Posted on 02/25/2007 8:25:51 PM PST by pissant
BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent three-day operation in Salman Pak targeting al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists, Coalition Forces killed 15 terrorists involved in an improvised explosives device cell, destroyed an IED factory and thwarted two explosives emplacements.
On Feb. 14, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy contact on the ground from a fortified building in the area. Determining the targets too hostile for ground troops, Coalition Forces called for close air support. Fixed wing aircraft used precision fires to destroy the building killing five terrorists and wounding four suspected terrorists.
Also during this raid, Coalition Forces disrupted two separate groups of terrorists who were in the process of emplacing IEDs alongside a road. Due to the high level of danger, fixed wing aircraft were used to destroy the IEDs. Ten terrorists are believed to have been killed as a result.
Coalition Forces continued their raid the following day and found a male Iraqi citizen shackled in one of the rooms of a targeted building. Ground forces detained four males who were hiding near the building. During a search, Coalition Forces found the hostage’s cell phone on one of the detainees.
According to the hostage, he was tied up with a hood over his head for three days. He said he prayed and fasted during his captivity because he believed his captors were going to execute him. He was transported to a nearby military medical facility for an examination.
On the third and final day of the operation, Coalition Forces performed a controlled detonation destroying an IED factory. During a search of the targeted building, ground forces found a large amount of IED-making material including 1,000 pounds of various types of explosives, including nitric acid.
An explosives ordnance disposal team determined the material was too unstable to move. Ground forces cordoned off the area and ensured local citizens were moved to a safe distance during the controlled detonation. The IED-making materials and building were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
A total of 13 suspected terrorists were detained during the three-day operation.
“Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaida network inside Iraq. This operation contributes to the reduction of this IED terrorist network’s ability to operate, and increases the safety of all Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces and Iraq’s Multi-national partners,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
Salmon Pak? But, but, but, the MSM said there were no terrorists (especially al-qaeda) in Iraq.
Good news!
BTTT!
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