Great News from Iraq - January 20, 2008

Black Lions detain hospital bombing suspect BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Soldiers, acting on a tip from a local resident, detained a man on suspicion of involvement in the Jan. 3 bombing at the Furat Hospital in the West Rashid district. "Black Lions," from Task Force Dragon, arrested the alleged extremist after learning about his whereabouts from sources.

Iraqi Soldiers detain suspected militia based on threats against Concerned Local Citizens, BAGHDAD

Iraqi soldiers detained two suspected members of an illegal armed group in a raid in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district after receiving information that the suspects were planning an attack on members of the area's Concerned Local Citizens group. Numerous sources reported an impending attack on a checkpoint tokill CLC members who had not given in to their intimidation. The 11th Iraqi Army Div., which has begun working closely with the CLC group, responded quickly to prevent the attack from taking place. In remarks last week, Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, chief American military spokesman in Iraq, said the increased number of attacks against CLC members was "perhaps one of the clearest indications of the importance that these Concerned Local Citizens are having on improving the security situation in Iraq."

Concerned Local Citizens turn in large cache to Iraqi Army soldiers, BAGHDAD

Members of a Concerned Local Citizens group from the Karkh district in the Iraqi capital turned over a significant weapons cache they discovered to an Iraqi Army outpost there. Helping remove unauthorized weapons and ordnance like this cache is an example of the effectiveness of Concerned Local Citizens to combat extremists and promote an end to violence by securing their neighborhoods.

Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army team up to prevent kidnapping, save civilian, BAGHDAD

Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army soldiers teamed up to prevent an attempted kidnapping in the Karada peninsula of Baghdad saving an Iraqi civilian from potential harm or death. "Iraqi Army soldiers and Police teaming up to protect its citizens is a positive indicator of increased capability and reconciliation," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. "The Iraqi Security Forces and Concerned Local Citizens are restoring and enforcing the rule of law."

Car chase leads to two arrests near Jisr Diyala, BAGHDAD

Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, arrested two men following a car chase near Jisr Diyala. The two men were suspected of emplacing improvised explosive devices and are believed to be a part of an extremist group responsible for IED attacks targeting National Police and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain terrorist cell leader, BAGHDAD

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained a suspected terrorist cell leader during a raid in Mosul. According to intelligence reports, the suspect is responsible for numerous improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. The terrorist cell that he is reported to lead, is involved in storing and emplacing IEDs and car bombs for use in attacks throughout Mosul. He is also believed to be involved in the kidnapping and murder of innocent Iraqi civilians.

Rakkasans uncover VBIED factory, BAGHDAD

A routine gathering with local leaders resulted in the discovery of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory near Hamid Shaban. Acting on a tip from an attendee at the meeting, Rakkasan Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), acted quickly and found what appeared to be a makeshift VBIED workshop about a mile away from the gathering. "We came up with a quick plan and headed that way," said Staff Sgt. Adam McMurray, a platoon sergeant , who provided command and control for the mission. "After the house was cleared, we noticed that the kerosene heater was still on, the Chai (tea) was still hot," McMurray said. "I mean, we had just missed these guys." The most valuable find was in front of the house - four vehicles suspected to be used as VBIEDs. One vehicle had wires running from the inside to the trunk. McMurray said it was blatantly obvious the vehicle was intended to be used as a VBIED. The Soldiers found more explosives and a homemade rocket launcher. "We feel great that we found something that could've caused a lot of damage to Coalition Forces," said Sgt. Jose Rivas. "It was a long day but it was worthwhile."

Operation Phantom Phoenix: Mosul residents reaps benefits of highway clearing operation MOSUL, Iraq

As part of the country-wide Operation Phantom Phoenix, Operation Thunder Reaper is a route clearance operation that has opened 15 kilometers of road on Highway 1 in Mosul, Iraq, in the past 30 days. The road was largely unusable, but now is quickly being used again by local citizens. "Highway 1 has seen a large increase in usage from just 30 days ago," said Capt. Adam Cannon, Iron Hawk Troop commander for 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. "In order to move across town, most vehicles were forced to take smaller, more congested neighborhood roads until recently." The Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces have been a constant presence on Highway 1 since the operation started Dec. 12. During that time they found and destroyed several dozen improvised explosive devices along the vital route. That is in addition to clearing debris and filling in craters from previous IEDs. "The most profound gain is in the movement of commerce that can be seen utilizing the road. Trucks carrying construction supplies, produce, fuel and other commodities can be spotted on the road at any time during the day," said Cannon.

Multi-National Corps - Iraq