Wire: With Combat Over, US Troops Battle in Baghdad

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2010 -- Newswire services this evening reported that just days after President Barack Obama touted the end of U.S. combat operations and Iraq's ability to defend itself, American troops found themselves battling heavily armed militants assaulting an Iraqi military headquarters in the center of Baghdad on Sunday.

The fighting killed 12 people and wounded dozens, AP said.

It was the first exchange of fire involving U.S. troops in Baghdad since the Aug. 31 deadline for formally ending the combat mission, and it showed that American troops remaining in the country are still being drawn into the fighting.

The attack also made plain the kind of lapses in security that have left Iraqis wary of the U.S. draw-down and distrustful of the ability of Iraqi forces now taking up ultimate responsibility for protecting the country.

Sunday's hour-long assault was the second in as many weeks on the facility, the headquarters for the Iraqi Army's 11th Division, pointing to the failure of Iraqi forces to plug even the most obvious holes in their security.

The number of U.S. troops has fallen from a high of 170,000 to just under 50,000 this August; all U.S. troops must be out of Iraq by 2012, AP noted.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source.

Wire: In Iraq, the War's Name has Changed but the War Remains the Same

Off the Wire:

Operation Iraqi Freedom is now Operation New Dawn

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2010 -- Newswire services yesterday reported that even as President Barack Obama was announcing the end of combat in Iraq, American soldiers were sealing off a northern village as their Iraqi partners raided houses and arrested dozens of suspected insurgents.

The Associated Press noted that while the U.S. has reduced number of troops and the White House has re-branded the mission, the operation in Hawija was a reminder that U.S. forces are still engaged in hunting down and killing al-Qaida militants and may have to use lethal force to defend themselves against attacks.

That reality was front and center at a change-of-command ceremony in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces outside Baghdad that the American military now uses as its headquarters. Officials warned of a tough road ahead as the U.S. moves into the final phase of the 7 1/2-year war.

Of paramount concern is Iraqi leaders' continued bickering, six months after parliamentary elections, over forming a new government -- a political impasse that could further endanger stability and fuel a diminished but still dangerous insurgency.

"Iraq still faces a hostile enemy who is determined to hinder progress," Gen. Lloyd Austin, the newly installed commander of the just under 50,000 U.S. troops still in Iraq, told the swelling crowd that was clad in military fatigues and political suits. "Make no mistake, our military forces here and those of the Iraqi nation remain committed to ensuring that our friends in Iraq succeed."

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The remaining U.S. forces in Iraq would be "as combat ready, if need be, as any in our military," Biden said, flanked by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen for the 75-minute ceremony, which also changed the U.S. mission's name from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation New Dawn."

AP said that three years ago, about 170,000 U.S. troops were in Iraq. Of those who remain, fewer than 10 percent -- or 4,500 -- are special forces who will regularly go on raids and capture terrorists, albeit alongside Iraqi troops.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source.

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OIF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2010 -- The following news release made available Friday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. William C. Spencer, 40, of Tacoma, Wash., died Feb. 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained Feb. 20 while supporting combat operations at Combat Outpost Marez, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment, Olympia, Wash.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

NOTE: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) will be renamed to Operation New Dawn (OND) effective September 1, 2010.

Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OIF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2010 -- The following news release made available Friday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Daniel T. O'Leary, 23, of Youngsville, N.C., died Feb. 23 in Fallujah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

NOTE: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) will be renamed to Operation New Dawn (OND) effective September 1, 2010.

Combat Camera: Sandstorm MRAP Patrol Near Tikrit, Iraq

U.S. Army soldiers of the 573rd Clearance Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, climbs into his mine resistant ambush-protected vehicle before departing on a convoy route clearing mission near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 22. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.)

U.S. soldiers of the 573rd Clearance Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. listen to a weather update as they wait for the go command while staging up to depart on a convoy route clearing mission near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 22. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.)

U.S. Army Pfc. Jovan Nikolic of Dawsonville, Ga., and Sgt. Kevin Baker of Jamestown, Ind., assigned to the 573rd Clearance Company, and attached to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division discuss mission details as they wait to depart on a convoy route clearing operation near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 22. The amber glow in the air is caused by the filtered light of a sandstorm and is accented by the search lights of Nikolic and Baker's mine resistant ambush-protected vehicle. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.)

U.S. Army Pfc. Jovan Nikolic of Dawsonville, Ga., and Sgt. Kevin Baker of Jamestown, Ind., assigned to the 573rd Clearance Company, attached to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. discuss mission details before departing on a convoy route clearing operation near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 22. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.)

An amber luminous glow caused by the filtered light of a sandstorm is accented by the search lights of mine resistant ambush protected, or MRAP vehicles utilized by the U.S. Army 573rd Clearance Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The vehicles where staging up before departing on a convoy route clearing mission near Tikrit, Iraq., Feb. 22. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

OIF Summary, Feb. 25, 2010: Forces in Iraq Nab 9 in Separate Operations

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 -- Iraqi police arrested nine terrorism suspects in combined operations with U.S. advisors in recent days, military officials reported.

Police arrested three suspected terrorists yesterday in a rural area northeast of Baghdad during an operation conducted to capture a regional leader of Jaysh al-Mahdi, an Iranian-backed terrorist group.

Acting on a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the suspected leader of several cells responsible for committing crimes such as kidnappings for ransom to raise money for weapons and supplies used in attacks against security forces operating in the area.

After preliminary questioning and assessment of the evidence at the scene, police arrested three suspected criminal associates of the wanted man.

In operations Feb. 23 and yesterday in Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, police arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq assassination-cell leader and five suspected criminal accomplices.

Police and U.S. advisors stopped a vehicle on a public road and searched two buildings based on intelligence reports indicating that assassination cells were posturing for pre-election attacks in hopes of disrupting campaign efforts and deterring voters from participating in national elections.

In western Baghdad on Feb. 23, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors stopped a vehicle in which a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq assassination-cell leader was believed to be traveling. Information gathered at the scene led police to identify and arrest the wanted cell leader and two suspected criminal associates.

Following the arrests, the security team proceeded yesterday to search the wanted man's home in Abu Ghraib and a suspected weapons-cache site in western Baghdad belonging to the arrested man. In the Abu Ghraib building, police arrested two suspected criminal associates of the cell leader. Although no weapons or explosives were found during the search in western Baghdad, police identified and arrested an additional suspected criminal associate of the captured suspected cell leader.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

NOTE: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) will be renamed to Operation New Dawn (OND) effective September 1, 2010.

OIF Summary, Feb. 17, 2010: Forces in Iraq Nab Weapons Dealer, Bomb Maker

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq weapons dealer and two other suspected terrorists during a series of combined operations in Baghdad today.

Intelligence reports led Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors to a home in western Baghdad in search of a terrorist wanted for building and distributing silencers for pistols used to conduct robberies and assassinations. Based on incriminating evidence and information gathered during the operation, forces arrested the suspected weapons dealer.

Al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists use weapons equipped with silencers while robbing financial institutions, businesses and private citizens to acquire funds for attack operations, U.S. officials report.

In addition to robberies, al-Qaida recently has claimed responsibility for assassinating Iraqi officials, security forces and civilians as part of its attempts to disrupt the national election process, said U.S. officials. Members of al-Qaida in Iraq also admit to conducting robberies and claim to use stolen funds to purchase illegal weapons, explosive material and bomb-making components, officials said.

In southwestern Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected terrorist leader believed to be responsible for planning and coordinating robberies of financial institutions and private businesses in Baghdad. The man also allegedly is involved in car-bomb attacks and is connected to terrorists responsible for building homemade bombs.

The security team discovered circuitry used to make explosives. Information obtained during a preliminary investigation led forces to arrest a man allegedly linked to the leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq robbery cell and one other suspected associate.

In a separate operation, Iraqi forces arrested seven suspected terrorists west of Kirkuk as part of a concerted effort to prevent future car-bombing attacks throughout the country.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

Pentagon: Iran Continues to Subvert Iraq

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2010 -- As national elections in Iraq loom on the horizon, Iran continues to subvert its western neighbor’s security and political infrastructure, top American military officials said.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the top American commander in Iraq, said Iran aims to foment violence in Iraq and to play diplomatic and other nonmilitary roles that call into question Iran’s respect for Iraqi sovereignty.

“Iran clearly has a strategy that goes across lethal aims, diplomatic aims and then soft-power aims -- i.e., influencing people through investment in the economy -- and into some other practices inside of Iraq,” the general said yesterday at the Army and Navy Club here.

Despite success in recent years against Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq, several new groups have formed that are receiving support from within Iran, Odierno told audience members at the event sponsored by the Institute for the Study of War.

Though down from peak levels, Iranian-backed violence is being generated in part by two groups -- Kataib Hezbollah and the Promised Day Brigade -- that gain funding and military expertise inside Iran before exporting their operations across its western border, the general said.

“We still have EFPs explode just about every day in Iraq,” said Odierno, referring to what the military calls “explosively formed penetrators,” an especially deadly type of roadside bomb that’s designed to pierce armor and is believed to have Iranian origins. “We still uncover Iranian rockets and other goods that are made, and individuals that are trained, in Iran to conduct attacks against both U.S. and Iraqi security forces.”

Asked whether Iran respects Iraqi sovereignty, Odierno replied, “I would say, since they conduct and support lethal actions inside of Iraq, it's clear that they don't.”

As the March 7 Iraqi national election date nears, concerns have mounted that Iran, a Shiite Muslim country, has influenced a decision by Iraqi lawmakers to bar several hundred politicians from the ballots on the grounds that they are linked to Saddam Hussein’s Baath party. The decision primarily disqualified Sunni politicians seeking office.

Two Iraqis involved in blocking the candidates have ties to the Iranian government in Tehran and are attempting to influence the outcome of the Iraqi election, Odierno said. The two men had several meetings in Iran, he said, including one with an Iranian whom the United States placed on the terrorist watch list for a bombing in Kuwait in the 1980s.

One is Ahmed Chalabi, who reportedly is perceived as having supplied faulty intelligence in 2003 before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The other is Ali Faisal al-Lami, who was arrested and subsequently freed after being suspected of masterminding a bomb attack on American and Iraqi officials.

“[Lami] and Chalabi clearly are influenced by Iran. We have direct intelligence that tells us that,” Odierno said. “We believe they're absolutely involved in influencing the outcome of the election, and it's concerning that they've been able to do that over time.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in recent days expressed concern about the increased levels of violence in Iraq as the election date nears, and he also has denounced Iran’s reach into areas throughout the Middle East, including Iraq.

Speaking to reporters in Cairo after Iran recently announced it would increase its levels of uranium enrichment, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen -- the top U.S. military officer -- characterized Tehran as “hard to predict.”

“I remain extremely concerned about them as a country -- not their people, but their leadership,” Mullen said in Feb. 15 remarks, “and the recent rhetoric concerning the increased enhancement in terms of nuclear fuel, their reach to Hezbollah, their reach to Hamas, their reach into Yemen, their reach into even Afghanistan, as well as Iraq.”

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

Wire: Biden Says Iraq War Wasn't Worth It

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2010 -- Newswire services today reported that Vice President Joe Biden says the Iraq war hasn't been worth its "horrible price."

He claims the war was mishandled from the outset and that the U.S. took its eye off the ball. As a result, he says the U.S. was left in a more dangerous position in Afghanistan.

Biden told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the war also has cost the United States support from other nations.

Earlier this week, Biden stated on CNN's Larry King Live that "Iraq could be [the Obama] administration's greatest achievement."

Responding to Biden's CNN comments, Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said you cannot oppose the surge and then claim it for your legacy.

"When Joe Biden was in the Senate and Obama was in the Senate, they authored and were the chief architect of the resolution opposing the surge," he said.

The vice president also took credit for the troop drawdown.

"You're going to see 90,000 American troops come marching home by the end of the summer," he said. "You're going to see a stable government in Iraq that is actually moving toward a representative government."

But the drawdown was negotiated in the Status of Forces Agreement before the Obama administration took office.

Then Senator Joe Biden said in 2002: "We have no choice but to eliminate the threat. This is a guy who is an extreme danger to the world."

(Report from newswire sources.)

OIF Summary, Feb. 11, 2010: Forces in Iraq Capture Terrorist Leader, Others

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Feb. 11, 2010 -- Iraqi Security Forces captured an explosives and assassination-cell leader and four additional suspected terrorists today during three operations here and in northern Iraq to suppress al-Qaida in Iraq, military officials said.

In western Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched two residential buildings with court warrants for two members – one a leader -- of an AQI cell responsible for numerous assassinations and improvised explosive device attacks in the region.

Iraqi Security Forces identified and arrested both men and a suspected criminal accomplice based on preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene.

During a separate security operation in Abu Ghraib, about ten miles west of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for a suspected terrorist cell member who builds and employs IEDs in coordination with AQI, targeting security forces in Iraq.

The security team arrested the suspect after finding numerous electronic components used to make IEDs and IED initiators in his apartment and an adjacent workshop.

In a third operation last night, in a rural area south of Kirkuk, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI member who provides safe haven for visiting AQI leaders.

Evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi police to arrest a suspected criminal associate of the warranted man.

(From a Joint Forces Iraq news release.)

OIF Summary, Feb. 10, 2010: Operations in Iraq Net 20 Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested 20 suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq over the last two days, military officials reported.

Fourteen of the suspects were arrested during four combined security operations in Baghdad and northern Iraq designed to degrade al-Qaida in Iraq operations, officials said.

In northwestern Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors arrested a wanted terrorist-cell leader believed to be closely associated with senior al-Qaida in Iraq members in Baghdad and to be responsible for planning bombing attacks. Iraqi forces arrested the wanted cell leader and a suspected criminal associate based on preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene.

Today in southwestern Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected terrorist cell member who builds and employs bombs targeting security forces in Iraq in coordination with al-Qaida in Iraq. The suspect also is wanted for hiding terrorist weapons.

A roadside-bomb arming device and forged official documents were found on scene. Based on evidence and information gathered during the operation, Iraqi forces arrested the wanted suspect and nine suspected criminal associates.

Also today, an Iraqi emergency response unit and U.S. advisors in Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, searched a building for a suspected member of an al-Qaida in Iraq attack cell that conducts bombing attacks against Iraqi forces and civilians.

Evidence collected at the scene led police to arrest a suspected criminal associate of the wanted cell leader.

Members of the same emergency response unit and U.S. advisors also conducted an operation near Sulayman Bak, southeast of Kirkuk, searching several buildings for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader. Iraqi police arrested a suspected criminal associate of the wanted man.

In Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi federal police with U.S. forces advisors, acting on a warrant, arrested six suspected terrorists. The suspects allegedly are affiliated with an al-Qaida in Iraq cell in the Arab Jabour area. The cell is responsible for bombing and small-arms attacks against Iraqi forces.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

OIF Summary, Feb. 9, 2010: Forces in Iraq Nab Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2010 -- Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors arrested numerous suspected terrorists and seized enemy weapons in various operations in Iraq in recent days.

Iraqi forces arrested 11 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members -- including the suspected commander and two deputies of their cell -- in a rural area northwest of Baghdad today.

The cell is believed to be responsible for maintaining weapons caches and carrying out deadly attacks against civilians and security forces. During a search, the security team found a shotgun, numerous assault rifles, packaging material used to transport explosives, a small rocket and terrorist propaganda.

Preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi police to identify and arrest all five cell members wanted on their arrest warrant, including the suspected commander and deputies, as well as six suspected criminal accomplices.

Iraqi security forces arrested two suspected terrorists Feb. 7 during a combined operation in northeastern Mosul to capture a military commander for the Ansar al-Islam terrorist group. A suspected terrorist was killed during the operation.

Acting on a warrant issued by an Iraqi court, Iraqi forces and and U.S. advisors stopped two vehicles to arrest the Ansar al-Islam military commander, whose group fabricates mobile rockets and improvised explosive devices frequently used in attacks against security forces in the region.

The suspected terrorist in the first vehicle was questioned, identified as a suspected criminal accomplice of the warranted individual, and arrested without incident.

After the security team stopped the second vehicle, the driver pulled a pistol from behind his back and pointed it toward security team members. Members of the security team engaged and killed him.

Following the vehicle stops, the security team searched a building from which the suspected terrorists had driven their vehicles -- a location confirmed by several previously arrested al-Qaida in Iraq members. The security team found a large cache of weapons and munitions.

The contents of the cache included 20 shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, several machine guns and assault rifles, other assault weapons, several sniper rifles, rockets and rocket parts, mortar tubes and mortar rounds, mines, IED-making material, a robot that can be used to remotely transport IEDs, body armor, license plates and night-vision devices.

A man found in the building containing the weapons cache was arrested as a suspected criminal accomplice of the warranted Ansar al-Islam commander.

North of Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi forces arrested six suspected terrorists during two combined security operations north of Baghdad designed to capture two terrorist-group leaders.

In a rural area located north of Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader linked to numerous criminal activities, including providing financial support and weapons to terrorist group members and conducting IED attacks.

Preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi forces to arrest a suspected criminal associate of the wanted individual.

During a separate security operation in a rural area north of Baghdad, the Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected leader of the Salahuddin Brigade insurgency group, which is responsible for multiple rocket and IED attacks against security forces in the area. Evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi police to arrest five suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual.

On Feb. 7, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors arrested a suspected Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group cell leader in the Sharqat district of Salahuddin province. An Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant for the suspect, who is accused of facilitating the movement and transportation of magnetically attached bombs used in attacks on Iraqi forces.

Also on Feb. 7, Iraqi forces captured a suspected Baghdad explosives-cell member and arrested four other suspected terrorists during combined operations near Baghdad and Mosul to disrupt the operations of al-Qaida in Iraq explosives cells.

In the town of Hamariyah, west of Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a man believed to be responsible for preparing vehicle-borne IEDs used in various deadly attacks throughout Baghdad.

Following preliminary questioning and evidence collection, Iraqi forces identified and arrested the wanted man and two suspected criminal accomplices.

During a separate operation in Bawirah, north of Mosul, Iraqi soldiers and U.S. advisors searched a building for a member of an al-Qaida in Iraq bombing cell that is active in northern Mosul. Evidence found in the building included an assault rifle, two pistols and ammunition.

Based on the results of preliminary questioning, the Iraqi soldiers arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual.

In a Feb. 6 operation, and Iraqi emergency response unit arrested a suspected terrorist in a rural area northeast of Baghdad.

Based on a warrant issued by an Iraqi court, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings in the Hamrin Lake area to arrest a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member. Preliminary questioning and evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi police to arrest a suspected criminal associate of the warranted individual.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

OIF Update, Feb. 5, 2010: Forces Nab Terrorism Suspects in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested seven terrorism suspects in operations in Iraq today and yesterday, military officials said.

Iraqi security forces arrested a suspected terrorist today during a security operation to search for an attack cell leader in southwestern Baghdad associated with the Jaysh al-Mahdi terrorist organization.

Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched three buildings for the suspected leader, who’s believed to be responsible for coordinating training in Iran for militants loyal to the terrorist organization. He also allegedly is involved in weapons smuggling and is believed to be planning rocket attacks and assassinations targeting government officials in Baghdad.

Information gathered during the operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect associated with the leader.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces arrested six suspected terrorists yesterday during an operation in western Mosul to capture an al-Qaida in Iraq leader for the Mosul area.

Acting on an Iraqi court-issued warrant, Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, stopped two vehicles in which the suspected leader was believed to be traveling.

Iraqi forces arrested six suspected criminal associates of the leader.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 28, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 28, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Balocan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots responded with cannon-fire strafing runs when friendly forces reported taking enemy small arms fire. The enemy fire ceased immediately.

A-10 pilots were again in the area providing armed overwatch and aerial surveillance for friendly ground forces. The pilots were looking for any suspicious or preemptive enemy movement prior to the friendly forces entering the area. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to continue deterring any enemy movement in the area.

A B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed escort to a large friendly-forces convoy during the night. The aircrew remained overhead during the entire movement. A show of force was conducted midway to deter enemy action.

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions on an enemy fighting position to allow friendly forces to break contact with enemy forces. The strike was successful.

Salerno Landing Zone
Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The friendly forces had reported taking enemy small arms fire. The show of force was successful as the enemy fire ceased.

Konduz
The air over Konduz was busy as U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces and Coalition forces in the area. Both friendly and Coalition forces reported taking enemy fire and requested air power to suppress it. The aircrews confirmed points of origin for the enemy fire and released precision-guided munitions against enemy positions. Then, aircrews followed up with strafing runs to finish the mission. Ground forces reported no additional enemy fire.

Lashkar Gah
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly-forces during a town-hall meeting. Pilots observed suspicious activity in a field and conducted a show of force to deter any potential enemy action. The show of force was successful as no enemy action took place.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 6
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 22

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 9
Sorties flown in Iraq: 32
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Jan. 26
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 35
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.2 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 121

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 166
Short tons of delivered cargo: 574
Passengers: nearly 3,100
Airdropped cargo: nearly 125,000 pounds

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

OIF Summary, Jan. 21, 2009: Forces Nab al-Qaida Financier

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested two men affiliated with al-Qaida and detained two suspects in operations over the past two days in Iraq.

Forces arrested a suspected weapons and explosives operator in addition to two suspected criminal accomplices during a security operation yesterday north of Baghdad.

Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected al-Qaida member believed to have acquired weapons for the terrorist group in addition to facilitating explosive attacks within the region.

After preliminary questioning and assessing the evidence at the scene, forces identified and arrested the wanted man and two suspects without incident.

In a Jan. 19 operation, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors arrested a suspected terrorist financier during an operation in Ninevah province.

The force arrested the warranted man on suspicion of financing al-Qaida. Forces believe the suspect is responsible for multiple attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the province.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

OIF Summary, Jan. 19, 2009: Forces in Iraq Target, Arrest Terrorists

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested more than 20 suspects during multiple combined security operations today targeting suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members around Baghdad and Mosul.

In northeastern Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested seven men during an operation targeting a wanted terrorism suspect. With U.S. troops advising, the Iraqi soldiers searched two homes for the suspect, who is believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and bomb attacks against security forces in Baghdad.

In one of the buildings, the team discovered a large bundle of electrical wiring, several handguns, ammunition and blasting caps hidden in a compartment. Preliminary questioning and evidence led to the arrest of seven suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual. One of the suspects was arrested after attempting to run away.

In southeastern Baghdad, Iraq forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for a suspected member of a terrorist cell that conducts kidnappings and attacks against security forces in Iraq. Preliminary questioning and evidence collected led forces to arrest two suspected criminal associates of the warranted terrorist member.

During a separate operation northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for three terrorists wanted on warrants. The security team found two handguns and a silencer in one of the buildings. Evidence collected at the scene resulted in the arrest of nine suspected criminal associates of the wanted individuals.

In an operation northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police with U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected terrorist believed to be responsible for car bomb attacks throughout the area. Iraqi police arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted terrorist.

Also today, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected explosive cell leader in northern Mosul believed to be responsible for attacks throughout the region. After preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, forces arrested three suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual without incident.

In other recent operations:

• Iraqi security forces arrested three suspected terrorists Jan. 17 during an operation in northeastern Mosul targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of being heavily involved in an extortion network.

• Iraqi soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader and three suspected accomplices Jan. 17 in northeastern Baghdad. The man is suspected to have close ties to senior leaders of a terrorist group. During the search of the suspect's home, the team discovered an assault rifle and two handguns.

• Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected terrorist member believed to be involved in planning car bomb attacks in the Mosul and Beiji areas. Troops arrested two associates of the targeted man following questioning and the discovery of weapons on the premises.

• Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected terrorist cell member south of Mosul on Jan. 16. The team discovered an assault rifle and propaganda material in a hidden compartment in the home. Evidence led troops to identify and arrest the wanted individual and two suspected criminal accomplices.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq news releases.)

Wire: Surge Success, December 1st Month Without US Combat Deaths in Iraq

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2010 -- Newswire services this morning reported that December was the first month since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq nearly seven years ago in which no U.S. forces died in combat in the country.

However, three U.S. troops died in December as a result of non-combat related incidents in Iraq.

According to an Associated Press count, 149 U.S. troops died in Iraq in 2009. That includes combat-related deaths and those not related to fighting.

That's the lowest number of U.S. deaths for a year since the Iraq war began in 2003.

(Report from newswire sources.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 29, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest Terrorist Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2009 -- Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested nine suspected terrorists today in Iraq, military officials reported.

In western Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched two residential buildings for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader in the Karkh region. The forces arrested two suspected criminal associates of the targeted leader.

North of Baghdad, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors arrested four suspects.

Northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested two suspects. The security team also discovered two grenades, which were safely destroyed.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces arrested a suspected terrorist today during an operation in northern Baghdad.

The suspect is linked to providing weapons, including improvised explosive devices, for terrorists’ use.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 28, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2009 -- Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested several suspected terrorists and seized weapons in recent days, military officials reported.

Iraqi security forces today arrested 14 suspected terrorists during a series of operations conducted in northern Iraq targeting suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members.

In southwest Baghdad, Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq explosives operative believed to be planning and conducting homemade bomb attacks throughout Diyala province.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Jalula, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. forces arrested four suspected al-Qaida members.

Also today, while conducting an operation southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi and U.S. forces arrested nine suspected al-Qaida members.

During an operation in Ninevah yesterday, Iraqi and U.S. forces shot and killed a suspected terrorist after he fired at them. Another suspect was arrested.

Also yesterday, Iraqi security forces arrested three suspected terrorists during operations conducted near Mosul and Baghdad.

Additionally, a surveillance crewman on board a 25th Combat Aviation Brigade surveillance aircraft spotted three suspicious men digging and placing an unknown object alongside a road north of Kirkuk on Dec. 25.

As members of a route clearance team attempted to capture the suspects, two of the suspects began shooting. The patrol returned fire, killing one suspect and injuring another. The third suspect surrendered. The soldiers discovered two homemade bombs where the suspects had been digging. They also found two 105 mm artillery rounds, a 122 mm artillery round, a landmine and an 80 mm mortar round. A U.S. explosive ordnance disposal team used C4 explosives to destroy the bombs and artillery rounds.

After questioning the non-injured suspect, Iraqi soldiers went to his house and arrested three more suspects.

In other operations in Iraq:

• Iraqi police and U.S. advisors arrested four suspected terrorists Dec. 25 and 26 in northeastern Mosul while targeting a suspected member of al-Qaida in Iraq believed to be responsible for suicide vest attacks in Balad and Muqdadiyah.

• Iraqi police arrested a suspected terrorist group leader and nine suspects Dec. 26 during security operations near Tikrit. The security team discovered five 107 mm rockets, more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades, seven RPG launchers, two 80 mm mortars and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

• Iraqi security forces arrested two terrorist suspects during a Dec. 26 operation in northeastern Baghdad.

• Iraqi security forces arrested five suspected members of the Kata'ib Hezbollah terrorist group Dec. 24 in northeastern Baghdad.

• Iraqi security forces arrested two suspected terrorists Dec. 24 in Tikrit. The suspects are believed to be associates of a leader of a Jaysh al-Islami Mujahadeen explosives cell that operates in Bayji.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

OIF Summary, Dec. 23, 2009: Forces in Iraq Arrest 7 Terrorism Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2009 -- Iraqi security forces working with U.S. advisors arrested seven terrorism suspects today during two security operations, military officials reported.

Four suspects were arrested in Rashidiyah, north of Mosul, during an operation conducted to arrest a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member believed responsible for suicide-vest attacks in Balad and Muqdadiyah.

Evidence collected at the scene led Iraqi forces to arrest four suspected criminal associates of the al-Qaida in Iraq member without incident.

In southern Baghdad, Iraqi forces arrested a suspected member of a Kataib Hezbollah explosives cell believed to be responsible for mortar attacks conducted in September against security forces and civilians in the Basra region and two suspected accomplices.

After conducting preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested the alleged Kataib Hezbollah member and his accomplices without incident.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)