February 4, 2008

Iraqi SWAT detains 28 suspects, kills seven terrorists in operations targeting AQI

    Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

    BAGHDAD – The Al Hillah Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics unit, with U.S. Special Forces advisors, arrested 28 suspects during air assault operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network near Salman Pak Feb. 3.

    During the operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces killed seven terrorists and wounded one.

     Hillah SWAT launched the mission to capture an al-Qaeda commander who led operations in Al-Suwayrah, south of Baghdad. According to credible intelligence, he conducted financial transactions for the terrorist group and recruited foreign fighters, including women, to attack Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces with improvised explosive devices and small-arms attacks.

    Reports indicate he ordered a female suicide bomber to attack a religious gathering in Diyala Province Jan. 16. Also targeted was an AQI cell that builds vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

     The cell is reportedly responsible for six attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces, as well as the murder of four Iraqi citizens.

     Iraqi and U.S. Forces landed at multiple helicopter landing zones, moved to several objectives and entered multiple residences during the operation. During the operation, as two enemy fighters were observed maneuvering tactically against one of the HLZs, they were engaged by a Coalition Forces aerial weapons team and killed.

     Ground forces received small-arms fire during entry into one structure. One U.S. Special Forces Soldier disarmed an enemy fighter and rendered first aid to him for a hand wound.

    Five enemy fighters observed maneuvering from structure to structure to flank ground forces were engaged and killed.

     Moving to another structure, ground forces came under heavy small-arms fire.  Ground forces returned fire and entered the structure. Upon entry, ground forces secured and detained eight males.

    A wounded civilian with a minor leg wound was treated on-site. Another Iraqi civilian was treated, but pronounced dead at the scene. During a search of the building, ground forces found hand grenades and a suicide vest IED.

     Ground forces detained 28 suspects for further questioning.

MND-B Soldiers bring gifts to village school children

By Pfc. April Campbell
3rd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAYRK, Iraq – Making a positive impact on the lives of Iraqis, no matter how small, is a big part of current operations by Coalition Forces in the Fahama region.

Soldiers with the 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, made an impact Feb. 2 by bringing presents to school children in Bayrk, a rural village in Fahama.

Upon arriving at the school, the Soldiers passed out backpacks, pencils and stuffed animals to the eager children who swarmed around them.

Pfc. Dennis Romans, , who serves as a driver with the 1st Platoon, Company D, helped hand out the treats to the children, which he said reminded him of giving presents to his own three children.

“I just like seeing them smile,” said the Colorado Springs, Colo., native. “That’s my thing. I love kids.”
It was not the first time Soldiers in the platoon handed out treats to the children. These Soldiers make an effort to bring toys and other school supplies when they go on missions in case children are present.

“We try to bring out snacks and toys and sometimes pens,” Romans said. “We’re in an area where the kids don’t have access to the things they need. I think they truly appreciate it.”

While the Soldiers’ gift giving mission was successful, there is still much that needs to be done for the school, which was built by Soldiers in a previous unit who operated in the area. The school has a lack of water and electricity.

Soldiers wrapped up the gift-giving mission to Bayrk by searching for more ways to help the people. To help the local economy, the Soldiers spoke to two village shop owners to find out if they could use micro grants to help fix up their stores. The micro grant program provides some shop owners with money to be used in repairing and renovating their businesses.