Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17231&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080222-07
February 22, 2008
Sons of Iraq tip lead to weapons cache in Jabr al Ansari
Multi-National Division – Center
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Acting on information provided by the Sons of Iraq, soldiers assigned to Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, confiscated a weapons cache in Jabr al Ansari, a small village southeast of Baghdad, Feb. 19.
The cache contained 21 122mm Russian projectiles and three 130mm Russian projectiles. The munitions were buried approximately three feet deep in a suspect’s backyardt. The suspect was detained and brought back to Combat Outpost Cashe for questioning.
“Every time the Sons of Iraq bring in or lead us to ordnance, it saves the lives of innocent Iraqis, as well as the lives of Iraqi and Coalition forces,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Huell, from Miami, command sergeant major of 3-1st Cav. Regt. “This act signifies that most Iraqis have rejected violence and are on the side of peace.”
Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, from Louden, Tenn., commander of 3-1 Cav. Regt., believes his troops’ effectiveness operating in the Jisr Diyala area is due to the rapport developed with their Iraqi neighbors.
“This cache find serves as another example of how our soldiers are winning the trust and confidence of the population,” Kolasheski said. “By denying terrorists the use of these dangerous munitions, we collectively make Jisr Diyala and the surrounding areas a safer place for the people of the region. The Sons of Iraq continue to show their effectiveness in thickening our lines.”
The SOI have played a significant role in most of 3-1 Cav. Regt.’s recent cache finds by providing information.
“The Sons of Iraq continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of local security by decreasing accelerants and extremist activities in our area of operations,” said 1st Lt. Jamel Reese, a platoon leader in Headquarters Troop, 3-1 Cav. Regt.
The cache was destroyed by the 789th Ordnance Company, from Ft. Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
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blog:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/02/taliban_field_comman.php
“Taliban field commander killed in Helmand province”
By BILL ROGGIO
February 21, 2008 10:49 AM
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Afghan and NATO special operations forces have killed a senior Taliban commander during a joint raid in Helmand province, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. Mullah Abdul Bari, along with 29 Taliban fighters, were killed in a “five-hour coordinated attack on four targets” in the region between the Musa Qala and Kajaki districts of Helmand province, News.com.au reported. Bari was reported to have been injured during the fighting but died of his wounds in a hospital, the Afghan Ministry of Defense stated.
Combined Joint Task Force-82, the US military command in Afghanistan confirmed the engagement, but did not confirm Bari’s death. The 1st Company of 201st Commando Kandak, or battalion, of the Afghan National Army and “Coalition forces” – a term often used for Special Forces – conducted a clear-and-hold operation designed “to establish security, disrupt insurgent activity and deny enemy sanctuary” in the region north of Musa Qala. NATO aircraft targeted and destroyed Taliban fighting positions, but no casualties were reported.
Eleven Taliban were also captured during the raid. Afghan and Coalition forces also seized over 1,000 pounds of heroin, and destroyed heroin and opium processing laboratories. A large weapons cache was also discovered and destroyed.”