http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/mahdi/ en-us Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:11:40 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034836/posts After successful efforts to restore order in the Sadr City section of Baghdad, as well as Basra and Mosul, Iraqi security forces now are focused on conducting anti-insurgent operations in the southeastern city of Amarah, a senior U.S. military officer said in Baghdad today. Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll told reports during a Baghdad news conference that Iraq’s soldiers and police are doing “their job to make sure the citizens of this country are no longer intimidated by terrorists and extremist militias and their work is being followed by other areas of government.” On June 18, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri... DoD http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034836/posts#comment Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:11:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2034119/posts [...] Adnan Oktar -- the 52-year-old Turk behind the pseudonym Harun Yahya -- caught the attention of scientists and teachers in Europe and North America by mass-mailing them his 768-page "Atlas of Creation". His lavishly illustrated book preaches a Muslim version of creationism [...] Well-illustrated and free of theological jargon, they preach that Islam is the one true faith and Darwinism, by undermining religious belief, has led to the discord, atheism, terrorism and extreme political ideologies plaguing the world. [...] JESUS RETURNS AS A MUSLIM [...] Oktar says the "Atlas of Creation" campaign and Harun Yahya publishing empire are part... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2034119/posts#comment Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:27:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032393/posts What drives Ahmadinejad? Iranian president wants to set stage for appearance of Shiite messiahBy Jonathan Halevi and Ashley Perry Published: 06.17.08, 00:43 Shiite Iran is striving to attain the position of regional superpower en route to becoming a significant nuclear power on the international stage. Iran openly challenges the West in its attempt to eject the Americans and British from Iraq and attain hegemony in the Persian Gulf region, supported among other, by its military program, massively built up in recent years. The Iranian leadership talks of a “New Middle East” in response to the West, which would be an... YNET http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032393/posts#comment Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:09:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2019015/posts The Iraqi security forces have entered the northern regions of Sadr City on Tuesday. Dubbed Operation Salam, or Peace, thousands of Iraqi troops moved into the Mahdi Army stronghold just before dawn and took up positions at strategic points throughout Sadr City. "Operation Salam is going in accordance with well-planned and organized steps," Major General Qassem Atta told Voices of Iraq. Iraqi troops are tasked with securing the neighborhoods, arresting wanted individuals, and searching and seizing unlicensed weapons. The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2019015/posts#comment Wed, 21 May 2008 03:53:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017170/posts FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Special Groups criminals fired an 82 mm mortar at a Coalition force base that missed its target and landed near a market in the Karadah security district of Baghdad at 11:32 p.m. May 13. Approximately 30 minutes after the initial attack, the market near the impact of the criminal’s attack burned down. It is not known at this time if the incidents are related; however, Coalition force officials from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), are investigating an Iraqi National Police report attributing the cause of the fire to faulty electrical wiring... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017170/posts#comment Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2016586/posts WASHINGTON, May 15, 2008 – Iraqi and U.S. forces are making progress while performing counterinsurgency and reconstruction missions across Iraq, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said yesterday. Iraqi and coalition forces continue to make gains in establishing security and enforcing the rule of law in Baghdad, Mosul and Basra over the past week, Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. In Basra, Iraqi forces involved in an operation dubbed “Sawlat al Fursan,” or “Charge of the Knights,” are busily removing illegal weapons, fighting and arresting insurgents and... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2016586/posts#comment Thu, 15 May 2008 23:52:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012509/posts Clerics have told President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stick to more worldly issues after he was quoted as saying the "hidden imam" of Shiite Islam was directing Iran. Ahmadinejad has always been a devotee of the Mahdi, the twelfth imam of Shiite Islam, who Shiites believe disappeared more than a thousand years ago and who will return one day to usher in a new era of peace and harmony. But in a speech to theology students broadcast by state television on Monday, Ahmadinejad went further than ever before in emphasising his belief that the Mahdi is playing a critical role in... AFP/Breitbart http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012509/posts#comment Wed, 7 May 2008 16:02:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2015009/posts WASHINGTON, May 12, 2008 – U.S. military officials in Iraq expressed optimism yesterday that a truce being worked out between the Iraqi government and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s militia will help reduce violence in Baghdad’s Sadr City section. “We welcome an end to violence and putting an end to criminal activity, so we are obviously in support of the government of Iraq as they move forward in a dialog with elements of the Sadr Trend,” Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said at a news conference. But Driscoll emphasized that it’s premature to call the... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2015009/posts#comment Mon, 12 May 2008 23:48:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014571/posts Map of the disposition of Iraqi and US forces in and around Sadr City, and the progress on the barrier. The red portion has yet to be completed. Map courtesy of Multinational Forces Iraq. US and Iraqi forces continue to strike at the Mahdi Army in Baghdad despite the agreement reached between the Iraqi government and the Mahdi Army late Friday. Seventeen Mahdi Army fighters were killed in northeastern Baghdad over the past 24 hours. Nine of the Mahdi Army fighters killed were killed in Sadr City: four Mahdi fighters were killed by an air weapons team as they planted... Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014571/posts#comment Sun, 11 May 2008 23:11:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014460/posts BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers continue to deny criminals freedom of movement in and around the Adhamiyah and Sadr City districts of Baghdad May 10-11. At approximately 7:30 a.m. May 10, MND-B soldiers with Company D, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, returned precision fire and killed a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. At approximately 10:50 a.m., soldiers from Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Infantry Regiment, returned precision fire and killed a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. At approximately 4 p.m. May 10, soldiers from Company E, 1-68 CAB,... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014460/posts#comment Sun, 11 May 2008 18:06:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014435/posts WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 – A U.S. Hellfire missile killed an insurgent near the site of a roadside-bomb attack in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah district today, U.S. military officials said. A vehicle was destroyed while another insurgent fled the scene. “Our soldiers, along with the Iraqi security forces, continue to meet with the local populace to identify these criminal elements and eliminate the threat they pose,” said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a Multinational Division Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division spokesman. “We will continue to use precision fire to defend the Iraqi people and ourselves against these criminal elements.” In yesterday’s operations:... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014435/posts#comment Sun, 11 May 2008 16:23:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014070/posts BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad aerial weapons teams conducted operations against criminal elements in Baghdad May 10. Following an indirect-fire attack in central Baghdad, an MND-B AWT made positive identification of a rocket rail at the point of origin in the Sadr City district of Baghdad used to launch the attack. The AWT engaged a criminal element on site at approximately 6:40 a.m. with two Hellfire missiles. One criminal was killed, and the rocket rail and a shack were destroyed. Secondary explosions at the site also indicate that illegal weapons also were destroyed. At approximately 10 a.m., an AWT... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014070/posts#comment Sat, 10 May 2008 16:29:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013861/posts BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – BaghdadSoldiers killed eight criminals, who attacked Coalition force soldiers with rocketpropelled grenades and small-arms fire. ISF and MND-B Soldiers also seized four weapons caches during combat operations in Baghdad May 9 that continue to safeguard Iraqi citizens.At approximately 11:30 a.m., MND-B soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device and a 122 mm rocket off a tip from Iraqi National Police.At approximately 2 p.m., soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, killed three criminals who attacked their patrol with small-arms fire and RPGs.At approximately 2:20 p.m., soldiers from 1st Brigade... Multi-National Corps – Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013861/posts#comment Sat, 10 May 2008 02:17:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013310/posts WASHINGTON, May 8, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq today killed nine enemy fighters and detained 13 suspects during a series of operations across the country that targeted al-Qaida and its foreign-terrorist network, military officials said. -- In Baghdad, coalition detained a wanted man who allegedly is part of al-Qaida operations north of the city. Another suspect also was detained. -- Sixty miles west of Baghdad, coalition forces captured a wanted man linked to the movement of terrorists into Iraq. -- Coalition forces detained 10 more suspected terrorists during operations in northwestern Iraq. -- Coalition forces used Hellfire missiles to... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013310/posts#comment Thu, 8 May 2008 23:24:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012738/posts WASHINGTON, May 7, 2008 – The people of Sadr City are cooperating with Iraqi forces, but clearing the crowded portion of Baghdad is a painstaking procedure, an Iraqi government spokesman said in Baghdad today. Tahseen al-Sheikhly and Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a coalition spokesman, discussed ongoing operations in Sadr City during a news conference. “We see some places in Baghdad like Sadr City, suffers from the control of the criminal gangs and make those people suffer,” Sheikhly said through a translator. “The Iraqi government exerted a lot of effort to provide the needs for the people of Sadr City.”... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012738/posts#comment Wed, 7 May 2008 23:58:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012733/posts WASHINGTON, May 7, 2008 – Coalition forces killed a wanted terrorist and detained 23 suspects in two days of operations targeting terrorist cells around Iraq. Coalition forces targeted the wanted terrorist during an operation west of Balad, about 50 miles north of Baghdad. The man refused to comply with an interpreter's instructions and, perceiving hostile intent, coalition forces engaged and killed him. The terrorist was a leader in the al-Qaida in Iraq network in Salahuddin province, coalition officials said. Another wanted man, believed to be part of the same network, was detained with an additional suspect in a separate operation... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012733/posts#comment Wed, 7 May 2008 23:53:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012197/posts Soldiers from the 3/31/8 IA Div. and Co. B, 2-502nd Inf. Regt., wait to begin a raid of several houses in Jabella, Iraq, May 2. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Amanda McBride. FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — In an effort to clear out criminals in the area, Iraqi Army Soldiers raided several houses in the city of Jabella, Iraq, May 2. With support from Coalition forces, the raid resulted in the detainment of 29 suspected insurgents.Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 31st Brigade, 8th IA Division, led the early morning raid, with help from Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012197/posts#comment Tue, 6 May 2008 23:12:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011971/posts <p>Click to view slideshow of operations in the Rusafa district, Baghdad. Photos by Bill Ardolino.</p> <p>The US soldiers and Iraqi police living at Joint Security Station Al Qanat at the Northeastern edge of Baghdad’s Rusafa district have “a front row seat” to the fight taking place in Sadr City. As US and Iraqi Army forces clash with the Mahdi Army, hissing RPGs and small arms fire periodically crackle during the day and are punctuated by occasional orange explosions and red tracers streaking out of the Sadr City skyline at night. Two to four Apache attack helicopters constantly prowl the airspace over the battlefield, randomly popping flares as they search for targets. The characteristic whoosh and boom of a hellfire missile sounds when they find one. But although JSS al Qanat is only 200 meters from the Route Pluto, the main thoroughfare that marks the border to Sadr City, the fighting has not significantly spilled over into the northern part of the Rusafa District.</p> The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011971/posts#comment Tue, 6 May 2008 15:43:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011670/posts WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – An M1A2 Abrams tank crew fired a 120 mm round at two attackers on a rooftop, killing both, during fighting in northeastern Baghdad today, military officials reported. A nearby U.S. patrol had struck a roadside bomb, and two men on a nearby rooftop then engaged the Americans with small-arms fire. No U.S. soldiers were injured in the attack. “When attacked or when we observe an imminent attack, we will respond with appropriate force,” said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, Multinational Division Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division chief of staff. In yesterday’s operations in Iraq: -- U.S.... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011670/posts#comment Mon, 5 May 2008 23:24:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011173/posts WASHINGTON, May 4, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed and captured dozens of enemy fighters and terrorists during operatrions conducted throughout Iraq over the past three days. Coalition forces captured two suspected Iranian-trained insurgents early this morning in the Rashid district in Baghdad. Intelligence information led coalition forces to the location of an individual suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons. He is also suspected of providing information to other insurgent leaders that led to rocket attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces. The terrorist surrendered without incident. Coalition forces conducted a follow-on mission to capture another suspect. There, they detained an... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011173/posts#comment Sun, 4 May 2008 22:05:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011147/posts FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Coalition forces found a weapons cache of explosively-formed penetrators in the southern Baghdad community of Warij May 2. Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were on patrol in Warij and found four EFPs hidden in an office closet shelf of a factory. A brand new 107 mm rocket was also discovered. The EFPs were covered with foam and had wires leading from the back. Forty pounds of unknown bulk explosives, a rocket sled and blasting caps were also found. A guard at the factory was detained after... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2011147/posts#comment Sun, 4 May 2008 20:27:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010820/posts A member of the Iraqi national police creates an inventory of illegal weapons confiscated by Iraqi national police in the Sadr City District of Baghdad, Iraq, as he turns them over to members of the 42nd brigade, 11th Iraqi army division, at Combat Patrol Base Comanche on April 19. (US Air Force photo/Technical Sergean Adrian Cadiz) US and Iraqi forces continue to target the Mahdi Army as an Iraqi delegation visited Iran to confront the country over its support of Shia militias battling the government. The US military conducted a guided rocket attack on a Special Groups headquarters adjacent... The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010820/posts#comment Sat, 3 May 2008 21:28:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010731/posts 2nd Lieutenant Mike Hebert leads White Platoon of the Blackfoot Troop, 3-89 Cavalry on a presence patrol of a difficult neighborhood in southern Rusafa District, Baghdad. Photo by Bill Ardolino. BAGHDAD, IRAQ: The nighttime walk through a difficult neighborhood in Southern Rusafa was uneventful; a careful “presence patrol” designed to show local citizens American forces and gauge public opinion. The jumbled maze of brightly-lit ramshackle shops and pitch-black back alleys was one of the less secure parts of the district. Southern Rusafa is “a neighborhood with the most potential to become violent because of the JAM (Mahdi Army) special... The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010731/posts#comment Sat, 3 May 2008 16:46:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010655/posts The newspapers are predictably filled with articles about how 52 U.S. soldiers died in Iraq last month – the highest toll since September. Iraqi civilian casualties are also said to be at the highest level since August. These losses are being used to cast aspersions on claims of progress in Iraq. Even one death is too many and 52 deaths is tragedy multiplied 52-fold. But let's keep some perspective. As the icasualties.org website makes clear, for better or worse, April was still one of the lighter-casualty months during the long war in Iraq. More important, casualties cannot be looked at... wsj.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010655/posts#comment Sat, 3 May 2008 13:06:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010666/posts The recent offensive operations taken by the Iraqi government against the Mahdi Army (Jaish al-Mahdi - JAM) of Muqtada al-Sadr have received much analysis and commentary since the onset. Each of the ensuing analysis and commentary offerings have agreed that the Maliki government’s military actions and the Mahdi Army response are revelatory in nature. But that is where the agreement seems to end, as there appears a divergence regarding precisely what has been revealed: Who has operated and enjoys the position of strength, Maliki and the Iraqi government and military forces, or the Mahdi Army forces of Muqtada al-Sadr, which... Center for Threats Awareness http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2010666/posts#comment Sat, 3 May 2008 13:31:45 GMT