American Forces Press Service
June 7, 2007 – Coalition forces today captured 32 suspected terrorists during a series of raids that targeted al Qaeda operations in Baghdad and western Iraq, officials said.
Coalition forces in central Iraq today detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations that targeted al Qaeda in Iraq leaders.
-- In three coordinated raids southeast of Fallujah, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists with al Qaeda ties. Officials believed two of them are responsible for recruiting and facilitating terrorist cells in the area.
-- Coalition forces also captured a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader during a raid on two buildings in Hit. The individual allegedly replaced another senior leader who'd recently fled the area. Coalition forces detained three more suspected terrorists at the scene for their connection to al Qaeda senior leadership.
-- In continuing operations to disrupt the car-bomb network, coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist in Baghdad.
"Our methodical, sustained operations are making it more difficult for al Qaeda to operate, and we'll continue to apply pressure to eliminate their attacks against Iraqis and those who are working to secure the country's future," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
Also today in Iraq, coalition forces detained another 16 suspected terrorists during morning raids in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood. The detainees captured in Sadr City are suspected members of a clandestine terrorist cell known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
Four of the detainees tested positive for contact with explosives. Coalition officials cite intelligence reports indicating that one of the detainees is a key terrorist leader with ties to Iranian intelligence. This detainee is believed to be responsible for attacks on Iraqi civilians and Iraqi and coalition forces in Baghdad, officials said.
"We will seek out and find terrorists where they hide," Garver said. "Removing the networks that bring in explosively formed penetrators is a top priority to protect the Iraqi people and the security forces that serve them."
In operations yesterday, coalition forces operating in Baghdad killed two terrorists and detained 10 other people in raids targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq car-bomb network.
The two men who were killed ran into a building and attempted to retrieve weapons visible inside. Coalition forces fired at the two men, killing them. Another suspected terrorist was detained on the scene, and three vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the terror cell were destroyed.
In five other raids conducted in Baghdad yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists associated with the car-bomb network and destroyed two vehicles used to transport weapons and personnel for the cell. A related raid south of Tarmiyah netted three suspects tied to the terrorist group.
"Targeting the al Qaeda in Iraq (car-bomb) network is a top priority for coalition forces," Garver said. "We continue to work to reduce and eventually eliminate the ability of terrorists to attack innocent Iraqis."
Meanwhile, Iraqi soldiers accompanied by coalition advisors seized four suspected al Qaeda operatives yesterday during raids on several residences in Saqlimiyah, officials said. No coalition or Iraqi troops were hurt in the operation.
Iraqi special operations troops detained four suspected assassins believed to be coordinating and conducting killings in the Baghdad area during a June 5 operation in Baghdad. While detaining the individuals, the Iraqi troops came under enemy fire. The Iraqi forces returned fire, and the engagement ended. No Iraqi or coalition forces, who'd served as advisors, were injured during the operation.
(Information compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
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Friday, June 08, 2007
Law Enforcement Seeing Incremental Progress, Iraq Training Official Says
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 7, 2007 – Iraq's police force is seeing incremental improvements across the spectrum of its mandate, and the communities it serves are benefiting as a result, an official with the U.S. police training mission said yesterday. Tangible gains have been made in the police force's relationships with the Iraqi ministries of defense and justice, judicial capacity is on the rise, corruption is being pursued internally, and the training program is continuing to expand, said Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, deputy commander of the Civilian Police Training Team, in a conference call with online journalists and military "bloggers."
The result is that day-to-day life in parts of Baghdad and Anbar province has improved dramatically in some cases as recruits continue to enter the police academies and enhanced police vigilance helps settle neighborhoods, Phillips said.
Looking back on 2004 to 2006, the general noted, "Anbar was an absolute combat zone. That was about as down and dirty as you could get. But now they've rallied together."
Referring to the recent bloom of cooperation between security officials and tribal sheikhs, Phillips said, "They're allowing their sons to go to the academies and train to be police officers, and they have their local groups, which are basically like community watch groups."
Results have come quickly as the local populations tire of the al Qaeda presence, Phillips said.
"They're working hand in hand with the Marine forces out there and the Army forces that are out there," he said. "They're turning in the insurgents. They're turning in caches of weapons. And I have to tell you that commerce is working, the stores are back open, and you get small kids on the streets now waving as you go by in a humvee."
Similar environmental changes have been seen in Baghdad, the general said, where the casual presence of people on the streets in some neighborhoods indicates a positive shift in how residents gauge the security situation.
"The fact that families were letting their kids play there again shows that there is some faith in the fact that these police officers are out there," Phillips noted.
There is a lingering distrust of the police in some sectors due to past experiences of corruption, he admitted, but vigorous oversight within the force is helping reduce the problem of "bad cops," Phillips said.
"Are there bad policemen?" he asked. "Every department has bad police officers. Are there more here than other places? Well, we've got some problems. But the internal affairs organization is working ruthlessly to capture them and take them into custody."
Phillips emphasized the Iraqi force is on par with any peer police force around the world. However, their potential is temporarily held in check by levels of insurgent violence they were neither trained nor intended to face, he said.
While the coalition and Iraqi army face down the insurgency, institutional progress is helping smooth the Iraqi police's operations, Phillips said.
Past friction with the ministry of defense has alleviated somewhat in recent months, with an agreement reached that located the Al Anbar-Habaniya Iraqi Police Academy on the same land as the 1st Iraqi Army Division Headquarters.
"That there is a big step in and of itself that the army and the police are starting to work together," Phillips said.
That the academy functions, he said, is a big step for the Iraqis. While Civilian Police Training Team advisors provide oversight, "the instructors are all Iraqi (and) the administration of the academy is Iraqi," Phillips said. "This is an Iraqi-run academy on an Iraqi military installation."
Like the relationship with the ministry of defense, the police's cooperation with the ministry of justice also has improved, Phillips said.
The criminal justice system has added capacity to address the backlog of untried cases, he explained, describing the development of a "rule of law" complex in Baghdad that would combine detention and trial facilities in order to speed the process of judicial review.
What remain outside of the police force's purview for now, Phillips said, are the political situation and sectarian tension in Baghdad and elsewhere.
"Baghdad is a crossroads where you have Christian, you have Kurdish, you have different sects from Sunni to Shiia, and wherever you have that, we see that you can have flashpoints," the general observed.
"That's why there's such an emphasis going on with our search here to try to get a reconciliation between the groups, such as we saw in South Africa years ago," he said. "We're waiting for those senior leaders to come forward and do that handshake."
(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 7, 2007 – Iraq's police force is seeing incremental improvements across the spectrum of its mandate, and the communities it serves are benefiting as a result, an official with the U.S. police training mission said yesterday. Tangible gains have been made in the police force's relationships with the Iraqi ministries of defense and justice, judicial capacity is on the rise, corruption is being pursued internally, and the training program is continuing to expand, said Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, deputy commander of the Civilian Police Training Team, in a conference call with online journalists and military "bloggers."
The result is that day-to-day life in parts of Baghdad and Anbar province has improved dramatically in some cases as recruits continue to enter the police academies and enhanced police vigilance helps settle neighborhoods, Phillips said.
Looking back on 2004 to 2006, the general noted, "Anbar was an absolute combat zone. That was about as down and dirty as you could get. But now they've rallied together."
Referring to the recent bloom of cooperation between security officials and tribal sheikhs, Phillips said, "They're allowing their sons to go to the academies and train to be police officers, and they have their local groups, which are basically like community watch groups."
Results have come quickly as the local populations tire of the al Qaeda presence, Phillips said.
"They're working hand in hand with the Marine forces out there and the Army forces that are out there," he said. "They're turning in the insurgents. They're turning in caches of weapons. And I have to tell you that commerce is working, the stores are back open, and you get small kids on the streets now waving as you go by in a humvee."
Similar environmental changes have been seen in Baghdad, the general said, where the casual presence of people on the streets in some neighborhoods indicates a positive shift in how residents gauge the security situation.
"The fact that families were letting their kids play there again shows that there is some faith in the fact that these police officers are out there," Phillips noted.
There is a lingering distrust of the police in some sectors due to past experiences of corruption, he admitted, but vigorous oversight within the force is helping reduce the problem of "bad cops," Phillips said.
"Are there bad policemen?" he asked. "Every department has bad police officers. Are there more here than other places? Well, we've got some problems. But the internal affairs organization is working ruthlessly to capture them and take them into custody."
Phillips emphasized the Iraqi force is on par with any peer police force around the world. However, their potential is temporarily held in check by levels of insurgent violence they were neither trained nor intended to face, he said.
While the coalition and Iraqi army face down the insurgency, institutional progress is helping smooth the Iraqi police's operations, Phillips said.
Past friction with the ministry of defense has alleviated somewhat in recent months, with an agreement reached that located the Al Anbar-Habaniya Iraqi Police Academy on the same land as the 1st Iraqi Army Division Headquarters.
"That there is a big step in and of itself that the army and the police are starting to work together," Phillips said.
That the academy functions, he said, is a big step for the Iraqis. While Civilian Police Training Team advisors provide oversight, "the instructors are all Iraqi (and) the administration of the academy is Iraqi," Phillips said. "This is an Iraqi-run academy on an Iraqi military installation."
Like the relationship with the ministry of defense, the police's cooperation with the ministry of justice also has improved, Phillips said.
The criminal justice system has added capacity to address the backlog of untried cases, he explained, describing the development of a "rule of law" complex in Baghdad that would combine detention and trial facilities in order to speed the process of judicial review.
What remain outside of the police force's purview for now, Phillips said, are the political situation and sectarian tension in Baghdad and elsewhere.
"Baghdad is a crossroads where you have Christian, you have Kurdish, you have different sects from Sunni to Shiia, and wherever you have that, we see that you can have flashpoints," the general observed.
"That's why there's such an emphasis going on with our search here to try to get a reconciliation between the groups, such as we saw in South Africa years ago," he said. "We're waiting for those senior leaders to come forward and do that handshake."
(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.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Successful Operations
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained 19 suspected militants, killed two dozen enemy fighters and discovered numerous enemy weapons during operations in Afghanistan over the past three days, military officials reported. In operations today, Afghan and coalition forces detained 10 militants in an operation against Taliban forces in the Qalat district of Zabul province.
Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspected Taliban hideout, officials said. As forces began the operation, two men fled the scene with a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and three grenades. Coalition forces fired warning shots and apprehended the two men. A search revealed an additional eight suspected local militants.
"Taliban militants who choose to take up arms against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are putting themselves and those around them in jeopardy," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "These insurgents will be brought to justice."
In operations yesterday, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked elements of 1st Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, and coalition forces operating in Oruzgan province, officials said.
Afghan and coalition forces repelled two separate enemy attacks on the outer edge of Qadam village. Enemy fighters then retreated to a nearby compound and continued to fire on the friendly force. The combined force maneuvered to gain the advantage over the enemy fighters and directed coalition air support to drop munitions on the enemy position.
Afghan soldiers detained nine enemy fighters, discovered weapons, ammunition and two dead fighters during a follow-on search of the compound.
During operations June 4, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked 209th Afghan National Army Corps soldiers and coalition forces in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province.
Afghan and coalition forces received rocket and small-arms fire near a village north of Kandahar. The combined force returned fire at the enemy force then maneuvered to defendable fighting positions. Coalition close-air support was requested and munitions were dropped on three enemy positions, officials reported.
An estimated two dozen enemy fighters were killed during the four-hour battle, and no injuries to Afghan civilian were reported.
"Enemy fighters are no match for the skill and determination of the Afghan National Army and coalition forces," Belcher said. "We will continue to pursue and defeat all enemy fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 6, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained 19 suspected militants, killed two dozen enemy fighters and discovered numerous enemy weapons during operations in Afghanistan over the past three days, military officials reported. In operations today, Afghan and coalition forces detained 10 militants in an operation against Taliban forces in the Qalat district of Zabul province.
Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspected Taliban hideout, officials said. As forces began the operation, two men fled the scene with a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and three grenades. Coalition forces fired warning shots and apprehended the two men. A search revealed an additional eight suspected local militants.
"Taliban militants who choose to take up arms against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are putting themselves and those around them in jeopardy," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "These insurgents will be brought to justice."
In operations yesterday, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked elements of 1st Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, and coalition forces operating in Oruzgan province, officials said.
Afghan and coalition forces repelled two separate enemy attacks on the outer edge of Qadam village. Enemy fighters then retreated to a nearby compound and continued to fire on the friendly force. The combined force maneuvered to gain the advantage over the enemy fighters and directed coalition air support to drop munitions on the enemy position.
Afghan soldiers detained nine enemy fighters, discovered weapons, ammunition and two dead fighters during a follow-on search of the compound.
During operations June 4, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked 209th Afghan National Army Corps soldiers and coalition forces in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province.
Afghan and coalition forces received rocket and small-arms fire near a village north of Kandahar. The combined force returned fire at the enemy force then maneuvered to defendable fighting positions. Coalition close-air support was requested and munitions were dropped on three enemy positions, officials reported.
An estimated two dozen enemy fighters were killed during the four-hour battle, and no injuries to Afghan civilian were reported.
"Enemy fighters are no match for the skill and determination of the Afghan National Army and coalition forces," Belcher said. "We will continue to pursue and defeat all enemy fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
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Accused Terrorist Transferred to Guantanamo Facility
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – An accused terrorist believed to have helped al Qaeda groups in Africa obtain arms has been transferred to the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Abdullahi Sudi Arale was detained in the Horn of Africa region recently, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. He is suspected of being a courier between the al Qaeda network in East Africa and al Qaeda in Pakistan.
Arale is considered an enemy combatant and a high-value detainee, Whitman said.
Since his return from Pakistan to Somalia in September 2006, he has held a leadership role in the organization set up to challenge the transitional government in the country.
Defense officials said Arale has been assisting various East Africa al Qaeda-affiliated extremists in acquiring weapons and explosives. He also has helped facilitate extremist travel by providing false documents for terrorists traveling into Somalia.
Arale played a significant role in the emergence of the Council of Islamic Courts in Mogadishu. The courts have evolved into a quasi-governmental entity with troops and weaponry. They controlled Mogadishu and most of southern Somalia, but left after Ethiopian troops entered the country in December.
Arale joins about 385 detainees in the Guantanamo facility, Whitman said, adding that he will be questioned about his al Qaeda dealings. Many detainees at the facility have provided information essential to understanding how al Qaeda operates and preventing future attacks, Whitman said.
Arale will go through a combatant status review tribunal, in which he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of evidence against him and contest his enemy-combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to him.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – An accused terrorist believed to have helped al Qaeda groups in Africa obtain arms has been transferred to the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Abdullahi Sudi Arale was detained in the Horn of Africa region recently, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. He is suspected of being a courier between the al Qaeda network in East Africa and al Qaeda in Pakistan.
Arale is considered an enemy combatant and a high-value detainee, Whitman said.
Since his return from Pakistan to Somalia in September 2006, he has held a leadership role in the organization set up to challenge the transitional government in the country.
Defense officials said Arale has been assisting various East Africa al Qaeda-affiliated extremists in acquiring weapons and explosives. He also has helped facilitate extremist travel by providing false documents for terrorists traveling into Somalia.
Arale played a significant role in the emergence of the Council of Islamic Courts in Mogadishu. The courts have evolved into a quasi-governmental entity with troops and weaponry. They controlled Mogadishu and most of southern Somalia, but left after Ethiopian troops entered the country in December.
Arale joins about 385 detainees in the Guantanamo facility, Whitman said, adding that he will be questioned about his al Qaeda dealings. Many detainees at the facility have provided information essential to understanding how al Qaeda operates and preventing future attacks, Whitman said.
Arale will go through a combatant status review tribunal, in which he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of evidence against him and contest his enemy-combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to him.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Iraqi People Taking Stand Against Al Qaeda
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – The Iraqi people are taking a stand against al Qaeda beyond Anbar province, Multinational Force Iraq's new spokesman said today. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, who spoke during a phone interview today, called the Iraqis' stance against the terror group the "Anbar Awakening." In the past six months, local tribal leaders and sheikhs in the Sunni province have disavowed the terror group's tactics and have turned to the Iraqi government.
Violence in the province has plummeted, and local men are flocking to police and army recruiting stations.
Now Iraqis outside Anbar are experiencing their own awakening, Bergner said. In Almariyah, a mixed neighborhood in Baghdad, local Iraqis are turning against al Qaeda following a series of horrendous attacks against local sheikhs and civilians there. "The locals standing up against al Qaeda and separating themselves from them," he said.
Bergner said Iraqi government and coalition officials are encouraged by the trend.
However, the general warned against jumping to conclusions or making premature assessments of the Baghdad security plan. "We're still positioning the forces committed to Baghdad," he said.
Four of the five additional U.S. brigades planned for in the "surge" are in Baghdad with the fifth arriving. "In the next couple of weeks, we will see all five start their operations," Bergner said.
Even with this, there will still be a delay as units assume their battle positions. "When there is a transition, even when the force is fully operational, there is a period of time ... as they master their environment and as they learn to work with the Iraqi security forces and local people and they really start to operate against the threat in their new sectors," he said.
The general highlighted the role of the newly established joint security stations and combat outposts around Baghdad. "Where the Iraqi coalition forces are integrated in those stations, it's really a powerful result," he said.
Bergner, who served in Mosul in 2005, spoke about a recent visit to Ramadi. He said coalition officials using reconnaissance assets were able to contact Iraqi police officers to investigate the situation. The general was amazed at the capability. The Iraqi police could not have done this when he was last in Iraq, he said. "It's a great improvement in our capability and in the way we interact with the Iraqis," he said.
Bergner said that the trajectory of the country has already changed. From January to today, the amount of sectarian violence has dropped. It has not been a straight drop, and in May it rose over April. "That is the nature of progress here in Iraq. It is non-linear. It's definitely uneven, so you're going to see those interruptions, corrections," he said.
The final parts of the surge are moving in to position. "We really don't want to let expectations and assessments get out in front of the force that's still flowing," he said. "The fifth brigade is significant increase in our capability. It's going to create new opportunities for us, and so where we've been up til now is less interesting than where we're going to go."
The bottom line for servicemembers is that the battle for Baghdad is going to be a tough fight, Bergner said. "We've seen the courage of the Iraqi people as they stand up to al Qaeda," he said. "The coalition forces have more troops going to more places, making more contacts, and we are contesting places we haven't been for some time.
"It's going to get harder before it gets easier."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – The Iraqi people are taking a stand against al Qaeda beyond Anbar province, Multinational Force Iraq's new spokesman said today. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, who spoke during a phone interview today, called the Iraqis' stance against the terror group the "Anbar Awakening." In the past six months, local tribal leaders and sheikhs in the Sunni province have disavowed the terror group's tactics and have turned to the Iraqi government.
Violence in the province has plummeted, and local men are flocking to police and army recruiting stations.
Now Iraqis outside Anbar are experiencing their own awakening, Bergner said. In Almariyah, a mixed neighborhood in Baghdad, local Iraqis are turning against al Qaeda following a series of horrendous attacks against local sheikhs and civilians there. "The locals standing up against al Qaeda and separating themselves from them," he said.
Bergner said Iraqi government and coalition officials are encouraged by the trend.
However, the general warned against jumping to conclusions or making premature assessments of the Baghdad security plan. "We're still positioning the forces committed to Baghdad," he said.
Four of the five additional U.S. brigades planned for in the "surge" are in Baghdad with the fifth arriving. "In the next couple of weeks, we will see all five start their operations," Bergner said.
Even with this, there will still be a delay as units assume their battle positions. "When there is a transition, even when the force is fully operational, there is a period of time ... as they master their environment and as they learn to work with the Iraqi security forces and local people and they really start to operate against the threat in their new sectors," he said.
The general highlighted the role of the newly established joint security stations and combat outposts around Baghdad. "Where the Iraqi coalition forces are integrated in those stations, it's really a powerful result," he said.
Bergner, who served in Mosul in 2005, spoke about a recent visit to Ramadi. He said coalition officials using reconnaissance assets were able to contact Iraqi police officers to investigate the situation. The general was amazed at the capability. The Iraqi police could not have done this when he was last in Iraq, he said. "It's a great improvement in our capability and in the way we interact with the Iraqis," he said.
Bergner said that the trajectory of the country has already changed. From January to today, the amount of sectarian violence has dropped. It has not been a straight drop, and in May it rose over April. "That is the nature of progress here in Iraq. It is non-linear. It's definitely uneven, so you're going to see those interruptions, corrections," he said.
The final parts of the surge are moving in to position. "We really don't want to let expectations and assessments get out in front of the force that's still flowing," he said. "The fifth brigade is significant increase in our capability. It's going to create new opportunities for us, and so where we've been up til now is less interesting than where we're going to go."
The bottom line for servicemembers is that the battle for Baghdad is going to be a tough fight, Bergner said. "We've seen the courage of the Iraqi people as they stand up to al Qaeda," he said. "The coalition forces have more troops going to more places, making more contacts, and we are contesting places we haven't been for some time.
"It's going to get harder before it gets easier."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Four Suspected Terrorists Killed, 23 Detained in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Coalition forces killed four terrorists, detained 23 others, and discovered multiple weapons caches during recent operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq. Based on information from a suspected terrorist detained in earlier operations, coalition forces today detained two suspected terrorists associated with an al Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have close ties to terrorist leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri in Anbar province, military officials said.
Coalition forces also detained three suspected terrorists believed to be involved with numerous kidnappings and murders in a coordinated raid.
In Mosul, coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist today during operations targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq cell responsible for recent bombings in Irbil and Kirkuk. During the course of the early morning operations, two vehicles drove at coalition ground forces. The coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicles, then engaged the vehicles, killing one terrorist.
"We continue to chisel away at the al Qaeda in Iraq network, deliberately and methodically dismantling their ability to harm the people of Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
In operations yesterday, coalition forces raided a Baghdad residence known to be a safe house. As forces secured the targeted building, numerous suspected terrorists attempted to flee and were detained by ground forces. One terrorist made continuous hostile attempts to evade the ground forces and refused to listen to instructions given by the interpreter with soldiers. Coalition forces responding in self-defense engaged the terrorist, killing him. Three suspected terrorists also were detained during the raid.
Yesterday in Baghdad, Iraqi security forces prevented a female extremist from injuring and killing others when she detonated a concealed explosive device near the main entrance of the Iraqi National Police Academy in the Adhamiyah district.
The woman approached the main gate at the academy and was ordered to stop by security forces after an Iraqi soldier saw her adjusting a vest underneath her clothing. The attacker continued to approach the gate, and after another verbal warning followed by a warning shot, she started running toward a crowd of national police recruits.
Iraqi army troops opened fire on the woman, and she detonated the explosive device, killing herself. No Iraqi security forces or police recruits were injured in the attack. The failed suicide attack occurred one day after a recruiting drive, in which hundreds of Iraqi citizens volunteered for service at the training academy.
In earlier operations, coalition aircraft conducted precision air strikes against anti-aircraft weapons northwest of Iskandariyah on June 4, officials said.
An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the 4th Squadron, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, was providing aerial security for ongoing operations when paratroopers spotted an anti-aircraft artillery piece not far from a house they were raiding. The helicopter destroyed the artillery piece with two missiles to prevent it from being used against Iraqi or coalition forces in the area. In the last three days, the paratroopers and helicopter squadron have destroyed seven anti-aircraft weapons.
During an operation June 2 to 4 targeting al Qaeda in Iraq activities in Balad, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists for their involvement with al Qaeda, uncovered seven weapons caches and found a fully assembled car bomb.
As coalition helicopters were dropping off the assault force to begin the operation, the helicopters began receiving small-arms fire, military officials reported. The assault force on the ground also began receiving small-arms fire, and coalition forces called in an air strike to engage the enemy. Two terrorists armed with AK-47s and grenades were killed.
Local Iraqis led coalition forces to seven separate weapons caches in the area. One of the caches was concealed in a small, man-made cave and contained a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and rounds, a light machine gun, anti-personnel rounds, various ammunition, four bayonets, military-style assault vests, and black masks. Another cache buried in a barrel contained small arms, a gas mask and chemical agent, a first aid kit, five assault vests, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Five of the caches contained military-style uniform components, including Iraqi army uniforms, U.S. military-issue boots, camouflage clothing and black masks, as well as anti-aircraft artillery rounds, small arms and electronics.
"The people are choosing to reject al Qaeda's vision for Iraq," Garver said. "Our continuing operations to eliminate the weapons of the terrorists disrupt their ability to attack innocent Iraqis."
(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.
June 6, 2007 – Coalition forces killed four terrorists, detained 23 others, and discovered multiple weapons caches during recent operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq. Based on information from a suspected terrorist detained in earlier operations, coalition forces today detained two suspected terrorists associated with an al Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have close ties to terrorist leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri in Anbar province, military officials said.
Coalition forces also detained three suspected terrorists believed to be involved with numerous kidnappings and murders in a coordinated raid.
In Mosul, coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist today during operations targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq cell responsible for recent bombings in Irbil and Kirkuk. During the course of the early morning operations, two vehicles drove at coalition ground forces. The coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicles, then engaged the vehicles, killing one terrorist.
"We continue to chisel away at the al Qaeda in Iraq network, deliberately and methodically dismantling their ability to harm the people of Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
In operations yesterday, coalition forces raided a Baghdad residence known to be a safe house. As forces secured the targeted building, numerous suspected terrorists attempted to flee and were detained by ground forces. One terrorist made continuous hostile attempts to evade the ground forces and refused to listen to instructions given by the interpreter with soldiers. Coalition forces responding in self-defense engaged the terrorist, killing him. Three suspected terrorists also were detained during the raid.
Yesterday in Baghdad, Iraqi security forces prevented a female extremist from injuring and killing others when she detonated a concealed explosive device near the main entrance of the Iraqi National Police Academy in the Adhamiyah district.
The woman approached the main gate at the academy and was ordered to stop by security forces after an Iraqi soldier saw her adjusting a vest underneath her clothing. The attacker continued to approach the gate, and after another verbal warning followed by a warning shot, she started running toward a crowd of national police recruits.
Iraqi army troops opened fire on the woman, and she detonated the explosive device, killing herself. No Iraqi security forces or police recruits were injured in the attack. The failed suicide attack occurred one day after a recruiting drive, in which hundreds of Iraqi citizens volunteered for service at the training academy.
In earlier operations, coalition aircraft conducted precision air strikes against anti-aircraft weapons northwest of Iskandariyah on June 4, officials said.
An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the 4th Squadron, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, was providing aerial security for ongoing operations when paratroopers spotted an anti-aircraft artillery piece not far from a house they were raiding. The helicopter destroyed the artillery piece with two missiles to prevent it from being used against Iraqi or coalition forces in the area. In the last three days, the paratroopers and helicopter squadron have destroyed seven anti-aircraft weapons.
During an operation June 2 to 4 targeting al Qaeda in Iraq activities in Balad, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists for their involvement with al Qaeda, uncovered seven weapons caches and found a fully assembled car bomb.
As coalition helicopters were dropping off the assault force to begin the operation, the helicopters began receiving small-arms fire, military officials reported. The assault force on the ground also began receiving small-arms fire, and coalition forces called in an air strike to engage the enemy. Two terrorists armed with AK-47s and grenades were killed.
Local Iraqis led coalition forces to seven separate weapons caches in the area. One of the caches was concealed in a small, man-made cave and contained a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and rounds, a light machine gun, anti-personnel rounds, various ammunition, four bayonets, military-style assault vests, and black masks. Another cache buried in a barrel contained small arms, a gas mask and chemical agent, a first aid kit, five assault vests, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Five of the caches contained military-style uniform components, including Iraqi army uniforms, U.S. military-issue boots, camouflage clothing and black masks, as well as anti-aircraft artillery rounds, small arms and electronics.
"The people are choosing to reject al Qaeda's vision for Iraq," Garver said. "Our continuing operations to eliminate the weapons of the terrorists disrupt their ability to attack innocent Iraqis."
(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.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Soldiers Killed in Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – Three U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded today, and another was killed yesterday during operations in Iraq, officials reported.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 11 servicemembers killed recently in the war on terror.
-- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital today. Another soldier was wounded in the attack.
-- A 13th Sustainment Command soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device today while executing a combat logistics patrol near Bayji, Iraq.
-- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed today as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion in Diyala province. Another soldier was wounded during the explosion and was transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment.
-- A Multinational Division North soldier died of wounds suffered from enemy gunfire in Diyala province yesterday. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of two airmen, eight soldiers and a Marine killed recently supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind., and
Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio, died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. Both airmen were special agents assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Army Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif, died June 2, and
Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died June 3 in Baghdad. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle June 2 in Baghdad. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Army Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill., and
Army Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Army 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 May 28 in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Marine 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.
Army 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.
Army Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, of Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad of wounds uffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department releases.)
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – Three U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded today, and another was killed yesterday during operations in Iraq, officials reported.
Also, the Defense Department released the names of 11 servicemembers killed recently in the war on terror.
-- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital today. Another soldier was wounded in the attack.
-- A 13th Sustainment Command soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device today while executing a combat logistics patrol near Bayji, Iraq.
-- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed today as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion in Diyala province. Another soldier was wounded during the explosion and was transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment.
-- A Multinational Division North soldier died of wounds suffered from enemy gunfire in Diyala province yesterday. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of two airmen, eight soldiers and a Marine killed recently supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind., and
Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio, died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. Both airmen were special agents assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Army Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif, died June 2, and
Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died June 3 in Baghdad. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle June 2 in Baghdad. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
Army Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Army Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill., and
Army Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Army 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 May 28 in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Marine 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.
Army 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.
Army Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, of Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad of wounds uffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department releases.)
Coalition Has Nullified Taliban's Spring Offensive, General Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Coalition forces have the upper hand against Afghan insurgents despite previous fears of a bloody Taliban spring offensive aided by Iranian technology, the deputy director for operations on the Joint Staff said here today. "I will tell you, I think in fact the offensive is not theirs but ours," Army Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins told Pentagon reporters in a news conference.
Coalition troops have been highly active in Afghanistan's eastern and southern sectors, Wiggins said, and the Taliban's leadership and fighting force has suffered "serious losses."
Mullah Dadullah Lang, the Taliban's top military commander and "functional leader," was killed May 11 in the Ganstrah district of Helmand province, Wiggins announced during a May 16 operational briefing here.
"Dadullah Lang was responsible for the ethnic cleansing of the Hazaras in Bamyan province when the Taliban was in power. He was the lead proponent of suicide bombings and supervised dozens of Afghan beheadings. He was also behind the recent kidnappings of a Western journalist and French aid worker," said Wiggins, who described Lang's death as a "serious setback" for the enemy.
Today, the general expressed concern over insurgents' increasing use of complex asymmetric warfare tactics, including car and suicide bombings, and improvised explosive device and explosively formed penetrator attacks. EFPs are shaped charges designed to pierce armored vehicles.
"We're taking a look at a move toward a more asymmetric type of targeting or attacks through the use of IEDs," he said. "And a particular concern with the IEDs is the technology associated with these IEDs."
Wiggins said military officials believe technology involved in such bombing attacks is being imported from Iran. "We have seen some technology that tends us to believe that it's coming in from Iran. ... We know there's a flow," he said.
Iran also is exporting technology to insurgents in Iraq, Wiggins said, citing recent statements by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. "Secretary Gates (talked) about the Iranian technology that seems to be flowing into Iraq. And the fact of the matter is, we need to stem that type of technology," he said.
In Iraq, attacks involving EFPs are occurring more frequently, Wiggins said.
"EFPs are a concern," he said. "We have seen a slight increase in that type of technology over the past several months."
During dialogues with Iranian diplomats, Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, addressed Iran's problematic exportation of weapons technology, the general said.
"One of the points that he brought up is we need to thwart the influx of this type of weapon systems coming into Iraq," Wiggins said. "The bottom line is actions speak louder than words with regard to these particular types of things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Coalition forces have the upper hand against Afghan insurgents despite previous fears of a bloody Taliban spring offensive aided by Iranian technology, the deputy director for operations on the Joint Staff said here today. "I will tell you, I think in fact the offensive is not theirs but ours," Army Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins told Pentagon reporters in a news conference.
Coalition troops have been highly active in Afghanistan's eastern and southern sectors, Wiggins said, and the Taliban's leadership and fighting force has suffered "serious losses."
Mullah Dadullah Lang, the Taliban's top military commander and "functional leader," was killed May 11 in the Ganstrah district of Helmand province, Wiggins announced during a May 16 operational briefing here.
"Dadullah Lang was responsible for the ethnic cleansing of the Hazaras in Bamyan province when the Taliban was in power. He was the lead proponent of suicide bombings and supervised dozens of Afghan beheadings. He was also behind the recent kidnappings of a Western journalist and French aid worker," said Wiggins, who described Lang's death as a "serious setback" for the enemy.
Today, the general expressed concern over insurgents' increasing use of complex asymmetric warfare tactics, including car and suicide bombings, and improvised explosive device and explosively formed penetrator attacks. EFPs are shaped charges designed to pierce armored vehicles.
"We're taking a look at a move toward a more asymmetric type of targeting or attacks through the use of IEDs," he said. "And a particular concern with the IEDs is the technology associated with these IEDs."
Wiggins said military officials believe technology involved in such bombing attacks is being imported from Iran. "We have seen some technology that tends us to believe that it's coming in from Iran. ... We know there's a flow," he said.
Iran also is exporting technology to insurgents in Iraq, Wiggins said, citing recent statements by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. "Secretary Gates (talked) about the Iranian technology that seems to be flowing into Iraq. And the fact of the matter is, we need to stem that type of technology," he said.
In Iraq, attacks involving EFPs are occurring more frequently, Wiggins said.
"EFPs are a concern," he said. "We have seen a slight increase in that type of technology over the past several months."
During dialogues with Iranian diplomats, Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, addressed Iran's problematic exportation of weapons technology, the general said.
"One of the points that he brought up is we need to thwart the influx of this type of weapon systems coming into Iraq," Wiggins said. "The bottom line is actions speak louder than words with regard to these particular types of things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Terrorists Using Chlorine Car Bombs to Intimidate Iraqis
American Forces Press Service
June 6, 2007 – Anyone who doubts that al Qaeda would use chemical, nuclear or biological weapons need only look at the terror group's attacks in Iraq, Defense officials said. Al Qaeda and affiliated groups have used chlorine gas in attacks against civilians, Iraqi forces and coalition forces at least 15 times since October, according to U.S. officials in Baghdad.
"Chlorine is used by terrorists with the intent to harm or kill large numbers of civilians," an official said. "The attacks show that the terrorists are adaptable, but it reflects more on their maliciousness than their sophistication."
The first documented chlorine attack was Oct. 21, 2006, in Ramadi, a Multinational Force Iraq spokeswoman said. In that attack, terrorists drove a car bomb with 12 120 mm mortar shells and two 100-pound chlorine tanks. The attack wounded three Iraqi police officers and a civilian.
The first attack that received media attention was at Taji, where terrorists remotely detonated a 5-ton truck packed with 100 pounds of high explosives and two 1-ton chlorine tanks. The attack killed one civilian and wounded 114 others.
Other chlorine attacks occurred in Fallujah, Balad and Ramadi. The most recent attack was June 3 against Forward Operating Base Warhorse, in Diyala province. Again, a suicide car bomber launched the attack, and officials estimate it included two tanks of chlorine and 1,000 pounds of explosive. The cloud from the attack blew over Warhorse and sickened 65 servicemembers, Multinational Force Iraq officials said. All were examined and returned to duty.
Officials in Baghdad cannot tell from their records if anyone has died from chlorine inhalation. A Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said there are anecdotal reports that while the blasts from the attacks have killed, few have died solely from the gas. "We hear that an old man and some babies may have been killed, but we can't pin that down," the spokesman said.
"We have seen attempts made by insurgent forces - al Qaeda in particular - to use debilitating agents like chlorine in their (improvised explosive devices and car bombs) to cause casualties beyond just concussion and blast," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Whitman said the attacks have been of limited effectiveness, but that does not lessen concerns. "We continue to look at ways to prevent those materials from making their way to those who plant explosive devices," he said.
This is a difficult proposition because many chemicals, like chlorine, have legitimate civilian uses. Chlorine is used to purify water and in other industrial processes.
Without getting into details that could jeopardize operational security, U.S. servicemembers have gear to protect them from such weapons, a Pentagon official said. So the terrorists aim the weapon at civilians in an effort to intimidate populations.
"The car bombs themselves are designed to target innocent civilians," Whitman said. "It reflects the brutality of the enemy we are facing and the total disregard of life to use such an indiscriminate nature."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
June 6, 2007 – Anyone who doubts that al Qaeda would use chemical, nuclear or biological weapons need only look at the terror group's attacks in Iraq, Defense officials said. Al Qaeda and affiliated groups have used chlorine gas in attacks against civilians, Iraqi forces and coalition forces at least 15 times since October, according to U.S. officials in Baghdad.
"Chlorine is used by terrorists with the intent to harm or kill large numbers of civilians," an official said. "The attacks show that the terrorists are adaptable, but it reflects more on their maliciousness than their sophistication."
The first documented chlorine attack was Oct. 21, 2006, in Ramadi, a Multinational Force Iraq spokeswoman said. In that attack, terrorists drove a car bomb with 12 120 mm mortar shells and two 100-pound chlorine tanks. The attack wounded three Iraqi police officers and a civilian.
The first attack that received media attention was at Taji, where terrorists remotely detonated a 5-ton truck packed with 100 pounds of high explosives and two 1-ton chlorine tanks. The attack killed one civilian and wounded 114 others.
Other chlorine attacks occurred in Fallujah, Balad and Ramadi. The most recent attack was June 3 against Forward Operating Base Warhorse, in Diyala province. Again, a suicide car bomber launched the attack, and officials estimate it included two tanks of chlorine and 1,000 pounds of explosive. The cloud from the attack blew over Warhorse and sickened 65 servicemembers, Multinational Force Iraq officials said. All were examined and returned to duty.
Officials in Baghdad cannot tell from their records if anyone has died from chlorine inhalation. A Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said there are anecdotal reports that while the blasts from the attacks have killed, few have died solely from the gas. "We hear that an old man and some babies may have been killed, but we can't pin that down," the spokesman said.
"We have seen attempts made by insurgent forces - al Qaeda in particular - to use debilitating agents like chlorine in their (improvised explosive devices and car bombs) to cause casualties beyond just concussion and blast," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Whitman said the attacks have been of limited effectiveness, but that does not lessen concerns. "We continue to look at ways to prevent those materials from making their way to those who plant explosive devices," he said.
This is a difficult proposition because many chemicals, like chlorine, have legitimate civilian uses. Chlorine is used to purify water and in other industrial processes.
Without getting into details that could jeopardize operational security, U.S. servicemembers have gear to protect them from such weapons, a Pentagon official said. So the terrorists aim the weapon at civilians in an effort to intimidate populations.
"The car bombs themselves are designed to target innocent civilians," Whitman said. "It reflects the brutality of the enemy we are facing and the total disregard of life to use such an indiscriminate nature."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Police Officer Books
Editor's Note: Charles Stone's book on the Atlanta Olympic Bomber interesting reading re: domestic terrorism.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Three police officers were added to the website: Billy Chase, Rick Darby and Charles Stone.
Billy Chase grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He worked as a guard for the Connecticut State Correctional Department at the Whalley Avenue Correctional Facility in New Haven, Connecticut. After a short stint with the Monroe Police Department (Connecticut) he joined the Bridgeport Police Department (Connecticut). In 1992, he retired from the Bridgeport Police Department.
Billy Chase is the author of Chased: Alone, Black, and Undercover. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Chase may well be one of the most courageous police officers now working a beat. As an undercover narcotics agent in Bridgeport, Conn., he has infiltrated black, Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Colombian and Italian mobs, fortified by smarts he acquired on the street in his own youth, and fueled by his hatred of drugs and organized crime. But while his primary struggle was waged against gangsters, he also fought racism: on more than one occasion, Chase held a gun on thugs he had arrested only to hear them yell for help, claiming he was robbing them; spectators were all too ready to believe the claim.”
Rick Darby is a veteran police officer and an Ordained Minister. He currently serves as the Police Chief of the Cornelia Police Department (Georgia). He has had the opportunity to teach over 5000 law enforcement officers both locally and internationally. Rick Darby has written feature articles for local newspapers and law enforcement training curriculum. His passion for people has allowed him to appear on local, national and international radio and television. He has also worked with troubled youth and taught Drug Education in Public Schools.
Rick Darby is the author of The Boyz in the Grove. According to the book description, “set in the late 1960's and early 1970's two old friends reminisce after not seeing each other for twenty years and the story begins to unfold. Jacob Hartley and Rick Darby reconnect in a hospital room and mutually agree not to talk about an incident that occurred thirty-four years earlier. Jacob asks Rick to share some of their childhood stories to bring him some peace during his last days of life. As Rick begins to share in the Southern style only he can, others show up to hear a story or two. He even shares one of his stories with a group of nurses. During that story he gets a little surprise that catches him off guard. After a day at the hospital Rick prepares to leave when Jacob throws him a curve. His request was more than Rick had bargained for.”
Charles Stone was a Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s agent for more than 25 years. As head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Anti-Terrorist Unit, was one of the three primary investigative supervisors on the Atlanta Bomber Case. He is a co-author of the book that explores that case, Hunting Eric Rudolph.
According to Publisher’s Weekly, “This is a suspenseful account of the five-year hunt for the man behind the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Park bombing. Eric Rudolph is now also facing federal charges for bombings of a gay nightclub and two abortion clinics in Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala. Descriptive anecdotes of Rudolph and his family help Schuster, a CNN senior producer, and Stone, former head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Anti-Terrorist Force, illustrate how a man on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List with a million-dollar reward on his head managed to elude the FBI for years by hiding out in the mountains of North Carolina.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 573 police officers (representing 241 police departments) and their 1208 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Three police officers were added to the website: Billy Chase, Rick Darby and Charles Stone.
Billy Chase grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He worked as a guard for the Connecticut State Correctional Department at the Whalley Avenue Correctional Facility in New Haven, Connecticut. After a short stint with the Monroe Police Department (Connecticut) he joined the Bridgeport Police Department (Connecticut). In 1992, he retired from the Bridgeport Police Department.
Billy Chase is the author of Chased: Alone, Black, and Undercover. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Chase may well be one of the most courageous police officers now working a beat. As an undercover narcotics agent in Bridgeport, Conn., he has infiltrated black, Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Colombian and Italian mobs, fortified by smarts he acquired on the street in his own youth, and fueled by his hatred of drugs and organized crime. But while his primary struggle was waged against gangsters, he also fought racism: on more than one occasion, Chase held a gun on thugs he had arrested only to hear them yell for help, claiming he was robbing them; spectators were all too ready to believe the claim.”
Rick Darby is a veteran police officer and an Ordained Minister. He currently serves as the Police Chief of the Cornelia Police Department (Georgia). He has had the opportunity to teach over 5000 law enforcement officers both locally and internationally. Rick Darby has written feature articles for local newspapers and law enforcement training curriculum. His passion for people has allowed him to appear on local, national and international radio and television. He has also worked with troubled youth and taught Drug Education in Public Schools.
Rick Darby is the author of The Boyz in the Grove. According to the book description, “set in the late 1960's and early 1970's two old friends reminisce after not seeing each other for twenty years and the story begins to unfold. Jacob Hartley and Rick Darby reconnect in a hospital room and mutually agree not to talk about an incident that occurred thirty-four years earlier. Jacob asks Rick to share some of their childhood stories to bring him some peace during his last days of life. As Rick begins to share in the Southern style only he can, others show up to hear a story or two. He even shares one of his stories with a group of nurses. During that story he gets a little surprise that catches him off guard. After a day at the hospital Rick prepares to leave when Jacob throws him a curve. His request was more than Rick had bargained for.”
Charles Stone was a Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s agent for more than 25 years. As head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Anti-Terrorist Unit, was one of the three primary investigative supervisors on the Atlanta Bomber Case. He is a co-author of the book that explores that case, Hunting Eric Rudolph.
According to Publisher’s Weekly, “This is a suspenseful account of the five-year hunt for the man behind the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Park bombing. Eric Rudolph is now also facing federal charges for bombings of a gay nightclub and two abortion clinics in Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala. Descriptive anecdotes of Rudolph and his family help Schuster, a CNN senior producer, and Stone, former head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Anti-Terrorist Force, illustrate how a man on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List with a million-dollar reward on his head managed to elude the FBI for years by hiding out in the mountains of North Carolina.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 573 police officers (representing 241 police departments) and their 1208 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Troops Capture Insurgents, Find Mortars in Iraq; Eight Soldiers Wounded
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects, uncovered an enemy mortar system, and suffered eight non-lethal combat casualties in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported. In raids targeting the al Qaeda network this morning, coalition forces detained 18 suspected terrorists. Intelligence used to locate the suspects was based on information gained from previous successful operations, officials said.
Coalition forces raided four buildings associated with al Qaeda northeast of Fallujah this morning, rounding up 13 suspected terrorists. Military officials said the suspects have alleged ties to a cell that carries out car-bomb, sniper, and mortar attacks against coalition forces, and Iraqi civilians and infrastructure.
In Mosul today, coalition forces raided two buildings and detained two suspected terrorists, including the alleged assistant to a senior terrorist leader who was captured May 29.
Coalition forces captured an alleged key leader in the Rusafa car-bomb network and a suspected al Qaeda terrorist north of Taji this morning. Troops also captured an alleged al Qaeda facility manager who operates a safe house southwest of Tarmiyah, military officials said.
"Our continuing operations are frustrating al Qaeda in Iraq's ability to operate," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We are targeting them, detaining them, and they in turn are giving us information to disrupt the networks further."
In the Iraqi capital today, coalition forces nabbed four suspected terrorists, including one suspected terror cell leader during raids in northeast Baghdad. The suspected leader, who allegedly is involved in planning attack logistics and distributing small arms, suffered minor injuries during the operation and was transported to a military medical facility for treatment.
Military officials believe the suspects are members of a secret terror cell responsible for moving weapons and explosively formed penetrators from Iran to Iraq. The cell allegedly brings militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
"Coalition forces continue to break apart the terrorist networks that attempt to bring instability to Iraq and inflict continued violence on the Iraqi people," Garver said.
In eastern Baghdad on June 3, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers uncovered a 60 mm mortar system thanks to a tip from a local resident.
The resident from the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City approached paratroopers from 82nd Airborne Division's 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and told them location of a mortar system he discovered in the back of a truck and subsequently took and hid. Following the lead, paratroopers searched the area and confirmed the resident's report, uncovering the mortar system.
"We suspect that this mortar system was used in attacks on coalition outposts, based on the location and point of origin site in which it was found," said Army Lt. Col. David Oclander, the executive officer for the unit's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Oclander said this event is evidence that paratroopers in the area are building trust with Sadr City residents.
"Risking his own personal security, this man took action to get weapons used by criminal militias off the streets," he said. "(This is) a great example of how Iraqi citizens are working to take action in securing their neighborhoods."
Near Baghdad that same day, a complex attack wounded eight U.S. soldiers at a patrol base southeast of the Iraqi capital. The attack, involving a car bomb, small arms and mortar fire, was countered with coalition aviation, ground force and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.
The names of the wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, military officials said.
(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.
June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects, uncovered an enemy mortar system, and suffered eight non-lethal combat casualties in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported. In raids targeting the al Qaeda network this morning, coalition forces detained 18 suspected terrorists. Intelligence used to locate the suspects was based on information gained from previous successful operations, officials said.
Coalition forces raided four buildings associated with al Qaeda northeast of Fallujah this morning, rounding up 13 suspected terrorists. Military officials said the suspects have alleged ties to a cell that carries out car-bomb, sniper, and mortar attacks against coalition forces, and Iraqi civilians and infrastructure.
In Mosul today, coalition forces raided two buildings and detained two suspected terrorists, including the alleged assistant to a senior terrorist leader who was captured May 29.
Coalition forces captured an alleged key leader in the Rusafa car-bomb network and a suspected al Qaeda terrorist north of Taji this morning. Troops also captured an alleged al Qaeda facility manager who operates a safe house southwest of Tarmiyah, military officials said.
"Our continuing operations are frustrating al Qaeda in Iraq's ability to operate," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We are targeting them, detaining them, and they in turn are giving us information to disrupt the networks further."
In the Iraqi capital today, coalition forces nabbed four suspected terrorists, including one suspected terror cell leader during raids in northeast Baghdad. The suspected leader, who allegedly is involved in planning attack logistics and distributing small arms, suffered minor injuries during the operation and was transported to a military medical facility for treatment.
Military officials believe the suspects are members of a secret terror cell responsible for moving weapons and explosively formed penetrators from Iran to Iraq. The cell allegedly brings militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
"Coalition forces continue to break apart the terrorist networks that attempt to bring instability to Iraq and inflict continued violence on the Iraqi people," Garver said.
In eastern Baghdad on June 3, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers uncovered a 60 mm mortar system thanks to a tip from a local resident.
The resident from the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City approached paratroopers from 82nd Airborne Division's 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and told them location of a mortar system he discovered in the back of a truck and subsequently took and hid. Following the lead, paratroopers searched the area and confirmed the resident's report, uncovering the mortar system.
"We suspect that this mortar system was used in attacks on coalition outposts, based on the location and point of origin site in which it was found," said Army Lt. Col. David Oclander, the executive officer for the unit's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Oclander said this event is evidence that paratroopers in the area are building trust with Sadr City residents.
"Risking his own personal security, this man took action to get weapons used by criminal militias off the streets," he said. "(This is) a great example of how Iraqi citizens are working to take action in securing their neighborhoods."
Near Baghdad that same day, a complex attack wounded eight U.S. soldiers at a patrol base southeast of the Iraqi capital. The attack, involving a car bomb, small arms and mortar fire, was countered with coalition aviation, ground force and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.
The names of the wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, military officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
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Gates Wants Faster Progress in Iraq, But Doesn't Fault Iraqi Army
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Although acknowledging he'd like to see faster progress in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today refused to point fingers at the Iraqi army and said that force is standing up to challenges confronting it. "We would certainly be happy if there was faster progress on the political front in terms of reunification," Gates said in response to a question during a joint news conference with Gen. Lt. Ismail Isakov, the Kyrgyz defense minister.
However, the secretary said he never had illusions that the security situation in Iraq would improve overnight.
"General (David) Petraeus, (commander of Multinational Force Iraq), has been pretty clear from the very beginning that this is going to be a difficult process," Gates said.
He declined commenting on press reports that the troop surge in Baghdad, soon to be at full force, isn't succeeding as quickly as expected in terms of number of neighborhoods controlled.
If, in fact, the surge is progressing slower than expected, Gates said, that's because the insurgents are working to prevent progress. "It's clearly because al Qaeda and others are trying to make as much difficulty as possible for us and for the Iraqi government," he said.
Gates said he's impressed with the Iraqi army and noted that it is suffering twice the number of casualties as coalition forces. "I think their willingness to fight and die for their country is not in doubt," he said.
In other news, Gates offered little information about a decision to dismiss charges against two Guantanamo Bay detainees, saying he had just learned about the matter himself.
"That is the reason we have a judicial process in all of this," Gates said of the decision. "We will have to take a look at it and see what the implications are."
Military judges dismissed charges yesterday against Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a Yemeni detainee who was alleged to have chauffeured Osama bin Laden, and Omar Khadr, a Canadian alleged to have killed a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Although acknowledging he'd like to see faster progress in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today refused to point fingers at the Iraqi army and said that force is standing up to challenges confronting it. "We would certainly be happy if there was faster progress on the political front in terms of reunification," Gates said in response to a question during a joint news conference with Gen. Lt. Ismail Isakov, the Kyrgyz defense minister.
However, the secretary said he never had illusions that the security situation in Iraq would improve overnight.
"General (David) Petraeus, (commander of Multinational Force Iraq), has been pretty clear from the very beginning that this is going to be a difficult process," Gates said.
He declined commenting on press reports that the troop surge in Baghdad, soon to be at full force, isn't succeeding as quickly as expected in terms of number of neighborhoods controlled.
If, in fact, the surge is progressing slower than expected, Gates said, that's because the insurgents are working to prevent progress. "It's clearly because al Qaeda and others are trying to make as much difficulty as possible for us and for the Iraqi government," he said.
Gates said he's impressed with the Iraqi army and noted that it is suffering twice the number of casualties as coalition forces. "I think their willingness to fight and die for their country is not in doubt," he said.
In other news, Gates offered little information about a decision to dismiss charges against two Guantanamo Bay detainees, saying he had just learned about the matter himself.
"That is the reason we have a judicial process in all of this," Gates said of the decision. "We will have to take a look at it and see what the implications are."
Military judges dismissed charges yesterday against Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a Yemeni detainee who was alleged to have chauffeured Osama bin Laden, and Omar Khadr, a Canadian alleged to have killed a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Andrews J. Higgins, 28, of Hayward, Calif., died June 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Sgt. Andrews J. Higgins, 28, of Hayward, Calif., died June 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Dempsey: Problems, Solutions Mark Iraq Training Landscape
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – As he finishes his tour in Iraq this week, the senior U.S. military official in charge of training the Iraqi police and army offered a candid assessment of the coalition-led training regimen: significant challenges remain, but progress in key areas has been realized. Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, has spent almost three of the last four years in Iraq. Looking back on the development of the Iraqi army, local police and national police over that time, he said the shifts in those institutions' growth curves have been "evolutionary" as they confront obstacles related to security, culture and geography.
In a June 1 interview with online journalists, Dempsey conceded that some American troops in Iraq on their second and third tours were "frustrated" that the "Iraqi security forces are not further along and not fully prepared to address their own security requirements." But he added that most shortcomings on the Iraqi side are a factor of an especially challenging security environment.
"The places where the Iraqi security forces are less developed and less ready to do things on their own are the places that are the most heavily contested," Dempsey said.
In those places, he explained, "the Iraqi army is challenged simply to conduct day-to-day operations at a very high tempo and a very high threat condition."
On the other hand, Dempsey noted, in "those places where the security situation is more stable, they actually have time to do things like train and develop."
Wider spectrum problems tie to issues like leadership development, ministerial capacity, organizational relationships, and recruiting, Dempsey said.
The real vulnerability in our development of the security forces, the general explained, is growing and fielding an officer pool.
Within the Iraqi army, a recent crop of newly trained lieutenants is a start, he said, but so far field grade officers -- majors and above -- have been pulled in from the former regime after careful screening.
To expand the pool, Dempsey said, his team is encouraging Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad Bolani to reach out to university graduates with the offer of an Officer Candidate School-type experience.
"Right now it takes us nine months to grow a brand new second lieutenant," Dempsey explained. "We have four military academies. We produce about 2,400 brand new lieutenants every year in a nine-month curriculum."
By reaching Iraqi graduates, he said, multinational Security Transition Command Iraq could "give them something between a four- and six-month OCS experience and see if we can increase the through-put of new leaders into the system."
An additional option under consideration, Dempsey said, is decreasing the time it takes to become an officer.
"They're living a lifetime of experiences on a daily basis here, particularly in Baghdad," he noted. "And so we think it's prudent and feasible for promotion timelines to be somewhat abbreviated from what would be a normal peacetime timeline."
Rounding out the national police ranks faces similar problems, but an even greater number of them, Dempsey said.
Faced with diverse Iraqi populations that are seeking to protect their own interests first, he said, Multinational Force Iraq and the U.S. embassy maintain a team that deals with "engagement activities" independent of traditional police and military recruiting.
This outreach, meant to enhance the Iraqi security force, is "not unique to engaging with tribal groups, but it's really engagement with any group that will agree that the greatest threat to Iraq is al Qaeda and, therefore, agree to not necessarily support us, but to fight al Qaeda," Dempsey said.
The command's role in these cases, the general said, is to seek agreement on "the possibility of young men signing up either for the legitimate, validated Iraqi security forces, or in some cases finding way to have provisional groups of what might more broadly be described as, you know, neighborhood watch or route watch or local district watches."
Creation of such groups entails a "minimal amount of training and oversight by the coalition forces and the legitimate security forces," Dempsey clarified.
Oversight remains an issue throughout the security forces, Dempsey admitted.
"The impact of the leader is even more pronounced" than in the United States, he said, because Iraqi police and soldiers maintain a culture of obedience. U.S. troops place a priority on integrity and honor, but the Iraqis will follow orders without question, Dempsey said.
Blind execution of orders becomes a problem, he suggested, when sectarian rivalries are involved. As Sunni-Shiia tensions have spiked since the February 2006 Samarra mosque bombing, Dempsey said, the Interior Ministry has faced "some extraordinarily difficult times with the national police."
As a result, Bolani has relieved "seven out of the nine brigade commanders and 14 out of 24 battalion commanders" from the national police, Dempsey said.
"There is a recognition that the national police are an important cog in the mechanism of security here," Dempsey said, "especially as provinces go to this thing called provincial Iraqi control."
The national police are "right around 85 percent Shiia right now," he said, a percentage that presents the wrong image for national unity. A better number would be about "65 to 70 percent Shiia," Dempsey explained.
Given that Sunnis are less likely to join what is viewed as a Shiia-dominant national police, Dempsey said, "it's sort of a circular argument that I'm faced with at this point."
In the short term, the interior minister is working to "ensure that the leaders of the national police are at least diverse," Dempsey said, while "the rank and file will be diversified over time through a replenishment program."
Moving up to the ministerial level, Dempsey said there is still a small disconnect between the Interior and Defense ministries and their respective forces in turning their institutional training into actions sufficient to support police and soldiers.
"It's one thing for the ministry to say, 'I'm ready; I got it,' and quite another then to take responsibility and accomplish the mission by providing the resources to the fielded forces," Dempsey explained.
"We tend to find they want responsibility," he continued. "They perhaps don't completely understand the breadth and scope and depth of the responsibility."
One encouraging sign is that the government of Iraq is now spending more money to support its security forces than the coalition is, the general said.
He observed, "When they now are spending their money, and they're making the procurement of weapons, and they're doing construction, and they are responsible for certain processes, they take it a lot more seriously, to tell you the truth."
Tied to the Iraqis' increasing awareness of their stake in the outcome, Dempsey said, is a more functional relationship between the government of Iraq and its soldiers and police.
"We're almost to the point where the ministry sees itself responsible for the well-being of the soldiers, and we're almost to the point where the soldiers believe that the ministry is loyal to them," Dempsey noted. "And I think when you ask me, where is the tipping point, I think that's the tipping point, in my line of work.
"I think by the end of the year we will be there," he said.
(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 5, 2007 – As he finishes his tour in Iraq this week, the senior U.S. military official in charge of training the Iraqi police and army offered a candid assessment of the coalition-led training regimen: significant challenges remain, but progress in key areas has been realized. Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, has spent almost three of the last four years in Iraq. Looking back on the development of the Iraqi army, local police and national police over that time, he said the shifts in those institutions' growth curves have been "evolutionary" as they confront obstacles related to security, culture and geography.
In a June 1 interview with online journalists, Dempsey conceded that some American troops in Iraq on their second and third tours were "frustrated" that the "Iraqi security forces are not further along and not fully prepared to address their own security requirements." But he added that most shortcomings on the Iraqi side are a factor of an especially challenging security environment.
"The places where the Iraqi security forces are less developed and less ready to do things on their own are the places that are the most heavily contested," Dempsey said.
In those places, he explained, "the Iraqi army is challenged simply to conduct day-to-day operations at a very high tempo and a very high threat condition."
On the other hand, Dempsey noted, in "those places where the security situation is more stable, they actually have time to do things like train and develop."
Wider spectrum problems tie to issues like leadership development, ministerial capacity, organizational relationships, and recruiting, Dempsey said.
The real vulnerability in our development of the security forces, the general explained, is growing and fielding an officer pool.
Within the Iraqi army, a recent crop of newly trained lieutenants is a start, he said, but so far field grade officers -- majors and above -- have been pulled in from the former regime after careful screening.
To expand the pool, Dempsey said, his team is encouraging Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad Bolani to reach out to university graduates with the offer of an Officer Candidate School-type experience.
"Right now it takes us nine months to grow a brand new second lieutenant," Dempsey explained. "We have four military academies. We produce about 2,400 brand new lieutenants every year in a nine-month curriculum."
By reaching Iraqi graduates, he said, multinational Security Transition Command Iraq could "give them something between a four- and six-month OCS experience and see if we can increase the through-put of new leaders into the system."
An additional option under consideration, Dempsey said, is decreasing the time it takes to become an officer.
"They're living a lifetime of experiences on a daily basis here, particularly in Baghdad," he noted. "And so we think it's prudent and feasible for promotion timelines to be somewhat abbreviated from what would be a normal peacetime timeline."
Rounding out the national police ranks faces similar problems, but an even greater number of them, Dempsey said.
Faced with diverse Iraqi populations that are seeking to protect their own interests first, he said, Multinational Force Iraq and the U.S. embassy maintain a team that deals with "engagement activities" independent of traditional police and military recruiting.
This outreach, meant to enhance the Iraqi security force, is "not unique to engaging with tribal groups, but it's really engagement with any group that will agree that the greatest threat to Iraq is al Qaeda and, therefore, agree to not necessarily support us, but to fight al Qaeda," Dempsey said.
The command's role in these cases, the general said, is to seek agreement on "the possibility of young men signing up either for the legitimate, validated Iraqi security forces, or in some cases finding way to have provisional groups of what might more broadly be described as, you know, neighborhood watch or route watch or local district watches."
Creation of such groups entails a "minimal amount of training and oversight by the coalition forces and the legitimate security forces," Dempsey clarified.
Oversight remains an issue throughout the security forces, Dempsey admitted.
"The impact of the leader is even more pronounced" than in the United States, he said, because Iraqi police and soldiers maintain a culture of obedience. U.S. troops place a priority on integrity and honor, but the Iraqis will follow orders without question, Dempsey said.
Blind execution of orders becomes a problem, he suggested, when sectarian rivalries are involved. As Sunni-Shiia tensions have spiked since the February 2006 Samarra mosque bombing, Dempsey said, the Interior Ministry has faced "some extraordinarily difficult times with the national police."
As a result, Bolani has relieved "seven out of the nine brigade commanders and 14 out of 24 battalion commanders" from the national police, Dempsey said.
"There is a recognition that the national police are an important cog in the mechanism of security here," Dempsey said, "especially as provinces go to this thing called provincial Iraqi control."
The national police are "right around 85 percent Shiia right now," he said, a percentage that presents the wrong image for national unity. A better number would be about "65 to 70 percent Shiia," Dempsey explained.
Given that Sunnis are less likely to join what is viewed as a Shiia-dominant national police, Dempsey said, "it's sort of a circular argument that I'm faced with at this point."
In the short term, the interior minister is working to "ensure that the leaders of the national police are at least diverse," Dempsey said, while "the rank and file will be diversified over time through a replenishment program."
Moving up to the ministerial level, Dempsey said there is still a small disconnect between the Interior and Defense ministries and their respective forces in turning their institutional training into actions sufficient to support police and soldiers.
"It's one thing for the ministry to say, 'I'm ready; I got it,' and quite another then to take responsibility and accomplish the mission by providing the resources to the fielded forces," Dempsey explained.
"We tend to find they want responsibility," he continued. "They perhaps don't completely understand the breadth and scope and depth of the responsibility."
One encouraging sign is that the government of Iraq is now spending more money to support its security forces than the coalition is, the general said.
He observed, "When they now are spending their money, and they're making the procurement of weapons, and they're doing construction, and they are responsible for certain processes, they take it a lot more seriously, to tell you the truth."
Tied to the Iraqis' increasing awareness of their stake in the outcome, Dempsey said, is a more functional relationship between the government of Iraq and its soldiers and police.
"We're almost to the point where the ministry sees itself responsible for the well-being of the soldiers, and we're almost to the point where the soldiers believe that the ministry is loyal to them," Dempsey noted. "And I think when you ask me, where is the tipping point, I think that's the tipping point, in my line of work.
"I think by the end of the year we will be there," he said.
(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.
Commander Says Forces Have Upper Hand Against Taliban
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces have gained the upper hand against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO forces in the war-torn country told Pentagon reporters during a teleconference today. Four months into his second deployment to the country, Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill said the anticipated spring offensive by the Taliban has been headed off due to the larger number of troops under command of the International Security Assistance Force there.
"We made a decision early on that we would be out prosecuting our strategy, not waiting for the insurgent to prosecute his," McNeill said. "We felt fairly certain that because of the capability of our force that we would have the upper hand in at least maneuvering and shooting on the battlefield."
Although coalition forces have seen a slight increase in asymmetrical warfare -- such as with improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers -- since winter, it hasn't been to a level that is indicative of a true offensive, the general said.
In late February, when NATO forces predicted the increase, coalition forces worked with more intensity to ensure they could protect themselves against such attacks, he said.
In addition to providing security within the country, the International Security Assistance Force charter focuses on two other lines of effort: reconstruction and enabling governance.
"One piece that we hadn't figured prominently into this operation -- enabling governance -- has clearly come to the front," McNeill said. "It's made life a whole lot better for the governor of Helmand province."
The general said that Afghans within the province also are indicating that they want to be more involved in securing their own villages. Recently an Afghan tribe killed at least one Taliban leader and captured several more.
McNeill related that Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who had been in regular communication with residents, told him that the elders "were tired of living the way they were living and they wanted to get (the Taliban) out of their village."
"We look forward to trying to work along those lines -- Afghans taking more responsibility for their own security," McNeill said.
The largest reconstruction project since the rebuilding of the Ring Road, the 1,200-kilometer main highway between cities, is now under way, the general reported. Operation Achilles began in Helmand project in early March to refurbish a hydroelectric dam that presently 10 to 12 megawatts of electricity, much of which flows into Kandahar province.
The project, slated to be completed within two years, is anticipated to produce a steady state of 51 megawatts of electricity that will mostly flow into the Helmand province while creating nearly 2,500 jobs for Afghans.
Although the Karzai government has its challenges, McNeill said he believes it will continue to move forward and be successful.
Comparing the Afghan president to the manager of a baseball team, McNeill said Karzai must have a starting pitcher who can go nine innings.
"When (Karzai) looks out on the bullpen, he doesn't have a lot of relievers or closers out there," McNeill said. "But I'm encouraged by what I have seen this time, relative to my first time when they had an interim government here. I think there is progress."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces have gained the upper hand against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO forces in the war-torn country told Pentagon reporters during a teleconference today. Four months into his second deployment to the country, Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill said the anticipated spring offensive by the Taliban has been headed off due to the larger number of troops under command of the International Security Assistance Force there.
"We made a decision early on that we would be out prosecuting our strategy, not waiting for the insurgent to prosecute his," McNeill said. "We felt fairly certain that because of the capability of our force that we would have the upper hand in at least maneuvering and shooting on the battlefield."
Although coalition forces have seen a slight increase in asymmetrical warfare -- such as with improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers -- since winter, it hasn't been to a level that is indicative of a true offensive, the general said.
In late February, when NATO forces predicted the increase, coalition forces worked with more intensity to ensure they could protect themselves against such attacks, he said.
In addition to providing security within the country, the International Security Assistance Force charter focuses on two other lines of effort: reconstruction and enabling governance.
"One piece that we hadn't figured prominently into this operation -- enabling governance -- has clearly come to the front," McNeill said. "It's made life a whole lot better for the governor of Helmand province."
The general said that Afghans within the province also are indicating that they want to be more involved in securing their own villages. Recently an Afghan tribe killed at least one Taliban leader and captured several more.
McNeill related that Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who had been in regular communication with residents, told him that the elders "were tired of living the way they were living and they wanted to get (the Taliban) out of their village."
"We look forward to trying to work along those lines -- Afghans taking more responsibility for their own security," McNeill said.
The largest reconstruction project since the rebuilding of the Ring Road, the 1,200-kilometer main highway between cities, is now under way, the general reported. Operation Achilles began in Helmand project in early March to refurbish a hydroelectric dam that presently 10 to 12 megawatts of electricity, much of which flows into Kandahar province.
The project, slated to be completed within two years, is anticipated to produce a steady state of 51 megawatts of electricity that will mostly flow into the Helmand province while creating nearly 2,500 jobs for Afghans.
Although the Karzai government has its challenges, McNeill said he believes it will continue to move forward and be successful.
Comparing the Afghan president to the manager of a baseball team, McNeill said Karzai must have a starting pitcher who can go nine innings.
"When (Karzai) looks out on the bullpen, he doesn't have a lot of relievers or closers out there," McNeill said. "But I'm encouraged by what I have seen this time, relative to my first time when they had an interim government here. I think there is progress."
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Air Force Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were both assigned as Special Agents to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Killed were:
Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind.
Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Air Force OSI public affairs office at (240) 857-0989; after hours (240) 857-0393.
Killed were:
Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind.
Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Air Force OSI public affairs office at (240) 857-0989; after hours (240) 857-0393.
General Says Insurgency Connected to Afghan Opium Industry
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – The problems plaguing the Afghan government cannot be taken on without taking on the problem of poppy production, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan told Pentagon reporters in a teleconference today. Although he's not suggesting changing the charter of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill said coalition forces can likely work within the eight pillars of the Afghan National Strategy for Counternarcotics to help fight against the opium cultivation in the country.
"Poppy is a defining characteristic for this country at present," McNeill said. "And it's a negative definition any way you look at it."
In years past, Afghans have had to turn to growing opium poppy largely due infrastructure problems such as poor roads and destroyed irrigation systems. Since poppies need moisture once every five days, the plant was heavily relied upon to provide an income for farmers in the drought-stricken country.
With increased moisture from the snow melt in the Hindu Kush Mountains this year and the best spring rain the country has received in more than 50 year, the general said prime conditions have been set for optimum narcotic cultivation.
"I don't think there's any doubt that there is some connection between the insurgency and poppy," McNeill said. He said that while monitoring of convoys for insurgents and munitions, coalition troops have frequently come across narcotics convoys.
"It occurs to me that when I put all this together, that is some places in Afghanistan, probably especially in the south, they're almost inextricable - what the insurgents are doing and what the 'narco' dealers are doing," he said.
The general said that he didn't have any numerical evidence to assign to the relationship, but he is convinced of the relationship. And the NATO force, he said, isn't designed to challenge the poppy trade militarily.
"(Coalition troops) are not an eradication force," he said. "We're not trained, we're not equipped, we don't have the requisite number of helicopters, and we're not manned to do it."
However, McNeill said that NATO forces will be able to work within the country's counternarcotics pillars to operate against the problem.
"I don't believe that we can deal with the insurgency in a complete fashion without taking on the issue of poppy," McNeill said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – The problems plaguing the Afghan government cannot be taken on without taking on the problem of poppy production, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan told Pentagon reporters in a teleconference today. Although he's not suggesting changing the charter of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill said coalition forces can likely work within the eight pillars of the Afghan National Strategy for Counternarcotics to help fight against the opium cultivation in the country.
"Poppy is a defining characteristic for this country at present," McNeill said. "And it's a negative definition any way you look at it."
In years past, Afghans have had to turn to growing opium poppy largely due infrastructure problems such as poor roads and destroyed irrigation systems. Since poppies need moisture once every five days, the plant was heavily relied upon to provide an income for farmers in the drought-stricken country.
With increased moisture from the snow melt in the Hindu Kush Mountains this year and the best spring rain the country has received in more than 50 year, the general said prime conditions have been set for optimum narcotic cultivation.
"I don't think there's any doubt that there is some connection between the insurgency and poppy," McNeill said. He said that while monitoring of convoys for insurgents and munitions, coalition troops have frequently come across narcotics convoys.
"It occurs to me that when I put all this together, that is some places in Afghanistan, probably especially in the south, they're almost inextricable - what the insurgents are doing and what the 'narco' dealers are doing," he said.
The general said that he didn't have any numerical evidence to assign to the relationship, but he is convinced of the relationship. And the NATO force, he said, isn't designed to challenge the poppy trade militarily.
"(Coalition troops) are not an eradication force," he said. "We're not trained, we're not equipped, we don't have the requisite number of helicopters, and we're not manned to do it."
However, McNeill said that NATO forces will be able to work within the country's counternarcotics pillars to operate against the problem.
"I don't believe that we can deal with the insurgency in a complete fashion without taking on the issue of poppy," McNeill said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Emphasizes Importance of Krygyz Air Base in Fighting Terror
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today thanked Kyrgyzstan for its continued support for operations in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism. During a joint news conference here following a meeting with Gen. Lt. Ismail Isakov, the Kyrgyz defense minister, Gates said he looks forward to expanding the two countries' bilateral relationship and security cooperation arrangements.
Gates said his "frank discussions" with Isakov addressed a range of issues, including the continued U.S. use of Manas Air Base to support coalition efforts in Afghanistan. A contingent of about 1,000 U.S. troops based here provides logistical support for Operation Enduring Freedom.
The secretary reminded reporters that use of the base -- an issue that has generated debate in some circles here -- is critical in fighting global extremism.
"I think what is important for the people of Kyrgyzstan to understand is that our use of Manas is in support of a larger war on terror in which Kyrgyzstan is an ally of virtually every other nation on earth," Gates said.
Gates emphasized the impact the air base has in that effort. "We are all working to try and prevent a resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan," he said. "Our use of Manas is one way in which Kyrgyzstan can play a very positive and constructive role in cooperation with many other nations, not just the United States."
The secretary traveled here from Afghanistan, where he met with U.S. military commanders and Afghan leaders to assess progress there.
Following his meeting today with Isakov, Gates met with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The two were expected to discuss reforms within the Kyrgyz military to strengthen and modernize it for 21st-century challenges.
Last week, the Kyrgyz president outlined military reforms during a speech marking the 15th anniversary of the country's armed forces.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today thanked Kyrgyzstan for its continued support for operations in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism. During a joint news conference here following a meeting with Gen. Lt. Ismail Isakov, the Kyrgyz defense minister, Gates said he looks forward to expanding the two countries' bilateral relationship and security cooperation arrangements.
Gates said his "frank discussions" with Isakov addressed a range of issues, including the continued U.S. use of Manas Air Base to support coalition efforts in Afghanistan. A contingent of about 1,000 U.S. troops based here provides logistical support for Operation Enduring Freedom.
The secretary reminded reporters that use of the base -- an issue that has generated debate in some circles here -- is critical in fighting global extremism.
"I think what is important for the people of Kyrgyzstan to understand is that our use of Manas is in support of a larger war on terror in which Kyrgyzstan is an ally of virtually every other nation on earth," Gates said.
Gates emphasized the impact the air base has in that effort. "We are all working to try and prevent a resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan," he said. "Our use of Manas is one way in which Kyrgyzstan can play a very positive and constructive role in cooperation with many other nations, not just the United States."
The secretary traveled here from Afghanistan, where he met with U.S. military commanders and Afghan leaders to assess progress there.
Following his meeting today with Isakov, Gates met with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The two were expected to discuss reforms within the Kyrgyz military to strengthen and modernize it for 21st-century challenges.
Last week, the Kyrgyz president outlined military reforms during a speech marking the 15th anniversary of the country's armed forces.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Al Qaeda Support Waning in Iraq's Diyala Province, General Says
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Circumstantial evidence indicates al Qaeda in Iraq is weakening and popular support is swinging toward the coalition in Iraq's Diyala province, the commander of U.S. military forces there said yesterday. In a call with online journalists, Army Lt. Col. Morris Goins, commander of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, Multinational Division North, said the fact al Qaeda is increasingly turning to kidnapping for ransom as a means of financing implies support for the organization is waning among the area's Sunni population.
Al Qaeda "has to use the Sunni population to gain money to finance their operation," Goins said. "In addition to that, they either torture them until they join the ranks, or they in some cases kill them."
Its abuse of local citizens has cost the organization ideological support, Goins said. Increasingly, the shift has benefited coalition forces trying to secure the area.
"Al Qaeda, I think, is fighting to hold onto itself," the colonel said. "I mean, obviously, if it's attacking Sunnis and kidnapping them, that's not a good thing in Iraq. So that's a plus in (our favor)."
One way the public has expressed its frustration is by providing intelligence to U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Goins explained. Tribal sheikhs in the region are encouraging enlistment in the Iraqi police and army, he said.
"The sheikhs understand the hard concepts," Goins noted. "They understand that there's a few rogue people out there. ... The coalition forces are here to help secure Iraq, and we do that by cooperating with them."
At the moment, Goins said, there seems to be a limited increase in al Qaeda activity in the area as a result of the Baghdad security plan; Diyala borders Baghdad province to the north and east.
"We do seem to see a little bit more movement of al Qaeda inside of our battlespace," he noted. "That's why we're trying to leverage the sheikhs to come to the table and trying to get the local people to step up and join the Iraqi police department."
That kind of outreach, paired with reconstruction projects, bears the potential to tip the Diyala security situation in favor of the Iraqis and the coalition, Goins said.
"Show me the first school or first hospital or anything decent that al Qaeda ... has done for the Iraqi people. And I can show a laundry list of projects, water, schools that the coalition forces have done, to include the Iraqi security forces," he said. "So we use that as a tool."
The effect is clear, Goins observed. "People are coming to the table realizing that it's better to be at the table and chat."
(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 5, 2007 – Circumstantial evidence indicates al Qaeda in Iraq is weakening and popular support is swinging toward the coalition in Iraq's Diyala province, the commander of U.S. military forces there said yesterday. In a call with online journalists, Army Lt. Col. Morris Goins, commander of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, Multinational Division North, said the fact al Qaeda is increasingly turning to kidnapping for ransom as a means of financing implies support for the organization is waning among the area's Sunni population.
Al Qaeda "has to use the Sunni population to gain money to finance their operation," Goins said. "In addition to that, they either torture them until they join the ranks, or they in some cases kill them."
Its abuse of local citizens has cost the organization ideological support, Goins said. Increasingly, the shift has benefited coalition forces trying to secure the area.
"Al Qaeda, I think, is fighting to hold onto itself," the colonel said. "I mean, obviously, if it's attacking Sunnis and kidnapping them, that's not a good thing in Iraq. So that's a plus in (our favor)."
One way the public has expressed its frustration is by providing intelligence to U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Goins explained. Tribal sheikhs in the region are encouraging enlistment in the Iraqi police and army, he said.
"The sheikhs understand the hard concepts," Goins noted. "They understand that there's a few rogue people out there. ... The coalition forces are here to help secure Iraq, and we do that by cooperating with them."
At the moment, Goins said, there seems to be a limited increase in al Qaeda activity in the area as a result of the Baghdad security plan; Diyala borders Baghdad province to the north and east.
"We do seem to see a little bit more movement of al Qaeda inside of our battlespace," he noted. "That's why we're trying to leverage the sheikhs to come to the table and trying to get the local people to step up and join the Iraqi police department."
That kind of outreach, paired with reconstruction projects, bears the potential to tip the Diyala security situation in favor of the Iraqis and the coalition, Goins said.
"Show me the first school or first hospital or anything decent that al Qaeda ... has done for the Iraqi people. And I can show a laundry list of projects, water, schools that the coalition forces have done, to include the Iraqi security forces," he said. "So we use that as a tool."
The effect is clear, Goins observed. "People are coming to the table realizing that it's better to be at the table and chat."
(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.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd 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.
Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd 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 Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 3 in Thania, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles.
Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.
Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles.
Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.
Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 3 in Thania, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles.
Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.
Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles.
Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.
Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
U.S., Iraqi Troops Transform 'Purple Heart Boulevard'
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – U.S. soldiers called Haifa Street in Baghdad "Purple Heart Boulevard" for the trouble they encountered on the street. Today, U.S. and Iraqi forces are teaming to provide security for the Iraqis living on Haifa Street. The street is the heartbeat of the Karkh District, a neighborhood of 250,000 people on the west side of the Tigris River.
Army Col. Bryan T. Roberts, the commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, has responsibility for the section. He spoke to Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad today.
"Our brigade, partnered with the Iraqi National Police Brigade, began to operate in Karkh in January," Roberts said. "Every day, insurgents attacked coalition forces and innocent civilians. In January, there were 87 attacks on coalition forces, and 53 murder victims of sectarian violence."
Before that, the district had become a support base for terrorists and groups ranging from al Qaeda in Iraq to criminal gangs.
"Haifa street was largely abandoned," Roberts said. "Its few residents couldn't go out on the streets due to threats of snipers and roving bands of criminals. The residents that did stay in the area only came out at night to scavenge for food and water."
The brigade launched a number of clearing and combat operations and saw an almost immediate drop in attacks on both civilians and security forces. In May, there were 35 attacks in Karkh, a drop of 60 percent.
"Even more impressive is the decrease in sectarian murders - four in the month of May, down 94 percent from January's 53," Roberts said. "With improved security and the drop in violence, we have been able to focus on another of our primary missions, working with local leaders to improve essential services and economic opportunities in central Baghdad."
A big part of that effort is the Haifa Street Project, the colonel said. "We believe that the revitalization of Karkh must begin with this icon, Haifa Street," he said. "The goal of the Haifa Street Project is to make Haifa Street a safer, cleaner and better place to live."
The Haifa Street effort consists of about 20 projects that demonstrate visible signs of change and a return to normalcy -- from eliminating graffiti and patching bullet holes to improving soccer fields and picking up trash consistently.
The second part of the project is to improve essential services for the residents. This included repair and maintenance to the sewer system, water delivery, school and clinic renovations and improving electrical grids.
Roberts said that this week, local workers employed under a coalition contract finished cleaning all the main and neighborhood sewer lines in the district. "All Iraqi citizens deserve a healthy, sanitary and safe environment, and we are dedicated to making this happen in Karkh," he said.
The third aspect of the plan is to keep up the successful coalition and Iraqi security force partnership.
"Karkh is patrolled day and night by both coalition and Iraqi security forces, and checkpoints and joint security stations have been established where Iraqis and Americans are working side by side," the colonel said. "We have a great partnership with our Iraqi security force brethren who are making a major contribution to the Baghdad security plan every day."
The proof is in the usage. Haifa Street, while still occasionally dangerous, is no longer the Purple Heart Boulevard. "We are on the right track here in Karkh, and the continued downward trend in violence is a good indicator of things to come," Roberts said. "Karkh is once again a bustling district - cars, horses and donkey-drawn carts, people and markets fill the streets."
Roberts said the enemy will continue to try to undermine the progress being made. "We will maintain a stable and secure environment with Iraqi security forces and improve essential services, economics and governance with the local leaders of Karkh," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – U.S. soldiers called Haifa Street in Baghdad "Purple Heart Boulevard" for the trouble they encountered on the street. Today, U.S. and Iraqi forces are teaming to provide security for the Iraqis living on Haifa Street. The street is the heartbeat of the Karkh District, a neighborhood of 250,000 people on the west side of the Tigris River.
Army Col. Bryan T. Roberts, the commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, has responsibility for the section. He spoke to Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad today.
"Our brigade, partnered with the Iraqi National Police Brigade, began to operate in Karkh in January," Roberts said. "Every day, insurgents attacked coalition forces and innocent civilians. In January, there were 87 attacks on coalition forces, and 53 murder victims of sectarian violence."
Before that, the district had become a support base for terrorists and groups ranging from al Qaeda in Iraq to criminal gangs.
"Haifa street was largely abandoned," Roberts said. "Its few residents couldn't go out on the streets due to threats of snipers and roving bands of criminals. The residents that did stay in the area only came out at night to scavenge for food and water."
The brigade launched a number of clearing and combat operations and saw an almost immediate drop in attacks on both civilians and security forces. In May, there were 35 attacks in Karkh, a drop of 60 percent.
"Even more impressive is the decrease in sectarian murders - four in the month of May, down 94 percent from January's 53," Roberts said. "With improved security and the drop in violence, we have been able to focus on another of our primary missions, working with local leaders to improve essential services and economic opportunities in central Baghdad."
A big part of that effort is the Haifa Street Project, the colonel said. "We believe that the revitalization of Karkh must begin with this icon, Haifa Street," he said. "The goal of the Haifa Street Project is to make Haifa Street a safer, cleaner and better place to live."
The Haifa Street effort consists of about 20 projects that demonstrate visible signs of change and a return to normalcy -- from eliminating graffiti and patching bullet holes to improving soccer fields and picking up trash consistently.
The second part of the project is to improve essential services for the residents. This included repair and maintenance to the sewer system, water delivery, school and clinic renovations and improving electrical grids.
Roberts said that this week, local workers employed under a coalition contract finished cleaning all the main and neighborhood sewer lines in the district. "All Iraqi citizens deserve a healthy, sanitary and safe environment, and we are dedicated to making this happen in Karkh," he said.
The third aspect of the plan is to keep up the successful coalition and Iraqi security force partnership.
"Karkh is patrolled day and night by both coalition and Iraqi security forces, and checkpoints and joint security stations have been established where Iraqis and Americans are working side by side," the colonel said. "We have a great partnership with our Iraqi security force brethren who are making a major contribution to the Baghdad security plan every day."
The proof is in the usage. Haifa Street, while still occasionally dangerous, is no longer the Purple Heart Boulevard. "We are on the right track here in Karkh, and the continued downward trend in violence is a good indicator of things to come," Roberts said. "Karkh is once again a bustling district - cars, horses and donkey-drawn carts, people and markets fill the streets."
Roberts said the enemy will continue to try to undermine the progress being made. "We will maintain a stable and secure environment with Iraqi security forces and improve essential services, economics and governance with the local leaders of Karkh," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates, Karzai Share Optimism About Afghanistan's Course
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – The expected spring Taliban offense here has turned into an "Afghan alliance offensive that has put the Taliban off their game," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates and Afghan President Hamid Karzai told reporters during a joint news conference today that they're optimistic that efforts to rid Afghanistan of terrorists and build its new government are working.
"I absolutely think that this is a winnable fight," Gates said. "I think there has been real progress."
Gates said the 42-nation coalition in Afghanistan demonstrates solid international support that will ensure that progress continues. "And I am confident that the United States and our partners in the alliance will be here for as long as it takes to ensure victory," he added.
Karzai said the war against the Taliban, al Qaeda and terrorism was won in Afghanistan when these groups were stripped from power just a month and a half after the war started. "They were ruling Afghanistan five years ago," he said. "They were exporting terrorism from here to the rest of the world five years ago. Afghanistan was under their sway and control."
Karzai contrasted Afghanistan under the Taliban to today, with a democratic Afghanistan building its government institutions and its people living without Taliban oppression.
The challenge that remains, he said, "is to completely uproot them" from Afghanistan. "So the war has been won," he said. "It is the finishing touch that we are getting at now."
He thanked the United States for the role it has played, including "tremendous resources and billions of dollars" to strengthen its police and security forces and improve its citizen's lives.
He said he's confident that, with continued U.S. support, Afghanistan's institutions "will be as strong as reliable and standing on their own feet in a few years." When that happens, Karzai said, Afghanistan will continue to be a grateful partner to the United States.
Both leaders shared concern about civilian casualties that have occurred in fighting Taliban and other extremist elements here. Gates acknowledged that more caution needs to be exercised to prevent innocent civilian deaths, but emphasized that Taliban tactics make this extraordinarily difficult.
"We need to be more careful, but we need to realize that the Taliban are actually the ones who create the opportunity or the risk to civilians posed by military operations," he said. "The Taliban is deliberately putting civilians in harm's way. They deliberately mingle civilians with them. They deliberately put civilians up front."
Gates and Karzai also expressed concern about highly lethal weapons of Iranian origin that have begun appearing here. Both agreed there's no solid evidence that the Iranian government has any role in this.
Karzai said Afghanistan and Iran have never been as friendly as they are today and noted that Iran has been contributing to Afghanistan's reconstruction for the past five years.
A secure, stable Afghanistan is in Iran's as well as Afghanistan's best interest, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – The expected spring Taliban offense here has turned into an "Afghan alliance offensive that has put the Taliban off their game," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates and Afghan President Hamid Karzai told reporters during a joint news conference today that they're optimistic that efforts to rid Afghanistan of terrorists and build its new government are working.
"I absolutely think that this is a winnable fight," Gates said. "I think there has been real progress."
Gates said the 42-nation coalition in Afghanistan demonstrates solid international support that will ensure that progress continues. "And I am confident that the United States and our partners in the alliance will be here for as long as it takes to ensure victory," he added.
Karzai said the war against the Taliban, al Qaeda and terrorism was won in Afghanistan when these groups were stripped from power just a month and a half after the war started. "They were ruling Afghanistan five years ago," he said. "They were exporting terrorism from here to the rest of the world five years ago. Afghanistan was under their sway and control."
Karzai contrasted Afghanistan under the Taliban to today, with a democratic Afghanistan building its government institutions and its people living without Taliban oppression.
The challenge that remains, he said, "is to completely uproot them" from Afghanistan. "So the war has been won," he said. "It is the finishing touch that we are getting at now."
He thanked the United States for the role it has played, including "tremendous resources and billions of dollars" to strengthen its police and security forces and improve its citizen's lives.
He said he's confident that, with continued U.S. support, Afghanistan's institutions "will be as strong as reliable and standing on their own feet in a few years." When that happens, Karzai said, Afghanistan will continue to be a grateful partner to the United States.
Both leaders shared concern about civilian casualties that have occurred in fighting Taliban and other extremist elements here. Gates acknowledged that more caution needs to be exercised to prevent innocent civilian deaths, but emphasized that Taliban tactics make this extraordinarily difficult.
"We need to be more careful, but we need to realize that the Taliban are actually the ones who create the opportunity or the risk to civilians posed by military operations," he said. "The Taliban is deliberately putting civilians in harm's way. They deliberately mingle civilians with them. They deliberately put civilians up front."
Gates and Karzai also expressed concern about highly lethal weapons of Iranian origin that have begun appearing here. Both agreed there's no solid evidence that the Iranian government has any role in this.
Karzai said Afghanistan and Iran have never been as friendly as they are today and noted that Iran has been contributing to Afghanistan's reconstruction for the past five years.
A secure, stable Afghanistan is in Iran's as well as Afghanistan's best interest, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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