Truth, Lies and In Between

New plan for greater security
By Sgt. Mike Pryor
2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Coalition and Iraqi security forces are bringing new ideas into the ongoing
operation to secure Baghdad.

Sadr City is being included in negotiations through efforts on all sides.
Commanders from the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and 2nd Brigade Combat, 82nd
Airborne Division met with a civic leader of Sadr City, Raheem Al Darraji, on March 1 in
order to discuss upcoming security plans for Sadr City and the infusion of national level
Iraqi security forces. The meeting took place at a police station in Sadr City that will
soon become the area’s first Joint Security Station, manned 24 hours-a-day by all
elements of the security forces including U.S. forces.

“It was a very positive meeting,” said Col. Don Farris of Lone Star, Texas,
commander of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort
Bragg, N.C., “They’ve shown they are willing to reach out to the government of Iraq and
coalition forces.”

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division is the first of several
BCTs that will flow into Baghdad in the coming months as part of the troop surge to
combat sectarian violence. They are already having an impact in the key area of Sadr
City.

Farris’ unit has been establishing small bases called combat outposts on the
edges of Sadr City since early last month, positioning themselves for a significantly
increased presence in the densely populated six square mile area.
That move, which at one time would have been politically unthinkable for the Iraqi
government, is now becoming a reality.

This time rather than barricade them off, it appears that leaders in Sadr City are
ready to work with coalition forces when they come.

Weary of a cycle of violence and militia activities, as well as al-Qaeda attacks in
the area, Mr. Raheem Al Darraji stressed again and again during the meeting that he
welcomed the presence of Iraqi and U.S. forces, and the help they could provide his
people.

“We want you here sooner, rather than later,” Al Darraji said.
Initial reports indicate the overall Baghdad Security Plan – which has placed
thousands of additional troops on the streets of the Iraqi capital – has achieved reduced
levels of violence thus far.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of the 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police
Division, a joint partner said there is no reason why the successes of the security plan in
other parts of Baghdad can’t be replicated in Sadr City.
“We will do the same as we did in Adhamiyah. It is one nation and no one is
above the law,” Kareem said.

Farris also stressed that point. The Iraqi Government and its coalition partners
have the authority to go after criminals, extremists, and insurgents wherever they are
located.

“There are no sanctuaries, anywhere,” Farris said.

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Mar. 3, 2007

NINE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED DURING RAID NORTH OF TAJI; TWO BELIEVED TO BE FOREIGN FIGHTER FACILITATORS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists during a raid Saturday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq, two of whom are believed to be foreign fighter facilitators.

Intelligence reports indicated the targeted individuals are linked to the movement of foreign fighters into Baghdad. The targeted terrorists who were captured this morning are also believed to have recently harbored senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders.

“Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate foreign terrorists trying to hijack the development and building of a new stable and peaceful Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

AIR STRIKES TARGET AL QAEDA TERRORISTS WEST OF TAJI

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces targeted members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq network Friday during an air strike operation west of Taji.

Intelligence reports indicated that this network is responsible for threats to Coalition aircraft.

Coalition Forces believe key terrorists were killed during the air strike. Results are still being assessed at this time.

Several members of the cell, as well as vehicles with anti-aircraft artillery weapons and rounds, were gathered at an area known for terrorist activities. The coordinated air strike at the targeted location resulted in the destruction of the vehicles as well as the anti-aircraft artillery.

During the operation, Coalition Forces also targeted another vehicle mounted with anti-aircraft artillery. The strike resulted in the destruction of the vehicle as well as the structure it was parked beside.

More information will be released when it becomes available.

“Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaeda leadership inside Iraq. This operation significantly reduces the terrorist network’s ability to operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces, and Iraq’s Multi-National partners,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Hillah SWAT Captures Leader of Rogue JAM IED Cell Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Hillah Special Weapons and Tactical team members captured the suspected leader of a rogue Jaysh Al-Mahdi militia cell during operations with Coalition advisors Friday in Babil Province.

The suspect allegedly controls an improvised explosive device cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi civilians and Coalition Forces.

The suspect is implicated in six IED attacks since December that have resulted in the deaths of three Coalition Forces Soldiers.

He is also involved in the murder of Iraqi civilians working with Coalition Forces.

Iraqi forces detained five additional suspected cell members for questioning.

The Iraqi led operation resulted in minimal damage to the objective.

There were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.

Iraqi Police Captures 3 Members of Insurgent Network During Raid
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Fallujah, Iraqi Police captured three suspected members of an Al Qaeda in Iraq linked insurgent network during operations with Coalition advisors Friday in Fallujah.

One suspect is believed to have participated in a recent attack on the Saqlawiyah Police station.

The other suspects are implicated in recording insurgent attacks against Coalition Forces on video and selling them to an Iraqi television station.

The videos are broadcast to support AQI’s effort to recruit more insurgents and incite attacks against Iraqis civilians and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi forces detained one additional suspect for questioning.

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