Coalition Forces Continue to Hammer Away While Bin Laden Airs Frustration

During operations in the last week, several insurgents have been arrested in sweeping missions further crippling the insurgency. Usama Bin Laden has issued his disgust for the poor performance that Iraqi insurgents are giving but it also can be seen as a media ploy, which they are famous for doing.

A massive cache of homemade explosives was discovered by Coalition Forces in the Sala ad Din Province, which was the largest find in 15 months. The cache was discovered by a CF helicopter and it massed to a total of 41,000 pounds worth of explosives. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team destroyed the cache, which resulted in a crater measuring 100 feet wide, 100 feet long and 30 feet deep.

"A discovery of this magnitude deals a crippling blow to the enemy," said Col. Bryan Owens, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. "We will continue to do what is necessary to take weapons from the enemy and provide peace for the Iraqi people."

Two operations in Mosul resulted in the arrest of two leaders for Jaysh Muhammad and a suspected terrorist. One of the individuals was believed to be an emir who is suspected of being responsible for carrying out vehicle-borne IED attacks and was captured by Iraqi Security Forces. The other individual was a cell leader who is suspected of smuggling money, weapons, equipment and providing communications to terrorist cells.

Soldiers from the Baker Company of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment conducted morning raids that targeted insurgents from al-Qaeda in Iraq. Upon entering the targeted house, one of the high-value suspects appeared to be surrendering but instead shot a soldier. This individual ended up being killed by an exchange of gunfire. A second high-value target was arrested without incident that was suspected of being an IED and sniper cell leader and has been tormenting citizens from Doura.