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| Iraq |
| Coalition Forces Kill 30 Special Groups Cell Terrorists, detain 12 |
| 2007-08-09 |
| Iraqi and Coalition Forces killed 30 Special Groups Cell terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday in Sadr City. The individuals detained and the terrorists killed during the raid are believed to be members of a cell of a Special Groups terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq into Iran for terrorist training. As Iraqi and Coalition Forces approached the objective location, they observed two armed men in tactical fighting positions assessed to be early warning operatives for the individual targeted in the operation. Responding appropriately to the immediate threat, ground forces engaged the two armed men, killing them. While in the objective area, ground forces raided a concentration of buildings and detained 12 suspected Special Groups Cell terrorists. Ground forces received sporadic small arms fire throughout the course of the operation. During the course of the operation, the assault force and the overhead aerial support observed a vehicle and large group of armed men on foot attempting an assault on the ground forces. Responding appropriately to the threat of the organized terrorist force, close air support was called and engaged the terrorist vehicle and organized terrorist force, killing an estimated 30 terrorists. Building upon a series of coordinated operations efforts that began with the raid in al Amarah in June, Coalition Forces continue to attack the supply chain of illicit materials being shipped from Iran. Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual in last night's raid acts as a proxy between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and the Iraqi EFP network. Reports also indicate that he assists with the facilitation of weapons and EFP shipments into Iraq as well as the transfer of militant extremists to Iran for training. "Coalition Forces continue to gain momentum against the illicit movement of lethal materials from Iran. Iranian-supported militia extremists and terrorists are seeking to destroy the future of Iraq and we'll continue to capture or kill them and dismantle their organizations," aid Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #5 I've been using the term "Friends of Persia". |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2007-08-09 13:02 |
| #4 Me too, NS. In fact, this exact story (30-something killed and 12 detained) was link'd yesterday and today several times. I personally think it's Halliburton-induced propoganda by Mr. Pruitt to justify invading Iran (/sarcasm). |
| Posted by: BA 2007-08-09 10:57 |
| #3 I find the frequency of the use of the word Iran by U. S. military officials to be very interesting. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2007-08-09 09:52 |
| #2 Okay, we really need a better name for Special Groups Cell . How about al Qudslink ? |
| Posted by: wxjames 2007-08-09 09:37 |
| #1 I find it interesting that I can tell the source of the story from just the syntax and vocabulary - in this case very precise, with few 'value' terms. I didn't even have to look to know this was a military press release or equivalent. AP & NYT are just as distinctive, with all their 'allegeds' and eupehmisms and negativity. It's curious that the mnf articles pretty closely follow the classic journalism template (who, what when, where etc.) while the so-called mainstream media is overwhelmingly editorial in its news reporting. For instance, the phrase 'Responding appropriately' is the only thing in this article that contains any editorial slant. Compare that with this morning's AP summary. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2007-08-09 09:01 |