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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Iraq Ops Update |
| 2005-03-30 |
| Iraqi Security Forces discovered a large terrorist's base March 28 in Salman Pak, south of Baghdad. The Iraqi forces stormed the base, overcame light resistance and disabled several improvised explosive devices. Several weapons, munitions and two IEDs were found on the scene. More than 90 suspected terrorists were captured and are being questioned. The Soldiers were acting on tips from concerned citizens. The Iraqi Security Forces, led by the Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade, planned and executed multiple raids into Salman Park, which was used by anti-Iraqi force networks for planning and staging attacks. "This operation was the first major joint operation between the ISOF Brigade, Iraqi Police forces and conventional coalition forces," said Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, assistant commander to Task Force Baghdad. "This operation represents the significant progress that Iraqi Security Forces are making to make all of Iraq a safer place for it's citizens." Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discovered eight weapons caches in close proximity to a U.S. military supply route south of Baghdad March 27. Soldiers used metal detectors to find the hidden weapons, which included 58 assorted artillery and mortar rounds, 11 rocket-propelled grenade heat rounds and three RPG launchers. The Soldiers also uncovered six RPG anti-personnel rounds, 1,000 6.3 mm primers, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, and more than 400 rounds of ammunition. Other munitions found include 100 time fuses, 39 booster charges of various sizes, 10 blasting caps, five mortar fuses, two armored vests, detonation cord and a wide assortment of electronic equipment. Also March 27, Soldiers with the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, 6th Division, arrested an Iraqi Police master sergeant, who has been accused of being the leader of a terror cell. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for the bombing of the Al-Baratha Mosque. While on patrol IA Soldiers found three RPGs. The Soldiers arrested an individual who fired one of the RPGs. In central Baghdad, Soldiers with 1/69 Armor found an IED in a shoe box. A Navy explosive ordnance detachment was on the scene and safely detonated the IED. Soldiers with 1/13 Armor reported an IED on a military service route. The device was made from a 130 mm projectile. EOD arrived on the scene and conducted a controlled detonation. "On the average we find 50 percent of the IEDs. In a given 24-hour period, we have found 60 percent. In IED attacks initiated against Multi-National Division Baghdad, 70 percent have been ineffective at producing a casualty," said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, Task Force Baghdad spokesperson. "This can be attributed to the technological advances in equipment, armor protection and the fact that we are capturing or killing experienced anti-Iraqi forces." Iraqi Police took control of a situation around 11:30 p.m. March 27 in south central Baghdad when Soldiers with 3/7 Infantry came under small-arms fire. IPs pursued the suspect down the street. The IPs and 3/7 Infantry Soldiers secured the area and searched for the suspect, who was on foot. About 10 minutes later, the IPs caught the suspect and took him in custody. Iraqi Army Soldiers arrested a Pakistani father and two of his sons after receiving a tip. The men were found with cell phones, false passports, passport-making equipment and anti-coalition proproganda. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #10 Well I was just watching CNN (in our gym) and some UN group was reporting that more babies are undernurished than under Saddam. How about that for a quick pivot by the MSM (accompanied by the usual suspects). |
| Posted by: mhw 2005-03-30 4:44:47 PM |
| #9 Ah, but the US forces arent exposing themselves is an inside the beltway meme - Joe and Jane War Weary will hear that and say good, its about time. As long as there arent insurgents seizing buildings in the green zone, or idiocies like Abu Graib, a declining US casualty rate gives the Admin a free hand. the only question is how they use it. |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2005-03-30 4:09:12 PM |
| #8 LH in three months the MSM will be bitching that summer's here it's too damn hot and the Iraqi babies arent' getting enough AC. Unless of course they are in which case it will be the dreaded AC filtre conspiracy to kill Iraqi babies and siphon the money off to buy chocolate covered cotton on the Egypitan spot market. Here's one I'll bet on when US KIA fall to under hmmmmm.... 10 a month, the meme will be: US forces are taking pains not to expose themselves to the anger of the populace. /Joseph M |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-03-30 3:35:14 PM |
| #7 the MSM has alot of angles to play. NPR this AM was focusing on "things go down, they go up" which happens to be true (though NPR wouldnt have said it in a month where things look BAD) we need THREE monthts of good news, to even begin to think of tipping points and corners turned IMHO. Hope for a good April. They can also play it as best since Feb 04 - but everything was SUPPOSED to be hunky dory by Feb '04 - cue up stock footage of Cheney talking about Iraqis with flowers. Basically at this point I wouldnt worry about what the MSM says on success in Iraq. Theres no ferment in the country to leave Iraq now - as long as the Bush Admin is firm (and you guys will assure me they are, im sure) theres more than enough time to get to a more solid turning point. |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2005-03-30 2:40:47 PM |
| #6 Did those fake Pakistani passports have a "religion column." I am glad to read about Iraqi forces successfully taking charge. The better they get means less of our women and men are exposed to risk. More and faster please. |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet 0’ Doom 2005-03-30 1:20:09 PM |
| #5 mhw - I'm sure the MSM will report it as such.... NOT! |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2005-03-30 12:43:16 PM |
| #4 American fatalities in March 05 in Iraq were the lowest since Feb 04 see: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_casualties.htm |
| Posted by: mhw 2005-03-30 12:31:47 PM |
| #3 When the Iraqis actually pull it together and form a government, that will give me even more hope. |
| Posted by: Remoteman 2005-03-30 12:00:44 PM |
| #2 Its good to see the Iraqis starting to do it on their own. Gives me allot of hope. |
| Posted by: Yosemite Sam 2005-03-30 11:19:30 AM |
| #1 False passports and passport-making equipment. Those Paks cannot live without them. Must be some kind of a manhood thing, like an AK-47. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2005-03-30 10:50:55 AM |