Standing Up? You Betcha!

I've failed to keep up with all the news out of CENTCOM lately due to a larger focus on work and the Gathering of Eagles. (Bad, ConservaChick!) Now that things have calmed down a bit on both fronts, I'm able to refocus my efforts on other matters.

While my attention was temporarily diverted, I missed some really good news, and possibly, so did you since I haven't seen one word about these things in the MSM lately. After you catch up on the good news, I'm pretty sure we'll be in the same boat -- wondering how anyone could still be saying it's time for the Iraqis to stand up for themselves. Apparently, given the first item below in addition to many others in this batch alone, that's exactly what they've been doing. The MSM simply hasn't bothered to let the average Joe know it.

Without further ado, here's the good news lately out of CENTCOM (presented from most recent to oldest). Enjoy!

Released 3/24/07:

CCCI CONVICTS 25, SENTENCES 6 TO DEATH

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 25 individuals from March 11 - 17, for violations of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, Penal Code and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Orders enforced by the Iraqi judiciary.
The trial court sentenced four individuals to death Mar. 14 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The four individuals were apprehended Jan. 4 by Multi-National Forces.

Multi-National Forces found an anti-tank mine near one of the convicted individual's vehicle and a video camera and video tape in the vehicle's glove compartment showing the convicted individuals making Improved Explosive Devices. Detailed instructions on how to use a sniper rifle and scope were also found. Two of the convicted individuals told Multi-National Forces they were paid to emplace IEDs.

CCCI sentenced another individual to death Mar. 11 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law. The convicted individual was apprehended in Fallujah Dec. 18, 2006 after the individual and two insurgents attacked an Iraqi Police Recruiting Center with Rocket Propelled Grenades and a PKM machine gun. After a small arms firefight, where the two insurgents were killed and the convicted individual was injured, the convicted individual was apprehended. Iraqi Police discovered two RPG launchers, two RPGs and one PKM machine gun.

The trial court also sentenced another individual to death on Mar. 15 after being found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law.

The convicted individual was apprehended by Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Police near Al Rutba Dec. 9, 2006. After searching the individual's vehicle, Iraqi Police found four feet of detonation cord, ten electric blasting caps, sixteen 120mm mortars and two 155mm explosive mortar projectiles.

Ten individuals were convicted Mar. 11 - 17 for possessing illegal weapons in violation of CPA Order 3/2003. The convicted received sentences ranging from one to 30 years imprisonment.

Six individuals were convicted for possessing illegal weapons in violation of 27/3 of the Iraqi Weapons Law. The convicted received sentences ranging from a 100,000 dinar fine to 15 years imprisonment.

The remaining three individuals were found guilty of violation 4/1 of the Iraqi Terrorist Law, violation 10/1 of the Iraqi Passport Law and violation of Article 430 of the Iraqi Penal Law. The convicted individuals were sentenced to 10 years, 15 years and one year imprisonment respectively.

Since its establishment under an amendment to CPA Order 13, in April 2004, the Central Criminal Court has held 1,965 trials for suspected criminals apprehended by Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Court proceedings have resulted in the conviction of 1,706 individuals with sentences ranging from fines to imprisonment to death.

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS SELF; AIR STRIKE KILLS THREE TERRORISTS

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - A Coalition Forces air strike killed three terrorists Saturday and 12 other suspects were captured during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.

During an operation in a rural area southeast of Ar Rutbah, Coalition Forces attempted to detain four armed terrorists. One terrorist detonated an explosive device killing himself. The other three attempted to escape in a vehicle. Determining hostile intent, Coalition Forces engaged the vehicle with precision fires from a fixed wing aircraft killing the three armed men. Coalition Forces found a suicide vest, grenades and multiple weapons during a search of the scene. No civilians or friendly forces were injured during the operation.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation and weapons distribution.

Two suspects were captured in Baghdad with reported ties to vehicle-borne improvised explosive device manufacturing.

A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq courier was also detained east of Balad.

"These operations serve as a message to terrorist elements that they will not operate freely or find safe haven in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Released 3/22/07:

KIDNAP VICTIM RESCUED, SIX WEAPONS CACHES FOUND

BAGHDAD – Nearly 1,600 partnered Iraqi security forces and coalition Soldiers continued clearing operations today in the Iraqi capital’s Mansour Security District. This was the second day of clearing in the southern Ghazaliya and Ameriya neighborhoods.

During clearing operations coalition Soldiers from A Co, 1-23 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division rescued a kidnap victim in an empty house handcuffed to a chair. The victim had three gunshot wounds in his leg and was evacuated to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. After a more extensive search of the house, Soldiers found a weapons cache consisting of one rocket propelled grenade launcher with 10 rounds; three AK-47 assault rifles; nine 60mm mortar rounds; seven hand grenades; plastic explosives; containers of ferric nitrate, sodium hydrogen and chromic oxide; and numerous explosive making materials.

In addition to the weapons cache above, five other weapons caches were discovered today totaling one 155mm artillery shell, three 120mm mortar rounds, two 60mm mortar rounds, three mortar rounds of unknown diameter, two improvised explosive devices, 15 pounds of homemade explosive, three RPG rounds, and two hand grenades.

Iraqi Army soldiers also detained two suspected terrorists with two assault rifles and 18 magazines of ammunition.

The operation coined as Arrowhead Strike 9 included approximately 500 Iraqi security forces from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division; 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division; 4th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division; and 5th Battalion, 2nd National Police Brigade. Nearly 1,100 U.S Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division were also involved in the operation.

NETWORK LEADERS CAPTURED OVER LAST THREE DAYS

BAGHDAD -- Over the past several days, Coalition forces in Basra and Hillah captured Qais Khazali, his brother Laith Khazali, and several other members of the Khazali network, an organization directly connected to the kidnapping and murder in January of five American soldiers in Karbala.

Yesterday in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured the individual believed to be the head of the Rusafa car bomb network, the Al Qaeda-Iraq organization responsible for some of the horrific bombings in eastern Baghdad in recent weeks. In yesterday's operation and in another operation early this morning, Coalition forces also captured three other individuals believed to be key members of the network, a vehicle prepared as a car bomb, and a cache of weapons and explosives.

Early this morning in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a former Saddam Fedayeen leader involved in setting up training camps in Syria for Iraqi and foreign fighters.
These actions, and others underway, reflect intensified and even-handed efforts to reinforce the rule of law in Iraq. They have also been complemented by recent initiatives to promote dialogue and reconciliation in Iraq.

We will provide further details of the ongoing initiatives and operations as they become available.

Released 3/21/07:

FIVE TERRORISTS KILLED, EXPLOSIVES FACTORY DESTROYED

BAGHDAD, Iraq -Coalition Forces killed five terrorists, destroyed a bomb-making factory and detained three suspected terrorists during an operation Wednesday near Taji.

As ground forces entered the target buildings, they encountered several armed men. Coalition Forces used self-defense measures killing five terrorists and detaining three suspected terrorists.

During the raid, Coalition Forces discovered an adjacent building was being used as an explosives factory. Inside the building, Coalition Forces found large caliber ammunition and explosive manufacturing materials including numerous 50-gallon barrels of explosive material.

Coalition Forces conducted an air strike to destroy the explosives factory, associated vehicles, ammunition and weapons.

At least four large secondary explosions were noted after the initial bomb was dropped on the target, indicating the destruction of the explosive material within and beneath the structure.

A careful analysis was conducted prior to the strike, and every possible precaution to avoid unnecessary collateral damage was taken. No Coalition Forces or civilians were injured during the operation.

"Coalition Forces will continue to systematically kill or capture al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "No place is safe for a terrorist in Iraq."

COALITION FORCES DESTROY WEAPONS CACHE, DETAIN 23 SUSPECTS

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces destroyed a weapons cache and detained 23 suspected terrorists Wednesday morning during raids targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.

During a raid near Balad, Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected terrorists and found a large amount of weapons in two targeted buildings.

The weapons found included numerous machineguns, assault rifles, AK-47s, grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun. Due to the large amount of weapons found, Coalition Forces destroyed the two buildings and the weapons inside to prevent further use by terrorists.

West of Taji, Coalition Forces captured three suspects with alleged ties to vehicle-borne IED operations and foreign fighter facilitation.

Six suspected terrorists believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation were detained in Mosul.

Coalition Forces also conducted a raid west of Abu Ghurayb targeting foreign fighter facilitators. During the raid, ground forces detained four suspected terrorists at the targeted building.

"Coalition Forces will continue systematic and methodical operations in order to hunt down and capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. "This is especially true when those terrorists are employing weapons that can damage or destroy Coalition aircraft or vehicle-borne IEDs that can be used in headline grabbing attacks against Iraqi citizens."

DIYALA LEADERSHIP TO FIX FUEL SHORTAGE IN PROVINCE

KHANAQIN, Iraq - The governor of Diyala met with the province's director general of oil, the 5th Iraqi Army Division commander, the provincial director of police, the Department of Border Enforcement commander and the province's top Coalition Forces' commander Sunday, to discuss solutions for the fuel shortage throughout the province.

Governor Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tanimi, governor of Diyala, addressed Mr. Dhai al-Namie, the DG of Oil, about the distribution of fuel to all areas of the province, as the shortage of fuel remains a major problem for the people of Diyala, and coordinated with Iraqi Security Forces for any security requirements necessary for distribution.

"This is the Iraqi government taking the lead in solving a very complex and difficult problem within Diyala," said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander. "The province needs the support of the Iraqi National Government to solve the severe fuel problem; however, the provincial leadership is taking the initiative to solve all problems they can at their level."

During the meeting, The DG of Oil agreed to move to Baqubah, placing him in the center of the provincial capital of Diyala. He stated he is also working on authorization to draw fuel from Rasafa, Iraq, and will continue to work with the Ministry of Oil in Baghdad to reconcile the fuel problems for the province.

"The meeting included very direct discussions focused on finding resolutions and answers. The Diyala government will never lose their will to fight for the people," Sutherland said.

IRAQI POLICE CLEAR CENTRAL RAMADI

RAMADI, Iraq (March 20, 2007) - The Western Ramadi District Police conducted a massive police operation targeting insurgents today in Ramadi.

Coordinating between several stations within his district, Brig. Gen. Khalil Ibrahim Hamadi, chief of the Ramadi District Police, personally led more than 500 policemen as they conducted house-to-house searches in the capital city of Al Anbar Province.

"The Sons of Ramadi work tirelessly to eradicate criminals and bring them to justice," said Khalil. "Today we achieved a noble goal in providing security and stability to our families and the people of Ramadi."

During the 10-hour operation, named Operation Lions of Ramadi, police detained more than 45 suspected insurgents, confiscated propaganda material and discovered several caches containing assault rifles, machine guns, and mortar and artillery shells used to produce improvised explosive devices.

Insurgents utilizing an IED during the operation killed one civilian and injured five. The wounded were transported by local citizens to a nearby Joint Security Station, then evacuated to a Coalition medical facility for further treatment.

Released 3/20/07:

NATIONAL POLICE ENTER TWO MOSQUES, SEIZE WEAPONS CACHES

BAGHDAD - Iraqi National Police entered the Al Houda and Al Aqsa mosques during a daytime operation in a southern district of the Iraqi capital March 18.
The National Police received tips from neighborhood residents of insurgent activities being conducted at the mosques.

Iraqi security forces seized two caches of weapons, munitions and bomb-making materials at each mosque. A total of five people were detained in connection with suspected anti-Iraqi activities and are being held by the police for questioning.

Six AK-47 assault rifles and a shotgun were found at the Al Aqsa mosque, along with small caliber ammunition and bomb-making materials.

Two AK-47s, and several mortar rounds and bomb-making material were confiscated in the Al Houda mosque.

The 1st Battalion of the 7th Brigade National Police entered the mosques, while MND-B forces provided the outer cordon for the operation.
No MND-B troops entered the mosque or immediate premises.

STRYKERS DISCOVER CACHE IN DIYALA PALM GROVES

BAQUBAH, Iraq - Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, uncovered an anti-Iraqi forces' operating cell with large quantities of weapons Sunday, while conducting combat patrols throughout the palm groves in Buhriz, an area within Baqubah, Iraq.

As Soldiers conducted operations, they initially discovered weapons and munitions in a one-room concrete building. After securing the site and conducting a more detailed search, the Soldiers discovered more munitions throughout the area, mainly in an underground chamber created by a septic tank.

"This success highlights the added benefit of the Stryker battalion working in Baqubah," said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander. "The discovery demonstrates the unique capabilities of this battalion, while simultaneously building the Iraqi army with a different type of force structure, all the while securing the population."

The search resulted in the discovery of large amounts of munitions to include direct-fire weapons systems such as a recoilless rifle, rocket-propelled grenade munitions, more than 1,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, indirect fire munitions containing more than 30 mortar rounds, and mortar-firing systems; and improvised-explosive device materials to include approximately 300 blasting caps, detonation wire, batteries and timers, and other terrorist documents.

"Noteworthy is the immediate impact of the Stryker battalion and their discovery of this large cache after only 48 hours of offensive operations," Sutherland added. "They are a vital asset in disrupting the enemy's territory."

A Coalition Forces' explosive ordnance disposal unit arrived on site to conduct a controlled detonation.

IP CAPTURES INSURGENT LINKED TO IED ACTIVITY IN RAMADI

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Police captured a suspected insurgent, reportedly linked to an Improvised Explosive Device cell, during operations with Coalition advisors Mar 19 in Ramadi. The suspect is allegedly involved in multiple bombing attacks targeting Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

Iraqi Forces detained 3 additional persons for questioning.

MND-B SOLDIERS FIND TWO WEAPONS CACHES, KILL ONE INSURGENT

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - A contraband search turned firefight yielded two caches for Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers March 19 in Falahat, Iraq.

Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment raided three buildings in Falahat, where they detained three suspected insurgents and confiscated two AK-47s, one shotgun and five magazines.

Troop C was preparing to enter a fourth building when a vehicle with four men drove by and fired weapons at the Soldiers, who reciprocated with shots of their own.
Three of the men fled the scene on foot but were captured by the Soldiers. Follow-on searches yielded the day's second cache: one 122 mm artillery shell, four fuses, one grenade, four rocket sleds, four ammunition vests, one AK-47 and more than seven magazines.

No U.S. Soldiers were killed or wounded in the engagement.

Released 3/19/07:

IRAQI POLICE, TRIBESMEN MAKE THEIR STAND

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi police and local tribesmen killed or captured at least four heavily armed terrorists after the insurgents tried to attack locals and police Thursday, at the Hardinia police station near Balad, Iraq.

The group of insurgents parked their white sedan in front of the police headquarters around 7 a.m., and they immediately opened up with small-arms fire. IPs repelled the initial attack and moved toward the vehicle, which was actually a car bomb. One terrorist was killed when the car bomb prematurely detonated before he could flee.

The remaining terrorists fled the area as one individual killed himself by detonating a suicide vest during his escape.

“The people of this area have always known that the terrorists have very little to offer, but they’ve often been too afraid to take action on their own, preferring to leave it to the Coalition or Iraqi Security Forces,“ said Maj. John Throckmorton, operations officer, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

“In the past month, however, we’ve seen an increasing trend of neighborhoods standing up for themselves and against the terrorists,” he said. “There’s a sense that the extremist’s days are numbered. The terrorists are definitely being beaten back in this area.”

The attack resulted in three terrorists killed, two IPs wounded, one local national killed and one wounded. One terrorist was detained.

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES SOLDIERS STOP SUICIDE BOMBERS

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, shot and killed a suicide bomber Saturday, south of Shakarat, Iraq.

Coalition Forces near the area where the incident occurred reported that the suicide bomber was running toward an Iraqi tactical check point, and after failing to obey several verbal warnings to stop, the IA shot him, which prompted the vest to detonate.

This is the second suicide bomber incident in two days in the Diyala province. Friday, a suicide bomber targeted the Balad Ruz Chief of Police during his visit at the Balad Ruz Hospital.

Iraqi Police reported that the suicide bomber was walking toward the hospital between the Iraqi Police’s posted vehicular security. The IPs warned the individual to stop, but were forced to engage him when he continued toward them. The vest detonated when the individual was shot, injuring three IPs on site.

“The terrorists are now seeing and experiencing the effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, and senior Coalition Force officer in Diyala province.

“This is why we are seeing an increase on audible attacks — attacks that are attempting to create fear within the local population.”

“I applaud the ISF members whose vigilance and attention prevented those suicide bombers from achieving their targets,” said Sutherland. “Those are the actions of a professional force, which is helping gain the support of their people.”

30 AFGHAN PATRIOTS ADDED TO POLICE FORCE

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The first 30 graduates from the new Afghan National Auxiliary Police training program in Jalalabad took their oath to defend and serve their country March 15 at a facility run by American military and DynCorp trainers.

The new ANAP program will serve the federal government in a capacity similar to that of current militia units. Although the new policemen have only been through a basic curriculum, their skills will be improved through quarterly training.

The program is intended help increase security throughout the region by adding 1,500 new policemen to the current force.

“The center helps provide more people willing to sacrifice and work for the future of their government and country,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. McGowan Anderson, an instructor at the facility. “One of the progress benchmarks of a government is how many people you have working in unison to improve the country and this program increases that number dramatically. It also demonstrates how many people have faith in the government and that is a dramatic change from when the Taliban was here.”

The effect of the increase is substantial in more ways than one, said Anderson.

“Security happens to be one of the priorities right now,” Anderson said. “This training program elevates the preparedness of people who wish to participate in that area. Having an auxiliary police force such as this allows the Afghan National Police to do their job while knowing they have a better support system.”

The commitment of the students was applauded by their American counterparts, including Army Lt. Col. Steven Anderson, Task Force Spartan’s deputy commanding officer.

“I would like to thank you for your commitment to the security of your country,” Anderson said. “Even though I haven’t met with you individually, I feel a bond with you. I am a Soldier, you are policemen, but we have both sworn an oath to defend our countries. Like you, we stand between our families and people who would hurt our families.”

Anderson also pledged TF Spartan’s continued support to the new lawmen.

“When you go out into your districts you will see Soldiers from our brigade,” he said. “Our Soldiers will face danger out with you in your districts to defeat the enemy together.”

The Jalalabad Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, Air Force Lt. Col. David Naisbitt, commended the students on the high standards they have set for those who follow them and asked the students to make a good reputation for themselves.

“I ask you to take what you’ve learned here and put in to practice what you have been taught,” said Naisbitt. “I ask you to always be professional and remember you represent your profession as a police officer, your country and your family.”

The new policemen saluted and reaffirmed their oath with pride after receiving their certificates.

“I am very proud to have received this training here,” said one of the graduates. “We will work hard for a bright future for Afghanistan. I used to be a farmer but I was inspired to work for my country and that’s what led me to become a police officer. I urge other people to come forward and work towards building Afghanistan’s future.”

Remember, you can read all these releases directly on CENTCOM's website too. Share the link with your family and friends. Given the current state of the mainstream media, I am afraid there's just no way we'll stay informed during this war without seeking the information directly from the source.

God bless you all and keep up the great work, Iraqi and Coalition forces!!
We're all counting on you!