More GOOD NEWS out of Iraq / SAFE Haven - NO POLITICS

[Loyal American]

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Coalition Forces free hostage from al Qaeda (al Hammadi)
Tuesday, 30 October 2007

BAQUBAH, Iraq – A 19 year-old man was rescued from an al Qaeda-in-Iraq prison in the village of al Hammadi, 10 miles southwest of Baqubah, by 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, during an air assault Oct. 28.

The rescued hostage was found tied to a ceiling with his arms raised behind his back, which caused injuries to both arms. The man was treated at Forward Operating Base Warhorse for dehydration, joint injuries, bruises and abrasions.

The man was kidnapped on Oct. 25 in Baqubah “at a shop by five men in a car, because of my brother who is in the Iraqi Army,” he said, “they wanted information and for my brother and me to work for al Qaeda.”

Nonetheless, the young man did not give al Qaeda in Iraq the information or his allegiance. He said he was slated to stand trial held by an al Qaeda leader for refusing to help al Qaeda, for which the punishment is death.

“They beat me with cables while holding a gun to my head, but I would not work for them because I would not betray my brother,” he stated, “these are very bad guys, they do bad things, I would never support them.”

“This is an example of al Qaeda attempting to force their own goals and agenda on the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Marshall Dougherty, 2-1 Cav. Regt. commander, “They have rejected al Qaeda and all that they represent outright, even under the kind of extreme torture and certain death that this brave young man was facing.”


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14934&Itemid=21
UNBELIEVABLE, THIS WAS A 19 YEAR OLD KID TAKING A STAND AGAINST AQ!!!

ME THINKS........AQ IS GETTIN' MIGHTY DAMN DESPERATE!

THANK YOU CAV, GREAT RESCUE!!! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Four terrorists killed, 17 suspects detained during Coalition operations
Tuesday, 30 October 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 17 suspects during operations late Monday and early Tuesday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

South of Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged terrorist cell leader believed to be involved in attacks against Coalition forces in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the targeted individual was a close associate of several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.

During the operation, Coalition forces began to clear the target area and observed four armed men maneuver into a ditch. When the ground force approached, they were engaged by enemy fire from two separate locations. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing one terrorist believed to be the targeted individual. Supporting aircraft was called to suppress the enemy fire, killing another armed terrorist.

Coalition forces continued to track the remaining armed men, engaging and killing one additional terrorist. As the ground force proceeded to clear the area, they observed a man emerge from the rear of a building and run to a nearby palm grove. He did not comply when directed to come out from hiding by Coalition forces.
Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged killing the individual. Three suspects were also detained on site during the operation.

During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in terrorist activity in the city. The suspect was allegedly attempting to recruit Iraqi Army intelligence officers to gain information on Iraqis working with Coalition forces.
Time-sensitive intelligence led the ground force to the wanted individual’s exact location where he and one other suspect, believed to be his brother, were detained.

Coalition forces detained three suspects during an operation northwest of Tarmiyah targeting an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in mailings, Internet postings and propaganda distribution. Intelligence information indicates the targeted individual is part of a group that records and reports terrorist operations near Tarmiyah. Past reporting indicates that the targeted individual also serves as a courier for the leader of the northern belt terrorist network. The network is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks, foreign terrorist facilitation, extortion, intimidation and weapons trafficking.

In two coordinated operations near Kirkuk and in Bayji, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be the terrorist leader for the city. The targeted individual reportedly has a long history of involvement in al-Qaeda in Iraq and has numerous connections to senior terrorist leaders. In addition, the individual reportedly makes frequent trips to Mosul, coordinating terrorist operations and attacks in Kirkuk. The ground force detained eight suspects southwest of Kirkuk and one additional suspect in Bayji.

“These operations demonstrate that we’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike; we’re going after the terrorists where they hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue targeting them to diminish their ability to attack the Iraqis people and their elected government.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14935&Itemid=21
KICKIN' BEHIND!! :clap:

21 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION, COMPLIMENTS OF CF!! :cool:

ROCK ON TROOPS, FANTASTIC JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

This edition features a story on U.S. and Iraqi soldiers visiting a re-opened school for girls in Sadr City, Iraq.

:flag:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=30678

[Loyal American]

:flag:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=30678
AND just think AQ was warning the parents not to send their girls to school and so that video is oh so sweet!

It's called...........PROGRESS!!! :clap::flag::clap::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Concerned Local Citizens lead Coalition Forces to cache location (Al Buaytha)
Tuesday, 30 October 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens from Al Buaytha, Iraq, reported the location of a large weapons cache to Coalition Forces Oct. 28.

Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went with an explosive ordnance disposal team to the location of the cache to assess it.

The cache contained several mortar rounds that were rigged with detonation cord, making them ready to be emplaced as improvised explosive devices.

This find will hamper the enemy’s ability to emplace IEDs and conduct indirect fire attacks in Al Buaytha and Arab Jabour.

The ordnance was destroyed in a controlled detonation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14944&Itemid=21
THANK YOU IRAQI CITIZENS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif...A German ally! ;)

Four-legged Soldiers keep their noses to the ground
Tuesday, 30 October 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — The German shepherd trots from rock to rock, ears pricked upward and nose pointed towards the earth, intent on his mission.


Several feet away, his handler, Sgt. Richard Miller, from Floresville, Texas, a military policeman with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, silently watches as the dog gets closer to the C4 explosive he has hidden under some rubble.

The specialized off-leash search dog looks back at his handler and sits down beside the hidden explosive.
"Good boy," Miller says, walking toward Gabriel. "Good job, Gabe."

The dog's tail swings back and forth as his trainer approaches. His mission accomplished, the dog eagerly awaits his reward.

Read more, CLICK on picture:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071030_fea1_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14940&Itemid=1)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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MND-B Soldiers seize cache in southern Baghdad
Tuesday, 30 October 2007

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers, acting on a tip, found a large cache Oct. 29 in the Doura neighborhood of the Iraqi capital.

“Warriors” from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. acted on a tip provided by Soldiers of Company C, 2-12 Inf., and found the cache hidden behind a false wall in a Doura residence.

The cache consisted of a M-4 assault rifle, an Operation Desert Storm-era flak vest, a combat lifesaver bag, a M-249 ammo bag and four M-4 magazines, 30 blasting caps, 69 hand grenades, three RKG-3 anti-armor grenades, two 40mm grenades, 13 mortar rounds of various sizes and two 60mm mortar tubes.

The unit also found four rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 13 RPG rounds, four OG-7 RPGs, three propellant sticks, a bag of detonation cord, 10 AK-47 assault rifles, a RPK machine gun, two Dragunov sniper rifles with scopes, a SKS rifle, a 9mm pistol, two PKC machine guns with extra barrels, 63 AK-47 magazines, a M-14 magazine, 2 PKC ammo cans and 320 linked and 40 loose PKC rounds.

The cache was moved to a Coalition base for disposal.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14945&Itemid=128
BAD GUY CACHES ARE GONNA GO POOF AGAIN!!!

GREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. Army Capt. Louis Frketic, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla., (right, no sunglasses) listens as an Afghan man talks about the hardships of living in the mountainous terrain of Kunar province in northeast Afghanistan.

Afghan terrain tests soldiers' hiking skills

Rugged obstacles challenge troops from Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade

By Les Neuhaus (neuhausl@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, October 30, 2007


MANAGAI MARKESS, Afghanistan — There are worse places to be in a war than Afghanistan.

The wars in Iraq, Somalia and the western Sudanese region of Darfur, for example, are waged against backdrops that are both parched and apocalyptic.

But that is not the case with the northeastern corridor of Afghanistan, which stretches along the Pakistan border. An endless patchwork of jagged mountains in the east pushes ever northward into the famed Hindu Kush, just beyond the Khyber Pass, and is home to the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Parts of the brigade hike the trails of four provinces — Lagman, Nangarhar, Nuristan and Kunar — in search of al-Qaida and Taliban operatives. It’s a network that reaches deep into the hundreds of valleys and mountain peaks of this region.

Last week, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment descended a mountain peak well over 7,000 feet tall after spending six days encamped along a ridgeline.

They had been on the offensive against Taliban militants holed up in the Pech River Valley, which meanders and winds throughout the volatile Kunar province.

They had all of their gear, guns and ammo — and water. Each man’s backpack was between 60 to 100 pounds.

All the while they were in combat mode, as the “ex-filtration” of the operation involved searches and keeping on general alert.

The walk took the men of Company A, led by Capt. Louis Frketic, 29, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., more than 10 hours. By the end, everyone was exhausted, with some just barely able to finish, having run out of water by the end of the trail.

The blue sky exploded overhead with occasional 155 mm howitzer and 120 mm mortar shells pelting ridge peaks opposite of Company A’s torturous trails, which only seemed to grow more and more steep.

Throughout the day, U.S. Air Force F-15 jet fighters also screamed by, with a constant pitter-patter of helicopter blades swirling within earshot.

Negotiating the trails required teamwork from the troops. Communication was crucial between companies descending different mountain peaks at the end of an operation.

They rested when they came across local Afghan villagers. They exchanged traditional greetings but also peppered the Afghans with questions about the Taliban.

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49881

See more photos from Company A's grueling hike here (http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49882).

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq, three terrorists killed (Kirkuk)
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists during an operation today targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Kirkuk.

Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the al-Tamim province. The individual allegedly has ties to several terrorist senior leaders operating throughout Iraq and is believed to be involved in a variety of roles within the network, to include oversight of assassinations and car-bombing attacks.

Upon arrival to the area, the ground forces called for the target building’s occupants to come out. As they were awaiting response, Coalition forces observed a group of men maneuvering toward them from the rooftop. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing three terrorists.

“We’re continuously assaulting al-Qaeda in Iraq to bring down the networks conducting vicious attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14947&Itemid=21
OooAH! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces capture targeted Special Groups member, eleven others detained
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained eleven others early Wednesday during an operation in support of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.

The captured suspect is a Special Groups commander with close ties to several other criminal organization members. Intelligence further indicates the suspect conducted multiple types of criminal operations in the Khalis and Qasirin area. The suspected criminal appears to be directly linked to providing lethal weapons used against Coalition and Iraqi security forces, and innocent civilians.

Intelligence led ground forces to the Special Groups commander’s location. The wanted individual was captured on site and eleven others were detained without incident.

Coalition forces continue their successful targeting of Special Groups members throughout Iraq, to include operations Oct. 21 and 27 in Baghdad. During these operations, Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal, killed an estimated 51 terrorists and detained an additional 14 admitted Special Groups members for their roles in providing operational and logistical support.

“Coalition forces will continue to apply pressure to splinter groups that are not honoring Sadr’s pledge to cease attacks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Groups honoring the pledge have made Iraq a safer place and criminal elements dishonoring Sadr’s pledge cannot be allowed to destabilize Iraq.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14948&Itemid=21

AWESOME!!!

THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Rock Hammer III disrupts enemy supply network in Baqouba
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Operation Rock Hammer III, a joint Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces operation in southwestern Baqouba, resulted in the discovery of six weapons caches and a bomb-making factory Oct. 28, significantly reducing the enemy’s supply network.

“The discovery of these caches continues to limit the terrorists’ ability to conduct acts of disgrace against the population and the security forces,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala Province. “The Iraqi Security Forces, in partnership with my Soldiers, will continue to aggressively and persistently attack the enemy’s perceived safe havens.

They are not welcome in Diyala and will not disrupt the progression of the province.”

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted the operation to prevent extremist organizations from disrupting the progress in Baqouba. Local citizens continued to provide information which led to several of the discoveries.

The caches and factory consisted of more than 150 pounds of home-made explosives, 47 fire extinguishers, four of which were already filled with HME; five rocket-propelled grenades; more than 10 assorted mortar rounds, and a variety of improvised explosive device materials to include strands of copper wire, initiating devices, batteries and oxygen canisters. Multiple small-arms munitions and terrorist propaganda flyers were also discovered.

A Coalition Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal unit destroyed the caches and factory on site.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14950&Itemid=21
FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

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Citizens' Tip Saves American Lives
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Information provided by Concerned Local Citizens helped Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment and Company A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment seize four rockets aimed at Patrol Base Assassin Oct. 27.

The Concerned Local Citizens in the 3rd HBCT's area of operation continue to be an asset in information-gathering for the brigade. This latest example of cooperation potentially saved American lives by diverting an attack aimed at one of the 3rd HBCT's combat outposts.

"The concerned citizen program in the Mada'in Qada continues to provide information to security forces as well as provide security to the local population," said Maj. David Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, the operations officer for the 3rd HBCT. "Tips like this are a sign that the Iraqi people are tired of insurgents operating in their neighborhoods."

Soldiers from the 789th Ordnance Company, Fort Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, disarmed the rockets and brought them back to Forward Operating Base Hammer for proper investigation and disposal.

The 1-10th FA Regt. and 3-1st Cav. Regt. are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Read story and see more photos here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13510

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/63316.jpg
An Afghan English language student is all smiles after receiving school supplies from Air Force Lt. Col. Gordon Phillips, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team Commander. The supplies were sent by U.S. Airmen at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt Dean J. Miller.)

Kirtland Gifts Reach Afghan School Children
By Master Sgt. Dean J. Miller,
Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team
Posted on 10.31.2007 at 11:03AM

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, AFGHANISTAN - Airmen and Soldiers deployed to eastern Afghanistan helped a small English language class Oct. 31, delivering school supplies collected and shipped by fellow Airmen and their families at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

“These gifts are from American school kids and their parents who want to help you with your learning,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Gordon Phillips, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team commander.

Saif Ul Rahman, the one-room school's teacher, was grateful for the supplies; but it was not the first time the Airmen and Soldiers of the PRT had helped him. Through the efforts of the PRT, his neighborhood daily English-language class for boys and girls has moved from a plot of dirt in an orchard into a dedicated one-room classroom – a former guard house no longer manned by the PRT.

In addition to teaching English, Saif also escorts neighborhood children onto the PRT's modest Forward Operating Base for an occasional soccer game – a treat for both the children and the deployed Service members.

"The school supplies and the school itself are very, very important," said Saif. "But most important is the time they (Airmen and Soldiers) spend with the children in the classroom or at our soccer games. Practicing the English language with the Soldiers is learning, and that is most important, and I thank you – the children’s parents all thank you."

Throughout eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, education is a priority for children and in practice, many of the tribal-based communities allow and encourage their sons and daughters to attend school -- encouraging signs of improvement in governance, security and development as the nation recovers from 30 years of war in the shadow of an ongoing insurgency.

The leading edge of Nangarhar's recovery is the PRT, a joint team of Airmen and Soldiers partnered with an inter-agency team of U.S. State Department, U.S. Agriculture Department and U.S. Agency for International Development representatives. Phillips, former commander of the Kirtland Distributed Mission Operations Center, now commands the forward-deployed joint, interagency team.

Formed from active duty, National Guard and Reserve forces from around the continental U.S., Hawaii and Europe, the Airmen and Soldiers teamed together in January at Fort Bragg, N.C. Training in field conditions for three months, the team gained life-saving combat skills in preparation for a year on the ground in Nangarhar Province.

"We assess community needs and build schools, government centers, roads, medical capability, communications facilities and basic infrastructure throughout Nangarhar through the use of local construction contractors," said Phillips, a native of Albuquerque, N.M. "We also personally mentor Afghan government officials and security forces to provide the people with the state representation and security they need."

The goal is for the Afghan government to strengthen, provide essential services for its people, and improve stability for lasting prosperity.

"The mentorship and training piece is absolutely critical to the future of this nation," Phillips said. "It's personally rewarding to be able to work directly with the Afghan people. To provide perspective, this effort is on equal scale to the rebuilding of Japan and Germany after WWII."

And like those historic missions, the PRT is at the beginning of an ambitious undertaking with a front-row seat to identify large and small problems – such as the noticeable lack of basic school supplies throughout the province. This was a prime target for Air Force Lt. Col. Lisa Phillips, the PRT commander’s wife, who placed a donation box in the office of Kirtland's Detachment 3, immediately inspiring others to help.

The effort grew rapidly, with multiple collections underway throughout the Kirtland AFB community. In the end, nearly 500 pounds of school supplies were collected and shipped to Afghanistan--along with a strong message of hope for the future.

"We want and need to educate the children, inspire their imaginations, and teach them to think for themselves," said Tech. Sgt. Micki Ortiz via e-mail, Det. 3 Information Management NCOIC. "They are the future, and they will change their world."

In Nangarhar, the PRT mission continues as a long winter and spring lies between the team and the end of its deployment, and new opportunities to help more Afghan people are presented each day.

"Hearing the Afghan children say 'thank-you' in English, seeing smiles on their faces, and knowing that our missions have made a lot of people very happy makes me proud to be here," said Air Force Master Sgt. Monica Wells, a personnel specialist for the PRT and Kirtland's former 377th Mission Support Squadron Employments and Relocations Superintendent from Cassaeada, New York. "We're helping to give them a better, brighter future; it's a great mission."

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/63315.jpg
Air Force Master Sgt. Monica Wells, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team personnelist, presents an Afghan student with school supplies. The supplies sent by U.S. Airmen at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dean J. Miller)

Article and more photos found here:
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13517

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain AQI commander, three others (Khadra)
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces conducted a raid Oct. 29 in Khadra detaining a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network leader and three others.

The AQI leader is believed to lead four insurgent groups who are suspected of conducting attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and terrorizing local civilians. Coalition Forces believe he and his network are involved in attacks on Iraqi infrastructure and medical facilities, including the burning of Iraq’s main drug storehouse which provided medicine to sick citizens.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces were advised by U.S. Special Forces in the operation to capture the suspected terrorist. During the operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces came under insurgent fire and responded with proportional return fire.

No civilian casualties or damage to property occurred as a result of Iraqi or U.S. action.

One U.S. Soldier was injured with non-life threatening injuries during the operation. The Soldier was treated by U.S. medical personnel and returned to duty.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14949&Itemid=21
CLEARING OUT THE AQ TRASH! :clap:

GOOD JOB ISOF AND USSF, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif

One militant killed, one detained in Konar Province

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2007

BAGRAM AIRFILED, Afghanistan- Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Tuesday in the Konar Province to capture suspected Al Qaeda foreign fighter facilitators reported to be in the area.

While conducting a search of compounds in the Khas Konar District, Afghan and Coalition forces killed an armed militant barricaded in one of the compound’s buildings who posed an imminent threat to the combined force.

After hostilities ceased, Afghan and Coalition Forces continued their search of the buildings on the compound recovering the deceased militant’s weapon and ammunition which were removed to prevent further use by militant forces.

The combined force also detained a suspected militant during the course of operations. The individual will be questioned as to his involvement with foreign fighters and extremist activities.

“Al Qaeda’s influence in Afghanistan is deteriorating,” said Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “Afghan and Coalition forces will continue to apply pressure until they are no longer a destabilizing entity in Afghanistan.”

Some damage occurred to buildings on the compound during the course of operations.

http://www.cjtf82.com/News%20Release/2007/October/106%20One%20militant%20killed%20one%20detained%20i n%20Konar%20Province.htm
NICE JOB TROOPS! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif
Coalition Forces discover large cache near Turki village
Thursday, 01 November 2007

BAQOUBAH, Iraq – Coalition Forces discovered a large weapons cache while conducting a search near the Turki village area south of Balad Ruz Oct. 29.

The weapons cache included more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades, about five RPG launchers, approximately 10 60mm mortar rounds, a mortar base plate, two anti-personnel mines, three hand grenades, about 20 blasting caps and other improvised-explosive device making material.

The cache was located in an area where a previous cache had been discovered.

“We will continue to target the terrorists’ support base, to include their weapons caches, and command and control elements through persistent offensive operations,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province. “The Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition Forces will continue to target the terrorists’ perceived safe havens, denying them the ability to disrupt the lives of Diyala’s citizens.”

A CF explosive ordnance disposal unit conducted a controlled detonation to destroy the cache items.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14961&Itemid=21
GOOD WORK TROOPS, ROCK ON!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif

USS Enterprise plays nice but packs a punch



By Scott Schonauer (schonauers@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, November 1, 2007


ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE — Even when standing beyond the yellow safety stripe, seeing a jet catapulting off an aircraft carrier up close is a little scary.

You don’t just see it, you feel it. A roaring F/A-18 Hornet blasting off the deck rattles teeth and rumbles internal organs. Before the next jet blasts off, muscles tighten and the “Air Boss” gives sweaty sailors on the flight deck his patented rallying call.

Good article, CLICK on picture to read much more....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/webart1101.jpg (http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49944)

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththAmericanFlag-Animated-6.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif
Concerned Local Citizens turn in cache (Hawr Rajab)
Thursday, 01 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens turned over a cache to Coalition Forces in Hawr Rajab Oct. 30.

The CLCs brought the ordnance to Entry Control Point 20, which is manned by Paratroopers of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Iraqi Army Soldiers of Company A, 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

The citizens said they found the ordnance buried in a canal. The cache consisted of two 122mm mortar rounds, one 122mm mortar round filled with homemade explosives, an 82mm mortar round and one rocket-propelled grenade round.

The cache was destroyed in a controlled detonation by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14962&Itemid=128
CITIZENS OF HAWR RAJAB ARE JUST SNATCHIN' UP THE BAD GUY CACHES! THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT AT HELPING THE CF!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif
Iraqi Army detains three in combined operation (Maderiyah)
Thursday, 01 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – An early morning combined operation led to the detainment of three individuals in the Maderiyah area Oct. 30.

Iraqi Soldiers from Company B, 5th Iraqi Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted the operation with Soldiers of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., in an attempt to remove insurgents from the area.

During the mission, the combined force captured three suspected insurgents. One of the detainees was listed on the IA detain list.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14964&Itemid=128
OooAH!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif
Iskandariyah IPs turn over munitions cache
Thursday, 01 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iskandariyah policemen turned in 26 Iranian-made mortar rounds to paratroopers in North Babil Oct. 30.

The police discovered the munitions, as well as other weapons, during a raid on a cemetery in the city and gave them to paratroopers from Company D, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

Cemeteries are categorized as sensitive sites, along with mosques and certain historic places. The Coalition observes Geneva Convention protections on such places.

Although the conventions make clear that the protections are voided by insurgent groups using the sites for caches or other military activities, the Coalition and the Government of Iraq have arrangements to ensure that sensitive places receive the maximum possible protection.

The IP raid was the second time the cemetery had been searched in the last two days.

Iskandariyah policemen and paratroopers from Co. D conducted a search of the cemetery Oct. 29. During that search, an explosively formed projectile, flares, copper wire and other improvised explosive device-making materials were discovered.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14965&Itemid=128
AWESOME FIND!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, 12 suspects detained
Thursday, 01 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 12 suspects during operations early Thursday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Surveillance elements led Coalition forces to a location in Mosul, where they captured a wanted individual and three suspected terrorists. The wanted individual is reportedly an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq members involved in foreign terrorist facilitation, to include one who was captured in a previous Coalition forces operation in Bayji Oct. 26 (SEE MNF-I PRESS RELEASE A071026b, "Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist networks; one killed, nine detained," dated Oct. 26, 2007). Reports indicate one of the suspect’s associates, a senior facilitator currently residing outside of Iraq, is attempting to communicate with terrorist leaders in the country. During the operation, the wanted individual was identified by his wife and detained without incident.

West of Ramadi, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. The wanted individual is allegedly a close associate of numerous foreign-based terrorists responsible for facilitating funds and weapons for al-Qaeda operations.

In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained another five suspects during the operation.
In Tikrit, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader also involved in foreign terrorist facilitation. The targeted individual is believed to have ties to several foreign-based facilitators who may have recently entered the country. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists during the operation.

"The foreign fighters' mission is to derail progress in Iraq, and they have no place here," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations and their facilitation of foreign terrorists."

AWESOME TROOPS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

More OUTSTANDING news from Michael Yon:

“Al Qaeda in Iraq is defeated,” according to Sheik Omar Jabouri, spokesman for the Iraqi Islamic Party and a member of the widespread and influential Jabouri Tribe. Speaking through an interpreter at a 31 October meeting at the Iraqi Islamic Party headquarters in downtown Baghdad, Sheik Omar said that al Qaeda had been “defeated mentally, and therefore is defeated physically,” referring to how clear it has become that the terrorist group’s tactics have backfired. Operatives who could once disappear back into the crowd after committing an increasingly atrocious attack no longer find safe haven among the Iraqis who live in the southern part of Baghdad. They are being hunted down and killed. Or, if they are lucky, captured by Americans.

Read the REST and see Yon's photos here: http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/iraqi-islamic-party-says-al-qaeda-is-defeated.htm

:clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations targeting senior leadership
Thursday, 01 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an estimated 14 terrorists and detained 25 suspects during operations Wednesday and early Thursday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

On Wednesday in Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reported to be a senior leader for al-Qaeda in Iraq, along with two suspected criminals. Intelligence indicates this individual has several ties to senior leadership, including Abu Ayyub al-Masri.

Intelligence gained from previous operations led Coalition forces northwest of Baqubah where they targeted an individual believed to be a senior leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Hib Hib. This area has been reported to be a significant al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven on the outskirts of Al Khalis.

During the operation, Coalition forces began to secure the area and observed a group of armed men maneuvering into nearby palm groves. The ground force called for the men to come out, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged with small arms fire, killing two terrorists. Still receiving fire, Coalition forces called for air support, killing an estimated ten additional terrorists by direct fire. Thirteen suspects were also detained during the operation.

Southeast of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted an individual believed to be an associate of numerous senior al-Qaeda in Iraq members. Reports indicate the targeted individual has a history of involvement with al-Qaeda in Iraq and is believed to have been a senior leader for the terrorist network operating in the Radwaniyah area.

As Coalition forces arrived on scene, they called for the occupants to come out of one of the buildings in the target area. Meanwhile, Coalition troops received enemy fire from an adjacent building. As ground forces entered that building, a terrorist wearing a suicide vest detonated it, killing himself and one other terrorist while also destroying the building. No Coalition forces were injured in the explosion.

The ground forces then secured the area and discovered a small weapons cache, which was safely destroyed on-site. Coalition forces detained another nine suspects during the operation.

“These operations are further examples of our success against al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We’re continuously pursuing them, finding the places where they hide and operate, and disrupting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to attack innocent Iraqis.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14982&Itemid=128
WOW......OUTSTANDING TROOPS!!!

THAT'S 39 DIRTBAGS OFF THE STREETS!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Concerned Local Citizens Patrol with Soldiers, National Police, in Al Ja'ara
Thursday, 01 November 2007

BAGHDAD — More than 200 Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) impressed ground troops by standing their ground in a firefight and finding several improvised explosive devices.

The Al Ja'ara CLC patrolled approximately eight kilometers during a 40-hour mission that included the Iraqi National Police and Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Oct. 27.

During the mission, the CLC received small arms fire from insurgent forces, pointed out several improvised explosive devices and scouted out sites along the route to place future checkpoints.

"The mission was successful on multiple levels," said Capt. Steve Hemmann, from Des Peres, Mo., the executive officer of Company B. "To have over 200 citizens show up on time and in the proper uniform was a great start and made a great statement. We have been building up the (CLC) here in Al Ja'ara, and they all want to secure their neighborhoods."

Near the Tigris River, the patrol took small arms fire, but was able to seek cover and return fire.

Pvt. Phillip Crumm, from Ft. Pierce, Fla., an infantryman in 3rd platoon, Company B, was impressed with the CLC's reaction to taking gunfire.

"The citizens did a real good job," Crumm said. "They returned fire and held their ground. The important thing is that they were out there. They weren't back at their houses drinking chai. They were out here protecting (the local community) instead of just letting us do it."

CLICK on picture to read the rest.....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071101_sod_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14969&Itemid=1)

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

More OUTSTANDING news from Michael Yon:



Read the REST and see Yon's photos here: http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/iraqi-islamic-party-says-al-qaeda-is-defeated.htm


:clap::clap::clap:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif

Cache found, destroyed (Arab Jabour)
Thursday, 01 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A large cache consisting of explosives was discovered and destroyed in Arab Jabour Oct. 30.

Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division discovered the cache while searching a field where a previous cache was discovered.

“This will deny them (insurgents) many resources needed to try to attack U.S. and Coalition Forces,” said Platoon Leader 2nd Lt. William Hankins, 1st Plt.

The cache consisted of 125 hand grenades and 100 rifle grenades.

Hankins, an Owosso, Mich., native, said the find was important because these munitions are used against Iraqis and Coalition Forces.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was called in and conducted a controlled detonation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14963&Itemid=128
GREAT FIND TROOPS! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

Late Night bump for the best damn thread in AAW.

[Loyal American]

Late Night bump for the best damn thread in AAW.

All brought to you, with compliments, by our troops!

They are kickin' behind royally!!! :clap::flag::clap::flag:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; 10 killed, three detained
Friday, 02 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists and detained three suspects during operations Friday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Southeast of Baghdad in Salman Pak, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior members operating in the Arab Jabour area. Reports indicate the individual is also associated with several foreign terrorist facilitators operating outside of Iraq, and an al-Qaeda in Iraq member who claims involvement in attacks against Coalition forces.

The ground force was engaged by small arms fire as they approached the target building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists and called for supporting aircraft to help suppress the enemy fire. The ground force observed multiple secondary explosions from one of the buildings when it was engaged by Coalition aircraft, indicating explosives may have been inside. The ground force continued to be engaged by enemy fire from several individuals who emerged from the target area, so supporting aircraft was requested, which engaged this hostile threat. When the enemy fire ceased, Coalition forces found that 10 terrorists had been killed. Two of the terrorists two were armed with suicide vests.

As Coalition forces secured the area, they discovered a small weapons cache, which included several suicide vests, heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery.

The building, including the small weapons cache, was safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.
In another operation, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and one other suspect near Shaqat. The wanted individual is believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader responsible for facilitating communications from terrorist members to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The wanted individual was allegedly the replacement for Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, the radical religious advisor for the self-proclaimed Minister of Information for al-Qaeda in Iraq, Muharib Abdul Latif, both of whom were killed during a Coalition forces operation May 1 (SEE MNF-I RELEASE A070504b, “COALITION IDENTIFIES TWO AL-QAEDA ADVISORS KILLED,” dated May 4, 2007).

In Kirkuk, one suspect was detained during an operation targeting a leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bomber network. Reports indicate the targeted individual is responsible for organizing, planning and directing vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks against Iraq citizens in Kirkuk, as well as being a foreign terrorist facilitator associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist leaders.

“We’re continuing to clear and hold areas where terrorists think they can hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “By disrupting their operations, we are helping to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14989&Itemid=128

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING TROOPS!!!

AWESOME, ROCK ON!!!

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Apaches destroy anti-aircraft weapon (S. of Baghdad)
Friday, 02 November 2007

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Combat Aviation Brigade pilots flying south of Baghdad destroyed an anti-aircraft weapon Nov. 1.

The Apache pilots, members of 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, 3rd Infantry Division, spotted two suspected insurgents walking away from the weapon, which had been covered by a tarp. The pilots destroyed the weapon with a Hellfire missile.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14987&Itemid=128

GOOD JOB! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Joint Operation reduces al Qaeda’s supply base (Muqdadiya)
Friday, 02 November 2007

MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces conducted a joint operation to clear the Muqdadiya area and return the town to its peaceful citizens. The operation resulted in the discovery of 10 weapons caches and two suspected terrorists Oct. 30.

“As we continue to unearth caches, al Qaeda’s support and supply base continue to diminish,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province. “Each item discovered by the Iraqi and Coalition Forces is vital as it weakens the enemy’s supply base and disrupts their abilities to bring death and destruction to a population working toward stability.”

The caches consisted of a variety of 60mm and 155mm mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenade warheads, improvised explosive device materials such as copper wire and blasting caps, small-arms munitions, and a list of names al Qaeda paid to kill Coalition Forces.

An explosive ordnance disposal unit cleared the area and destroyed the cache on site, and the two detainees were transferred to a detention facility for further questioning.

“The enemy holds no home here in Diyala,” Sutherland continued. “We will continue to target them as well as their support systems.”

Elsewhere in Diyala, the Iraqi Border Police partnered with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., discovered a cache containing more than 40 assorted mortar rounds, two RPG warheads and four tank rounds in a farmer’s field in Tursaq. The Border Police secured the site and destroyed the cache.

Also, while conducting a patrol northeast of Mandali, the Border Transition Team discovered a cache of approximately 20 anti-personnel mines and approximately 60 mortar rounds, all of which were destroyed by an EOD team.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14986&Itemid=128
SNATCHING UP THE DIRTBAG SUPPLIES!

FANTASTIC TROOPS, THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

Goodnight from Deutschland, see ya tomorrow! ;)

Beautiful image.......

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If the Helmet Fits

U.S. Army Spc. Kirby Wasson, from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, interacts with an Iraqi child after searching the house Oct. 29, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Luke Thornberry.

See photo enlarged here:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=2228

THANK YOU SPC. KIRBY WASSON!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Concerned Citizens fend off attack, Iraqi Army Mechanized Company Slams the Door
Friday, 02 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Coalition forces saw a possible glimpse of the future in Hawr Rajab recently, when they observed Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) at a checkpoint come under attack from insurgents, defend themselves, and then receive reinforcements from Iraqi Army troops, Oct. 31.

Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, currently attached to 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Stewart, Ga., observed the event from a rooftop.

Everything kicked off with a bang.

Paratroopers were en route to the concerned citizens’ southern-most checkpoint just outside of Hawr Rajab, when their casual conversations were shattered by the thunderous sound of a mortar landing nearby. The Paratroopers moved into a building to avoid any potential threats. From inside, Paratroopers began to hear bursts of small arms fire coming from the south.

“Get to the roof, go, go,” one Paratrooper shouted.

In a flurry of movement, they ascended the stairs to the second floor and in seconds they were on top of the action, weapons drawn and at the ready. The momentary confusion of the gunfight cleared up as soon as communication was established with the checkpoint.

Initial reports from concerned citizens indicated the insurgents were attacking from a position behind a canal, approximately 400 meters from the checkpoint.

As 1-40th Cav. Regt. troops saw the events unfold, 1st Lt. Daniel L. Doverspike, a platoon leader for Troop A, contacted the Iraqi Army (IA) troop commanders in the area. He asked IA commanders to move the tanks belonging to the newly arrived IA mechanized company into position and assist the concerned citizens at the checkpoint.

When the tanks arrived, they engaged the enemy forces, alongside their concerned citizen counterparts.
Soon an Apache attack helicopter air weapons team from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, arrived on site and was scouring the nearby canals for enemy forces.

The insurgents retreated after a 45-minute ‘cat and mouse’ game with IA and concerned citizens, which resulted in no injuries.

The determination and team work of the IA and concerned citizens showed Paratroopers that both groups could work together effectively.

Spc. Charley Stetson, an infantryman with 1-40th Cav. Regt. said he felt his unit had done a good job of rooting out insurgents in the area around Entry Control Point 20, but the addition of concerned citizens and now the IA has helped the security situation.

Their actions during the insurgent attack gave insight into the growing relationship between the two groups.
Stetson, a native of Falmouth, Maine, said the IA’s resources add much to the concerned citizens’ capabilities and the concerned citizens add much to the IA’s knowledge of the area.

“It’s like the best of both worlds,” he said.

Capt. Frederick B. Giles, effects coordinator for the military transition team assigned to the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division said the concerned citizens were happy about the Iraqi troops moving into the area and assisting with security.

“I haven’t sensed any tension between the CLC leadership and the IA leadership,” said Giles, a native of Honolulu.

The good relationships developing between the concerned citizens, the IA and Coalition forces in the urban farming community of Hawr Rajab may signal the beginning of a community with a secure future.
FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi citizen leads Coalition Forces to EFP factory (HUSSEINIYAH)
Friday, 02 November 2007

HUSSEINIYAH, Iraq – A citizen of Husseiniyah led Coalition Forces to a building where explosively formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices were being constructed Oct. 31.

Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., discovered a large cache of explosives at the home, including about 10 fully assembled EFPs of various sizes including one 12-inch EFP – the largest found in Iraq – approximately 90 copper plates of various sizes, more than 200 pounds of C-4 explosive, other explosive materials including TNT and numerous other materials used in manufacturing EFPs.

“In our area of operations the EFP threat is significant, and there was enough material there to make 150 EFPs, so we may have saved the lives of 50-75 people over two months,” said Lt. Col John Drago, 2-12 FA, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. commander, noting that the discovery would not have been possible without Iraqi help.

“The cache was found based on the tip of a local citizen, which is significant because it shows the population is supporting our efforts to provide for their security.

There is no doubt in my mind that the information about this find will be well received by the local population and further their willingness to support Coalition and Iraqi Security Force efforts.”

On Oct. 23, another 4-2 SBCT unit discovered the largest EFP cache ever found in Iraq in Sa’ada village, near Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq.

That cache included over 120 fully assembled EFPs, over 150 copper disks, 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, about 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, more than 30 107mm rockets, two mortar tubes and about 20 claymore-type mines.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15004&Itemid=21

AWESOME! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Large weapons cache located by Concerned Local Citizens (Arab Jabour)
Saturday, 03 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found a large cache in Arab Jabour Nov. 1.

The CLCs told Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division about the cache site.

Soldiers investigated the site and discovered three barrels buried in the ground containing rocket-propelled grenade rounds, mortars and various munitions.

The items found included eight 60mm mortars, two 82mm mortars, 25 OG-7 RPG projectiles, three RPG-7 propellant sticks, one RPG sight, an unknown sight, 3,000 14.5mm rounds, 200 7.62mm rounds, one AK-47, one 14.5mm gun barrel and receiver, one RPK light machine gun, three hand grenades, 15 fuses and 15 pounds of C-4 explosive.

“When we take these items away we make it safer for both the citizens and the troops,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Newton, 1-30th Inf. Regt., tactical command post NCO.

Newton said such discoveries help build trust among the communities. He said when citizens see Soldiers taking dangerous weapons off their streets, it demonstrates that Soldiers are acting to make the area safe, leading to further cooperation.

The cache was destroyed in a controlled detonation by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15005&Itemid=21
GREAT JOB CONCERNED CITIZENS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Tip leads Iraqi National Police to cache (Baghdad)
Saturday, 03 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Based off a tip from a concerned citizen, officers with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division recovered a cache in the courtyard and surrounding areas of the al Mustafa mosque in the Mualameen neighborhood of eastern Baghdad Nov. 1.

The cache included two explosively-formed penetrators, eight rocket-propelled grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, seven rocket-propelled grenade motors, three rockets, 14 mortars, one sniper rifle with a scope and a 10-round magazine. A spool of wire, body armor and old Iraqi Army uniforms were also recovered.

This is the fourth cache found in less than two weeks by Iraqi Security Forces.

“Residents are concerned about their neighborhoods and are taking a greater interest with the help of increased security by Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army Soldiers. Protecting their livelihood and family is of utmost importance to them and the ISF. Every tip from local residents is a small victory,” said Col. Jeffrey Bannister, the commander for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

The discovery comes as U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to sweep out insurgent strongholds in eastern Baghdad. This includes setting up combat outposts and Joint Security Stations as part of the Baghdad Security Plan.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15009&Itemid=21
KEEP THOSE TIPS ROLLIN' IN! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper.gif ..... DIRTBAGS HAVE TO BE FEELIN' THIS!!!

Eroding Insurgents’ Resources, one Weapons Cache at a time
Friday, 02 November 2007

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FOB KALSU — The month of October was a fruitful one for the Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. More than 30 enemy weapons caches were discovered in the brigade’s area of operations - Arab Jabour and Hawr Rajab.


U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Army (IA) forces and Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) groups were all involved in finding the caches.

The caches found consisted of a variety of different bombs and bomb-making material. Mortars, homemade explosive, rockets, fire extinguishers used to make improvised explosive devices (IED), IED triggers such as pressure plates and pressure wire, and rocket-propelled grenades were just a few of the items found in the caches.

From Oct. 19-23 the CLC, working with 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. in Hawr Rajab, found and reported to Coalition forces more than (15) IEDs and numerous mortars, rockets, pressure plates and other bomb-making materials.

The Paratroopers of 1-40th Cav. Regt. have also made an impact in finding weapons caches. One cache, found in Hawr Rajab, consisted of enough artillery rounds, homemade explosive, and electronics to make more than (200) IEDs.

Troop C 1-40th Cav. Regt. was re-sweeping an area where a weapons cache was found the week before. Just a few meters away from the prior week’s cache find, the Paratroopers uncovered two buried barrels filled with mortars and rocket propelled grenades and dug artillery rounds out of a canal.

“Anytime you can find as big of a cache as we did the other day, it makes it worth it,” said Capt. Derrick Goodwin, Troop C commander. “There are fewer weapons and less IEDs on the battlefield (because of the find). When we can go out and have a successful mission like we did the other day, it’s good for the Soldiers’ morale,” added Goodwin, a San Diego native.

CLC have been active in the 1-40th Cav. Regt. area when it comes to finding weapons caches. The CLC provide tips of where to find caches or bring the munitions to Coalition forces at checkpoints or patrol bases.

“They’ve been really helpful, especially in the last month, identifying caches, IEDs and al-Qaeda,” said Goodwin.

IA patrols and missions are also increasing in Hawr Rajab. In mid-October an IA mechanized company became a permanent presence in Hawr Rajab, and right away the Iraqi troops made an important find.

Forward Operating Base Falcon had been receiving indirect fire from a point of origin near the FOB. The IA troops planned a mission to investigate the indirect fire and found a cache believed to be the source of some of the recent indirect fire attacks.

“The cache that was found (near) Falcon, the IA had gone through that area and didn’t find anything. But that area is where a lot of the mortar attacks come from so they went back out on their own and found the rockets and stands,” Reese said.

In Arab Jabour, the area of operations of 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., finding caches has become nearly a daily occurrence as numerous caches were found in October.

“With the large number of caches that we have found in a relatively small area, we have significantly disrupted the enemy’s ability to conduct attacks against Coalition forces and local nationals,” said Capt. Eric Melloh, Company A 1-30th Inf. Regt. commander. Melloh and his company are stationed at Patrol Base Murray in Arab Jabour.

Melloh, out of Huntsville, Texas. He said the finding of the caches is a credit to the troops on the ground every day providing security in the area.

“We have been very successful finding caches due to the hard work and attention to detail by the Soldiers in the company. Their motivation in eroding the enemy’s resources is amazing,” Melloh said.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14993&Itemid=1

OUTSTANDING!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army, Volunteers, Cavalry Troops Celebrate Success in Ameriya
Saturday, 03 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, recently hosted a social gathering, including a cookout and soccer tournament, for Iraqi Army (IA) troops and a volunteer group from Ameriya, a neighborhood in the Mansour district of western Baghdad.

"Today is a chance for us to get together with our partners in Ameriya," said Huntsville, Ala., native Army Lt. Col. Dale Kuehl, commander of 1-5 Cav. His unit operates in Ameriya attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Those partners include 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Division IA, and the Forsan Al Rafadeen (FAR), which in Arabic means “Knights of the River”. FAR is a group of local volunteers who have come forward to work with security forces to provide safer conditions in Ameriya, Kuehl explained.

"Ameriya was a battlefield for most of the summer," Kuehl continued. "At this time, al-Qaida is defeated. We thought it was a good time to recognize that and get together and have a good time."

With three games in the morning, the soccer tournament was the main activity of the gathering. The 1-5 Cav. team played hard, but ended up being overtaken by both the IA team, 2-1, and the FAR team, 5-1. In the end, the FAR players were able to beat the IA team, 2-0.

While the round-robin tournament did have a competitive edge to it, most participants just seemed to want to have fun. "We came to enjoy ourselves and play a game, not to win," said IA Maj. Emad Kareen, commander of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and their team coach. "Playing sports helps to build relationships in the field."

After the soccer tournament, trophies were handed out, and the Iraqis were then invited to the East Logistics Support Area mayor cell to join the cavalry troops in a cookout.

Being able to play a friendly game of soccer and eat steak and burgers with the Iraqis from Ameriya is quite a change from last year, when 1-5 Cav. was just getting here. "We just didn't have that close of a relationship with the community," Kuehl said. "Now we do, and I think that's a sign of progress not just for us, but for all of Baghdad."

One reason for this success in Ameriya seems to be the importance that 1-5 Cav. has placed on developing working relationships with the IA and the residents of Ameriya.

"Here, it's not so much how many doors you knock down, but how many neighbors you are able to end up with at the end of the day," said Bakersfield, Calif. native Army Command Sgt. Maj. Fidel Gomez, the unit's senior noncommissioned officer.

Much has changed in Ameriya since FAR volunteers began working with Coalition and Iraqi forces, Saad Abo Abid, the FAR commander said.

With enhanced security in the area, he said businesses are beginning to re-open, improving the economic future of the area.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15010&Itemid=1

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army detains al-Qaeda-linked terrorists upon Mosque entry (Baghdad)
Saturday, 03 November 2007

BAGHDAD — Elements of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division entered the Abu Hanifa Mosque in the eastern Adhamiyah neighorhood of the Iraqi capital in an early morning operation and detained 12 individuals, including two known terrorists who were using the mosque as a base.

The captured terrorists are suspected of improvised explosive device emplacement, kidnapping, murder of Iraqi civilians and attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces throughout Baghdad.

They are also known to have links with al-Qaeda, said Capt. Phillip Dow, a staff officer with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, the U.S. unit responsible for security in the area.

The operation was a result of tips received from local citizens.

After concerned residents relayed the information that the terrorists were inside the mosque, the Iraqi Army moved in, backed by U.S. Soldiers from the 3-7 Cav., 2nd BCT, 82 Abn Div., who secured the perimeter.

After requesting proper permission to enter the mosque compound, the Iraqi Army element came under fire inside the building and had to return fire, wounding one of the insurgents. Iraqi Army troops pursued the attackers throughout the mosque compound, eventually detaining the 12 insurgents.

U. S. Soldiers who were securing the outer cordon also came under smallarms fire and grenade attacks during the operation, but suffered no injuries.

Lt. Col. Jeff Broadwater, commander of the 3-7 Cav, 2nd BCT, 82 Abn Div., said he and Col. Adel, commander of the 1/1/11 IA Battalion, considered all tactical options before requesting permission to conduct the operation because of the religious significance of the mosque.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15023&Itemid=128

13 SLIME OFF THE STREETS!
EXCELLENT JOB! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Dragon Talon II: Troops detain five suspected extremists (Baghdad)
Saturday, 03 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers detained five suspected extremists during ongoing operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Nov. 2.

Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, part of Task Force Vanguard, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided two homes after receiving tips of the possible location of two individuals believed to be involved in weapons trafficking, attacks against Coalition Forces and murdering translators. The troops captured both suspects.

Later that morning, “Warriors” from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th IBCT, captured a man positively identified by two sources as a planter of improvised explosive devices.

During a patrol a few hours later, the “Warriors” detained a man suspected of attacking MND-B troops with small arms and IEDs. Fifteen minutes later, another man, who allegedly led IED attacks, was detained by the Soldiers of Co. C. during a raid of a house in the Doura region.

All five suspects were taken into custody and are being held for further questioning.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15024&Itemid=128
KEEP SNATCHING UP THE DIRTBAGS TROOPS!

GREAT JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro.gif

[Loyal American]

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Young Iraqi Woman gets Chance to Walk Again
Saturday, 03 November 2007

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Every time she puts on her shoes, walks to the market, or chases her little cousins around the house, Soham Hassan Ka-Naan will remember her 19th birthday.


The young woman from Al Arabia underwent surgery to correct her two amputated legs on her birthday, Oct. 31, at the 28th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Baghdad. The surgery will allow for a comfortable prosthetic fit, enabling her to walk on her own.

Soham was quiet the day before her surgery, but not nervous.

“I’m excited,” she said through a translator. “My only dream is to walk on my own. No crutches, no wheelchair, just walk. I’ll be able to do that soon.”

Three years ago, an insurgent rocket attack hit her house. Soham was left with her left leg amputated below her knee and her right leg amputated near her hip.

Despite Iraqi doctors’ efforts to repair her wounds, Soham still needed medical attention. The remnants of the bones in her legs were left rigid causing pain when they rubbed against her skin.

Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, discovered Soham while conducting a raid in Al Arabia, and decided they had to go back and help.
At first, Soham was brought to the 28th CSH for a prosthetic fitting. She received her left leg prosthetic shortly after, but was still uncomfortable due to the rigidness of the bones in her legs.

Checking up on Soham, Capt. Troy Thomas from Litchfield, Minn., commander, 3-1 Cav. Regt., revisited the shy young woman, Oct. 30, and brought her to the Baghdad hospital once again. She visited with Lt. Col. John Tis, from Olney, Md., a surgeon at the 28th CSH.

After reassessing her amputations, Tis agreed to perform surgery to round out the bones and stretch the muscles in her legs.

“This surgery is the beginning of her entire future,” said Chris Cummings, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., prosthetic clinic advisor, 28th CHS. “With the surgery, her prosthetics will have a healthier fit.”

After a two-night hospital stay and a three-week recovery period, Soham will be fitted for prosthetics once again, Tis explained.

“Everyone is different, but in three to six months she will be able to walk on her new legs. In nine moths she should be completely recovered,” he said.

Capt. Thomas has high hopes for Soham.

“She’s a strong girl,” he said. “Her mother reassured me she does her exercises like she’s supposed to. I think she’s going to recover just fine.”

Soham’s brother, Khalid, accompanied his sister on her trip to the hospital. He said his sister is in for a huge welcome-home party.

“We are going to throw a party when my sister gets home,” he said through a translator. “Our whole family and our friends will be there to celebrate my sister and her new legs.”

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15013&Itemid=1

THANK YOU TROOPS! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU FOR HELPING THIS YOUNG GIRL!!!

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

[AEOakley]

Fobbit is a new milblogger...here's an excerpt from his latest:

In my opinion, the main impact on this progress has been the increase in troops; the surge. My brothers and I have seen a large decline in violence in the past several months due in no small part to the efforts of the surge. The increase in troops was essential in quelling the violence and gaining an upper hand in the region which is what this country needed. By keeping troops here and fighting, we were able to gain the support of the government and locals alike.

By not pulling out when things were bad, we proved to the locals that we are dedicated to helping them rebuild for a better future. As such, they are helping us find and eliminate safe houses and interrupt enemy attacks.

In this past week in 2006, there were 143 attacks in and around Baghdad and more than 300 in the Anbar province. This year, there were less than 100 in and around Baghdad and 30 in the Anbar province!

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Go here to read the whole thing, and other previous posts: http://thiswarandme.blogspot.com/2007/11/rebirth-of-nation.html

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks; one killed, 23 detained
Sunday, 04 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 23 suspects during four coordinated operations Sunday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central Iraq.

During the first of four operations in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reportedly associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders believed to be actively involved with extortion and kidnapping in the northern belt. The individual, who identified himself to Coalition forces, is believed to be the brother of an al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader.

In one of the operations, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual also believed to be associated with terrorist leaders and involved in facilitating meetings within the network. During the operation, the ground force called for the target building’s occupants to come out. One man did not comply with instructions and warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged the man with small arms fire, killing the terrorist. As Coalition forces secured the area, three additional suspected terrorists were detained without incident. The wanted individual in custody identified himself to Coalition forces.

Also in Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting associates of terrorist leaders in the northern belt. During these operations, Coalition forces detained 17 suspected terrorists without incident. The wanted individual in custody identified himself to Coalition forces and is allegedly a long-time member of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Our operations are diminishing al-Qaeda’s ability to attack innocent Iraqis.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15038&Itemid=128
24 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!

AWESOME TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[BravoBuzzard]

Here's a good one. Let me know if it's a repeat, and I'll delete:

Mideast Stars and Stripes
November 4, 2007

Pilots Tallying Fewer Bombings As Iraq Hits Lull

By Scott Schonauer, Stars and Stripes

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq — The concrete barriers keep score.

Air Force F-16 squadrons passing through Balad Air Base have used the tall slabs outside their temporary headquarters to tally the number of bombs dropped by pilots over the course of their deployments.

Small, black icons of bombs represent each precision-guided weapon dropped. Tiny, painted guns mark each time a jet has used its 20 mm guns.

The block for the 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is bare because it still has another two months left in its Iraq tour. But the unit from Spangdahlem, Germany, is far from matching the totals set by its predecessors this past summer.

While the Air Force has already dropped more than four times as many bombs in Iraq in 2007 as it dropped last year, pilots say that trend has surprisingly changed in the past month. Just as the number of U.S. deaths and insurgent attacks in Iraq have hit new lows for the year, the pilots have noticed a lull in the calls for airstrikes.

“We’ve trained as fighter pilots to come out and do the mission, and many of us want to do that part of the mission,” pilot Capt. Nicklaus Walker said.

“But if we’re not having to employ, then that means they’re safe on the ground.”

The number of airstrikes increased dramatically with the surge in forces in Iraq ordered by President Bush in January.

Coalition forces in the first nine months executed 996 airstrikes, up from 229 last year, according to Air Force statistics provided to Stars and Stripes. The number of strikes reached a peak of 303 in August before dropping to 90 in September. Although the Air Force is still counting the October numbers, pilots said the number has gone down.

The situation is similar in Afghanistan, where a slight drop in the number of bombings followed a huge spike. From January to September, coalition forces launched 2,539 strikes, up from last year’s 1,770.

But, after a record 670 strikes in August, the number fell to 181.

It might be too early to read too much into the figures because calls for bombs often go up and down based on the needs on the ground, pilots say. But any drop is good news.

“When we don’t have to do that as much, it usually means they’re not getting into trouble on the ground,” F-16 pilot Maj. Darren Willis said after returning from a mission without having to drop a bomb.

Pilots are not always dropping bombs, but they are always busy. F-16 pilots launching from this base north of Baghdad are focusing on helping detect roadside bombs. Using a camera pod with infrared technology, planes are helping soldiers on the ground unearth the types of explosives that have killed hundreds of troops and crippled convoys.

The planes have also been used as a show of force, streaking over the heads of enemy forces and unleashing flares.

One thing is certain: The drop in airstrikes is not due to the lack of willingness on the part of pilots. They are anxious to help bring some air power to the fight and look forward to adding another mark to the concrete barriers as long as it helps the soldiers on the ground.

“We’re trained professionals to do the job that our country has asked us to do, and we’ll do that job when it’s needed,” Walker said.

[Loyal American]

Here's a good one. Let me know if it's a repeat, and I'll delete:

Nope, it's not a repeat ..... you just beat me to the punch!!! Just finished reading the S&S and was gonna post that story myself with this picture......yeah, I love the F-16! ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50019_11316657.jpg
Air Force Maj. Darren Willis prepares to exit his F-16 at Balad Air Base, Iraq, after conducting a close-air support mission over Iraq on Saturday. Pilots have are dropping fewer bombs than preceeding squadrons.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50019

BB, things are gettin' better! Our troops have worked hard, their determination and dedication to the mission is paying off now! I am so proud of you guys, thanks BB for all you've done to bring the mission where it is today! :flag::clap::flag::clap:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Concerned Local Citizens find three caches (Hawr Rajab/Arab Jabour)
Sunday, 04 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found three separate caches in the communities of Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour Nov. 1.

In Hawr Rajab, CLCs found an improvised explosive device in a canal, consisting of an oxygen tank with 40 pounds of homemade explosives. The IED was taken to Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The Soldiers were at a patrol base in Hawr Rajab.

In Arab Jabour, the CLCs told Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. where a possible IED was located. The IED consisted of five pounds of HME connected to a pressure plate.

Another CLC group brought an IED to Soldiers of Company E, 1-30th Inf. Regt. The IED consisted of a 120mm mortar with command wire and a blasting cap.

The three IEDs were destroyed in controlled detonations by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15040&Itemid=21

AWESOME JOB CLC's!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
One killed, eight detained as Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations
Sunday, 04 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist, wounded one and detained eight suspects during operations Saturday and Sunday targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

North of Sharqat, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an associate of the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed during a Coalition force operation in June 2006.
The wanted individual allegedly has ties to numerous foreign terrorist facilitators and al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership operating throughout the Tigris River Valley.
As the ground force arrived at the target area, the individual identified himself to the ground forces and was subsequently detained.

Coalition forces conducted an operation in Tikrit targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly involved in weapons facilitation, mortar training, improvised explosive device emplacement and facilitating funds from outside of Iraq. The targeted individual is believed to have ties to terrorist networks in Haditha and is allegedly a subordinate of the leader for the al-Qaeda network operating in the Salah Ad Din province. During the operation, Coalition forces detained seven suspects without incident.

In Kirkuk, Coalition forces killed one terrorist and wounded another in an operation Saturday targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to be in charge of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in Baghdad. Reports indicate he was responsible for the suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack that destroyed the Taji Bridge, which killed at least 10 Iraqi civilians and wounded six Aug. 14. The wanted individual was allegedly a close associate of Abu Ibrahim Al Falahi, who was killed by Coalition forces in an operation Aug. 20.

During the operation, Coalition forces approached the target area and fired warning shots. Two suspected terrorists did not comply with instructions. Perceiving hostile intent, the assault force engaged the terrorists by direct fire, killing one and wounding another.

Coalition forces administered medical treatment on site and transported the wounded individual to a military medical facility.

“We’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike; we’re going after the terrorists where they hide,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We’re continuing to dismantle the car bombing networks to stop them from attacking innocent Iraqis.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15039&Itemid=21
THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[riverrider]

Ooh-Rah!
Thanks so much LA for keeping this going.

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/63754.jpg
Capt. John Horning, from Houston, commander, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, shakes hands and poses for a picture with Sheik Vin Jan, a key figure in the Vin Jan village.

Sheik Takes Steps to Create Concerned Local Citizens Group
Story by Sgt. Natalie Rostek
Posted on 11.02.2007 at 02:55PM
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Sheik Vin Jan, a key figure in the Vin Jan village, took the first steps toward building a Concerned Local Citizens group in his village, Oct. 19.

Capt. John Horning, from Houston, commander, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and 1st Sgt. Angel Cordero, from Puerto Rico, Company C's first sergeant, visited Vin Jan to discuss the village's security situation and possible plans for establishing a CLC group.

The two parties signed a memorandum of agreement covering the basics of what Horning and his unit expect from the group of more than 100 volunteers.

"Once you tell me and show me that you care about your town, I'll show you that I care too," Horning said.

Horning explained that once the local residents eradicate extremist elements, they can bring in projects to improve essential services in the community.

The CLC program has decreased violence in dozens of communities in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division's area of operation. Citizens in participating villages operate in an organized manner to patrol their communities and weed out insurgent activity.

Members of CLC groups use their own resources to keep the program running.

"There are a lot of people here that know about the Concerned Local Citizens program and want the program for their neighborhoods," Horning said.

In the nearby town of Al Hurria, local residents created their own CLC group from the ground up, Horning said. They recruited, compiled background information on all volunteers and set their own standards.

Each volunteer was solely employed by his concerned citizen duties.

When the process was complete, the concerned citizens approached Horning wanting to aid Company C in the fight against insurgents.

Horning and his unit have been working with the group in Al Hurria.

Soldiers conduct patrols with the group to show support and help where they are needed.

The accomplishments of the concerned citizens in Al Hurria were noticed by Vin Jan, motivating him to create his own group.

Horning said he has spoken with several villagers from Al Hurria about the program. Many people expressed feeling at ease when they sleep at night now, knowing concerned citizens are patrolling their village.

Horning has high hopes for the newly-formed group in Vin Jan. He believes once security improves, projects focused on essential services and sanitation will light the way to further promote well-being and security.

"It's not without challenges, but things are working here," Horning said. "When you go into a town enough times and meet the leaders, you get a sense that they are not involved with extremism and just want their kids to go to school. They want to farm their fields and they don't want to be sick. Seeing this makes me want to help them out."

Company C, 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Found here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13585

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

Ooh-Rah!
Thanks so much LA for keeping this going.
Ooh-Rah for the troops riverrider, they are the ones producing the postive that's kept this thread going! God Bless our troops!!! :flag::clap::flag::clap:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Tips Lead To Eight Insurgent Suspects (Doura)
Monday, 05 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Tips led Multi-National Division-Baghdad forces to arrest eight men suspected of insurgent activities during combat operations in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital Nov. 3.

During two early morning raids based on tips from concerned citizens, Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, part of Task Force Vanguard and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, captured three men suspected of placing improvised explosive devices along one of the main streets in the area.

In two simultaneous raids just before noon on the east side of Doura, “Raiders” of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th IBCT, arrested three men suspected of participating in IED placement and alleged involvement in murders.

Tips led “Warriors” of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Div., attached to the 4th IBCT, to detain a man suspected of attacks against the Iraqi National Police.

That evening, “Warriors” from Co. B, 2-12 Inf., arrested an individual suspected of placing IEDs and forcing families to leave their homes.

All detainees are being held for further questioning.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15043&Itemid=128


Concerned Local Citizens find large cache in Hawr Rajab
Sunday, 04 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab reported a large improvised explosive device cache to Coalition Forces at Entry Control Point 20, a patrol base in the area Oct. 31.

The cache consisted of 34 83mm mortar rounds and 72 57mm rounds. All of the rounds were filled with homemade explosives and primed with detonation cords.

The rounds would likely have been used as IEDs for dismounted patrols and mortar attacks against Coalition Forces.

Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division were at ECP 20 when the CLCs told them about the cache. The 1-40th Cav. Regt. is currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to ECP 20 to assess the cache.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15041&Itemid=128

SNATCHING UP THE DIRTBAGS AND MAKIN' THEIR CACHES GO POOF!

GREAT JOB TROOPS AND GIVE THE CONCERNED CITIZENS A THUMBS UP FOR HELPING THE GOOD GUYS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Iraqi Army detains 81, discovers large weapons cache (Suwayrah)
Monday, 05 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers of the 8th and 10th Iraqi Army Divisions, advised by U.S. Special Forces, discovered a large weapons cache during an operation to clear al Qaeda in Iraq activity near Suwayrah Nov. 2.

The clearing operation, planned and executed by the Iraqi Army, resulted in 81 people being detained for further questioning. The weapons cache, consisting of 42 120mm mortar rounds, 10 152mm mortar rounds, 10 anti-tank rounds, 15 kilograms of high explosives, 25 rocket propelled grenades and 61 recoiless rifle rounds, was confiscated.

The assault force came under small arms fire during a portion of the operation. Three Iraqi Army Soldiers were injured and evacuated to medical treatment facilities.
No U.S. forces were injured during the operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15054&Itemid=128

Iraqi Security Forces detain 22 suspected extremists in separate raids
Monday, 05 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Army Soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, detained 22 suspected extremists in two raids in Kubaysah and near Taji Nov. 3.

During the raid in Kubaysah, members of the Hit, Iraq, Special Weapons and Tactics team along with U.S. Special Operations Forces captured an entire extremist cell believed to be operating along the highway linking Ramadi to Rutbah. Captured were four primary targets along with four other suspects. The cell was reportedly conducting improvised explosive device attacks, murder, intimidation and sniper attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

Near Taji, Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers detained fourteen suspects during operations targeting known foreign fighters and extremists who were reportedly part of cell responsible for an attack on a U.S. helicopter.

No Iraqi or U.S. forces were injured during the operation.


Tip leads to Iraqi Army to two caches, 6 detained (Zafaraniya)
Monday, 05 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division captured six suspected extremists and recovered two caches in the Zafaraniya neighborhood of eastern Baghdad on Nov. 3.

The captures and recovery of the two caches occurred after receiving a tip from an area resident.

Weapons recovered included one sniper rifle with 200 rounds of ammunition, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two rocket-propelled heat round,; 19 grenades, one AK-47, one 12-inch blade, and three 100-round belts of ammunition. Other items recovered included seven identification cards, two handheld radios, one radio charger and one Iraqi Army uniform.

The discoveries were the fourth and fifth weapons cache recovery by Iraqi Security Forces in the past two weeks in eastern Baghdad. The suspects are being held for further questioning.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15051&Itemid=128

OUTSTANDING!

109 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!

THANK YOU TROOPS!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Rakkasans recover 800 gallons of nitric acid
Monday, 05 November 2007

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – An overnight operation in southwest Baghdad Oct. 30 resulted in the recovery of 800 gallons of nitric acid.

Rakkasans from 1st Platoon, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), discovered the cache.

“(It) was a great find,” said 1st Lt. Chris Sylvain, platoon leader for the 1st Plt. “Not only does it reduce the supplies available to the enemy to make homemade explosives, but it makes the area safer for Soldiers.”

The cache found would likely have been used to create homemade explosives, a primary element in making improvised explosive devices, said Maj. Jonathan Otto, 3rd BCT, a 101st Airborne Division. (Air Assault) staff officer.

The materials presented a real threat to local Iraqis and their livestock, Otto explained, because the nitric acid was poorly stored and leaking.

The1-33rd Cav. Regt. Soldiers removed the leaking barrels and cleaned up the site.

“I believe the local people are happy that this stuff is out of the hands of the enemy,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chris Valverde, 1st Plt. platoon sergeant. “It’s not just Soldiers dying over here, there are many innocent civilians who are dying as well.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15046&Itemid=128
AWESOME FIND TROOPS! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Five terrorists killed, 30 suspects detained during Coalition operations
Monday, 05 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed five terrorists and detained 30 suspects Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

During operations northwest of Baqubah, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader believed to specialize in sniper attacks and emplacement of improvised explosive device weapons. As the ground force approached the target area, the enemy opened fire from their defensive positions. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to engage the armed men, killing three terrorists, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest. As the ground force secured the area, they discovered multiple grenades, small arms weapons and ammunition. Coalition forces detained two suspects.

Coalition forces conducted an operation in Tarmiyah targeting the alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Reports indicate the targeted individual was previously part of a terrorist group that conducted attacks against Iraqi citizens for not following Sharia law. During the operation, surveillance elements observed the targeted individual in the area and supporting aircraft was called to strike the time-sensitive target. Secondary explosions erupted from the building, indicating that weapons and ammunition were stored inside. As Coalition forces cleared the surrounding area, they discovered two terrorists believed to be killed by the initial blast, small arms ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. The target building ignited from the secondary explosions, preventing the ground force from assessing the building’s interior.

During an operation in Kirkuk, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and career terrorist considered an expert in making car bombs used to attack Iraqi citizens and an alleged associate of several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, including Abu Ayyub al-Masri and his predecessor, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed during a Coalition forces operation in June 2006. Reports indicate he was responsible for the suicide car-bombing attack that destroyed the Taji Bridge Aug. 14, killing approximately 10 Iraqi civilians and wounding six. Surveillance elements led Coalition forces to the wanted individual’s location and seven other suspected insurgents were detained without incident.

North of Tikrit, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals during operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader reportedly involved in weapons facilitation, mortar training, improvised explosive device emplacement and facilitating funds from outside of Iraq. Both are reportedly associates of terrorist leaders, and one of the captured individuals is believed to have ties to terrorist networks in Haditha and is allegedly a subordinate of the leader for the al-Qaeda network operating in the Salah Ad Din province. Coalition forces detained six suspects during these operations.

In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting an alleged associate of a Mosul-based foreign terrorist facilitator. Additionally, nine suspects were detained without incident.

West of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an individual suspected of recruiting for al-Qaeda and allegedly an associate of a terrorist leader in the Fallujah area and a foreign terrorist facilitator. Two suspects were detained without incident.

“We are continuing a steady drumbeat against al-Qaeda’s leadership,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Our operations are diminishing terrorist’s ability to attack the Iraqi people.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15055&Itemid=21

35 DOWN AND OUT SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!

INTERESTING, IN JUST TODAYS POSTS WE ARE UP TO 152 DIRTBAGS KILLED OR DETAINED. HAVEN'T SEEN THAT IN A WHILE! :think:

WHATEVER IS GOIN' ON IT'S GOOD NEWS FOR THE GOOD GUYS!!!

THANK YOU TROOPS, FANTASTIC JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle footage observing individuals placing an IED on a dirt road which is exploded by an Apache helicopter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6g7llvKYIE

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/071104_fea3_med.jpg
A Baloor resident talks with Soldiers, from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at a temporary checkpoint after a Concerned Local Citizen stronghold was shot during a drive-by shooting in Baloor. Photo by Pfc. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Sabers Recruit Local Citizens to help with Security
Sunday, 04 November 2007
By Pfc. Kirby Rider
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MUQDADIYA — During Operation Steel Sledge, Soldiers of Charlie Troop, 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, recruited about 200 local citizens from one village to help provide greater security for the Muqdadiya region.

About 30 Soldiers of Charlie 6-9 ARS set out in the early morning darkness each day of the operation, which took place at the beginning of October, to recruit and register locals for a Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) group from the village of North Oskrey. The recruits will work to enhance security in the neighboring village of Baloor, which is itself a neighborhood of Muqdadiya, in Diyala province.

Before their security efforts in Baloor, 6-9 ARS led missions to clear insurgents from North Oskrey. However, the mission quickly changed to creating strongholds of CLC groups throughout the region, said Capt. Tim Lawrence, executive officer for Charlie Troop 6-9 ARS.

“We are building defensive positions for the Concerned Local Citizens, cleaning the roads, building hospitals and re-opening schools,” Lawrence said. The new CLC will work with Coalition forces to keep al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) from returning to the city and to keep hospitals and schools secured.

The area wasn’t always violent. After AQI was pushed out of Baqouba, the organization started recruiting in the Muqdadiya region and fighting broke out between the Sunni and Shiite tribes, Lawrence said.

The two tribes were “best friends” before AQI and Jihadi al-Mahdi came in, they were brothers and sisters, Lawrence said. When the two militant groups started recruiting, the citizens started fighting each other and Coalition forces had to intervene, he continued. Now that the fighting has stopped, the community is starting to bond together again. The markets are reopening and the citizens are working together to keep the city secured, Lawrence said.

Before Operation Saber Hammer II, a major Diyala clearing operation in October of 2007, Coalition forces couldn’t drive through North Oskrey without finding improvised explosive devices or receiving sniper fire, said Sgt. First Class Timothy Frank Jr., a platoon leader in Charlie 6-9 ARS. Coalition forces pushed AQI from the town and have kept them off long enough to build up a force of CLC and clear the roads so traffic can move freely through the city.

So far, Coalition forces have helped recruit more than 1,700 CLC in the Muqdadiya region. Two-hundred more CLC have been recruited to go into Baloor, the most dangerous part of Muqdadiya, to help combat insurgents and restore the peace. The CLC have been working with the Iraqi Army and Coalition forces to clear AQI and remove illegal weapons from the town, Frank said.

Along with hospitals and schools, Coalition forces have also helped re-establish the Public Distribution System, and get food agents to return to the city. The Public Distribution System is a program that delivers essential items to families at a low cost. The program was shut down by AQI earlier in the year, but was restarted by Coalition forces in August.

Coalition forces additionally set up a soccer league to help the morale of the Iraqi people. Other projects include building a police station in Baloor and getting ambulances to the hospitals.

:clap::clap::flag::clap::clap:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15037&Itemid=1

[Loyal American]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6g7llvKYIE

Awesome and it has to be one of the clearest I've seen. Hey, guess they didn't see or hear the Apache, they didn't seem to be on the run like they usually are! Strange!

Here is some more good news AEO! :D

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Iraqi Police, U.S. Special Operations Forces capture IED bomber in Ramadi
Monday, 05 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police and U.S. Special Operations Forces captured an alleged extremist bomber and two other suspects during an operation in Ramadi Nov. 4.

Ramadi Iraqi Police and U.S. SOF captured the suspects during a raid to capture several individuals wanted for building and using improvised explosive devices in attacks on Coalition Forces. The suspected bomber is also believed to be actively involved in extremist recruiting. IED-making material was confiscated during the raid.

No Iraqi or U.S. forces were injured during the operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15053&Itemid=21


Iraqi Security Forces conduct large independent operation
Monday, 05 November 2007

KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces conducted a large independent ground force operation Nov. 3.

Iraqi Security Forces, planned, led and executed Operation Aaradil Hass’m in the Rashad area of Kirkuk Province supported by Coalition Forces’ close air support and a small team of advisors.

The operation netted three wanted extremists, evidence of a possible insurgent training camp, and a weapons cache.

The operation involved more than 800 Iraqi Soldiers and Airmen, and resulted in no civilian or military casualties. The captured detainees were wanted for making improvised explosive devices in conjunction with attacks on both Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces.

The cache contained several AK-47s, pistols and materials used to make IEDs. The operation was also used to assess possible health, humanitarian and infrastructure support.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15048&Itemid=21
SWEET JOB BY ALL!

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[riverrider]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6g7llvKYIE
I odn't know why but this one made me laugh my butt off........

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif .....GOOD UPDATE!

Al-Qaida on the Run in Iraq, Coalition Spokesman Says
Monday, 05 November 2007

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WASHINGTON — Al-Qaida may not yet be defeated in Iraq, but the group's terrorists are on the run, a senior official in the area said.

"We've taken out a significant part of their leadership. We've gone after their foreign fighter facilitation network. We've gone after their financial networks.
And ... we also have gone after, very heavily, their propaganda network," said Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq, via telephone to a group of military analysts.

As much as 80 percent of al-Qaida's media structure has been destroyed, greatly hampering the group's ability to spread propaganda, recruit and gain financing for its operations, Smith said.

Reports in the country have shown a downward trend in violence against coalition forces, civilians and the Iraqi security forces, Smith said. He added that he remains cautiously optimistic, but he also warned of the lethality that still exists within al-Qaida's network.

"Those are good trends, and we are seeing some very good numbers. But ... obviously we have a lot of work to do, as well," Smith said. "(Al-Qaida is) still very much a threat."

For example, Smith cited a suicide bomber on a motorcycle who killed 27 Iraqi policemen in Baqubah, north of Baghdad, Oct. 29, in one of the worst attacks on Iraq's security forces in months. "Al-Qaida still has a capacity to kill civilians and certainly go after infrastructure," he said.

Still, Iraqi citizens are continuing to mobilize their local village forces against al-Qaida and other extremist groups, Smith said. So far, nearly 70,000 concerned citizens have formed 120 groups across the country, he said.

"That is making a huge impact on our ability to really understand what's happening at the local level as our commanders in the field partner with these groups. ... We're discovering more and more of the deep-rooted activity in those areas," he said.

This has translated into local commanders finding remaining elements of al-Qaida operatives in communities, as well as record numbers of stockpiles of weapons. By next week, coalition forces in 2007 will have found double the number of weapons caches found in 2006, the admiral said.

"That's ... in large part due to the fact that civilians are becoming extremely more confident in working with local security forces and pointing out where things just aren't right," Smith said.

Most of the trust comes from the fact that surge forces are able to build confidence by working in the communities. In its fourth month, the surge of additional forces into Baghdad and other areas of Iraq has given commanders the numbers of troops needed to embed them in outposts in the communities, instead of having forces commute to the communities from large forward operating bases.

Coalition forces also are focusing on rogue militias who have splintered from the Jaysh al-Mahdi militia loyal to Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who ordered a cease-fire in August. Smith said the groups continue to operate much like al-Qaida, kidnapping and intimidating local citizens. He said the rogue groups operate under a criminal, mafia-like, gang structure.

"We're reminding really all Iraqis (to) think about what side they ought to be on. The side that Sadr's asked them to be on, which is a peaceful side, is the right side to be on right now. And if not, we're going to treat you like a criminal, and we're going to hunt you down, and we're going get you. We're doing that with increasing numbers, as well," Smith said. "I won't say there are two fronts out there, but there sure are two main efforts."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15067&Itemid=1

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Concerned Local Citizens, children turn in caches
Tuesday, 06 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Three separate weapons caches were found in areas south of Baghdad Nov. 3. Two of the caches were found by Concerned Local Citizens.

In Hawr Rajab, CLCs found a cache consisting of four 57 mm projectiles taped together. The citizens brought the ordnance to Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, at Entry Control Point 20 for safe disposal.

Local children in Hawr Rajab also contributed by pointing out the location of a cache to Paratroopers of Troop C, 1-40th Cav. Regt. The cache consisted of six 82 mm mortars.

In Arab Jabour, Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division discovered a weapons cache that consisted of a 155 mm mortar round, an OG-7V grenade and one rocket-propelled grenade propellant charge.

“The CLCs have added a dynamic to our offensive capabilities that have shaped the battlefield in ways that Coalition Forces alone could never have achieved,” said Capt. Chad Klascius, Troop A commander.

“Working with local nationals to create positive results and a safer environment is one of the most rewarding missions we’ve endeavored,” Klascius said. “Not only are we defeating al Qaeda, but the work of the local nationals gives us hope for the future of Iraq.”

An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed all caches with controlled detonations.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15076&Itemid=21

HOPE INDEED! ROCK ON CONCERNED CITIZENS....AND HOW ABOUT THE KIDS HELPING CF OUT TOO....AWESOME!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Coalition forces disrupt foreign terrorist, al-Qaeda networks; eight terrorists killed, 10 suspects
Tuesday, 06 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 10 suspects Tuesday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda and foreign terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist involved in planning improvised explosive device attacks and facilitating foreign terrorists during operations in Tuz, south of Kirkuk.

Reports indicate he was one of the chief planners for the suicide car bombing attacks July 16, killing more than 70 Iraqi people and injuring more than 130 in Kirkuk.

Upon arriving to the target area, the ground force saw three individuals evading Coalition forces and maneuvering south. Coalition forces pursued the suspects into a tunnel system near a river. A fourth armed man engaged the ground force from a defensive position. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged and killed the terrorist with sniper fire. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to engage the enemy in the tunnels, killing two terrorists. Later, the assault force safely destroyed the tunnel system with an air strike to prevent further use by terrorists.

As the ground force secured the target area, they called for the occupants of a building to come out. A suspected terrorist, who came out with an unknown object above his head, was repeatedly told to drop the object. The individual did not comply and displayed hostile intent toward Coalition forces. Responding in self defense, the ground force engaged with sniper fire, killing the terrorist. Another man dressed in women’s clothing, was apparently attempting to elude Coalition forces, he and another suspect were detained on site.

Information gained from previous operations led Coalition forces to an area in Samarra believed to be associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq media activities. Reports also indicate the location has been previously used by a known al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist and foreign terrorists. As ground forces entered the target area, four men, three of whom were armed, did not comply and evasively maneuvered into nearby palm groves.

Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged the armed men with small arms fire killing four terrorists. Two individuals on site confirmed the terrorists were previously in the Iraqi military, but claimed the men terrorized the neighborhood. As the ground force secured the area, Coalition forces found several weapons and ammunition, and detained two suspects.

During another operation, Coalition forces captured one wanted individual in Mosul believed to be an associate of several foreign terrorists and to have a wealth of knowledge of the facilitation network. The ground force detained the wanted individual, along with two other suspects, on site without incident.

In Ramadi, Coalition forces captured one wanted individual believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate the wanted individual was associated with leaders within the foreign terrorist network. During the operation, the ground force called for the occupants of the target building to come out and they complied. One machine gun was found on site along with multiple identification cards. Two other suspects were detained without incident.

“We’ve taken another step toward a peaceful Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “By disrupting foreign and al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist operations, innocent civilians can go about their lives without worrying about terrorist attacks.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15080&Itemid=21

WOW, GREAT JOB TROOPS!

18 SLIME DIRTBAGS OFF THE STREETS!

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[AEOakley]

Bringing Water to Sadr City

Most of us take for granted that when we turn a faucet, we'll get water. But for decades, the residents of Sadr City in Iraq have suffered from an inadequate water supply. As Kevin Casey reports, soon all that will change.

Found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TUNEXAXThA

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Getting Iraq Wall Street Ready
Iraq, despite its current security condition, is emerging into the world of business. It's not ready to compete with the likes of Wall Street but, thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers, it will soon have a venue to help begin the voyage into International Big Business. Troy Rolan has the story....

Found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGoUxF0e35g

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi-led operation nets 39 detainees, torture devices (Tikrit)
Tuesday, 06 November 2007

SALAH AD DIN, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces conducted a large joint operation Oct. 30 along the foothills of the Hamrin Mountains of Tikrit. The operation resulted in the detention of 39 suspected insurgents and the discovery of a torture cell, a mobile hospital, vehicle-borne bombs, rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and a Katyusha rocket.

Acting on their own intelligence sources, provided by tribal leaders in the area, the Iraqi inter-agency force targeted terrorists within the region.

“This is a first in a lot of ways,” said Lt. Col. David Hsu, 1st BCT Military Transition Team chief. “This is the largest operation the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army have ever conducted together in terms of detail,” he said. “The Iraqis are leading the way here.”

The operation was led by the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army, commanded by Maj. Gen. Abdul Jabar Saleh Rabiyeh. The Salah ad Din Provincial Police Emergency Service Unit battalions, led by Maj. Gen. Jassem, Iraqi National Police commander, planned, coordinated and executed Operation Makua, which means “to come together.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15091&Itemid=128
OUTSTANDING JOB IA AND IP!!!

39 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[AEOakley]

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Capt. Lauren Glaze, provost marshal for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Stewart, Ga., leaves Mahmudiyah's Iraqi Police Headquarters after a meeting with Brig. Gen. Abbed, commander of the IPs Nov. 1. Photo courtesy of Multi-National Division-Central.

Police Transition Team Takes Steps to Open Police Station in Arab Jabour

BAGHDAD — Plans to open the first police station in Arab Jabour commenced with two recent meetings held at the Mahmudiyah Iraqi Police Headquarters and Forward Operating Base Falcon.

Though the police station is still months from establishment, the first steps were taken in Mahmudiyah, when Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Stewart, Ga., and the 153rd Military Police Company, from Delaware City, Del., met with Mahmudiyah’s District Iraqi Police Commander, Brig. Gen. Abbed.

Capt. Lauren Glaze, provost marshal, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., and 1st Lt. Daniel A. Deflaviis, platoon leader for 3rd platoon, 153rd MP Co., worked with Abbed to finalize the purchase of a land deed and to request a recruitment drive in Arab Jabour.

The site of the future police station in Arab Jabour sits on land donated by Concerned Local Citizens.

Abbed is assisting Glaze, from Woodbridge, Va., and Deflaviis, from Wilmington, Del., to expedite transferring the land deed over to the Ministry of Interior in order to begin contracting work for the station’s construction.

Abbed was happy to help speed up the process. Abbed said his hope is that the opening of the police station in Arab Jabour will promote peace and security in the area.

Though his jurisdiction does not include Arab Jabour, Abbed said if people know police are there to help, they will be proactive in their own neighborhoods. He said if people perceive the police as indifferent, it creates the potential for more criminal activity.

Learning that the deed paperwork was just three days away from being finalized, Glaze and Deflaviis left Mahmudiyah and headed to FOB Falcon where they met the man who will be responsible for the Arab Jabour police station, Col. Fatel, the Al Rashid district commander.

Glaze explained to Fatel that before work can begin on the site in Arab Jabour, 2nd BCT leaders need to find out if the Ministry of Interior will hold an Iraqi police recruitment drive in Arab Jabour. Fatel said that he would assist in requesting the recruitment drive, adding that the police station will bring the total number of planned police stations in his district to six.

Deflaviis said the opening of a police station in Arab Jabour would add 229 jobs to the local economy and that 2nd BCT leaders have already identified 304 potential candidates.

The pool of potential candidates would come from Arab Jabour and Al Buaytha, an area north of Patrol Base Murray along the Tigris River.

(Story by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.)

:clap::clap::clap:

Found here: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15095&Itemid=1

:clap::clap::clap:

[AEOakley]

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Muayid Fadil Husayn Habib, Qada chairman, officially opens the Al Zyrka school in Al Thuar, Nov. 4, by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

Al Zyrka School Opens in Neighborhood Formerly Plagued by al-Qaida
Tuesday, 06 November 2007
By Sgt. Jason Stadel
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — The Al Zyrka School in Al Thuar opened its doors Nov. 1, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Soldiers.

A lengthy remodeling project after insurgents vandalized the school was undertaken by the civil affairs team from 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

“The school was in really bad shape,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bill Connell, from Turnersville, N.J., civil affairs team, 1-40th Cav. Regt. “It had been damaged by insurgents and was unusable.”

The Al Zyrka School had no usable restroom facilities, no running water, paint was peeling off the walls and most of the glass was broken out of the windows.

In addition to the damage, improvised explosive devices (IED) were commonplace along the road leading to the school and al-Qaida held an iron fist over the residents.

“Teachers were afraid to come here and teach,” said Capt. Karl Bruening, from Ketchikan, Alaska, executive officer, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment (PFAR), currently attached to 1-40th Cav. Regt. “They were afraid to go down the road because of all the IEDs.”

Soldiers from Battery B said change came when the local citizens began trusting the Soldiers, loosening al-Qaida’s grip in the area.

“We’ve been winning the hearts and minds of the people,” said Sgt. Kry Phou, from Cincinnati, Battery B, 2-377th PFAR. “We were able to catch a lot of the bad guys from intel we got from the locals.”

Bruening said the Soldiers’ pursuit of insurgents was a large factor in opening the school.

“We did a lot of raids, detained a lot of people and over time it got better here,” Bruening said.

A local contractor was hired to do the work; he in turn hired local residents in the Al Thuar area to help him.

While security improved, al-Qaida tried to deter the work with threats.

“The contractor had been threatened so many times,” said Bashir Altaie, bilingual, bicultural advisor for 1-40th Cav. Regt. “(The contractor) would get calls sometimes from insurgents saying they were going to blow up the school.”

In response, Battery B stepped up security and provided 24-hour surveillance of the nearby road and school. The contractor was able to finish the school and teachers were able to go to work safely.

For the grand opening, local leaders including the Qada council chairman, an Iraqi Army battalion commander and a Ministry of Education representative were there for the ribbon cutting. Soldiers handed out school supplies and backpacks.

The Qada chairman, Muayid Fadil Husayn Habib, expressed his gratitude through a translator.

“We thank them (the Soldiers) for the work they did,” Habib said.

“It’s a high standard of work. It improved the community and we created jobs by hiring local people,” Altaie said. “This school was built in 1987 and the principal said he never saw the school look this good in his life.”

For the Soldiers of Battery B, their perseverance over the last year has paid off.

“I really feel like we’ve won them (the local people) back,” Phou said.


:clap::clap::clap:

Found here: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15092&Itemid=110

:clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

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Coalition Forces Find Terrorist Detention Facility, Large Weapons Cache
Tuesday, 06 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Coalition forces found an alleged terrorist detention facility and several weapons caches Friday during an operation to disrupt al-Qaida and foreign terrorist operations in central Iraq.


Intelligence gained from previous Coalition operations led the ground force to an area believed to be a safe haven for foreign terrorists. In the 24-hour operation in west Samarra, Coalition forces discovered a bunker allegedly used as a terrorist detention facility and an area with several hidden weapons caches.

Among other weapons, ammunition and military equipment, the ground forces found anti-aircraft weaponry, (12) AK-47 rifles, (18) mortar tubes, (37) mortar rounds, four rocket propelled grenades, (96) RPG fuses, and eight RPG launchers. Logistical supplies, to include hygiene kits, propane tanks, lanterns, blankets and a space heater, were also found on site by Coalition forces.

An expert explosives team was used to safely destroy the detention facility to prevent further use by terrorists, and supporting aircraft was called to destroy the weapons, which were consolidated into a nearby bunker.

“There is no place al-Qaida in Iraq can hide where we won’t find them and their weapons of terror,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to root out al-Qaida, securing a safer future for the people of Iraq.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15094&Itemid=1

GOOD JOB TROOPS!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Spc. Gabriel Hernandez, 22, of San Antonio displays a bulletproof face shield that took a direct hit recently from a 7.62mm round fired by insurgents. The shield saved the gunner from being hit in the face.

Saving comrades' lives by design

7th Cavalry GI develops shield to protect Humvee gunners in Iraq

By Drew Brown (brownd@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 7, 2007


MOSUL, Iraq — Sgt. Mabon Briola has always enjoyed tinkering with things.

So after two of his buddies, both Humvee turret gunners, were shot in the face by insurgent snipers, Briola decided to do something he hoped would prevent more gunners from getting hit. Although both soldiers survived, he didn’t want to see any more of his friends share the same fate.

The 36-year-old native of Yigo, Guam, took a glass and metal plate from a bulletproof shield originally designed to protect the commander of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He then modified a night-vision sight so the shield could be fitted onto any Humvee turret gun, from a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and up.

“It’s designed to save the soldier’s life,” said Briola, a soldier with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bliss, Texas. “Once the sniper sees this then, hopefully, he’s going to pick another target, and by that time, we’ll be out of there.”

Call it an example of old-fashioned GI ingenuity.

Essentially a thick glass in a steel casing, Briola’s “bulletproof face shield” has already received extensive field testing on his own Humvee, and he’s made several more for other vehicles in Company A.

At least two soldiers have escaped serious injury after their shields stopped 7.62mm rounds, soldiers said.

Spc. Gabriel Hernandez, 22, of San Antonio is a .50-caliber machine gunner on Briola’s Humvee. He said that having the shield mounted on top of the gun makes him feel a lot safer.

“Usually, when a shot is fired, your first instinct is to dive for cover,” he said. “But with this glass, you’re able to keep your eyes on the target.”

A Humvee turret gunner is the most vulnerable soldier on the truck.

“I just want to give the soldier the edge in combat so he can strike first at the enemy, rather than giving the enemy the opportunity to strike first at him,” Briola said.

Briola said he hopes the Army will take notice of his work and make the shield standard issue on all Humvees.

Since his gunner started using the device, Briola said his Humvee has gotten shot at a lot less than before.
“It has been a big improvement,” he said.

Describing himself as an “avid inventor,” Briola said he’s always looking for ways to improve the flaws that can be found in almost every piece of equipment. He’s designed and made his own deer call; he also created a gun lock for firearms.

He is also designing on an individual cooling system for soldiers operating in hot climates such as Iraq. He hopes to enter it into a contest the Army has announced seeking new designs for such a system.

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50087

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50087_116155847.jpg

Sgt. Mabon Briola (left), 36, of Yigo, Guam, a soldier with Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bliss, Texas, created a bulletproof face shield to protect Humvee turret gunners. Spc. Gabriel Hernandez, 22, of San Antonio, Texas, mans a .50-caliber machine gun behind the bullet-proof glass shield.

AWESOME, THANK YOU SGT. MABON BRIOLA!!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif ..... MUCH MORE ON YESTERDAYS UPDATE!

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As more weapons seized, roadside bombings at three-year low

By Erik Slavin (slavine@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 7, 2007


BAGHDAD — Roadside bomb attacks receded to a three-year low last month while weapons cache finds have doubled from October 2006, Multi-National Force–Iraq officials said Tuesday.

Roadside bomb explosions averaged 20 per day in October, compared with a high of about 65 per day at the same time last year.

Last month’s figure matches a September 2004 low and is the first time attacks have averaged fewer than 30 per day in a month since February 2006.

Meanwhile, 5,364 weapons caches were found in October, compared with 2,667 during the same time last year, officials said.

Total indirect fire attacks, which include rocket and mortar attacks, also dropped monthly from almost 1,000 in June to fewer than 400 in October, they said.

Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, director of MNFI’s communication division, said the numbers were encouraging but he didn’t draw any larger conclusions.

“It’s far too early to call this a statistically significant trend,” Smith said. “The enemy has a vote. There is still much danger out there.”

Smith credited the military’s troop surge for the increasing number of caches found as well as more tips coming from “concerned citizens” groups, which act like unofficial armed police units in some areas of Iraq.

Smith acknowledged those citizens groups were short-term solutions until the Iraqi police forces can establish a stronger presence.

Lt. Cmdr. Keith Dowling, officer in charge of Multi-National Corps–Iraq’s combined explosives exploitation cell, said none of the weapons found last month or at the large cache northwest of Fallujah on Saturday showed any new technological sophistication.

“It was a standard cache find, but a significant find,” Dowling said.

The Saturday cache included rocket launchers, mortars, C-4 explosive and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, Smith and Dowling said.

EFPs are far more powerful than most other roadside bombs and can fire metal slugs at more than 4,000 mph.

Some of the weapons from the largest finds came from Iran but did not appear to have arrived in Iraq since a recent Iranian pledge to stop the flow of EFPs, Smith said.

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50089

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif..........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Special Forces capture seven extremists in Baghdad raid
Wednesday, 07 November 2007

BAGHDAD – 6th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Forces, captured seven al-Qaeda in Iraq extremists during operations in Mansour Nov. 4.

Captured was the primary target for the operation, a suspected AQI leader who reportedly organizes and personally conducts kidnappings, murders, car-bombings, and improvised explosive devices attacks. He reportedly runs a criminal network thought to be behind terrorist attacks carried out in the Ahdimiyah, Al Kahdra, Al Ameriyah, Yarmouk, and Mansour districts of Baghdad.

According to intelligence reports, the suspect is believed to have ordered the murder of a family of three and the killing of eight construction workers. He is also thought to be behind the attempted murder of a Mansour City Council Chairman and an IED attack that killed three Iraqi checkpoint guards.

During the operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained eight additional suspects for questioning.

No Iraqi or U.S. Special Forces were injured during this operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15100&Itemid=21

EXCELLENT JOB, ANOTHER MAJOR DIRTBAG AND HIS BUDDIES OFF THE STREETS!

THANK YOU TROOPS, ROCK ON!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Stryker Soldiers, Iraqi National Police improve Sadr City schools
Wednesday, 07 November 2007

BAGHDAD – The students in Shala Mikla’s class were supposed to be learning about biology. Instead, they got a lesson in cooperation.

That was what was on display when U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi National Police officers visited Mikla’s classroom at the Al-Andalus Girl’s School in Baghdad’s Sadr City neighborhood to view recently completed renovations at the school Oct. 31.

The renovations were part of a joint effort by the Ministry of Education, the local neighborhood councils, school officials, the Iraqi National Police and the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which operates in the Sadr City area of eastern Baghdad as part of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

The students got to see that partnership in action as the Soldiers and police officers, led by Iraqi Brig. Gen. Ali Ibrahim Daboun, commander of the 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, and Lt. Col. Dan Barnett, commander of the 1-2 SCR, went from classroom to classroom to talk with the children and hand out free backpacks.

“Gen. Ali is a great partner. We have a very strong relationship,” said Barnett, a Willard, Ohio native.

That relationship has helped the National Police and the 1-2 SCR, whose home station is Vilseck, Germany, complete a project to improve nine schools in the Sadr City area.

At the Al-Andalus school, the renovations included a new roof, a new gate, repairs to cracks in the pavement and stairs, and a paint-job, said Glen Allen, Va., native Capt. Alex Carter, a civil affairs team chief who helped oversee the project.

All told, contractors put $200,000 worth of work into fixing up the school, Carter said.

The students in Mikla’s class showed their appreciation by giving Barnett a big “Thank you!” in English when he stopped by the classroom.

“We are very grateful,” Mikla said. “For the children, every little bit helps.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15099&Itemid=128

THANK YOU TROOPS AND IP FOR MAKING SUCH A DIFFERENCE IN SO MANY LITTLE LIVES!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; three terrorists killed, nine suspects detained
Wednesday, 07 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained nine suspects Wednesday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda and foreign terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation west of Abu Ghurayb, Coalition forces targeted an alleged associate of several senior terrorist leaders in Kirkuk. Reports also indicate the targeted individual has information about foreign terrorists in the area. As the ground force secured the target, several men, one of whom was armed, maneuvered toward Coalition forces. The suspected terrorists did not comply with the ground force’s instructions and warnings. The armed men continued to maneuver toward Coalition forces, and perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged with small arms fire, killing three terrorists. Coalition forces detained two suspects on site.

In Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during an operation to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations. The wanted individual is believed to be a leader associated with car-bombing attacks in Baghdad. The wanted individual’s wife identified him to Coalition forces, and he was subsequently detained.

In other operations along the Tigris River Valley, Coalition forces detained six suspects believed to be associated with senior terrorist leaders, foreign terrorists, weapons procurement and al-Qaeda in Iraq media activities.

“Foreign terrorists are responsible for more than 90 percent of suicide bombings in Iraq, and we are relentlessly targeting Al-Qaeda’s foreign terrorist networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Increasingly, Iraqi citizens are helping us find these networks and Iraqi security forces are taking the lead in dismantling them.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15105&Itemid=21


Coalition forces kill three terrorists; find detention facility and weapons cache in Samarra
Wednesday, 07 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed three terrorists, and discovered a weapons cache and an alleged detention facility during a multi-day operation Nov. 3-5 targeting al-Qaeda and foreign terrorist networks south of Samarra.

Information gained from previous operations led Coalition forces to an area believed to be a crossing point for al-Qaeda in Iraq members and foreign terrorists traveling to the east side of the Tigris River Valley. Reports indicate the leader in the area is an al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitator with ties to other terrorist senior leaders, and whose family is suspected of conducting attacks against Coalition and Iraqi security forces.

As Coalition forces entered the target area late Saturday, they observed armed men attempting to evade ground forces. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing two terrorists and destroying one vehicle. As the ground force continued to clear the area, they discovered a vehicle loaded with AK-47’s and potential explosive materials, which they safely destroyed on site.

Following the vehicle’s destruction, the ground force observed an individual return to the location to retrieve equipment and, perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing the terrorist.

Also during the operation, the ground force discovered a bunker allegedly used as a terrorist detention facility, and a small cache of weapons to include an anti-aircraft weapon with a vehicle mounting system, ammunition and two improvised explosive device-armed pressure plated land mines, which were all destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.

“Across Iraq, citizens are rejecting al-Qaeda’s barbaric detention facilities, torture houses and atrocities,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to work with Iraqi citizens and their security forces to neutralize al-Qaeda and the extremist vision they have for Iraq.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15104&Itemid=21

THANK YOU, FANTASTIC JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[AEOakley]

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Mortars and weapons are prepared for demolition after Soldiers from Troop P, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, found the caches buried in a soccer stadium in Baghdad’s Ramaniyah neighborhood, Nov. 5.

Pale Horse Troop Finds Two Caches Buried in Soccer Stadium

Story by Spc. Alexis Harrison
Posted on 11.07.2007 at 09:10AM

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Troop P, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, found two caches of weapons and explosives while on patrol in the Ramaniyah neighborhood, Nov. 5.

Buried under the bleachers of a soccer stadium in two locations, the Soldiers found 45 blocks of C-4 explosives, 33 mortars, almost 2000 rounds of ammunition, a rocket-propelled grenade and launcher, 2 Dragunov-style sniper rifles, 2 protective vests and a grenade.

Capt. Marcus Melton, commander of ‘Pale Horse’ Troop of the Vilseck, Germany-based 4-2 SCR, said the cache find was quite uncommon for the area he and his men patrol on a regular basis.

"We've found random weapons during cordon and knocks, but never a bulk cache like this before," he said. "The area is checked often, and we're still trying to figure out how they got [the weapons and explosives] in there."

The soccer stadium was checked just a few weeks ago, thus implying that the cache had been recently placed according to what Melton could tell from the last time his troops were there.

"This will definitely have an impact on whoever's operation this was," Melton said. "Someone isn't very happy with us right now; that's for sure."

Sgt. Chris Meyering from Rochester, N.Y, Spc. Danny Lee from Brooklyn and Staff Sgt. Elliott Davis from Lakewood, Wash., found the first cache buried under the bleachers after tamping the ground with a shovel. Meyering heard it hit something hollow-sounding and began to dig immediately.

"As soon as the shovel hit, I knew what it was," he said. "I was pretty happy knowing that weapons were getting taken off the street."

The first cache was the smaller of the two and was buried in a wooden box. After it was found, the troops began searching the stadium more thoroughly and came upon the second cache, which was slightly larger and buried in what looked like a chest freezer.

Melton said much of the mortar rounds and explosives found were in brand-new condition; still wrapped and in original containers with date stamps as recent as earlier this year.

Meyering, a combat engineer during the Gulf War, said the amount of explosives found could've been used to make “vicious” improvised explosive devices, even more powerful than ones made out of mortar rounds.

Melton said he was very proud of his troops and especially the three Soldiers who found the cache and dug it up. Meyering, Davis and Lee are expected to receive medals commending them for finding the weapons and taking them out of the hands of would-be terrorists.

"Regardless, medals or not, this takes weapons off the streets, and that means more to me," Meyering said.

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Found here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13701

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

Happy faces bump! :D

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All Smiles

Air Force 1st Lt. Ashley Pyles holds a 4-month-old baby as part of a humanitarian operation which included the distribution of clothing and toys sent by Americans to local Iraqi families in Baghdad. Photo by Army Staff Sgt. John Lucero.

See photo enlarged:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=2279

[Loyal American]

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Unit engages al-Qaeda element, kills one (Salman Pak)
Thursday, 08 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment engaged an insurgent force with small arms and multiple aerial assets Nov. 6 at Combat Outpost Cahill near Salman Pak, resulting in the death of at least one insurgent.

Soldiers manning guard tower positions on COP Cahill engaged insurgents with small arms fire following a suspected al-Qaeda indirect fire attack on the post. A battalion mortar-crew fired six 60mm mortar rounds and one 120mm mortar round in response, as well.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, 1-15th Inf. Regt. commander, believes the daytime attack is proof of al-Qaeda’s desperation. He stated an increase in economic alternatives and improvements in essential services that have coincided with his unit’s presence in the area as being “points of pressure” on the terrorist organization.

“Before our arrival, al-Qaeda enjoyed a certain level of tacit support from the people,” Marr said. “With the help we have provided, with more jobs and restoring essential services, the people are realizing they can stand on their own and separate from these (insurgents).”

Soldiers on COP Cahill reported that two 60mm mortar rounds landed on the outpost and two to three rounds impacted near the outpost shortly thereafter. Both Company A and B Soldiers of 1-15th Inf. Regt. engaged a small enemy element with machine guns and sniper rifles during the initial contact.

Two more mortar rounds impacted outside of the post and the unit retaliated with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Air Force A-10 fighters. The four Apache helicopters and two A-10s expended ammunition on enemy positions. Bradley Fighting Vehicles and mortar crews supported this final engagement as well.

Marr believes the attack was conducted by an extremist element, most likely al-Qaeda, looking to “shore-up” support among the populace. He estimates the enemy element was attempting to entice Coalition Forces to overreact or “lash out” at the local population.

“In some ways, this is exactly what we want them to do,” Marr said. “One of the hardest things to do in the counterinsurgency environment is identifying who the bad guy is and who the good guy is. If we force them to separate themselves from the population in the daytime, it’s an easier decision for a Soldier to make. It’s much easier for us to tell friend from foe.”

One unexploded enemy mortar was found outside of COP Cahill. Company E, 1-15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers detonated the explosive in a controlled detonation.

Soldiers active in the engagement estimated that they killed four insurgents, but only one body was recovered following the clash.

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15121&Itemid=21
INTERESTING!

GREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army prevents suicide attack near Ghalibiyah
Thursday, 08 November 2007

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to the 5th Iraqi Army Division, manning a traffic control point north of Ghalibiyah, Iraq, prevented a suicide attack by killing a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist driving a vehicle packed with explosives Nov. 6.

The vehicle, a green Kia Brejo, was speeding toward the traffic control point and after failing to slow down as directed by the Iraqi Soldiers, was engaged and destroyed. A large secondary explosion was observed after the vehicle was engaged.

“I commend the Iraqi Soldiers for stopping the suicide bomber,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Task Force Iron and senior Coalition Forces commander in Diyala province. “Their quick action prevented an attack that could have cost them their lives and the lives of their fellow Soldiers and citizens.”

“The Iraqi Security Forces and our Coalition Forces will continue to deny the terrorists’ ability to disrupt the lives of Diyala’s citizens,” concluded Sutherland.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15123&Itemid=21

OooAH! OUTSTANDING JOB IA, YOU SAVED MANY LIVES NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!

THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Concerned Iraqi Citizens Help ‘Sledgehammer’ Brigade Smash Crime
Wednesday, 07 November 2007

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WASHINGTON — Crime has been slashed by 50 percent in an area just outside Baghdad, thanks to Iraqi citizens partnering with Coalition soldiers who live among them, an American commander said yesterday.


“After seven months in the area of operation, the people know us, and they know who we are, and they know we’re here to help,” Army Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr. told online journalists and “bloggers” during a conference call from Iraq. “We do not drive or commute to work anymore. We live in the towns with the people that we are here to help.”

Grigsby commands 3rd Heavy “Sledgehammer” Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, which is on its third deployment to Iraq, this time patrolling the Madain Qada, an agrarian area southeast of Baghdad, as part of Multi-National Division-Center. Since they arrived in March, Hammer Soldiers have killed (113) insurgents and detained (364) others, including (15) “high value” targets, Grigsby said.

“The people know that when someone crosses the line against ‘the Hammer,’ we will come down on them hard,” he said. “They respect that; they see that; and they see that we are part of the solution.”

So far, Grigsby said, nearly (2,000) Iraqis, both Shiite and Sunni, have joined (17) Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) groups in the Madain Qada.

“We do not discriminate along sectarian lines when hunting destabilizing elements or recruiting allies,” Grigsby said. “It is very important to us that we ensure that all those wanting to participate come in with the right motivations and are committed like we are to stabilizing the area.”

With stability, the colonel explained, citizens of the Madain Qada can rebuild their lives and begin to thrive with assistance from a progressive local government.
“This is the grassroots government,” Grigsby said. “These Iraqis aren’t waiting for the national government; they’re acting locally, which we’re seeing every day.”

A Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) recently embedded with Sledgehammer Brigade to assist government, business and agricultural development, the colonel said. “With gradual gains in prosperity, we’re expecting to see additional gains in security -- both positives providing a synergistic boost to the other.”

Grigsby said he has witnessed an amazing metamorphosis in Iraq’s security forces between 2004, when he was chief of operations for 1st Infantry Division, which deployed to Tikrit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and today.

“The Iraqi security forces have gotten exponentially better,” he said. “They’re incredible.”

Grigsby said his Soldiers increasingly partner with Iraqi police, including a combined operation yesterday north of Narwan, a Shiite extremist foothold within the Madain Qada, and another in the region during which national police actually took the lead.

“We are doing it hand in hand right now.” Grigsby said. “We weren’t having national police leading combat patrols and leading cordon searches four months ago. We weren’t seeing that.”

Seeds for success in the Madain Qada have been in place all along, Grigsby explained. But without the surge of American forces this year to help cultivate those seeds, security and prosperity might never have sprouted.

“If you didn’t have the Hammer Brigade, 3rd Brigade of the surge coming out to the Madain Qada, you wouldn’t have the results you have here,” he said. “With the brigade out here, we’re seeing the results.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15117&Itemid=1

AWESOME!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, five others detained (Sindiyah)
Thursday, 08 November 2007


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal and detained five others during operations in the village of Sindiyah, northwest of Khalis early Monday.

The operation was targeting a Special Groups leader reported to be involved in the procurement of weapons and the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, used in attacks against Coalition forces.

Intelligence led the assault force to the target building. Upon entry, one suspected criminal was detained. Additional intelligence led Coalition forces to a follow-on location, where they captured the wanted individual and detained four other suspects without incident.

"There has been much progress in the fight for a secure and stable Iraq, but there is still work to accomplish," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "We commend all those who honor Muqtada al-Sadr's pledge for peace, and we'll work with them to provide security in their neighborhoods, but we will also continue to pursue those criminal elements that do not honor al-Sadr's pledge."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15126&Itemid=21

Humm, I figure the first dirtbag detained was kind enough to rat on the other dirtbags, WSY?

NICE WORK TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces capture a suspected terrorist, four other suspects detained
Thursday, 08 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a suspected terrorist and detained four other suspects Thursday during operations to disrupt terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

During operations in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual reported to be a judge in a terrorist illegal court system in the city, who is believed to be involved in ordering and approving abductions and executions, as well as facilitating the transfer of money and weapons to local terrorist leaders. Coalition forces secured the target area without incident. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force, and he was subsequently detained.

Farther south in Baqubah, Coalition forces detained four suspects during an operation targeting an alleged terrorist leader in the Diyala province. Information gained from previous operations indicates the targeted individual has ties to a terrorist media cell and other senior leaders operating in the province. During the operation, Ground forces called for a building's occupants to come out and they complied. Four of them were detained by Coalition forces.

"We continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "The people of Iraq have chosen their future; Iraqi and Coalition forces will ensure al-Qaeda in Iraq stays out of their way."

FIVE DIRTBAGS OFF THE STREETS AND ANOTHER JUDGE TOO!!!

AWESOME WORK TROOPS!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

Happy faces bump! :D

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/all-smiles.jpg

All Smiles

Air Force 1st Lt. Ashley Pyles holds a 4-month-old baby as part of a humanitarian operation which included the distribution of clothing and toys sent by Americans to local Iraqi families in Baghdad. Photo by Army Staff Sgt. John Lucero.

See photo enlarged:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=&g2_itemId=2279

Love, love, love this picture! :) What a beautiful child....!

[AEOakley]

...and a new dispatch from Michael Yon:

A Muslim man had invited the American soldiers from “Chosen” Company 2-12 Infantry to the church, where I videotaped as Muslims and Christians worked and rejoiced at the reopening of St John’s, an occasion all viewed as a sign of hope.

The Iraqis asked me to convey a message of thanks to the American people. "Thank you, thank you,” the people were saying. One man said, “Thank you for peace.” Another man, a Muslim, said “All the people, all the people in Iraq, Muslim and Christian, is brother.” The men and women were holding bells, and for the first time in memory freedom rang over the ravaged land between two rivers.

Now go see the photograph -- worth a thousand words:

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/thanks-and-praise.htm

If this isn't great news of on-going success and progress, I don't know what is...

:clap::clap::clap:

Thank you, Mr. Yon, for bringing stories like these to us.

[RevolutionIsTheOnlyWay]

That photo touches my heart like no other. What a happy baby!

[Loyal American]

Yep, I sure like the babies picture too, been a long time since I had one that little! :(

Grandkids will have to do! ;)

AND isn't Michael Yon a sweetheart, he's providing wonderful news. Sure would be nice if more of his work would reach John Doe American via MSM!!!

Hugs, big hugs to Michael Yon! :hug::hug::hug::hug:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Suspected extremist caught during Iraqi Police recruitment drive in Doura
Thursday, 08 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected al-Qaeda leader during an Iraqi Police recruitment drive in Baghdad’s Doura neighborhood Nov. 6.

Citizens pointed out the suspected extremist, who was detained by scouts of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

The man allegedly was using a false name at the time.

During the recruitment, which took place in a neighborhood once feared as the most dangerous in Baghdad, more than 500 Iraqis lined up to join the police force.

The citizens went through a biometric check to ensure no suspected criminals were allowed to join.

The suspect is being held for further questioning.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15137&Itemid=21
CITIZENS REPORT DIRTBAG TRYING TO BECOME A POLICEMAN....SWEET! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Hundreds of Iraqis treated in medical operation (Al Buaytha)
Thursday, 08 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – More than 230 Iraqi citizens were treated in a combined medical engagement Nov. 7 in Al Buaytha, Iraq, by Coalition medics and Iraqi doctors.

The two Iraqi doctors assisted Coalition medics in treating 106 children, 72 adult women and 60 adult men. Level-one care was provided for a variety of ailments, including scrapes, sprains, cuts, bruises and infections.

Antibiotics and personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, foot powder, deodorant and hand sanitizer were also distributed during the event.
Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga., along with Concerned Local Citizens, provided security.

Concerned Local Citizens are citizens who perform neighborhood watches in their communities, guarding critical infrastructure against extremists.

“The CME had a great turnout. We were able to reach out to the people and show them we are here to help,” said Capt. William Lyles, battle captain, 1-30th Inf. Reg.

The involvement of the Concerned Local Citizens also helps the community gain more faith in the program, Lyles, a Hampton, Va., native, said.

This is one of the many medical operations being conducted by Soldiers in the Arab Jabour area.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15138&Itemid=21

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Weapons caches found in Arab Jabour
Thursday, 08 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq –Two weapons caches were found in the Arab Jabour area Nov. 7, one of which contained an improvised explosive device.

The IED consisted of four 57 mm mortars and was brought to Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga., by a group of Concerned Local Citizens.

Concerned Local Citizens are citizens who perform neighborhood watches in their communities, guarding critical infrastructure against extremists.

The second cache consisted of one 107 mm rocket.
It was discovered by Soldiers of Company C, 1-30th Inf.

Reg. while conducting operations in support of Operation Centurion V, a battalion-sized operation designed to help erode enemy resources throughout Arab Jabour.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15139&Itemid=128

THANK YOU CONCERNED CITIZENS!

GREAT JOB!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Marne commander sees progress in Hawr Rajab
Friday, 09 November 2007

HAWR RAJAB, Iraq – Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, walked the streets of Hawr Rajab Nov. 7 to see the progress achieved in the city’s security. Four months ago, any U.S. Soldier or Iraqi Army Solider walking the streets would have likely sparked a battle, as the city was under the control of al-Qaeda and the streets were lined with improvised explosive devices.

Now, with Concerned Local Citizens fighting back and helping U.S. Soldiers secure the city, the threat of al-Qaeda has dropped considerably.

An Iraqi Army mechanized company is also in place helping secure the community.

Iraqis setting aside their secular differences have also helped secure the area.

Sunni and Shia are working together to fight a greater enemy, al-Qaeda, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. Forces.

“We’re unique here,” Capt. Chad Klacius, commander Troop A, 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said to Lynch. “The Sunni concerned citizens and Shia Iraqi Army are working together; this is something that has helped us to secure the city.”

Klacius spearheaded the CLC program for 1-40th Cav. Reg., and about four months ago, he began working closely with a local leader named Sheik Ali, who is now the leader of the Hawr Rajab CLC group. The group has grown to 445 members, according to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. information operations office.

Ali, a Sunni, commented to Lynch that working with U.S. Forces and the IA has helped his people return to their homes after they were driven out by al-Qaeda more than two months ago. He said he and the rest of the concerned citizens will continue their relationship with the IA and Coalition Forces to keep al-Qaeda out of Hawr Rajab.

“The relationship with you and the IA is very important,” Lynch said to Ali “Whatever you need to help improve the living conditions, we’ll try and give it to you,” added Lynch.

The outlook for Hawr Rajab is optimistic, as there will be a constant U.S. Army presence and CLC at IA checkpoints. “The security is better than it ever has been since I took command 14 months ago,” Klacius said.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15142&Itemid=21

OUTSTANDING!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leadership; two terrorists killed
Friday, 09 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists Thursday afternoon during an operation to disrupt al-Qaeda leadership south of Samarra.

During the operation, Coalition forces were targeting an individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the terrorist network operating in the Salad Ad Din province. Reports indicate the targeted individual is heavily involved in the production and facilitation of improvised explosive device and car-bombing attacks, kidnappings, and small-arms and direct-fire attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. The individual is also believed to lead a group of foreign terrorists, whom he allegedly uses to conduct car-bombing campaigns.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. Coalition forces observed the individual maneuvering away from their location and fired warning shots directing him to stop his movement. The ground force was then engaged by enemy fire and, responding in self-defense, returned fire, igniting a vehicle. The ground force observed secondary explosions erupt from the vehicle, indicating that explosives were likely inside.

Upon clearing the target area, Coalition forces assessed two terrorists were killed during the engagement, one whom is believed to be the targeted individual.

Also during the operation, one Coalition forces helicopter experienced a hard landing near the target area. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15145&Itemid=21

AWESOME JOB TROOPS, THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers, U.S. Special Forces capture extremist in Diwianiyah
Friday, 09 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – 8th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers, advised by U.S. Special Forces, captured a suspected extremist in an operation in Diwianiyah Nov. 8.

The targeted extremist is believed to be involved in illegal activities and have knowledge of several weapons and munitions caches that support explosively formed penetrator and indirect fire attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

There were no Iraqi or U.S. Forces injured during the operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15148&Itemid=21

OooAH, ROCK ON IA AND USSF!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces kill 14 enemy fighters, detain 44 in northern Iraq
Friday, 09 November 2007

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, backed by Coalition Soldiers, killed 14 enemy fighters and detained 44 in a series of intelligence-driven strikes and early morning raids that took place within the last 48 hours as part of Operation Iron Hammer.

On Nov. 5, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division discovered a cache of 130 blocks of TNT, as well as several rocket-propelled grenades, while conducting a raid in the al Aruba neighborhood of west Mosul. Across the river in east Mosul, Coalition Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment detained eight suspected enemy fighters after finding improvised explosive device-making components.

On Nov. 6, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, in partnership with Coalition Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, discovered 200 pounds of homemade explosives and detained nine suspected enemy fighters south of Mosul near Qayarrah.

Coalition helicopters from the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment assisted in killing four enemy fighters and destroying three enemy vehicles in east Mosul after the individuals were observed transferring weapons and demonstrating hostile intent.

Multiple secondary explosions were seen from the vehicles, confirming their cargo of illegal weapons and ammunition.

ISF troops detained 22 individuals in operations throughout the province and Coalition Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment added nine detained enemy fighters from the area west of Mosul near Tal’Afar.

“The Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition are united in rooting out and destroying al-Qaeda and other enemy fighters wherever they are found,” said Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Task Force Iron. “In addition, the Iraqi citizens have been actively providing information to the ISF and Coalition Forces to assist them in securing their neighborhoods,” added Twitty.


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15141&Itemid=21

IA AND CF KICKIN' BEHIND!

FANTASTIC JOB!

58 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION, THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Coalition forces target foreign terrorist facilitators, one suspected terrorist wounded, 19 suspects
Friday, 09 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces wounded one suspected terrorist and detained 19 suspects Friday during operations to disrupt foreign terrorist networks in central Iraq.

Southeast of Fallujah, Coalition forces targeted an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq network responsible for insurgent activities in the region, to include car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks. As Coalition forces arrived at the target building, they were engaged by two armed men. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged and wounded a suspected terrorist, who received medical care on site and was taken to a military medical facility for additional care. The second armed man surrendered to Coalition forces and was subsequently detained, in addition to one other suspect. During the operation, one civilian received minor injuries and was treated on site.

Information gained from previous operations led Coalition forces south of Samarra, where they conducted three coordinated operations targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in anti-Coalition force attacks and foreign terrorist facilitation. During two of the operations, Coalition forces requested supporting aircraft, which safely destroyed two buildings reported to be used by foreign terrorist facilitators. The ground force saw secondary explosions from one of the buildings, indicating explosives were inside. The buildings were destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.

Also in Samarra, as Coalition forces secured a target area, they found a small weapons cache, including several machine guns, suicide vests and multiple assault vests with ammunition. The ground force detained seven suspects. To prevent further use by terrorists, Coalition forces destroyed two buildings and two vehicles known to be associated with foreign terrorists and anti-Coalition forces.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces east of Samarra, where they targeted locations believed to be safe havens for foreign terrorists. Upon entering the target area, Coalition forces called for several buildings’ occupants to come out and the occupants complied without incident. The ground force detained seven suspects on site.

During operations in Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist believed to be involved with car-bombs and a facilitator and trainer of suicide bombers. As Coalition forces secured the target area, they detained three suspects without incident.

“Foreign terrorists are trying to derail progress in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The people of Iraq are helping Iraqi and Coalition forces hunt down these terrorists, making Iraq safer for everyone.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15156&Itemid=21

OUR TROOPS SNATCHING UP ANOTHER 20 DIRTBAGS... IT'S CALLED GETTIN' THE JOB DONE!

THANK YOU TROOPS, WE A VERY PROUD OF YOU!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

Release Ceremony for Almost 500 Detainees Overseen by Iraqi PM
Thursday, 08 November 2007

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CAMP LIBERTY — A detainee release ceremony here today at Forward Operating Base Constitution highlighted the expanded capacity of the Government of Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq to release detainees from Coalition Force custody.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki oversaw the morning ceremony marking the release of just under 500 detainees. He addressed the waiting men and emphasized the release effort was a positive step forward for the nation. “You are Iraqi citizens and your family is waiting for you to help rebuild the country… the schools, the houses, and the factories.”

The release was part of an effort to foster goodwill and reconciliation for the country. “Leave the sectarian violence and rejoin your family and reconstruction. Your country is waiting for you,” Maliki said.

Increased numbers of detainees have been released since just before the holy month of Ramadan began in mid-September. Approximately 50 detainees have been released per day with approximately 6,300 detainees released to date, according to Army Capt. Lynn Chapp with Task Force 134, the organization responsible for detainee operations here.

“The review and release process is rigorous, and detainees are released when they are no longer considered a threat to Iraqi or Coalition forces, or the security of Iraq,” said Chapp.

Reporters were provided information about the Combined Review and Release Board (CRRB), which is an administrative review held for every detainee within six months of their arrival and periodically throughout detention. The board is comprised of Iraqi government officials and senior Coalition Force officers who are responsible for the review of each detainee’s case within the specific timeline, consistent with the principles of Article 78 of Geneva Convention IV.

If the board determines that a detainee poses an imperative threat to security and stability here, the detainee is notified of the reasons in writing, and the case set for another review within six months. All detainees are afforded the opportunity to communicate with the CRRB.

Following the ceremony, Maliki briefly discussed this process with reporters and confirmed that a general amnesty will not be provided to all detainees. “We are not going to give amnesty to anyone who has been criminally involved in crimes,” he said.

In addition to the CRRB, a separate board reviews each detainee case after 18 months of detention. The Joint Detention Review Committee (JDRC), comprised of Iraqi government officials and senior Coalition Force officers, is unique in that the presumption is in favor of release. Should further detention be recommended, the detainee as well as the detainee’s family are provided notice of the decision.

A new program, implemented in July, also involves families in order to deter detainees from engaging in future misconduct against Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces.

“Some individuals had found a guarantor who guarantees the detainee will comply with his pledge against future misconduct,” said Chapp. If an Iraqi judge certifies the detainee’s guarantorship and, if the detainee engages in future misconduct, the guarantor may also be held liable before the Iraqi courts.

A number of the released men had participated in programs to assist them in the reconstruction effort following their release. To address illiteracy and unemployment, a basic education program for all detainees was created to provide classes in Arabic, English and Math. In addition, many adult detainees received hands-on training in carpentry, brick-making and welding.

Mohammad Tariq Jameel, 22, of Fallujah, thanked the Prime Minister and the US Army for the opportunity to learn while he was detained at Camp Bucca. “I did not know how to read and write before I came here, and thank God, I can now even read the Koran.”

After 11 months of detention, Adel Khalaf Abbas, 36, of Fallujah, said he is very glad to return to his nine children. “My plans are to go back to my family, see what the terrorists destroyed and to teach my children what freedom is and to be close to our religion.” He further explained, “I want them to get an education, and I want them to grow up in front of me day by day.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15133&Itemid=1

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Joint operation retakes area from extremists (Jabella)
Saturday, 10 November 2007

KALSU, Iraq – Operation Broken Hearts, a combined operation focused on restoring order to the Jabella region which was destroyed by recent sectarian violence, began Oct. 31.

Operation Broken Hearts lasted for three days, and was conducted by Iraqi Security Forces and Paratroopers from Military Transition Team 0820, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

The ISF conducted raids of extremist locations and worked to establish a neighborhood watch program. During the raids, Iraqi police officers moved into extremist-controlled locations, turning the buildings into front offices for the IPs and allowing the original owners to return.

During the raids, the ISF found a large cache containing 25 60mm mortars, one 60mm mortar tube and base plate, eight 80mm mortars, six 120mm mortars, 30 rocket propel grenades, two grenade bodies, three pistols, four batteries, six battery chargers, five radios, one anti-tank mine, and 30 AK 47s.

GREAT! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Tip from Iraqi volunteers leads to cache, rockets (Baghdad)
Saturday, 10 November 2007

BAGHDAD – A tip from Iraqi volunteers led Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops to find a cache in the Doura region Nov. 8.

Troops from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, “Warriors” from the 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry “Dragon” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. seized a weapons cache in southern Baghdad’s Doura region after receiving a tip from Iraqi volunteers.

In a mud hut, the Warriors found three rocket-propelled grenades, a ballistic helmet and vest, 200 7.62mm rounds of ammunition, 32 40mm grenades, four mortar rounds and various electrical devices associated with improvised explosive device production.

In West Rashid earlier in the day, “Black Lions” of Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment investigated a site suspected of rocket attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi citizens and found two improvised rocket launchers inside an abandoned vehicle.


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15182&Itemid=128

THANK YOU IRAQI VOLUNTEER!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Iraqi Police, U.S. Special Forces detain 4 extremists in Samarra
Saturday, 10 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained four suspected extremists and recovered several weapons during operations near Samarra Nov. 8.

The raid was conducted after a group of armed individuals were observed manning an unauthorized traffic checkpoint in the area earlier in the day.

Further investigation led Iraqi and U.S. Forces to a site where suspected members of an extremist group were meeting.

During movement to the site, an Iraqi Police emergency action platoon and U.S. Special Forces were engaged by enemy fire coming from two trucks.

The joint force returned fire, destroying one truck. Four extremists were killed by a supporting Air Weapons Team. Along with a platoon from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, Iraqi Police and U.S. Special Forces were able to secure the objective without further incident.

Iraqi Police and U.S. Special Forces detained three suspected foreign extremist fighters and one suspected Iraqi extremist.

Recovered in the operation were 10 rocket propelled grenades, five RPG-7 launchers, eight improvised mortar tubes, three suicide bomber vests, two DSHKA heavy machine guns and one PKM machine gun.

No Iraqi or U.S. Special Forces were injured during this operation.


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15183&Itemid=128

TERRIFIC WORK IP AND USSF!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Ten suspects detained as Coalition forces target al-Qaeda
Saturday, 10 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 10 suspects Saturday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations northeast of Baghdad targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq financier. Reports indicate the wanted individual is an associate of senior terrorist leaders in the region, and his sons are believed to be snipers for the terrorist network. Upon entering the target area, Coalition forces called for a building’s occupants to come out and the occupants complied without incident. The ground force found multiple weapons and detained five other suspects on site.

During operations south of Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a military commander familiar with improvised explosive device attacks and an associate of senior al-Qaeda leadership in the area. As Coalition forces entered the target area, they called for a building’s occupants to come out and they complied. The wanted individual was identified by a family member and a civilian on site, and he was subsequently detained along with one other suspect.
In other operations in the Bayji area, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, media networks and al-Qaeda leadership responsible for improvised explosive device attacks in the region.

“We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition forces are diminishing al-Qaeda’s ability to attack the Iraqi people.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15168&Itemid=21

AWESOME WORK TROOPS!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Sunni, Shia Sheiks Present United Front Against al-Qaeda
Saturday, 10 November 2007

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CAMP STRIKER — A short-notice reconciliation meeting of regional sheiks with potential for impact throughout Iraq was held Nov. 8 in Al Bassam, an area approximately 16 kilometers west of Baghdad city center.

The conference was called by a highly influential leader, Abu Maruf, with less than 24-hours notice, to make a public declaration of unity amongst the tribes against al-Qaeda and to map the way ahead for their region.

“We were notified of the meeting at about 8 p.m. the night before,” said Lt. Col. Brian Coppersmith, commander of War Rakkasans, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “We weren’t sure why the conference was being called on such short notice. We have learned that things move fast when they are this good.”

Coppersmith was invited by Abu Maruf to observe the event.

Members of more than 30 tribes attended the conference; both Sunnis and Shias were represented. Their differences were set aside for the day as they publicly united with one voice and vowed to fight al-Qaeda and work toward a lasting peace for their region.

Maruf facilitated the conference and announced the formation of the Baghdad Brigade which will provide support to the region stretching from Yusufiyah to Taji.

The brigade will consist of not only military elements, but also be the umbrella organization for their socio-political initiatives.

Coppersmith said this show of accord across sectarian and tribal lines may be an indicator of better things to come in this part of Baghdad.

The soldiers of 1-33rd Cav. Regt. will play a part in this new awakening.

“We will act as facilitators,” Coppersmith said. “We will assist by giving it structure and prioritizing meetings focusing on security, reconciliation and essential services. We will put substance to the initiatives with money and effort and help them put words into action.”

More than 350 officials of varying ranks and positions within their tribes were present to participate in the conference. In addition to the public declarations of unity, the tribal sheiks declared their support for a representative government and council members were voted on immediately following the speeches. Meetings with key ministries of the government of Iraq have been scheduled for the near future.

At the conference, in addition to the 1-33rd Cav. Regt., military advisors from the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Marine Regiment were present with their Iraqi counterparts. The diversity of uniforms and unit patches present is another indicator of the distances the sheiks traveled to participate in this conference. Sheiks from as far as 30 to 40 kilometers north and south of Abu Ghraib traveled to attend the conference.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15170&Itemid=1

FANTASTIC!!! :D

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
Back to Business in Al Buaytha
Saturday, 10 November 2007

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FOB KALSU — At first, Hamza Khudair didn't feel threatened by the violence in Iraq. Even after it claimed the lives of two of his cousins, he said, it still didn’t seem like a personal threat. But after the violence spread to his hometown of Al Buaytha, Khudair decided to take a stand.


"A lot of neighbors were getting hurt," Khudair said, describing the final straw of seeing a woman killed by an insurgent bomb.

Khudair volunteered to become a member of the Concerned Local Citizens in the area.

The Concerned Local Citizens is a program in which community members volunteer to stand up against insurgent violence and act as security within their own neighborhoods.

"The Concerned Local Citizens allow us to thicken our presence," said Maj. Steven Lutsky, plans and operations officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

A thickened presence was needed in the city, under the protection of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., because of its location to the Tigris River. Al Buaytha, bordering the western bank of the river, was a favored area for insurgents to bypass checkpoints set up on the east side of the Tigris River.

Prior to the introduction of the 2nd BCT into the area as part of the surge, the city lacked any Coalition Force presence since the beginning of the Iraq conflict in 2003. Insurgents used the area to channel weapons into Baghdad and to take refuge from Coalition Forces.

Hiding out from Coalition Forces, insurgents transformed the tranquility formerly enjoyed by residents. Shops closed and people began to feel less secure, Khudair said.

Al-Qaeda started pressing the moderate Sunnis of the area to practice a stricter interpretation of Islam, using violence to coerce those who disagreed with them.

Now, the people are standing up with the support of the 1-30th Inf. Regt. Soldiers. Local leaders, like retired Iraqi army Brig. Gen. Mustafa Kamel Hamad Shabib Al-Jabouri, began to work with Coalition Forces, forming the base upon which the Concerned Local Citizens program was built.

The accomplishments of that force are evident in the streets of Al Buaytha.

"We've kicked the bad guys out of the area," Khudair said through an interpreter. "We've secured the area."

On a walkthrough of the area Nov. 3, Lt. Col. Ken Adgie, 1-30th Inf. Regt. commander and Col. Terry Ferrell, 2nd BCT commander, saw the evident signs of progress.
Shops were open for business and children were playing in the streets after school.

"You're doing great things. Stores are starting to open up; people are starting to feel safe," Ferrell said to Adgie as they walked through the town.

These two factors are slowly rebuilding the economy. With stores open and people moving about, money is finally exchanging hands.

One of the shop owners, operating a fruit and vegetable stand near the school, credited the Concerned Local Citizens for facilitating his business. Besides enabling him to get more customers by providing security in the community, he said the Concerned Local Citizens are good customers.

During patrols, they often stop at the vendors, purchasing food, colas or cigarettes to take with them.

Throughout his area, Adgie said that there are about 700 Concerned Local Citizens volunteering to defend their homes.

Lutsky said the Concerned Local Citizens group is serving as a gateway for Iraqi police presence in the area.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15174&Itemid=1

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER! BEST OF LUCK TO THE CITIZENS OF AL BUAYTHA!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththAmericanFlag-Animated-6.gif

HAPPY 232ND BIRTHDAY TO OUR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!!

Volume up and be sure to let the video load!
https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/holiday/usmc2007/playmovie.asp?isc=touchdown9

GOD BLESS OUR MARINES!!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththAmericanFlag-Animated-6.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif ......... UPDATE ON BOY SCOUT ACTIVITIES IN IRAQ!!! :D

Volunteers Work to get Iraqi Scouting Program Back on Track
Saturday, 10 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — In a sunny grove in the International Zone in Baghdad Saturday, excitement and laughter filled the air as Iraqi Scouts, leaders and Coalition volunteers of the Green Zone Council enjoyed a day of socializing and outdoor scouting activities.


Blankets, tables, and scout-made tents were sprinkled among the trees, and the upbeat mood was contagious – there wasn’t a frown to be seen.

“You almost forget we’re in Iraq!” said Lt. Col. Tina Flanagan, a Coalition Soldier who has been volunteering with the local Iraqi Scouts since July of this year. “It’s so great to see the kids so happy.”

The Scout program in Iraq has not always been this way.

Founded in the 1920’s by British military personnel stationed in Iraq, the Iraqi Scouts were members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which supports scout programs internationally. Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, however, the program in Iraq became a paramilitary organization and it lost its support of the WOSM, said 1st Lt. Amy Staub, co-chairman of the Green Zone Council, a group of volunteers who assist the scouting program around the IZ.

During that time, an underground movement that upheld the original ideals of the Iraqi Scouts was created, even though assisting such a movement was very dangerous, said Staub. “Many of the Scout leaders we have today have been leaders all along – 10, 15 years or more,” she said. “They’re all teachers as well as Scout leaders.”

In 2004, the GZC was founded to assist in local efforts to return Iraqi scouting to its former position of leadership within the Middle East. Since that time, they have worked to advance the short term and strategic goals of the Iraqi Scouting Council, which oversees all of Iraq.

The Iraqi Scouting Council works in connection with the Ministry of Education and, according to the GZC’s Web site, counts more than 150,000 youth members and several thousand adult leaders in all 18 provinces.

Together, the GZC and the MoE have raised funds for training and equipment, hosted meetings of senior Iraqi scouts, and ensured funds are available to advance organizational goals and missions.

The Iraqi Scouts still follow the British system of organization, said Staub, which means they are Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. Other than their titles, the program is very similar to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Scouts in Iraq are expected to abide by a law governing their conduct and are taught leadership skills, to practice tolerance and respect, and are encouraged to have strong national pride, she said. They also participate in events meant to strengthen their friendships with one another and build self confidence.

A number of the volunteers have also been involved with the scouting program in the United States. Spc. Donald Williams, a Coalition Soldier from Massachusetts who volunteered to help with the scouts Saturday, said his love for scouting stems from helping out with his cousins’ Cub Scout pack.

“I’ve always loved being involved,” he said, “whether it be showing them how to tie knots, doing some physical fitness training, or even raising money for them. I’m glad I found out about this program so I can continue to help out even while I’m here.”

Membership in the GZC is open to any Coalition member who’d like to volunteer their time. There are currently between 30 and 50 members, some who attend all meetings and events and some who can only attend occasionally, said Staub. Volunteers can help facilitate events or assist in fundraising, which includes selling tee shirts and patches.

Volunteering to help is more than worth it, said Flanagan. “Judging by the expressions on their faces, you can just tell how much they love this.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15172&Itemid=1

GREAT AND BIG THANKS TO CF MEMBERS VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

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Soldiers find large cache in Haswa
Sunday, 11 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Airborne found a large cache during a combat patrol in Haswa, Iraq, Nov. 9.

The Soldiers discovered the cache while setting up a cordon. They found a building containing 22 blocks of C4, one improvised Claymore mine, one propane tank of accelerant and one 125mm mortar round.

Upon finding the cache, located in the vicinity of an area mosque, the Soldiers called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to destroy the cache.

All munitions found were destroyed in place.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15187&Itemid=21


Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces strike enemy west of Samarra
Sunday, 11 November 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police conducted a combined operation with Coalition Forces against al Qaeda in Iraq west of Samarra, Nov. 9. In the operation, seven insurgents were killed, four more detained and a weapons cache was secured.

Several media outlets quoted a civilian in Samarra, and an unnamed Iraqi policeman suggesting they had conducted this attack against al Qaeda in Iraq with permission from CF. The unnamed sources further claimed they requested CF not use aviation assets in the area due to concern their group might be accidentally attacked. These claims are false.

Iraqi Security Forces and CF do not coordinate operations with militias, as the Iraqi government does not recognize the authority of any militias. Additionally, ISF and CF only coordinate with CLCs on security of key infrastructure.

We encourage Iraqi citizens interested in their own security to join the CLC movement and continue assisting the ISF by providing tips on criminal and terrorist activities.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15191&Itemid=21

GREAT WORK CF AND IP!

THANK YOU AND ROCK ON!!!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda network; 16 suspects detained
Sunday, 11 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 16 suspects, including three wanted individuals, Sunday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist operations in central and northern Iraq.

During an operation in southern Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the car-bombing network in the Rusafa and Karkh area. Reports indicate the suspect was associated with several of the network’s senior leaders and allegedly tried to re-establish operations after significant degradation by Coalition forces.

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a residential house, where the ground force called for the occupants to come out. Two men were detained by Coalition forces, one of whom led Coalition forces to two nearby buildings. The ground force called for the buildings’ occupants to come out and they complied. Coalition forces detained four other suspects, including the wanted individual.

During an operation northeast of the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be tied to foreign terrorist facilitators and other senior al-Qaeda leaders operating in Salman Pak. Coalition forces entered the target area, called for a building’s occupants to come out and they complied without incident. The suspect identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained.

Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be involved in the city’s terrorist propaganda network. The ground force isolated the target building, called for the building’s occupants to come out, and they complied without incident.

During the operation, Coalition forces found significant al-Qaeda propaganda believed to be for distribution as part of the media network. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained.

During three separate operations near Salman Pak, Bayji and Mosul, Coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting alleged foreign terrorist facilitators, couriers, associates of senior level al-Qaeda members, and planners of improvised explosive device attacks against the Iraqi people.

“These captures are another step forward in disrupting al-Qaeda networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to dismantle their terrorist networks so Iraqis can have a future of their own choosing.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15188&Itemid=21

AWESOME AND THAT'S 27 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION BETWEEN THIS POST AND THE ONE ABOVE!


THANK YOU TROOPS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

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[PurpleK]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w267/purpl3k/thankyoutoallvets.jpg

[Loyal American]

:flag:

Veterans Day, 2007
A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America


Throughout our history, America has been protected by patriots who cherished liberty and made great sacrifices to advance the cause of freedom. The brave members of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to serve our Nation, ready to give all for their country. On Veterans Day, we honor these extraordinary Americans for their service and sacrifice, and we pay tribute to the legacy of freedom and peace that they have given our great Nation.

In times of war and of peace, our men and women in uniform stepped forward to defend their fellow citizens and the country they love. They shouldered great responsibility and lived up to the highest standards of duty and honor. Our veterans held fast against determined and ruthless enemies and helped save the world from tyranny and terror. They ensured that America remained what our founders meant her to be: a light to the nations, spreading the good news of human freedom to the darkest corners of the earth.

Like the heroes before them, today a new generation of men and women are fighting for freedom around the globe. Their determination, courage, and sacrifice are laying the foundation for a more secure and peaceful world.

Veterans Day is dedicated to the extraordinary Americans who protected our freedom in years past, and to those who protect it today. They represent the very best of our Nation. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman has earned the lasting gratitude of the American people, and their service and sacrifice will be remembered forever. In the words of Abraham Lincoln: " . . . let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle . . . ." On this Veterans Day, I ask all Americans to express their appreciation to our Nation's veterans.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2007, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 11 through November 17, 2007, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071031-6.html

[Loyal American]

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Two caches, suspects seized (Baghdad)
Sunday, 11 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Baghdad Soldiers seized two suspected extremists and uncovered two caches during ongoing operations in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital, Nov. 9.

“Warriors” from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., detained two men suspected of terrorist activities and were positively identified by Iraqi Security Volunteers. The suspects are being held for further questioning.

Also that day, “Warriors” of Co. D., 2-12 Inf. found a weapons cache in the Jaza’ir neighborhood. The cache consisted of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a PKC machine gun with two barrels, three RPG rounds and eight RPG boosters, a 60mm mortar tube and two rounds, a bolt-action rifle, an AK-47 with 19 full magazines, four hand grenades, a suicide vest, three sets of body armor, approximately 3,000 rounds of small arms ammunition and 22 ski masks.

A second cache was uncovered by the “Black Lions” of Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, attached to Task Force 1-18, part of the 4th IBCT. Soldiers found eight mortar rounds of various sizes, four RPG rounds, two rocket fuses, five radios and a set of body armor.

Both caches were taken to a Coalition base for disposal.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15195&Itemid=128



Coalition, Iraqi Security Forces find cache (Baghdad)
Sunday, 11 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division joined with Iraqi National Police officers in recovering a cache Nov. 10 in eastern Baghdad.

The find, made by Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, and officers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, consisted of two mines and eight magazines, along with one radio.

This was the sixth time in three weeks that Iraqi Security Forces had recovered a cache in eastern Baghdad.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15196&Itemid=128

SNATCHING UP THE DIRTBAGS AND THEIR CACHES!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

Enemy combatants launched a mortar attack against Balad Air Base recently and quickly received counter fire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwEq_BL7O8U

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Concerned Local Citizens find and remove IEDs, mortars (Adwaniya)
Sunday, 11 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found numerous improvised explosive devices and mortars along a route frequently traveled by Coalition Forces in Adwaniya Nov. 10.

The CLCs came to Soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry, Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, reporting the IEDs emplaced along the route.

Capt. Donald Brahman, commander, Troop B, 1-40th Cav. Regt., said some of the CLCs claimed to have expertise with IEDs and volunteered to remove them.

“This portion of the road has been a major minefield,” Brahman said, adding that the CLCs are helping open up the road.

The IEDs and mortars consisted of five five-gallon jugs of homemade explosives, four antifreeze jugs filled with homemade explosives, three 120mm mortar rounds, three 82mm mortar rounds, one 60mm mortar round and one 105mm artillery round.

The IEDs were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team in a controlled detonation.

Later the same day, the CLCs reported more weapons and ordnance. Nine fire extinguishers filled with HME, five oxygen tanks filled with HME, two rockets, and five two-liter bottles filled with HME and fitted with pressure plates and blasting caps were found.

The munitions were taken to Paratroopers from Troop A, 1-40th Cav. Regt., at Entry Control Point 20, a small patrol base in Hawr Rajab.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15198&Itemid=128

AWESOME!

THANK YOU CONCERNED CITIZENS OF ADWANIYA!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
1,000 Iraqi Patients Seen During Medical Mission
Sunday, 11 November 2007

AS SANAWAH — Working side by side with the Iraqi Army (IA), Coalition forces recently provided medical assistance to more than 1,000 people in the Albu Ewhaid Village on the outskirts of As Sanawah.


“I think it went great. Our providers were working side by side with Iraqi Army doctors and medics to provide the proper medical care to the people in the village,” said Capt. Assad Raza, a Fontana, Ca. native and the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 82nd Airborne Division medical planner.

The event showed the villagers and the IA 1st BCT’s commitment to serving their medical needs.

“This is the first cooperative medical engagement (CME) we have done as a brigade since we got to Iraq and it was a dynamic event,” said Doctor (Maj.) Michael Tarpey, a Chicago, Ill. native and the brigade surgeon for 1st BCT.

Read more, CLICK on picture:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071111_fea2_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15193&Itemid=1)

GREAT.....THANK YOU! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif
More Soldiers Issued Safer Vehicles in Iraq
Sunday, 11 November 2007

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071111_sod_med.jpg

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA — The military’s newest fighting vehicles are now on the ground at LSA Anaconda.

Five new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which arrived at Balad Air Base Oct. 27, will replace the M1114 vehicles the Army currently uses in theater.

Lt. Col. Jeff Meo, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade commander from Army Material Command, says the MRAPs will provide more protection for Soldiers out on combat logistics patrols.

“The MRAP is mine protected with a ‘V’ hull, which allows it to ‘push off’ the explosion when it’s hit,” said Meo.

In addition to being up-armored, the interior seating has also been redesigned.

“The MRAP has seats that flex with an explosion, and what that does is absorb a lot of the energy so Soldiers aren’t injured,” he said.

The MRAPs that arrived here were the first Army MRAPs to arrive in theater outside of Baghdad. The vehicles were unloaded from the plane via ERO, or engine running offload, from a Russian cargo jet large enough to carry the vehicles, according to Chief Master Sgt. Adriene Benton, air transportation manager with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

After refueling, the vehicles are driven from the freight yard to the Retrograde Property Accountability Team yard here.

“The Soldiers will come in as a group, usually at a company level, and we will issue 18 to 30 vehicles at a time,” said Meo. A week of maintenance and driver training is required before Soldiers are ready to take the MRAP on the roads. The training includes a night driving route around LSA Anaconda.

Units issued the MRAPs will leave their old vehicle behind for deprocessing.

The Marine Corps, which runs the MRAP vehicle program, began using the same new vehicles in operations earlier this year. But not all MRAPs are designed to the pecifications. In order to promote competition, the Marine Corps issued contracts to five manufacturers who submitted a design.

“We have seven variances with five different manufacturers, so every time you come out you may see a little different vehicle,” says Meo.

This shipment of five MRAPs to LSA Anaconda is the first of many. Manufacturers are scheduled to deliver 4,600 of the vehicles into theater over the coming weeks and months.

“They are pushing these things out the door as fast as they can,” said Meo.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15190&Itemid=1

FANTASTIC!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththclap3-1.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththafro-1.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50210_111119364.jpg
Sheiks and "concerned citizens" speak with soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment at a neighborhood meeting Thursday in Al-Jara, a village about 20 miles southeast of Baghdad. Soldiers say that Sheik Nori Zbar Al-Jaboori, center, has helped lead hundreds of predominantly Sunni citizens to work with mostly Shiite police to drastically curb insurgent attacks.

Shiite, Sunni and U.S. forces cooperating

Group working to eradicate attacks south of Baghdad

By Erik Slavin (slavine@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, November 12, 2007


Al-JARA, Iraq — Most of the community leaders sitting with U.S. soldiers on Sheik Nori Zbar al-Jabouri’s front porch Thursday were Sunni, but some were Shiite.
That in itself is a small blessing for 3rd Infantry Division soldiers trying to eradicate violent Sunni and Shiite factions from land about 20 miles south Baghdad, east of the Tigris River.

U.S. soldiers are hoping the Shiite leaders can follow the Sunni Sheik Nori’s example: In Nori’s area, 362 “concerned citizens” are working side-by-side with a mainly Shiite Iraqi national police.

“Four months ago, they were fighting each other,” said Capt. Richard Thompson, commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade.
The citizens, police and U.S. soldiers have drastically cut attacks and roadside bombs in a roughly 13-square-mile area bordering the river and a major highway link to Baghdad during the past month, U.S. troops and local residents say.

In late July, soldiers met with four Shiite and eight Sunni sheiks at a police headquarters in al-Jara. The sheiks spent the first hour blaming each other for violence and the second hour blaming coalition forces, said Thompson, of West Palm Beach, Fla.

But by the end of the meeting, they were speaking constructively. That led to further meetings and formation of a citizens group with about 15 people.

Within days of its formation, battalion soldiers began giving them gifts and eventually polo shirts and khaki pants for uniforms, along with reflective sashes used for Army physical training.

Membership snowballed from there and energized men like Ahmed Mahood, who began informing U.S. troops of bomb locations and al-Qaida in Iraq hideouts.
“[Insurgents] tried to kill me twice, but thank God I survived,” Mahood said.

Last month, Mahood’s village had only one small-arms attack and two roadside bomb explosions. Previously, attacks came as often as four times a day, he said.
However, there still is much more needed, says Mahood, whose village lacks reliable electricity, water and kerosene for heating.

Nor is security a lock in 1-15’s area of operations. Although some roads are far safer, three 1-15 soldiers died recently after their vehicle struck a deep-buried bomb. On Tuesday, Combat Operating Post Cahill came under fire from rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms.

Cahill is a few miles north of Salman Pak, a town of about 25,000 that once was an Iraqi tourist attraction.
Salman Pak, al-Bawi and a significant area to the southeast are settled by insurgents. The battalion conducts aerial assaults but doesn’t have the resources to hold the area without Iraqi help.

On Thursday, leaders from Shiite-dominated al-Bawi showed up at al-Jabouri’s home — something that wouldn’t have happened prior to the citizens’ group formation.

Sheik Ali Hussein said al-Qaida in Iraq and other groups were weak in al-Bawi, but still dangerous.

When Hussein asked how his town could defeat its insurgents and gain citizen group resources, battalion commander Lt. Col. Jack Marr directed him to his sheik brethren.

Al-Jabouri, who was elected head of all citizens groups in the county-like areas including each sheik’s village, said it starts with giving U.S. soldiers the intelligence they need. Al-Jabouri said he would consult with any other community leaders in forming their own insurgent resistances.

“I’m ready anytime to help those people,” al-Jabouri said.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50210_1111193741.jpg
Sheik Nori Zbar Al-Jaboori talks with Company B commander Capt. Richard Thompson, second from right, and Lt Col. Jack Marr, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Thursday in Al-Jara.


http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50210

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththth02paper-1.gif .... AWESOME STORY AND TODAYS S&S write-up on Capt. Scott Markle being awarded the Mackay Trophy! :flag:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50209_1111152228.jpg
Capt. Scott Markle, a fighter pilot assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, poses by an A-10 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Last month, Markle was awarded the Mackay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year" when he engaged a group of Taliban fighters battling a Special Forces team on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Pilot awarded Mackay Trophy for Afghan mission



By Charlie Reed (reedc@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, November 12, 2007


Of the 60 flights Air Force Capt. Scott Markle made in Afghanistan during 2006, only one got delayed.

Mechanics quickly fixed the glitch responsible for the setback. It ultimately allowed Markle and his wingman, Capt. David Kirkendall, to answer an urgent call from Special Forces soldiers near the Pakistani border that day in late June.

Had they not been delayed, the two A-10 pilots — from the 81st Fighter Squadron out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany — would have flown west to Kandahar and been unable to help the 15 Special Forces troops under heavy attack from an estimated 100 Taliban fighters.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Markle, 31. “If it wasn’t for that problem, we would have been back by Kandahar and not had enough gas to get to these guys. It just worked out.”

The mission earned Markle the prestigious Mackay Trophy, which was presented to him at a ceremony in Washington last month.

The Air Force and National Aeronautic Association present the award to airmen or an organization involved in the “most meritorious flight of the year.” The trophy was first awarded in 1911 and is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington.

The ceremony, at which astronauts, distinguished servicemembers and world-famous aviators also were recognized “was quite the event,” Markle said.

“My story was nothing compared to some of these stories I heard from Vietnam and the Medal of Honor winners,” said Markle, who attended the event with his mom and dad, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Although he jokingly asked, Markle can’t keep the trophy. In fact, he can’t even pick it up.

The trophy is worth more than $1 million and is “taller than me. ... It looks like the Stanley Cup,” said Markle, whose mother insisted on getting a picture of him in front of it at the museum.

But for Markle, what was most rewarding came just after his now-celebrated mission in Afghanistan, when he met up with the Special Forces soldiers who thanked him for the air support he provided that day.

“The best part was meeting up with the SF guys [after the mission] and talking to them and them thanking me,” he said. “It’s amazing; I’m flying around in my armored plane nice and safe, and they thank me.”

After Markle began releasing self-protection flares at 300 feet, the sky lit up with a firework-like glow and filled with red smoke. It gave the 15 guys on the ground, some of them injured, a distraction to distance themselves from the 100 or so Taliban forces.

“They had kind of walked into a hornet’s nest,” said Markle, who quickly got orders to deploy weapons.

“We were flying so low I could see these [soldiers] getting shot, I saw [rocket-propelled grenades] and machine-gun fire,” Markle said. “I was just waiting for that call.”

Usually, Taliban will retreat after air support arrives, “but these guys weren’t giving up,” he said.

And neither was he.

On the radio with the troops on the ground, Markle was able to take out several enemy machine-gun nests, shooting 1,000 rounds and dropping two 500-pound airburst bombs with the help of his wingman. About 40 Taliban were killed in the fight.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50209

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/200px-MacKay_Trophy.jpg

SEE BELOW LINK, NOT THAT MANY HAVE RECIEVED THIS AWARD!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackay_Trophy

CONGRATULATIONS CAPT. MARKEL, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!

GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!!!

Capt. Scott Markle's photo enlarged:

http://www.estripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=50209&photo=1

[riverrider]

makes for an Ooh-Rah morning!

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Iraqi National Police capture terrorist suspect (Doura)
Monday, 12 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces captured a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in the southern Doura neighborhood of the Iraqi capital, Nov. 11.

Policemen from 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, stopped a vehicle at the permanent checkpoint and arrested a man believed to be an al Qaeda member.

The Iraqis turned the suspect over to the “Raiders” of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, who are holding the man for further questioning.

Numerous sources positively identified the suspected terrorist as having been involved in several terrorist attacks in the Mechanix area of the city.

Also that day, scouts of Troop A, 1-4 Cav., and Iraqi Security Volunteers, arrested two men who were suspected of leaving notes on families’ doors telling them to move of be killed.

The two are also being held for further questioning.

NICE WORK IP, CONCERNED CITIZENS AND CAV TROOPS!

EVERY SLIME DIRTBAG OFF THE STREETS COUNTS!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

makes for an Ooh-Rah morning!You bet ya it does and here is some more Ooh-Rah news too!!! :clap:

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda media networks; six killed, 15 detained
Monday, 12 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 15 suspects, including two wanted individuals Sunday and Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda propaganda operations in central Iraq.

During an operation southwest of Baqubah Sunday, Coalition forces targeted the alleged media emir of the Diyala province. Coalition forces observed four armed men in the target area, and, perceiving hostile intent, fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to drop their weapons. When the suspects failed to comply, the ground force engaged the armed men. A vehicle associated with the men caught on fire from the engagement, and Coalition forces observed secondary explosions, indicating bomb-making materials were likely inside. As the ground force secured the area, they assessed four terrorists were killed from the explosions during the operation.

Coalition forces conducted a separate operation targeting a suspected terrorist associated with the four terrorists killed southwest of Baqubah. As the ground force approached the target building, they called for the building’s occupants to come out. One man came out of the building, but ignoring their instructions he continued to move toward them and ignored warning shots. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist. As the ground force secured the area, they found two large weapons caches of rockets, mortars and improvised explosive devices, which the ground force safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists. The ground force detained two suspects on site.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual west of Baqubah during operations targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including the suspected Diyala media emir and an associate. Coalition forces secured the target building, finding a media cache, believed to be used for al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda. The wanted individual was subsequently detained.

In an operation east of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda media headquarters and safe house, also believed to be used by foreign terrorists. As Coalition forces secured the target building and entered a room, a man reached for a suicide vest. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist before the vest detonated. The ground force detained seven suspects on site.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations in southern Tikrit targeting foreign terrorist facilitators and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. The wanted individual was believed to be an associate helping with the movement of senior terrorist leaders in the Haditha region. Coalition forces detained four suspects in addition to the wanted individual.

“Many operations lead us to other targets,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “These operations, with the help of Iraqi citizens and security forces, get us closer to a peaceful Iraq.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15211&Itemid=128

WOW.....21 DIRTBAGS OUT OF THE PICTURE!

OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS!

THANK YOU, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/64957.jpg

Unmanned Aircraft Has Eyes in the Sky

By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The little cousin of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper is making a big splash here as the RQ-11B Raven program takes flight.

The Raven is a small unmanned aerial vehicle used to conduct visual reconnaissance several kilometers away, said Staff Sgt. Daniel Garcia, Force Protection Aerial Surveillance System Flight.

The unit itself is very small, a little more than four pounds, but packs a big punch in the area of surveillance. It can fly at a height of several thousand feet above sea-level and sends live footage back to the operator, where it is recorded for later evaluation.

“The Raven can fly in several different patterns,” Garcia said. “It can fly in a predetermined pattern, circle an area or be controlled remotely by an operator.”

And landing?

The Raven doesn’t have landing gear but is designed to break apart on impact to prevent damage to the structure of the UAV itself and can be reassembled in minutes.

The RQ-11B also has several benefits over earlier models.

“This is a more durable UAV and it is much easier to launch,” said Col. Steven Ross, U.S. Transportation Command Anti-terrorism Office chief. “The former model had to be launched like a giant slingshot. This one can be hand launched.”

The biggest benefit of the UAV is its ability to create visual data for base-defense forces, without having to launch a regular-sized aircraft sortie.

The tactical advantage of having a small aircraft capable of transmitting images without putting pilots in harm’s way can be summed up with just a few words.

“Being able to see the enemy first is key,” Ross said.

Article found here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13847

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/64955.jpg

Iraqi Troops to Take the Lead As U.S. Observes

By Sgt. Patrick Lair
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBA, Iraq—After 90 days of close mentorship with an advisory team from the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, the Diyala Operations Command has been validated to take the lead on security operations within Diyala province, just north of Baghdad.

The Diyala Operations Command is a headquarters unit charged with the synchronization of Iraqi Army, Iraqi police and other security forces operating in the province.

Previously, the DOC received direction from the 25th Infantry Division, which commands Multi-National Division-North, encompassing all of northern Iraq, from the outskirts of Baghdad to the northern Iraqi border with Turkey.

After receiving validation, the DOC will now take instructions directly from the Iraqi governmental forces command, with coalition troops stepping back into a tactical over watch position.

“All of the people of Diyala province have been waiting for this day,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem al-Robiya. “It is a great day because command will be in Iraqi hands. However, they look toward coalition forces respectfully and we all look forward to working with coalition forces in the future.”

The DOC has four fundamental responsibilities, said Lt. Col. Robert Ault, a member of the Diyala operations command advisory team. Those responsibilities are prioritizing operations in the province, organizing assets and resources, assessing risk and tracking current operations.

Additionally, the DOC coordinates ambulance and fire trucks responses, and handles intelligence issues, among other tasks.

Previously, the DOC received all of its direction through the 25th Infantry Division and the DOC advisory team. The step was crucial in the training process, advisory team members said, though not without difficulties.

“The challenge was that there were no communications from higher down to the DOC that didn’t come through us,” Ault said. “Now, with the transitions, it will all go through Iraqi channels. All commands and orders will be in Arabic.”

The growing strength of the DOC was largely made possible by Operation Arrowhead Ripper, a push by U.S. forces earlier in the year to retake a majority of Baquba from insurgent control.

“Before Arrowhead Ripper, it was kind of like the wild west around here,” Ault said. “But things have quieted down quite a bit and we’ve made a lot of progress in building up the DOC’s capabilities.”

The capabilities under assessment included the readiness of the DOC’s facilities in Baquba, the adequacy of their equipment, ensuring they had a large enough staff and making sure they had made budgetary provisions to carry on after the transfer of authority.

Simultaneous with the validation process, the 5th Iraqi Army Division, the Iraqi Police and the Baquba Guardians, a group of concerned citizens, launched a sweep of several Baquba neighborhoods in search of al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents.

The operation, carried out with no coalition assistance, yielded six detained suspects, nine wounded and three killed enemy combatants, and the discovery of several small weapons caches. Baquba Guardians were credited with their work as intelligence advisors for the joint mission.

“The integration of the Baquba Guardians and other concerned local nationals is vital as they cooperate with the Iraqi army and police, who have openly accepted assistance from the concerned citizens,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province. “Their involvement and support of these security forces is a true sign that this group of concerned citizens is tired of the death and destruction of al-Qaida in Iraq and fully intends to assist in the security and stability of the local communities.”

Maj. Gen. al-Robiya also the recent joint clearing mission by Iraqi security forces bodes well for the future.

“After achieving this successful operation and clearing Diyala province of terrorists, we seek after this responsibility and through it we will fight for peace.”

:clap::clap::clap:

Found here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=13845

:clap::clap::clap:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Tip leads to 7th cache in 3 weeks for Iraqi Forces
Monday, 12 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – During a cordon-and-knock operation Nov. 11, Iraqi National Police officers, along with Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, joined forces for the seventh time in three weeks to uncover a weapons cache in eastern Baghdad. This time, the cache was discovered inside the grounds of the Imam Al Madhi Husseniyah Mosque.

Officers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division found the cache during a search of the mosque following a tip from a concerned resident.

While the officers searched, Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., pulled security outside the mosque.

The cache discovery continued a trend that sees both Iraqi Security Forces playing a key role in disrupting insurgent activity and Iraqi citizens taking the protection of their families into their own hands and working to rid their streets of dangerous caches by providing valuable tips to authorities.

“The local residents’ role in bringing the streets of Baghdad back to normalcy and providing a safe environment for their children is the key to success, and these tips are evidence of their desire to live in peace.” said Col. Jeffrey Bannister, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

“The progress made by our Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army partners is indicative of the training I have witnessed, and I’m not surprised by their competence and diligence.”

Items found in the weapons cache included: three hand grenades, one five-pound bottle of explosive, one rocket-propelled grenade tube, five rocketpropelled grenade propellants, 11 rocket-propelled grenades, six AK-47s, 10 flak vests, 15 plates of body armor, 10 sets of desert camouflage uniforms, one propane tank with propellant, and two sets of police lights.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15213&Itemid=128

AWESOME!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Sunni, Shia, Iraqi Army Leaders Meet on Neutral Ground
Monday, 12 November 2007

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CAMP STRIKER — More than a dozen sheiks and other influential leaders from southern Baghdad congregated on neutral territory Nov. 10 here on Camp Striker.

Among the leaders present was the mayor of Mahmudiyah, Mouyad Fadil, and Lt. Col. Mohammed Fatkan al Farhan, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

The roundtable was hosted by War Rakkasans of the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The Rakkasans’ goal was to provide a place on neither Sunni nor Shia territory to discuss moving forward for the security and future of Iraq.

The aim was to bring sheiks from different religious sects to sit down together and create a plan to move forward, said Capt. Seth Palmer, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. Additionally, there is hope that the meeting will open the door for future dialogue, Palmer said.

The forum was opened and facilitated by Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander, and Lt. Col. Brian Coppersmith, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. commander.

“We’ve recognized the importance of the sheiks. The importance of the tribes is absolutely decisive to the success we will achieve here in Iraq,” Caraccilo said.

“For so long you have heard empty promises and we have heard empty promises, and together we’ve promised each other to do better and it’s time now to fulfill those promises.”

Sheik Kadem Shibli lauded the American hosts for recognizing the sheiks’ position in the Iraqi culture.

“The sheik is very important in this region,” he said through an interpreter. “Tribes are the infrastructure of our Iraqi community. We are ready for any form of cooperation and support for building a better Iraq and to eliminate all the danger,” Shibli said.

Sheik Kadem Nwar Alamen insisted that there is no friction between Sunni and Shia – that they are all brothers.

“We’re all Muslims here and we’re all under Iraq’s flag and we have one Qur’an. We should not discriminate,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s any difference between Sunni and Shia.”

Common concerns voiced were the security of Iraq, detainees, the need for schools, medical care, fertilizer and economic development. Everyone in attendance agreed that security is central to any plan of action.

“We’ve lost many Soldiers. You’ve lost many family members,” Caraccilo said. “We’re at the point now where I think we can work together to make this place much more secure, that way it can prosper economically and as a government.

“It is with sincerity we conduct our missions day to day,” Caraccilo added. “And we do it alongside great Iraqi Army officers and Soldiers and alongside very good government leaders.”

Pointing to progress, Coppersmith cited several examples, one being (28) senior officers from western Baghdad who are scheduled for reinstatement to various Iraqi Army formations in the coming days.

Another example was the recent release of (500) detainees, an event the sheiks said they see as a sign of advancement.

“We will begin a program of micro grants and micro loans and partnership projects that should restart economic development in the area,” Coppersmith said.
“I know we have a long way to go ... but we are making progress.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15207&Itemid=1

PROGRESS, INDEED!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Government of Iraq Expands Micro-Loan Program
Monday, 12 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Government of Iraq (GoI) has established a program to provide $30 million in micro-loans to Iraqis in each of the 18 provinces.

The program is an expansion of a $50 million pilot in Baghdad with extremely successful results. Under the new program, $30 million- $15 million from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA) and $15 million from the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (MoIM)- will be used to help spur small business growth and create job opportunities.

Under this program, the loans are purposely kept at small amounts to encourage the growth of small businesses. The average loan size is between $4,600 and $9,000, depending on the source of the loan.

Based on past results, the program has the potential to create over 230,000 new jobs for Iraqis.

MNF-I applauds the establishment of this entirely Iraqi-led program.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15210&Itemid=21

OH YEAH, GOOD NEWS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is completing renovations on a 144-bed children's hospital in Baghdad. It's a three-year, $1.86 Million effort. Kevin Casey has more...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpWSNqynpYo

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif :flag::flag::flag::flag:
Homeland Security Secretary Conducts Naturalization Ceremony in Iraq
Monday, 12 November 2007

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LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA — In the largest naturalization ceremony in Iraq to date, 178 foreign-born service members got a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they received their U.S. citizenship as Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, led them in the Oath of Allegiance, Nov. 11.


The ceremony was held on Veterans Day at the Sustainer Theater, under the auspices of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

“Not too many years ago this theater was the site of entertainment and events under a different kind of regime led by a brutal dictator. That we can transform this space into a hallowed place in which the oath of freedom and citizenship is administered, is a true illustration of the transformative power of the kind of work that you (candidates) do in carrying the torch of freedom,” said Chertoff. “I can’t think of people who are more deserving of citizenship then those who are fighting to defend the country even before they are citizens. They understand that freedoms don’t come free and they are willing to make sacrifices even before they reap the benefits of citizenship.”

Emilio T. González, director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, himself an Army veteran, presented each recent citizen with a certificate of naturalization.

Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, 316th ESC Commanding General, congratulated each new American veteran-citizen.

“It is fitting that these wonderful warriors be granted citizenship on Veteran’s Day,” said Couch.

Naturalized service members also received a U.S. flag from the 316th ESC senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Stacey E. Davis.

According to USCIS, nearly 40,000 troops are not American citizens. Many foreign-born men and women have pledged commitment to the U.S. Constitution by serving in the military and are availing themselves of a July 2002 executive order making members of the Armed Forces immediately eligible to apply for citizenship. Approximately 4,000 service members have earned U.S. citizenship while serving abroad since 2004.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15209&Itemid=1

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! :flag::flag::flag::flag:

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks; one killed, 14 detained
Tuesday, 13 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and 14 suspects were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday, while targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted an operation in Mosul targeting an alleged terrorist leader in the city. The targeted individual has reportedly been involved in the planning of attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, to include several suicide car-bombing attacks, and the purchase of various weapons and explosives.

As Coalition forces approached the target building, they immediately received enemy fire from the ground floor and roof of the building. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorists. As a result of the engagement, a fire erupted in the courtyard and quickly spread to the kitchen. At that time enemy fire ceased. Coalition forces continued to follow the armed men who fired from the roof and subsequently detained one suspect.

After the fire was out, the ground force entered the building and found that one terrorist had been killed during the engagement. Upstairs they found one woman had been killed and one child was injured as a result of the fire. The child received medical care on site, but later died while being transported to a military medical facility.

During an operation southeast of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three other suspects while targeting associates of a terrorist network operating in Arab Jabour. Reports indicate the targeted individuals are intimately involved in the planning and direction of terrorist operations in the area.

South of Bayji, Coalition forces detained nine suspects during operations targeting an alleged terrorist weapons facilitator. The target replaced the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the border region who was killed during a Coalition forces operation Sept. 11. The targeted individual reportedly facilitates the movement of funds for senior facilitators operating in and outside of Iraq.

"Al-Qaeda continues to conduct terrorist activities that place innocent civilians, including women and children, at risk," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Their terrorist activities and frequent murdering of Iraqi citizens are being rejected throughout Iraq. Iraqi and Coalition forces will find these criminals, wherever they hide, and bring them to justice."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15217&Itemid=128

THIS IS SAD BUT LET'S NOT FORGET THAT THE DIRTBAGS USE WOMEN AND CHILDREN AS SHIELDS, IT'S PART OF THEIR MOS!!! :evil:

GLAD YA GOT 15 DIRTBAGS OFF THE STREETS, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! :clap:

[Loyal American]

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U.S.: Indirect-fire attacks at lowest level in months



By Joseph Giordono (giordonoj@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, November 13, 2007


In the latest in a string of announcements touting successes tied to the U.S. troop “surge,” military officials said Monday that indirect-fire attacks in Iraq dropped to their lowest level in more than 21 months.

According to the figures released by the U.S. military command, the number of mortar and rocket attacks reported in October 2007 throughout the country was half the number reported in October 2006. The overall figure was the lowest since February 2006, just before the bombing of a Shiite shrine unleashed a wave of sectarian violence throughout Iraq.

The military presented the reduction in attacks as an “ongoing trend” after reaching a peak in June 2007.

“It all goes back to the surge,” Lt. Col. James Rikard, the Multi-National Corps — Iraq Field Artillery Headquarters chief, was quoted as saying.

Rikard said the decrease was caused in part by an increase in weapons cache finds, reconciliation efforts among local tribes, and the U.S. military targeting and eliminating insurgent indirect-fire teams.

“The beauty of it is, it’s a multi-causal phenomenon,” Rikard said. “In terms of the indirect fire, we’re really setting the clock back by over three and a half years.”

The announcement comes after military officials said roadside bomb attacks and overall attacks in the country had hit the lowest levels in two years. The number of U.S. troop deaths also has declined since the summer, but 2007 still is the deadliest year for U.S. forces in Iraq. Most of the deaths came in the early spring, when troops expanded their areas of operations during the initial phases of the 30,000-plus troop “surge.”

According to the figures released Monday, indirect-fire attacks had risen from 808 in January to 1,032 in June. Then, over the next four months, the number of attacks declined, with 369 recorded in October.

Those numbers included 53 October attacks in the “Baghdad Security Districts,” which were created as part of the surge.

U.S. officials said external factors, such as the weather, did not appear to have an effect on the number of attacks.

“All this is occurring during beautiful weather,” Rikard was quoted as saying. “We haven’t had that soaking rain that usually comes with late October. So the weather’s not an issue. If the extremists could get out and fire, they would.”

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50227

OUR TROOPS ARE DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB!!!

THANK YOU TROOPS, WE APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE MISSION!!!

[Loyal American]

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Seven extremists captured in night raid (Jisr Diyala)
Tuesday, 13 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Scouts from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment’s Time Sensitive Target platoon, arrested seven extremists during a night raid near Jisr Diyala Nov. 8.

The team cleared four buildings looking for the extremists. At the last building, the Soldiers burst into a room while the suspected insurgents were conducting a meeting.

Leaders from the 3-1st Cav. Regt. considered one of the detainees a highvalue individual due to his leadership position in a local extremist cell.

In addition to the arrests, the scouts seized a pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials and several cell phones.

Cell phones are commonly used as detonation devices for IEDs.

2nd Lt. John Lorme, from Aberdeen, Md., the platoon leader of the TST, explained that the insurgents are involved with sniper training and black market gasoline sales.

Lorme further elaborated that the cell is suspected of using illegal gasoline sales to finance extremist activity.
Lorme said the detentions are helping to decrease violence in Jisr Diyala and contribute to an increasing sense of stability in the area.

“We got into a six-hour firefight here in July, but it’s nothing close to that now,” Lorme said. “The store and shop owners are always glad to see us now.”

Despite the small size of his platoon, Lorme is happy with the work they have done in Jisr Diyala thus far.

“We’ve totally cleared out this [area of operation],” he said. “We’ve done so much with the small amount of people we have in this platoon. I am really proud of my Soldiers.”

The 3-1st Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15233&Itemid=21

SWEET JOB SCOUTS, WE LOVE YOU GUYS....THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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1-15th Inf. Regt. detains 10, kills one extremist (Al Bawi)
Tuesday, 13 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault early Nov. 11 near Al Bawi, resulting in 10 suspected extremists detained and one killed.

During the air assault, Company A Soldiers cleared 17 buildings of weapons and military paraphernalia. All detainees were brought in for questioning.

“In the past, the Al Bawi area has been a stronghold for al-Qaeda,” said Capt. Joshua Powers, from Atlanta, assistant operations officer, 1-15th Inf. Regt. “We used an air insertion to disrupt an area they thought was a safe haven. This operation sends a clear message to the insurgents in the area that we will continue to bring the fight to them. The people of that area see that we are actively pursuing the enemy and will eventually rid the area of their influence.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15232&Itemid=21

11 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!

GREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Local children find mortar, Concerned Local Citizens find caches (Hawr Rajab)
Tuesday, 13 November 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Kalsu, Iraq – Three weapons caches were found in separate incidents in the Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour regions Nov. 11.

Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab located a cache consisting of one 155mm mortar and one 130 mm mortar round.

The CLCs brought the ordnance to Paratroopers of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, who were conducting a roadside security mission.

Local children in Arab Jabour discovered a 57 mm mortar, which they brought to Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Stewart, Ga.

The third cache was discovered in Arab Jabour by Soldiers of Company A, 1-30th Inf. Regt. while conducting operations in the area.

The cache consisted of one 120 mm mortar and one 125 mm mortar.

“It is good to have the [improvised explosive devices] or bombs off the streets because it makes the community safer,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Newton, from Texarkana, Texas, 1-30th Inf. Regt., tactical command post noncommissioned officer in charge. “The more we work with the CLCs the safer we can make their communities.”

All three caches were destroyed in controlled detonations by explosive ordnance disposal teams.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15231&Itemid=21

AWESOME!

HOW ABOUT THE KIDS, SECOND TIME, IN A WEEK, THEY'VE HELPED THE TROOPS!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/071112_sod_hi.jpg
As darkness descends on Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Spc. James Trettenero, 1-9 Field Artillery command driver and gunner, adjusts his equipment before heading out on a terrain denial patrol. Photo by Sgt. Dave Lankford, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

Artillery Soldiers Deny Enemy Access to Key Terrain

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA — Every military operation begins with security. The 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (FA) is charged with terrain denial, which is an essential piece of this mission.

The villages and farms surrounding Logistics Support Area Anaconda were at one time home to countless insurgents, and the townspeople and farmers were either powerless or too frightened to do anything about it. The result was frequent and well aimed indirect fire attacks which earned the camp its infamous nickname “Mortaritaville.”

In order to disrupt these attacks it is necessary to find out the location where the mortars are fired from. “The intelligence gurus send us where they think we’re most likely to get an indirect fire attack from. We go there so they can’t,” said 2nd Lt. Andrew Holler, A Battery, 1st Platoon Leader, 1-9 FA.

There are several options when conducting terrain denial operations. The Soldiers use different types of patrols to conduct these operations. The first patrol is a mounted patrol. This type of patrol offers several benefits including the ability to cover large areas in a short amount of time.

The other patrols are static mounted patrols and dismounted patrols. The dismounted patrols are the most effective and the most risky.

“The dismounted patrols are very effective because the enemy can see the trucks coming; trucks make a lot of noise. As we dismount it gives us the ability to spread out more. We can cover more terrain at one time and it also gets us eyes in places where the vehicles can’t get us,” said Holler.

When conducting a dismounted patrol there is nothing between the friendly forces and the enemy but fresh, clean air. This type of patrol requires teamwork, experience and nerves of steel.

“I’ve got a really sharp group of NCOs. We work really well together. We’ve established a way of doing things so the NCOs don’t have to give the Soldiers much instruction,” said Holler. “Everyone just knows their place.”

With the sound of explosions and small arms fire in the distance and dogs barking all around one would think it would be difficult to focus on the mission. This ability to focus comes with experience, and it is crucial to accomplish the mission and crucial for the survival of the men on the patrol.

“When we first got here we wanted to react to everything. You’d hear an explosion and you’d want to run and get everyone back in the trucks. It’s in no way complacency, but you learn: ‘ok, that’s small arms fire. I’m going to make a note of it but is it really affecting what I’m doing here?’” said Holler.

An obvious result of the terrain denial mission is the decrease in effective mortar attacks on the camp, but one benefit most Soldiers never get a chance to see is the effect on the surrounding communities.

“We have a pretty good presence in the villages. There are places that are less friendly than others, but we try to interact with the people as much as possible and build rapport with them,” said Holler.

(Story by Sgt. Dave Lankford, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command)

:clap::clap::clap:

Found here: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15206&Itemid=46

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill Enemy Fighter

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2007 – Afghan national security forces and coalition forces engaged and killed a large group of insurgents today near the Deh Rawod district of Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a large group of insurgents engaged the patrol with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The Taliban fighters attempted to break contact and moved into a nearby compound, causing women and children to flee the area.

Shortly after the combined force determined the enemy’s positions, four separate precision air strikes effectively eliminated the insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions. Afghan and coalition forces assaulted the positions, conducting a thorough exploitation of the engagement area, officials said.

“The Taliban continues to take up defensive positions in heavily populated areas and use women and children as protection,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “The Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces remain devoted to uprooting Taliban insurgents in Oruzgan province.”

In other recent operations in Afghanistan:

-- Coalition and Afghan security forces yesterday detained six Taliban-linked suspects in Wardak province. Afghan and coalition forces detained the six individuals during a search of buildings in the Nerkh district.

-- Coalition forces killed 15 insurgents and detained two suspects linked to terrorist activities in Helmand province Nov. 11. Coalition forces found a woman and two children dead in a collapsed building, along with several militants and their weapons. “We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased,” Belcher said. “When militants knowingly engage coalition forces with innocent people in the background, it only shows the extremists’ complete disregard for innocent lives. Coalition members take every precaution possible to protect civilians not taking part in hostilities from harm.”

-- Coalition forces and Afghan soldiers and police saved the lives of six citizens after a suicide-bomber attack that killed the bomber and injured five men and a child in Gereshk, in Helmand province, Nov. 10. Afghan soldiers and police quickly formed security cordons after the blast. The causalities were taken to a local medical facility for treatment.

-- Also on Nov. 10, Afghan soldiers and police and coalition forces defeated a group of Taliban insurgents during a firefight in the Khas Oruzgan district of Oruzgan province. The combined forces gave chase after they forced the enemy out of civilian residents’ homes. “It is simply deplorable how the Taliban try to put innocent Afghan citizens in harm’s way,” Belcher said. “Fortunately, highly trained (Afghan forces) cleared the houses, saving Afghan lives.”

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48123


THANK YOU, EXCELLENT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain extremist leaders in Baghdad
Tuesday, 13 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two extremist leaders Nov. 11 in southwest Baghdad during operations targeting criminal networks operating against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

The individuals were detained on suspicion of involvement in criminal networks operating in the neighborhood of Al Amil. One suspect is believed to lead several criminal cells and is reportedly involved in mortar attacks against Coalition Forces.

He is also suspected of involvement in several bank robberies which are used to fund his network’s activity.

The second suspect is a cell leader within the network.

He and his cell are reportedly responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is also believed responsible for the kidnapping and murder of 15 Iraqi civilians.

No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15234&Itemid=128

GREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Special Forces capture extremist leader in Taji
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – 9th Iraqi Army Division forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, captured an alleged extremist leader during operations Nov. 13 in the city of Taji.

The suspect is reported to control several extremist cells and to be one of the key individuals responsible for perpetrating violence against Iraqis in the south Taji area.

Several eyewitnesses report the suspect is personally responsible for the murder of at least 10 Iraqi civilians.

He is also linked to multiple improvised explosive devices emplacements along a major U.S. military supply route and an IED attack against a Coalition Forces convoy Oct. 4 near Baghdad.

The raid was one in a series of ongoing operations led by Iraqi Security Forces specifically targeting extremist networks illegally operating within Iraq.

No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured during the operation.

ROCK ON ISF! THAT'S ANOTHER DIRTBAG YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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MND-B Soldiers find cache, capture suspect (Doura)
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers arrested a suspected extremist and found a weapons cache during ongoing operations in the Doura area of the Iraqi capital Nov. 11-12.

Troops with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, operating in southern Baghdad attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., detained a suspected al-Qaeda operative during a night mission Nov. 11.

The individual was identified thanks to information provided by an area resident. The man, suspected of numerous murders and kidnappings, is being held for further questioning.

At approximately 6 a.m. Nov. 12, troops found a weapons cache hidden in an abandoned building. The Soldiers found more than 100 rounds of rifle ammunition, an old rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an assault rifle bolt and bolt carrier and an 82mm mortar round.

The cache was recovered by explosive ordnance disposal personnel for disposal.


http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15238&Itemid=21

NICE GOIN' TROOPS!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif

Concerned Local Citizen Groups Aid Progress in Iraq

By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2007 – Captures of al Qaeda operatives and seizures of weapons caches in Iraq are up, and casualties are down, a senior military official in Baghdad told online journalists and “bloggers” today.

Air Force Col. Donald Bacon, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, attributed a large part of this success to the surge of operations, the increase in activity among Iraqi security forces, and most recently, the formation of concerned local citizens groups, known as CLCs.

Since surge operations began in June, Bacon said, al Qaeda attacks are down 55 percent, civilian deaths are down 60 percent, coalition casualties are down 55 percent, and Iraqi forces casualties are down 40 percent.

Iraqi security forces are becoming increasingly active, with Iraqi forces now bearing a big brunt of the casualties, taking 50 percent more casualties than U.S. forces, the colonel explained.

Bacon touted the CLC program’s importance.

“Concerned local citizens are part of the force protection plan; without them, al Qaeda would move back in the region,” Bacon said. In October, Bacon noted, 43 al Qaeda leaders were captured or killed, up from 29 in September, 25 in August, and 18 in July. To become part of the CLC, citizens are given biometrics and put under a contract which includes a sworn allegiance to protect the Iraqi government.

CLCs also have increased the number of uncovered weapon caches. Of the 72 caches uncovered in October, 40 of them were found by CLCs.

The 5,365 caches uncovered so far this year far exceed the 2,667 uncovered last year. “These are the fuel that al Qaeda uses to attack Iraqi security forces and civilians,” he noted.

The goal going forward, Bacon explained, is to make the CLC groups 20 to 25 percent of the Iraqi security force.
He said the program is seen as a way to engage more and more Iraqis in their own government, aiding security and leading to more encouraging statistics in the future.

“CLC is a recently new initiative in recent months that has made a tremendous impact on the security here in the region,” Bacon said. “We are working hard with the Iraqi government to make this fully an Iraqi government program. We are working with national and local leadership to work on this program.”


http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48132

CLC's ARE DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Adwaniyah Concerned Local Citizens Stand Up Against Insurgency

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — The Paratroopers’ five-kilometer walk through Adhwaniyah Nov. 10 was uneventful. For the Paratroopers of 1st platoon, Troop B, that calm made Operation Boundary a success.


The mission for the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska, Paratroopers was to check on the new Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) checkpoints and meet with their leader. The CLC groups are like the Neighborhood Watch programs in the United States

Along with a squad-sized group of specially trained Iraqi Army (IA) scouts, the Paratroopers met with the leader of the CLC in Adwaniyah.

The IA Soldiers received scout training from Paratroopers of Troop B more than two months ago. Since then, the IA scouts had been putting their skills to the test by accompanying 1-40th Cav. Regt. Paratroopers on various missions.

As they walked toward the CLC leader's house, many of the Paratroopers recalled the dangers they had faced there not more than three months before. The main threat came from improvised explosive devices planted by insurgents, who at one point were tolerated by local residents.

Many of the troops remarked about the number of local residents who came out to greet them as they walked. Other troops just strolled, quietly scanning the adjacent palm groves.

1st Lt. Robert T. Hamilton, platoon leader of 1st platoon, said that about a month-and-a- half ago the community leaders of Adwaniyah began coming to their forward operating base to discuss ways they could become involved in the protection of their community.

Adwaniyah, like many communities south of Baghdad, had become a thoroughfare for insurgents transporting weapons and accelerants of violence into the capital.

The expansive agricultural region was rife with insurgents and al-Qaeda's heavy-handed influence.

Hamilton mentioned one of Adwaniyah's community members, who - at his own family's peril - took it upon himself to work with Coalition forces, recruit local residents for a CLC group, and rid his community of anti-Iraqi forces.

That same individual, a Saddam-era IA colonel, had a special treat for the Paratroopers. Upon arriving at his home, Troop B's 1st platoon and the IA scouts were presented with a large feast of lamb, rice, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad and tangy, reddish okra soup.

During the meal, Hamilton, his Paratroopers, IA Soldiers, and CLC ate and discussed the area's security.

Since the organization of the CLC, Hamilton is greatly impressed with the freedom of maneuver he and his fellow Paratroopers now enjoy.

“They believe in what's happening,” Hamilton said of the CLC in Adwaniyah. “They understand that whatever transpires because of the information they give you, they are accountable for it.”

Hamilton said that though this CLC group is only two-weeks-old and has less than a hundred members, it has the potential to gain momentum and grow further; a growth that has manifested itself in terms of security checkpoints.

Having had their fill of food, conversation and warm Pepsi, the Paratroopers continued with their mission to inspect the checkpoints.

As they walked to the next checkpoint the sun began to set and the only sign of aggression in the neighborhood was the incessant barking of dogs.

On the roof of a well-kept two story home surrounded by long mud huts housing chickens, the Paratroopers found a group of men armed and ready to defend Adwaniyah from insurgents.

The citizens gave a situational report. Their only item to report was of a vehicle seen earlier, which they suspected of being used by a known insurgent to carry out attacks against their checkpoint.

The checkpoints were constructed and manned two days ago and since then have already been drawing machine gun and mortar fire from insurgent fighters a few kilometers away.

While the 1-40th Cav. Regt. troops were on the rooftop, the sun set, darkening the landscape and leaving an unexpected calm on the area, a calm that Staff Sgt. Mike Pershell, senior scout with 1st Platoon, was thankful for.

Pershell said the residents have had issues with availability of power and water, and that Soldiers have stressed the need for security first. Now, Pershell said, the residents are working towards security so that development and reconstruction can occur.

Under cover of night, the troops made their way back to their vehicle drop-off site. They accomplished their day's mission and mounted up for their return trip back to the base.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15229&Itemid=1

SOUNDS FANTASTIC TO ME!!!

OOH-RAH FOR THE CLC's!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[riverrider]

It's real good to get this news in one place and get an overall glimpse of what's going down. Thanks.

You know, a buddy of mine gets these "news alerts" on his computer and he told me that everytime a round was fired in Iraq he'd get a NEWS ALERT: SHOTS FIRED IN BAGHDAD. Every American death or wound became an ALERT, ALERT--

--But very rarely when enemy muslims were taken out, except for the big-name dogs.

The "alerts" now are very few...as if there is nothing to report.
RR

[AEOakley]

...here on the homefront! From the always-excellent Knee Deep in the Hooah! blog:

The last time I asked Mike what he needed for me to include in his next batch of care packages he asked me to not send so much stuff for him, but instead he asked me to solicit donations for school supplies from folks who wanted to give. There is a school that his unit is very interested in helping out as much as possible. Mike has voiced an affinity for the school and the teachers who are dedicated to doing their best to offer the Iraqi children a good education. Their biggest barrier has been supplies. Of course, as has been true throughout this war, our troops dug deep into their own reserves and resources and have been collecting supplies here and there as best they could.

I have a friend who works at Mead -- you know the Company who is the quintessential one-source for almost all of your back to school supplies. My friend invited me to write up a quick note and submit it to Mead for a donation. I did and they picked our little school in Northern Iraq as a recipient of some school supplies.

I was thrilled beyond belief. I just knew it would be a huge box filled with some school goodies. I couldn't wait to pass it along and hear the story about when the troops delivered some of the stuff. Mead has totally amazed me. I got a postcard in the mail Saturday from a local trucking company. The postcard said that they had a delivery for me from Mead and that I needed to call them to arrange for pick up of the supplies. So, I called this morning and nearly choked to death on my cough drop when they told me what they needed to deliver.


Go here to read the rest of the story: http://kneedeepinthehooah.blogspot.com/2007/11/nice-problem-to-have.html

:clap::clap::clap:

Some Iraqi teachers and school children are about to be abundantly blessed! :)

[Loyal American]

It's real good to get this news in one place and get an overall glimpse of what's going down. Thanks.

You know, a buddy of mine gets these "news alerts" on his computer and he told me that everytime a round was fired in Iraq he'd get a NEWS ALERT: SHOTS FIRED IN BAGHDAD. Every American death or wound became an ALERT, ALERT--

--But very rarely when enemy muslims were taken out, except for the big-name dogs.

The "alerts" now are very few...as if there is nothing to report.
RR

Hey, balanced is not the word is it? UPSIDE, if there are very few now that means the good guys are ok!

Let's see, HOWEVER, how the dirtbags like this ALERT......:whistle:

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Former Insurgent Leads Coalition, Iraqi Forces to Huge Weapons Cache
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A former member of an insurgent group led Coalition forces, Iraqi Army (IA) and members of a Concerned Local Citizens group to a weapons cache site here in the early morning hours of Nov. 13.

The citizen, who reconciled with U.S. and Iraqi troops, knew where the cache was because he helped bury it sometime ago. He said he is now helping Coalition forces because he is tired of al-Qaida trying to force him to work with them. He said al-Qaida imprisoned him and tortured his friends for not joining forces with them.

The Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (FA), 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and IA found refrigerators that contained numerous rockets, mortars and ammunition.

Finding and destroying a weapons cache of this size will help slow enemy attacks in the area, said Capt. David Underwood, Battery B, 1-9th FA commander. He added that the find boosted the troops’ morale.

“They were pumped; they wanted to go look for another cache,” Underwood said.

Underwood called the night’s mission a success. “Anytime you can find something like this, it’s big,” he said. “It was a huge night for us.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15244&Itemid=1

HERE'S WISHING CAPT. UNDERWOOD AND HIS TROOPS MANY MANY MORE HUGE NIGHTS!

AWESOME!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif .... Great front page story in S&S today!!!

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Spc. Craig Luther, 21, of Vermilion, Ohio hands sweets to Iraqi children near Combat Outpost Aztec on Monday. Luther is part of Company D, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

Vilseck-based unit's presence south of Baghdad key in stopping militants



By Seth Robson (robsons@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 14, 2007


BAGHDAD — Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment were on the lookout for suicide bombers when they set up checkpoints on the outskirts of Baghdad at the crack of dawn on Monday.

The company mans Combat Outpost Aztec, one of the many small bases established as part of the Army’s “surge” strategy that has restored a measure of security to the Iraqi capital in recent months.

Two and a half months into the 15-month mission, the unit says it has cleared virtually all insurgents from its area of operations — a 50-square-kilometer patch of semirural land just south of Baghdad International Airport and the Green Zone.

The lines of young Sunni locals who showed up at COP Aztec on Monday morning to volunteer to guard critical infrastructure in the neighborhood were evidence that Company D is winning the battle for hearts and minds here.

But the fact that suicide bombers have struck Iraqi security volunteers so many times in the past encouraged troops to block traffic from roads leading to Aztec and check passing pedestrians and cyclists closely.

One of the soldiers manning the checkpoints was more aware of the danger than most.

Spc. Noel Gaulard, 22, of Bryan, Ohio, was shot in the shoulder during a patrol shortly after he arrived at Aztec.

“We were walking down a road back that way. We got about 250 meters down the road and started taking fire. When I ran to take cover and fire back, a bullet caught me in the shoulder and went straight through,” Gaulard said.

The assailants, who were in a vehicle, escaped before the young soldier could return fire and Gaulard was left with a nasty scar in the middle of an Iron Cross tattoo. But the wound was superficial and he was quickly back to duty.

“It doesn’t hurt, but it has made me cautious. Every time I get in the shower I look down at my shoulder and it comes back. I’ve got a fiancee and a little 2-year-old boy at home,” he said.

Company D’s commander, Capt. Doug Willig, a 29-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., native, said the Iraqi volunteers will form a Critical Infrastructure Security force tasked with manning checkpoints to protect main supply routes throughout the area.

Getting locals to guard their neighborhoods is a formula that has dramatically cut violence in Anbar province to the point where places like Fallujah and Ramadi have gone from being the most dangerous places in Iraq to the most peaceful. Now the strategy is being extended to other parts of Iraq, Willig said.

So far, about 300 Iraqi CIS volunteers have been screened and 100 are manning three checkpoints to stop al-Qaida bringing weapons into Baghdad through the neighborhood. The goal is to employ 276 guards to run seven checkpoints in the area 24 hours a day, Willig said.

The CIS volunteers provide their own weapons and are not an official Iraqi government security force. They are paid $10 a day ($15 for a shift supervisor), he said.

When the volunteers reached Aztec’s entry gate they were searched twice before they were allowed on post.
Soldiers used cameras and eye-and-fingerprint scanners to enter them into a biometric database that the coalition uses to stop insurgents infiltrating security forces.

Most of the CIS volunteers are members of the Jabouri tribe and led by a former Iraqi army general — Mustafa Kamel Shebeb al-Jabouri — who claims he’s been fighting al-Qaida with a force of 2,500 men for two years.

“The Iraqi security forces are weak. They say they can’t do anything without orders. In the future we hope to build Iraqi security forces that don’t depend on politics,” he said through a translator.

Capt. Brian Fallon, 25, of Yorktown, N.Y., and Company D’s fire support officer, oversaw the screening process.

“We don’t use a lot of indirect fire these days so I keep busy looking after civil affairs and information operations,” said Fallon, who is on his second Iraq tour.

Most locals just want to rebuild their country, he said.

“People are just tired of the violence. They have had enough already. They want to help out to get their country stabilized,” Fallon said.

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50252

THANK YOU TROOPS, YOU ARE MAKING A TERRIFIC DIFFERENCE IS SO MANY LIVES!

[Loyal American]

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Special Groups Leader captured by Coalition forces (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a senior Special Groups leader on November 4.

Intelligence reports indicate the suspected criminal was the Special Groups leader for Diyala Province and oversaw all logistics and operations in the area.

He was reportedly responsible for smuggling and storing Iranian weapons, and associated with the largest explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, cache found in Iraq.

While he is currently being cooperative with Coalition forces, he has allegedly used Iranian funding and training to support Special Groups activities.

He is also believed to be an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups members in Iraq who have been involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

Coalition Forces continue to look forward to Iran honoring its commitment to stop the funding, arming and training of criminal groups in Iraq.

“This is a significant capture of a top regional Special Groups leader,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We are committed to bringing criminal elements to justice, which is a key part of our ongoing effort to secure and stabilize Iraq.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15265&Itemid=21

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in recent raid (Tarmiyah)
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD– One of the terrorists killed in Tarmiyah Nov. 5 has been positively identified as Tha’ir Malik.

Tha’ir Malik was the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Reports indicate Malik was previously involved in a terrorist group that conducted attacks against Iraqi citizens for not following Taliban-like rules.

During the operation, surveillance elements observed Malik operating in the area and supporting aircraft was called to strike the time-sensitive target. Secondary explosions erupted from the building, indicating that weapons and ammunition were stored inside. As Coalition forces cleared the surrounding area, they discovered two terrorists believed to be killed by the initial blast to include Malik, small arms ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. The target building ignited from the secondary explosions, preventing the ground force from assessing the building’s interior.

Malik was a subordinate of Abu Ghazwan, the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the northern belt and direct associate of Abu Ayyub al-Masri. Reports indicate that as Coalition forces operations captured al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in Tarmiyah, many of the northern belt leadership were forced out, but Malik remained and was promoted to military emir of the northern belt network.

He was allegedly in charge of as many as 120 individuals and directed a variety of operations, including kidnapping, car-jackings, extortion, and attacks on Coalition and Iraqi security forces, and members of the Awakening. The previous AQI military leader for the Northern Belts who Malik replaced was killed as a result of Coalition Force operations last August.

“This was a dangerous terrorist who is no longer part of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorist leaders and their replacements who plan to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15241&Itemid=21

ONE MAJOR DIRTBAG OUT OF THE PICTURE, GREAT JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
Iraqi volunteers find 5 car bombs (Adhamiyah)
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Five vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices were uncovered in the Al-Rhabi neighborhood of the Adhamiyah District Nov. 13 thanks to reports from Iraqi Security Volunteers.

Members of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment and elements from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division blocked off the Al-Rhabi Gardens in northeast Baghdad to dismantle five car bombs found in a parking lot.

Once isolating positions were established by the U.S. and Iraqi platoons, an explosive ordnance disposal team began investigating several cars, discovering the presence of the explosively rigged vehicles.

Coalition EOD personnel conducted controlled detonations of the five vehicles, rendering the area safe.

There were no casualties or collateral damage to the surrounding area.

The Adhamiyah fire department was on site and quickly extinguished the flames after the explosions.

“Today’s successful elimination of these weapons is a result of the ISV, ISF and U.S. working together to make Adhamiyah safer,” said Lt. Col. Jeffery Broadwater, commander of 3-7 Cavalry. “Because these brave people in the ISV decided to stand up against terrorists, we have been able to reduce their effectiveness.


The terrorists can no longer hide in the shadows to torment the good people of Adhamiyah.”

Following the mission, the Adhamiyah Security Volunteers continued to man their checkpoints.

The volunteers are men and women from this Sunni-dominated district who were trained by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police to provide security for critical sites throughout their local neighborhoods.

The ISV operates a liaison cell at the Adhamiyah District Joint Security Station, which also houses elements from the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Army and Soldiers of 3-7 Cavalry.

This cooperative effort has resulted in 14 weapons cache finds and the identification and eventual detainment of 12 suspected extremists by Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15266&Itemid=21

OUTSTANDING!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces detain 26 suspects targeting al-Qaeda networks
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 26 suspects Wednesday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

West of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained 16 suspects during operations targeting foreign terrorist financiers and al-Qaeda facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into the region. The wanted individual is believed to be associated with senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership, including the alleged Saladin provincial leader.

During other operations along the Tigris River Valley, Coalition forces detained five suspects targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, propaganda operations and terrorists planning attacks against Iraqi Security forces.

South of Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and detained three suspects during operations targeting improvised explosive device engineers and terrorists operating in the Arab Jabour area.

“We remain vigilant and determined to eliminate the extremist enemies of Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The increased willingness of the Iraqi people to share information with Iraqi and Coalition forces will end al-Qaeda’s campaign of terror and intimidation.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15262&Itemid=21

CF KICKIN' BEHIND AGAIN, 26 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!

ROCK ON TROOPS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Tip leads to large explosive cache (Baghdad)
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Acting on a tip, elements of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division and 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment conducted a cordon and search of a house containing several hundred pounds of components capable of making homemade explosives in the Adhamiyah neighborhood Nov. 12.

The chemicals were found in bags behind a false wall inside the home.

The components uncovered included nine bags labeled potassium nitrate, two bags of an orange powder, possibly urea nitrate, and one 50-kilogram bag of aluminum powder.

These chemicals, when mixed together properly, can form a deadly explosive.

After consulting the Iraqi Army officials, an explosive ordnance disposal team was called to conduct a controlled detonation inside the house, due to the instability of the explosives.

EOD was able to minimize the blast so that it did not destroy the house or neighboring homes. However, the potassium nitrate caught fire and damaged the interior of the house.

The local fire department was on scene during this event and was able to isolate the flames and prevent them from spreading to other homes.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15267&Itemid=21

GREAT JOB TROOPS AND VERY GOOD TIP!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[riverrider]

A lota good news today. for many days now--

And the enemy muslim dogs LOVE hollow walls and floors, tunnels etc., no matter where they live. . . .

[Loyal American]

A lota good news today. for many days now--

And the enemy muslim dogs LOVE hollow walls and floors, tunnels etc., no matter where they live. . . .
The news has been very good today RR! :D
Some how I don't think hollow ANYTHING helped the dirtbags below! ;)


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces disrupt senior al-Qaeda operations; 25 killed, 21 detained (Baghdad)
Thursday, 15 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 25 suspected terrorists and detained 21 suspects, four of whom were wounded, late Tuesday and early Wednesday during operations targeting senior terrorist leaders in central Iraq.

During a series of coordinated operations west of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces targeted associates of senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders believed to be in the area.

Coalition forces observed several armed men in the target area and, perceiving hostile intent, called for supporting aircraft to engage.

The supporting aircraft fired on the target, but intelligence reports indicated the men unloaded an anti-aircraft weapon from the target and moved to a secondary location.

The ground force engaged the armed men, killing one, wounding another and detaining one suspect.

Upon securing the area, the ground force found a weapons cache, to include anti-aircraft weapons and artillery.

Supporting aircraft was used to safely destroy an associated building, vehicle and site believed to be used for anti-aircraft attacks against Coalition forces.

The ground force also followed suspects from the initial meeting to several buildings in the area.

As Coalition forces approached the target areas, they were engaged by enemy fire from both locations.
Responding in self-defense, ground forces called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing 24 and wounding three.

As the ground forces secured the areas, they found two substantially large weapons caches, which were safely destroyed by supporting aircraft to prevent further use by terrorists.

The caches included numerous anti-aircraft machine guns, surface-to-surface missiles, rifles, pistols, grenades, mortar rounds and artillery shells.

Coalition forces also found a large quantity of ammunition and components used to manufacture improvised explosive devices.

Coalition forces also detained 16 suspects at the two locations.

All of the injured received immediate medical treatment on site by Coalition forces medical experts and were taken to a near-by military medical facility for further treatment.

“Al-Qaeda is being hit continually by Iraqi and Coalition Forces, so their networks are disrupted and their manpower pool diminishing, thus limiting their ability to strike innocent Iraqis,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15268&Itemid=128

WOW, 46 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION, OUR TROOPS ARE ON A ROLL!

AWESOME, THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

I HAVE to post this here!

This is what I have been running into myself. This being posted in this thread is in NO WAY trying to politicize this thread in ANY way shape or form.

I can tell you that I have VERY many friends on the ground in Iraq right now. I have more friends that are on their way again and are chomping at the bit to go back and finish this. My husband included. The war in Iraq has been won. Its just a matter of tyeing up loose ends and filling in the American public to the truth about it.
I do what I can to inform as many as I can by word of mouth and by posting on several sites. Just as LA & AEOakley do here keeping up this GREAT thread. You have to know were not the only ones. There are MANY people out there doing exactly what we are doing. Here is one that takes the cake.


WAPO Reporter To PD Reader: Time Not Right For “A Different Kind Of Reporting”

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m304/ClearThinking/x_meetthepressphoto.jpg
Senior Washington Post Reporter, Robin Wright on Meet The Press

What does she mean by that? There should be no kind, but the kind that tells the truth. She’s basically admitting that she and the rest of the Washington Post are going to cling to their negative spin as long as they can.

The press used to beat us over the head with Al Anbar and Baghdad as implications of irrevocable failure, the defeat of the United States in the war in Iraq. Now where are all the articles with an equivalent emphasis on the implications of our current successes?

A Pat Dollard.com reader recently had an interesting exchange with one of the Post’s top Iraq reporters, in which he contrasted a series of stories from this site with their own.

Below is his email to me, which features their exchange. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

Pat,

I just want to thank you for helping us keep up on the “real war”.

There is a lot of chaff out there.

I have attached below, a discussion with one WaPo reporter.

Thanks again,
Gary in Midwest

The following was in response to comments made on a news show by a
correspondent at the Washington Post. Despite the good news being reported
on the decrease in bombings and both civilian and troop casualties, the
absolute reluctance to admit improvements was astonishing. The new
requirement for positive war reporting hinges on “long term trends”. The
WaPo correspondent did answer my emails, sort of.

Initial email from Gary in Midwest:

A victory in a battle is a victory in a battle. To be tenuous about
reporting anything good because it hasn’t been a trend would eliminate most
of the news, period. News is just that.News. Not new trends! It is a
sophomoric argument. I read it as any news that may reflect support of the
troops’ accomplishments is not acceptable by the mainstream news media. I
mean, after all, why encourage our boys in uniform? They may be inspired to
attain victory!

From: WaPo Correspondent
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 9:32 AM
To: Gary in Midwest
Subject: Re: Message via washingtonpost.com: War Reporting

Thanks for your comments. The point I was trying to make is that two makes
does not make a permanent trend. As Gen. Odierno said last week, when he
came to the Post, that the numbers have been good the last couple of months
but the US military has not yet reached the point of “irreversible
momentum.”When they do, it will certainly mean a different kind of reporting. All it
will take is one or two really bad attacks and the numbers will start going
up again. I think we’re all a little nervous about declaring victories
before we’re fully confident that they represent a long-term trend.

Thanks again,
Diplomatic Correspondent
The Washington Post

(After a month of relatively good news and success I replied with this)

From: Gary in Midwest
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:01 PM
To: WaPo Correspondent
Subject: RE: Message via washingtonpost.com: War Reporting

Is it a trend yet?

From: WaPo Correspondent
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 9:00 AM
To: Gary in Midwest
Subject: RE: Message via washingtonpost.com: War Reporting

I dearly hope it is a trend. What also concerns me is that the US military
said this week that 2007 now ranks (in November) as the deadliest year for
US troops, a point it made on a day 6 US troops were killed from roadside
bombs. In assorted briefings, senior US military officials in recent days
have not yet been willing to declare the reduced casualty figures a
permanent or sustainable trend.

Thanks for your interest in this vital subject.

To: WaPo Correspondant
Sent: Fri 11/9/2007 6:14 PM
Subject: RE: Message via washingtonpost.com: War Reporting

It’s a damn good thing people like you weren’t reporting the news during
WWII. Try and name a day that the casualty count was 6. When the losses
decreased the newspapers reported it, when there was victory, the newspapers
reported it. The people at home had a glimmer of hope. Not to mention a
democratic president who tried to instill a sense of accomplishment and a
light at the end of a tunnel. Too many reporters have managed to make it
through college without a history lesson other than the tired old Vietnam
rant. The Greatest Generation has made way to a protected, coddled and
spoiled legacy that refuses to steep their faith in our past and our
country. I am afraid that our ancestors that sacrificed so much are finding
a nation of ungrateful, uninformed and arrogant occupants spitting on their
accomplishments. I find it fascinating that the baby boomers, so bent on
protecting their offspring’s precious self esteem, are never slack when it
comes to deflating the guys that guarantee their right to be idiots. How is
it, in a time of war that you expect the people in uniform to respond
positively to an ongoing barrage of doom and gloom.

I also dearly hope you come to a point of realization that the trend does in
fact exist and that you were looking for your answers in the political arena
of do-nothings and hand-wringers. Our troops, and the people whom they leave
behind, are willing to sacrifice their lives and loved ones in this war
against fanatical terrorists. Our press sits on its’ hands and touts the
losing cause, holding people to believe that we are, in the end, wasting
flesh and bone for no apparent reason. But, in spite of all of the
negativity, our military presses on. Day after day, night after sleepless
night, knowing that the insurgents they neutralize in Iraq are no longer a
threat to Europe, Asia or the America’s. Have you reported on the number of
enemy killed? Here’s a sampling just in case you thought it might be too
hard to come up with one.

-Breaking: Al Qaeda’s Military Chief In Diyala Killed

-56 Al Qaeda Killed In Central Baghdad

-Al Qaeda Storm Villages, Beaten Back By IP & Civilians

-25 Militants Arrested In Babel Capital Raids

-IA General: 537 Al Qaeda Killed Or Captured Since June 19

-60 Al Qaeda Fail Miserably In Another Spectacular Village Attack
Pakistan: 310 Killed In Al Qaeda Insurrection

-Video: Army Rescues Kidnapped Father In Baghdad

-Besieged Town Saved As Assaults Kill 41 Al Qaeda
More Than 100 Dead In Massive Taliban Overrun Attack

-US Breaking Up Al Qaeda Regrouping Efforts

-Top Taliban Leader Killed in Afghanistan

-Marines Waste Al Qaeda Team In Fallujah

-Three Al Qaeda Leaders Killed In Diyala

-70 Taliban Killed In Raids Near Pakistan Border

-32 Al Qaeda Killed In Fallujah

-Key Kidnapper And Over 25 Other Taliban Killed

-75 Taliban Killed Today - Two Week Death Toll Reaches 300

-Censored Story Of The Week: All Sunnis Return To Iraq Parliament

-First Day Of Ramadan: 45 Taliban Whacked In Failed Afghanistan Ambush

-Senior Al Qaeda In Iraq Terrorist Captured

-Killed Or Captured: 16 Al Qaeda In Baghdad

-Czech PM Says His Country Will Help Build New Iraq

-Highest-Ranking Taliban Kidnapper Bombed To Death

-14 Al Qaeda Taken Down In Fallujah

-Eight Terrorists Killed, 25 Captured In Ongoing Baghdad Belt Clearing

-Over 165 Taliban Killed in Southern Afghanistan Cops Kill Or Capture
19 Al Qaeda In Fallujah Raids

-Al Qaeda’a Emir Of Foreign Fighters In Iraq Killed

-40 Gunmen Killed In 24 Hours

-”Phenomenon”: U.S. Tribal Allies Swell To 30,000

-25 Iran-Connected Militants Killed In Heavy Battle

That’s just a few months worth. Where could you possibly come up with all
that good news? www.patdollard.com. That’s where.

I am pleased with the box office attendance of all the Michael Moore type
anti war films being released as of late. I dearly hope that this too, is a
trend.

I am equally ecstatic about the election of real leaders in France and
Germany.

I hope this is a trend that will correct the idiocy that put a moron at the
helm of Spain.

Just a suggestion as we approach Veterans Day. Before you **** all over our
troops by discounting their accomplishments, take a second to reflect on the
eventual loss of the free society as we know it. For with an ever growing
population of history deprived eggheads, we are already cascading the
slippery slope.

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand
ready to do violence on their behalf” -George Orwell

Gary in Midwest




The good news has tipped the scales and the press will NOT be able to hold back the truth any longer.

http://patdollard.com/2007/11/14/wapo-reporter-to-pd-reader-time-not-right-for-a-different-kind-of-reporting/

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

New Marine Ops Targeting Smugglers

by Richard Tomkins
Camp Ripper, Iraq (UPI) Nov 13, 2007

As insurgent and terrorist violence in western Anbar province continues to fall, a small band of U.S. Marines at Al Asad Air Base are increasingly drawing their beads on bands of oil smugglers who nip across the border to Syria to sell purloined oil or who hawk refined fuel from Syria on the Iraqi black market.

They’re called Aero-Scouts. And though their operations in the area known as AO-Denver may not be counter-insurgency warfare in the narrowest sense, they’re an important element in the broader strategy to help bring security and stability.

First, smuggling of oil and refined fuel undercuts Iraq’s central government. Second, it may also be helping fund insurgent and terrorist operations. A classified U.S. government report disclosed by The New York Times last year estimated insurgents raked in a minimum of $25 million annually as a result of the activity nationwide.

In western Anbar province, Maj. Bob Brodie from South Carolina is the man smugglers have to reckon with. Nearly every day he and a group of 40 Marines, together with a handful of Iraqi army personnel, scour the desert by helicopter and swoop down on encampments and suspect vehicles. It’s a multitasked effort: part policing, part counter-insurgency, part reconnaissance.

“I’ve been doing it for about 10 months now, and we’ve interdicted oil pirates, found insurgent camps, weapons caches and an IED (improvised explosive devices) factory,” he said. “These days, we’re finding oil pirates more and more.”

On Monday, Brodie’s “package” consisted of four helicopters — one of them a Cobra gunship — a 30 Marine assault force, four Iraqi soldiers and an interpreter. Within minutes of being airborne and heading north from Al Asad, the first target was sited — an encampment containing 13 men. No oil or weapons were found and the Marines withdrew. But 20 minutes later things changed. Two small flatbed trucks were spotted in a wadi with what seemed to be oil drums.

The helos circled, two dipped and then set down. Marines raced out the back, quickly set a security perimeter and then raced forward to surround the trucks, which had come to a stop.

“Be careful but very aggressive,” Brodie had told his men the night before in a pre-mission briefing. “Be professional, but very aggressive. It’s all about money (for those involved in smuggling). For the moment, they just put up their hands but it’s inevitable that it’s going to change.”

In a different area of operation last month, Brodie had said, smugglers hauling a big rig opened fire on Marines with semiautomatic weapons.

The men stopped Monday were firmly taken aside, searched, papers checked, retinas scanned into a database for checking against wanted terrorists, and then questioned by the Marines and Iraqis as their vehicles were searched.

It was a good stop. Their cargo was 24 55-gallon drums of diesel fuel for which they had no documentation. The Iraqi troops tied plastic restraint bands around their wrists and put them on a helicopter for further questioning in the rear and possible detention.

In 15 minutes it was done. Brodie and his Marines were airborne again, the trucks left behind for later pickup. But the Marines relaxed only for a few minutes. Another target was sited — two more flatbed trucks with drums. The result: four more detentions and more confiscated fuel.

And so it went for nearly four hours.

“It feels good,” one Marine said. “It’s not combat against insurgents, but you know you’re doing something worthwhile. And there’s a tangible result to what you’re doing.”

Brodie’s missions are particularly suited for AO-Denver. The area of responsibility for the Marines is about 30,000 square miles, roughly the size of Southern Carolina, and sparsely populated. Its vast desert, some of which borders Syria and Jordan, is full of wadis in which vehicles can travel undetected from the ground.

A major town in the AO is Haditha, the hiding place of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian-born leader of al-Qaida-Iraq who was killed by U.S. aircraft in 2006.

An alignment with U.S.-led coalition forces by tribal sheiks has led to a sharp drop in terrorist and insurgent violence in recent months. Marine Col. Stacy Clardy, the commander of the 2nd Marine Regimental Combat Team at Al Asad, told United Press International there’s been a 75-percent reduction in violence in AO-Denver since January — from an average of 95 attacks, including IED incidents, a week to about 24 weekly. Al-Qaida, however, is still using parts of western Anbar province as a transit point and remains a threat.


http://patdollard.com/2007/11/14/new-marine-ops-targeting-oil-smugglers/

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

We Will Prevail!!

http://patdollard.com/2007/11/14/we-will-prevail/

In the link please watch the video. Its great and puts a LOT into perspective for anyone who is not in uniform or on the ground in Iraq.


Iggy's profile:

I am an active duty officer with over 12 years of service under my belt. I served as a platoon commander for 2 tours to Iraq, with one of them being in Ramadi. I was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia. I am a firm believer that the United States is the greatest country in the world and I have sworn an oath to give my life in her defense. Let me know if you have any topics that you would like me to discuss or any questions you may want me to answer. I will answer them in my videos. Disclaimer: The opinion and statements expressed in my videos do not represent the official views of the US Military.

[Loyal American]

The good news has tipped the scales and the press will NOT be able to hold back the truth any longer.

http://patdollard.com/2007/11/14/wapo-reporter-to-pd-reader-time-not-right-for-a-different-kind-of-reporting/

Great post(s) today LCM, thank you! I have declared my own little war on the media....37 communications have gone out already......and I have activated my little community troops back in the states too! Please thank Pat for his wonderful site!!! The news is rockin' and Americans need to see it!!!

Here's a little tidbit from S&S today........:clap:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
15 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq fighters reported dead



Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, November 15, 2007



Some 15 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq fighters were reported dead after a daylong battle that began with an attack on “concerned citizens” checkpoints south of Baghdad, U.S. military officials said.

The battle took place earlier this week in Adwaniyah, where U.S. officials have just instituted a version of the “neighborhood patrols” that see armed civilians defending their own neighborhoods.

In this case, officials said, the attack “hoped to deter the grass-roots security effort by conducting a complex attack on the citizens.”

Insurgents attacked two separate checkpoints simultaneously, with troops from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and Iraqi troops responding.

U.S. military officials said there were some 30 to 45 attackers on foot using small arms, with other attackers using machine guns mounted in trucks. U.S. troops called in two airstrikes from Air Force F-16s, holding off the al-Qaida fighters from overrunning the checkpoints.

“I think all the elements that had a part in [the] battle were impressed with the concerned citizens,” 1st Lt. Robert Hamilton, a Troop B, 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment platoon leader, was quoted as saying in a military news release. “For the number of factors against them, they handled themselves well.”

There were no reports of casualties suffered by either the Iraqi civilian guards or coalition troops.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50275

AND NO CASUALTIES SUFFERED BY THE GOOD GUYS! AWESOME JOB BY EVERYONE........BRAVO AND THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police detain 12, discover caches, car bomb factory (Salah ad Din)
Thursday, 15 November 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Police units involved in Operation Iron Hammer discovered caches containing more than 2,900 liters of nitric acid, a car bomb factory and more than 340 mortar and artillery rounds of various caliber in addition to large quantities of military equipment in the al Jazeera desert, Western Salah ad Din Province, Iraq, Nov. 10.

The caches, discovered by 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, also contained four DSHKA anti-aircraft machine guns with more than 13,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 1,000 47mm anti-aircraft rounds, 32 anti-tank mines, detonation cord and small arms with ammunition. Iraqi Police detained 12 men for al-Qaeda related activities.

In addition to arms, the car bomb factory contained seven vehicles, welding equipment and auto parts to reinforce suspensions and heavy duty struts, which enable vehicles to carry increased loads. Two 36,000 gallon capacity fuel tankers used to transport black market fuel were also discovered.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15271&Itemid=21

WOW, FANTASTIC JOB IA AND IP.......ROCK ON AND THANK YOU!!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[riverrider]

great stuff. Thanks for the iggy video. First time I saw this.

The MSM is what it is, but Individual reporters should be remembered...

[AEOakley]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/071114_fea2_med.jpg
Sheik Juwad al-Shimmari, Al Waheda city council chairman, hands out school supply packets to students of the newly refurbished Al Taybeh Elementary School, Nov. 12 in Al Waheda. Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd Infantry Division.

Refurbished School Opens; Tennessee Donates Supplies
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Children in Al Waheda received more than pencils and paper as they arrived to class Nov. 12; they were given a completely refurbished school.

“The community continued to educate the children, despite not having a place to go,” Sheik Juwad Al Shimmari, the Waheda city council chairman, said through a translator. “But now we have this beautiful school and we are very grateful to Coalition forces and the city council for giving us the resources to rebuild.”

Leaders of Company C and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and the 489th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion, a reserve unit from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to the 1-15th Inf. Regt. attended the school opening in Al Waheda.

Al Shimmari oversaw the event, inviting local, Al Karrar National Police Brigade, and 1-15th Inf. Regt. leaders and Soldiers to walk through the newly refurbished school.

According to Maj. Greg Lester, from Knoxville, Tenn., team chief for team 911, 489th CA, the city council made the decision to refurbish the school. The 1-15th Inf. Regt. was responsible for funding the project and coordinating with local contractors for bids. The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, approved the project.

Local contractors took approximately (90) days to renovate the structure of the school, paint the walls, fix the plumbing and electricity, and install new doors and windows.

“It was not very difficult,” Marmas said. “The school was broken but we did our best to do what we did. I am very proud.”

Lester is certain the project will prove beneficial for everyone in the community, including the 1-15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers who provide security in the area.

“Refurbishing the school provides jobs for local contractors and laborers,” he said. “It builds rapport between Coalition forces and the local community and city council. It gives the community pride to have such a nice school in Al Waheda.”

Besma Mihsin, the wife of a security officer in the community, works as a school custodian and remembers when it was a derelict building.

“I am very impressed with the progress the school has made. I remember what it used to look like,” she said through a translator. “Now I can see the happiness on the faces of the kids and their families.”

According to Capt. Matthew Givens, Columbus, Ga. native and civilian project manager, 1-15th Inf. Regt., the school still needs furniture, four more classrooms, and a teachers’ lounge.

Although minor additions are still needed, both Iraqi locals and leaders from 1-15th Inf. Regt. are pleased with the outcome of the project.

“This new school gives them a chance to build the next generation,” said Spc. Daniel Bell, from Sevierville, Tenn., civil affairs specialist with the 489th CA. “Every moment after this school opens will provide opportunities to turn things around.”

After the walk-through, Shimmari, Givens, and Lt. Col. Jabbar from the Al Karrar National Police, handed out school supplies to the students. The packets, containing coloring books, crayons, paper, pencils and other school supplies, were donated to the project from friends and families in Knoxville, Tenn.

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. from Fort Benning, Ga. and has been deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

:clap: :flag: :clap:

Found here: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15246&Itemid=1

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces detain 10 suspects during operations targeting al-Qaeda
Thursday, 15 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspects Thursday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central Iraq.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq members and those believed to be involved in the courier network. The ground force detained the wanted individual and one suspect without incident.

In other operations in central Iraq, Coalition forces detained eight suspects during operations targeting foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators, couriers and associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders familiar with the northern belt. A small weapons cache was found during one of the operations, and it was safely destroyed by the ground force to prevent further use by terrorists.

"Each successful operation leads us to another target, which in turn leads to another," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "With the help of the Iraqi citizens and their security forces, we are dismantling al-Qaeda in Iraq."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15274&Itemid=128

Nice work troops and 10 more dirtbags off the streets!!!

Thank you!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Concerned Local Citizens Group Turns in Large Weapons Cache
Thursday, 15 November 2007

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) group found a large weapons cache in Arab Jabour, Nov. 12. The cache was so large that three controlled detonations were needed to destroy it.


A CLC reported a buried weapons cache to Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The CLC led Company A Soldiers to the location of the cache where several barrels containing the munitions were buried.

The cache consisted of (24) 60mm rounds, (25) 82 mm mortar rounds, two 120 mm mortar rounds, three 122 mm projectiles, three rifle grenades, one 60 mm mortar tube, (20) bundles of propellant, (20) pounds of homemade explosives, (40) feet of detonation cord and an anti-tank mine.

After assessing the cache, an explosive ordnance disposal team was called to destroy it.

Throughout Iraq, the CLC groups have made a noticeable impact on the insurgency. The information they provide results in more weapons found and terrorists captured every day. These brave volunteers are taking a stand for the stability, safety and development of their country.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15283&Itemid=1

WAY TO GO CLC's!

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
The Ambulance of the Skies
Thursday, 15 November 2007

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CAMP STRIKER — “Medevac! Medevac! 2nd up!” As the call comes over the radio, the living room of the pilots, crew chiefs and medics of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment springs to life.

Soldiers scramble to grab their gear then run to the Black Hawk helicopters that will carry them to where a patient waits for a lift to the 25th Combat Surgical Hospital in Baghdad.


Speed is essential to the Soldiers of Co. C, 2-3 Avn. Regt., the medical evacuation company whose sole mission is to transfer patients to medical facilities in Baghdad and Balad.

“Time is the most important (element),” said Chief Warrant Officer Travis Powell, pilot in Co. C. “We take pride in trying to be the fastest aircraft off the ground.”

The medevac company is allotted (15) minutes from the initial call to when the aircraft is off the ground, but for Co. C, the time from the call to wheels up is less than (10) minutes, said Sgt. Reid Carpenter, flight medic with Co. C. Patients are usually picked up within (40) minutes, depending on the pick-up site, Ried added.

The medevac company picks up three classes of patients: Urgent, priority and routine. Urgent patients are typically gunshot wounds and the pilots have no more than an hour to move the patients to a medical facility.

Priority patients have four hours to be moved but have the potential to become urgent.

Routine patients are those whose circumstances are not life threatening, such as a doctor’s appointment.

According to Powell, the majority of patients are urgent and priority from gun shot wounds, or a Humvee rolling over an improvised explosive device.

In order to conserve life-saving time, the company prepares the aircraft and gear in advance. A preflight run-up of the aircraft begins at 6 a.m. daily, where a health indicator test is performed on the engines, radios are set, equipment is loaded and gear is made ready in the ****pit.

“We have a dedicated phone for medevac calls,” said Capt. Shane Miller, Co. C, 2-3 Avn. Regt. “When the call comes, the PI (pilot) and crew chief go directly to the aircraft to run up the aircraft, while the other pilot gets information on the patients and where to pick them up.

Then it’s ‘Go! Go! Go!’”

The ground units also assist in speeding the process of transporting patients. Ground units provide a pinpoint eight-digit grid location and mark landing areas to signal pilots so the units are not searching for a place to land.

“We fly as fast as the aircraft will go,” Powell said. “It’s pretty exciting. Speed is the essence (of our job).”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15282&Itemid=1

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif ..... MRAP UPDATE!!!

Mine-Resistant Vehicle Production Continues Ahead of Schedule
Thursday, 15 November 2007

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WASHINGTON — Production of mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles continues ahead of schedule, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here Nov. 14.


“For the month of October, we had hoped to produce (431) vehicles,” Morrell said during a news conference.

“We have produced (452). That's (21) more than we had anticipated, which puts us overall, year-to-date, program-to-date, (34) ahead of schedule.”

The MRAP vehicles are state-of-the-art defenses against the leading killers of American troops in Iraq – improvised explosive devices (IED) and explosively formed penetrators (EFP). The V-shaped armored hull deflects explosive blasts from mines, IED and EFP away from the crew compartment.

Variants of the vehicle are being produced for different mission needs, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has said there is no more important program than getting the vehicles to combat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army and Marine units use the vehicles.

The Defense Department is airlifting the vehicles into the U.S. Central Command area of operations once technicians at the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in Charleston, S.C., outfit the vehicles with radios, jammers and other equipment allowing crews to communicate inside the vehicle and identify enemy or friendly forces.

“We are also showing some progress with regards to the outfitting of these vehicles down at SPAWAR in Charleston,” Morrell said. “The time it takes to equip these vehicles with all the government-furnished equipment … has been cut down to (21) days. I think when we started this, it was about (30) days.”

He said command officials believe they can continue to refine processes and ultimately get the outfitting done in seven days. “It's ambitious, but they feel as though they are on course to do that,” he said.

There are now (760) MRAP vehicles in theater, and the department believes it is still on target to get (1,500) of them to Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan by the end of the year. “The last two months of production are tough ones,” Morrell acknowledged.

The November quota is just under (1,000) vehicles and the December quota is about (1,200). “It's more than doubling what we did this past month,” he said. “So we've got a lot of work to do, but we feel as though we are on the right track.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15284&Itemid=1

AWESOME!

THANK YOU! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/webart1116.jpg
Sunnis applying for Iraqi security forces jobs are searched by a 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment soldier after they arrived at Joint Security Station Cougar.

Sunnis joining Iraqi security forces in droves

‘Historic occasion’ highlights increased level of cooperation from former foes

By Seth Robson (robsons@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, November 16, 2007


BAGHDAD — Sunnis in Baghdad are signing up in large numbers to join Shiite-dominated Iraqi security forces — a sign, according to the U.S. Army, that Sunnis here are keen to follow the path to peace taken by their kinsmen in Anbar province.

On Thursday, dozens of young Sunni men showed up for an Iraqi security forces recruiting drive at Joint Security Station Cougar, a base in Baghdad’s Sadiahy neighborhood that is home to Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment and several hundred, mostly Shiite, Iraqi police officers.

“This is an historic occasion,” said the 2nd Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Myron Reineke, as he shook hands, first with Fasul Abued Hasson al Joburi, a Sunni sheik who led about 100 members of his clan onto the base to apply for security forces jobs, then with Lt. Col. Fakhir Idair Al Bahadpy, who heads a 400-man battalion of Iraqi police.

Iraqis call the phenomenon of Sunnis joining local security forces “following the light in the west,” one of the U.S. soldiers at JSS Cougar said. In Anbar province, most Sunnis have switched allegiance this year, from backing al-Qaida to supporting the coalition, a move that has led to a drastic reduction in violence west of Baghdad.

Once on base, the Sunni recruits underwent a physical training test that involved running about 80 yards and doing five push-ups and five sit-ups. Then they were checked by an Iraqi doctor and added to a biometric database.

“I bring my people here to join up to protect our area. It is something new in our life. We want all the Iraqis to mix in here without any problem. Just together in one Iraq. When the Sunni and Shia mix, it will be better.
Not just one side,” al-Joburi said, through a translator.

Local Sunnis do not trust the police, he added, “… but if police come with American Army, we are safe because Americans believe in human rights, unlike the police.”

Lt. Col. Faqir Idair al Bahadpy, who commands the 172nd National Police Battalion, which has about 400, mostly Shiite, police serving with it, welcomed the Sunni recruits.

“I need more Sunni people in my force so I can be more effective. I want equality not only for Sunni and Shia. It shouldn’t matter if they are Christians, Turkmen or where they are from. These people can serve the community,” he said, also through a translator.

Al Bahadpy acknowledged that the Sunni community did not trust the police, but said negotiation is building trust, step by step.

“There was a barrier between police and the Sunni population, but when I have Sunnis (the recruits) inside the base this is a big step. I know they are scared and I talk to them and tell them what is happening,” he said.

Company F 1st Sgt. Michael Callaghan-McCann, 44, of Everett, Wash., said the recruiting drive was the first in the neighborhood.

“It is pretty significant that the Sunnis showed up. It means they want change and peace on their streets,” he said.

Four weeks after Company F arrived and started daily patrols with the Iraqi police, progress is happening, Callaghan-McCann said.

“The other night after they (the Iraqi police) finished a patrol, they found what they thought was a (roadside bomb). They showed it to our guys who agreed … and called (explosive ordnance disposal) to deal with it. It was (the Iraqi police) identifying a problem instead of turning a blind eye,” he said.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50298

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Sunnis applying for Iraqi security forces jobs undergo biometric screening at Joint Security Station Cougar.

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A Sunni applicant for an Iraqi security forces job does a physical training test at Joint Security Station Cougar.

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From left: Lt. Col. Fakhir Idair Al Bahadpy, a Shiite, who heads a 400-man battalion of Iraqi Police, and Fasul Abued Hasson Al Joburi, a Sunni sheik, who lead about 100 members of his clan onto Joint Security Station Cougar to apply for security forces jobs.

All photo's enlarged, see below links:

http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=50298&photo=2

http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=50298&photo=4

http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=50298&photo=3

http://www.stripes.com/articlephoto.asp?section=104&article=50298&photo=5

[riverrider]

I saw one bootcamp-like photo.......

[Loyal American]

I saw one bootcamp-like photo.......

Hummmm, let me guess, the sit-up photo??? :think:


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; two terrorists killed, 12 detained
Friday, 16 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspects Friday during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual southeast of Baghdad during operations targeting foreign terrorist facilitators in the Southern Belt. Reports also indicate the individual was involved in planning attacks on coalition aircraft.

The ground force approached the target building and called for the occupants to come out, but the individuals did not comply. One of the men was wearing a vest loaded with grenades. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing two of the men. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three other suspects on site.

In other operations in Ramadi, Mosul and Kirkuk, Coalition forces detained eight suspects while targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders and those believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and small arms attacks against Iraqi police and Coalition forces.

"Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue targeting al-Qaeda to diminish their ability to attack Iraqis," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

GREAT WORK TROOPS, THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

His latest dispatch and wonderful photos -- entitled "Come Home" -- an excerpt:

Today, Muslims mostly filled the front pews of St John’s. Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home. The Christians who might see these photos likely will recognize their friends here. The Muslims in this neighborhood worry that other people will take the homes of their Christian neighbors, and that the Christians will never come back. And so they came to St John’s today in force, and they showed their faces, and they said, “Come back to Iraq. Come home.” They wanted the cameras to catch it. They wanted to spread the word: Come home. Muslims keep telling me to get it on the news. “Tell the Christians to come home to their country Iraq.”

You have to see these photos!!

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/come-home.htm

[riverrider]

Yup

And great photos and story. But I can't help worrying about those folks

[AEOakley]

Yup

And great photos and story. But I can't help worrying about those folks

I agree -- what they're doing is very BRAVE, in my opinion. Yet they are counting the cost, I'm sure...and know full well the risks they're taking.

The woman shown with her two daughters seems to be among the bravest of them all...what an example she is to the next generation! :clap:

[Loyal American]

His latest dispatch and wonderful photos -- entitled "Come Home" -- an excerpt:



You have to see these photos!!

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/come-home.htm

Iraqi Christians Return to Worship in St. John’s Church
Saturday, 17 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Nov. 15 marked an important day for the residents of the Doura neighborhood, as Iraqi Christians returned to conduct worship services at St. John’s Church.


Bishop Schlemon Warduni, Auxiliary Bishop of the Chaldean Church, came to St. John’s, in the heart of a southern Baghdad neighborhood where violence had been the worst and al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) most strongly entrenched, to give the first mass since May 5.

With Christians, Muslims, and Iraqi security and Coalition forces on hand, Bishop Warduni delivered a mass praying for peace and unity for all of Iraq. The Christians in the congregation took communion to conclude the service, culminating a day more than six months in the making.

“This service is a reflection of the current security situation in Doura,” said Harker Heights, Texas, native Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “Only a few weeks ago AQI had the Iraqi populace in the grip of terror but they’ve been pushed out and the people have returned to worship.”

Tired that their Christian friends had been forced out by AQI, Muslim leaders sought a way to bring these families back into the community. Lt. Col. Stephen Michael, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, said the Muslim community played a significant role in the events of the day.

“Some of the first people that called for the opening of the church were the Muslims here that have lived in this muhalla (neighborhood)” said Michael, a native of Newark, N.J., as he stood in the church courtyard in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Many Muslim leaders attended the service as a sign of friendship and support to their Christian neighbors. Their attendance could be a sign that Muslims in the area have rejected AQI and embraced their Christian friends.

St. John’s Church hasn’t been spared from the destruction of war. In 2004, the church was attacked by terrorists and largely destroyed. It has since been rebuilt. Just a few weeks ago, Christians there raised a new cross on the steeple of the church.

Doura’s diversity has always been a strength of the neighborhood. Nestled up against the TigrisRiver, a large percentage of Baghdad’s Christian community called Doura home. In the spring, AQI terrorists began a campaign to force those Christians out of their homes.
However, thanks to the efforts of Iraqi security forces and the Coalition, the security situation has changed dramatically here.

“A lot’s changed in this muhalla. We’ve come through and cleared out pretty much all of the bad guys we can find. People feel safe now,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Lee, a native of Glennville, Ga.

Today, the Doura market is a vibrant center of commerce. More than (400) shops sell everything from fruit and vegetables to toothpaste and shampoo.

Doura’s streets are filled with the shouts and laughter of children playing, as well as going to and from school. Businesses line the streets and shops stand on corners, with customers lining up in an area where people hardly ever ventured outside just a few months ago.

The streets are clean, and the residents take pride in their neighborhood. The families that live there have formed friendships with the Soldiers from the 2-12th Infantry Regiment.

Speaking after the mass, Bishop Warduni delivered a message of peace for everyone.

“We pray for peace in every country,” the bishop said, “that in this war, our lord protects everybody, and the peace of the lord be with you, always.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15315&Itemid=1

AWESOME!!!

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
Market Thriving, Economy Improving in Baghdad Neighborhood
Saturday, 17 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Only seven months ago the Sugasimche (Fish Market) area in the Raabi neighborhood of the Adhamiyah district was filled with a violent, criminal element that struck fear into residents who didn’t feel safe to walk the streets.


But a change for the better occurred thanks to the persistent efforts of paratroopers from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who have worked with local security forces to restore the market area, making it once again a center of commerce for residents throughout Adhamiyah.

“When we first got to the neighborhood months ago it was a dangerous place to go,” said Clemens, Ore., native, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Burpee. “We focused our efforts in the neighborhood and took out the insurgents living in the area. After that, we enticed people to come. We built and refurbished schools there and provided security through the Iraqi Security Volunteer program. Now safety is a reality in this neighborhood. If you come here during the day or night, you see a lot of people shopping.”

The paratroopers still conduct daily patrols with Iraqi Soldiers and Police to build relationships with residents.

Since 319th Soldiers have already built a strong bond with citizens in Raabi, the more residents see Iraqi Security Forces walking the neighborhoods with paratroopers, the more trust they will have toward the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police.

Burpee said that what his team and their Iraqi counterparts are doing is setting an effective security plan in place so the local people can feel safe. He believes that security is the main reason more stores are open and more people in the neighborhoods are showing up to shop. They made the actual market more inviting to improve commerce.

“If we don’t keep businesses opened up, the economy is going to collapse, there’s going to be no money circulating,” said Burpee. “We just got to keep working with our counterparts the Iraqi Army and Police and get them to the level they need to be, so we can transition this place to them and the local nationals still feel safe and willing to shop.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15316&Itemid=1

GREAT!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; six terrorists killed, 10 detained
Saturday, 17 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects today during operations targeting terrorist networks in central and northern Iraq.

During operations northeast of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq's media and courier networks. Reports indicate the area was used as a propaganda house and is associated with a courier service for senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. As the ground force approached the target building, armed men inside engaged Coalition forces with heavy fire. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing two terrorists.

During the operation, two of the armed men were seen leaving the first building and maneuvering into a second building. Coalition forces called for the building's occupants to come out, but no one complied. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing four terrorists. As the ground force secured the buildings, they found three of the terrorists killed were wearing suicide vests, including one that had detonated. They also found a weapons cache, improvised explosive device making materials and a media cache. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to safely destroy the two buildings, which were assessed to be structurally unsafe.

Coalition forces also detained three suspects from two other locations during the operations in northeast Samarra. Supporting Coalition aircraft safely destroyed two known al-Qaeda in Iraq safe houses to prevent further use by terrorists.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, couriers and associates of senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained five other suspects without incident.

During operations southwest of Kirkuk, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq. Reports indicate the targeted individual is believed to be planning terrorist attacks in the region and is associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Mosul.

"We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Operations like these are diminishing al-Qaeda's ability to attack the Iraqi people."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15308&Itemid=128

FANTASTIC JOB TROOPS!

THANK YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Gates, Mullen Discuss Progress, Future Objectives for Iraqi, Coalition Forces
Saturday, 17 November 2007

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WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen presented an Iraq update to the press at the Pentagon Thursday.
View Transcript (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/Press_briefings/2007/November/071115_gates_mullen_transcript.pdf) View Slides (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/Press_briefings/2007/November/trifold%20nov%2014%202007%20final.pdf)


Gates and Mullen talked about political and economic progress, future objectives for the Iraqi government to achieve and remaining challenges for Coalition forces.
One major issue was the Anbar awakening and how provincial level politics is working.

“There have been developments, positive developments politically and economically, that we did not anticipate. We've talked before about the Anbar awakening and what has happened in Al Anbar,” said Gates. “There are other things happening. Some of the Sunni sheiks are now talking to Shi'a sheiks, you're getting some cross- sectoral, sectarian contact and dialogue and de- Ba'athification is taking place as thousands of Sunnis are rejoining or joining the police and the Army.”

The movement of the sheiks and tribal leaders in Anbar province turning against al Qaida is spreading to other provinces in Iraq. According to Mullen, more than (67,000) Iraqis have joined Concerned Local Citizens groups, helping with security and taking back their villages and towns.

With provinces gaining strength, pressure is placed on the ministries of the central government to solve problems and for parliament to legislate for the republic, said Gates.

“We are beginning to see some very tentative indications that there is increasing pressure from some of the provinces on the ministries and on the central government to get on with sorting out some of these other problems and to become more effective.

“There have been some positive developments in the political arena, (but) they have not been on the benchmark legislation,” Gates continued. “They have passed a slew of other legislation.”

When asked about future challenges, Gates said “this continues to be an extraordinary, complex challenge, and reconciliation at the national level is something that we know needs to happen; and the pressure needs to stay there.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15317&Itemid=1

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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500-Pound Bombs Slam al-Qaida Staging Area on Euphrates Island
Saturday, 17 November 2007

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BAGHDAD — Operation Marne Courageous kicked off the early morning of Nov. 16 with more than (600) Coalition forces and Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers moving into two villages near the border of Anbar province to drive out al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI), and lay the groundwork for a sustained Coalition presence. Bomb Drop Video (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/images/stories/TWII/video/500%20lbs%20bombs.wmv)

Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were joined by about (150) IA Soldiers in the air assault on the Sunni villages of Owesat and al Betra, west of the Euphrates River, 15 miles southwest of Baghdad.

Troops were transported in four helicopter lifts across the Euphrates, utilizing two CH-47 Chinook and eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. A Marine reconnaissance platoon, as well as Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed in neighboring Anbar province, secured the landing zone.

Once on the ground, the U.S.-Iraqi force was supported by an air weapons team of Apache and Kiowa helicopters, while approximately (70) members of an Iraqi Concerned Local Citizens (CLC) group assisted in securing the outlying perimeter.

While U.S. and Iraqi forces moved through the villages, other troops set to work constructing a bridge across the Euphrates to allow for the transport of materials and supplies to build a patrol base in the area. The base will allow for a sustained Coalition presence in the area of Owesat, part of Baghdad’s southwestern “belts.”
No enemy fighters were killed or captured during the assault.

Prior to the air assault, U.S. F-16 fighter jets dropped two 2000-pound bombs on an island in the Euphrates that was believed to be used by AQI as a staging ground for attacks. The bombardment was part of a “terrain denial” strategy, cutting off a potential AQI escape route and denying the enemy a location to regroup.

Marne Courageous’ main strategic thrust is to clear AQI extremists from the area of Owesat, establish a Coalition presence, and develop a CLC program in the area as a bulwark against further enemy activity.

Army Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of the 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., described the mission to journalists Nov. 11. “We’re going to put a footprint there. We’re going to establish a forward operating base,” he said.

The mission was also conducted because Coalition forces believe AQI operating in the area were involved with the May 12 attack which resulted in two missing/captured U.S. Soldiers, Pvt. Byron Fouty and Spc. Alex Jimenez, belonging to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).
The 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div., took over the mission of the 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. at the end of October.

“The Soldiers that were captured and still missing from the 10th Mountain are now part of the Rakkasan unit, and also part of the Task Force Marne unit. And the mission I have is to exploit every avenue to try to identify where they are,” Caraccilo said.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15314&Itemid=1

WE PRAY YOU FIND OUR MISSING SOLDIERS AND ARE SUCCESSFUL AT BRINGING THE GUILTY TO JUSTICE!

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces kill one terrorist, target criminal element networks (Rashidiya)
Saturday, 17 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist during operations targeting Special Groups criminal elements north of Baghdad, in the Rashidiya area early this morning.

The targeted individual was reportedly a main logistics facilitator for Special Groups in central Iraq, and the chief financial advisor to criminal elements in the Diyala Province. The suspected criminal was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level splinter group leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

As ground forces approached the target building, a man exited the building armed with an assault rifle and maneuvered against Coalition forces. Responding in self-defense, ground forces engaged the individual, killing him.

"Security improvements are being made in Iraqi communities, but dangerous elements still exist," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Iraqi and Coalition forces remain committed to protecting the Iraqi people from violent criminals."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15310&Itemid=21

NICE JOB TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iron Hammer successful in pursuit of al-Qaeda in Iraq (Tikrit)
Saturday, 17 November 2007

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – North Soldiers have made significant progress against al-Qaeda in four provinces in northern Iraq after two weeks of Operation Iron Hammer.

The operation to disrupt al-Qaeda involves three U.S. brigade combat teams and four Iraqi Army divisions.

During the operation, Coalition Forces and ISF have undermined al-Qaeda operations and discovered more than 50 caches across the Multi-National Division-North area of operations. The caches have contained more than 500 mortar and artillery rounds, three tons of homemade explosives, countless IED-making materials, hundreds of anti-tank and personnel mines and more than 100 machine guns.

Beyond the weapons found, CF and ISF discovered various documents and related information material.

CF and ISF have also detained hundreds of suspected al-Qaeda members.

ISF are reporting Iraqi citizens feel more confident and secure.

“Every day the streets of Mosul are becoming more vibrant with shop keepers, as we provide increased security for the Iraqi people,” said Brig. Gen. Moutaa Habeeb Jassim Jewab, commander of 2nd Iraqi Army Division, whose division was among those involved in the operation.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15319&Itemid=21

AWESOME WORK CF AND ISF! THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Army, volunteers find cache during raid (Baghdad)
Saturday, 17 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Members of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Volunteers conducted a raid of the cemetery adjacent to the Abu Hanifa Mosque in Adhamiyah Nov. 16, seizing a cache of weapons hidden in two pits disguised as graves.

Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division provided the outer cordon and explosive ordnance disposal team to support the cache seizure.

The Iraqi Security Forces entered the cemetery based on information provided by the Adhamiyah volunteers. In the two simulated graves, the volunteers led Iraqi Security Forces to seven rocket-propelled grenade launchers, nine RPG rounds, one SKS sniper rifle with scope, one RPK rifle, three PKC assault rifles, nine AK-47 assault rifles, 14 hand grenades, hundreds of rounds of small arms ammunition and various improvised explosive devicemaking items.

“This discovery and seizure will have a significant, long-term effect in Adhamiyah,” said Capt. Joseph Brooks, a staff officer with 3-7 Cavalry. “It also shows that the ISV is not afraid of defending the Abu Hanifa Mosque against anti-Iraqi forces.”

There was no damage to the mosque during the raid and there were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi Army or Coalition Force casualties.

This is the fifth significant find the ISV have lead Iraqi Security and U.S. Forces to in the past week.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15320&Itemid=21

FANTASTIC, ROCK ON ISV!

THANK YOU! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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A convoy of new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles drives along a dirt road at Camp Liberty in Baghdad after a training class.

King of the road? Soldiers dig the MRAP

Troops learning fast the benefits of new vehicles

By Scott Schonauer (schonauers@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, November 18, 2007


BAGHDAD — As the convoy rumbles down the dust-and-gravel road on Camp Liberty, heads turn and cars stop. Some people whip out digital cameras to steal a snapshot, while others strain their necks to get a glimpse.

Among military machines, the new MRAP — a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle — is a celebrity and everybody wants a look.

“When we go by, it’s like everybody comes out,” said Dimethus Thompson, a former soldier who is now training soldiers to drive the vehicles. “You have to watch out for them.”

It’s true this is no ordinary truck. It’s massive, safer than an “up-armored” Humvee and brand-new. It’s also expensive, has its share of critics and remains a hot political issue in Washington.

For soldiers in Iraq, there is little debate. All who venture outside the base wire want the behemoth of rolling armor for their unit.

Safety is the main reason. Roadside bombs have been the biggest killer in Iraq, and the MRAPs were designed to protect troops from them. So far, nobody driving an MRAP in Iraq has been killed by a makeshift bomb.

Sgt. David Morris, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry, was among a group of soldiers going through an MRAP driving course last week. The added protection is important, he said, but he also digs the versatility.

“It’s going to work well for our mission,” said Morris, who is with the battalion’s scout platoon. “I can fit my dismounted squad in there; go do our thing without tearing up roads and running off steep canal ditches. I think it’s amazing.”

Units in the most dangerous areas are getting the MRAPs first.

The first vehicles arrived by cargo plane last month at Camp Liberty, and the military hopes to have 1,500 of them in Iraq by the end of the year.

Drivers and mechanics must take a weeklong, 40-hour course involving classwork and plenty of hands-on training. It’s a quick course to get them used to what it’s like to get behind the wheel.

Robert Martinez, a civilian who is the MRAP training leader, said soldiers are being trained as quickly as possible.

TO READ MUCH MORE, INCLUDING WHAT OUR TROOPS LIKES AND DISLIKES ARE CLICK ON BELOW PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50350_1117145612.jpg (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50350)
The grill of a new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

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A pair of soldiers inside a new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/mrap.jpg

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50350

RELATED S&S STORY SIMILAR TO POST 3153 SEE BELOW LINK:

DOD speeds production to hit MRAP goal

By Jeff Schogol (schogolj@stripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, November 18, 2007

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50351

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda foreign terrorist and propaganda operations; 27 detained
Sunday, 18 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 27 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals during operations in Baghdad while targeting foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators. Reports indicate al-Qaeda in Iraq members were trying to establish a foreign terrorist network in the city. In addition to the wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained four suspects without incident.

In Bayji, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the city, who is also associated with foreign terrorists. Coalition forces detained one other suspect during the operation.
During continued operations targeting foreign terrorist facilitators, Coalition forces detained seven suspects in Mosul without incident.

In a series of coordinated operations around Samarra and Baghdad, Coalition forces captured one wanted individual and detained 10 other suspects while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq's media network. During one of the operations, Coalition forces found two sets of homemade body armor vests and two sets of armor plates, which they safely destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.

"Iraqi and Coalition operations are diminishing al-Qaeda's ability to attack the Iraqi people," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "More Iraqi citizens are coming forward and helping us find terrorist networks; foreign terrorists are not welcome in a free Iraq."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15330&Itemid=21

AMAZING WORK TROOPS, GETTIN' THE JOB DONE!!!

THANK YOU, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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New Primary Healthcare Centers Open in Basrah Province
Sunday, 18 November 2007

BASRAH — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has completed and turned over three newly constructed Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) to the Basrah Health Directorate.


The PHC projects managed by the USACE Gulf Region South (GRS) district aim to provide essential medical care to people in undeveloped areas here and represent another step toward the transition to the future of Iraq’s health care system.

To read full story CLICK on below picture:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071118_fea3_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15334&Itemid=1)


Army Engineers Turn Over Electric Substation to Iraqi Ministry of Electricity
Sunday, 18 November 2007

BASRAH — The Al-Garma 132kV substation, one of the key components of the Iraqi electrical infrastructure system in Basrah Province, has been successfully turned over to Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE).


“The $8.8 million project is the first of the five 132kV substation projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Gulf Region South district (GRS), in Basrah Province” said Andrew Schmieder, Basrah Area Office resident engineer. “Two substations are expected to be turned over later this month, with the energization of the final two expected in (late) November and December.

“This project seeks to improve the electrical management system in Basrah,” Schmieder continued. “Proper management of electricity helps avoid electrical outages and provides electricity with a more reliable and secure transmission network in the south area of the country. This project will effectively ease and lower the electrical load rates on the existing substations.”

The project entailed assessing, evaluating, rehabilitating, repairing and installing electrical systems in an existing 132kV substation that supplies electricity to a gas/oil separation facility and serves the Al-Garma district north of Basrah City, Schmieder said, adding that the project benefits more than (13,000) residents.

To read full story CLICK on below picture:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071118_fea2_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15333&Itemid=1)

PROGRESS!!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththclap3-28.gif......http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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Iraqi Furniture Factory Fills First Order in Two Years
Sunday, 18 November 2007

CAMP TAJI — The State Company for Furniture Industry-Baghdad, located near Taji, recently filled its first furniture order in almost two years.


The Baghdad 5 Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team (EPRT) attached to the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Cavalry Division, purchased and picked up (200) pieces of furniture from the factory, with the facilitation assistance of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Nov. 11.

Read more, CLICK on below picture.......

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071118_fea1_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15332&Itemid=1)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

Odierno: Parts of Baghdad may be turned over



By Erik Slavin (slavine@pstripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, November 18, 2007



CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — Parts of Anbar province and Baghdad will likely be turned over to Iraqi security forces control as early as the beginning of next year because of ongoing improvements in security, the commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq said Saturday.

Haditha, Fallujah, Hit and other former danger zones in Anbar should be ready for turnover between January and the summer, Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said.

A security turnover also will likely come for some neighborhoods in Iraq’s capital, he said.

“I think we’ll see it a little bit, in pieces of Baghdad from the beginning of the year through the summer,” Odierno said.

The U.S. military has made several announcements recently showing drops in insurgent attacks.

However, the question on many minds in Iraq is whether the lower levels or violence reflect a short-term rollback or a clear trend.

“We’ve now had 21 straight weeks of decline, so I’d say that it is likely a trend,” Odierno said.

U.S military data indicate roadside bomb attacks in Iraq fell to 20 per day as of Nov. 1, down from more than 60 daily at the beginning of June. Indirect fire attacks coming from rockets and mortars have also fallen sharply each month since June, according to U.S. data.

Odierno said as of the afternoon, there had been only three reported attacks in Iraq on Saturday.

Odierno was visiting the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division headquarters for a briefing on efforts to establish security in areas surrounding Baghdad without any previous U.S. posts.

The 3rd Brigade’s efforts mirror the U.S military’s security strategy since adopting its current counterinsurgency plan. It is building small patrol outposts in Iraqi neighborhoods and organizing groups of “concerned citizens” to help Iraqi police, Odierno said.

These steps are improving security, but Iraqi stability could be set back if its leaders do not take 2008 provincial elections seriously, he said. Multiple Sunni and Shiite factions boycotted the last provincial elections.

Odierno says he believes they won’t want to be left out this time.

“They learned last time they have to participate in the political process,” Odierno said.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50352

AWESOME!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

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Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain two extremists in As Sa’diyah
Sunday, 18 November 2007

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Army Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected extremists and killed one extremist in a cordon and search operation Nov. 16 in As Sa’diyah.

The operation was conducted to counter increased activity by al-Qaeda in Iraq in the area, including small-arms fire attacks, multiple car-bomb, suicide-vest and other improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi Army checkpoints.

During the operation, the Iraqi Forces establishing the cordon were attacked, resulting in the death of one Iraqi Soldier and the wounding of another. An aerial weapons team identified and engaged the enemy responsible for the attack, resulting in one enemy killed.

No U.S. forces were injured.

In a separate operation Nov. 16, Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Special Forces detained an alleged extremist during a raid targeting extremist activity in Diwaniyah.

The detainee is believed to belong to an extremist group responsible for selling weapons and murdering Iraqi Army Soldiers.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15337&Itemid=128
SO SORRY ABOUT THE FALLEN AND WOUNDED IRAQI SOLDIER!

WE'RE GRATEFUL THAT YOU GOT TWO DIRTBAGS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK IA AND USSF!!!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Economic Revival Stimulates Southern Baghdad’s Doura Neighborhood
Sunday, 18 November 2007

BAGHDAD — Bullet holes attest to the battleground that was this two-block portion of the Doura neighborhood. Just a few months ago, residents were afraid to step outside, leaving their neighborhood filled with garbage, without power and with most of its shops closed.

That was until members of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, made a concerted effort to weed out insurgents and put the citizens of Doura’s east side on the track to success.

“When we first arrived here, there were (10) stores open on the entire street,” said Army Lt. Col. Jim Crider, the squadron commander, as he toured the peaceful streets with members of the Iraqi media. “There were several attacks, improvised explosive devices every day, and no one wanted to cooperate.

“Initially, we stayed on the street to protect the people (24) hours a day, seven days a week, until we became friends with the people,” he said.

To read full story, CLICK on below picture........

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/071118_sod_med.jpg (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15331&Itemid=1)

MY FAVORITE PART BELOW:
The streets were once empty but for a few stores, now they are busy with the activity of a garbage truck making routine rounds to pick up trash, workers placing multicolored bricks down as a new sidewalk, children playing, and people visiting the Doura clinic for their medical needs.

GREAT! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN 4,000 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN IRAQ, HELPING TO REBUILD THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY WHILE IT REBUILDS THE INFRASTRUCTURE. KEVIN CASEY HAS MORE FROM CAMP VICTORY IN BAGHDAD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMcvReR5Uv0

:clap: :flag: :clap:

[Loyal American]

First deadline approaches for sending mail to troops for Christmas

Military mail deadline
• Parcel post: Tuesday.

• Space available mail: Nov. 27.

• Parcel airlift mail: Dec. 1 for APO/FPO AE Zip 093.

• Parcel airlift mail: Dec. 4 for all other APO/FPO.

• Priority mail: Dec. 4 for APO/FPO Zip 093.

• Priority mail: Dec. 11 for all other APO/FPO.

• First class mail (letters/cards): Dec. 4 for APO/FPO Zip 093.

• First class mail (letters/cards): Dec. 11 all others.

• Express mail military service: Dec. 18 for all APO/FPO except Zip 093.

Source: United States Postal Service.

USPS recommends all military mail to Iraq or Afghanistan be sent by Dec. 4 and to all other military international destinations by Dec. 11.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/111007/bus_111007006.shtml

[Loyal American]

AHHHHH, GUESS WHAT? OUR VERY OWN HANNITY POSTER, SFC(R)L, WHO IS CURRENTLY IN IRAQ, HAS AN ASSIGNMENT WHICH INCLUDES BEING DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN FIELDING THIS VEHICLE TO OUR TROOPS!

WOW, THANK YOU SFC, WE KNOW YOU ARE DOING A TERRIFIC JOB!!!
SOUNDS LIKE THE TROOPS LOVE THE MRAP!!! STAY SAFE, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththth02paper-28.gif

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A convoy of new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles drives along a dirt road at Camp Liberty in Baghdad after a training class.

King of the road? Soldiers dig the MRAP

Troops learning fast the benefits of new vehicles

By Scott Schonauer (schonauers@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, November 18, 2007


[FONT=verdana]BAGHDAD — As the convoy rumbles down the dust-and-gravel road on Camp Liberty, heads turn and cars stop. Some people whip out digital cameras to steal a snapshot, while others strain their necks to get a glimpse.

Among military machines, the new MRAP — a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle — is a celebrity and everybody wants a look.

“When we go by, it’s like everybody comes out,” said Dimethus Thompson, a former soldier who is now training soldiers to drive the vehicles. “You have to watch out for them.”

It’s true this is no ordinary truck. It’s massive, safer than an “up-armored” Humvee and brand-new. It’s also expensive, has its share of critics and remains a hot political issue in Washington.

For soldiers in Iraq, there is little debate. All who venture outside the base wire want the behemoth of rolling armor for their unit.

Safety is the main reason. Roadside bombs have been the biggest killer in Iraq, and the MRAPs were designed to protect troops from them. So far, nobody driving an MRAP in Iraq has been killed by a makeshift bomb.

Sgt. David Morris, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry, was among a group of soldiers going through an MRAP driving course last week. The added protection is important, he said, but he also digs the versatility.

“It’s going to work well for our mission,” said Morris, who is with the battalion’s scout platoon. “I can fit my dismounted squad in there; go do our thing without tearing up roads and running off steep canal ditches. I think it’s amazing.”

Units in the most dangerous areas are getting the MRAPs first.

The first vehicles arrived by cargo plane last month at Camp Liberty, and the military hopes to have 1,500 of them in Iraq by the end of the year.

Drivers and mechanics must take a weeklong, 40-hour course involving classwork and plenty of hands-on training. It’s a quick course to get them used to what it’s like to get behind the wheel.

Robert Martinez, a civilian who is the MRAP training leader, said soldiers are being trained as quickly as possible.

TO READ MUCH MORE, INCLUDING WHAT OUR TROOPS LIKES AND DISLIKES ARE CLICK ON BELOW PICTURE:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50350_1117145612.jpg (http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50350)
[SIZE=1]The grill of a new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/50350_1117145626.jpg
A pair of soldiers inside a new Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/mrap.jpg

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50350

[rhet 2]

I love it!

Thank you, SFC!

The only thing better would be Star Trek's force field shields.

Now, guys, design us a computer that can slap a magnetic lock on incoming rounds and send them back to where they started!

I do wish we knew how to control magnetic fields well enough to do even more for our troops on the front lines fighting for our defense. I surely do.

[Loyal American]

I love it!

Thank you, SFC!

The only thing better would be Star Trek's force field shields.

Now, guys, design us a computer that can slap a magnetic lock on incoming rounds and send them back to where they started!

I do wish we knew how to control magnetic fields well enough to do even more for our troops on the front lines fighting for our defense. I surely do.I love how you think rhet2!!! ;)

Here is some more GREAT news!!! :D


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/thththththththth02paper-28.gif
Half-Ton Weapons Cache Found, Destroyed Following Iraqi Citizens’ Tip
Monday, 19 November 2007

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — U.S. troops uncovered and destroyed a weapons cache containing seven pressure plates Nov. 16 and 17 in the area of Mahdiryia. The plates are used to detonate a form of improvised explosive device (IED) that is specifically targeted against Coalition and Iraqi troops on foot patrol.

The cache find was the first indication of these “dismounted” IEDs being used in the area of Mahdiryia.

They are already heavily used by al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) the communities of Hawr Rajab and Arab Jabour to the north.

Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (FA) Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., were led to the weapons cache by a member of the Concerned Local Citizens group in the vicinity of Patrol Base W-1.

The commander of Battery B, 1-9th FA Regt. said this is the first time he’s seen this type of IED, one specifically designed to target foot patrols.

“We haven’t had any sign of dismounted IEDs,” Capt. Dave Underwood, from Harrison, Ark., said. “But I knew I’d see them soon.”

The cache was hidden outside a small farm house. In addition to the pressure plates, there were a dozen 120 mm mortars, one 82 mm mortar, a 60 mm mortar system with firing tube and base plate, a bag of mortar fins, and a DSHKA high-caliber machine gun.

Getting the IED-making material out of an area known for insurgent activity made the mission a success, said the Soldiers of Battery B.

“IEDs are the biggest killers in Iraq,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Satterwhite, a Glenville, Ga. native. Getting the pressure plates was the best part of the find, he said.

“You took over a thousand pounds of weapons out of the hands of al-Qaeda,” 1st Lt. Blake Faller, from Long Island, N.Y., told his platoon after the mission.

Two other caches were discovered by U.S. Soldiers Nov. 16, again through the assistance of a Concerned Local Citizens group.

The first consisted of one rocket propelled grenade round. It was found by Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

The second included five 60 mm mortars and one 155 mm artillery round. It was located by Paratroopers of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska.

The munitions found in all caches were destroyed in controlled detonations by explosive ordnance disposal teams.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15341&Itemid=1
OUTSTANDING TROOPS AND THANK YOU IRAQI CITIZENS!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/photos%202/ththththththththafro-28.gif

[Larry, Curly & Mohamed]

AHHHHH, GUESS WHAT? OUR VERY OWN HANNITY POSTER, SFC(R)L, WHO IS CURRENTLY IN IRAQ, HAS AN ASSIGNMENT WHICH INCLUDES BEING DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN FIELDING THIS VEHICLE TO OUR TROOPS!

WOW, THANK YOU SFC, WE KNOW YOU ARE DOING A TERRIFIC JOB!!!
SOUNDS LIKE THE TROOPS LOVE THE MRAP!!! STAY SAFE, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif


Very Cool!

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces find execution site, large cache; eight killed, 13 detained
Monday, 19 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists, detained 13 suspects and found an alleged execution site, torture room and 16 weapons caches between Nov. 6 and 10 during a multi-day operation in the Diyala River Valley.

Nov. 7, Coalition forces observed several armed men maneuvering away from their location. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage the armed men, killing five terrorists.

The ground force discovered a small cache of AK-47s, a pistol, grenade and ammunition at the suspects location. Later that day in two separate areas, Coalition forces were engaged by armed men. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged the armed men, killing three terrorists. Coalition forces also detained 13 suspects during the four-day operation.

During operations Nov. 9, Coalition forces discovered what appeared to be an execution site. As they cleared the area they found the remains of approximately five individuals, as well as several 9mm casings believed to be used in the executions.

Over the course of the multi-day operation, Coalition forces located and destroyed 16 weapons caches to include: 13 complete anti-aircraft weapons, mounts, rounds and equipment; a World War II-era Russian T34 Cannon; 24 TOW missiles; 14 Saggar missiles; anti-personnel mines; 40 NBC masks; several machine guns and mounts; three jugs of homemade explosives; 10 anti-personnel mines; 35,200 feet of detention cord; one 25-pound bag of ammonium nitrate; several dozen mortars, tubs, fins, fuses and rounds; rifles; grenades and rocket propelled-grenades; ammunition; improvised explosive device-making materials; and two military-style vests. Two of the anti-aircraft weapons systems were found welded to the bed of a truck.

The ground force also discovered several buildings used for terrorist operations to include an alleged torture facility complete with chains, shackles, heavy-duty locks similar to those found in detention cell bunkers, windows cemented closed, terrorist propaganda materials, and kerosene heaters. Coalition forces found another building they believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe house containing additional terrorist propaganda and an alleged terrorist medical clinic with supplies, weapons and a hidden compartment in the floor.

Nearby, they discovered what appeared to be a building used to create false IDs, complete with numerous ID-making materials and a small media cache. Reports indicate several of the rooms, including the torture room were recently inhabited. Coalition forces also found an improvised explosive device making facility inside one of the buildings, with numerous cylinders, tanks, tubes and car parts believed to be used in the production of IEDs. The ground force called for supporting aircraft to conduct an air strike to safely destroy the building to prevent further use by terrorists.

“Al-Qaeda in Iraq members are ruthless terrorists who brutalize, torture, and murder innocent Iraqis in their campaign of senseless terror,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to capture or kill these brutal terrorists who seek to deny Iraqis a future of their choice.”

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15348&Itemid=128

21 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION, ROCK ON TROOPS!

WOW, ABSOLUTELY AWESOME TROOPS!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

First deadline approaches for sending mail to troops for Christmas

Military mail deadline
• Parcel post: Tuesday.

• Space available mail: Nov. 27.

• Parcel airlift mail: Dec. 1 for APO/FPO AE Zip 093.

• Parcel airlift mail: Dec. 4 for all other APO/FPO.

• Priority mail: Dec. 4 for APO/FPO Zip 093.

• Priority mail: Dec. 11 for all other APO/FPO.

• First class mail (letters/cards): Dec. 4 for APO/FPO Zip 093.

• First class mail (letters/cards): Dec. 11 all others.

• Express mail military service: Dec. 18 for all APO/FPO except Zip 093.

Source: United States Postal Service.

USPS recommends all military mail to Iraq or Afghanistan be sent by Dec. 4 and to all other military international destinations by Dec. 11.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/111007/bus_111007006.shtml


L.A., thank you SO MUCH for posting all this helpful info -- and reminding us that we need to remember our troops ALL year 'round, but ESPECIALLY now during the holiday season!!

Actor Ben Affleck spent the day at the armory recently, helping OpGrat kick off its 2007 Holiday Drive!

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/3309f.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/aeoakley/3305f.jpg

[agent_86]

I can't hardly keep up with all of this great news. Great stuff.

What exactly is keeping MSM from reporting at least bit of this stuff.

Shame really.

[Loyal American]

I can't hardly keep up with all of this great news. Great stuff.

What exactly is keeping MSM from reporting at least bit of this stuff.

Shame really.
Yep, the news is out of sight yet the fast majority of this thread never made MSM, it's acutally very sad. :cry:

However, here is some more good news compliments of our troops.......


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Coalition forces capture senior criminal element leader, disrupt terrorist network (Baghdad)
Monday, 19 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected senior Special Groups leader and detained another suspected criminal during operations late Sunday near Baghdad, in the Adhamiyah area.

The targeted individual was reportedly responsible for smuggling and storing weapons used in attacks against Coalition forces, and supported Special Groups criminal elements through funding and training. The suspected criminal was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups members from Diyala to Baghdad who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

“We will continue to pursue criminal elements who fail to honor Muqtada al-Sadr’s pledge for peace and we commend those who honor it,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “The groundswell of citizens who have courageously decided to oppose these terrorist elements are vital for improved security in Iraq.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15354&Itemid=21

GOOD JOB TROOPS, TWO MORE DIRTBAGS OUT OF THE PICTURE!!!

THANK YOU! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Coalition forces find detention facility and weapons cache; 12 killed, five detained
Tuesday, 20 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 12 terrorists, detained five suspects and found two bodies Sunday and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks along the Tigris River Valley in Iraq.

During coordinated operations east of Samarra, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda operations and several senior terrorist leaders. As the ground force approached the target area, they were immediately engaged by armed men. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft, who engaged the enemy, killing five terrorists.

During the firefight, several armed men maneuvered inside a nearby building and continued firing on Coalition forces. The ground force returned fire in self-defense, killing five terrorists. Upon further investigation, the ground force discovered an al-Qaeda in Iraq detention facility, which contained the bodies of two additional men bound in shackles and believed to have been executed prior to Coalition forces’ arrival.

Information on the individuals held in the detention facility is not available at this time.

Coalition forces also found suicide vests on three of the killed terrorists and a weapons cache, including rocket propelled grenades, rockets and anti-aircraft weapons. Coalition forces detained one suspect during the operation.

During operations In Mosul, Coalition forces killed a wanted individual believed to have been a senior leader in Mosul's terrorist security network. Reports indicate the wanted individual planned attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, which included multiple suicide car-bombing attacks. Reports also indicate he purchased weapons and explosives for the terrorist network. As Coalition forces approached the target building, an armed man emerged. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged, killing the terrorist, who was later identified as the wanted individual by one of the building’s occupants. Two suspects were also detained during the operation.

Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq car-bombing network facilitator during operations south of Baghdad late Sunday. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft to engage a vehicle associated with the targeted individual. The vehicle was safely destroyed and Coalition forces assessed one terrorist was killed by the precision air strike.

In another operation south of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting members of al-Qaeda in Iraq in Arab Jabour believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

"We will relentlessly pursue terrorist leaders who try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "Car-bombings and other attacks against innocent Iraqis will not be tolerated."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15358&Itemid=21

17 DIRTBAGS OUT OF COMMISSION!

OUTSTANDING JOB TROOPS!

THANK YOU!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/thththththth02paper-28.gif
Iraqi officials meet in Sab Al Bor, discuss essential services, resettlement
Tuesday, 20 November 2007

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CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The senior leader of the Iraqi Army along with Government of Iraq officials from eight ministries, Sunni and Shia tribal sheiks and other leaders met with the people of Sab Al Bor, Iraq, Nov. 17 to discuss and highlight resettlement initiatives and progress as a result of sustained security throughout the city.

Iraqi Army Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar, the commander of Baghdad Operations Command; Dr. Ahmed Challabi, Operation Fahrd Al Qanoon services committee chairman; Saabar Nabact Al Asaway, deputy governor of Baghdad; Ahmed Abdul Ameer Abd, the deputy Minister of Oil; Maeen Al Kathamy, head of the Provincial Council; and Maj. Gen. Wajih Hameed, Kharkh area commander, were a few of the guests and speakers. Other guests at the meeting included sheik Hassan Al Sudany, a representative from the Grand Ayatollah Sistani – the most prominent religious Shia leader in Iraq, and deputy ministers and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Housing, Education, Commerce, Interior for Police Affairs, Municipalities and Agriculture.

Local city council leaders and sheiks hosted the event while Multi-National Division – Baghdad senior leaders from the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and members of the brigade’s Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, Baghdad EPRT 5, were on hand to assist in facilitating the meeting.

The event began at a joint security station where U.S. and Iraqi press engaged in a question-and-answer session with the government panel and a town hall meeting allowed residents of the city to express their concerns about essential services and other issues.

When the town hall meeting closed, the government leaders, Iraqi Army officials and tribal sheiks walked the streets of the city to tour a local medical clinic and discuss shortfalls and challenges facing the public health system. From there, the leaders traveled to the Al Balquis school where they met with local educators.

After returning to the JSS, the leaders dined together and talked about plans of action to restore essential services.

The government officials then visited a local water pumping station and another local school.

Over the course of the event, some of the main topics discussed included the improvement of essential services and public works in order to entice displaced citizens to move back into their residences and the city. In addition, government officials talked about how to bring jobs into the area; fixing roads; the hiring of doctors and nurses to staff medical clinics; hiring certified teachers for local schools; creating new systems to collect and control trash and sewage and efforts to provide drinking water – which is in short supply – to the city’s residents.

Lt. Gen. Qanbar said that since his last visit to the area, security in the region has increased which has allowed for a more stable environment.

“The people of Sab Al Bor will return to their homes as long as this continues,” Qanbar added. “In order for the people to stay and the city to prosper, essential services and public works must be improved. This is the only way in which resettlement will work in the area.”

Dr. Challabi of the OFAQ services committee who served as the keynote speaker during the event said he was very receptive to the concerns of the local citizens and looked forward to finding ways to help them with the problems they face due to the lack of public services in the city.

After receiving a list of issues which are in need of attention in the area, Challabi agreed to sign a series of promissory notes to ensure that the city is allocated the resources it needs from the Iraqi government to improve essential services and bring jobs to the area.

Challabi also directed Sab Al Bor’s city manager to hire a work brigade of 500 to 1,000 local citizens within each district to pave the roads and to help resource jobs for the city.

Brig. Gen. John F. Campbell, Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s deputy commanding general for maneuver, concluded the event addressing the council members and government officials about the ”irreversible momentum” in the initiative of resettlement and progress in essential services in Sab Al Bor and Iraq as a whole, while also stressing the importance of collaboration and partnership between the local council members and Iraq’s ministerial representatives.

“This has to be a joint effort but, ultimately, an Iraqi solution,” said Campbell in his closing remarks.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15357&Itemid=21

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif........http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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U.S. Army Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Richard Weik, 42, of Stone Mountain, Ga., keeps a watchful eye in Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan before his unit hosted nearly 1,600 people for a traditional elders meeting.

Routing out the Taliban through talks

U.S., Afghan officials meet with local leaders to build path toward stability

By Les Neuhaus (neuhausl@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, November 20, 2007


PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As a three-week Afghan-led sweep of Taliban forces wrapped up in the country’s east on Sunday, U.S. military leaders and Afghan officials sat down with civilians to discuss snuffing out insurgent influence in the area.

During the operation, more than 6,000 Afghan and U.S. Army soldiers searched Afghanistan’s rugged Paktika province, and more specifically, Charbaron district, where Taliban rebels have put up stiff resistance to coalition forces.

“We’ve had tremendous fighting since I’ve been here,” said Capt. John Gibson, 30, who commanded a company from the 173rd’s Airborne Brigade Combat Team throughout Operation Attal.

“The Taliban’s influence was to the point that they were threatening to kill people who didn’t support them.”

However, Operation Attal netted just 12 detentions for what Afghan Maj. Gen. Abdul Khaliq, commander of the Afghan National Army’s 203rd Corps, called suspicious links to possible terrorist leaders in the province, which Gibson, a Shreveport, La.-native, also confirmed.

Roughly 5,700 of Khaliq’s troops led the Paktika operation, along with the help of another 400 U.S. soldiers from the 173rd.

Read much more, CLICK on below photo:

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A soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade watches as a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter carrying Afghan national legislators touches down near a meeting in the rugged country’s eastern mountains. The shura, as it is called, was attended by Afghan mullahs, imams, parliamentarians and Paktika provincial leaders. Security was heavy, with more than 20 U.S. Army snipers posted on the mountaintops surrounding the meeting.


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.S. Army Capt. John Gibson, 30, from Shreveport, La., escorts Afghanistan Paktika provincial parliamentarian Khaled Farouqi off a military helicopter.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50385


See photo's enlarged:

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[Loyal American]

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Coalition forces target al-Qaeda; five killed, 11 detained
Tuesday, 20 November 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspects late Sunday through Tuesday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Southwest of Baqubah, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist facilitators during a 24-hour operation Sunday and Monday. Coalition forces observed several men maneuvering toward their position and, perceiving hostile intent, called for supporting aircraft to engage the men, killing four terrorists. Coalition partners in the area discovered weapons, including missiles and grenades, ammunition and an improvised explosive device.

Coalition forces conducted operations Monday and Tuesday in Rabiyah and northern Samarra. During the operation northwest of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual while targeting al-Qaeda financial and courier operations. The captured individual is believed to be associated with propaganda operations and senior terrorist leaders. During the operation, Coalition forces saw one individual maneuver into the palm groves. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing the terrorist. Coalition forces detained three suspects, in addition to the wanted individual.

North of Samarra, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a courier for senior al-Qaeda leaders. During the operation, one suspect received minor wounds. He received medical care on site before being detained by Coalition forces. In addition to the wanted individual and the wounded suspect, the ground force detained two suspects without incident.

During the operation in Rabiyah Monday, Coalition forces captured an alleged former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to be a planner of car-bombing attacks in Mosul. Coalition forces detained two other suspects, in addition to the wanted individual.

"These operations exemplify the continued success we're having in operations against terrorist networks," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "With the help of Iraqi citizens and their security forces, we will succeed in defeating al-Qaeda in Iraq."

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15362&Itemid=128

16 DIRTBAGS OUT OF THE PICTURE, AWESOME JOB TROOPS!

THANK YOU TROOPS!!! http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[Loyal American]

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MND-B troops capture explosively formed penetrators, rocket cache (Baghdad)
Tuesday, 20 November 2007

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops captured two individuals believed to be part of a terrorist cell and a cache of explosively formed penetrators, rockets and other munitions in southern Baghdad Nov. 17.

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment “Black Lions,” 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conducted the successful operation after several individuals were observed fleeing from a suspected point of origin of a rocket attack in the Aamel neighborhood of West Rashid. They were tracked to a house and immediately detained. A subsequent search of the building revealed the sizeable cache.

Confiscated by troops assigned to Attack Company were six complete EFPs, three 107mm Iranian-made rockets, more than 30 mortar rounds of various calibers, 12 57mm projectiles and other explosives and bomb-making materials.

The suspects are being held for further questioning.

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment “Tuskers,” working closely with Iraqi Security Volunteers in the Saydiyah neighborhood of West Rashid, seized four separate caches of weapons and explosives after receiving tips from area resident Nov. 18.

The troops seized a complete 82mm mortar system, more than 40 pounds of homemade explosives and several AK-47 assault rifles and pistols.

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15374&Itemid=128

FANTASTIC!

THANK YOU TROOPS!http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththclap3-28.gif.....http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gifhttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/BarbOOOO2/ththththththafro-28.gif

[AEOakley]

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Staff Sgt. Ronald Meader, an instructor at the Iraqi Army Stryker Training Course and infantryman in Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., mentors an Iraqi Army (IA) Soldier on proper sight picture as the IA Soldier aims his weapon at close quarter targets in Camp Taji. Photo by Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Iraqi Stryker Training: U.S. Troops Prepare Iraqi Military to Take the Lead

TAJI — “There will be no walking on my site,” said Sgt. 1st Class Tyroid Weston, a truck driver in the 202nd Brigade Support Battalion, to the new platoon of Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers recently at CampTaji. “You are Strykers, you are swift and lethal; do you understand?”

Weston and his team of four other non-commissioned officers with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., graduate a new platoon of IA Soldiers every (10) days from the Iraqi Army Stryker Training Course in Taji. The course is designed to get IA Soldiers ready to conduct missions with Coalition forces here.

“By the time you complete this course you will be ready to fight, ready to accomplish all you put your mind to and more,” Weston said to the class.

When the IA Soldiers reach Stryker training, they are fresh out of basic and not very experienced, Weston said. Occasionally an officer will take the course but, the Iraqi Soldiers are pretty inexperienced overall. The U.S. instructors hone in on the IA Soldiers basic skills including uniform, weapons posture, discipline, close combat marksmanship and the concept of team work.

“I see a lot of scared guys who are not sure what to expect,” Weston commented on the platoon’s first day of training. “We don’t brief them on what’s next so that they don’t get complacent.”

“In easy terms, you have to teach them to tie their shoes,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Meader, an infantryman in Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, and Stryker instructor, “but they catch on quick. They’re smart and they’re eager to please. By day four I think they really catch on to the reality of what they’re training for.”

“These guys are here because they want to make a difference,” Weston said.

“Thanks to the Coalition forces guys,” said Sgt. Mahdi Abbod Jabbara, 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, through an interpreter. “They try to give us the best of what they have. They share the best of their military knowledge so that our Army can make changes for the better and make a difference here.”

Jabbara spent (17) years in the former Iraqi Army. He has been enlisted in the new IA for nine months now.

“I joined to defend my country against the terrorists’ army militias and hope to make some changes,” Jabbara said. “We will take our country back from the insurgents so that we can take our families into the city without worry, and our children can go to school.”

“We will take ground from the terrorists and leave our mark on the land,” said Cpl. Jalil Kareem Jasim, an instructor at the Stryker Training Course. “The world will know the Iraqi Army is here. Our loyalty is for our country and her people, not any religious cause. I don’t think that any Iraqi wants the darkness in control any longer. It’s time for the sun.”

Upon completion of the course, IA Soldiers receive a certificate.

IA troops shrink the certificate down, put their picture on it and carry it in their wallets like an ID card. They are proud to complete this course, Weston said.

The course trains the IA Soldiers on many subjects, including uniformity, how to hold their weapons, reacting to incoming