Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Here’s your good news from Iraq. Once again, this is just a small recap. The good news is out there, you just won’t hear about it on the MSM. Enjoy reading about the good work and efforts of our troops, coalition forces and the hard work of the Iraqi people.

Basra security situation improves

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 15, 2008) — The security environment in
Basra, Iraq, has improved dramatically since 1st Iraqi Army Quick
Reaction Force fought its way into the city April 1.

Criminal
elements had taken over parts of the city from local Iraqi security forces and imposed their own rule on a city that once was a cultural and commercial beacon for all of Iraq.

“This city was being held hostage by a small group of criminal militias,” said Marine Corps Col. Robert F. Castellvi, military training team advisor for 1st Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force.

Music and Western influence were prohibited; women faced death threats if they ventured outside their homes dressed in anything other than a full burkah; and intersections were used as mortar positions.

In less than a month, life in Basra couldn’t be more different. Read more…

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Iraqis take lead in Sadr City aid effort

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (May 15, 2008) – Residents in Sadr City continue to receive humanitarian aid from their local government, the government of Iraq, Iraqi army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad with
the help of the recently opened Civil Military Operations Center and Iraqi Assistance Center at Joint Security Station Thawra 1.

At the CMOC, local government officials, GoI officials and the Iraqi army receive guidance from MND-B Soldiers to plan and carry out operations to better the infrastructure and essential services as well as supply
food, water and other necessities to the people of Sadr City.

“The CMOC has done an exceptional job bringing together all of the Iraqi officials, allowing them to take leadership in repairing some of the damages caused by the recent fighting,” said Lt. Col. Frank Curtis,
who serves as the commanding officer of the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

“The Iraqi army plans and executes mission in coordination with coalition forces,” continued the Braintree, Mass., native, “but the Iraqis determine the locations and plans the missions.” Read more…

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U.S. General Cites Steady Progress in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul

BAGHDAD — Iraqi and U.S. forces are making progress while performing counterinsurgency and reconstruction missions across Iraq, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said May 14.

Iraqi and coalition forces continue to make gains in establishing security and enforcing the rule of law in Baghdad, Mosul and Basra over the past week, Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a Multi-National Force - Iraq
spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

In Basra, Iraqi forces involved in an operation dubbed “Sawlat al Fursan,” or “Charge of the Knights,” are busily removing illegal weapons, fighting and arresting insurgents and other criminals and providing
assistance to local citizens.

“The Iraqi security forces are maintaining a strong presence” in Basra, Bergner reported, noting Iraqi soldiers and police are setting up security stations throughout the city and chasing down insurgents.

About 3,000 Basra residents are involved in cleanup operations as part of a nearly $60 million
program designed to improve the city’s health care system, municipal services, electricity provision capability, public communications and youth services, Bergner said.

Iraqi soldiers and coalition troops recently provided medical services to residents of Basra’s Qibla district, Bergner reported. And, at the Umm Qasr port, Iraqi sailors
increased water-borne patrols by 20 percent, he added. Read more…

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Joint Patrol Yields Multiple Caches

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A joint route reconnaissance mission in Maderiyah, Iraq, led to the discovery of six separate weapons caches May 13, to include 300 anti-personnel grenades.

The first cache contained one 120 mm mortar, one 100 mm anti-aircraft round, 12 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, eight 73 mm rockets and a mortar tripod. All weapons were serviceable and the rockets were still
in their plastic containers.

The second cache recovered consisted of 300 anti-personnel grenades, 100 meters of detonation cord, 100 rounds of PKC machine-gun ammunition and five sticks of TNT. Read more…

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Bridge Linking Busayefi to Hawr Rajab Opens

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU

— Brightly painted flowers, hearts and polka-dots color the new bridge with cheery symbols. Most importantly, the bridge’s construction between the communities of Busayefi and Hawr Rajab paints a symbol of unity.

Once under the control of insurgents, the communities became isolated; they were also separated from each other by the Mercedes Canal.

Thanks to the efforts of Coalition forces, Iraqi Army and citizens tired of violence, the insurgents were driven away. However, the canal still isolated them from one another.

Their desire to establish a relationship materialized May 13 when the bridge linking the communities officially opened.

The event was coordinated by Wasmey Yas Khudhayer, owner of the Adwa al-Ashar Construction Company and supervisor of the project. Besides having an Iraqi company perform the construction, the project was
funded by the Government of Iraq. Read more…

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MND-B soldiers keep criminals, munitions off Baghdad streets

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained suspected special groups criminals, allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, during the early morning hours May 16.

Conducting intelligence-driven point operations against pre-identified targets, soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained two individuals suspected of coordinating and carrying out violent crimes in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad at approximately 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Nearby, Iraqi National Policemen from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, turned over nine 60 mm mortar rounds captured at approximately 9:30 a.m. during a security patrol in the Risalah neighborhood of West Rashid to soldiers of 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment.

“The efforts to keep the streets of Baghdad safe and the Iraqi people free of the violence and influence of these criminals and terrorists is an ongoing fight,” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “The Raider Brigade and its soldiers are committed to assisting the ISF with their ongoing efforts to enforce the Iraqi Rule of Law for the citizens of Baghdad and the Government of Iraq. We look forward to the time where there will be no more violent activity in this nation’s capitol.” Link to source

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Three wanted al-Qaeda suspects detained in Mosul

BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces continued their joint efforts targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in Mosul, detaining three wanted men during precision operations Saturday.

Two of the wanted men are believed to have conspired to conduct bombing attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. The other wanted man allegedly worked as a weapons facilitator for senior AQI leaders in Mosul.

“Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to pursue terrorist elements in Mosul, ensuring there are no safe havens for AQI,” said Maj. John Hall, MNF-I spokesman. Source link …

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Iraqi PM leads offensive in Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is in the northern city of Mosul to supervise an offensive against Sunni insurgents.

Mosul is seen as the last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Elsewhere, a ceasefire between the government and Shia militiamen in the Sadr City area of Baghdad is reported to be generally holding. Read more…

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Citizen’s tip leads MND-B Soldiers to EFP-making factory in local bakery (New Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi citizen’s tip led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to a weapons cache in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad May 16.

After receiving a tip about an explosively formed projectile-making operation in a Kamaliyah bakery at approximately 2 p.m., Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,
cordoned off the suspected building.

Criminals attacked the Soldiers with small-arms fire but were driven off by MND-B Soldiers returning fire. Soldiers from another platoon rushed to the scene to provide additional security.

The search operation continued and the MND-B Soldiers found a cache including two explosively formed
projectiles, four mortar tubes, six mortar rounds, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 14 RPG rounds and numerous armor piercing rounds, four sniper rifles, an RPK machine gun, various improvised explosive device making materials, three grenades, and a vehicle modified for a sniper to fire from unobserved. The vehicle also contained one of the EFPs.

“We are thankful to the citizen who provided the information to make this find possible. Iraqis are taking
an active role in their own protection to secure a brighter and safer future for Iraq,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. “We will find these criminals and their weapons of terror no matter where they hide. Along with our Iraqi Security Force counterparts, we will protect the populace.” Source Link

Tags: Good News (Iraq) //