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WASHINGTON — He is the man who tracked down the Ace of Spades: Saddam Hussein, the top card in the U.S. military's deck of cards, found crouching like a mole in a darkened spider hole under a trap door at the back of a farm in Tikrit. For the first time since the Army's 4th Infantry Division captured Saddam in a dramatic raid on Dec. 13, 2003, the U.S. intelligence officer who hunted him down has come forward with his story.

LOI SAM, Pakistan – Pakistan's army captured a key militant stronghold near the Afghan border, a breakthrough in a bloody push against the Taliban and al-Qaida that has claimed 95 civilian lives, the military said Saturday. Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said troops on Saturday captured Loi Sam, a town in the Bajur region sitting on a vital intersection connecting the border to three neighboring Pakistani regions. "Now we have complete control in this area from where miscreants used to go to Afghanistan," Abbas told reporters flown into Bajur on a military helicopter Saturday. "Miscreants have been expelled or...

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces captured eight suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during separate operations throughout northern Iraq Oct. 21-22.      On Oct. 22 in Tikrit, Salah ad Din Special Weapons and Tactics captured a suspected AQI cell leader. The cell leader is believed to be responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices, torturing innocent civilians to death, and providing early warning to insurgents regarding Coalition and Iraqi forces operations.       In an operation in western Mosul Oct. 21, Iraqi Special Operations Forces captured four suspected AQI cell members operating in the Hay Al Tinek neighborhood. The cell members are believed...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2008 – Coalition forces continued to drive al-Qaida in Iraq out of the country yesterday and today, targeting terrorists during operations in Mosul and Baghdad, military officials reported. During two related operations in Mosul ending yesterday, a wanted man and an additional suspect were detained by coalition forces. The wanted man is believed to have associated with a terrorist killed Oct. 5, officials said. The other detained man allegedly has ties to senior al-Qaida leaders. Two more suspected terrorists were detained by coalition forces today during an operation targeting regional al-Qaida leadership in Mosul. Multinational Division Baghdad...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq captured seven terrorism suspects, including two wanted men, in operations today, military officials reported. Coalition forces, acting on tips from individuals already in custody, captured a wanted man and two additional suspects in Mosul. The wanted man is believed to be developing technology to impede coalition forces' ability to detect car bombs and other improvised explosive devices, officials said. Intelligence reports also suggest that the man is using his business as a cover for al-Qaida money-laundering activities. In Baghdad, coalition forces captured another wanted man believed to provide a hideout for...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2008 – Coalition forces targeting al-Qaida in Iraq courier networks captured one wanted man and three additional suspects today, further degrading the terrorist organization's ability to communicate, military officials reported. Forces operating near Tarmiyah, about 20 miles north of Baghdad, captured a suspected terrorist who admitted to being a letter courier for a long-time al-Qaida operator. He also is believed to have connections with multiple al-Qaida operatives throughout the area. During the operation, coalition forces seized multiple weapons, including a Russian-made submachine gun. In Sharqat, about 55 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces detained three suspects during...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 – Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists yesterday and today as they continued to run down the al-Qaida in Iraq network, especially in the Hamrin Mountains region, where they detained four wanted men, military officials reported. One of the wanted men, captured yesterday near Qara Tappa with one alleged associate, is believed to be a senior advisor for al-Qaida in Iraq operations around the Hamrin Mountains. Three other wanted men in the region were captured in an operation today, along with one additional suspect. One of the wanted men allegedly operates an attack cell that also...

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces detained 14 suspected terrorists and found weapon caches during recent operations in Iraq, military officials said. Today in northern Iraq, coalition and Iraqi forces captured seven suspected terrorists, including an alleged al-Qaida kidnapping cell leader, officials said. U.S. and Iraqi troops detained the alleged cell leader and another suspect in Kirkuk after receiving tips from previously captured associates of the suspects. The alleged cell leader reportedly is tied to kidnappings and terrorist activities in Kirkuk and Salahuddin provinces, officials said. Coalition forces captured five other suspected terrorists during an operation near...

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces detained four suspects and seized caches of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Coalition forces captured two suspected members of Iranian-backed “special groups” today during operations in Baghdad’s Shula district, military officials said. One of the suspects is a senior member of a Baghdad-based cell who received weapons and intelligence training in Iran and acts as an agent of the Islamic Republic, according to an associate detained in a prior operation. During two-day operations that culminated yesterday, Iraqi National Police and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained...

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2008 – Iraq’s Baqubah Emergency Response Force detained a suspected al-Qaida member in Udaim, north of Baghdad, today. The response force conducted the operation to disrupt al-Qaida’s movement and decrease the terrorist organization’s intimidation attacks on the local Iraqis in the Udaim River Valley area, officials said. The detained man is believed to be part of a mortar and rocket cell that targets Iraqi security and coalition forces and local citizens, officials said. During the operation, ground intelligence indicated that two buildings were rigged with homemade bombs and posed a threat to ground forces. The emergency response...

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a man believed to be the leader of an Iranian-backed enemy “special group” and another who's an alleged al-Qaida chieftain during separate operations conducted near Kut and in Mosul, respectively, military officials said. Coalition forces captured the suspected Iranian-trained explosives expert in Numaniyah, southeast of Baghdad near Kut. Intelligence sources told coalition officials the suspect has numerous Iranian contacts with whom he would meet when smuggling weapons and bomb-making materials into Iraq. Coalition forces entered the suspect’s residence and subdued him without firing any shots after the man made...

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained four suspected terrorists, for attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, during separate operations in Baghdad and Mosul May 14. In Baghdad, ISOF detained two individuals including a cell leader for Islamic State of Iraq, a front organization for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The men are suspected of conducting indirect fire attacks against Victory Base Complex and improvised explosive device attacks against Baghdad International Airport and Sons of Iraq. In Mosul, ISOF conducted operations that led to the detaining of two suspected IED cell members who are reportedly responsible for IED attacks against the...

BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces continued their joint efforts targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in Mosul, detaining three wanted men during precision operations Saturday. Two of the wanted men are believed to have conspired to conduct bombing attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. The other wanted man allegedly worked as a weapons facilitator for senior AQI leaders in Mosul. “Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to pursue terrorist elements in Mosul, ensuring there are no safe havens for AQI,” said Maj. John Hall, MNF-I spokesman.

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2008 – Coalition forces killed a terrorist, detained suspects, and discovered homemade explosives during a series of operations today and yesterday. In a synchronized effort triggered by intelligence from an April 12 operation, coalition forces descended on targets in Salahuddin province to disrupt al-Qaida foreign terrorist leaders. The coordinated operations seized 21 individuals with alleged ties to the al-Qaida foreign terrorist network. As an operation in Sharqat began, one man rushed coalition forces, who responded to the hostile threat, killing the attacker. Coalition forces also found weapons inside the building and uncovered homemade explosives, which were safely...

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2008 – Coalition forces detained 13 suspected terrorists during operations yesterday and today targeting al-Qaida in Iraq networks in the Tigris River Valley and northwestern Iraq. -- Coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists yesterday during an operation west of Samarra, including an alleged close associate of a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader. Intelligence gathered yesterday also led the ground force to another target this morning, where they detained two more suspected associates of the al-Qaida leader. -- Using information from recently detained suspects, coalition forces conducted a precision operation southwest of Taji today and apprehended a suspected...

BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Center Soldiers on a joint operation captured a key criminal in Jisr Diyala, April 11. The detainee is a known criminal leader in the area responsible for improvised explosive device attacks, indirect fire attacks and weapons smuggling. This criminal is also suspected of recent violence in the area.

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2008 – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 22 suspects today during operations in central and northern Iraq. -- Northeast of Samarra, forces killed two and detained 10 suspects. Forces also found several weapons in the area. Nearby, forces detained another four suspects. They also found three terrorist safe houses and medical supplies and destroyed three weapons caches. -- During two operations northwest of Samarra, coalition forces detained four suspects. -- In Baghdad, forces captured an alleged weapons handler. The suspect reportedly is responsible for a recent shipment of homemade explosives and is connected to car-bomb...

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq detained 11 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq, military officials said. -- In Mosul, coalition forces detained four suspects during two operations targeting foreign terrorists associated with al Qaeda in Iraq networks in the western and southeastern regions of the city. -- In Beiji, coalition forces detained two suspects while targeting an alleged associate of a senior-level foreign-terrorist facilitator and al Qaeda senior leaders operating inside and outside of Iraq. -- During operations west of Samarra and near Tikrit, coalition forces detained...

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq today detained 11 suspected terrorists, including an Iranian-supported “special groups” facilitator, military officials reported. The suspected special groups facilitator was detained with another suspected criminal early today in Mashru, south of Baghdad. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the two suspects without incident. The targeted individual reportedly was a special groups logistical advisor for Wasit province. As a logistical leader, he allegedly facilitated the movement of special groups criminals involved in sniper and armor-piercing explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. He also is...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2008 – An armed assailant was killed, and three individuals were detained during a coalition operation yesterday in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province, military officials said. Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in the Tarin Kowt district targeting a Taliban commander responsible for conducting anti-government activities. While searching one of the compounds, coalition forces were engaged by multiple armed assailants barricaded in a building. Coalition forces employing small-arms fire killed one of the assailants. Another armed assailant who fired on coalition forces was captured. Completing the search, coalition forces detained two more individuals with suspected links to the...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2008 – Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists today in two operations focusing on disrupting al Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq. Near Abu Ghraib, forces captured an alleged al Qaeda member associated with procuring weapons from outside Iraq. The suspect reportedly is involved in constructing improvised explosive devices, including booby-trapped houses. Intelligence reports indicate he is associated with other al Qaeda members involved in the weapons-facilitation network, officials said. In addition to the wanted individual, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists and found numerous bomb-making materials on site. Information gained from the operations in...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a suspected terrorist scout during operations in the Risalah area of Baghdad, military officials said. The detainee reportedly conducted reconnaissance missions to aid insurgent attacks on coalition forces. He reportedly is skilled in intelligence-gathering, computers and forging documents. The detainee also is reported to be an associate of Iranian-trained criminal-element leaders involved in attacks on coalition forces. “We will continue to target any group with followers that commit hostile actions and oppose security and stability in Iraq,” said Navy Cmdr. Edgar Buclatin, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Each time...

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found two caches during combat operations in the Doura neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Jan. 18. Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, attached to Task Force Dragon, found the first cache in an abandoned building during a late afternoon patrol. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel safely destroyed the two blasting caps, six rocket-propelled grenade motors, two 120mm artillery shells and 51 linked 7.62mm machine gun rounds on site. After receiving a tip about a weapons cache in a home, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt. Soldiers searched...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2008 – Coalition troops in Iraq captured seven suspected terrorists during operations today in Baghdad and Beiji, military officials said. In Baghdad, coalition forces captured a wanted individual allegedly involved in the facilitation of weapons, improvised-explosive-device materials, vehicles, and suicide bombers for use in al Qaeda in Iraq attacks. Reports indicate the suspect also is linked to foreign terrorist-facilitation networks, including several terrorists currently operating outside of Iraq. In Beiji, coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and four additional suspects. One of the wanted individuals reportedly is a leader of an al Qaeda-affiliated media and propaganda network....

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2008 – The suspected leader of an al Qaeda in Iraq-affiliated terror cell was detained Jan. 22 in Balad, Iraq, during a joint raid by Iraqi and American forces, military officials reported. The suspected terrorist and his cell are believed to be responsible for mortar and improvised-explosive-device attacks against coalition forces, as well as the kidnapping of innocent Iraqi civilians. The detainee also is believed to have provided safe houses, weapons and money for terrorist operations in the region, officials said. In other news from Iraq, Iraqi and U.S. forces teamed up to detain a suspected terrorist...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2008 – Several insurgents were killed and nine suspected insurgents were detained yesterday as coalition forces conducted an operation to degrade Taliban command-and-control networks in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, military officials reported. Coalition forces searching several compounds in Ghazni district for a Taliban commander associated with suicide bombings were met with small-arms fire. They returned fire, using a combination of small-arms and aerial-delivered conventional munitions, killing several insurgents. The coalition forces found and detained nine individuals when they continued their search of the area. The detainees will be questioned on their involvement in facilitation operations...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2008 – Coalition forces today captured 18 suspected terrorists during anti-insurgent operations conducted across northern Iraq and the Baghdad area, military officials said. One of the detainees was wanted on suspicion of gathering intelligence against coalition and Iraqi forces and providing financial support to Iranian-supported “special groups” members throughout Diyala province. The detainee also was reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal leaders involved in attacks on coalition forces. Intelligence led ground forces to the target location, where they captured the wanted individual and detained one other suspected criminal without incident. Coalition forces also...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2008 – Coalition forces detained seven suspected insurgents during anti-Taliban operations yesterday in Afghanistan’s Zabul province, military officials said. Coalition forces had searched several compounds in the Qalat district, targeting insurgents with ties to Taliban and foreign-fighter networks. Coalition forces found and detained seven individuals, including one self-confessed Taliban operative. Two weapons were confiscated. “Coalition forces remain focused on degrading extremist networks in order to help promote peace and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. In Jan. 20 Afghanistan operations: -- Afghan national police,...

BAQUBA, Iraq – Multi-National Division – North Soldiers detained a suspected IED and suicide-bomb cell leader during a targeted raid in Baquba Jan. 16. The suspect is linked to an extremist network spanning from Baquba to Samarra and his cell is allegedly responsible for recent IED activity in the Baquba market, Amin School, and the Jan. 9 house-borne improvised explosive device that resulted in the death of six U.S. Soldiers. The suspect is also believed to be linked to a Syrian suicide-bombing facilitator and recent intelligence reports indicate he has requested suicide bombers from Mosul. Soldiers from Company A, 4th...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 – As successful air strikes highlighted a new series of coordinated offensives in Iraq, coalition forces killed five suspected terrorists, nabbed 17 others and seized weapons caches over the past two days. Using precision strikes today, coalition aircraft hit more than 40 targets in addition to destroying reported al Qaeda safe havens in Arab Jabour. Coalition operators dropped 38 bombs within the first 10 minutes, a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds, military officials said. A joint operation between the Air Force and soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team required extensive planning to...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2008 – Coalition forces detained six suspects today during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in northern Iraq, officials reported. During an operation in Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in the al Qaeda network operating in northwestern Iraq. The wanted individual reportedly is associated with a senior leader involved in foreign-terrorist facilitation and connected to a group of terrorists responsible for roadside-bomb attacks. Three other suspected terrorists were detained during the operation. Coalition forces detained another two suspected terrorists during an operation in Hawija targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader...

A senior al Qaeda commander has been reported to have been captured in the Pakistani city of Lahore, according to a Pakistani newspaper. Dr. Amin al Haq, the security coordinator of Osama bin Laden’s Black Guard, “was apprehended from Lahore couple of days back,” The Nation reported, citing “credible Afghan sources.” Al Haq is said to be “under interrogation” at an undisclosed location. The report of al Haq’s capture has not been confirmed, a senior intelligence official told The Long War Journal. US intelligence agencies are aware of the report.

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces detained a suspected criminal during operations to disrupt terrorist networks early Wednesday in the Adhamiyah area. Coalition forces targeted an individual who reportedly trained criminals to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He allegedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in guerilla warfare. He is assessed to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who are involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they detained one suspect without incident. The identity of the suspect is still being determined. Coalition forces also discovered an assault...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2007 – Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a suspected insurgent leader during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Husseiniyah area, military officials reported. The detainee reportedly is a terrorist recruiter for Karbala province. He also allegedly facilitated terrorists’ training in constructing roadside bombs, as well as operational and computer security. A large amount of U.S. currency was seized during the operation. “Coalition and Iraqi security forces are disrupting and dismantling the networks that threaten the ability to provide safety and security for the Iraqi people,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman....

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2007 – Afghan and U.S. security forces detained two suspected terrorist bombers and seized a weapons cache during separate operations in Afghanistan Dec. 24. Afghan security troops, advised by coalition forces, disrupted major terrorist networks by arresting two key facilitators responsible for improvised-explosive-device attacks against civilian and military targets. The combined operations, led by Afghan national police and border police units, were conducted in Kandahar and Paktya provinces. The first operation involved tracking and arresting an insurgent in the Chamkani district of Paktya province. The insurgent was suspected to be involved in a number of attacks against...

BALAD, Iraq, Dec. 27, 2007 – Iraqi police and U.S. special operations forces seized two suspected extremists believed to be complicit in the kidnapping of three U.S. soldiers in early May, U.S. military officials said today. The suspects were detained during Dec. 24-25 operations in Ramadi, officials said. The raids were prompted by intelligence reports linking the two individuals to the May 12 abduction of three U.S. 10th Mountain Division soldiers after an insurgent ambush near Mahmudiyah in which four U.S. soldiers were killed. Reports indicate the two detainees are linked to al Qaeda in Iraq. One of the suspected...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 2007 – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained one suspect today during operations targeting al Qaeda in central Iraq. In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities in the Diyala River Valley, coalition forces conducted two coordinated operations north of Muqdadiyah targeting associates of the al Qaeda network in the region. Intelligence reports indicate the individuals are associated with the group that was involved in several firefights with coalition forces during operations on Dec. 12 and 13. During one of the operations, the ground force called for occupants to come out of the target area, but they...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2007 – Afghan and coalition troops detained two suspected Taliban members, seized weapons caches, and administered vital medical treatment to bombing victims in Afghanistan over the past week, military officials said. Afghan National Police officers arrested two suspected Taliban insurgents in Nangarhar province Dec. 14. The suspects allegedly have assisted suicide bombers and have possible ties to improvised-explosive-device trafficking, military officials said. “Afghan national security forces continue to successfully perform counterinsurgency operations,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “The actions of these soldiers demonstrate the steady development of the (Afghan national...

This news bulletin just in from our victorious comrades on the Northern Front !!

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 14 terrorists and detained 13 suspected insurgents during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in Iraq today and yesterday. -- During an operation northwest of Muqdadiyah, coalition forces killed 14 terrorists as part of a sweep targeting associates of an al Qaeda in Iraq chieftain thought to be the leader of a group operating in the northeastern Diyala River Valley region. -- Coalition forces also captured a wanted individual in Baghdad believed to be involved in the al Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. The wanted individual allegedly is involved...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2007 – Coalition forces captured several wanted individuals and dozens of additional suspects during operations over the past several days targeting al Qaeda networks throughout Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual in Mosul believed to be a foreign terrorist facilitator associated with senior facilitators operating in and outside of Iraq. The wanted individual reportedly is involved in facilitating supplies and finances for use in attacks against coalition forces. As the ground force entered the target building, the wanted individual attempted to leave through the back door. Coalition forces engaged to stop his movement, wounding and subsequently...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2007 – Coalition forces detained seven suspects during operations today to disrupt al Qaeda operations in Tarmiyah, Iraq. During one operation, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an associate of an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader involved in the northern belt terrorist network. Coalition forces approached the target building and called for the occupants to come out. The ground force detained five suspected terrorists, including the wanted individual, who identified himself to coalition forces. Upon securing the area, they found a machine gun and pistol. In other operations south of Tarmiyah, coalition forces...

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces detained (24) suspects Sunday during operations targeting al-Qaida networks in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces captured a wanted individual during operations north of Samarra. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) media networks and was involved in attacks against Coalition forces. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained three suspects without incident. During other operations in Samarra, Coalition force detained (11) suspects during operations targeting al-Qaida’s courier and media networks, as well as weapons facilitators and associates of senior terrorist leaders. During operations in Baghdad, Coalition forces...

WASHINGTON — Coalition forces in Iraq detained seven suspects Friday in three coordinated operations targeting al Qaida's media network southeast of Samarra. One of the targeted buildings is believed to be used as a propaganda production facility and meeting location for senior leaders, officials said. "These operations are another step on the road to a peaceful Iraq, where innocent civilians can live without fear of terrorist attacks," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman. "Defeating al Qaida's propaganda networks undermines their fundraising and recruiting." In other operations in Iraq Friday: • Iraqi Soldiers and a Concerned...

Moons like the Earth's - which are formed in catastrophic collisions - are extremely rare in the Universe, a study by US astronomers suggests. The Moon was created when an object as big as the planet Mars smacked into the Earth billions of years ago. The impact hurled debris into orbit, some of which eventually consolidated to form our Moon. The Astrophysical Journal reports that just 5-10% of planetary systems in the Universe have moons created this way.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2007 – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 11 suspects affiliated with the al Qaeda network in Iraq during several operations in central and northern Iraq that ended today, officials said. During operations conducted yesterday and today in Rabiyah and northern Samarra, coalition forces captured a wanted individual while targeting al Qaeda financial and courier operations. The captured individual is believed to be associated with propaganda operations and senior terrorist leaders. During the operation, coalition forces saw one individual maneuver into the palm groves. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage,...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 27 suspects yesterday during operations targeting al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq. -- Forces captured three wanted individuals during operations in Baghdad while targeting foreign terrorist and weapons facilitators. Reports indicate al Qaeda members were trying to establish a foreign terrorist network in the city. In addition to the wanted individuals, coalition forces detained four suspects without incident. -- Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an al Qaeda leader and foreign-terrorist associate in Baji. Coalition forces detained one other suspect during the operation. -- During continued operations...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspect and treated a woman victimized by Taliban gunfire in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials said. Combined forces detained one suspect in a Nov. 13 operation to disrupt foreign-fighter facilitators in the Qalat district of Zabul province. Actionable intelligence led coalition forces to compounds in the district where they searched for militant facilitators thought to be hiding in the area. Troops found and detained a person with alleged links to foreign-fighter-facilitation operations, as well as other extremist activities, officials said. Some damage occurred to a building during the...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault early Nov. 11 near Al Bawi, resulting in 10 suspected extremists detained and one killed. During the air assault, Company A Soldiers cleared 17 buildings of weapons and military paraphernalia. All detainees were brought in for questioning. “In the past, the Al Bawi area has been a stronghold for al-Qaeda,” said Capt. Joshua Powers, from Atlanta, assistant operations officer, 1-15th Inf. Regt. “We used an air insertion to disrupt an area they thought was a safe haven. This operation sends a...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one insurgent and detained 14 others today during a series of operations across central and northern Iraq, military officials said. -- Coalition forces killed one al Qaeda-linked insurgent during an operation in Mosul. He was linked to the planning of attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces, including several suicide-car-bombing attacks. Another individual was detained for questioning. A deceased Iraqi woman and an injured child were found inside a nearby building. The child later died after being taken to a medical facility for treatment. -- Southeast of Baghdad, coalition forces captured four suspects...