MIchael Yon

Michael Yon has a new dispatch out today.
Go read it, he's an excellent writer and he's in the thick of it.

Desires of the Human Heart, Part One
A short journey with an American Army unit, at war

Reality in Iraq

Gunshots ring out at three in the morning as I write these first sentences. Gunshots, providing muse and meter for this dispatch home to America. Gunshots, three of them. The war is close.

More.

Coast Guard Makes Record Drug Bust of 40,000 Pounds of Cocaine

Coast Guard all over it!
Way to go fellas!
Kudos to all.

Coast Guard Makes Record Drug Bust of 40,000 Pounds of Cocaine

Monday, April 23, 2007

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday began unloading more than 40,000 pounds of cocaine seized from three ships off the Central American coast, including one bust called the largest in U.S. maritime history.

The Coast Guard boarded a 330-foot ship heading north off the Pacific coast of Panama last month and discovered about 38,000 pounds of cocaine in two shipping containers, officials said.

The bust was the largest single sea-based seizure of cocaine by a U.S. agency, Coast Guard Petty Officer Brian Leshak said.

More.

Soldier: Honor troops like Va. Tech dead

I agree.
The troops are disrespected always.

Soldier: Honor troops like Va. Tech dead

By ALISA TANG
Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- An Army sergeant complained in a rare opinion article that the U.S. flag flew at half-staff last week at the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan for those killed at Virginia Tech but the same honor is not given to fallen U.S. troops here and in Iraq.

In the article issued Monday by the public affairs office at Bagram military base north of Kabul, Sgt. Jim Wilt lamented that his comrades' deaths have become a mere blip on the TV screen, lacking the "shock factor" to be honored by the Stars and Stripes as the deaths at Virginia Tech were.

"I find it ironic that the flags were flown at half-staff for the young men and women who were killed at VT, yet it is never lowered for the death of a U.S. service member," Wilt wrote.

He noted that Bagram obeyed President Bush's order last week that all U.S. flags at federal locations be flown at half-staff through April 22 to honor 32 people killed at Virginia Tech by a 23-year-old student gunman who then killed himself.

More.

This Goes out to Dingy Harry

Senator Harry Reid is a Pathetic Loser

Senator Reid is a pathetic loser.
Nope, that ain't right.
Senator Reid is a surrender monkey.
Closer.
Senator Reid is a moron.
Oops, everyone already knew that.
Senator Reid is a traitor.
That's the ticket.

Senator Reid should leave office immediately.
Senator Reid should be impeached.
Senator Reid should be tried for treason.

Senator Reid is a piece of sh*t.
Actually, I think that disparages sh*t.

You idiots that elected that moron, should have your head examined.

Losers

J. D. Pendry

As I start this, I am sitting about 7,000 miles from Washington, DC. It’s 7:18 AM, April 20, 2007. It’s 6:18 PM, April 19, 2007 in Washington, DC. My Granddaughter is not yet awake.

Imagine how you might feel when connecting to the Internet, after having avoided it for several days, and the first news images you see portraying your country to the rest of the world are those of losers. One of them is a mentally ill mass murderer. The other one is the apparently mentally ill Democrat leader of the United States Senate. Being untrained in mental disorders, I can only offer a nonprofessional’s opinion of the Senator’s failing mental health as opposed to the documented evidence available in the case of the murderer.

More.

At Michelle Malkin's Blog:
An invitation for our troops: Letters to Harry Reid

***Updated with lots of emails for Harry***

Active-duty military readers and military bloggers: If you'd like to send a message to the treacherous Harry Reid--who just declared the war in Iraq lost today--e-mail me or leave a trackback. I'll reprint/link them here as they come in. Here is Reid's contact form. He really needs to hear from you. (And perhaps Jon Voight could talk some sense into him.)

More.
More Letters.

Air Force Contracts

I am posting this, because it is the second contract that I am aware of that the Air Force screwed up!
At least the GAO is keeping tabs on the Air Force and its inability to award a contract to the right company.


Nobody's First Choice

Another Air Force deal that doesn't pass the smell test.
by Michael Goldfarb
04/19/2007 12:00:00 AM

PERHAPS THE AMERICAN public can only digest one helicopter-related story at a time, but the Marine Corps's recent announcement that the controversial V-22 Osprey will soon be deployed to Iraq--which captured national headlines--is overshadowing a simmering scandal in the Air Force's CSAR-X competition.

CSAR stands for Combat Search and Rescue. The Air Force currently operates 102 Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters to perform that mission. The HH-60s average 25 years old, and the service is desperate to replace them. Last November, the Air Force announced a winner in the competition to select a replacement: the Boeing HH-47, a new variant of the venerable Chinook.

More.

The Post-west

Another outstanding article from Victor Davis Hansen.

April 13, 2007
The Post-west
A civilization that has become just a dream.
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online

I recently had a dream that British marines fought back, like their forefathers of old, against criminals and pirates. When taken captive, they proved defiant in their silence. When released, they talked to the tabloids with restraint and dignity, and accepted no recompense.

I dreamed that a kindred German government, which best knew the wages of appeasement, cut-off all trade credits to the outlaw Iranian mullahs — even as the European Union joined the Americans in refusing commerce with this Holocaust-denying, anti-Semitic, and thuggish regime.

More.

And Now, Back to our Regularly Scheduled Program

More news from Iraq:

April 11, 2007
Release A070411b
COALITION FORCES CAPTURE AL QAEDA IN IRAQ SECURITY EMIR OF ARAB JABOUR

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured five suspected terrorists including the suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq security emir of Arab Jabour during an operation Wednesday morning.

Intelligence reports indicate that the security emir is suspected of involvement in planning attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the Arab Jabour area.

Coalition Forces found several small arms at the targeted area and these weapons were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

Apr. 11, 2007
Release A070411a

FIVE-DAY OPERATION RESULTS IN ONE TERRORIST KILLED, 13 SUSPECTS DETAINED; WEAPONS CACHES DESTROYED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent five-day operation in Arab Jabour which wrapped up Tuesday morning, Coalition Forces killed one terrorist, detained 13 others and destroyed several weapons caches.

Included in the weapons caches found, Coalition Forces discovered numerous rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, several improvised explosive devices, thousands of anti-aircraft ammunition rounds and three buildings containing large amounts of IED-making materials. The weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent future use by terrorists.

No civilians were injured during the five-day operation.

“Coalition Forces continue to take apart the al-Qaeda network inside Iraq. This operation is a concerted effort to reduce this VBIED terrorist network’s ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

April 11, 2007
RELEASE No. 20070411-11

MND-B patrol attacked in southern Baghdad


BAGHDAD – One MND-B Soldier died and another was wounded after their unit came under attack in the southern portion of the Iraqi capital April 10.

Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers are assisting Iraqi security forces to establish conditions for a stable and self-reliant Iraq through on-going security in the capital.

Soldiers from this unit recently conducted combined targeted raids in this area in an effort to degrade insurgent and militia activities. This joint effort resulted in the discovery of weapons caches, including improvised explosive device-making materials, 68 mortars, 29 RPGs, 20 rockets and 17 AK-47 assault rifles.

The deceased Soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

April 11, 2007
RELEASE No. 20070411-17

Iraqi Security Forces conduct cordon and search in Diwaniyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi security forces conducted a cordon and search against suspected insurgents in Diwaniyah April 11.

This search was an intelligence-driven, precision operation searching for a known terrorist believed to be in an office belonging to the Organization of the Martyr Sadr.

Coalition force soldiers provided security outside the office as Iraqi troops entered the office and began their search for the terrorist suspect and weapons.

Once inside, the Iraqi troops found hand grenades, multiple identification cards, improvised explosive device-making materials, anti-government propaganda, photos of wounded soldiers and battle-damaged vehicles, and a low-power transmitting station.

In accordance with the Iraqi Prime Minister’s directive given in a recent speech, any buildings, including those used by political parties, that are being used for criminal or illegal purposes may be entered and searched.

In addition, when these sites are used for criminal or terrorist activities, they lose any protective they may have under international law.

April 12, 2007
RELEASE No. 20070412-03

Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, Coalition force members deny enemy territory in Buhriz
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army, Police and Coalition force members began continuous combat operations in southern Buhriz, a suburb of Baqubah, Iraq, Tuesday, to deny enemy safe havens and clear the area of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organization activities, creating a stable and secure environment for the people of the region.

“Enabling the Iraqi Security Forces in their pursuit to rid the province of terrorists by conducting offensive operations inside the neighborhoods will secure the population and deteriorate the resolve of the enemy,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander. “The ISF is doing this in coordination with the government of Diyala as they increase services throughout the neighborhoods.

“The people want peace, prosperity, services and human rights, and ISF understands the need to destroy the terrorists to achieve these needs,” Sutherland said.

During the first day of operations, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army and the IP Emergency Reaction Force, partnered with the Coalition force from the 5th Stryker Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered more than five weapons caches, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and eight IEDs.

The caches included several small-arms munitions, IED-making materials such as detonation cord, batteries and explosives; mortar rounds, mortar initiators and rocket-propelled grenade munitions.

Wednesday, the Soldiers discovered a cache containing a mortar tube, more than 50 RPG munitions and cases of small-arms ammunition.

A Coalition force explosive ordnance disposal unit was on site to conduct controlled detonations of the caches and the discovered IEDs.

The operation also resulted in the detention of five suspected terrorists, four of whom were associated with a cache and set up an enemy observation post.

The detainees were transferred to a detention facility for further questioning.

According to the unit, people throughout Buhriz were very receptive of the ISF and Coalition presence, and were happy to learn about the future Iraqi police station.

“The people have asked for the extraction of the violent, controlling, and hate-filled terrorists that have been controlling their lives and offering them no help or hope for the future of their children or families,” Sutherland said. “The people understand that the terrorists are trying to become the new dictators of their future and they have had their fill of dictators.”

Apr. 12, 2007
Release A070412a

TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, 17 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorist and detained 17 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Thursday morning.

South of Haditha, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained four others while targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell. During the operation, ground forces encountered two armed terrorists when they entered a targeted building. Self defense measures were used to eliminate the threat.

During operations northwest of Karmah, Coalition Forces captured four suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device operations.

Also, during several operations overnight in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

April 13, 2007
Release A070413a

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 14 SUSPECTS IN EARLY-MORNING RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 14 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during operations early Friday morning.

During an operation in Karmah, Coalition Forces captured six men with suspected involvement in recent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks and anti-Iraqi and Coalition Forces operations.
In Mosul, five suspected terrorists were captured with suspected links to recent VBIED attacks against Coalition Forces.

A raid east of Amiriyah resulted in the capture of one suspected terrorist with known involvement in al-Qaeda senior leader transportation operations.

In Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured two suspected foreign fighter facilitators.

“Coalition Forces continue to target terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “They will be identified, captured and prosecuted for their crimes.”

More later.

British Forces at War: As Witnessed by an American

Michael Yon has a new article at his site:

British Forces at War: As Witnessed by an American

The explosions from enemy rockets and mortar fire have been constant companions for the small contingent of Coalition forces based at the former Basra Palace, on the banks of Shatt al Arab River. In the past five months, more than a thousand bombs have been fired at this small base, all while these British combat troops, Romanian soldiers and a small contingent of Americans continue their attempts to stabilize Iraq. The nearby US Regional Embassy office also is frequently targeted.

Read the rest, it is on the mark.

Bomb Run

Check it out at Neptunus Lex.
Generally a good read over there.

Open Letter From General David Petraeus

The following is an open letter from General David Petraeus to the Iraqi people that was published in the Arab media last week ahead of the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Iraq.

To the Iraqi People:

Monday, April 9, 2007 will mark the 4th anniversary of the liberation of Iraq from Saddam Hussein's regime. For many in Iraq and around the world, it will be a time for reflection on the early days after liberation in 2003 and on what has transpired since then.

As one of those who was part of the "fight to Baghdad,” I remember well the hopes and dreams of the Iraqi people when coalition soldiers pulled down Saddam’s statue in Firdos Square in April 2003. Looking back, I recall a sense of enormous promise -- promise that, in many respects and for a variety of reasons, has yet to be fully realized. If we are honest with each other, in fact, we will acknowledge that while there have been substantial accomplishments in Iraq since 2003, the past four years have also been disappointing, frustrating, and increasingly dangerous in many parts of Iraq for those who have been involved in helping to build a new state in this ancient land.

On this April 9th, some Iraqis reportedly may demonstrate against the coalition force presence in Iraq. That is their right in the new Iraq. It would only be fair, however, to note that they will be able to exercise that right because coalition forces liberated them from a tyrannical, barbaric regime that never would have permitted such freedom of expression.

Those who take to the streets should recall, moreover, that were it not for the actions of coalition forces in 2003 (and, to be sure, actions by Iraqi, as well as coalition, forces since then), they also would not have been able to celebrate the recent religious holidays as they did in such massive numbers. Nor would they have been able to select their leaders by free and democratic elections, vote on their constitution, or take at least the initial steps toward establishment of a government that is representative of, and responsive to, all Iraqis.

It is particularly important to me that "Najafis,” the citizens of Najaf, recall these facts, for in 2003 I was privileged to command the 101st Airborne Division, the unit that liberated the holy city of Najaf and its sister city, Kufa. The battle of Najaf was, in fact, our first significant combat action in Iraq. Following its conclusion, we went on to defeat the elements of Saddam's army and the Saddam Fedayeen that fought us in Kifl, Karbala, and Al Hillah, before securing and stabilizing southern Baghdad, Haditha, and, eventually, Mosul and Ninevah Province. Our soldiers sacrificed greatly to give the Najafis and millions of other Iraqis the freedoms, however imperfect they may be, that they enjoy today.

While the establishment of the new Iraq has included a number of noteworthy achievements, it has also had its share of setbacks. Indeed, the coalition's efforts have not been without mistakes. I acknowledged a number of them during my appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee in January.

I would add, however, that the coalition has, at the least, consistently sought to learn from its mistakes. And, when those mistakes have involved unacceptable conduct, coalition authorities have taken administrative and legal action against those responsible. The coalition has, despite its occasional missteps, worked hard to serve all Iraqis and to bolster those who support a new Iraq founded on the principles now enshrined in the Iraqi Constitution.

Iraq, four years after liberation, faces serious challenges. The sectarian violence that escalated after the Samarra mosque bombing in 2006 was an enormous setback. Indeed, it tore the very fabric of Iraqi society. The damage done is still readily apparent in various neighborhoods of Baghdad and in many areas outside the capital.

Now Iraqi and coalition security forces are engaged in a renewed effort to improve security for the Iraqi people and to provide Iraq's leaders an opportunity to come to grips with the tough issues that must be dealt with to help foster reconciliation among the people of Iraq and to enable achievement of conditions that permit the withdrawal of coalition forces.

As the commander of the coalition forces in Iraq, and having given some 2-1/2 years of my life to this endeavor, I would like to take this opportunity to call for support of the new security plan. I ask all Iraqis to reject violence and the foreigners who fuel it with their money, arms, ammunition, training, and misguided young men. Beyond that, I ask, as well, for all Iraqis to notify Iraqi or coalition forces when those who would perpetrate violence on their fellow citizens or security forces enter their neighborhoods.

Coalition soldiers liberated Iraq from Saddam's "Republic of Fear." Now Iraqis must reject those who seek to drive wedges between people who have, in the past, lived in harmony in the Land of the Two Rivers. This is a time for Iraqis to demonstrate to the world their innate goodness, their desire to respect those of other sects and ethnic groups, and their wish to stitch back together the fabric of Iraqi society. Only in this way can Iraqis make the most of the opportunity that Iraqi and coalition security forces are striving to give them. And only in this way can the dreams of those who live in a country so rich in blessings and promise be fully realized.

With respect,

David H. Petraeus

General, United States Army

Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq

A Message to the British Military

In case you were wondering, there is a code of conduct that American Sercicemen adhere to:

The Code of Conduct:

I

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

Maybe you Brits can learn a thing, or two.
Hell even Jessica Lych didn't blab to her captors.

Morons.

Iraq News Roundup II

ONE TERRORIST KILLED; FOUR SUSPECTS DETAINED

April 1, 2007
Release A070401b

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition forces killed one terrorist and captured four suspected terrorists during operations Sunday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.

While conducting an operation near the Syrian border, Coalition forces killed one armed terrorist and captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to an al-Qaeda foreign fighter facilitation network.

In Baghdad, two more foreign fighter facilitation network suspects were detained.

Two suspected terrorists detained in Sadr city raid

April 1, 2007
Release A070401a

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi forces along with their Coalition advisors detained two suspected terrorists Saturday evening during a raid in Sadr City targeting anti-Iraqi forces.

As ground forces approached the targeted area, they began receiving enemy fire. Ground forces called for air support and Coalition aircraft delivered munitions, suppressing the enemy fire.

No one was wounded during the raid. One building received minor damage during the air strike.

“Coalition forces take exhaustive precautions to mitigate damage to Iraqi property while in pursuit of terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.

Iraqi Security Forces, Cavalry discover extremist training camp

April 2, 2007

ZAGANIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, working with
Coalition force members, discovered a terrorist training camp in Zaganiyah, Iraq, while
conducting clearing operations in the Diyala River Valley palm groves Thursday.

Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th IA and Company B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry
Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered a
fortified underground bunker with three exit points, four prepared fighting positions and
a training camp building.

While clearing the area, the Soldiers unearthed five weapons caches consisting
of more than 100 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, more than five RPG launchers,
approximately 70 mortar rounds, bomb-making materials, home made explosives and
terrorist planning and training materials.

“The terrorists from Al Qaeda have no place to hide. Their safe havens do not
exist and their training camps are being destroyed,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1
Cav. commander. “We will continue to attack these organizations and bring the
perpetrators of violence to justice in order to secure the population.”

“The people in Diyala are disgusted and disillusioned by the fact the terrorists
have nothing to offer but destruction through actions like this and they are gaining
confidence in their ISF,” he added.

Iraqi Police find, secure cache in Hillah

April 2, 2007

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Kalsu, Iraq – Iraqi Police uncovered a weapons cache of mortars and munitions south of Baghdad April 1.

Military Transition Team members from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division received a report from the Babil Provincial Joint Coordination Center that Iraqi Police found two 60mm mortars, 10 60mm mortar rounds and one set of night vision goggles in Hillah, Iraq.

Phone tip leads Coalition force members to rescue kidnapped victims

April 2, 2007

BAGHDAD — Coalition force members rescued two male Iraqi citizens who were kidnapped at a checkpoint March 31. The two men were traveling on a motor scooter when they were stopped by two men dressed as Iraqi Army Soldiers, who detained them and made a cell phone call.

A short time later, eight men, suspected of being militia members, showed up at the checkpoint. They beat the two men while the alleged Iraqi Army troops watched. The two victims where then shoved into vehicles and taken to a house where the beatings continued.

A phone tip to a hotline run by 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, spurred a series of events that eventually led to the rescue of the two men. The tip led coalition troops to the vicinity of the house where an immediate house-to-house search began.

The two kidnapped men were found in what appeared to be a torture house, still bound and badly beaten. The victims were taken by Coalition force members to a nearby base and given immediate medical treatment. The kidnapped victims are attempting to identify the men dressed in Iraqi Army uniforms.

Also found at the house were two 107mm rocket rounds, two sets of body armor, five sets of handcuffs, a makeshift mortar tube and one rocket-propelled grenade round.

The identity of the men dressed in Iraqi Army uniforms is unknown. An investigation is underway to determine if they were actually Iraqi Army Soldiers.

AIR STRIKE DESTROYS EXPLOSIVES FACTORIES IN ARAB JABOUR

April 2, 2007
Release A070402b

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A Coalition Forces air strike destroyed two buildings housing large caches of explosives materials in Arab Jabour Monday afternoon.

While searching the targeted building, ground forces discovered large amounts of chemicals and improvised explosive device-making materials.

Coalition Forces called in for air support to destroy the buildings to prevent the material from being used against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi military and Coalition Forces in the future.

“No civilians were hurt during the demolition of these buildings,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “A careful analysis was conducted prior to the strike, and every possible precaution to avoid unnecessary collateral damage was taken.”


SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, 10 SUSPECTS DETAINED
April 2, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects Sunday afternoon and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq couriers and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cells.

Monday, ground forces killed six terrorists in Mosul tied to VBIED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. During the operation, ground forces entered the first of two targeted buildings and engaged three hostile men including one armed with a pistol. As one of the men charged at Coalition Forces, self-defense measures were used killing the three terrorists.

While approaching the second building, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy fire. Coalition Forces returned fire, killing three more terrorists.

In Baghdad, three suspects were detained with alleged ties to al-Qaeda courier operations and three more were detained for alleged involvement with VBIED emplacement operations.

On Sunday, Coalition Forces captured a suspected senior-level al-Qaeda in Iraq courier and an associate in an operation north of Karmah.

Also on Sunday, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists southeast of Mosul who are allegedly involved in VBIED and rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

“These operations demonstrate that the Coalition continues to whittle away at the Al Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesperson, Lt. Col. Christopher Garver. “Al Qaeda continues to demonstrate they are only interested in murder and destruction and are not interested in the peaceful future of a united Iraq. Eliminating the threat of Al Qaeda will make Iraq safer for all Iraqis.”

Iraq News Roundup

Iraqi Forces Conduct Raid in Baghdad

April 1, 2007

Iraqi Forces Conduct Raid in Baghdad
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police forces conducted an early-morning operation on April 1, in Al-Kut, capturing a suspect believed to be involved in insurgent activities.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided a residence in the al-Shuada District of Al-Kut southeast of Baghdad and captured their primary target without incident.

Iraqi forces also detained one other suspicious individual who was present during the operation.

The primary target of this operation is alleged to be responsible for weapon smuggling and improvised explosive devices activities intended to kill Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

Iraqi Forces Detain Nine during Raid in Baghdad

April 1, 2007

Iraqi Forces Detain Nine during Raid in Baghdad
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police forces conducted an early-morning operation on April 1, in Lutifiyah, capturing nine suspects believed to be involved in insurgent activities.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi police forces raided the residence 30 miles south of Baghdad and captured their primary targets without incident.

The primary targets of this operation are suspected to be responsible for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces.
No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.


Tal Afar citizens will not be deterred

April 1, 2007

Tal Afar citizens will not be deterred
Multi-National Division – North PAO

TAL’AFAR, Iraq– In wake of a terrorist bombing in Tal’Afar, Lt. Col. Malcolm Frost, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, reiterated the success of Tal’Afar in not allowing the bombing to become a divisive factor in undermining confidence in the government.

“The enemy has failed in their mission. They have tried to get us to take our eyes off what is important: 15 months of progress, 15 months of schools, medical clinics, and urban renewal program, a small business center, and an adult literacy program, to name a few. Security remains strong, led by the IPs and the strong Tal’Afar leaders, and the people remain united. The enemy has failed to divide the people,” said Frost.

Iraqi civilians have continued to team with Iraqi Security Forces as well as Coalition troops to conduct around-the-clock humanitarian assistance missions, excavations of rubble and supply drops to the estimated 300 displaced families.

Some of the days accomplishments include:
• 6,500 meals distributed
• 1,400 bottles of water distributed
• 490 blankets handed out
• 400 bags of rice (10 lb.) distributed

Frost concurred with the cooperative nature of the ongoing recovery operations.

“I’ll be honest with you; it’s been a tremendously stressful last four days. Happily though, the IA and IP are working hard together and the city is going back to its normal routine.”