And yet another story you won't see in the MSM...

From here:

Iraqi elections certified; security forces avert violence

MNF-Iraq.com

February 10, 2006

The Iraqi political process passed another milestone with the announcement of election certification today, while Iraqi Security Forces continue to take the lead in ensuring safety and strengthening Iraqi rule of law throughout the country by interdicting terrorist and insurgent threats.

The United States Ambassador to Iraq , Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, said the members of the first Iraqi Council of Representatives will soon take their seats following the announcement of certified election results Feb. 10. Selection of a new Iraqi president and deputy presidents is the next step under Iraq 's new constitution

“We hope that this will be a government based on national unity, formed without regard to sectarianism, committed to peace and with capable ministers who place loyalty to Iraq above that of loyalty to faction, “ said Ambassador Khalilzad . “We call upon all Iraqis to work together toward this noble goal of a democratic Iraq with peace, freedom and equality for all its citizens. The U.S. is proud of the role we have played in helping Iraqis achieve this success.”

Ambassador Khalilzad added the national unity government will need to implement a program that brings all Iraqis together, builds a happy future for the people of Iraq and gets Iraq to stand on its own feet.

In the fight against terrorists and insurgents, Iraqi Security Forces have been leading operations this week to disrupt violence .

Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces Soldiers discovered three separate roadside bombs without incident Feb. 8 and 9.

Iraqi Army soldiers from 8th Iraqi Army Division, along with Soldiers from 4th Infantry Division, based in Baghdad, found the first roadside bomb near an eastern suburb of the city. The bomb consisted of four mortar rounds, one artillery round and three rockets.

The second roadside bomb of similar composition was discovered in the same area.

An Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal team dismantled both roadside bombs and transported them a local Iraqi police station for detonation.

8th Iraqi Army Div Soldiers discovered a third roadside bomb in Jurf-El Saker.

This bomb was made up of five artillery rounds, two fuel cans, a nine-volt battery and blasting caps. A U.S. EOD team detonated the bomb on site.

Elsewhere, two terrorists were killed and 12 others captured in a failed attack against an Iraqi patrol north of Baqubah Feb. 8. The terrorist detonated an IED as Iraqi troops, supported by 4th Infantry Division Soldiers, passed and then attacked with automatic weapons. The Iraqi Soldiers held the attackers at bay until a patrol from the U.S. unit arrived to assist them in killing two of the gunmen. Three Iraqi Soldiers were wounded in the fight and taken to a local hospital.

Soldiers from the 4th Iraqi Army Division conducted a raid through Safra village Feb. 8 with support from the U.S. 101st Airborne Division.

The Iraqi Army soldiers searched more than 45 structures while U.S. Soldiers provided outer cordon security and served as tactical advisors throughout the operation. It was a combined effort to detain possible insurgents and disrupt terrorists and insurgent activity. The Iraqi Soldiers detained a suspected terrorist known to be linked to the bombings of the oil pipeline, and talked to the village Muktar (religious leader) regarding further questioning for wanted possible insurgents.

“This operation was Iraqi Army planned, Iraqi Army lead, and is definitely the direction [in which] they need to be [going],” commented Capt. Paul Witkowski, commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment.

“Missions like this allow them to get more experience, and more comfortable with what to do placing us in a more over-watching and assistance role,” Witkowski said. “That's where we want to be.” (emphases mine)

The steady evolution of Iraqi units, combined with the well-honed skills of coalition forces is making life difficult for terrorists in northern Iraq. Local citizens continue to gain confidence in their security forces and are providing more information, creating a combination of growing lethality to the terrorists' ability to wage war against the Iraqi population.

Why is it that we don't hear these stories? Just what does the MSM stand to gain by censoring this important information? I guess I'll never understand.

(Filed under the fifth column, Iraq, heroes)