U.S. forces storm sheik's stronghold

Wasington Times ^ | 5/09/04 | Scheherezade Faramarzi

[kattracks]

NAJAF, Iraq -- British soldiers beat back attacks by militiamen loyal to a radical Shi'ite cleric in southern cities yesterday, and U.S. forces stormed Sheik Muqtada al-Sadr's stronghold in Baghdad.

Sheik al-Sadr's militia launched attacks in Basra and Amarah in an apparent attempt to open up new fronts after another cleric called for a jihad, or holy war, against British troops and promised rewards for the capture of coalition soldiers.

[Poundstone]

This is very good.

Now it's on to Najaf, Sadr's headquarters!

[GregB]

I heard the chicken ran to a Mosque..hiding under mama's skirt...Why don't we drop dead pigs on him????

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Why is there a single building still standing in Najaf ?

[Pikachu_Dad]

[sarcasm]
Um, because it was at the center of the bomb blast and so that one building didn't get knocked down?
[/sarcasm off]

[boxsmith13]

Because he is simply a renagade cleric, the whole city isnt in rebellion. Now blowing up every structure in najaf would cause a country-wide rebellion genius

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

AP recap + 5/8 late CJTF-7 news releases, details.

Mostly good news for our good guys, who continue to remove Sadr's pals from the streets, alive and dead.

---

 

 

Local Leader's Actions help Free Hostages

TIKRIT, Iraq - An Iraqi provincial leader helped secure the release of two civilian contractors kidnapped by anti-Coalition forces near Ad Duluiyah around 3:30 p.m. May 7. The two were kidnapped while trying to recover a vehicle that had broken down earlier in the day. The provincial leader initially attempted to negotiate the captives' release, but was unsuccessful. He then contacted the Iraqi police, who stopped the vehicles after a brief chase. Iraqi police released three individuals after questioning, but detained one other. The contractors were not injured in the incident.

The incident is under investigation.

Release #040508e

Marines Offer Support to Iraqi Communities

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq - Marines recently delivered supplies and provided funding in support of community improvements throughout the Al Anbar province.

Marines visited Al Budekil to repair damage done to a farmer's field after a Marine tank became bogged down in it. Marines paid for the damages and delivered supplies, including 50 tons of fertilizer and farming tools, to help local villagers with the planting season. They also handed out pens and pencils, soccer balls, nets and Frisbees donated by Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles.

Marines also met with a local sheik to plan future projects including street paving, warehouse and mosque repairs. The sheik told Marines he was eager to work with Coalition forces to bring further improvements to his village.

In Fallujah, Marines began renovations to the Civil-Military Operations Center. A shaded area is being constructed and access to water will be provided for visitors.

Finally, Marines in Ramadi met with the President of the Al Anbar Province University to discuss future projects and how to improve educational opportunities for Iraqi students. They also donated $7,000 for a laminating machine to produce identification cards at the university. 

Release #040508c

Terrorist Attack Wounds Detainees Slated for Release

AR RAMADI, Iraq - Several Iraqi detainees slated for release were wounded today when their transportation convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device near Habbiniyah at about 3 p.m. May 8.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Marine Division were transporting the detainees from Camp Ramadi's detention facility to Camp Habbiniyah when they were attacked.

Seven Iraqis were wounded in the explosion and were quickly treated by the soldiers on the scene. The soldiers located the attackers and engaged them, killing one and detaining another.

Initial reports indicate the Iraqis suffered multiple shrapnel wounds. They were all evacuated to Camp Taqqadum where military medical personnel treated them. 

Release #040508g

Suspect Detained in Connection with Murder

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected member of Muqtada's militia without incident during a raid in Baghdad early May 5. The suspect is being detained and questioned in connection with the murder of Swadi Shatti, a district advisory council leader. Shatti was found dead behind the Al Thawra police station April 30.

Under Iraqi law, the suspect is innocent until proven guilty, said Maj. Jeff Spears, a staff judge advocate with the 1st Cavalry Division. If he is charged, the suspect will be provided defense counsel to represent him before the investigative and trial chambers of the Iraqi court with jurisdiction over the incident.

Release #040508h

http://www.cjtf7.com/media-information/news-releases.htm

[SandRat]

Let's hear it for the Best of Britain!

Hip Hip Huzzah!

Hip Hip Huzzah!

Hip Hip Huzzah!

[blackie]

Killing bad guys ~ Bump!

We and our allies are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[windchime]

Bump!