Posted on 03/30/2008 6:27:27 AM PDT by NRG1973
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed 23 criminals in separate engagements in Baghdad March 28.
Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), killed one criminal in northeastern Baghdad after seeing the individual with a rocket propelled grenade launcher in an alleyway during a patrol.
At approximately 4 p.m., a 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in northeastern Baghdad. A number of criminals then fired on the soldiers while they attempted to recover the vehicle. Soldiers spotted and engaged two of the attackers, killing them both.
Iraqi security forces and Coalition soldiers were attacked during the early evening at a checkpoint in northwestern Baghdad. An air weapons team was called in to assist the ground force. The air weapons team fired one hellfire missile from the helicopter, targeting 10 criminals who were armed with RPG launchers and automatic weapons. All 10 were killed in the engagement.
Soldiers from 4th BCT, 1st Infantry Div., were attacked with small arms fire in southern Baghdad while on a combat patrol later in the evening. Soldiers returned fire in self defense, killing nine terrorists.
An hour later, a criminal armed with an RPG launcher attacked soldiers from 2-101 Abn. Div., striking an M1A1 Abrams. Soldiers spotted the terrorist and killed him in an exchange of gun fire.
“Along with our Iraqi security force partners, we are targeting criminals and criminal networks, and those who are choosing to disobey al-Sayyid Moqtada al-Sadr’s ceasefire pledge,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B. “We will continue to conduct precision operations based on substantial evidence of criminal activity.”
There is something going on Iraq. Over the last few days, huge numbers of bad guys have been dying in battles (see links below). Up until now the number of insurgents/terrorists who have been willing to die has been low (most have been able to escape). But now they are fighting (and dying) in huge numbers. I wonder if this signals the final charge for insurgents, terrorists and the Mehdi Army.
Eleven killed in Baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17921&Itemid=21
Twenty-two killed in Basra: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17919&Itemid=21
Eight killed in Baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17901&Itemid=21
Thirteen killed in Baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17897&Itemid=21
Twenty six killed in baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17887&Itemid=21
Eight killed in Baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17885&Itemid=21
Twent-four killed in Baghdad: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17878&Itemid=21
vaudine
Eleven killed in Baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17921&Itemid=21
Twenty-two killed in Basra:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17919&Itemid=21
Eight killed in Baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17901&Itemid=21
Thirteen killed in Baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17897&Itemid=21
Twenty six killed in baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17887&Itemid=21
Eight killed in Baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17885&Itemid=21
Twenty-four killed in Baghdad:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17878&Itemid=21
Semantics. These press releases are written by people who have learned that it’s important how they say something. They know that the releases will be translated into Arabic and perhaps other languages. Some words we find odd in English translate better into other languages. ;-)
Yeah, that’s a very interesting change in language from before.
I think they are going for broke. Putting all their chips into the final round. A do or die situation so to speak.
I think they are going for broke. Putting all their chips into the final round. A do or die situation so to speak.
sorry for the double post, server error - or so it said.
Yeah, thats what I was thinking. If I remember correctly, about two weeks ago the Iraqi parliament agreed on some sort of legislation (I can’t remember what it was). At the time one of the news agencies said that represented a remarkeable compromise between Sunni and Shi’ite leaders. I betcha that the insurgents are fearful of more compromises and that why they are throwing “the kitchen sink” at the Green Zone and surge forces..
I agree. Some family members have asked me what the he!! is going on in Iraq. It's been quiet, now all of a sudden battles are breaking out all over. I told them it looked like in for a penny in for a pound.
Yes, criminals is the accurate term. They do not seek to directly overthrow the government but to engage in armed, criminal actvitity amongst the population. In fact a change in government would likely bring harsher controls making their activities more difficult.
Bump for good news!
Interesting, this may signal an improved PR offensive by the MNF. Terrorists are proud of being called terrorists, but may feel more insulted if they are lumped together with common looters or burglars. Likewise, their sympathizers may eventually lose their resolve if they are seen as mere abetters of 'criminals', rather than supporters of a legitimate political movement.
It may not seem like much, but among some thin-skinned cultures of the Middle East, words (or cartoons)often make a big difference.
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