TROOP SCOOP

Dear Interested Readers,
Kudos to the 4th Stryker BCT 2nd ID, heading home next month after a most successful deployment. The Sarafiyah Bridge has a successful re-opening.  Many insurgents killed or captured, and large amounts of weapons caches uncovered.
Joanna
_____________________________________


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

May 31, 2008

Sons of Iraq successfully defend checkpoint from attackers

TIKRIT - SoI killed 9 enemy insurgents today during a firefight at a checkpoint near Owja, south of Tikrit, May 29.
"If it were not for the SoI identifying the enemy threat, they would have moved through the checkpoint unnoticed, only to cause mayhem somewhere else," said Maj. Phillip Borders, 1st Special Troops Bn ops officer. "The SoI's vigilance is keeping the people of Tikrit safe."












A fuel truck was fabricated to hold enemy fighters.  Eight enemy fighters dismounted from the truck after the driver exited the vehicle and detonated a suicide vest.  After IP arrived, all were killed after a short fire-fight.

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Iraqi citizens lead IA to large cache near Samarra

SAMARRA - Acting on a tip from local Iraqi citizens, IA Soldiers from discovered a large weapons cache site near the al-Rega area of the Salah ad-Din province, May 29.
The cache was buried nearly 5 feet underground.  It contained 231 40 mm rounds; 29 60 mm rounds; and 14 80 mm artillery rounds. This type of ordnance has commonly been used to manufacture IEDs.
IA soldiers were also led to more than 10,000 20 mm high-explosive rounds. This find is the latest in a series of recent cache discoveries in the Samarra area.  Earlier in the month, Iraqi and CF discovered 19 weapons caches in a 16 day period.
"The discovery of this large cache site was driven by human intel, which indicates the relationship developing between Iraqi SF and the local population in and around Samarra," said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st  BCT EO.

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 'Surge' Brigade redeploys

BAGHDAD - Approx. 4,000 Soldiers from the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, are redeploying back to Fort Lewis,
Wash., next month.
To secure the Diyala Province north of Baghdad and to improve the safety and quality of life for the approx. 1.2 million people living there, was their mission. 
"We have been extremely successful during our 14 months of ops in Taji and Diyala," said Col. John Lehr, bde. cmdr.  "Ops in concert with the Iraqi SF have made the province safer and more stable resulting in a place for the govt and civil services to conduct business and for the Iraqi people to live and work.
The 4th Stryker Bde partnered with, trained and supported more than 17,300 IP in Diyala Province at 64 IP stations in 11 separate district HQs.  A Ministry of Interior Police Academy recently graduated its first class and will yield approximately 500 IP a month.  "They are working hard to create a better police force -- a force that is non-sectarian and non-corrupt," said Lehr.
In addition to ISF training, the 4th Stryker Bde has assisted the provincial govt in developing and executing a plan to restart 3 electrical generator farms in Baquba to add electricity to the power grid.  Currently, 2 of the farms are operational, adding a 25% increase in available power, and the third will be on line at the end of the month.
The 4th Stryker Bde in partnership with local Iraqi leaders contributed to reopening three vocational technical training centers in the city which will educate over 1000 Iraqi men in skills required for reconstruction efforts.
"One of the most telling signs of improvement in the province is the resurgence of market activity and traffic on the streets.  Last fall, many markets were closed and there was limited traffic on the streets.  Today, most of the markets are open and the streets are full of vehicles and pedestrians.  Children go to school and a sense of normalcy has  returned in most of the cities," said Lehr.
The brigade played an integral role in establishing the conditions for long-term security in Iraq by reducing
violence in the Diyala Province by 70% and providing hope for the future to the local population though training and employment opportunities.

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Coalition forces kill 10 criminals in New Baghdad

FOB LOYALTY - CF killed 10 Special Group criminals in the Fedaliyah neighborhood of the New Baghdad
district in eastern Baghdad, May 28, after observing them emplace IEDs. The criminals were also carrying
illegal weapons.
   
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Joint OPS help protect Soldiers on patrol















Air Force Maj. Robert Carneal, electronic warfare officer, 18th MP Bde, verifies settings on counter-IED equipment prior to teams preparing to depart for a combat mission, May 28 at Camp Victory.

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Iraqis hold grand re-opening of Sarafiyah Bridge

By Sgt. Jerome Bishop

BAGHDAD - The promise of a prosperous future for Iraq took one step closer to becoming a reality as the Sarafiyah Bridge linking the Rusafa and Karkh districts of Baghdad was reopened May 27 after being rebuilt.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was present for the opening event, which featured live music, several speeches and a ribbon cutting on the bridge's road way.
The significance of the event was not limited only to the result of the bridge's opening, but also in how it came to be, as it was the GoI, who took the initiative to conduct the reconstruction.
In addition to tangible, economic gains offered by the re-opening of the bridge, the ceremony also marked a more symbolic meaning.  "One side is Shi'a and the other side is Sunni, and there were very good relationships between them. The terrorists tried to send a message: 'We would like to cut the communication lines between these 2 main groups in Iraq;' but luckily, they didn't manage to do that," said Mohammed Asadi, a Baghdad native, who works as a media advisor for 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.  "And they send the message back: 'Here we are, and we are together,'" he added.
The Sarafiyah Bridge, one of several bridges that cross the Tigris River in the Iraqi capital, was destroyed in a VBIED attack April 12, 2007, that killed 10 Iraqis and injured at least 26 others.



















 
Members of the Iraqi Color Guard.

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MND-B Soldiers, NPs find weapons cache in Rashid

FOB FALCON - May 28, responding to a tip, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, and IP, located 64 mortar rounds; 50 rockets; 14 pounds of plastic explosives; 6 RPGs; 3,000 7.62mm rounds of ammo; 4 PKC machine guns; an M-1 rifle; 4 EFP copper plates, 2 sets of body armor, a smoke grenade canister, 6 spools of command wire, and an unknown amount of EFP components.
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
 Memorial Day stories will be shared as they come in from the different FOBs in Iraq.  Each one is very special honoring our fallen heroes.  Hopefully these stories will bring a measure of comfort to the families and friends left behind.  There is a unique story of our troops joining residents of Kansas for a run to raise money for brain injuries.  Key terrorist suspects captured, along with numerous weapons caches.
Joanna
__________________________________
 

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

May 30, 2008


MND-B Soldiers conduct operations to increase safety in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons throughout Baghdad, May 28 as they conducted ops to secure the area.
2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID seized a 155 mm projectile round with a detonation cord attached, a 120 mm mortar round, and a bag of TNT northwest of Baghdad.
1st BCT, 4th ID seized a 6-inch EFP starter kit, 2 pounds of C4 explosives, a 120 mm mortar round, and a 155 mm artillery round in the West Rashid district of Baghdad.
2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), seized 2 4-foot tubes and 2 2-foot tubes with white powder, a mortar base, and 3 pressure plates in the Mansour district of Baghdad.
   
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Vanguard Soldiers pay respect to fallen heroes

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

FOB KALSU - Task Force Vanguard Soldiers honored their fallen brothers during a Memorial Day service, May 26.
"I am truly humbled to stand here before these great warriors, recognized by these symbols - a picture, a weapon, a helmet and boots - but more importantly, their spirits are here with us today, not only here forward but in our hearts and our memories," said Col. Thomas James, cmdr of 4th BCT, 3rd ID.
Vanguard Soldiers and civilians came together to honor the 59 Vanguard warriors who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving their nation for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
When each fallen Soldier's name was announced, two Soldiers from his unit came forward and placed a flag honoring their fallen comrade.      "It is the service of the Soldiers around the world and especially in this combat zone that mark their sacrifices," James said. "Their families also answered the call of duty through their unwavering support for their loved ones who willingly risked their personal safety for the preservation of something greater than themselves."
James, along with the bn. cmdrs. and command sgts major, laid a wreath in honor of the fallen comrades.
"I would like to close my remarks today by remembering the service and sacrifice of Task Force Vanguard's first fallen warrior, Sgt. Samuel Kelsey, who was killed during combat ops in December 2007 in the small town of Khidr," James said.  "Sergeant Kelsey died trying to assist in the recovery of one of his Soldiers, Corporal
McGuire, immediately after McGuire himself had fallen victim to an IED. "Despite the knowledge that he was surrounded by IEDs, Sgt Kelsey listened to his Soldier's instinct and immediately started moving to the aid of a fallen comrade.  On his second step toward McGuire, Sgt Kelsey also stepped on a pressure plate that was rigged to a much larger explosive, killing him instantly.  Sgt Kelsey, like the Task Force Vanguard fallen warriors before and after him, lived the Soldier's Creed and was willing to die for the freedoms we enjoy and for his fellow Soldiers."



















A weapon, Kevlar and boots represent the fallen heroes.

 
















Private First Class Michael McDaniel and Spc. Raymond Goss, both with Co. A, 3-7th Inf. Regt., pay their respects to their fallen comrade, Spc. Kyle Norris.



















Vanguard's leadership salute during the Brigade's Memorial Day service.

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NPs seize substantial munitions cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP discovered a substantial munitions cache at approx. 12:55 a.m. in the Aamel area of Rashid, May 28 in southeastern Baghdad, consisting of 11 EFPs, 60 60 mm mortar rounds, 40 80 mm
mortar rounds, 20 120 mm mortar rounds, 100 pounds of military-grade C4 explosives, 50 pounds of homemade explosives, 3 RPG launchers, 20 RPG rounds, 2 Dragonov sniper rifles, a Dishka machine gun, 11 grenades, a rocket sled, a 180 mm mortar base plate, a 60 mm mortar base plate and several artillery timers.
   
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Soldiers in Iraq join Kansas City citizens in their fight to help those suffering from brain injuries

By Spc. Jason Jordan
1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.

TIKRIT -  Soldiers with the 3rd Bn, 6th FAR, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div joined the 21st annual Amy Thompson Run to Daylight - a charity event consisting of 2-mile and 8-kilometer events in Kansas City, Kan., that raises money to help those suffering from brain injuries.  Amy Thompson was a 23-year-old college graduate enjoying her life as a third-grade teacher when she was shot twice in the head during an attempted robbery at a neighborhood party Halloween night in 1986.
Both groups of runners on each side of the world held a moment of silence before their run, honoring servicemembers. The 3-6 FA Soldiers spoke aloud the names of 11 members of the 1-10th Mtn. Div. who
were killed since their deployment began in September - with a moment of silence following each name.













Soldiers with the 1st BCT, along with Airmen and civilian contractors on FOB Warrior in northeastern Iraq's Kirkuk region - bow their heads during a moment of silence for fallen comrades before participating in a run for charity on Memorial Day.











In 110 degrees they run towards the sunrise.

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Memorial honors 1-8 Infantry's fallen

By Pfc. Adam Blazak

MOSUL - For many, Memorial Day is a time for barbeques, spending time with family and taking the first dip in the pool. For Soldiers with CoB, 1st Bn, 8th Inf Regt, Memorial Day has a much more significant meaning. 
"This is a day to reflect upon sacrifices our brothers and sisters have made," said Lt. Col. Christopher Johns, cmder of 1-8 Inf. Regt.
Since the co. touched ground in late December 2007, the Soldiers have fought for the freedoms of the Iraqi people, but those freedoms have come at a price.  The co. rolled out of FOB Marez into the city of Mosul to conduct a combat patrol Jan. 28.  During the patrol, one of their vehicles was struck by an IED, killing 5 Soldiers of Co B.  In wake of the deaths, Staff built a memorial inside 1-8 Inf. Regt. HQ to commemorate the co.'s fallen.
On display are photos of the 5 Soldiers and the traditional fallen Soldier's display; combat boots representing the final march of the last battle, the inverted rifle signaling a time of prayer, the helmet and ID tags signifying the fallen Soldier.
Since Op Iraqi Freedom kicked off in 2003, 15 Soldiers from 1-8 Inf. Regt. have lost their lives in combat. "I wanted to do something special for my guys," Staff added.  "I put a lot of extra work and detail into it."
"I hold Memorial Day dear to my heart," said Sgt. 1st Class John B. Guidry, a Soldier with Co B who worked with the 5 Soldiers.  "They will never be forgotten with this memorial." 












A Soldier with Co B, goes one-by-one through the identification tags of his fallen comrades.

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26th BSB celebrates Memorial Day

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

FOB KALSU - In the early morning light May 26, standing in formation near their vehicles and equipment, Soldiers of the 26th BSB, 2nd BCT Team, 3rd ID gathered to remember those who lost their lives for their
country, and to strengthen bonds with those still serving.
"Today, on Memorial Day, we honor our fallen comrades and remember what they've done," said Maj. Henry Young, 26th BSB EO. For the 26th BSB, the day was especially meaningful, as the battalion lost two of their own this deployment: Sgt. Mason Lewis and Pfc. Leron Wilson.
"We will not forget our fallen comrades," Young said.  The best way to honor their memories, he said, was to continue on, push forward and, like them, perform honorable deeds in service to America and its ideals.
Serving as a more tangible reminder were American flags donated by Montgomery Elementary School in Ashland, Ohio. The children also wrote letters to the Soldiers thanking them for their sacrifices.  The children adopted the Soldiers after learning of them from Chap. (Capt.) Javon Seaborn, 26th BSB chaplain. Seaborn's wife, a school teacher at Reams Road Elementary, Richmond, Va., coordinated with other teachers to locate classes looking to sponsor Soldiers.
The letters offered words of encouragement and thanks to uplift Soldiers in battle. Seaborn said each Soldier is scheduled to write back to offer the children words of encouragement in their schoolwork battles.  Seaborn has been in contact with Montgomery School principal Julie Petruna.  "We want to encourage them to learn about Soldiers and understand the Army," Seaborn said.
Seaborn hopes children will not only learn more about the military, but also gain a deeper respect for those who serve and the veterans who paid the ultimate price, not just on Memorial Day but every day.
Forty Soldiers have died during the 2nd BCT's tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.














Sgt. Brandon Knight, a radio communications repair specialist with Co B, 26th BSB, grabs a flag out of a box held by bn Chap. (Capt.) Javon Seaborn.















Soldiers from 26th BSB read notes from children.















A Soldier holds a flag and note from a child.

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Aviation Soldiers remember the fallen

By Pfc. Monica K. Smith, 3rd CAB

CAMP STRIKER - Soldiers from the CAB, 3rd ID remembered fallen comrades during a Memorial Day
Remembrance at the CAB flightline dining facility in Baghdad, May 26.
"This is a time to remember our fallen colleagues," said Chap. (Capt.) Felix Kumai, HHC, 1st Bn, 3rd Aviation Regt.  "We are in this together, and we wanted to memorialize the memory of them."
The observance was open to anyone who wanted to reflect and pray. Soldiers arrived at the dining facility during regular meal-times and remained as long as they desired.
"For me, it's important to never forget the sacrifices that are required for freedom," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Woiwode, Troop B, 3rd Sqdrn, 17th Cav Regt.   Woiwode said this freedom is evident in the American homes and happening right now in the homes of Iraqi citizens through sacrifices made by fighting servicemembers.  "It's important that we never forget the cost of freedom," he said.
Chaplains were present to give support to Soldiers. The vigil began at midnight May 25 and continued until midnight Memorial Day with a chaplain from the brigade praying once every six hours.
"We pray for them to have peace and be united with God," Kumai said. "They have made the ultimate sacrifice and it is our prayer that our Soldiers, who have fallen  ... will be the seed on which a new Iraq is built."


   













Chap. (Capt.) Felix Kumai, prays during a Memorial Day Remembrance.

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IA Soldiers continue to seize weapons in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers took a number of weapons out of the control of criminals during Op Peace in Sadr City, May 27, consisting of 27 EFPs, a mortar tube, 30 AK-47s and an AK-47 magazine, 6 sniper rifle, 2 RPG launchers, 4 60 mm mortar rounds, 6 rounds of .50-caliber ammo, and other related munitions.
   
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Iraqi civilians lead Coalition forces to hidden weapons caches

CAMP VICTORY - A local Iraqi led CF to 2 large weapon caches near al-Duar, 18 miles south of Baghdad, May 27.  The larger of the 2 caches, which was 30 meters from the second cache, was found buried 3 feet in the side of a hill.
The combined caches contained more than 900 pounds of home-made explosives. The larger cache had 600 pounds of HME, and the smaller one had 300 pounds of gun powder fertilizer mix.  The caches also included 8 120 mm high explosive rounds, more than 300 mortar fuses, 2 mortar tripods, a 120 mm mortar tube with base plate, a 250 pound bomb, 300 rounds of 23 mm anti-aircraft propelled grenades, 170 RPG boosters, 22 73 mm rockets, a 105 mm projectile, a mortar sight, mortar protractor, various sizes of mortar tailfins, a 73 mm rifle tube, a radio and a 120 mm illumination canister.
   
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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture terrorist in Mosul

BALAD - Iraqi SOF captured a suspected terrorist in eastern Mosul, Iraq, May 26.
The ISOF conducted an operation to capture a suspected leader of an AQI cell operating in the Mosul area.  Three other suspects were detained. The terrorist and his cell are believed to be responsible for IED attacks against Iraqi and CF, and recruiting for AQI in the Mosul area. 

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ISOF capture three Special Groups criminals in separate operations

BALAD - Iraqi SOF captured 3 suspected Special Groups criminals in 2 separate ops around Baghdad, May 27.
The ISOF captured 2 suspected criminals accused of kidnapping, torturing and killing Iraqi citizens and forcing them out of their homes.
In another op in Baghdad, ISOF captured a suspected criminal reported to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and CF.  The suspect reportedly assisted in acquiring rockets, mortars and IEDs used in the attacks. 
   
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MND-B Soldiers detain terror suspect

BAGHDAD -  In Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, May 26, Soldiers with 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker
BCT, 25th ID, detained the suspect, who is accused of recruiting juveniles in the area to carry out attacks on Iraqi SF and CF.

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MND-C Soldiers find homemade explosive cache

CAMP STRIKER - A tip led MND-Center Soldiers to approx. 900 pounds of homemade explosives north of Patrol Base Shanghai, about 22 km southwest of Baghdad, May 26.
Rakkasan Soldiers from Co B, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT) uncovered a cache consisting of 18 50-pound bags of homemade explosive.
   
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Iraqi Police detain two key criminals in Seddah area

FOB KALSU - IP detained 2 key criminals in the Seddah area, approx. 65 km south of Baghdad, May 22.
IP notified Soldiers from 2nd Plt, Co C, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID about the key criminals and handed them over to CF at the Musayyib IP Station, May 23.
"The detainment of these criminals continues to show the people in the area the strong relationship between the IP and CF, and their commitment to providing a safe and secure environment," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Williams, 2nd Plt Sgt.
The 2 individuals are suspected of being indirect fire experts and involved in the March rocket attacks on the Regional Embassy Office in al-Hillah.  During their detainment, one of the individuals tried throwing a
notebook into a canal, but the IPs retrieved it and the notebook was translated.  The translation revealed grid coordinates and other info about FOBs, govt buildings and other places of interest, according to Williams.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Two more Memorial Day Ceremonies are shared with us to honor our fallen heroes.  We celebrate their lives with positive stories such as a little girl having a chance to see again, thanks to the love of a special soldier; our compassionate troops adopting a small orphanage; Iraqi soldiers learning radio skills; and kudos to the Regimental Support Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cav Regt., earning distinguished honors.  Huge weapons caches removed from the streets, and many suspected criminals detained. 
Joanna
________________________________


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

May 29, 2008

Iraqi Soldiers find large explosives cache

TIKRIT -  Mosul, May 26, IA soldiers uncover 5 tons of homemade explosives, a ton of nitrate, 10 bottles of liquid nitrate, 5 oxygen tanks, more than 1,100 pounds of gunpowder and 220 pounds of ball bearings.
During Ops Lion's Roar and Mother of Two Springs, the IA and IP have discovered 40 weapons and explosives caches throughout Mosul and the Ninewah Province.

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MND-N Soldiers honor fallen comrades during Memorial Day in Iraq





















Soldiers from the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div render a salute as the American Flag is raised at noon on Memorial Day at FOB Warrior in the Ta'mim province of Iraq.  Soldiers, Airmen and civilians gathered for the time-honored tradition to render their respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the nation's wars
throughout history.



















Chaplain's asst., Spc. Kevin Moffett sounds 'Taps'.

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IPs, SOIs detain 41 locals

TIKRIT - IP and local SoI detained 41 local men in the Salah ad-Din province, May 27.  The mens' IDs were checked, and it was discovered that all were suspected of committing or supporting illegal activities.
After the suspects were detained, IPs and SoIs conducted various searches and confiscated approximately 700 rounds of machine gun ammo.
   
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IA finds large cache in Ta'mim province

TIKRIT - During a cordon and search op, the IA found a large weapons cache in the Ta'mim province, May 26, consisting of 5 RPG launchers, 45 RPG rockets, more than 125 anti-aircraft artillery rounds, more than
110 various propellant charges, a DSHK machinegun, more than 300 communication devices and more than 2,500 meters of detonation cord.

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IA Soldiers take weapons off streets of Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers continued their pledge to protect the population of Sadr City as they seized a number of weapons caches during Op Peace, May 26, including 9 RPG launchers, 42 RPG rounds, 31 IEDs, 30 60 mm mortar rounds, 3 120 mm artillery rounds, 5 80 mm mortar tubes, 200 80 mm charge  increments, 140 Dishka rounds, 12 bricks of C4 explosive, 2 SPG rockets, 246 kgs of TNT,  9 anti-tank rockets, 360 meters of electrical wire, 9 boxes, plus 500 7.62 mm rounds, 17 EFPs, 7 155 mm artillery rounds, 5 AK-47s, 141 TNT tablets, 103 anti-tank mines,  20 hand grenades,  a 100 mm tank round, 150 14.5 mm rounds, 87 88 mm mortar rounds, 4 PKC rifles, 107 rounds of PKC ammo, 3 RPG propellants, 19 AK-47 magazines, 3 anti-aircraft warheads, and an anti-aircraft artillery round, and other weapons components.
   
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'Knights' in armor help orphaned children

By Spc. Dustin Weidman

BAGHDAD - No conflict is without tragedies and this one is no different. In the midst of war, children sometimes get overlooked. Iraq has many orphanages filled with children, but for one in Ibrahim Bin Ali, their "knights" in armor arrived.
The "Knights" of 3rd Plt, Co B, 1st Bn, 21st Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th Inf Div, have taken a special interest in the orphanage and its children since their arrival in the area in January.  First Lt. Tony Sgroi, "Knights" plt leader said his Soldiers "adopted" the orphanage.  Soldiers have become friends with the children and always evoke eager cheers and smiles when they hand out candy and pens during their visits. Some of the platoon's Soldiers have gotten their families involved as well.
"My wife sends my care packages loaded with candy for the kids," said Sgt. Bryan Doe. "You see many of them have lost parents and loved ones to the insurgent presence here, and your heart goes out to them."
The children are not the only ones who enjoy seeing their "Knights," the adult workers welcome the plt with open arms at each visit and are almost as excited as the children when they see the Strykers roll up.

 

 










  

Tony Sgroi, talks to the administrators of a small orphanage.

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Iraqi officers teach soldiers radio skills














IA Soldiers partnered with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, practice talking on radios, May 23. This communications class is one of many classes where IA officers train their soldiers at FOB Constitution, west of Baghdad.  These classes, are designed to help every IA soldier to become a better soldier in the fight against terror.

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Iraqi girl travels to U.S. in effort to see for first time

By Sgt. David Turner, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.,

FOB KALSU - During a morning visit to Taha Deyad's house, 1st Lt. Michael Kendrick sits at the family table, eating flatbread with jam and fried eggs, and sipping chai tea. "I eat a lot of meals here," Kendrick says.  It is clear he is a welcomed guest and a family friend, and not just because he's the leader of the platoon responsible for this neighborhood in al-Buaytha.
As he sits at the table talking to Taha, 5-year-old daughter Noor insists on sitting next to him. She often holds his hand, and sometimes, she whispers in his ear or offers a kiss on his cheek.  Kendrick, the father of two young daughters, is not only tolerant; he enjoys the little girl's company. She wears a pair of purple children's sunglasses Kendrick's wife, Robin, sent as a gift.  And soon, she may need them.
Kendrick's visit that day was special. With him is Lt. Col. Hyun Lee, battalion surgeon from the 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, who is here to review final preparations for a trip Noor is taking. It is a trip, that if successful, will give Noor the ability to see, something she has never been able to do.  Noor has been blind since birth.  A condition called sclerocornea makes it possible for her to detect only vague impressions of light.  Her father, a schoolteacher, has a brother with the same illness who lives with the family in their house on the banks of the Tigris River.
When Kendrick arrived here last year as part of 3rd Plt, Co D, 1-30th Inf. Regt., 2nd BCT Team, 3rd ID, he began meeting residents of al-Buaytha.  "Our philosophy, especially mine, is that we would get out and get with the people to talk about what their issues were, what their problems were," he said.  Soon he met Taha, who in addition to teaching at the nearby al-Harah school, is also a contractor and community council member, working on projects to rebuild his village's damaged infrastructure.  "He's been 'our go-to-guy'," said Kendrick, who hails from Phoenix. "He's a friend of mine; he's a friend of all of ours.  He takes care of my men and we try to take care of him and his family. He's part of our extended family as far as our platoon is concerned."
Taha helped work on several community projects, such as rebuilding and improving the school.  He said his friendship with Kendrick began as soon as they met. Then Kendrick visited the family's house and met young Noor.  "When he came and sat with me, he saw Noor," Taha said. "Noorsat with him and touched him, because she cannot see.  She thinks everyone cannot see, like her. After that, she asked me about Kendrick. 'Father, where does Kendrick come from?  Father, is Kendrick a good man or a bad man?'  Every time she would ask about him.  One day she told me, 'Father, 'I love Kendrick.'"
"We're there five to six days a week on patrol, so Noor was naturally part of our patrol. We'd check in with Taha, see how they were doing and check in on Noor, as well," Kendrick said.  Then Kendrick got the idea to try and do something about Noor's blindness. As it turned out, little Noor was a prime candidate for surgery, further involving the battalion.  When Lt. Col. Kenneth Adgie, 1-30th Inf. Regt. cmdr., heard about Noor, he backed the project.
Initially, Air Force ophthalmologists were to perform the procedure, but when that option failed, other avenues were explored. The Eye Defects Research Foundation, a non-governmental org. based in Los Angeles, stepped in to help. They found a doctor in the US willing to perform the procedure and secured visas for Noor and her mother Shaymaa to travel there.
Early Memorial Day morning, Kendrick and members of his platoon picked up Noor, Shaymaa and Taha and gave them a ride to Baghdad International Airport.
Kendrick, who is scheduled to redeploy with the 2nd BCT in July, would like to see Noor return home before he leaves.  "It would be an awesome capstone, to get this done," Kendrick said.  "This is one of a hundred things we've accomplished as far as improving the lives of people in our area.  As far as my piece of the puzzle is concerned, I can lay my head at night knowing I've done everything I can do."
He has many other good experiences to look back on.  When he arrived in al-Buaytha, violence was still common.  Now, it looks as if peace is becoming permanent.  "It was awful. Now you've got kids going to school every day, kids walking to school. You've got families opening stores. People walk around their [neighborhoods]. They're proud of their communities again," he said.
Though the surgery isn't guaranteed to give Noor her vision, Taha, as a father and a teacher, is hopeful of her prospects.


   












Noor, a young girl receiving eye surgery in the U.S., entertains 1st Lt. Michael Kendrick, while he eats breakfast at her family's house in al-Buaytha, May 25.

 




















Noor, leads 1st Lt. Michael Kendrick, on a walk through her yard. Noor is wearing the sunglasses Kendrick's wife sent her as a gift.
















Noor, says goodbye to 1st Lt. Michael Kendrick, at Baghdad International Airport May 26.






















Noor says goodbye to her father, Taha.

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Honoring the memory of fallen Soldiers

By Spc. Cynthia S. Teears

TIKRIT - MND-North held a Memorial Day of Remembrance at COB Speicher May 26 to honor the
fallen Soldiers of their current deployment.
The Patriot Brass, a small group of Soldiers from the Task Force Iron Band, set the mood and played several patriotic pieces throughout the ceremony.  During the ceremony, there was a presentation with historical pictures of American Soldiers and the 78 Soldiers of MND-N who paid the ultimate sacrifice.


   


















Sgt. Rachel B. Reese sings America the Beautiful.


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Regimental Support Squadron earns distinguished honors

TIKRIT - The Regimental Support Sqdrn of the 2nd Stryker Cav Regt was selected as the 2008 Distinguished Unit of the Quartermaster Regt, May 16.        
"This award is a mark of distinction coming at an important point in our history," said Lt. Col. Danny F. Tilzey, cmdr.  It just so happens winning the award coincides with the 172nd birthday of the 2nd SCR on May 23. The great achievements of the 2nd SCR traces back to 1836 when the unit was known as the 2nd Regt Dragoons.
The regt. has participated in a number of campaigns throughout its history, such as Little Big Horn,
Gettysburg, Aisne-Marne, Normandy, Leyte, Desert Storm and today the Global War on Terrorism.
"It is a great honor to have won this distinguished award," said Tilzey. "  "Throughout our deployment, the RSS overcame any adversity, conquered any challenge, completed any assigned missions, and in doing so provided unparalleled support to this great regt. and nation."
Throughout its history, the RSS has played an integral part of the longest active serving cav regt in the U.S. Army.  RSS Troopers, logisticians known as "Muleskinners," have always provided first-class support to the warfighter, ensuring units had the resources they needed to complete the mission.
The support squadron, like the regiment, continues to live up to its motto, Muleskinners, "Always Ready!"

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Dear Interested Readers,
A very moving Memorial Day service at Camp Liberty honoring our fallen heroes.  Mid-level Special Groups leader of a 300 member cell captured!  Iraqi SF Soldiers learn combat camera skills, and Baghdadi Bridge opens!  Numerous weapons caches removed from the streets, and more criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
_______________________________________


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

May 28, 2008


Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain Special Groups leader

BALAD - Iraqi SOF captured a mid-level Special Groups leader in the al-Shuala area of Baghdad, May 25.
The ISOF conducted a successful op to capture the suspected leader of a 300-member criminal group who is accused of kidnapping and murdering Iraqi citizens and is affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The suspect is an employee for the Ministry of Interior.  This suspect's group is also allegedly responsible for weapons smuggling and IED and EFP attacks against Iraqi and CF in Baghdad. 
Two other suspected Special Groups criminals were detained during the op.

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ISF learn combat camera skills, document missions

BALAD -  Over the past six months, some Iraqi SWAT teams, and Iraqi SOF have been learning how to combat terrorism and insurgency through the use of imagery.
U.S. Army Maj. Joseph Peterson, Civil-Military Ops Officer of the Combined Joint Special Ops Task Force-Arabian Peninsula in Balad, is a proponent of a new program to teach camera skills to ISF. 
U.S. Army  Sgt McCoy developed a combat camera course for ISF and served as its first instructor.  He adapted the 10-month curriculum he learned from the Defense Information School at Ft. Meade, Md., and condensed it to a two-week program that can be used to teach Iraqi troops in the field. 
"They went from looking at a camera and wondering, 'What do you want me to do with this?' to holding the camera with confidence and saying, 'Let me show you what I can do with this!'" McCoy said. "To me, the overall knowledge they gained was impressive for 10 days."
Through the course, Hillah ISWAT learned police photography functions, such as crime-scene photography, and how to do media outreach by taking video during missions and providing that video to the local media.
Three other ISWAT units have completed the combat camera course and are now also interfacing with the community through their new media outreach capabilities.
McCoy added military elements of photography such as operational security, handling classified info, and combat documentary photography to the basic elements of the course.
McCoy also provided instruction in teaching techniques and materials.  As a result, one student instructed the first Iraqi-taught combat camera course, graduating seven members May 6.  "They were eager to learn everything they possibly could.  They were really focused, paid attention ... They were motivated from seeing some of the work that the ISOF combat camera guys did before them," said McCoy.
The first mission with ISOF combat camera-trained personnel was the liberation of the southern city of Basrah in March.  As the troops pushed through the city, a newly-trained ISOF combat cameraman documented every move the SF made.
   
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CJSOTF airdrops humanitarian support to al-Amarah
















Combined Joint Special Ops Task Force airdropped needed humanitarian supplies to al-Amarah, May 21.  C-130 loadmasters released over six pallets of humanitarian support over the past three days. The cargo includes water, clothing and toys.

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Operation Siegfried Line nets detainees

FOB FALCON - MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained numerous suspected criminals in the Bayaa community as a result of Op Siegfried Line May 24 in southern Baghdad.
At approx. 11:45 a.m., Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 40 suspected militants for questioning.
Soldiers from 1st BCTdetained a known criminal at 12:15 a.m. during an early morning op in the Jihad community of southern Baghdad.
   
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Baghdadi bridge opens for traffic













Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly (second from the left), the comm. gen. of MNF-West, escorts the first Iraqi citizens across the newly-constructed Mabey-Johnson float bridge in Baghdadi, May 24. The bridge stretches across the Euphrates River and reduces travel time to communities on the opposite side of the river by eight hours.






















Six-year-old Gaith Saood receives a coin from Maj. Gen. Kelly.  Saood was one of the first Iraqi civilians to cross.

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MND-B Soldiers remember fallen heroes, comrades

CAMP LIBERTY - A hero is defined as being a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities - also, as a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.
"Today is that one day out of the year we take time to remember our fallen and the sacrifices they made for the freedoms we share on a daily basis," said Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, who serves as the senior enlisted leader with MND-B and the 4th ID. "In this case, we take time today to memorialize 75 of our fallen comrades - it's a very special day."
"I think Soldiers who wear this uniform possess great moral courage and character," Gioia said. "It's not about going to barbeques and fireworks. It's about wearing this uniform and going into harm's way - and protecting our nation so that others can enjoy the freedoms we all share." 
Gioia has personally attended every memorial ceremony for each MND-B Soldier who has fallen and said that each one feels like another piece of the fabric of his soul is taken away, and ceremonies like this remind him that it wasn't all for not.
"I think it is important here, in Iraq, to honor Memorial Day because we are here to protect and provide security for the Iraqi people," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jim Carter, who serves as the division chaplain for MND-B and the 4th ID. "It's important to remember that we are honoring not just our Soldiers, but we are also honoring our Iraqi brothers as we are here to support them and their land against the radical extremist-criminals who seek to take away our freedoms."
"For over 104 years, Americans have gathered on Memorial Day. We do this to honor our fallen heroes, but we really gather to honor America's broken hearts - those who were killed in the cause for freedom and the Families who were left behind," said Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, who serves as the comm. gen. for MND-B and the 4th ID. "We honor their lives; we honor their sacrifices and the dream they died for - their children."
To conclude the commemoration, Gioia read the names of the 75 fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice. A 21-gun salute reverberated throughout the gathering before an honor guard cased the national colors.  A bugler from the 4th ID band played "Taps" to pay homage to the memories of the brave men and women of MND-B who gave their lives for freedom.
"Clearly, no one understands the meaning of Memorial Day more than (Soldiers)," Hammond said. "We see it; we feel it, and our generation has lived it."






















The flags fly at half mast during a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony.

 














Staff Sgt. David Cotti plays "Taps" at conclusion.
















Seven MND-Baghdad Soldiers render a salute with arms.
















Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia recites the names of the fallen.






















Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, addressed his fellow Soldiers.

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IA Soldiers seize numerous weapons in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers seized a number of weapons caches while conducting clearing ops in Sadr City during Op Peace, May 25.
IA Soldiers  searched several buildings and warehouses and discovered 6 EFPs, 20 one-liter cans of TNT, 11 car engines filled with homemade explosives, 3 Russian anti-tank mines, an anti-tank round, 9 RPGs, 8 RPG launchers, 14 RPG charges, and one RPG radar system.  They also found a 60 mm mortar round, an 88 mm mortar round, 11 120 mm mortar rounds, a 100 mm artillery round, 5 130 mm artillery rounds, 3 155 mm artillery rounds, a Katusha rocket, 4 30 mm anti-aircraft rounds, a blasting cap, 2 Glock 9 mm pistols and a flare pistol, 30 AK-47s, 4r rifles, a Russian Smirnov rifle, 51 loaded AK-47 magazines, and 1,152 7.62 rounds, as well as 2 detonators with batteries, 4 camcorder tapes, a binocular sight, a spool of wire, and a cell phone with a charger and battery.
   
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Iraqis, MND-B Soldiers discover weapons caches

BAGHDAD - A SoI member and a local citizen teamed up with MND-Baghdad Soldiers to discover 3 weapons caches May 25, in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, seized a single barrel ,12-gauge shotgun, an AK-47, 21 .22 center-fire rounds, 19 .38 mm rounds, 25 9 mm rounds, 4 AK-47 magazines, several 12-gauge buckshot shells and 400 7.62 mm rounds at approx. 7:50 a.m. in Sadr City.
At approx. 6:40 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, acting on a tip from a local citizen, seized a laser-guided 85 mm missile and a 155 mm mortar round northwest of Baghdad.
At approx. 8:10 p.m. northwest of Baghdad, an SoI member turned in 8 60 mm mortars to Soldiers from 2nd SBCT 25th ID at JSS Al Awad north of Baghdad.
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
Our agricultural advisers are helping the date palm crop.  Basra continues to show progress in security as humanitarian and reconstruction projects continue, and large scale engineering projects are planned for the future.  The "Screaming Eagles" brings attention to the medical needs of a community.  Sons of Iraq get the opportunity to become policemen.  Criminals are captured and weapons caches removed.
Joanna
_________________________________________



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


May 27, 2008


Date palm trees sprayed

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

FOB KALSU - On May 22, an aggressive aerial campaign in Sayafiyah and Arab Jabour targeted pests, which had caused countless damage to palm trees over the past year.
"Left unchecked, the dubas beetle, which bores into the tree and kills it, can seriously disrupt the production of dates in the area," said Mike Stevens, a Baghdad-7 embedded PRT agriculture adviser.  "Behind oil, dates were once the main export of Iraq."
The spraying had no CF involvement. Unlike many previous projects in the area, this one was conducted solely by the Ministry of Agriculture, using their helicopter fleet.
The entire campaign represents a significant step for local farmers and shows the population that the GoI is taking action to bring support to the area.

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IPs find large cache, detain 5 suspected terrorists

TIKRIT- IP conducted an op in Mosul, May 25, discovered a large cache and detained 5 suspected AQI.
The cache consisted of more than 80 uncompleted IEDs, more than 60 complete IEDs, 250 pounds of TNT, more than 40 homemade sticks of dynamite and more than 10 artillery rounds.
This find marks the 8th cache found in the Ninewah province within the last 72 hours.

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Operation Charge of the Knights continues operations in Az Zubayr

BASRA - Op Charge of the Knights, continued ops in Az Zubayr, 20 km southwest of Basra, May 25.
The op, which began March 24 in Basra, is clearing towns surrounding the Basra area of suspected criminal elements, securing detainees and weapons caches.
IA Soldiers led the planning and execution of the most recent mission. UK and US Mitts remain, with U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, embedded with their Iraqi SF counterparts to enable the application of Coalition assets, if necessary.
Humanitarian support missions continue as well as provincial reconstruction efforts in the Basra area. They are also continuing cooperative medical engagements, and planning large scale engineering projects for the future.
   
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ISF and Regimental Combat Team 1 discover significant caches

CAMP FALLUJAH - Elements of Regimental Combat team 1, including IP and IA units, working off tips from Iraqi civilians uncovered numerous caches in AO East this week.
Between May 18 and 24, caches were found that consisted of 1,329 types of indirect fire munitions such as mortar rounds, rockets and artillery rounds.
The caches consisted of 33 RPGs, along with fuses and other miscellaneous equipment, 1,200 pounds of
explosives, 19 weapons, including light and heavy machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons and sniper rifles, approx. 5,000 types of small-arms ammo such as .50-caliber, 7.62 mm, 9 mm and sniper rifle ammo, approx. 1,600 types of IED making materials, such as detonation cord, electronic initiating devices and command wire, more than 580 other types of ordnance, such as a 136 mm rocket, 380 23 mm high-explosive incendiary anti-aircraft rounds, and an air-surface/surface-surface round.
   
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers continue to take weapons off streets in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers confiscated a number of weapons and munitions throughout Baghdad May 25, consisting of 15 RPGs, 4 RPG rounds, more than 80 AK-47s, 3 SKS rifles, 3 9 mm pistols, a 38 mm pistol, 4 radio handsets with batteries, 3 EFPs, 4 two-way radios, 9 fuses, and other weapon components.

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IA Soldiers seize weapons caches during Sadr City operation

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers conducting ops in the Sadr City district of Baghdad during Op Peace uncovered several weapons caches May 24, as they continue to secure the area to protect the local population.
Weapon caches seized consisted of a 155 mm round, 13 RPGs, 41 AK-47 rifles, 2 Smirnov sniper rifles, 18 anti-aircraft rounds, 209 7.62 mm magazines, 9 EFPs, more than 200 lbs. of homemade explosives, an RPK machine gun, a SKS rifle, a bayonet, 77 AK-47 magazines, 82 7.62 mm rounds, 7 hand grenades, 500 PKC rounds, 120 rounds of ammo, 2 IEDs,  a set of Russian night-vision goggles, and a crate of TNT.

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Government officials, U.S. work to heal, unite

By Capt. Drew Sandstrum

PB KEMPLE - For the first time in recent history, the GoI came to the aid of local residents requiring medical care in al-Betra and Owesat, about 25 km southwest of Baghdad, May 20.
Assisted by Soldiers of Co A, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), GoI officials and Iraqi doctors flew to a school in the remote community of al-Betra to provide medical care and discuss the extension of govt services to the area.
The adjoining communities of al-Betra and Owesat sit on the western shores of the Euphrates River. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Anbar Province and Ameriyah-Fallujah Nahia, despite being more than 30 kms from the nahia govt and more than 40 km from Fallujah, the seat of provincial govt.
This mission marks a turning point in the effort to integrate the communities into govt ops.
Following a recent meeting concerning the al-Betra area with Mayor Hassan, of Ameriyah, Capt. Nathan Raymond, cmdr. of Co. A, 3-187th Inf. Regt., said an upcoming air assault mission was an excellent occasion for the mayor to visit the area.  "It seemed like a perfect opportunity," Raymond said. "These people want to take care of themselves, so the best thing we can do for them is help them make contact with the govt officials who can help them do that."
After picking up Hassan at a Coalition patrol base in Ameriyah, helicopters loaded with Soldiers of Co A, doctors and Iraqi advisers touched down outside the school in al-Betra shortly after sunrise.  While locals lined up to be seen, 2 helicopters dropped medical supplies in the school's courtyard.
Najim Jassim, a local nurse, arrived with the helicopters and quickly began organizing patients for care. Assisted by Dr. Ali, an Iraqi medical adviser to CF, and Dr. (Maj.) Angela Uy, of Co C, 626th BSB, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), Jassim helped treat 128 local residents throughout the day. "I'm glad we were able to do this," she said. "Normally, there are so many people that I do not have enough supplies to help everyone, but today has been good."
Local sheikhs were pleased with the op and its outcome, and expressed their gratitude to CF for helping bring GoI attention to their community.  "Screaming Eagles are a part of us now," said Sheikh Ismael.  "Nobody put any effort into this area until the Screaming Eagles did. We are looking forward to our own govt taking care of us now, but we will always remember what Screaming Eagles did for us."

















Doctor (Maj.) Angela Uy, examines a child.

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MPs screen possible IP recruits
















MP Sgt. 1st Class Jim Meneley, 18th MP Bde explains the reviewing process of a SoI application packet to a civilian translator as they review and assist the Iraqi Provincial Directorate of Police (Baghdad) with hundreds of SOI application packets. The packets subsequently are submitted to the Ministry of Interior to be processed into hiring orders. The hiring orders will give SOI members the opportunity to serve their country by becoming IP. The packets being reviewed are part of the IP expansion program to hire SOI members to become future IP.

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MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches, detain two criminals

BAGHDAD - May 24, Soldiers with 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized 3 60 mm mortar rounds at approx. 6:45 a.m. in West Rashid.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID discovered a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad at approx. 12:30 p.m. consisting of 2 122 mm mortar rounds, 5 105 mm projectile rounds,4 85 mm mortar rounds, 3 82 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round, an 80 mm mortar round, a 106 mm inert projectile, a .50-caliber machine gun, an MG42 machine gun and the remnants of an anti-tank mine.
SoI members, along with Soldiers with 3rd Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, currently supporting the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal in the northern Baghdad district of Adhamiyah.
At approx. 10:50 p.m. in the New Baghdad district, Soldiers with the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, spotted criminals transporting weapons. The Soldiers wounded and detained one criminal.   

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have a special Memorial Day story, honoring the life and memory of a fallen Marine.  We also have an array of special stories, including teaching safe driving to Iraqi Soldiers; a very special ophthalmologist; and physical therapists dedicated to caring for the well-being of our troops.  Large weapons caches seized, and criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
_________________________________



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

May 26, 2008


IA Soldiers seize caches in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA discovered a number of caches in Baghdad's northeastern district of Sadr City, May 24.
The caches consisted of a 155 mm artillery round, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 21 AK-47 assault rifle,  2 Simonov automatic rifles, a 122 mm tank round, and 5 EFPs.
"Iraqi SF remain focused on securing the streets of Baghdad and the Sadr City district," said Col. Allen Batschelet, MND-Baghdad chief of staff. "All of these efforts are Iraqi led, planned, and executed showing the precise ability to independently carry out complex police missions."

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Iraqi Army seizes caches in mosque, hospital

BAGHDAD - 3 weapons caches were found in a mosque and a hospital during Op Peace in Baghdad, May 23.
The 2 caches contained more than 360 AK-47 assault rifles, approx. 12 Dragonov sniper rifles, anti-tank mines, flak vests, more than 100 RPG rounds, and multiple RPG launchers.
The third weapons cache found in a local hospital in Sadr City, contained more than 100 RPG rounds, rocket sleds, more than 60 home-made grenades, more than 50 fuses, TNT with cortex, hundreds of rounds of ammo and several mortar tubes corresponding to multiple mortar sizes.
To date, Op Peace in Sadr City has seized 38 caches.
   
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MND-SE holds memorial for fallen Marine

CAMP FALLUJAH - More than 400 Coalition Soldiers and Marines paid their respect to a fallen Marine at Basra Air Base, May 23.
Marine 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandegrift, was honored in a memorial plaque dedication service. The service was presided over by Marine Maj. Gen. George J. Flynn, the dep. comm. gen. of MNC-Iraq, and Reverend Padre Mark Christian, the chaplain to the forces at MND-South East.
Lt. Vandegrift was killed while conducting combat ops in Basra. He was assigned to the MiTT in support of the 1st Bn, 1st Bde, 1st IA Div.
A plaque commemorating the selfless service of Lt. Vandegrift was placed on the memorial wall in front of MND- Southeast HQ honoring British and CF killed in Southern Iraq.
The gravity of the ceremony was all the more reflected in the eyes of the Marines as Memorial weekend approaches.  "It is heartening to know that, back in the States, there will be that moment in time where people get together and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us," said Marine Maj. Andrew S. Burchfield, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Liaison Officer to 1st IA Div MiTT.


   












Marine Maj. Gen. George Flynn, Maj. Gen. John Kelly, comm. gen. of MNF-West, Brig. Gen. Julian Free, British Cmdr., 4 (Mechanized) Bde, Dep. Cmdr of Ops, MND-South East, and Col. Justin Maciejewski, British Army Chief of Staff, MND-South East.

















Two Scots Guards pipers play "Amazing Grace" during  memorial ceremony.


















A lone Marine pays his respects to a fallen comrade.

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Delaware MPs heading home as KY Guard MPs take over
















Delaware National Guardsmen from the 153rd MP Co stand tall and proud as the unit cases the guidon during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, May 24.  After a 12-month deployment, the 153rd prepares to return home after completing the unit's mission of training IP. The unit is part of a Police Transition Team assigned to the 18th MP Bde in Iraq.






















Kentucky National Guardsman from the 223rd MP Co salutes the American Flag as the U.S. National Anthem is played. The 223rd will take over the mission from the 153rd MP Co. of training IP and participating in Police Transition Team ops.

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MND-N Soldiers host driver training course for Iraqi Army Soldiers

By Spc. Rick Rzepka
1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA)

TIKRIT - Soldiers from 426th BSB, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA) teamed up recently with the IA for a driver training course at FOB Dagger.
As the IA begins to assume a larger role in securing the people of the province, they are looking more and more to their Coalition partners as mentors and teachers. 
The "Taskmaster" decided its mentorship and teaching contribution would be to hold the driver training course after witnessing a few accidents in the motor pool, according to Master Sgt. Derek Cook, 426th BSB.  "We're here to give them the tools they need to become safe, successful drivers," said Cook as he watched Iraqi Soldiers practicing their parking skills. "The biggest challenge is getting their attention. They pick things up better doing it hands-on."  Accident prevention and humvee familiarization are critical to helping the IA mature, said Cook. 
"We are getting good instruction from our American teachers," said Cpl. Beston, an IA Soldier.

















Staff Sgt. Calvin Avant, watches an IA Soldier practice hand and arm signals.

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ISF, 1st BCT, 4th ID. Soldiers seize multiple munitions caches in southern Baghdad

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a munitions cache at approx. 3:30 a.m. May 23 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The Soldiers seized 107 mm rockets, plastic explosives and fuses inside an abandoned house in the Bayaa community.
Iraqi NP seized RPGs with a launcher, an RPG booster, hand grenades, AK-47 rifles, and a PKC machinegun.
Soldiers from Co A, seized a weapons cache at 2:15 p.m. in the Bayaa community, consisting of  RPGs, approx. 600 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo, an AK-47 rifle, various IED-making materials, and detonation cord and firing wire.
"The 1st 'Raider' Brigade Soldiers work day in and day out with their Iraqi counterparts enforcing the Rule of Law on behalf of the citizens of the Rashid district," said Olson.

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U.S., Iraqi ophthalmologists administer eye care to locals

By Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Qualls Jr.
1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div

COB ADDER - U.S. and Iraqi ophthalmologists teamed up to provide eye care to approx. 100 Iraqi citizens as part of a U.S. and Iraqi medical engagement at Camp Mittica, May 19-20.
Dr. Stephen G. Waller, an ophthalmologist from Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio led a team of local Iraqi and Aegis Defense Services medical personnel in administering care to the Iraqi people. 
The team performed surgeries on the surface of the eye, such as cancers and other growths as well as eyelid deformities during the medical engagement. The team also provided eye check-ups and handed out scores of prescription glasses, sunglasses and bottles of artificial tears.
Waller is a retired Air Force colonel, who, among many other duties in his 31-year career, was a flight surgeon in Korea and the Philippines. He performed the first refractive laser surgery in the Air Force.
Waller was impressed with his Iraqi counterparts, ophthalmologists from Nasiriyah Hospital.  "They are in every way my peers," Waller said.  Stavros Yiannakis, a reconstruction team liaison officer, said it was a good experience working with the Iraqi doctors because of their skill. These doctors often have to work without the all resources they need in their job.
Khalid Shaheed, an anesthesiologist from Nasiriyah, said it was also a good experience to work with Waller because of his "professionalism," saying that it was additionally beneficial to be able to work with some tools they do not have at Nasiriyah Hospital.
"I hope they see us working here and see that we have good hearts - that Christians can be good people, too," Waller said.
















Dr. Stephen G. Waller and his Iraqi team partner up to perform surgery.  Waller has performed eye surgery in 15 countries and on four continents throughout the world.














Ophthalmologist Dr. Stephen G. Waller examines the eyes of a young Iraqi girl.

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Iraqi Security Forces seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD -  May 23, Iraqi SF discovered a weapons cache in the Bayaa area of Rashid consisting of 4 EFPs, 4 claymore mines, 10 RPGs, an AK-47 and 600 AK-47 rounds, 50 pounds of homemade explosives, a 152 mm Yugoslavian projectile, a detonation cord, and firing wire and caps for IEDs.
Northwest of Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers acted on a tip from a local citizen and found a weapons cache, seizing 4 81 mm mortar rounds and a 120 mm mortar round. 
Criminals attacked MND-B Soldiers with RPGs in the Shawra area of New Baghdad. The Soldiers called in an AWT, fired a Hellfire missile, killing 4 criminals. Soldiers from the same unit later spotted armed criminals approaching a JSS and killed one criminal.
MND-B Soldiers found an additional weapons cache May 24 in the Risala area of Rashid, seizing 180 mortar rounds, a 105 mm mortar round, an Iranian 107 mm rocket, shot gun shells, fuses and 2 grenades.
   
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Bastogne physical therapists keep soldiers on their feet

By Spc. Rick Rzepka
1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA)

TIKRIT - It is not a game, it's combat. Yet many of the physical tolls professional athletes face are mirrored in professional Soldiers.  Pulled muscles, back pains and sprains are just a few injuries Soldiers face while conducting day-to-day ops in Iraq. 
Enter the Army physical therapist, a mobile, hands-on medical professional, who works with Soldiers to alleviate Soldier's neuro-musculoskeletal problems in the thick of the fight here. 
"We see our guys on the line as professional athletes," said Capt. Christine Iverson, a physical therapist with the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div.  Iverson, who has been an Army physical therapist since April 2006, earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Baylor University, and has been helping the Screaming Eagle Soldiers reach their peak performance ever since.
She and her mobile physical therapy team have helped more than 2,500 Soldiers get back on their feet since being deployed here in September 2007.  Iverson said her team spends an average of 20 days a month traveling to FOBs here providing treatment and giving advice to Soldiers on how to avoid injuries. 
A large portion of the cases Iverson's team deals with is back pain. As Soldiers are being asked to carry a heavy burden here, so too they carry equally heavy loads on their backs. 
"It's awesome because you don't have to go through a whole deployment in pain," said Spc. Thomas Heppler, who is suffering from chronic back pain.  Heppler said that he appreciates having a physical therapist at the brigade level instead of having to seek help elsewhere.  "It makes it easier on me to have them here," he said.  "They make themselves real accessible."
For Iverson, there is no better place for a physical therapist to be, than at the heart of the fight.  "We belong down at the line units," she said.  "We owe them that."






















Staff Sgt. Rebecca Gaither, physical therapist NCOIC, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA), helps a Soldier stretch out his foot.

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National Police seize weapons cache

FOB LOYALTY -  In eastern Baghdad, May 22, Iraqi NP found the cache while patrolling New Baghdad to clear the area of illegal weapons and bomb-making materials. The cache included more than 20 AK-47 assault rifles and a long rifle. Additionally, NPs detained a suspect and seized an Iranian passport belonging to the detainee's brother.
Following the op, NPs detained 3 suspected IED emplacers.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We have a special Memorial Day story from a soldier in Iraq.  Also, Uthman Feed Mill renovations are complete, which will improve production, and a most interesting story of Coalition Forces providing medical assistance and supplies.  Mid-level Terrorist cell leader captured, as well as a wanted financier.  Large weapons caches seized.
Joanna
___________________________________



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


May 25, 2008

Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture mid-level terrorist cell leader in Mosul

BALAD - May 23, ISOF conducted an op to capture the AQI terrorists responsible for numerous VBIED attacks and for forcing others to emplace IEDs against their will.  Three other suspected terrorists, one believed to be immediately subordinate to the cell leader, were also captured.  During the op, ISOF also confiscated IED materials.

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Uthman Feed Mill renovations complete

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy

BAGHDAD - After months of planning and hard work, the Uthman Feed Mill celebrated its completion of refurbishments in Mahmudiyah, about 26 km south of Baghdad, May 21.
The finished feed mill now boasts a sound-proof generator and increased ability to provide pelletized feed for the re-energized poultry and fish industries.
"My feed mill shows the continued commitment of American forces to the area," said Uthman Daheesh, the owner. "Without their assistance this would not be possible." The feed mill also now has the dyes it previously lacked to pelletize feed. "(Other nations) have dyes that are able to produce fish and chicken food, but these are (some of) the first to enter Iraq," Daheesh said. "This is a very important day for Iraq."
Feed in pelletized form allows growers to control the amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in their feed.  "Controlling the diet can ensure the birds reach optimal growth before slaughter," said 2nd Lt. Bronson Hayes, Uthman Feed Mill project mgr. with 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT).
The area poultry association worked with Dept. of State agricultural experts in the embedded PRT attached to the 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), to identify needs for the Uthman Feed Mill and ensure necessary
improvements were made.
   
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Iraqi Army, CF seize weapons caches in separate operations

BAGHDAD - May 23, IA soldiers  seized a weapons cache in a mosque in the Kadamiyah district of Bagdad, consisting of RPG launchers, RPGs, an AK47, a machine gun, a PKC ammo canister, a flak vest, a mortar tube and a sniper scope.
Earlier that morning, Soldiers with the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, seized a weapons cache north of Baghdad containing approx. 30 60 mm Iranian mortars with a manufacturing date of 2007, and approx. a dozen 60 mm mortars of unknown origin, plus 82 mm illumination rounds, a 60 mm mortar tube, and various bomb-making materials and assorted ammo.
   
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Coalition forces provide aid in Zuwarijat

By Sgt. Daniel T. West, 214th FB

FOBASE DELTA - CF provided medical care and supplies to more than 200 people during a medical assistance visit in the Zuwarijat district of al-Kut, May 19.
Medical care was provided by local Iraqi doctors, Georgian doctors, a Salvadoran doctor and dentist, along with paramedics from the Cuscatlan Bn and medics from Co C, 26th BSB, from Fort Stewart, Ga.
Iraqi SF and Soldiers of the 511th MP Co, from Fort Drum, N.Y., provided security.
"It is difficult to put together that big of an op," said Sgt. Gopal Singh, one of the pre-screening medics, and the NCO in charge of the Co C element. "There was a wide variety of conditions sent through, and the Coalition doctors really came together to treat them." Singh's impression of the people was one of hope.  "It didn't matter what they'd been told before," he said. "They thought we could help them. They were very friendly, and even when we couldn't help, they weren't hostile.  One old gentleman even reached in to where I was handing out medicine and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek."
The Zuwarijat district has not always been so welcoming, though.  "Historically, it was a Jaysh al-Mahdi stronghold," said Maj. Stacy Gerber, 214th Fires Bde civil and military ops officer.  "Iraqi SF recently opened 3 security stations there, reaching out to residents who had been threatened by criminal elements and neglected by the GoI."
Adnan said at first citizens were afraid, but soon they saw how the ISF was securing their area and began bringing them water, tea and food.
Singh agreed to the event success.  "Firsthand, this was the most amazing thing I've seen," Singh
said. "Today, we couldn't tell that this had been a hostile area. If this is what it takes to get the Iraqi infrastructure going, I'll do as many I need to do."
















Maj. Stacy Gerber, cradles a child awaiting treatment.

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So which one is Memorial Day?

By Sgt. Jerome Bishop

CAMP LIBERTY - Not long ago while I was sitting at my desk at work, a Soldier presented an interesting question, not because of what it was, but what made it interesting is why it was asked.
"So what's Memorial Day, again?" the Soldier asked. This kind of disturbed me. As it turns out, the confusion came from the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.  While both are federal holidays to remember our nation's servicemembers past and present, only one commemorates the living.  The one that doesn't is May 26, the last Monday in May. That one would be Memorial Day. I just never thought I'd have to explain that to someone.
Commemoration ceremonies and remembrances take place all over the United States on Memorial Day. We all know it's a holiday. It's a day off work, and it's got something to do with wars.  Most people my age won't be seen at events like those.  I know I've never been to my town's festivities - not often at least.
Four years ago, I would have been the last one to say I wanted to take time during the day commonly referred to as the beginning of summer to fill my head with sad memories of how too many of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, never made it home. That was then. Three years ago, I was about 60 km north of here on LSA Anaconda near Balad for Memorial Day, and this year, I'm in Baghdad.
To me and a lot of other service members braving the sand, heat and bullets in Iraq, Memorial Day carries a new meaning - to remember not those service members we only knew by the name on their tombstone at
Arlington, but the ones whom we've shared meals and laughs with while trying to make the best of discomfort.
I'm fortunate enough to say I haven't lost a friend over here, but as my job takes me from unit to unit, the list of acquaintances grows - and more than a few might not make it home.
Three years ago, I knew Memorial Day would have a whole new meaning for me - and it truly does - because it could just as easily have been my name stretched across a banner for home town heroes lost in battle.
One day, I'm sure I'll hear that question again: "Which one is Memorial Day?" or something of the sort. Unlike most people, I'll have a unique story to tell - just as we all do.

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IA Soldiers remove dangerous weapons from streets of Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers found multiple weapons caches and IEDs in Sadr City as Op Peace continued
May 22.
At approx. 5 p.m., IA Soldiers received info on a weapons cache from a local citizen and seized 4 IEDs, 5 propane tanks, a box of TNT, ball bearings rigged with wires, an RPK rifle, 20 liters of explosive material and RPG propellant.
Minutes later, IA Soldiers discovered a weapons cache consisting of 7 EFPs, 5 60 mm mortar rounds, more than a dozen RPGs, hand grenades, a mortar sight, a BKC machine gun and 1,200 BKC rounds, a Kalashnikov rifle and 5 Kalashnikov magazines, igniters, indicators, command wire, charges, detonators, 8 radios and 4 battery chargers.
At approx. 12:05 a.m. May 23, IA Soldiers found an 82 mm mortar round, 3 SKS rifles, an AK-47 assault rifle, 4 RPG rockets,and 2 IEDs while conducting dismounted patrols throughout the city.
   
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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture wanted financier

BALAD -  In Az-Zubayr, 17 km southwest of Basrah, May 21, the ISOF acted on an arrest warrant for the financier, who is suspected of conducting weapon smuggling ops along the Iraq-Iran border. 
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
Major story of over 140 criminals turning themselves over to the Iraqi Special Forces.  Iraqis celebrate opening of a govt. center, and a small-arms repair facility, while C Co medics train with Iraqi medics.  A high ranking AQI is captured in Mosul, as well as another AQI intel cell leader and many members of his group in Bakubah.  Huge weapons caches are seized, and many more criminals killed or captured.
Joanna
__________________________________


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

May 23, 2008


Over 140 Suspected Criminals turn themselves over to ISF

BALAD - More than 140 suspected criminals turned themselves into the Joint Coordination Center in the city of Balad, May 22.  Three tribal leaders from the area ended their standoff with U.S. and Iraqi forces by bringing in all men under their influence who have a criminal history.
"Today's reconciliation is an example of local leaders taking a broad step forward in the future security and in the legitimacy of the legal process," said Maj. Ramiro Salazar, an EO of 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div. "This is the first step of initiating the process for reconciliation with the GoI, as well as Iraqi SF and CF."
The mass reconciliation comes on the heels of several ops designed to put an end to the insurgency that has crippled the area since 2006. The ops targeted key individuals and peripheral fighters resulting in 3 key individuals being killed. According to CF, the news of these individuals' deaths prompted fighters in the area to give up their arms and contact local SF to surrender.
One local sheik taking part with the other members of his tribe said, "We are tired of fighting and want peace."

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Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team captures terrorist in Mosul

BALAD - An Iraqi SWAT team captured a high ranking AQI leader in Mosul, May 21.
The Ministry of Interior issued an arrest warrant for the man they believe leads a large contingent of AQI, and is responsible for IED attacks against Iraqi and CF in Mosul.  One additional suspect, also on an MOI warrant, was arrested and confessed to committing IED attacks against CF.
   
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Officials Celebrate Habbaniyah Government Center Groundbreaking

HABBANIYAH, ANBAR PROVINCE - "This is a step in the right direction; a place for people to go
if they need help from their govt," Hussein, the Mayor of Habbaniyah, said.  "We are all very grateful for the hard work that everyone has put into these projects, as well as the help that we have received from the Marines in improving the area."
Among those in attendance were Lt Col Francis Charlonis, bn cmdr. of 2d Bn, 24th Marines, whose area
of ops includes Habbaniyah.
During the groundbreaking, Mayor Hussein announced the awarding of several contracts to local nationals that will result in improvements in basic services and infrastructure in the greater Habbaniyah area.
Khalidiyah will also host 2 new courthouses (one for criminal cases, the other for civil action and other matters), as well as a new IP station, serving as the area's anchor for law enforcement and jurisprudence.
Renovations are also being planned for the Khalidiyah Water Treatment Facility as part of efforts to improve the area's delivery of basic services by the city in partnership with Fox Company.
"The people here have long expressed improvements in water and other critical infrastructure," said Major Guillermo Rosales, comm. officer of Co F, who are working closely with Iraqi SF in Husaybah, Jazeera and Habbaniyah to achieve Provincial Iraqi Control.     

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Small-arms repair facility dedicated at Taji National Depot
















Lt. Gen. James Dubik (right), the comm. gen. of MN Security Transition Command-Iraq, gestures to Dr.  al-Rubaie, the Iraqi national security advisor,  to assist him in cutting a red ribbon, thus signifying the grand opening of the Small Arms Repair Facility located at the Taji National Depot here May 21. "This facility is a sign that the Iraqi Army is getting better and better," said al-Rubaie. "We are taking responsibility for ourselves."















An IA Soldier trains on small-arms repair inside the state-of-the-art Small Arms Repair Facility. This facility is the first of 20 new sustainment-type facilities slated to be built over the upcoming year. "It's exciting to see the progress," said Lt. Col. Mark Meyer, the senior advisor, logistics military advisory team. "I can remember this building with no roof and now it's a brand-new facility."

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Baqubah SWAT team captures 15 terrorists, detains 14


BALAD -  In the al-Naghar village of Baqubah, approx. 50 km northeast of Baghdad, May 20, Baquba ISWAT conducted the op to capture cell leaders and members of AQI and ISI.
A leader of an AQI intel cell and 4 cell members were among those captured.  Numerous other fighters and support personnel were detained including an ISI leader from the Mullah Eid area.  Several vehicles were seized from the location and destroyed. 
The AQI in the al-Naghar village are responsible for emplacing IEDs and conducting attacks against local SoI and Iraqi and CF.
   
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Charlie Med trains with Iraqi Army medics





















A medic with Co. C, 307th Bde Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div helps an IA medic apply a sling on another IA medic with a simulated wound.  Medics with Co. C "Witch Doctors" trained IA medics in basic combat life savor skills at Camp Mittica, May 20. This is part of the ongoing training the 307th BSB has been conducting with the IA. The 307th BSB has conducted everything from vehicle maintenance training to medical training in the 11 months they have been here.















A medic with C Co. 307th BSB gives an IA medic the thumbs up after inspecting a sling the IA medic applied on another IA medic with a simulated wound.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals in Abu T'shir

FOB FALCON -  At 2 a.m. May 21 in the Abu T'shir neighborhood of southern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a known criminal allegedly responsible for killing innocent Iraqi citizens, planting IEDs and launching indirect fire onto CF bases.  Two others were detained and are allegedly affiliated with the known criminal.
   
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Air assault mission disrupts terrorist activity, establishes relationships with Iraqi citizens

Kirkuk - Soldiers with the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div, conducted an air assault mission May 11-13 designed to disrupt terrorist activity and establish relationships with local citizens.
Working alongside members of the IA, the 1st Bde. cordoned the village of Garhaf Gharzan, located in
the Kirkuk Province of northeastern Iraq, and began thorough searches for weapons and terrorist activity while consulting with the local citizens for any info they were willing to give.
"Those who conduct attacks against the Americans and Iraqis are a small part of our people, and they don't represent the collective voice of our country," said Gharzan villager Muhammed, who was more than willing to cooperate with the Soldiers.
The 1st Bde. are determined to continue similar missions along with the IA to prove that they will have
a lasting presence in the area, which will provide a sense of security for the local citizens while putting pressure on the terrorist cells.
"Our goal is to put constant pressure on terrorist forces in the area, letting them know that is no safe haven for them," said Capt. Blake Witherell, a co. cmdr. in 1st Bde. "The IA continues to prove their resolve in their fight, demonstrating their capability to push onward with the fight even after our forces have left the country."
















Staff Sgt. Travis Spade, with the 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st Bde asks an Iraqi citizen about terrorist activity.

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ISF, MND-B Soldiers take deadly weapons off streets of Baghdad

BAGHDAD - May 21 in Baghdad, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, found a weapons cache at approx. 12:05 p.m. in the Kamaliya area of New Baghdad.  Soldiers discovered 16 mortar charges; 26 shotgun
shells; a RPG launcher scope; an RPG round and 35, 5.56mm rounds.
At approx. 1:30 p.m. in Kadhamiyah, IA Soldiers found a 155mm artillery round rigged to be used as an IED; an RPG round; 5 AK-47s; a 60mm mortar tube with bipod; 1,000 7.62mm rounds and several electric components.
A SoI member alerted Soldiers from 4th BCT, about a weapons cache in the Umar area of Rusafa at approx. 1:30 p.m.  The Soldiers seized 3 60mm mortar rounds; 2 82mm mortar rounds; an RPG launcher with an RPG attached; an AK-47 and 2 fuses.
At approx. 2 p.m. in the Karkh district, IA Soldiers found a vehicle rigged with more than 80 pounds of explosives to be used as a car bomb. The IA Soldiers cordoned off the area to safeguard innocent locals. The car detonated 15 minutes later, apparently as a result of terrorists realizing that the IA had discovered the vehicle they were planning to use to kill innocent Iraqis. No one was injured as a result of the explosion.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, found 2 Katusha rockets and 2 rocket tubes west of Baghdad at approx. 5 p.m.
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
Security improves greatly in Ninawa, and Basra is now the new city of hope.  A successful air assault captures the senior and mid-level AQI leaders in Mullah Eid area.  Iraqi firemen train in first aid and vehicle maintenance.  Huge weapons caches uncovered, and criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
_____________________________________


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

May 22, 2008

Security improves in Ninawa

TIKRIT - Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, cmdr of Task Force Iron and MND-North, spoke at a press conference about the positive outcomes of the Iraqi-led and Coalition-supported ops focused on AQI and other terrorist threats in the Ninawa province, May 21.
Since May 10, the Ninawa Ops Command reports the detention of over 1,200 individuals. Many of them were mid-level or proclaimed senior level leaders of AQI, the ISI, Ansar al-Sunna, Nasqabandi and other terrorist groups.  Attacks in the Ninawa province have significantly decreased since the beginning of ops.
Iraqi Soldiers  and the 3rd ACR and the 1st ID CAB, joined by the Iraqi NP, Iraqi Border Patrol Forces, the Iraqi Air Force, Iraqi and U.S. SOF, and a variety of other organizations, have worked together to rid Ninawa of terrorist activity.   
Together, these elements under Iraqi leadership, have significantly affected the capabilities of terrorist and criminal organizations in Mosul and the Ninawa Province.  The people of Ninawa are encouraged by the actions of the IP and IA, but are also encouraged by the actions of the GoI in fighting threats to their security. 
   
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Iraqi Security Forces seize munitions during Sadr City operation

BAGHDAD - May 21, at approx. 7:50 a.m., IA Soldiers seized 2 RPGs and a 155 mm artillery round.
At approx. 9 a.m., IA Soldiers discovered a weapons cache containing 100 home-made grenades.  And at approx. 9:30 a.m., IA Soldiers  seized an IED made from a 155 mm artillery round.
   
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Air assault nets 29 suspected terrorists

TIKRIT  - An air assault utilizing Coalition UH-60 Black Hawks ended with the detention of 29 suspects with ties to AQI, May 20, including the senior and mid-level AQI leaders in the Mullah Eid area.
Several Black Hawks belonging to 3rd Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Aviation Regt, inserted Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF Soldiers into a village, located 16 km northeast of Baghdad.


   










                  
UH-60 Black Hawks filled with Iraqi and American Soldiers return to base after an air assault in northern Iraq.

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National Police detain four in operation

COP CASHE - May 20, the Jisr Diyala detentions, approx. 16 km southeast of Baghdad, were made after the NP received a tip leading to the locations of the suspects.  The 4 detainees had outstanding warrants for terrorist activities.
"This is only the beginning," said IA 1st Lt. Dhafur, an intel officer with the 3rd Bde. "We hope to continue this success as we continue ops in the Jisr Diyala area."

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Tip leads MND-C Soldiers to huge cache

CAMP VICTORY - A local sheik, informed by a SoI member, gave a tip to CF, leading them to a huge munitions cache approx. 13 km south of Baghdad, May 21.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), retrieved the cache containing 268, 57 mm mortar rounds;
2, 82 mm mortars and 4, 107 mm rocket casings.
None of the rounds were serviceable, but they could have been alternately used as IEDs.
   
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Firemen practice first aid and maintain vehicles













A 1st BCT Soldier waits at the entrance of FOB Danger, for the arrival of Tikrit's Fire Dept. members, May 19. Soldiers reiterated the importance of first aid and vehicle maintenance with the firemen.






















An Iraqi Fireman supports the head of a Task Force Iron Soldier that is acting as a casualty while a Soldier explains the process of assessing a casualty.  Constant first aid training is vital in preparing the firemen for execution if needed while responding to an emergency.






















An Iraqi Fireman supports the head of a Task Force Iron Soldier, while proper rolling of the casualty is taught.

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Basra is now new city of hope

By Capt. Penny N. Zamora

BASRA - A sense of calm prevails in Basra as Iraqi forces continue to walk the streets.  Since the beginning of Op Charge of the Knights March 25, citizens have embraced the IA presence as humanitarian aide continues alongside its clean up and reconstruction efforts.
Since the initial push to rid the region of criminal elements, searches have resulted in the discovery of more than 2,700 mortar rounds, 650 rockets, 10 surface to air missiles, 130 RPG rounds, and 160 RPG launchers.
More and more citizens of Basra are approaching the IA and Iraqi SF to identify cache locations.
There have been 5 cooperative medical engagements within several communities of Basra.  In Tannumah, bilingual bicultural advisors, former Iraqi citizens who are now Americans, provided much needed medical care and coaching mentorship to the community providers.
The overwhelming response resulted in more than 550 patients treated and more than ten patients identified to receive extended care through the National Iraqi Assistance Center.
In Hyyaniyah, the 1st IA led a medical civil action program, at the Al Risala public health clinic, treating more than 400 patients with its surgeon and a staff of 10 medics. CF assisted with a joint cooperative planning session and the procurement of supplies.
"This is the model, and the way ahead, of how we want to win the hearts and minds within the Iraqi theater of ops," said Maj. Raymond J. Jablonka, Medical Ops officer, MNC-Iraq. 
"Future agricultural ops are underway in the Calf Fattening project. CF have provided a facility to house
cattle and to train farmers to look at techniques to better the quality of cattle for meat and dairy purposes," said UK Royal Navy Lt. Shatadeep Chatterjee, the Joint Civil Military Ops, Agriculture and Water Sector officer.
The Basra Law Academy Library building is complete and awaiting opening ceremonies soon.
The IA and ISF led ops, with CF assisting, have brought a new peace to the region of Basra in southern Iraq.

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Suspected IED maker detained in al-Wahida

FOB HAMMER - Early on May 19, Using information from a tip provided by a local citizen, CF comprised of Georgian soldiers and U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div., conducted the successful mission. Al-Wahida is approx. 25 km southeast of Baghdad.
The detainee is believed to be involved in an IED attack that killed 2 Georgian soldiers earlier this month. 
"No longer will this cell leader be able to order attacks and move weapons across Iraq.  His networks are rendered ineffective and the people of al-Wahida will be safer because of his capture," said Capt. Don Makay, Task Force Petro cmdr.
   
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MND-B Soldiers find separate caches in Rashid

BAGHDAD - May 20, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, received a tip from a concerned Iraqi citizen and seized a cache at approx. 4 p.m. in the Jihad community, consisting of an EFP, a dozen EFP shell casings and assorted EFP-making materials. The Soldiers detained 5 suspects who own the house where the cache was seized.
At approx. 4:30 p.m., Soldiers from 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, acted on a tip from a previous op and seized 81mm and 60mm mortar rounds.
Another unit attached to the 1st BCT, discovered an abandoned vehicle with a weapons cache inside, consisting of a RPG with launcher, more than 500 feet of shock tube and a mortar fuse.
   
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Iraqi Army Soldiers find multiple IEDs in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - IA Soldiers found multiple IEDs and other munitions during the initial stages of Op Peace
in Sadr City May 20.
IA Soldiers discovered 27 IEDs while clearing the streets of Sadr City throughout the day. They also discovered a Katusha rocket firing base and multiple lengths of wire, 3 152 mm mortar rounds and 2 155 mm mortar rounds.
   
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Iraqi National Police discover large cache

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP discovered a large weapons cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad, May 21.
The cache contained approx. 50 AK-47s, approx. 40 AK-47 magazines, an unknown rifle, an SKS sub-machinegun, a couple unknown handguns, bullet-proof vests, spools of wire with blasting caps, smoke grenades, approx. 200 miscellaneous fuses and approx. 2,000 7.62mm rounds.

-30-

Dear Interested Reader,
Kudos to the Sons of Iraq who volunteer to protect their neighborhoods, get paid very little, and have to face threats to their lives as well as those of their families.  There's a most positive story on the success of reconciliation.  A key AQI leader is detained, as well as other criminals killed or captured, and large weapons caches seized.
Joanna
_______________________________



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

May 21, 2008


MND-B Soldiers stop IED emplacers in New Baghdad

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers killed 11 criminals in an ongoing op in eastern Baghdad, May 21.
Soldiers observed armed criminals with AK-47 assault rifles, exiting a sports utility vehicle in the New Baghdad security district.  The individual scanned the area and motioned another vehicle forward, emplacing an IED. The suspects were engaged with small-arms fire, killing one.
Earlier, MND-B Soldiers encountered 4 other armed criminals, with AK-47's and RPK rifles, travelling in a vehicle. They were engaged and all 4 were killed.  Soldiers engaged and killed another armed criminal carrying a RPG.
At another location in New Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers noticed a criminal armed with an AK-47 conducting
recon from a vehicle, who was engaged and killed.
MND-B Soldiers spotted a criminal moving away from a nearby alley, holding an AK-47 in a firing position, engaged and killed him.  Another criminal, driving a vehicle in New Baghdad, made several passes by MND-B Soldiers. He stopped the vehicle and attempted to hand an AK-47 to other individuals.  An MND-B Soldier engaged and killed him.
Also in New Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers observed 2 other criminals digging a hole at the corner of an intersection in New Baghdad.  One of the militants left the scene and returned with an IED.  After it was emplaced, MND-B Soldiers engaged and killed them both.
"CF will use an appropriate, effective and lethal response when dealing with those who will use IEDs.  These indiscriminate weapons hurt and kill many innocent Iraqis," said Maj. Joey Sullinger, spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, MND-B.
   
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New Sons of Iraq stand up to help secure their communities

KIRKUK - Approx. 75 new SoI members witnessed their leaders sign 3 SoI contracts in a signing ceremony in the Ta'mim Province May 19.
Iraqi SF, CF, local tribal leaders and SoI members were on hand to witness the signing, representing more than 600 hundred SOI members, at the Jawalla Middle School in Rashaad, 48 kilometers south of Kirkuk.
The new members complete 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div's efforts in employing 2,000 SoI members in the Rashaad Valley to help protect its citizens from insurgents' violence.
"Today is a very important day, and my people have waited a long time for this opportunity to protect our neighborhoods," said Hassam Salih. "We want to be a part of a new Iraq, and to help bring peace and prosperity to our communities."
Following the signing, the SOI members recited the SOI Oath; pledging their support to the ISF and their commitment to protect their citizens against extremist violence. 
"Today marks yet another milestone on the road to improved local security, stability and normalcy. It is the continued support of the ISF, local leaders, and most importantly, the local villagers who have made security and the benefits which come with it a reality," said Lt. Col. Dennis Sullivan, cmdr 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf Regt,10th Mtn Div. 
The SoI have been attributed with helping in the reduction of violent activities in the Ta'mim Province. There has been a 60% decrease since the SOI inception, early December 2007.  Furthermore, there has been almost an 80% drop in violence in the neighboring Hawijah District, once called the "Anbar of the north," according to Col. David Paschal, cmdr., 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div.
















Lt. Col. Dennis Sullivan, congratulates one of the SoI leaders after signing a contract.

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Coalition forces detain suspected AQI leader in Diwaniyah Peninsula area

BAGHDAD - Soldiers with 4th BCT, 3rd ID, detained 2 individuals May 17, during ops in the Diwaniyah Peninsula area, approx. 40 km southeast of Baghdad.
One of the detainees is a key suspected AQI leader who has reportedly been involved in kidnapping civilians for ransom and using the money to fund terrorist ops.  He is also accused of facilitating IED attacks on CF.
 
-30-

Iraqi Army finds large cache in support of Operation Lion's Roar

TIKRIT - The IA found a large buried cache during clearing ops in support of Op Lion's Roar in the Younis al-Sabawi neighborhood of Mosul, May 19, consisting of more than 100 mortar rounds, more than 100 mortar fuses, 2 mortar tubes, 2 mortar bipods, a suicide vest, 2 rockets and 8 mines.
   
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'Sons of Iraq' train to protect own communities

By Cpl. Sean P. McGinty

CAMP FALLUJAH - Throughout Anbar serves a unique group of men whose sole mission is to protect their community.  Since the summer of 2007, SoI have answered the call to work the seams between conventional Iraqi SF, augmenting the combined effort to deny our enemy a safe haven in Anbar.
Currently about 5,000 in number, they are trained by Marines on how to protect their neighborhoods and people.  "I do this for all of my village," said Mohamad Dakheel, a checkpoint guard from Alnu-Amiyeh's Sons of Iraq, May 15. "We're all safe because we all work together."  The SoI are paid volunteers who live in the areas they guard.
"They're responsible for identifying who's not supposed to be in the area of ops," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer K. Richardson, plt cmdr, Mobile Assault Plt, Guardian Co, I Marine Expeditionary Force HQ Group (Forward). "Every 500 to 800 meters in the Alnu-Amiyeh area there's a SoI checkpoint. These are great for keeping insurgents out of the area.  They don't get paid a lot of money for this, and it's not easy for them to support us when they get threatened and their lives are on the line," Richardson said. "It's really admirable what they do." Though the SoI are paid about $150 dollars a month, most also make money through other means.  "My payment will last for only a week, but I also make some money by farming," said Dakheel.
Since most had jobs to begin with, most of the Iraqi volunteers said they did not join for the money.  "I do it because I learn from the Marines how to make it safe in our country," said Eiad Sathan, a checkpoint guard from Alnu-Amiyeh's SoI. "When the Marines leave, we can keep security in our country because of the training."
The Marines of Guardian Co., based at Camp Fallujah, have been training the SoI, not only to be better guardsmen, but ultimately to aid them in their efforts to become IP.  "The goal these guys have is to become police," Richardson said. "Everything we teach these guys is geared towards making them IP's, from shooting positions and shooting fundamentals, to the physical fitness test."
 "I see there is a terrorist destroying my country, and I want to stop him," said Wajdi Selaman, a Fallujah SoI. "We are a peace-loving people."

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Operation Restore Peace VI offers alternative to former fighters in Hawijah

HAWIJAH - Sheiks, villagers and CF members attended a reconciliation meeting held at FOB McHenry, May 18.
The 6th meeting under Op Restore Peace afforded a pathway toward reconciliation to combatants who have been linked to attacks against Iraqi SF and CF. The program, citizens call Musalaha, has been credited along with the SoI program, with more than a 90% decrease in violent attacks against both forces and civilians in the Hawijah district, located roughly 60 miles southwest of Kirkuk City in the Ta'mim Province.
Since January, more than  200 citizens in the region have reconciled during this op. "We came today of our own freewill," said Sheik  Hussein of the Obedi tribe in the district of Riyadh. "I tell my children and villagers that we need to cooperate with our govt and our SF. That is the only way our lives will improve and that Iraq will prosper as a country."
Locals came from as far as the village of Al-Quodas, approx. 20 miles northeast of Hawijah, to as close as Riyadh some 5 miles up the road.  Khalif Muhammid of the Abassi tribe heard of the meeting from a local in a neighboring village.  "He told me that I needed to go to Musahala here. This person told me I had a choice." 
More Iraqis here are becoming motivated to join the reconciliation program as joint targeting efforts between the ISF and CF with info given by citizens and SoI members. The info obtained in the past 2 weeks has led to the detention of 13 known criminals.


 

















  

Sheik Hussein of Riyadh and his son look over paperwork distributed during the reconciliation meeting. 

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Local citizens, SOI lead to 19 caches discoveries in 16 days

SAMARRA - SoI and local citizens have provided info leading to 19 weapons, explosives and bomb-making caches being found by Iraqi SF and CF during the first 16 days of May.
The cache items included approx. 100 artillery and mortar rounds, approx. 100 white phosphorous grenades, more than a thousand pounds of homemade explosives, detonation cord, and numerous IED parts and important documents.
"AQI used Samarra as a sanctuary previously. Today, AQI has no support from the local population," said Capt. James Leidenberg, a spokesman for the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div. "Citizens of the city are taking advantage of the initiatives to provide safe neighborhoods by removing caches within Samarra."
"Samarra is becoming an example of what can happen with individuals dedicated to the well-being of their fellow countrymen," said Capt. Josh Kurtzman, a co. cmdr. in the 1st BCT.  "We have NP working hand in
hand with SoI and local police and a Kurdish IA Bn. Samarra has become an example for the rest of Iraq."

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Citizens lead Soldiers to three caches

FOB KALSU - Local citizens led MND-Center Soldiers to 3 separate caches locations, May 16.
The area was once a haven for criminal activity. "Local Iraqis are tired of the violence and fighting and have
come to see the benefits of assisting the Coalition and (IA's) efforts in their community," said Lt. Col. R.J. Lillibridge, a 2nd BCT, 3rd ID spokesman.
The first cache consisted of 4 RPGs, 6 RPG warheads and 6 RPG boosters.
The second cache contained 100 belt-linked rounds of 7.62 ammo, 250 loose pistol rounds, SKS and AK-47 magazines, AK-47 butt stocks, bayonets, flasks of gunpowder, a couple spools of wire and a rifle with bayonet.
The third cache contained 500 rounds of 9 mm ammo and 1,000 rounds of PKC machine-gun ammo.
Over the past week, MND-C Soldiers have removed 13 caches from the area.
   
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Mayor of Mosul visits Zanjail after 10-day trip of U.S.

TIKRIT - Zuhair Abdulazeez, the mayor of Mosul, who just returned from a 10-day trip of the U.S., visited his residents in Zanjail, May 18. During his U.S. visit, he learned about city management, budgeting, cultural funding and solid waste.
The Mayor was accompanied by Lt. Col. Keith Barclay, cmdr. of the 3/3 ACR, and Maj. Gen. Ahmed Taha. They walked the streets of Zanjail in preparation for route sanitation during Op Lion Harvest II.
IA soldiers and CF Soldiers provided security.

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Dear Interested Readers,
There's an excellent story of how strong leadership makes a difference in the performance of Iraqi Policemen.  A suspected AQI cell leader is captured, as well as a Special Groups' cell leader and 4 members. Numerous weapons caches are seized.
Joanna
________________________________________



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

May 21, 2008


Strong leadership brings rule of law to Baghdad neighborhood

By Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger
18th MP Bde.

FOB RUSTAMIYAH - Iraq is safer due to the sternness and dedication of its leadership from the District IP HQ in the Karadah district of Baghdad.
The strength of the IP force has grown significantly in size and their ability to protect its citizens in Karadah in the past year.  Iraqi Col. Salman, Karadah District Cmdr, is working hand-in-hand to ensure this trend continues, as he works alongside CF and the 1132nd MP Co, a N. Carolina National Guard unit.
During the visit to the station, the squad leader reviewed operational needs with the district cmdr. and offered any assistance or supply requests that were needed to improve the police force. "The colonel never asks for anything for himself, only for his station," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Carberry, squad leader.  "We have built stuff for them and as they saw us do it, then they (IP) started building stuff for themselves," said Carberry, referring to some of the station improvements with which the PTT has helped.
But the physical things are not the only areas that have been improved upon, but the pride and abilities the IP and cmdr demonstrate.  "He is sometimes up as early as 4 a.m., checking in on his IP at the checkpoints making sure they are doing their jobs," said Carberry. "There is a lot less crime from day one, when we arrived here.  The colonel has seen how we help him and gets along well with us."
Salman, cmdr, IP Karadah District, said,  "There is less sectarian violence, which never happened before. "Religious sects are starting to work together.  Now the only thing holding the people of Baghdad back from peace is criminals in the area.
Salman thanks the PTT for their help in aiding the people of Karadah.  "U.S. Soldiers take care of the civilian people," said Salman, as he discusses a future medical delivery operation by CF to a local clinic in the area. "It is a priority for us to get the medical supplies to the poor people in Karadah."


   










Staff Sgt. Joseph Carberry, squad leader, discusses recent criminal activities in the Karadah area with Iraqi Col.  Salman,  May 16.

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MND-B Soldiers locate cache in Bayaa community

FOB FALCON -  May 20 at approx. 5 a.m., Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID found the cache inside an abandoned house while conducting a combat patrol of several key areas in the community.
Inside they found 41 60 mm mortar rounds, 9 EFP back plates, approx. 2,800 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, one bag of handcuffs, a box of military style uniforms, 3 video tapes, a partially assembled EFP, 4 sets of body armor, 4 electrical timers and 2 command wire actuators.
   
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Iraqi Security Forces begin Operation Peace

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi SF began Op Peace in an effort to cease violence in the Sadr City area May 20.
The operation is to protect the people while setting conditions for sustainable security and increase humanitarian assistance, economic growth and essential services.
"The op is totally Iraqi planned, led and executed to rid Baghdad of the Special Groups extremists," said Col. Allen Batschelet, MND Baghdad chief of staff.

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ISF, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches

BAGHDAD - May 19 in Baghdad, at approx. 7 a.m., IA Soldiers searched the Sha'aroofi Mosque in the Shaab area of Adhamiyah. The IA Soldiers discovered a substantial cache on the grounds of the mosque consisting of 8 EFPs, 35 hand grenades, 7 mortars of various sizes, 4 RPG launchers, 10 RPG expelling charges, 7 RPGs, 154 different types of fuses, and various items consisting of copper wire, CDs, 12 AK-47 magazines, a desktop computer, 5 circuit boars and 10 radio faces.  They also found several IED-making materials, and documents detailing kidnappings and murders.
At approx. 5:45 p.m., Soldiers from 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, were alerted by a local Iraqi of an EFP cache nearby in the Zubaida area of East Rashid.  Found were 3 EFPs, 8 107 mm Iranian rocket warheads, 8 107mm Chinese rocket warheads, 8 launching rails, 20 fuses, a mortar tube, a claymore mine, and more than 10,000 7.62mm rounds.
At approx. 6 p.m. in the Aamel area of West Rashid, Iraqi NP investigated a tip and found 3 107 mm Iranian rockets and 5 120 mm Iranian mortar rounds.
   
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U.S. Special Operations Forces detain suspected terrorist group cell leader

BAGHDAD - U.S. SOF detained a suspected AQI cell leader in Rutbah, approx. 385 km west of Baghdad, May 19, reportedly responsible for facilitating the movements of insurgents and foreign fighters.  He is also associated with an insurgent network that is involved in smuggling, and storing weapons and explosives.  
The detention of this cell leader should affect AQI's logistics, finances and ops throughout the western region of Iraq.

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 ISF, CF finds multiple cache sites in one-day period

TIKRIT -  May 19, acting on info gathered from several different sources in MND-N, Iraqi SF and CF discovered more than 10 different sites containing weapons caches that contained, in total, more than 200 pounds of TNT, several hundred rounds of various sized ammo, explosive missiles, RPG warheads, several automatic rifles and nearly 30 anti-aircraft projectiles.
One suspected AQI member was detained at one cache site.

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Weapons cache recovered at south of Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Members of the SoI, NP and Soldiers from 1st Bn, 35th AR, recovered a weapons cache
approx. 15 km south of Baghdad, in Baghdad province May 16, consisting of 18 mortar rounds, found by
Iraqi workers conducting a canal improvement project.
"It was a successful effort overall," said 1st Lt. Michael Kim, a spokesman with 1st Bn, 35th AR.  Kim said the SOI security volunteers and NP led the way on this mission, and CF were there only to provide support and help ensure the weapons were destroyed properly.
   
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Local tip leads to mortar, rocket cache

CAMP VICTORY - A local Iraqi citizen provided info leading IA Soldiers to a weapons cache in the Sharifat area, 12 miles south of Baghdad, May 18.
Iraqi Soldiers uncovered the cache, which contained a 60 mm mortar tube with stand, more than 50, 120
mm mortar rounds; 10, 82 mm mortar rounds; 13, 60 mm mortar rounds; 2 Iranian 60 mm mortar rounds; 1 unidentified rocket; 1 Russian SPG-9 rocket and more than 80 mortar primers and fuses.
   
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National Police capture key criminal

BAGHDAD - Iraqi NP planned and executed a successful op to capture an IED cell leader and 4 members of his cell in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad, May 18.  The Special Groups leader tested positive for handling explosive materials.
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
Can any of us imagine not having potable water?  Hopefully with a water treatment plant fully restored, 4 million Baghdad residents will enjoy these simple pleasures in life.  Thanks also to American generosity tennis has arrived in Iraq!  Terrorists continue to be captured or killed, and many weapons caches seized.
Joanna
____________________________________________



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

May 20, 2008


Iraqi National Police seize weapons cache

BAGHDAD - In the New Baghdad district of Baghdad, May 19, Iraqi NP discovered a weapons cache containing more than a dozen IED triggers, more than a dozen AK-47s, RPG launchers, RPG rounds, more than 100 linked 7.62mm rounds, sniper rifles, flak vest, and more than 25 batteries.

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MND-B Soldiers prevent an IED attack and seize munitions

BAGHDAD -  May 18, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered the weapons cache on the rooftop of a building during a dismounted patrol in the Shurta area of West Rashid at approx. 3:35 p.m.
Soldiers found 30 120 mm mortar rounds, 12 60 mm mortar rounds, 120 pounds of homemade explosives, several RPG rounds, an SKS rifle, an RPG launcher, 10 mortar fuses, 30 shotgun shells, a hand grenade, 2 electric blasting caps, a Tommy gun, IED-making materials, and numerous IA and Police uniforms.
At approxi. 9:40 p.m. north of Baghdad, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, witnessed a criminal emplacing an IED. Soldiers fired at the criminal and killed him.
   
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Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain two terrorists in Baghdad

BAGHDAD -  In the al-Ghazaliya area of Baghdad, May 18, ISOF conducted the op to detain AQI terrorists suspected of murder, kidnapping, emplacing IEDs, and forcing local Iraqis out of their homes. One of the men is suspected of murdering a 24-year-old woman on December 10, 2007. 
AQI in this area of Baghdad is responsible for numerous kidnappings and murders of local Iraqi citizens. 

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Iraqi residents turn in munitions to IA soldiers; MND-B Soldiers eliminate threat

BAGHDAD -  May 17, At approx. 2:50 p.m., the IA soldiers were conducting an "amnesty drop" mission and were distributing food and water to local residents when they were approached by several civilians, reportedly from the nearby Sadr City district. The civilians turned in 6 155 mm rounds, 2 120 mm rounds, a 127 mm  and a 57 mm rocket.  The citizens indicated they were taking the initiative, showing they want peace and an end to the violence.
Also in New Baghdad at approx. 12:20 a.m., May 18, soldiers from the 4th BCT, 4th ID, observed an armed man exiting a vehicle near their position. The man armed the weapon and took aim at the MND-B observation point. The soldiers defended themselves and killed the man.
   
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MND-B soldiers fend off militant attack in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - In the Sadr City district of Baghdad during the evening hours May 17, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were manning a defensive position when they were attacked by criminals with small-arms fire.  The soldiers defended themselves with precision small-arms fire and killed 3 of the attackers.

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Water treatment facility on way to recovery

CAMP TAJI - The Karkh Water Treatment Plant in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, has been under construction and undergoing upgrades since its near destruction in 2005.
Lt. Col. Paul Williams who is the officer in charge of the US Army Corps of Engineers Taji Area, visited the  Plant to check progress on the work taking place May 14.  He was joined by Lt. Col. David Davidson, who serves as the dep. cmdr for 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID.
"The mission was to check the progress of the contractors working out there," said Capt. Mark Gilliam,  2nd SBCT engineer planner.  The USACE contractors are heavily involved in civil work, added Gilliam.
The near destruction of the plant caused water problems for many residents in Baghdad. The facility supplies one-half of the potable water used in Baghdad - approx. 1.3 million litters (roughly 345,000 gallons) of potable water per day, which is piped through a  2 meter line that runs from the plant all the way to Baghdad.  If power goes down in the area, said Gilliam, the facility shuts off and water supply will stop for approx. 4 million residents.
Workers have recently completed installing new switches and are getting ready to "plug in," said Gilliam. For the past 3 years, the Plant was unsafe and barely able to provide water to Baghdad residents, said Gilliam, but that will soon change.
Williams and Davidson said they are pleased with the progress on the facility and that they are looking forward to getting the generators started and the job finished.  When the Treatment Plant project is completed and running at its full potential, it will be another successful joint endeavor project accomplished by the Corps of Engineers and the GoI, said Gilliam.












 


Lt. Col. David Davidson inspects the room where generators number 1 and number 2 are housed.

















Maj. Anthony Barbina, bde eng, points at an electrical bypass.















An engineer team from 2nd Stryker BCT check cable laying and the trench going from the Karkh Water Treatment Plant to its electrical sub-station to ensure it complies with safety standards at the Plant.

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Iraqis, servicemembers connect through tennis

BAGHDAD - Military volunteers brought a bit of joy into the lives of Iraqi children as they introduced them to a little-known sport at Area 4, IA base in western Baghdad, May 17.
These volunteers brought tennis to Iraqi children through the gift of donated tennis equipment. This equipment,  brought joy to not only the young players, but to the Iraqi and Coalition servicemembers as well.
Ernie Rains, the Central Alabama Tennis Assoc. Community Coordinator, thought up the idea of donating tennis equipment to Iraqi children in order to hopefully soften a harsh lifestyle.  His gift was realized through the coordinating efforts of friend, fellow CATAC member and Air Force Maj. Willliam O'Sullivan, a MNC-Iraq
Joint Op Center chaplain.
Before teaching the Iraqi children the sport of tennis, the servicemembers volunteered their time to first teach the sport to IA Soldiers. These soldiers welcomed the chance to learn the game and interact with their Coalition counterparts.
Following the round of tennis, the volunteers were treated to a "hospitable lunch" by Maj. Raheem, an IA civil affairs officer who coordinated the event for the IA.
After lunch, the Iraqi children made their appearance on the court.  The excited children were noticeably more chaotic to teach than the soldiers, especially after the balls and rackets were past out. The children were "just children" a point that struck home for many of the volunteers who were there.
"Kids playing games isn't something that changes drastically among societies," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron A. Carr, 35.  Carr, a father himself, couldn't help but notice how much the children reminded him of his own son at home, despite the cultural differences.




















  

Air Force 1st Lt. Paige H. Young, shows an IA soldier how to properly grip a tennis racket.

 














Air Force Maj. William O'Sullivan instructs Iraqi children on correctly holding tennis rackets.

 













South Korean Maj. Baekim keeps children from rushing to receive tennis balls and foam balls.

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MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache, detain suspected criminal

BAGHDAD -  May 18, at approx. 12:10 p.m., Soldiers with the 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, were searching a power sub station in West Rashid when they found a weapons cache consisting of 2 AK-47 assault rifles, 3 AK-47 magazines, a Dragonov rifle, a PKC rifle, 3 IEDs, 2 initiators, 60 pounds of homemade explosives, other bomb making materials, and a 60 mm mortar with fuse.
At approx. 11:10 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, currently attached to 3rd BCT,
4th ID, detained a criminal suspected of emplacing IEDs after Soldiers received a tip from a local citizen in northeastern Baghdad.

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Iraqi Police find large munitions cache in Mosul

TIKRIT - IP in Mosul discovered a buried weapons cache of nearly 500 rounds of munitions while acting on intel, May 18.
An inventory of the unearthed items consisted of 120 60 mm, 220 82 mm and 100 120 mm rounds as well as 50 artillery rounds with rockets.
   
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Dear Interested Readers,
An encouraging story of the Iraqi Army working in partnership with the Iraqi National Police, and one of admiration for the CF leadership in Iraq visiting the 20th Engineers.  Lt. Gen. Austin is awesome and looks 7 feet tall!  With Basra more secure, residents enjoy medical assistance.  A Special Groups' cell leader is captured, and many more criminals are captured or killed, along with the seizure of many weapons caches.
Joanna
______________________________________

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

May 19, 2008

CF kills 6 enemy personnel with air strikes

TIKRIT -  May 17, while attempting to disarm a discovered IED,  IA soldiers received small arms and RPG fire.  The attack resulted in the death of an IA soldier.   
Following the attack, CF observed 4 criminals with multiple weapons next to a house suspected of containing a weapons cache.  CFs used an Air Force jet to engage the building with precision guided munitions destroying the cache and killing the 4.
A vehicle thought to have been involved in the complex attack was engaged by a CF helicopter, resulting in 5 secondary explosions and the death of 2 suspects.

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Iraqi Army, National Police join together to display mutual respect, increased capability

BAGHDAD - IA and Iraqi NP partnered together to conduct a multi-day joint op in the eastern Baghdad district of Karadah to neutralize violent extremists and safeguard their citizens.
In one such op, IA soldiers established the outer cordon while NPs conducted a search in the southeast Baghdad neighborhood of Zafraniyah.  Concurrently, a company of Jundi (IA soldiers) searched adjacent farmland and scattered homes.
The IA and NP team also met with local officials and the school principal in the muhallah to discuss an upcoming toy and school supply distribution op in the near future.
"The IA and the NP have worked together in the past but almost exclusively as part of a larger task force," said Batschelet. "Never, to our knowledge, bi-laterally at the battalion level.  This was a demonstration of mutual respect and the Iraqi leadership set the tone."
May 17, Iraqi NP  seized a large weapons cache while conducting security ops in the Karadah district of Baghdad, consisting of 2 EFPs, 2 IEDs, 96 AK-47 assault rifles; 19, 81mm mortar rounds, 8 hand grenades and an RPK light machinegun.
Iraqi NP with support from IA soldiers, seized a weapons cache and arrested 31 criminals in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad. The seized items included documents pertaining to a Special Groups extremist org., 16 AK-47s, more than 1,000, 7.62mm rounds; 68 AK-47 magazines, an RPK light machinegun, 2 RPG launchers, 3 RPG rounds, a 2.5 gallon cooler containing home-made explosives, 7 various types of grenades, a night-vision sight for an AK-47, a mortar sight, 4 bags of mixed ammo and other various military equipment.

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MNC-I leaders visit 20th Engineers

By Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from Fort Bragg's 20th Eng. Bde showcased their capabilities to senior MNC-Iraq leadership at their headquarters in Balad, earlier this month.
"It's always a privilege to have the MNC-I cmdr come and recognize deserving Soldiers," said Col. Peter A. De Luca, the cmdr of the 20th Eng. Bde. "The fact that some of our units are in transition now made it a good send off for some departing Soldiers who made a big difference in the improving security situation in Iraq."
"It's nice to see someone at the top wants to learn about something regular E-4 foot Soldiers do," said Spc. Mike Yem, with the 817th Eng. Separate Co.
"It's good for morale," said Spc. Scott Kreft, also with the 817th. "Not everyone can say they shook hands
with the general."
The 20th Eng. Bde is responsible for providing combat, geospatial and general engineering and reconstruction ops in partnership with PRTs, Civil Service Corps, SoI and IA engineers. They are also responsible for training and assisting the IA and provincial engineers in the rebuilding of the infrastructure of Iraq. "During its deployment to Iraq, 20th Eng. Soldiers have built 10 major bridges, destroyed and captured IED cells in 9 Iraqi provinces and the improvement of numerous roads to reduce IED vulnerability and make them safe for travel," De Luca said.
Although some of the 20th Eng. Bde.'s units are preparing to head home, the troops still have their heads in the game.  "I am awed by their attitude and drive as they do what engineers love to do, solve problems creatively, fix broken, but needed things, build new needed things and always take the fight to our enemies in close combat," De Luca said.
The 20th will be replaced by the  555th in fall 2008.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, speak to Soldiers of the 20th Eng. Bde.  Austin received briefings from the Soldiers on the capabilities of their route clearing equipment.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, shakes hands with Spc. Scott Kreft.  Austin, met with Kreft and Spc. Mike Yem.

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MND-C Soldiers discover caches

BAGHDAD - May 15, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 3rd ID, discovered a cache during a patrol, consisting of 12, 42 mm rockets; 3, 57 mm projectiles; 8 rocket bodies; 8, 120 mm rockets and 10 fuses.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), found a cache near the Qaqa Apartments in Mahmudiyah, about 26 km southwest of Baghdad, May 16.  A tip from a local citizen led the Soldiers to the cache comprised of 450 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds, a 60 mm mortar system, 15 RPG motors, 96 mortar cartridges and 10 pounds of mortar propellant bags.

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Iraqi Army captures Special Groups IED cell leader in Husayniyah

BALAD -  IA Soldiers captured a Special Groups cell leader, who is responsible for coordinating IED and rocket
attacks against Iraqi SF and CF, in Husayniyah, approx. 20 miles north of Baghdad, May 16.
The IA conducted the op to capture the Special Groups cell leader, in addition to detaining 4 other suspected Special Groups criminals.

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MND-B soldiers kill two criminals, seize munitions caches

BAGHDAD - May 16, an SoI member led Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID to a munitions cache consisting of 155 mm mortar rounds west of Baghdad at approx. 12:20 p.m.
At approx. 5 p.m., Special Groups criminals attacked soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), with an IED and small-arms fire, as the soldiers were conducting a mounted patrol in the Shuala neighborhood of Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district, defended themselves and killed 2 criminals.
At approx. 6:15 p.m., soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered 82 and 60 mm mortars in the Furat neighborhood of the West Rashid district.

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Tannumah District residents receive medical assistance

BASRA - IA Soldiers provided security and helped 550 patients at a public health assessment at the Tannumah District Public Health Clinic in Basra, May 11 and 14.  Medical providers have treated or assessed over 700 patients at the clinic.  Fifteen patients received referrals to the National Iraqi Assistance Center.
The IA's efforts were part of the humanitarian portion of Op Charge of the Knights.  Ali, an Iraqi teen, who came with his mother and sister, looked at the bi-lingual medical providers and an IA major standing outside the examination room and said, "We love you."

Since Op Charge of the Knights has helped remove criminal elements in Basra, humanitarian efforts are increasing. Iraqi women and children move about more freely.

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MND-B Soldiers find mortar cache in Rashid

FOB FALCON - May 16, while on patrol in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 1st Sqdrn, 33rd Cav Regt, assigned to the 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to the1st BCT, 4th ID, found 21 82 mm mortar rounds and 17 60 mm rounds while on patrol in the Furat community of Rashid.

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Dear Interested Readers,
There are an interesting variety of stories, from the opening of a most colorful bridge to Sons of Iraq graduating as Iraqi Police.  There are wonderful pictures showing much pride.  Terrorists and criminals removed from the streets, and large weapons caches seized.
Joanna
______________________________________

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

May 18, 2008

Iraqi SOF detain four suspected terrorists in separate ops

BAGHDAD - May 14, in Baghdad, ISOF detained 2 individuals including a cell leader for ISI, a front organization for AQI.  The men are suspected of conducting indirect fire attacks against Victory Base Complex and IED attacks against Baghdad International Airport and SoI.
In Mosul, ISOF conducted ops that led to the detaining of 2 suspected IED cell members who are reportedly responsible for IED attacks against the IA and sectarian violence. 

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Citizen's tip leads MND-B Soldiers to EFP-making factory in local bakery

BAGHDAD -  In the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad May 16, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div,
cordoned off the suspected building.
Criminals attacked the Soldiers with small-arms fire, but were driven off by MND-B Soldiers returning fire. Soldiers from another platoon rushed to the scene to provide additional security.  The search op continued and  a cache including 2 EFPs, 4 mortar tubes, 6 mortar rounds, 3 RPG launchers, 14 RPG rounds and numerous armor piercing rounds, 4 sniper rifles, an RPK machine gun, various IED making materials, 3 grenades, and a vehicle modified for a sniper to fire from unobserved were found. The vehicle also contained one of the EFPs.

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MND-B soldiers keep criminals, munitions off Baghdad streets

BAGHDAD - During the early morning hours May 16, conducting intel-driven point ops against pre-identified targets, soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 2 individuals suspected of coordinating and carrying out violent crimes in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.
Nearby, Iraqi NP turned over 9 60 mm mortar rounds captured during a security patrol in the Risalah
neighborhood of West Rashid to soldiers of 4th Bn, 64th AR.

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Bridge linking Busayefi to Hawr Rajab opened

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

FOB KALSU - Brightly painted flowers, hearts and polka-dots color the new bridge with cheery symbols.  Most importantly, the bridge's construction between the communities of Busayefi and Hawr Rajab paints a symbol of unity.
Once under the control of insurgents, the communities became isolated; they were also separated from each other by the Mercedes Canal. Thanks to the efforts of CF, IA and citizens tired of violence, the insurgents were driven away. However, the canal still isolated them from one another. Their desire to establish a relationship materialized May 13 when the bridge linking the communities officially opened.
The event was coordinated by Wasmey Khudhayer, owner of the Adwa al-Ashar Construction Co.  Besides having an Iraqi co. perform the construction, the project was funded by the GoI.
"It's an important sign that the GoI is footing the bill to reunite their communities," said Maj. John Brock, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID.
Once the event was over, the crowd moved to the Busayefi SoI headquarters for lunch, where they discussed the importance of working together to prevent the criminal activity that once caused division in the area.

Sheikh Salah (left), a prominent sheikh in Busayefi, cuts the ribbon.

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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected IED emplacer, weapons trafficker

FOB FALCON -  At approx. 2:30 a.m. May 15, in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, conducted a point-specific op to detain a suspected Special Groups criminal wanted in connection with extra-judicial killings, IED attacks and weapons trafficking.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 6 criminals

BAGHDAD -  During nighttime ops in the Shula area in northwest Baghdad, May 15, Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), were attacked by criminals using RPGs and small-arms fire, returned fire and killed 1.
An AWT engaged and killed 3 criminals with a Hellfire missile after witnessing a small-arms fire attack.
At approx. 11:15 p.m., Soldiers defended themselves and shot and killed 2 more criminals who attacked with small-arms fire.

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Sons of Iraq graduate Iraqi Police training in Hawija

TIKRIT - More than 300 former SoI members are now IP after successfully completing 8 weeks of
training at the Kirkuk Police Academy, during a graduation ceremony May 15.
"The province has shown tremendous progress in the last year. Events like this prove we are taking the necessary steps to show the world this province will stand together to defeat terrorists and establish rule of law," Col. David Paschal, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div told the graduating class.
"This is a great day," Badri, 22, said. "I am so grateful to the CF and Lt. Col. Vanek who gave us an opportunity to join our Iraqi SF and serve our country and our people."
Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek is the cmdr. of the 1st Bn, 87th Inf Regt whose area of op covers the Hawijah District, which has an SOI program with more than 7,500 members.
The new recruits will be returning to fill IP vacancies within the Hawijah District, therefore, filling a critical need for police there. For many, this milestone is the direct result of the security gains in the region, specifically in Hawijah, which has seen over an 80 percent drop in violent attacks against its citizens and their SF including the CF, since December's inception of the SOI program there, according to Paschal.
"I was once a farmer unable to earn enough to feed my family.  I had no choices," Ghafli, 29, said. "I will now return home with my head held high with a job and in an IP uniform."  The proud and confident attitude of 'wearing the IP uniform in public' is also a sign, to the majority of the 'Hawijah 400' who were
interviewed, that better days await them.  "I would never have considered becoming an IP a year ago,"
Badri, 22, said. "And if we did," Ghafli added. "We would never wear the uniform. It was a mark of death."
As to how the predominantly Sunni-Arab graduating class felt about their multi-ethnic environment at the academy, whose instructors are comprised of Kurdish, Turkman, Christian, and Arab ethnicities.
"We took an oath to serve and protect Iraqis. That is what we are and it is our responsibility to uphold the rule of law - what you are does not matter," Monir, 28, said. "We are all brothers."

Former SoI 'pass n review' in front of Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, Dep. Comm. Gen., 25th ID (visiting guest),
Kirkuk Provincial Police Chief Maj. Gen. Bakr, Col. David Paschal, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn. Div., and Kirkuk Police Academy Cmdr. Abdul-Rahman.

Former SoI prepare to pass in review.

A Kirkuk Police Academy instructor straightens the beret of one of the 318 IP recruits prior to their graduation ceremony.

Kirkuk Police Academy recruits pose with their instructor prior to their graduation ceremony.

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Joint patrol yields multiple caches in Maderiyah

BAGHDAD - A joint route recon mission in Maderiyah led to the discovery of 6 separate weapons caches May 13, to include 300 anti-personnel grenades.
The first cache contained a 120 mm mortar round, a 100 mm anti-aircraft round, 12 RPG warheads, 8 73 mm rockets and a mortar tripod. All weapons were serviceable and the rockets were still in their plastic containers.
The second cache recovered consisted of 300 anti-personnel grenades, 100 meters of detonation cord, 100 rounds of PKC machine-gun ammo and 5 sticks of TNT.
"Most of the 300 anti-personnel grenades were serviceable.  Because they were found with detonation cord, these most likely would have been used to booby trap homes or areas where AQI expected U.S. or IA soldiers to search," said Capt. Richard Aaron, a Btry cmdr. with 2nd BCT, 3rd ID.
Acting on intel provided by area residents, Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, and IA soldiers conducted the mission to investigate the reported cache sites.  Local SoI were on hand during the mission as well.
"These caches and every other cache are living proof of how important it is for units to build relations with the local population.  During every mission that we conduct, my platoon's goal is to reach out to the local population, talk with them and build the trust between us," said 1st Lt. Greg Highstrom, plt leader in 2nd BCT, 3rd ID.. "In return, Iraqis are more willing to help."
The final caches were discovered in close proximity to each other, consisting of a 23 mm antiaircraft gun with a tripod, 200 23 mm rounds, an SS-30 M3 127 mm rocket and 3 120 mm mortars, all of which were serviceable.  Many of the munitions were in new condition, indicating they were recently placed in the area, and done so with care.  Weapons found in water were well-protected, Aaron said.

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Dear Interested Readers,
More Iraqi Police graduate from a training academy, and Village of Hope graduates are ready to rebuild.  2 new Joint Security Stations open, while Op Marne Dauntless hopes to improve quality of life.  Iraqi Army capture mid-level cell leader, while other criminals and terrorists are captured or killed, along with seizing weapon caches.
Joanna
____________________________________

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

May 17, 2008

Lt. Gen Lloyd J. Austin III Travels to Huwayjah

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, Comm. Gen. MNC -Iraq, talks with local school children during a walked through the Huwayjah market with city leaders, April 13.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, is greeted by Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek, TF Summit cmdr at FOB McHenry landing zone.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, talks with the local media.

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IA, MND-C Soldiers find weapons cache in Abu Osage

BAGHDAD - Following up on a tip from a local resident, May 14, Iraqi Soldiers and 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), were conducting a joint patrol when they uncovered the buried cache.
The cache contained 9 mortar rounds of various sizes, 3 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, 6 boxes of small arms rounds, 2 boxes of 25 mm mortar rounds, a box of 60 mm mortar fuses and a 120 mm mortar tube with tripod.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 1 criminal, detain 5, seize weapons

BAGHDAD -  Soldiers from the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, MND-B, were struck by an EFP IED that damaged one vehicle during a patrol in eastern Baghdad at approx. 11 a.m. May 15. After the EFP strike, criminals continued the attack on the patrol with small-arms fire. The Soldiers returned fire and killed 1 criminal and wounded another.
At approx. 5:30 a.m. May 14, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID,  entered an apartment building in southern Baghdad and found 9mm pistols, 9mm magazines, a couple detonating devices, and a spool of command wire as well as cell phones, false IDs, and a couple undeveloped rolls of film. The Soldiers also detained 5 suspected criminals during the event.
"(These Soldiers) conduct clearance ops at all hours of the day to bring criminals to justice," said Maj. Dave Olson, a spokesman with the 1st BCT.  "CF, along with Iraqi SF, maintain a constant presence to deter criminals and prevent harm from coming to the Rashid district."

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture terrorist in Mosul

BALAD - Iraqi SOF captured a terrorist in western Mosul, May 15. The ISOF conducted the op to capture a member of the ISI, a front organization for AQI, responsible for IED emplacement and providing info to the ISI about the IA and IP.  Six other suspects were detained in the op.

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IPs graduate from the Ashraf Regional Training Center

TIKRIT - 413 IP graduated at the Diyala Regional Training Center on FOB Grizzly in Ashraf, May 15.
This first graduating class took part in a 4 week course designed to teach and refresh skills in conducting searches, firing weapons and conduct foot patrols.  Furthermore, this center is part of the Ministry of Interior's effort to further develop a more professional IP force in Diyala.
This RTC is designed to provide training for police in Salah ad Din and other provinces as well. "This is a historic day for the Diyala Province as you graduate from the toughest academy to train in," said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, Task Force Iron and 1st Armored Div cmdr.  "I've been to other training academies and I know these will be the toughest Iraqi Police."

Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, left, salutes  during a pass and review alongside Gen. Al-Qurayshi, Gen. Al-Rubai and Col. Jon Lehr, 4th Bde, 2nd ID cmdr. 

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Iraqi Army captures Special Groups cell leader in Husayniyah

BALAD - The IA captured a mid-level Special Groups cell leader in Husayniyah, responsible for coordinating IED, rocket and small-arms fire attacks against Iraqi SF and CF, approx. 30 km north of Baghdad, May 15.
Three additional suspects were detained.

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Joint Security Sites open for business

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

COB Adder - The 1st BSTB, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div, in conjunction with the Muthanna and Diwaniyah PRTs, worked together to bring the Iraqi Highway Patrol 2 new JSS in Muthanna and Diwaniyah Provinces May 10 and May 12.
"The opening of the joint security site is essentially a culminating event that we've been working on for almost 12 months," said Capt. Vince Boncich, COP 4 cmdr. The JSS in both provinces will be used as a training site and point of communication between CF and Iraqi SF in the area. The JSSs are located next to existing COPs in the area that are manned by 1st BSTB Paratroopers.
"The JSS is an office in the province in which local security counterparts interact with the 82nd Abn," said Paul O'Friel, Muthanna PRT team leader. "The importance of this site is that it allows us to coordinate movement, and share intel and info about what's happening in the province.  But it also provides a point of interaction so if something happens or an incident occurs of one sort or the other, we can respond rapidly and effectively to it." 
The opening of the JSS will also help bring the Iraqi citizens help that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. "This is a very historic moment for the citizens of Iraq because what these JSSs do is bring the provincial govt out to the rural areas to address the security concerns of the Iraqis," said Lt. Col. Frederic Drummond, cmdr of the 1st BSTB.  "It's a site where we would do training for governance, budgeting, operations and maintenance and training to improve farming capabilities," said O'Friel.
Currently the 1st BSTB is in the process of opening another JSS near COP 9.

The engineer responsible for building the JSS near COP 6 and his son cut the ribbon.

Iraqi highway patrolmen and 1st BSTB Paratroopers hand out cake.

Lt. Col. Frederic Drummond welcomes guests.

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Chicks hatch, kick start poultry industry

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

BAGHDAD - The Karadi Hatchery was abuzz with activity as nearly 33,000 day-old chicks were prepared for delivery to chicken farms in Mahmudiyah, about 26 km south of Baghdad, May 13.
At the end of a 21-day incubation period, 32,750 chicks were distributed among 7 local farmers. The chicks represented approx. 94% of the 35,000 eggs, well exceeding the expected 90 percent survival rate.
"After eight to nine months of planning, this is the first step where all the chicken farmers see live chickens getting put into the entire chicken industry," said Capt. Benjamin Neusse, civil military ops officer for 3rd Bn, 320th FAR, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault).
Two more batches totaling 60,000 eggs are scheduled to hatch within the next 3 weeks. Thirteen additional farmers have been identified to receive and grow them into broilers for market.  "It's a good example of the ground forces and the (ePRT) working together toward the same objective," said Lt. Col. Linda E. Capobianco, ePRT deputy team leader.  "It's great when Soldiers get involved with a great project like this one. They're helping the farmers... they're helping the economy."
The poultry association is using this as a means to reopen some of the dormant chicken farms in the Qada'a. "This is a region that once thrived on the poultry industry," said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, cmdr of the 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). "This infusion of chicks provides us with an opportunity to restart a process very familiar to the people of the Mahmudiyah Qada'a."
Shakir al-Karadi owns the Karadi Hatchery and said if it weren't for CF' intervention and assistance the poultry business would still be in trouble.  When CF purchased the live chicks from him, al-Karadi said it helped his business tremendously.

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CF seek to improve quality of life across Mada'in Qada with Marne Dauntless

By Renanah Miles

BAGHDAD - MND-Center launched a major op May 15, to improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens of the Mada'in Qada, in southeast Baghdad Province.
Marne Dauntless will build capacity for stability and security in a new part of MND-C's battle space.  This op builds on the success of Op Marne Piledriver, which kicked off in April across the Mahmudiyah Qada.
2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div is assuming authority from the 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, and will be responsible for Marne Dauntless.  The security gains achieved by the 3rd HBCT over the last 15 months have set the stage for this effort, according to the cmdr. Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr. "When we first got into the Mada'in Qada, we were experiencing probably 4 or 5 attacks a day," said Grigsby.  "Now ... we're down to maybe an attack every other day.  All this violence that has gone down has created this window now, that we can think capacity, not just security."
In addition to economic and governance development, Marne Dauntless aims to eliminate lingering criminal elements in the area. The Iraqi SF will take the lead in targeting criminals and their networks through intel-driven ops, with support from CF to ensure they are unable to conduct attacks or smuggle munitions.
Building police and JSSs will allow the ISF to position their forces deeper among the population, Waldron said.  Additionally, he said the NP, as a governmental entity, will provide a link between the GoI and the areas in which they operate.  "Last year, the Baghdad govt spent $1 million in Mada'in Qada," Grigsby said. "So far this year they've spent $86.1 million of Baghdad money in the Mada'in Qada. That's huge momentum."
Extending over the upcoming months, Marne Dauntless will cover a full spectrum of initiatives, from market refurbishments to employment centers, power line repairs, billboard emplacement and an increase in transmission power for the radio station currently operating in Wahida.

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Village of Hope graduates ready to rebuild

By Sgt. David Turner, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID

BAGHDAD - The Village of Hope graduated its first class of students May 8 in a ceremony held at Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab, south of Baghdad.   
The 42 graduating students spent the past 3 months learning plumbing, electrical and construction skills at the Village of Hope training facility. The program is aimed at teaching local citizens valuable career skills, with the added benefit of rebuilding their community. The students, many of them former SoI, will continue their training outside the classroom by renovating structures in the area.
Hawr Rajab was devastated last year by AQI, said town council chairman, Sheikh Majid, who attended the graduation ceremony.  AQI fighters burned houses, stole goods and used many structures for storing weapons and building bombs, he said.  Now that violence has subsided in the area, its residents can move on.  "The first thing we need to do is rebuild our homes."
As part of a year-long program, Airmen of the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Sqdrn working with Soldiers of the 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID, will continue their work with students by providing on-site supervision of the reconstruction efforts.  Air Force Capt. Michael Askegren, Village of Hope site cmdr., encouraged the graduates to continue their training as they work in the community.  "You have a long way to go."  I want to challenge you to stay with the program. When you're done rebuilding Hawr Rajab, you'll feel a great sense of pride in your community."
Three more classes of 50 students each are scheduled to follow over the next year.

A student at the Village of Hope shakes hands with Air Force instructors after receiving his graduation certificate.  Hawr Rajab town council chairman Sheikh Majid (in background) helps congratulate the students, all residents of his town.

Capt Gregory Curry, cmdr of Troop A, 6-8th Cav. Regt., delivers remarks.

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IA, GoI, local govt take lead in providing aid to Sadr City residents

By Spc. April Campbell

CAMP LIBERTY - Residents in Sadr City continue to receive humanitarian aid from their local govt, the GoI, IA soldiers and MND-Baghdad with the help of the recently opened Civil Military Ops Center and Iraqi Assistance Center at JSS Thawra 1.
"The CMOC has done an exceptional job bringing together all of the Iraqi officials, allowing them to take leadership in repairing some of the damages caused by the recent fighting," said Lt. Col. Frank Curtis, who serves as the comm. officer of the 432nd CAB, 360th CAB.
While the IA, GoI and MND-Baghdad plan to continue with the current aid they are providing, they are also planning for the future.  "We plan to renovate schools and clinics and then refurbish and revitalize the Jamilla Market, a wholesale market that supplies most of Baghdad," said Messmer.  Ultimately, it is all about Iraqis helping themselves and other Iraqis.  "The people see this," said Curtis, "and they recognize that they can support their govt's efforts to give them a better, more stable community."

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Dear Interested Readers,
PM al Maliki visited Mosul to show strong support to eliminate criminal elements & AQI terrorist threats.  Decent camps established as temporary safe havens for displaced persons, and Sadr City slowly returning to normal.  Large weapons caches seized and criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
______________________________

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

May 16, 2008

Combined patrols disrupt criminal activity in Rashid

BAGHDAD - In the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, at approx. 3 a.m. May 12, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, received a tip on the location of a cache from a local citizen, confiscating approx. 200 feet of detonation cord, 50 blasting caps, 200 rounds of ammo and several timers.
At approx. 6:30 a.m. May 13, IP detained a criminal wanted for several murders who tried to pass through a checkpoint in the Shurta community.
At approx. 2 p.m., May 13, Iraqi NP, and the National Police Transition Team, conducted a combined patrol and discovered an emplaced EFP on the side of the road in the northwest Rashid area.
"The ISF are doing a tremendous job in providing security throughout the Rashid district," said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT, 4th ID.  "(MND-B Soldiers) can contribute much of its success to the ISF's efforts in securing southern Baghdad."

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Iraqi PM visits Mosul in support of new operations

Prime Minister al-Maliki (fourth from the left) and members of the GoI visited Mosul in support of Op Lion's Roar, May 14. It's an Iraqi planned and led mission intended to seek-out and eliminate criminal elements and AQI terrorist threats in Mosul and Ninawa province, as well as surrounding areas. The prime minister held a meeting with Minister of Interior al-Bulani, Minister of Defense al-Ubaydi, and the Ninawa Ops Center Cmdr, Lt. Gen. Tawfiq, to discuss ongoing ops.
Op Lion's Roar has been carefully planned and a high priority has been given to protecting civilians and private property.  The GoI is committed to unifying their country and to promoting the growth of a stable, peaceful and prosperous democracy. The GoI is also seeking to restore the rule of law and ensure the law is applied fairly to all Iraqis, regardless of religious and political affiliation.

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MND-B Soldiers kill 5 criminals

BAGHDAD -  May 14, at approx. 3:30 p.m., MND-B Soldiers were attacked bycriminals using small-arms fire and RPGs in Kadamiyah, returned fire and killed 4.
At approx. 5:30 p.m., MND-B Soldiers received sniper fire from a building in Kadamiyah.  An AWT that was providing security overwatch fired a Hellfire missile and killed the violent criminal.

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MND-B Soldiers find caches in Rashid district

BAGHDAD -  At approx. 3:15 p.m., May 12, Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID,  worked with Iraqi NP on a tip from a local citizen in the Doura community.
The tip led to the discovery of a cache containing a 155mm artillery round, RPG rounds, RPG launchers, machineguns with 100 rounds of ammo, sets of body armor, homemade hand grenades, several containers of homemade explosives, and more than 300 items used in the construction of IEDs.
At approx. 1:50 a.m., May 13, Soldiers from the 1st BCT, found an RPG with launcher and an unknown amount of linked ammo in the Jihad community.
At approx. 10:40 a.m. in the Karb De Gla community, members of the SoI turned in more than 100 pounds of plastic explosives to MND-B Soldiers.

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IDP camps established as safe havens

Col. Mark Spindler, who serves as the cmdr. of MND-Baghdad's, 18th MP Bde, takes time May 12 to review and assess areas in the Internally Displaced Civilian Camps in Baghdad. The Soldiers are assisting the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and IP during the establishment phase of the camps set up. The 18th MP Bde. is in support of MoI and the IP during the development of this project.

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Life in Sadr City neighborhood slowly returning to normal

By Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young
1st Combat Camera Sqdn., 3rd BCT PAO, 4th ID

Spc. Chris Villalobos, tends to a leg scrape of a boy while in a southwestern neighborhood of the Sadr City district of Baghdad, May 6. Villalobos is a medic currently assigned to the 3rd BCT, 4th ID.

An Iraqi man tends his sheep while MND-Baghdad Soldiers maintain security.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Another school construction project is completed, and our troops establish a goodwill relationship with Kirkuk.  Kudos to 1-6 Cav. as they celebrated their unit's heritage that began in May of 1861 during the Civil War!  Terrorists continue to be captured or killed, and huge weapons caches continue to be found.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

May 15, 2008

Tal Afar special weapons and tactics team captures four terrorists

BALAD, Iraq - An Iraqi SWAT team captured 4 suspected terrorists members of the ISI in Tal Afar, approx. 240 miles northwest of Baghdad, May 13.  ISI is a front organization for the foreign-led AQI.
The captured terrorists are suspected of recent IED and indirect fire attacks against the citizens of Tal Afar and CF.  This op is believed to have rendered this terrorist cell ineffective and is expected to assist in disrupting terrorist activities in Ninawa province.

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Ceremony marks completion of school construction

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy

BAGHDAD - Iraqi citizens celebrated the completion of construction at the Omah Moktar School for Girls in the Qadisiyah Apartment Complex in Mahmudiyah, about 20 km south of Baghdad, May 8.
"The educational environment was greatly enhanced and helped to bolster pride in their school," said 1st Lt. Jason Potter, Moktar School project mgr, 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault). "This project was significant in that it showed the residents of the neighborhood that the CF are really here to help."
At the end of the ceremony, Iraqi Soldiers distributed school supplies.

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Iraqi Army finds cache in support of Operation Lion's Roar

TIKRIT - During independent ops in support of Op Lion's Roar, IA soldiers found a large cache during combat ops near Mosul, May 13.
The cache consisted of 600 pounds of unknown bulk explosive, 4 fragment grenades, 2 rifle grenades, 10 35-round AK-47 magazines, 15 6-volt batteries, 200 pounds of linked 7.62mm ammo, 16 Motorola radios, 3 mortar tubes, a RPG launcher, 8 AK-47s, a Katyusha rocket with launch rail, 10 TNT blocks, 5 pipe bombs filled with approximately 25 lbs of UBE, 250 gallons of unknown chemicals used to make homemade explosives, and various 14.5mm and 7.62mm ammo.

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SOI, IA unearth cache after tip

CAMP STRIKER -  SoI members and Iraqi soldiers discovered a cache of weapons and ammo near Say Fahal village, approx. 20 km southwest of Baghdad, May 12.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), assisted in the recovery, consisting of 100 kilogram explosive devices, more than 180  60mm mortar rounds, 130 mm high-explosive projectiles, a 122 mm rocket, and a 155 mm rocket along with various fuses and ammo.

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3-6 FA Soldiers bond with local villagers in northeastern Iraq

By Capt. Shannon Wolf 1-10 Mtn. Div., 3-6 FA

KIRKUK - Since arriving to Kirkuk in September, Soldiers with the 1-10th Mtn Div's 3rd Bn, 6th FAR, have been conducting routine patrols to villages in their area of ops in an effort to establish lasting relationships with the local populace.
"When we enter these villages, the first thing we see is kids waving their hands and smiling. They are always very curious as to see what we will be doing in their village", said 1st Lt. Jocephus Carlile, HHB, 3-6 FA.  "We strive to interact with the children to make them feel more at ease, and as an avenue toward good relationships with their parents."  Shortly after arriving to the villages, the Soldiers begin handing candy and other treats for the children before meeting with the local leaders to discuss the area.
Along with security, water is one of the biggest concerns for all villages within the battalion's area of ops. Currently, villagers get their water from small diameter pipes that run unprotected across the open fields.  During a recent visit, the 3-6 FA Soldiers gathered water samples that will be tested for possible bacterial or chemical contaminants. 
Sipping hot chai tea with the local leaders, the Soldiers discuss a number of projects that will eventually lead to the development of new playgrounds for the children and new job opportunities for the parents.
In each meeting, the Soldiers are shown tremendous support by the villagers and are invited back for future meetings. "The type of support we receive will help maintain the momentum toward a secure, stable area, and allow the electrical and oil infrastructure of northeastern Iraq to grow and continue to serve the people of Iraq as a whole," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Sutphin, HHB, 3-6 FA.

Soldiers with 1st Bde, play soccer with a group of Iraqi villagers during one of their recent patrols.

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1-6 CAV celebrates unit heritage with competition, barbecue in Iraq

By Spc. Jason Jordan, 1-10th Mtn. Div.

KIRKUK - In May of 1861, a small unit known as 1st Sqdrn, 6th Cav, Co A, was organized in Pittsburg, Pa., during the Civil War. The unit served in 16 campaigns during that war, engaging in frequent bitter and bloody battles, which included Antitietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness Campaign and Appomattox.
Today, they are known as the 1st Sqdrn, 6th Cav Regt, serving under the 1st ID out of Fort Carson, Colo.
Soldiers from 1-6 Cav. celebrated their unit history May 4 with an organizational day filled with barbecues, games and sporting competitions at FOB Warrior where the unit is serving alongside the 1st BCT, 10th Mtn Div, in Kirkuk.
Vying for the Cmdr's Cup trophy, the Soldiers divided into teams and competed in tournaments of volleyball and softball.  Soldiers were also given a chance to display individual skills in events like horseshoes and the quarterback challenge.
Although the Cmdr's Cup is a coveted prize among the troops, many of the Soldiers would agree the trophy is not what drives them to win, but the bragging rights of being the top team.  "Bragging rights is a popular term among us Soldiers.  We enjoy boasting our skills and challenging each other to see if we have what it takes to beat the other," said Spc. Aaron Mikolajek, Troop E.  "We enjoy friendly competition, but we won't play dirty or hurt each other.  Friendship always comes first," he added.
"We tell the Soldiers of our unit's history, but it's the break in monotony that they welcome most," said 1st Sgt. Noah Tincher, first sgt of HHT. "The war is still going on, and we have to remain prepared to fight, but everyone needs a break now and then to help stay focused and vigilant until we're home again."

Soldiers enjoy a volleyball tournament on their unit's birthday May 4.

Soldiers enjoy a barbecue.

Soldiers enjoy a softball tournament.

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MND-B Soldiers engage IED emplacers, find weapons cache

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers killed 3 criminals and discovered a weapons cache during nighttime ops against enemy forces in Baghdad, May 12.
At approx. 5:30 p.m., aerial surveillance witnessed 2 men initiate an IED in northwestern Baghdad.  An AWT then engaged the criminals, who were fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, with a Hellfire missile and killed them both.
Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a weapons cache consisting of 5 IEDs and 2 EFP in West Rashid at approx. 7 p.m.
At approx. 10 p.m., Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, killed one criminal after observing him emplace an IED in New Baghdad.

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Operation Charge of Knights enters new phase in al Qurnah

BASRA - The op, which began March 24 in Basra, continues the process of targeting criminal elements by the IA and Iraqi SF as strongholds previously dominated by criminal militias fall.
The complex combined op has integrated elements of the IA and Iraqi SF with air and ground support of CF.  United Kingdom and U.S. MiTTs remain embedded with their ISF counterparts to enable the application of Coalition assets.  One hundred thousand leaflets were dropped in the area encouraging the populace of al Qurnah to work together to ensure a successful future.
As ops continue, ISF and IA elements are providing humanitarian aid, medical service clinics and school supply distribution throughout Basra.  In a recent medical clinic visit, more than 120 Iraqis received treatment and care.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Kudos to the Warrior Sappers - best Engineering Co. in the Army!  Enjoy positive stories of Iraqi Highway Patrolmen training to enhance skills; 200 students graduate from a Vo-tech; Basra comes back to life with improved security, and substantial weapons caches seized across Baghdad, and many terrorists killed or captured.
Joanna
_________________________________

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

May 14, 2008

Raiders conduct clearing operations, net weapons cache and detainees

FOB FALCON -  At approx. 5:30 p.m., May 10, in the Bayaa neighborhood, soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal wanted for attacks against CF and the killing of innocent Iraqi citizens.
At approx. 12:11 a.m., May 11, soldiers from Co. A, 1-22 IR, seized 2 RPGs, a hand grenade and a high-explosive anti-tank round while conducting a combat patrol in the al-Amil neighborhood.
Soldiers from Co B, 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 3 suspected criminals while conducting point-specific ops in the al-Risalah neighborhood, May 11.
Soldiers from Co. C, 4-64 AR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 3 known criminals while conducting clearing ops in the al-Risalah neighborhood, May 11.
"Info from concerned Iraqi citizens greatly contributed to the finds made by Iraqi SF and the Raider Brigade," said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman for 1st BCT, 4th ID. "The Iraqi citizens are a powerful source in stopping the violence."

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ISF, MND-B finds seize substantial weapons caches across Baghdad

BAGHDAD - May 12, at approx. 10 a.m. IA soldiers informed their MND-Baghdad partners that they had discovered a weapons cache in east Rashid that contained several mortar rounds. The IA soldiers cordoned off the area to protect the local populace and awaited an EOD team to clear the site.  54 82 mm mortar rounds and 27 60 mm mortar rounds were uncovered.
At approx. 10:40 a.m., MND-B Soldiers discovered a weapons cache in the Mansour district of Baghdad that contained 5 grenades, 5 grenade fuses, 3 pounds of TNT, 3 rocket motors, an AK-47, a 9 mm sub machinegun, and various types of bomb-making materials.
At approx. 3:20 p.m. a SoI leader informed MND-B Soldiers of the location of a weapons cache in east Rashid, containing 7 RPG rounds, a propane cylinder filled with an unknown explosive, a PKC light machinegun and assorted ammo.
At approx. 4 p.m., a SoI leader informed MND-B Soldiers about the location of a weapons cache in Adhamiyah, containing 2 57 mm rockets and 2 60 mm mortars. Further investigation of the site revealed a 122 mm illumination round and 20 to 25 pounds of an unknown explosive.

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Multiple caches discovered, seven suspected AQI detained in Mosul

MOSUL - IA and CF Soldiers discovered 4 weapon caches and detained 7 suspected AQI members during ops, May 12.
The caches consisted of more than a dozen pipe bombs, IEDs, mortar rounds, a mortar fuse, multiple circuit boards, over 200 pounds of explosives, detonators, several blasting caps, fuses and a timer.  Seven suspected AQI members were also detained in a house where one of the caches was discovered.

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Iraqi Army helps improve education

BASRA - Iraqi Soldiers helped local schools in Basra by delivering school supplies to children, May 7.
Children returned to school after Op Charge of the Knights cleared criminal elements out of the city making the streets safer for children to travel to and from schools.

Iraqi girl gives a smile and a thumbs up.

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AQI caches, staging site destroyed

BAGHDAD - CF destroyed a known AQI weapons cache and staging site in Arab Jabour, about 5 km southeast of Baghdad, May 12.
The area was known to have been used by AQI to manufacture and emplace IEDs, stash weapons caches, for training, and to launch sniper attacks at CF convoys.  The area itself was rigged with pressure-plate IEDs and tree-borne IEDs, emplaced in palm trees. Two U.S. Air Force F-16s dropped 8 GBU-38 500 pound bombs on the area, destroying the munitions.

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Punisher 3 conducts skill training with Dhi Qar IHP

By 1st Lt. Kyle Schreifer
1st BSTB, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div

BALAD - COP 9's Punisher 3 Route Security Team's continued partnership with the local Iraqi Highway Patrol has been an advantage to area security with the mission aimed at enhancing the skills of the local Iraqi Highway Patrol.
Punisher 3 RST, comprised mostly of MP, conducted classroom training and practical exercises beginning May 2. The five-day course involved more than 50 of the Iraqi Highway Patrol's NCOs.
"I felt better finally being able to put a name to all the Iraqi faces I see at the checkpoints every day.  It makes it easier to trust them to watch my back," said Pvt. Christopher Freeman, a gunner with Punisher 3 RST. 
During the fourth day of training, Punisher 3 RST Soldiers had lunch with the IHP. First Lt. Hanni, a shift cmdr. with the IHP, took the opportunity to thank all of the Soldiers. "All of my men want you to know how much this training means to them," Hanni said. "For many, it is the first formal training they have received, and it has made them much more confident in their ability to help protect the Iraqi citizens and American convoys that travel the road each day."
At the conclusion of the training, all the Soldiers shook hands with the IHP members and promised them the training would continue on a weekly basis.  All of the IHP members who attended the training were presented with a certificate of achievement signed by the COP 9 cmdr and first sgt.

An Iraqi Highway Patrolman conducts a personnel search of Spc. David Angstadt.

Sgt. Derek DeVeau, NCOIC of the Punisher 3 Route Security Team, covers a training point with the Iraqi Highway Patrol.

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200 students graduate from Iskandariyah vo-tech

FOB KALSU - Approx. 200 students from the Vocational-Technical School in the Iskandariyah Industrial Complex (IIC) graduated May 4 amongst friends and family members.
"I'd like to say congratulations to the vo-tech director and his staff but most of all to the students of this graduating class," said Lt. Col. Jeff McKone, MND-Center Iskandariyah Industrial Complex liaison, Team Iskan officer in charge. "It's an honor to be a part of the success in the rebuilding of the Iskandariyah vo-tech."
Graduates received a certificate of training along with a gift -- sewing machine or computer repair kit -- to help them get started in the business world.
Back in May 2007, only 32 students were enrolled at the technical school, but now there are more than 700, said Jabar, vo-tech director.  He said by June they're hoping to have 1,000 students enrolled per quarter, which is open to Iraqis wanting to learn job skills and trades.
The IIC is a business incubator similar to the Job-Corps program in the U.S., dedicated to young start-up businesses.  It has the space required for manufacturing, research and development and administration for young and established enterprises.
At the same time, the vo-tech is intended to produce a steady stream of qualified workers for the industries and business, providing a further base of economic stability in the region.

Lt. Col. Jeff McKone, presents an Iraqi student with a certificate and gift.

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Basra comes back to life

Story and photos by Marine 1st Lt. Brian Block
1st Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force MiTT

CAMP FALLUJAH - The security environment here has improved dramatically since the 1st IA QRF fought their way into the city on April 1.
Criminal elements had taken over parts of the city from local Iraqi SF, and imposed their own rule on a city that had once been a cultural and commercial beacon for all of Iraq.
"This city was being held hostage by a small group of criminal militias," said Col. Robert F. Castellvi, 1st IA (QRF) MiTT senior adviser.  Music and western influence were prohibited, women faced death threats if they ventured outside their homes dressed in anything other than a full burkah, and intersections were used as mortar positions.
In less than a month, life in Basra couldn't be more different.  "The people are happier now," said Maj. Robert S. Washington, 2nd Bn, QRF-1 MiTT senior adviser. "They can go out; they can go to the markets."
There is more to be done in Basra.  With the criminals gone, the GoI and CF are working together with local leaders to address issues with sanitation, infrastructure and economy that will provide long-lasting improvements to the quality of life for local residents.  Recently, local officials opened an open-air market in the neighborhood of al-Jameat in an effort to boost the local economy.
Local Iraqi SF continue to hold the ground taken by the 1st IA (QRF) to guard against a possible resurgence of the criminals.  But, boosted by the confidence of success, they are ready for whatever may happen.

An Iraqi soldier stops to talk with a local shopkeeper.

An Iraqi soldier poses for a picture with a local boy.

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Warrior Sappers lead way for engineers

BAGHDAD - The engineers from the 66th Eng. Co, 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID, are the 2007 winners of the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award, recognizing them as the best engineer company in the Army.
Spc. Jose Diaz, who is a combat engineer, joined the Army two years ago as a combat engineer. He said the job wasn't really what he wanted to do, but it was
a good option and he doesn't regret the decision. "I was told I was going to build and blow stuff up, and that sounded interesting so I took it," he said.
The prestige of the award is something which will travel throughout the engineer regiment.  "Every year, you hear about the unit who won the Itscher Award,
and they are a unique company or a company who has done awesome things," said Maj. Anthony Barbina, the unit's cmdr.
To be considered for the competition, each engineer company was required to submit a book highlighting the unit's accomplishments. For the 66th En. Co., the book was 180 pages. 
While deployed to Iraq in support of Op Iraqi Freedom, the 66th Eng. Co.'s mission is route clearance. The Soldiers tirelessly travel the roads used by Iraqi Security and CF and Iraqi civilians - clearing them of IEDs.

Sgt. John Yost (center), provides feedback to IA engineers during a lane exercise designed to teach the IA soldiers about how to spot IEDs and indicators.

First Sgt. Jonathon White, talks to an IA engineer about leadership practices as part of on-going training that teaches the Iraqi Soldiers about route-clearance ops northwest of Baghdad.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Goodman, hands a shirt to a child in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, May 9.  The platoon completed its route-clearing mission with a stop to hand out toys to the children there.

Staff Sgt. Steven Garrido, a native of Yigo, Guam, arm wrestles a child in Sab al Bour.

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Dear Interested Readers,
There's a tremendous success story by our 74th Engineering Co.  They've completed work on a Mabey-Johnson float bridge.  Working alongside Iraqi engineers will help train other Iraqi engineers in this type of bridge building.  A mid-level terrorist captured as well as other criminals captured or killed.  Large weapons caches uncovered every day.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

May 13, 2008

Coalition Soldiers find weapons cache

FOB KALSU - Near Maderiyah, May 9, on a joint mission with the Iraqi Army, a tip from an area citizen led Soldiers from Btry B, 1st Bn, 9th FA, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID, to the home where 2 suspected weapons dealers were staying. They gave the location of 4 separate weapons caches during questioning, containing 16 57 mm rockets in their original packaging, an operational 23 mm anti-aircraft gun, 2 PKC machine guns in excellent condition, 2 operational AK-47 rifles, a RPG round, 3 full AK-47 magazines, 800 AK-47 rounds, 1,000 PKC rounds, 9 ammo vests and 4 ski masks.
"Although most of the AQI leadership was detained, killed or fled the area late last year, men who helped AQI and some of their lower-level fighters have blended back into the local population," Aaron said. "They maintain the caches because they are prepared to fight U.S. and IA forces if AQI leaders return."  Aaron said the IA played a major role in taking the weapons out of the hands of enemy fighters. "They ... have a gifted ability to obtain info by understanding the people," he said. "We have worked hard to ensure citizens in the area trust the IA and are willing to work with both them and U.S. forces."

Capt. Richard Aaron, and Capt. Nazir, Iraqi cmdr., inspect weapons cache.

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IP, CF detain 2 in Mussayib area off local tips

FOB KALSU -  "I have never felt more confident heading into a detainment op than this," said 1st Lt. Zachary Boes, a plt leader with 4th BCT, 3rd ID. "We were sure that the targets were at their locations because we had informants keeping eyes on them until we got there."
Boes said the mission, May 6, was a success because of the local citizens' actions to inform the ISF and CF in the area. "If it had not been for them, it is possible these suspects would still be on the streets."

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain terrorist in Mosul

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SOF, advised by U.S. SF, detained a terrorist wanted for murder in Mosul, May 11.
ISOF conducted the operation to detain the suspect who is a mid-level leader for Islamic State of Iraq, a front organization for AQI.  The man is suspected of murdering 4 women and an IP Brigadier General.  He is also the group's spokesperson and is reported to use his influence to spread terrorist propaganda and recruit for ISI. 

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MND-B Soldiers seize munitions, detain criminals

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad Soldiers detained 5 criminals and 13 suspected criminals in separate events in the West Rashid and Kadhamiyah districts of Baghdad, May 11.
At approx. 7 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, detained a known criminal and 6 other suspected criminals while conducting a population engagement op in Kadhamiyah.
At approx. 7:45 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspect and 3 others during Op Tusker Chamberlain in West Rashid.
At approx. 8:00 a.m., MND-B Soldiers detained another suspect and 3 others  allegedly involved in planning IED attacks.
At approx. 11:20 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, seized a munitions cache, west of Baghdad, consisting of a 55-gallon drum filled with more than 300 pounds of homemade explosives.
At approx. 11:50 a.m., Soldiers from the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div detained a person of interest and an alleged criminal suspected of attacks in the area, while conducting a search op in Kadhamiyah. 
At approx. noon, IP detained 2 individuals. Both are suspected of criminal activities in the area in Kadhamiyah.
At approx. 2:50 p.m., Soldiers with the 18th MP Bde seized a cache of 122 mm rockets in East Rashid. "U.S. Soldiers, in full partnership with the Iraqi SF, will never cease in the efforts to protect the people of Iraq from terrorists and criminals," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B and 4th ID spokesman. "It is a never ending, never changing contract between U.S. Soldiers and the people of Baghdad."

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Al Fatah Bridge to improve relations, economy

LSA ANACONDA - Soldiers of the 74th Eng. Co, along with 8 Iraqi engineer soldiers, completed work on a Mabey-Johnson float bridge recently. The bridge will be used to cross the Tigris River and join the cities of Beiji and Kirkuk, in an effort to continue to improve the local area.
"The purpose of the bridge is to maintain and improve the transportation network along the Tigris River," said 1st Lt. Jeremiah Manning, a construction engineer with the 20th Eng. Bde. "This is vital to the economic health of Iraq because it facilitates oil, agriculture, commercial and civilian traffic throughout MND-North."
"The Iraqi engineers are from a school in Taji," said Staff Sgt. Brian White, a bridge crewmember with the 74th. "They seem quite knowledgeable on the Johnson float bridge. They have trained on it (during their schooling), but this is the first one these guys are helping to build."
White also said once the engineers are trained and are comfortable building the bridge, they will be able to take their knowledge back to the engineer school and train other Iraqi engineers. This will eventually allow the Iraqis to build the bridges that are needed across Iraq, which will also help improve the local economy, White said.
"The building of this bridge helps to reinforce economic development and improve the relationship between CF and the GoI," said Canadian Brig. Gen.  Matern, who was at the construction site for the bridge representing the MNC-Iraq comm. gen.

Spc. Calvin Barber, a member of the 74th Eng. Co, shows an Iraqi engineer one part of putting together a Mabey-Johnson Float bridge, April 25.

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MND-B soldiers return fire, engage bomb emplacers   

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers continue to deny criminals freedom of movement in and around the Adhamiyah and Sadr City districts of Baghdad, May 10-11.
At approx. 7:30 a.m. May 10, soldiers with Co D, 4th Bn, 64th AR, returned precision fire and killed a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. 
At approx. 10:50 a.m., soldiers from Co C, 1st CAB, 68th Inf Regt, returned precision fire and killed a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. 
At approx. 4 p.m. May 10, soldiers from Co E, 1-68 CAB, engaged and killed 4 criminals after a failed EFP attack, in Sadr City.
At approx. 10:20 p.m. May 10, soldiers from Co. E, 1-68 CAB, who while on a patrol interacting with the local populace, were provided a tip about 2 criminals emplacing a roadside bomb. The soldiers moved to intercept the bomb emplacers, engaged the criminals and killed one. The second fled the scene in Adhamiyah.
At approx. 12:15 a.m. May 11, an MND-B AWT responded to the site of a roadside bomb attack, positively identified the 2 triggermen and engaged the pair with a Hellfire missile. One criminal was killed, their vehicle was destroyed, and the second criminal fled into a surrounding neighborhood in Adhamiyah.   

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MND-B soldiers rescue kidnap victim

CAMP TAJI -  May 8, near Ibrahim Bin Ali, northwest of Baghdad,  Soldiers from the 1st Bn, 21st Inf Regt "Gimlets," 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID, acted on tips from IA soldiers, in addition to tips provided by IP and SoI members.
The suspected kidnappers were detained and are being held for further questioning.

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Dear Interested Readers,
A critical road gets built connecting a local village with the provincial capital.  School renovations and fish farms being evaluated for progress.  As security is established, displaced families return to their homes.  Many criminals captured or killed, and weapons caches uncovered.
Joanna
______________________________

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

May 12, 2008

ISOF detains three suspected Special Groups criminals in al-Amarah

BALAD, Iraq - Iraqi SOF detained 3 suspected Special Groups criminals involved in using terror tactics against local SF in al-Amarah, May 10.
Al-Amarah, 150 km northwest of Basrah, is recognized as a major criminal Special Groups stronghold. The criminals instill fear among the citizens of al-Amarah through use of terror tactics and as a means to limit local SF efforts.

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MND-B kill criminals, seize, destroy weapons

BAGHDAD -  In ops across Baghdad May 10, at approx. 8:45 a.m., MND-B soldiers discovered a weapons cache in Mansour containing multiple mortar rounds and a mortar bipod.
At approx. 2:45 p.m., soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a weapons cache in west Rashid containing an unknown type of rocket, an RPK machinegun, an RPK barrel and more than 350 RPK rounds.
At approx. 3 p.m., soldiers from the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, killed 3 armed criminals with small-arms fire in Sadr City.
At approx. 3:30 p.m., soldiers destroyed a mortar tube and launch site after an AWT identified it in Sadr City.
At approx. 5 p.m., soldiers with 3rd BCT, 4th ID tank engaged and killed one criminal on a rooftop in Sadr City.

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1st BSTB connects local village with provincial capitol

By 1st Lt. Wesley Tompkins
HHC, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div

AL HABUSH - The 1st Bde Special Troops Bn, 82nd Abn Div celebrated the opening of a critical road for villagers recently, which was created to help the villagers suffering from poor transportation capabilities. 
The road provides an essential passage for the villages because the previously existing dirt trail would become impassable during the rainy season, making access to the medical clinic and schools in the capital very difficult.
The leadership meeting focused on the development of a District Reconstruction Strategy and prioritization of district development efforts.  During the meeting, the Civil Military Ops team stressed the need for the sheikh and other leaders to coordinate with the district in order to prioritize projects and develop strategies to
accomplish them.  Razan Muqdad expressed deep appreciation for the CF's help in the road project.   
A follow-up meeting was established with the civil military ops team and the local leaders to discuss potential future projects with the district leaders. The completion of the road highlighted the strengthening partnership between CF, the tribal leadership and the Ur District Govt.

Civil military ops plt leader 1st Lt. Wesley Tompkins, along with Ur District Manager  Muqdad, displays a certificate symbolizing the completion of the critical road.

Paratroopers talk to a tribal leader about recent and future improvements.

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MND-B AWTs engage rocket team and heavily armed criminals

BAGHDAD - May 10, following an indirect-fire attack in central Baghdad, an MND-B AWT made positive ID of a rocket rail at the point of origin in the Sadr City district of Baghdad used to launch the attack. The AWT engaged a criminal element on site at approx. 6:40 a.m. with 2 Hellfire missiles.  One criminal was killed, and the rocket rail and a shack were destroyed.  Secondary explosions at the site also indicate that illegal weapons also were destroyed.
At approx. 10 a.m., an AWT observed 5 criminals east of Al Hajj Jabr in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad. The criminals were heavily armed with a RPG, 2 PKC light machineguns and 2 AK-47 rifles. The AWT fired 2 Hellfire missiles and killed all 5 men. 

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Iraqi Security Forces, MND-B soldiers capture weapons, terrorists

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and soldiers of the 1st BCT, 4th ID, captured terrorists and seized multiple weapons and ordnance, May 9 during clearing ops in the West Rashid district of southern Baghdad.
At 2:15 p.m., IA soldiers seized an AK-47 rifle with 152 rounds, an RPK machine gun with 250 rounds and 60 mortar fuses.
MND-B soldiers from Co B, 4th Bn., 64th AR confiscated a RPG, a PKC machine gun with 600 rounds, a hand grenade, a 60 mm mortar round and 4 homemade explosives in a house located in Risalah.
Also, soldiers from the Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, wounded a suspected terrorist and detained 2 others after the group attacked soldiers with small-arms fire at approx. 3:50 p.m.  At 4:15 p.m., the same patrol from Co. A, seized an EFP, 2 RPG launchers and 3 RPG rounds in the Jihad neighborhood.

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Joint Patrol With Iraqi Army Builds Capacity       

By 1st Lt. Dave Psiaki
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

Corporal Travis Wisley pulls security while a civil affairs team inspects a school renovations project on April 30.

FOB ISKAN – CF are conducting joint patrols with the IA throughout the fish farm areas of North Babil, approximately 50 kilometers south of Baghdad.
On one joint patrol, Soldiers of Co B, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 3th ID, evaluated the progress of fish farmers cleaning their farms preparing to receive economic aid from organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“We are surprised, but happy, to see the Soldiers in this neighborhood so often,” said Abbas, a local fish farmer.  “It has helped my family sleep without worry.”
Patrolling alongside American Soldiers allows their Iraqi counterparts to see how the U.S. Army operates, helping them become part of the team, said Spc. Salvador Diaz, Co. B.
The U.S. Soldiers also benefit as Iraqis can point out details about people or places they wouldn’t necessarily notice on their own, Diaz said.  “We’ve definitely seen an improvement in how the IA prepares and executes these patrols,” he said.

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ISF, SOI Presence Allows Families to Begin Moving Home

    
By Capt. Raymond Nutter
1st Bn., 187th Inf., 2nd BCT, 3rd ID

First Lieutenant Austin Commons, shakes hands with an SoI leader in Chalabi Village.  Commons and his Soldiers, along with the SoI, helped displaced families move back to their homes after they were terrorized by extremists.

FOB KALSU — Two years ago, al-Qaeda destroyed the Chalabi village in the Sayafiyah region.  A Shia tribe in a predominately Sunni area, the Chalabis fled to Mahmudiyah, Baghdad and other surrounding areas.
About 4 months ago, CF entered the area and set up SoI security and IA checkpoints.  Soon after, Soldiers from Co C, 1st Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), discovered residents had returned to the area.
“These families had heard from word of mouth that the area was now secure so now they are back,” said Capt. Joe Johnson, HHC, 1-187th Inf. Regt.  Now, CF are bringing aid to about 150 men and boys that came to rebuild and continue securing the area.  Soldiers provided shovels, wood, bricks, mortar, cement and basic living essentials such as food and water recently.
“This is just to get them a jump start and to keep the men building and productive until the GoI comes and takes over,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Sloan, 1-187th Inf. Regt. psychological ops NCO. “The govt is already working the (electrical) power issue in the area and we just wanted to jump start the building process and make it a smoother transition.”
Sheikh al-Kalabi praised the supply delivery. “The Iraqi gov, the Americans and our families are all working together to make this place great again,” he said.
Soldiers from Co C, promised to return soon and check what progress has been made in the area. “We will re-evaluate the situation and make sure progress doesn’t get halted by al-Qaeda or any other terrorist unit,” said 1st Lt. Justin Commons.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Happy Mother's Day, especially to all the Moms of our Warrior Heroes!  Our feature story is of MSgt. Brendon O'Connor receiving our nation's 2nd highest award for valor.  A huge progress story is a Women's Committee reps conference.  Large weapons caches seized, and many criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
______________________________

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

May 11, 2008

Bragg Soldier Awarded DSC
May 01, 2008

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - A SF Soldier who crawled 200 feet while being fired upon to save wounded colleagues, then led a group of besieged Soldiers to safety, received the Army's second-highest award for valor, April 30.
Master Sgt. Brendan O'Connor received the Distinguished Service Cross in a ceremony April 30 at Fort Bragg for his actions in Afghanistan. The award is second in achievement only to the Medal of Honor.
"He made a conscious decision to do whatever it took to get to our wounded Soldiers," said Maj. Sheffield Ford, the team's cmdr during the June 2006 battle in southern Afghanistan.
O'Connor, 47, doesn't believe he is a hero. He said that police officers and firefighters are courageous every day and that he was only completing his mission.  "I am being recognized for a moment of courage," said O'Connor, whose wife and four children attended the ceremony. "I firmly believe other Soldiers in my place would have done the same thing."
With his SF team surrounded by Taliban fighters, O'Connor volunteered to lead a relief force to rescue 2 wounded colleagues. He got to the edge of a field, but intense Taliban machine-gun fire made him turn back. After shedding his body armor so he could press himself flat in a ditch, he crawled the last 200 feet to the wounded Soldiers.  Taliban fire was so close that it sheared off the blades of tall grass around the ditch as he crawled.  Finally reaching the 2 wounded Soldiers, he stabilized them and led the relief force back to safety.
Admiral Eric T. Olson, cmdr. of U.S. Special Ops Command, and Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, comm. gen, of the Army Special Ops Command, presented the award to O'Connor.
Olson, who recounted the battle in his speech, described O'Connor's actions as legendary.  "Master Sgt. O'Connor exemplifies the spirit and ethos of these warriors," Olson said. "We stand in quiet awe and in the deepest admiration."  The ceremony marked only the second time the award has been presented to a Soldier for actions in Afghanistan.
O'Connor is assigned to the 7th SF Group. The unit is based at Fort Bragg, home to the Army's Special Ops Command and the 82nd Abn Div.

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ISF, MND-B kill 8 criminals, seize four caches in separate operations

BAGHDAD -  May, at approx. 11:30 a.m., MND-B soldiers discovered an IED and a 122 mm rocket off a tip from Iraqi NP.
At approx. 2 p.m., soldiers from the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, killed 3 criminals who attacked their patrol with small-arms fire and RPGs.
At approx. 2:20 p.m., soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a weapons cache in southern Baghdad. The cache was discovered on a combined security patrol with IA soldiers, consisting of rifles, more than 400 rounds of ammo and more than 50 mortar fuses.
At approx. 2:30 p.m., soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, killed 2 criminals in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad after the criminals fired an RPG at their patrol and missed.
At approx. 3:15 p.m., soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered pipe bombs, a PKC light machine gun, more than 600 PKC light machine guns rounds, a 60mm mortar round, and a grenade, based on a tip from an Iraqi citizen.
At approx. 4:15 p.m., IA soldiers working with NP officers confiscated an RPG, grenades, a machine gun and ammo.
At approx. 4:45 p.m., soldiers from the 3rd BCT, 4th ID were struck by 2 EFP IEDs in northeastern Baghdad.  Following the IED strikes, 3 criminals attacked the soldiers with small-arms fire, and were killed.

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U.S. SOF kill 11 Special Groups criminals in Sadr City

BALAD - Responding to attacks on Iraqi and CF, U.S. SOF killed 11 Special Groups criminals in the Sadr City area of Baghdad, May 9.
U.S. SOF were providing security for CF who were making safety infrastructure improvements in Sadr City.

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Women's committee reps meet in Mahmudiyah

By Sgt. David Turner

BAGHDAD - Representatives from 4 local women's committees in the Rasheed Nahia met in Mahmudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad, May 5.
Among those attending the gathering were soldiers of MND-Center, and the U.S. State Dept's ePRT Baghdad-7, who helped organize the committees.
Women's issues are nothing new to the GoI, and now, after years of turmoil and the rebuilding of the nation's institutions, the committees have provided many women a support channel, said Capt. Trista Mustaine, ePRT women's assistance group leader. Mustaine, said getting women involved in govt and giving them better economic opportunities fosters stabilization and a return to normalcy.
One of the ways ePRT achieves this is with microgrants, up to $2,500 per person, to help women start businesses. Those businesses include anything from internet cafes to agriculture, but sewing cooperatives have been the most popular. These co-ops provide major employment opportunities in their neighborhoods, giving women the means to buy materials and sell their goods collectively. Sewing co-ops, in turn, provide revenue for the women's committees, Mustaine said.
Chairwomen from the 4 committees addressed several issues at the meeting, but the foremost topics included the need for grass-roots level assistance from CF and the needs of widows and orphans.  Zaytoon  Mraad, showed a placard with pictures of more than 30 children in her village orphaned by recent violence.  Fifteen of the children, all from Shiite families in Sunni majority region, lost both parents to criminal activity and sectarian violence.
Aieda  Aziz, chairman of the Busayefi women's committee, said her husband was kidnapped months ago and she doesn't know where he is. Insurgents also stole her livestock, depriving her of an income.  There are 62 widows in her town and even more orphans, she said.  Education, she said, was what citizens in her village need most.
The chairwoman from the Hawr Rajab women's committee, Manal Mahmood, offered some words of strength and hope. "AQI killed, kidnapped and destroyed. We stood strong with the help of CF, IA and the local councils. We're here to stay," she said.  Mahmood said profits from her women's committee's sewing co-op would go to help the 215 widows and numerous orphans of her town.

Zaytoon  Mraad holds photographs of wounded and orphaned children from her village. Trista Mustaine (sitting), attended the meeting to assess progress in the development of local women's committees.

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MND-B soldiers foil criminal rocket teams

BAGHDAD - May 8, at approx. 6:30 p.m., MND-B soldiers monitoring an aerial surveillance system witnessed 2 Special Groups criminals gathering around a rocket rail that had been used for an indirect fire attack earlier in Sadr City. The criminals then loaded 2 carts and pushed them down a street.  An AWT was called in, engaged the individuals with a Hellfire missile and killed both criminals.
Soldiers from 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire at approx. 8:35 p.m. in Sadr City.  Acting in self-defense, the soldiers fired a M1A2 Abrams tank round and machine gun fire, and 2 criminals were killed.
At approx. 10:45 p.m., soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, operating an UAV witnessed 4 Special Groups criminals load a rocket rail into a vehicle and drive away in New Baghdad. The UAV followed the vehicle until it stopped and parked inside a garage in Sadr City, then engaged the garage with a Hellfire missile. Two criminals were killed, and the rocket rail, garage and vehicle were destroyed.
"The partnership between the Iraqi SF and U.S. soldiers is strong, and we share a common goal:  Protect the people, defeat AQI and enforce the rule of law," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B and 4th ID.  "We are working toward transition and setting conditions for economic growth."

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ISF detain criminal cell leader, three al-Qaeda in Iraq

BAGHDAD - May 8, Iraqi SOF conducted an op in Baghdad and detained an al-Bayaa district Special Groups cell leader believed to be responsible for kidnapping ops and indirect fire attacks on Iraqi and CF. Two additional suspects were detained.
In Ramadi, an Iraqi SWAT team detained 3 AQI terrorists known to be involved with coordinating IED attacks against Iraqi and CF and the facilitation of foreign fighters.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Operations have really increased across Baghdad with large weapon caches found, and many criminals and insurgents captured or killed.  When there is a time-line shown, you can see how busy our troops are and those of the Iraqis.  Read about other progress stories from building bridges, discussing the future of surveying, to the inaugural Anbar Security Conference.  There's a delightful story about comic theater coming back to Wasit province.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

May 9, 2008

ISF, MND-B find several weapons caches across Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Iraq SF and soldiers with Co C, 4th Bn, 64th AR, 1st BCT, 4th ID uncovered several weapons caches, containing a 130 mm mortar vound, 12 120 mm mortar rounds, 6 155 mm artillery rounds, a 40 lb. ba of ammonium nitrate, a 60 lb. bag of unknown chemicals, 4 RPGs, and assorted ammo & equipment.
"The Iraqi SF are visibly out on the streets securing and protecting the people of Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and 4th ID. "They sacrifice daily and are conducting independent ops."

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MND-B Soldiers kill 6 criminals

BAGHDAD -  In the Sadr City district of Baghdad May 8, at approx. 1:30 p.m., soldiers from the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by criminals with RPGs and small-arms fire, returned fire and killed one criminal.
At approx. 2 p.m., soldiers from 1st Bn, 68th AR, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, identified one special group criminal on a rooftop with a weapon, engaged the criminal and killed him.
At approx. 4:30 p.m., soldiers from 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, and 1138th Eng, Bn, were attacked with RPGs and small-arms fire while they were emplacing barriers to provide security for the residents of Sadr City. Soldiers fired a tank round and machine gun fire, killing 3 criminals.
Soldiers from 1138th Eng. Bn were later struck by an IED while conducting a route clearing mission at approx. 5 p.m.  Soldiers were then attacked with RPGs and returned fire, killing one criminal. No soldiers were injured in the IED attack.

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MND-C Soldiers find large rocket, mortar cache

BAGHDAD -  May 7, Soldiers from 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), acted on a tip that there was a weapons cache in the area.
The cache contained 82 57 mm rockets, 95 82 mm mortars and 23 120 mm rounds, all of which could have been used as IEDs.         

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Bridge brings two provinces closer together

TIKRIT, Iraq - A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening 2 temporary bridges in Bayji was held May 8. These 2 bridges, which expand over the Tigris River, will promote more trade and stimulate the economy of the region by allowing the people of the provinces of Salah ad Din and Kirkuk to unite.

Col. Melvin L. Burch, cmdr. of the 111th Eng. Bde, thanks officials, the Iraqi military and respective Sheik leaders for their support in efforts to connect the surrounding communities.

An Iraqi policeman stands guard on the bridge May 8.

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Inaugural Anbar Security Conference

CAMP FALLUJAH - MNF-West Marines hosted the inaugural Anbar Security Conference at Camp Fallujah, May 8.
Approx. 40 key leaders from the IA, IP, Dept. of Border Enforcement and the Provincial Security Force participated in the event.  Anbar's security situation and Iraqi SF organization were discussed during the conference.
Anbar Province is making progressive strides toward improvements, such as voter registration, elections and Provincial Iraqi Control. The ISF's role will be essential to ensuring the security and safety of Anbar's citizens.

Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly, MNF-West comm. gen., answers reporters' questions about security.  The media represented radio, television and newspaper agencies from various western, international and Arab news agencies.

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U.S., Iraqi engineers discuss future of surveying

By Pfc. Christopher M. Gaylord

BAGHDAD - The senior consultant for water resources in Iraq, the MNC-Iraq geospatial team and Iraqi surveying engineers from the ministry of water resources, discussed the future of a geospatial reference project Iraq is currently taking over, at the U.S. Embassy in the International Zone, May 5.
The project, called the Iraqi Geospatial Reference System project, will provide a more accurate reference system for navigation, and reconstruction in Iraq much easier.  "The system helps construction workers and civil engineers throughout the country with building bridges, highways, buildings and helps with the irrigation systems and the accuracy of dams," said Staff Sgt. Anas Malkawi, a geodetic surveyor with the 100th Eng. Co., 20th Eng. Bde, who spoke with his Iraqi counterparts during the meeting.
While the U.S. military continues to guide the country of Iraq to successful re-construction, one of the largest steps has already been taken. With constantly updated coordinates, a more accurate geospatial system for navigation and the right experts to put it into use, Iraqis are well on their way to standing strong. This is being financed by the GoI.

Staff Sgt. Anas Malkawi, discusses the locations chosen for future geospatial reference system points across the country of Iraq with Iraqi surveyors from the ministry of water resources.

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SOIs repel AQI attacks and identify cache

TIKRIT - The SoI repelled 2 attacks in northern Iraq over the last two weeks.
In Diyala, SOI members defended the village of Khawalis from an AQI attack. According to reports, the SOIs took sniper and mortar fire, but repelled the attack killing 12 AQI members.
In Salah ad Din, SOIs led CF soldiers to a large weapons cache, consisting of 800 pounds of homemade explosives and other IED making material. The SOIs were ambushed during the op and successfully repelled the attack.

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Coalition Forces attacked in Basra

BASRA - CF engaged the enemy rocket team with counter-battery fire and an UAV identified rocket rails and a vehicle. The UAV and an AWT engaged with Hellfire missiles, killing 6 Special Groups criminals, destroying the rails and one vehicle.
This was the first indirect fire attack causing casualties among Iraqi civilians in Basra since March 27.  The security situation remains stable with 70% of the city secured by Iraqi SF.

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MND-N's 'Bulldog' Soldiers credit Iraqi patriots for recent improvements

BAYJI - The SoI are quietly making large strides in the northern Iraqi city of Bayji, along with soldiers from the 1st Bn, 327th Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div.
"Without witnessing what goes on in our cities every day, it's most likely that someone wouldn't understand the importance of these seemingly small changes," said Capt. Michael Sykes, Bn adjutant.  Numerous roads have been opened, easing travel restrictions and making commuting to work possible since the battalion arrived in theatre in October 2007. "There has also been a dramatic drop in IED craters, which disrupts travel and places a burden on many honest, hardworking people here," said Sykes.
The Bulldog soldiers credit the SOI for the dynamic change here. "The SoI's presence alone on the streets here are directly corollary to the drop in attacks in our area," said Maj. Brad Mock, the bn's EO.  Other contributing factors to the reduction in violence are multiple cache discoveries and the capture of key insurgents in the area, said Mock.
Work is also underway to improve the battle weary roads in the area by pouring fresh concrete.  "Fewer roadside bombs have persuaded the govt here to spend its resources on repaving roads.
"We all know that when we leave here, the Bayji area will be a better place than when we arrived, and we couldn't be any prouder than that," said Mock.

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Iraqi Security Forces capture three wanted insurgents in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF detained 3 insurgents wanted by the GoI in Baghdad, May 7.  An Iraqi ERU served warrants and detained the 3 suspects in the Adhamiyah area of Baghdad. 
The group is suspected of murdering and displacing Iraqi citizens.  One of the suspects also provides support to terrorist elements conducting attacks against Iraqi SF.   

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U.S. SOF respond to attack, kill two criminals during security operation

BAGHDAD -  During security ops in the Sadr City area of Baghdad, May 7, SOF were providing security for Iraqi and CF who were making safety infrastructure improvements in Sadr City.   
During the op, criminal elements attacked SOF with a coordinated complex attack involving 2 IEDs, RPGs and small arms fire.  SOF returned fire killing 2 enemy fighters on a rooftop. 

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ISF, MND-B soldiers engage IED emplacers and armed criminals

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID kept the pressure on rogue criminal elements in the greater Baghdad area May 7-8, engaging IED emplacers and armed individuals and discovering weapons caches.
At approx. 10:40 a.m. May 7, IP from 3rd Bn, 4th Bde, 1st Iraqi NP Div, and , were attacked by criminals using RPGs and small-arms fire in Adhamiyah.  An AWT was called in to assist, fired a Hellfire missile and killed 2 Special Groups criminals.
At approx. 11:40 a.m., west of Baghdad, soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, discovered 3 mortar rounds, 4 grenades, a land mine and numerous blasting caps.
At approx. 3 p.m. in Kadhamiyah, IA soldiers discovered a substantial weapons cache, which consisted of 53 blocks of C4, 2 107 mm rockets, an 82 mm mortar round, several rocket rails, 6 grenades and highly-detailed maps of Baghdad, and an assortment of weapons materials.
At approx. 7:10 p.m. in Sadr City, soldiers from 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, identified individuals firing AK-47s from a building, and a M1A2 Abrams tank fired 2 high-explosive rounds killing 2 criminals.
At approx. 7:30 p.m., soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire in Sadr City. The soldiers returned fire and killed one criminal.
At approx. 10:30 p.m., an AWT fired a Hellfire missile and killed 2 criminals who were emplacing an IED in New Baghdad.
At approx. 1:30 a.m., an AWT observed a group of armed individuals maneuvering towards dismounted soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, in New Baghdad, fired a Hellfire missile and killed 5 criminals. The AWT fired a second Hellfire and killed 4 criminals trying to escape.
At approx. 1:45 a.m., 2 criminals were spotted by an AWT emplacing an IED in Kadhamiyah. One criminal was killed when the IED detonated while being emplaced. The second criminal fled into a residential area so the AWT did not engage him.

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SoI repels attack 4 insurgents killed, large cache discovered

TIKRIT - After receiving small arms fire, SoI repelled an enemy attack, killing 4 insurgents and discovering a large cache in the Salah ad Din province, May 7.  Several suicide vests were discovered along with 800 lbs of homemade explosives and other IED making materials.

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First Iraqi comedy in Wasit since Saddam's era

BAGHDAD - Actors from the popular Iraqi sitcom, "Mud House," performed the first comedic play performed in Wasit Province since 2003, in al-Kut, May 4.  "People and People" conveyed Iraqi life from a comedic perspective to entertain the Wasit audience and give them hope and optimism for the future.
Fifteen hundred people filled the Municipality Hall in al-Kut to see the play, which was sponsored by the U.S. Dept of State in coordination with the 214th Fires Bde and the IP.
The IP estimated another 3,000 people were waiting outside the theater, said Vanessa Beary, public diplomacy officer for the Wasit PRT.  This showed a big step forward in security and a good community gathering, said 1st Lt. Randy Heath, a plt leader for Co F, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault).  "The community had trust in the security provided by the IP and the IA," he said. "They seemed to really enjoy the play."
Baker said ISF remained conscious of the opportunity for mishap because of the large number of people gathered. "It's an indication of the growth of their capabilities. They are more proactive and organized. There were no incidents."  Because of the large turnout, the actors held an encore performance May 5.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Essential services are slowly beginning to be restored to the people of Sadr City, and the region.  A most important Maintenance and Supply Symposium took place at Camp Taji, May 2  and The Yusifiyah Wholesale Farmers' Market had a grand reopening, April 29.  Also, good news for fish farms, and the 1500 farmers that attended the Agricultural Technology Exposition!  Aside from these success stories, many criminals have been captured or killed, and large weapons caches uncovered.
Joanna
________________________________

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

May 9, 2008

MND-B soldiers detain multiple criminals in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 1st Bn, 66th AR, 1st BCT, 4th ID detained a suspected criminal linked to a foiled EFP attack, in the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Fadailliyah, May 7.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized an AK-47, assorted knives, and a satchel containing $15,000 and 2,450,000 Iraqi Dinar, in the southwestern Baghdad district of Rashid.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 64th AR, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, detained a suspected AQI terrorist after positively identifying him in an op in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Jamiyah.
Soldiers from 2nd Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, detained a criminal leader  in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad.

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CMOC links people to government

BAGHDAD - Providing services needed to sustain a city and the inhabitants within is a daunting task the GoI is working to solve.
The recently opened Civil Military Operations Center at JSS Sadr City is working with the local govt to repair essential services to the residents of northeastern Baghdad while IA and CF work to restore security there.
Operating out of a concrete building on the edge of Sadr City, the CMOC is run by MND-B and IA Soldiers as well as members of the local govt and an ePRT.
"We know we have the contacts in the community that we've worked with before in Sadr City. They're familiar with meeting us. We have contact, and when we have a representative in the CMOC, we're contacting the local govt as well as the higher-up portions of the Baghdad govt to come to the CMOC and coordinate," said Lt. Col. Dennis Kennedy, a deputy team leader with the ePRT. 
The ePRT has teams that focus on governance, economic development, rule of law, health and education.
Since beginning ops with only 2 members, the CMOC staff has swelled to more than 40. Slowly, essential services are being restored to this region, which point toward restoring essential needs and services that many take for granted.

Capt. Alex Carter, right, Maj. Mark Bailey and Lt. Col. Awany, inspect one of the food packs that will be handed out to Iraqi families in Sadr City.

A food pack that will be distributed to an Iraqi family is displayed on a desk along with the "Baghdad Now" newspaper.  The food pack serves a family of five for one meal.

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MND-B soldiers host ISF symposium at Camp Taji

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad leaders attended the 1st Sust. Bde. maintenance and supply symposium, May 3, as a follow on to the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq symposium held a few days prior.
"The purpose of the conference was to gather all CF who operate in and around Taji and work with the ISF, and ensure that we are all working towards the same end state - a self-reliant ISF," said Capt. Tim Weiser, the officer in charge of the Logistics, Training, and Advisory Team for the 1st Sust. Bde.
"We had pretty good expectations of it because of the leadership of the system from the Corp down. We've gotten a lot more visibility on Iraqi SF logistics issues," said Lt. Col. Mark Collins, cmdr of the 225th Bde Support Bn, 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID.  The advantage of the forum, he added, is that it brought together all of the "key players" who can make recommendations for change that are designed primarily to create Iraqi solutions for Iraqi problems. This is important because the Iraqis have a different system for accomplishing their missions.
There was a general consensus among those attending that basic life support for the Iraqi's is an urgent issue and will need to be addressed by the Iraqi govt soon.

Lt. Col. Mark Collins (right), poses a question for the panel.

Col. Kevin O'Connell, talks to a group of leaders.

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Raid for high-value individuals result in more than 21 detainees

TIKRIT, Iraq - May 7, the op was conducted in the Khatoon district of Baqouba during the early morning hours.
"The unit had gathered intel that indicated 2 high-level insurgent leaders were in the home," said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesperson for CF in Diyala. "When they entered the home shortly after midnight, they found over 20 Iraqi adult males - awake - with several illegal weapons and a notebook containing plans for future attacks against CF in the home," said Garcia.  "We'll identify these (individuals) through further questioning and if it is determined they are not involved in insurgent activity, be released."

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Wholesale farmers' market reopens in Yusifiyah

By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback

BASRA - The Yusifiyah Wholesale Farmers' Market had a grand reopening April 29, after closing 4 years ago.
After a terrorist attack on the market forced the closure in 2004, it was victimized by criminal activity and fell into a state of disrepair.  Capt. Michael Starz, cmdr. of Co C, 3-187th Inf. Regt., met frequently with the owner of the market, Turki Harridege, to coordinate support for the reopening. The IA agreed to provide security for the market, and a member of the Ministry of Sewage helped to clean the area.
To help get the market fully suitable for business, McGregor worked with Staff Sgt. Thai Starkovich, the HQ MiTT NCO in charge, Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt., and Michael Khatib, a bilingual, bicultural adviser for the Dept. of State, to handle micro-grant applications that will jump start to the farmers who were setting up shop.
"This is a huge event," Starkovich said. "Having this open with minimal security and having people able to just walk in and out, speaks for itself as far as the confidence the people and the shop owners have about the security situation here in Yusifiyah. It's a very good sign for progress in the region."

First Lt. Casey Zimmerman looks over the fresh produce local farmers brought to the  Market.

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Khidr sheikh receives microgrant for aerators

BAGHDAD - A sheikh from Khidr, received a microgrant from CF, May 2 to purchase 2 aerators for fish farms in the Iskandariyah area, approx. 50 km south of Baghdad.
"It's important to help the Iraqis stimulate their own economy so they can have financial resources available to develop their own ideas and what they view as their own economic needs in their region," said Maj. William Kerr, with Co B, 415th Civil Affairs, attached to 4th BCT, 3rd ID. 
The aerators will be used in a holding pond where they plan on putting an initial delivery of 3 million fingerlings, scheduled for May 22.

Sheikh Jaffar signs paperwork prior to receiving funds.

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Wolfhounds help improve economic stability

Second Lt. John Busuego, patrols a market in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1, en route to businesses that have received financial assistance from the GoI in improving their businesses.  Busuego is the economics coordinator for the ePRT assigned to the 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT "Warriors," 25th ID.

Pfc. Edgar Gutierrez patrols, assisting the IA in ensuring the safety of the people in the area.  Gutierrez is a mortarman assigned to HHC, 1st Bn.

Spc. Gregory Kastner  patrols, ensuring businesses and shoppers remain safe while economic prosperity increases.  Several improvements including road paving, sidewalks and individual shop improvements are being made due to the increase of businesses in this market.  Kastner is a communications specialist.

Spc. Gordan "Chip" Jordan III, stands guard while on patrol.  In the last five months, Jordan has escorted EOD teams throughout the area.

Sgt. Robert Lacy, and Maj. Patrick Aspland, the task force exec. officer is focused o finding an electrician to complete an electric project for businesses in the market. Lacy is a mortarman.

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ePRT facilitates Mada'in Ag Expo

By Maj. Joe Sowers

BAGHDAD - More than 1,500 Iraqi farmers attended the Mada'in Agricultural Technology Exposition in al-Wahida, April 26-27. The expo resulted from efforts by the ePRT, attached to the 3rd HBCT, to revitalize farming and agribusiness.
Fifty-eight percent of the Mada'in citizens are farmers, and another 15 percent are in farm-related businesses, said Col. Bud Jameson, ePRT deputy team leader.
"There has been a lot of wasted water because they have been 'flood' irrigating their fields like they did in the old days," Jameson said. "This doesn't work because some of the land is not even and the water runs down into the low ground. Seed in the high ground does not get irrigated."
Jameson said many farming communities lack diversification. "If a wheat farmer is having a bad year or wheat prices are down, they have to have another way to support their family.  There is also a reconciliation aspect to the expo.  People have talked to their local leaders and said they didn't feel safe going out in public and doing things as a family. Now that security has improved, we are hoping they see this as something they can do as a family. We want them to see that peace has arrived."

Maj. Nathan Haas, info ops officer for the 3rd HBCT, greets a local tribal leader.

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Business as usual in Basra neighborhood

BASRA - Business continued as usual while the Iraqi soldiers of Quick Reaction Force 1 moved into the al-Jumhuliya neighborhood of Basra.  Shops selling everything from fresh fruit to electronics opened up, children went to school and played soccer in the street and men sipped chai and ate kebabs at roadside cafes.
Many local citizens welcomed the soldiers into their neighborhood during the morning's searches.  "We are happy now," said el-Amir, a local youth. 
U.S. and British MiTTs accompanied the Iraqi units during the op, as they have since arriving in Basra. The MiTTs are embedded with the Iraqi units to provide advice and mentorship, but have largely stepped back during Op Charge of the Knights and let the Iraqis accomplish the missions themselves.
Today's searches yielded several caches and approx. 10 detainees suspected of involvement in criminal activities and attacks.  Many of those discoveries were the result of local people coming forward with info.

Iraqi girls on their way to school walk by an Iraqi Army humvee.

An Iraqi soldier helps a little Iraqi girl of the top of an IA humvee where she was posing for pictures with the turret gunner.

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain seven Special Groups criminals in Sadr City

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SOF, advised by U.S. SF, detained 7 suspected Special Groups criminals in and around the Sadr City area of Baghdad, May 6. The Special Groups network in the area is reportedly responsible for coordinating the supply of EFPs into Baghdad and attacking Coalition and Iraqi SF vehicles with EFPs and small arms fire.  Special Groups are also linked to firing rockets into the International Zone.
These ops demonstrate the capability and determination of the GoI and ISOF to remove criminal elements from Sadr City and other areas of Baghdad.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Mid-level al Qaeda leader captured, and a market has a grand opening.  A most interesting story is a Coalition Force joint effort to teach international law to Iraqi Security Forces.  Many criminals detained or killed and large weapons caches turned in.
Joanna
__________________________________

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

May 8, 2008

IA detains mid-level AQI leader in Kirkuk province

BAGHDAD - IA advised by U.S. SF, detained a suspected mid-level AQI leader and detained 6 others in Kirkuk province, May 5.   
The suspect was reportedly leading an effort to consolidate and reorganize AQI in the province and has been focusing on IED attack coordination, foreign fighter facilitation, and planning the murder of SoI members. 
The detention of all of these suspects will likely disrupt AQI activity in the region and possibly yield info on other AQI leaders in Kirkuk province. 

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IA Scouts discover three AQI weapons cache sites in al-Karmah

BAGHDAD -  May 6, 3 separate caches were found containing a total of 24,000 .50 caliber rounds, 50 mortar rounds of various sizes, and 2,000 gallons of nitric acid, a substance used to make homemade explosives.
The mortar rounds were destroyed on-site by a CF EOD team and the nitric acid was taken off-site for disposal.

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Two key suspects captured in Musayyib operations

FOB KALSU - CF captured 5 detainees during Op Berlin, May 4 in the Musayyib area, 55 km south of Baghdad.
Two of the detainees are key suspect targets believed to be involved with weapons trafficking, kidnapping, murder, IED making and sniper attacks against innocent civilians and CF.  The 2 simultaneous ops were executed in 2 different locations.
Soldiers with 4th BCT, 3rd ID, received intel from informants, which led to the captures.  1st Lt. Greg Home, a platoon leader, said the success of both ops success was due to the efforts of the Tactical Human Intelligence Teams, or THTs.  "Their hard work allowed us to know exactly where the targets lived, and enabled us to know when they were home," he said. "To get 2 guys like this in one night is rare.  Due to our THT guys, we had confidence in route to the objective that both (suspects would be in place)."
MND-C Soldiers conducted an op and detained 3 suspects, as well as AK-47s, a bolt-action rifle, pistols, a 62 mm MTR sight, a defused grenade, body armor, a hand-held radio, a sniper rifle technical manual, an IA uniform, cell phones, more than 20 pounds of PKC/RPK weapons repair parts, hundreds of 7.62 mm rounds and more than $120,000 in Iranian currency.
MND-C Soldiers conducted the other op and detained 2 individuals, as well as an AK-47, a pistol, cell phones, body armor, a computer hard drive and a hand-held radio.
"The role of the local citizens in the successful execution of Op Berlin serves as yet another example of the Iraqi people stopping the ops of criminals and outsiders in the Musayyib area," said Lt. Col. Timothy Newsome, 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt cmdr.

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ISF, MND-B soldiers seize 3 weapons caches

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF and CF seized 3 weapons caches and destroyed an enemy fighting position in ops across Baghdad, May 6.
At approx. 11:30 a.m., MND-Baghdad soldiers found a weapons cache during a mine detecting mission northwest of Baghdad. The cache contained 14 82 mm mortar rounds and various bomb-making components.
At approx. 4 p.m., soldiers discovered a cache containing 25 pounds of home made explosives in southern Baghdad.
At approx. 4:15 p.m., an AWT engaged and destroyed an enemy fighting position in Sadr City.  It is unknown the number of criminals, who were attacking CF with small arms fire, were killed or injured in the engagement.
At approx. 5 p.m., IA soldiers located a weapons cache in western Baghdad containing an IED, a 57 mm rocket and a grenade.

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MND-B soldiers detain 9 suspected criminals in Rashid

FOB FALCON - Noticing suspicious behavior while conducting an op in southern Baghdad at approx. 2 a.m., May 6, HHC, 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID detained, among others, a known criminal responsible for indirect fire attacks in Baghdad, and another member of a criminal cell.
"The Tuskers Battalion and the Raider Brigade continue their efforts to rid the Rashid district of criminals," said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman. "Combined patrols with CF and Iraqi SF continue on a daily basis to provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi citizens."

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Iraqi leaders cut ribbon on grand opening of Jameat Market

BASRA - The newly constructed Jameat Market held its grand opening in Basra,  May 6.  The al Jameat district was once one of the most notorious areas of Basra. Until recently, it was a stronghold of the Shia militias, but now it hosted dignitaries from the Provincial Council, local businessmen, potential investors and the local media.
The market's opening is considered to be another success from Op Charge of the Knights.  Peace and security has been restored to the streets of Basra, while only a small IA and Police presence can be seen.
Traditionally, markets have always acted as community focal points in Iraq.  In fact, many women and children also attended the opening ceremony because they had been let out of school early to watch the community building event.
"I am pleased to open the Jameat Market, which is an excellent example of the many projects contributing to the re-building of Iraq," said Nigel Haywood, the British Consular General.  He is Britain's most senior representative in Southern Iraq. "This project will help establish prosperity in Basra."
Proposals for similar markets in other districts of Basra are being considered to build on the success of the Jameat Market.

Engineering Directing General Municipality Ishmael, center left, in charge of reconstruction projects in Basra, talks to Provincial Council Member Abu Salem during the grand opening of the Jameat Market.

Local men and women watch the grand opening ceremonies.

Children had been let out of school early to attend.

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ISF, MND-B soldiers kill nine criminals, find caches

BAGHDAD -  During night ops in Baghdad, May 5-6, at approx. 6:35 p.m., Iraqi soldiers discovered 6 RPGs and 2 EFPs in New Baghdad.
IA soldiers while on patrol, discovered 32 81 mm mortar rounds west of Baghdad at approx. 7 p.m.
At approx. 7 p.m., Iraqi NP discovered a weapons cache in the courtyard of the Imam Ali Mosque in the al-Ghadier neighborhood of Baghdad, including 5 EFPs, 2 IEDs, 5 rocket rails, 3 grenades and numerous rounds of various ammo.
At approx. 9:20 p.m., Special Groups criminals fired upon a barrier emplacement team in Sadr City.  An AWT was called in support of troops in contact and fired a Hellfire missile, eliminating the criminal threat.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 64th AR, 3rd ID, currently attached to the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, and IA soldiers were attacked with RPGs in Sadr City. IA soldiers engaged the dismounted criminals with RPGs, and soldiers from 1-64 AR fired 2 M1A2 Abrams tank rounds, killing 6 criminals.
At approx. 2:50 a.m., an AWT witnessed criminals emplacing an IED in New Baghdad, fired 2 Hellfire missiles and killed 3 criminals.

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CF, Iraqi Army clear insurgents, detain 29 in joint operation

FOB KALSU - In an effort to clear out criminals in the area, IA Soldiers, with support from CF, secured several houses in the city of Jabella, May 2. The op resulted in the detainment of 29 suspected insurgents, with help from Soldiers of 502nd Inf Regt currently attached to the 4th BCT, 3rd ID.
"This operation was very successful," said 2nd Lt. Kyle Comfort, currently assigned to 502nd  Inf. Regt. "Once the op got rolling, they already had a cordon of the city."
With info from Iraqi intel, the soldiers set out clearing the area of caches, suspected criminals and illegal weapons. "This was actually a completely IA (conducted) op," Comfort said. "They were in charge of planning and coordinating the op."  During the maneuver, IA came across more than 50 AK-47s, SKS assault rifles and assorted ammo. The detainees and weapons were turned over to the IA Soldiers for further questioning.
The daytime op was conducted in support of Op Marne Rugged, an op to establish security for local Iraqi communities against AQI and criminal forces.

Sergeant 1st Class Lyle Whitted, gives an Iraqi girl a piece of gum.

Soldiers assigned with 2nd Bn pull security.

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1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., Australian Army, Dhi Qar PRT join forces to teach ISF international law

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

COB ADDER - Members of the 1st BCT of the 82nd Abn Div, Australian Army and Italian PRT of Dhi Qar Province teamed up to train members of the IA, IP and 4th Military Academy on international law and human rights recently.
A group of 18 Iraqi servicemembers attended a 10-day course to learn basic principles of the Law of Armed Conflict, human rights, police ethics, and their legal obligations and responsibilities while conducting ops.
"The course was focused on training legal advisors and operators for the Iraqi SF," said Capt. Eric Widmar, brigade judge advocate of 1st BCT and course instructor. "The focus was to train them on the Laws of Armed Conflict with a focus on the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Conventions.  The legal obligation to distinguish between combatants and civilians, the legal obligation to care for the wounded and the treatment of detainees and other human rights subjects were taught. It's very, very relevant to these guys given the security situation.  The whole intent of this was to enable these key leaders, legal advisors and operators and law faculty members to take this info back and train more people.  It was essentially a train-the-trainer program on international law and human rights," said Widmar.
"I think it was a successful course, and we are making use of the info that we received here during the course," said Lt. Al-Ataby, an officer with the IP who attended the course.  "The training is very valuable, and we are planning to have these types of courses in the future with our colleagues and officers in order to teach them what we learned.  It is extremely important to continue doing such courses," he added.
For some, this was the first time they received information on some of the topics taught in the course. "I think this course was very important because it was the first time we've learned and received so much info on international law," said Lt. Col. Al-Kadhim, a member of the military academy and course attendee.
"The most rewarding experience was to sit back and hear them articulate arguments based on law instead of just raw emotion," said Widmar.

Maj. Stephen King, an instructor of the Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights course, helps his students with one of their group assignments during class.

Capt. Eric Widmar, an instructor of the Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights course, listens as his students debate a principle of law.

Iraqi students work on an assignment during class.

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Dear Interested Readers,
We are taken along on combat patrols, and you can read how busy and successful US and Iraqi troops are.  Kudos to the 3rd HBCT 3rd ID for their successful deployment, as they get ready to redeploy home.  Many criminals captured or killed, and many weapons caches continue to be recovered every day.
Joanna
____________________________________

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

May 7, 2008

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces, U.S. SF kill 7 Special Groups criminals in Baghdad

BALAD - During the May 4 op, Iraqi CTF killed a Special Groups criminal who was attacking an IP station and CF with small arms fire from a rooftop.  As the team left the area, they were attacked again by small arms fire from 3 more gunmen. The ICTF returned fire, killing two.
In the al-Shoalah neighborhood in northern Baghdad, the ICTF conducted an op, May 5 to prevent Special Groups activity and disrupt IED networks.  During the op, Special Groups criminals attacked the team with an IED and small arms fire.  As a firefight developed, U.S. SF authorized a Coalition aircraft to engage the enemy, which fired 4 rounds killing an enemy fighter. The ICTF then cleared 2 structures in the area and detained 2 individuals for questioning.  After clearing the 2 structures, they left the neighborhood and were attacked by 3 more gunmen, returned fire, killing all 3.

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Weapons cache found in Wardia

FOB HAMMER - Soldiers with 1st Bn, 15th Inf Regt, and 1st Bn, 6th Inf Regt, found the cache through tips from SoI, and Iraqi NP sources.
The cache included Iranian RPGs, RPG launchers, propellant, multiple trip flares, a heavy machine gun, ski masks and ISF uniforms.

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MND-B soldiers kill criminals emplacing IED, seize weapons caches

BAGHDAD - May 5, at approx. 5:15 a.m., soldiers with 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a weapons cache containing 60 mm mortar rounds, a RPG launcher, a RPG warhead, a light anti-tank weapon, a PKC light machine gun, a RPG fuse and PKC rounds.
At approx. 8 a.m., soldiers with the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, discovered 2 large containers filled
with 7.62 mm rounds while on a combat patrol.
At approx. 10:30 a.m. in the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Ur, an MND-B patrol was attacked by criminals using small-arms fire. The soldiers returned fire and killed a Special Groups criminal.
At approx. 11:50 a.m., a MND-B patrol received small-arms fire at a JSS in south Sadr City.  An AWT fired 2 Hellfire missiles on the criminals' position, and engaged with a third missile when the small-arms fire continued. There was no further contact.
At approx. 2:40 p.m. in the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Jamilla, a UAV observed 2 Special Groups criminals emplacing an IED in the median of the roadway.  An AWT engaged the 2, killing one and wounding the other. The IED was destroyed in the strike.
"The MND-B soldiers represent the best of our nation and are true professionals," said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff of MND-B and the 4th ID. "They can transition from engaging a hostile enemy to providing assistance to the Iraqi people. They are warriors, peacekeepers and humanitarians."

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MND-B deputy CG tours proposed water distribution site in eastern Baghdad

FOB RUSTAMIYAH - Brig. Gen. Mike Milano (2nd from right), deputy comm. gen. of MND- Baghdad and the 4th ID, tours JSS al-Jadida in Baghdad at a proposed site for water distribution, April 30.

The goal of the proposed future water distribution facility is to help prevent water shortages in an area that has had water-supply problems during summer months.

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'Surge' Brigade redeploys

BAGHDAD - The 3rd HBCT 3rd IDs ops in Mada'in Qada helped improve the safety and quality of life for approx. 120,000 people living there.  Its contributions over the last 14 months have led to improvements in security and the capture of more than 600 criminals, numerous cache finds, and a remarkably lower number of attacks in the area. 
The improvements in security enabled merchants to reopen shops, and the local govt to establish rule of law and employment through programs such as the SoI. 
"The 3rd HBCT inherited battle space with a history of sparse security force presence prior to 2004," said Brig. Gen. Dan Allyn, chief of staff, MNC - Iraq. "Their aggressive efforts in partnership with the Iraqi SF and comprehensive initiatives like the SoI, successfully reduced sectarian violence and attacks against Coalition and Iraqi SF, producing economic growth and restoration of essential services in Mada'in Qada.
The 3rd HBCT is the third of the surge Brigades to redeploy. The remaining 2 brigades will redeploy by the end of July. "The continued drawdown of surge Brigades demonstrates continued progress in Iraq.  After July, commanders will assess our security posture for about 45 days and determine future force requirements based on these conditions-based assessments," said Allyn.

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Iraqi Army stops SVBIED attack against post

TIKRIT - The IA stopped a VBIED attack against the citizens of Mosul at COP Rat, May 3.  An AQI member attempted to detonate the VBIED against COP Rat when he was engaged by the IA. The AQI member was killed, and an IA soldier received minor injuries.

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Iraqi Army, Coalition forces capture terrorists

MOSUL - The IA and CF captured 3 terrorists in the Al-Uruba neighborhood of the city of Mosul, May 4.
CF air assets were on station at the time and were able to track the terrorists and pass the info to the Iraqi SF units on the ground.

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IA captures two suspected AQI IED cell leaders in separate ops

BALAD - The IA, advised by U.S. SF, detained 2 suspected AQI IED cell leaders in separate ops in Tarmiyah and Judaidah, May 4.
In one op, the IA Div captured an AQI IED cell leader reportedly responsible for attacks on SoI, and CF in Tarmiyah. The area is a historical AQI operating area, approx. 23 miles north of Baghdad.  This cell is also suspected of IED attacks on the main routes in and out of Tarmiyah, as well as producing and delivering IEDs to various insurgent groups.
In a separate op in Judaidah, approx. 132 miles north of Baghdad, Iraqi Soldiers captured another AQI IED cell leader and detained 3 suspected members of his terrorist cell. The group is believed to be involved with IED emplacement and weapons smuggling.

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MND-B soldiers detain 15 suspects, seize bomb-making materials

BAGHDAD - While conducting night-time ops in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad, May 5, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div detained 15 suspects and seized bomb-making materials as well as a large amount of Iranian currency. Seven of the 15 detainees were held for questioning.

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MND-B soldiers target criminals, kill nine

BAGHDAD -    An AWT conducting surveillance identified a group of criminals preparing to launch an indirect-fire attack in Sadr City at approx. 9:50 p.m., May 4, engaged and killed 3 criminals with a Hellfire missile.  A 240 mm rocket rail was also destroyed.
At approx.10:20 p.m., an AWT identified a criminal emplacing an IED in eastern Baghdad, engaged and killed the individual with 30 mm rounds.
Soldiers from 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, were attacked in southwestern Baghdad with small-arms fire at approx. 11:30 p.m.  An AWT came to the soldiers' assistance and fired a Hellfire missile and 30 mm rounds at a building where the attack originated. Three criminals were killed, and the attack was halted.
At approx. 1:05 a.m., May 5, soldiers from 1st Bn, 64th AB, 3rd ID, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID, were struck with an IED and attacked with small-arms fire from a nearby rooftop in northeastern Baghdad. Soldiers in a M1A2 Abrams tank fired a 120 mm round at the rooftop and killed 2 criminals.  No soldiers were injured in the IED attack and no MND-B vehicles were damaged.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Mid-level AQI leader captured, as well as many other criminals and terrorists killed or captured.  Large weapons caches continue to be turned in by SoI.  Some essential training by our Engineering Forces to further advance Iraqi Forces in rebuilding and securing their country.
Joanna
________________________________

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

May 5, 2008

Iraqi Security Forces capture mid-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leader

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Soldiers and a Muqdadiyah SWAT team, advised by U.S. SF detained a mid-level AQI leader and detained 6 other suspected terrorists in an op in As Sa'diya, approx. 55 miles northeast of Baghdad, May 3.
ISF conducted the op to detain the leader and disrupt the ops of an As Sa'diya-based AQI organization. The AQI group leader is suspected of managing AQI finances in the area and providing a safe haven for foreign fighters in the Hamrin Mountains.  His group is also believed to be responsible for kidnapping Iraqi citizens and attacking ISF with IEDs. 

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SOI turns in large weapons cache

BAGHDAD - A SoI member turned in a large cache to Spartan Soldiers of Co A, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, May 2, containing an operational DSHKA anti-aircraft gun with 300 rounds, 17 rockets of various sizes, a RPG launcher with 7 RPGs, a 120 mm projectile and other small arms munitions.

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MND-B soldiers seize munitions

BAGHDAD - May 4, the cache seized by soldiers from 4th Bn, 64th AR, attached to 1st BCT, 4th ID, consisted of 8 RPG rounds, 7 81mm mortar rounds, 5 60 mm mortar rounds, a bag of grenades, a 70 mm rocket, 8 Iranian-made mortar rounds, 5 cans of homemade explosives, and other munitions.   
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SOI recover cache in Kartani Fahal village

BAGHDAD - A local citizen's tip led to a cache find in Kartani Fahal village in Sadr al-Yusifiyah, about 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 3.
After receiving the tip, Soldiers from 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (Air Assault), arrived on the scene to find SoI already recovering the cache, with IA troops providing security.
The cache contained 36 mortars, 17 RPG rounds, 11 RPG launch motors, an improvised rocket launcher, 2 rockets, 7 50-pound bags of homemade explosives, over 300 rounds, and 400 blasting cap primers, a mortar tripod and 3 mortar tube sites, as well as other bomb making materials.

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Iraqi Security Forces highly visible in Basra

BASRA - Op Charge of the Knights has successfully completed missions in several districts -- rooting out criminal elements all across the city since it began on March 25.
The IA and IP have formed a combined effort to systematically move through the districts of Basra, in some areas going house by house, to restore order and the rule of law.

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MND-B soldiers strengthen ties with SOI leaders

Col. Todd McCaffrey, cmdr of the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, is greeted by a local SoI leader, May 3 at the Sheik Support Center in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad. The leaders gathered to sign a contract promising to maintain security through SOI checkpoints.

A local SoI leader signs a contract promising to maintain security.  Criminal activity has decreased since the formation of SOI checkpoints with the support of local leaders and MND-Baghdad Soldiers.

Spc. Angel Batista, front, provides security with Spc. Bryon Reiger.

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MND-B Soldiers kill five criminals in Sadr City in separate ops

BAGHDAD -  At approx. 11:45 p.m., May 3, MND-B Soldiers operating an UAV positively identified 2 criminals preparing for a potential attack on soldiers conducting a barrier mission. The UAV engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile at approx. 12:05 a.m., May 4, killing both men, destroying their observation post position.
At approx. 12:15 a.m., May 4, an MND-B AWT positively identified armed criminals with rifles and RPGs, engaging the men with 2 Hellfire missiles, killing 3 criminals.

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ISF, CF detain 26 suspected terrorists north of Baghdad

TIKRIT - In various ops in Diyala and Ninewa provinces, Iraqi SF and CF detained 26 suspected terrorists, May 3.
In Ninewa, 9 suspected terrorists were detained in eastern Mosul, and 10 were detained during an intel-driven op in southern Mosul.
In Diyala, 7 suspected terrorists were detained. Three of the 7 were detained in Baqubah.

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Iraqi QRF 1 clears al-Latif

BASRA - To date QRF 1 has participated in the clearing of al-Quibla, al-Hyyaniyah, al-Huteen, al-Jumhuriya and now al-Latif. These ops have netted hundreds of mortars and rockets, dozens of detainees, machine-guns and thousands of rounds of ammo.
The clearing of al-Latif resulted in several cache discoveries, including dozens of automatic weapons, mortars and IEDs. The QRF 1 also detained several criminals, raided and demolished the residence of a known IED maker and militia leader.

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MND-B soldiers kill four criminals in New Baghdad

BAGHDAD - May 4,  after criminals attacked soldiers from 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt with small-arms fire, the MND-B soldiers returned fire. Two AWTs supported the infantrymen and engaged weapons fire, and 4 criminals were killed.

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Victory starts with training

BAGHDAD - For the members of the IA and the Soldiers of the 35th Eng. Bde's 769th Eng. Bn, victory means conducting multiple training exercises and demonstrations to strengthen the bonds of their joint efforts and partnership.
Since arriving at Camp Liberty in October 2007, the 769th Eng. Bn. has had the overall mission of constructing COPs, FOBs and JSSs. The rigors of the day-to-day missions are successful due in large part to the battalion's subordinate units.
The HQ Support Co and the Forward Support Co, both based out of Baton Rouge, La., support their fellow companies logistically, administratively and with maintenance support and planning ops. The 231st Survey and Design Team, from Gulfport, Miss., has been the crucial asset to getting the future constructed bases off the ground by surveying the site of construction.
The Soldiers of the 821st Horizontal Eng. Co, based out of Summersville, W.Va., move out to the site to sanitize and prime the local landscape for its vertical efforts.  Lastly, the 851st Vertical Eng. Co, from Little Falls, Minn., provided the vertical assets to get FOBs up to initial capabilities, regardless of the location on the battlefield.

Spc. Matthew Grundyson talks about the uses of multiple electrical construction tools with Maj. Haleem.

Spc. Christopher Herrera, talks about the function of a pipe wrench with Col. Achmed.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Zivic, talks about the uses of a survey machine.

Sgt. James Bridges talks about the functions and ops of a concrete mobile truck to Pvt. Lahmoud.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Water shortages, unheard of in our country, but common to many Iraqis, are about to change.  Basra's Children's Hospital near completion, and Muthanna Province marked the completion of local civic projects.   Many high level insurgents, criminals and terrorists captured or killed, and many weapons caches found.
Joanna
________________________________                                             

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

May 5, 2008

ISF, MND-B Soldiers seize cache in Risalah following tip

BAGHDAD - In the Risalah community in southern Baghdad during a joint patrol at approx. 6 a.m., May 3,  acting on a tip from an SoI, IP and Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized EFPs, police protective vests, ballistic plates, ballistic helmets, IDs, IA uniforms, and machine gun ammo.

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MND-B experts prepare for upcoming water shortages

CAMP LIBERTY - Water is the one element needed to sustain life, and a lack of water in a highly populated area could make for disastrous consequences.
In certain parts of Baghdad, however, water shortages are a normal part of the hot summer months - and MND-Baghdad water experts, with Iraqi cooperation, are trying to solve this problem one step at a time.
The Baghdad Water Authorities, the Baghdad Provincial Council and MND-B Soldiers are committed to changing the way water shortages are dealt with in the summer months in Baghdad's districts of Sadr City, 9 Nissan, and East and West Rasheed in Baghdad.
"The reason for the droughts in these areas is the insufficient (water) networks in the area to support the population there," said Vick Karine, a native of Oxford, England, who serves as a water engineer with G-9 (Civil Affairs), MND-B.
This year, small water treatment plants, called ROWPUs, which is a reverse-osmosis water purification unit, are being placed at key JSSs. From there, the water is easily distributed to the communities, he said.
"There are three partners in this," said Karine. "(MND-B) will provide the ROWPUs and water tanks, the Baghdad Provincial Council is paying the money, and the Baghdad Water Authority organizes the tankers, get them to the appropriate areas and handles the logistics.  The long term plan is for the BWA to expand the water networks in the area. "We hope that by 2009 (the water shortages) will stop."

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Basra Children's Hospital shows progress

BASRA - Residents of Basra have been steadily returning to their daily lives and rebuilding their infrastructure in the city as well as other support services.
The Basra Children's Hospital is one of those services being rebuilt with the assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region South Coast Basrah Office.
Iraqi workers on the project are currently installing lighting and running plumbing lines inside the building. The hospital's primary mission is a cancer treatment facility, which will be run by western standards.

Randall Lewis (right) an architect with the Gulf Region South Coast Corps of Engineers inspects work being done. The GRSC engineers work with nine Iraqi firms on various parts of the hospital with a projected opening of February 2009. The project is one of over 40 the GRSC works with in the Basra area.

Lt. Cdr. Neil Underwood speaks with one of the project managers.

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MND-B soldiers kill 5 terrorists, detain 24, find EFPs, 3 caches across Rashid

FOB FALCON -  At approx. 8 p.m., May 1, IP  and soldiers from 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, were attacked by 10 criminals using small-arms and RPG fire in the Aamel community during an op to apprehend a key criminal. The patrol requested attack aviation support.  An AWT fired a Hellfire missile and killed 5 criminals.  The "Regulars" soldiers detained 20 suspected terrorists and various equipment.
At approx. 8 p.m., May 2, "Regulars" soldiers from Co E, 1-22nd Inf. Regt., seized roadside-bomb making materials in the Shurta neighborhood.
At approx. 11 p.m. May 2, soldiers from 4th Bn. 64th AR., attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID found an emplaced EFP while conducting a combat patrol. The soldiers notified an EOD unit about the cache in the Risalah community.
At the same time, soldiers from HHC, 4th Bn, 64th AR received a tip from local SoI members of a possible IED on the side of the road in the Furat area. The patrol requested EOD support, which determined the site was a cache consisting of roadside bomb-making materials.
On their way to the Furat site, the 47th EOD Company from Fort Hood, Texas, located and removed another EFP from the side of the road in the Risalah neighborhood at approximately 12:30 a.m., May 3.

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Hillah ISWAT team captures 2 criminal element members; detains 4 others

BALAD - A Hillah Iraqi SWAT team arrested 2 suspected members of a criminal group and 4 of their associates during an overnight op near the city of al-Jabella, approx. 55 miles southeast of Baghdad, May 2.
Both men stand charged with conducting a series of attacks against a CF base with indirect fire weapons.  Recently gathered info also indicated one of the suspects used his house to store illegal weapons, including mortars.
U.S. SOF accompanied the Iraqi SWAT police in an advisory role only. 

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U.S. Special Forces kill four insurgents, detain seven in Jazeera Desert

BALAD - U.S. SF soldiers detained 7 suspected insurgents and killed 4 during a reconnaissance patrol in the Jazeera Desert, approx. 237 miles north of Baghdad, May 1. 
During the patrol, U.S. SF soldiers came under small-arms fire and returned fire killing 2 armed individuals near the village of Lazaga.  As U.S. SF soldiers cleared a building in the village, they found 2 men holding hand grenades. Both men were shot and killed after displaying hostile intent.  A further search of the village led to the detention of 7 suspected insurgents.
This patrol is one of several recent ops in the Jazeera Desert to disrupt insurgent activity in the area.

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PRT introduces new military unit to Muthanna

MUTHANNA PROVINCE - The State Department's PRT and elements of 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div are engaging in an unprecedented level of cooperation to affect a true reconstruction partnership with Iraqis in the southern province of Muthanna.
Members of the PRT traveled for the first time April 21  -- via military convoy  courtesy of the 82nd's 1st Bde Special Troops Bn -- deep into the province to perform 2 ribbon cutting ceremonies marking the completion of local civic engagement projects.
The 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. will assume "strategic overwatch" or backing up of local Iraqi SF for Muthanna province, May 23. The PRT hopes to create an atmosphere of trust and respect with the local Iraqis, as 82nd Abn. Div. is introduced gradually to the province.
"When local Iraqis see that the entirety of the American presence in Muthanna - civilian and military alike - is working to improve their lives through new roads and schools, medical care for the most rural communities, and innovative support in the agricultural sector, then the province will be a safer place," said PRT Team Leader Paul O'Friel.  "If we continue to work with civil and tribal leaders of the province to identify local needs and then actually work to meet those needs, criminal and other insurgent elements will hold far less sway. Doing good is our best weapon."
The first destination of the day for the PRT and U.S. military members was to the newly-constructed al-Jareeb Bridge. This bridge replaces a crumbling 1947 structure that was wholly inadequate for modern vehicles. The new, heavy-duty span improves farm-to-market access for a huge rural area on the outskirts of the town of Warka.
The local mayor, several sheikhs, and a cross-section of residents joined the Americans to formally open the bridge.  Moments later, as if on cue, a truck heavily-laden with cement blocks crossed over the bridge. There was a palpable sense of community pride as the residents watched the truck rumble by - symbolizing the rebuilding of the province.
Next stop: the al-Wathbah elementary school. This project provided 2 new classrooms to this poor, rural school. The new construction stands in stark contrast to the rest of the school, which is in dire need of repair. The 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., as part of its new civic action program in the province, also plans to rebuild the school's sanitary facilities.
Lt. Col. Fred Drummond, the commanding officer of 1st BSTB, relished the opportunity to engage with the schoolchildren. He entered one of the small classrooms filled with 20 girls and, with the permission of their teacher, spent a few moments talking about his own children back in the U.S.  He then introduced Sgt. Suelyn Hemmingway, a female soldier in his battalion, and explained, to a chorus of giggles, that some of the women under his command are "a lot smarter than some of the guys."  While Drummond was in the classroom, his soldiers distributed soccer balls and played with several of the schoolboys in the courtyard.

PRT Leader Paul O'Friel joins a local Iraqi official and Lt. Col. Fred Drummond, in cutting the ribbon.

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture Special Groups leader

BALAD - Iraqi SOF, advised by U.S. SF, captured a suspected mid-level Special Groups leader and detained a member of his group in Baghdad, May 2.
ISOF conducted the op to capture the leader of 50 criminal militia members who is suspected of conducting indirect fire attacks against IA and CF in Baghdad.
"Ops like this demonstrate the growing capabilities of ISOF to plan and conduct missions and represent the on-going commitment by the GoI to disrupt criminal activity and restore stability to the country," said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I.    

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EFP cache found in Warij

FOB KALSU, Iraq - CF found a weapons cache of EFPs in the southern Baghdad community of Warij, May 2.
Soldiers from 6th Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 3rd ID were on patrol in Warij when they discovered 4 EFPs hidden in a closet shelf in a factory office.  A brand new 107 mm rocket was also discovered. The EFPs were covered with foam and had wires leading from the back.  The cache also included 40 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, a rocket sled and blasting caps.
A guard at the factory was detained after it was determined he lied about having prior knowledge about the rocket and EFPs.

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Criminal element command-control center destroyed

BAGHDAD - In combined ops this morning, Iraqi SF and CF destroyed a criminal element command and control center with precision-guided munitions in northeastern Baghdad at approximately 10 a.m., May 3.
Intel reports indicate the command and control center was used by criminal elements to plan and coordinate attacks against Iraqi SF and CF and innocent Iraqi citizens.

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Iraqi Army soldiers detain two terrorist cell leaders

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Soldiers advised by U.S. SF, detained 2 suspected terrorist cell leaders in the village of Thebania, approx. 200 miles north of Baghdad, May 2.
IA soldiers conducted an op at approx. 11:30 p.m., May 1, to detain the 2 targeted individuals and disrupt terrorist activities and illegal smuggling in Mosul.  Both men are believed to be mid-level leaders of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq, which is a front organization for AQI. 
One suspect is reported to have been leading attacks against Iraqi and CF. His cell is linked to an attack on CF in September 2007. The other suspect is believed to be a weapons smuggler and is reported to help facilitate IED attacks. Two additional suspects were detained and are being held for further questioning.

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MND-B soldiers kill 6 criminals in operations in Baghdad

BAGHDAD -  May 2-3, Soldiers from 107th Engineers Bn, 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, were attacked with an IED at approx. 9 p.m. in northeastern Baghdad.  As they secured their vehicles, the soldiers were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire. The MND-B soldiers returned fire and killed 2 criminals. No soldiers were injured in the IED attack or subsequent engagement.
At approx. 12:15 a.m., May 3, an AWT witnessed 2 criminals digging a hole on the side of the road and emplacing an IED in northwestern Baghdad. The AWT engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile and killed both men.
An AWT witnessed 2 criminals laying detonation wire to an IED at approx. 1:10 a.m. in eastern Baghdad, and engaged the 2 criminals with a Hellfire missile and killed them both.

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Dear Interested Readers,
Needed medical supplies delivered to Basra hospital, and police cadets cheer at the opening of a new training academy.  Many criminals captured or killed, and many more weapons caches turned in thanks in part to the courage and determination of the Iraqi people.
Joanna
_________________________________________

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

May 4, 2008

Iraqi Army recovers cache in Abu Hamid

CAMP STRIKER - Iraqi Soldiers found a cache of multiple mortar rounds near Abu Hamid, about 30 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 1.
Acting on a tip, the soldiers found a cache in 2 different holes that consisted of over 40 mortar rounds, a 120 mm artillery round, 12 boosters, a canister of TNT and various illumination round components.

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MND-B soldiers kill criminals, protect the Iraqi people

BAGHDAD - MND-Baghdad soldiers and their Iraqi SF partners engaged criminal elements, May 2 in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, as they continue to provide security for the law-abiding people of Iraq.
At approx. 7:20 a.m., MND-B soldiers observed a criminal on a rooftop with an AK-47 and killed him.
At approx. 12:30 p.m., an AWT engaged a house adjacent to the Ubaydi neighborhood, with a Hellfire missile after an EFP triggerman was identified, and killed him.  Afterward, the 2 EFPs, that he was the triggerman for were recovered. 
At approx. 12:45 p.m., MND-B Soldiers, in the same area, engaged a group of heavily-armed criminals after they fled into a house. An M1A1 Abrams tank engaged the criminals with one round from its main gun. They reengaged the criminals after IA soldiers reported being attacked by small-arms fire from the same house again. Three criminals were killed.  An AWT then engaged the house with 30 mm guns and a Hellfire missile, and the attacks ceased.
At approx. 3 p.m. an MND-B Soldier killed a criminal who was carrying an illegal weapon commonly used by snipers.
At approx. 5:20 p.m., a fixed-wing aircraft used precision-guided munitions and killed 2 criminals and destroyed a mortar tube.

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Medical supply delivered to Basra hospital

BASRA - Iraqi Soldiers made a delivery to the people of Basra, May 1 that is intended to help the health care system in the city.  A truckload of medical supplies was delivered with assistance from Soldiers with the 82nd Abn Div.
The GoI is making every effort to provide services to the citizens of Basra and ensure their daily lives move on. The success of Op Charge of the Knights has rooted out criminal elements from the city, and now the govt is stepping up basic services to the population.

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ISF capture criminal bomb-makers

BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF responded to an explosion at approx. 1:15 p.m. in West Rashid, May 2. 
Iraqi NP and IA soldiers found one criminal dead, another wounded and their vehicle destroyed. The ISF quickly took control and secured the area, which led to the arrest of 3 more criminals.
An EOD team determined the blast was the result of a premature detonation of approx. 40 pounds of explosives, with ball bearings, in a suicide vest or IED.
A MND-Baghdad patrol came across a dead body in the road next to a blast crater west of Abu Ghraib at approx. 10:40 p.m., May 1.  Initial reports indicate the suspected criminal was emplacing an IED when it inadvertently detonated.
"The Iraqi SF are considerably more capable than when the 4th ID was last here in 2006," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B and the 4th ID spokesman.  "They are conducting independent ops and responding to enemy activity with decisive action."

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Iraqi Police academy opens in Diyala Province

Diyala Provincial Director of Police Staff Maj. Gen. al Qarayshi was joined by Brig. Gen. James Boozer and Brig. Gen. David Phillips to celebrate the opening of the IP Regional Training Center in Ashraf, Diyala Province, May 1.

Iraqi Police cadets in training celebrate the establishment of the new Training Center.

TIKRIT - CF built the interim facility in order to make possible the immediate training of thousands of IP and to help place additional police forces throughout communities in Diyala. 
"We would like to thank CF for helping stand up this academy," said Staff Maj. Gen. al Qarayshi.
The facility is a sign of cross provincial cooperation as weapons and equipment for training were obtained from Salah ad Din Provincial Police leadership to assist in the professional training the students will receive.  The Iraqi Ministry of Interior also provided material and equipment to make the training as effective as possible.
"What we witnessed here today was direct cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Director of Police," said Brig. Gen. James Boozer, "Under al Qarayshi I know they will succeed."
The first class is scheduled to graduate May 15 with an estimated 500 new IP reporting for duty.

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MND-B, ISF find several weapons caches thanks to precision raids, Iraqi citizens

BAGHDAD - May 1, at approx. 8:40 a.m. in southern Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized 2 Dragonov sniper rifles, an EFP IED, and an MP-5 machine gun from the back of a vehicle.
At approx. 12:30 p.m., Soldiers with 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, discovered a weapons cache west of Baghdad, hidden in a field that contained a bag of unknown explosives, 2 122 mm mortar rounds, 120 rocket boosters, 544 anti-tank rounds, 7 Russian made rockets of various sizes, 100 .50-caliber rounds, a box of miscellaneous IED-making materials, 2 command detonation wires, 100 blasting caps, detonation cord and 4 unknown rocket caps.
At approx. 8:45 a.m., April 30, MND-B Soldiers acted on tips from local citizens within the Rashid district of southern Baghdad and seized various weapons and munitions.

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Iraqi, Coalition Soldiers Distribute Food, Toys to Families in Need

By Sgt. Daniel T. West, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Staff Sgt. Joseph Marcy, of the 511th MP Co., shares a moment with Iraqi children after a food distribution mission, April 30.

FOB DELTA — Iraqi SF and American Soldiers recently gave humanitarian assistance to more than 200 families in the Zuwarijat district of al-Kut, 163 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, as part of Op Thunder II.
The humanitarian mission furthered the operation’s goal of establishing a permanent ISF presence in the area.
"During Op Thunder II, ISF occupied 3 buildings to serve as temporary JSS until a permanent facility is built," said Col. Peter Baker, cmdr of the 214th Fires Brigade.
Zuwarijat, like the Sadr area of Baghdad, was used by Saddam Hussein as a place for people he considered undesirable, said Capt. Adnan, of the IP.  The standard of living is very low.  The ISF moved into the area to show residents of Zuwarijat the strength of the SF and give them the opportunity to support ISF in finding criminals, Adnan said.
"The IA led the mission, with the support of IP and assistance in planning from American forces."  Baker said the missions were a good example of ISF growth.  “They are more skilled and better with planning.  It’s a tremendous growth in capacity in a short time.”

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Dear Interested Readers,
a promising story about rebuilding the infrastructure around Basra, and Iraqis expressing freedom of speech in a peaceful manner.  Special Group's cmdr. captured in Baghdad, and by showing time frames, you can see how busy our troops are capturing or killing criminals.  Iraqi Special Forces have taken the lead in many of the ops.
Joanna
___________________________________________

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

May 3, 2008

Gulf Region South Coast Corps of Engineers reconstruction of Sadr Teaching hospital

BASRA - The Gulf Region South Coast Corps of Engineers is working on several projects with Iraqi construction firms to rebuild various sites around the city of Basra. The Sadr Teaching hospital is just one of the sites the Corps of Engineers is helping to rebuild for Iraqi infrastructure.  The Shat Al Arab Courthouse is a new construction project in Al Tannumah on the northern side of the river.  The Abo Al Khaseeb Votech Center is well underway, and classes are being held in some of the completed areas. Iraqi workers are putting artistic touches into several exterior areas of the building while making the interior a quality teaching environment.

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300 citizens' demonstration in Tal Afar ends peacefully

TIKRIT - Approx. 300 Iraqi citizens gathered in a pro-Iraqi Security and CF demonstration in Tal Afar, May 1.  The citizens assembled around noon and were also protesting a rumor that the Provincial Governor was planning to possibly replace Mayor Najim. At the conclusion of the demonstration, the citizens dispersed without incident.
"This is an example of freedom of speech at its very best," said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesperson for MND-North.

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AWT kill criminals, destroys criminal strongholds

BAGHDAD - Sadr City, May 1, at approx. 11:30 a.m., soldiers from the 4th Bn, 64th AR, 3rd BCT, 4th ID were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire, RPGs and sniper fire, while conducting barrier- emplacement ops. An AWT providing overwatch for the op engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile. One criminal was killed, the rest fled the area.
At approx. 1:45 p.m., as the soldiers continued their barrier-emplacement op, they observed a suspect in a building with a weapon.  An M1A2 Abrams tank crew providing security for the op fired a 120 mm round and killed the criminal.
At approx. 2:30 p.m., soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Cav Regt came under attack by criminals using small-arms and RPG fire from a nearby building.  An AWT fired 2 Hellfire missiles and fixed-wing aircraft dropped 2 precision-guided munitions and destroyed the building, which ended the criminal attacks.  At approx. 5:40 p.m., soldiers from 1-68th CAB were attacked in the same way, with the same results.

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture Special Groups commander

BALAD - Iraqi SOF, advised by U.S. SF captured a Special Groups cmdr in Baghdad, April 30.
ISOF conducted the op to detain the Special Groups cmdr who has been leading attacks against Iraqi and CF in the area. The man is believed to be a weapons smuggler, and isreported to conduct IED and indirect fire attacks.
During the op, ISOF received small-arms fire from enemy fighters. Two armed individuals were seen running towards ISOF soldiers and were shot and killed. 
"The detention of this suspect will likely affect the ability of Special Groups criminals to conduct attacks against Iraqi and CF in the area, and will possibly lead to the detention of additional criminals in the area," said Col. Bill Buckner, MND-Iraq spokesman. 

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Iraqi Army, Coalition forces detain 32 suspected terrorists

MOSUL - IA and CF soldiers detained 32 suspected terrorists in a joint op in Mosul, May 1. The cordon and search took place in the Zanjali and Borsa neighborhoods of western Mosul.
"Today's op highlights the increase capability of the Iraqi SF and their commitment to establishing security," said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, spokesman for the 3rd ACR.

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Iraqi citizens capture criminal responsible for VBIED

BAGHDAD - Iraqi citizens who witnessed a VBIED that killed one MND-Baghdad soldier turned over a criminal to the Iraqi National Police, May 1.  After the blast, Iraqi citizens chased the criminal and made a citizen's arrest. The criminal was turned over to the Iraqi NP, where he tested positive for explosive compounds. Two other criminals were also apprehended after they were observed and identified watching the area when the blast occurred. They also tested positive for explosives.
"An American soldier paid the ultimate price on behalf of his country, his family and the citizens of Iraq," said Col. Allen Batschelet, the chief of staff for MND-B and the 4th ID. "We will not relent in our efforts to rid Baghdad of these criminal elements, and today, as many times before, we were aided in that struggle by the people of Iraq. "The citizens of Iraq have repeatedly shown their displeasure for these criminals operating in their neighborhoods and are continuing to assist American forces to rid these criminals off the streets in Baghdad."

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ISF leads CF to 3 caches at abandoned building

BAGHDAD - At approx. 5 a.m., in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, May 1, Soldiers from Co D, 2nd Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, conducted a joint op with the NP, and began to search inside.
The soldiers seized 10 EFP  IEDs, 26 155mm artillery rounds, more than 100 pounds of homemade explosives, 19 mortar rounds, 47 RPGs, 7 RRG boosters, 7 sticks of TNT, 2 blocks of plastic explosives, 4 claymore mines, a 105mm rocket, a bag of mortar boosters and rounds of loose ammo.
"This is a monumental find," said Maj. Dave Olson, the spokesman for the 1st BCT. "  This tremendous action by the Iraqi SF will hamper the activity of the criminals operating in the East Rashid area.

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MND-B soldiers kill 8 criminals

BAGHDAD -  In northeastern Baghdad, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th ID, operating a UAV, witnessed 2 armed criminals, including one bearing a rifle on the rooftop of a house at approximately 7:15 p.m., April 30.  Soldiers fired a Hellfire missile from the UAV.  Both criminals were killed, and the weapon was destroyed. 
At approx. 7:40 p.m., soldiers from 1st CAB, 68th AR, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, positively identified a Special Groups criminal with an RPK machine gun.  Acting in self-defense, the soldiers returned fire and killed the individual.
Criminal forces continued to attack the soldiers with small-arms fire.  At approx. 8:10 p.m., the soldiers killed another criminal firing upon them and then a third criminal at approx. 8:25 p.m.
At approx. 2 a.m., May 1, an AWT used a Hellfire missile to engage and kill 3 criminals in a vehicle. The criminals were seen earlier in the evening emplacing an IED before fleeing in the vehicle.
"Special Groups are using Sadr City as a haven for their attacks against Iraqi civilians, the Iraqi SF and U.S. soldiers," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th ID.
"We take every precaution to ensure we positively identify the enemy before engaging."

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Dear Interested Readers,
A first time story on Iraqi Christians signing up for the police force, and Iraqi highway police going through extra training.  Here's one for our Vietnam Vets:  the final flight of MH-53 80357.  Criminals continue to be pursued, captured or killed.  We end with a humanitarian effort to get some medical facilities up to date to better help the local people.
Joanna
_______________________________

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

May 2, 2008

MND-B Soldiers kill 9 criminals in separate clashes

BAGHDAD -  April 30, at approx, 3 p.m. in Sadr City, Soldiers from the 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th ID observed criminals loading multiple rockets onto a launch sled. The Soldiers engaged the criminals before they could fire the rockets and killed 5 criminals.  Approx. 20 minutes later, the Soldiers observed another criminal attempting to recover the rockets and he was killed.  At approx. 5 p.m., an AWT fired a Hellfire missile and destroyed the rockets and the sled.
At approx. 6 p.m., Soldiers from the 1st CAB, 68th AR, were attacked by criminals using RPGs in Sadr City. The Soldiers returned fire and killed 3 criminals.

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Christians sign up to join Iraqi Police force

MOSUL - Scores of Christian men lined up to join the IP force during a recruiting drive in Tall Kayf, 15 km north of Mosul, April 28.
The goal of the 3-day event was to recruit up to 700 Christians to join the police force to help protect their respective communities in Mosul. "This recruiting drive will help bolster the economy through employment, in addition to bolstering the security effort," said Col. Michael Bills, cmdr of the 3rd ACR.

 

Recruits wait in line to apply to join the IP force.

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'Punisher' partners with Iraqi Highway Patrol

By 1st Lt. Nicholas Klein
Company C, 1st BSTB, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div

AS SAMAWAH - After weeks of coordination with the Iraqi Highway Police leadership in as-Samawah, the COP 6, Punisher Route Security Team partnered with the Muthanna IHP, training them from April 22-26.
"The practical exercises we did everyday really showed us that they got something out of the classes," said Spc. Joseph Capen.  The challenges of the language barrier and cultural differences
were overcome through creative planning and motivational techniques used by the RST instructors.
According to the instructors, the IHP were attentive, quick to learn and seemed grateful for the training. The relationship between the IHP and the Punisher RST soldiers has become one of mutual respect and friendship. The sharing of daily meals, the professionalism of the training, and the camaraderie of the IHP and soldiers has established a bond of friendship that will hopefully keep Muthanna province safe and secure.
This training is one more phase in the partnership to secure freedom of movement along a major supply route in Muthanna.  The establishment of 3 IHP checkpoints with standardized signs, checkpoint materials, and associated infrastructure, built upon a relationship between the U.S. and Iraq forces, will ultimately enable a full-time partnership of the JSS at COP 6. 
At the same time the training of the IHP was being completed, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Cmdr, Frederic Drummond, met with Lt. Col. Falih, provincial joint ops center officer in charge, to finalize plans for PJOC integration at the JSS and discuss operational and intel sharing between all ISF and CF in the province.

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Final flight of MH-53, 80357

A U.S. Air Force MH-53 80357, from the Combined Joint Special Ops Air Component and the 20th Expeditionary Special Ops Sqdrn, stands ready before its final combat mission. This MH-53 80357, call sign 'Magnum,' has been in commission since 1968, and has served on many combat missions, including the 1970 Son Tay prison raid in Vietnam where aircraft were flown deep into enemy territory to rescue an estimated 70 prisoners of war. Though no POWs were found, news of the mission bolstered the spirit of captives across North Vietnam, assuring them they had not been forgotten.
The aircraft will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio.

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MND-B soldiers kill 10 criminals in separate clashes

BAGHDAD - April 30, at approx. 11:20 a.m. while conducting a barrier-emplacement mission in northeastern Baghdad, soldiers from the 4th Bn, 64th AR were attacked by criminals using RPGs and small-arms fire. The MND-B soldiers returned fire and killed 3 criminals.
At approx. 11:30 a.m., soldiers from the 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt, came under attack by indirect-fire weapons and heavy machine gun fire from a vehicle in northeastern Baghdad. The soldiers returned fire and killed 7 criminals.

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Strike Soldiers visit clinics in western Baghdad

By Sgt. James Hunter 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.

BAGHDAD - It was an interesting place for the soldiers of 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div who were visiting the local medical facilities in their area that day. The facility was oddly quiet, which was strange for a place that had what seemed to be rather new or austere equipment. There was even a new X-ray machine.  The biggest problem for the health clinic in the western Baghdad community of Washash seemed to be a lack of electricity, which officials said they couldn't afford fuel to keep it up and running.
Things were much different at a health clinic in Iskan. It too was quiet, due to the lack of people within - there were perhaps 10 people in the building.  This was not one of the larger clinics; however, as was the case with the previous hospital.  It was also experiencing a lack of fuel to power the generator.  As a result, the patients and workers gathered in near darkness besides the light coming through the front entrance.  The pharmacy was also spread thin, with only 25 percent of the shelves stocked.  There were only two workers present that day; a doctor and the front door receptionist.  It served as an indicator for the visiting MND-B soldiers that help is needed to boost these hospitals' abilities to care for their local populace.
Upon receiving reports that many clinics within western Baghdad were lacking medical equipment and power to adequately provide to their local populace, Maj. Amit Bhavsar, decided to see the problems first hand. Bhaysar, who serves as the brigade surgeon for 2nd BCT, visited clinics in Washash, Iskan and Adil, April 27.  "The main things were yes, all three clinics did lack power - enough power where they couldn't adequately perform their mission throughout the day. That lack of power was limiting their ability to carry out certain functions." The 3 hospitals he visited reported they were only getting around 2 hours of power a day, which drastically cuts down on the ability to treat patients.  "None of the clinics had the ability to hold immunizations because immunizations require 24-hour refrigeration," Bhavsar said.
According to, "Special report: health services in Iraq," the Iraqi govt estimates 70% of critically injured patients die in emergency care units due to the current lack of medical staff and supplies.  "The hospitals are running in a way you would expect them to run in a third-world country," said Bhavsar. "The physicians and the staff will make due with what they have and they will do their best. When you don't have an EKG or lab capabilities to diagnose a heart attack, you go back to simple things and you do a lot of guess work.
So what happens from here? "We are going to get together and discuss potential assistance for these clinics," Bhavsar said. "Not just the fuel issue, but some of the shortfalls within the clinic. We'll look to provide some of this equipment and look to provide equipment to assess pregnant patients and basic diagnostic equipment, such as stethoscope."

Maj. Amit Bhavsar, listens closely to an Iraqi doctor at a health clinic in the western Baghdad community of Iskan, April 27.

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MND-B soldiers relentless in pursuit of criminals

BAGHDAD - At approx. 10:40 p.m., April 29, while patrolling in Istiqal Qada, MND-B soldiers from Co B, 1st Bn, 68th CAB, were investigating the site of a reported IED when they spotted 2 criminals attempting to recover an EFP.  The 1-68 Soldiers engaged and killed the 2 men.
At approx. 3:25 a.m., April 30, MND-B soldiers detained 3 men in northwestern Baghdad. 
At approx. 5 a.m., MND-B soldiers operating a UAV observed a group of 3 criminals emplacing an IED in Sadr City. The UAV engaged the men with a Hellfire missile, killing 1 of the criminals and wounding another.
At approx. 6:50 a.m., soldiers from 4th Bn, 64th AR, utilized a tank main gun round to engage a group of criminals carrying a rocket tripod. The round destroyed the tripod. 
At approx. 9:10 a.m., criminals fired upon soldiers from 4-64 AR with small-arms fire. The tankers returned fire with a round from their main gun and killed 1 criminal.  At approximately 9:15 a.m., the soldiers fired a single round from their main gun, targeting criminals who were attempting to use an improvised-rocket launcher, resulting in 2 criminals killed and the launcher destroyed.

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Tikrit SWAT unit capture leader of AQI cell

BAGHDAD - The Tikrit SWAT unit, advised by U.S. SF, detained a suspected AQI cell leader during
an op in the Qadasiyah neighborhood of Tirkrit, approximately 96 miles north of Baghdad, April 28.
Tikrit SWAT conducted the raid to detain the leader of an IED known for conducting attacks against
Iraqi and CF between Tikrit and COB Speicher. The suspect is believed to be responsible for all IED attacks in the Qadasiyah neighborhood and bribery of Iraqi SF in Tikrit.  He is also reported to finance other terrorist cells in the area.

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