Deputy Secretary Visits Deployed Troops in Afghanistan

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2014 – Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work traveled to Afghanistan Nov. 27-28 to visit U.S. service members during the Thanksgiving holiday and thank them for their service, according to a DoD news release.

The Deputy Secretary made stops at several coalition operating locations, visiting ISAF, NATO and Afghan forces in Kabul, Kandahar, Gamberi and Jalalabad to commend them on their ongoing efforts and successes. At each location, Work met with service members and expressed Secretary Hagel's and his own appreciation for their service, and that of their families during this critical time, the release noted.

While in Afghanistan, Work met with numerous senior U.S. military commanders, including Army Gen. John Campbell, International Security Assistance Force commander. During several meetings, Work highlighted the progress made by Afghan National Security Forces, ISAF's ongoing transition to the NATO Resolute Support mission, and ongoing U.S. retrograde efforts, the release stated.

This visit to Afghanistan marks the third time Work has traveled to the country in an official capacity. This was his second trip as the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Nov. 24, in Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their vehicle with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner, 48, of Nanticoke, Maryland. He was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Garrison, Fort Drum, New York.

Spc. Joseph W. Riley, 27, of Grove City, Ohio. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

For more information on Turner, contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-772-8286, or at 315-523-4546.

For more information on Riley, contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office during duty hours at 910-432-0661, or after duty hours at 910-309-5561, 910-309-3827, or 910-587-0278.

Airstrikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 26, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today using bomber and fighter aircraft to conduct 10 airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.

Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq yesterday and today using attack, fighter and remotely-piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists, officials said.

Airstrikes in Syria

In Syria, 10 airstrikes near Kobani struck an ISIL fighting position, a large ISIL unit, two tactical ISIL units, and destroyed four ISIL staging areas and six ISIL fighting positions.

Airstrikes in Iraq

In Iraq, two airstrikes near Mosul destroyed an ISIL bulldozer, two ISIL vehicles, three ISIL-occupied buildings and an ISIL fighting position, and also struck a large ISIL unit. Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL tank, an ISIL Humvee and another ISIL vehicle, and also struck two ISIL units. North of Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL Humvee and an ISIL vehicle. Northwest of Ramadi, an airstrike damaged an ISIL checkpoint.

And, west of Bayji, an airstrike destroyed one ISIL vehicle and damaged another.

All aircraft returned to base safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project power and conduct operations.

Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.