TROOP SCOOP

Dear Interested Readers,
Significant weapons caches found;  and among others, a high ranking AQI member captured.  Our troops feeling very proud as a new building for the Rashid District Council Hall is opened; a girls school is refurbished, where there was no electricity or usable restrooms; and teaching sanitation and personal health in small villages.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

April 30, 2008

MND-B soldiers find 2 significant cache finds in Baghdad

FOB FALCON - MND -  April 28,  Soldiers of Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID seized 107 mm rockets and an incomplete EFP during security patrols.  The soldiers discovered the cache acting on info provided by an informant in the Saydiyah community, after they detained 5 individuals and a sixth suspected of plotting terrorist activities against Iraqis and CF in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt also discovered a mortar system near a mosque in Abu T'shir, while acting on a tip from an anonymous citizen.

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Local citizens fend off AQI attack

TIKRIT - Defensive actions by local citizens of the Diyala Province against AQI resulted in the death of 12 insurgents, April 28.
The SOIs' ability to repel the initial attack provided Iraqi SF enough time to conduct a hasty offensive op with minimal CF support.

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Iraqi soldiers turn in weapons cache

CAMP STRIKER - Iraqi Soldiers retrieved a cache in the vicinity of PB Lion's Den, approx. 7 km southwest of Baghdad, April 27.
Info from a detainee led the Soldiers to the cache that was buried by a canal, consisting of 80 machine gun rounds, 4 69 mm mortar rounds, a 120 mm mortar round, and 2 bags of homemade explosives.

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MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers confiscated several weapons caches in separate actions across Baghdad, April 28.
Soldiers from Co A, 4th Bn, 64th AR, 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized a weapons cache consisting of 10 RPGs, 2 launching tubes, a suicide vest, 2 grenades, a 105 mm round, two 60 mm mortar rounds and an unknown amount of home-made explosive in west Rashid.

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MND-B Soldiers seize emplaced EFP, rocket, munitions cache

BAGHDAD - April 27, in the Abu T'shir community, at approx. 6:30 a.m., Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID., seized a 107 mm rocket with launcher.  At approx. 2:15 p.m., Soldiers from Co F, 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, located an EFP IED during a combat patrol.
Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, patrolling the New Baghdad area of eastern Baghdad, uncovered a
munitions cache at approx. 8:50 a.m., April 28. The cache seized by the Soldiers from 1st Bn, 66th AR, consisted of 20 mortar rounds and 6 RPGs.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK BAGHDAD

Rashid community leaders open district council hall (Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Leaders from the Rashid district community, local Iraqi SF, and 1st BCT, 4th ID, gathered to demonstrate their joint commitment to improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens during the commemoration of a new building for the Rashid District Council Hall on April 26.
“This building provides the leaders and citizens of Rashid a meeting place to voice their concerns to their elected officials, to plan, and with wisdom, map out the way of progress for all Iraqis here in Rashid,” said Col. Ted Martin, cmdr, 1st BCT.
The Rashid District Council is a self-governance program, where community leaders work with the estimated 1.2 million people of the Rashid district to help restore order to local neighborhoods. “When terrorism attempted to halt creativity and progress, our efforts were pulled together to repel all forms of terrorism for the purpose of moving forward and rebuilding,” said Yosif, head chairman of the Rashid DC. “We are hopeful that it becomes the first of many projects in Al-Rashid district and throughout Iraq,” Yosif added.
An example of ongoing efforts to stabilize everyday life for the people of Rashid is the unveiling of a new construction project to build a HQ for the Civil Services Department in the Jihad community of Rashid, on April, 25, according to Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy comm. officer, 1st BCT.  "The CSD Building will be the first community services building in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.  It will eventually operate with the support of the GOI and provide permanent jobs for local communities, by creating and sustaining an Iraqi workforce employed to rebuild Baghdad’s infrastructure and restore essential services to the citizens of Rashid,"  said Lt. Col. Hossenlopp.
The construction project employs an estimated 400 Iraqis and provides vocational tutoring and on-the-job training for the unskilled laborers.  Based on the program’s success, other CSD Buildings will be planned for the Rashid district and Baghdad.

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Sons of Iraq capture key terrorist      

BAGHDAD –  April 28, during a meeting with a local sheik and other citizens, a SoI member indicated that a known key terrorist was nearby.  The SoI member detained 2 suspects and turned them over to MND-B soldiers for further ID. One of the suspects was positively identified as a high-ranking member of AQI. The captured terrorist is a prominent member of an AQI cell that operates in Baghdad and the southern outskirts of Baghdad.  He is reportedly known for VBIED attacks, IED attacks, sniper attacks on CF, the kidnapping and murder of Iraqis, and weapons trafficking.
“The SoI again prove to be heroes of the day; they found this extremely dangerous terrorist and took him off the streets,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID.  “His actions directly led to the deaths of both U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi citizens. The partnership between the SoI and CF, working together to capture this known terrorist, makes for a safer and more stable Iraq.”
Soldiers from MND-B continue to work with the Iraqi SF and conduct operations to maintain pressure on AQI and any other foreign terrorists and Special Groups criminals by targeting their leadership, networks and sanctuaries.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK BAGHDAD

Two wanted men captured in northern Iraq

BAGHDAD –  Continuing to use info gleaned from an op Apr. 21, CF captured 2 suspected AQI terrorists in Mosul.  One of the suspects is a wanted man who is believed to directly conspire with several senior terrorist leaders in the city, including one who is known to conduct attacks against Coalition and Iraqi SF.
Iraqi and CF captured an alleged AQI operative in Kirkuk and one additional suspected terrorist.  The alleged operative is believed to have ties to senior terrorist leaders in both Kirkuk and Mosul.

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Refurbished School Opens in Salman Pak      

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

Local leaders cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the Salman Pak Girls Secondary School, April 24.

FOB HAMMER — Leaders of the Salman Pak Council, the IA the 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt and 2nd Bn, 6th Inf Regt, gathered in Salman Pak for the ceremony.  Members of the Salman Pak Council brought the decrepit school to the attention of 1-15th Inf. Regt. leadership in January. The school was in disrepair and local leaders’ desire to improve educational facilities matched the goals of the battalion leadership.
“We were looking for a big school to refurbish to make an impact,” said Capt. Matt Givens, the civil-military ops officer for 1-15th Inf. Regt. “It was the only female secondary school in the area.  Before the refurbishment, the school was pretty much falling down.  It had no electricity, and students couldn’t use the restrooms.”  Givens said the project completely overhauled the building.  Iraqi contractors repaired structural damage, erected a security wall, rewired electrical outlets, replastered the outside and repainted the inside.
Two of the most significant improvements were connecting the restrooms to a septic tank and the construction of a concrete courtyard. “Unpaved courtyards get quite muddy when it rains,” said Givens, who has facilitated 13 different school refurbishment projects during his unit’s 14-month deployment.  “School administrators commonly ask for concrete courtyards for assemblies and recreation.”
Givens said these projects make a difference in the community.  “People view it as you’re helping take care of their children and it helps to build trust within the community,” he said. “They are excited when they see you helping their children.”
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, from Fort Benning, Ga.  The 2-6th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 2nd Bde, 1st Armored Div from Baumholder, Germany, and will soon replace the 3rd HBCT in the Mada’in Qada.

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Iraqis Learn Longevity Tips from Coalition

By Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

Soldiers from 703rd BSB, 4th BCT, teach villagers the importance of purifying water during a cooperative medical engagement in the village of Samrah.

FOB KALSU — CF are trying to increase Iraqis life expectancy by teaching basic hygiene, and reinforcing the importance of drinking clean water.  Under the auspice of a cooperative medical engagement, Soldiers from 703rd BSB, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, taught classes on water purification and handed out 150 water purification systems to families in Samrah.
The engagement allowed villagers to learn about basic public health.  Most of the classes focused on the importance of clean water to prevent gastrointestinal issues and skin problems experienced in the area.  The local drinking water comes from a canal used by animals and as a result, residents have been victimized by worms and skin diseases, said Spc. Lori MacFarland, a medic for 703rd BSB, who taught the classes.
The local sheikh selected 5 males and 5 females from different households throughout the village to participate in the train-the-trainer course.  Medics from the unit scooped a bucket of water from the canal, strained it through a white clothe and boiled it to show residents all the sediments that still remained despite filtration.  “By boiling the water it kills the living organisms and makes it better for them to drink, which will mean fewer illnesses,” MacFarland said.  Medics strained the water several more times until clear.  “After that I drank the water it gave them the confidence that it was clean,” MacFarland said.
Classes also included instructions on brushing and flossing teeth, hand sanitation, washing food, and using the purification systems.  “Overall I think this was a step in the right direction,” Woody said. “It’s sustainable and the nice thing about the classes is now they have something they can use.”  The Soldiers also left behind Arabic instructions so other families could benefit from the classes, and donated toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, basins, straining cloth and goodies for the children.  “After I went and came back I thought, ‘Wow, they really did need this class,’” MacFarland said. “It’s a good idea to go out and train others and have them get the info out to the other families.”
Right now the unit is scheduled to conduct another CME in a different location May 24.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Most of our stories today have to do with the elimination of many AQI, and criminals, and the discovery of many weapon caches.  Highlighted is the story of a new weapon called the Excalibur that's guided by GPS!  Toby Keith has been so good to our troops, that I'm happy to promote him.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 29, 2008

AWT, MND-B tank crew kill seven criminals

BAGHDAD - An AWT and an M1A2 Abrams Tank crew killed 7 criminals in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, April 28, coming under attack by criminals using small-arms fire.
An MND-B AWT and an MND-B M1A2 Abrams tank engaged the enemy forces, with the AWT team firing a hellfire missile and killing 4 of the criminals, and the tank crew firing a main round and killing 3 criminals.

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Local citizens fend off AQI attack

TIKRIT - Local citizens in the Diyala Province fended off an attack from AQI terrorists, April 28.  CF received info from local leaders that citizens and local SoI fought against an enemy attack and killed 12 AQI terrorists.

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MND-B Soldiers detain key criminal in southern Rashid District

FOB FALCON - MND - Baghdad Soldiers seized munitions, and detained a criminal from Iraq's most-wanted list in Baghdad's Rashid district, April 27.
Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, found a rocket launcher and rocket rigged with command detonation wire during a patrol in the Zubaida community. 
Also in the Zubaida community, Soldiers from Co E, 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a criminal from Iraq's most-wanted list and questioned 2 others. 

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'On-Time' fires its first Excalibur round

Staff Sgt. Edisson Vargas, and Sgt. Ontario Smith, inspect artillery round components  prior to firing an Excalibur round on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, April 26. The Excalibur fired was the first round of this type fired by 2nd SBCT while deployed in support of Op Iraqi Freedom.  Both Soldiers are assigned to Btry A, 2nd Bn 11th FAR "On-Time," 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID.

Staff Sgt. Edisson Vargas prepares his soldiers to fire an Excalibur round.  The Excalibur is a specialized round guided by GPS.

Pfc. Nolan Laughlin (left), and Spc. Timothy Blair carry an Excalibur round to the M777 howitzer in preparation for firing.

Pfc. Nolan Laughlin removes the rotating band protector from an Excalibur round.

Pfc. Nolan Laughlin, and Spc. Timothy Blair load an Excalibur round into an M777.

An Excalibur explodes out of am M777 howitzer.

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ISF detain 2 suspected weapons smugglers, kill 3 Special Groups criminals in separate ops

BAGHDAD - April 25 - 26, in the Jazeera Desert, Iraqi SOF conducted an op to disrupt insurgent activities and illegal smuggling in the area.  During the op, 2 suspected weapons smugglers were detained.  During questioning, the wife of one of the suspects told ISOF that her husband conducts attacks against U.S. forces.
In Hussayniya, 37th IA Recon soldiers killed 3 Special Groups criminals during an op to prevent Special Groups violence in the area.  During the op, IA soldiers came under small arms fire multiple times and returned fire, killing 3 armed individuals.

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IA soldiers detain 6 suspected insurgents

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Soldiers advised by U.S. SF, detained 6 suspected insurgents in Bulayj, April 27.
The IA soldiers conducted an op to disrupt insurgent networks operating in the area. Six suspected insurgents, who are reported to have openly threatened the local populace during an insurgent show of force "parade" in Bulayj, were detained. One of the detained suspects is believed to have organized the parade.

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IA and MND-B Soldiers kill 22 enemy repelling attack against ISF checkpoint in northeast Baghdad

BAGHDAD -  IA Soldiers and Soldiers from 1st Bn, 64th Armor Regt, 3rd ID, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by a large group of criminals engaging with small-arms fire while manning a security checkpoint.
U.S. Soldiers used 120 mm fire from M1A12 Abrams tanks and small-arms fire to kill the 22 criminals, forcing remaining enemy forces present to retreat.  The criminals' small-arms fire was ineffective and there were no U.S. Soldier or ISF casualties in the attack.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 16 criminals in separate engagements

BAGHDAD -  April 27,  at approx. 8:30 a.m. an AWT killed a criminal in northeastern Baghdad after he attacked Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, with small-arms fire.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 68th AR, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, killed one evildoer at approx. 10:50 a.m. in northeastern Baghdad after he attacked their checkpoint with small-arms fire.
At approx. 12:40 p.m., Soldiers from 1-68 AR returned fire and killed 2 criminals after they fired RPGs at them in northeastern Baghdad.  At approx. the same time, Soldiers from 1-68 AR engaged and killed 2 additional criminals after they were attacked by RPGs in  northeastern Baghdad.
Soldiers from 1-68 AR killed 1 criminal after being attacked with RPGs. At approx. 3:15 p.m., a group of criminals attacked a COP with small-arms fire in eastern Baghdad. Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, returned fire and killed 2 of the criminals.
At approx. 6 p.m., Soldiers from 1-68 AR were attacked with small-arms fire and RPGs in northeastern Baghdad while conducting a dismounted patrol. Soldiers providing a cordon engaged the criminals with 120 mm tank rounds and machine gun fire from an M1A2 Abrams tank killing 7 of the attackers.

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Tips lead to separate cache finds

BAGHDAD - Separate tips led MND-Center Soldiers to weapons caches in Mahmudiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, and near Patrol Base Warrior's Keep, April 26.
A citizen arrived at PB Warrior's Keep and led Soldiers from Co D, 1st Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) to a cache in a field, consisting of 6 mortar rounds of different types and a bag of ball bearings; all of which could have been used to make IEDs.
Soldiers from Co A, 3rd Bn, 320th FA, uncovered a stash in a house west of the Qaqa Apartments in Mahmudiyah, containing 6 mortars of different types, a 107 mm rocket, a 57 mm projectile, ball bearings and an IED that consisted of blocks of TNT, as well as other components.

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Iraqi Army finds munitions cache

BAGHDAD - IA soldiers discovered a large cache containing mortars, rockets and IED-making materials northwest of Yusufiyah, April 26.
The cache contained 87 60 mm mortars, 8 155 mm rounds, and 8 Katusha rockets with a Katusha rocket launcher, 16 handmade IEDs, 7 artillery fuses, a 60 mm tube, 8 feet of detonation cord and 2 bags of homemade explosives.

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Country music star shines on troops

By Pfc. Christopher M. Gaylord
13th MPAD

BAGHDAD - Country music star Toby Keith visited and performed for troops on Victory Base Complex April 25 and 26 as part of his 6th USO tour.  Keith is spending his time meeting with and playing for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen across Iraq and Afghanistan.
One thing brought the famous musician here, and that was his vast patriotism, and sincere support for servicemembers and the difficult job they do while deployed, which is evident in his music and performances for military members.
"I just want [the troops] to have a good time, and I want to know when we leave that we brought some sense of home to them, and for a little while maybe it'll lighten their world up and they'll remember what they're fighting for," Keith said.  "My father was a Soldier and he set an example, so this is more of a tribute to him than it is to me that I came over here. He taught us when we were kids to respect veterans and the people who serve our country."
"It's a tough war to fight," Keith said. "It's not very conventional, and it's hard to figure out who the enemy is, and these guys get out on the streets and do a hell of job.  I'm amazed."
"His songs are an inspiration to all the troops over here," said Capt. Nicole Van Benken, 62nd Medical Brigade.  "It makes you motivated to do your job because you feel like you're over here for a purpose. It's great to know that people support you." "[Service members] are the never-ending battle for freedom," Keith said.

Fans welcome country music star Toby Keith to the Liberty Post Exchange stage at Camp Liberty.

Toby Keith

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Dear Interested Readers,
IA Soldiers taking our cue and handing out school supplies to the children; large weapon caches turned in, and many insurgents killed or captured.
Joanna
_____________________________________________________________

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

April 28, 2008

Sons of Iraq turn over weapons cache

FOB KALSU - Members of the SoI turned over a weapons cache to CF south of Baghdad, April 25, consisting of 57 mm projectiles, propane tanks filled with homemade explosives and rockets at the Maskar Bunker Complex in Arab Jabour. 
Projectiles like those recovered have been used in the recent past to make pressure-plate IEDs, said Capt. William Lyles, assist. operation officer for 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, Fort Stewart, Ga.
This is the third time this week SoI have turned munitions over to CF at COP Murray, including a 500-pound bomb turned in April 24, said Lyles.
"The SoI have contributed greatly to the improved security in the Arab Jabour area," Lyles said. "Their tips and intel have led to the arrest of several AQI insurgents. They're truly doing everything they can to work toward long-term stability in the area."

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Iraqi Army soldiers hand out school supplies to Junior Heroes

An IA soldier hands school supplies to a child, April 23 during an "Operation Junior Hero" mission in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad. The Junior Hero program focuses on keeping children in school and encourages them to become future leaders of Iraq.

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Raider Soldiers find cache in Bayaa

BAGHDAD -  April 25, in southern Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID seized various materials used for constructing IEDs and home-made explosives while conducting a cordon and search op within the Bayaa community.
"The Raider Bde continues to conduct daily patrols to apply pressure to the enemy and to provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people," said Maj. Dave Olson, the spokesman for the 1st BCT. "We remain committed to supporting the Iraqi SF in their fight against terrorism and the Baghdad Security Plan."   

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Five criminals killed during MND-B night operations

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad AWTs and an UAV killed 5 criminals in separate air-to-ground engagements in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, April 26-27.
At approx. 10 p.m. April 26, the operators of a UAV observed 2 armed criminals who were providing over-watch on a vehicle route, and were believed to be triggermen for an IED.  An MND-B AWT was called into the area and fired a Hellfire missile, killing the 2 criminals.
At approx. 10:30 p.m., MND-B operators of a UAV positively identified 2 armed criminals and engaged them with a hellfire missile, killing both.
At approx. 1 a.m., April 27, the operators of a UAV observed 2 armed criminals who were providing over-watch on a vehicle route, and were believed to be triggermen for an IED.  A MND-B AWT was called into the area and fired a hellfire missile, killing 1.  The second left the scene prior to the AWT engagement.

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IA Soldiers detain 17 suspected AQI terrorists in as- Sa'diyah

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Soldiers advised by U.S. SF, detained 17 suspected AQI terrorists in the as-Sa'diyah villages of Sama and Rabia, April 25.
The IA soldiers conducted a cordon and search patrol of the area in order to disrupt terrorist activities.  During the patrol, 17 men believed to be AQI members were detained for questioning.  The patrol also confiscated more than 30SPG-9 rounds, 40 various types of mortars and over 100 mortar fuses.  An anti-tank mine and an IED were also found and destroyed on site. 

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MND-B UAV kills 2 special group criminals

BAGHDAD - A MND-Baghdad UAV killed 2 special groups criminals at approx. 3:30 p.m., April 26, in the Sadr City district of Baghdad.
The operators of the UAV observed as 2 criminals loaded a PKC machine gun into the trunk of a vehicle at approx. 2:40 p.m.  The UAV operators then watched as 4 criminals unloaded the machine gun, as well as four AK-47 assault rifles, into the trunk of another vehicle.  The UAV followed, then engaged that vehicle with a Hellfire missile, destroying it and killing the 2 occupants.
At approx. 2:30 p.m. Iraqi Soldiers seized a munitions cache of artillery rounds ranging from 82mm to 120mm rounds in western Baghdad.
At approx. 3:20 p.m., IP seized a munitions cache in the West Rashid district of Baghdad. The IP captured blocks of C4 explosives and 107mm rockets.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our troops are receiving improved armor vests; working on rehabilitating Iraqi detainees, and reuniting them with their families; caught insurgent cell leader after 3 years of evading capture;  IA Quick Reaction Force having continued great success; and nice to see the IA Air Force in action!
Joanna
_______________________________

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

April 27, 2008

Iraqi soldiers discover IED-making materials

CAMP STRIKER - A tip led Iraqi Soldiers to a cache of IED-making materials southwest of Yusifiyah, April 24, comprising of 19 RPG-7 rounds, 15 hand grenades, 10 60mm mortar rounds, 5 unidentified 120mm rounds, 4 cases of .50-caliber ammo, a case of machine-gun ammo, 10 handheld radios, 8 switch boxes and multiple trigger components.

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MND-B MPs receive improved armor vests

Pfc. Jacob Miller shows off his new body armor after receiving his Improved Outer Tactical Vest April 18 at FOB Rustamiyah. The improved vest is part of the Army's mission to provide Soldier's with the most advanced protective gear available while also improving the comfort and mission effectiveness of new equipment to the force.  Miller is a MP Soldier with the 59th MP Co, 95th MP Bn, 18th MP Bde.

Pfc. Jennifer Collins is issued hers.

MND-B troops release 19 Iraqi detainees during ceremony

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from the 3rd Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, hosted the event that marked the end of detention for Iraqis.
"It shows a great deal of unity among the Iraqi people, Army, police and ourselves, and only together we will be able to reach sustainable security," said Lt. Col. Jeff Broadwater, sqdrn. cmdr.
The citizens arrived for the ceremony, and after making their entrance, they were greeted by family members friends with hugs, kisses, and candies tossed in the air, which is a celebratory custom in Iraq.
The former detainees placed their hands on the Koran and took an oath to support the Iraqi constitution, and signed a commitment to avoid involvement in any criminal activities. "Since they took the oath in front of their families, neighbors and police, the chances of having them committing a crime are less," said 1st Lt. Jose Rivera, assist. adjutant with the 3-7 Cav. Regt. 
Lt. Col. Broadwater conducted the opening of the ceremony, while the oath and signature of release was officiated by a local Sheik and an Iraqi Police official, which made the ceremony truly a combined event. "The goal of the re-integration is to create a sense of community," Rivera said.

An Iraqi citizen, and former detainee, kisses a family member.

An Iraqi citizen patiently waits with his daughter to be called to sign his official release documents  at COP Apache north of Baghdad.

A group of Iraqi citizens and former detainees, place their right hands on top of the Koran.

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Iraqi Army soldiers detain three suspects, kill two in separate ops

BAGHDAD -  April 24, IA advised by US SF, in the Jazeera Desert, conducted a cordon and search patrol in order to identify insurgent lines of communication in the area. During the patrol, ground forces saw a truck which appeared to be stuck in the sand. The 2 individuals dismounted the vehicle for a few seconds but quickly moved back to the truck, and shot at the IA soldiers with AK-47 assault rifles.  IA returned fire and both were killed.
In another op in western Ninewa, IA Soldiers conducted a cordon and search patrol to disrupt insurgent safe havens in the area.  Multiple villages suspected of insurgent activity were searched simultaneously, resulting in 3 suspects being detained for questioning. Both of these ops will likely disrupt insurgent safe havens and will show the capabilities of the IA to conduct multi-brigade cordon and searches in the area. 

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Fallujah SWAT unit detain insurgent cell leader, eight other suspects

BAGHDAD - The Fallujah SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SOF, detained an insurgent cell leader and 8 others in an op northeast of Karma, April 25.
Fallujah SWAT conducted the op to capture the leader of an insurgent cell who has evaded CF for the last 3 years, and to disrupt the activities of his network.  The cell leader is suspected of planning and launching IED attacks against CF in the area and recruiting others to join his terrorist network.  Eight other suspects were detained for further questioning.

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Quick Reaction Force 1 continues Basrah success in al-Huteen

BASRA - Quick Reaction Force 1, from the 1st IA Quick Reaction Force began the latest stage of Op Charge of the Knights, April 25.  The last stage of the op is clearing and searching homes in al-Huteen.
Al-Huteen, part of the Five Mile Market neighborhood of Basrah, had been considered a stronghold for criminal elements of the Jaysh al-Mahdi militia.  But, when the soldiers of QRF 1 moved into the city, the local citizens actively welcomed and cooperated with them. 
"The extremely successful ops earlier this month by the IA in al-Quibla and al-Hyyaniyah showed the people that the army is here to help them by getting rid of criminals and outlaws," said Capt. Daniel C. Lammers, 1st IA (QRF) MiTT asst. ops officer.
While Marines and Soldiers embedded with the Iraqi units as advisors during the op, the IA took control of the ops themselves from planning to execution.
The searches themselves turned up several weapons caches including mortar rounds, RPGs and launchers, and IEDs as well as several detainees suspected of criminal activity. 

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Quick Reaction Force 1 discovers cache in Basra

BASRA - While conducting clear and search ops in the al-Huteen neighborhood of Basra, 1st IAQRF discovered a substantial cache in an outdoor prayer area, April 24.
The cache consisted of 8 IEDs, 4 RPG launchers and 24 warheads, 3 PKC machine guns, more than a 1,000 rounds of machine gun ammo, a 120 mm system, various IED making materials, and explosives, along with more than 20 mortar rounds of various sizes.

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Iraqi Army Air Force delivers supplies

The IA  Air Force delivers supplies to CF in the Basra region, April 20.  An Iraqi military helicopter drops off 700 pounds of ammunitions, 20 pounds of vehicle repair parts, 150 pounds of medical supplies, and U.S. mail to a camp outside of Basra.

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ISF participate in close quarters battle training

An Al Kut SWAT member jumps through a window to clear a house during Close Quarter Battle training in Al Kut.  U.S. SF act as trainers to SWAT forces across Iraq.

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Dear Interested Readers,
There are a good variety of interesting and successful stories - school supplies delivered; a new academy to help train Diyala IP; and an ice cream incentive to children to clean up streets!  Many criminals and terrorists captured or killed, and quantities of weapon caches uncovered, many from Iran.
Joanna
________________________________

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

April 26, 2008

Tannumah district school supply drop

BASRA - During the morning of April 21, Iraqi Soldiers along with 504 PIR, 82nd Abn Div Soldiers participated in a joint humanitarian aid mission in the Tannumah district of Basrah.  Various school supplies, ranging from backpacks, notebooks and soccer balls were handed out by the Iraqi soldiers, while 504 PIR  helped with security in the area. 
SSG Brent Kwiatkowski said, "The people of Tannumah respect the IA and are grateful for all they have done."  Col. Abas, cmdr. of the 1st IA Inf Bn, has helped bring electric power back to the district along with running water and is currently working a plan to clean the streets.  Kwiatkowski also stated, "Providing security for the people is the first step in the right direction.  Col. Abas has gone beyond that, and the people have responded by increasingly helping the IA with their efforts by providing info about criminals and caches."
Col. Abas stated, in a meeting after the event, "Providing these children with much needed supplies helps us further our connection with the local people.  For helping these 1,500 children, news will spread to 1,500 fathers and mothers."  COL Abas, with the help of 4th Plt, is planning more school supply handouts and a possible MEDCAP.

U.S. Army Capt. Williiam Chesher, cmdr. of Delta Co. talks to Iraqi children.

An 82nd Abn Div Soldier takes time to have pictures taken with an Iraqi child.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 10 criminals in separate operations

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, and IA soldiers were attacked by 6 mortars at approx. 6 p.m., April 24 at their JSS in northeastern Baghdad. Soldiers located a 3-man mortar team and engaged the criminals, killing all 3.  No Soldiers were injured.
At approx. 10:10 p.m., an AWT spotted criminals digging by a road in northeastern Baghdad. The AWT engaged the criminals with a hellfire missile, killing 2.
At approx. 1 a.m., April 25, an AWT spotted 4 criminals emplacing an IED in northeastern Baghdad, and engaged the criminals with a hellfire missile, killing all 4 and destroying the IED.
An AWT witnessed 2 criminals setting up a firing position in northeastern Baghdad at approx. 1:30 a.m., and engaged with a hellfire missile and killed one criminal. The other criminal fled to a nearby building. The AWT could not engage the second criminal due because of innocent civilians in the area adjacent to the building.

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NPs search for cache in psychiatric hospital in New Baghdad

FOB LOYALTY - Acting on intel reports, Iraqi Security and CF initiated a combined op to search for weapons caches at a psychiatric hospital in eastern Baghdad, April 24.
The NP found nothing significant to report at the hospital; however, while searching the neighborhood, they did recover 3 rocket rails. During the joint op, the NP and U.S. Soldiers were attacked by 4 IEDs, 2 mortar attacks; they recovered 2 IEDs and were involved in 4 small-arms fire engagements. Iraqi Security and CF killed an IED triggerman. Also, an AWT killed 3 Special Groups criminals when they attacked the patrol. .
Six NPs were wounded and no U.S. Soldiers were seriously injured in the op.  Lt. Col. Steve Stover said,  "The heroism and courage displayed by both the Iraqi NP and U.S. Soldiers was evident during the op."

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MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Rashid district

BAGHDAD -  In the Rashid district in southern Baghdad April 22, Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered 4 Iranian-made 107 mm rockets, during the effort to provide a safe and secure environment to the 1.2 million Iraqi citizens who reside in the district.
"The 1st BCT, or "Raider" Bde, continues to conduct daily combat patrols with Iraqi SF to minimize violence, and remains committed to the welfare of the Iraqi people," said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT spokesman. 

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New academy helps Diyala IPs meet training requirements

By Spc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID

BAQUBAH - As the situation in Diyala continues to improve, the mission is changing from clearing the province of AQI, to ensuring it remains secure and free of terrorist elements.
The improved security has allowed the IP to focus on other issues.  One of the larger issues the force is addressing is the training of newly-hired policemen who have not received the training required by the Ministry of Interior.  The solution is a temporary academy that recently opened on FOB Grizzly, near Ashraf.  CF and Iraqi SF are working to build a permanent academy in the town of Muradiyah.
"Right now, Diyala has about 17,000 IP and only a third of those have received training," said Maj. Thomas Rider, provost marshal for 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, from Fort Lewis, Wash., the unit responsible for Diyala province.  "In large part it is because Diyala did not have its own training academy."
The academy started its first class April 14, and there are currently more than 400 new policemen enrolled. Twenty police officers from Diyala province and U.S. government contractors with extensive experience in law enforcement are conducting the training.
"The training that I have received (at the academy) will really help me and my platoon when we graduate and go back to our districts," said  Mohammad, Diyala Emergency Bde policeman, through an interpreter. "When I go back, I am going to teach these lessons to others, so they know what to expect when they get here." Students at the academy live in tents, like the ones U.S. Soldiers use on their FOBs, and eat three hot meals a day.  Since the weather has warmed up, the day's classes are taught under shade canopies to prevent the students from getting dehydrated. "When I came to the academy, I didn't know what to expect," Mohammad said. "The conditions here are a lot nicer than what I thought they would be."
Students and instructors spoke of the work needed to make the academy better, and what will be needed of the police force once CF leave the country.

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Iraqi children help clean the streets

BASRA - The IA Sgt Major of 2nd Bn, motivated the children of the Hyyaniyah district in Basra, to pick up trash from their streets, April 20.  He gave the children ice-cream as an incentive.  The IA also provided soccer balls and helped make a park for the neighborhood.
Additionally, the sgt major delivered a speech to the children about being responsible for keeping one's streets clean.

Iraqi Soldiers reward the children with ice-cream for doing their part in cleaning up the local streets of trash.

Children help clean up.

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Tip leads to discovery of 12 rocket launchers

BAGHDAD - CF found and recovered 12 Iranian-made rocket launchers south of Baghdad following a tip from a local resident, April 23.
The rocket launchers, designed for 107mm rockets, were discovered near a reported launch site. This site appeared to be targeting a nearby FOB.  Initiation wire attached to the launchers indicated they are of Iranian origin. The same type of wire has been found at previous launch sites.

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IBP detains weapons smuggler, 2 additional suspects in Jazeera Desert

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi Border Patrol, assisted by CF, detained a weapons smuggler and 2 suspected terrorists in the town of Hamdamiyah during a recon patrol April 18 - 22 in the Jazeera Desert.
During the op, a suspect admitted to smuggling weapons and bomb-making materials across the Syrian border.  He is believed to be the leader of a smuggling cell in the area. Two other individuals were detained for questioning.

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Dear Interested Readers,
There is an encouraging story of a prominent Sheik thanking the American troops and the IA for making Doura safer, and for projects to help for a better life.  Over 40 reconstruction projects are ongoing in Basra, while around the Baghdad area,  insurgents and criminals are being neutralized.
Joanna
_________________________________________

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

April 25, 2008

Coalition forces cordon-and-knock operation in Mosul

Spc. Tracey Collins with the 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt knocks on the gate to a home during a cordon-and-knock op in Mosul, April 21.

Spc. Martin Cerrillos moves to enter a structure.

 

Sgt. Eric Lee waits to enter a structure.

Pvt. Terrence Colsen clears the hallway of an apt. building, while Sgt. Eric Lee provides rear security.

Spc. Robert Roadcap moves to a new location.

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MNF-W soldiers kill 6 insurgents

CAMP FALLUJAH - MNF-West soldiers engaged insurgents north of Lake Thar Thar, April 23 following the mounted pursuit of 2 suspected enemy vehicles.
During the pursuit, which occurred at approx. 7:40 a.m., soldiers assigned to a MNF-W task force were engaged by insurgents with small-arms fire and grenades.  The brief chase ended as the lead enemy vehicle stopped. The enemy continued their attack as the second vehicle sped away. The soldiers returned fire, killing 6 insurgents and destroying their truck.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 3 criminals in separate engagements

BAGHDAD -  At approx. 10:50 p.m., April 23, an AWT observed a criminal emplacing an IED, targeting a CF patrol in northeast Baghdad.  The AWT engaged the criminal with a Hellfire missile, killing him.
At approx. 11:30 p.m., 2 criminals were observed emplacing an IED in northeast Baghdad. After fleeing the scene, an AWT engaged the criminals in a building with 2 Hellfire missiles, killing both.

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Prominent sheik meets with Raider cmdr., discusses future of Doura

BAGHDAD - A key figure in the community and a respected local leader for the Iraqi people living in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, arrived at JSS Doura with a procession of local leaders and family members, April 22.
Sheik Jabouri, a Sunni leader, called for a meeting with Col. Ted Martin, the cmdr. of the 1st BCT, 4th ID, to offer his gratitude for the ongoing efforts by Iraqi SF and MND-B Soldiers to bring stability and progress to the people of the Doura and Abu T'shir beladiyas.
Jabouri spoke directly to the senior leaders gathered in the room and said that the quality of life that the people of al-Doura enjoy today is due to the hard work and the sacrifices made by both the Iraqi and American people. "Thank you for helping with all the Iraqi forces and American forces who have made this area safer," said Jabouri, in speaking to Martin.
Ongoing projects to repair roads and recent business endeavors, such as the opening of the Al Rashid Commercial Bank in Doura, signify a much needed improvement for the local community, said Jabouri.
"It is always a good indicator of progress and, more important, things to come, when leaders bring issues to the table, look for solutions and act for the common good of their people," said Martin. "We are committed to assisting the people of Rashid in making this community a better place in which the Iraqi people can carry on their work and build upon their futures."
Al Jabouri personally thanked Martin, who attended the meeting as the new MND-B representative for CF ops in Rashid.  Jabouri, a figurehead in the predominately Sunni-populated Doura community, who has a reputation for standing up against terrorists and criminals, said he believes security has improved enough in the area to bring families back into the neighborhoods, regardless of their differences.
The leaders concluded the meeting with a meal and hot chai to affirm their newfound relationship and to further discuss the future of Rashid and Baghdad.

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IA Forces kill nine criminals, destroy two vehicles in Hussaniyah

BAGHDAD - An IA patrol, accompanied by U.S. SF advisors, defeated elements of an armed criminal group that launched an unprovoked attack on Iraqi and U.S. forces conducting a patrol in Hussaniyah, a city north of Baghdad, April 22. 
Approximately 45 minutes into the mission, gunmen attacked the patrol using small arms weapons and RPG launchers. IA and U.S. SF dismounted from their vehicles and returned fire, killing 4 of the gunmen. 
Additional criminals continued their attacks, using pre-positioned IEDs, RPGs and small arms weapons to target the Iraqi and U.S. patrol.  Despite the threats, IA forces continued to engage the enemy, killing 5 more fighters and destroying 2 vehicles the gunmen used to launch their attacks.
No Iraqi or U.S. military personnel were injured during the patrol.

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Gulf Region South Coast Corps of Engineers surveys reconstruction efforts in northern Basra

BASRA - The GRSC Corps of Engineers, Basra Area Office, is responsible for over 40 reconstruction sites in the city.  Site surveys are an integral part of the reconstruction process to ensure projects are completed on time to support the Iraqi infrastructure within the city.
Keith Adams, a construction representative with the Corps of Engineers, is on a 13 month tour in Basra, managing 15 projects in various parts of the city.  Adams sees his role with the Corps of Engineers as providing assistance to the people of Iraq.  He works with Iraqi construction firms and their project managers at the different sites to ensure the construction crews have the materials they need to do the most they can for the Iraqi people.

Keith Adams takes pictures of reconstruction progress at a water treatment plant in northern Basra, April 23.

The project manager on site explains to Keith Adams, that a pile driver will be used to drive steel beams into the soil to give the water treatment plant being built in Basra, a solid base.

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COP Mountain construction in Mosul

Pvt. Justin Stougard and Pvt. Terrence Colsen both assigned to 8th Inf Regt, provide security for engineers involved in the construction of COP Mountain, in the Palestine neighborhood of Mosul, April 21.

An armored All Terrain Lifter from the 94th Eng. Bn, moves to secure a load of raw materials in an around-the-clock effort to construct Combat out post Mountain in the Palestine neighborhood of Mosul, April 21.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Building a rapport in Mosul, and adding members to Sons of Iraq in Warij.  Operation Arrow Cleanup, a joint effort with IP clears a town in Diyala.  After rehabilitation, some detainies are released to their families in a reconciliation effort.
Joanna
___________________________________

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

April 24, 2008

Building rapport in Mosul's al-Wadah neighborhood

Sgt. Eric Lee, assigned to 8tht Inf Regt, is offered a snack by an Iraqi gentleman during a patrol, April 21.

Pvt. Justin Stougard stops to greet a young resident.

Spc. Tracy Collins and Spc. Martin Cerrillos patrol the al-Wadah neighborhood. Cerrillos takes the time to shake hands with a young Iraqi.

1st Lt. Michael Smith meets with a resident to discuss security and how the IA and CF can offer assistance if required.

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Warij residents become Sons of Iraq

BAGHDAD - One hundred and fifty residents of Warij volunteered to become SoI, April 12.
On April 20, the new SoI began guarding a stretch of the southern Baghdad community, which falls in the 2nd BCT, 3rd ID's area of op. "It's the only area within the brigade that has both sects operating jointly at SoI checkpoints," said Capt. Gregory Curry, a cmdr. under 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID. "It's the so-called 'check and balance' that we need to move forward with the people of Iraq seeing each other as equal and not as Sunni and Shia."
First Lt. Dan Henry, an EO under 8th Cav Regt, said criminals have threatened business owners in the area and used Warij as an area to coordinate and execute attacks against the GoI, CF and Iraqi SF.
Curry said the Sunni and Shia SoI working together would help quell the violence that had plagued the
community.  Two sheikhs, one Sunni and one Shia, will collectively manage the Warij SoI command post and monitor checkpoints throughout the area.  Curry said the sheikhs realize they need to set aside their
differences for Warij to be a safe community.
Coalition force leaders hope the example in Warij of Sunni and Shia working together will encourage citizens who fled during the violence to move back to their homes.
"The importance of this program is that it will enhance the perception of security to where families will return to their homes and establish another multi-ethnic, multi-tribal and peaceful population center in the Spartan (2nd BCT, 3rd ID) operating environment," said Maj. Rob Kaderavek, 6-8th Cav. Regt. EO.

Sons of Iraq in Warij stand guard at a checkpoint, April 22. The Warij SoI program is composed of both Sunni and Shia residents.

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Operation Arrow Cleanup clears Diyala town

An IP officer from the Hib Hib Police Station provides security for Soldiers from the 202nd MP Co before
entering a palm grove near Hib Hib, April 23.

Sgt. Brandon Ellis, a dog handler with 1st Armored Div, and his military working dog, Edo, search for explosives and weapon caches during Op Arrow Cleanup near Hib Hib. CF worked with IP and SoI, from
the Hib Hib area in the Diyala province during the mission.

IP officers use a metal detector to try locating buried weapon caches.

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MND-B Soldiers capture RPG war heads during ongoing clearing ops

BAGHDAD - The 4th Bn, 64th Armor Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized 3 anti-tank RPG launchers and 10 high-explosive RPG rounds in the Rashid district in southern Baghdad, April 21.
Soldiers from Co C, 4-64 AR, with help from their Iraqi SF counterparts discovered the weapons cache.
"Iraqi SF are good about using tips from concerned citizens and finding caches," said Maj. Dave Olson, the 1st BCT spokesman. "The ISF and 'Tuskers' from 4-64 AR, and the 1st BCT, 4th ID., continue to conduct clearing ops in support of the Baghdad Security Plan to create a safe and secure environment for people
of the Rashid district and Iraq."

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122 Detainees Released as part of Reconciliation Efforts

Kirkuk Police assist a family member overcome with emotion during his brother's release at the Kirkuk Police Academy in Iraq.  A total of 122 detainees were released April 21 during a ceremony marking the biggest release to date in this region.

A detainee hugs his children following the detainee release ceremony.

A released detainee hugs a relative.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 15 criminals

BAGHDAD -  April 22, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, witnessed a criminal emplacing an IED in northeast Baghdad, and shot and killed him.
UAV operators from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, spotted 2 individuals with a mortar tube. They loaded the weapon into a vehicle and drove off in northeastern Baghdad. The UAV fired a hellfire missile, killing 2 criminals and destroying a vehicle.
Soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, engaged and killed a criminal after coming under a small-arms fire in northeastern Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked with an IED by criminals while they were conducting a mounted patrol in eastern Baghdad. Soldiers were then attacked with RPGs.  Soldiers identified the criminals' location and engaged them with small-arms fire, killing 6 criminals.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked with RPGs in eastern Baghdad. They identified 2 separate RPG teams and retuned fire, killing 5 criminals.

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Dear Interested Friends,
A great sign of progress are business grants used to stimulate economic growth, and IA learns biometric database.  Weapon caches continue to be uncovered and criminals killed or captured.
Joanna
__________________________________________

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

April 23, 2008

Grants help rebuild Iraqi street

BAGHDAD - Iraqi shop owners received grant assistance April 20, after proving the money would be put to good use renovating their businesses.
"Today we made final payments for microgrants to property owners in the Haswa area," said Maj. Eric Kerr, 415th Civil Affairs, attached to 4th BCT, 3rd ID.  Kerr also works with the brigade's embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). Kerr said the grants were issued to stimulate economic growth. "It's basically an economic renaissance on that little area of Haswa."  Kerr said the recipients got 25% of the funds up front, and after the progress of their renovations were checked, they received the remainder.
Most grants requested were from medical personnel and doctors hoping to bring back pharmaceutical shops and doctor's offices to the community.  Other types of grants were for a law office and a carpenter's store.

Maj. Eric Kerr watches as a local store owner signs for his microgrant.

Sgt. 1st Class Mike Nunnelee, Co C, 703rd BCT, counts out money for a microgrant April 20.

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MND-C Soldiers discover weapons cache

CAMP VICTORY - Soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 33rd Cav Regt discovered a weapons cache in Yusifiyah, April 21.  The cache included 34 RPG rounds, an AK-47 and a box of PKC rounds.

Soldiers from 1-33rd Cav. Regt. discovered a weapons cache.

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INP apply pressure to enemy activity in southern Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Iraqi National Police working in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, seized a weapons cache and detained a suspected criminal during a security patrol, April 20.
Conducting simultaneous raids at 2 different sites, 2nd NP Div. officers captured 2 heavy machine guns with 1,800 rounds, a sniper rifle and a RPG launcher, and detained a suspected criminal operating in the Risalah neighborhood of West Rashid.
The IA soldiers also detained 2 suspected criminals during an early morning op in the Saydiyah community of Rashid. "Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Iraqi SF, the Raider Bde continues to apply pressure to the enemy to provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people," said Maj. Dave Olson, the spokesman for the 1st BCT, 4th ID, and MND-B.

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MND-B Soldiers capture suspected criminal

ABU GHRAIB - Elements from 1st Bn, 21st Inf, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, "Gimlets" detained a suspected criminal in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad, April 22. 
This suspected criminal is believed to be involved with the making of IEDs, and attacks on IA and CF. "The streets are safer with these criminals in custody, and contributes to improving security in Abu Ghraib," said Maj. John Pendell, spokesman for 2nd SCR. "Due to its proximity to major highways and to northeastern Baghdad, security and stability in Abu Ghraib allows the economy and quality of life for local residents to improve."

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14th Iraqi Army learns biometric database

BASRA - Iraqi Soldiers learned how to operate a biometric cross-match database at their headquarters in Basra, April 17.
"The biometric cross-match database will be able to identify individuals with a criminal record through voice, fingerprints, and eye scans," said Adnan, the senior database supervisor. "Sixteen soldiers, including officers and NCOs, are being trained to operate this equipment."
The new biometric system will help improve the Iraqis safety and security ops in Basra. "Through this program we can - through the Ministry of Defence - verify and identify all the bad people,"  IA Lt. Mohammed said, the administrative officer in charge. "This will prevent any bad people from entering the military and help make a more secure Iraq."

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MND-N Soldiers kill six insurgents in fire fight

BAQUBAH - MND-North Soldiers killed 6 insurgents in a fire fight near a mosque in Kalaf Al-Hasun village, Diyala province, April 21.
During a cordon and search of the village, approx. 20 km southeast of Hamrin Lake, a truck loaded with several personnel carrying AK-47s and RPG launchers approached the position of 4th Pln, Troop F, 2nd Sqdrn, 3rd ARC.
The Soldiers fired a warning shot to halt the vehicle. The personnel in the truck fired on them. The Soldiers returned fire on the vehicle, and the passengers ran into nearby buildings, including a nearby mosque.  In the ensuing battle, 6 insurgents were killed. Three suspects were also detained in the incident.

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Iraqi Army, Coalition forces conduct night ops in Mosul

A resident of the Somer neighborhood speaks with 1st Lt. Michael Smith about the local security situation in Mosul. Smith is assigned to 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt.

A resident of the Somer neighborhood discusses the security situation with an Iraqi Army Lt. during a joint IA and CF night ops.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Agricultural growth goes full steam ahead, alongside clearing operations.  On some of our troops' ops, I've kept the time frame, so you can have an idea of just how busy and how successful our troops are.  An IP conference takes place at Camp Fallujah fine tuning ops.  Terrorist cell leader captured as well as other criminals neutralized, and more weapon caches uncovered.
Joanna
___________________________________

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

April 22, 2008

Iraqi farmers association builds for future

AZ ZUBAYR - Rural Iraqi farmers here joining together for the future of farming in southeastern Iraq.  Farmers in this small rural community southwest of Basra gathered for the grand opening of a new Farmers Cooperative Association Building, April 21.
Bob Haywood, the senior economic advisor to MND-Southeast presented the association with watermelon, tomato and cucumber seeds -- all crops that grow well in the region -- as a gift to the Iraqi community.

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MND-B Soldiers kill five criminals

BAGHDAD - In eastern Baghdad, April 21, an AWT engaged 2 criminals with RPG launchers at approx. 9 p.m.  The AWT fired a hellfire missile at the criminals, killing them both and destroying the RPG launchers.
At approx. 10 p.m., Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, conducting a route-clearing mission were struck with an IED, and then attacked with small-arms fire by criminals in the area.  Soldiers returned fire and killed 3 criminals.
"We are not the aggressor, but we will defend ourselves and protect the Iraqi people from attacks such as these," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for the 4th ID and MND-B.  "We will be relentless in our pursuit of those breaking the law. If these criminals continue to attack innocent Iraqis and CF, we will pursue them and bring them to justice. "We are building a safe neighborhood in conjunction with the Iraqi SF in order to provide immediate humanitarian alliance and restoration of the Jamilla market for the people, protecting them from those who care nothing for their welfare by conducting daily attacks causing the people to suffer."

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MND-B engage criminals, seize weapons in multiple operations

BAGHDAD - April 21, at approx. 8:40 a.m., Soldiers from 1st Bn, 66th AR were on patrol in New Baghdad when they were attacked by terrorists using small-arms fire and RPGs. The Soldiers returned fire and killed 3 criminals.
At approx. 9:45 a.m. in an area west of Baghdad, an Iraqi citizen discovered and turned in a weapons cache consisting of 42 82mm mortars, 2 120mm mortars, and 500 7.62 mm rounds to MND-B Soldiers.
An AWT observed criminals in a vehicle resupplying other criminals in New Baghdad at approximately 10:25 a.m. The AWT engaged the vehicle, and killed 2 armed criminals and destroyed the vehicle.
During a patrol in New Baghdad, Soldiers from 1-66 AR came under fire by criminal groups. An AWT was called to the scene, and engaged with a Hellfire missile at approx. 11:40 a.m., and killed both criminals and destroyed the shack they were using for concealment.
Approx. 30 minutes later, an M1A2 Abrams tank crew from 1-66 AR engaged a criminal rocket team in New Baghdad. The crew destroyed a rocket, a rocket sled and the vehicle carrying the illegal weapons.
At approx. 4:25 p.m. in Sadr City, 2 criminals attacked Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Cav Regt in an observation post with small-arms fire. The Soldiers returned fire and killed both of the criminals.
"We are establishing a safe neighborhood in southern Sadr City in order to restore stability and security to that threatened community that Special Groups cells used to fire rocket and mortar rounds from," said Lt. Col. Steven Stover. "Using barriers has been effective in other neighborhoods, markets and roads, allowing Iraqi Security and CF to control access and the movement of illegal material, and disrupting both AQI and Special Groups criminals.  Security will lead to a return of Iraqi civilians, humanitarian assistance and, we hope, GoI-funded essential services," Stover said.

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Tip leads MND-C Soldiers to caches near Ci Ci Bar Canal

CAMP STRIKER - Acting on a tip from a citizen, Soldiers from Btry A, 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), located 2 weapons caches and a possible VBIED near the Ci Ci Bar Canal, April 20.
One cache, found in a spider hole, contained 22 120 mm mortar rounds, 560 artillery fuses, and 37 23 mm projectiles. The VBIED and a cache consisting of 3 IEDs were also found nearby.

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Iraqi Army captures suspected insurgent cell leader

BALAD - IA Soldiers, advised by U.S. SF, detained a suspected insurgent cell leader in an op in Ta'Mim province, April 20.
The IA conducted the op to capture the suspect and disrupt the activities of an insurgent network operating in the area. The suspect is accused of conducting IED and small-arms fire attacks against Iraqi and CF.  He is also believed to be a weapons trafficker in the Hawijah area who terrorizes Iraqi citizens.   One other suspect was detained for questioning.

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Coalition forces kill three criminals in precision strike

BAGHDAD - Coalition forces killed 3 criminals who were positively identified carrying weapons at a cache site in eastern Baghdad, April 20.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, who were operating an UAV, engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile, killing all 3 men.
Iranian-backed Special Groups and other criminal elements who refuse to honor the rule of law are directly responsible for the current violence in Baghdad, as well as the deaths of countless innocent civilians," said Lt. Col. Steven Stover.   

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Al Anbar Iraqi Police converge on Camp Fallujah

CAMP FALLUJAH - Al Anbar Province's IP leadership assembled aboard Camp Fallujah to discuss security oriented issues, April 19.
Brig. Gen. Richard P. Mills, cmdr, Ground Combat Element, MND-West, and his staff coordinated the Provincial Director of Police and District Chief of Police Conference.
More than 20 Iraqi police chiefs attended the conference, participating in briefs and discussions regarding a number of issues, such as supply contracting, the "Sons of Iraq" and "Daughters of Iraq" programs, highway patrol development, police intel and the size of their police force.
The event concluded with open forums regarding police ops in various regions of Anbar Province.

Brig. Gen. Richard P. Mills, cmdr, speaks with Maj. Gen. Tariq Sa'doon, cmdr, before beginning the Conference.

Col. Lewis A. Craparotta, comm. officer, RCT 1, speaks with a Provincial Security Force major.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Many on-going big Operations throughout Baghdad.  By neutralizing the criminals, Iraq has a chance for a stable democracy, something our troops have been working so hard out, and succeeding.  Large weapon caches continue to be uncovered, by tips from local citizens.
Joanna
__________________________

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

April 21, 2008

Iraqi Army discover weapons cache in vehicle

BASRA - IA soldiers discovered a weapons cache in 2 vehicles during Op Charge of the Knights in the Al-Quibla district of Basra,  April 19.
Acting on a tip from an Iraqi citizen, the IA soldiers found ordnance in the vehicles, including RPG rounds with launcher, an EFP device, various sized mortars, a homemade .50 caliber rifle with standard and armor piercing rounds, plastic explosives, electronic trigger devices, and a large amount of small arms ammo.
"The continued success of Op Charge of the Knights is due in part by the local Iraqis providing numerous tips to the IA on where these weapons are stored," said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, deputy public affairs officer for MNC-Iraq. "The citizens of Iraq are protecting their own communities, working with the Iraqi Security and CF; they are taking greater responsibility for their own lives and their communities."
Since Op Charge of the Knights began, the IA has discovered 13 weapons caches and detained 13 criminals. They also discovered more than 240 artillery and mortar rounds ranging in size from 60mm to 155mm; EFPs; more than 40 RPG rounds with launchers; and numerous rockets and IED making materials. Some of these weapons had Iranian markings.

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IA soldiers discover large cache with Iranian-marked weapons during Op Charge of the Knights

BASRA - The IA discovered a large weapons and munitions cache in a house located in the Al Hyyaniyah area of Basra, April 19, including a 240 mm high-explosive war-head and approx. 160 mortars, some of which were less than 12 months old. The cache also contained approx. 25 artillery shells, more than 20 complete IEDs, large quantities of IED components, several EFPs and dozens of grenades and fuses.  Also included were more than 20 blocks of plastic explosives, homemade anti-personnel mines packed with ball bearings, hundreds of meters of detonation cord, improvised rocket launching rails, and thousands of rounds of small-arms ammo.
"The success in finding these large caches was also due in part by numerous tips from concerned local Iraqis. This is another great example of Iraqis dealing with their own issues, and they should be admired for their bravery," said Lt. Col. Neil Harper.

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Special Group criminals continue attacks against Iraqi people and U.S. Soldiers

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers remain committed to supporting the people of Baghdad and the Iraqi SF until a time when they can take over security ops throughout Baghdad against AQI and Special Group Criminals.
At 3:30 p.m. on April 20, a CF observation post in Sadr City was fired upon by 3 SG criminals and U.S. Soldiers returned fire killing 1 and wounding the other 2.
At 4: 45 p.m., following a rocket attack, a UAV positively identified 5 SG criminals with rocket rails in Sadr City.  Two criminals proceeded into a vehicle after loading it with the rocket rails. The other 3 individuals separated and went in other directions.  The UAV followed the vehicle with the 2 criminals and rocket rails to a house.  As the criminals were unloading the rails into the building, they were engaged by the UAV with a Hellfire missile, destroying the vehicle, rockets rails, and killing the 2 criminals.
Later, at approx. 4:50 p.m., a UAV positively identified 2 SG criminals loading a car with rockets and rocket rails in Sadr City.  After following the vehicle in order to obtain a clear shot, the UAV fired a Hellfire missile, destroying the sedan, 6 rockets and rails, and killing the 2 criminals.
"It is the Iranian-supported Special Group criminals who are the primary reason the people of Baghdad are suffering," said Col. Allen Batschelet, Chief of Staff, MND-B. "They are responsible for the rocket and mortar attacks that led to Iraqi Security and CF Soldiers going into the southern neighborhoods of Sadr City.  They are responsible for continued IED attacks and firefights that are causing innocent civilian deaths."

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Resident's tip leads to weapons cache

BAGHDAD - A tip from a local citizen resulted in a weapons cache find near the Abu Eid Bridge, April 18.
The tip led Soldiers from 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), to the cache, which had been buried 6 inches in the ground.  It contained 33 82 mm mortars, 5 57 mm folding-fin rockets, 2 62 mm mortars, an RPG launcher and 3 bags of rocket propellant.

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MND-B Soldiers find C4 explosives

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers discovered a substantial explosives cache in southern Baghdad, April 20.
Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, found 14 blocks of high explosives in the Zubaida area of the Rashid district in southern Baghdad.

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IA, Rakkasans find cache during combat patrol

BAGHDAD - IA and Rakkasan Soldiers found a weapons cache during a combat patrol in Hakara, April 19, after receiving a tip from a local citizen. The cache contained 239 23 mm anti-armor rounds, 2 62 mm illumination rounds, 2 DSHKA machine guns, 1 DSHKA receiver and rocket launcher.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 12 criminals

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers killed 12 criminals and detained 3 in separate events in Baghdad, April 20. 
At 6:40 a.m., MND-B Soldiers with the 1st Bn, 21st Inf. Regt witnessed 5 individuals emplacing an IED in the Adhamiyah district, engaged them as they were emplacing the IED. It detonated during the engagement killing 3 and wounding 1.
Also in Adhamiyah at approximately 8 a.m., the 1st Bn, 21st Inf. Soldiers engaged and killed 7 criminals carrying 3 PKC machine guns, 3 AK-47s and a RPG launcher.  A Stryker element supporting the mission killed 2 more criminals carrying AK-47s on a nearby rooftop.
In another incident, Soldiers with the 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt detained 2 men in possession of various illegal weapons and bomb making material at approx. 4 a.m. in the East Rashid district in southern Baghdad.

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Iraqi SF secure Suq Ash Shuyukh after militia attack

BALAD - A combined force of more than 300 IA, IP and Iraqi SWAT personnel, advised by U.S. SOF, killed 40 criminal militia members after coming under attack in Suq Ash Shuyukh, southeast of Nasiriyah, April 19.
They were killed during the armed confrontation with ISF, including the group's top 2 leaders. 
Using assault rifles and automatic weapons, the criminal militia attacked Iraqi SF on the morning of April 19.  Regional police and Army forces on alert in the area responded in force, overwhelming the outnumbered criminal militia fighters.  Facing a combination of armored vehicles and suppressive fire, the criminals retreated to a building that contained the local Sadr Trend office.  With ISWAT providing support, additional lSF launched a counter attack, overrunning the remaining enemy defenses. The ISF entered the building and cleared it of the remaining criminals.
During the sweep of the building, ISF found a large weapons cache containing EFPs, Katyusha rockets, RPG launchers and a large quantity of additional weapons and ammo.  An explosive ordnance disposal team also found several IEDs rigged to explode inside the building. 
Many local Iraqis witnessed the fighting and thanked the ISF for their bravery and willingness to defend their town. "The response of the combined ISF force represented an incredible leap forward by IP and IA to conduct joint ops," said a U.S. SOF advisor. "IP and IA executed a counter attack against a determined enemy and quickly gained control of the situation."
The op was part of the Iraqi govt's continuing fight against terrorists, insurgents and criminals standing in the way of a safe and secure Iraq. In recent months, ISF personnel have assumed greater autonomy to plan and conduct these types of ops unilaterally or with CF.
Info indicated the criminal group used the city as part of its smuggling network to move IEDs, including armor-piercing EFPs, throughout the region.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Besides large weapon caches found, displaced people in Mosul are getting comfort and aid until better living conditions are found for them.  Our compassionate troops have taken a special interest, especially for the children.  We have 2 stories of this humanitarian effort.  In the Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad we've got an hourly description of several very close together ops.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

April 20, 2008

CF find and clear two AQI IED weapons caches in Jazeera Desert

BALAD - CF discovered and destroyed 2 AQI weapons caches during a recon patrol in the Jazeera Desert.
The 2 caches included more than 125 IED components, such as blasting caps, batteries, pressure plates, cordless phone chargers, IED trigger circuits, steel IED canisters, copper plates and springs.
These are the second and third weapons caches found in the Jazeera Desert in less than a month.

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Large cache discovered in Ta'Mim

KIRKUK - CF discovered another large cache in Ta'Mim Province, April 18.
This find brings the overall total cache discoveries in the province this month to 17.  This cache included more than 300 mortar rounds in more than 8 different sized class from 152 mm to 60 mm.
"Kirkuk becomes more secure everyday. The recent cache finds help to solidify the overall security gains in the region." said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, military spokeswoman for Multi-National Division-North.

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Iraqi internally displaced citizens receive aid from IA, CF Soldiers

An internally displaced Iraqi boy sees Iraqi and CF Soldiers visiting his camp to supply aid in Mosul, April 17. The boy received water, food and snacks from the Soldiers who visit the camp frequently, until better accommodations can be made for the people.

A young Iraqi boy hands his mother a case of water.

An Iraqi woman smiles as she carries a box of Meals Ready to Eat.

An Iraqi woman holds her child as she walks through the rubble at the displaced citizens camp.

An Iraqi Army soldier hands out stickers and info on the local IA units in the area providing security for the people in the area.

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Iraqi Army, CF operations in Mosul build bonds between armies

Sgt. Alejandro Cruz scans the area after hearing small-arms fire during an op in Mosul, April 17.  Cruz is a tanker in the 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR from Fort Hood, Texas.

First Lt. Peter Cacossa directs an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter from a rooftop towards the sound of small-arms fire.  Cacossa is a platoon leader with the 3rd Sqdr.

An OH-58 Kiowa helicopter moves to support a joint IA and CF op.

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MND-B engage criminals, Soldiers seize weapons in separate ops

BAGHDAD - A MND-Baghdad AWT killed 7 criminals and Soldiers seized weapons in separate incidents in eastern Baghdad, April 19.
The AWT engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile and killed both criminals transporting weapons at approx. 6:30 p.m. in the Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad. The AWT also destroyed 2 machine guns with the attack.
At approx. 8:27 p.m., CF were attacked by criminals with small-arms fire. They returned fire killing one.
At approx. 8:39 p.m., in another section of the Sadr City district, CF engaged attacking criminals, killing one.
At approx. 9:40 p.m., an AWT identified 4 weapons crates in an open field of the Sadr City district. The AWT engaged and destroyed all 4 weapons crates.
In a separate incident, 3 criminals with weapons were identified driving a truck at approx. 10:13 p.m. in the Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad.  An AWT engaged with a Hellfire missile, killing the 3 criminals.
At approx. 8:50 a.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Cav Regt seized weapons in a fire station while conducting clearance ops in the southern portion of the Sadr City district. The weapons included more than a dozen AK-47 rifles with multiple loaded magazines, a PKC machine gun with magazines, more than 3,000 rounds of ammo, as well as various miscellaneous weapons parts.

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IA and CF Platoons team up for a good cause

MOSUL - IA and CF Soldiers based out of COP Rat in Mosul, pooled their resources in a humanitarian aide effort on April 17, that provided water, drinks, food supplies, medical aid and gifts in an attempt to help the less fortunate citizens in the al-Mamoon neighborhood who have been displaced by AQI driven activities.
"Tents and food supplies were provided by the Red Crescent when they first arrived," said 1st Lt. Peter Cacossa of Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR.  "Now the IA has eyes on them, they have been dropping off necessities to them too.  Additionally, we have been working through our chain-of command to get them help on an official level."
The IA unit and 1st plt of Heavy Co., 3/3 ACR made a joint decision to help those who needed help more than any group they had come to know.  Soldiers from both units gathered all the supplies they could spare in addition to purchasing stuffed animals for the children.
"It has kind of become our personal quest to help take care of these people.  We like seeing the little kids," said Cacossa.  "A lot of the guys who have small children at home, they kind of take it to heart. Helping them makes us feel good at the end of the day too."

An IA soldier brings drinks into a tent for internally displaced citizens, April 17. The IA soldiers brought food from their own stores at COP Rat to help their fellow citizens.

Sgt. Michael McAlhaney provides medical treatment to a young man.

Spc. John Crosby assigned to the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Task Force Iron, greets two young Iraqi boys.

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Iraqi, MND-B Soldiers respond to gunfire during humanitarian aid mission

Iraqi children in the southern portion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad cheer as Sgt. Jake Veith, assigned to the 42nd Bde, 11th IA Div MiTT, provides security as IA soldiers hand out food products during a humanitarian aid mission April 17.

Capt. Will McNutt, assigned as the 2nd Bn, 42nd Bde, provides security from a building rooftop as IA soldiers battle armed criminals in the southern portion of the Sadr City District of Baghdad, April 17.

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Dear Interested Readers,
The progress and success of the Iraqi Army taking the lead in missions continues.  Reconstruction is going full steam ahead in Basra, as well as clearing ops. It's nice to read about the Brits working with us.  Despite gun fire, people in Sadr City turn out for medical assessments.  Large caches continue to be uncovered, and criminals killed.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

April 19, 2008

Iraqis continue modernizing Basra

BASRA - Iraqi construction firms have been working on a number of modernization and new construction projects throughout Basra, Iraq over the past several months.
Gulf Region South Corps of Engineers visited several of these,sites April 17 to review plans and materials needed to keep the jobs moving forward.
Engineers from GRS visited 3 sites in various stages of reconstruction located in Basra's surrounding areas. The sites included a vocational education center, a teaching hospital and the Shatt Al Arab courthouse.

Engineers with the GRS talk with a project manager from an Iraqi construction firm about the reconstruction of a vocational center in Basra.

The project manager on the reconstruction of the teaching hospital in Basra, shows Engineers with GRS some of the work his crew has been doing on installing the new sewage system for the hospital, April 17.

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IA provides first aid supplies to Sadr City residents

BAGHDAD - IA soldiers conducted a combined medical assessment in the southern portion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad, April 17.
The op was supported by the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, and provided citizens with essential medicines and personal hygiene supplies at JSS Tharwa 1.  Dealing directly with the ISF, the Iraqi people living in Sadr City witnessed the ability of Iraqi Forces to care for them.  More than 400 citizens received medical care in less than 2 hours.
"It really turned out good.  It was successful and turned out better than I thought," said Capt. Ryan Mendenhall, who serves as the fire support officer.  Mendenhall said he was surprised by how quickly the people reacted and came to the project. "This is just a small step to let the people know that we are not here to destroy a home. There is a lot of work ahead of us, and we will continue doing it; eventually, it will pay off," Mendenhall said.
For others, the amount of people who attended the assessment was unbelievable, due to the gunfire that could be heard in the distance. "It exceeded my expectations; I didn't expect anybody to show up because what was going on," said Sgt. 1st Class Lawrue Bush, who serves as the fire support NCO.  For the ISF and Soldiers, this is not the end for this mission. The Soldiers are expecting the next assessment to be a bigger, and they're preparing to get more supplies, said Bush.

Sgt. Brian Rich, and Staff Sgt. John Reyes, stand guard.

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Operation Charge of the Knights begins phase 3 in Hyyaniyah

BASRA - Op Charge of the Knights, began a new phase of ops, April 19. Phase 3 of the op focuses on the criminal militia strongholds within the Hyyaniyah district area.  IA soldiers are conducting the deliberate clearance op. It began at approx. 6 a.m. when British artillery and US aircraft released ordnance against known criminal rocket and mortar sites west of Hyyaniyah.
British and American Mitt are working alongside IA units to provide leaders with advice, access to surveillance and the ability to "call for fire" and other support, if needed.
"As with the earlier phases of Op Charge of the Knights, this remains an Iraqi led, planned and executed mission," said Major Tom Holloway, the British Army's spokesman in southern Iraq.
Op Charge of the Knights began on March 24.

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Iraqi Army discovers large IED weapons cache

BASRA - Over the past week, the IA discovered several large caches of explosives and other IED making materials as part of Op Charge of the Knights.
The cache included RPGs, rockets, mortars and mortar tubes, materials for building EFP devices as well as several fully-constructed EFP devices.
The explosives and bomb-making materials were discovered at several locations during these clearing ops and brought to a single location for disposal.

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Combined planning for operation Charge of the Knights Phase III

BASRA -  Prior to the start of this new phase centred on the Western district of Basra, senior Coalition officers were invited to review the Iraqi SF' plans to ensure that the Coalition was prepared to support the op as required.
Major Tom Holloway, the British Army's Spokesman in Southern Iraq said, "Basra is closer to realising its true potential. Recent ops in the city have been described by locals as the most significant events since 2003. The sense of optimism is palpable, and the desire by Basrawis to seize the moment is evident."

Iraqi and CF gather around a model of the Al Hayyaniyah district of Basra for planning and rehearsals for ops in the area, April 17.

The layout of the model represents the district Iraqi forces will be working to clear of criminal elements.

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MND-B AWT crew kills two criminals

BAGHDAD - A MND-Baghdad AWT killed 2 criminals in eastern Baghdad, April 19.
At approximately 3 a.m., the AWT was conducting an aerial surveillance patrol when the crew saw 2 criminals with a mortar tube. The AWT engaged the criminals with one hellfire missile and killed the criminals. The mortar tube was also destroyed.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our troops easily make friends with the children of Mosul, and school children just outside
FOB Kalsu, while finding peaceful progress in Ramadi.  Many high level AQI suspects captured.
Joanna
_______________________________________

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

April 18, 2008

3rd Armored Cav Regt Troopers work all phases of the fight

1st Lt. Peter Cacossa and Sgt. Christopher Swofford, both assigned to Heavy Co, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR, prepare to enter a building during an intel driven op in the Tal al-Raman neighborhood, Mosul, April 16.

Sgt. Michael McAlhaney, provides security at the entrance to a home while his platoon leader discusses the local security situation with the residents.

Sgt. Christopher Swofford takes a moment to share a smile with some boys during a patrol in the al-Mamoon neighborhood of Mosul.

A young girl walks away with a "meal-ready-to-eat" and a grin.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected Special Groups cell leader in Abu T'shir

FOB FALCON - Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected Iranian-backed Special Groups cell leader, April 17.  The individual is believed to be responsible for attacks in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.
The capture occurred during on-going ops in the Abu T'shir community of the Rashid district. "The op has been going extremely well," said Maj. Dave Olson, a 1st BCT spokesman. "The soldiers continue to conduct clearing ops in the Rashid district to create a safe and secure environment for the district's 1.2 million residents.  We will target and bring to justice those criminals who disregard the rule of law and who obviously have no regard for the welfare of innocent Iraqi citizens."

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Soldiers Distribute School Supplies       

By Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

A student from Abu Shear School takes an arm full of backpacks back to the classroom April 14 in the Monsouri area of Iraq.

FOB KALSU — A convoy rolls up to a small school in the Monsouri area of Iraq, just outside FOB Kalsu, and at first glance the school looks abandoned. Then small faces start appearing and heads lean out the windows.  Moments later, Soldiers with HHB, 1st Bn, 76th FA, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, and the 415th CAB, from Kalamazoo, Mich., currently assigned to 1-76th FA, are surrounded by helpful faculty and eager students, waiting to see what has been brought.
The Soldiers delivered backpacks filled with school supplies, soccer balls and notebooks, April 14 to the al-Raqhaa School, for primary and secondary students, and the Abu Shear School, for primary students.  Each school has approximately 800 students.
“A lot of the missions we’re doing right now are school improvements and this mission helps the kids get the materials they need in order to get an education,” said Cpl. Markbradley Vincze, a father of one.
Spc. Christopher Ryder, a three-year veteran, said they try to put a smile on the kids’ faces. “It makes me feel like I am actually making a difference,” Ryder said. “It shows the kids that we’re good people.”
“Right now we’re using a systematic way of distributing our generosity throughout our AO (area of operation),” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Green, target acquisition platoon leader. “So we started with these two schools and we’re kind of going in a clockwise motion around our AO with school drops.”  There are approximately 10 schools in the unit’s AO.
“We’ve gotten to know the people in our AO and it feels nice doing something good for them,” said Spc. Joseph Carroll, a one-year veteran. “It also gives the Army a positive image.”
“It shows the people that we’re not just here for ourselves; we’re going to work for the community, work for the children,” said Green, a father of three. “I think if you win the children, you win the adults. They’re kids just like our kids, they just have less.”
“Hopefully the young ones remember American Soldiers as helpful, so maybe our kids won’t have to be here in 20 years,” said Pfc. Agustin Aguilar Jr., a one-year veteran. “They are grateful for anything and they don’t look at us and run away - they know we’re friendly to them.”

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Coalition forces detain four suspected AQI terrorists (Samarra)

BAGHDAD – CF detained 4 suspected terrorists during ops targeting alleged associates of AQI leaders southwest of Samarra and in south Baghdad Friday.
CF secured a building and detained a suspect allegedly involved in the procurement of bomb-making materials, including components for suicide vests.
Intel reports led CF to a building southwest of Samarra where they secured the area and detained 3 suspects.

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Eight suspected AQI facilitators detained in Mosul

BAGHDAD – CF detained 8 suspected terrorists in Mosul today, including 2 wanted men believed to facilitate the movement and ops of a senior AQI leader.
CF detained 2 suspected terrorists at a house in Mosul, and one of them identified himself as the targeted individual before leading the ground force to another area.  Additional tips directed CF to the second targeted individual, who surrendered to the ground force.  5 additional suspected terrorists were detained in the op.
“We are continuing to apply pressure to the terrorists’ networks,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman.  “We’re working to systematically break down AQI’s structure, capture AQI’s key leaders and bring them to justice.”

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‘America’s Battalion’ Capitalizes on Ramadi’s Security Situation

By Cpl. Nicholas J. Lienemann
Regimental Combat Team - 1

Marines unload palettes of bottled water at JSS Iron located in southern part of Ramadi, April 6.

RAMADI — Processions of armored vehicles clamoring down the now busy streets of Ramadi, have come to be quite a familiar sight, but for the Marines of H&S Co, 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt, running re-supply missions during daylight hours is a stark difference from their last deployment.
“We couldn’t so much as leave the wire last year without getting into some sort of fire-fight,” said Cpl. Pirtus Esperience, a rifleman attached to H&S Co. “Now we’re running supply convoys out to the companies in the city during the daylight hours pretty much without incident.”
Capt. Lance T. Pugsley, logistics officer, 2nd Bn. said the change in tactics can be directly attributed to the increased Iraqi security in and around the city. “Running daylight re-supply missions during the daytime was practically unheard of when we got out here,” said the 38 year-old. “The Iraqi police have done a tremendous job… they have definitely stood up and taken control of their city.”
It’s obvious driving through Ramadi that the IP’s have taken the lead in security. They conduct daily joint patrols with Marines as well as post guards at checkpoints throughout the provincial capital. Such measures have allowed Marines to step back and fill more of a supporting role towards the overall stability in the Anbar region.
The delivered supplies enable Marines at each JSS to operate efficiently in remote locations throughout the city. Not only do the H&S Co. Marines provide crucial gear to the warriors of “America’s Battalion,” they also enhance morale with hot food, mail, and clean laundry.
Since their arrival to Iraq last October, the H&S Co. supply convoys have conducted about 900 missions and logged more than 15-thousand miles throughout their area of ops. They have also transported approxi. 4 million pounds of cargo and performed 74 vehicle-recovery ops.
“I think to some degree that logistics side goes unnoticed,” Pugsley said. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, that just means everything is flowing smoothly and we’re contributing.”  The Marines of “America’s Battalion” are set to redeploy to Camp Lejeune, N.C., within the next 2 months.

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On the Bubble

US Marine Corps Cpl. Jacqueline Mejia plays with a group of Iraqi children while they wait to be seen by doctors during a cooperative medical engagement in Abu Kalifa, April 12, 2008.  Mejia is from 2nd Bn, 3rd Marine Regt, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force's Iraqi women's engagement team.

Dear Interested Readers,
We're taken on a mission, through pics, to ensure security for the Tafi Qada.  After finally feeling secure and free of AQI threat, an informant led the way to a huge weapon cache.  A water treatment facility is completed in N. Hargawi, making local citizens very happy.  We finish out with our photo gallery.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 18, 2008

Gunslinger Shorebreak helps ensure security

Spc. Joshua Oden, erects an antenna, April 12, which enhances his unit's ability to effectively communicate during Op Gunslinger Shorebreak I, a mission focused on securing the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad.  Oden is an infantryman assigned to 27th Inf Regt "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID.

Pfc. Timothy Smith, provides security for his platoon.

Spc. Michael Weber, works with his fellow Soldiers, April 12 to provide a safe and secure Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Brown, plays soccer with an Iraqi child.

Cpl. Michael Murray, overlooks a courtyard, after ensuring the building was secure.

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Informant leads MND-C Soldiers to weapons cache

BAGHDAD - A tip from an informant led IA soldiers and 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT)  Soldiers to a weapons cache in Shubayshen Village, south of Baghdad, April 16.
Finding the cache, the Soldiers spent several hours digging up the munitions, which consisted of approx. 600 tank rounds.
First Sgt. Roy Bruce, senior enlisted member of 3rd BCT, said positions established in the area with Op Marne Piledriver emboldened the informant to come forward.  "The informant told us that AQI emplaced this cache last year and that he finally felt safe enough due to IA presence to reveal the cache," said 1st Lt. Bo Alf, 3rd BCT.  "The informant, his family and neighbors told us of the false promises of al-Qaeda and how they want to return to the fold of the GoI."
Marne Piledriver is an ongoing MND-Center op focused on capacity-building projects throughout the area of ops of 3rd BCT.  During the op, Iraqi SF are taking the lead in targeting remaining insurgent pockets with the help of CF.

First Lt. Casey Zimmerman, with Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt., digs alongside IA soldiers.

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Work completed on North Hargawi water treatment facility

BAGHDAD - In ongoing efforts to restore essential services throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada, a water treatment facility project was completed in North Hargawi, April 13.
In addition to supplying potable water to Iraqis who live in the area, the project also provided temporary employment for former SoI who refurbished the facility.
"The people are very happy," said 1st Lt. Halmonde Charles, Co B, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault). "They were using water out of the canal for everything - farming, cooking, showers - so it's good to have safe water now."

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Up on the Rooftop

PFC Jared Bottorff and Sgt. Robert Johnson, both assigned to Lightning Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, track a sniper as he moves from rooftop to rooftop in western Mosul, Apr. 10, 2008.

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Pump it Up

US Army Lt. Col. David Davidson looks at a broken water pump while inspecting a water access point near Al raoud, Apr. 10, 2008.  Davidson is assigned to the 25th ID's Stryker BCT.

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Car Guys

US Army Spc. Harmon asks an Iraqi mechanic what parts he needs to fix an inoperable vehicle at COP Power in Mosul, April 2, 2008.  Harmon is assigned to the 4th ID's 1st Bn, 8th Inf. Regt, 3rd Bde.

Dear Interested Readers,
Large weapon caches uncovered, and many terrorists captured including some high level AQI.  Basrah gets an economic boost; Op Marne Piledriver continues its success as the IA takes the lead; Al Quibla businesses reopen; and the Iraqi Border Patrol prepares to update. 
Joanna
____________________________________

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

April 16, 2008

Iraqi Army finds weapons cache in vehicle

BAGHDAD - IA soldiers uncovered a weapons cache during a patrol in Haw al-Askery April 15.
A tip from a local resident led the Soldiers to the cache in the trunk of a car containing 24 60 mm anti-personnel IEDs, 6 RPGs and 2 AK-47 magazines.

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General talks economic boost with local leaders

BASRA - Iraqi Maj. Gen. Tariq, cmdr. of the 1st Div IA, met with local sheiks in the district of al-Quibla, Basra April 14, to help give them an economic jump start in their neighborhoods.
The IA, with assistance from a Civil Affairs team, is working to boost economic growth within al-Quibla by asking the local population to clean their streets of trash. The program gives citizens jobs and increases the local economy's activity by putting money into the hands of the citizens. It also begins a cycle of sanitation to soon be funded by the GoI and become self supporting. The IA and the Civil Affairs team will return at a later date to assess the progress of the program and additional help will be given once certain goals are met.

Iraqi leaders and citizens attend a gathering for Iraqi Maj. Gen. Tariq and Civil Affairs personnel.

One of five community leaders who have been chosen as supervisors in leading citizens to clean up trash in the streets, asks a question of Iraqi Col.  Aldien after receiving his incentive payment from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dirk Padgett.

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Iraqi Army discovers IED materials during clearing operations

BAGHDAD - During a clearing op in Mahmudiyah, in support of Op Marne Piledriver, IA soldiers uncovered 5 weapons caches, April 15.
The caches contained 2 155 mm artillery rounds, an oxygen tank rigged as an IED, a Katusha rocket launcher, 2 oxygen tanks, 2 82 mm mortar tubes, a 3-foot tube of homemade explosives and multiple pressure strips.
While the focus of the op is on capacity building, Iraqi SF will simultaneously target remaining insurgent pockets with the help of CF.

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Iraqi Army takes lead in Marne Piledriver

BAGHDAD - Op Marne Piledriver launched in the Mahmudiyah area April 15, as IA and MND-Center Soldiers conducted joint ops.
Iraqi Soldiers and 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) combined to conduct dismounted patrols and an air assault.
"The Iraqi Soldiers took initiative from the start," said Pfc. Nathan Krueger, Btry A, 3-320th FA. "Every time I went into a building, there would already be an IA Soldier clearing or searching the area. Once we got on-site, they took the lead."
"Our role was to support the IA," said Capt. Ryan Mayfield, cmdr. of Btry A. "Because of what has been going on in the whole country, specifically Mahmudiyah, we're continuing to maintain momentum and ... provide the basic needs, as well as freedom of movement to the people so that the govt and tribes can continue to help build the area."
Iraqi Soldiers teamed with 3rd Plt, Btry. A, 3-320th FA on dismount patrols, while others  partnered with HH Btry, 3-320th FA. "Now that we feel the AQI  presence is at a minimum, we are about to start establishing SoI checkpoints through the area, which adds to the freedom of movement," Mayfield said.  "The main effort of our portion of Piledriver is to develop multiple projects as well as solid governance in the area. We are providing support to the IA wherever they deem it's needed."

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Sons of Iraq lead MND-C Soldiers to weapons cache

BAGHDAD - SoI led Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, and IP to a large weapons cache in Tameem, a town east of Baghdad, April 14.  The cache was buried approx. 500 meters from the NP headquarters in Tameem.
"The cache had been in the ground a long time," said 1st Lt. Andrew Ellison, a squad leader in Troop C.  "EOD Soldiers estimated that the munitions had been buried for over a year based on their condition." The cache contained 389 82 mm mortar rounds, 96 125 mm tank rounds, 172 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, 38 60 mm mortar rounds, 30 130 mm artillery rounds, 17 122 mm mortar rounds, 15 100 mm rockets, 7 155 artillery rounds, 5 100 kg aircraft bombs and 4 120 mm mortar rounds.
"Even though many of the munitions were badly degraded, they could have still been used to make IEDs," Ellison said. "We are extremely happy to help interdict these accelerants here."

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Al-Quibla businesses reopen

BASRA - Since the arrival of Iraq's 1st Army Div, peace and order are becoming a norm once again in the town of Al-Quibla.
Local businesses such as kiosks, food markets and gas stations are re-opening and offering job opportunities for the citizens of Iraq. "The jobs created by small business stimulate the local economy and advances positive economic incentives in the daily lives of the Iraqi people," said Maj. Tom Holloway, a spokesman for MND-Southeast. "The IA's ability to secure Al-Quibla was an essential step in helping to provide not only economic growth in the community, but also their ability to make Basra a safe and secure place to live." 

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Iraqi Minister of Defence visits Basra

BASRA - The Iraqi Minister of Defence al-Mufriji visited the Al-Quibla district of Basra, April 14. The minister was welcomed by the residents of the Al-Quibla district in Basra, as he was escorted by the 1st Iraqi Div Army and local Basra Police.  During his visit, the minister was able to receive an update of the Army's situation and plans while talking with the 1st Iraqi Army's Maj. Gen Tariq.
"Criminals have been operating throughout a number of districts in Basra for the past few weeks," said Maj. Tom Holloway, a spokesman for MND-Southeast. "However, since the increased presence of IA soldiers and their ability to provide security, many citizens are now feeling safer in their neighborhoods."
For the past 9 days, supplies of food rations and water have been successfully delivered and received by many of the Iraqis living in the area.

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Coalition UAV engages RPG team, kills four criminals

BASRA - A CF Predator UAV observed 5 criminals attack an IA patrol with RPGs on the eastern side of the Hayyaniyah district, April 16.
The UAV engaged the criminals and fired a Hellfire missile killing 4 and wounding one.  The criminals' vehicle was suspected of containing more weapons and ammo and engaged and destroyed by a second Hellfire missile.
"The message is clear to those that continue to obstruct the rule of law in Basra," said Capt. Chris Ford, spokesman for the CF in Basra said. "Those attacking the IA and other GoI SF will be targeted as part of enduring Coalition support to the people of Iraq."

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Iraqi Border Patrol prepares for automated passport scanning

BASRA - A passport scanning system, which will read passports of those wanting to enter the country, is being installed for use by the IBP officers near the Um Qsar Port.
Once trained to operate the system, the IBP will have approx. 16 stations to help facilitate immigration and speed ID of persons entering the country that will help ensure the sovereignty of Iraq.
The current system involves a tedious process of looking at each passport and visually comparing the photo to the individual presenting it. Once the IBP officer has determined the photo in the passport matches the person presenting it, the individual is then allowed to see the Directorate of Travelling and Identity for entry into Iraq.

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Iraq Security Forces kill seven, detain three suspects

BALAD - 7 AQI fighters were killed during an op conducted by Tikrit IP, CF and a Tikrit Iraqi SWAT team, April 12.   
Iraqi SF conducted the op to disrupt AQI ops in the Jazeera region of the Salah al-Din province.  During a sweep of the objective area, enemy fighters engaged ISF, resulting in numerous firefights which left 7 of the terrorists dead.
During the op, ISWAT also seized a truck containing a suicide vest, several mortar rounds, rockets, detonation cord, a PKC rifle and 5,000 rounds of ammo. Three suspected AQI terrorists were detained for questioning.   
"Catching terrorists where they train and keeping the fight in the sparsely inhabited Jazeera Desert will potentially save Iraqi civilian lives and increase overall security in Iraq," said Col. Bill Buckner, the MNC-Iraq public affairs officer.

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Iraqi SF detain 2 wanted criminal leaders, 10 others in Basrah

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF detained 2 criminal leaders wanted by the GoI in separate ops, April 14 in Basrah.
An Iraqi ERU captured the suspected leader and three other members of an IED cell operating in the Basrah area.  Intel reports indicate the cell has been involved in multiple attacks against Iraqi and CF,  and the distribution of IEDs and illegal weapons.   
In another op in Basrah, a Hillah SWAT team detained the suspected leader of a criminal cell.  Seven suspected members of the cell were also detained.  The detaining of these men will disrupt criminal ops in Basrah, likely decrease IED attacks and potentially lead to info about other cell leaders and activities in the area.

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MND-B Soldiers seize rockets, weapons cache

BAGHDAD - In different ops in the Rashid District in southern Baghdad, April 14,
Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized more than a dozen 107mm rockets with launchers that appear to be of Iranian manufacture.
These Soldiers also seized weapons during a security patrol in western Rashid,  capturing rocket propelled grenades, and almost 100 shot gun rounds enroute to a nearby combat outpost.
The Soldiers also detained a man accused of attacking CF during the ongoing security ops in West Rashid.

107mm rockets and fuses that appear to be of Iranian manufacture.

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Dear Interested Readers,
The major story today is of capacity building in communities south of Baghdad.  Key criminals continue to be captured, along with huge weapons caches.  Great progress in Kirkuk, where IP are taking over from IA.  Celebrating an Iraqi hero, who says that the real heroes are the American Soldiers.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

April 15, 2008

Two key suspects detained in Seddah

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF detained 2 key suspects April 13 and April 14 in Seddah and turned them over to CF in Mussayib. The key suspects are believed to be responsible for multiple attacks on CF and IP during the first week of April to include an IED attack on the IPs April 3, transporting weapons and explosives and burning a Badr Corps building April 1.
The joint effort between the Seddah IPs and Soldiers with 2nd Plt, Co C, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, was directed specifically to capture the battalion-level key suspects.  The battalion has captured 30 key suspects, with 11 of those being at the brigade-level, since taking over operational control of the area in December.
"Overall, the people of Seddah have completely rejected the attempts of criminals to incite violence in their town," said Capt. James R. Fournier, 3-7th Inf. Regt. intel officer. "Almost immediately following an attack that occurred on the IP in Seddah, a number of citizens came forward and provided the info that allowed the IPs and CF to detain these 2 criminals, who were responsible for the attack."
Additionally, more than 200 citizens held a demonstration in Seddah April 14, to further enforce their rejection of criminals and their support for Iraqi SF and Coalition efforts, said Fournier.

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MND-C launches major capacity-building operation

CAMP VICTORY - MND-Center began the main phase of its first major op  devoted primarily to capacity building in communities south of Baghdad, April 15.
Op Marne Piledriver is an op to expand governance, economics and infrastructure taking place in the area of ops of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault).  While the focus of the op is on capacity building, Iraqi SF will simultaneously target remaining insurgent pockets with the help of CF.  "Marne Piledriver will not only showcase Iraqi SF-led ops, but also the establishment of a JSS at Yusifiyah, the development of Iraqi-run radio stations, the injection of funding by the GoI to refurbish 2 major water treatment plants and the infusion of funds and expertise into the poultry and agricultural industries," said Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo, cmdr. of 3rd BCT.  Providing training to GoI officials in the area is another key component of the operation.  The U.S. Agency for International Development is providing training on free-market economics.
Governance will go beyond the classroom during Marne Piledriver. Local officials will lead the establishment of a major water pipeline into Mahmudiyah, which has seen a shortage of potable water. The contract will be put out to bid in the Iraqi economy, with local leaders overseeing the process and construction.  "If you can bring fresh water into Mahmudiyah, potable water, you eliminate sanitation problems," Johnson said. "That would be a huge win for the GoI because then, everybody in Mahmudiyah is going to know the govt made this thing happen."
Another major project is the revitalization of the poultry industry. Poultry farms in the area will receive 35,000 eggs, and the chickens will be raised and processed for consumption. It is estimated that poultry industry revitalization alone will create 1,000 jobs.
Marne Piledriver is a comprehensive op spanning several months.  Other improvements include improving the Yusifiyah market, renovating fish farms and erecting cell phone towers and billboards.  "This is really a test-bed for how successful capacity-building ops can be," Johnson said. "After spending a lot of the tour focused on lethal ops, the conditions are such that we can really begin to discuss the people's needs so we can impact their lives in a very positive manner."

Pfc. Kristen George, a Soldier with HHC, 3rd BCT, provides security for key leaders discussing plans for Operation Marne Piledriver.

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Kirkuk transfers security from Iraqi Army to Police

KIRKUK - Responsibility for the traffic control point in Kirkuk was handed over from the IA to the IP in a ceremony at the Irbil TCP, April 14.
The ceremony signified the official transition for overall Kirkuk security to the police, and marks a critical shift from Marshal Law to the Rule of Law enforced by the local law enforcement authorities. 

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Iraqi DBE discover anti-tank mines after attack from dismounted insurgents

TIKRIT - The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement discovered a cache of anti-tank mines after taking small arms fire from an unknown number of terrorists, April 14.
The DBE soldiers returned fire in self-defense, driving the terrorists toward the Iranian border.  More than 160 anti-tank mines were found after the terrorists broke contact.
The Iraqi DBE in northern Iraq includes more than 8,700 agents and covers 9 points of entry. The DBE in northern Iraq is part of the overall 150,000-person Iraqi SF.

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MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Rashid

BAGHDAD - April 12, while patrolling the streets of the Rashid district in southern Baghdad, Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID unearthed 5 rounds of unexploded ordnance during the continued effort to provide security and stability to the 1.2 million Iraqi citizens who reside in the district.
The 1st BCT, 4th ID, continues to conduct daily combat patrols with Iraqi SF to minimize violence, and the "Raider" Bde remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi nation and the Iraqi people as a whole.

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National Police seize cache southeast of Baghdad

An IP unloads a 107 mm rocket from a truck seized southeast of Baghdad, April 13. The NPs seized the cache southeast of Baghdad after receiving a tip from a local citizen.  More than 540 anti-tank mines, 29 120 mm mortars, 7 107 mm rockets and 5 RPGs were hidden on the truck under piles of hay.

IP  inventory anti-tank mines seized.

Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, cmdr of 3-1st Cav. Regt., congratulates  Col. Emad, Iraqi cmdr., following the brigade's seizure of the large cache.

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Suicide Bomber Solidifies SoI’s Resolve in Hawijah

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

Capt. Quinn Eddy, cmdr, Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 87th Inf Regt, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div thanks Khalaf Ali, a SoI leader in Hawijah, for his efforts and those of his men during a recent visit.

HAWIJAH —  Ali had just finished checking up on his fellow SoIs around the city.  It was April 2. The day was turning out to be another hot one in Hawijah, located approx. 60 miles south of Kirkuk City in the Kirkuk province.  He had just sat down to cool-off with an ice cream when a young man he did not recognize approached. In a blink-of-an-eye, Ali would be wrestling with a suicide bomber bent on killing him.
Ali noticed how nervous this person appeared, sweat visible on his face and clothing, and how one half of his body did not appear normal…”much larger and bumpy,” is how he described it. “I looked into his eyes, and saw fear.” Ali’s gut told him to react to a threat. “I saw his arm moving by his side and his hand was squeezing something.”  What Ali saw was the suicide bomber’s failed attempts to trigger an IED strapped to his upper body. It malfunctioned. This opportunity allowed Ali to fire a round from his weapon into the attacker’s chest, and kill him.
Ali was back to work the next day.  Undaunted by this and other failed attempts on his life in recent months…these attacks and those against other SoIs in the area, seem to fuel his determination further. “If those that try to kill me think that I am afraid…they are wrong,” the father of 11 children said. He believes it is the extremists that fear the SoI’s who number over 7,000 in Hawijah. “They are trying to stop Sahwah efforts here. They will not,” he said. Sahwah is what the locals refer to reconciliation efforts here, also known as Musalaha elsewhere. “When the cowards kill us, they give us more reasons to go forward.”
While his men consider him a hero, Ali considers his coalition brothers the heroes, referring to Soldiers of the 1st Bn, 87th Inf Regt, whose area of op includes the city of Hawijah. “Lt. Col. Vanek and Capt. Eddy are the heroes. Their Soldiers continue to risk their lives to help us establish peace here and are always doing good for our people and assisting in their efforts to rebuild…we owe them so much…they are the true heroes,” he said.
Since Sahwah’s inception in December 2007, overall violence in this Sunni-Arab dominated portion of northeastern Iraq has experienced nearly an 80 percent drop in activity…SoI continue to sign up throughout the Kirkuk Province numbering over 9,000 to-date, according to Maj. Sean Wilson, 1-10th Mtn. Div., public affairs officer.

Brotherly Love

Ali greets Capt. Quinn Eddy, cmdr. Co B, during a recent visit.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our troops take pride in donating soccer uniforms; Iraqi Soldiers work well at securing Quibla; Iraqi SF continue progress in Basrah, and many large weapons caches continue to be uncovered, and more criminals brought to justice.  Kudos to 6 Soldiers from the 768th Eng. Bn. for receiving Impact Bronze Star Medals.
Joanna
______________________________

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

April 14, 2008

School Receives Soccer Uniforms     

1st Lt. William Perdue
3-7th Inf. Regt., 4th BCT, 3rd ID

Soccer players at the Jurf Secondary School in Jurf as Sahkr, pose for a photo in their new uniforms.

FOB ISKAN — One of the first things Soldiers noticed on the ground in Jurf as Sahkr,  was how much local residents loved soccer.  In area businesses, soccer posters adorned the walls, while children made soccer fields out of empty lots and played heated matches.
Soldiers from 3rd Plt, Co A, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, gave the local secondary school a boost in pursuit of their favorite sport.  1st Lt. Kevin Brown, along with members of his platoon, presented the headmaster of the Jurf Secondary School a complete set of soccer uniforms; enough to outfit a 16-man team, including a goalie and referee uniform.  The intent was to help the school build pride, motivation and ethics through the dedication and competition that is associated with school team sports, said Brown.
Enthusiasm beamed on the faces of the young players as they hurriedly started kicking the ball around in the school courtyard, wearing their new uniforms.  The headmaster thanked the Soldiers for the gift and the care they have shown the school.
“These young adults are very important because they are the next generation of Iraq and the future, and because of that we are very willing to help the school out as much as possible,” Brown said.

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Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force secures Quibla

BASRA - Iraqi Soldiers from QRF 1 began a highly successful house-by-house search for illegal weapons in the town of Quibla, April 12.
The QRF 1 deployed from al-Anbar Province on April 1 in support of Op Charge of the Knight. In the past 2 weeks, these response forces and local police, along with elements of the Iraqi Army, cordoned off the city and established strategic points on the Quibla perimeter.
Op Charge of the Knight is the first large-scale push into known strongholds of local militias and other criminal elements.  "Today's op is very good," said Sgt. Qadir of QRF 1.  "It is very necessary to provide security to the people of this area." The brigade immediately began working with local citizens to collect heavy weapons, explosives and other contraband items.
The combined efforts of QRF 1 and other IA and police units resulted in the detention of more than 50 suspected militia members and other criminals, as well as the seizure of more than 80 mortars and rockets, more than 70 RPG warheads and dozens of launchers, numerous machineguns and more than 6,000 rounds of ammo, as well as artillery shells and other explosives.

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SOI repel checkpoint attack, kill 2 AQI near Balad

BALAD - 2 AQI terrorists attacked an Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, checkpoint near Balad, April 14.  Acting in self-defense, the SoI repelled the small arms fire and RPG attack, engaging and killing the terrorists.
Maj. Johnpaul Arnold, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div spokesman. "These SoI acted bravely, defending the people's safety in a populated area, while under heavy fire from terrorists.  They did very well."

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MND-B Soldiers defend themselves, kill 6 criminals

BAGHDAD -  April 13, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by RPGs while conducting a patrol in their M1A2 Abrams tank.  A rotary-wing AWT was called in to assist the soldiers on the ground.
The aircrew witnessed armed criminals hiding behind a parked vehicle and another in an open field. The AWT engaged and killed the lone individual.  Moments later, soldiers in the M1A2 identified additional armed criminals on the rooftop of a nearby building. The criminals then attacked the soldiers with RPG fire.  In self defense, the tankers engaged the armed men, killing 5 criminals.

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Operation Charge of Knights continues progress in Basrah

BASRAH - Op Sawlat al-Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, entered a new phase of ops in Basrah, April 12.
To date, CF involvement has been minimal, reflecting the ever increasing ability and resolve of the Iraqi SF to enforce the rule of law.  Iraqi ops in al-Qiblah to date have yielded an IED factory, numerous weapons handed over by locals, in addition to 2 significant arms cache finds with numerous IEDs, mortars and RPGs.
Ops have not been limited to Basra.  A senior AQI leader was arrested at an IA checkpoint in the small town of Abu al-Khasib 20 kilometers southeast of Basrah.  CF continue to provide 24-hour-a-day airborne surveillance over the city for the ISF. 
Elsewhere, UK and US MiTTs, are embedded with Iraqi SF.  These teams are providing advice and support to the units they work alongside.  The atmosphere inside the city has generally been calm over the past two weeks. The people of Basrah are proud of what the Iraqi SF, both Police and Army, have achieved in the city.  Many Iraqis feel positive progress has been made against criminal elements, as life returns to normal.
The Port of Umm Qasr opened a few days after the start of Op Charge of the Knights, having been secured by the Iraqi Army.  The port is now operating, with the GoI working to bring it up to recognized international standards.  An Iraqi Navy detachment has taken over port security from the Army.
"Basrah is one step closer to realising its true potential," said Maj. Tom Holloway, a spokesman for MND-Southeast. "There is much further to go, but recent ops in the city have been described by locals as the most significant events since 2003. The sense of optimism is palpable, and the desire by Basrawis to seize the moment is evident."

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MND-B CG presents 6 impact Bronze Star Medals to 768th Eng. Bn. Soldiers

By Capt. Patrick Jenkins
MND-Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY - It had been only a few hours since the Soldiers of 769th Eng. Bn, 35th Eng. Bde, MND-Baghdad, returned from the monumental task of installing approx. 130,000-square feet of RPG fencing and sniper-screen material over a 1,200 foot distance, with heights measuring up to 40 feet, at JSS Ur in the Sadr City district of Baghdad to veil the aerostat and its docking station.
Unbeknown to them this morning, with most of them receiving very little sleep, would be the surprise of a lifetime as Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the comm. gen. of the 4th ID and MND-B, took a moment from his packed schedule April 12, to honor 6 of the battalion's Soldiers for their accomplishments, as he presented them with impact Bronze Star Medals. 
"The sniper screen will enable us to protect Soldiers and provide us the ability to see and disrupt insurgents," said Hammond.  "Do you realize what they did? asked Hammond. "They put up this screen under fire, day and night, and under terrible conditions. You'll have something to talk about a couple of years from now."
Indeed, the Soldiers would have something to speak about. "The mission took 13 days to complete despite several setbacks caused by high winds, indirect fire or enemy small-arms fire directed at crews as they worked suspended at heights up to 40 feet in the air," said Capt. James Hoover.  "Although the mission presented challenges, these Engineers lived up to the regimental motto: 'Let Us Try!'"
Soldiers presented the Bronze Star Medal for their achievements were: Staff Sgt Stephen Choat, Staff Sgt Lee Given, Sgt Shawn Griffith, Spc Raymond Myers, Spc Jasper Stull, and Spc Zachary Whitlatch.
The Soldiers placed their lives on the line to accomplish this important mission, and Hammond proudly thanked the team for their bravery and service to their nation.

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Iraqi National Police discover cache, detain five

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP discovered a weapons cache inside a truck southeast of Baghdad, April 13, after receiving a tip from a local citizen.
The cache included 541 anti-tank mines warheads, 100 rocket fuses, 29 120 mm mortars, 5 RPGs and 7 107 mm rockets.
Five suspects are being held for questioning in connection to the cache.

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Air Weapons Team kills IED triggerman, wounds one

CAMP VICTORY - One criminal was killed and another wounded after being engaged by an AWT in Jabella, April 12.
The AWT was providing aerial protection for a CF convoy when an IED struck one of the vehicles.
The AWT observed the strike and identified 2 individuals near the scene as the triggermen. Once the triggermen were positively identified, the AWT engaged them with their primary gun system, killing 1 and wounding the other.
The use of AWTs enhances the safety of CF personnel and provides additional lethality in taking the fight to the enemy. 

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminal ringleader, 8 other suspects

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected criminal leader in southern Baghdad, April 12.
The criminal suspect is accused of conducting crimes against Iraqi SF and CF operating in the Rashid district of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, conducted the search and seizure op based upon a tip provided by a SoI.  8 others were detained, suspected of being involved with the suspected ringleader in conducting crimes against the GoI and MND-B.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have some great pictures of our Inf. Soldiers keeping Mosul secure.  It's encouraging seeing the Port of UMM Qasr busy receiving and shipping supplies all over Iraq.  There are other stories of huge weapon caches uncovered, and many terrorists captured or killed.
Joanna
________________________________

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

April 13, 2008

Infantry Soldiers keep Mosul secure

Sgt. Cameron Duffy, an Inf. Soldier with 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt from Fort Carson, Colo., pulls security in front of a market, April 12.

Sgt. Ian McPherson provides security on a combat patrol.

Cpl. Marcus Owens provides security. Soldiers maintain 360 degree security at all times, ensuring they can react to any given situation.

Soldiers provide security while their platoon leader talks with local market vendors.

Spc. Jeff During provides security on a combat patrol, as he moves through the streets of Mosul.

Pvt. Cameron Pedersen sprints across the street.

As Iraqi children peek out their front gate Spc. Vencent Hashimoto provides security.

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Fourth cache discovered within 10 days in Kirkuk

KIRKUK - Iraqi Soldiers discovered a weapons cache, April 12. This is the fourth large cache found in this area within 10 days and the largest of the four with over 600 munitions of varying sizes, including approx. 20 projectiles, more than 600 mortar rounds and dozens of rockets as well as several grenades.
The location of this cache and the 3 others found earlier, indicate that they were likely used to stockpile munitions for distribution to smaller cache sites closer to routes frequently traveled by CF.

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Port of UMM Qasr stays busy

Commodities are offloaded from ships at the UMM Qasr Port, from all over the world to be distributed throughout Iraq, April 11. These goods will be transported to different provinces throughout the country.  The Port of Um Qasr, is a small port city southeast of Basra.

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IA, MND-C Soldiers disrupt IED cell, detain suspects

BAGHDAD - A joint air assault and search op netted 7 detainees and the subsequent disruption of an IED cell in the Saedat tribal area, April 9.
Iraqi Soldiers detained 4 men with suspected ties to AQI while Soldiers with Batt A, 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) detained 3 individuals connected with the IED cell.

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MND-C Soldiers aid residents, remove weapons cache

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID

BAGHDAD - The SoI in Nine Nissan, a village east of Baghdad, led Soldiers in Batt A, 1st Bn, 10th FA, to a weapons cache buried at a remote location near FOB Hammer, April 10.  The cache contained 18 rockets, 14 mortars, 10 105 mm shells, 10 103 mm shells and 2 tank rounds.
The SoI in Sabbah Nissan have found and led the 3rd HBCT to multiple caches since their group formed 2 months ago.  Earlier that day, MND-C Soldiers from Batt A and local Iraqi leaders conducted a humanitarian mission to deliver food, medicine, water and supplies to the people of Najidat, southeast of Baghdad.

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Local cooperation brings in multiple suspects

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers from 3rd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, conducted a clearing op with IP in Jisr Diyala, southeast of Baghdad, April 11.
The op resulted in the detaining of 8 suspects, including a key individual connected to IED attacks, sectarian violence, indirect fire attacks and weapons smuggling in the Mada'in Qada.
The combined force cleared 35 houses and confiscated several weapons and ammo drums. "It was a very good combined op," said Capt. Brian Gilbert, cmdr. of Co D, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, currently attached to 3-1st Cav. Regt. "There was excellent communication between our air support and our troops on the ground. We were able to track down people who were trying to run. Our cordon was very effective. Everything went perfectly."
"The people of Jisr Diyala have sent a loud and clear message to the combatants there: 'We no longer support you. We only support progress,'" said Capt. DaMond Davis, the fire support officer for 3-1st Cav. Regt.  "The numerous tips that we received validate that the people of this area are fed up with violence."
Gilbert said the NP brigade has made tremendous strides.  "Our cooperation is a perfect example of the relationship the surge created between Iraqi SF and CF," Gilbert said. "This police brigade is a perfect example of what right looks like and should be used as a model. These guys definitely do the right things when no one is looking ... I will fight with them every day. They performed well during this op."

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5 AQI killed, 2 wounded at terrorist camp during joint air assault in western desert of Salah ad Din Province

TIKRIT -  In the western desert of the Salah ad Din Province, April 12, MND-N Soldiers and Iraqi forces came under enemy fire as they approached the camp and were able to seize multiple items linked to AQI and their network.
During the informant-based raid on the complex, an individual was detained. In an effort to deny MND-N Soldiers his identity, one AQI member detonated a suicide vest, killing himself.
IP and MND-N Soldiers found hand grenades, mortar rounds, detonation cord, propellant, 60 mm rockets, blasting caps and a suicide vest at the site.
"Today's op was a perfect example of the progress the Iraqi SF have made in Salah Ah Din Province," said Capt. John Gabriel, 1st Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT
ops officer. "The Iraqi police developed their own intel and plan; we only assisted their air travel and some coordination of movements. They performed in a superb manner resulting in the 5 enemy KIA."

Soldiers from the 56th MP Co comb the Western Desert in the Salah ad Din Province during Op Marauder Harvest, April 12.

Soldiers from 56th MP Co provide security for other MND-North and Iraqi forces.

Four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters fly over from the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) in route to their pickup zone.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Our top story today showcases 259 service members in Iraq from 71 countries, become US citizens.  There are still folks who believe that America is A-OK!  There's a great story out of Mosul, tracking and capturing a sniper, and Lightning Troop making friends with the citizens.  Complex attack in Sadr City ends well.  Iraqi Media Day in Baghdad offers a positive direction, that would be beneficial happening in our country.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 12, 2008

Service members in Iraq become U.S. citizens

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp

CAMP VICTORY - The largest US naturalization ceremony to be held overseas took place April 12 at the Al Faw palace here.  259 service members representing 71 countries held up their right hands and pledged their allegiance to the country which they already defend - thus becoming America's newest citizens.
"I am deeply honored to be here with you today," said the ceremony's presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, cmdr, MNC-Iraq.  "Our nation's unique quality is that it weaves the world's cultures into a great American tapestry, and our military benefits from their strengths," Austin said. "Thank you all for sacrificing so much for the United States and for the Iraqi people."
Service members from across the Iraq theater of ops gathered at the palace to take part in the ceremony, representing the Army, Navy and Marines.  The age group of the new Americans spans decades, with the youngest naturalized citizen being 19, the oldest 47.
"This is just amazing," said England-born Spc. Matthew J. McCallum, a personal security detail Soldier with the 82nd's 1st BCT. "There are so many more doors open for me now."
"My family doesn't even know that I did this," said Spc. Jose L. Mandario with 3rd Sqdrn, 73rd Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.  Mandario's family originally emigrated from the Philippines and now resides in Long Beach, Calif.  He plans to surprise them tonight with an email of his new citizenship certificate. "They will be very happy," he said.
The servicemembers raised their right hands -  and recited the oath that bears some exact verbiage in which all said upon joining the military:  "... I will support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same ..."
Then rounds of applause erupted from all 3 levels of the palace as America's newest citizens succumbed to smiles, laughter and tears.  One Soldier in attendance succumbed to her overwhelming experience and was at a loss of words for how she felt.  "This is all so overwhelming," said Pfc. Zully L. Schaeffer with HHC, 20th Eng. Bde, Fort Bragg.  Schaeffer's family is originally from Peru and they now reside in Allentown, Penn.  She could only come up with one word for how she felt about becoming a U.S. Citizen: "Happy."

New U.S. citizens.

Spc. Vivek Mishra (right) with the 101st Abn Div, shakes hands with Pfc. Henry Michael, 72nd MP Co.

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Tracking a sniper in western Mosul

Pvt. 1st Class Kareem Aktari of Lightning Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt, advances on a sniper's position, using a wall for cover, after coming under fire in western Mosul, April 10.

Pvt. 1st Class Jared Bottorff and Sgt. Robert Johnson track a sniper as he moves from rooftop to rooftop.

Pvt. 1st Class Anthony Humphries breaches a door while in pursuit of a sniper, as Pvt. 1st Class Jared Bottoff prepares to enter the building with the remainder of the squad.

Pvt. 1st Class Jared Bottoff moves from room to room while clearing a structure during the pursuit of sniper that has just fired on his squad.

Sgt.1st Class Barry Taylor motions to a suspected sniper, telling him to exit a building with his hands in the air, while Pvt. 1st Class Jared Bottoff keeps the individual covered.

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Coalition forces return fire after complex attack in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers, in a combined op with IA soldiers, killed several criminals in eastern Baghdad after their convoy was attacked by multiple road side bombs, and small-arms fire from adjacent high rise buildings, April 11.
Soldiers from 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID soldiers, supporting IA soldiers  killed 2 criminal snipers, 2 criminals firing RPGs, and multiple others from a nearby building where soldiers were taking RPG and machine gun fire.
At the same time, soldiers from 1st CAB, 68th AR were transporting barriers, in support of IA soldiers establishing a checkpoint, when 2 vehicles in the convoy were damaged when they struck more than 6 IEDs.  Small-arms fire, including sniper fire, machine-gun fire and RPGs were fired from buildings overlooking the road. IA soldiers and 1-68 AR soldiers
immediately returned fire with 7.62mm and 25mm small arms, killing at least 4 Special Groups members.  Secondary explosions were observed from the building immediately after, possibly indicating arms and munitions were stored in the building.
Small-arms fire continued to come from nearby buildings until 1st CAB, 68th AR engaged the buildings with 2 122mm rounds from a M1A2 Abrams tank, killing 2 criminals and ending the small-arms attack.
Airmen assigned to HHC, 3rd BCT, operating an UAV recon platform identified 3 criminals emplacing additional IEDs. The UAV fired one Hellfire missile, killing all 3 criminals.
"The most important part about what happened is that this was a combined mission, only 2 vehicles were damaged, no U.S. or IA soldiers were seriously injured, and we went on to complete our mission," said Maj. John Gossart, exec. officer, 1st CAB.  "We are ever vigilant against criminals who commit random acts of violence and we will relentlessly hunt down these criminals who hide among Iraq's law-abiding people."

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Lightning Troop, 3/3 ACR patrol Mosul's al-Zeira neighborhood

First Lt. Kyle Hoisington of Lightning Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd Armored Cav Regt and his interpreter, stop to speak to some young men during a presence patrol in the al-Zeira neighborhood of Mosul, April 10.

First Lt. Kyle Hoisington chats with some boys.  Sgt. 1st Class Barry Taylor provides security for Hoisington.

Spc. Alex Evans pulls security in a produce market.

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MND-N hosts Iraqi Media Day in Baghdad

TIKRIT - The cmdr. of MND-North held a round table meeting with several major Iraqi media outlets in Bagdad, April 11.
Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, along with the Iraqi spokesman for the Baghdad Security plan, Tahseen Sheikhly, 9 broadcast, 4 print and 1 radio agency discussed security, economics and provincial govt development in northern Iraq.
The event provided an opportunity for Iraqi media to coordinate future embed opportunities with CF in the area.  "This was a great step in the development of relationships between Iraqi journalists and CF in northern Iraq," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesman for MND-N.

Maj. Gen. Hertling, discusses issues with several major Iraqi media agencies.

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Significant caches found North of Habbaniyah

Habbaniyah - Marines of 2nd Bn 24th Marines, RCT 1 discovered 9 caches north of Habbaniyah, April 8, 2008. They included more than 29,000 small arms rounds, 170 mortar rounds and assorted fuses, 104 artillery rounds, 47 grenades, 86 rocket propelled launchers, 15 anti-personnel and tank mines and 2 SA-7 surface-to-air missiles.  Also found at the sites were several compressed gas cylinders, 10 pounds of high explosives and an assortment of detonation cords, triggering devices, electrical blasting caps, fuses, primers and several cell phones.
The sites also included more than 35 rockets, rocket launchers, igniters, propellants and several AK-47s with magazines and 50cal machine gun.
"2nd Battalion 24th Marines brings a unique skill set to the fight, being reservists they apply knowledge from their civilian jobs to today's battlefield.  Numerous Marines in the battalion are law enforcement officials, they know how to work the streets. They know how to work with the local citizens.   Finding this cache is an example of a well trained battalion working with the locals to accomplish the mission," said Maj. Matthew Reid, current ops officer, RCT 1.

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Iraqi Border Patrol discovers large mines cache in Diyala Province

TIKRIT - The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement discovered a large weapons cache in the eastern desert of Diyala Province April 11, containing more than 100 anti-personnel mines as well as anti-tank mines and a 155mm projectile.
The Iraqi DBE in northern Iraq contains more than 8,700 agents and covers 9 points of entry into the country. They also patrol the border and conduct other assigned law enforcement duties.

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National Police, MND-C Soldiers, capture key criminal

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP and MND-Center Soldiers on a joint op captured a key criminal in Jisr Diyala, April 11.
The detainee is a known criminal leader in the area responsible for IED attacks, indirect fire attacks and weapons smuggling. This criminal is also suspected of recent violence in the area.

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Third cache discovered within seven days

TIKRIT - Iraqi Soldiers discovered 3 weapon caches of various munitions and explosives northeast of Kirkuk, April 10.
The caches included 60mm Chinese mortars, 82mm Chinese mortars, 57mm Chinese projectiles, 120mm Chinese mortar high explosives, 60mm Iraqi mortars, more than 50 85mm Iraqi rocket motors, 105mm Iraqi projectiles, 40mm projected fuses, 130 Russian projectiles, Russian fuses and an 85mm Russian projectile.
This is the third large cache found in this area within a week.

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Dear Interested Readers,
The 4th Brigade of the 1st ID going home proud of all their accomplishments -  Kudos!   Iraqi SF and SoI continue to grow and increase security in northern Iraq.  Many joint ops produce caches and capture terrorists.  I love the story of our soldiers teaching Iraqi children how to play basketball.  Enjoy!
Joanna
_____________________________

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

April 11, 2008

UAV destroys mortar position, kills 6

BASRA - A CF unmanned aerial vehicle engaged a group of criminals firing mortars at Iraqi SF,  April 11, killing 6 and injuring 1. 
This is part of the ongoing support provided by CF to Iraqi SF to assist in combating the destabilizing criminal elements in Basra which seek to undermine the authority of the
legitimate govt of Iraq.

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'Surge' Brigade redeploys

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from the 4th Bde, 1st ID are redeploying to Fort Riley, Kan., this month.
"I'm proud of Task Force Dragon's Soldiers and the amazing work they've done in 14 months here," said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, 4th Bde cmdr.  "We successfully reduced sectarian violence and attacks against Coalition and Iraqi SF by more than 60 percent across the board, strengthened bonds with our ISF brothers, as well as the district and neighborhood govts, and worked diligently to restore essential services.
"We also got to know the people of Rashid, many of whom helped us to end the cycle of violence by courageously providing info leading to the capture of hundreds of criminals who were not acting in the best interests of a secure and stable Iraq.

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UAV kills 6 heavily armed criminals

BAGHDAD - CF from MND-Baghdad operating an unmanned aerial vehicle observed a  group of criminals with RPG launchers and a mortar tube in northeast Baghdad, April 10.
The UAV fired a Hellfire missile killing 6 heavily armed criminals.

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IA, MND-B Soldiers conduct search ops in Abu Ghraib

Sgt. Stefan Moye, a medic in the 1st Bn, 21st Inf Regt, enters two men into the Handheld
Interagency Identification Equipment system April 6 as part of an op in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad.

Spc. Gerardo Serrano, works with Iraqi Army soldiers.

Staff Sgt. Sean Clark, a squad leader, checks the reed line for weapons and personnel.

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Iraqi Army soldiers find weapons caches, detain 2 in separate operations

CAMP STRIKER - Iraqi Soldiers discovered a weapons cache and detained 2 suspected AQI members during a dismounted patrol in Said Abdullah Corridor, April 8.
The cache included 19 IEDs, 22 60 mm mortar rounds, a mortar tube, 2 RPGs, 6 RPG rounds and 2 Katusha rockets.
In 2 separate ops, the IA soldiers, in a joint patrol with 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), yielded a cache find east of the Qadisiyah Apartments in Mahmudiyah, April 8 and 9, including 7 80 mm mortars and 7 82 mm mortar rounds; 9 RPG rounds, 5 RPG launchers,  60 mm mortars, a mortar site, an AK-47, 70 flares, an IED, and IED making materials.

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ISF and SOI continue to grow while aiding in Iraq's future

TIKRIT - Iraqi SF and SoI have been substantial contributors for the increased security in northern Iraq over the last several months.  More than 60,000 IA soldiers, more than 78,000 IP, more than 8,700 border enforcement agents, as well as 3,100 members of the NP are now making northern Iraq a safer place. 
Since the turn of the year in northern Iraq, there has been an increase from just more than 14,500, to a staggering number of nearly 25,000 active members.  With overall violence dropping more than 60 percent across Iraq over the past 10 months, attacks in the north remain high.  June of last year was considered the peak of violence in northern Iraq with hundreds of attacks occurring across each of the provinces.  However, now attacks have dropped almost 50 percent from that time frame. This includes the recent increase in attacks in the Mosul area.
Diyala has experienced a decrease of more than 75 percent from that time frame.  This progress is due to the efforts of the Iraqi people willing to standup and work together with ISF to end violence in the north.
ISF and SOI discovered 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq April 7 and 8.  Additionally, this week, 5 caches were discovered in Diyala Province, along with 2 caches each in Kirkuk, Ninewah and Salah ad Din Provinces.
The caches consisted of rockets, mortars and projectiles of different sizes, and hundreds of pounds of IED making materials.

Sheik Haddi Ghadda and Sheik Munthir sign the contracts for their respective SoI members and paved the way to protect their neighborhoods in the northern Rashaad valley of Kirkuk Province, April 7.  Following the signing, SOI members recited the SOI Oath, pledging their support to the Iraqi SF and their commitment to protect their citizens against terrorist activity.

Pfc. William Small and Sgt. Mervin Narito, both of Co A, 2nd Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID from Fort Lewis, Wash., search a vehicle with a SoI member for IEDs at a checkpoint near Muqdadiyah, Feb. 1.

From left, Iraqi Deputy Ministers of Interior Mayash and Ayden Khalid with Diyala Governor Tamimi discuss how to meet the demands of the Baqubah-area SoI at the Diyala Governance Center in Baqubah, Feb. 11.

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MND-C Soldiers find weapons cache in Janabi

CAMP STRIKER - MND-C Soldiers with 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), found a weapons cache in Janabi, April 10 containing more than 1,000 7.62 mm rounds, approx. 200 .50 cal rounds, 55 mm rounds, about 10 rockets, 120 mm rounds, 106 mm rounds, a 125 mm round, 5 155 mm illumination rounds, 10 pounds of propellant, fuses, a hand grenade, TNT and other bomb-making materials.

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ISF capture 2 AQI IED cell members, 1 insurgent cell leader in separate ops

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 2 suspected AQI IED cell members and an insurgent cell leader in separate ops April 8 and 9.
In Ramadi, the Anbar Counterterrorism Directorate conducted an op to capture members of an AQI IED cell operating out of the Albu Faraj area of Ramadi. The cell is accused of multiple attacks against Iraqi and CF including an IED attack, March 25. The group also owned an IED cache found by the Albu Faraj IP, March 30. Two cell members were detained during the op.
In Mosul, IA Soldiers captured the suspected leader of 7 "battalions" of insurgents throughout Mosul.  His cells are believed to be responsible for IED and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and CF including 2 suicide vest IED attacks against tactical control points in eastern Mosul, March 13.

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ISF, Coalition Forces Conduct Joint Operation      
By Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles

Pfc. Stanley, a medic with the 511th MP Co from Fort Drum, N.Y., watches as an IP searches a vehicle.

FOB DELTA — An IP-led op in An Numaniyah sent a message to criminals in the city - Iraqi SF are in control.  More than 300 IP, IA and CF deployed to An Numaniyah to conduct checkpoint ops in a joint effort, April 7.  Dubbed Op Crystal Springs, the mission also provided ISF and Coalition leadership the opportunity to engage with local govt officials and sheikhs.
“It was an op that was planned by the IP, supported by the IA and the CF,” said Capt. Eric Wigley, cmdr. of the 511th.  “They wanted to show the people that they are committed to the city, they are committed to their populace and they can, when they want, mass forces to help secure the population,” Wigley said. The forces established 4 checkpoints strategically placed in and around the city to interact with residents, search vehicles for contraband and distribute humanitarian assistance.
At one checkpoint, the ISF, along with Soldiers from 511th, searched more than 200 vehicles.  The U.S. forces were there in an advisory role, said 1st Lt. Lynnette Jefferson, a platoon leader with 511th MP Co. “Our Soldiers knew what was expected of them,” she said. “They understood that the checkpoints were an IP responsibility.”  Jefferson said the MPs have trained with the IPs on conducting vehicle and personnel searches, conducting joint patrols and reacting to IEDs, small arms fire and precision gun fire.

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Camp Teaches Iraqi Children Basketball

By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

With the ball, Spc. Cortez Cox, a water purification specialist, and Staff Sgt. Howard Benjamin, a section leader, both with Co B, 2nd Bn, 69th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), teach Radwaniyah children how to defend and take the ball away during day two of a three-day basketball camp at Patrol Base Lion’s Den.

PATROL BASE LION’S DEN — Radwaniyah area children were treated to something a little out of the ordinary when U.S. Soldiers at Patrol Base Lion’s Den held a basketball camp recently.
Holding a basketball camp where Soldiers could teach lessons in teamwork, discipline and hard work, resulted from Staff Sgt. Christopher Dickerson and his co. cmdr., Capt. Sean Morrow, putting their heads together.
Dickerson and Morrow wanted Co B, to give back to the community and get the kids in the area together. Their idea captured the support of many company Soldiers, some of whom, like Sgt. Dwight Williams, added ideas and manpower to make the camp a hit.  Williams has a brother who holds a basketball camp at home every summer.  Williams said he tries to make it to the camp to help each year, but donates $500 to sponsor 5 children when he can’t be there.  “Being over here this time, I got to work with the Iraqi kids and I felt just like I was back at home,” Williams said. “I was able to give back to the community.”
Giving back to Radwaniyah has involved more than just teaching basketball. One sheikh said the security the Americans had established was the first gift to the community.  “Thanks to God, the IA and the CF, the security is very good,” said Sheikh Al-Tharib, a local leader in Radwaniyah. “That makes a good situation where our kids can play soccer, or come here and learn basketball.”
Teaching the children basketball, an American game, instead of soccer - a much more common game in Iraq - had its purpose. The Soldiers wanted to share American culture, but they also wanted to get everyone on common ground, starting off as beginners.      
Eighteen children showed up for the first day of the 3-day camp, 27 came on the second day and there were 47 by the last day. “It’s just like spreading the word back home; if one kid likes it, he’s going to tell a friend and then he’ll tell a friend,” Williams said. “We were just glad to have so many kids come out.”
The children formed teams and played a championship game at the culmination of camp, allowing them to show off what they had learned. They were then treated to a cookout and given awards. Twenty-five children got one more thing, something they held dearly as they walked away – their very own Quran.  “In my brother’s camp (in Birmingham) we give out Bibles,” Williams said.  “Here, a lot of families don’t have Qurans, so we gave out Qurans … Giving out a Quran is letting them know, ‘I respect your religion, just like I respect mine.’”  Local sheikhs happily brought the Qurans in at the request of Morrow.

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Dear Interested Readers,
For those of us that missed Gen. Petraeus' testimony before the House Armed Forces Com., you can read about it here.  There is also a most interesting story about how our military lawyers are helping Iraqi judges, and how a batallion is helping Iraqis achieve freedom, security and stability.
Joanna
___________________________

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

April 10, 2008

MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a munitions cache on a daily combat patrol in the Hadar beladiya of Baghdad, April 9.  CF seized multiple mortar rounds and materials used to make IEDs as well as more than 2,000 7.62mm rounds of ammo, a RPG with launcher, a sniper rifle, blasting caps and detonation cord.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected EFP cell leader, seize cache

BAGHDAD - In the Aamel Beladiya neighborhood, located in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, April 9, Soldiers from 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, currently attached to the 4th BCT, 1st ID, acted on a tip from a SoI and detained the individual who is believed to be the leader of an IED production cell, responsible for making EFPs.
The soldiers also discovered an IED made of 5 60mm mortar rounds and a flash-bang grenade.
"The tip that led to the detention of this individual is further evidence that the people of Iraq will not tolerate criminals and criminal behavior," said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman.

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Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army discover large cache in Husayniyah

KARBALA - Iraqi SF discovered a large weapons cache and detained 6 criminal suspects during an op in Husayniyah, south of Baghdad, April 8.
The cache discovery and detainments were made as a result of an intel-driven op, targeting a house in the area, with the assistance of Karbala Police. The ISF discovered a cache hole that led under the house to the hidden explosives, containing nearly 100 blocks of C4, weighing approx. 600 grams each, an IED, a 60 mm mortar tube, an assortment of rifles and hand grenades, and numerous RPGs, mortars and small-arms rounds.
"This is a significant cache find, because this is a larger and more modern selection of munitions than has typically been found in this area," said Maj. Kevin Rice, intel officer for MiTT 33.  Rice added that initial analysis from the ISF said the C4 blocks were dated from 2007 and appeared to be Iranian-produced.  Additionally, the area where the op took place was a "rally area" for criminals, according to the analysis.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 13 criminals

BAGHDAD - In separate engagements in Baghdad, April 9, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, manning a combined checkpoint with Iraqi NP, were attacked by criminals with small-arms fire from a rooftop nearby in northeastern Baghdad.  Soldiers returned fire and killed one criminal.
Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), killed 4 criminals in northwestern Baghdad, after they were attacked with RPGs at a checkpoint.
An AWT provided security for Soldiers emplacing concrete barriers at a JSS in northeastern Baghdad who were attacked with small-arms fire.  The AWT engaged the criminals with 2 hellfire missiles and killed 4.
Soldiers from 2-101 Abn. Div. killed 4 criminals after being attacked with small-arms fire from 2 different locations in northwestern Baghdad.

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ISF, SOI discover 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq

TIKRIT - Iraqi SF and Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, have discovered 11 weapons caches in northern Iraq, April 7 and 8.
Over the 2 days, 5 caches were discovered in Diyala Province along with 2 caches each in Ta'Mim, Ninewah and Salah ad Din Provinces, consisting of rockets, mortars, projectiles of different sizes and hundreds of pounds of IED making materials.
"As security continues to improve, so will the number of caches discovered.  Both ISF and the SoI are leading the way for the safety and security for the people of Iraq," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesman for MND-North.

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Battalion Helps Iraqis Reclaim Freedom, Security, Stability

By Army Staff Sgt. Brent Williams
Special to American Forces Press Service

Army Sgt. Keith Fosmire, takes point, April 5, 2008, during a combined patrol with IA Soldiers. The Iraqis and CF patrolled Doura's industrial commercial 5th Street and surrounding areas as part of efforts to provide stability and security for the 1.2 million people in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

BAGHDAD — The Raider BCT has a new ally in its mission to help the GoI and MND-Baghdad soldiers build upon the predominately Sunni community of Doura in Baghdad’s Rashid district.
The 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, “Warriors” will be attached to the 4th ID’s 1st BCT next week as part of its mission to help the govt and the Iraqi people.
“It is our intent to create a safe and stable living environment for the people of the Doura district,” said Army Lt. Col. Timothy Watson, cmdr of 2-4th Inf Regt, part of the 10th Mtn Div’s 4th BCT, based at Fort Polk, La.  The battalion’s current mission is to work with Iraqi SF and the local district councils responsible for the community, which is home to the Doura Market, a social, cultural and economic center in southern Baghdad, Watson explained.  “This area has all the potential to flourish economically and contribute to the proud cultural heritage of the Iraqi nation,” Watson said.
Army 2nd Lt. Jay Parsons, a platoon leader assigned to Co B, 2-4th, said, “I try to ensure that we conduct some type of combat op every day,” said Parsons. “Be it cordon and search or dismounted and mounted patrols, it’s a constant thing. There is still a small group of criminal elements within the district that we are weeding out, but I do not see a major threat.”
Security is not the platoon’s only function, said Parsons, a graduate of Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in history and criminal justice.  “There is still a lot of potential for growth in there,” Parsons said. “There is a need for community services, and there are definitely capable people within the district to run all that.”  The regiment’s co. cmdrs. also are working to stimulate the local economy and assist local business owners with small-business loans to help revitalize areas such as the Doura Market, he added.
Army Sgt. Keith Fosmire, a team leader in Parsons’ platoon, said that in the short time since his unit began working with the Doura residents, he's seen the quality of life improve and an increase in the people’s respect for their community.  Fosmire, who is on the fifth deployment of his 11-year career, said he credits the unit’s success to the “squared-away and dedicated” soldiers of 2-4th, as well to as the extensive training the battalion conducted last year, prior to its deployment.

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New Rule of Law Expert Meets Mada’in Judges

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

Col. Doug House, reviews documents with Judge Rushdi, at the courthouse in Jisr Diyala, April 8.

FOB HAMMER — Col. Doug House, a military lawyer assigned to the Baghdad-8 embedded PRT, attached to the 3rd HBCT, met with 3 judges at the courthouse in Jisr Diyala to gauge their needs, April 8.
Judge Alwan, chief investigative judge of the qada, welcomed House. “I am glad that you are here and we have the opportunity to meet you,” Alwan said. “It is because of people like you that we are all sitting here in my office today. Your country has helped my country a great deal.”
The current judicial expert for the 3rd HBCT believes House will be able to work with the judges to facilitate their permanent return to the courthouse in Salman Pak.  “I thought Col. House made a good impression on the judges,” said Spc. Ryan Burkholder. “After an hour of discussion, he was able to work through some issues.”
Over the past year, Burkholder has worked with judges in the Mada’in Qada and Baghdad to help return rule of law to the area.  “He has done his job quietly and well,” said Maj. James Carlisle,  Burkholder’s supervisor. “He represents the stellar caliber of young men and women in the Army that makes it the best army in the world.”
Burkholder was proud of the role he played in bringing the judicial branch back to the qada and said House would be the perfect person to replace him.  “We have seen a significant decrease in violent crimes since the judges have come back,” Burkholder said.  “People now know that when they do things wrong here, they will have to sit before the judge,” he said. “I believe that is deterring a lot of crimes from happening.”

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Petraeus: Iraqis Want to Establish National Sovereignty
     
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, comm. gen. of MNF-Iraq, discusses issues with the Rusafa Security District Cmdr Brig. Gen. Abdullah.

WASHINGTON — The Iraqi Government wants to establish itself as an independent entity that one day can stand on its own feet without U.S. assistance, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq testified before the House Armed Services Committee here Wednesday.  “They want to do that as much as we do,” Army Gen. Petraeus, told House panel members.
Senior Iraqi governmental leaders are placing themselves “under enormous personal pressure and collective pressure of the various political elements in Iraq to increasingly exercise their sovereignty,” Petraeus said.  In fact, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s recent decision to send Iraqi troops into Basra and other parts of southern Iraq to put down violence perpetrated by illegal militias, represents the Iraqis’ desire to attend to their internal affairs, Petraeus pointed out. “That was not something that we pushed him to do,” Petraeus said. “That was something that they wanted to do.”
Assisting the new Iraqi government is like teaching a young child how to ride a bicycle, Petraeus observed, noting the United States is “trying to support it as much as we can, while keeping as light a hand on the bicycle seat as possible.”  Several Iraqi provinces, like Basra province in the south, where some outbreaks of violence occurred recently, contain few U.S. military forces or even none at all, Petraeus pointed out.  “In the bulk of those southern provinces, Iraqi forces proved up to the task,” the four-star general said.
The US is reducing its troop presence in Iraq, Petraeus said, noting 15 brigades will remain in Iraq after the surge forces are redeployed at the end of July.  Asked if U.S. troop strength in Iraq could be further reduced after July, Petraeus responded that he and other senior U.S. cmdrs plan to review security and local governance conditions.
“We are thinning out very substantially right now,” Petraeus remarked, noting the impending departure of the surge forces will reduce the U.S. military footprint in Iraq by one-quarter. Petraeus said he can foresee possible additional U.S. force reductions in Iraq beyond the remaining 15 brigades.
“We have a number of months and a number of substantial actions to take before then, but we already are identifying areas that we think are likely candidates for [additional troop reductions],” Petraeus said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We start off honoring an extraordinary Navy SEAL Michael Mansoor who by his courage and love of his fellow man, made the ultimate sacrifice, and we share in celebrating his life.  Numerous caches and criminals continue to be taken off the streets of Iraq, while progress continues with a brick factory complex quadrupling its workers, and IA and IP showing great leadership and confidence.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 9, 2008

Pres. Bush Confers Highest Military Decoration on Fallen Navy SEAL

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Petty Officer Second Class Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, was awarded posthumously the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates.  Monsoor also received the Silver Star for his actions in May during the same deployment in 2006, when he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to rescue and treat an injured teammate.

WASHINGTON — President Bush posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor Tuesday, a Navy SEAL whose mortal sacrifice in Iraq saved the lives of two fellow SEALs and several Iraqi soldiers.
The fallen SEAL’s parents, George and Sally Monsoor, accepted the honor on their son’s behalf during a White House ceremony. The Medal of Honor, awarded for gallantry in combat exceeding the call of duty, is the nation’s highest military decoration.
Monsoor, a 25 year-old machine gunner with SEAL Team 3, was providing security at a sniper lookout post,  Sept. 29, 2006, in Ramadi, when a fragmentation grenade hit his chest and bounced to the floor.  Positioned next to the single exit, only Monsoor could have escaped harm.  Instead, Monsoor used his body to absorb the blast and shield two nearby SEALs.  The SEALs and 8 Iraqi soldiers survived, some with wounds, others unscathed.  Monsoor died a half hour later.
“One of the survivors puts it this way: ‘Mikey looked death in the face that day and said, “You cannot take my brothers. I will go in their stead,”’” said Pres. Bush, quoting one of the SEALs saved by Monsoor.
In remarks today, the president characterized the petty officer as an unlikely candidate for the SEALs.  As a child, he suffered from asthma attacks and coughing fits that routinely landed him in the hospital.  But the asthmatic child resolved to wean himself off his inhaler, strengthening his lungs by challenging his siblings in swimming races. The determined child grew into a young man who eventually completed SEAL training, which Pres. Bush called the “ultimate test of physical endurance.  Less than a third of those who begin this training become SEALs, but Mike would not be denied a spot.”
The maritime component of U.S. Special Ops Command, Navy SEALs are expert reconnoiters and stealth warriors, often performing clandestine ops that larger forces cannot conduct undetected.  Today Monsoor became the first SEAL to earn the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq, and the second SEAL to receive the award since Sept. 11, 2001.
Monsoor will be inducted tomorrow into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, where his name will be engraved alongside some 3,445 recipients of the nation's highest honor.
The petty officer previously was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with combat “V” device, and a Purple Heart before becoming the fourth servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor since the beginning of ops Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
“The Medal of Honor is awarded for an act of such courage that no one could rightly be expected to undertake it,” the president said. “Yet those who knew Michael Monsoor were not surprised when he did.”

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle kills 2 criminals

BAGHDAD - A U.S. Air Force UAV observed a group of criminals with weapons attacking Iraqi Security and CF with small-arms fire in northeast Baghdad, April 9.  The UAV fired a hellfire missile, and killed 2 of the armed criminals.

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IED weapons making facility destroyed in Diyala

TIKRIT - While conducting clearing ops, CF Soldiers discovered an IED weapons making facility in Diyala Province, April 8. The facility was determined to be an imminent threat to CF Soldiers, and after the area was cleared of any civilians, a U.S. Air Force F-18 destroyed the facility with a 500-pound bomb.

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Iraqi Army soldiers discover hundreds of mortar rounds

CAMP STRIKER - Iraqi Soldiers discovered a weapons cache containing nearly 300 mortar rounds near Rushdi Mullah, April 7.  The cache contained 283 60 mm mortar rounds, 4 120 mm mortar rounds, 6 smaller mortar rounds, 3 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, 2 pre-made cinderblock IEDs and 24 fuses.

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U.S. SF destroy AQI training camp, find large weapons cache in Jazeera Desert

BALAD - U.S. SF destroyed an AQI training camp and large weapons cache during a multi-day op, April 2 to April 5, in the Jazeera Desert. The cache included more than 20,000 rounds of 14.5 mm ammo, SA-7 surface-to-air missiles, a SA-7 battery, 14.5 mm machine guns, 68 mm rockets, TNT, suicide-vest charges, hand grenades, 82 mm mortar tubes, 82 mm mortar rounds, a 120 mm mortar tube, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG warheads, and homemade explosives materials.
The U.S. SF called for CF airstrikes to destroy the training compound. Five of 18 structures were completely destroyed and the weapons cache items were either destroyed or transported away from the site.

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Baqubah SWAT unit detains six suspected AQI fighters

BALAD - The Baqubah SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SF, detained 6 suspected AQI fighters in an op in Baqubah's Shil'bah village, April 8.  The AQI had been using the area as a base for IED and small-arms fire attacks, and reported to use the village as a rest area, a prison and a meeting place for AQI leaders.   
"Iraqi Security and CF remain relentless in the pursuit of these AQI terrorists," said Col. Bill Buckner, spokesman for MNC-Iraq. "We will continue to hunt down terrorists who put the Iraqi people in danger by hiding among civilians."

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ISOF snare terrorist and criminal suspects

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SOF deployed to Basrah, including other ISOF teams operating from their bases in Baghdad and Balad, captured a dozen suspected terrorists and Special Group members during separate ops in the past week.  The ops were part of the GoI's continuing fight against terrorists, insurgents and criminals. 
The ISOF ops sought to re-establish safety and security in Basrah. While serving arrest warrants, ISOF captured 5 suspects on the city's west side. The detainees are suspected of IED attacks at a major street intersection.  During the op, ISOF troops searched and cleared more than 30 buildings detecting and destroying 9 IEDs.
In Baghdad, ISOF troops detained a suspected AQI terrorist and 2 other suspects. The man is suspected of creating a suicide network and overseeing suicide attacks against around the capitol.  He is accused of forming a criminal group to conduct attacks against CF in Tahrir, southeast of Baghdad.

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MND-N Soldiers find large cache during Op Manchu Harvest III

TIKRIT - MND-North Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div discovered a large weapons cache in Salah ad Din Province during a new op this week.
Op Manchu Harvest, which began April 4, is designed to remove insurgent activity in the region.  During the first week of the op, CF Soldiers discovered the weapons cache, which consisted of artillery rounds, mortar rounds, rockets, rocket propelled grenades, mortar fuses, an RPG launcher, hand grenades, suicide vests, a land-mine, more than 150 small-arms rounds of various sizes and over 60 pounds of IED making materials as well as other explosives.
"These significant cache finds continue to erode the enemy's capabilities," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, a MND-North spokesman.

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Aerial weapons team kills mortar team

BAGHDAD - A CF AWT killed 2 criminals and destroyed a mortar tube, April 8.  These criminals fired 2 mortar rounds at CF in northeast Baghdad.  Moments later, an unmanned aerial vehicle observed the 2 criminals covering the tubes with a tarp and then hiding behind an adjacent building. The AWT killed the criminals with a Hellfire missile, and fired a second Hellfire missile destroying the mortar tube.

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UAV destroys rocket rails, mortar and 10 criminals

BAGHDAD - A U.S. Air Force Predator observed 4 rocket rails in an open field in northeastern Baghdad, April 8.  The UAV fired a Hellfire missile destroying all rocket rails after the UAV controllers determined there were no civilians in the area.
In a second engagement a Predator observed a group of armed criminals with RPGs and a mortar tube in northeast Baghdad.  The UAV engaged these criminals firing a Hellfire missile killing 10 and wounding 2.

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CF Revive Narhwan Brick Factory Complex with Vet Clinic

Assisted by a brick factory worker, Capt. Rory Carolan, senior veterinarian and agriculture adviser with the civil affairs team, G9, 3rd ID, examines a donkey at the Narhwan Brick Factory Complex.

NARHWAN — An industrial complex in Iraq has quadrupled its employment and productivity over the last 3 months and a skilled team from MND-Center is helping the companies maintain and keep their labor force healthy.  More than 250 donkeys were recently treated by vet. Capt. Rory Carolan, and Soldiers from 1st Bn, 10th FA, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID. The donkeys will be used in the absence of motorized vehicles at the Narhwan Brick Factory Complex.

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Numerous Criminals Detained, Caches Found During Operation Estonia 

   
By Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
4th BCT, 3rd ID

Prior to detonation, IP and CF stand with RPGs, 107 mm rockets and command wire, April 5, at IA FOB Mahawil.  The munitions came from caches found in al Qasim and Hashmiyah last week.

FOB KALSU — Iraqi SF detained numerous criminals and found 2 caches during Op Estonia, March 29 - 30 in the Iraqi cities of Hamza and Hashmiyah.
“Op Estonia was an op to combat extremists who had occupied the town of Hashmiyah,” said Maj. Tony Campbell, G-3 adviser and deputy team leader with 31st MiTT, 4th Bde Special Troops Bn, 3rd ID. “I was surprised by the tenacity of the extremists; they fought hard, but the Iraqi SF still prevailed in the op.”
During the 2-day op, IA Soldiers; ERU with the IP; and Hillah SWAT, teamed up with CFelements from 3rd Sqdrn, 73rd Cav Regt, 82nd Abn Div, and the 31st MiTT.
Campbell said the op showed both criminals and the local populace that ISF are willing and capable to combat criminals. “This op gave confidence to the Iraqi SF that they were powerful enough, strong enough to defeat (the criminals),” Campbell said.
Op Estonia was just one of many raids in the Babil province that were fought to defeat criminals, beginning in the evening March 25.  “During the next seven to 10 days the Iraqi SF did a series of ops and in all of these operations the ISF were successful,” Campbell said.
The 2 caches that were found consisted of 23 anti-tank mines, 3 crates of approx. 40 pounds of explosives each, 3 crates of pellet-shaped explosives, 15 81 mm mortars, 2 120 mm mortars, 1,500 DSHKA rounds, a can of 120 mm mortar fuses, 10 EFP housings, 10 EFP discs ranging from 4 - 12 inches, a 6-inch complete EFP, 3 grain bags full of EFP rings, tubes and back covers, 2 MK-19 rounds and a 120 mm casing.
“The overall outcome is favorable for the govt because the Iraqi SF have a renewed vigor, a new confidence in themselves and the people have a greater confidence in the ability of the SF to protect them and they’re no longer intimidated by the militia,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the op also improved lines of communication between elements of the IP and IA. “They are openly sharing intel between these organizations in order to improve their efficiency during ops.”

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Dear Interested Readers,
Lots of positive stories today, including lots of aerial support for our ground troops.  The port city of UmQasr is open and flourishing, and our Air Force is doing a great job at the Village of Hope. There's a touching letter not to be missed.  We're also taken through a successful mission in Mahmudiyah, where peace is kept and criminals are deterred.
Joanna
____________________________

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

April 8, 2008

Aircraft drops bomb on criminal mortar site

BAGHDAD - A U.S. Air Force F-16 dropped a low-yield bomb on a mortar launching site after a MND-Baghdad observation team saw criminals emplacing mortars in the New Baghdad district, April 7.
A JSS had reported receiving a mortar round near their location in the New Baghdad district.  After a second 82 mm round impacted near the JSS, an aerial surveillance team determined the 2 mortars' point of origin. Iraqi SF called in a U.S. Army Apache AWT that engaged and killed the mortar crew with a Hellfire missile.  An F-16 then dropped a low-yield bomb on the mortar site.

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Aerial Weapons Team destroys rocket-launch rails

BAGHDAD - A MND-Baghdad AWT destroyed a structure housing rocket-launch rails in eastern Baghdad, April 7.
An MND-B AWT observed criminals recovering rocket-launch rails following a rocket attack.  The team launched a hellfire missile, destroying the structure and the rails.
"We remain relentless in our pursuit of these criminal elements," said Col. Allen Batschelet, MND-B chief of staff.  "We will continue to hunt down the criminals and take away their ability to launch these cowardly attacks."

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Coalition Forces kill criminal, destroy vehicle used in rocket attack

BAGHDAD - An AWT killed a criminal and destroyed a vehicle used in transporting rocket-launching rails in the eastern Baghdad district of New Baghdad, April 7.
After observing the criminals depart the area in a white van an AWT was called in to follow the vehicle.  Once the van parked, the AWT launched 2 Hellfire missiles and destroyed the vehicle and its driver.
"We killed a terrorist from a rocket team involved in the rocket attacks on the Int'l Zone in Baghdad," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B. "Along with our Iraqi SF partners, we will continue to hunt down these criminals.  Rocket attacks directed against Iraqi, CF or innocent Iraqi civilians will be dealt with quickly and severely."

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ISF capture criminal element leader, suspected AQI terrorist in separate ops

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, captured a suspected criminal element leader and suspected AQI terrorist in 2 separate ops, April 6.
In the Dhi Qar province, the Nasiriyah Iraqi SWAT unit conducted an op to capture a leader of a criminal network. He is linked to multiple assassination attempts against Iraqi and CF in the Dhi Qar province, and is said to have knowledge of the EFP and IED smuggling networks in the area.
In Mosul, Iraqi SOF detained a suspected AQI terrorist reported to be involved in the smuggling of weapons. The suspect is also believed to have been involved IED attacks for AQI in the area.  One other suspect is being held for further questioning.

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Port city of UmQasr is open for business

UMQASR - UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload imports, April 6.
"The estimated flow of goods into Iraq is 60,000 tons with 15,000 passing through UmQsar," said Todd Stratton, Task Force to Support Business and Stability Ops in Iraq.
"The single largest commodity is food such as wheat, rice, sugar and other food items," Stratton said. "The port is a critical gateway to supply the Iraqi nation with food imports."  According to Stratton, the port has a grain silo that can process 7,500 tons a day with 5,000 tons being hauled away.
Iraqi SF provided a secure working environment for the Iraqi dock workers to perform their daily jobs.  The Passenger Hall at the port is nearing complete refurbishment, and will soon be fully-operational for passengers and merchants alike.

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ISF recover weapons cache, kill 10 in separate operations in Basra

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, recovered a weapons cache and killed 10 criminals in separate ops in Basra, April 3 and 4.
An Iraqi ERU conducted an op to locate and eliminate weapon caches used by criminal members in the Mufaqiyah district. The ERU unit located 2 caches, including 60 mm mortar rounds, rocket propelled grenades and EFPs.
During another op, the ISOF team came under heavy EFP, IED and small-arms fire attacks. The team returned fire killing 2 persons who were attacking ISOF.  Two CF aircraft provided close-air support killing 8 additional individuals.

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Village of Hope Gives Iraqis New Perspective 
   
By Sgt. Jason Stadel
2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

Capt. Josh Aldred (center), poses April 2 with the first Village of Hope class.  Aldred and a team of 30 Airmen from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Sqdrn, taught Hawr Rajab residents the basics of construction, plumbing, electricity, masonry and well drilling.   The first class of Village of Hope students will graduate in late May or early June.

FOB KALSU — When an Air Force engineer first stepped foot in Hawr Rajab last December, a former AQI safe haven, the thought that came to mind was a scene from an old western movie.  “Most of the businesses were shuttered and the main road was more comparable to the O.K. Corral,” said Capt. Josh Aldred.
Four months later, AQI was gone and Aldred saw a community flourishing with business and hope.  Aldred was the primary instructor at the Village of Hope vocational school located on the grounds of Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab.  He ended his tour in Iraq April 3, and turned the project over to another Air Force captain.
The overall goal is to teach residents of Hawr Rajab necessary skills to rebuild their war-torn community.
“The experience has been great and the students have been really receptive to learning new ideas and methods of construction,” he said. “This mission has been a big experiment for the Air Force and military engineers in general.”
The Airmen forged friendships with most of the 50 current students, all of whom are from Hawr Rajab. When they found out Aldred was returning to Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., they wrote him and his troops a letter of appreciation.  “In the past we had different feelings and a kind of misunderstanding towards the American people,” read the letter, signed by the students.  “After being close to you, we found out that we are almost the same.  We both love and care and sacrifice for other people.  This removed the fears we had before and now we have become very good friends.”
The letter reinforced what Aldred was already thinking: the Village of Hope experiment is working. “In my mind, the Village of Hope concept should be used in other locations throughout Iraq,” he said. “In addition to helping the locals improve their community, the program helps CF because we give military-aged males another option to provide for their families instead of turning to those who would do us harm.”
Members of the Village of Hope class share the same sentiments as Aldred. They said they now see Americans as people wanting to make Iraq better for the Iraqi people, not as an occupying force. “We will spread all of your nice words … to keep the good memories in our mind which changed our life and how we felt about CF,” the letter said.
“The effects of the Village of Hope include area beautification, new construction, which means more jobs, and tons of litter and rubble removed from the side of the road,” Aldred said.  Aldred added that he and his Airmen along with their Troop A, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID counterparts, who provide security and transportation to the Village of Hope, can take pride in their endeavor.  “It feels good to have made a difference, and none of this would have been possible without a team effort from the Army and Air Force.”
As the students prepared to continue their studies with new instructors they wished Aldred and his crew well and hoped the Airmen would remember their positive experience working in Hawr Rajab. “We hope that you have a good depiction of Iraq in your mind,” said the letter. “Tell your people and families about us when you arrive to the United States. Tell them about our good friendship and experience we have had together.”
Three more classes are scheduled.  When all four classes are complete, 200 Hawr Rajab residents will have graduated from the vocational school.

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Iraqi Army Keeps Peace in Mahmudiyah, Deters Criminals

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

Iraqi Soldiers prepare to engage criminals in the Mahmudiyah market, March 30.

CAMP STRIKER — The Iraqi Army commander in Mahmudiyah won’t stand for criminal activity in his city.
To that end, Brig. Gen. Ali, and Lt. Col. William Zemp, cmdr. of 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), worked together recently to make sure that violence seen in Basra wasn’t replicated in Mahmudiyah.
Zemp said one word sums up the IA successes in the area:  leadership. The IA leadership at all levels – company, battalion and brigade – was involved in the mission to secure the city.  “As soon as there were indications of violence, a curfew was put into effect,” Zemp said. Vehicular traffic was suspended in the city, extra checkpoints were established and 14 additional platoons were deployed after hostilities flared March 28.  “(The criminals) were expecting us to only be defending,” Ali said. “That was true the first day.”  After that, Ali said, his Soldiers started taking offensive measures.  He said his troops believe it is their duty to pursue anyone who breaks the law.
Before the outbreak of violence, Ali said he brought in all the battalion commanders under his charge and assigned a neighborhood to each as their respective areas of op. He said this hampered the enemy’s ability to function.  “We controlled with good cooperation between the Iraqi and CF,” Ali said. “I don’t think they will try these things again in this sector.”
Zemp agreed his IA counterparts did an outstanding job. “The IA met its enemy and then crushed it; they defeated the special groups … in Mahmudiyah,” he said. “They did it in such a way that they took into consideration the civilian population and political ramifications and consequences of their actions.  In a nutshell, they did it right.”
Rakkasan Soldiers assisted their IA partners with troop leading, logistics, artillery for terrain denials and aviation support.  A platoon from 3-320th FA worked alongside each of the IA security platoons in all major engagements.
“They’re definitely pretty squared away,” said Pvt. Khristopher Wallace, Battery A, 3-320th FA, of the IA troops. “We’re moving, typically, behind them … pretty much in a support role.  They’re tactically sound and keeping everything pretty simple.  It’s just like working with another one of our units – very cohesive.”
Cooperation between the battalions and Coalition troops was key to success, according to Ali. “Things are tense but stable now,” Zemp said. “The IA is clearly in control of the city as far as Mahmudiyah is concerned and the local govt is still able to function.”
The vehicle curfew is currently in place at night but is lifted during daylight hours, allowing local citizens to run errands, go to work and receive medical care when necessary.

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Dear Interested Readers,
The largest EFP cache to date found in MND-C area of Operations!  Still more caches found and some high level terrorists captured or killed.  Iraqi police show continued signs of improvement; and a heart warming story of the Air Force dedicating Davis Combat Clinic to Medic, Army Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis.  It's so nice to honor our special heroes in special ways, always to be remembered.
Joanna
________________________

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

April 7, 2008

Iraqi Army finds second cache in Shakariyah

CAMP STRIKER - For the second time in a week, IA soldiers uncovered a weapons cache in Shakariyah, April 4.  A local sheikh led the soldiers to the site where they found potential IEDs.
The cache contained 120 mm mortar rounds, 57 mm rounds, more than 20 anti-personnel landmines, a propane tank and miscellaneous explosive materials.

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Criminal killed in foiled assassination attempt

BAGHDAD - One criminal was killed and 2 were wounded in a failed assassination attempt against a high-level police official in Babil Province, April 5.
The attack was directed against the convoy of the Hamza chief of police. The convoy was ambushed by the 3 criminals, but it was repelled by IP.  There were no IP casualties and the chief of police was not injured in the attack.

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IP update CF on station operations

BAGHDAD - IP at the Al Nashir Police Station in Mosul continue to show signs of improvement during a recent assessments visit by CF military police.  Soldiers from the 552nd MP Co conducted a station assessment visit April 4 at IP Stations and checkpoints in and around Mosul.
The Al Nashir IP Station has moved to a new location in Mosul which allowed the IP to interact more closely with local citizens.  "A lot of places we visit, things seem to be really coming together," said Spc. Nicholas Nielson, MP Soldier.  "The IPs are becoming more capable of handling ops and policing procedures on their own and have a good concept of their responsibility to protect the citizens."
The MPs used the Handheld Inter Agency Identity Detection Equipment system. This system is used to store accountability data on people, which allows the CFs to work with IPs in determining top priority criminals and other policing functions.
"Many of the checkpoints are new in this area," said 1st Sgt Milton Cowart, a unit first sgt. "So, basically, we evaluate the checkpoints handled by the IPs and ensure that they are doing what they're supposed to."

Spc. Nicholas Nielson, MP Soldier, talks about policing techniques with an IP.

Spc. Rene Douglas, MP Soldier, discusses  detainee info prior to entering the data.

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ISF find largest EFP cache to date in MND-C

FOB KALSU - A local tip led Iraqi SF to the largest EFP cache found to date in MND-Center's area of op, April 2.  The munitions were discovered in a 6-ton truck in a garage in al Qasim, containing more than 1000 EFP components, more than 3000 pounds of explosives and multiple 107 mm rockets and stands.  The cache also included more than 200 C-4 demolition charges, more than 10,000 feet of detonation cord, more than 2,000 projectile boosters, 10 devices used to detonate IEDs, 250 PKC rounds, and a myriad of land mines and mortar types.
"The ISF continue to confiscate the lethal tools of the enemy, disrupt the enemy's freedom of maneuver, and apprehend key members of the (criminal) leadership," said Capt. Michael Ranado, 4th Bde Special Troops Bn, 3rd ID spokesperson. "The IP and IA have successfully provided security for the people of the Babil province and continue vigilantly to do so." 
The cache was moved to the Joint Coordination Center in Hillah.

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MND-B Aerial Weapons Team kills 9 criminals

BAGHDAD - An AWT from MND-Baghdad killed 9 Special Groups criminals who attacked IA soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades in Baghdad, April 6.
After they were observed firing rocket-propelled grenades at the IA soldiers, the AWT engaged the attackers by firing a Hellfire missile killing 3.  The team identified 4 more criminals fleeing the scene and attempting to their hide weapons in a vehicle.  The AWT fired a missile and destroyed the vehicle, killing 6 criminals.

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Detainee information leads NP to cache

FOB HAMMER - IP secured a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari after receiving information from a detainee.  The cache consisted of rockets, PKC machine guns, a SGM light machine gun, a mortar tube, mortar and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Master Sgt. Dave Eastabrooks, with the 3rd Bde, 1st NP Training Team, packs weapons found in the cache.

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MPs carry out  Police Training Team operations

Pfc. Bill Black, MP gunner with the 728th MP Bn, 18th MP Bde sprays a cleaning lubricant preservative to his weapon. The MPs are responsible for monitoring the progress and assisting in the training of the IP in the city of Mosul.

Sgt. Matthew Greedys, MP Soldier positions the Handheld Inter Agency Identity Detection Equipment to input biometric data from a detainee at the Al Nashir IP Station in Mosul, April 4.

Pfc. Melissa Portillo, combat medic provides medical aid to a detainee at Al Nashir IP Station.

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Air Force dedicates combat clinic to fallen 1-10th Mtn. medic

KIRKUK - The U.S. Air Force dedicated their new Davis Combat Clinic at FOB Warrior to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 6.  Davis was a combat medic with Charlie Co, 10th Bde Support Bn, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div, attached to the brigade commander's personal support detachment.  She was killed when her patrol struck an IED during combat ops Nov. 5, 2007, south of Kirkuk.
"The dedication and naming of the Davis Combat Clinic is a small tribute to the sacrifice Staff Sgt. Davis gave in the defense and service to the nation," said Lt. Col. Joseph R. Novack Jr., Bde Support Bn cmdr.  He also noted while Novack had many memorable traits, the two most notable imprints she left with him were her, "Passion for being a medic and her smile."
The smiling image of Davis that adorns the entrance to the clinic would, "Welcome patients to one of the best level II medical facilities in Iraq." He said future patients would be greeted with that image and should be comforted to know they will be in good hands. "She would have it no other way," he said.
This was Davis' third tour in Iraq. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas, and three sons.

The smiling image of Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis.

Col. David Paschal, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div cmdr, and Soldiers and Airmen of FOB Warrior in Kirkuk attended.

The Davis Combat Clinic opened its doors April 6, 2008.

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ISF detain one suspected criminal element leader, five others in separate operations

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, detain a suspected criminal element leader and 5 additional suspects in 2 separate ops, April 4.
In Baghdad, Iraqi SOF captured a criminal element leader suspected in attacks against Iraqi and CF. He is also believed to extort money from ISF and local nationals in the area. Another suspect is being held for questioning. During the op, ISOF received small arms fire and returned fire killing one.
In the Shuhada area of al-Kut, a SoI reported a weapons cache to the al-Kut Iraqi SWAT unit.  At the location, Al-Kut ISWAT found and confiscated a 60mm mortar system, AK-47 assault rifles, rocket propelled grenade launchers, RPG rounds, RPG boosters, and cases of small arms ammunition.  Four suspects at the scene were detained for questioning.

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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
_______________________________________

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

Soldiers with Co B, 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, provides security on a street in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, as IA soldiers conduct a humanitarian mission, April 5.  Criminal elements attacked innocent civilians who gathered to receive food and water. The Iraqi SF, with support from MND-Baghdad Soldiers regained security in the area.

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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

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Robert W. Breeden patrols to provide security and assess living conditions in Ramadi, March 18.  Breeden is assigned to Co G, 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt.

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All Smiles

Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Oliver smiles at an Iraqi child during a patrol in the Suleikh and Qahira neighborhoods of Baghdad, April 1.  Oliver is a platoon leader assigned to the 4th ID's Co A, 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt.

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Dear Interested Readers,
It's nice to read about normalcy in Fallujah, and compassion and gratitude shown for the families of Iraqi Soldiers.  The media will never print the remembrance of one of our fallen heroes, so you will read about it here, and hopefully this will bring a measure of comfort and pride to family and friends reading this.
Joanna
________________________________

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

April 5, 2008

Fallujah citizens enjoy sports day

CAMP FALLUJAH -  Nearly 400 men and boys shared sportsmanship and camaraderie at a newly-renovated schoolyard in downtown Fallujah, April 3.
The Sports Day offered local residents a safe and organized event that included volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and a bodybuilding demonstration.  Participants received awards and recognition at the end of the afternoon.
Marines from 3rd Bn, 5th Marine Regt based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., worked with Fallujah officials to create the event over the last six months.

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Joint pediatric clinic for Iraqi Police SWAT families

TIKRIT - CF stood up a joint pediatric clinic for the families of IP SWAT team at FOB Sykes, April 2.  The goal of the pediatric clinic was to demonstrate goodwill and extend a heartfelt "Thank you" from CF to Iraqi SF, and to improve relationships between U.S. and ISWAT Soldiers, as well as local Iraqi doctors in Tal Afar.
Additionally, Soldiers and FOB personnel distributed more than 150 meals, more than 500 toys, school supplies and multivitamins.

The clinic placed emphasis on identifying surgical and sub-specialty health care needs.

The clinic was set up with bare minimum equipment in a bunker with the support of 2 fire engines, 5 IP pick-up trucks, a bus and a HMMWV.

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Iraqi Army troops turn in rocket rails

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

At FOB Kalsu, Soldiers from 1st Bn, 76th FAR, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, examine rocket-launching rails turned in by Iraqi Army troops April 3. The rails, along with batteries and timers, were aimed at FOB Kalsu.

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Iraqi SF discover weapons caches, detain key suspect in separate ops

CAMP VICTORY - Iraqi SF, in a joint effort with CF, detained a key suspect in the area of Mahmudiyah, April 3.
In a separate location, a tip from a local resident led IA Soldiers to a weapons cache in Suwayrah, consisting of 2 explosively formed projectiles, 2 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 2 Katusha rockets, an anti-tank rocket and a PKC with 500 rounds.
In southeastern Baghdad, an Iraqi citizen led Soldiers from Co C, 1st Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) to a cache, consisting of 2 107 mm rockets, 200 DSHKA rounds, various rocket and mortar parts, and 34 120 mm projectiles.
Iraqi citizens continue to reject criminal activity and are assisting the Iraqi SF to defend their communities.

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MND-C Soldiers discover weapons cache

CAMP STRIKER - Soldiers with Co A, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) discovered a wide variety of items in a home south of Owesat, April 1.
A tip from a local leader led to the cache consisting of 3 AK-47s, 11 60 mm mortars, 103 AK-47 rounds, a 9 mm pistol and multiple rounds of various weapons ammo.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers find caches near Shakeriyah

CAMP STRIKER - IA Soldiers recovered caches containing more than a dozen mortar rounds and components near Shakeriyah, April 2.
A local Iraqi approached IA soldiers with info on the location of 2 weapon caches, consisting of a 121 mm mortar, a 120 mm mortar, 12 60 mm mortars, 42 82 mm mortar fins, 2 rocket-propelled grenade warheads and a box with 119 rounds of rifle ammo.

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Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 5 years after earning the Medal of Honor

CAMP VICTORY - He was a husband, father, Soldier and leader, but on April 4, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, the 3rd ID's 51st Medal of Honor recipient was remembered simply as a hero.
A remembrance ceremony was held in the courtyard where five years ago to the day, Smith gave his life in defense of others.  He was setting up a short-term detention holding area near the Baghdad International Airport when his unit was attacked by enemy soldiers.  Outnumbered, with wounded Soldiers and damaged vehicles, Smith told his men to get back as he manned a .50 caliber machine gun from the exposed turret of an armored personnel carrier damaged by rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.  He fired at the enemy and unleashed some 300 rounds, allowing his Soldiers to reorganize and mount an attack.  Smith and his men defeated the enemy attack.  During the attack, Smith fell mortally wounded.
A disciplined, no-nonsense plt sgt with Co B, 11th Eng. Bn, 1st BCT, 3rd ID., Smith was bestowed the highest award for bravery in 2005, the Medal of Honor.  "He was a Soldier who took care of Soldiers ... he lost his life doing it," said Brig. Gen. Grimsley, who at the time was the 1st BCT, 3rd ID cmdr.
In 2003, Capt. Christopher Doerr, of HHO Co, Special Troops Bn, 3rd ID, was a 23-year-old brand-new second lieutenant. He admired Smith's expertise, precision and dedication to mission accomplishment.  "He was an expert engineer, the best in the bn. The way he motivated his Soldiers; he made them train to standard.  It all makes sense now, why he pushed us, why we did the things we did.  Now we are here because of that," Doerr said.
Smith had been in combat when he was a young private first class in Desert Storm.  In Kuwait, just days before heading into Iraq, Doerr asked Smith to tell him what war was going to be like.  "He said, 'War is hell,' and he showed me that first hand," Doerr said. "He laid it all on the line and that was not a fluke ... he was concerned for the safety of his men and others, and he put that above his own personal safety, and I think you've got to say he's a hero for that."
More than 200 people attended the remembrance ceremony, including Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, cmdr. of MNC-Iraq, who in 2003 was the dep. cmdr. for maneuver for the 3rd ID.
Large-scale pictures showed Sgt. 1st Class Smith in desert camouflage uniform days before the battle.  Diagrams, mounted on an armored personnel carrier like the one Smith used, detailed his heroic action.
Visible from the courtyard was the bullet-riddled tower the enemy had fought, but failed to seize.  A bugler played Taps and, after the ceremony, Soldiers walked the site and reflected on the sacrifice he had made for our country.

Attendees at the April 4 remembrance ceremony.

More than 200 soldiers, including cmdrs. throughout Iraq, including Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, (second from right) and Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch (right), took a pause from ops  to attend the remembrance ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith who gave his life in defense of others.

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ISF kill 7 criminal members, detain 16 in 3 separate ops in Basra

BALAD - Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SF, killed 7 criminal members and detained 16 others during 3 separate ops in Basra directed by the Govt of Iraq, April 3.
Iraqi SOF captured a suspected Special Groups leader who has been rallying criminal members in Basra to fight against CF.  Intel reports have linked the man to the kidnapping and murder of IA and ISOF soldiers.  He is also believed to be involved in oil smuggling and foreign fighter networks.
During the op, ISOF received heavy small-arms fire and two CF vehicles struck IEDs. One IED temporarily disabled a vehicle while the other IED was ineffective. ISOF killed 5 armed fighters and detained 10 others during the op.    
Hillah Iraqi SWAT team conducted an op to deny insurgent ops in Basra.  During the op, the team came under small-arms attack and returned fire while a CF aircraft provided close-air support. Two armed individuals who were firing on ISWAT were killed, and 3 others were detained.      
In a third op in Basra, an IERU captured 2 suspected members of a criminal cell linked to an ambush attempt against U.S. SF soldiers,  April 2. Three other suspects are being held for further questioning. 

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have pretty intense coverage of the clearing ops in Mosul, with lots of pictures.  Hopefully someone else will recognize a loved one.  Huge weapon caches continue to be discovered as well as key AQI criminals captured.  The non-hardcore terrorists are being re-educated, and given job training to return as productive citizens to Iraqi society. 
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 4, 2008

Iraqi citizen tip leads to large cache discovery

KIRKUK - An Iraqi citizen's tip led to a large cache discovery for CF Soldiers in Ta' Mim Province, April 3, consisting of more than 60 mortars and 6 rockets.
Since January, there have been nearly 550 cache discoveries in northern Iraq.

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Tribal leader's brother released in spirit of reintegration

TIKRIT - A Kirkuk Provincial Council member and tribal leader tearfully reunited with his brother for the first time in 8 months April 1.  His brother was released after being detained on suspicion of supporting insurgent activity in the province.  His release was facilitated by the 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div, in support of the reconciliation/reintegration efforts in the area.
The sheikh's brother was one of 10 detainees recently released. More than 200 detainees in the Ta Mim Province are being processed through the provincial judiciary system. In the coming weeks, 127 of the 200 detainees are scheduled to be released to their families.
Following the brothers' reunion, a provincial judge administered an oath to the Skeikh's brother, outlining his obligation to maintain the peace and not to support violent activities or people who do.  "Reconciliation is an opportunity for those who have made mistakes in the past to rejoin Iraqi society," said the judge.
The 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div cmdr, Col. David Paschal, was on hand and witnessed the release.  "I thank Col. Paschal for his efforts in securing my brother's release and for the forward progress in the province.  He and his soldiers are our brothers," said the Sheik. "This is a new province, and we're in full cooperation with its security forces."

Kirkuk Provincial Council member and tribal leader, hugs his brother after his release.

The recently released brother signs a contract to maintain peace, April 1.

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Sons of Iraq discover, turn in large cache

TARMIYA - In cooperation with the local sheik, SoI notified MND-Baghdad of a substantial munitions cache northwest of Baghdad, April 1.
The Soldiers from 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT searched the area and discovered the cache consisting of more than 100 68 mm rockets, rocket fuses, helicopter rockets, 82 mm mortars, and mortar fuses.  The cache also contained more than 500 artillery fuses, empty rocket bodies, 155 mm artillery shells, 75 boxes containing hundreds of 14.5 mm heavy machine gun ammo, and 9 large boxes containing loose 14.5 mm heavy machine gun ammo.  Fifty plastic green tubes containing an unknown substance, M-88 anti-tank
mines attached to detonating cord, rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47 magazines, numerous loose small arms rounds and one copper cone-shaped charge were all found in the large cache.
"The SoI are the heroes of the day. They found this very large cache and took it out of the hands of the terrorists," said Maj. Al Hing, a 2nd Stryker BCT spokesperson.

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MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD - While conducting a patrol in southern Baghdad, April 2, Soldiers from 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, seized rocket-propelled grenade warheads, 81 mm mortar rounds, 60 mm mortar rounds, dozens of hand grenades and hundreds of 7.62 mm ammo in southern Baghdad's Abu T'Shir neighborhood.

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Informant leads Soldiers to multiple caches

FOB KALSU - IA Soldiers assisted by Soldiers from 2nd BCT recovered 5 weapons caches in Kutimiyah, north of JSS W-1, April 2.
At the site of a farm, Soldiers found 45 rocket propelled grenades, 300 PKC heavy machine gun rounds, 37 mortar and projectile fuses, a DSHKA .50 caliber machine gun with 500 rounds of ammo, an anti-personnel mine, 2 81 mm mortar tubes, a 55 gallon barrel containing a PKC machine gun and 2000 PKC machine gun rounds.

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1-15 Inf. Regt. operation snatches key suspect

BAGHDAD - An early morning op April 2 in Salman Pak by Co A, 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt led to the detaining of a MND-Center key suspect.
A neighbor of the suspect came forward and helped MND-C Soldiers identify the individual.  The suspect was number two on the 1-15 Inf. Regt's list of suspected criminals and number four on the MND-C list.

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IA and CF clear Mosul neighborhood after car bombs an IA COP

First Lt. Donald Maloy, 1st Plt leader of Co D, 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt from Fort Carson, Colo., communicates his next move to Iraqi Army Capt. Hasaal, during an IA led op in a Mosul neighborhood April 1.

An IA soldier scans his area from the turret of his vehicle, providing security for IA and CF soldiers.

Spc. Jimmy Marble (front) and Pfc. Adam Devries move through the streets of Mosul during a clearing op as a Bradley Armored Personnel Carrier (BAPC) rolls by, providing security for the dismounted soldiers.

Capt. Alexander Rasmussen, cmdr. of Co D, peers through a small garage door, checking on his clearing team.

An IA soldier pries open the door in the al-Sinaa neighborhood of Mosul. The op led to the discovery and destruction of a car bomb factory, several bags of homemade explosives and bomb making materials.

Sgt. James Crawford III, an infantryman in 1st Plt, searches the rooftop of a business.

Soldiers stand in the rubble ridden streets.

1st Lt. Donald Maloy, 1st Plt leader communicates through his radio while a BAPC provides cord-on security.

Spc. Vencent Hashimoto, an infantryman in 1st Plt, patrols the streets.

Soldiers of 1st Plt, move to clear a complex in Mosul after a BAPC providing security in the area, breached the wall. Several bags of homemade explosives, bomb initiators and other suspicious items were found.

Soldiers of 1st Pln lift a door for Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Raymond and his MP dog after searching the building for explosives.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Raymond, an MP and his explosives sniffing dog Rattler, take a break.  The dog confirmed several bags of homemade explosives during the op found in a car bomb factory.

Pfc. Adam Devries patrols the streets with members of his company, as a BAPC moves along side providing security.

Spc. Damon GrayEagle moves up the stairs of an Iraqi mechanics shop.

Spc. Mark Ramire works to negotiate a locked door.  A car bomb factory, several bags of homemade explosives and bomb making materials were found and destroyed.

Soldiers of 1st Pln take a knee and pull security.

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ISF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 1 suspected insurgent, discover cache site in separate ops

BALAD -  April 2, In al-Qaim, the al-Qaim Iraqi SWAT Unit detained a suspected criminal leader who is reported to be responsible for IED and indirect fire attacks.  Intel reports have linked him to the kidnapping and murder of ISF officials, tribal leaders and businessmen throughout al-Qaim.  He is also believed to be providing intel reports to foreign fighters.  Three other suspects are being held for further questioning.
In another op in the Dur an Naft district of Basra, an Iraqi Emergency Response Unit conducted an op to locate and eliminate a suspected IED weapons cache.  During the op, the assault force discovered a cache site which contained an 82mm mortar round, a 12-inch explosively formed projectile, 7 rocket propelled grenades, 3 RPG launchers and hundreds of rounds of AK-47 assault rifle ammo.

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Dear Interested Readers,
This first story is from the Air Force Newsletter, and I was totally awed, as you will be too!  Lots of big successful ops going on with large weapon caches found, and many criminals caught or killed.  With many ops going on at night, I can't always print the pictures, which usually are in green!
Joanna
_____________________________________

All-female KC-135 crew performs inflight refueling over Iraq

Maj. Leslie Picht gives the thumbs up to 1st Lt. Cindy Dawson during pre-flight checks March 17.  Major Picht was part of a 3-woman crew who flew a nighttime are refueling sortie over Iraq March 17-18, and is a KC-135 Stratotanker cmdr. deployed with the 340th Expeditionary Airlift Sqdrn from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.  Lt. Dawson is a 340th EARS co-pilot deployed to Southwest Asia from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

Senior Airman Killian Lange, 340th EARS boom operator, prepares to refuel an A-6 and two F-18s over Iraq March 18, which commemorated the role of women in the Air Force as part of National Women's History Month.  She is deployed from Mildenhall, England.

by Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

"Most people, especially civilians, assume when you say 'Air Force' that you fly planes anyway, so it's not really shocking to them," Airman Lange said. This is her third deployment in the three years she's served, so the combat environment isn't new to her. "I never thought I'd be in the military, but once I became interested in joining, I knew I wanted to do a flying job."
She said she doesn't really think of what she does as "something amazing" until she sees Air Force recruiting commercials and talks to her friends and family about her job - then, she said, "getting other people's input makes me realize how cool it is."

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

April 3, 2008

AQI financial leader captured in Salman Pak

CAMP VICTORY - CF detained a key AQI leader in Salman Pak, south of Baghdad, April 2.  The individual serves as a financial and logistical facilitator for AQI in the local area, determines the amount of money to be paid to AQI for the release of kidnap victims, and trains suicide bombers how to use self-detonating and VBIEDs.  He is responsible for numerous attacks against CF and the IA, including recent suicide attacks.

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Iraqi Army, MND-C Soldiers clear road of IEDs

FOB KALSU - IA soldiers and MND-Center Soldiers successfully cleared a vital road for local residents between Maderiyah and Kutimiyah March 29.
As a result of tips from local citizens, a route clearance and EOD team from 2nd BCT, 3rd ID and the Iraqi Army was able to identify and clear 5 IEDs from the road.  When MND-C Soldiers first arrived, the road was impassable and the bridge between the two communities had been destroyed. 
In addition, Iraqi tips in the area resulted in the unit uncovering 2 57 mm projectiles, a pressure strip initiating device and a 120 mm mortar with detonation cord.

Members of an EOD team receive 57 mm projectiles, prepared as IEDs, from a resident of Maderiyah.

Soldiers carry the components of an IED.

An IA Soldier and Sgt. Kyle J. Nygaard, a plt. sgt. return to a joint security site.

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ISF, CF conduct combined operation

FOB HAMMER - IP organized and executed a clearing op in Jisr Diyala, March 29, with Soldiers from 1st Cav Regt, 3rd HBCT and local members of the SoI.
The op detained 4 criminals and recovered rocket-propelled grenade launchers, RPG warheads, dozens of AK-47 assault rifles and multiple rifle magazines.
Jisr Diyala has been peaceful over the past several months allowing CF and the GOI to conduct electricity, water, sewage and road projects improving the area.  But, after an increase in criminal activity Iraqi and CF took action.  "This op highlights the ISF's ability to work with CF and quickly act on credible intel to deny criminal elements the ability to conduct attacks," Capt. Damond Davis, a Regt fire support officer.

Lt. Col. John Kolasheski (right), cmdr., and fellow Soldiers conduct an op in Jisr Diyala.

An IP and a Soldier from 3rd Sqdrn, provide security.(U.S. Army photo) 

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15 caches, IED factory discovered in northern Iraq

TIKRIT - IA and CF Soldiers discovered 15 weapons caches and an IED factory in northern Iraq, April 1.
The weapons and ammo discovered included a 155mm and 3 120mm rounds, a 122mm Illumination round, 14 107mm rockets, 58 82mm and 12 60mm mortars, along with other small-arms munitions.
More than 60 pounds of explosives and IED making materials were also discovered among the caches, while the IED factory contained more than 3,500 pounds of additional explosives.
The caches were found in both Diyala and Salah ad Din Provinces, and the IED factory was discovered in Ninewah.

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IA Soldiers, U.S. SF conduct combined operation in Makhiat

BAGHDAD - In the village of Makhiat, near Mosul, IA  Soldiers, advised by U.S. SF, detained 4 suspected AQI terrorists.
These AQI are suspected of violent acts including kidnapping, torture and murder of innocent Iraqi civilians.  They are also suspected of suicide and improvised explosive attacks against Iraqi and CF as well as video recording violent attacks for AQI propaganda.
Five other suspects are being detained for questioning.

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces kill 14 criminals in Basra

BALAD - Iraqi SOF, advised by U.S. SF, killed 14 criminals, March 31. The op was directed by senior Iraqi leaders in the port city of Basra. The ISOF planned and conducted the mission to capture and arrest the criminals in an abandoned school.
According to recent intel info, these criminals planted IEDs along the roads leading to the school.  They also set up defensive fighting positions around the facility. The school was a staging point for armed assaults against Iraqi SF as well as a storage facility for illegal weapons, ammo and explosives.
While clearing buildings next to the school, ISOF also found and released 6 ISF members who were being held at the compound.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Many criminals continue to be rounded up or killed, and large weapon caches found.  It's nice to read that our troops are very encouraged by the skill and determination of the Iraqi troops.  The training programs by the military are paying off!
Joanna
___________________________________

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

April 2, 2008

Iraqi SF, advised by U.S. SOF, detain two suspects in separate ops

BAGHDAD -  April 1, in Balad, Iraqi SOF detained a suspected IED cell leader who is reported to be responsible for IED and indirect fire attacks against LSA Anaconda. Intel reports have linked him and his criminal network to an IED attack in October 2007 that killed one CF Soldier and wounded three others.
During another op in Mosul, the Mosul Iraqi SWAT unit detained a suspected terrorist who is reported to be involved in the kidnapping, torture and murder of Iraqi SF personnel in the area.

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SOI prevent suicide attack

TIKRIT - Members of the SoI, or Abna al-Iraq, engaged a suicide bomber before he could detonate his explosive device in Kirkuk Province, April 1.
IP and members of the SoI engaged a man wearing a suicide vest on Market Street in Hawijah, preventing any casualties.
The SoI are an armed neighborhood watch group in Kirkuk and are part of the Isnad, meaning "unity" in Arabic, movement.

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INP arrest 3, uncover weapons cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP detained 3 suspected insurgents after a search of their vehicle uncovered a weapons cache in the New Baghdad district in northeastern Baghdad, March 31.
Co C, 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt reported INP confiscated 5 rockets, 2 mortar rounds, 2 hand grenades, 3 blasting caps and a 9 mm pistol. 

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Hillah SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SF, detain 20 suspected smugglers in Basra

BAGHDAD - April 1, Hillah ISWAT conducted the op, under the direction of the Govt of Iraq, to disrupt the largest smuggling organization in Basra.
During the op, ISWAT detained 20 persons suspected of smuggling vehicles into the port city and recovered 2 illegal sedans, various small arms and ammo, and $262,000 in U.S. currency.  Additionally, 2 boats used for smuggling were destroyed.

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Sons of Iraq turn over suicide belt to MND-C Soldier

BAGHDAD -  In the North Babil area of Iraq, March 25, MND-C Soldiers of 4th BCT, 3rd ID, stationed at Patrol Base Kelsey, spoke with the local residents who found the belt and immediately called an explosive ordnance disposal team.
The find came after several reports of a possible suicide vest in Hanaswa, a neighboring region.  Reports claimed members of AQI were planning to detonate the suicide vest once a proper carrier was found. 
"The find is really an affirmation of the success we've experienced over the last couple months with security in our area of op," said 1st Lt. Jon Cheatwood, a plt. leader with the Div.
In the last several months, the SOI have turned in hundreds of unexploded ordnance and IED-related materials.

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IA Brigade unilateral operation nets AQI, sizeable cache

KIRKUK -  IA Bde detained 12 enemy personnel during an intel-driven op in Hafriyah, southeast of Kirkuk, March 31.
They also discovered a cache during the op that contained 400 30mm rounds, 83 57mm rockets, 7 propane tanks, 6 blocks of C-4, 25 250-pound bombs and 5 130mm projectiles as well as numerous small arms weapons and bomb-making materials.

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MND-N Soldiers discover mortar cache

TIKRIT - Working off a tip from an Iraqi citizen, MND-North Soldiers discovered a weapons cache in Ta' Mim province, March 31, consisting of more than 100 mortar rounds northeast of Kirkuk.
"This find is testament to the fact that the true citizens of Iraq are standing up to make their nation a better place," said Maj. Dan Meyers, a MND spokesman.

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Sons of Iraq foil kidnapping attempt

TIKRIT - The Abna al-Iraq, or SoI, prevented the kidnapping of 2 women and 4 children in Diyala, March 30.
The SOI in the village of Abu Harab fought off 4 vehicles full of AQI members after the victims had been apprehended. They recovered all the kidnapped victims.

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Iraqi Army, MND-B Soldiers kill 7, detain 4 criminals

BAGHDAD - In separate engagements March 30, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, were conducting a route clearing op when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by an IED in eastern Baghdad.   Soldiers were then attacked by small-arms fire as they secured the damaged vehicle and prepared to move.  Soldiers returned fire and killed 5 criminals.  No Soldiers were injured.
IA soldiers were attacked by small-arms fire in southeastern Baghdad.  The Soldiers retuned fire and killed 2 criminals and detained 4 others.

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Iraq Army, CF Engineers team up in Mosul for COP Inman rebuild

TIKRIT - IA Engineers and the U.S. Army 232nd Eng. Co. have started reconstruction of COP Inman in western Mosul.  The COP was the target of a suicide-truck-bomb, which killed 13 Iraqi Soldiers and wounded 35, March 23.
"The IA has been great ... last night they were stringing Hescos (barriers) with our guys," said 1st Lt. Nathan Foust.  "We had their two bucket loaders ... all day helping with the filling.  We only had one [bucket loader] out here, so it was a huge help, it would have taken a lot longer without them."
IA and CF engineers, as well as IA inf., are working around the clock to rebuild the COP. The Soldiers are taking steps to improve security, improve the roads and re-level the surface.
"By rebuilding, we are showing the people that we have the will to continue this fight, to win, that we will not abandon them," said Nami Ibhrahim, an Iraqi soldier.  "We will carry the fight, wherever they make it, we will win.  With all my friends in the IA, I will stay and fight, forever if we have to.  I am from Diyala and he is from Baghdad, but together we are the IA."

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Cavalry unit responds to insurgent activity

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

BAGHDAD - In and around Jisr Diyala, a town east of Baghdad, March 26,  3-1st Cav. Regt. Soldiers were engaged by small-arms fire from insurgents.  During the days following, enemy activity increased, leading to AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the 3rd Combat Aviation Bde engaging 5 insurgents in the early hours of March 28.  During the 3-day period, 9 insurgents were killed, 2 were wounded and another 23 were detained by Iraqi NP.
"We have seen a significant increase in enemy activity in the last two days in Jisr Diyala," said Maj. David Guthrie, ops officer for 3-1st Cav. Regt. "Two days ago, we had patrols involved in sustained small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade engagements."
Guthrie was involved in a firefight with insurgents on the north side of Jisr Diyala while on a combat patrol March 27.  "We were talking with the men at SoI and NP checkpoints," he said. "We had received reports that insurgents were driving around with weapons telling the men at the checkpoints to throw down their arms and desert their posts or face being attacked."  Caught in a cross-fire, Guthrie and his patrol called for assistance.  Shortly after, U.S. Army attack helicopters and fighter aircraft were assisting the patrol, while the NP cleared the insurgents from an adjacent palm grove, Guthrie said.
In a separate incident during the early-morning hours of March 28, 5 men were observed acting suspiciously in the city.  Attack aviation pilots conducted a further recon and determined hostile intent. The attack helicopters engaged the men, killing the 5 suspects.
"During the 3 days of fighting in Jisr Diyala, the ISF and SoI held their ground and took the fight to the enemy," said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, the 3rd HBCT ops officer. "I've been encouraged by our ISF and SOI partners' determination to stop the violence."

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have a good mix of positive stories, from our troops assisting Iraqi troops with successful outcomes to bringing medical attention to villages that haven't seen a doctor in 10 years!  There's also a great story as food and water comes to the rescue!
Joanna
_________________________________

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

April 1, 2008

MPs assess IP stations, checkpoints in Diyarah

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from the 230th MP Co conducted station assessment visits at 2 IP stations and 1 Iraqi Highway Patrol checkpoint in Diyarah March 24 and 25.
As part the assessment, an MP platoon conducted a joint patrol with IP through a local market in Diyarah. The IPs and MPs demonstrated their ability to protect the community under the common rule of law.  The joint patrol gave the MP Soldiers an opportunity to see the IPs interact with citizens. 
"It really feels like progress is being made," said Cpl. Christopher Mathewson, a Soldier who was on the patrol. "We don't have to do everything for the IPs; they seem to be able to handle things on their own for the most part, and we just guide them along."
The MPs also discussed improvement projects for the IP station and new areas of training with the station cmdr. "The IPs generally pick up and enjoy the on-the-job training we provide to them contrary to the classroom sessions they receive," said 1st Lt. Caleb Oman, a plt leader with the co.  "There is a lot of potential for progress."
After completing the station assessments, the platoon visited the highway patrol checkpoints. "As far as the training is going, the IPs seem very receptive to the guidance provided to them," said Oman.  "The station assessments observed during this visit demonstrated the improved capabilities the IPs bring to Diyarah while providing a more positive outlook for the citizens of Diyarah's future," Oman said.

Spc. Thomas Brown conducts a joint patrol through Diyarah with IP March 25.  Brown's unit is responsible for overseeing IP ops to ensure the IP become fully trained to protect the citizens of Iraq from criminals and terrorist activities.

Spc. Jordan Zollman speaks with an Iraqi citizen at the Iskan Highway Patrol checkpoint.

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6-8 Cav. Regt. holds first Combined Medical Engagement in Busayefi

FOB KALSU - Working with Iraqi civilian and U.S. military medical personnel, CF in Busayefi hosted a Combined Medical Engagement March 29.
"We just came into this area and we're trying to build a relationship with the people," said 2nd Lt. Josh Duke, medical plt leader, 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt.
Busayefi is an area once dominated by AQI; roads were littered with IEDs that made travel to larger communities with medical facilities difficult.  In late December, Coalition and IA forces began clearing the area of AQI and other insurgents, and now security in the area continues to improve with the SoI and Coalition presence.
It had been years since some of the residents had seen a doctor.  One man said he hadn't seen a doctor in 10 years, and was grateful for the medical aid.
A medic from Co A, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB), currently attached to 2nd BCT, said the CME helps give civil affairs teams an overall health assessment of the area. "We can learn about the health and welfare of the children, as well as the families and the area," said Sgt. Charles Howell. "This also lets the people know that we do care about them."
Howell said the first step in rebuilding Iraq is developing a strong relationship with the community.  These CMEs are a way to strengthen ties between CF and local citizens.  "We're all here for one common goal, and that is to make Iraq better," Howell said.

Sgt. Charles Howell, a medic, listens as a Busayefi resident explains an eye problem.  More than 260 Busayefi citizens were seen during the clinic.

Iraqi children explain their health needs to Capt. Eduardo Alvarez, physician asst. with 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt.   

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IA, CF kill 3 AQI, destroy bunker near Baqouba

TIKRIT - MND-North Soldiers killed 3 enemy personnel after locating a weapon cache and an AQI bunker in Bojima, near Baqouba, March 30.
During a joint clearing op, IA Soldiers began taking small arms fire.  A Coalition AWT spotted the armed personnel fleeing from the contact location and engaged the individuals, killing 3 and wounding a fourth.
Iraqi Soldiers and 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, from Fort Lewis, Wash., destroyed a heavy fortified bunker, 2 82 mm mortar base plates, a 60 mm mortar base plate, and a 60 mm mortar tripod.  Two propane tanks and a fire extinguisher, suspected of containing homemade explosives, were also destroyed.

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Soldiers patrol in Abu Jassim

Staff Sgt. Zebadiah Thomas (right) of Co C, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, finds a way around a locked gate during patrol March 29.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Williams (left), a plt. sgt. with Co C, talks to residents about recent extremist attacks.

A young Iraqi boy shows off his new bike to Sgt. Brent Massey (right) and Staff Sgt. Rocky Smith.

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Iraqi Army leads push to restore security in Mahmudiyah

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

BAGHDAD - IA soldiers are securing the city's neighborhoods with support from Red Knight Rakkasans of 3rd Bn, 320th FAR, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault).
"At this point, it has been a very impressive op on both the Iraqi and Coalition fronts," said Lt. Col. William Zemp, cmdr. of 3-320th FAR.  The IA has detained nearly 200 individuals for questioning in an effort to curb the violence and criminal activity.
"You have to be proud of the progress being made so far," said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT, 101 Abn. Div. (AASLT) cmdr.

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MND-B Soldiers kill criminals, hand over suspects to Iraqi Army

BAGHDAD - MND - Baghdad Soldiers engaged a criminal rocket-propelled grenade team in the New Baghdad province of eastern Baghdad, March 31. Reports indicate 1 criminal was killed and 3 were detained.
Soldiers from 4th Bn, 64th Armor Regt, engaged the criminals with small-arms fire. They detained 3 suspects at the scene and held them for Iraqi Army soldiers to take in to custody and question. 

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Iraqi Army finds large munitions cache in truck

FOB KALSU - IA Soldiers found a large munitions cache inside a truck in Hashmiyah, March 30. The cache contained 23 anti-tank mines, 3 crates of approx. 40 pounds of explosives, 3 crates of pellet-shaped explosives, 15 81 mm mortars, 2 120 mm mortars, 1,500 DSHKA rounds, a can of 120 mm mortar fuses, 10 explosively formed projectile housings, 10 EFP discs ranging from 4 to 12 inches, a complete EFP - 6 inches in diameter, and 3 grain bags full of EFP rings, tubes and back covers.
The IA discovered the cache during intel-driven ops and searches throughout the day, said 1st Lt. Ryan Lawson, leadership engagement team leader and personal security detachment plt. leader with the 31st MiTT, 4th Bde Special Troops Bn, 3rd ID.  "It's a big find for the IA," Lawson said. "They have continued for the past 5 to 7 days going after criminals quite intensively, and this is the culmination of what they've been doing, and I think it's really going to set criminals back in the Hillah and Hashmiyah areas for quite awhile."

Brig. Gen. Amir, IA cmdr., and Lt. Col. Darryl McDowell, cmdr of 31st MiTT look at a munitions cache inside a truck.

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CF provide assistance to Iraqi SF in Kut

By Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Lazo, 214th FB

AL KUT - CF provided more than 2,000 meals and 1,000 bottles of water to al-Kut IP March 28-29.  Because of the security situation and an imposed curfew, grocery stores and other food outlets were closed, said Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Tulip, senior ops NCO for 511th MP Co, from Fort Drum, N.Y.
The IPs, who were quelling violence in the city, contacted Tulip for aid in the form of water and meals. "This is the first time they requested this from us," he said, adding they are self-sufficient and typically request all supplies directly through the Ministry of Interior.
Within a few hours, the food and water was ready to be delivered.  To assist with transporting the supplies, the 511th MP Co. used one of their vehicles to drive the supplies to a predetermined IP site outside FOB Delta.
The meals are known as Halal; ready-to-eat meals that contain food permissible under Islamic law.  "We felt it was the right thing to do," Bailey said. "We're here to support the Iraqis." If additional support is requested, Bailey said, "We have the ability to continue if need be."
In addition to the food and water, the MPs provided the IPs with medical supplies, said Tulip.  The IPs received 10 combat lifesaver bags and 5 combat lifesaver packs.

Cpl. Eric S. Lewis, a team leader with the 511th loads a box of Halal meals.

Spc. Daniel Padilla, a logistic specialist with the 7th Sustainment Bde, loads a pallet of Halal meals onto a military vehicle.

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CF detain three individuals connected to recent EFP attack

CAMP VICTORY - CF detained 3 individuals March 31 in Musayyib who are believed to be connected to a recent explosively formed projectile attack on CF. The 3 suspects are being held for questioning in connection to the attack which occurred in the area of Abu Jassim March 23.

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Iraqi Army Soldiers turn in large weapons cache

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

CAMP STRIKER - The IA turned in a significant weapons cache to 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault) at Patrol Base Yusifyah, March 30, after it was discovered in Qarghouli Village.      
The cache included Katusha rockets, complete IEDs, mortar and artillery rounds of various sizes, 40 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, anti-aircraft rounds, gas tanks, and several hundred small-arms rounds and accessories.

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