ANBAR PASSAGE - U.S. Marines ensure the area is clear of threats during a cache search in western Anbar province, May 1, 2008. The Marines have found several caches around the area, including one with more than six 120 mm rounds. The Marines are assigned to Company C, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5.U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Tomlinson

Labels: 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, photos, Regimental Combat Team 5, USMC

From FOX News:

Thursday, May 8, 2008

A joint Iraqi-American raid in the northern city of Mosul has resulted in the arrest of the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, a spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense told FOX News on Thursday, but U.S. officials aren't convinced yet of the suspect's identity.

DNA tests are being conducted to confirm the man captured is Abu Ayyub al-Masri. U.S. officials are cautious because al-Masri is an elusive figure and previous reports of his death or capture all turned out to be false.

One U.S. source tells FOX News that the intelligence community is "extremely skeptical" that al-Masri has been arrested.

If al-Masri's identity is confirmed, however, the arrest would be a significant blow to Al Qaeda in Iraq, not so much because of the disruption to its leadership but because of the information he may be able to provide.

Read the Rest

Labels: Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Al Qaeda, Good News, Iraq, Mosul, terrorists

USS ESSEX AT THE READY - The USS Essex, anchored in the Gulf of Thailand, May 8, 2008, stands ready to assist the the people of Burma, where a cyclone and tidal wave struck the nation, killing thousands of people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. The Navy is dispatching helicopters from the ship to a staging area in Thailand, where they will be able to reach Burma with relief supplies within hours. Essex is equipped with 23 helicopters and five amphibious landing craft, and carries 1,800 Marines. U.S. Navy photograph by Seaman Kari R. Bergman
Story - More Photos

Labels: Humanitarian Aid, Myanmar Cyclone, photos, ships, US Navy, USS Essex

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