Iraqi chillren wave hello to U.S. troops during a recent patrol.
In the statement, MNF-I officials said:
“The Multi National Force – Iraq condemns the recent attacks by terrorists and death squads against the innocent Iraqi children and civilians at soccer fields in Hadhra and in the Amil district of Baghdad. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families and tribes who lost loved ones in these vicious attacks, and for all the Iraqi people who suffer at the hands of these killers. Innocent Iraqis, who desire nothing more than security, unity, and prosperity, suffer fear and terror from murder squads on a daily basis."
“On Aug. 4 in Hadhra, murderers killed 10 people, including innocent civilians watching a soccer game. Two days earlier in Amil, death squads also targeted a soccer field, killing 10 people, mostly young soccer players. These two recent attacks establish a shameful precedent. These murderers realize they’re failing, and are now targeting the future of this country, its children.”
“The Hadhra and Amil attacks were carried out by death squads who murder indiscriminately. Death squad murderers who kill innocent children will be brought to justice before the Iraqi people. These killers are destroying Iraq’s future. There is no justification for murdering innocent children enjoying the blessings of youth."
“Coalition forces stand by the people of Iraq. The Iraqi government is ushering in an era of peace, stability, and prosperity for all Iraqis. The Iraqi people are uniting against those obsessed with chaos and hate and are providing the Iraqi security forces information to bring death squads and terrorists to justice. That is why the terrorists are targeting the innocent, freedom loving people of Iraq.”
“All children deserve the right to experience the happiness of childhood. We are working in support of the Iraqi government to ensure Iraqi children can enjoy their youth, free from worry that death squads and terrorists could destroy their dreams.”
In other developments throughout Iraq:
• Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons and detained a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Iskandariyah. more…
• Coalition forces killed one suspected terrorist and detained 11 others during simultaneous raids near Taji Saturday. more…
• Coalition forces killed one man during a raid north of Bayji Sunday. more…
• Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division seized a large cache of explosives and captured four terrorists in Adhamiyah Friday. more…
• The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team handed over operations in Mosul and other surrounding areas in the Ninewa Province to the 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, in a transfer of authority ceremony. more…
(Compiled from Defense Department sources)