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April 04, 2008
News From Our Troops In Country
CAMP STRIKER — Attack helicopters from Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division have stepped up in the fight against criminal elements south of Baghdad.
Since March 24, Apache and Kiowa helicopters have killed 36 enemy fighters in support of troops on the ground.
The recent fighting against criminals south of Baghdad and in Wasit Province has highlighted the benefit of air support to Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, but it isn’t something new, said Col. Dan Ball, commander of 3rd CAB.
“We’ve always taken the fight to the enemy,” Ball said.
The 3rd CAB, based out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga., has been deployed to Baghdad International Airport since May. The 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment Apaches and the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Kiowas support Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in the area stretching across the Tigris and Euphrates rivers south of Baghdad.
Earlier in the 3rd CAB’s deployment, the fight was primarily against al-Qaeda in Iraq fighters south of Baghdad as they tried to feed sectarian violence in the capital.
When small groups of criminals began clashing with Iraqi Security Forces, Ball said, it was natural for his helicopters to support the fight.
“As opposed to Sunni extremists, al-Qaeda in Iraq for instance, we have Shi’a extremists we’re going after (as well). We don’t differentiate,” he said. “This is an ISF-led fight and many of our engagements down south have been in support of ISF.”
Since March 22, Multi-National Division – Center, the division 3rd CAB supports, has detained more than 200 criminals, killed 40 Shi’a criminal fighters, found more than 60 weapons caches - of which 20 were turned in by Iraqis - and found and cleared nearly 30 improvised explosive devices on area roads.
As the ISF takes the fight to Shi’a criminals, areas south of Baghdad continue to improve, Ball said. Schools are opening, agriculture and businesses are improving and people are working toward a better Iraq, Ball said. “Everywhere we turn, we’re making progress in MND-C.”
(3rd CAB, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO)
Troops Kill 14 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq, Capture 49 Others
Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 14 suspected terrorists, detained 49 others, and seized dozens of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.
In Baghdad and Qayyarah today, coalition forces detained a dozen suspected terrorists during raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operations, including propaganda and suicide-bombing networks. In addition, troops captured two foreign fighter aides and an additional suspect in the operations.
In a separate operation in the Iraqi capital today, coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists tied to a Baghdad car-bombing network. In other raids, troops nabbed two suspected terrorists east of Taji, two in Mosul and three others in Samarra.
“Al Qaeda in Iraq is an adaptive, barbaric enemy, but they will be allowed no safe haven,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to disrupt their networks and capture or kill their members, improving security for all Iraqis.”
During operations in Iraq yesterday:
-- A Hillah special weapons and tactics unit advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained 20 suspected vehicle smugglers in Basra. In addition, the Hillah unit recovered two illegal sedans, various guns and ammunition, and $262,000 in U.S. currency. The combined force also destroyed two boats used for smuggling goods in the oil-rich southern Iraq city.
-- Iraqi security forces and U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained a suspected improvised-explosive-device-cell leader allegedly responsible for IED and indirect-fire attacks against Logistics Support Area Anaconda.
-- The Mosul Iraqi special weapons and tactics unit and U.S. Special Forces soldiers in Mosul detained a suspected terrorist allegedly involved in kidnapping, torturing and murdering local Iraqi security force members.
-- Members of the “Sons of Iraq” citizens security group stopped a suicide bomber from detonating his explosive device in Kirkuk province. A military official said their actions prevented “a possible tragedy” from occurring on Hawijah’s Market Street.
-- Iraqi army and coalition soldiers discovered 15 weapons caches in Diyala and Salah ad Din provinces, and an IED factory in Ninewah. The caches contained more than 60 mortar rounds, 14 107 mm rockets, small-arms munitions, and more than 60 pounds of bomb-making material. The IED factory contained more than 3,500 pounds of additional explosives.
Iraqi special operation forces, advised by their U.S. counterparts, killed 14 criminals March 31 during operations in Basra. The Iraqi-led mission aimed to capture the criminals in an abandoned school that lawbreakers were using to mount operations and store weapons and munitions, military officials said.
Iraqi forces received small-arms fire throughout the operation. Both Iraqi and U.S. forces returned fire, while a coalition aircraft provided close-air support requested by ground forces. The combined forces killed 14 armed individuals and rescued six Iraqi security force members who were being held at the compound.
Elsewhere in Iraq March 31, Iraqi national police members detained three suspected insurgents in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital. The suspects were attempting to smuggle weapons in their vehicle, military officials said. Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, reported Iraqi national police confiscated five rockets, two mortar rounds, two hand grenades, three blasting caps and a 9 mm pistol. The detainees are being held for further questioning.
Posted by Wild Thing at April 4, 2008 03:40 AM
Comments
I know it is only wishful thinking but wouldn't it be nice to see our own media publish information like this so the rest of America could see the truth for a change?!?!?!
"Members of the “Sons of Iraq” citizens security group stopped a suicide bomber from detonating his explosive device in Kirkuk province. A military official said their actions prevented “a possible tragedy” from occurring on Hawijah’s Market Street".....proves we are making a difference. The truly committed people of Iraq are stepping up to the plate and fighting for their freedom!!!! Funny how we didn't see this comment on the front page of the New York Times!!!!!! Butthead news media!!!!
Posted by: John at April 4, 2008 08:09 AM
Amen John. These successful military operations should be top news stories along with failed operations. The average American should be well aware of what the war is really like and how our actual progress is going. The average American knows more about Brittany Spears driving experiences. Our MSM is backasswards.
Posted by: TomR at April 4, 2008 12:14 PM
Once again WT you have shone the light where the media fears to go. Thank you for bringing this to where the entire world can see it.
“We’ve always taken the fight to the enemy,” Ball said.
Posted by: Jack at April 4, 2008 12:16 PM
John, I would love that soooo much. Each night they could tell a story about our troops. They would have enough to do more then one but if they would even to one it would show they cared and supported our troops.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 4, 2008 07:39 PM
Tom yes and I am sick of hearing about what THEY think I want to know. They went on forever with celebs and their drug addictions etc. and so many things and I was not interested at all.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 4, 2008 07:41 PM
Jack thank you, I love doing it. It means a lot to have you and the other Vets here to share things too and it makes even the stories about our troops today even more personal.
Posted by: Wild Thing at April 4, 2008 07:43 PM
