Surge: Marne Torch II Continues To Bring In AQI Members
MNF:
HAWR RAJAB, Iraq — Paratroopers conducting Operation Bethel detained insurgent suspects and destroyed weapons caches Sept. 19.
The Paratroopers of Company B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, detained seven suspects, two of whom were connected to the production of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
The Hawr Rajab operation also yielded a homemade explosives cache.
While searching a building, Paratroopers discovered several hundred 20-kilogram bags of detergent that an explosive ordnance disposal team assessed as key ingredients in the creation of homemade explosives.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter destroyed the building with a Hellfire missile.
A second air weapons team destroyed a suspected VBIED factory that was discovered by another group of Paratroopers in the area.
While conducting a patrol on the ground, the Paratroopers found a car missing its battery and one wheel. A military working dog reacted to the trunk, which was not opened for fear of booby traps. An air strike was called in to safely dispatch the vehicle and the building in which the car was parked.
Two Apaches from 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, destroyed the vehicle and building with two Hellfire missiles. The attack helicopters destroyed four other vehicles at the site with their 30mm cannons.
Soldiers at the scene counted seven secondary explosions at the site, which indicates explosives were hidden in the vehicles and building.
Operation Bethel also yielded several munitions, weapons and other items used in terrorist acts.
Capt. Donald Braman, commander, Troop B, 1-40th Cav. Regt., said the operation will have a significant impact on al-Qaeda command and control. The detainment of the two members involved in VBIED production will also reduce al-Qaeda’s ability to conduct offensive operations in Hawr.
Operation Bethel is part of 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.’s Operation Marne Torch II, designed to reduce insurgent activity south of Baghdad and stem the flow of explosives, weapons and insurgents into Baghdad.
Another excellent report. Well ain’t that a kick in the head y’all, we’re winning this fucking war and the rest of the country doesn’t even know it. Man, we should kick every motherfucking LMSM reporter right in the gut for lying their asses off to the American people.
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:51 pmI’m with you Dan(The Infidel)! I just wish that there was a season on these bums. I’d bag my limit!
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:25 pmMaking it look like they’ve done this before…Good Job
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:08 amTop Ward:
We might get our chance. The DailyDiaperBabyKiddies are talking about taking their shit to the next level…violence..(saw the comment on line).
That would be a dream come true….
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:10 am