Source Article HERE.
From 'Telegraph': In the wake of the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad, which killed 60 people, it might seem perverse to express optimism about the struggle against global terrorism as espoused by al-Qaeda. After all, the Taliban, which provided asylum for Osama bin Laden's network before 9/11, is resurgent on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border. Indeed, the tribal areas nominally controlled by the government in Islamabad have succeeded Iraq as the epicentre of world jihadism.
Yet it is worth stepping back from last Saturday's carnage to look at the history of terrorism. This shows that all such movements come to an end, whether through divisions within the leadership, repression or co-option by the state or, most important, loss of trust among the people they claim to represent. In a paper for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Audrey Kurth Cronin encourages Western nations to focus on the "plentiful weaknesses" of al-Qaeda and its associates. These she defines as "indiscriminate killing in the service of a largely fictitious narrative without a shred of hopeful vision".
Bin Laden has been weakened by allied military action in Afghanistan and tighter surveillance of international money transfers. More significant in the longer term is the criticism voiced within radical Islamic circles about the morality of what he is doing. This may seem a strange word to use in conjunction with an instigator of mass murder, but bin Laden set out with the self-proclaimed noble intention to defend the umma, or Muslim world, from Western encroachment.
Why, then, say his critics, do you condone the killing of Muslims in suicide bomb attacks? Bin Laden's former mentor, the Saudi scholar Salman al-Oudah, has deplored al-Qaeda's violence and suggested that its leader has allowed the means to become the ends. The jihadist ideologue Sayyid Imam al-Sharif, better known by his underground name of Dr Fadl, has described 9/11 as "a catastrophe for Muslims".
At this year's conference of Oxford Analytica, an international consultancy, one of the participants described al-Qaeda as "a profoundly moral project which contains the seeds of its own destruction because of its failure to live up to its own moral standards". Another thought it retained moral authority but had "little power in terms of organisation". The impression emerged of a movement with a puritanical, racist view of Islam which had proved a "very bad friend" to the Muslim world. This would explain its eclipse in Iraq in favour of Sunni-dominated militias and its limited success in the northern Caucasus.
Al-Qaeda's fortunes could revive should what the Muslim world might deem a further "outrage" be committed in the form of, say, an Israeli attack on Iran or of continued American ground incursions into the tribal areas. But beyond harping on a sense of victimhood, the network has little to offer the umma.
Compare, for example, its record with that of other radical organisations, such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Hizbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Taking advantage of a fixed base, which al-Qaeda lacks, they have won popular support by providing welfare denied by an incompetent state. Bin Laden may be able to boast of spectacular assaults on his enemies, but he can hardly claim to have contributed to long-term social and economic development.
The erosion of support for al-Qaeda presents those whom it targets with interesting opportunities. Professor Cronin argues that the best counter-terrorist policies are "those consciously synergistic with a group's natural tendency to implode". She adds that a government's top priority should be "not to win people's hearts and minds, but rather to amplify the natural tendency of violent groups to lose them".
This might suggest that America and its allies should withdraw forthwith from Iraq and Afghanistan and watch al-Qaeda self-destruct. If only it were that simple. However, in the case of Pakistan, Washington should refrain from stoking resentment of the West by further unilateral incursions into the tribal areas, which merely strengthen the conviction that this is America's war. And a distinction should be made between the foreign jihadists, whose goal is global revolution, and the Taliban, who, like the Basque or Corsican separatists, are motivated by local factors. Driving a wedge between the two will in due course require negotiating with the Taliban.
The eclipse of al-Qaeda does not, of course, mean that it is no longer a threat - modern historical experience indicates that waves of international terrorist activity last about 40 years, so we have some way to go. Bin Laden could still stage a hideous attack, and, even if he doesn't, there are many other terrorist groups around the world, either affiliated to his network or fighting for different ends, that could.
Nevertheless, it is a hopeful sign that the man who would forcefully unite all Muslims in a new caliphate is proving subject to the same constraints as previous terrorist movements with more modest aims. Self-defence, despite its moral connotations, has in his hands turned out to be nihilistic. Opinion polls show that the Islamic world is turning against him. And it is there that his evil acts will finally be thwarted.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
5 Iran-Backed Extremists Arrested In Iraq
Source Article HERE.
From 'AP': The U.S. military says it has arrested five Iranian-backed Shiite extremists accused in recent rocket attacks on Iraqi and American forces. The military says it captured the five suspects Saturday morning in three separate locations in a largely Shiite neighborhood in eastern Baghdad. A military statement says the extremists are suspected of links to the Hezbollah Brigades, a Shiite extremist group that the U.S. believes is backed by Iran. Tehran denies U.S. allegations that it is supporting violence in Iraq. The military says it acted on intelligence information in arresting the five. It says they were suspected of having links to recent rocket attacks on Iraqi security and U.S. forces.
From 'AP': The U.S. military says it has arrested five Iranian-backed Shiite extremists accused in recent rocket attacks on Iraqi and American forces. The military says it captured the five suspects Saturday morning in three separate locations in a largely Shiite neighborhood in eastern Baghdad. A military statement says the extremists are suspected of links to the Hezbollah Brigades, a Shiite extremist group that the U.S. believes is backed by Iran. Tehran denies U.S. allegations that it is supporting violence in Iraq. The military says it acted on intelligence information in arresting the five. It says they were suspected of having links to recent rocket attacks on Iraqi security and U.S. forces.
Germany Pulls 2 Suspects From Plane
Source Article HERE.
From 'Washington Post': Two terrorism suspects who had left notes saying they were willing to die for "jihad" were pulled off a flight at the Cologne-Bonn airport Friday morning, moments before it was scheduled to depart, authorities said. The Somali-born men were planning to fly to Uganda via Amsterdam, then on to Pakistan, according to German media reports. An increasing number of Muslim radicals have left Germany to be trained at militant camps in Pakistan, where according to counterterrorism officials they are plotting attacks back in Europe.
On Thursday, federal prosecutors issued a public alert seeking information on the whereabouts of two other men believed to have returned to Germany after attending terrorist camps in Pakistan. Last week, police near Frankfurt arrested two more men who had gone to Pakistan for training and charged them with belonging to a cell that plotted to bomb U.S. targets in Germany last year.
Authorities identified the two men arrested Friday at the Cologne-Bonn airport as Abdirazak B., 23, a Somali national, and Omar D., 24, a German citizen born in Mogadishu. German authorities customarily withhold the surnames of suspects. The suspects had boarded KLM Flight 1804 for Amsterdam but were removed from the plane by police at 6:55 a.m. local time, just as it was preparing to pull away from its gate for departure, airport officials said. A KLM spokesman said all passengers were taken off the plane until police could locate luggage belonging to the suspects. Officials said that no weapons or explosives were found and that the flight was allowed to depart after an 80-minute delay.
Police officials said they moved to arrest the men after searching their apartments and finding notes suggesting they intended to carry out a suicide mission. "They are under suspicion of intending to participate in the jihad and in possible attacks," Frank Scheulen, a spokesman for police in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, told German television. "Farewell letters were written." The German newspaper Bild reported that the suspects had been under surveillance for months. Michaela Heyer, a North Rhine-Westphalia police spokeswoman, said the suspects had been living near Cologne, but she declined to comment further.
German counterterrorism officials have said the country faces a heightened risk of attack partly because of its continuing participation in the NATO-led military mission in Afghanistan. Germany announced in June that it would expand its role, adding 1,000 troops to the 3,500 already based there. German intelligence officials have said that they have identified about 25 suspected radicals who have gone to Pakistan for training but acknowledged that they don't know the full extent of the problem.
"We have to be careful not to say we have dozens and dozens and dozens of people in the camps," said Rolf Tophoven, an analyst with the Institute for Terrorism Research and Security Policy in Essen. "But one is all it takes to carry out an attack. These people are highly motivated, very professionally trained and are capable of killing many people."
On Thursday, federal prosecutors issued wanted posters and arrest warrants for Eric Breininger, 21, a German citizen and convert to Islam, and Houssain al-Malla, 23, a native of Lebanon. Officials said they had evidence that the men had returned to Europe after attending camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both men are suspected of involvement with a group called the Islamic Jihad Union, which was accused of planning attacks against U.S. targets in Germany a year ago.
Last week, German police arrested two other suspected members of that group. Omid Shirkhani, 27, a German citizen of Afghan descent, and Huseyin Ozgun, a 27-year-old Turkish national, were taken into custody Sept. 19 near Frankfurt. Federal prosecutors said Shirkhani and Ozgun had traveled separately to Pakistan during 2007 to receive training at camps operated by the Islamic Jihad Union, which is allied with al-Qaeda. Authorities said the two men may have been aware of plans by other accused members of the group to bomb U.S. targets in Germany a year ago, though they were not charged with playing a direct role.
Earlier this month, prosecutors filed an indictment against three suspected ringleaders of last year's plot and said the trio had discussed a number of possible bombing targets, including U.S. military bases in Germany. Those three defendants were arrested Sept. 4, 2007, in the rural village of Oberschledorn as they allegedly transferred bombmaking chemicals from a rented house. Police said they had stockpiled more than 1,500 pounds of chemicals to make explosives and had smuggled detonators from Turkey.
From 'Washington Post': Two terrorism suspects who had left notes saying they were willing to die for "jihad" were pulled off a flight at the Cologne-Bonn airport Friday morning, moments before it was scheduled to depart, authorities said. The Somali-born men were planning to fly to Uganda via Amsterdam, then on to Pakistan, according to German media reports. An increasing number of Muslim radicals have left Germany to be trained at militant camps in Pakistan, where according to counterterrorism officials they are plotting attacks back in Europe.
On Thursday, federal prosecutors issued a public alert seeking information on the whereabouts of two other men believed to have returned to Germany after attending terrorist camps in Pakistan. Last week, police near Frankfurt arrested two more men who had gone to Pakistan for training and charged them with belonging to a cell that plotted to bomb U.S. targets in Germany last year.
Authorities identified the two men arrested Friday at the Cologne-Bonn airport as Abdirazak B., 23, a Somali national, and Omar D., 24, a German citizen born in Mogadishu. German authorities customarily withhold the surnames of suspects. The suspects had boarded KLM Flight 1804 for Amsterdam but were removed from the plane by police at 6:55 a.m. local time, just as it was preparing to pull away from its gate for departure, airport officials said. A KLM spokesman said all passengers were taken off the plane until police could locate luggage belonging to the suspects. Officials said that no weapons or explosives were found and that the flight was allowed to depart after an 80-minute delay.
Police officials said they moved to arrest the men after searching their apartments and finding notes suggesting they intended to carry out a suicide mission. "They are under suspicion of intending to participate in the jihad and in possible attacks," Frank Scheulen, a spokesman for police in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, told German television. "Farewell letters were written." The German newspaper Bild reported that the suspects had been under surveillance for months. Michaela Heyer, a North Rhine-Westphalia police spokeswoman, said the suspects had been living near Cologne, but she declined to comment further.
German counterterrorism officials have said the country faces a heightened risk of attack partly because of its continuing participation in the NATO-led military mission in Afghanistan. Germany announced in June that it would expand its role, adding 1,000 troops to the 3,500 already based there. German intelligence officials have said that they have identified about 25 suspected radicals who have gone to Pakistan for training but acknowledged that they don't know the full extent of the problem.
"We have to be careful not to say we have dozens and dozens and dozens of people in the camps," said Rolf Tophoven, an analyst with the Institute for Terrorism Research and Security Policy in Essen. "But one is all it takes to carry out an attack. These people are highly motivated, very professionally trained and are capable of killing many people."
On Thursday, federal prosecutors issued wanted posters and arrest warrants for Eric Breininger, 21, a German citizen and convert to Islam, and Houssain al-Malla, 23, a native of Lebanon. Officials said they had evidence that the men had returned to Europe after attending camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both men are suspected of involvement with a group called the Islamic Jihad Union, which was accused of planning attacks against U.S. targets in Germany a year ago.
Last week, German police arrested two other suspected members of that group. Omid Shirkhani, 27, a German citizen of Afghan descent, and Huseyin Ozgun, a 27-year-old Turkish national, were taken into custody Sept. 19 near Frankfurt. Federal prosecutors said Shirkhani and Ozgun had traveled separately to Pakistan during 2007 to receive training at camps operated by the Islamic Jihad Union, which is allied with al-Qaeda. Authorities said the two men may have been aware of plans by other accused members of the group to bomb U.S. targets in Germany a year ago, though they were not charged with playing a direct role.
Earlier this month, prosecutors filed an indictment against three suspected ringleaders of last year's plot and said the trio had discussed a number of possible bombing targets, including U.S. military bases in Germany. Those three defendants were arrested Sept. 4, 2007, in the rural village of Oberschledorn as they allegedly transferred bombmaking chemicals from a rented house. Police said they had stockpiled more than 1,500 pounds of chemicals to make explosives and had smuggled detonators from Turkey.
MNFI Press Release - Sept 27
IP, IA, COALITION SOLDIERS SEIZE WEAPONS CACHES
Iraqi Police (IP) and Muliti-National Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area on September 26th. Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 9 a.m. The munitions consisted of (9) AK-47 rifles, (6) grenades, (2) cans of blasting caps, (2) Iraqi Police uniforms, (10) digital cameras and a VHS camcorder.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., IP serving with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, found a cache in the West Rashid District of Baghdad. The munitions included (10) 60 mm mortar rounds, (6) Iranian-manufactured 81 mm mortar rounds, (9) 82 mm mortar rounds, (1) white phosphorous 82 mm mortar round, (1) 120 mm mortar round, (1) 100 mm high-explosive projectile, (13) 85 mm rounds, (2) Iranian-manufactured anti-tank rounds, (1) Iranian manufactured AT-1 PG-7, (8) expelling charges, (3) hand grenades, (1) mills bomb, propellant for the PG-7, (1) improvised grenade, (1) 6-inch long improvised-explosive device filled with approximately 1.5 pounds of explosives, (1) IED encased in foam consisting of (2) 82 mm mortar rounds, (1) 57 mm projectile and (1) bottle of homemade explosives.
With the help from a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found (6) 107 mm rounds in a canal northwest of Baghdad at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Approximately two hours later, northwest of Baghdad, IA soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found what appeared to be (5) jugs of nitrogen and called for an assessment by EOD. An EOD team from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, identified the the materials as (4) five-gallon jugs of diesel fuel and (1) five gallon jug of sugar, which were likely to be used as a bomb inside a house.
“Through the combined efforts of Iraqi Policemen, Iraqi Soldiers, an Iraqi citizen, and Coalition Soldiers, a substantial amount of munitions were removed as potential threats by militants and extremists who continue to attempt to disrupt the lives of innocent Iraqi civilians,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “The ISF and MND-B forces dedication to safeguarding local residents continues to pay huge dividends in helping secure the peace in Baghdad.”
COALITION FORCES DETAIN 12 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS
A dozen suspected terrorists were captured on Saturday as Coalition forces continued to cripple the ability of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) to conduct violent terrorist activities. During five coordinated operations in Mosul and nearby Al Qasr (about 15 km southeast of Mosul), forces zeroed in on AQI vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) networks Saturday. They were targeting a wanted man believed to have planned and executed multiple car bomb attacks against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces. Five suspected terrorists assessed to be associates of the wanted man were captured during the raids.
Also on Saturday, Coalition forces detained two suspects during an operation 80 km southeast of Kirkuk, while targeting a wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is an AQI operative with various connections to AQI regional leaders. Additionally, the wanted man is allegedly involved in information gathering operations used to plan attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces in the area. Acting on tips from detainees already in custody, Coalition forces also targeted senior AQI leadership networks in Bayji on Saturday, approximately 160 km south of Mosul. Three suspects were apprehended during the operation. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during a raid on Saturday 116 km northeast of Baghdad. The detainees are believed to be associated with regional AQI leaders in Northern Diyala.
COALITION CATCHES 5 KATA'IB HEZBOLLAH SUSPECTS
Coalition forces apprehended five members of the Kata'ib Hezbollah network on Saturday morning in new Baghdad. Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted suspected criminals linked to recent rocket attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. Kata'ib Hezbollah funnels weapons and materiel into Iraq from Iran, which is then used to conduct attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. Coalition members captured the five suspects in three separate locations without incident. Coalition forces have captured more than 30 Kata'ib Hezbollah criminals in the last two months. Kata'ib Hezbollah is assessed to be a proxy of Iran, and its members are believed to employ improvised rocket assisted mortars as well as explosively formed penetrators in civilian areas.
Iraqi Police (IP) and Muliti-National Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area on September 26th. Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 9 a.m. The munitions consisted of (9) AK-47 rifles, (6) grenades, (2) cans of blasting caps, (2) Iraqi Police uniforms, (10) digital cameras and a VHS camcorder.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., IP serving with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, found a cache in the West Rashid District of Baghdad. The munitions included (10) 60 mm mortar rounds, (6) Iranian-manufactured 81 mm mortar rounds, (9) 82 mm mortar rounds, (1) white phosphorous 82 mm mortar round, (1) 120 mm mortar round, (1) 100 mm high-explosive projectile, (13) 85 mm rounds, (2) Iranian-manufactured anti-tank rounds, (1) Iranian manufactured AT-1 PG-7, (8) expelling charges, (3) hand grenades, (1) mills bomb, propellant for the PG-7, (1) improvised grenade, (1) 6-inch long improvised-explosive device filled with approximately 1.5 pounds of explosives, (1) IED encased in foam consisting of (2) 82 mm mortar rounds, (1) 57 mm projectile and (1) bottle of homemade explosives.
With the help from a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found (6) 107 mm rounds in a canal northwest of Baghdad at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Approximately two hours later, northwest of Baghdad, IA soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found what appeared to be (5) jugs of nitrogen and called for an assessment by EOD. An EOD team from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, identified the the materials as (4) five-gallon jugs of diesel fuel and (1) five gallon jug of sugar, which were likely to be used as a bomb inside a house.
“Through the combined efforts of Iraqi Policemen, Iraqi Soldiers, an Iraqi citizen, and Coalition Soldiers, a substantial amount of munitions were removed as potential threats by militants and extremists who continue to attempt to disrupt the lives of innocent Iraqi civilians,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “The ISF and MND-B forces dedication to safeguarding local residents continues to pay huge dividends in helping secure the peace in Baghdad.”
COALITION FORCES DETAIN 12 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS
A dozen suspected terrorists were captured on Saturday as Coalition forces continued to cripple the ability of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) to conduct violent terrorist activities. During five coordinated operations in Mosul and nearby Al Qasr (about 15 km southeast of Mosul), forces zeroed in on AQI vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) networks Saturday. They were targeting a wanted man believed to have planned and executed multiple car bomb attacks against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces. Five suspected terrorists assessed to be associates of the wanted man were captured during the raids.
Also on Saturday, Coalition forces detained two suspects during an operation 80 km southeast of Kirkuk, while targeting a wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is an AQI operative with various connections to AQI regional leaders. Additionally, the wanted man is allegedly involved in information gathering operations used to plan attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces in the area. Acting on tips from detainees already in custody, Coalition forces also targeted senior AQI leadership networks in Bayji on Saturday, approximately 160 km south of Mosul. Three suspects were apprehended during the operation. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during a raid on Saturday 116 km northeast of Baghdad. The detainees are believed to be associated with regional AQI leaders in Northern Diyala.
COALITION CATCHES 5 KATA'IB HEZBOLLAH SUSPECTS
Coalition forces apprehended five members of the Kata'ib Hezbollah network on Saturday morning in new Baghdad. Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted suspected criminals linked to recent rocket attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. Kata'ib Hezbollah funnels weapons and materiel into Iraq from Iran, which is then used to conduct attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. Coalition members captured the five suspects in three separate locations without incident. Coalition forces have captured more than 30 Kata'ib Hezbollah criminals in the last two months. Kata'ib Hezbollah is assessed to be a proxy of Iran, and its members are believed to employ improvised rocket assisted mortars as well as explosively formed penetrators in civilian areas.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Al-Qaeda Commander Killed In US Strike
Source Article HERE.
From 'The News' (Pakistan): Three out of seven people killed in Wednesday's US drone attack on Baghar village of South Waziristan Agency included two Arabs, one of them a senior al-Qaeda commander, and one hailing from the Punjab. Sources close to the tribal militants said that the two Arabs were identified as Jiran, the al-Qaeda commander, and Sabri while the name of the militant commander from the Punjab could not be ascertained.
A senior militant commander, who wished not to be named, said all the three men were sitting in a vehicle parked in front of a mud-built house in Baghar village near Angoor Adda when two US drones fired four Hellfire missiles, killing them and four others staying in the house. He said Jiran was appointed as al-Qaeda's operational commander for a particular region in Afghanistan when another senior al-Qaeda commander Abu Imam died in fighting with the US forces near Bagram in Afghanistan three months ago.
"Jiran was a senior operational commander and was mostly living in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He used to change his locations due to continuous surveillance by the US spy planes on the border villages," said the tribal militant commander. He suspected it was possible that some Afghan nomads might have spied on the militants living in Baghar village.
Despite repeated protests lodged by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over non-stop US air strikes on Pakistani tribal villages, two American spy planes again entered South Waziristan on Thursday evening and were seen flying over the area till the filing of this report. Tribal sources from Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan, reported that two US drones entered there on Thursday evening and were seen flying over Wana, Azam Warsak, Dabkot, Birmal and other adjoining villages.
"Both the planes are continuously flying over Wana and adjoining villages which has again created panic among the tribesmen. Whenever two US planes come here, they definitely carry out strikes," said a local tribesman.
From 'The News' (Pakistan): Three out of seven people killed in Wednesday's US drone attack on Baghar village of South Waziristan Agency included two Arabs, one of them a senior al-Qaeda commander, and one hailing from the Punjab. Sources close to the tribal militants said that the two Arabs were identified as Jiran, the al-Qaeda commander, and Sabri while the name of the militant commander from the Punjab could not be ascertained.
A senior militant commander, who wished not to be named, said all the three men were sitting in a vehicle parked in front of a mud-built house in Baghar village near Angoor Adda when two US drones fired four Hellfire missiles, killing them and four others staying in the house. He said Jiran was appointed as al-Qaeda's operational commander for a particular region in Afghanistan when another senior al-Qaeda commander Abu Imam died in fighting with the US forces near Bagram in Afghanistan three months ago.
"Jiran was a senior operational commander and was mostly living in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He used to change his locations due to continuous surveillance by the US spy planes on the border villages," said the tribal militant commander. He suspected it was possible that some Afghan nomads might have spied on the militants living in Baghar village.
Despite repeated protests lodged by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over non-stop US air strikes on Pakistani tribal villages, two American spy planes again entered South Waziristan on Thursday evening and were seen flying over the area till the filing of this report. Tribal sources from Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan, reported that two US drones entered there on Thursday evening and were seen flying over Wana, Azam Warsak, Dabkot, Birmal and other adjoining villages.
"Both the planes are continuously flying over Wana and adjoining villages which has again created panic among the tribesmen. Whenever two US planes come here, they definitely carry out strikes," said a local tribesman.
Computer Terror Teenager Jailed
Source Article HERE.
From BBC: The youngest person in Britain to have been convicted under the Terrorism Act has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution. Hammaad Munshi, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was 16 when he was arrested in 2006. Police found a guide to making napalm on his computer. Now 18, he was convicted of making a record of information likely to be used for terrorist purposes. The Old Bailey judge said he had been influenced by "fanatical extremists". Judge Timothy Pontius said: "There is no doubt that you knew what you were doing." During his trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, the jury heard that Munshi had spent many hours viewing jihadist websites and had downloaded guides to making napalm, detonators and explosives.
Hammaad Munshi (left). Aabid Khan and Sultan Muhammad.
Munshi was convicted alongside two other men, Aabid Khan and Sultan Muhammad. Khan, 23, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was said to be a "key player" in radicalisation via the internet. He was accused by prosecutors of "inciting others to take part in [jihad] and arranging for himself and others to attend military training in Pakistan in preparation for going to fight and, inevitably, to kill". Munshi was said to have been recruited by Khan when he was just 15.
Detective Chief Superintendent John Parkinson from the West Yorkshire counter-terrorism unit told the BBC's Asian Network that all three were dangerous individuals who were not just curious about extremist material. "They'd gone out of their way to possess information about how to construct explosive devices, information about how to carry out acts of terrorism. They were pieces of information that had to be specifically sought out, and has therefore definitely stepped over that criminal threshold."
The trial heard that Munshi was desperate to go and fight and went by the online name of "fidadee", meaning a "person ready to sacrifice himself". He also had a discussion with Khan, via an internet messaging service, about how someone might smuggle a sword through airport security. Police said they found al-Qaeda propaganda on his computer and notes on martyrdom hidden under his bed. The teenager was cleared of possessing terrorist material, but the judge said the nature of what downloaded made it a "particularly serious offence". He told the boy...
Khan was sentenced in August to 12 years for possessing or making documents promoting terrorism. His cousin Muhammad, 23, also from Bradford, was sentenced to 10 years for similar offences under the Terrorism Act.
From BBC: The youngest person in Britain to have been convicted under the Terrorism Act has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution. Hammaad Munshi, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was 16 when he was arrested in 2006. Police found a guide to making napalm on his computer. Now 18, he was convicted of making a record of information likely to be used for terrorist purposes. The Old Bailey judge said he had been influenced by "fanatical extremists". Judge Timothy Pontius said: "There is no doubt that you knew what you were doing." During his trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, the jury heard that Munshi had spent many hours viewing jihadist websites and had downloaded guides to making napalm, detonators and explosives.
Hammaad Munshi (left). Aabid Khan and Sultan Muhammad.
Munshi was convicted alongside two other men, Aabid Khan and Sultan Muhammad. Khan, 23, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was said to be a "key player" in radicalisation via the internet. He was accused by prosecutors of "inciting others to take part in [jihad] and arranging for himself and others to attend military training in Pakistan in preparation for going to fight and, inevitably, to kill". Munshi was said to have been recruited by Khan when he was just 15.
Detective Chief Superintendent John Parkinson from the West Yorkshire counter-terrorism unit told the BBC's Asian Network that all three were dangerous individuals who were not just curious about extremist material. "They'd gone out of their way to possess information about how to construct explosive devices, information about how to carry out acts of terrorism. They were pieces of information that had to be specifically sought out, and has therefore definitely stepped over that criminal threshold."
The trial heard that Munshi was desperate to go and fight and went by the online name of "fidadee", meaning a "person ready to sacrifice himself". He also had a discussion with Khan, via an internet messaging service, about how someone might smuggle a sword through airport security. Police said they found al-Qaeda propaganda on his computer and notes on martyrdom hidden under his bed. The teenager was cleared of possessing terrorist material, but the judge said the nature of what downloaded made it a "particularly serious offence". He told the boy...
You have brought very great shame upon yourself, your family and your religion. However, in the light of the evidence, I have no doubt at all that you, amongst other of similar immaturity and vulnerability, fell under the spell of fanatical extremists, and your co-defendant Aabid Khan in particular. They took advantage of your youthful naivety in order to indoctrinate you with pernicious and warped ideas masquerading as altruistic religious zeal. Were it not for Aabid Khan's malign influence, I doubt this offence would ever have been committed.
Khan was sentenced in August to 12 years for possessing or making documents promoting terrorism. His cousin Muhammad, 23, also from Bradford, was sentenced to 10 years for similar offences under the Terrorism Act.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
MNFI Press Release - Sept 17
COALITION, IRAQIS COMPLETE OPERATION VIPER PURSUIT
Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry teamed up with 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain’s VIPER Military Transition Team and elements of the Iraqi Army, conducted Operation Viper Pursuit to disrupt local terrorist cells within the Sulayman Bak area August 1-30. Operation Viper Pursuit combined air and ground assaults to cordon and search specific parts of local villages. Because of these combined efforts, more than 30 terrorists were detained during the month-long operation. “We really took them by surprise by establishing an extended presence in Sulyman Bak, that’s something we’ve never tried before,” said Spc. Sean Bizarres, a radio telephone operator with Headquarters Platoon, Bravo Company.
The joint effort has helped in paving a way for the ISF to eventually take over operations in the area. Bravo Company has worked especially close with the Iraqi 4th Division, Quick Reaction Force, by conducting numerous joint operations in the area ranging from cache searches, cordon and searches of urban areas, to air assaults and raids. “They are the best group of Iraqi soldiers I’ve worked with during my two deployments to Iraq,” said Sgt. Jeremy Walker, a squad leader in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Co. During the operation, Viper MiTT and Bravo Co., also conducted a reconciliation screening, which allowed local Iraqis an opportunity to clear their name of being involved with insurgent activity. At the conclusion of Operation Viper Pursuit, the Provincial Governor, Hamad Hammoud Shekti, visited the town to meet with local leaders and members as well as several sites in the town to demonstrate the strength of the security in Sulyman Bak. Though his visit was brief, it represented the dawn of a new opportunity for Sulyman Bak as Iraqi government officials demonstrated their care for the residents and progress of the village.
MULTI-NATIONAL SOLDIERS FIND ORDINANCE, DETAIN 4
Multi-National Soldiers found unexploded ordnance and detained four Special Groups criminals in Baghdad’s Rashid district on September 13-14. At approximately 8:15 p.m., on September 13th, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found an 82 mm mortar round in the Jihad community. An explosives ordnance disposal unit took the mortar round to a forward operating base for analysis and destruction. At approximately 10 p.m. on September 13th, Soldiers from Company C also detained a Special Groups criminal allegedly responsible for recent sectarian attacks in the Jihad and Furat communities.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 14th, Soldiers from Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq associate in the Hadar community. Approximately 20 minutes later, National Policemen from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members in the Masafee community. “The 1st “Raider” Brigade continues to pursue criminals in the Rashid district, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts, the Iraqi Security Forces, to keep the people of the Rashid district safe and provide the Government of Iraq the freedom to operate,” said Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “With the cooperation of Iraqi citizens, our Soldiers can rid the streets of criminals and violence.”
Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry teamed up with 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain’s VIPER Military Transition Team and elements of the Iraqi Army, conducted Operation Viper Pursuit to disrupt local terrorist cells within the Sulayman Bak area August 1-30. Operation Viper Pursuit combined air and ground assaults to cordon and search specific parts of local villages. Because of these combined efforts, more than 30 terrorists were detained during the month-long operation. “We really took them by surprise by establishing an extended presence in Sulyman Bak, that’s something we’ve never tried before,” said Spc. Sean Bizarres, a radio telephone operator with Headquarters Platoon, Bravo Company.
The joint effort has helped in paving a way for the ISF to eventually take over operations in the area. Bravo Company has worked especially close with the Iraqi 4th Division, Quick Reaction Force, by conducting numerous joint operations in the area ranging from cache searches, cordon and searches of urban areas, to air assaults and raids. “They are the best group of Iraqi soldiers I’ve worked with during my two deployments to Iraq,” said Sgt. Jeremy Walker, a squad leader in 3rd Platoon, Bravo Co. During the operation, Viper MiTT and Bravo Co., also conducted a reconciliation screening, which allowed local Iraqis an opportunity to clear their name of being involved with insurgent activity. At the conclusion of Operation Viper Pursuit, the Provincial Governor, Hamad Hammoud Shekti, visited the town to meet with local leaders and members as well as several sites in the town to demonstrate the strength of the security in Sulyman Bak. Though his visit was brief, it represented the dawn of a new opportunity for Sulyman Bak as Iraqi government officials demonstrated their care for the residents and progress of the village.
MULTI-NATIONAL SOLDIERS FIND ORDINANCE, DETAIN 4
Multi-National Soldiers found unexploded ordnance and detained four Special Groups criminals in Baghdad’s Rashid district on September 13-14. At approximately 8:15 p.m., on September 13th, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found an 82 mm mortar round in the Jihad community. An explosives ordnance disposal unit took the mortar round to a forward operating base for analysis and destruction. At approximately 10 p.m. on September 13th, Soldiers from Company C also detained a Special Groups criminal allegedly responsible for recent sectarian attacks in the Jihad and Furat communities.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 14th, Soldiers from Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq associate in the Hadar community. Approximately 20 minutes later, National Policemen from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members in the Masafee community. “The 1st “Raider” Brigade continues to pursue criminals in the Rashid district, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts, the Iraqi Security Forces, to keep the people of the Rashid district safe and provide the Government of Iraq the freedom to operate,” said Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “With the cooperation of Iraqi citizens, our Soldiers can rid the streets of criminals and violence.”
Sunday, September 14, 2008
MNFI Press Release - Sept 14
OPS DEGRADE AL-QAEDA ATTACK CAPABILITIES
Coalition forces captured three wanted men and detained five additional suspects during operations in central and northern Iraq targeting al-Qaeda (AQI) operations and attack cells on Saturday and Sunday. Two precision operations in the Baghdad area Sunday netted suspects wanted for their alleged roles in AQI attacks. A man captured in the city is reportedly a bombing-cell leader who procures explosives for attacks and helps foreign terrorists move into and around Baghdad. West of Abu Ghraib, Coalition forces captured a suspected weapons dealer. Intelligence reports indicate the man was conspiring with known terrorists to coordinate a suicide operation.
On Saturday, Coalition forces west of Kirkuk captured a wanted man believed to provide explosives to terrorist cells. The wanted man, who was detained with three associates, is also reportedly involved in propaganda production and distribution for AQI in the Kirkuk area. Also on Saturday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists northwest of Mosul during an operation targeting associates of AQI senior leaders.
INP, MND-B SOLDIERS SEIZE WEAPONS CACHES IN BAGHDAD
Iraqi National Police (INP) and MultiNational Division–Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad on Saturday, September 13th. At approximately 8 a.m., policemen with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, seized (18) grenades, (10) AK47s, (15) AK47 magazines with ammunition, and more than 1,700 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and eight load-bearing vests in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad. Later, at approximately noon, a local citizen turned in a 60 mm mortar round and a rocket-propelled grenade round to Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who were conducting a dismounted patrol in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad. "The Iraqi Police, along with local citizens, continue to make a difference every day as they continue to remove these weapons from the streets of Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div.
IA, MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN SUSPECTED SPECIAL GROUPS LEADER
Iraqi Amry (IA) and MultiNational Division-Baghdad (MND-B) Soldiers detained a suspected Special Groups leader in Baghdad’s Rashid district on September 12th. At approximately 10:20 a.m., soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B arrested a suspected Special Groups leader in the Jihad community. The suspect is responsible for an attack on Baghdad International Airport, on July 10th. "Coalition forces continue to pursue criminals in the Rashid district," said Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander, 1st BCT, 4th ID, MND-B.
Coalition forces captured three wanted men and detained five additional suspects during operations in central and northern Iraq targeting al-Qaeda (AQI) operations and attack cells on Saturday and Sunday. Two precision operations in the Baghdad area Sunday netted suspects wanted for their alleged roles in AQI attacks. A man captured in the city is reportedly a bombing-cell leader who procures explosives for attacks and helps foreign terrorists move into and around Baghdad. West of Abu Ghraib, Coalition forces captured a suspected weapons dealer. Intelligence reports indicate the man was conspiring with known terrorists to coordinate a suicide operation.
On Saturday, Coalition forces west of Kirkuk captured a wanted man believed to provide explosives to terrorist cells. The wanted man, who was detained with three associates, is also reportedly involved in propaganda production and distribution for AQI in the Kirkuk area. Also on Saturday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists northwest of Mosul during an operation targeting associates of AQI senior leaders.
INP, MND-B SOLDIERS SEIZE WEAPONS CACHES IN BAGHDAD
Iraqi National Police (INP) and MultiNational Division–Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad on Saturday, September 13th. At approximately 8 a.m., policemen with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, seized (18) grenades, (10) AK47s, (15) AK47 magazines with ammunition, and more than 1,700 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and eight load-bearing vests in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad. Later, at approximately noon, a local citizen turned in a 60 mm mortar round and a rocket-propelled grenade round to Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who were conducting a dismounted patrol in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad. "The Iraqi Police, along with local citizens, continue to make a difference every day as they continue to remove these weapons from the streets of Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div.
IA, MND-B SOLDIERS DETAIN SUSPECTED SPECIAL GROUPS LEADER
Iraqi Amry (IA) and MultiNational Division-Baghdad (MND-B) Soldiers detained a suspected Special Groups leader in Baghdad’s Rashid district on September 12th. At approximately 10:20 a.m., soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B arrested a suspected Special Groups leader in the Jihad community. The suspect is responsible for an attack on Baghdad International Airport, on July 10th. "Coalition forces continue to pursue criminals in the Rashid district," said Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander, 1st BCT, 4th ID, MND-B.
Monday, September 1, 2008
U.S. Hands Back Security Of Anbar Province
Source Article HERE.
From 'International Herald Tribune': The U.S. military on Monday handed over to the Iraqi government responsibility for the security of the western province of Anbar, once a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency and one of the most violent regions in Iraq. The transfer was made possible, Iraqi and U.S. officials said, by an increase in Iraqi security forces and a reduction of violence largely attributed to the local forces known as Awakening Councils. It is the first handover of a province bordering Baghdad. Other provinces that have been shifted to Iraqi control have been in the less troublesome south and in the northern Kurdish region.
Iraqi security forces at Anbar handover ceremony in Ramadi - Sept. 1
The transfer ceremony took place in the center of Ramadi, which two years ago was destroyed by almost daily battles between the U.S. military and insurgents. Now, Ramadi has largely been rebuilt, and the number of deaths of American soldiers has fallen to near zero. "You have lost a lot of blood and life to reach this day," said Mowaffak al-Rubaie, the Iraqi national security adviser, on Monday. "This would have been a dream two or three years ago. This was the cradle of Al Qaeda."
President George W. Bush hailed the handover in a statement released by the White House, praising "the courage of our troops, the Iraqi Security Forces, and the brave tribes and other civilians from Anbar who worked alongside them." The United States military has reduced the number of its troops in Anbar to 25,000 from 37,000 in February and the Iraqi police force has grown to 28,000, up from 5,000 three years ago, according to the U.S. Marine Corps. American forces were originally scheduled to transfer control in late June, but the transfer was postponed. At the time, U.S. military officials said that a dust storm had made it impossible to fly dignitaries in for a ceremony.
From 'International Herald Tribune': The U.S. military on Monday handed over to the Iraqi government responsibility for the security of the western province of Anbar, once a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency and one of the most violent regions in Iraq. The transfer was made possible, Iraqi and U.S. officials said, by an increase in Iraqi security forces and a reduction of violence largely attributed to the local forces known as Awakening Councils. It is the first handover of a province bordering Baghdad. Other provinces that have been shifted to Iraqi control have been in the less troublesome south and in the northern Kurdish region.
Iraqi security forces at Anbar handover ceremony in Ramadi - Sept. 1
The transfer ceremony took place in the center of Ramadi, which two years ago was destroyed by almost daily battles between the U.S. military and insurgents. Now, Ramadi has largely been rebuilt, and the number of deaths of American soldiers has fallen to near zero. "You have lost a lot of blood and life to reach this day," said Mowaffak al-Rubaie, the Iraqi national security adviser, on Monday. "This would have been a dream two or three years ago. This was the cradle of Al Qaeda."
President George W. Bush hailed the handover in a statement released by the White House, praising "the courage of our troops, the Iraqi Security Forces, and the brave tribes and other civilians from Anbar who worked alongside them." The United States military has reduced the number of its troops in Anbar to 25,000 from 37,000 in February and the Iraqi police force has grown to 28,000, up from 5,000 three years ago, according to the U.S. Marine Corps. American forces were originally scheduled to transfer control in late June, but the transfer was postponed. At the time, U.S. military officials said that a dust storm had made it impossible to fly dignitaries in for a ceremony.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mystery Surrounds Terror Suspect's Vanished Years
Source Article HERE.
From 'TheAge.com.au': Aafia Siddiqui cut a ghostly figure in a New York court during the first week in August — not surprisingly for someone who during five years seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. US prosecutors say Siddiqui, 36, is a desperate would-be terrorist who was arrested in Afghanistan, and on July 18th of this year she opened fire on US Army and FBI officers before being shot, wounded and subdued. But the only thing that seems sure, given her obvious frailty, was that she had recently been shot. The wound, her lawyer Elizabeth Fink said, was still "oozing".
Aafia Siddiqui
Nothing else has been clear about the US-educated Pakistani neuroscientist since March 2003, when she disappeared in Karachi along with her three children, then aged seven, five and six months. No one has explained where Siddiqui, a diminutive woman who was once a star student at top US universities, has been for the past five years. No one has explained where her children are now. "These are the two key questions," said Joanne Mariner, counterterrorism expert at Human Rights Watch in New York. "It's really, really mysterious."
Living in the US at the time of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, she was briefly detained over her support for Islamic charities, which was seen as suspicious. She was never charged. In 2003, alleged September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed named her under interrogation and in 2004 she appeared on a US list of alleged al-Qaeda operatives. Yet Mohammed's testimony has since been discredited by revelations that he was tortured in US custody.
Prosecutors in New York are charging her with assault and attempted murder, but they are not linking her to al-Qaeda. Defence lawyers claim the alleged shoot-out with FBI and US Army officers in Afghanistan was invented to cover up the truth about Siddiqui's disappearance into a secret US prison system. A brilliant graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Brandeis University, near Boston, Siddiqui is far from a typical al-Qaeda suspect. But Sam Zarifi, Asia director for Amnesty International, says that hundreds of people in US custody disappeared into a legal vacuum and that Siddiqui may have been sucked in, too.
Relatives believe that after leaving her parents' house in Karachi, she and her children were kidnapped, handed to US forces and imprisoned illegally at the Bagram base in Afghanistan. Defence lawyers said they had had too little time to find out from her what had happened. Some human rights activists believe she was none other than Bagram's near-legendary "prisoner 650", the sole female inmate at the base, who other detainees claim to have heard screaming. Siddiqui is said to have first been apprehended in Afghanistan with a bag full of suspicious liquids in glass containers — but whether the liquids were dangerous is not stated.
In the alleged struggle at a police station, prosecutors indicate they do not know how many rounds Siddiqui allegedly fired, or even how many bullets struck her. Defence lawyers also want to know under what jurisdiction Siddiqui was held between the alleged July 18th incident and August 4th, when prosecutors say she was formally arrested and flown to the US. So far, Siddiqui has revealed little. Asked by the judge at her initial hearing this week whether she understood the charges, she answered: "Yes". Then she shook her head.
From 'TheAge.com.au': Aafia Siddiqui cut a ghostly figure in a New York court during the first week in August — not surprisingly for someone who during five years seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. US prosecutors say Siddiqui, 36, is a desperate would-be terrorist who was arrested in Afghanistan, and on July 18th of this year she opened fire on US Army and FBI officers before being shot, wounded and subdued. But the only thing that seems sure, given her obvious frailty, was that she had recently been shot. The wound, her lawyer Elizabeth Fink said, was still "oozing".
Aafia Siddiqui
Nothing else has been clear about the US-educated Pakistani neuroscientist since March 2003, when she disappeared in Karachi along with her three children, then aged seven, five and six months. No one has explained where Siddiqui, a diminutive woman who was once a star student at top US universities, has been for the past five years. No one has explained where her children are now. "These are the two key questions," said Joanne Mariner, counterterrorism expert at Human Rights Watch in New York. "It's really, really mysterious."
Living in the US at the time of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, she was briefly detained over her support for Islamic charities, which was seen as suspicious. She was never charged. In 2003, alleged September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed named her under interrogation and in 2004 she appeared on a US list of alleged al-Qaeda operatives. Yet Mohammed's testimony has since been discredited by revelations that he was tortured in US custody.
Prosecutors in New York are charging her with assault and attempted murder, but they are not linking her to al-Qaeda. Defence lawyers claim the alleged shoot-out with FBI and US Army officers in Afghanistan was invented to cover up the truth about Siddiqui's disappearance into a secret US prison system. A brilliant graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Brandeis University, near Boston, Siddiqui is far from a typical al-Qaeda suspect. But Sam Zarifi, Asia director for Amnesty International, says that hundreds of people in US custody disappeared into a legal vacuum and that Siddiqui may have been sucked in, too.
Relatives believe that after leaving her parents' house in Karachi, she and her children were kidnapped, handed to US forces and imprisoned illegally at the Bagram base in Afghanistan. Defence lawyers said they had had too little time to find out from her what had happened. Some human rights activists believe she was none other than Bagram's near-legendary "prisoner 650", the sole female inmate at the base, who other detainees claim to have heard screaming. Siddiqui is said to have first been apprehended in Afghanistan with a bag full of suspicious liquids in glass containers — but whether the liquids were dangerous is not stated.
In the alleged struggle at a police station, prosecutors indicate they do not know how many rounds Siddiqui allegedly fired, or even how many bullets struck her. Defence lawyers also want to know under what jurisdiction Siddiqui was held between the alleged July 18th incident and August 4th, when prosecutors say she was formally arrested and flown to the US. So far, Siddiqui has revealed little. Asked by the judge at her initial hearing this week whether she understood the charges, she answered: "Yes". Then she shook her head.
Italy: Five Held In Raid On Terror Suspects
Source Article HERE.
From 'The Guardian': Italian police broke up a suspected terror cell, arresting four Tunisians and a Moroccan in Bologna and the nearby towns of Faenza and Imola. The five were accused of international terrorism, but have yet to be formally charged. A sixth suspect is being sought. Those arrested include the Tunisian alleged ringleader, Khalil Jarraya, a veteran of Bosnia's 1992-95 war, and four others he allegedly recruited to take part in suicide attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The arrests followed a three-year investigation based on wiretaps and on training material found in previous searches of the suspects' homes. 'These are people who were radicalised in the West and declared themselves ready to become martyrs for jihad,' said police in Bologna. The cell is alleged to have sent funds to Bosnian groups linked to terrorist organisations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The money came from legitimate work carried out by the group's members as well as from insurance scams, for which a charge of fraud was added to the arrest warrants. The cell was not part of any specific terrorist organisation, police said, but saw itself as close to al-Qaeda.
From 'The Guardian': Italian police broke up a suspected terror cell, arresting four Tunisians and a Moroccan in Bologna and the nearby towns of Faenza and Imola. The five were accused of international terrorism, but have yet to be formally charged. A sixth suspect is being sought. Those arrested include the Tunisian alleged ringleader, Khalil Jarraya, a veteran of Bosnia's 1992-95 war, and four others he allegedly recruited to take part in suicide attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The arrests followed a three-year investigation based on wiretaps and on training material found in previous searches of the suspects' homes. 'These are people who were radicalised in the West and declared themselves ready to become martyrs for jihad,' said police in Bologna. The cell is alleged to have sent funds to Bosnian groups linked to terrorist organisations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The money came from legitimate work carried out by the group's members as well as from insurance scams, for which a charge of fraud was added to the arrest warrants. The cell was not part of any specific terrorist organisation, police said, but saw itself as close to al-Qaeda.
Trial Begins In Denmark Against Terror Suspects
Source Article HERE.
From 'Associated Press': Two alleged Islamic militants accused of preparing a bomb attack went on trial in Denmark on August 11th, with prosecutors showing secret video footage of them testing a highly explosive material in an apartment building in Copenhagen. The prosecution said the two men conducted the small test blast with the same explosive that was used by suicide bombers who killed 52 commuters in London in 2005. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty but admitted making triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, saying it was to be used for fireworks.
Denmark's intelligence service said earlier that the suspects had links to leading al-Qaida figures, but the charges read Monday in a Copenhagen court did not mention such links. The 22-year-old men were arrested during an anti-terror sweep in September in the Danish capital. They cannot be named under a court order. If convicted, the defendants of Afghan and Pakistani background could face life in prison, although such sentences are generally reduced to 16 years under Danish law. The Pakistani also is a Danish citizen, while the Afghan has a staying permit in Denmark.
In May 2007, Denmark's PET intelligence service was tipped off by an unidentified foreign service that the man of Pakistani origin was on his way back to Denmark after having spent time in a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. PET then tapped his phone and computer, and secretly installed surveillance video cameras in his home in Copenhagen, prosecutor Lone Damsgaard told the City Court in Glostrup, a city suburb. It was unclear what the target of the alleged planned terrorist attack was, but Damsgaard said the defendant of Pakistani origin asked contacts in Pakistan through an Internet chatroom for addresses of hotels and the Danish Embassy in Islamabad.
On June 2, 2008, a car bomb exploded outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, killing six people and wounding about 35. But the defendants are not accused of involvement in that attack. Footage from the surveillance cameras played in court showed the Pakistani defendant sitting on the floor in his apartment in Copenhagen, saying he was getting ready for a martyrdom trip. In other footage, the two men are seen leaving the room after which an explosion is heard, followed by the men returning from the stairwell of an apartment building in a densely populated area of Copenhagen. Damsgaard said they were testing the TAPT there on September 1 — three days before they were arrested. Bomb manuals were found in both men's apartments, one concealed in a pillow cover, the other in a book, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors have called both defendants Islamic militants without providing the name of what group or groups they belonged to. A third man was arrested and charged in the case for allegedly urging the kidnapping of Danes abroad as a way to force Danish authorities to release the two jailed defendants now on trial. The third man's trial is scheduled for later this year. A verdict is expected on October 23rd. Danish police say they have thwarted a series of terrorist attacks in recent years.
From 'Associated Press': Two alleged Islamic militants accused of preparing a bomb attack went on trial in Denmark on August 11th, with prosecutors showing secret video footage of them testing a highly explosive material in an apartment building in Copenhagen. The prosecution said the two men conducted the small test blast with the same explosive that was used by suicide bombers who killed 52 commuters in London in 2005. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty but admitted making triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, saying it was to be used for fireworks.
Denmark's intelligence service said earlier that the suspects had links to leading al-Qaida figures, but the charges read Monday in a Copenhagen court did not mention such links. The 22-year-old men were arrested during an anti-terror sweep in September in the Danish capital. They cannot be named under a court order. If convicted, the defendants of Afghan and Pakistani background could face life in prison, although such sentences are generally reduced to 16 years under Danish law. The Pakistani also is a Danish citizen, while the Afghan has a staying permit in Denmark.
In May 2007, Denmark's PET intelligence service was tipped off by an unidentified foreign service that the man of Pakistani origin was on his way back to Denmark after having spent time in a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. PET then tapped his phone and computer, and secretly installed surveillance video cameras in his home in Copenhagen, prosecutor Lone Damsgaard told the City Court in Glostrup, a city suburb. It was unclear what the target of the alleged planned terrorist attack was, but Damsgaard said the defendant of Pakistani origin asked contacts in Pakistan through an Internet chatroom for addresses of hotels and the Danish Embassy in Islamabad.
On June 2, 2008, a car bomb exploded outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, killing six people and wounding about 35. But the defendants are not accused of involvement in that attack. Footage from the surveillance cameras played in court showed the Pakistani defendant sitting on the floor in his apartment in Copenhagen, saying he was getting ready for a martyrdom trip. In other footage, the two men are seen leaving the room after which an explosion is heard, followed by the men returning from the stairwell of an apartment building in a densely populated area of Copenhagen. Damsgaard said they were testing the TAPT there on September 1 — three days before they were arrested. Bomb manuals were found in both men's apartments, one concealed in a pillow cover, the other in a book, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors have called both defendants Islamic militants without providing the name of what group or groups they belonged to. A third man was arrested and charged in the case for allegedly urging the kidnapping of Danes abroad as a way to force Danish authorities to release the two jailed defendants now on trial. The third man's trial is scheduled for later this year. A verdict is expected on October 23rd. Danish police say they have thwarted a series of terrorist attacks in recent years.
Iraqi Forces Improve As Violence Drops
Source Article HERE.
From 'American Forces Press Service': Despite the recent drawdown of Coalition troops in Iraq, violence levels continue to drop as Iraqi Security Forces grow in competency and size, a senior Coalition spokesman said on August 7th. Throughout the past few weeks, Coalition forces have drawn down troop numbers in Iraq. The last of the five original surge brigades, two Marine battalions and an Australian battle group have redeployed without the need for replacements, said Navy Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll.
At the same time, Iraqi forces have grown by more than 148,000 troops, and the Sunni Muslim "Sons of Iraq" citizen security groups are more than 100,000 members strong, Driscoll said. "This [surge of Iraqi forces] explains how we can continue to see very low levels of violence even though [Coalition forces] have taken away a lot of combat power...” he said.
Recent Iraqi-led operations in Basra have allowed the local citizens to regain control of their city. The operations drove the insurgency - mostly Iranian-backed "Special Groups" criminals - either into hiding or into Iran for sanctuary, the admiral said. "The operations in Basra really instituted the rule of law there," Driscoll said. "The people there are able to live freely again without intimidation and extortion by militias." The operations were also a great success for the Iraqi government and prime minister. Individuals who once saw Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as a leader partial to a certain sect, now proclaim him as a nationalist, a leader for the people of Iraq, he said.
Recent operations in Amarah and Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood saw similar success by Iraqi Security Forces and the local Sons of Iraq. Iranian-backed Special Groups and militia gangs were forced from the cities, reportedly to Iran to find refuge, he said.
Coalition and Iraqi forces in Diyala province and Mosul, however, are fighting a "more determined enemy," he said. Iraqi forces recently launched a large-scale operation against al-Qaida in Mosul but were unsuccessful. Mosul is a key territory for al-Qaida because of its location along the Syrian border, which is an important line of communication and an infiltration route into Iraq. Al-Qaida is determined to maintain its foothold, he said. "What you saw and what you're seeing now in Mosul and Diyala is a more determined enemy in terms of holding ground," he explained. "Al-Qaida still remains a lethal threat."
Despite al-Qaida's perseverance, Driscoll said, the terrorist group isn't as influential as it once was. Less than two years ago, it was a powerful group on the brink of causing a civil war in Iraq, he said. But today, al-Qaida doesn't hold any territory or city. The group's fighters still have "pocket areas" in Diyala, Mosul and Anbar, but Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces are very aggressively targeting to eliminate them, he added.
As Iraqi Security Forces develop into a national defense force, Coalition forces continue to develop the Iraqis' counterinsurgency force within in the Iraqi Army, which is showing much-improved capabilities, he said. "The Iraqis are really developing and have come a long way," Driscoll said. "It takes a while to develop the kind of leadership they've shown. We're focusing on that key leadership and bolstering them so we have a vibrant and successful counterinsurgency force."
From 'American Forces Press Service': Despite the recent drawdown of Coalition troops in Iraq, violence levels continue to drop as Iraqi Security Forces grow in competency and size, a senior Coalition spokesman said on August 7th. Throughout the past few weeks, Coalition forces have drawn down troop numbers in Iraq. The last of the five original surge brigades, two Marine battalions and an Australian battle group have redeployed without the need for replacements, said Navy Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll.
At the same time, Iraqi forces have grown by more than 148,000 troops, and the Sunni Muslim "Sons of Iraq" citizen security groups are more than 100,000 members strong, Driscoll said. "This [surge of Iraqi forces] explains how we can continue to see very low levels of violence even though [Coalition forces] have taken away a lot of combat power...” he said.
Recent Iraqi-led operations in Basra have allowed the local citizens to regain control of their city. The operations drove the insurgency - mostly Iranian-backed "Special Groups" criminals - either into hiding or into Iran for sanctuary, the admiral said. "The operations in Basra really instituted the rule of law there," Driscoll said. "The people there are able to live freely again without intimidation and extortion by militias." The operations were also a great success for the Iraqi government and prime minister. Individuals who once saw Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as a leader partial to a certain sect, now proclaim him as a nationalist, a leader for the people of Iraq, he said.
Recent operations in Amarah and Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood saw similar success by Iraqi Security Forces and the local Sons of Iraq. Iranian-backed Special Groups and militia gangs were forced from the cities, reportedly to Iran to find refuge, he said.
Coalition and Iraqi forces in Diyala province and Mosul, however, are fighting a "more determined enemy," he said. Iraqi forces recently launched a large-scale operation against al-Qaida in Mosul but were unsuccessful. Mosul is a key territory for al-Qaida because of its location along the Syrian border, which is an important line of communication and an infiltration route into Iraq. Al-Qaida is determined to maintain its foothold, he said. "What you saw and what you're seeing now in Mosul and Diyala is a more determined enemy in terms of holding ground," he explained. "Al-Qaida still remains a lethal threat."
Despite al-Qaida's perseverance, Driscoll said, the terrorist group isn't as influential as it once was. Less than two years ago, it was a powerful group on the brink of causing a civil war in Iraq, he said. But today, al-Qaida doesn't hold any territory or city. The group's fighters still have "pocket areas" in Diyala, Mosul and Anbar, but Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces are very aggressively targeting to eliminate them, he added.
As Iraqi Security Forces develop into a national defense force, Coalition forces continue to develop the Iraqis' counterinsurgency force within in the Iraqi Army, which is showing much-improved capabilities, he said. "The Iraqis are really developing and have come a long way," Driscoll said. "It takes a while to develop the kind of leadership they've shown. We're focusing on that key leadership and bolstering them so we have a vibrant and successful counterinsurgency force."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hamdan Sentenced In First Terror Tribunal
Source Article HERE.
From 'Christian Science Monitor': Osama bin Laden's former driver was sentenced on Thursday to five and a half years in prison at the conclusion of the first trial of a terror suspect by special military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The sentence, far below the 30 years to life sought by the US government, means that Salim Hamdan of Yemen could be eligible for release in five months after receiving credit for time already served. The sentence is a double-edged sword for the Bush administration, which had hoped a harsh sentence in the Hamdan case would send a stern message to would-be Al-Qaeda sympathizers around the world. But the five-year sentence also underscores the fairness of the particular military panel in the Hamdan case, analysts say.
The sentence was handed down by a panel of six military officers, hand-picked by the Pentagon, who a day earlier rejected US government arguments that Mr. Hamdan was a terrorist conspirator. Instead, the panel convicted Hamdan of providing material support to Al-Qaeda by continuing to serve as a driver and body guard to Bin Laden – even after he learned the group was involved in terrorism. The panel announced the sentence after hearing testimony and argument from both prosecutors and defense lawyers. Mr. Hamdan read a statement during the hearing apologizing to the victims of the 9-11 attacks. "I don't know what could be given or presented to these innocent people who were killed in the US," Hamdan said, according to the Associated Press. "I personally present my apologies to them if anything what I did have caused them pain."
Prosecutors had asked the panel to sentence Hamdan to at least 30 years in prison. Prosecutor John Murphy was quoted by the Associated Press as urging the panel to deliver a sentence that would keep American society safe from Hamdan. The panel – the first US war crimes tribunal since World War II – was empowered to hand down a sentence anywhere from no punishment to life in prison. Military Judge Keith Allred, a Navy Captain, told the panel they could consider Hamdan's seven years in US detention and that he is the sole supporter of his wife and two children.
The five-year sentence raised immediate questions about whether the US government would make good on repeated suggestions that even if Hamdan was acquitted of all charges he could still be held at Guantanamo as an unlawful enemy combatant until the end of the war on terror. "It is not clear that the length of sentence is all that meaningful to Mr. Hamdan. It is not as though whenever his sentence has been served he is going to be leaving there," says Madeline Morris, director of Duke Law School's Guantanamo Defense Clinic.
Others say the government would be ill-advised to refuse to release Hamdan after he's served his sentence. "To the extent you go to the trouble of looking at specific offenses committed by a particular enemy combatant, you adjudicate, you prosecute, and you obtain the result, then you have to live with the consequences," says David Rifkin, a Washington lawyer and supporter of the Bush administration's military commission effort. "Whatever the sentence is once he has finished serving it, he should be released."
Mr. Rifkin said the panel's sentencing decision will make it harder for critics to suggest the commission process is unfair. He admitted he was "surprised" by the five-year sentence, "but I wasn't there to listen to the evidence." Linda Malone, director of the Human Rights and National Security Law Program at William and Mary Law School, said the administration's prior position on holding enemy combatants raises important questions.
"The overriding problem is that the Bush administration has said that [Hamdan] will be held until the war on terror is over, regardless of what sentence he gets," Professor Malone says. "It is almost Kafkaesque that regardless of what the sentence might be and whatever credit he is given [for his prior detention], they are saying they are going to hold him until the war ends – and everyone knows that is virtually limitless."
Following the announcement of his sentence, Hamdan spoke to the panel, thanking them and, once again, apologizing. "I want to apologize one more time to all the members and I would like to thank you for what you have done for me," he said, according to the Associated Press. Judge Allred then told Hamdan: "I hope the day comes that you return to your wife and daughters and your country, and you're able to be a provider, a father, and a husband in the best sense of all those terms." Hamdan responded: "God willing."
From 'Christian Science Monitor': Osama bin Laden's former driver was sentenced on Thursday to five and a half years in prison at the conclusion of the first trial of a terror suspect by special military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The sentence, far below the 30 years to life sought by the US government, means that Salim Hamdan of Yemen could be eligible for release in five months after receiving credit for time already served. The sentence is a double-edged sword for the Bush administration, which had hoped a harsh sentence in the Hamdan case would send a stern message to would-be Al-Qaeda sympathizers around the world. But the five-year sentence also underscores the fairness of the particular military panel in the Hamdan case, analysts say.
The sentence was handed down by a panel of six military officers, hand-picked by the Pentagon, who a day earlier rejected US government arguments that Mr. Hamdan was a terrorist conspirator. Instead, the panel convicted Hamdan of providing material support to Al-Qaeda by continuing to serve as a driver and body guard to Bin Laden – even after he learned the group was involved in terrorism. The panel announced the sentence after hearing testimony and argument from both prosecutors and defense lawyers. Mr. Hamdan read a statement during the hearing apologizing to the victims of the 9-11 attacks. "I don't know what could be given or presented to these innocent people who were killed in the US," Hamdan said, according to the Associated Press. "I personally present my apologies to them if anything what I did have caused them pain."
Prosecutors had asked the panel to sentence Hamdan to at least 30 years in prison. Prosecutor John Murphy was quoted by the Associated Press as urging the panel to deliver a sentence that would keep American society safe from Hamdan. The panel – the first US war crimes tribunal since World War II – was empowered to hand down a sentence anywhere from no punishment to life in prison. Military Judge Keith Allred, a Navy Captain, told the panel they could consider Hamdan's seven years in US detention and that he is the sole supporter of his wife and two children.
The five-year sentence raised immediate questions about whether the US government would make good on repeated suggestions that even if Hamdan was acquitted of all charges he could still be held at Guantanamo as an unlawful enemy combatant until the end of the war on terror. "It is not clear that the length of sentence is all that meaningful to Mr. Hamdan. It is not as though whenever his sentence has been served he is going to be leaving there," says Madeline Morris, director of Duke Law School's Guantanamo Defense Clinic.
Others say the government would be ill-advised to refuse to release Hamdan after he's served his sentence. "To the extent you go to the trouble of looking at specific offenses committed by a particular enemy combatant, you adjudicate, you prosecute, and you obtain the result, then you have to live with the consequences," says David Rifkin, a Washington lawyer and supporter of the Bush administration's military commission effort. "Whatever the sentence is once he has finished serving it, he should be released."
Mr. Rifkin said the panel's sentencing decision will make it harder for critics to suggest the commission process is unfair. He admitted he was "surprised" by the five-year sentence, "but I wasn't there to listen to the evidence." Linda Malone, director of the Human Rights and National Security Law Program at William and Mary Law School, said the administration's prior position on holding enemy combatants raises important questions.
"The overriding problem is that the Bush administration has said that [Hamdan] will be held until the war on terror is over, regardless of what sentence he gets," Professor Malone says. "It is almost Kafkaesque that regardless of what the sentence might be and whatever credit he is given [for his prior detention], they are saying they are going to hold him until the war ends – and everyone knows that is virtually limitless."
Following the announcement of his sentence, Hamdan spoke to the panel, thanking them and, once again, apologizing. "I want to apologize one more time to all the members and I would like to thank you for what you have done for me," he said, according to the Associated Press. Judge Allred then told Hamdan: "I hope the day comes that you return to your wife and daughters and your country, and you're able to be a provider, a father, and a husband in the best sense of all those terms." Hamdan responded: "God willing."
Documents Link Anthrax Scientist to Terrorism Warning
Source Article HERE.
From 'Newsroom America': Emails ordered released by a federal judge bolster the government's case that a scientist who killed himself earlier this week was probably solely responsible for the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S. Moreover, the government said, the scientist - Dr. Bruce Ivins - was the sole custodian as a microbiologist at Fort Detrick, Maryland, of the particular strain of anthrax used in the attacks, though he wasn't the only one who had access to it. The emails warned that Osama bin Laden's "terrorists for sure have anthrax and sarin gas" and have "just decreed death to all Jews and all Americans." Who the emails were sent to was redacted before they were released, reports said. U.S. law enforcement officials released the hundreds of pages of material to address the growing questions about the strength of its evidence against the military scientist.
From 'Newsroom America': Emails ordered released by a federal judge bolster the government's case that a scientist who killed himself earlier this week was probably solely responsible for the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S. Moreover, the government said, the scientist - Dr. Bruce Ivins - was the sole custodian as a microbiologist at Fort Detrick, Maryland, of the particular strain of anthrax used in the attacks, though he wasn't the only one who had access to it. The emails warned that Osama bin Laden's "terrorists for sure have anthrax and sarin gas" and have "just decreed death to all Jews and all Americans." Who the emails were sent to was redacted before they were released, reports said. U.S. law enforcement officials released the hundreds of pages of material to address the growing questions about the strength of its evidence against the military scientist.
Brigade Commander: Rashid Progress 'Phenomenal'
Source Article HERE.
From 'American Forces Press Service': Iraqi Security Forces have made such an improvement that Coalition forces in Baghdad’s Rashid district are able to turn their attention to rebuilding the area, the commander of the brigade assigned there said on August 4th. Army Colonel Ted Martin, commander of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, said he has seen “phenomenal progress” since he was first in Iraq in 2003. “For the first time, I've seen Iraqi Security Forces that can plan, prepare and execute first-class offensive operations,” Martin said via video teleconference from Camp Falcon. “I've also seen a high level of trust and respect by the people of Rashid for their own army and police forces.”
First Lt. Justin Crawford greets young Iraqis - July 26.
Iraqi and Coalition forces are working closely together in the region, which once was one of the most dangerous areas in Iraq, a battleground containing al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) and Iranian-sponsored “special groups.” In July 2007, 824 attacks took place in the district, a daily average of 27 attacks. But Coalition and Iraqi forces have worked together to turn the situation around, Martin said. “Together, we conduct relentless offensive operations designed to kill, capture or drive from Rashid anyone who threatens the safety and security of the people we have sworn to protect,” he said.
When the brigade arrived in March, an average of five attacks per day took place in the district. Today, the daily average is 1.5 attacks, the colonel said. “I believe this reduction in violence is a direct result of the conditions set by the success of the surge in forces and combat power,” Martin said. “We built on this success and have seen a dramatic reduction in violence in the past four months.” Other statistics reinforce this conclusion. April saw 18 rocket and mortar attacks in the district, and only three took place in July. April’s 69 roadside bomb attacks reduced to 37 in July. There were 30 direct-fire attacks in April and five in July.
Roadside bombs continue to be the biggest threat to Coalition and Iraqi forces, Martin said, noting they are “emplaced by special group criminals who operate as part of the illegal militias in Baghdad.” These groups continue to try to destabilize the Iraqi government, he said. “I think they want to undermine the government, and they’re using the neighborhoods of Rashid as a battlefield,” Martin said. “I'm pretty confident that we've denied them that capability.” The biggest change in the region is in the mood of the people of the district, Martin said. Since May, the local population has provided the intelligence helpful to Coalition and Iraqi forces in taking on the enemy, he said. “There seemed to be a wedge that was placed between the people and the insurgents, and we tried to exploit that,” he added.
Martin said the reduction in violence has allowed him and his soldiers to shift their focus toward improving essential services and helping their ISF partners. “It is my firm belief that the decisive defeat of the special group criminals and militias in May and June of this year has opened a window of opportunity for us to make substantial and lasting improvements in the Rashid district,” he said. So far, the brigade has completed 22 projects valued at more than $5 million, and 78 active projects are valued at more than $45 million. The Iraqi government is kicking in on the reconstruction effort in the district, contributing $18 million in government funds, and Martin said he expects that amount to rise as the government becomes more established.
From 'American Forces Press Service': Iraqi Security Forces have made such an improvement that Coalition forces in Baghdad’s Rashid district are able to turn their attention to rebuilding the area, the commander of the brigade assigned there said on August 4th. Army Colonel Ted Martin, commander of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, said he has seen “phenomenal progress” since he was first in Iraq in 2003. “For the first time, I've seen Iraqi Security Forces that can plan, prepare and execute first-class offensive operations,” Martin said via video teleconference from Camp Falcon. “I've also seen a high level of trust and respect by the people of Rashid for their own army and police forces.”
First Lt. Justin Crawford greets young Iraqis - July 26.
Iraqi and Coalition forces are working closely together in the region, which once was one of the most dangerous areas in Iraq, a battleground containing al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) and Iranian-sponsored “special groups.” In July 2007, 824 attacks took place in the district, a daily average of 27 attacks. But Coalition and Iraqi forces have worked together to turn the situation around, Martin said. “Together, we conduct relentless offensive operations designed to kill, capture or drive from Rashid anyone who threatens the safety and security of the people we have sworn to protect,” he said.
When the brigade arrived in March, an average of five attacks per day took place in the district. Today, the daily average is 1.5 attacks, the colonel said. “I believe this reduction in violence is a direct result of the conditions set by the success of the surge in forces and combat power,” Martin said. “We built on this success and have seen a dramatic reduction in violence in the past four months.” Other statistics reinforce this conclusion. April saw 18 rocket and mortar attacks in the district, and only three took place in July. April’s 69 roadside bomb attacks reduced to 37 in July. There were 30 direct-fire attacks in April and five in July.
Roadside bombs continue to be the biggest threat to Coalition and Iraqi forces, Martin said, noting they are “emplaced by special group criminals who operate as part of the illegal militias in Baghdad.” These groups continue to try to destabilize the Iraqi government, he said. “I think they want to undermine the government, and they’re using the neighborhoods of Rashid as a battlefield,” Martin said. “I'm pretty confident that we've denied them that capability.” The biggest change in the region is in the mood of the people of the district, Martin said. Since May, the local population has provided the intelligence helpful to Coalition and Iraqi forces in taking on the enemy, he said. “There seemed to be a wedge that was placed between the people and the insurgents, and we tried to exploit that,” he added.
Martin said the reduction in violence has allowed him and his soldiers to shift their focus toward improving essential services and helping their ISF partners. “It is my firm belief that the decisive defeat of the special group criminals and militias in May and June of this year has opened a window of opportunity for us to make substantial and lasting improvements in the Rashid district,” he said. So far, the brigade has completed 22 projects valued at more than $5 million, and 78 active projects are valued at more than $45 million. The Iraqi government is kicking in on the reconstruction effort in the district, contributing $18 million in government funds, and Martin said he expects that amount to rise as the government becomes more established.
Iraqi Troops Show Increased Self-Sufficiency
Source Article HERE.
From 'Centcom': This past June, Iraqi Army Soldiers in Taji recovered two broken down humvees on their own and restored them without any help from Coalition maintenance. “Probably the most exciting thing for me is I compare (today) to our partnership with the IA (Iraqi Army) in 2006, and it’s night and day,” said Captain Steve Chadwick, who was stationed in Tal Afar and Ramadi at that time. Just two years ago, Coalition mechanics took care of the bulk of repairing vehicles and replacing parts. Not anymore, said Chadwick.
ISF keeps watch at Najaf Airport - July 20.
Maintenance is not the only area where ISF (Iraqi Security Forces) are more proficient. There are now more Regional and Divisional Training Centers in Iraq than ever before, with classes taught by either Iraqi noncommissioned officers or civilian instructors who are experts in a specific field. “The future is the IA taking up training all on its own. It’s already begun,” said Captain Kyle Kirby, an ISF coordinator with the 10th Mountain Division. Before, many of these courses were supervised or even taught by Coalition instructors. Iraqi forces units also relied more heavily on training with Military Transition Teams.
The Coalition’s partnership with ISF has shifted from a leading role to a strategic one. The Coalition now serves as an “enabler” to help ISF complete missions. This means providing support using advanced technologies Iraqi forces have not yet established. “We make sure the Iraqis get the necessary training and advice, so that they may operate their own military properly,” said Captain Thomas Obrien, an aide de camp for the Iraqi Assistance Group, which works in partnership with ISF.
One of the major goals in improving Iraq’s forces is by increasing the number of NCOs and officers who can lead and mentor fellow troops. Two elements are working to achieve this goal: recruiting centers and military academies. Currently, there are 13 recruiting stations across Iraq taking applications from local citizens; former IA members wanting to return to service; and Sons of Iraq. Mobile recruiting drives engage the population in areas without local centers. Three more centers are planned for future efforts.
There are now 15 Iraqi Police academies in Iraq that can accommodate and train a sum of 20,000 recruits. Among the 15, two academies train National Police and three train border enforcement agents. Another 24 military academies train a variety of ISF, including a naval center, five officer schools and other Army training centers and branch schools. By the end of 2008, eight training cycles, which began in December 2007, will be complete in an effort to stand up 13 IA Divisions. Each training cycle produces 14,000 new troops, which will account for 112,000 new ISF members by January 2009. Of those, 4,000 will be new officers.
The number of schools and recruits continues to rise, and the quality and variety of their training programs is also improving. Regional centers, such as the ones in Taji and An Numaniyah, teach proficiency in logistics, advanced medical courses, maintenance, armor, welding, and engineering. The training and proficiency of the ISF continue to secure the Iraqi people. Their successes make way for major improvements in the economy, infrastructure and future of Iraq. “It’s a good sign to see them taking control of their own country,” said Captain Dave Hansen, of Plano, Texas, officer in charge of the Fusion cell for 10th Mountain Division.
From 'Centcom': This past June, Iraqi Army Soldiers in Taji recovered two broken down humvees on their own and restored them without any help from Coalition maintenance. “Probably the most exciting thing for me is I compare (today) to our partnership with the IA (Iraqi Army) in 2006, and it’s night and day,” said Captain Steve Chadwick, who was stationed in Tal Afar and Ramadi at that time. Just two years ago, Coalition mechanics took care of the bulk of repairing vehicles and replacing parts. Not anymore, said Chadwick.
ISF keeps watch at Najaf Airport - July 20.
Maintenance is not the only area where ISF (Iraqi Security Forces) are more proficient. There are now more Regional and Divisional Training Centers in Iraq than ever before, with classes taught by either Iraqi noncommissioned officers or civilian instructors who are experts in a specific field. “The future is the IA taking up training all on its own. It’s already begun,” said Captain Kyle Kirby, an ISF coordinator with the 10th Mountain Division. Before, many of these courses were supervised or even taught by Coalition instructors. Iraqi forces units also relied more heavily on training with Military Transition Teams.
The Coalition’s partnership with ISF has shifted from a leading role to a strategic one. The Coalition now serves as an “enabler” to help ISF complete missions. This means providing support using advanced technologies Iraqi forces have not yet established. “We make sure the Iraqis get the necessary training and advice, so that they may operate their own military properly,” said Captain Thomas Obrien, an aide de camp for the Iraqi Assistance Group, which works in partnership with ISF.
One of the major goals in improving Iraq’s forces is by increasing the number of NCOs and officers who can lead and mentor fellow troops. Two elements are working to achieve this goal: recruiting centers and military academies. Currently, there are 13 recruiting stations across Iraq taking applications from local citizens; former IA members wanting to return to service; and Sons of Iraq. Mobile recruiting drives engage the population in areas without local centers. Three more centers are planned for future efforts.
There are now 15 Iraqi Police academies in Iraq that can accommodate and train a sum of 20,000 recruits. Among the 15, two academies train National Police and three train border enforcement agents. Another 24 military academies train a variety of ISF, including a naval center, five officer schools and other Army training centers and branch schools. By the end of 2008, eight training cycles, which began in December 2007, will be complete in an effort to stand up 13 IA Divisions. Each training cycle produces 14,000 new troops, which will account for 112,000 new ISF members by January 2009. Of those, 4,000 will be new officers.
The number of schools and recruits continues to rise, and the quality and variety of their training programs is also improving. Regional centers, such as the ones in Taji and An Numaniyah, teach proficiency in logistics, advanced medical courses, maintenance, armor, welding, and engineering. The training and proficiency of the ISF continue to secure the Iraqi people. Their successes make way for major improvements in the economy, infrastructure and future of Iraq. “It’s a good sign to see them taking control of their own country,” said Captain Dave Hansen, of Plano, Texas, officer in charge of the Fusion cell for 10th Mountain Division.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
MNFI Press Release - Jul 26
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.”
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.”
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
