Rockets Pound Weapons Cache Near Bayji, Iraq

A Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System fires a 227 mm rocket at a building that insurgents were using to store explosives and a nearby weapons cache in the open desert near the northern-Iraqi city of Bayji, Dec. 27. It was confirmed the GMLRS from, Detachment 1, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Sill, Okla., destroyed the target. Photographer: Spc. Richard Rzepka, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.

A Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System fires a 227 mm rocket at a building that insurgents were using to store explosives and a nearby weapons cache in the open desert near the northern-Iraqi city of Bayji, Dec. 27. It was confirmed the GMLRS from, Detachment 1, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Sill, Okla., destroyed the target. Photographer: Spc. Richard Rzepka, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.

A Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System fires a 227 mm rocket at a building that insurgents were using to store explosives and a nearby weapons cache in the open desert near the northern-Iraqi city of Bayji, Dec. 27. It was confirmed the GMLRS from, Detachment 1, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Sill, Okla., destroyed the target. Photographer: Spc. Richard Rzepka, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.

Dispatches from the Front:

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq, Dec. 27, 2007 -- U.S. Forces in northern Iraq destroyed a storage facility containing explosives used in the making of vehicle-borne bombs, and a weapons cache in the open desert near Bayji this morning.

They said intelligence sources informed them of this target, which had been under suspicion for the last few days.

“We have the capabilities to strike anywhere at anytime,” said Lt. Col. Peter Wilhelm, commander of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment. “This week’s VBIED attack in Bayji destroyed more than a hundred innocent civilian lives. It is a top priority to disable the enemy’s bomb-making capabilities in this area, so we can deter these kinds of vicious attacks like this from ever happening again.”

The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System from Detachment 1, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Sill, Okla., were in support of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) operations, which maintain the peace in the restive city.

(Courtesy Story from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

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Combat Camera: Night Mission in Iraq

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Zimprich, left, and Chief Warrant Officer Jared Toppenberg, 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Lewis, Wash., perform hover power checks on their OH-58 Kiowa Warrior over Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Photographer: Cpl. William Howard, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

Two outbound OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters belonging to 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Carson, Colo., take off for a night mission. The 1-6 Cav. "Fighting Sixth" are part of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Division, in northern Iraq. Photographer: Cpl. William Howard, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

Spc. Michael P. Pridgen, an Apache crew chief with Company C, 1-1 Aviation, adjusts the tail rotor of an AH-64 Apache Longbow. The 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion 'Gunfighter' air and ground crews work around the clock sustaining air operations and are part of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Division, in northern Iraq. Photographer: Cpl. William Howard, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

Spc. Michael P. Pridgen, an Apache crew chief with Company C, 1-1 Aviation, adjusts the tail rotor of an AH-64 Apache Longbow. The 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion 'Gunfighter' air and ground crews work around the clock sustaining air operations and are part of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Division, in northern Iraq. Photographer: Cpl. William Howard, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

An AH-64 Apache Longbow belonging to 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, sits ready for a night mission. The 1-1 ARB 'Gunfighter' air and ground crews work around the clock sustaining air operations and are part of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Division, in northern Iraq. Photographer: Cpl. William Howard, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.

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Combat Camera: Patrolling Baghdad's Suleikh Neighborhood

"Who Invited This Guy?"

Pfc. Alexander Cesario of Somerville, N.J., a forward observer with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, joins in an impromptu dance party after his platoon came across a wedding celebration while on patrol in Baghdad's Suleikh neighborhood, Dec. 21. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Pryor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.

Pfc. Alexander Cesario of Somerville, N.J., a forward observer with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, joins in an impromptu dance party after his platoon came across a wedding celebration while on patrol in Baghdad's Suleikh neighborhood, Dec. 21. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Pryor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.

Pfc. Alexander Cesario of Somerville, N.J., a forward observer with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, joins in an impromptu dance party after his platoon came across a wedding celebration while on patrol in Baghdad's Suleikh neighborhood, Dec. 21. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Pryor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.

Pfc. Alexander Cesario of Somerville, N.J., a forward observer with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, joins in an impromptu dance party after his platoon came across a wedding celebration while on patrol in Baghdad's Suleikh neighborhood, Dec. 21. Photographer: Sgt. Michael Pryor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.

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Combat Camera Video: Iraq in Focus, Dec. 28, 2007

Video: Vehicle Bomb Explosion
Scene of an explosion where a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle-borne improvised explosive devise (VBIED) at an Iraqi National Guard check point, killing four Iraqi soldiers. American soldiers assist in securing the area.
Video: Securing Samarra
B-roll of U.S. soldiers conducting daily patrols in the city of Samarra. Scenes include soldiers on dismounted and mounted patrols through the streets.
Video: U.S. Army Soldiers Conduct an Intelligence Patrol
B-roll of U.S. soldiers conducting an intelligence patrol in Haswah, Iraq. Scenes include Soldiers patrolling the town and outlying areas, and soldiers speaking with local Iraqis. Produced by Spc. Angelica Golindano.
Video: U.S. Army Soldiers Conduct a Village Clearing With Iraqi Police Personnel
B-roll of U.S. soldiers conducting a village clearing operation with Iraqi police personnel in Iraq. Scenes include soldiers and Iraqi police searching a rural village area and speaking with local Iraqis. Produced by Airman 1st Class Jeff Curtin.
Video: U.S. Army Soldiers Conduct a Night Raid
B-roll of U.S. soldiers conducting a night raid. Scenes include exterior night vision footage of soldiers approaching the raid area, Soldiers searching individuals and Soldiers searching through rooms. Produced by Airman 1st Class Jeff Curtin.
Video: U.S. Army Soldiers Conduct a Cordon and Search With Iraqi Army Soldiers
B-roll of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers conduct a cordon and search in Mufriq, Iraq. Scenes include Soldiers entering homes, questioning home owners, searching the backyard areas surrounding the homes as well as breaking down locked doors to enter and search. Produced by Senior Airman Chalanda Roberts.
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Combat Camera: The Holiday Ships of Christmas

USS Russell (DDG 59). U.S. Navy photo.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Brian L. Short.

Commander, Navy Region Hawaii barge. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac.

USS Russell (DDG 59). U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Theresa Donnelly.

USS Lassen and USS McCampbell. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer Bryan Reckard.

The guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Reckard.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor.

USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Stethem (DDG 63), and USS Howard (DDG 83). U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.

USS Elliot (DD 967), USS Olendorf (DD 972), USS Fitzgerald (DD 62), and the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.

USS Olendorf (DD-972). U.S. Navy photo by Geoffrey Patrick.

USS Pinckney (DDG 91). U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jo A. Wilbourn Sims.

USS Crommelin (FFG 37). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Ryan C. McGinley.

USS Peleliu (LHA 5). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf.

USS Milius (DDG 69). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf .

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photograph by Photographer's Mate Airman Thomas J. Holt.

USS Peleliu (LHA 5). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf.

USS Russell (DDG 59). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.

The forward hangar bay tunnel aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arturo Chavez.

USS Russell (DDG 59). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.

USS Russell (DDG 59). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.

USS Chosin (CG 65). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl.

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Troops Kill Several Militants, Detain Nine in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces killed several enemy fighters and detained nine others in an operation to disrupt Taliban leadership and weapons-facilitation networks yesterday in Afghanistan’s Zabul province.

Coalition forces searched several compounds in the province’s Qalat district, targeting a Taliban militant associated with several attacks on coalition troops. Intelligence sources also indicate the militant was involved in helping Taliban forces get ammunition and supplies, officials said.

During the search, coalition forces were required to escalate force when militants demonstrated hostile intent, killing several militants, officials said.

An Afghan woman bystander suffered a minor injury. A medical specialist treated her injury, and the woman returned to her family.

Coalition forces detained nine individuals suspected of having links to Taliban networks. They’ll be questioned regarding their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities, officials said.

“Taliban extremist networks lose ground with every operation we conduct,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “We’ll continue to apply pressure to eliminate their indiscriminate attacks on the Afghan people and government.”

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

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Forces Kill Five Terrorists, Nab 14 in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 14 suspects today during anti-al Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq, military officials reported.

Four terrorists were killed north of Muqdadiyah, where coalition forces targeted an al Qaeda network operating in the northeast region of the Diyala River Valley. Six suspected terrorists were detained.

Near Salman Pak, coalition forces killed a suspected terrorist and detained another person while targeting an alleged al Qaeda leader involved in gun-running and attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces in the Arab Jabour region.

Near Samarra and Baghdad, coalition forces detained seven more suspected terrorists as part of the continuing campaign to disrupt al Qaeda in Iraq operations.

"These operations are examples of our continued success against al Qaeda," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces are disrupting their operations and diminishing their pool of manpower, but they still pose a threat to innocent Iraqis."

In other news, Iraqi commandos and U.S. advisors detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq leader and three additional suspects during two separate raids Dec. 26. In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. troops detained the leader of an al Qaeda terrorist cell. Reports indicated the cell is responsible for several bombings and sniper attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces, as well as kidnapping and torturing innocent Iraqis. In Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces detained three suspects during a raid targeting al Qaeda in Iraq leadership.

In Dec. 25 Iraq operations:

• Iraqi national police and U.S. soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device in eastern Baghdad. Responding to a report of the possible bomb, Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers found and disposed of the bomb.

• U.S. soldiers discovered a weapons cache in the Rusafa sector of eastern Baghdad. An infantry patrol found the cache, which included nine 60 mm mortars, 30 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, four grenade canisters and a rocket-propelled grenade.

• Acting on a tip, Iraqi national police seized a large munitions cache near Tameem. The cache contained 20 projectile fuses, 10 60 mm mortars, eight 122 mm artillery shells, eight 82 mm mortars and other unidentifiable explosives. The police turned over the cache to members of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Regiment's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

(From Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Combat Camera: Patrolling Mosul, Iraq; Part 3

A U.S. Army soldier attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team provides security on three suspected insurgents detained while on a patrol through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A Iraqi army soldier from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division breaks down a door while searching for improvised explosive devices, weapons caches and insurgents during a patrol through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The 2nd Iraqi Army Division is tasked with large scale operations to rid the city of Mosul and its surrounding areas of the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrol through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army Maj. Frank Acosta attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team talks on his radio while on a patrol in a neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrol with soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrol with soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army Maj. Frank Acosta attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrols through a neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrol with soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Division Military Transition Team patrol with soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division through a neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The Soldiers of the 2nd Division MiTT team work side by side with the Iraqi army, assisting and advising them on the fight against the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An explosion pushes a cloud of smoke in the sky, the result of the 2nd Division Iraqi Army bomb squad destroying multiple improvised explosive devices found during a neighborhood raid in Mosul, Iraq, on Dec. 1. The 2nd Iraqi Army Division is tasked with large scale operations to rid the city of Mosul and its surrounding areas of the insurgency. Photographer: Spc. Kieran Cuddihy, Joint Combat Camera Center.

Related:
Combat Camera: Patrolling Mosul, Iraq; Part 1
Combat Camera: Patrolling Mosul, Iraq; Part 2

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Tags: DOD, Military, War, United States, U.S., Army, Middle East, Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Multinational Force, al Qaeda, al Qaida, GWOT, terrorism, Photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera
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