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Iraq

Apache Crew Needs More Range Time (misses 2 of 3 bomb placers)

2007-10-26

CAMP TAJI, Iraq Multi-National Division-Baghdad attack helicopter crews wounded an insurgent Oct. 23 in northern Baghdad after three insurgents were observed trying to emplace a roadside bomb.

The Apache crews from the 1st Attack Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, obtained positive identification of three insurgents who had been emplacing roadside bombs.

The aircrews engaged the insurgents, wounding one. The other two insurgents ~~ran away~~ fled.
Leaving their wounded buddy behind. Insurgents have no honor or loyalty.
Air crews from the same battalion killed one insurgent and injured five less than 24 hours earlier, after the six were observed placing roadside bombs in the same general area.

Posted by:Glenmore

#4 With an Apache over my head, I don't blame them for running away.

Posted by: Mad Eye Thrineger4793 2007-10-26 10:56

#3 I was not talking about the recruiter but about the other bombers: the guy let behind at the very least knows how they look, probably their names or nicks, and possibly where they assembled, where they were supposed to hide or where to meet the person who would hide them. Oh, and he could be pissed about having been let behind. Or could be made pissed by any half competent interrogator...

Posted by: JFM 2007-10-26 10:29

#2 Not always the case JFM.

The network structure of most jihadi groups ensures that very few of the people carrying out an operation know who planned or ordered it, who procured the materials etc. In most cases they learn of the actual objective at the very last minute as well.

Info on the network that carried out the bombings in Kenya etc. a few years ago is available for open use and is asserted by others who would know to be representative of networks we're fighting today. In those attacks a middleman travelled in person to take attackers to their objectives the night before and point out exactly where and where to set off the bombs. We know that because one attacker survived, used a cell phone to call for help (didn't know the location of the network's safe houses) and got tracked. We got lucky on that and because our Friends in Congress hadn't boasted/leaked about cell phone tracking at that point we followed the cell traffic links up a level or two in the network.

But in general the jihadi nets are designed to minimize the info known by the guys on the front lines. Insurgent groups in Iraq will be a little different in most cases, but IIUC not too different. It's one reason we hear about dozens of emirs and sheiks and 2nd in commands being rolled up.

Posted by: lotp 2007-10-26 09:29

#1 No honor, no loyalty and no brains: either you carry yor wounded or you kill them but you never of let behind a guy who knows far too more about you.

Posted by: JFM 2007-10-26 07:56

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