By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited a former Taliban training ground near here today to get a firsthand look at how it's been transformed to train Afghan army commandos. Gates arrived at the new Morehead Commando Training Center, about six miles south of the capital, to see the first Afghan commando candidate class during its fourth week of training.
Gates met with Gen. Bismullah Khan, the Afghan army's chief, and U.S. Special Forces trainers to assess progress in the 12-week program that includes intensive individual and small-unit tactics and movement techniques while under fire.
The center is named for Army Master Sgt. Kevin Morehead, a 5th Special Forces Group soldier killed in Ramadi, Iraq, in September 2003. Morehead earned distinction here for his efforts in rounding up terror suspects, along with a handshake of thanks from President Bush.
While developing Ranger-like skills in the commando candidates, the center's program aims to achieve much more, explained Army Maj. Dean Cuzick, the garrison's operations officer.
"We're building a battalion from the ground up," he said. "We're training not just the trigger-pullers but also the staff to support them."
That includes everything from medical training to developing command and control, which Cuzick called "the biggest piece here."
"It doesn't do any good to have a lot of guys good at platoon ops if you don't have good command and control," he said.
Khan hailed the school as "a great success for us" and a milestone as Afghanistan builds a professional Army.
A 30-year military man who's seen action against both the Russians and Taliban, Khan said he recognizes the importance of developing a strong commando force.
When candidates in the first commando class graduate in less than two months, they'll bring expertise and elite skills needed for the army Khan expects to grow to 70,000 members by December 2008.
Khan said he recognizes that even this number won't be enough in light of the threats Afghanistan faces, but he said he also knows that "without quality, quantity is not as important."
Army Lt. Col. John Davis, who serves as Khan's day-to-day advisor, mentor and direct liaison to the NATO International Security Assistance Force, said he's impressed by the training that will prepare Afghan troops for reconnaissance, deep strike and other Ranger-type missions.
Davis said the program is likely to evolve over time. "For now, we're only at the baby stages," he said.
After being recalled to active duty from retirement to serve here, Davis said he's optimistic about progress being made and Khan's ability to take the Afghan Army in the right direction. "He's a natural-born leader," Davis said of the Afghan general.
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007
U.S. Military Engineers Improve Iraqi Water, Sewer Services
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – U.S. military engineers have completed nearly 300 major water and sewage projects in Baghdad and across Iraq in the past few years, U.S. military officers reported. "We're proud that we're continuing to reach our target of providing over 1 million cubic meters of potable water per day," said Air Force Col. Lonnie Baker, water sector director for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region Division in Iraq. Baker is nearing the end of a six-month tour in Iraq and spoke to the media during a Baghdad news conference June 2.
Key Iraqi water-treatment facilities are now up and running in Irbil, Nasiriyah and Sadr City, as well as in numerous rural-areas, Baker said. About 290 water-treatment projects in Iraq have been completed out of a planned 400-plus, he added.
The U.S. government has provided more than $2 billion toward refurbishment of Iraq's water- and sewage-treatment infrastructure. There're still 100 or so water projects left to complete, including well-drilling projects, pumping stations, pipelines and storage tanks, Baker said.
"While our large projects are certainly important, I want to emphasis that our smaller projects are equally important," he said. "There are over 70 small rural water projects that are important to those outlying communities."
Sustaining newly built or rehabilitated Iraqi water and sewage facilities is just as important as providing them, Baker said, noting it is "key to the successful operation of these facilities and continuing essential services to the people of Iraq."
Iraqi managers and operators at more than 140 water and sewage facilities are slated to receive support and operations and maintenance training so that those facilities can become self-sustaining, Baker said.
"Investments in human capital have untold benefits because people pass on their knowledge not only to their co-workers but (also) to their families," Baker said. "And, we believe that investment in one person can have multiple effects, effects that will last for generations in this country."
Iraqi public works ministries have proved to be capable and professional partners in improving the country's water- and sewage-treatment infrastructure, he said.
"We look forward to continuing our great relationship with all the agencies, particularly the Iraqi people, in rebuilding the public works and water infrastructure in this great country," Baker said.
Army civil affairs engineer Lt. Col. Otto Busher accompanied Baker at the news conference. Busher arrived in Iraq in September 2004 and has been working with the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team since March 2006.
"With our infrastructure team, we work on increasing the capability of both the water and sewer system" in Baghdad and its environs, Busher explained.
In the past three years Busher's team has worked diligently to complete important water projects across Baghdad, he said, to include rehabilitation of Sadr City's water-distribution system and upgrading Baghdad's water-treatment plants.
"We've been very successful in the last 14 months working with the provincial council to get potable water and sewer projects going in the city," Busher said, as well as completing smaller water projects at local schools and medical clinics.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – U.S. military engineers have completed nearly 300 major water and sewage projects in Baghdad and across Iraq in the past few years, U.S. military officers reported. "We're proud that we're continuing to reach our target of providing over 1 million cubic meters of potable water per day," said Air Force Col. Lonnie Baker, water sector director for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region Division in Iraq. Baker is nearing the end of a six-month tour in Iraq and spoke to the media during a Baghdad news conference June 2.
Key Iraqi water-treatment facilities are now up and running in Irbil, Nasiriyah and Sadr City, as well as in numerous rural-areas, Baker said. About 290 water-treatment projects in Iraq have been completed out of a planned 400-plus, he added.
The U.S. government has provided more than $2 billion toward refurbishment of Iraq's water- and sewage-treatment infrastructure. There're still 100 or so water projects left to complete, including well-drilling projects, pumping stations, pipelines and storage tanks, Baker said.
"While our large projects are certainly important, I want to emphasis that our smaller projects are equally important," he said. "There are over 70 small rural water projects that are important to those outlying communities."
Sustaining newly built or rehabilitated Iraqi water and sewage facilities is just as important as providing them, Baker said, noting it is "key to the successful operation of these facilities and continuing essential services to the people of Iraq."
Iraqi managers and operators at more than 140 water and sewage facilities are slated to receive support and operations and maintenance training so that those facilities can become self-sustaining, Baker said.
"Investments in human capital have untold benefits because people pass on their knowledge not only to their co-workers but (also) to their families," Baker said. "And, we believe that investment in one person can have multiple effects, effects that will last for generations in this country."
Iraqi public works ministries have proved to be capable and professional partners in improving the country's water- and sewage-treatment infrastructure, he said.
"We look forward to continuing our great relationship with all the agencies, particularly the Iraqi people, in rebuilding the public works and water infrastructure in this great country," Baker said.
Army civil affairs engineer Lt. Col. Otto Busher accompanied Baker at the news conference. Busher arrived in Iraq in September 2004 and has been working with the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team since March 2006.
"With our infrastructure team, we work on increasing the capability of both the water and sewer system" in Baghdad and its environs, Busher explained.
In the past three years Busher's team has worked diligently to complete important water projects across Baghdad, he said, to include rehabilitation of Sadr City's water-distribution system and upgrading Baghdad's water-treatment plants.
"We've been very successful in the last 14 months working with the provincial council to get potable water and sewer projects going in the city," Busher said, as well as completing smaller water projects at local schools and medical clinics.
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Multiple Coalition Raids Lead to Detention of 15 Suspects
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed a terrorist and detained 15 suspected terrorists during raids today in Baghdad, Mosul and Karmah, Iraq, official reported.
-- Based on information gained from a previous operation in Anbar province, coalition forces in Mosul captured a suspected senior terrorist leader connected to the al Qaeda network. Military officials said the individual also is suspected of making decisions on enforcing religious punishments and operating a smuggling ring transporting weapons and cargo.
-- Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists tied to the al Qaeda senior leader network in Karmah. Officials said one individual is a close contact with several high-level terrorist leaders.
-- An individual detained today in a Baghdad raid is believed to be a member of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators from Iran to Iraq for terrorist training, military officials said.
Coalition forces entered the roof of a targeted building. While on the roof, one armed terrorist attempted to engage coalition forces with an AK-47 rifle. Responding to the perceived threat, the coalition forces engaged and killed the armed terrorist. Intelligence reports indicate the suspected terrorist detained is an integral member of the bombing network. He also is believed to be responsible for numerous attacks against coalition forces, including heavy involvement in mortar attacks by personally observing and adjusting fire in recent days.
"Eliminating the (explosively formed penetrator) threat from the battlefield is a top priority for (Multinational Force Iraq)," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Captures like this one represent steady, deliberate progress against the network that brings them in to Iraq and uses them against coalition and Iraqi security forces."
In other recent operations, Iraqi special operations forces yesterday conducted an early morning operation in Baghdad targeting a suspected senior militia leader. The man is thought to be responsible for coordinating and conducting kidnappings, small-arms attacks against innocent civilians and coalition forces, inciting sectarian violence, and directing the placement of bombs.
While conducting this operation, forces came under heavy small arms fire from unknown insurgents, but suppressed the attack with well-aimed fire. This is one in a series of raids that Iraqi forces are conducting in support of Baghdad's "Enforcing the Law" security plan under the guidance of coalition forces.
Also yesterday, a bomb detonated outside of Forward Operating Base Warhorse, near Baghdad. The attack occurred in the vicinity of an entry control point but did not cause any damage to the entrance or the base. Following the attack, officials said there was an unconfirmed report of off-color smoke near the explosion and a number of soldiers reported minor respiratory irritations and watery eyes. The soldiers were treated by coalition forces medical personnel on base and all were returned to duty. The incident is under investigation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq releases.)
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June 4, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed a terrorist and detained 15 suspected terrorists during raids today in Baghdad, Mosul and Karmah, Iraq, official reported.
-- Based on information gained from a previous operation in Anbar province, coalition forces in Mosul captured a suspected senior terrorist leader connected to the al Qaeda network. Military officials said the individual also is suspected of making decisions on enforcing religious punishments and operating a smuggling ring transporting weapons and cargo.
-- Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists tied to the al Qaeda senior leader network in Karmah. Officials said one individual is a close contact with several high-level terrorist leaders.
-- An individual detained today in a Baghdad raid is believed to be a member of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators from Iran to Iraq for terrorist training, military officials said.
Coalition forces entered the roof of a targeted building. While on the roof, one armed terrorist attempted to engage coalition forces with an AK-47 rifle. Responding to the perceived threat, the coalition forces engaged and killed the armed terrorist. Intelligence reports indicate the suspected terrorist detained is an integral member of the bombing network. He also is believed to be responsible for numerous attacks against coalition forces, including heavy involvement in mortar attacks by personally observing and adjusting fire in recent days.
"Eliminating the (explosively formed penetrator) threat from the battlefield is a top priority for (Multinational Force Iraq)," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Captures like this one represent steady, deliberate progress against the network that brings them in to Iraq and uses them against coalition and Iraqi security forces."
In other recent operations, Iraqi special operations forces yesterday conducted an early morning operation in Baghdad targeting a suspected senior militia leader. The man is thought to be responsible for coordinating and conducting kidnappings, small-arms attacks against innocent civilians and coalition forces, inciting sectarian violence, and directing the placement of bombs.
While conducting this operation, forces came under heavy small arms fire from unknown insurgents, but suppressed the attack with well-aimed fire. This is one in a series of raids that Iraqi forces are conducting in support of Baghdad's "Enforcing the Law" security plan under the guidance of coalition forces.
Also yesterday, a bomb detonated outside of Forward Operating Base Warhorse, near Baghdad. The attack occurred in the vicinity of an entry control point but did not cause any damage to the entrance or the base. Following the attack, officials said there was an unconfirmed report of off-color smoke near the explosion and a number of soldiers reported minor respiratory irritations and watery eyes. The soldiers were treated by coalition forces medical personnel on base and all were returned to duty. The incident is under investigation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq releases.)
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Iraqis in Diyala Turn to Coalition, Government Forces
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Local Iraqis were instrumental in helping coalition and Iraqi forces liberate 42 men from al Qaeda custody in Iraq's Diyala province, the coalition commander in the area said. Army Lt. Col. Morris Goins, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, said local Iraqis are getting tired of al Qaeda intimidation and threats and are cooperating more with Iraqi and coalition forces.
The operation, south of Baquba on May 27, liberated 42 men, most of whom worked with the Iraqi government. Al Qaeda kidnapped the men and held them in the area. "The men were handcuffed and some showed signs of torture," Goins said during a telephone interview from Diyala today. Some of the men had been hung from doorways and beaten. All showed the effects of their captivity, he said.
Since the operation, the unit has found more hideouts and caches of weapons. The colonel said he is encouraged that the local population is banding together against the terrorists. He said the local sheikhs are throwing in with the Iraqi government. The local people are establishing neighborhood watch-type organizations to prevent al Qaeda from returning.
Local people are volunteering for the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police. "The Iraqis want their country back and are taking steps toward that," Goins said.
He said his unit has worked closely with the 1st Brigade of the 5th Iraqi Army Division in this operation and others and that he is pleased with the growing capacity of the Iraqi army troops. Goins said the army units are farther along in capabilities than the police, but both are developing well.
Al Qaeda remains the main enemy in his area, Goins said. Diyala is a majority Sunni Arab province, with significant pockets of Shiia Arabs and other groups. About 1,000 al Qaeda operatives in the province are trying to foment division among the groups and prevent the Iraqi government from succeeding in the province, he said.
Al Qaeda is not directly challenging coalition forces, Goins said. Rather, the terrorists plant improvised explosive devices and "drop-and-pop" IEDS, which are quickly emplaced, to inflict casualties on coalition and Iraqi forces.
Small numbers of Shiia militiamen are operating in the province, as well, Goins said. His unit found a large number of explosively forced projectile weapons in the province in February. These explosives, which can punch through a tank, come from Iran to Shiia insurgents.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – Local Iraqis were instrumental in helping coalition and Iraqi forces liberate 42 men from al Qaeda custody in Iraq's Diyala province, the coalition commander in the area said. Army Lt. Col. Morris Goins, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, said local Iraqis are getting tired of al Qaeda intimidation and threats and are cooperating more with Iraqi and coalition forces.
The operation, south of Baquba on May 27, liberated 42 men, most of whom worked with the Iraqi government. Al Qaeda kidnapped the men and held them in the area. "The men were handcuffed and some showed signs of torture," Goins said during a telephone interview from Diyala today. Some of the men had been hung from doorways and beaten. All showed the effects of their captivity, he said.
Since the operation, the unit has found more hideouts and caches of weapons. The colonel said he is encouraged that the local population is banding together against the terrorists. He said the local sheikhs are throwing in with the Iraqi government. The local people are establishing neighborhood watch-type organizations to prevent al Qaeda from returning.
Local people are volunteering for the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police. "The Iraqis want their country back and are taking steps toward that," Goins said.
He said his unit has worked closely with the 1st Brigade of the 5th Iraqi Army Division in this operation and others and that he is pleased with the growing capacity of the Iraqi army troops. Goins said the army units are farther along in capabilities than the police, but both are developing well.
Al Qaeda remains the main enemy in his area, Goins said. Diyala is a majority Sunni Arab province, with significant pockets of Shiia Arabs and other groups. About 1,000 al Qaeda operatives in the province are trying to foment division among the groups and prevent the Iraqi government from succeeding in the province, he said.
Al Qaeda is not directly challenging coalition forces, Goins said. Rather, the terrorists plant improvised explosive devices and "drop-and-pop" IEDS, which are quickly emplaced, to inflict casualties on coalition and Iraqi forces.
Small numbers of Shiia militiamen are operating in the province, as well, Goins said. His unit found a large number of explosively forced projectile weapons in the province in February. These explosives, which can punch through a tank, come from Iran to Shiia insurgents.
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Seven Soldiers Killed, Several More Wounded in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2007 – Six Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and five wounded during operations around the Iraqi capital yesterday, officials reported. Another soldier was also killed and eight wounded a day earlier.
-- While conducting a combined cordon-and-search operation, four soldiers died yesterday when a bomb detonated near their vehicle northwest of Baghdad.
-- Another soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital yesterday. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
-- While providing security for coalition forces operating in the western section of Baghdad, a soldier was killed and three were wounded yesterday during a bomb blast. Two of the wounded soldiers returned to duty.
-- Also due to a bomb blast, a soldier was killed and eight were wounded west of the capital June 2. Officials said six of the wounded have returned to duty.
The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2007 – Six Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and five wounded during operations around the Iraqi capital yesterday, officials reported. Another soldier was also killed and eight wounded a day earlier.
-- While conducting a combined cordon-and-search operation, four soldiers died yesterday when a bomb detonated near their vehicle northwest of Baghdad.
-- Another soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital yesterday. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
-- While providing security for coalition forces operating in the western section of Baghdad, a soldier was killed and three were wounded yesterday during a bomb blast. Two of the wounded soldiers returned to duty.
-- Also due to a bomb blast, a soldier was killed and eight were wounded west of the capital June 2. Officials said six of the wounded have returned to duty.
The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Officials Study Video Showing ID Cards of Missing Soldiers
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – U.S. officials in Iraq are studying a video posted to a terrorist Web site showing the military identification cards of two U.S. soldiers listed as missing since May 12, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials. The two soldiers are officially listed as "duty status whereabouts unknown" since the enemy attacked their patrol. Four other U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter died in the attack. Iraqi police discovered the body of another U.S. soldier missing from the action on May 23. All of the soldiers are members of the Army's 10th Mountain Division's 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our missing," said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We condemn the tactics used by these terrorists and are using all means available to pursue those responsible."
U.S. troops continue to search Baghdad and the surrounding area for the two soldiers - Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass., and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich.
Defense department officials said the video appears to show the common access cards of the two soldiers. Bergner said the video doesn't contain any definitive evidence indicating the status of the soldiers.
"We continue to search and hope that our two missing soldiers will be found alive and in good health," he said. "Coalition and Iraqi forces have actively searched for the missing soldiers since their disappearance, and we will continue."
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 4, 2007 – U.S. officials in Iraq are studying a video posted to a terrorist Web site showing the military identification cards of two U.S. soldiers listed as missing since May 12, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials. The two soldiers are officially listed as "duty status whereabouts unknown" since the enemy attacked their patrol. Four other U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter died in the attack. Iraqi police discovered the body of another U.S. soldier missing from the action on May 23. All of the soldiers are members of the Army's 10th Mountain Division's 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our missing," said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We condemn the tactics used by these terrorists and are using all means available to pursue those responsible."
U.S. troops continue to search Baghdad and the surrounding area for the two soldiers - Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass., and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich.
Defense department officials said the video appears to show the common access cards of the two soldiers. Bergner said the video doesn't contain any definitive evidence indicating the status of the soldiers.
"We continue to search and hope that our two missing soldiers will be found alive and in good health," he said. "Coalition and Iraqi forces have actively searched for the missing soldiers since their disappearance, and we will continue."
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
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Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 30 in Upper Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed apparently due to enemy fire. They were assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher M. Allgaier, 33, of Middleton, Mo.
Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Rodgers, 29, of Carson City, Nev.
Staff Sgt. Charlie L. Bagwell, 28, of Lake Toxaway, N.C.
Sgt. Jesse A. Blamires, 25, of West Jordan, Utah.
Sgt. Brandon E. Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Ala.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661; after hours (910) 303-0691.
Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher M. Allgaier, 33, of Middleton, Mo.
Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Rodgers, 29, of Carson City, Nev.
Staff Sgt. Charlie L. Bagwell, 28, of Lake Toxaway, N.C.
Sgt. Jesse A. Blamires, 25, of West Jordan, Utah.
Sgt. Brandon E. Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Ala.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661; after hours (910) 303-0691.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Charles R. Browning, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., died June 1 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona National Guard, Gilbert, Ariz.
For more information related to this release media may contact the Arizona National Guard public affairs office at (602) 267-2550.
Sgt. Charles R. Browning, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., died June 1 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona National Guard, Gilbert, Ariz.
For more information related to this release media may contact the Arizona National Guard public affairs office at (602) 267-2550.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Killed were:
Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif. He died June 2 in Baghdad.
Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla. He died June 3 in Baghdad.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Killed were:
Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif. He died June 2 in Baghdad.
Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla. He died June 3 in Baghdad.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Killed were:
Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill.
Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Bliss public affairs office at (915) 568-4505.
Killed were:
Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill.
Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Bliss public affairs office at (915) 568-4505.
New Technology Tests for IEDs
Improvised explosive devices based on peroxide containing materials have increasingly been used in recent years by various terrorist organizations. The main reason is that such peroxide-based explosives can be easily “home-made” using inexpensive, readily available starting materials which can be purchased in most hardware and paint stores, even in bulk quantities.
A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
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A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
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Monday, June 04, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Al Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Al Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Doonewey White, 26, of Milpitas, Calif., died May 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations May 28 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Spc. Doonewey White, 26, of Milpitas, Calif., died May 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations May 28 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Romel Catalan, 21, of Los Angeles, died June 2 in Ameriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Spc. Romel Catalan, 21, of Los Angeles, died June 2 in Ameriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lt. Col. Michael A. Robinson, 42, of Sylacauga, Ala., died June 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan. His death is under investigation. Robinson was assigned to Mobilization Command, Deployment Processing Command, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-7440.
Lt. Col. Michael A. Robinson, 42, of Sylacauga, Ala., died June 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan. His death is under investigation. Robinson was assigned to Mobilization Command, Deployment Processing Command, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-7440.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, or Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Support Command, Fliegerhorst, Germany.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 21st Theater Support Command public affairs office at 011-49-631-413-8184.
Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, or Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Support Command, Fliegerhorst, Germany.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the 21st Theater Support Command public affairs office at 011-49-631-413-8184.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, of Bozeman, Mont., died June 1 in Al Yusufiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Atkins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, of Bozeman, Mont., died June 1 in Al Yusufiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Atkins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Too Soon to Say if U.S., Coalition Winning Terror War, Gates Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – It's too soon to say if the United States and its coalition partners are winning the war on terror, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here yesterday. Gates comments came as federal authorities in the United States announced they had broken up a suspected terrorist cell planning attacks at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Gates, here for the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, cited "heartening developments" in the short term, but emphasized that long-term challenges remain.
"It is early in the struggle," he told Asian defense and military leaders participating in the conference. "Some very positive things have been accomplished, but the danger remains very great and is going to require even more intense collaboration."
Gates credited unprecedented international collaboration with preventing a second Sept. 11-type attack in the United States.
"A degree of international cooperation has developed that, in many respects, would have been unthinkable prior to 9/11," he said. "So there is a wealth of sharing of information among almost all countries."
In addition, there's widespread cooperation in helping prevent terrorist attacks from happening and bringing terrorists to justice, he said.
"There is a growing understanding of need to work together in places like Afghanistan to prevent failed states or states in trouble from becoming failed states that may become safe havens to terrorist groups," he said.
Gates hailed the elimination of an al Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan, but emphasized that al Qaeda is far from beaten. "We still have to deal with their activities elsewhere," he said.
The secretary said he has a map showing countries with al Qaeda cells, affiliated terrorist cells, or cells that want to be affiliated with al Qaeda. "It's a lot of countries," he told the group. "Clearly they are expanding. So the challenge is there."
Gates said a key to tackling that challenge is to gain a better understanding of how violent extremist ideological is able to take hold.
"On the negative side of the ledger, I think we have not made enough progress in trying to address some of the root causes of terrorism in some of these societies, whether it is economic deprivation or despotism that leads to alienation," he said.
But the secretary acknowledged that other, more complicated factors come into play, too. "One of the disturbing things about many of the terrorists that have been caught is that these are not ignorant, poor people," he said. "These are educated people, often from professional families. So dealing with poverty and those issues is not going to eliminate the problem, but it certainly can reduce the pool of people prepared to give their lives for this cause."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – It's too soon to say if the United States and its coalition partners are winning the war on terror, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here yesterday. Gates comments came as federal authorities in the United States announced they had broken up a suspected terrorist cell planning attacks at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Gates, here for the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, cited "heartening developments" in the short term, but emphasized that long-term challenges remain.
"It is early in the struggle," he told Asian defense and military leaders participating in the conference. "Some very positive things have been accomplished, but the danger remains very great and is going to require even more intense collaboration."
Gates credited unprecedented international collaboration with preventing a second Sept. 11-type attack in the United States.
"A degree of international cooperation has developed that, in many respects, would have been unthinkable prior to 9/11," he said. "So there is a wealth of sharing of information among almost all countries."
In addition, there's widespread cooperation in helping prevent terrorist attacks from happening and bringing terrorists to justice, he said.
"There is a growing understanding of need to work together in places like Afghanistan to prevent failed states or states in trouble from becoming failed states that may become safe havens to terrorist groups," he said.
Gates hailed the elimination of an al Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan, but emphasized that al Qaeda is far from beaten. "We still have to deal with their activities elsewhere," he said.
The secretary said he has a map showing countries with al Qaeda cells, affiliated terrorist cells, or cells that want to be affiliated with al Qaeda. "It's a lot of countries," he told the group. "Clearly they are expanding. So the challenge is there."
Gates said a key to tackling that challenge is to gain a better understanding of how violent extremist ideological is able to take hold.
"On the negative side of the ledger, I think we have not made enough progress in trying to address some of the root causes of terrorism in some of these societies, whether it is economic deprivation or despotism that leads to alienation," he said.
But the secretary acknowledged that other, more complicated factors come into play, too. "One of the disturbing things about many of the terrorists that have been caught is that these are not ignorant, poor people," he said. "These are educated people, often from professional families. So dealing with poverty and those issues is not going to eliminate the problem, but it certainly can reduce the pool of people prepared to give their lives for this cause."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Progress
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here tonight to meet with the new U.S. ground commanders and ambassador to evaluate progress and explore ways to make sure it continues. "I think that things are slowly, cautiously headed in the right direction," Gates told reporters during the flight here. "I am concerned to keep it moving that way."
Here for his first visit since January, Gates said he wants to hear from Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill, commander of NATO's Afghanistan operation. He's also slated to meet with Ambassador William Wood, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak.
"I'm looking forward to getting their assessment of how they think things are going, both in terms of military action against the Taliban, but also the economic development and reconstruction," Gates said.
The secretary said he also wants to see if the joint monitoring board designed to coordinate activities here is working as hoped. "One of my concerns is, we have 42 countries and 12 (non-governmental organizations) out here," he said. "I want to find out if there is anyone really creating an overall strategy or coordinating their activities so we can make the best possible use of the resources that are out here."
Gates said he'll share discussions from the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, where he asked Asian defense and military leaders to increase their support for Afghanistan. Gates traveled here directly from the three-day conference, called the Shangri-La Dialogue.
"I will tell them about some of the conversations I had at the Shangri-La conference, ... some of the requests that were made, (and) my efforts there to get countries to extend or add to what they already are doing in Afghanistan," he said.
Gates said the trip is "basically to get a feel for how things are going at this point and to ask some questions and let them know some of the activities I have been up to on their behalf."
There's still a shortage of about 3,000 trainers here, about two-thirds of them needed for police training, a senior defense official told reporters. "We are trying to figure out how to cover that requirement," he said.
The European Union has stepped forward to provide additional troops, "but in terms of numbers, it falls far short of that," he said.
The anticipated Taliban spring offensive hasn't been as significant as in the past, likely due to preemptive efforts on the part of coalition, NATO and Afghan troops. "Obviously, we have been very successful in taking out some serious Taliban commanders," the official said.
A big concern, however, is that the Taliban is increasingly turning to roadside bombs and suicide attacks in the fight against the NATO International Security Assistance Force here.
Another recent development is the discovery of explosively formed projectiles, or EFPs, in Afghanistan. The armor-piercing devices of Iranian origin were previously thought to be limited to Iraq.
"This indicates that our enemies are adapting and learning," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters today in Singapore.
The coalition must, in turn, adjust its tactics, techniques and procedures to this new threat, both in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.
"The Taliban isn't the only side that can migrate techniques," he senior defense official said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here tonight to meet with the new U.S. ground commanders and ambassador to evaluate progress and explore ways to make sure it continues. "I think that things are slowly, cautiously headed in the right direction," Gates told reporters during the flight here. "I am concerned to keep it moving that way."
Here for his first visit since January, Gates said he wants to hear from Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill, commander of NATO's Afghanistan operation. He's also slated to meet with Ambassador William Wood, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak.
"I'm looking forward to getting their assessment of how they think things are going, both in terms of military action against the Taliban, but also the economic development and reconstruction," Gates said.
The secretary said he also wants to see if the joint monitoring board designed to coordinate activities here is working as hoped. "One of my concerns is, we have 42 countries and 12 (non-governmental organizations) out here," he said. "I want to find out if there is anyone really creating an overall strategy or coordinating their activities so we can make the best possible use of the resources that are out here."
Gates said he'll share discussions from the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, where he asked Asian defense and military leaders to increase their support for Afghanistan. Gates traveled here directly from the three-day conference, called the Shangri-La Dialogue.
"I will tell them about some of the conversations I had at the Shangri-La conference, ... some of the requests that were made, (and) my efforts there to get countries to extend or add to what they already are doing in Afghanistan," he said.
Gates said the trip is "basically to get a feel for how things are going at this point and to ask some questions and let them know some of the activities I have been up to on their behalf."
There's still a shortage of about 3,000 trainers here, about two-thirds of them needed for police training, a senior defense official told reporters. "We are trying to figure out how to cover that requirement," he said.
The European Union has stepped forward to provide additional troops, "but in terms of numbers, it falls far short of that," he said.
The anticipated Taliban spring offensive hasn't been as significant as in the past, likely due to preemptive efforts on the part of coalition, NATO and Afghan troops. "Obviously, we have been very successful in taking out some serious Taliban commanders," the official said.
A big concern, however, is that the Taliban is increasingly turning to roadside bombs and suicide attacks in the fight against the NATO International Security Assistance Force here.
Another recent development is the discovery of explosively formed projectiles, or EFPs, in Afghanistan. The armor-piercing devices of Iranian origin were previously thought to be limited to Iraq.
"This indicates that our enemies are adapting and learning," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters today in Singapore.
The coalition must, in turn, adjust its tactics, techniques and procedures to this new threat, both in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.
"The Taliban isn't the only side that can migrate techniques," he senior defense official said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Iraqi President Apologizes for American Deaths, Vows Progress
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Iraqi President Jalal Talabani apologized for the deaths of American troops in his country and vowed that his government would make sufficient progress by September to convince America that U.S. troops should stay in the region. In an interview aired today on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Talabani said his government is committed to meeting U.S.-emplaced benchmarks for his country.
"We are committed to doing something tangible within the next weeks and months," he said.
"I think (U.S. congressmen) are right to worry, but withdrawing forces without achieving success would be ... against the national interest of the United States and the Iraqi people," Talabani said.
Still, Talabani said, most of the work the Iraqi government needs to finish will not be in place before the end of the year. He added that U.S. troops are needed in the region through 2008 to finish training the Iraqi army and police forces.
In fact, Talabani indicated the Iraqi desire for a long-term, but not permanent, presence of U.S. troops there. "The majority of the political forces who are represented in parliament ... are for having American forces stay," he said.
Talabani said U.S. troops may be needed long-term in specific parts of Iraq "to protect the sovereignty from outside interference."
Iraqi army and police will be ready to protect it's the country's government and provide stability in the region by the end of 2008, Talabani said. Any sooner would be "unrealistic," he added.
"To build an army after the collapse of a regime is not so easy," he said.
Citing progress in Iraq, Talabani called Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki a "straight man" capable of taking on the militias in the region.
He also discounted the regional impact of the return of radical Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who recently ended four months of self-imposed exile in Iran and returned to Iraq. Sadr has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-led occupation in the region.
Talabani called Sadr "a religion man" who is "trying to turn his group into a political party."
"But there are people in his army that are not even loyal to him," Talabani said. He noted that Sadr has lost control of some of his militias.
Talabani also discounted recent polls that Stephanopoulos said show that the majority of Iraqi people want U.S. troops out of the country.
"Everyone in Iraq knows that ... the United States saved the Iraqi people," Talabani said. "The majority of (Iraqi) people are for having the American Army.
"We are grateful; we are thankful to the great and glorious American people who liberated us," Talabani said. "I am sorry for the blood of American soldiers shed there. I present my condolences to their families."
He said his government will show the American people "that their sacrifices were not in vain."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Iraqi President Jalal Talabani apologized for the deaths of American troops in his country and vowed that his government would make sufficient progress by September to convince America that U.S. troops should stay in the region. In an interview aired today on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Talabani said his government is committed to meeting U.S.-emplaced benchmarks for his country.
"We are committed to doing something tangible within the next weeks and months," he said.
"I think (U.S. congressmen) are right to worry, but withdrawing forces without achieving success would be ... against the national interest of the United States and the Iraqi people," Talabani said.
Still, Talabani said, most of the work the Iraqi government needs to finish will not be in place before the end of the year. He added that U.S. troops are needed in the region through 2008 to finish training the Iraqi army and police forces.
In fact, Talabani indicated the Iraqi desire for a long-term, but not permanent, presence of U.S. troops there. "The majority of the political forces who are represented in parliament ... are for having American forces stay," he said.
Talabani said U.S. troops may be needed long-term in specific parts of Iraq "to protect the sovereignty from outside interference."
Iraqi army and police will be ready to protect it's the country's government and provide stability in the region by the end of 2008, Talabani said. Any sooner would be "unrealistic," he added.
"To build an army after the collapse of a regime is not so easy," he said.
Citing progress in Iraq, Talabani called Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki a "straight man" capable of taking on the militias in the region.
He also discounted the regional impact of the return of radical Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who recently ended four months of self-imposed exile in Iran and returned to Iraq. Sadr has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-led occupation in the region.
Talabani called Sadr "a religion man" who is "trying to turn his group into a political party."
"But there are people in his army that are not even loyal to him," Talabani said. He noted that Sadr has lost control of some of his militias.
Talabani also discounted recent polls that Stephanopoulos said show that the majority of Iraqi people want U.S. troops out of the country.
"Everyone in Iraq knows that ... the United States saved the Iraqi people," Talabani said. "The majority of (Iraqi) people are for having the American Army.
"We are grateful; we are thankful to the great and glorious American people who liberated us," Talabani said. "I am sorry for the blood of American soldiers shed there. I present my condolences to their families."
He said his government will show the American people "that their sacrifices were not in vain."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Ambassador Says More Time Needed for Progress in Iraq
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – More time is needed to tell if the troop surge will work to stabilize Iraq, and it is premature to talk about victory or defeat in the region, the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq said today. "We said from the beginning ... that it would take some time to see results," U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, said on "Fox News Sunday." "We also said from the beginning that this is going to be a hard fight, ... and it is.
"We just have to stay steady on this and try and make a difference on the ground," Crocker said.
The final U.S. troops of "the surge" to improve the security situation in Baghdad and western Iraq will be in place by the end of the month, and coalition forces are entering and holding areas that previously were not under coalition control, the ambassador said. The goal is to stabilize the region, especially Baghdad, to allow the Iraqi government some "breathing room" to work through political processes critical to long-term stabilization, he added.
More time is needed for troops to get on the ground, for the surge to make a difference on the streets and for the political process to unfold, he said. "I think it's far too soon to say how that will go," he said. "I think its just way premature to be talking in terms of victory or defeat."
Crocker said he is pleased with recent progress made by the Iraqi government and that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is meeting with other communities and government agencies in an effort to meet U.S.-emplaced benchmarks. These include passing an oil-revenue-sharing bill, holding local elections, and placing more Sunnis in government positions.
"This government wants to succeed. It wants Iraq to succeed," Crocker said. "Clearly they have a great distance to go. I've been encouraged by the fact that all parities, all communities, are willing to engage in the process."
Crocker also cited progress in the Anbar province, where there has been a shift of support. Tribes and others that "at one point sided with or at least were sympathetic to al Qaeda very definitely have changed their position and are now supporting Iraqi and coalition forces against al Qaeda," he said.
Still, Crocker conceded that the clock is ticking for the Iraqi government to demonstrate to U.S. officials that it will soon be capable of securing and stabilizing the region.
Crocker, along with the top U.S. commander there, Army General David H. Petraeus, will deliver an assessment on progress in the region to U.S. officials in September. "There are two clocks -- an Iraqi clock and an American clock. And the American clock is running quite a bit faster than the Iraqi one," the ambassador said.
But, said he added, work will not likely be finished for coalition forces in the region by September.
"The long-term process leading to what we all hope is eventual stabilization ... will take a lot longer than September. What we all hope to be able to point to by September are signs that the general direction is right," Crocker said.
In related developments, only a week ago, Crocker met with Iran's ambassador to Iraq for the first high-level official talks between the two governments in the past 30 years.
Iranian officials said they wanted a stable, secure, democratic Iraq that does not threaten its neighbors and is able to control its own territory, Crocker said. But only time will tell if that policy is put into practice in the region, he added.
"The problem is what the Iranians are doing on the ground," Crocker said.
U.S. officials have said repeatedly that Iran is providing support to enemy insurgents fighting U.S. and Iraqi troops inside Iraq. Iran needs to start doing things differently on the ground to bring their practice into line with their stated policy, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – More time is needed to tell if the troop surge will work to stabilize Iraq, and it is premature to talk about victory or defeat in the region, the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq said today. "We said from the beginning ... that it would take some time to see results," U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, said on "Fox News Sunday." "We also said from the beginning that this is going to be a hard fight, ... and it is.
"We just have to stay steady on this and try and make a difference on the ground," Crocker said.
The final U.S. troops of "the surge" to improve the security situation in Baghdad and western Iraq will be in place by the end of the month, and coalition forces are entering and holding areas that previously were not under coalition control, the ambassador said. The goal is to stabilize the region, especially Baghdad, to allow the Iraqi government some "breathing room" to work through political processes critical to long-term stabilization, he added.
More time is needed for troops to get on the ground, for the surge to make a difference on the streets and for the political process to unfold, he said. "I think it's far too soon to say how that will go," he said. "I think its just way premature to be talking in terms of victory or defeat."
Crocker said he is pleased with recent progress made by the Iraqi government and that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is meeting with other communities and government agencies in an effort to meet U.S.-emplaced benchmarks. These include passing an oil-revenue-sharing bill, holding local elections, and placing more Sunnis in government positions.
"This government wants to succeed. It wants Iraq to succeed," Crocker said. "Clearly they have a great distance to go. I've been encouraged by the fact that all parities, all communities, are willing to engage in the process."
Crocker also cited progress in the Anbar province, where there has been a shift of support. Tribes and others that "at one point sided with or at least were sympathetic to al Qaeda very definitely have changed their position and are now supporting Iraqi and coalition forces against al Qaeda," he said.
Still, Crocker conceded that the clock is ticking for the Iraqi government to demonstrate to U.S. officials that it will soon be capable of securing and stabilizing the region.
Crocker, along with the top U.S. commander there, Army General David H. Petraeus, will deliver an assessment on progress in the region to U.S. officials in September. "There are two clocks -- an Iraqi clock and an American clock. And the American clock is running quite a bit faster than the Iraqi one," the ambassador said.
But, said he added, work will not likely be finished for coalition forces in the region by September.
"The long-term process leading to what we all hope is eventual stabilization ... will take a lot longer than September. What we all hope to be able to point to by September are signs that the general direction is right," Crocker said.
In related developments, only a week ago, Crocker met with Iran's ambassador to Iraq for the first high-level official talks between the two governments in the past 30 years.
Iranian officials said they wanted a stable, secure, democratic Iraq that does not threaten its neighbors and is able to control its own territory, Crocker said. But only time will tell if that policy is put into practice in the region, he added.
"The problem is what the Iranians are doing on the ground," Crocker said.
U.S. officials have said repeatedly that Iran is providing support to enemy insurgents fighting U.S. and Iraqi troops inside Iraq. Iran needs to start doing things differently on the ground to bring their practice into line with their stated policy, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Search Continues for Missing Soldiers; Iraq Operations Updated
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi troops continue to search for two missing U.S. soldiers abducted by terrorists after a complex attack in Iraq on May 12. Soldiers of Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted Operation Polar Charade southwest of Rushdi Mullah, today to search for the missing Soldiers. Nineteen suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and are being held for questioning.
As part of an earlier search for the missing soldiers, Iraqi soldiers killed two insurgents linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and detained two other suspected insurgents southwest of Balad Air Base during an early-morning raid June 1.
In other Iraq operations, attack helicopter crews from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a coordinated operation with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, killed four terrorists, apprehended six suspects and destroyed one van and several rockets that were aimed toward the Baghdad's International Zone yesterday.
The Apache helicopter team was alerted to the area when terrorists were spotted setting up several rocket firing positions aimed at the International Zone. Four terrorists were killed, and one vehicle and 10 rockets were destroyed.
Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists in raids last night targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in the Mosul and Taji areas.
Two coordinated operations targeted four brothers in Mosul who are suspected of heading and staffing a terrorist cell associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists in the raids, including two of the brothers. During the operation, coalition forces found a vehicle rigged as a car bomb.
In numerous operations yesterday, coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected insurgents and weapons caches throughout Iraq
-- Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader, in operations.
-- Coalition forces raided a building in Hit while tracking an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists, one allegedly the military emir of the area who works directly with other high-level al Qaeda operatives.
-- West of Baghdad, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists, including one individual who allegedly builds and plants improvised explosive devices for use in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad.
-- A suspected member of a car-bomb cell in Adamiyah was detained during a coalition raid east of Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the individual also was involved in attacks against coalition forces.
--Iraqi security and coalition forces killed seven members of al Qaeda in Iraq, detained eight suspects and destroyed a truck bomb factory in the Sinaee district of Fallujah. Fallujah police, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi army division and Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 conducted the combined operation. Eight personnel were detained and taken for questioning. No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during the incident.
A day earier, several other operations yielded similar successes.
-- Iraqi army soldiers conducted a maritime operation, seizing explosives and weapons during a sweep of river banks and caves near Rawah, on the Euphrates River. With coalition forces present as advisors, Iraqi forces recovered more than 70 pounds of homemade explosives, one 57 mm rocket, and a sniper rifle.
-- Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team uncovered a weapons cache north of Sadr City. A tip from a local led the soldiers to the cache, which contained 20 107 mm rocket warheads, three fully assembled 107 mm rockets, one 60 mm mortar, and a sandbag full of blasting devices.
In other news from Iraq, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured two men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major road near Dubai on May 31. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a mounted patrol and caught the two men attempting to emplace the IED.
Elsewhere, soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team caught the suspected triggerman of a roadside-bomb attack during a raid May 31 in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district. The suspect was captured during an early-morning raid on a residence in the Safina neighborhood. The raid was conducted by Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. Two other suspects also were taken into custody.
The suspect is believed to be responsible for detonating a roadside bomb that killed one soldier and wounded three others May 14. He also is reported to have ties to al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the area.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq releases)
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June 3, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi troops continue to search for two missing U.S. soldiers abducted by terrorists after a complex attack in Iraq on May 12. Soldiers of Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted Operation Polar Charade southwest of Rushdi Mullah, today to search for the missing Soldiers. Nineteen suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and are being held for questioning.
As part of an earlier search for the missing soldiers, Iraqi soldiers killed two insurgents linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and detained two other suspected insurgents southwest of Balad Air Base during an early-morning raid June 1.
In other Iraq operations, attack helicopter crews from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a coordinated operation with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, killed four terrorists, apprehended six suspects and destroyed one van and several rockets that were aimed toward the Baghdad's International Zone yesterday.
The Apache helicopter team was alerted to the area when terrorists were spotted setting up several rocket firing positions aimed at the International Zone. Four terrorists were killed, and one vehicle and 10 rockets were destroyed.
Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists in raids last night targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in the Mosul and Taji areas.
Two coordinated operations targeted four brothers in Mosul who are suspected of heading and staffing a terrorist cell associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists in the raids, including two of the brothers. During the operation, coalition forces found a vehicle rigged as a car bomb.
In numerous operations yesterday, coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected insurgents and weapons caches throughout Iraq
-- Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader, in operations.
-- Coalition forces raided a building in Hit while tracking an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists, one allegedly the military emir of the area who works directly with other high-level al Qaeda operatives.
-- West of Baghdad, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists, including one individual who allegedly builds and plants improvised explosive devices for use in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad.
-- A suspected member of a car-bomb cell in Adamiyah was detained during a coalition raid east of Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the individual also was involved in attacks against coalition forces.
--Iraqi security and coalition forces killed seven members of al Qaeda in Iraq, detained eight suspects and destroyed a truck bomb factory in the Sinaee district of Fallujah. Fallujah police, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi army division and Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 conducted the combined operation. Eight personnel were detained and taken for questioning. No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during the incident.
A day earier, several other operations yielded similar successes.
-- Iraqi army soldiers conducted a maritime operation, seizing explosives and weapons during a sweep of river banks and caves near Rawah, on the Euphrates River. With coalition forces present as advisors, Iraqi forces recovered more than 70 pounds of homemade explosives, one 57 mm rocket, and a sniper rifle.
-- Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team uncovered a weapons cache north of Sadr City. A tip from a local led the soldiers to the cache, which contained 20 107 mm rocket warheads, three fully assembled 107 mm rockets, one 60 mm mortar, and a sandbag full of blasting devices.
In other news from Iraq, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured two men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major road near Dubai on May 31. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a mounted patrol and caught the two men attempting to emplace the IED.
Elsewhere, soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team caught the suspected triggerman of a roadside-bomb attack during a raid May 31 in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district. The suspect was captured during an early-morning raid on a residence in the Safina neighborhood. The raid was conducted by Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. Two other suspects also were taken into custody.
The suspect is believed to be responsible for detonating a roadside bomb that killed one soldier and wounded three others May 14. He also is reported to have ties to al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the area.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq releases)
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Soldiers Killed, Wounded In Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Six U.S. soldiers died and eight were wounded in Iraq yesterday, and one servicemember died in Afghanistan. Three other soldiers died and one was wounded in Iraq a day earlier, military officials reported.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 13 soldiers killed recently in the war on terror.
-- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers died yesterday of wounds suffered from an explosions while conducting operations in Diyala province. Six other wounded soldiers are being treated. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed yesterday in the western section of the Iraqi capital when an improvised explosive device detonated. Two other soldiers were also wounded in the attack.
-- One Task Force Marne soldier was killed yesterday by small-arms fire while patrolling south of Baghdad yesterday.
-- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed yesterday when their patrol was attacked while conducting operations in Ninewah province.
-- A U.S. servicemember died yesterday in Kabul, Afghanistan, of an unknown cause. The cause of death is under investigation.
-- One Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed June 1 by small-arms fire near Zawiyah. -- One Task Force Marne soldier on a dismounted patrol was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber southwest of Baghdad.
-- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died June 1 of wounds suffered May 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated in the southwestern section of Baghdad.
-- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed May 30 when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire. One other soldier and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the attack. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of Army soldiers killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
-- Sgt. Chadrick O. Domino, 23, of Ennis, Texas, died May 31 in Baghdad when he encountered enemy small-arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
-- Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
-- Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
-- Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas; Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.; Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky., died May 30 in Baghdad when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
-- Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
-- Pfc. Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Ill., died May 29 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat-related incident. Liggett was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
-- First Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas; Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.; Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo., and Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif., died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. They were assigned to 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department releases)
June 3, 2007 – Six U.S. soldiers died and eight were wounded in Iraq yesterday, and one servicemember died in Afghanistan. Three other soldiers died and one was wounded in Iraq a day earlier, military officials reported.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 13 soldiers killed recently in the war on terror.
-- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers died yesterday of wounds suffered from an explosions while conducting operations in Diyala province. Six other wounded soldiers are being treated. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed yesterday in the western section of the Iraqi capital when an improvised explosive device detonated. Two other soldiers were also wounded in the attack.
-- One Task Force Marne soldier was killed yesterday by small-arms fire while patrolling south of Baghdad yesterday.
-- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed yesterday when their patrol was attacked while conducting operations in Ninewah province.
-- A U.S. servicemember died yesterday in Kabul, Afghanistan, of an unknown cause. The cause of death is under investigation.
-- One Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed June 1 by small-arms fire near Zawiyah. -- One Task Force Marne soldier on a dismounted patrol was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber southwest of Baghdad.
-- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died June 1 of wounds suffered May 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated in the southwestern section of Baghdad.
-- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed May 30 when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire. One other soldier and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the attack. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of Army soldiers killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
-- Sgt. Chadrick O. Domino, 23, of Ennis, Texas, died May 31 in Baghdad when he encountered enemy small-arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
-- Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
-- Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
-- Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas; Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.; Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky., died May 30 in Baghdad when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
-- Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
-- Pfc. Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Ill., died May 29 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat-related incident. Liggett was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
-- First Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas; Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.; Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo., and Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif., died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. They were assigned to 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department releases)
Three Militants Detained in Khowst, Two in Helmand
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained three militants in an early-morning operation today against al Qaeda militants in Khowst province.
No shots were fired, and no one was injured in the operation.
Also in the region, Afghan and coalition forces detained two militants early yesterday in an operation against Taliban forces in the Nahr Surkh district of Helmand province. In that incident, forces were fired on as they approached the compound. They returned fire and subdued the militants, securing the compound.
There were no injuries to coalition forces, but several insurgents were reportedly killed during the firefight. Forces suspected the compound of housing local Taliban fighters. All detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities, U.S. officials said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 3, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained three militants in an early-morning operation today against al Qaeda militants in Khowst province.
No shots were fired, and no one was injured in the operation.
Also in the region, Afghan and coalition forces detained two militants early yesterday in an operation against Taliban forces in the Nahr Surkh district of Helmand province. In that incident, forces were fired on as they approached the compound. They returned fire and subdued the militants, securing the compound.
There were no injuries to coalition forces, but several insurgents were reportedly killed during the firefight. Forces suspected the compound of housing local Taliban fighters. All detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities, U.S. officials said.
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Saturday, June 02, 2007
Bush Discusses Importance of Benchmarks With Iraqi President
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – It is crucial for the Iraqi government to meet benchmarks for political and economic progress, President Bush stressed to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in an Oval Office meeting yesterday. "I told the president that I'm fully committed to helping the Iraqi government achieve important objectives," Bush said during a short news conference after the meeting. "We call them benchmarks. A political law necessary to show the Iraqi citizens that there is a unified government willing to work on the interests of all people. The president fully understands the need for the Iraqi government to meet certain benchmarks, and he is dedicated to achieving those benchmarks."
The Iraqi parliament is working on an oil-revenue-sharing law, a de-Baathification law and on a law setting up local elections. "I want to thank you very much for you vision ... and your willingness to take the hard steps necessary to get the job done," Bush told Talabani.
Talabani told Bush that the Iraqi government is "due to finish all of this and send it to parliament to be achieved. At the same time, we are committed to do our best to train our army and armed forces to replace gradually the American forces in taking responsibility of security of our country."
It is critical for the Iraqi government to succeed, Bush said.
"Failure in Iraq would endanger American citizens because failure in Iraq would embolden the enemies of a free Iraq," he said. "Let's just say loud and clear to citizens who still remember the lessons of September the 11th that it's in our interest to help the Iraqis defeat al Qaeda."
Talabani thanked Bush, Congress and the American people for their support of Iraq.
"We are very grateful to the American people, and I present my condolences to the sacrifice which this glorious people," Talabani said. "America, has always presented for liberating peoples all over the history and for Iraqi people and Afghan people and others."
The Iraqi president candidly listed the problems facing his country. "The main enemies of the Iraqi people is the al Qaeda and terrorists cooperating with them," he said.
However, he said, the Iraqi government will negotiate with other less extreme groups to bring them into the political process.
The Iraqi government also is working to improve Iraqis' quality of life, Talabani said. He said the media concentrates on the negative security aspects of the country, but ignore that economic activities are raising wages for millions of Iraqis. In addition, schools and universities have reopened, and hospitals and clinics are providing care, he said.
"We have some achievements thanks to the United States of America and our great friend President Bush," Talabani said. "We achieved some good, important successes. Besides some failure in the security, we have also successes in bringing democracy for the first time to Iraq."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – It is crucial for the Iraqi government to meet benchmarks for political and economic progress, President Bush stressed to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in an Oval Office meeting yesterday. "I told the president that I'm fully committed to helping the Iraqi government achieve important objectives," Bush said during a short news conference after the meeting. "We call them benchmarks. A political law necessary to show the Iraqi citizens that there is a unified government willing to work on the interests of all people. The president fully understands the need for the Iraqi government to meet certain benchmarks, and he is dedicated to achieving those benchmarks."
The Iraqi parliament is working on an oil-revenue-sharing law, a de-Baathification law and on a law setting up local elections. "I want to thank you very much for you vision ... and your willingness to take the hard steps necessary to get the job done," Bush told Talabani.
Talabani told Bush that the Iraqi government is "due to finish all of this and send it to parliament to be achieved. At the same time, we are committed to do our best to train our army and armed forces to replace gradually the American forces in taking responsibility of security of our country."
It is critical for the Iraqi government to succeed, Bush said.
"Failure in Iraq would endanger American citizens because failure in Iraq would embolden the enemies of a free Iraq," he said. "Let's just say loud and clear to citizens who still remember the lessons of September the 11th that it's in our interest to help the Iraqis defeat al Qaeda."
Talabani thanked Bush, Congress and the American people for their support of Iraq.
"We are very grateful to the American people, and I present my condolences to the sacrifice which this glorious people," Talabani said. "America, has always presented for liberating peoples all over the history and for Iraqi people and Afghan people and others."
The Iraqi president candidly listed the problems facing his country. "The main enemies of the Iraqi people is the al Qaeda and terrorists cooperating with them," he said.
However, he said, the Iraqi government will negotiate with other less extreme groups to bring them into the political process.
The Iraqi government also is working to improve Iraqis' quality of life, Talabani said. He said the media concentrates on the negative security aspects of the country, but ignore that economic activities are raising wages for millions of Iraqis. In addition, schools and universities have reopened, and hospitals and clinics are providing care, he said.
"We have some achievements thanks to the United States of America and our great friend President Bush," Talabani said. "We achieved some good, important successes. Besides some failure in the security, we have also successes in bringing democracy for the first time to Iraq."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Commander Details Progress in Baghdad
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – While the "surge" in U.S. and Iraqi troops is continuing in Baghdad and other areas of Iraq, progress is being made in quelling violence there, a top U.S. commander in Iraq said yesterday. Baghdad is the center of gravity for the fight, and six coalition brigades with 24 battalions are in Baghdad, Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, said during a teleconference with Pentagon reporters. In the belts of villages around Baghdad -- from which extremists often launch attacks -- there are six brigades with 20 battalions.
Another U.S. brigade moving into the belts around Baghdad -- the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division -- will complete the surge, the general said.
But U.S. forces are not alone in the fight. More than 79,000 members of Iraqi security forces are in the city and its surroundings as well, officials said. There are 22 Iraqi security force brigades in the city, 35 Iraqi army battalions and 19 national police battalions. More than 25,000 local Iraqi police are also in the city.
These units are moving into the neighborhoods, called "mahalas," of the city. "This is all about establishing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week presence inside the city of Baghdad and protecting people where they sleep," Odierno said. "Currently, we have 28 joint security stations and 28 combat outposts operating throughout greater Baghdad area."
Under current strategy, coalition soldiers live, work and patrol with their Iraqi counterparts. The U.S. and Iraqi servicemembers develop relationships with each other and build the trust of the local residents, the general said.
"In addition, we hope this will help to build confidence of the populace in their own Iraqi security forces," he said. "We believe overall this will provide confidence and hope to the Iraqi people. People are thanking us for driving away gangs, criminals and terrorists, but we have not completed the mission."
The close cooperation allows coalition and Iraqi government officials to identify Iraqi security forces that do not operate according to the rules, or who continue to have sectarian agendas. "We have systems in place to do this with the government of Iraq, and we try to execute those vigorously," Odierno said.
The pace of operations has quickened in the city. Since January 15, U.S. servicemembers have conducted 98 battalion-level operations, Odierno said. The troops neutralized six car-bomb factories and dismantled four improvised-explosive-device cells. Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed 837 insurgents and terrorists and wounded 180.
In addition, coalition forces have found 441 arms caches in Baghdad just since January. In all of 2006, coalition troops found 266 caches, the general said.
Humanitarian progress also continues throughout Iraq, officials said. The military has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development to produce 32,000 jobs in the country. The goal is to create 40,000 jobs before the end of June, Odierno said. The command is working with USAID to fund business loans and grants to jumpstart economic development.
The military is working to establish the Baghdad International Airport as a business zone.
Odierno said civilian deaths and sectarian killings are down in Baghdad. "There are some positive signs," he said. "But it's not enough. We still have much more to do."
Local commands in Baghdad also have invested $3.3 million in various areas around Baghdad. This helps fund garbage hauling, educational supplies, agriculture, transportation and water and sanitation improvements.
"We have not made the progress that I think is necessary yet," the general said. "But I hope over the summer that we will continue to make progress."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – While the "surge" in U.S. and Iraqi troops is continuing in Baghdad and other areas of Iraq, progress is being made in quelling violence there, a top U.S. commander in Iraq said yesterday. Baghdad is the center of gravity for the fight, and six coalition brigades with 24 battalions are in Baghdad, Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, said during a teleconference with Pentagon reporters. In the belts of villages around Baghdad -- from which extremists often launch attacks -- there are six brigades with 20 battalions.
Another U.S. brigade moving into the belts around Baghdad -- the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division -- will complete the surge, the general said.
But U.S. forces are not alone in the fight. More than 79,000 members of Iraqi security forces are in the city and its surroundings as well, officials said. There are 22 Iraqi security force brigades in the city, 35 Iraqi army battalions and 19 national police battalions. More than 25,000 local Iraqi police are also in the city.
These units are moving into the neighborhoods, called "mahalas," of the city. "This is all about establishing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week presence inside the city of Baghdad and protecting people where they sleep," Odierno said. "Currently, we have 28 joint security stations and 28 combat outposts operating throughout greater Baghdad area."
Under current strategy, coalition soldiers live, work and patrol with their Iraqi counterparts. The U.S. and Iraqi servicemembers develop relationships with each other and build the trust of the local residents, the general said.
"In addition, we hope this will help to build confidence of the populace in their own Iraqi security forces," he said. "We believe overall this will provide confidence and hope to the Iraqi people. People are thanking us for driving away gangs, criminals and terrorists, but we have not completed the mission."
The close cooperation allows coalition and Iraqi government officials to identify Iraqi security forces that do not operate according to the rules, or who continue to have sectarian agendas. "We have systems in place to do this with the government of Iraq, and we try to execute those vigorously," Odierno said.
The pace of operations has quickened in the city. Since January 15, U.S. servicemembers have conducted 98 battalion-level operations, Odierno said. The troops neutralized six car-bomb factories and dismantled four improvised-explosive-device cells. Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed 837 insurgents and terrorists and wounded 180.
In addition, coalition forces have found 441 arms caches in Baghdad just since January. In all of 2006, coalition troops found 266 caches, the general said.
Humanitarian progress also continues throughout Iraq, officials said. The military has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development to produce 32,000 jobs in the country. The goal is to create 40,000 jobs before the end of June, Odierno said. The command is working with USAID to fund business loans and grants to jumpstart economic development.
The military is working to establish the Baghdad International Airport as a business zone.
Odierno said civilian deaths and sectarian killings are down in Baghdad. "There are some positive signs," he said. "But it's not enough. We still have much more to do."
Local commands in Baghdad also have invested $3.3 million in various areas around Baghdad. This helps fund garbage hauling, educational supplies, agriculture, transportation and water and sanitation improvements.
"We have not made the progress that I think is necessary yet," the general said. "But I hope over the summer that we will continue to make progress."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Kurdistan Regional Security Passes to Iraqi Control
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
, June 1, 2007 – Day-to-day security concerns in the three provinces making up Iraq's Kurdistan region are now the direct responsibility of Iraqi representatives, a Multinational Force Iraq official said yesterday. The provinces of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dahuk transferred as a bloc to regional Iraqi control during a May 30 ceremony, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Kurt Cichowski, deputy chief of staff for strategy, plans and assessment, during a call with "bloggers" and online journalists.
The transfer means the Kurdistan regional government, as an element of the government of Iraq, will oversee the Iraqi army and police, as well as ancillary security forces working in the area, Cichowski said. Such supplementary forces include the officially sanctioned "peshmerga," now known as the Kurdish Regional Guards, he explained.
The region has been administered by the Kurdistan regional government since 2003, the general said, and provinces transferred all at once instead of individually at that government's request.
The transfers were conditioned on the achievement of four key standards, graded by U.S. and Iraqi officials, Cichowski said. These were: security in the region; the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces in the area, with a focus on the police; local governance capability; and the status of the relationship between coalition forces and the local government.
Basically, Cichowski said, the key questions on readiness are, "What is happening in the provinces and can a local government take care of it, primarily with the domestic police?"
Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dahuk became the fifth, sixth and seventh provinces to transfer to Iraqi control.
Describing the significance of the transfer, Cichowski said the Kurdish leadership has been very engaged in Iraq's national political process and will continue to make use of the Iraqi army in securing the region, as well as continue to share Kurdish forces for security operations elsewhere in the country.
The Kurdish region is "an indivisible part of the government of Iraq as a whole," Cichowski said, citing the Iraqi national security advisor and the prime minister of the Kurdish regional government.
Describing the region's relative prosperity, Cichowski noted, "The environment up north is a little different than in the other parts of Iraq."
The area features four-star hotels, modern construction and a growing roster of international airlines, he said. That prosperity is part of what made the transfer of security possible, Cichowski said. While coalition force levels in the region are expected to remain the same, "there is a very important change in status."
Going forward, the general said, the coalition will need to coordinate with Kurdish government authorities prior to conducting training or exercises with the regional security forces.
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
, June 1, 2007 – Day-to-day security concerns in the three provinces making up Iraq's Kurdistan region are now the direct responsibility of Iraqi representatives, a Multinational Force Iraq official said yesterday. The provinces of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dahuk transferred as a bloc to regional Iraqi control during a May 30 ceremony, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Kurt Cichowski, deputy chief of staff for strategy, plans and assessment, during a call with "bloggers" and online journalists.
The transfer means the Kurdistan regional government, as an element of the government of Iraq, will oversee the Iraqi army and police, as well as ancillary security forces working in the area, Cichowski said. Such supplementary forces include the officially sanctioned "peshmerga," now known as the Kurdish Regional Guards, he explained.
The region has been administered by the Kurdistan regional government since 2003, the general said, and provinces transferred all at once instead of individually at that government's request.
The transfers were conditioned on the achievement of four key standards, graded by U.S. and Iraqi officials, Cichowski said. These were: security in the region; the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces in the area, with a focus on the police; local governance capability; and the status of the relationship between coalition forces and the local government.
Basically, Cichowski said, the key questions on readiness are, "What is happening in the provinces and can a local government take care of it, primarily with the domestic police?"
Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dahuk became the fifth, sixth and seventh provinces to transfer to Iraqi control.
Describing the significance of the transfer, Cichowski said the Kurdish leadership has been very engaged in Iraq's national political process and will continue to make use of the Iraqi army in securing the region, as well as continue to share Kurdish forces for security operations elsewhere in the country.
The Kurdish region is "an indivisible part of the government of Iraq as a whole," Cichowski said, citing the Iraqi national security advisor and the prime minister of the Kurdish regional government.
Describing the region's relative prosperity, Cichowski noted, "The environment up north is a little different than in the other parts of Iraq."
The area features four-star hotels, modern construction and a growing roster of international airlines, he said. That prosperity is part of what made the transfer of security possible, Cichowski said. While coalition force levels in the region are expected to remain the same, "there is a very important change in status."
Going forward, the general said, the coalition will need to coordinate with Kurdish government authorities prior to conducting training or exercises with the regional security forces.
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
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Friday, June 01, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered on May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information on this soldier, contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered on May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information on this soldier, contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Killed were:
Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas.
Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.
Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the V Corps public affairs office at 011.49.6221.57.5813.
Killed were:
Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas.
Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.
Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the V Corps public affairs office at 011.49.6221.57.5813.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Killed were:
1st Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas.
Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.
Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.
Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo.
Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591
Killed were:
1st Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas.
Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.
Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.
Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo.
Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591
New Scam Targets Military Spouses
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops. The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross.
The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.
It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to act, she said.
"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member that receives such a call is urged to report it to their local family readiness group or military personnel flight.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 31, 2007 – The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops. The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross.
The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.
It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to act, she said.
"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member that receives such a call is urged to report it to their local family readiness group or military personnel flight.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Five U.S. Soldiers Killed in Chinook Crash
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – Five U.S. soldiers were among those killed when a Chinook helicopter flying a NATO International Security Assistance Force mission went down in Helmand province near Kajaki last night, military officials reported. The crash killed all seven people on board.
The five U.S. soldiers were assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 82, and were the crewmembers of the helicopter. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of the soldiers who were involved in the crash," said Army Col. Kelly Thomas, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Task Force Pegasus commander.
"Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten, and we will honor them by continuing our commitment to supporting the Afghan people and government while fighting the war on terror." After the crash, a coalition forces patrol moved to secure the crash site and was engaged by a large number of insurgents. One coalition servicemember and one Afghan civilian were wounded. Coalition forces medical personnel stabilized the civilian injured by small-arms fire, who was medically evacuated to a nearby treatment facility.
The coalition servicemember was only slightly wounded and did not require evacuation. Coalition forces aircraft were requested to suppress the insurgents and secure the crash site. A large number of insurgents were killed during the five-hour engagement. Two International Security Assistance Force servicemembers were also killed when the helicopter crashed. The nationalities of these servicemembers will be released by their respective nations at a later date. The names of the deceased Americans will be released pending notification of next of kin. A team from the U.S. Army Aviation Center from Fort Rucker, Ala., is en route to Afghanistan to investigate the cause of the crash.
(From an International Security Assistance Force news release.)
May 31, 2007 – Five U.S. soldiers were among those killed when a Chinook helicopter flying a NATO International Security Assistance Force mission went down in Helmand province near Kajaki last night, military officials reported. The crash killed all seven people on board.
The five U.S. soldiers were assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 82, and were the crewmembers of the helicopter. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of the soldiers who were involved in the crash," said Army Col. Kelly Thomas, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Task Force Pegasus commander.
"Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten, and we will honor them by continuing our commitment to supporting the Afghan people and government while fighting the war on terror." After the crash, a coalition forces patrol moved to secure the crash site and was engaged by a large number of insurgents. One coalition servicemember and one Afghan civilian were wounded. Coalition forces medical personnel stabilized the civilian injured by small-arms fire, who was medically evacuated to a nearby treatment facility.
The coalition servicemember was only slightly wounded and did not require evacuation. Coalition forces aircraft were requested to suppress the insurgents and secure the crash site. A large number of insurgents were killed during the five-hour engagement. Two International Security Assistance Force servicemembers were also killed when the helicopter crashed. The nationalities of these servicemembers will be released by their respective nations at a later date. The names of the deceased Americans will be released pending notification of next of kin. A team from the U.S. Army Aviation Center from Fort Rucker, Ala., is en route to Afghanistan to investigate the cause of the crash.
(From an International Security Assistance Force news release.)
Odierno: More Time May Be Needed for Iraq Assessment
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – While military leaders will present an assessment of the progress of the new strategy in Iraq by a September deadline, a U.S. military commander in Iraq said it may be too soon to get a good feel for progress in the country. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, said in a Pentagon news conference that the nature of counterinsurgency warfare is such that more time may be needed to adequately assess the situation on the ground. The 2007 Emergency Supplemental signed by President Bush May 25 calls for the assessment in September.
While some of the forces that arrived in Baghdad as part of the surge have been in the country since February, other brigades will not arrive until the middle of next month.
"The full impact of the surge, in my mind, will not be able to be assessed until about August timeframe, and that's when they'll be in place 60 days," Odierno said via teleconference from Baghdad. "So that'll be the first time I'll be able to make a real initial assessment of the true effect of the surge."
He said he may decide he hasn't had enough time to gauge the effect and that will reflect in the report.
"The assessment might be I've seen enough and it's effective, or I've seen enough and it's not going to be effective," he said. "Right now if you asked me, I would tell you I'd probably need a little bit more time to do a true assessment."
Everything in Iraq is subject to quick changes, Odierno said. He said the situation is like a teeter-totter.
"You work your way up the teeter-totter, and when you go past the tipping point, it happens very quickly, and we've seen that out in Anbar," he said. "We're still going up that teeter-totter, and I'm not sure how long it's going to take us to get to that tipping point or if I believe or assess that we can't get to that tipping point. And that's why I got to just look at it."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – While military leaders will present an assessment of the progress of the new strategy in Iraq by a September deadline, a U.S. military commander in Iraq said it may be too soon to get a good feel for progress in the country. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, said in a Pentagon news conference that the nature of counterinsurgency warfare is such that more time may be needed to adequately assess the situation on the ground. The 2007 Emergency Supplemental signed by President Bush May 25 calls for the assessment in September.
While some of the forces that arrived in Baghdad as part of the surge have been in the country since February, other brigades will not arrive until the middle of next month.
"The full impact of the surge, in my mind, will not be able to be assessed until about August timeframe, and that's when they'll be in place 60 days," Odierno said via teleconference from Baghdad. "So that'll be the first time I'll be able to make a real initial assessment of the true effect of the surge."
He said he may decide he hasn't had enough time to gauge the effect and that will reflect in the report.
"The assessment might be I've seen enough and it's effective, or I've seen enough and it's not going to be effective," he said. "Right now if you asked me, I would tell you I'd probably need a little bit more time to do a true assessment."
Everything in Iraq is subject to quick changes, Odierno said. He said the situation is like a teeter-totter.
"You work your way up the teeter-totter, and when you go past the tipping point, it happens very quickly, and we've seen that out in Anbar," he said. "We're still going up that teeter-totter, and I'm not sure how long it's going to take us to get to that tipping point or if I believe or assess that we can't get to that tipping point. And that's why I got to just look at it."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Troops Continue to Adapt to Enemy Tactics in Iraq
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – May has been a deadly month for U.S. troops in Iraq, but they are adapting to the situation, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said the increased casualty rate is a result of the change in strategy in the nation and different tactics by the enemy. U.S. servicemembers remain committed to the mission and are adapting to the new circumstances, he said in a news conference from Baghdad.
The higher casualty rate "has to do a lot with the fact that we are going into places we have not been before," Odierno said.
U.S. troops are in more places in Baghdad, the ring around Baghdad and in Diyala province. "What we're finding is, the insurgents and extremists use (improvised explosive devices) as their own little security and support zones," he explained. "They use large, buried IEDs in areas we have not been before. And some of them have been somewhat effective, which has raised our death toll. We are working very hard to counter this, and we'll continue to do that. I have confidence that we'll be able to do that over time."
The U.S. troops are veterans and understand what they are doing. "They're aggressive in how they do things," the general said. The deep-buried IEDs are a problem, and the troops are adjusting their tactics, techniques and procedures to deal with this specific threat, he added.
Troop morale has not been affected by the increase in casualties, the general said. The troops have a tough job and are proceeding to accomplish their missions. "These soldiers go out every single day for a year. That's a long time. And in this case, 15 months," he said. "That's a lot. That's a lot of pressure over time."
Odierno said that even during World War II, when troops spent a lot of time in contact with the enemy, leaders pulled the units out of the line for rest and relaxation. "Here, we don't do that. They are out there consistently every single day," he said. "So you have to be mentally and physically tough, and they are. And different things affect you."
He said leaders at all levels need to be aware of this pressure. "We've got to continually talk to these young men and women who are out there doing these very tough jobs," he said. For the most part, they understand why they're there, and they do see some progress, the general told reporters.
"We have the best noncommissioned officers and soldiers in the world, and they will adapt to this. And they will continue to do their job."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – May has been a deadly month for U.S. troops in Iraq, but they are adapting to the situation, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said the increased casualty rate is a result of the change in strategy in the nation and different tactics by the enemy. U.S. servicemembers remain committed to the mission and are adapting to the new circumstances, he said in a news conference from Baghdad.
The higher casualty rate "has to do a lot with the fact that we are going into places we have not been before," Odierno said.
U.S. troops are in more places in Baghdad, the ring around Baghdad and in Diyala province. "What we're finding is, the insurgents and extremists use (improvised explosive devices) as their own little security and support zones," he explained. "They use large, buried IEDs in areas we have not been before. And some of them have been somewhat effective, which has raised our death toll. We are working very hard to counter this, and we'll continue to do that. I have confidence that we'll be able to do that over time."
The U.S. troops are veterans and understand what they are doing. "They're aggressive in how they do things," the general said. The deep-buried IEDs are a problem, and the troops are adjusting their tactics, techniques and procedures to deal with this specific threat, he added.
Troop morale has not been affected by the increase in casualties, the general said. The troops have a tough job and are proceeding to accomplish their missions. "These soldiers go out every single day for a year. That's a long time. And in this case, 15 months," he said. "That's a lot. That's a lot of pressure over time."
Odierno said that even during World War II, when troops spent a lot of time in contact with the enemy, leaders pulled the units out of the line for rest and relaxation. "Here, we don't do that. They are out there consistently every single day," he said. "So you have to be mentally and physically tough, and they are. And different things affect you."
He said leaders at all levels need to be aware of this pressure. "We've got to continually talk to these young men and women who are out there doing these very tough jobs," he said. For the most part, they understand why they're there, and they do see some progress, the general told reporters.
"We have the best noncommissioned officers and soldiers in the world, and they will adapt to this. And they will continue to do their job."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Soldiers Killed, Wounded In Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – Four U.S. soldiers were killed and two were injured by roadside bombs yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. Eight soldiers were injured by a suicide bomber yesterday, and two other U.S. soldiers died May 29.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 10 soldiers and three Marines killed recently in the war on terror.
-- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in the southwestern section of the Iraqi capital. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
-- A roadside bomb killed two Multinational Division Center soldiers on dismounted patrol yesterday.
--A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died May 29 of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device explosion May 28. The soldier was conducting combat operations northwest of Baghdad when he was injured.
--A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died of a non-battle related cause May 29.
--A suicide car bomb detonated yesterday at a vehicle checkpoint in the Adhamiyah district of the Iraqi capital, wounding eight U.S. soldiers and three Iraqi civilians, including a child. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers and three Marines who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, 31, of Audubon, N.J., and
Army Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, of Honolulu, died May 29 in Ilbu Falris, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Army 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman, 24, of Norwich, Conn., and
Army Chief Warrant Officer Theodore U. Church, 32, of Ohio, died May 28 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed after receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Army Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McFall, 36, of Glendora, Calif., and
Army Pfc. Junior Cedeno Sanchez, 20, of Miami, Fla., died May 28 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Marine Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Villarreal, 21, of Eagle Pass, Texas, died May 27 of injuries suffered in a non-hostile vehicle accident at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marine Sgt. Nicholas R. Walsh, 27, of Millstadt, Ill., died May 26 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton.
Army Spc. Clinton C. Blodgett, 19, of Pekin, Ind., died May 26 in Baghdad when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Spc. Francis M. Trussel Jr., 21, of Lincoln, Ill., died May 26 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Pfc. Charles B. Hester, 23, of Cataldo, Idaho, died May 26 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis.
Marine Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, 20, of Spartanburg, S.C., died May 25 from a non-hostile incident in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Army Spc. Mark R. C. Caguioa, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 4 in Baghdad, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – Four U.S. soldiers were killed and two were injured by roadside bombs yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. Eight soldiers were injured by a suicide bomber yesterday, and two other U.S. soldiers died May 29.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 10 soldiers and three Marines killed recently in the war on terror.
-- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in the southwestern section of the Iraqi capital. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack.
-- A roadside bomb killed two Multinational Division Center soldiers on dismounted patrol yesterday.
--A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died May 29 of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device explosion May 28. The soldier was conducting combat operations northwest of Baghdad when he was injured.
--A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died of a non-battle related cause May 29.
--A suicide car bomb detonated yesterday at a vehicle checkpoint in the Adhamiyah district of the Iraqi capital, wounding eight U.S. soldiers and three Iraqi civilians, including a child. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers and three Marines who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, 31, of Audubon, N.J., and
Army Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, of Honolulu, died May 29 in Ilbu Falris, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Army 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman, 24, of Norwich, Conn., and
Army Chief Warrant Officer Theodore U. Church, 32, of Ohio, died May 28 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed after receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Army Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McFall, 36, of Glendora, Calif., and
Army Pfc. Junior Cedeno Sanchez, 20, of Miami, Fla., died May 28 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Marine Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Villarreal, 21, of Eagle Pass, Texas, died May 27 of injuries suffered in a non-hostile vehicle accident at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marine Sgt. Nicholas R. Walsh, 27, of Millstadt, Ill., died May 26 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton.
Army Spc. Clinton C. Blodgett, 19, of Pekin, Ind., died May 26 in Baghdad when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Spc. Francis M. Trussel Jr., 21, of Lincoln, Ill., died May 26 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Pfc. Charles B. Hester, 23, of Cataldo, Idaho, died May 26 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis.
Marine Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, 20, of Spartanburg, S.C., died May 25 from a non-hostile incident in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Army Spc. Mark R. C. Caguioa, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 4 in Baghdad, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
Militia Commander's Capture Highlights Recent Iraq Operations
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – Iraqi troops captured a militia commander, a U.S. helicopter crew destroyed a heavily armed vehicle, and an Iraqi police chief and more than a dozen associates have been arrested, military officials reported. Iraqi special operations forces apprehended a commander in radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's illegal militia during an early morning raid in Kadamiyah, a central suburb of Baghdad, yesterday.
The suspect allegedly is responsible for providing financial, logistical and political support for insurgent groups and terrorist organizations. He also is suspected of managing operations to murder and intimidate local Iraqis, ordering several attacks on coalition forces, and overseeing the training of insurgent recruits.
No coalition or Iraqi forces were injured in the operation.
Also yesterday, a team of Apache attack helicopter pilots destroyed a heavily armed vehicle south of Radwaniyah.
The Apache team from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade spotted the vehicle near a canal. The vehicle had a heavy machine gun mount attached to the bed of the truck and reinforced sidewalls with gun ports.
The Apaches fired two Hellfire missiles and destroyed the vehicle. No civilians were injured.
On May 29, the district police chief of Hit, Hamid Ibrahim Jazaa, along with his brother and 14 bodyguards, were apprehended by coalition forces after an investigation into murder, corruption and crimes against the Iraqi people. All are being held in coalition custody.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 31, 2007 – Iraqi troops captured a militia commander, a U.S. helicopter crew destroyed a heavily armed vehicle, and an Iraqi police chief and more than a dozen associates have been arrested, military officials reported. Iraqi special operations forces apprehended a commander in radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's illegal militia during an early morning raid in Kadamiyah, a central suburb of Baghdad, yesterday.
The suspect allegedly is responsible for providing financial, logistical and political support for insurgent groups and terrorist organizations. He also is suspected of managing operations to murder and intimidate local Iraqis, ordering several attacks on coalition forces, and overseeing the training of insurgent recruits.
No coalition or Iraqi forces were injured in the operation.
Also yesterday, a team of Apache attack helicopter pilots destroyed a heavily armed vehicle south of Radwaniyah.
The Apache team from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade spotted the vehicle near a canal. The vehicle had a heavy machine gun mount attached to the bed of the truck and reinforced sidewalls with gun ports.
The Apaches fired two Hellfire missiles and destroyed the vehicle. No civilians were injured.
On May 29, the district police chief of Hit, Hamid Ibrahim Jazaa, along with his brother and 14 bodyguards, were apprehended by coalition forces after an investigation into murder, corruption and crimes against the Iraqi people. All are being held in coalition custody.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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