Acute Politics is back, after some long missions and another communication blackout.
The news is all abuzz with reports of killed and captured soldiers near Mahmudiyah. To be more precise, the attack occurred between Mahmudiyah and Amiriya. The area is mostly open desert, and the Sunni insurgency is strong there. Bill Roggio has written previously about the fight in the region, and my platoon recently conducted a long mission northwest of Amiriya.
The DOD press release on the attack reports 7 soldiers and an Iraqi Army interpreter were in a "static overwatch position" overnight, that they were "attacked by an IED" and an apparently unknown number of insurgents. Of the eight, five were killed at the scene, either in the engagement or shortly afterwards, while three were apparently captured and are listed as "duty status unknown".
A nearby coalition unit reported hearing an explosion at 0444, and attempted to make comms with the overwatching unit. They were unable to do so, and a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was dispatched to investigate. A Quick Reaction Force was sent to the scene when the UAV found two vehicles burning. QRF arrived at 0540 to find five dead and the other three missing.
No insurgent group has publicly claimed responsibility, and coalition forces are already scouring the area for the missing soldiers. The tribes of SAI (Sahawah al-Iraq, or "Iraqi Awakening"- formerly Anbar Awakening) have agreed to help in the search. If we find our missing boys, it will be a testament to the growing success in al-Anbar. The tribes have a native intel ability within their population that we simply cannot match. I hope it will help us bring them home.
In the meantime, my sympathies and prayers go out to the families- seven American, and one Iraqi. I'm sorry for your loss.
25 comments:
I'm glad you are back.
My heart goes out to the lost soldiers families.
I can't imagine the worry the families are going through. I'm hoping for the safe return of those missing.
My prayers are with them and their families on this Mother's Day for their safe keeping and speedy return home. May the God of all Comfort comfort them. (II Cor 1).
It's a cold, uncertain feeling that I remember. My brother was held 5 months by the North Vietnamese in '72-73.
God grant them courage and the ability to continue serving with honor in capativity.
Godspeed,
dw
Prayers ongoing - with faith and love ^j^
Best wishes and hopes for the Soldiers...
I was worried it might have been one of the Badger-boys...
Stay safe, and when you all find the SOB's that took 'em and killed the other 5, give 'em a kick in the head for me...
Something tells me you're already more than one year older. Love you. Stay safe.
"Happy Birthday" can I say that on here?If so happy birthday.
Love Isaac
I am praying for the missing soldiers and the families of all concerned in this time of loss and fear. I share the hope that somehow, someway the missing will be found safe and in hiding somewhere. If not, I ask God to give them strenght and courage beyond all understanding and their families comfort and peace beyond our human comprehension.
My prayers go out today for your missing comrades. Stay safe TD.
I hope the captured soldiers are rescued soon and that they find the strength to endure their ordeal.
TD-
Update below in case the news is not out in your area:
"An al-Qaida front group announced Sunday it had captured American soldiers in a deadly attack the day before, as thousands of U.S. troops searched insurgent areas south of Baghdad for their three missing comrades."
Here's hoping for a miracle.
This sort of thing puts me into prayer overdrive. It's so horrifying. God love you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the men and women over there. I am also praying for the safe return of of the missing soldiers.
So glad to have you back TD. I am praying that Our Men will be rescued. I am praying for the families of those who perished. Did I mention I was glad to hear your voice again?
gosh td i was so scared it was a badger when i heard about it. thanks for the news. be safe my friend...
smiles, bee
Trackbacked by The Thunder Run - Web Reconnaissance for 05/14/2007
A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.
Also glad you're back. I hope the men are found.
ah, there you are... I was worried for you. (hugs)
My heart is broken over the news of what happened to our soldiers.... they are in my prayers.
Glad you are safe and I will be praying for the men and their families.
Very glad to see you are back. You were missed... My heart is hurting for those that are missing. My prayers go out to them and to all searching for them. Please stay safe and God Bless.
Did someone say it was your B-day? Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
It's good to see you back and posting. I hope for a quick resolution for the missing soldiers, as well a the demise of the terrorists and their cohorts.
WM
CENTCOM reports the men are from 10th M.D., from upstate Fort Drum.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
Eye's open and stay safe TD.
Glad to see your post, but not the contents for sure. Godspeed to our fallen, and our prayers are with our missing. Take care, and God bless.
They are saying they found a body- whipped and shot and they think it is an American solider. There families, friends, fellow soliders, I have been thinking of you all week. I am so sorry.
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