New Year's Weekend at War

Welcome new readers, to the Mudville Gazette, the weblog of a GI in Iraq. Hope you enjoy your visit. Be sure and stop by the main page (click logo above) if for no other reason then to see the New Years decorations the Mrs has added.

Few people in Iraq were in a celebratory mood this past weekend. Although there were some fireworks, for most that was "business as usual". However, Americans relying on legacy media sources probably have little idea of what "usual" is for the American military in Iraq. From unclassified CENTCOM news releases, here's a round up of activity over the Holiday weekend. As you might expect, the elections are the focus of our efforts. Much of the military operations conducted at this point are very specifically designed to enhance security by reducing the insurgent threat to the democratic process.

Before proceeding the reader might find this map useful.

Most of the violence in Iraq occurs in a handful of provinces. In the north, Nineveh Province, especially its capital Mosul, has seen more than its share of fighting in recent weeks, as many of the insurgents who escaped Fallujah headed that way. Others found their way to Babil Province south of Baghdad, while still more entered the crowds of Baghdad itself. Al Anbar Province, though largely uninhabited desert, includes Fallujah, of which the reader is no doubt familiar.

Mosul, capital of Nineveh Province, was the site of the recent chow hall bombing and the subsequent insurgent assault on a military outpost that left 25 attackers dead. The latest news from Mosul includes another story of citizens fed up with insurgents:

DOCTOR'S TIP LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO TERRORISTS

MOSUL, Iraq -- A tip from a concerned citizen prevented two terrorist cell members from carrying out further attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces Sunday.

A doctor with the Tal Afar Hospital informed Multi-National Forces of the two suspects after they came for treatment injuries and were provided initial care immediately.

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment responded and detained the two suspects. Multi-National Forces provided necessary medical care to the suspects and are now in custody.

The quick action of the doctor possibly saved lives of innocent Iraqi citizens.

And another attack on a police station repelled:

ATTACK ON POLICE STATION RESULTS IN DEFEAT FOR INSURGENTS

MOSUL, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station in southeast Mosul on Jan. 1. Also, Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), detained 14 people for anti-Iraqi activities during operations Saturday in northern Iraq.

An Iraqi police station in southeast Mosul came under attack by multiple rocket propelled grenade fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack. This is the fifth attack on the station this week. Each attack has resulted in defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the twelfth time since Nov. 10 that insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations here. Since Nov. 10, no police stations here have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, conducted a cordon and search in Tal Afar and detained eight people suspected of planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, conducted a cordon and search near the village of Ad Dinij and detained four people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, conducted a cordon and search in Nadeech village and detained two people suspected of planning and conducting attacks against MNF. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.

As the insurgency suffers a string of defeats, the US Military responds by pouring it on:

ELEMENTS OF 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION ARRIVE IN MOSUL

MOSUL, Iraq -- Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Mosul on Jan. 1 in an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the Jan. 30 elections.

The 82nd will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.

The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide added security during the elections.

ELEMENTS OF THE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION ARRIVE IN MOSUL

MOSUL, Iraq -- Additional elements of the 25th Infantry Division arrived in Mosul today to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.

The 25th Infantry Division will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.

The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide additional security during the elections.

These units will ultimately replace those currently assigned there. The US media sells the overlap period as an "increase in number of troops in country for the elections" and often further infers this as evidence that there aren't enough "boots on the ground" to get the job done.

In Baghdad and Babil Province, a week-long effort to pave the way for free elections in Iraq continues, as Task Force Baghdad takes the streets. “This area is one of the last places near Baghdad that the insurgent feels he can operate from,” said Lt. Col. James Hutton, chief spokesman for 1st Cavalry Division and Task Force Baghdad.

“He must know that we watch him from the sky, listen to him communicate, track him on the ground, and exercise combat power upon him” Hutton said. “The insurgent can’t sleep soundly, can’t move about freely, and can’t congregate without the knowledge that he may be killed or captured at any moment.”

Operations over the New Year's weekend include:

1ST CAV DIV BEGINS OPERATIONS; TEAMS WITH MARINES SOUTH OF BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Soldiers and Marines of Task Force Baghdad began offensive combat and civil-military operations in Southern Baghdad and North Babil this week, aimed at rooting out insurgents.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment launched Operation Triple Play, detaining nine insurgents and killing another as he was emplacing an improvised explosive device.

The current operation, involving units from the 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iraqi Security Forces, is building on the momentum of successful operations in Fallujah.

The operation focuses on eliminating the use of the area by insurgent forces.

“This area is one of the last places near Baghdad that the insurgent feels he can operate from,” said Lt. Col. James Hutton, chief spokesman for 1st Cavalry Division and Task Force Baghdad.

“He must know that we watch him from the sky, listen to him communicate, track him on the ground, and exercise combat power upon him” Hutton said. “The insurgent can’t sleep soundly, can’t move about freely, and can’t congregate without the knowledge that he may be killed or captured at any moment.”

Operations will incorporate intelligence-based, targeted combat operations as well as extensive use of civil-military operations.

“Our operations will further deny the insurgents ability to mass, establish logistics bases, and execute complex operations,” said Lt. Col. Matt Kaufman, executive officer, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

In addition, Kaufman, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, said, “By all accounts, the residents here are happy to see us. The people here are tired of the insurgents and their threats. They want the insurgents out, they want peace.”

The North Babil region is an area that has been used by insurgents as a haven. This operation will help ensure that no safe harbor exists anywhere in the area for the insurgents to gather, establish logistics, and use as a platform for terrorist operations.

Key to the mission is the inclusion of civil-military public-works projects.

“We want to create a stable and secure environment as the Iraqi people approach the national elections,” said Hutton. “Simultaneous with combat operations, we will begin much-needed work on essential services. The insurgents have deprived the area from prospering through intimidation. The insurgents will be stopped.”

SOLDIERS DETAIN 13 SUSPECTED INSURGENTS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Thirteen suspected insurgents were detained by Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, during a late-night raid Jan. 1.

Three of the men were wanted by Multi-National Forces Iraq for attacks on the city’s Highway 5. They were picked up at home in Baghdad’s Al Rashid District.

Besides detaining the 13 men, the Soldiers found two AK-47 rifles, one 9mm pistol, 75 rounds of 9mm ammunition, detonation cord and material to build improvised explosive devices.

Officials with 1-8 Cav. said the detonation cord found matches cord found at the sites of previous IED attacks in the area. Several of the weapons also tested positive for recent firing, officials said.

To the west, in Al Anbar Province, the rebuilding of Fallujah enters its early stages. Media coverage of these events focuses on the devastation. Rarely mentioned in stories of other areas is the effort to ensure no repeats, that no other city is allowed to become a terrorist stronghold.

FALLUJAH UPDATE

FALLUJAH, Iraq – More than 5,000 civilians entered the city Thursday, Dec 30 under the supervision of Iraqi and U.S. forces while another district was opened for returning residents by the interim Iraqi government.

The Jolan district is the fourth district to open within a week by the interim Iraqi government, who is directing the district-by-district resettlement plan that will ultimately open up a total of 18 districts for returning Fallujans.

Although more than 16,000 civilians have gone through the entry control points over the past week, the total number of Fallujans who decide to stay, is undetermined because Iraqi and U.S. forces do not count civilians who leave the city on a daily basis.

The humanitarian assistance sites have distributed almost 15,000 meals and units of water over the course of the week.

Meanwhile, reconstruction efforts continue in the city. Fallujah Sewer Department workers continue to operate pump stations that support the drainage system throughout the city. On Thursday, debris removal contractors employed 14 front-end loaders, 46 dump trucks and 188 laborers.

Coordination between the military and the Fallujah Water Department resulted in a plan to return water to the Al Andalus and Jolan districts. Water Department employees, supported by Iraqi contractors, continue repairing water main breaks in the vicinity of the Jolan water tower. Additionally, the Fallujah Electrical Department is addressing the restoration of electricity to water treatment plants and drainage pump stations.

Elsewhere in Al Anbar Province:

31ST MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT SEIZES WEAPONS CACHE IN SA'DAH

CAMP RIPPER, Iraq — Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit seized three weapons caches during sweeping operations Thursday, Dec. 30 in southern Sa’dah.

The Marines used intelligence from a previous weapons seizure to conduct cordon and sweep operations that resulted in the uncovering of 150 120mm mortar rounds and numerous small arms.

Meanwhile, one insurgent was killed while attempting to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at Marines manning an observation post near Husaybah. There were no US casualties.

The 31st MEU continues to enhance security and stability in the Al Anbar Province in advance of the upcoming Iraqi elections.

RAID NETS DETAINEES; SOLDIERS OF THE 1ST MARDIV KEEP INSURGENTS OFF BALANCE

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force detained 63 individuals during the course of several raids Jan. 1 in the vicinity of Khalidiyah.

The Soldiers also confiscated a safe containing 1 million Dinar and US$700. Insurgent propaganda, that included pamphlets soliciting local business owners and detailing their responsibilities for cooperating with the insurgency, was also discovered.

The Marines, Soldiers and Sailors of the 1st Marine Division continue to enhance security and stability in the Al Anbar Province for the Iraqi people in advance of the upcoming elections.

The number of rocket and mortar attacks on some US bases in Iraq has resulted in their gaining the GI nickname "Mortaritaville". Balad is one location to earn that unwanted distinction, but numbers are down, and the tide is turning:

ONE DETAINED FOLLOWING ROCKET ATTACK ON MNF-I BASE NEAR BALAD

TIKRIT, IRAQ – One anti-Iraqi force suspect is in custody following a rocket attack on a Multi-National base near Balad at about 5:56 p.m. on January 2. The individual was detained during a search of a house near the point where the rocket fire originated. The suspect was taken to a Multi-National Force detention facility for explosives residue testing.

Elsewhere in Iraq, the news is grim for enemies of freedom:

IRAQI POLICE GRADUATE 1,938 SPECIALIZED POLICE

NUMANIYAH, Iraq - The Iraqi Police graduated 1,938 specialized police officers; 1,190 Public Order Police and 748 Mechanized Police officers Dec. 30. The officers completed intensive five week training programs conducted at the Civil Intervention Force Academy.

The Iraqi Minister of Interior has turned to the Public Order Police to act as a bridging force in cities where the police force has not yet been established or will be reconstituted due to insurgency activity. They provide a critical security presence, maintaining law and order, to ensure the safety and security of the local populace.

The 8th Mechanized Police Brigade is a paramilitary police force designed to battle insurgents and assist local law enforcement officials dealing with serious insurgent threats or major criminal activity. The unit is equipped with “BTRs,” wheeled armored vehicles with fire power capable of full-combat operations.

“These units require more training and more advanced equipment. However, once deployed to areas of unrest, they will be effective because of their training, motivation and morale, and dedication to their country,” says Col. Lawrence Pippins, program manager, counterterrorism special operations, for the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team.

Officers attending the courses came from areas throughout Iraq and will be deployed to their respective assignments following graduation. More than 1,000 officers who previously completed the course have been outfitted, equipped and deployed in support of security operations.

Bear in mind the above events are only those occurring over the past long weekend, and in fact are just a sample of coalition successes during that time. Here are the daily summaries of activities:

DAILY OPERATIONS SUMMARY FOR DECEMBER 30, 2004

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Thursday, Dec 30, Multi-National Force - Iraq forces discovered and cleared 11 improvised explosive devices, discovered and cleared six weapons caches, conducted six cordons and searches of suspected anti-Iraqi Forces facilities, conducted two raids on suspected anti-Iraqi Forces facilities and detained 49 suspected AIF

In areas north of Baghdad, Multi-national forces conducted a cordon and search resulting in the capture of five suspected anti-Iraqi forces and a small weapons cache.

Multi-national forces operating west of Baghdad discovered three weapons caches in the town of Karabilah. Acting on information received from various sources, homes where alleged insurgent activity was taking place were searched. There were more than 150 mortar rounds among the weapons recovered in the cache.

In Baghdad, Multi-national and Iraqi forces continued joint patrolling operations where they detained 13 anti-Iraqi Forces personnel and confiscated several fire arms during five cordon and search operations.

In Al Mashru, south of Baghdad, Multi-national forces conducted a cordon and search operation which led to the discovery of a weapons cache containing nearly 40 AK-47 rifles and nearly 500 AK-47 rounds. Four individuals suspected of participating in insurgent operations were detained in the operation.

In partnership with the Iraqi government, the Multi-National Force – Iraq conducts full spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. The Force also organizes, trains and equips Iraqi security forces to create a security environment that allows all Iraqi people to live in peace.

DAILY OPERATIONS SUMMARY FOR DECEMBER 31, 2004

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Friday, Dec 31, Multi-National Force - Iraq forces discovered and cleared four improvised explosive devices, discovered and cleared five weapons caches, conducted three cordons and searches of suspected Anti-Iraqi Forces facilities, conducted six raids on suspected Anti-Iraqi Forces facilities and detained 122 suspected AIF fighters.

In the town of Ash Shura, Mulit-national forces conducted a cordon and search of a suspected terrorist cell area where they captured 13 Anti-Iraqi Force personnel.

North of Baghdad, soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division detained 49 Anti-Iraqi Force personnel during cordon and search operations. Multi-national forces operating near Balad detained one suspected insurgent and confiscated a small weapons cache. Two Iraqi civilians were killed near Bayji when a suicide vehicle borne IED exploded near their vehicle. A Multi-national force patrol operating near Samarra was attacked by Anti-Iraqi Forces. The patrol sustained no casualties and captured 16 insurgents.

Multi-national forces operating west of Baghdad conducted searches in Northern Ramadi detaining three Anti-Iraqi Forces while additional searches near Husaybah netted 17 suspected Anti-Iraqi Forces. Two weapons caches were also discovered by Multi-national forces in Fallujah.

Multi-national forces conducted numerous operations in Baghdad, capturing 6 suspected Anti-Iraqi Force personnel and confiscating numerous small-arms weapons and ammunition.

In partnership with the Iraqi government, the Multi-National Force – Iraq conducts full spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. The Force also organizes, trains and equips Iraqi security forces to create a security environment that allows all Iraqi people to live in peace.

DAILY OPERATIONS SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 1, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saturday, Jan 1, Multi-National Force - Iraq Forces discovered and cleared 17 improvised explosive devices, discovered and cleared eight weapons caches, conducted 12 cordons and searches of suspected anti-Iraqi Forces facilities, conducted three raids on suspected anti-Iraqi Forces facilities and detained 116 suspected AIF

As elements of the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Mosul to provide enhanced security and stability for the upcoming January 30th elections, Multi-National Forces conducted several cordon and search operations in Mosul Friday, Dec 31 netting eight detainees and the discovery of a large weapons cache. The cache contained more than 300 mortar rounds, 30 AK-47 rifles and other weapons.

Multi-National Forces operating in Mosul were called to a Christian church where an improvised explosive devise was discovered. A United States Army explosive ordinance disposal team was called in and safely diffused the explosive devise.

Multi-National Forces conducted a successful raid in Khalidiyah, west of Baghdad, where 63 suspected anti-Iraqi force personnel were detained. A weapons cache consisting of more than 25 rockets, several mortars and other small-arms weapons were discovered near the Abu Ghraib prison. A cordon and search operation led to the detention of 4 suspected anti-Iraqi force personnel.

Multi-National Forces in Ad Duluiyah conducted three cordon and search operations yielding five detainees and two small weapons caches. Multi-National Forces also detained one suspected insurgent in Balad.

In Baghdad, a raid was conducted netting the capture of two suspected anti-Iraqi forces personnel. Multi-National Forces operating in the city encountered an improvised explosive devise during a patrol. The devise was disarmed safely and the person suspected of employing the IED was apprehended.

DAILY OPERATIONS SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 2, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq-- Sunday, Jan. 2, Multi-National Force - Iraq forces discovered and cleared six improvised explosive devices, discovered and cleared 16 weapons caches, conducted five cordons and searches of suspected anti-Iraqi forces facilities, conducted four raids on suspected anti-Iraqi forces facilities and detained 117 suspected AIF

Marines operating in Fallujah were notified by a civilian of an improvised explosive device hidden in a city street by insurgent forces. An explosive ordinance disposal team was called in and the device was safely diffused. Multi-National Forces conducting search and cordon operations west of Baghdad detained 27 suspected anti-Iraqi force personnel. Cordon and search operations near Abu Ghurayb led to the discovery of three weapons caches while cordon and search operation is Fallujah netted two weapons caches. Multi-National Forces conducting clearing operations in Husaybah captured seven suspected anti-Iraqi force personnel and confiscated a small weapons cache.

Cordon and search operations in and around the Baghdad area yielded seven detainees and the discovery of two small weapons caches. Two cordon and search operations near Mosul netted six detainees. First Infantry Division soldiers operating in Hawija detained nine while Multi-National Forces in Duluiyah discovered a small weapons cache while on a routine patrol.

In partnership with the Iraqi government, the Multi-National Forces conduct full spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. The Force also organizes, trains and equips Iraqi security forces to create a security environment that allows all Iraqi people to live in peace.

Media Coverage

The American media stories on Iraq are noting the upcoming elections too. But while military efforts are aimed at improving security for the process the motives of reporters seem less clear. While none of the above stories "made the news", supporters of the Iraqi insurgency can take heart; the American media has not given up on telling their side of the story. For even while Tsunami news rightfully dominates the headlines, the "front page" of most on-line news sites still made space for one Iraq story.
A brief survey of those stories the legacy media chose to highlight today:

The LA Times:

Militants' Campaign Twists Logistics Of Iraq Election

The parties have registered, the alliances have formed and the calls for a delay have mostly died down. With the first frantic stage of Iraq's landmark electoral saga past, planners face the nuts and bolts of holding a credible vote in four weeks' time.

The story mentions several acts of violence perpetrated over the past several weeks against parties and individuals related to the elections.

The Washington Post:

7 Killed, 39 Injured in Baghdad Car Bombings BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Two car bombs, one near the prime minister's party headquarters in Baghdad, killed seven Iraqis not including the drivers and wounded 39 others on Monday as insurgents pressed their deadly campaign to disrupt national elections. Most of the victims were security troops.

CNN reports on the same attack, but their story also contains news from Mosul:

In the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, Kahsro Goran, deputy governor of Nineveh province, said that the city's electoral commission has resigned, the third resignation in two months.

"We have to have elections, but the security situation is deteriorating," Goran said. "So there will not be real and fair participation."

Goran said the election outlook for his region had "significant problems."

Particularly problematic, Goran said, is the lack of a police force in Mosul. Of the city's original 14,000 officers, he said, the number has fallen to 600 active policemen.

Amazing they've repelled so many recent assaults - a fact that didn't make it into the story.

The NY Times rounds up a weeks worth of news from Iraq under the headline Rebels Press Their Campaign to Disrupt Iraqi Election

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 2 - Insurgents pressed their unrelenting campaign to demolish the fledgling Iraqi security forces on Sunday, killing 18 members of the Iraqi National Guard and a civilian with a suicide car bomb north of Baghdad, the United States Army said, and killing several police officers and local officials in other attacks around the country.

[The Associated Press reported on another blast in Baghdad Monday morning. A suicide car bomb that detonated near Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's party headquarters Monday, killing 2 police officers and injuring 14 other Iraqis.

<...>

A four-wheel-drive vehicle crammed with explosives blew up next to a bus full of national guard officers in Balad, the police said. In addition to the 19 people killed, six guardsmen were wounded.

The bombing came a day after the Iraqi affiliate of Al Qaeda, led by the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, released a video showing five guardsmen being executed. In a statement, the insurgents promised to "slaughter, slaughter, slaughter" Iraqis who served in the national guard or the police force.

Several other attacks on security forces and officials were reported Sunday by domestic and foreign news agencies, mostly based on police reports. Neither the interim Iraqi government nor the American military issues a complete accounting of each day's violence.

In Samarra, also in the Sunni heartland north of Baghdad, three police officers were shot dead while on patrol, according to news reports, while a national guard officer was killed in Kirkuk. A deputy governor of Diyala Province, in the same north-central region, was killed.

In Basra, in far southeastern Iraq, three police officers were shot to death in the center of the city, local hospital officials said.

An American soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad on Saturday, the Army said. Two other soldiers were reported wounded in Baghdad on Sunday in a suicide attack by a car bomber.

Six days earlier in Baghdad, a suicide car bomber attacked the headquarters of the leading Shiite religious party, killing nine people at the front gate. On Sunday, speaking in those same offices, leaders of the United Iraqi Alliance, a Shiite-dominated political coalition, urged disaffected Sunnis to join in the elections.

Notice that although they had to move back almost a week to find enough bad news to fill their story there's no mention of any of the successes presented above. Guess that's all the news that fit.