Dear Interested Readers,
We have a real good mix today, from a rescue story; a bridge rededicated; a school and health clinic opening, to many criminals captured or killed, including key AQI members.
Joanna
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
April 6, 2008
Iraqi Security Forces rescue 42 kidnapped students
MOSUL - The IA rescued 42 college students after they were kidnapped by insurgents in southwestern Mosul, April 6. The IA detained one suspect, and Iraqi Police are currently searching for additional suspects.
After Iraqi SF reported the kidnapping, a CF aircraft spotted a suspicious vehicle thought to contain the students. The insurgents fled the scene after the vehicle was stopped.
"Today's efforts by the Iraqi SF display not only their commitment to tracking down insurgents, but also their ability to secure the future of Iraq," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3rd ACR spokesperson.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers provide security in Sadr City
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IP detains 2 launching Iranian-made rockets
BAGHDAD - IP detained 2 criminals preparing 3 Iranian-made rockets for an attack south of Baghdad, April 2. The apprehension came following tips from an Iraqi citizen and the local Abna al-Iraq, or SoI.
Iraqi citizens and SoI have been working with the IP to assist in enforcing the rule of law and disrupting criminal activity.
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King Faisal Bridge rededicated during ceremony
CAMP FALLUJAH - The bridge is named after the first king of Iraq, King Faisal I.
Col. Karusheen, the Fallujah IP Chief, and Lt. Col. Chris Dowling, the cmdr. of the 3rd Bn, 5th Marines, were present to cut the ribbon at the rededication ceremony, April 5.
Due to age-related safety concerns and wartime batter, the bridge was in great need of repair. Local citizens of Fallujah requested the repairs and worked jointly with CF to refurbish the bridge.
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ISF kill 2 suspected criminals, detain 4, capture an AQI terrorist in 3 separate ops
BAGHDAD - April 3, in the Dhi Qar province, south of Nasiriyah, the Nasiriyah Iraqi SWAT Unit detained a suspected IED manufacturer. The suspect is accused of supplying the IED network that is responsible for the vast majority of IED and explosively formed penetrator attacks in the Dhi Qar region. According to reports, he procures IED materials through a foreign contact. One additional suspect was detained for questioning.
ISWAT was attacked throughout the op with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. A close-air support aircraft provided cover and killed 2 who were firing at ISWAT.
In Mosul, Ninewa ISWAT detained a suspected IED cell leader who is reported to operate in east and west Mosul. One other suspect found in the target area is being held for questioning.
In Baghdad, IA Soldiers detained a suspected AQI terrorist cell facilitator. The suspect is reported to be responsible for the movement of weapons, ammo and other equipment for the terrorist cell's use.
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Adwaniyah Opens School, Health Clinic
Sgt. Jason Stadel
2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
An Adwaniyah middle school student receives school supplies during the school's grand opening. Some of the supplies were donated by American students to Iraqi students. The remodeled school will hold traditional and religious classes.
FOB KALSU — Adwaniyah citizens who were once afraid to leave their homes because of AQI, freely gathered last week to celebrate the grand opening of a middle school and health clinic. Much of the work was done using Cmdr’s Emergency Response Program funds. CF assisted in rebuilding the school and clinic but the Govt of Iraq was key to the projects’ success. The GoI has recognized the school and clinic and will keep teachers and medical professionals working at each location.
One Soldier at Patrol Base Dolby, near Adwaniyah, is pleased to see the Iraqis taking charge of their community and said educating Iraq’s children is essential to rebuilding Iraq. “They will eventually inherit this country,” said 2nd Lt. Steven Kim, a plt leader in Troop B, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID.
A Ministry of Health doctor said the clinic will offer Adwaniyah residents basic medical care such as preventive medicine, vaccinations and maternal care and treat minor dental problems and basic illnesses.
For major surgeries and traumas, residents will still need to go to hospitals in Mahmudiyah and Baghdad.
Happiness at improving their city was apparent as citizens smiled and shook hands with U.S., Iraqi Soldiers and GoI officials.
Kim said it was a good day for the troops. “You get to know the people. I’m happy for them; it’s good to see their community improve.”
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One terrorist killed, 22 detained in Coalition operations
BAGHDAD – CF killed a terrorist and detained 22 suspected terrorists during ops in central and northern parts of the country Sunday targeting AQI.
CF targeted a close associate of a senior AQI leader in Baghdad, who attacks SoI groups in Anbar province. When the ground force moved into the target building, they encountered a man with a weapon. Perceiving hostile intent, CF engaged and killed the armed man, detaining 8 suspected terrorists during the op.
Also in Baghdad, CF conducted a precision op capturing an alleged weapons facilitator who is believed to have ties to a senior AQI leader in the city.
Farther north, CF detained 3 suspected terrorists during an op in Bayji. One of the suspects was wanted for his alleged role in planning bombing attacks, as well as his association with weapons facilitation and assassinations.
CF carried out 3 missions in Ninawa province targeting the AQI network. Using info from an op, Apr. 3, the ground force detained 3 suspected foreign terrorist facilitators in Mosul and 6 more near the Syrian border. One additional suspected terrorist was detained in Mosul during a mission targeting an AQI leader.
“We are eroding the very foundation of AQI’s ops,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “These foreign terrorists have no place in the future the Iraqi people have chosen.”
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One terrorist killed, three detained in Coalition operations
BAGHDAD – CF killed a terrorist and detained 3 suspected terrorists Saturday during ops targeting AQI regional leadership.
West of Balad, CF targeted an individual associated with a senior AQI leader in the region responsible for extortion, kidnappings and weapons facilitation. After seeing CF approach, the targeted individual attempted to flee by driving away. CF fired at the vehicle in order to stop it. The terrorist was killed in the ensuing engagement as he attempted to escape.
CF conducted an op in Mosul targeting an individual allegedly involved in the facilitation of suicide bombers and foreign terrorists. CF detained 2 suspected terrorists from the target building, but a man ran several blocks to a mosque. Surveillance teams followed him, and while Iraqi Army elements were arriving to assist CF, the man came out of the mosque with a crowd of people leaving prayers. The man was identified by the surveillance team and individuals from the initial target building, and was detained outside. At no time did CF enter the mosque.
“While terrorists continually show disregard for sacred Muslim sites, CF take great care to honor the sanctity of mosques and other holy sites,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The people of Iraq have rejected AQI’s Taliban-like ideology.”
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Daily Bread
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All Smiles
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