IA, MND-B SOLDIERS SEIZE WEAPONS IN BAGHDAD
Iraq Army (IA) and MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) Soldiers discovered weapons caches as they continued operations to increase security in Baghdad on July 25th. Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 25th Infantry Division (ID) found (1) 155 mm mortar round and (2) 120 mm rounds north of Baghdad at approximately 1:10 p.m. Later, Soldiers with the 2nd SBCT, 25th ID, found (5) rocket propelled grenade rounds, (1) RPG launcher and (1) 155 mm mortar round north of Baghdad at approximately 1:50 p.m. The same Soldiers also found a separate cache in the same area containing (6) 85 mm mortars, (4) 60 mm mortars, (1) 122 mm projectile, (3) fuses, (1) RPG launcher, (6) AK-47 magazines, more than (25) loose 7.62 mm rounds and various bomb-making materials. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Soldiers with the 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Division found (3) rocket launch tubes in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad.
MND-B SOLDIERS SEARCH FOR IRAM FACILITIES, MATERIALS
MND-B Soldiers conducted a presence patrol in northwest Baghdad on July 21st. The patrol focused on disrupting the manufacturing of improvised rocket assisted mortars (IRAMs). They also worked with the local population to provide humanitarian assistance and security. Soldiers with 3rd BCT, 4th ID, searched and cleared a warehouse facility next to Sadr City looking for IRAM making materials. These Soldiers spoke to locals and assessed their needs and concerns. “There are lots of displaced families in this area who fled the violence and oppression inflicted upon them by Special Group criminals in Sadr City,” said 1st Lt. Matthew George, a platoon leader. George said understanding the needs and concerns of the locals was crucial to achieving success in Iraq. “These are very poor people and they have fled what was their home and, like us, all they want is a better life for themselves and their families,” he said.
CITIZEN TIP LEADS INP, MND-B SOLDIERS TO CACHE
Acting on a citizen tip, Iraqi National Police (INP) and MND-B Soldiers seized a weapons cache in the New Baghdad security district of eastern Baghdad on July 25th. Police with the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division and Soldiers from the 66th Armor Regiment uncovered a cache during a combined search operation in the Kamaliyah area of New Baghdad. The cache consisted of (2,000) AK-47 ammunition rounds; (1,000) PKC machinegun rounds; (1) rocket nosecone and (1) mortar round of undetermined size. “The citizen who reported the cache to security forces is a true Iraqi patriot who saved the lives of his fellow countrymen,” said Major Joey Sullinger, a spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light), MultiNational Division - Baghdad. “Civilians working with Iraqi Security Forces will go a long way in ridding eastern Baghdad of criminals, leading to a safe society.”
ISF ASSIST MND-B FINDING IEDs
MND-B Soldiers reported the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) discovered (3) improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during combat patrols in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad on July 25th. IA soldiers from the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found (2) IEDs inside an abandoned house at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the Saydiyah neighborhood. An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit responded to handle the bombs. Meanwhile at approximately 3:30 p.m., police from the 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, discovered a roadside bomb in the Risalah community. Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, confirmed the IED and requested an EOD team to dispose of it. “The Iraqi Security Forces continue to find caches and aid in the capturing of terrorists,” said Major Dave Olson, a spokesperson for the 1st BCT, 4th ID. “These Soldiers are committed to assisting the ISF with providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.”
CITIZEN FINDS IED, REPORTS TO IP IN KARADAH
A concerned citizen found an IED and reported it to an Iraqi Police official in the Karadah district of eastern Baghdad on July 25th. After the citizen informed Iraqi Police about the IED, IP officials notified Iraqi explosive ordnance experts. They detonated the IED in place and determined that the IED consisted of homemade explosives. “This is a great example of a brave, concerned citizen and Iraqi Security Forces coming together to save innocent lives in eastern Baghdad,” said Major Joey Sullinger, spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division. “The courageous citizens of Iraq must continue to take active roles in their security so militants will have no safe haven from which to carry out their criminal attacks. The Government of Iraq’s ability to provide improved essential services to its people it directly tied to increased security and stability.”
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Improvements In Iraq
Source Article HERE.
From 'Centcom': As violence levels maintain a steady decrease across Iraq, Coalition forces and the Iraqi Government are able to focus their efforts on reconstruction and civil issues, a senior Coalition military official in Iraq said on Wednesday. Iraqi forces are improved, and the government continues to develop and progress, Army Brigadier General David Perkins, a Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman, said in a news briefing from Baghdad. “Government, security and economic institutions continue to surge forward” throughout Iraq even as the last of the initial five surge brigades – 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team – left Iraq this week, Perkins said.
Military officials credit the past year’s five-brigade troop surge as the foundation for the country’s recent progress, the general said, but that wasn’t the only surge that took place. “The Coalition surge was one of many surges that have come to produce programs and progress across Iraq,” Perkins said. “The Coalition surge has been accompanied by a surge in Iraqi security forces, a surge of support by the Iraqi people, a surge in political and governance progress and a surge in the revitalization of the economic sector.”
With violence throughout the country at its lowest levels in four years, the Iraqi council of representatives has approved 20 major legislative measures, ranging from accountability and justice laws to the Ministry of Interior penal code. Also, the improved security has facilitated meeting high demands of electricity, water and residential reconstruction in Baghdad, he said. Throughout the past year, electricity production has increased 13 percent and oil production has increased 25 percent a day, the general said. Iraqi government agencies have granted loans to 18,000 small and medium businesses.
These results also can be attributed to the maturity and growth of the Iraqi security forces, Perkins said. Iraqi security forces have grown an additional 150,000 trained troops over the past year. And they planned, led and executed major security operations in Basra, Mosul, eastern Baghdad and Amarah. Control of 10 of Iraq’s 18 provinces has been handed over to Iraqi security forces, with Anbar province near that mark as well, the general said.
“Security forces have learned that security means much more than fighting the enemy, and that protecting the local population can only be sustained by reconstruction support for the local communities... Indeed, these surges are linked together to provide Iraqis with the opportunity to work, send their children to school and live in a secure environment,” he continued. “[Coalition forces] are committed to our partnership with Iraqi security forces, and we will continue to support the processes to allow Iraqis to rebuild Iraq.”
From 'Centcom': As violence levels maintain a steady decrease across Iraq, Coalition forces and the Iraqi Government are able to focus their efforts on reconstruction and civil issues, a senior Coalition military official in Iraq said on Wednesday. Iraqi forces are improved, and the government continues to develop and progress, Army Brigadier General David Perkins, a Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman, said in a news briefing from Baghdad. “Government, security and economic institutions continue to surge forward” throughout Iraq even as the last of the initial five surge brigades – 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team – left Iraq this week, Perkins said.
Military officials credit the past year’s five-brigade troop surge as the foundation for the country’s recent progress, the general said, but that wasn’t the only surge that took place. “The Coalition surge was one of many surges that have come to produce programs and progress across Iraq,” Perkins said. “The Coalition surge has been accompanied by a surge in Iraqi security forces, a surge of support by the Iraqi people, a surge in political and governance progress and a surge in the revitalization of the economic sector.”
With violence throughout the country at its lowest levels in four years, the Iraqi council of representatives has approved 20 major legislative measures, ranging from accountability and justice laws to the Ministry of Interior penal code. Also, the improved security has facilitated meeting high demands of electricity, water and residential reconstruction in Baghdad, he said. Throughout the past year, electricity production has increased 13 percent and oil production has increased 25 percent a day, the general said. Iraqi government agencies have granted loans to 18,000 small and medium businesses.
These results also can be attributed to the maturity and growth of the Iraqi security forces, Perkins said. Iraqi security forces have grown an additional 150,000 trained troops over the past year. And they planned, led and executed major security operations in Basra, Mosul, eastern Baghdad and Amarah. Control of 10 of Iraq’s 18 provinces has been handed over to Iraqi security forces, with Anbar province near that mark as well, the general said.
“Security forces have learned that security means much more than fighting the enemy, and that protecting the local population can only be sustained by reconstruction support for the local communities... Indeed, these surges are linked together to provide Iraqis with the opportunity to work, send their children to school and live in a secure environment,” he continued. “[Coalition forces] are committed to our partnership with Iraqi security forces, and we will continue to support the processes to allow Iraqis to rebuild Iraq.”
Friday, July 18, 2008
British General Hails Normalization In Basra
BY: Jim Garamone
Source Article HERE.
Iraqi Police in Basra - July 15.
From 'American Forces Press Service': Security progress in Basra is “overwhelming” and Iraq’s second-largest city could be “another Dubai in the coming decade,” the commander of MultiNational Division - Southeast said on July 14th, referring to the bustling international business hub. British Army Major General Barney White-Spunner told Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad that Operation Charge of the Knights, ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in March, has “well and truly” turned the tide in the city. Before the operation, militias controlled large parts of the city. Militia leaders, many under control of Iran, intimidated the populace and turned the city into a crime empire.
Basra is key to Iraq’s success, with oil fields, the port of Umm Qasr and the international airport being economic engines for the region, White-Spunner said. Since Operation Charge of the Knights began, Iraqi Security Forces have reasserted their authority over the city. “We now find people free to go about their daily business without fear of intimidation,” he said. Daily life in Basra is much like any other Middle Eastern city, the general said. An air of normalcy has returned, and the Iraqi government has managed the humanitarian situation with only minimal coalition support, the British general said. “The curfew's been lifted, and water and fresh food are obviously in plentiful supply,” he said. “At the same time, Operation Charge of the Knights allowed the Iraqi government to arrest hundreds of criminals and violent extremists who'd taken advantage of the situation.”
But more significantly to Coalition forces and the Iraqi government, the operation showed the militias had little support in Basra. “Once the leadership fled, the ordinary rank-and-file militia... very soon returned to normal life, which supports our contention that they weren't committed terrorists or committed militiamen,” White-Spunner said. “They were poor Shiias who didn't have opportunities for jobs or whatever and have been perverted by the militias.” Iraqi troops led the operation with advice from embedded military training teams and coalition logistics support.
Continuing the security gains is important to the city’s future. The Iraqis are putting in place a counterterrorist structure so “when those violent extremist elements do try to come back - and some inevitably will - then they're ready for them,” he said. “There was a slogan scrawled on a bridge in Amarah by one of these fleeing violent extremists. It said, ‘We'll be back.’ And underneath that, an Iraqi soldier had scribbled, ‘And we'll be waiting for you.’”
Source Article HERE.
Iraqi Police in Basra - July 15.
From 'American Forces Press Service': Security progress in Basra is “overwhelming” and Iraq’s second-largest city could be “another Dubai in the coming decade,” the commander of MultiNational Division - Southeast said on July 14th, referring to the bustling international business hub. British Army Major General Barney White-Spunner told Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad that Operation Charge of the Knights, ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in March, has “well and truly” turned the tide in the city. Before the operation, militias controlled large parts of the city. Militia leaders, many under control of Iran, intimidated the populace and turned the city into a crime empire.
Basra is key to Iraq’s success, with oil fields, the port of Umm Qasr and the international airport being economic engines for the region, White-Spunner said. Since Operation Charge of the Knights began, Iraqi Security Forces have reasserted their authority over the city. “We now find people free to go about their daily business without fear of intimidation,” he said. Daily life in Basra is much like any other Middle Eastern city, the general said. An air of normalcy has returned, and the Iraqi government has managed the humanitarian situation with only minimal coalition support, the British general said. “The curfew's been lifted, and water and fresh food are obviously in plentiful supply,” he said. “At the same time, Operation Charge of the Knights allowed the Iraqi government to arrest hundreds of criminals and violent extremists who'd taken advantage of the situation.”
But more significantly to Coalition forces and the Iraqi government, the operation showed the militias had little support in Basra. “Once the leadership fled, the ordinary rank-and-file militia... very soon returned to normal life, which supports our contention that they weren't committed terrorists or committed militiamen,” White-Spunner said. “They were poor Shiias who didn't have opportunities for jobs or whatever and have been perverted by the militias.” Iraqi troops led the operation with advice from embedded military training teams and coalition logistics support.
Continuing the security gains is important to the city’s future. The Iraqis are putting in place a counterterrorist structure so “when those violent extremist elements do try to come back - and some inevitably will - then they're ready for them,” he said. “There was a slogan scrawled on a bridge in Amarah by one of these fleeing violent extremists. It said, ‘We'll be back.’ And underneath that, an Iraqi soldier had scribbled, ‘And we'll be waiting for you.’”
MNFI Press Release - Jul 18
CITIZEN TIPS LEAD ISF, MND-B SOLDIERS TO CACHES, SUSPECT
While investigating tips from concerned Iraqi citizens, Soldiers from MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) seized multiple caches and detained a suspected criminal leader in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad on July 17th-18th. After receiving a tip from an Iraqi citizen, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 4th Infantry Division (ID), discovered (6) 81 mm mortar rounds while searching a neighborhood at approximately 5:15 p.m. on July 17th, in the Saha community of southeastern Baghdad. Two hours later, the same unit, working with Iraqi National Police (INP) from the 6th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, recovered an explosively formed projectile (EFP) in the stairwell of an apartment building in the same neighborhood. The munitions were turned over to an explosives ordnance disposal unit.
Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal cell leader at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 17th, in the southern Jihad community of the Rashid district. In the Saydiyah community of southeastern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, working with INPs from the 2nd Brigade, 1st NP Division, discovered an anti-tank mine at approximately 1:15 a.m. on July 18th, while acting on information provided by concerned local citizens. “The concerned Iraqi people are just as much a part of the security process as the ISF or the Coalition force,” said Major Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID. “MND-B Soldiers and the ISF would not be as effective without their efforts to assist us in removing these suspected criminals from the streets of Baghdad.”
COALITION TARGETS SUSPECTED SPECIAL GROUP FINANCIER
Coalition forces captured five suspected Special Groups criminals during operations early Friday morning in the Adhamiyah section of Baghdad. Based on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted the location of a suspected financier of Iranian-sponsored Special Groups operations. According to previously captured Special Groups criminals, he is the paying agent for operations revolving around the criminals’ propaganda activities. These propaganda activities are aimed at collecting payments for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, as well as trying to win support for their crimes. Coalition forces approached the targeted individual’s location about three kilometers northwest of Sadr City, where they captured (3) suspected Special Groups criminals. Forces moved to another location in the same neighborhood where they captured an additional (2) suspected outlaws without incident
IRAQI CITIZENS, ISV TAKE WEAPONS OFF STREETS
An Iraqi citizen and Iraqi Security Volunteers (ISV) assisted soldiers from MultiNational Division - Baghdad in the recovery of two separate weapons caches on July 15th-16th in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. At approximately 10:15 p.m. on July 15th, soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID reported that a group of ISV members handed over (10) mortar fuses to a combat outpost in the Aamel community. Acting on a tip from an Iraqi citizen, soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered three rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) at approximately 11:45 a.m. on July 16th, in the Hadar neighborhood. An explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) unit hauled the munitions to a Coalition forces base for destruction. “The 1st Brigade Soldiers interact daily with the Iraqi citizens of the Rashid district,” said Major Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID, MND-B. “As part of Operation Nor’easter, we continue to provide a safe environment for the citizens of Iraq.”
INP, MND-B SOLDIERS FIND WEAPONS IN BAGHDAD
Iraqi National Police (INP) and MultiNational Division - Baghdad (MND-B) soldiers seized weapons caches as they continued conducting operations to increase security in Baghdad on July 17th. Police from the 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division seized (1) 60 mm mortar round with a hand grenade plastered to it, several 115 mm tank rounds and 125 mm rounds, (1) 155 mm round, and (2) six-inch EFPs in the Al Zahour area of Baghdad at approximately 11:45 a.m. Later, soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th ID, found (7) 81 mm mortar rounds in East Rashid at approximately 5:15 p.m. Soldiers with 1st BCT, 4th ID, also found (1) eight-inch copper EFP, an improvised claymore device, and (200) 7.62 rounds in the East Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 6:10 p.m. Lastly, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, received from a concerned Iraqi civilian (3) 120 mm rounds, and (12) 57 mm projectiles north of Baghdad at approximately 4:15 p.m.
While investigating tips from concerned Iraqi citizens, Soldiers from MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) seized multiple caches and detained a suspected criminal leader in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad on July 17th-18th. After receiving a tip from an Iraqi citizen, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 4th Infantry Division (ID), discovered (6) 81 mm mortar rounds while searching a neighborhood at approximately 5:15 p.m. on July 17th, in the Saha community of southeastern Baghdad. Two hours later, the same unit, working with Iraqi National Police (INP) from the 6th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, recovered an explosively formed projectile (EFP) in the stairwell of an apartment building in the same neighborhood. The munitions were turned over to an explosives ordnance disposal unit.
Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal cell leader at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 17th, in the southern Jihad community of the Rashid district. In the Saydiyah community of southeastern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, working with INPs from the 2nd Brigade, 1st NP Division, discovered an anti-tank mine at approximately 1:15 a.m. on July 18th, while acting on information provided by concerned local citizens. “The concerned Iraqi people are just as much a part of the security process as the ISF or the Coalition force,” said Major Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID. “MND-B Soldiers and the ISF would not be as effective without their efforts to assist us in removing these suspected criminals from the streets of Baghdad.”
COALITION TARGETS SUSPECTED SPECIAL GROUP FINANCIER
Coalition forces captured five suspected Special Groups criminals during operations early Friday morning in the Adhamiyah section of Baghdad. Based on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted the location of a suspected financier of Iranian-sponsored Special Groups operations. According to previously captured Special Groups criminals, he is the paying agent for operations revolving around the criminals’ propaganda activities. These propaganda activities are aimed at collecting payments for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, as well as trying to win support for their crimes. Coalition forces approached the targeted individual’s location about three kilometers northwest of Sadr City, where they captured (3) suspected Special Groups criminals. Forces moved to another location in the same neighborhood where they captured an additional (2) suspected outlaws without incident
IRAQI CITIZENS, ISV TAKE WEAPONS OFF STREETS
An Iraqi citizen and Iraqi Security Volunteers (ISV) assisted soldiers from MultiNational Division - Baghdad in the recovery of two separate weapons caches on July 15th-16th in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. At approximately 10:15 p.m. on July 15th, soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID reported that a group of ISV members handed over (10) mortar fuses to a combat outpost in the Aamel community. Acting on a tip from an Iraqi citizen, soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered three rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) at approximately 11:45 a.m. on July 16th, in the Hadar neighborhood. An explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) unit hauled the munitions to a Coalition forces base for destruction. “The 1st Brigade Soldiers interact daily with the Iraqi citizens of the Rashid district,” said Major Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID, MND-B. “As part of Operation Nor’easter, we continue to provide a safe environment for the citizens of Iraq.”
INP, MND-B SOLDIERS FIND WEAPONS IN BAGHDAD
Iraqi National Police (INP) and MultiNational Division - Baghdad (MND-B) soldiers seized weapons caches as they continued conducting operations to increase security in Baghdad on July 17th. Police from the 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division seized (1) 60 mm mortar round with a hand grenade plastered to it, several 115 mm tank rounds and 125 mm rounds, (1) 155 mm round, and (2) six-inch EFPs in the Al Zahour area of Baghdad at approximately 11:45 a.m. Later, soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th ID, found (7) 81 mm mortar rounds in East Rashid at approximately 5:15 p.m. Soldiers with 1st BCT, 4th ID, also found (1) eight-inch copper EFP, an improvised claymore device, and (200) 7.62 rounds in the East Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 6:10 p.m. Lastly, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, received from a concerned Iraqi civilian (3) 120 mm rounds, and (12) 57 mm projectiles north of Baghdad at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
China Executes 2 Uighurs On Terror Charges
Source Article HERE.
From 'AFP': China has executed two ethnic minority Uighur Muslims convicted of terrorist and separatist activities and jailed 15 others for similar crimes, the US-based Radio Free Asia reported. The pair were paraded before locals before being executed in the oasis city of Kashgar in China's westernmost Xinjiang region on July 9th, the report said. Mukhtar Setiwaldi and Abduweli Imin were convicted in a trial last November and executed immediately after they were sentenced, the report said, citing local officials and witnesses at the rally. The report could not be immediately verified.
The other 15 were handed out sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison, Radio Free Asia said. All 17 were convicted of being members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which Beijing considers a terrorist organisation. On Thursday of last week, China said it faced a serious terror threat from Muslim-majority Xinjiang ahead of the August 8-24 Beijing Olympics, as it announced 82 "suspected terrorists" had been detained there this year. The 82 belonged to five groups that "allegedly plotted sabotage against the Beijing Olympics," the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing the police chief in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang region that borders Central Asia.
It was the first time that Chinese officials had given a total number of suspects detained in a series of previously reported raids this year. The announcement came a day after state press said police shot dead five knife-wielding Muslims and detained 10 others in Urumqi who allegedly wanted to launch a "holy war". Urumqi police chief Chen Zhuangwei said 41 illegal places of worship in Xinjiang had been closed this year because they were training grounds for "holy war."
"From now, all police officers must act urgently, get involved once more in Olympic security, to make sure large and small incidents alike do not happen," Chen said, according to the Xinjiang Daily newspaper. Exiled members of Xinjiang's Turkic-speaking Uighur population have repeatedly denied that a major terrorist threat exists in the region.
From 'AFP': China has executed two ethnic minority Uighur Muslims convicted of terrorist and separatist activities and jailed 15 others for similar crimes, the US-based Radio Free Asia reported. The pair were paraded before locals before being executed in the oasis city of Kashgar in China's westernmost Xinjiang region on July 9th, the report said. Mukhtar Setiwaldi and Abduweli Imin were convicted in a trial last November and executed immediately after they were sentenced, the report said, citing local officials and witnesses at the rally. The report could not be immediately verified.
The other 15 were handed out sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison, Radio Free Asia said. All 17 were convicted of being members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which Beijing considers a terrorist organisation. On Thursday of last week, China said it faced a serious terror threat from Muslim-majority Xinjiang ahead of the August 8-24 Beijing Olympics, as it announced 82 "suspected terrorists" had been detained there this year. The 82 belonged to five groups that "allegedly plotted sabotage against the Beijing Olympics," the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing the police chief in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang region that borders Central Asia.
It was the first time that Chinese officials had given a total number of suspects detained in a series of previously reported raids this year. The announcement came a day after state press said police shot dead five knife-wielding Muslims and detained 10 others in Urumqi who allegedly wanted to launch a "holy war". Urumqi police chief Chen Zhuangwei said 41 illegal places of worship in Xinjiang had been closed this year because they were training grounds for "holy war."
"From now, all police officers must act urgently, get involved once more in Olympic security, to make sure large and small incidents alike do not happen," Chen said, according to the Xinjiang Daily newspaper. Exiled members of Xinjiang's Turkic-speaking Uighur population have repeatedly denied that a major terrorist threat exists in the region.
Germany Sends First Minister To Iraq Since Invasion
Source Article HERE.
From 'Reuters': German Economy Minister Michael Glos held talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Saturday, becoming the first German cabinet minister to visit since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Germany opposed the invasion but his visit is the latest sign that many foreign capitals are ready to upgrade ties with Iraq, where violence has fallen to a four-year low. "The German minister confirmed his country's keenness to improve political and economic ties with Iraq and that German companies are absolutely ready to rebuild Iraq," a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih's office said. The statement urged German and Iraqi businessmen to establish a joint forum in Iraq this year.
European interest in Iraq, especially its massive energy potential, has grown. The European Union is negotiating an energy pact with Iraq, part of the bloc's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas. Glos has expressed alarm in recent months about the impact of higher oil prices on Germany's economic growth. "No other country in the Middle East at the moment has such a large, untapped oil reserve," Glos was quoted as saying of Iraq in Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper due out on Sunday. His visit comes two days after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan travelled to Baghdad. Jordan's King Abdullah is expected to visit soon.
From 'Reuters': German Economy Minister Michael Glos held talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Saturday, becoming the first German cabinet minister to visit since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Germany opposed the invasion but his visit is the latest sign that many foreign capitals are ready to upgrade ties with Iraq, where violence has fallen to a four-year low. "The German minister confirmed his country's keenness to improve political and economic ties with Iraq and that German companies are absolutely ready to rebuild Iraq," a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih's office said. The statement urged German and Iraqi businessmen to establish a joint forum in Iraq this year.
European interest in Iraq, especially its massive energy potential, has grown. The European Union is negotiating an energy pact with Iraq, part of the bloc's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas. Glos has expressed alarm in recent months about the impact of higher oil prices on Germany's economic growth. "No other country in the Middle East at the moment has such a large, untapped oil reserve," Glos was quoted as saying of Iraq in Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper due out on Sunday. His visit comes two days after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan travelled to Baghdad. Jordan's King Abdullah is expected to visit soon.
Iraq Attacks, U.S. Casualties At 4-Year Low
BY: James Gordon Meek
Source Article HERE.
From 'NY Daily News': Combat, bombings and sniper attacks in Iraq - along with U.S. casualties - have plummeted from the highest point of the war 13 months ago to a four-year low, new military statistics show. Every category of violence has dramatically fallen to the lowest levels since March 2004. Military officers in Baghdad offer cautious optimism that the insurgency's violent grip is closer to being broken than ever. "Violence is at its lowest level in more than four years and IED [improvised explosive device] incidents are at their lowest level since we first began recording them," Navy Lt. David Russell, a spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq, said last week.
The number of attacks has dropped like a rock since enemy violence peaked in June 2007, four months after the start of the surge, according to an internal military document. Ethno-sectarian violence, which exploded after the 2006 bombing of a Shiite mosque in Samarra, is a fraction of what it was then, the document says. "We all know that there will be good days and bad days in Iraq, but the important thing is that we see security incidents trending in the right direction," Russell said. "The security situation is probably the best we've ever seen it," added Army Major General Michael Oates, commander of the Fort Drum-based 10th Mountain Division in central Iraq.
Iraq's good news might boost surge-backer John McCain's GOP presidential bid if not for rising casualties in Afghanistan - a focus of Democratic opponent Barack Obama's counterterror policy - which passed G.I. deaths in Iraq in May and June. There are signs the downward trend in Iraq may have bottomed out. In Anbar Province west of Baghdad, the former Sunni extremist hotbed has seen a recent uptick in coalition deaths.
In May, elite U.S. sniper teams killed over 100 insurgents as they set up ambushes and planted IEDs in Fallujah and Ramadi, senior U.S. special operations sources told The News. U.S. officials predicted that Al Qaeda of Iraq operatives who survived surge offensives went underground and will strike before the U.S. and Iraqi fall elections. "Violence is going to be involved in the Iraqi election," said one top Special Forces officer.
Source Article HERE.
From 'NY Daily News': Combat, bombings and sniper attacks in Iraq - along with U.S. casualties - have plummeted from the highest point of the war 13 months ago to a four-year low, new military statistics show. Every category of violence has dramatically fallen to the lowest levels since March 2004. Military officers in Baghdad offer cautious optimism that the insurgency's violent grip is closer to being broken than ever. "Violence is at its lowest level in more than four years and IED [improvised explosive device] incidents are at their lowest level since we first began recording them," Navy Lt. David Russell, a spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq, said last week.
The number of attacks has dropped like a rock since enemy violence peaked in June 2007, four months after the start of the surge, according to an internal military document. Ethno-sectarian violence, which exploded after the 2006 bombing of a Shiite mosque in Samarra, is a fraction of what it was then, the document says. "We all know that there will be good days and bad days in Iraq, but the important thing is that we see security incidents trending in the right direction," Russell said. "The security situation is probably the best we've ever seen it," added Army Major General Michael Oates, commander of the Fort Drum-based 10th Mountain Division in central Iraq.
Iraq's good news might boost surge-backer John McCain's GOP presidential bid if not for rising casualties in Afghanistan - a focus of Democratic opponent Barack Obama's counterterror policy - which passed G.I. deaths in Iraq in May and June. There are signs the downward trend in Iraq may have bottomed out. In Anbar Province west of Baghdad, the former Sunni extremist hotbed has seen a recent uptick in coalition deaths.
In May, elite U.S. sniper teams killed over 100 insurgents as they set up ambushes and planted IEDs in Fallujah and Ramadi, senior U.S. special operations sources told The News. U.S. officials predicted that Al Qaeda of Iraq operatives who survived surge offensives went underground and will strike before the U.S. and Iraqi fall elections. "Violence is going to be involved in the Iraqi election," said one top Special Forces officer.
MNFI Press Release - Jul 13
PRESSURE INCREASES ON AQI, NETWORKS DEGRADED
Coalition forces detained two wanted men and 10 additional suspects Saturday while pursuing al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leaders and operatives in central and northern Iraq. In Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul, Coalition forces captured a man wanted for allegedly conspiring with AQI senior leaders in northwest Iraq. Three additional suspects were detained. Farther south in the Tigris River Valley, a wanted man believed to be involved in the AQI foreign terrorist facilitation network was captured near Balad, about 80 kilometers north of Baghdad. Coalition forces detained five suspects in Baghdad for allegedly aiding foreign terrorists in the city. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during an operation targeting an extremist group with ties to AQI senior leaders in Karmah, about 40 kilometers west of Baghdad.
IRAQI, COALITION COMMANDERS ASSESS SECURITY
The commander of 9th Iraqi Army Division and leaders from the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team met at Forward Operating Base "Hammer" on July 8th to assess the security of the Madain Qada region. Iraqi Major General Jassem Nazal Qassim shared concepts for further increasing the Iraqi Security Forces' capabilities in the region with Army Colonel Pat White, commander of 2nd BCT. “No matter the operation, [the Iraqi Security Forces] are capable of providing the necessary forces,” Qassim said. “For any needs that arise, we are ready.” Qassim also discussed terrorism and extremist activity in the region and compared previous years to the current state of security. “When coalition forces came to the Madain Qada, terrorism covered much of the qada,” Qassim said. “Now, because of the joint efforts of coalition and ISF, it has dropped significantly.”
White, of Apple Valley, California, told Qassim that he would like to implement weigh stations in the region, much like those on highways in the United States. “By doing this,” he explained, “we will be able to monitor shipments entering the qada by creating a station the trucks must stop at to be weighed, scanned and possibly searched to ensure that nothing is entering that shouldn’t.” The leaders said they see continuing success in the cooperative efforts between Iraqi and Coalition forces. “ISF performing and leading operations are becoming a common occurrence,” Qassim said. “Nearly all planning and operations are being done by ISF with support from Coalition forces. With our cooperation, we can continue to work toward our shared goal to get terrorism out of the Madain.
Coalition forces detained two wanted men and 10 additional suspects Saturday while pursuing al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leaders and operatives in central and northern Iraq. In Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul, Coalition forces captured a man wanted for allegedly conspiring with AQI senior leaders in northwest Iraq. Three additional suspects were detained. Farther south in the Tigris River Valley, a wanted man believed to be involved in the AQI foreign terrorist facilitation network was captured near Balad, about 80 kilometers north of Baghdad. Coalition forces detained five suspects in Baghdad for allegedly aiding foreign terrorists in the city. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during an operation targeting an extremist group with ties to AQI senior leaders in Karmah, about 40 kilometers west of Baghdad.
IRAQI, COALITION COMMANDERS ASSESS SECURITY
The commander of 9th Iraqi Army Division and leaders from the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team met at Forward Operating Base "Hammer" on July 8th to assess the security of the Madain Qada region. Iraqi Major General Jassem Nazal Qassim shared concepts for further increasing the Iraqi Security Forces' capabilities in the region with Army Colonel Pat White, commander of 2nd BCT. “No matter the operation, [the Iraqi Security Forces] are capable of providing the necessary forces,” Qassim said. “For any needs that arise, we are ready.” Qassim also discussed terrorism and extremist activity in the region and compared previous years to the current state of security. “When coalition forces came to the Madain Qada, terrorism covered much of the qada,” Qassim said. “Now, because of the joint efforts of coalition and ISF, it has dropped significantly.”
White, of Apple Valley, California, told Qassim that he would like to implement weigh stations in the region, much like those on highways in the United States. “By doing this,” he explained, “we will be able to monitor shipments entering the qada by creating a station the trucks must stop at to be weighed, scanned and possibly searched to ensure that nothing is entering that shouldn’t.” The leaders said they see continuing success in the cooperative efforts between Iraqi and Coalition forces. “ISF performing and leading operations are becoming a common occurrence,” Qassim said. “Nearly all planning and operations are being done by ISF with support from Coalition forces. With our cooperation, we can continue to work toward our shared goal to get terrorism out of the Madain.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Baghdad: Fourth of July Re-enlistment
Source Article HERE.
BY: Bob Krumm
From 'BobKrumm.com': How are you spending your 4th of July holiday? While most Americans probably slept, 1,215 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines raised their right hands and committed to a combined 5,500 years of additional service during the largest reenlistment ceremony in the history of the American military. Beneath a large American flag which dwarfed even the enormous chandelier that Saddam Hussein had built for the Al Faw Palace, members of all services, representing all 50 states took the oath administered by Gen. David Petraeus, Commander of Multi-National Forces Iraq.
Petraeus, reiterating earlier remarks made by Command Sergeant Major Hill, said that the unprecedented ceremony sends a “message to friend and foe alike.” He told those assembled that it is “impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country ... For no bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you makes as a custodian of our nation’s defenses.”
Last year Gen. Petraeus, along with Senator John McCain, presided over a similar Independence Day ceremony. Then only 588 servicemen reenlisted. This year’s event, more than twice as large, saw the equivalent of two battalions extend their service in America’s military. Nearly the entire rotunda was filled with reenlisting servicemen, their voices drowning out all other noise. For two days the military members, flown in for the occasion from all across Iraq, have toured the elaborate palace where Saddam’s sons were said to have entertained friends lavishly and tortured enemies mercilessly in the basement dungeon. Following the ceremony, they were treated to Chicago deep dish pizza donated by Lou Malnati’s Restaurant and flown fresh by DHL for the occasion.
Among those in attendance were service members from the more than two dozen Allies serving with MNF-I. Along with their American counterparts, each appeared in awe of the sacrifice of these incredible men and women. Each of the reenlistees knows full well the costs of war, and yet, they chose to stand with their units, their mission, and each other. It was as humbling an experience as I have ever witnessed. On this 4th of July, while you celebrate around grills and coolers all across America, keep in mind the 1,215 who allow us that privilege.
BY: Bob Krumm
From 'BobKrumm.com': How are you spending your 4th of July holiday? While most Americans probably slept, 1,215 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines raised their right hands and committed to a combined 5,500 years of additional service during the largest reenlistment ceremony in the history of the American military. Beneath a large American flag which dwarfed even the enormous chandelier that Saddam Hussein had built for the Al Faw Palace, members of all services, representing all 50 states took the oath administered by Gen. David Petraeus, Commander of Multi-National Forces Iraq.
Petraeus, reiterating earlier remarks made by Command Sergeant Major Hill, said that the unprecedented ceremony sends a “message to friend and foe alike.” He told those assembled that it is “impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country ... For no bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you makes as a custodian of our nation’s defenses.”
Last year Gen. Petraeus, along with Senator John McCain, presided over a similar Independence Day ceremony. Then only 588 servicemen reenlisted. This year’s event, more than twice as large, saw the equivalent of two battalions extend their service in America’s military. Nearly the entire rotunda was filled with reenlisting servicemen, their voices drowning out all other noise. For two days the military members, flown in for the occasion from all across Iraq, have toured the elaborate palace where Saddam’s sons were said to have entertained friends lavishly and tortured enemies mercilessly in the basement dungeon. Following the ceremony, they were treated to Chicago deep dish pizza donated by Lou Malnati’s Restaurant and flown fresh by DHL for the occasion.
Among those in attendance were service members from the more than two dozen Allies serving with MNF-I. Along with their American counterparts, each appeared in awe of the sacrifice of these incredible men and women. Each of the reenlistees knows full well the costs of war, and yet, they chose to stand with their units, their mission, and each other. It was as humbling an experience as I have ever witnessed. On this 4th of July, while you celebrate around grills and coolers all across America, keep in mind the 1,215 who allow us that privilege.
Iraq Update: July 6th
Source Article HERE.
From 'Centcom': Brigadier Carew Wilks, MNF-I Energy Fusion Cell, and Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, MNF-I spokesman, provided an operational and energy update...
Rear Adm Droscoll’s opening remarks:
Good afternoon and as-salaam aleikum.
Today, I am joined by Brigadier Carew (Carey) Wilks, Director of Energy for Multi-National Force-Iraq Energy Fusion Cell. He will provide an update on Iraq’s energy infrastructure and the Government of Iraq’s ability to generate electricity and fuel. Following his comments I will give a brief update on security operations and then we will take some questions.
Brigadier Wilks, welcome.
Brigadier Wilks’ opening remarks:
I am Brigadier Carew Wilks, Director of Energy Operations for MNF-I and co-Chair of the Energy Fusion Cell. The Energy Fusion Cell is a partnership of those involved in Iraq’s energy issues, and works with colleagues in the US Embassy and within the Government of Iraq to coordinate oil and electricity sector restoration. We assist the Directorate for Infrastructure Operations in Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, and the Ministries of Oil and Electricity, to improve Iraq’s energy situation. The main focus for our work has been the security and repair of Iraq’s strategic energy infrastructure – the vital pipelines and electricity lines that connect the country, and provide the much needed energy to the Iraqi people. Much of Iraq’s energy infrastructure is old and in poor condition, and has not kept pace with demand: it will take many years and major investment to fully meet the needs of the Iraqi people. But a strong start has been made, and significant steps have already been taken through major restoration projects and repairs.
Indeed, I am delighted to report that over the past 6 months we have seen significant improvement in the condition of Iraq’s strategic energy infrastructure. The improved security situation across Iraq and the reduced number of attacks on the infrastructure has made it possible for the most important oil pipelines and electricity transmission lines to be repaired, and much of the network is now back in use. This has been as a result of a combined effort involving the repair teams from the Ministries of Electricity and Oil, and the security forces of the Iraqi Army, the Oil Police, and Coalition Forces. I would like to single out the electricity and oil repair teams for special attention. The bravery and dedication of the Iraqi engineers and technicians in these repair teams from the Ministries of Electricity and Oil has been outstanding: they have worked in very difficult and dangerous conditions, at constant risk of their lives, and for very long hours. The people of Iraq should applaud their work and be very proud of their commitment and their achievements: they are the heroes of the energy sector.
On the electricity system, most of the critical high voltage transmission lines are now in operation, which is providing a more stable national grid and a more reliable share of electricity across Iraq. This time last year there were 9 critical power line which had been attacked and needed repair; today there are none. This means that electricity can be delivered more fairly to the Iraqi people and that the grid is more reliable and robust. It also frees up the Ministry of Electricity’s resources to further improve the grid by switching from repair work to the construction of new power lines.
A strong grid is also allowing the Ministry of Electricity to take steps to make the grid more stable and reduce the number of blackouts. From December to May there were 11 major nationwide blackouts, each of which resulted in many days of reduced power supply. Since mid June we have been supporting the Ministry in his plan to improve the management of power. This is very important as there is not enough power to meet all the needs and it must be shared fairly. We are working to support the Ministry in improving security and procedures at substations, and to ensure that the plans to share power are being implemented fairly across Iraq. The initial results are very successful: there have been no blackouts for several weeks and power supply is higher.
For oil infrastructure, the improved security situation and the repair of the export pipelines from the Kirkuk oilfields to Turkey has had a major impact on crude oil production and exports for Iraq, accounting for a 25% increase since June 2007, or 500k barrels per day on average. In fact over recent months, Kirkuk has produced its highest sustained output of oil since 2003, reaching a new record of 651k barrels in one day on 16 May 08. The extensive protection system built along the pipelines from Kirkuk to Bayji is now complete, and guarded by the Iraqi Army. The export pipeline north from Bayji has also been repaired and is guarded by the Iraqi Oil Police, formerly the Oil Protection Force. The Oil Police, currently undergoing additional training, provide excellent protection along pipelines throughout Iraq.
The improved conditions have allowed the Ministry of Oil’s plans for restoration and expansion across Iraq to move forward. Refinery production has reached new records in recent weeks, with output 45% higher than a year ago: this equates to an increase of about 3 million litres per day of kerosene, diesel and benzene. The major contribution is from Bayji refinery which has significantly increased output this year, due to a major refurbishment, more reliable supply of crude oil from Kirkuk, and more stable electricity. Regional refineries have also reopened in Najaf and Siniyah, and the Haditha refinery will reopen over the next 2 weeks, making a significant difference in Anbar Province.
Repairs to many oil and gas distribution pipelines are now completed, which has led to a significant improvement in the supply of LPG, diesel and petrol across Iraq. Recent repairs to pipelines around Baghdad, such as the 14” LPG line and the 10” product line, along with improved security from the Oil Police, have significantly improved the amount of fuel available to the residents of Baghdad, especially for LPG. This improvement remains fragile and any problems can have an immediate effect on supplies, as we saw last week.
Over the last few weeks, repairs have also started on the important pipelines running between Bayji and Baghdad, along with the construction of physical protection for these pipelines. This important group of pipelines connects north and south Iraq, and will distribute oil products such as kerosene and diesel to the people of Baghdad, and natural gas to the electricity power station at Taji and Daura leading to 200MW of additional electricity. In the longer term, the Ministry of Oil plans to replace the damaged crude oil pipelines within this protected corridor.
The improved security situation has also helped to provide opportunities for more improvements and much needed investment in both the oil and electricity infrastructure. In the electricity sector, the Minister of Electricity is making excellent progress with delivering the electricity Master Plan, and new generating capacity is being provided every week. Electricity supply is 24% higher this week than the same week last year: this equates to nearly 1000MW, enough power for 400,000 homes. Overall for the year so far, power is on average 11% higher than the same period last year, even though the drought has reduced the amount of hydro-electric power from the dams. The increase is due to better maintenance, and the construction of new power projects. Major projects at Baghdad South Power Station, at Irbil and at Mussaib, are adding new generating capacity. The Minister recently signed a number of contracts, including a major contract with GE for 8 large gas turbine generators for delivery next year: this is an important step in bringing modern technology and international expertise to Iraq, and demonstrates an increased confidence in Iraq amongst global companies. And as I speak, 4 very large new generators are moving to Samarra, having been transported from Jordon, these are the first of 5 such convoys. But as you can see from the slide, it will take many years of major investment to meet the rising electricity demand.
The improving security situation is creating the conditions for major projects to move forward in the oil sector, and which may encourage further investment. The Minister of Oil recently announced that he will be seeking proposals to develop 8 oil and gas fields, and he is in discussion with a number of international companies to work in the development of the oil and gas sector. Such global companies can provide the technology and support needed to help Iraq.
In summary, the last 6 months has seen significant progress in Iraq’s energy sector. Improved security has enabled major gains to be made in Iraq’s electricity supply and oil production, restoring a basic level of services to the people of Iraq. However there is still much to do, which will required significant investment in Iraq’s energy infrastructure over many years. We will continue to support the Government of Iraq in taking forward their energy plans.
Rear Adm Droscoll’s remarks, continued:
Thank you, Brigadier Wilks.
The security trends in Iraq continue to improve. The number of total security incidents across Iraq is still at levels not seen since early 2004. As Iraqi Security Forces enforce the rule of law and improve security in places like Basrah, Baghdad, Mosul and Maysan, the people are finding new confidence in those that lead and protect them. Iraqis see security forces in their neighborhoods providing protection, and they are increasingly providing the Army and the Police with valuable information that enhances safety. As they operate in areas where they were not always able to operate before, Iraqi Security Forces are taking more weapons off the streets – which further limits the ability of criminals and terrorists to violently attack Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces, as well as Coalition forces.
In Basrah we continue to see a dramatic increase in the seizure of weapons and explosives since Prime Minister Maliki led an operation to restore governmental authority in the area. Since late March, Iraqi Security Forces have captured:
• Over 6,200 mortars,
• almost 800 artillery rounds,
• more than 20 surface-to-air missiles,
• over 750 rockets,
• almost 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers,
• approximately 340 Improvised Explosive Devices,
• and more than 50 Explosively Formed Penetrators.
In Mosul, 33 caches of weapons were seized during the last week of June. In Baghdad, Iraqi and Coalition forces found and safely cleared 67 weapons caches during the same period. In the East Baghdad area of Sadr City, 19 caches were captured, for a total of 217, since Iraqi Security Forces began intensified operations there. In Amarah, Iraqi forces found and cleared 139 caches of weapons and explosives last week. They add to the total of 240 for the month of June.
On June 29, the Iraqi Army in Amarah seized a significant weapons cache that included enough shaped-charge components to build between 40 and 50 Explosively Formed Penetrators, and 400 blocks of C4 explosives and small arms. This past Tuesday in Amarah, the 38th Iraqi Army brigade found another cache of EFP components consisting of 152 copper disks, a lethal part of these deadly bombs. We have taken a lot of enemy weapons off the battlefield, and it is making this country significantly safer.
We still face a tough fight... And it is an increasingly Iraqi effort, with the ISF often in the lead and the Coalition in support, with key enablers. Iraqis are proving increasingly capable of leading and executing missions, as we see in the simultaneous operations across Iraq today. The Government of Iraq is also undertaking improvements by following up security operations with the restoration of essential services, reconstruction, and the creation of economic opportunity. I want to share a few more examples of such work, illustrating the ways that Coalition forces are contributing to these efforts.
On June 25th, civic leaders welcomed Iraqi Security Forces, local residents and Coalition forces to a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Mansour district of Baghdad. They were there to celebrate the opening of Baghdad’s largest public works substation, the Ameriyah substation. The facility will provide the community with its own center that supports street cleaning, sanitation and garbage removal. This is the first time these services will be provided in parts of this neighborhood in over two years.
Iraqi firms worked hard to renovate the building, install security barriers, and get the facility ready to resume service for 15,000 people. Much of the work was assisted by an embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, MND – Baghdad.
In Basrah, work is continuing on the Basrah Children’s Hospital. Nine different Iraqi companies are building this innovative new facility with coordination from U.S. Army engineers of the Gulf Region South District. When it is completed next year, it will be a highly advanced, pediatric cancer treatment hospital – a truly invaluable resource for families in need in the region. The recent operations undertaken by the government of Iraq in Basrah are improving the prospects that this hospital will open and provide the children of Iraq with a world-class medical center.
Iraqi Security Forces received 3,700 up-armored Humvees through programs that refurbish U.S. Army vehicles and pass them on to expand Iraqi capabilities. On June 26th, Iraqi and Coalition forces held a ceremony to mark the transfer of the 1,000 up-armored Humvee to Iraqi Security Forces, under a new program that began in March. The program is on track to provide Iraqi Security Forces with 8,000 vehicles by the end of next year. As Iraqi forces take on greater missions to protect more of their country, these vehicles enhance capability by providing mobility and protection for soldiers and police officers.
As I said, we still face a tough fight. We continue to pressure those who want to destroy rather than rebuild Iraq, and Coalition Forces are committed to supporting the Iraqi Security Forces in preserving our hard fought security gains. We will now take your questions.
From 'Centcom': Brigadier Carew Wilks, MNF-I Energy Fusion Cell, and Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, MNF-I spokesman, provided an operational and energy update...
Rear Adm Droscoll’s opening remarks:
Good afternoon and as-salaam aleikum.
Today, I am joined by Brigadier Carew (Carey) Wilks, Director of Energy for Multi-National Force-Iraq Energy Fusion Cell. He will provide an update on Iraq’s energy infrastructure and the Government of Iraq’s ability to generate electricity and fuel. Following his comments I will give a brief update on security operations and then we will take some questions.
Brigadier Wilks, welcome.
Brigadier Wilks’ opening remarks:
I am Brigadier Carew Wilks, Director of Energy Operations for MNF-I and co-Chair of the Energy Fusion Cell. The Energy Fusion Cell is a partnership of those involved in Iraq’s energy issues, and works with colleagues in the US Embassy and within the Government of Iraq to coordinate oil and electricity sector restoration. We assist the Directorate for Infrastructure Operations in Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, and the Ministries of Oil and Electricity, to improve Iraq’s energy situation. The main focus for our work has been the security and repair of Iraq’s strategic energy infrastructure – the vital pipelines and electricity lines that connect the country, and provide the much needed energy to the Iraqi people. Much of Iraq’s energy infrastructure is old and in poor condition, and has not kept pace with demand: it will take many years and major investment to fully meet the needs of the Iraqi people. But a strong start has been made, and significant steps have already been taken through major restoration projects and repairs.
Indeed, I am delighted to report that over the past 6 months we have seen significant improvement in the condition of Iraq’s strategic energy infrastructure. The improved security situation across Iraq and the reduced number of attacks on the infrastructure has made it possible for the most important oil pipelines and electricity transmission lines to be repaired, and much of the network is now back in use. This has been as a result of a combined effort involving the repair teams from the Ministries of Electricity and Oil, and the security forces of the Iraqi Army, the Oil Police, and Coalition Forces. I would like to single out the electricity and oil repair teams for special attention. The bravery and dedication of the Iraqi engineers and technicians in these repair teams from the Ministries of Electricity and Oil has been outstanding: they have worked in very difficult and dangerous conditions, at constant risk of their lives, and for very long hours. The people of Iraq should applaud their work and be very proud of their commitment and their achievements: they are the heroes of the energy sector.
On the electricity system, most of the critical high voltage transmission lines are now in operation, which is providing a more stable national grid and a more reliable share of electricity across Iraq. This time last year there were 9 critical power line which had been attacked and needed repair; today there are none. This means that electricity can be delivered more fairly to the Iraqi people and that the grid is more reliable and robust. It also frees up the Ministry of Electricity’s resources to further improve the grid by switching from repair work to the construction of new power lines.
A strong grid is also allowing the Ministry of Electricity to take steps to make the grid more stable and reduce the number of blackouts. From December to May there were 11 major nationwide blackouts, each of which resulted in many days of reduced power supply. Since mid June we have been supporting the Ministry in his plan to improve the management of power. This is very important as there is not enough power to meet all the needs and it must be shared fairly. We are working to support the Ministry in improving security and procedures at substations, and to ensure that the plans to share power are being implemented fairly across Iraq. The initial results are very successful: there have been no blackouts for several weeks and power supply is higher.
For oil infrastructure, the improved security situation and the repair of the export pipelines from the Kirkuk oilfields to Turkey has had a major impact on crude oil production and exports for Iraq, accounting for a 25% increase since June 2007, or 500k barrels per day on average. In fact over recent months, Kirkuk has produced its highest sustained output of oil since 2003, reaching a new record of 651k barrels in one day on 16 May 08. The extensive protection system built along the pipelines from Kirkuk to Bayji is now complete, and guarded by the Iraqi Army. The export pipeline north from Bayji has also been repaired and is guarded by the Iraqi Oil Police, formerly the Oil Protection Force. The Oil Police, currently undergoing additional training, provide excellent protection along pipelines throughout Iraq.
The improved conditions have allowed the Ministry of Oil’s plans for restoration and expansion across Iraq to move forward. Refinery production has reached new records in recent weeks, with output 45% higher than a year ago: this equates to an increase of about 3 million litres per day of kerosene, diesel and benzene. The major contribution is from Bayji refinery which has significantly increased output this year, due to a major refurbishment, more reliable supply of crude oil from Kirkuk, and more stable electricity. Regional refineries have also reopened in Najaf and Siniyah, and the Haditha refinery will reopen over the next 2 weeks, making a significant difference in Anbar Province.
Repairs to many oil and gas distribution pipelines are now completed, which has led to a significant improvement in the supply of LPG, diesel and petrol across Iraq. Recent repairs to pipelines around Baghdad, such as the 14” LPG line and the 10” product line, along with improved security from the Oil Police, have significantly improved the amount of fuel available to the residents of Baghdad, especially for LPG. This improvement remains fragile and any problems can have an immediate effect on supplies, as we saw last week.
Over the last few weeks, repairs have also started on the important pipelines running between Bayji and Baghdad, along with the construction of physical protection for these pipelines. This important group of pipelines connects north and south Iraq, and will distribute oil products such as kerosene and diesel to the people of Baghdad, and natural gas to the electricity power station at Taji and Daura leading to 200MW of additional electricity. In the longer term, the Ministry of Oil plans to replace the damaged crude oil pipelines within this protected corridor.
The improved security situation has also helped to provide opportunities for more improvements and much needed investment in both the oil and electricity infrastructure. In the electricity sector, the Minister of Electricity is making excellent progress with delivering the electricity Master Plan, and new generating capacity is being provided every week. Electricity supply is 24% higher this week than the same week last year: this equates to nearly 1000MW, enough power for 400,000 homes. Overall for the year so far, power is on average 11% higher than the same period last year, even though the drought has reduced the amount of hydro-electric power from the dams. The increase is due to better maintenance, and the construction of new power projects. Major projects at Baghdad South Power Station, at Irbil and at Mussaib, are adding new generating capacity. The Minister recently signed a number of contracts, including a major contract with GE for 8 large gas turbine generators for delivery next year: this is an important step in bringing modern technology and international expertise to Iraq, and demonstrates an increased confidence in Iraq amongst global companies. And as I speak, 4 very large new generators are moving to Samarra, having been transported from Jordon, these are the first of 5 such convoys. But as you can see from the slide, it will take many years of major investment to meet the rising electricity demand.
The improving security situation is creating the conditions for major projects to move forward in the oil sector, and which may encourage further investment. The Minister of Oil recently announced that he will be seeking proposals to develop 8 oil and gas fields, and he is in discussion with a number of international companies to work in the development of the oil and gas sector. Such global companies can provide the technology and support needed to help Iraq.
In summary, the last 6 months has seen significant progress in Iraq’s energy sector. Improved security has enabled major gains to be made in Iraq’s electricity supply and oil production, restoring a basic level of services to the people of Iraq. However there is still much to do, which will required significant investment in Iraq’s energy infrastructure over many years. We will continue to support the Government of Iraq in taking forward their energy plans.
Rear Adm Droscoll’s remarks, continued:
Thank you, Brigadier Wilks.
The security trends in Iraq continue to improve. The number of total security incidents across Iraq is still at levels not seen since early 2004. As Iraqi Security Forces enforce the rule of law and improve security in places like Basrah, Baghdad, Mosul and Maysan, the people are finding new confidence in those that lead and protect them. Iraqis see security forces in their neighborhoods providing protection, and they are increasingly providing the Army and the Police with valuable information that enhances safety. As they operate in areas where they were not always able to operate before, Iraqi Security Forces are taking more weapons off the streets – which further limits the ability of criminals and terrorists to violently attack Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces, as well as Coalition forces.
In Basrah we continue to see a dramatic increase in the seizure of weapons and explosives since Prime Minister Maliki led an operation to restore governmental authority in the area. Since late March, Iraqi Security Forces have captured:
• Over 6,200 mortars,
• almost 800 artillery rounds,
• more than 20 surface-to-air missiles,
• over 750 rockets,
• almost 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers,
• approximately 340 Improvised Explosive Devices,
• and more than 50 Explosively Formed Penetrators.
In Mosul, 33 caches of weapons were seized during the last week of June. In Baghdad, Iraqi and Coalition forces found and safely cleared 67 weapons caches during the same period. In the East Baghdad area of Sadr City, 19 caches were captured, for a total of 217, since Iraqi Security Forces began intensified operations there. In Amarah, Iraqi forces found and cleared 139 caches of weapons and explosives last week. They add to the total of 240 for the month of June.
On June 29, the Iraqi Army in Amarah seized a significant weapons cache that included enough shaped-charge components to build between 40 and 50 Explosively Formed Penetrators, and 400 blocks of C4 explosives and small arms. This past Tuesday in Amarah, the 38th Iraqi Army brigade found another cache of EFP components consisting of 152 copper disks, a lethal part of these deadly bombs. We have taken a lot of enemy weapons off the battlefield, and it is making this country significantly safer.
We still face a tough fight... And it is an increasingly Iraqi effort, with the ISF often in the lead and the Coalition in support, with key enablers. Iraqis are proving increasingly capable of leading and executing missions, as we see in the simultaneous operations across Iraq today. The Government of Iraq is also undertaking improvements by following up security operations with the restoration of essential services, reconstruction, and the creation of economic opportunity. I want to share a few more examples of such work, illustrating the ways that Coalition forces are contributing to these efforts.
On June 25th, civic leaders welcomed Iraqi Security Forces, local residents and Coalition forces to a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Mansour district of Baghdad. They were there to celebrate the opening of Baghdad’s largest public works substation, the Ameriyah substation. The facility will provide the community with its own center that supports street cleaning, sanitation and garbage removal. This is the first time these services will be provided in parts of this neighborhood in over two years.
Iraqi firms worked hard to renovate the building, install security barriers, and get the facility ready to resume service for 15,000 people. Much of the work was assisted by an embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, MND – Baghdad.
In Basrah, work is continuing on the Basrah Children’s Hospital. Nine different Iraqi companies are building this innovative new facility with coordination from U.S. Army engineers of the Gulf Region South District. When it is completed next year, it will be a highly advanced, pediatric cancer treatment hospital – a truly invaluable resource for families in need in the region. The recent operations undertaken by the government of Iraq in Basrah are improving the prospects that this hospital will open and provide the children of Iraq with a world-class medical center.
Iraqi Security Forces received 3,700 up-armored Humvees through programs that refurbish U.S. Army vehicles and pass them on to expand Iraqi capabilities. On June 26th, Iraqi and Coalition forces held a ceremony to mark the transfer of the 1,000 up-armored Humvee to Iraqi Security Forces, under a new program that began in March. The program is on track to provide Iraqi Security Forces with 8,000 vehicles by the end of next year. As Iraqi forces take on greater missions to protect more of their country, these vehicles enhance capability by providing mobility and protection for soldiers and police officers.
As I said, we still face a tough fight. We continue to pressure those who want to destroy rather than rebuild Iraq, and Coalition Forces are committed to supporting the Iraqi Security Forces in preserving our hard fought security gains. We will now take your questions.
MNFI Press Release - Jul 6
COALITION CAPTURES SUSPECTED CRIMINAL IN KARADAH
Coalition Forces captured one suspected Special Groups criminal Sunday during operations in the Karadah district of Baghdad. Based on intelligence information, Coalition Forces targeted the home of a suspected senior member of Iranian-trained Special Groups leadership in the Baghdad area. According to suspected Special Groups criminals already in custody, the suspect has conducted rocket attacks on Coalition and Iraqi bases, facilitated weapons from Iran, and sent members of his evil militia to Iran for training. Coalition Forces entered the targeted individual’s location and detained one man without incident. In addition, Coalition Forces found weapons on scene.
AQI NETWORKS DISRUPTED IN PRECISION OPERATIONS
Coalition Forces disrupted an al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) bombing cell and captured four suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq on Saturday and Sunday. An operation on Saturday near Iskandariyah, about 45 kilometers south of Baghdad, targeted a man believed to coordinate suicide car bombings. Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists. Four precision operations on Sunday targeted wanted men for their alleged ties to AQI. In Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul, Coalition Forces targeted a weapons facilitator who led a cell of terrorists in the area. When the force arrived to apprehend him, the terrorist refused to comply with their instructions to surrender. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition Forces engaged the terrorist, killing him.
Coalition Forces nabbed a wanted man suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq during an operation in Husaybah, near the Iraq-Syria border. Another wanted man is in Coalition Forces’ custody after his alleged AQI associates provided information that led to an operation in Bayji, about 160 kilometers south of Mosul. The man is also suspected of helping foreign terrorists travel into the Tigris River Valley to conduct attacks. In Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspect assessed to be involved with bomb distribution and placement. He is also believed to be tied to several regional AQI networks.
MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN 3 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS
Soldiers from MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) detained three suspected criminals on July 5th in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted an operation and detained three suspected criminals at approximately 12:15 a.m. in the Shurta community. The patrol returned to a Coalition Forces base with the suspects for further processing.
ISOF, IA DETAIN 8 SUSPECTS, KILL SUICIDE BOMBER
Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) and Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers detained eight suspected criminals and killed a suicide bomber in the Ninewah province on July 4th. In one operation, ISOF conducted a mission in the outskirts of Mosul to detain the leader and other cell members of the Islamic State of Iraq, a front organization for AQI. The group is known for operating support networks for weapons supply lines through Mosul to the north along the Tigris River.
Based on warrants, ISOF detained seven suspected criminals. The seven suspects make up a cell that reportedly uses intimidation to silence local Iraqis and extortion to finance the ISI as well as other criminals. The cell leader is also suspected of killing an Iraqi Police officer. During the operation, one cell member targeted in the operation fled into a home and exited wearing a suicide vest with explosives. ISOF killed the individual with smallarms fire before he was able to detonate the vest in the area. I
In another operation in Ninewah Province, the 3rd Iraqi Army Division captured an individual believed to be the leader of a separate AQI cell. The suspect is allegedly operating along the Syrian border in the Ninewah province, providing refuge to transient foreign fighters, and is also involved in the facilitation of improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne IEDs and other criminal activities. During this operation, IA soldiers detained six other individuals believed to be involved with the AQI cell.
Coalition Forces captured one suspected Special Groups criminal Sunday during operations in the Karadah district of Baghdad. Based on intelligence information, Coalition Forces targeted the home of a suspected senior member of Iranian-trained Special Groups leadership in the Baghdad area. According to suspected Special Groups criminals already in custody, the suspect has conducted rocket attacks on Coalition and Iraqi bases, facilitated weapons from Iran, and sent members of his evil militia to Iran for training. Coalition Forces entered the targeted individual’s location and detained one man without incident. In addition, Coalition Forces found weapons on scene.
AQI NETWORKS DISRUPTED IN PRECISION OPERATIONS
Coalition Forces disrupted an al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) bombing cell and captured four suspected terrorists during operations around Iraq on Saturday and Sunday. An operation on Saturday near Iskandariyah, about 45 kilometers south of Baghdad, targeted a man believed to coordinate suicide car bombings. Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists. Four precision operations on Sunday targeted wanted men for their alleged ties to AQI. In Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul, Coalition Forces targeted a weapons facilitator who led a cell of terrorists in the area. When the force arrived to apprehend him, the terrorist refused to comply with their instructions to surrender. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition Forces engaged the terrorist, killing him.
Coalition Forces nabbed a wanted man suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq during an operation in Husaybah, near the Iraq-Syria border. Another wanted man is in Coalition Forces’ custody after his alleged AQI associates provided information that led to an operation in Bayji, about 160 kilometers south of Mosul. The man is also suspected of helping foreign terrorists travel into the Tigris River Valley to conduct attacks. In Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured a suspect assessed to be involved with bomb distribution and placement. He is also believed to be tied to several regional AQI networks.
MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN 3 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS
Soldiers from MultiNational Division – Baghdad (MND-B) detained three suspected criminals on July 5th in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted an operation and detained three suspected criminals at approximately 12:15 a.m. in the Shurta community. The patrol returned to a Coalition Forces base with the suspects for further processing.
ISOF, IA DETAIN 8 SUSPECTS, KILL SUICIDE BOMBER
Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) and Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers detained eight suspected criminals and killed a suicide bomber in the Ninewah province on July 4th. In one operation, ISOF conducted a mission in the outskirts of Mosul to detain the leader and other cell members of the Islamic State of Iraq, a front organization for AQI. The group is known for operating support networks for weapons supply lines through Mosul to the north along the Tigris River.
Based on warrants, ISOF detained seven suspected criminals. The seven suspects make up a cell that reportedly uses intimidation to silence local Iraqis and extortion to finance the ISI as well as other criminals. The cell leader is also suspected of killing an Iraqi Police officer. During the operation, one cell member targeted in the operation fled into a home and exited wearing a suicide vest with explosives. ISOF killed the individual with smallarms fire before he was able to detonate the vest in the area. I
In another operation in Ninewah Province, the 3rd Iraqi Army Division captured an individual believed to be the leader of a separate AQI cell. The suspect is allegedly operating along the Syrian border in the Ninewah province, providing refuge to transient foreign fighters, and is also involved in the facilitation of improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne IEDs and other criminal activities. During this operation, IA soldiers detained six other individuals believed to be involved with the AQI cell.
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