June 24, 2006 Official Weekly Report for the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq

Transcription

1 June 24, 2006 The Advis r Freedom! Official Weekly Report for the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq

2 Page 2 June 24, 2006 THE ADVISOR Volume 3 Issue 24 Commanding General U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Command Sergeant Major U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ralph G. White Public Affairs Officer U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Negard Deputy Public Affairs Officer U.S. Army Capt. Mark E. Jacobsen Deputy Public Affairs Officer for Training U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ryan Mosier Public Affairs NCOIC U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Tuttle Contributing Editor U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class (P) Rick Brown Editor / Journalist U.S. Navy Journalist 2nd Class John J. Pistone Journalist U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman CPATT Public Affairs Officer Ann Bertucci The Advisor is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Defense Department and multinational partners. Contents of this paper are not necessarily the offi cial views of the U.S. government or multinational partners of the U.S. Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs Offi ce. Some faces of Iraqi soldiers and police have been altered to protect their identities. Direct questions and comments to: pao@mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil MNSTC-I PAO APO AE DSN: To subscribe to The Advisor, visit us online at: ON THE COVER Former detainees at Abu Ghraib detainment facility display the Quran as a sign of their joy in being released from detention June 19. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman The way out of Iraq: A road map By Dr. Mowaffak al-rubaie Iraq National Security Advisor There has been much talk about a withdrawal of U.S. and Coalition troops from Iraq, but no defined timeline has yet been set. There is, however, an unofficial road map to foreign troop reductions that will eventually lead to total withdrawal of U.S. troops. This road map is based not just on a series of dates but, more important, on the achievement of set objectives for restoring security in Iraq. Iraq has a total of 18 governorates, which are at differing stages in terms of security. Each will eventually take control of its own security situation, barring a major crisis. But before this happens, each governorate will have to meet stringent minimum requirements as a condition of being granted control. For example, the threat assessment of terrorist activities must be low or on a downward trend. Local police and the Iraqi army must be deemed capable of dealing with criminal gangs, armed groups and militias and border control. There must be a clear and functioning command-andcontrol center overseen by the governor, with direct communication to the prime minister s situation room. Despite the seemingly endless spiral of violence in Iraq today, such a plan is already in place. All the governors have been notified and briefed on the end objective. The current prime minister, Nouri al-maliki, has approved the plan, as have the Coalition forces, and assessments of each province have already been done. Nobody believes this is going to be an easy task, but there is Iraqi and Coalition resolve to start taking the final steps to have a fully responsible Iraqi government accountable to its people for their governance and security. Thus far four of the 18 provinces are ready for the transfer of power in the north (Irbil and Sulaymaniyah) and two in the south (Maysan and Muthanna). Nine more provinces are nearly ready. With the governors of each province meeting these strict objectives, Iraq s ambition is to have full control of the country by the end of In practice this will mean a significant foreign troop reduction. We envisage the U.S. troop presence by year s end to be under 100,000, with most of the remaining troops to return home by the end of The eventual removal of Coalition troops from Iraqi streets will help the Iraqis, who now see foreign troops as occupiers rather than the liberators they were meant to be. It will remove psychological barriers and the reason that many Iraqis joined the so-called resistance in the first place. The removal of troops will also allow the Iraqi government to engage with some of our neighbors that have to date been at the very least sympathetic to the resistance because of what they call the Coalition occupation. If the sectarian issue continues to cause conflict with Iraq s neighbors, this matter needs to be addressed urgently and openly not in the guise of aversion to the presence of foreign troops. Moreover, the removal of foreign troops will legitimize Iraq s government in the eyes of its people. It has taken what some feel is an eternity to form a government of national unity. This has not been an easy or enviable task, but it represents a significant achievement, considering that many new ministers are working in partisan situations, often with people with whom they share a history of enmity and distrust. By its nature, the government of national unity, because it is working through consensus, could be perceived to be weak. But, again, the drawdown of foreign troops will strengthen our fledgling government to last the full four years it is supposed to. While Iraq is trying to gain its independence from the United States and the Coalition, in terms of taking greater responsibility for its actions, particularly in terms of security, there are still some influential foreign figures trying to spoon-feed our government and take a very proactive role in many key decisions. Though this may provide some benefits in the short term, in the long run it will only serve to make the Iraqi government a weaker one and eventually lead to a culture of dependency. Iraq has to grow out of the shadow of the Coalition, take responsibility for its own decisions, learn from its own mistakes, and find Iraqi solutions to Iraqi problems, with the knowledge that our friends and allies are standing by with support and help should we need it.

3 Page 3 June 24, 2006 Iraqi government, MNF-I free low risk detainees U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman MNSTC-I Public Affairs BAGHDAD, Iraq They ve been separated from their lives family, friends and jobs for months, and some for years, but their attitude and gratitude are parallel. More than 500 detainees walked to freedom June 19 through the fence that held them in custody in Baghdad, Iraq. We are very happy to be able to go home to our families, said a former detainee from Abu Ghraib. I thank my government for what they ve done for us. This release was the fourth out of seven in a series to free hundreds of security detainees throughout the month of June. The decision was a joint initiative of the Iraqi government and Multi- National Force Iraq to release those found not guilty of serious violent crimes such as bombing, kidnapping and murder and torture. An amnesty and the exact terms are currently in discussion and have not yet been finalized, said Dr. Barham Salih, Iraq deputy prime minister. Those who Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman A detainee at the Abu Ghraib detainment facility pauses as he is released June 19. More than 500 detainees were released from Abu Ghraib Camp Liberty by the Iraqi government and MNF-I as a joint effort for reconcilaition with the people of Iraq. Human Rights. We will ensure those who were receiving government pay be put back on government pay, we will ensure others get back to their employment, students cut off from their studies will get back to school and we, as a government, will ensure these periods of detention will not be used against them, explained Salih. Many of the released detainees were said to be repeat offenders, but all have now renounced violence and have pledged to be good citizens of Iraq, officials said. Before being given pardon for their crimes, detainees were held at one of the four Coalition-run theater internment facilities at Abu Ghraib Camp Bucca and Fort Suse. We were treated very well and fairly here (at Abu Ghraib), said a former detainee who was incarcerated approximately 15 months. have been responsible for spilling blood found guilty of crimes against the people of Iraq, against the political process, against the multi-national forces cannot be included in the amnesty. There is the law and the law will hold up. The joint initiative was an acknowledgement by the government of Iraq and MNF-I of the importance of progress towards a democratic government and the rule of law in a new Iraq. The deputy prime minister said the current releases are an indication of the seriousness the government is taking towards national reconciliation. We need to be able to accommodate a peaceful reconciliation of this country with those who do not have serious charges against them. They will be treated with flexibility, allowing them to get out and get them back into their communities, Salih said. The flexibility spoken of will come in the form of assistance that detain- A former Iraqi detainee speaks to media after being released from Abu Ghraib June 19. Detainees were taken to respective Division ees receive in rejoining the community release points. through the office of the Iraqi Minister of See Detainees, Page 5

4 Page 4 June 24, 2006 Iraq s new Minister of Defense sheds uniform By U.S. Navy Journalist 2nd Class John J. Pistone MNSTC-I Public Affairs Photo by U.S. Navy Journalist 2nd Class John J. Pistone Iraq s Minister of Defense, Abdul Qadir holds a cavalry saber presented to him by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, commander of the Multi- National Corps Iraq, during a ceremony in Baghdad June 19. The ceremony was held to honor Qadir and commemorate his stepping down as the commander of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command. BAGHDAD, Iraq As Iraq struggles to separate itself from a dictator run government to a government of the people, there have been several key individuals who have risen to the task of leading its people forward in their quest for a free and safe Iraq. According to several Coalition advisors, the newly appointed Iraqi Minister of Defense Abdul Qadir is one such individual. Qadir stepped down as the commander of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command at a ceremony in Baghdad June 19 so he could dedicate his time to fulfilling his duties as the Minister of Defense. The ceremony, attended by numerous high ranking Iraqi and Coalition officials, was a tribute to Qadir s many accomplishments as a soldier and commander. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, commander of the Multi- National Corps Iraq, spoke of Qadir as an incredible soldier and leader. In his speech he quoted a famous American admiral from World War II: Bull Halsey observed that all problems personal, national or combat becomes smaller if you don t dodge them but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, he said and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble. Abdul Qadir does not walk by problems he grasps them boldly. And he leads others to do the same, Chiarelli said. He approaches his work with intelligence, sensitivity and unwavering determination, and most importantly, gets things done. Chiarelli said that the Iraqi Ground Forces Command was clear proof of the results of Qadir s leadership. We don t need to look far to see the results of the vision and leadership that I am talking about. We need only to look right across the street from here at the IGFC once an idea, a glimmer in the eye now is a fully functional operational headquarters leading an Iraqi Army that continues to assume more and more battlespace, Chiarelli said, with greater and greater capability to defend Iraq s people. According to Chiarelli, 75 percent of Iraqi Army Brigades will control their own battlespace by the end of the summer. He attributed this to the development of the IGFC and said it was crucial for that process. He continued by saluting Qadir and his colleagues for their enormous achievement. During his speech, Chiarelli said Qadir had been called by Iraq for a higher purpose and he had answered the call as he has done his entire career. He said that he believed Qadir would bring the same exemplary qualities that he portrayed as commander of the IGFC to the position of Minister of Defense. Sir, your presence will be keenly missed. But we take heart in the fact that you are destined for greater things, and that there is no one more qualified than you to lead and shape the future of Iraq s Army, Chiarelli said. Chiarelli reaffirmed the Coalition s commitment to work closely with the Iraqi Army and thanked Qadir again for his selfless service, professionalism and contributions to what he called a historic mission. In closing his speech Chiarelli spoke of Qadir as not just an ally but a friend and equated him to a lion. I also want to extend my personal thanks for your friendship advice and wisdom. Together we faced some of the most challenging times in Iraq s history, Chiarelli said. An Arabic proverb says; An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. See Qadir, Page 4

5 Page 5 June 24, 2006 Detainees pledge crime-free life upon release From Detainees, Page 3 The Americans have the right to do anything they want because they are trying to catch the terrorists; when they do this (security checks throughout the community) some innocent people get in the way, but when they bring us here, they are doing everything to make sure we are treated fairly and our situations are investigated we were treated very good at this camp, he said through an interpreter. While at Abu Ghraib, detainees are permitted certain privileges. According to U.S. Army Maj. Glen Burks, 96th Military Police Battalion operations officer at Abu Ghraib, detainees are allowed two hours of recreation daily, are able to participate in prayer and worship anytime throughout the day and are able to receive family visitation four times a month. Routine, emergency and special medical services are also available for all detainees to include eye and dental care. And like any other detainment facility, if problems arise, detainees are permitted to file grievances that are screened and vetted for action by the U.S. Army Staff Judge Advocate. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucia Newman Former detainees at the Abu Ghraib detainment facility wave goodbye to others being released June 19. To date, about 2,100 detainees have been released and about 400 more are expected to be freed before the end of June. To date, more than 2,100 detainees have been released and about 400 more are expected to be freed before the end of June. Detainees were taken from Abu Ghraib to a respective Division release point, where they were reunited with family. I will go back to being a security officer for schools, said a recent released detainee. I have no hatred towards Iraq. We ve been waiting for this for a long time. No matter what, it s our government and we want it to work and succeed. Those words were echoed by the deputy prime minister who confirmed an important goals for the Iraqi government are unity and reconciliation. This is a new government in Iraq, a government of national unity, said Salih. We have a very important security challenge before us, but we understand we need to get the politics right and provide the right type of political framer for addressing the security concerns. I hope the release of these detainees and other measures the government is engaged in will signal to the Iraqi people our seriousness about inclusiveness and our willingness to move beyond the problems of the past. Hopefully we will attain peace and stability in this country before long, he concluded. Abdul Qadir; well prepared to lead the Iraqi Army From Qadir Page 4 With Abdul Qadir as Minister of Defense, Iraq will have a lion leading an army of lions. During the ceremony Qadir spoke of his feelings for the Coalition and his goals as the Minister of Defense. I cannot say enough about my feelings for the Coalition, I thank them for all of their help. They have sacrificed a lot for the Iraqi people, Qadir said through an interpreter. The most important thing they have given us is liberty. He also said he believed that there was not a holier mission than helping Iraqis attain freedom. I don t think there is a more holy mission than giving freedom to 26 million people and fighting the sick minded people like Zarqawi, Qadir said. Imagine what the world would be like if there were more people like him? Qadir said that he feels like the Coalition troops are more than Soldiers, but are brothers to him, and he will push the Iraqi Army to train harder so they can fully stand on their own. He closed his speech by saying that even though he will no longer wear the uniform of a soldier he will remain a soldier at heart. He also said with the support of the Coalition he believes they can win the war on terrorism. Many times I was a soldier, now moving from one position to a harder position. I will not change and I will stay a soldier. I will continue to make soldiers the Coalition will be proud of, Qadir said. I believe 100 percent that we will win this fight against terrorism when we fight together. During the ceremony Chiarelli presented Qadir with a cavalry saber as symbol of their friendship and the Coalition s continued support for him and the nation of Iraq. Chiarelli and several other Coalition and high-ranking Iraqi officials all agree that the road ahead for Qadir as the Minister of Defense will be a difficult one, but they feel there is no one more qualified to lead Iraq s military. They feel his appointment is a vital step to securing the future of Iraq and its people.

6 Page 6 June 24, 2006 Iraqi s in the lead ceremony ushers in new era By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class (P) Rick Brown MNSTC-I Public Affairs TAJI, Iraq The 9th Iraqi Army Division took the lead in protecting Iraqi citizens in and around Taji in a transfer of authority ceremony June 19 at Taji Military Training Base, outside of Baghdad. The Iraqis in the Lead ceremony marked the transition of more than 615 square kilometers to the 9th Iraqi Army Division from the U.S. Army s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Maj. Gen. Bashar Mahmood Ayoub, 9th Division commander, spoke to his troops and a distinguished crowd of guests that included Iraq s newly appointed Minister of Defense, former commander of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command, Lt. Gen. Abdul Qadir. Iraqi Joint Forces commanding general, Gen. Babakir Zibari; Multi-National Corps Iraq commander, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli; and Multi-National Division Baghdad commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen J.D. Thurman were also in attendance. It was with Thurman that Bashar conducted the official transfer of authority. In his address to the crowd, Bashar praised his troops, recalling the many missions they have conducted in the last several months, including the ongoing mission Operation Together Forward with Coalition troops. This is another great day for 9th Division, Bashar said through an interpreter. It s a great day for this division to take over responsibility for the north and south of Taji. He also spread praise to MNSTC-I leaders, current and past, highlighting former MNSTC-I commander Lt. Gen. David Petraeus and current commanding general, Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey. Bashar said the 9th Division would not be at the level they are now without their help. In his remarks, Bashar vowed not to forget Iraq s fallen heroes. On this day, we should remember the people that have sacrificed for this country with their blood on the road to freedom, he Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class (P) Rick Brown Soldiers of the 9th Iraqi Army Division salute their commander during a pass and review in a ceremony dubbed Iraqis in the Lead, June 19. The ceremony marked the transfer of authority from Coalition control. said. We promise those people to stay on the road and do whatever we must do to maintain peace and freedom for our people and our nation. Thurman also addressed the crowd saying, This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication and patriotism of its soldiers. He noted that the ceremony marked the culmination of forming, training and certification of the Iraqi 9th Division. He said the division headquarters now assumes full command and control responsibility of its 1st and 2nd brigades, as well as the 11th Strategic Infrastructure Battalion. I have seen the 9th Division grow in capability, skill and confidence, Thurman said. Under the magnificent command of Maj. Gen. Bashar, the 9th Division has proven itself as a highly professional and effective fighting force. Thurman told the Iraqi soldiers they should be proud of what they ve accomplished, and that the Iraqi people should be proud of their soldiers. This alliance of battle-tested, tough and courageous soldiers has never failed nor wavered in performing any mission no matter how difficult it may (have been), he commented to the crowd, but most importantly, the soldiers of this division have earned the confidence of the Iraqi people. He said the soldiers of the 9th can now take their place alongside other Iraqi Army divisions like the 6th and the 8th, to ensure a safe and secure environment for the people of Iraq. I have the utmost confidence in the alliance of our brothers in arms, Thurman said. We are honored to be fighting along side them as we defeat the terrorists and the insurgents that threaten the peace and security inside of Iraq. Earlier this year, in April, when U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker visited Bashar at the 9th s headquarters in Taji, Bashar told him, We are at a good level to accept our duties, but there is more to do before we are perfect. Bashar told Schoomaker at that meeting that he hoped to have his second brigade in full operation by mid-may, and to have full control of Taji by December. Having met one goal and exceeding another, Bashar concluded his remarks at the transfer of authority ceremony, telling the audience, We stand ready and promise to complete any mission, anywhere in Iraq.

7 Page 7 June 24, 2006 Iraqis test push-button 911 system for convoys By U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva Public Affairs Chief, Regimental Combat Team 5 CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq Soldiers from the Iraqi Army s 2nd Brigade, 1st Division took another step closer to independent operations when they completed testing and evaluation of a new tracking and communications system for their convoys June 18 at Camp Baharia. The soldiers finished a three-day course designed to familiarize the Iraqi soldiers, or jundi, with Mobile Tracking System Lite, a system similar to the Blue Force Tracker. This system, however, is simplified and unclassified. The jundi were tested on how to employ the system, putting them into scenarios where they would need assistance and have to work through their own solutions without advisor assistance. The MTS Lite is a satellite-based position and location reporting system, said U.S. Marine Maj. Thomas L. Langlois, the officer coordinating the evaluation. It s similar to the Blue Force Tracker except it s scaled down and lacks some of the high-order features. According to U.S. Marine Maj. Brian D. Wirtz, the operations advisor to the Iraqi 2nd Brigade, the system is a simple receiver and transponder that can be fitted into any vehicle. It s equipped with three buttons in this case used to signal a delay in a convoy, a delay needing non-emergency assets and enemy contact requiring emergency assistance. Iraqis felt reluctant to run convoys into certain areas because of the perceived or real threat of going into a black hole, said Wirtz. Now, with this redundancy in communication, there s a greater level of confidence because they have a better link to a response. Essentially, Iraqi soldiers now know that when they get into a bind anywhere in Fallujah, they can simply push a button. That button sends a signal to both Iraqi and Coalition operations centers that can both coordinate and dispatch appropriate responses to the situation. We ve overcome a major hurdle in their desire to do independent operations, Wirtz said. That s a huge requirement for the Iraqi Army to logistically sustain itself. The MTS Lite system was first acquired about six weeks ago, according to Langlois. U.S. Marines provided instruction and designed a testing and validating phase to put the gear and the jundi through a series of exercises where they had to react on their own without Coalition guidance. Photo by U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Olivia Iraqi soldiers react to a simulated vehicle breakdown during a training exercise to test the Mobile Tracking System Lite, a system that is designed to allow Iraqis to operate independently while knowing that help in an emergency is only the push of a button away. It s a highly reliable communications link, Langlois explained. It has three buttons and with rudimentary training, anyone can install and operate the system. The Iraqi soldiers were tested on their ability to overcome a vehicle breakdown, discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device and reaction to a convoy being struck by an IED. Wirtz said they were the most likely scenarios they would face while conducting combat operations. While they operated on their own, they were just a buttonpush away from aid. The MTS Lite provides a 911 button if they become engaged and they know help is coming in one way or another, Langlois said. The jundi reacted to their scenarios, setting cordons around suspected roadside bombs and calling for aid. They performed link-ups with Coalition forces and coordinated using hand-held phrase recorders, playing prerecorded Arabic phrases and point-and-talk cards. If the system is proven, it could be the way of the future for Iraqi forces to gain a leading role and for Coalition forces to fade back to a supporting role. This is huge, Wirtz said. This test is on the cutting edge with interoperability of Coalition and Iraqi units. This is not only a validation of the system, but of the concept of Coalition and Iraqi units being able to link up without translators for a common result. For their part, the jundi were impressed with their increased capabilities. They know that the new system will allow them to work on their own, apart from the Coalition. The people will feel very happy and depend on us, said Iraqi Army Lt. Husan, assigned to 2nd Brigade. The insurgents are going to get confused because they see our Humvees and no Americans. They will be confused. The people will feel safer when the army that is taking care of them is from their own country, added Iraqi Army Pvt. Fasail. The Iraqi soldiers know too that this is likely to be the way ahead for their entire army. They know they ve been trusted with learning the system, figuring out how to use it and teaching others the same. This is good because we were looking for help and we got it, Husan said of the MTS Lite. The Marines taught us and we re learning to take care of each other. Initial results are still being compiled, but early indications are that the MTS Lite might just fit the bill for allowing Iraqis to take the lead in the fight against insurgents and allow for easy coordination with supporting Coalition forces.

8 Page 8 June 24, 2006 IRAQI SECURITY FORCES / in brief Troops detain three, seize weapons RAMADI Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition troops detained three men for threatening to kill Coalition personnel and seized an assortment of weaponry during operations June 22 in Ramadi. Troops netted a variety of arms during maneuvers, including four grenades, two AK-47 rifles with eight magazines and a sniper rifle with three magazines. The detainees and weaponry were transferred to authorities for further investigation. No injuries or damages were reported. Iraqi soldiers complete maintenance training QAYARRAH Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division concluded their training on the 2 ½ ton truck and generator maintenance at Forward Operating Base Q-West June 22. During the three-week course taught by instructors from the 71st Corps Support Battalion, the soldiers learned how to properly maintain and service their equipment. While other Iraqi soldiers are trained by Coalition troops to perform as infantrymen, these soldiers learned the critical skills necessary to provide logistical support to sustain troops in the fight. 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NATO nations donate supplies BAGHDAD Since the NATO Training Mission in Iraq began in 2004, member nations have strongly identified with its aims by providing trainers and advisors as well as donating equipment to the Iraqi Security Forces. On June 21 the last flight carrying ammunition donated by Slovakia arrived in Iraq. The shipment of 300 tons of tank ammunition was donated to the 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) in Taji with an estimated value of 1.8 million Euros. The ammunition was transported directly from Slovakia to Iraq in Ilyushin IL 76D cargo planes on eight separate flights. This donation was linked to last year s NATO donation of 77 tanks to the 9th Iraqi Army Division, which is the only mechanized division in the Iraqi Army. NATO deployed to this mission in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi Government and as a tangible demonstration of NATO s commitment to support the training of the new Iraqi Security Forces. NATO Training, Equipping and Coordination Group in SHAPE, NTM-I HQ and the Training and Equipping Synchronization Cell coordinate all donations from countries which match the requirements of both the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Ministry of the Interior. NATO Training Mission Iraq Public Information Offi ce Iraqi soldiers perform a first-aid under-fire demonstration June 20 at a soccerfield near Mosul, Iraq during a transfer of authority ceremony. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone

9 Page 9 June 24, 2006 IRAQI SECURITY FORCES / in brief Iraqi Forces capture high-level insurgent BALAD Iraqi Army forces conducted an early morning raid on June 21 in the Kadhamiyah district of western Baghdad, capturing one high-level insurgent as part of the Together Forward Baghdad security plan. Iraqi Army forces, with Coalition advisers in support, raided two areas in the Shula neighborhood of Baghdad and captured Noori Abu Hayder Al-Oqabi. Noori was the leader of an assassination cell in Baghdad. Additionally, he recently became the head of a punishment committee that executes vigilante-style judgments on perceived enemies of his organization. Noori and his followers are responsible for kidnapping, torturing and murdering innocent Iraqis in four separate Baghdad districts including the kidnapping and murder of 14 Iraqi Army soldiers this past May. Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs Iraqi Army, Coalition forces detain two BAGHDAD Soldiers of the 8th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during a cordon and search mission in a village near Kifl June 18 in the southern Babil province. Information gathered from intelligence sources allowed the combined force to narrow their focus to target three houses in the village. The 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division soldiers Courtesy Photo The last shipment of 300 tons of tank ammunition is unloaded from a IIyushin IL 76D cargo plane June 24 in Iraq. The shipment was donated to the 9th Iraqi Army Division. The donation is linked to last year s NATO donation of 77 tanks to the unit, which is the only mechanized division in the Iraqi Army. searched the homes and detained the suspected terrorists while the area was cordoned off by Coalition troops. The three detained men were suspected of being members of a bomb-making cell responsible for the deaths of numerous innocent civilians and Iraqi and Coalition soldiers. Two detainees were kept for further interrogation and one was released after questioning. Multi-National Division Baghad Public Affairs Iraqi Army battalion takes lead at Lutufiyah FOB LUTUFIYAH A ceremony was held June 15 on patrol base Lutifiyah, and soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division assumed responsibility from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division. The event marked a major milestone in which Iraqi Security Forces gained control of the Lutifiyah area of southwest Baghdad. The Desert Lions are ready to defeat insurgents in Lutifiyah and anywhere else they may be, said Col. Ali, commander of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. Multi-National Division Baghad Public Affairs Iraqi Army detain six, find weapons caches FOB KALSU Iraqi 8th Army Division and Coalition troops teamed up to capture suspected criminals early June 15 in an area near Scania in the southern Babil province. Iraqi soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division conducted a search for terrorists in two homes near Ash Shumali, while personnel from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provided the outer cordon. The homes were targeted based on intelligence gathered through various sources, including tips from area residents. The terrorist cell is connected to several May roadside bomb attacks that killed a number of Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security and Coalition personnel. The Iraqi team searched the first house without incident and found a weapons cache consisting of approximately 30 feet of detonation cord, three blasting caps attached to both detonation cord and electrical wire, a bomb initiation system, a set of binoculars, a sniper rifle, a pistol, an AK-47 rifle with a full magazine and a sword. The cache discovery resulted in the detention of the home owner. Iraqi soldiers entered the second house without resistance and found five males, four of which were sleeping on the roof. During the search of the house, Iraqi soldiers found a PKC machine gun hidden under blankets in a storage room. Coalition troops also found a partially constructed bomb which consisted of a metallic cylinder, blasting cap and detonation cord. An Army explosive ordnance detachment removed the bomb to a safe area and conducted a controlled detonation. The evidence gathered at the scene resulted in the detention of all five suspects. Multi-National Division Baghad Public Affairs