 160th FAR, 45th IBCT face these same challenges in the middle of a desert in southern Iraq. The Guard members manage a facility with a population of more than 26,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, contractors, Dept. of Defense civilians and detainees at Camp Bucca. The camp sits starkly in the middle of the desert -- all commodities and goods must be trucked into the desolate base camp.
"We are running a city," said 160th Rear Area Ops Center cmdr., Lt. Col. David Jordan.
Many of Oklahoma's 45th soldiers work in the Theatre Interment Facility, which holds about 20,000 detainees. The detainees are being detained as an imperative threat to the country's security in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution.
In addition to managing services and life support for the camp, the soldiers will also work to improve living conditions at the facility.  "We're going to increase our gym space to 5,700 square feet," said Jordan.  Other projects include a multi-sport field, boxing ring, new office space, ice factory, wastewater treatment plant, improvements to the chapel and a new housing area called Knoxville.
Among the numerous projects to be supervised and managed by the RAOC soldiers are 1,000 new beds for service members -- many soldiers currently live in tents. "The goal is to provide more containerized housing units on our base," said Jordan.  "We have several couples waiting on the new housing in Knoxville," said Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Brickey, who supervises the housing of all troops in and out of the base camp. The camp's married couples serve together, but can't live together due to a lack of married housing.
The Oklahomans work hand in hand with Iraqi contractors to oversee the construction of all new projects. "We still function on time, on target in the field artillery. We will continue to get things done on time – deliver fire at the right time and right place," said exec. officer Maj. Woody Elmore.
The camp's concrete brick making facility is run by Iraqi contractors, and the bricks are used throughout the various construction projects on the camp. "The local Iraqi men are good to work with, and we have great cooperation with them. They take great pride in their work; it's their reputation," said Sgt. 1st Class Rafe Cummings.
"It's very beautiful – a system for everything, we work through the process and get what we need to do the project with the correct assets," said Ali Jihad, an Iraqi project manager.  The Iraqi company lacked modernization during Saddam's reign.  "Now we are bringing construction up to new standards," he added.

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CIC Soldiers Work Behind Scene to Protect Coalition Forces

By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans

Sgt. Michael Polston, who serves as a battle NCO with the 138th Fires Bde, MND – Baghdad, analyzes an acquisition on the radar, March 13, to determine whether or not it is a threat to MND-B forces here.  He said he continuously tells himself and his Soldiers, during the long hours on duty, to stay on point, because the success of the mission depends on it.

CAMP LIBERTY — Soldiers working in the MND – Baghdad’s Command Info Center (CIC) at the division HQ may not perform their duties in the limelight, yet their efforts have proven paramount to force protection efforts.  Soldiers from the fires and effects cell in the CIC continuously monitor the skies and provide a level of protection against indirect-fire attacks on the bases and outposts in and around Baghdad.
“It’s my job to determine if something the radar picks up is a threat or not,” said Pfc. Rusty Williams.  “If we conduct a counter-fire mission, it's my job to call for the air space to be cleared before we return fire at the point of origin of the indirect-fire attack.”
Williams said he received extensive training on the radar systems before he deployed to Iraq to serve in Op Iraqi Freedom.  “The system we use is fairly complex, but it immediately tells us where the attack came from and where the round is going,” he said.
Sgt. Michael Polston, said it's his job to ensure each target acquisition is properly processed.  Polston serves as the battle NCO with HHB, 138th Fires Bde, which is a national guard unit based out of Lexington, Ky.
“Without processing the acquisition properly, we wouldn’t be able to quickly send a response unit to the attack’s point of origin,” he said. The Soldiers said the mission gets stressful at times because of the high demands of their job. “You can’t just leave whenever you want to,” said Polston. “Someone has to always be monitoring the computers in case something happens.”
Part of the stress the Soldiers feel while working in the cell is due to the long hours they sit in front of the computers.
For their continuous efforts, Polston said he and his fellow Soldiers have learned to operate without much in return.  “It’s mostly a thankless job, aside from the occasional ‘good job’ we get from our leadership,” he said. “But we don’t need to be thanked.  Our reward will be returning to our homes after our deployment.”

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All In a Day’s Work: Soldiers Meet with Sheikhs, Chase Insurgents

By Sgt. Ben Brody
4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

Sgt. Christopher Humes, chats with an Iraqi child during a meeting with tribal leaders to discuss humanitarian and infrastructure aid projects in Musayyib.

FOB KALSU — “It seems quiet out there, but there’s always a calm before the storm,” said the burly platoon sergeant as he tightened the straps on his helmet.  “We've got to take care of the people and get the bad guys.”  Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Williams, the plt sgt, and Soldiers of Co C, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, jumped in their Humvees at FOB Iskan, with that mindset the afternoon of March 9.
As the heavy vehicles lumbered through the date palm groves in Abu Jassim, near Musayyib, a group of sheikhs waved to them from the brick archway in a large farmhouse’s courtyard.
Williams and 1st Lt. Josh Ray, the plt leader, jumped out and greeted the sheikhs, as the rest of the platoon pulled security around the isolated compound.  The group discussed an upcoming infrastructure project, a road paving project that they are working together to bring to fruition. The plan to pave the road would cost $24,000 and employ about 100 local laborers, according to Williams.  “A lot of little kids use this road to get to school and farmers drive heavy trucks on it, so the pavement would mean less wear and tear on their vehicles,” Williams said. “We like it because it’s harder to dig an (IED) into a paved road.”
Sheikh Abbas, leader of the local SoI program, also mentioned to the group that several of his checkpoints had recently come under small-arms fire in the evenings.  Sheikh Abbas, Ray and Williams agreed that more checkpoints, strategically located to counter the attacks, would be manned.
The platoon later stopped in at a local supermarket to speak to some of the local residents.  Before the patrol left, Ray stepped inside and bought a case of orange soda for a group of children socializing under the store’s outside lights.

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Little Kiss

Capt. David Tier kisses an Iraqi baby girl outside a local market, March 8, 2008, while conducting a dismounted patrol in Bakariyah.

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Dear Interested Readers,
I came across a couple of inspiring stories of the US Army Corps of Engineers, that really get no publicity at all.  Between these stories and the story of shoe drive in the states for barefoot children in a village in Iraq, invigorates pride for our country and our compassionate troops.  There's also positive stories of 2 schools being reopened and refurbished, and continued success in Baqoubah.  Through pictures we see what a patrol is like for our troops in Mosul.
Joanna
______________________________

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

March 16, 2008

Cache discovery highlights continuing successes in Baqouba

BAQUBA -  March 15, Soldiers from the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID discovered rocket-propelled grenade launchers on the roof of a home while on a routine patrol. The rooftop is connected to another home where the Soldiers found a mortar tube, additional RPG rounds and numerous mortar rounds hidden a barrel buried in the courtyard.  The resident of the first house was detained by the Soldiers.
Since the beginning of March, Coalition troops have discovered several significant caches in the Baquba-area.  They have also detained several known IED and suicide-vest cell members, including 2 suspected female suicide bombers.
"CF in Baqouba continue to relentlessly pursue insurgent activity, continue to find caches and disrupt AQI (al Qaeda-in-Iraq) cells, and will continue to detain all individuals associated with illegal movement
of weapons." said Maj. John Burpo, an ops officer. "Local nationals and our recent detainees continue to provide intel on insurgent networks in greater numbers, and recent successes are indicative of AQIs weakening position in Baqouba."
Attacks against CF, Iraqi SF and civilians in Baqouba - the former AQI stronghold - have decreased by more than 80 percent since June 2007.

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Iraqi SWAT team recovers weapons cache in Al-Iskandariyah

BALAD -  March 13, following up on a call from a citizen to the ISWAT tip line, a Hillah ISWAT team conducted an Iraqi-only op and recovered what they believe to be an al AQI weapons cache for use against CF bases in north Babil. 
The cache consisted of 9 122mm rockets, 2 122mm artillery rounds with detonation cord, a 152mm artillery round with detonation cord, and 4 artillery fuses. 

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Heavy Company, 3d ACR, patrols west Mosul

Sgt. Michael Elizano Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3d Armored Cav Regt, provides security March 14 outside the home of an Iraqi family in the al Rissala neighborhood of Mosul. Heavy Co Soldiers were visiting the family to inquire if they had observed any insurgent activity in their neighborhood recently.

1st Lt. Brandon Harper and Sgt. Michael Elizano, stopping to ask locals if they had seen any insurgent activity or had any other problems that CF may be able to help resolve.

Staff Sgt. Josiah Guthland provides security during a patrol.

Staff Sgt. Josiah Guthland scans a rooftop in Mosul, while providing security.

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Girls’ School Gets Computers, Furnished Internet Center
        
By Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles
214th FB

Sgt. Amanda Timmer, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) head of women’s initiative and program manager, talks with students at the al Kut Girls Secondary School after the ribbon cutting for a new Internet center March 10. The center features 10 new computers and furniture.

FOB DELTA — While the school’s infrastructure may be behind the times, students’ education has been thrust into the modern era. The school, established in 1932, educates 1,000 females, grades 10 to 12.
The center will be used by female students throughout the province, said the school manager, Zahrah Aljdrey. Students will now be able to do research and work on projects. The center will also allow the girls to complete exams they would otherwise have to travel to Baghdad to take.
For Sgt. Amanda Timmer, the project provided her with a feeling of satisfaction.  “It was great especially after talking with the girls and seeing how optimistic and energetic they were,” Timmer said. “It was as if they could sense that the world was at their fingertips.  Like they knew they were the future of Iraq.”
The project was a cooperative effort between the Wasit PRT, the Wasit provincial council and the Iraqi Dir. Gen. of Education.

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Al-Qudis Preparatory School is back for the future of Iraq 









   
March  15, 2008
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GULF REGION DIVISION
by Kendal Smith
Gulf Region Central district

BAGHDAD - According to locals, the school was a frequent target of insurgents because of the location in a wealthy neighborhood and the reputation as one of the leading boys’ schools in Baghdad.  When a terrorist explosion in late summer claimed the nearby Baghdad Satellite TV Channel, it was the last straw for holding classes at Qudis. The school was further, extensively damaged, shut down and temporarily abandoned.  With improved security and the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), things have changed dramatically for the better.
“All the school was damaged from the blast.  But now, with the rehabilitation, the school is more beautiful than before. The students are eager to attend and study,” said Chemistry teacher Enas Abdullah, through a translator.
Completed and reopened a month ahead of schedule, the more than $568,000 project was overseen by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Smith, the USACE International Zone Resident Office chief.  “It’s a great feeling of accomplishment, going there and seeing the kids use the school.  All in all, a good news story,” he said during a recent visit to show the school to media.  “Here’s a good example of the way things are supposed to work,” Smith continued. He went on to explain the process for this particular project. Coming from the Provincial Reconstruction Development Council to USACE to execute and supervise, Smith explained Qudis was an Iraqi concept and design, completed by an Iraqi contractor, with the oversight of an Iraqi USACE project engineer.  Money for the project came from the Economic Support Fund.
According to the contractor, there was great support from the local residents as they frequently offered food and encouragement to the workers.
In another certain mark of improvements both in education and security, student Mahmud offers that his “. . . hope for Iraq is improving the electricity,” and the goal of teenagers everywhere, “. . .  and lifting the curfew in all the country.”

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Navy Cmdr. Steve Seaman distributes shoes donated by Robyn Comeau, wife of US Army Corps of Engineers Adder Area Office engineer Charles Comeau, to villagers in a small town in southern Iraq.  The village is the site of a water compact unit the Corps is installing and near completion.  Comeau noticed the children lacked adequate footwear for the winter season and his wife organized the shoe drive in the US.

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GRS Cmdr. Col teve Hill attracts a crowd of Iraqi children while visiting a water compact unit project at Al Takadoom village in Wasit provine.  The children will have access to clean water once the project is completed in 2008.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Leading with a story that should be seen and heard by all - 3 leaders of 3 terrorist cells captured!  More weapon caches out of the hands of terrorists, and many new Iraqi Police recruits graduate to aid their country.  Karbaba is secure enough for ways to look into boosting their economy.
Joanna
____________________________

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

March 15, 2008

ISOF, U.S. SF capture suspected leaders of 3 terrorist cells responsible for attacks against LSA Anaconda

BALAD- March 13
In Baghdad, Iraqi Special Ops Forces captured a suspected terrorist and major cell leader allegedly responsible for IED and mortar attacks, hijacking, car theft, kidnapping, murder, and assassination in the area surrounding LSA Anaconda. 
In Balad, ISOF detained the suspected leader of a 15- to 20-man terrorist cell conducting attacks against CF and Sons of Iraq (SoI).  Specifically, the group is believed to be responsible for IED, mortar, and sniper attacks in the vicinity of Balad and LSA Anaconda. 
Also near Balad, ISOF detained the suspected leader of an IED cell operating near LSA Anaconda.  The individual is allegedly also part of a larger terrorist network that conducts mortar attacks against the base.   

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Large weapons cache found in Jabella

FOB KALSU - A local informant led Iraqi Police (IP) to a house in the Jabella neighborhood of al Ressalha, south of Baghdad, where a secret room filled with components of explosively formed projectiles was found March 13.
"This is a significant find and it took material for close to 100 explosively formed projectiles (EFPs) off the streets," said Capt. Andrew Sanders, assistant S-3 for 4th Bde Special Troops Bn, 3rd ID. "This is an (Iraqi SF) success story. They went out without CF and came back with the cache and then contacted CF."  This is the third cache found in this area by the IPs in the past week, said Sanders.

The cache contained multiple EFP components, 18 107 mm rockets, 17 120 mm mortars and numerous other munitions.

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Sons of Iraq member turns in weapons cache

FOB KALSU - A member of the SoI in Arab Jabour turned over a weapons cache to CF in the area March 11. The man brought the cache to Soldiers of Co C, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, stationed at Patrol Base Hawkes.
The removal of the cache helps improve security, not just for Soldiers but also for local residents, said 1st Lt. Timothy Williams, Co C exec. officer. "We've moved thousands of pounds of explosives out of Arab Jabour."

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Camp Fiji Graduation

Iraqi policemen celebrate their graduation from Basic Recruit Training at Camp Fiji March 13. The graduates from today's ceremony will position an additional 358 IP on the streets of Baghdad to improve the civil security force in the province. This graduation is part of Ministry of Interior and MND - Baghdad's expansion program, which places thousands of new Iraqi Police in the line of duty.

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IP recruits graduate from Al Furat Police Training Academy

Iraqi Police recruits wave their country's flag while celebrating their graduation March 13 from the Al Furat Police Training Academy at the academy's training grounds in Baghdad. The ceremony was the largest graduation of IPs to date; more than 1,300 recruits are scheduled to begin on-the-job training at police stations throughout Baghdad.

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Meeting Aims to Boost Karbala Agribusiness, Tourism, Investment
     
By Sgt. Jasmine Chopra

KARBALA — Boosting agribusiness, tourism and private investment by way of social venture capital were the top issues discussed at a March 12 meeting at IP HQ in Karbala.  Iraqi govt officials, local businessmen, MND - Center leaders and provincial reconstruction team (PRT) members participated in the meeting.
Security in Karbala is steadily improving, said Karbala provincial governor al-Khazali, as evidenced by the millions of pilgrims who safely commemorated Ashura in the holy city.  “Karbala is ready for investment,” al-Khazali said.
With improved safety, local business leaders and PRT members are planning ways to link Karbala to U.S. Agency for International Development programs as well as lucrative private investment, said Don Cook, a PRT team leader.
Vast agricultural resources, in particular poultry farms, make opportunities for high return in the agribusiness sector possible, said A.A. Araji, an agricultural economist who believes employing the use of greenhouses is an efficient way for Karbala to maximize its agricultural potential.
In addition to agribusiness opportunities, participants discussed ways to tap into Karbala’s religious tourism potential.  Considered a holy city to most Shia Muslims, Karbala is home to sacred shrines. Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, the pilgrimage to Karbala was banned. This year’s Ashura events (which occurred late February- early March) were largely peaceful, Jawad said, speaking through an interpreter.
Participants also explored ways of bringing private investors to the table.  “We want to see the people of Karbala succeed,” Cardon said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have many interesting and positive stories, including high level insurgents captured, and many large weapon caches found, thanks to more and more Iraqi citizens coming forward.  High expectations are riding with Op Marne Rugged, and Op Golden Shovel!  The media reports tragedies, but not the hope and the determination of the CF and the Iraqi people to push forward to victory over the insurgents.  I snuck in a story of a 19 year old woman silver star receiver for valor in Afghanistan.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

March 14, 2008

IP, U.S. SF detain 3 insurgents responsible for IED attacks

BALAD - IP, advised by U.S. SP, detained 3 members of an IED cell operating in and around Kirkuk and Hawijah.
One of the suspected insurgents captured is the leader of the cell.  Another of the suspected insurgents was identified as the cell member responsible for media ops, including recording the attacks.   

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SOI lead Soldiers to 2 weapons caches in Tarmiya

BAGHDAD - During ongoing security and stability ops in Tarmiya, northwest of Baghdad, March 11, Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, seized the cache during a search.  Abna al Iraq or SoI members provided info to the Soldiers to help them locate the cache. 
"The Abna al Iraq are truly stepping forward to ensure the safety of people of Iraq in their area," said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker BCT. "They provide safety with tips of weapons caches, allowing CF to remove the tools of the terrorists."
The munitions seized included a Dishka machinegun, AK-47 rifles, more than 40 sticks of TNT, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with rounds and fuses, and various IED making materials.
The SOI led Soldiers to another cache of homemade explosives in the same area March 10.

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Iraqi SF, U.S. Special Ops Forces detain 15 during 3 separate ops

BALAD - March 11, in areas of Muthana and Khasraj, 12 suspected members of an al Qaeda-in-Iraq network were detained by Iraqi Soldiers while they were conducting sustained activities in the area.  During the op, the team also located and destroyed weapons caches. 
In Mosul, Iraqi Special Ops Forces detained 2 suspected terrorists.  One of the men allegedly holds a leadership role within an al Qaeda-in-Iraq cell in Mosul and attacked CF in and around Mosul. The other man is reportedly involved with al Qaeda-in-Iraq and is wanted for murders, IED emplacing, and recruiting for al Qaeda. 
The Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team detained another suspected terrorist in northern Babil Province. The man is wanted on an Iraqi Ministry of Interior warrant in connection with a recent IED attack in Hasawa.

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Op Marne Rugged: MND-C Soldiers aim to eliminate remaining insurgents

By Sgt. Michael Connors

CAMP VICTORY - On the heels of Ops Marne Thunderbolt and Grand Slam south of Baghdad, MND - Center will push further south against insurgents.
The op will cover a rural area southeast of Baghdad, south of the Tigris River in the area of op of 4th BCT, 3rd ID and 3rd Bde, 8th IA.
One phase of the op will be the establishment of Patrol Base Summers, a joint IA and CF base.  Staff Sgt. Vincent Summers paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving with 2nd Bn, 69th Armor Regt.
"We have found that when we put IA and CF in a patrol base in an area like Summers, the population comes to us and gives us that refined intel, so that we can do precise ops against any al Qaeda (in Iraq) that may be in this area," said Col. Tom James, cmdr. of 4th BCT, during a pre-op briefing at FOB Zulu March 10.  CF and IA have already identified more than 2,500 Iraqi security volunteers. These volunteers are eager to become Abna al-Iraq, or SoI.  Some want to join Iraqi SF.
"We see 2 major tasks that we have to accomplish: One, we have to integrate the Iraqi security volunteers," James said. "The other is to provide quick-impact, small projects to the local civilians."
Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, cmdr. of MND-C, told Col. Hussein of 3/8 IA that CF could help the IA fix the water pumps, in addition to facilitating other projects.  "I believe we have a window of opportunity," Lynch said. "You see, I've got this idea to transition from security to stability, and stability is about jobs, services, schools, and we can help with all that."

From left: Col. Tom James, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch,  Col. Hussein, and Lt. Col. Sakhii,  walk from the helipad at FOB Zulu, March 10. They were at the base for a briefing on Op Marne Rugged.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, addresses a group of Soldiers from Co D, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID.

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Two alleged criminals detained in Saydiyah

BAGHDAD -  A tip led Soldiers of 64th Armored Regt, 3rd ID, attached to Task Force Dragon, and 28th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID, to a building in Saydiyah where they detained the 2 suspected members of a criminal cell in southern Baghdad March 13.. 
The men are believed to be part of a cell that had been producing explosively formed penetrators.

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Top Iraqi Army com. officer visits Baghdad Signal University

By Capt. Cedar Wardle, Task Force Thunderbird

BAGHDAD - A top official in the Iraqi Ministry of Defense visited Baghdad Signal University Tuesday to observe the training his soldiers are receiving at the Task Force Thunderbird-sponsored school March 11.
Maj. Gen. Mohsin has oversight of the Iraqi Signal University in Taji. The focus of BSU is to train IA soldiers and leaders in data and communications ops and provide technical expertise for communications in MN Force - Iraq.
Currently, only 400 IA signal soldiers graduate each year and they are only trained at the basic level, Mohsin said. 
"We look forward to continued training of the Iraqi Ground Forces and will continue this support to all signal soldiers," said Col. John B. Hildebrand, cmdr., Task Force Thunderbird.  Task Force Thunderbird is comprised of the 11th Signal Bde from Fort Huachuca, Ariz., the 44th Expeditionary Signal Bn from Mannheim, Germany, and the 63rd Expeditionary Signal Bn from Fort Gordon, Ga.

Maj. Gen. Mohsin thanks instructors for their support to the Iraqi Army.  Staff Sgt. Rodrique Sterling briefs Maj. Gen Mohsin on what courses he instructs March.

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Op Golden Shovel breaks ground for a brighter future in Balad

TIKRIT - Iraqis and Soldiers took part in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the future opening of the Balad canning factory, March 10.
"This factory could potentially lead to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in the region" said Maj. Dan Meyers, spokesman for Task Force Iron.  Multiple jobs will begin soon with hopes to expand quickly in the near future. "This is definitely a positive step towards the future of Iraq," Meyers said.

Iraqi workers and CF Soldiers partner for Op Golden Shovel, and were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony.

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Woman Earns Silver Star in Afghanistan

CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan - A 19-year-old Army medic from Texas is set to become the first woman in Afghanistan -- and only the second female Soldier since World War II -- to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor.
Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown saved the lives of fellow Soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees in the eastern Paktia province in April 2007, the military said.  After the explosion, which wounded 5 Soldiers in her unit, Brown ran through enemy gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said.
"I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there," Brown told The Associated Press during a March 8 interview at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost. "I assessed the patients to see how bad they were. We tried to move them to a safer location because we were still receiving incoming fire," Brown said.
Pentagon policy prohibits women from serving in front-line combat roles - in the infantry, armor or artillery, for example. But the nature of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with no real front lines, has seen women Soldiers take part in close-quarters combat more than previous conflicts.
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, received the Silver Star in 2005 for gallantry during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq.  Two men from her unit, the 617th MP Co. of Richmond, Ky., also received the Silver Star for their roles in the same action.
Brown, of the 4th Sqdrn, 73rd Cav Regt, 4th BCT, said ammunition going off inside the burning Humvee was sending shrapnel in all directions.  She said they were sitting in a dangerous spot.  "So we dragged them for 100 or 200 meters, got them away from the Humvee a little bit," she said. "I was in a kind of a robot-mode, did not think about much but getting the guys taken care of."
"I did not really have time to be scared," Brown said. "Running back to the vehicle, I was nervous (since) I did not know how badly the guys were injured. That was scary."
The military said Brown's "bravery, unselfish actions and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat."

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Dear Interested Friends,
For those of you who are unfamiliar with some of the abbreviations, there is a glossary on the website.  Feel free to make a copy to keep handy.  There are some great stories of many large weapon caches found, and more terrorists captured or killed.  Salmon Park has a new market open for business; children overjoyed with our humanitarian efforts, and freedom of the press is alive and well in Baghdad!
Joanna
____________________________

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

March 13, 2008

MND-B Soldiers thwart ambush attempt, discover cache

BAGHDAD -  In the northern portions of the Adhamiya district of Baghdad March 11, a patrol from the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, was attacked by small-arms fire after the Soldiers entered the village while responding to reports of mortar activity.
An air weapons team on site positively identified and engaged the suspected criminals in 3 vehicles.  The attack resulted in one suspected criminal being wounded and 3 vehicles disabled.
When the Soldiers reentered the village, they spoke with residents who alerted them to the location of a possible munitions cache. Following the tip, the Soldiers seized 85 mm rockets, rocket launchers, mortars, a 122 mm projectile and 40 mm grenades.
Three suspected criminals were also detained in connection with the attack.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected IED maker in Karadah

BAGHDAD -  March 12, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th ID (Light), conducted a mission to detain the suspect, who tested positive for explosive materials.
MND-B intel officials believe the detention of the suspect, who is allegedly involved in the production of IEDs, will hinder attacks on Iraqi SF and CF.

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Salman Pak market opens for business      

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

Sgt. Osama Emilio, HQ Troop, 3rd HBCT, hands candy to a local girl from Salman Pak who waits with scissors to cut a ribbon opening the new Salman Pak market, March 11.

COP CARVER —  The market consists of 7 stores including 2 restaurants, a supermarket, an electronics shop, a photo shop, a sweets store and a cell phone store.
Capt. Mathew Givens, projects planner for the 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, said planning for the market began last December when 1-15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers in the area saw run-down shops where the new market now stands.  Givens said, “We chose the area because there is so much going on and it is at the beginning of the main part of town.”  Leaders of the 1-15 Inf. Regt. provided store owners with microgrants enabling them to refurbish their stores.
Givens attributes much of the success of the project to the improved security in Salman Pak.  After the opening ceremony, Salman Pak leaders were invited back to COP Carver for a luncheon hosted by Lt. Col. Jack Marr, cmdr of the 1-15 Inf. Regt.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

March 13, 2008

Coalition targets facilitation networks, terrorist safe havens; two killed, 24 detained

BAGHDAD – CF killed 2 terrorists and detained 24 suspects Wednesday and today during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
During an op in Baghdad today, CF captured an alleged weapons facilitator associated with the city's al Qaeda-in-Iraq network. The suspect is reportedly responsible for a recent shipment of homemade explosives, and has connections to the AQI leadership and VBIED cells in Baghdad. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained 2 suspected terrorists on site.
Northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains today, CF detained 10 suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of the region's AQI network. Reports indicate the region is a known AQI and foreign terrorist safe haven, transient location and facilitation route. During the op, the ground force repeatedly called for the occupants in the target buildings to come out, but 2 individuals did not comply with instructions.  After some time, the individuals finally emerged and began maneuvering towards the ground force. The suspects were directed to stop but did not comply.  Perceiving hostile intent, CF engaged, killing 2 terrorists.  CF also found several weapons in the target area, which were safely destroyed on site.
Nearby, CF detained 4 suspected terrorists during a 2-day op in the region. The ground force discovered 3 terrorist safe houses, located various medical supplies and destroyed 3 caches of weapons to prevent further use by terrorists.
During 2 ops northwest of Samarra today, CF detained 4 suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator and associates of a media cell leader involved in the al-Anbar AQI network.
CF detained another 3 suspected terrorists during continued efforts to disrupt al-Qaeda ops in northern Iraq. Southwest of Bi'aj, CF captured an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator with connections throughout the AQI network, including ties to a senior level facilitator operating outside of Iraq.  Also, 2 suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul Wednesday while targeting an alleged associate of AQI senior leaders operating in the region.

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Significant caches found in Anbar             

AL ANBAR PROVINCE – IP discovered 2 significant weapons caches in Anbar Province over the past 7 days.
The first cache was discovered west of Rawah, March 7 and the second in Fallujah March 11.  Hassa IP, near Rawah, discovered and reported a weapons cache on a farm.  At the site, a young sheep herder directed Marines to 3 more caches. The boy claimed to have seen the farm’s owner bury items at night with a bulldozer.  The caches had all been emplaced within the week but the majority of the items buried were unserviceable.
The second cache consisted of 300 electric blasting caps, 300 improvised squibs, Russian PD fuses, Russian 82mm HE mortar rounds, 200 Spanish PD fuses, 188 Yugoslavian PD fuses, 250 non-electric blasting caps, and 28 Chinese 107mm HE rockets.  There was a 3rd and 4th cache found with similar materials.
A follow up cache sweep conducted by EOD March 9 resulted in the discovery of 7 additional cache sites in this area.  Hassa IP has taken the owner of the farm into custody.
The Rawah combined cache find items weigh more than 2,600 pounds.  This combined cache totals more than 8,800 items.
The Fallujah IP discovered another weapons cache while conducting an intel-driven dismounted cache sweep of a city residence March 11.  While searching the residence, Fallujah IP discovered the weapons cache in a room hidden behind a false wall, that contained additional items of the weapons cache.

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Thumbs Up

Iraqi children show their enthusiasm as US Soldiers conduct a humanitarian aid mission in Al Makum March 4, 2008.  The Soldiers are from 3rd Bn, 6th FAR, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div.

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Freedom of the Press

US Army Sgt. Jamie Rivas hands out an issue of the "Baghdad Now" newspaper to an Iraqi woman in the Rashid district of Baghdad, March 11, 2008.  Rivas is assigned to the 312th Tactical
Psychological Ops Co.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Large weapon caches and high level terrorists captured; MP's continue to train IP; and through pictures we're taken on a clearing mission at night of villages east of Baqubah.
Joanna
__________________________________

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

March 12, 2008

Iraqi Police discover large cache

BALAD - IP discovered a large weapons cache March 11, while conducting a combat patrol in the Salah ad Din Province.  The cache was discovered northeast of Samarra in the "Salt Flats" area. This area is known for multiple caches and safe haven locations for insurgents.
The cache held a variety of items including 60mm mortar rounds, 82mm mortar rounds, 60mm mortar tubes, boosters and several pounds of smokeless TNT powder.
"Because of the increased patrols in the area by Iraqi SF and CF, it is likely that cache finds like these will continue to occur," said Maj. Daniel J. Meyers, Task Force Iron spokesman.

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Soldiers detain suspected terrorists connected to SVEST attack

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers captured 5 suspects March 11; 4 positively identified for their alleged involvement in a suicide vest attack that killed 5 U.S. Soldiers and their interpreter in central Baghdad March 10.
"Our resolve to protect the Iraqi people and to bring these murderers to justice is unwavering," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B.  "Our Soldiers, all volunteers, are committed and, along with their families, sacrifice daily for the brighter future of the Iraqi people," the colonel said.

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IA, CF prevent car bomb construction, seize anti-armor IEDs

MOSUL - IA Soldiers, acting on a citizen's tip, interrupted 4 suspected al Qaeda-in-Iraq terrorists constructing a car bomb near the al-Rissala neighborhood market in Mosul March 9.   
As a precautionary measure, the IA evacuated civilians from the market area. The IA and CF conducted a search of the market area which revealed 4 anti-armor IEDs constructed of crude homemade explosively formed penetrators hidden in a popcorn cart.
"When normal citizens take an active role in the safety of their neighborhood, these are the kind of results that can be achieved." said Capt. William Nance, co cmdr of Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt.

Sgt. Amaury Lantigua and Sgt. 1st Class John Guy carefully close the door of a popcorn cart.

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MPs conduct vehicle search training with Baghdad IPs

Sgt. Adam Coleman, an MP with the 153rd MP Co instructs Iraqi policemen on how to properly search vehicles at the Iraqi Criminal Investigation Dept. HQ - Baghdad March 11.  These Soldiers conduct Police Transition Team ops at the Baghdad CID to help improve the effectiveness of the Baghdad Police force.

Sgt. Adam Coleman instructs Iraqi policemen on how to properly search vehicles.

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Operation Viking Fox Hunt III clears villages east of Baqubah

Soldiers from Batt A, 2nd Bn, 12th FAR, observe a nearby village for movement at a security over-watch position during Operation Viking Fox Hunt III near East Baqubah,  March 9.
The Soldiers air assaulted into Suhayl Village in search of weapons caches and high-value targets thought to be in the area.  Assault Battery is currently deployed as part of 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, from Fort Lewis, Wash.

Soldiers breach a door searching for weapons caches.

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High Five

Staff Sgt. Narito gives an Iraqi boy a high five as he passes by his home in Muqdadiyah, Feb 17, 2008.  Narito is from Alpha Co, 2-23rd Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 2nd ID.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Many military actions going on to disrupt al Qaeda networks, and major caches found.  1300 new police recruits will certainly help with security.  Sorry to say that sand storm weather is back.
Joanna
___________________________________ 

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

March 11, 2008

Al-Kut ISWAT and U.S. SF destroy van, kill several armed suspects

BALAD - U.S. SF, responding to a request for support from Iraqi SF, destroyed a vehicle transporting weapons and explosives during ops March 11 in al-Kut.
While nearing the scene, U.S. SF unit was attacked by a large number of enemy fighters. The U.S. SF returned fire, killing several enemy fighters and destroying 2 vehicles carrying machine-guns. The suspects in the vehicles were also conducting ammo and weapons resupply to enemy forces.
U.S. SF employed a precision munition from a CF aircraft to destroy the van and prevent the further distribution of weapons and explosives.
Several secondary explosions were observed in the van, indicating that it contained explosives and possible IEDs. Several small secondary explosions were observed in the adjacent house where weapons and explosives had been placed before the airstrike.

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More than 1,300 IP graduate from Al Furat Police Academy

This is the largest class graduation of police recruits.  More than 1,300, began their two-week introductory police training course March 2 at the Academy. The course teaches basic law enforcement  techniques, to include weapons training, combative techniques, structure-clearing techniques, first-aid and defensive maneuvers against small-arms attacks.  The media is invited March 13.

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Air strike destroys torture house

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Aton clears a B-1B Lancer to drop six 500-pound GBU-38 bombs onto an al Qaeda-in-Iraq torture house and prison in northern Zambraniyah, March 10.  Aton is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller and is deployed with 2nd BCT, 3rd ID.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel String puts his radio and gear on after a B-1B Lancer had a successful drop.  String is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, from Fort Drum N.Y.

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Iraqi Police in western Iraq seize 5 major weapons caches, detain 1

HABBANIYAH - The Rawah IP discovered a weapons cache approx. 7 miles west of Rawah March 7. They were directed by locals on-scene to 3 more cashes, consisting   of 42 PG9 rockets, 28 60 mm mortar rounds, 28 107 mm rockets, 46 82 mm mortar rounds, 1,850 blasting caps, 47 14.5 mm rounds, 2 Sagger guided missiles, 3 Sagger practice guided missiles, 1,079 fuses, 1 tripod, 3 anti-aircraft guns, 3 100 mm Heat-T projectiles.
The Khalidiyah IP and Transition Team discovered a weapons cache consisting of 36,300 serviceable blasting caps and detained a suspected insurgent earlier in the month.  The cache consisted of 24,900 non-electric and 11,400 electric caps.  The discovery of this cache eliminated key components capable of producing more than 11,400 IEDs.

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Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; five killed, 11 detained

BAGHDAD – CF killed 5 terrorists and detained 11 suspects Monday and today during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
North of Ad Dawr Monday, surveillance elements positively identified a group of terrorists attempting to emplace IEDs in a road and called for a supporting fixed-wing aircraft to attack the time sensitive target, killing 3 terrorists.
Also Monday, during an op northwest of Mosul, CF killed a senior al Qaeda-in-Iraq leader involved in the city’s AQI network.  The suspect was believed to be responsible for VBIED ops and is associated with numerous AQI leaders and operatives throughout Mosul.  CF confirmed the location of the wanted AQI leader and a supporting helicopter was called to engage, killing him and another terrorist, and destroying the vehicle they were operating in.
In Mosul today, CF conducted 2 ops targeting Saudi foreign terrorists associated with the AQI networks in the west and southeast regions of the city.  The ground force detained 4 suspects during the 2 ops.
In Bayji today, CF detained 2 suspects while targeting an alleged associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator and AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq.
During ops west of Samarra and near Tikrit today, CF detained 3 suspected terrorists while targeting alleged associates of an AQI leader involved in propaganda ops for the network in al-Anbar Province.
Another 2 suspects were detained today during an op in Abu Ghraib targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network.
"We will not allow al Qaeda to interfere with the progress the Iraqi people and their elected govt are making," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.  "With the help of Iraqi citizens who reject al Qaeda's targeting of innocent civilians and corrupt Taliban-like ideology, Iraqi and CF will continue to find the terrorists, dismantle their networks and improve safety and security for the Iraqi people."

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Sand Storm

Iraqi Soldiers, Marines from 2nd Bn, 24th Marine Regt., and members of the local Provincial SF patrol through Saqlawhiya during a sand storm, March 6, 2008.

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Davies communicates on his radio while providing security during a traffic control point inspection in Yarmouk, March 5, 2008.  Davies is assigned to the 1st ID's Batt B, 2nd Bn, 32nd FAR.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have a variety of uplifting positive stories out of Iraq.  Through photos we are taken on a a clearing  operation in al Lej, more improvements to Baghdad's power grid, and quality of life improvements in Hawr Rajab.  Weapon caches continue to be found, and al Qaeda terrorists captured or killed.
Joanna
______________________________

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

March 10, 2008

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces, conduct operation in al Lej

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

FOB HAMMER - IA and CF conducted a 2-day cordon and search op in al Lej, March 7-8. The op resulted in the death of 2 insurgents, discovery of 4 IEDs and one weapons cache, and destruction of 2 buildings storing ammo and explosives.
Soldiers from the 13th Georgian Army Light Inf Bn provided area security, as IA Soldiers searched houses in 2 villages in al Lej for weapons caches and evidence of insurgent activity.
Soldiers from the 3rd HBCT's MiTT and Task Force Petro, the brigade's Georgian army
liaison team, provided support while Soldiers from Co E, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, an engineer company, cleared the roads of IEDs.
Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, cmdr. of Task Force Petro, said the mission set the stage for the arrival of the 1st Bde, 9th IA, and will enable them to move into the southern bowl of the Mada'in Qada, the 3rd HBCT's area of op.  Soldiers also secured the al Batan pump station, a large station with the ability to provide water to multiple areas.  After the mission, 13th GAB Soldiers and Sons of Iraq set up 12
checkpoints throughout the area.
Hathaway works closely with Maj. David Sulkhanishvili, cmdr. of the 13th GAB, and the battalion Soldiers.  "It was great to see the Georgian Soldiers securing the objective and immediately being able to transition to helping the locals," Hathaway said.

Iraqi Soldiers prepare for a foot patrol in al Lej.

Iraqi Soldiers provide security from the roof of the battalion command post between al
Lej and Shugerriah.

A Soldier from the 13th GAB, shares tips with his Iraqi counterpart, on his AK-47 rifle.

Soldiers from the 3rd HBCT's MiTT, and Iraqi Soldiers conduct a foot patrol.

Staff Sgt. Luke Lewis, a Soldier from the 3rd HBCT's MiTT, provides security during
a cordon and search.

A medic from the 13th GAB hands applesauce to a local girl from al Lej.

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MoE repairs towers on Baghdad's power belt

By Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
BAGHDAD - Reconstruction of 3 132-kilovolt high-tension power line towers in the region of Arab Jabour are near completion.
Iraqi Ministry of Electricity employees began work on the towers March 1.  Once complete, another link of the southern Baghdad power belt will be fixed.  With the exception of occasional route clearance teams checking and clearing the route to and from the site of the towers, CF had no involvement in securing the area.
Sgt. Rod Elrifai, a power generation specialist with 2-3 Bde Troop Bn, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, said the belt is a series of 400-132 kv power lines and electrical stations which provide power to and encircle the capital city.

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MND-B Soldiers detain 3 in Rashid

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers detain 3 suspected insurgents during ops in the Rashid District of theIraqi capital March 8.
During the early morning hours, Soldiers of 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, detained the 3 suspects in West Rashid's Risalah neighborhood.  One of the men is suspected of numerous indirect fire and IED attacks in the area.

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Hawr Rajab Sees Significant Economic, Quality of Life Improvements

By Staff Sgt. Michael Paredes, 3rd ID

Capt. Gregory Curry II, cmdr. of Troop A, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID signs over a micro-grant to a general store owner in the Hawr Rajab area, March 10.  Curry said the purpose of the micro-grants is to improve and jumpstart the local economy.

FOB KALSU — With security improving in Hawr Rajab, stores and schools are reopening and a number of programs are revitalizing a community once on the brink of chaos.
“The present challenges we face are maintaining security, promoting economic growth and stability, while helping Hawr Rajab establish an efficient local govt with supporting entities,” said Capt. Curry II.  “It will not happen overnight, but it is happening one day at a time.”  His troop coordinates with Team A, Co B, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB), and the U.S. State Dept’s Baghdad-7 embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Life is returning to normal with the improvements, made possible by partnership between CF, SoI, officials from the Govt of Iraq (GoI) and Iraqi SF. Hawr Rajab is becoming a beacon of change and potential for sustainable economic improvements.
Current area economic initiatives include the mico-grant program distributed to approx. 50 stores.  The poultry revitalization program will provide starter chicks to poultry farms.  The seed distribution program has distributed more than 900 starter packets of seed as well as plastic to local farmers, to grow cucumbers, eggplants, bell peppers and tomatoes.  School renovation projects are undergoing extensive improvements with a much needed facelift, and with the intent to relieve the overcrowding.  The Hawr Rajab Medical Clinic is being repaired, and is scheduled for completion this month.
With the revitalization of the area and need for skilled labor, a vocational school was constructed by U.S. Air Force construction engineers, who will also provide the instructor staff.
A large number of SoI will be retrained as electricians, carpenters and construction laborers. This vocational school has been dubbed “The Village of Hope.”  The program is currently in a final approval stage at 3rd Inf. Div. HQ.

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March 9, 2008

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

Al-Qaeda targeted, weapons caches destroyed; five killed, 26 detained

BAGHDAD – CF killed 5 terrorists, detained 26 suspects and found several weapons caches March 8 and 9, during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
CF conducted an op northwest of Samarra today, targeting an alleged al-Qaeda-in-Iraq leader involved in propaganda ops for the network in al-Anbar province.  The suspect is believed to be associated with several AQI leaders, including foreign terrorists operating outside of Iraq.
As CF arrived in the area, they received enemy fire from 4 individuals they observed departing the target building and moving into a nearby field.  Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged, killing the 4 armed terrorists.  As they secured the area where the terrorists were located, the ground force found various equipment and weapons, including 4 military style assault vests, machine guns, ammo and magazines, bomb-making materials and medical supplies.
The ground force moved to a nearby building and discovered a large weapons cache that included machine guns, rockets, grenades, numerous magazines and ammo, mortars, IED materials and initiators, detonation cord, ball bearings, military-style assault vests, medical supplies, and various other military hardware items.  A vehicle found in the target area also contained numerous AQI propaganda materials.  During their final sweep of the area, CF found another weapons cache and a building with several false floors containing weapons and ammo. Once the area was clear, CF called supporting fixed-wing aircraft to conduct precision airstrikes, destroying 2 buildings, 2 vehicles and the 2 weapons caches to prevent further use for terrorist activities.
In Mosul Saturday and Sunday, CF detained 6 suspected terrorists, including an alleged leader involved in the AQI network operating on the east side of the city. The suspect is reportedly associated with several senior leaders of the AQI network in the region, to include Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the former Saudi AQI leader and foreign terrorist facilitator killed Feb. 27.  As CF began to enter the target building, they encountered a terrorist armed with a suicide vest. The ground force evacuated before the terrorist detonated his vest, killing himself, but causing no harm to CF.  The ground force continued to clear the area and found a vehicle loaded with several weapons, which they destroyed on site to prevent further use for terrorist activity.  Also in Mosul, another 3 suspects were detained during a separate op targeting a senior leader for the city's AQI network.
Northeast of Balad Sunday morning, CF detained 3 suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged explosives facilitator connected to the Baghdad AQI network. CF also discovered 30 bags of Urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials, in one of the target buildings, which was safely destroyed, along with a vehicle allegedly used for terrorist activity. Nearby, another 4 suspects were detained during an op Saturday targeting an alleged AQI associate involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and smuggling weapons and IED materials.
CF detained another 10 suspects Sunday near Taji, during an op targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the northern belt AQI network.
"Al-Qaeda's indiscriminate violence has no place in Iraq's future," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. "While a tough fight remains ahead of us, Iraqi and CF will continue take the fight to al-Qaeda, keeping the terrorists on the defensive and diminishing their ability to attack innocent civilians."

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our top story has to be the little 2 year old girl's homecoming.  What gorgeous eyes!  Lots of other positive stories, capturing or killing high level terrorists, voting in East Rashid, and a clearing mission in Mosul with some great pictures.
Joanna

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

March 9, 2008

Iraqi Army's "Scorpion" Brigade searches Mosul neighborhood

An IA Soldier from the Scorpion Bde, stands outside a residence in the Haly al Tenek neighborhood of Mosul as other Soldiers search homes for weapons caches March 7.

First Sgt. Stevie Jones of Killer Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, inspects the PK machine gun mounted in an IA Soldier's observation point at COP Scorpion in Mosul March 7.

An IA Soldier stands guard near a shop owner and a child.

An IA Soldier manning a DSHK 1938 12.7mm machine gun guards the Mosul neighborhood.

IA Soldiers found a weapons cache by acting on a tip from locals, which included hand grenades, RPGs, AK-47 assault rifles, radios and masks, hidden beneath the back seat of a car.

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Local citizens discover weapons cache near Sikek

BAGHDAD - Local Iraqis from Sikek, a village southwest of Mosul, discovered a weapons cache March 7. They informed the Saniyah District IP and Soldiers from 728th MP Bn, 18th MP Bde and MND-North, who immediately cordoned off the area.  A joint patrol of IPs and MPs located the cache consisting of 90 mm mortars.
Maj. Mike Indovina, 18th MP spokesman said that the team work employed to discover and deny the use of this surplus continues to prove the forward momentum the ISF and the CF have made against the insurgents.

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Haditha girl returns home after heart surgery in U.S.

HADITHA - A two-year-old Iraqi girl returned to Haditha March 7 after undergoing open-heart surgery at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University.
Ala Fattah, the girl's father, and several family members traveled with Marines to Baghdad International Airport to meet Amenah, who departed Iraq Jan. 22 with his wife.  "I am very happy.  I was very worried that my daughter would not come home alive," Fattah said. "I am very grateful for the great treatment the American people gave to my family."  The family then flew to Al Asad Airbase in Al Anbar Province, where they boarded an MV-22 Osprey for the final leg of the voyage to Haditha.  Back home, the family served a dinner in her honor.
"I've got four children, two boys and two girls myself.  I was very happy to see a father, mother and child reunite," said Maj. Kevin Jarrard, Co L's com. officer and the architect behind the medical effort.
Marines from 3rd Bn, 23rd Marines, which is assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based RCT 5, discovered Amenah on a routine patrol through the city. They noticed her extremities exhibited a bluish hue whenever she exerted herself.  The battalion surgeon, Capt. John Nadeau, recognized the gravity of her condition and coordinated arrangements with the medical staff at Vanderbilt to perform a surgical procedure to remedy her heart defect.
The 35-year-old Jarrard choreographed the international effort to transport Amenah to the US and oversaw the entire operation.  His wife, Kelly, raised the funds to finance the journey on both ends.
"Thank you is just too small of a word to express how I feel," said Amehah's mother, Maha Bandar.  When Amenah arrived at Vanderbilt, doctors discovered, among other things, her heart was turned backwards.  Nevertheless, the Feb. 11 operation was success, and Amenah spent the rest of her time in America recovering.
Haditha is now a reviving city on the verge of CF demilitarization and Iraqi lead with regard to security and municipal governance. This city's success is the result of this cooperative effort, such as with the care of Amenah.  "I am very thankful for Jarrard, Nadeau, and I consider all the Marines in Haditha father to Amenah, and I will do anything as a return favor for the generosity of the Marines helping my family," said Fattah.

Coming Home

Amenah smiles aboard a C-130 aircraft, after she and her mother, Maha  Bandar (right), returned from the US.  Amena's father, Al'a  Fattah (left), had not seen his wife or daughter since January and was all smiles upon their return to Haditha.

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Coalition targets al-Qaeda in northern Iraq; one killed, five detained      

March 07, 2008

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

BAGHDAD – CF killed one terrorist and detained 5 suspects Thursday and today during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.
In northeast Mosul Thursday, CF targeted a suspect believed to be the replacement for the former Saudi al-Qaeda-in-Iraq senior leader and foreign terrorist facilitator Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, who was killed by Coalition forces Feb. 27.  Reports indicate the targeted individual is involved in coordinating attacks and kidnappings in the area.
CF followed a vehicle associated with the targeted suspect to a nearby house, where they observed the driver and passenger get out.  As the ground force arrived in the area, one of the individuals attempted to shoot at them.  CF engaged the hostile threat, wounding him.  The suspect, who was armed with pistols and a grenade, was subsequently detained, treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.
CF returned to the same area today and captured an alleged senior leader for the terrorist network operating on the east side of the city.  Intel indicates the suspect is involved in the facilitation and distribution of weapons throughout east Mosul, and oversees several other AQI members.  One of his subordinates is reportedly responsible for the production of VBIEDs.  In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained 2 other suspected terrorists.
CF conducted an op north of Tall Afar near Tall Wardan today, targeting an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator associated with numerous AQI senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq. During the op, the ground force called for the suspected terrorists occupying the target building to come out.  They did not comply with instructions or heed warnings.  CF perceived hostile intent from the noncompliant suspects and engaged, killing one and wounding another. 
“Iraqi and CF will continue to pressure al-Qaeda in Iraq’s networks, diminishing their ability to make indiscriminate attacks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Our ops are continuing to erode the terrorists’ resources and helping to improve safety and security for Iraqi citizens.”

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East Rashid Goes to Voting Booth
      
By Spc. Nathaniel Smith, 4th Brigade Combat Team

Voters from Southeast Rashid raise their hands in favor of a candidate during elections at Joint Security Station (JSS) Doura in southern Baghdad, March 5.  The elections were the first of their kind, providing the people with 7 representatives to the Govt of Iraq.

BAGHDAD — In the United States, “Decision ‘08” is getting into full swing with political parties holding primaries and caucuses in states around the Nation.  In southern Baghdad, the story is no different as the people of East Rashid held elections this week to determine who will represent them to the Govt of Iraq.
The people voted on 7 representative positions: chief, first vice, second vice, terrorist casualties, security, essential services, and a mediator for the people.
On March 5, Southeast Rashid held its elections, and the 10th IA Div Cmdr., Lt. Col. Hadar, had advice for the elected officials. “Take care of your people and serve the people in your neighborhoods,” he said. “Today is a big step toward bringing reconciliation to everybody in the neighborhoods.”
Saad, whose unit is largely Shia operating in a Sunni area, said his police will now serve as an intermediary between the people and the Govt of Iraq, which will help the representative council.
Even though the newly-appointed representatives were the winners of the elections and it is still a process in progress, Hadar told the people of his area they were the real winners. “Today is a great day, and it does justice to the people living in the area.  The Iraqi govt, Iraqi SF, CF, and the good people living here have already sat down together for reconciliation,” he said after the elections were complete. “This is a big victory for all of you because you will have the people from your area represent you and take your voice to the govt. This gives you the power to solve your problems.”

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Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, 22 suspects detained      

March 05, 2008

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

BAGHDAD – CF detained 22 suspects today during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.  West of Biaj, in the western part of Ninawa Province, CF detained 2 suspects. One of the suspects is an alleged associate of al-Qaeda networks in northern Iraq.  He is reportedly responsible for the facilitation of finances to networks throughout the Mosul area and associated with several senior level foreign terrorist facilitators.
In Mosul, CF captured another alleged associate of the wanted individual near Biaj. The Mosul suspect is reportedly connected to foreign terrorist facilitation and smuggling networks in the city. Three suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul in addition to the wanted individual.
Also in Mosul, 2 suspects were detained while targeting an alleged al-Qaeda-in-Iraq associate involved in attacks against CF and connected to Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi AQI leader killed Feb. 27. During coordinated operations in Samarra, Coalition forces captured an alleged facilitator involved in the AQI network in the city. The suspect is reportedly associated with two leaders in the network involved in terrorist military and administrative operations. In addition to the wanted man, the ground force detained two suspects during the operations.
In Baghdad, CF detained 3 suspected terrorists during ops targeting an alleged associate of the senior leader for the southern belt AQI network, and a financial facilitator with direct ties to AQI senior leaders in the Baghdad area.
West of the Hamrin Mountains, in Albu Bakr village, CF conducted an op Sunday through Tuesday targeting an AQI propaganda cell and meeting location.  During the op, the ground force detained 8 suspected terrorists and discovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including military style assault vests and equipment belts, signal rockets, grenades, machine gun magazines, various ammo and anti-aircraft rounds.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have such positive stories tonight;  spreading good will to the Iraqi people; the disruption of al Qaeda networks; opening up rail lines, and windmills to deliver clean water.
Joanna
________________________________

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq

Soldiers Strengthen Relationships with Hamiyah City Council, Residents
     
By 1st Lt. William Perdue, 3rd ID
Saturday, 08 March 2008

Spc. Gregory Touzani, and Pfc. Troy Buford, both with Co A, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, pose for a picture with children in Hamiya, March 1.

FOB KALSU — There were no doors being kicked in and no shots being fired in Hamiyah during the March 1 patrol. Soldiers were geared up and prepared for anything. They had pockets full of toys and candy for children who approached them as adults greeted them with smiles.
“You can really see how much it means to the locals when we give out the humanitarian aid bags,” said 1st Lt. Chris Blom, exec. officer for Co A. “They are so grateful and appreciative of what we are doing for them and they can see that we are really here to help them.”
Soldiers on the ground know every action has a reaction.  Everything they do brings about some kind of response from local residents they pass throughout the day, said 1st Lt. Ryan Daly, 2nd Plt leader, Co. A.  The purpose of this patrol was to strengthen relations with the Hamiyah City Council and local residents, Daly said.  Soldiers discussed improving ties between the Hamiyah City Council and the Jurf Nahia Council.  They also discussed the progress of new and existing projects to improve local infrastructure and the importance of maintaining security.
It is a necessary step to cement the framework of the Iraqi govt beyond the presence of CF, Daly said.
Projects to benefit area children were also discussed.  Rasoul, an engineer and a council member, is working with 2nd Plt to make improvements to the Mustaffa Secondary School. The town is also working on larger projects, including future construction of a school and repairs to the water distribution system.
On the last two hours of the patrol, Soldiers worked with the Iraqi Org. for Motherhood, Childhood and the Handicapped. They met with Kasim, a council member and main spokesperson for the group. Soldiers heard the group’s needs and plan to make frequent trips to deliver food, school supplies and basic medical supplies to aid area residents, Daly said.

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Friday, 07 March 2008

Al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq disrupted; eight killed, 17 detained

BAGHDAD – CF killed 8 terrorists and detained 17 suspects Thursday and Friday during ops to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
Northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains today, CF conducted an op targeting the alleged al-Qaeda-in-Iraq leader for the Kanan village. The targeted individual is reportedly associated with numerous AQI members in the region. During the op, the ground force called for the occupants of several target buildings to come out and observed them attempting to engage the ground force. CF responded to the threat, killing 4 terrorists, including the wanted individual. The ground force secured the building where the wanted individual was located and discovered a cache of Urea, a common precursor for homemade explosive materials.
As CF continued to clear additional buildings in the target area, they encountered armed enemy personnel attempting to maneuver on their position. Responding to the perceived threat, the ground force engaged, killing another 4 terrorists. Once the target area was secure, CF safely destroyed 2 buildings which contained the Urea and a cache of weapons, to prevent further use for terrorist attacks. Seven suspected terrorists were also detained during the op.
During 2 additional coordinated ops in Samarra this morning, CF detained 3 suspected terrorists, including 2 wanted individuals.  One of the suspects is an alleged leader for the Samarra AQI network and close associate to the senior leader, providing his residence as a bed down location for the leader’s family.  Also, the suspect’s son is reportedly involved in VBIED attacks and part of the cell in the region. The other wanted individual, detained nearby, is reportedly a direct associate of AQI senior leadership, including members of the senior leader’s inner circle.
North of Tarmiyah today, CF captured an alleged associate of the AQI northern belt network.  The network is responsible for the majority of IED attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.  The suspected terrorist is reportedly responsible for providing info on Coalition ops in the area for use in planning attacks.  In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained 2 suspected terrorists on site.
CF captured another alleged associate of the northern belt AQI network during an op in Baghdad today. Reports indicate the suspect has direct ties to the senior leader of the network and to numerous terrorists involved in the VBIED network in Karkh. The suspect is also allegedly responsible for forging identification documents for numerous AQI members in the region.
On Thursday, CF detained 3 suspected terrorist during an op east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting an alleged AQI weapons facilitator involved in smuggling and kidnapping ops.
"Al-Qaeda in Iraq's attacks only strengthen our resolve to support the courage of the Iraq people," said Lt. Michael Street, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and CF are committed to ending the terrorists' campaign of indiscriminate violence and creating a safer country for all Iraqis."

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Louisiana Soldiers Show Southern Hospitality to Iraqi Children

By Sgt. Henry Bauer, 769th Engineer Battalion
March 07, 2008

Lt. Col. David Lowe, 35th Eng. Bde, from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., hands out school supplies to children in West Rashid located in western Baghdad, Feb. 11.  Lowe took part in the humanitarian mission with Soldiers from the 769th Eng. Bn from Baton Rouge, La.

BAGHDAD — The 769th received items from their home State with the request that they distribute these items to the Iraqi people.  So they recently traveled to the neighborhood of West Rashid, located in Baghdad, to present various types of gifts to the local Iraqi children.
“It is a tradition in the 769th to make some sort of donation to the communities that we have worked in around the world,” said Com. Sgt. Maj. Chad Lynch, Command Sgt. Maj. of the 769th Eng. Bn.
“We usually give school supplies to a school, and in this case we found a community in need,” said Lynch, who was sent items such as stuffed animals, Mardi Gras beads, pens, pencils, tablets of paper, crayons, coloring books, various toys, and a variety of hygiene products from several businesses in the Ascension Parish, Louisiana area, near his hometown.
Capt. Patrick Jenkins, a Principal at Zachary Elem. School located in Zachary, La., is currently serving in Iraq with the 769th Eng. Bn as the Bn Personnel Officer.  “I miss the students every day.  Just getting the opportunity to impact a child’s life in even a small way as giving away school supplies was an honor,” said Jenkins when asked of the similarity with his students at Zachary Elementary school and the local Iraqi children whose lives he helped make brighter.  “One of the many purposes of education is to empower each child to become a responsible, respectful, and contributing citizen of their country whether American or Iraqi,” said Jenkins.  “One of the greatest impacts to this country will be through the literacy of its children.”
Lt. Col. David Lowe, and a member of the 35th Eng Bde commented, “This was truly a rewarding experience.  Thanks to donations from back home, we were able to extend our good will by giving gifts to these children.” Lowe went on further commenting that “the excited children smiled and laughed as our Soldiers worked to ensure each child received ample school supplies and other gifts.”
The 769th Soldiers involved in the humanitarian mission in West Rashid feel as though they have contributed to the overall mission in Iraq to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

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The Thunder Rolls: Taji Rail Lines Open for First Time Since 2003

By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 25th Infantry Division
Thursday, 06 March 2008

Soldiers from A Batt, 2nd Bn, 11th FAR, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, MND-B pull open the doors of the rail road gate on Camp Taji Mar. 5 as an Iraqi locomotive slowly approaches the gate, marking the first time a train as arrived at the installation since the beginning of Op Iraqi Freedom.

CAMP TAJI — The railroad lines of the Taji Qada, north of Baghdad, have laid dormant since the beginning of Op Iraqi Freedom in 2003, but as a result of the efforts of MND – Baghdad Soldiers, the first train let loose a thunderous blast of its horn March. 5, as it slowly rolled through the gates of Camp Taji.
"This particular train … is part of a proof of principle,” said Cpt. James Kerns, who serves as the asst. ops officer for the Base Defense Ops Command (BDOC), MND – Baghdad. "It's an enduring mission. The Iraqi railroads are being put back in, and it's going to change the face of Taji," said Maj. Henry McNealy, who serves as the ops officer for the BDOC. "It'll become a consistent train; hopefully, over time, the infrastructure of Iraq will be rebuilt."
"Every year, something big usually happens – last year it was getting the oil lines back up – the electric lines running again, and this year it'll probably be getting the rail going all the way from Mosul to Baghdad – being unimpeded by criminal elements, al-Qaeda-in-Iraq or special groups,” he explained.
The leg work, as far as conducting, maintaining and navigating the locomotive to Camp Taji, was performed by the Govt of Iraq with minimal Coalition assistance, said Kern.
"It'll bring business into the area; it's going to bring economic goods into the area, and it’s going to allow the Iraqi Army to facilitate and sustain their own ops in the future,” Kern said.  “Hopefully, in the not-so-distant future, improve security ops for the Iraqi Army by allowing them to bring military equipment into the area and more sustainment items to Camp Taji and further north into Iraq.”

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Cooperative Medical Engagement Treats Hundreds of Women, Children

By Cpl. Benjamin Eberle, I Marine Logistic Group
March 5, 2008

Children peer over a concrete wall during a Cooperative Medical Engagement (CME) event in as-Saqlawiyah.  The event took place at the village schoolhouse and provided free medical care for more than 200 civilians in the community.

SAQLAWIYAH — “Shukran” is the Arabic word for “thank you,” and service members heard it often during a civil affairs event here, Feb. 29.  Iraqi personnel – along with Marines, Sailors and Soldiers based at Camp Taqaddum and neighboring Habbaniyah – participated.
An 18-year-old mother said the medical supplies were greatly needed, but being able to accept them without fearing retaliation is the most significant achievement of Iraqi and CF.  “We like the Iraqi Police being around,” she said, through an interpreter.  “Before, the insurgents wouldn’t even let us take water from the (nearby) river.”
The CME is part of Iraqi Women’s Engagement (IWE), a State Dept. outreach program providing support to Iraq’s women while respecting local customs. Male-female interaction in public is discouraged, even in medical environments, so female medical personnel worked with female interpreters to assist the Iraqi women.  Men were seen in a separate room on the opposite end of the school.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Knuth, a 34-year-old corpsman was the chief medical provider for women.  Her job was to ensure Iraqi women and their children received quality medical attention without being 'contained by their culture.'  “We usually see a pretty good turnout of women,” said Knuth, a corpsman with Marine Wing Support Sqdrn 272, 2nd Marine Air Wing.  She normally treats about 100 during each CME.  “It’s nice that they’re able to get female care for female issues.”
Regardless of culture, sharing personal medical info with anyone can be difficult. Facilitating face-to-face dialogue between women is a practical solution that helps ease that apprehension, said Maj. Margaret M. Weitzel, CampTaqaddum’s IWE coordinator.  “(Male Marines) can be intimidating,” Weitzel said.  So are female Marines, when they need to be.  Armed with loaded service rifles, the women had the weighty task of keeping the area safe. They worked alongside their male counterparts, providing security during the medical engagement and searching Iraqi women for contraband.
“I take it very seriously,” said Cpl. Jessica A. Cox, a 24-year-old.  She’s deployed to CampTaqaddum as an electrician with MWSS-272 and provided security for the CME event.  “There’ve been kids strapped with bombs, and they’ve also had females come in with bombs on them, so it’s very important to check everyone thoroughly.”
Gunnery Sgt. Tammy A. Belleville, co. gunnery sgt for HSC, 1st Marine Logistics Group, led a small team of female Marines responsible for searching women and children before they entered the compound. “You see the Iraqi women interacting with their children, and we’re so much the same,” said Belleville, who has a 10-year-old son. “The maternal instinct is there, no matter what language you speak or what geographic location you come from,” she said. “More and more, I see that we’re more alike than we are different.”
On average, the IWE program connects Camp Taqaddum personnel with the Iraqi public once a week.

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A New Plan for Clean Water: One Windmill Pump per Village

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd Infantry Division
March 4, 2008

Col. Ryan Kuhn, dep. com. officer for the 3rd HBCT and Maj. Chris Hempel, agricultural officer from the MNC - Iraq Civil-Military Ops Cell, talk to a contractor and local villagers at a windmill-powered ground water pump in Al Zatia village March 1.

FOB HAMMER — The first stop for Col. Kuhn, and Maj. Chris Hempel, was the village of al Zatia, where they met with the head contractor for both windmill projects.  Analyzing the windmill-powered pumps’ capability to produce clean water led him to consider using the pumps for irrigation, Hempel said.
After al Zatia, Hempel and Kuhn traveled to the village of Hollandia to check on the unfinished windmill project there.  “The windmills are [intended to provide] the majority of the villagers’ drinking water,” Hempel said.  “It [drinking water] was being trucked in from vendors.  With the windmill-powered ground water pumps, they won’t have to pay for water.”
“This area is unique,” Hempel said. “It’s the only area with these windmills. This is a 3rd HBCT project and we wanted to get eyes-on so we can potentially expand throughout other areas of the country.  We will keep monitoring the project’s progress at Corps.”
The idea for a windmill-powered ground water pump came from a joint effort between Kuhn and leaders of the 489th CAB, from Knoxville, Tenn.
Kuhn said he grew up not much differently than the Iraqi villagers he spoke with. “I’m a farm boy from Nebraska,” he said.  “If this worked for me in Nebraska where water is hard to come by, there is no reason it wouldn’t work out here.”  Kuhn said he has plans to add solar purification systems to the windmills. “It’s a simple idea that has great value,” he said.  “This is the first time the wind and sun have been used together to provide clean drinking water anywhere in Iraq.  It requires all renewable energy and helps protect the environment.  It’s simple technology and it can’t fail.”
The windmills pull water from 30-meter-deep ground wells into 200-gallon holding tanks, Kuhn said. The pump can produce 200 gallons of water every hour and provide water for up to 150 families.
“When we got the first one up, the elders called it a spaceship,” Kuhn said. “I told them, ‘You can call it what you want as long as it provides water for your village.’”  Kuhn said, “One of the elders responded with, ‘I know God has not given up on us. We have not had drinking water since 2003.’”
“Insurgents used to be able to control the prices when the water was delivered,” Kuhn said. “Now that the area is secure, they can’t do that anymore.  The windmills deliver water for free using the sun and the wind.  This puts great pressure on the insurgents.  My dream is to be able to produce enough water so no child will ever have to go long periods of time without water,” he said. “Children can play in the streets now and with the windmills, they can come get a drink of water and go right back out and play.”

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Dear Interested Readers,
The big news today was the capture of a high level criminal special groups leader.  A lot more caches have been uncovered, and a torture house that will never be used to hurt people again.  It gives us an insight into the inhumanity of these terrorists.  Through pictures, we're taken along on a village clearing, seeing how our troops operate.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

March 7, 2008

Coalition forces detain alleged special groups leader

BAGHDAD - CF detained Hajji Shibl, an alleged top-tier criminal special groups leader, March 5 in the West Rashid district in southwestern Baghdad.  He is suspected of being a key financier for criminal special groups who commit acts of murder.
The ISF and CF continue to capture or kill criminals who support these networks that conduct violent crimes against the Iraqi people. 
"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 Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I Public Affairs Officer.

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SoI, MND-C Soldiers find, raid torture house

FOB KALSU - Abna al-Iraq, or Sons of Iraq (SoI), led CF to an al-Qaeda-in- Iraq torture house and prison in northern Zambraniyah March 5.  The op was based on intel provided by an SoI leader in the area.
"The guy wants to clean up the area," said Capt. Chris O'Brian, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID.  "AQI killed half his family."
The Abna al-Iraq leader, who heads a group of 300 SoI, worked with his men in support of Soldiers on the patrol. It began early in the morning as Soldiers cleared houses in an area suspected of harboring insurgents. During the initial phase of the mission, the group came under small arms fire by the enemy, observed wearing black..  As the patrol continued, the group discovered a man dressed in black in a suspected AQI safe house. The man was detained on suspicion of involvement in insurgent activities and the likelihood that he was involved in the earlier attack.
Intel indicated there may be an AQI prison or torture house in the town. That intel led Soldiers to a house full of materials used by AQI for torture. They discovered hand cuffs, an electrocution system and hanging hooks used for humans.  Twelve interrogation books written in Arabic were found along with several sets of female clothing.

Soldiers of 6th Sqdrn, discovered an insurgent torture house.

Insurgent torture house.

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Citizens turn in large cache to MND-C Soldiers

FOB KALSU - Citizens in Arab Jabour unearthed a large weapons cache and turned it over to Soldiers from Co D, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID at Patrol Base Red March 5.
The cache, which was loaded in a truck, consisted of 111 57 mm projectiles and 22 60 mm projectiles.  Each projectile was rigged with detonation cord and packed with homemade explosives. The only thing missing was an initiation device, said Capt. Joseph Inge, cmdr, Co D.
The citizens who unearthed the rounds said they discovered them in a palm grove north of the patrol base.

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Tal Afar SWAT, U.S. SF recover weapons cache near suspected AQI training camp

BALAD - March 4, Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF conducted an op to recover asuspected cache connected with recent al Qaeda-in-Iraq activity in the area.  The cache was discovered near a suspected AQI training camp that was the scene of a Tal Afar SWAT and U.S. SF op March 2. The op to disrupt AQI activity in the area resulted in 9 terrorists being killed and 8 suspected terrorists detained. 
The cache was located in an abandoned village near the training camp. After investigating the buildings and surrounding area, SWAT and U.S. SF discovered the weapons and munitions in several underground hiding places.
SWAT and U.S. SF recovered more than 700 lbs of home-made explosives; 11 120mm high-explosive mortar rounds; 2 AK-47 assault rifles; 7 sights for RPG-7 rocket launchers; 2 Russian 120mm mortar rounds; a 122mm Chinese high explosive mortar round; 10, 82mm Chinese high explosive mortar rounds; 100 pounds of mortar propellant charges; 2 Belgian anti-personnel landmines; and various fuses.

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Iraqi SF recover large weapons cache in Jabella

BALAD - Jabellah IP recovered a large weapons and munitions cache in Jabella, south of Iskandariyah, March 4.  An Iraqi police officer discovered the cache in a house in Jabella.   
The op was deemed a success in that local and provincial Iraqi SF worked quickly and decisively to remove a significant cache from potential use by criminal and Special Groups in the area.
The cache consisted of 165 one-pound blocks of C-4 explosive, 19 rocket propelled grenades, 5 RPG launchers, a 60mm mortar tube, 3 rolls of detonation cord and 2 blasting caps for making IEDs, 25 107 mm high explosive rockets and 23 rocket fuses, 10 120 mm high explosive mortar rounds, 84 60 mm and 60 81 mm high explosive mortar rounds, along with 6 60 mm mortar fuses.

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ISF, SoI detain 4 AQI members

BAGHDAD -  March 5, Iraqi Army (IA)  soldiers along with SoI members from Qadisiyah, detained 3 AQI members in the Mansour security district.
IA Soldiers working together with SoI members from Ameriya detained an AQI member suspected of illegal activity in Mansour.
"Al Qaeda-in-Iraq is the number one enemy in Iraq, and ISF continue to add pressure on AQI, and eliminate and disrupt their activities in and throughout Baghdad.  With ISF and SoI working side-by-side to provide a safe and stable Iraq, AQI will have no place to coordinate and carry out attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians," said Lt. Col. Steven Stover, MND-B spokesman.

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MND-N Soldiers clear village in Baqubah

Pfc. Nicholas Vazquez, 4th Bn, 9th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID marks a house during Op Able Fortress in Chibernot, located in the northern part of Baqubah, March 5.

Soldiers from 4th Bn, enter a house.  The Soldiers cleared the village looking for weapons and members of suicide-vest cell operating in Baqubah.

Soldiers from 4th Bn, patrol a street with IP officers.

Soldiers from 4th Bn, provide security for Soldiers crossing a canal.

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Locals, SoI turn in weapons caches

FOB KALSU - Local residents and SoI turned over 4 weapons caches to Soldiers in separate ops in Arab Jabour March 4.
Local residents brought 2 caches to Soldiers from 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID,  containing 3 120 mm projectiles, 4 liters of homemade explosives, 2 pressure plates, a propane tank with wires, 2 57 mm projectiles and another container filled with 20 pounds of unknown bulk explosives.
SoI members brought 2 caches to the Soldiers, consisting of 8 liters of HME, 2 pressure plates, a propane tank with wires, 2 57 mm projectiles, 2 120 mm mortars and 1 60 mm mortar.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Tips continue to come from the Iraqi people of weapon caches and criminals trying to hide amongst them.  There's a great story about the 2nd Bde, 82nd Abn being redeployed home, and accomplishing great things in Iraq.  There's an ongoing success story of United and Strong conferences, with our media invited to attend.  Will we be treated to seeing any of this?
Joanna
___________________________

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

March 6, 2008

Sons of Iraq, Coalition Forces discover caches

FOB KALSU - SoI working with CF around Hawr Rajab and Zambraniyah discovered 2 caches March 4.
In Hawr Rajab, a SoI member informed Soldiers of Troop B, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, about a cache of 5  5-gallon barrels of nitric acid. 
A group of SoI in Zambraniyah brought a second cache to Soldiers of 6th Sqdrn, consisting of 3 pressure plate IEDs, 3 57 mm projectiles and 3 pressure plate initiators.
A third cache was discovered March 4 by an air weapons team supporting the Soldiers in Hawr Rajab.  The team was flying in support of a route recon mission near Busayefi when they noticed a depression in the ground.  Soldiers and SoI on the ground investigated, and unearthed a barrel with weapons stored inside.
"The discovery will help increase security in the area and increase residents' confidence," said Maj. Mike Adams.

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MND-C Soldiers discover weapons caches, detain three

FOB KALSU - Soldiers with the 3rd ID detained 3 insurgents and discovered 2 weapons caches during an overnight op in Adwaniyah March 3- 4.
SoI in the area had informed their sheik one of their members was attempting to recruit fellow SOI for insurgent activities against CF and Iraqi citizens.
"The man was trying to start up a new insurgent group," said Capt. Douglas Hoyt, cmdr. of Troop B, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, currently attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.  Concerned for the safety of his town, the sheik passed the info to Soldiers of Troop B.  Based on that and other intel, Soldiers conducted a late-night op of the suspect's house, detaining him and his brother.
Inside the house, Soldiers discovered IED-making materials, cassette tapes and other insurgent propaganda.  Outside the house, Soldiers discovered a weapons cache.  Based on previous intel provided by SOI, the sheik led Soldiers early morning March 4 to a second cache linked to insurgents. The Soldiers also detained a man who claimed to own the cache and admitted to killing local citizens. 
In the 4 months Troop B has been on the ground, Hoyt said they have performed many missions, clearing Adwaniyah of insurgents who once dominated the area.  SOI members provided vital intel leading to the detention of insurgents, but Hoyt also credits his Soldiers, whose dedication helped foster positive relationships.  "A big part is the Soldiers who go out every day and talk with the people."

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'Surge' Brigade paratroopers redeploy

BAGHDAD - Approx. 2,000 paratroopers from the 2nd Bde, 82nd Abn Div, are redeploying back to Fort Bragg, N.C., in the next several weeks.
According to Maj. Gen Jeffery Hammond, MND - Baghdad com. gen., the paratroopers established two of the first combat outposts in Baghdad.  As a direct result of living and patrolling where the Iraqi people work, gather and live, attacks in Adhamiyah have decreased from 465 to 15 per month since December 2006.
Hammond also said, "Falcon Soldiers spent $30 million on reconstruction projects including renovation of schools, generators, water pump repair, trash pick up and micro-loans, revitalizing markets, making life better and safer for the residents of northeast Baghdad."
Once 2nd Bde redeploys, the number of U.S. combat brigades in Iraq will drop from 19 to 18, with 3 additional brigades scheduled to redeploy by July. The unit will not be replaced.
"The redeployment of the 2nd Bde, represents the increased capability and progress being made in Iraq by the Iraqi SF to provide their own security.  It also continues the effort to reduce the number of brigade combat teams from 20 to 15 that had previously been outlined by the cmdr. of MNF - Iraq," said Col. Billy J. Buckner, MNC- Iraq spokesman.

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Citizen uses tip line to reveal cache in New Baghdad

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi citizen called a tip line informing Iraqi SF and CF about munitions in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad, March 4.
Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 1st ID, responded to the tip and seized 3 80 mm rocket rounds, 2 120 mm rocket rounds and an explosively formed penetrator.

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ISWAT, U.S. Special Forces kill 9, detain 8 in Ninewa province

BALAD - The Tal Afar SWAT team, advised by U.S. SF, killed 9 criminals and detained 8 suspects during an op to disrupt an al Qaeda-in-Iraq cell south of Tal Afar in western Ninewa province March 2.
During the intel-driven op against a known criminal support base and suspected training camp, Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF targeted a cell responsible for assassinations, IED attacks, and illegal traffic control points throughout the Tal Afar area. The cell is also suspected of conducting recent rocket attacks in the area.
The op discovered 100 meters of electrical wire and 12 blasting caps for constructing IEDs, a PKC machine gun, an RPG-7 rocket launcher, 4 AK-47 rifles, 9 grenades, more than 1,500 rounds of ammo, and a Belgian-made landmine.

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Iraqi Dep. PM insists upon meeting obligations at historic conference in northern Iraq

TIKRIT - As part of the ongoing United and Strong conferences, the Iraqi Dep. Prime Minister and the major Govt of Iraq ministers met with Provincial leaders from the 7 Northern Provinces to discuss the challenges of provincial reconstruction, economics and essential services near Tikrit March 5. The issues spanned investments, banking, oil, displaced persons, agriculture, and several other issues pertaining to Iraqi transition and rebuilding.
"This kind of meeting will confirm our friendship; it is important to rebuild our country as we defeat the terrorists.  For one Iraqi Govt, one united Iraq," said Deputy PM Salih. "We want to hear your issues; we confirm that we will meet again and work together to overcome issues to better serve the people of our country."
"Many have paid a great price for this opportunity.  In their names and in their memories, we must focus on this time and place.  You have an obligation to take this opportunity to work toward sustained security and prosperity," said Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. "You have a great partner in the USA."

Iraqi, American military and political leaders gathered for a United and Strong conference March 5 at COB Speicher.

Iraq Dep. PM Salih and other Iraqi leaders were on hand to discuss issues and recommend solutions to common problems.

Iraqi military and political leaders speak during a press conference.

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Dear Interested Readers,
It's always nice to see Gen. Petraeus interacting with the Iraqi people.  It's also nice to read about the successful joint ops in Op Phantom Phoenix.
Joanna
_____________________________

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

March 5, 2008

Gen. Petraeus visits western Baghdad, interacts with citizens

Gen. David H. Petraeus, com. gen. of MN Force - Iraq, stands among a crowd at the Al Zawra Stadium in the Karkh District of western Baghdad March 1.  Petraeus toured the area with leaders from the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault).

Gen. Petraeus, talks with three young Iraqi boys.

Gen. Petraeus, stops to talk with a group of Iraqi men working in the Karkh District.

Gen. Petraeus, stands with young Iraqis at the Al Zawra Stadium.

Gen. Petraeus, talks with a group of Iraqi boys at the Al Zawra Stadium.

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MND-B Soldiers discover cache

TAJI -  Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th Inf Div, discovered a munitions cache on a routine patrol March 3, consisting of 20 artillery rounds of various calibers; 4 AK-47s; 90 artillery fuses; 6 motor rockets; 3 anti tank mines; 6 hand grenades; 1,000 7.62mm rounds; a rocket propelled grenade; 20 anti-aircraft rounds; 5 anti-tank rocket rounds and a rifle, west of Taji.
"Our Soldiers continue to seek out and destroy the tools of the terrorists," said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for the 2nd SBCT.  "Finding these caches is hard work and their work is paying off in two ways. The tools of terrorism are going away and the people of Iraq are safer today.  Our Soldiers work hard every day to make Iraq a safer place." 
This is part of Op Phantom Phoenix, the on going efforts op to kill or capture al Qaeda-in-Iraq and Shia/Sunni criminals, to deny them rest and sanctuary in Baghdad and the surrounding rural areas. 

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Coalition Forces, ISF conduct Chaos Thunder Strike II

KIRKUK - Soldiers from the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div, successfully conducted Op Chaos Thunder Strike II this week with the Iraqi Army in the Rashad Valley in the Kirkuk Province of northern Iraq.
The air assault mission is part of the ongoing Op Phantom Phoenix designed to disrupt terrorist activity and provide a presence of SF in a possible enemy stronghold. The joint forces moved throughout the area in the middle of the night, searching for terrorist activity and consulting with the citizens as they gathered info and made their presence known.
"Conducting a successful joint op of this magnitude, at night, is a testament to the level of competency and professionalism that CF have reached with the Iraqi Army," said 1st Sgt. Jason Hettinger. The mission demonstrated to the Iraqi people there is no safe haven for terrorist activity, and SF have a permanent presence in the area.
"It was a true pleasure to see our Soldiers work so smoothly alongside the IA," said Capt. Douglas Serie. "There is no doubt we learn from each other, and the seamless teamwork allows us to be a more lethal force against the enemy."

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Dear Interested Readers,
Bless our troops for their compassion.  They saved the life of this beautiful little girl.  The picture with her father is priceless!  The media is invited to come and witness the joyful reunion, and to tour Haditha and see the progress there.  Will we see any of this?
Joanna
_________________________________

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

March 4, 2008

Iraqi toddler returns from U.S., heart surgery

CAMP RIPPER, AL ASAD -

While on a routine meet and greet, Marines from Co L, 3rd Bn, 23rd Marine Regt, Regimental Combat Team 5 came across a family with a three-year-old girl in need of heart surgery.  The battalion, along with numerous state and private orgs., coordinated the necessary transportation and treatment in order to save her life.  Amenah, pictured above with her father Fattah Thabit, was flown out of country with her mother Jan. 22.  Following her recovery from open-heart-surgery in Nashville, she'll return to Haditha Thursday, March 6.

WHO:           All media
WHAT:  Invited to observe Amenah's homecoming to Haditha.  In addition to interaction with her immediate family, there will be an opportunity to discuss the relevance of the matter with the community's Mayor Hakeiem and influential Sheikh Abdul Said.  Reporters will receive a current look into Haditha -- a reviving city on the verge of CF demilitarization (De-Mil), and Iraqi municipal lead with regard to security and governance.  This success is the result of cooperative efforts and trust, such as with the care of Amenah.  Her story is not an isolated incident, but a compelling chapter in the overall success narrative that is Haditha.

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MND-N Soldiers detain criminal leader, discover cache

KIRKUK - Soldiers from the 1st Bn, 87th Inf Regt, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div detained a cell leader as he attempted to flee from his home March 3. The criminal was responsible for an IED attack on the Soldiers a few weeks prior to being detained.
After patiently waiting, the Soldiers received overwhelming evidence the cell leader was at his home in a village not far from where the IED attack had occurred.  The Soldiers also discovered a large cache near the criminal's home.  It contained weapons, ammo and other equipment. 
"It was great catching one of the criminal leaders responsible for the attack on my platoon," said 1st Lt. Dan Keslar.  "It was equally satisfying when we were thanked by local villagers for detaining this individual.  When this happens, you know you are making a difference."

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MND-B Soldiers detain 3 alleged cell members

BAGHDAD -  A tip led Soldiers of 4th IBCT, 1st ID, to a residence in Jihad, March 1 in southern Baghdad.  There the Soldiers detained a suspected cell leader and two other suspected criminals.  The men are believed to be a remnant of a cell that was decimated by multiple arrests in January.

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Iraqi SOF, U.S. SF detain two al Qaeda in Iraq suspects

BALAD - Iraqi Special Ops Forces, advised by U.S. SF, detained two suspected criminals during separate ops March 1.
In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda-in-Iraq suspect believed responsible for mortar and IED attacks against Iraqi and CF.  He is suspected of involvement in weapons smuggling and a plot to commit murder by poisoning.
Near Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained an Al Qaeda-in-Iraq suspected cell leader.  According to intel reports, the suspect and his cell are responsible for car bombings, mortar and IED attacks against Iraqi and CF.  They are also accused of the murder of Iraqi citizens.

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Dear Interested Readers,
The most interesting story of today is the continuing Rule of Law training of Iraqi Judges, a joint venture by the United Nations, the U. S. State Dept., and the 3rd ID.  It's also nice to see the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visit the Province of Kirkuk where security has improved.
Joanna
______________________________

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

March 3, 2008

Alleged al Qaeda-in-Iraq leader detained in Doura

BAGHDAD - Following numerous tips, Iraqi SF and MND-B Soldiers conducted an op at a home in Doura, March 1, and detained a man believed to be an al-Qaeda- in-Iraq cell member with ties to IED and indirect fire attacks.

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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits MND-N

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walks through the city of Hawija March 2.  Mullen visited the city in Kirkuk Province where security has improved recently.

Adm. Mullen, greets a local Iraqi child during a patrol.  Mullen visited the market of Hawija as part of a visit to MND - North.

Adm. Mullen talks to local leaders of an Iraqi police academy near the city of Kirkuk March 2. Mullen visited the academy as part of a tour of MND - North.

Adm. Mullen talks to Soldiers of 1-10th Mtn Div during a visit to FOB McHenry in the Kirkuk Province March 2.

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Positive results drive expansion of Rule of Law training for Iraqi judges

BAGHDAD - A joint venture by the United Nations, U.S. State Department and 3rd ID to train and equip Iraqi judges on info technology was so well received in its first iteration, a second round of computer training is now underway at the request of the Iraqi judiciary.
The program, first implemented in summer and fall 2007, familiarizes the judges with laptop computers loaded with software containing ninety years of Iraqi legal code. The judges receive hands-on training on the donated computers during group seminars conducted by members of 3rd ID's "Rule of Law" team.
The tools and software are intended to help the judges work through the country's backlog of criminal cases. "The systems and software installed previously were so well-received that requests for additional systems came in non-stop," said Spc. Wallis Lacey, who is a primary trainer for the Iraqi judges and lawyers. "This computer automation is much better than tracking the legal code on an out-moded, paper-driven system."
The software gives the judges a baseline of legal code and precedent to work from in a system that, under Saddam Hussein, had stagnated and was greatly abused. Freed from intimidation, the judges are now trying to stabilize prosecuting and trying cases.

Spc. Wallis Lacey, Rule of Law paralegal, a primary trainer for the Iraqi judges and lawyers, assists a judge with his new laptop.

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Traffic police find IED; IP, IA detain possible suspect

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Traffic Police found an IED on a foot bridge in the Karada district of eastern Baghdad, and alerted Iraqi SF in the area March 2.
The National Police (NP) and Iraqi Army (IA) detained a suspect who they believe placed the IED. The suspect appeared to be fleeing the scene. The suspect's vehicle was also confiscated.

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Dear Interested Readers,
So many weapons caches are being turned in by the Iraqi people, as well as tips to capture high level insurgents.  The last story is most fascinating, showing how our liberation of Iraq has allowed for religious freedom.  I can't even imagine biking 45 miles, let alone walking them!
Joanna
__________________________

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

March 2, 2008

Iraqi Sheik turns in weapons cache

BAGHDAD - A local Tarmiya sheik turned in a weapons cache Feb. 29 to MND - Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, northwest of Baghdad.
The cache consisted of 41 artillery shells of various calibers, artillery casings filled with home made explosives and detonating cord, 13 metal containers filled with home made explosives, 7 mortar shells, 2 missile warheads, 3 rocket warheads, 2 jugs of nitric acid and 7 detonating fuses.
"This is a convincing commitment to show the forward progress for stability of all people in Iraq," said Lt Col. Thomas Boccardi, cmdr. of 1st Bn.  "All the tribes from the Tarmiya area see stability and peace, as is evident by turning in this cache."

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Local man discovers large cache in barn after return home

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FOB KALSU - MND-C Soldiers discovered a large weapons cache Feb. 28 thanks to a tip from an Iraqi citizen who recently returned to southern Arab Jabour.  The man, driven from his home by al Qaeda-in-Iraq, recently returned to the area thanks to the efforts of Abna al-Iraq or Sons of Iraq (SoI), and Soldiers of the 5th Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 3rd ID.
The man, whose son is a member of the SOI, located the cache while removing debris from his barn.  He noticed discoloration in the dirt and reported his find to Soldiers at Patrol Base Meade.
Approx. 5 feet underground, Soldiers and local volunteers discovered 6 55-gallon drums containing 50 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, an RPG launcher, 200 rounds of 37 mm ammo, 500 rounds of 23 mm ammo, and 2,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammo among other munitions.

Soldiers of Troop B inventory the contents of six large barrels.

The cache.

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MND-C Soldiers conduct air assault, detain 2 in Kanasa

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

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers conducted a nighttime air assault mission in Kanasa, a small village south of Salmon Pak, Feb. 28.
The Soldiers, assigned to Co B, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, cleared 6 houses and detained 2 individuals for questioning. "The main purpose of this mission was to capture or kill any enemy combatants we came across and continue to secure the area around (Combat Outpost) Carver," said 1st Lt. Ivan Eno, plt leader for 2nd Squad, Co B.  "Overall, I think it went well.  All of our guys, right down to the lowest level, understood our intent and scheme and executed it accordingly."
The area south of Salman Pak had been an extremist safe haven. It is sparsely populated and has many places to hide or seek refuge. "There are a lot of abandoned houses and farms down there for extremists to take refuge in," Eno said.  "The area is mainly marshy farmland and there haven't been any SoI or CF down there."

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Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF detain three following operation in Mosul

BALAD - An Iraqi SWAT team, advised by U.S. SF, detained the alleged leader of an assassination and IED cell Feb. 29 during ops in northeast Mosul.  Two other suspected terrorists were also detained. 

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ISF safely usher Arba'een observers

BAGHDAD - Approx. 9 million religious observers converged on Karbala this week to celebrate Arba'een.  U.S. cmdrs. attribute the overall success of the event to careful planning and massive security ops by the IP and army.
"Millions of Iraqis enjoyed the freedom to worship because of the courage and professionalism of Iraq's soldiers and policemen," said Brig. Gen. Jim Huggins, dep. com. general for maneuver, MND-Center.
The Shia Muslim holiday, which culminated Feb. 27, was preceded by more than a week of travel for many observers who came to Karbala from all over Iraq and around the world. Within Iraq, millions traveled through Baghdad, Najaf, Hillah and Iskandariyah to reach the Muslim holy city.
Throughout the journey and commemoration, Iraqi SF led an unprecedented op to secure the festivities, deploying a total of 39,000 soldiers and police to man checkpoints, secure routes, and collect and analyze intelligence.  Within the city of Karbala and the surrounding area, 80 ISF checkpoints were established to screen for bombs and weapons. Special accommodations were made to search women, because of a recent increase in the number of female suicide bombers in Iraq.
MND-Center soldiers from the 4th BCT, 3rd ID, assisted the ISF, providing intel and logistics support throughout the ongoing security op. "When it comes to providing security for the citizens of Iraq, the Iraqi SF - both police and army - are taking charge more and more," said Col. Thomas James, cmdr of 4th BCT.  "The high level of success achieved during Arba'een is a testament to the Iraqi SF, and to the fact that they can be relied upon to provide effective security for their own people and why they will continue to provide this security for a long time."
Observers began the trip home Feb. 28, and millions are expected to remain on the roads through the weekend.  Arba'een represents the finale of the Ashura commemoration, marking the 40th day after Imam Hussein was killed in Karbala in the seventh century.  Large-scale public recognitions of Arba'een were banned in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, but resumed in 2003 following the U.S. liberation.

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter flies over Mahmudiyah at the beginning of the Arba'een observance.

While Shia pilgrims observe Arba'een, female observers pass through a tent to be searched and Iraqi Army Soldiers on the route search men during the 45-mile walk from Najaf to Karbala.

Capt. Rimas Radzius, intel officer for 3rd Bn, 320th FAR, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) watches from an overpass.

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