Iraqi Sacrifices Life To Save American Soldiers
An Iraqi man saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers when he intercepted a suicide bomber during a Concerned Citizens meeting in the town of al-Arafia Aug. 18.
The incident occurred while Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were talking with members of the al-Arafia Concerned Citizens, a volunteer community group, at a member’s house.
“I was about 12 feet away when the bomber came around the corner,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Kane, of Los Altos, Calif., acting platoon sergeant of Troop B, 3-1 Cav. “…he jumped in front of us and intercepted the bomber as he ran toward us. As he pushed him away, the bomb went off.”
The citizen’s actions saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians.
Kane felt the loss personally because he had met and interacted with his rescuer many times before the incident.
“He was high-spirited and really believed what the group (Concerned Citizens) was doing,” Kane said. “I have no doubt the bomber was trying to kill American Soldiers. It was very calculated the way the bomber tried to do it. If he hadn’t intercepted him, there is no telling how bad it could have been.”
Kane believes the citizen is a hero.
“He could have run behind us or away from us, but he made the decision to sacrifice himself to protect everyone. Having talked with his father, I was told that even if he would have known the outcome before hand, he wouldn’t have acted differently.”
Capt. Brian Gilbert, of Boise, Idaho, the commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3-1 Cavalry, echoed Kane’s sentiment.
“I spoke with the father,” Gilbert said. “He said he has no remorse in his son’s death because he died saving American Soldiers.”
Later that night, the Concerned Citizens group contacted the local National Police director, Lt. Col. Samir, with the location of the al-Qaeda cell believed to be responsible for the attack. The National Police immediately conducted a raid that resulted in four arrests.
Despite the citizen’s death, Gilbert is encouraged by the cooperation between citizens and the Iraqi National Police.
“The effort of the Concerned Citizens group has made the area much safer,” he said. “They are proud of who they are and their area, and want to get rid of the terrorists in their area.”
Gilbert also praised the Iraqi National Police’s role in eliminating insurgents in the area.
“The cooperation between them and the Concerned Citizens has been key,” Gilbert said. “The NP has done a great job of responding to the tips they have been given by the group.”
Gilbert said he believes the area is improving because of the efforts of local citizens. The death, while unfortunate, demonstrated how close many in the area have become with the American Soldiers operating there.
“I consider many in the town friends, and I know they feel the same,” Gilbert said. “This is a tough situation, but we’ll move on and try to prevent things like this from happening again. I’ve talked with his family and told them how brave their son was. This is a huge loss for everyone involved.”
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
If you can't handle using your real email address, don't bother posting a comment.
“I spoke with the father,” Gilbert said. “He said he has no remorse in his son’s death because he died saving American Soldiers
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:50 amMe: Wow! if this story doesnt bring you hope I dont know what will. The people of Iraq are genuinely trusting us and helping us now. At the end of all of this hell we could achieve total victory against AQI and Iranian interference and gain a strong life long ally in the Iraqi people..what an amazing story
I wonder when nbc will interview the family?
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:50 amSteve NBC will never interview this family because it will only show that Harry, Hillary, Barak, Teddy, Biden and the rest of the D’rats are not only wrong, but stupid!!
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:02 amAmazing story, bet you will never see it in the msm though. It would only further hinder their righteous path towards defeat, bestowed upon them by godlessness.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:04 amThe path of the righteous man is beset on all sides
By the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men.
Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will,
Shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness,
For he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children.
God’s Peace and Blessings be with you and yours my brother. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. The message you send through this heroic deed will be heard around the world today by all who have the ears to hear it.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:15 amMaybe the families of the U.S. soldiers that were saved could force this story into the msm somehow.
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:05 pmSelfless human heroism.
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pmHow awful for his family,I hope they are being protected-his story is being heard on places like this, because the MSM will not show it. I wish I could say thanks and I’m sorry to his family
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:30 pmMakes those punks in the previous video look like the shit that they are. Goes to show that not all Muslims are creeps.
This is the kind of patriot that Iraq needs more of.
“Greater love hath no man than to give his life for a friend.”
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:49 pm