The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Curtis J. Forshey, 22, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., died Mar. 27 in Homburg, Germany, of a non-combat related illness. Forshey was assigned to the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 793-9966.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Sean K. McDonald, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died Mar 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. McDonald was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Wiesbaden, Germany.
For further information on this Soldier, contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Spc. Sean K. McDonald, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died Mar 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. McDonald was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Wiesbaden, Germany.
For further information on this Soldier, contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Troops Capture Seven Suspects, Find Weapons
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces captured seven terrorism suspects and destroyed illegal weapons today, military officials reported. In Mosul, coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq. The suspects were accessing a weapons cache consisting of mortar tubes, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft rounds and several thousand rounds of small-arms ammunition. The cache was destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
A suspect reportedly involved with al Qaeda was detained in Tarmiyah, and another was captured in Fallujah with alleged involvement in a foreign fighter facilitation network.
Iraqi and coalition forces captured three suspected terrorists in Najaf. Intelligence reports indicated individuals in the targeted area were involved with the facilitation of weapons into Iraq.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
March 27, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces captured seven terrorism suspects and destroyed illegal weapons today, military officials reported. In Mosul, coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq. The suspects were accessing a weapons cache consisting of mortar tubes, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft rounds and several thousand rounds of small-arms ammunition. The cache was destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
A suspect reportedly involved with al Qaeda was detained in Tarmiyah, and another was captured in Fallujah with alleged involvement in a foreign fighter facilitation network.
Iraqi and coalition forces captured three suspected terrorists in Najaf. Intelligence reports indicated individuals in the targeted area were involved with the facilitation of weapons into Iraq.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Mar. 25 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Killed were:
Sgt. Jason W. Swiger, 24, of South Portland, Maine.
Cpl. Jason Nunez, 22, of Naranjito, Puerto Rico.
Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez, 21, of New Freedom, Pa.
Pfc. Anthony J. White, 21, of Columbia, S.C.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Killed were:
Sgt. Jason W. Swiger, 24, of South Portland, Maine.
Cpl. Jason Nunez, 22, of Naranjito, Puerto Rico.
Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez, 21, of New Freedom, Pa.
Pfc. Anthony J. White, 21, of Columbia, S.C.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Iraqi, Coalition Troops Begin Clearing Operation in Ramadi
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Iraqi security and coalition forces began a major operation to clear al Qaeda from western Ramadi in Iraq's Anbar province, military officials reported today. Task Force 1-9 Infantry and Iraqi army soldiers and police began offensive operations this morning to establish and maintain security in downtown Ramadi. "This operation will benefit the people of Ramadi by establishing security and providing basic services and necessities," Army Col. John Charlton, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said.
"Al Qaeda has intimidated the people of Ramadi through murder, kidnapping and the destruction of their city," he said. "The sons of Anbar are here to establish and maintain security."
This is the fourth large-scale operation planned and coordinated by Iraqi security and coalition forces in Ramadi since the 1st BCT assumed control of the region in mid-February.
In other news from Iraq, coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists in operations during the past week targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al Qaeda in Iraq networks, military officials reported.
During a four-day operation near Karmah, coalition forces killed two terrorists after receiving enemy fire and detained 10 suspected terrorists. Three hostages were liberated and treated for injuries they suffered while in captivity.
Several weapons caches were discovered, consisting of five anti-aircraft heavy machine guns, 12 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, homemade rocket launchers, mortar tubes, 57 mm rockets, improvised explosive devices, and multiple wired propane tanks. The caches were destroyed at the scene to prevent future use by terrorists.
Coalition forces conducted a raid targeting known foreign fighter facilitators operating near Taji today, officials said. During the raid of one site, coalition forces encountered and killed an armed terrorist.
Two more terrorists ran from a targeted building and set up defensive positions along the embankment of an irrigation canal. Coalition forces used self-defense measures, killing the two terrorists, officials said. Near the targeted site, four suspected terrorists surrendered and were detained. Women and children were present during the operations, but none were injured.
"Terrorists continue to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by operating among them," army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said. "Coalition forces take extensive precautions to protect civilians while in pursuit of terrorists."
Coalition forces also captured seven suspected terrorists southwest of Karbala today during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators. Also, suspect with alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq was detained north of Karmah.
Elsewhere in Iraq, coalition and Iraqi forces discovered a cache containing homemade explosives southwest of Radwaniyah yesterday, officials reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, discovered the explosives, totaling 700 pounds, in potato sacks along a reed line during a combat patrol.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Meanwhile in Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers continued operations in support of Operation Fardh al-Qanoon to help set on-going conditions for a stable and self-reliant Iraq, officials report.
In the past week, elements from this MND-B unit have conducted 138 missions, resulting in the discovery of 21 improvised explosive devises successfully taking these insurgent-driven threats off the streets.
Finding the IEDs helps provide a more secure area for both the Iraqi people and U.S. and Iraqi security forces operating within the capital, officials said.
In other operations this week, officials report that Iraqi and coalition forces detained 62 suspected terrorists, discovered four improvised explosive devices and found a massive weapons cache in the Mahmudiyah, Iraq area near the QaQaa Weapons Facility, March 23.
Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team detained the suspected terrorists and found the weapons cache during Operation Eagle Dive, an operation intended to disrupt anti-Iraqi forces within the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, area of operations.
During the operation, soldiers discovered a series of small caches and consolidated it into one massive cache.
The nine caches contained a 120 mm mortar tube with a base plate, five 82 mm mortar tubes, a 82 mm base plate, three 82 mm tripods, a complete 60 mm mortar system, a mortar bore brush, 30 boxes of mortar primers, 70 loose mortar fuses, two sniper rifles with scopes, nine 155 mm projectiles, 122 82 mm projectiles, a 105 mm projectile, 122 82 mm projectiles, 106 60 mm projectiles, six rocket-propelled grenade systems, an RPG scope, an RPG night scope, 55 RPG-7 rounds, seven RPG rounds, 15 boxes of PKC ammunition, 18 AK-47s, 10 pounds of unknown explosives, 15 hand grenades, a partial 14.5 mm projectile, a M-759 fuse, 15 complete sets of Iraqi army uniforms, 20 feet of detonation cord, 24 blasting caps, three anti-aircraft platforms, two anti-aircraft barrels, 100 loose rounds, four acetylene tanks, three radios, an 8 mm video tape, various medical supplies, various propaganda compact discs and religious paperwork.
"These caches are probably related to larger trafficking of arms throughout that area," Army Lt. Col. Frank Andrews, the 2nd BCT executive officer, said. "The ... uniforms found in the cache were likely to be used by the terrorists to intimidate local nationals in the area in an effort to discredit the Iraqi army."
The caches were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Also during operations, four improvised explosive devices were discovered in the area along one of the main routes leading into the Mahmudiyah area.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
March 26, 2007 – Iraqi security and coalition forces began a major operation to clear al Qaeda from western Ramadi in Iraq's Anbar province, military officials reported today. Task Force 1-9 Infantry and Iraqi army soldiers and police began offensive operations this morning to establish and maintain security in downtown Ramadi. "This operation will benefit the people of Ramadi by establishing security and providing basic services and necessities," Army Col. John Charlton, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said.
"Al Qaeda has intimidated the people of Ramadi through murder, kidnapping and the destruction of their city," he said. "The sons of Anbar are here to establish and maintain security."
This is the fourth large-scale operation planned and coordinated by Iraqi security and coalition forces in Ramadi since the 1st BCT assumed control of the region in mid-February.
In other news from Iraq, coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists in operations during the past week targeting foreign fighter facilitation and al Qaeda in Iraq networks, military officials reported.
During a four-day operation near Karmah, coalition forces killed two terrorists after receiving enemy fire and detained 10 suspected terrorists. Three hostages were liberated and treated for injuries they suffered while in captivity.
Several weapons caches were discovered, consisting of five anti-aircraft heavy machine guns, 12 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, homemade rocket launchers, mortar tubes, 57 mm rockets, improvised explosive devices, and multiple wired propane tanks. The caches were destroyed at the scene to prevent future use by terrorists.
Coalition forces conducted a raid targeting known foreign fighter facilitators operating near Taji today, officials said. During the raid of one site, coalition forces encountered and killed an armed terrorist.
Two more terrorists ran from a targeted building and set up defensive positions along the embankment of an irrigation canal. Coalition forces used self-defense measures, killing the two terrorists, officials said. Near the targeted site, four suspected terrorists surrendered and were detained. Women and children were present during the operations, but none were injured.
"Terrorists continue to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and children in danger by operating among them," army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said. "Coalition forces take extensive precautions to protect civilians while in pursuit of terrorists."
Coalition forces also captured seven suspected terrorists southwest of Karbala today during a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators. Also, suspect with alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq was detained north of Karmah.
Elsewhere in Iraq, coalition and Iraqi forces discovered a cache containing homemade explosives southwest of Radwaniyah yesterday, officials reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, discovered the explosives, totaling 700 pounds, in potato sacks along a reed line during a combat patrol.
The contents of the cache were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Meanwhile in Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers continued operations in support of Operation Fardh al-Qanoon to help set on-going conditions for a stable and self-reliant Iraq, officials report.
In the past week, elements from this MND-B unit have conducted 138 missions, resulting in the discovery of 21 improvised explosive devises successfully taking these insurgent-driven threats off the streets.
Finding the IEDs helps provide a more secure area for both the Iraqi people and U.S. and Iraqi security forces operating within the capital, officials said.
In other operations this week, officials report that Iraqi and coalition forces detained 62 suspected terrorists, discovered four improvised explosive devices and found a massive weapons cache in the Mahmudiyah, Iraq area near the QaQaa Weapons Facility, March 23.
Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team detained the suspected terrorists and found the weapons cache during Operation Eagle Dive, an operation intended to disrupt anti-Iraqi forces within the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, area of operations.
During the operation, soldiers discovered a series of small caches and consolidated it into one massive cache.
The nine caches contained a 120 mm mortar tube with a base plate, five 82 mm mortar tubes, a 82 mm base plate, three 82 mm tripods, a complete 60 mm mortar system, a mortar bore brush, 30 boxes of mortar primers, 70 loose mortar fuses, two sniper rifles with scopes, nine 155 mm projectiles, 122 82 mm projectiles, a 105 mm projectile, 122 82 mm projectiles, 106 60 mm projectiles, six rocket-propelled grenade systems, an RPG scope, an RPG night scope, 55 RPG-7 rounds, seven RPG rounds, 15 boxes of PKC ammunition, 18 AK-47s, 10 pounds of unknown explosives, 15 hand grenades, a partial 14.5 mm projectile, a M-759 fuse, 15 complete sets of Iraqi army uniforms, 20 feet of detonation cord, 24 blasting caps, three anti-aircraft platforms, two anti-aircraft barrels, 100 loose rounds, four acetylene tanks, three radios, an 8 mm video tape, various medical supplies, various propaganda compact discs and religious paperwork.
"These caches are probably related to larger trafficking of arms throughout that area," Army Lt. Col. Frank Andrews, the 2nd BCT executive officer, said. "The ... uniforms found in the cache were likely to be used by the terrorists to intimidate local nationals in the area in an effort to discredit the Iraqi army."
The caches were destroyed during a controlled detonation conducted by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Also during operations, four improvised explosive devices were discovered in the area along one of the main routes leading into the Mahmudiyah area.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Iraq 'Headed in the Right Direction,' Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Several positive developments indicate that Iraq's leaders and its people will eventually surmount insurgent violence occurring in the country and ultimately achieve stability, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Iraq told reporters in Baghdad today. "In my view, although difficult challenges lie ahead, and there is a long way to go, Iraq is fundamentally headed in the right direction and success is possible," Zalmay Khalilzad said at the news briefing.
President Bush has nominated Khalilzad, who has served as the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq for the past 21 months, to become the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Taking stock of the situation in Iraq, Khalilzad said he's buoyed and "cautiously optimistic" about that country's future due to several indicators:
-- The early success of the Operation Law and Order anti-terrorist campaign in Baghdad and western Iraq.
-- The improved performance of Iraqi soldiers and police.
-- The Iraqi government's example of dealing evenhandedly with lawbreakers.
-- More Iraqis are turning their backs on al Qaeda.
-- Some Iraqi insurgent groups have agreed to fight al Qaeda terrorists and work toward reconciliation.
-- Iraq's leaders are reaching out to include all Iraqis in the sharing of the country's oil wealth.
-- Improvement in Iraq's economic situation.
-- Iraqi leaders' comprehensive plan to achieve national reconciliation and stability.
Indeed, ongoing joint U.S., coalition and Iraqi security operations in Baghdad "appear to be having a positive effect," Khalilzad said, noting violence has decreased in Iraq's capital city by about 25 percent since Operation Law and Order began in mid-February.
The Iraqi security forces "are performing better and they are doing better in terms of carrying their share of the burden," Khalilzad pointed out. Iraqis seem to appreciate the presence of their soldiers and police on the streets to help effect stability, he said, noting citizen-provided tips about insurgent activity have been flowing in steadily.
Also, the Iraqi government is bolstering its credibility among its citizens, Khalilzad said, by dispensing justice fairly without discriminating against any one group. Iraqi involvement with al Qaeda is on the wane, Khalilzad said, adding that some insurgent elements have openly turned against al Qaeda.
Some of these insurgents are "in touch with the (Iraqi) government, seeking reconciliation and cooperation in the fight against al Qaeda terrorists," the ambassador said.
And the recent approval of a national hydrocarbon law that shares the nation's oil wealth with all citizens demonstrates that the Iraqi government is reaching out to all Iraqis, Khalilzad said.
Iraq's economic situation is looking up, and the Iraqi government has committed $10 billion for reconstruction programs, the ambassador said.
"Iraqi leaders have also adopted measures on fuel import liberalization, investment law reform and fuel subsidy reductions, as well as maintaining fiscal discipline," said he added.
Iraq's leaders also are taking steps to achieve good relations with neighboring countries, Khalilzad said, while continuing government efforts to achieve reconciliation between the nation's different sects and tribes.
"Also, the United States and Iraq have agreed on a combination of pressure and engagement to create incentives for changes in behavior on the part of states currently seeking to destabilize Iraq," the ambassador said.
Though these are all significant indicators and developments for Iraq, more needs to be accomplished, he said, to maintain the positive momentum.
Iraqi leaders need to enact a program to demobilize militias, make amendments to the constitution, schedule provincial elections, and reformulate the de-Baathification program so that insurgents can lay down their arms and join the political process, Khalilzad said.
"Iraqis have an unprecedented opportunity" to establish a better life for themselves, Khalilzad said. Yet, Americans and their elected representatives, he said, would like the Iraqi government to achieve more progress involving reconciliation, constitutional amendments and other issues.
"The members of the coalition as well as other countries have made enormous sacrifices to give Iraqis the chance to build a stable and democratic order," Khalilzad said. "Iraqis must not lose this opportunity, and they must step up and take the tough decisions necessary for success."
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Several positive developments indicate that Iraq's leaders and its people will eventually surmount insurgent violence occurring in the country and ultimately achieve stability, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Iraq told reporters in Baghdad today. "In my view, although difficult challenges lie ahead, and there is a long way to go, Iraq is fundamentally headed in the right direction and success is possible," Zalmay Khalilzad said at the news briefing.
President Bush has nominated Khalilzad, who has served as the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq for the past 21 months, to become the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Taking stock of the situation in Iraq, Khalilzad said he's buoyed and "cautiously optimistic" about that country's future due to several indicators:
-- The early success of the Operation Law and Order anti-terrorist campaign in Baghdad and western Iraq.
-- The improved performance of Iraqi soldiers and police.
-- The Iraqi government's example of dealing evenhandedly with lawbreakers.
-- More Iraqis are turning their backs on al Qaeda.
-- Some Iraqi insurgent groups have agreed to fight al Qaeda terrorists and work toward reconciliation.
-- Iraq's leaders are reaching out to include all Iraqis in the sharing of the country's oil wealth.
-- Improvement in Iraq's economic situation.
-- Iraqi leaders' comprehensive plan to achieve national reconciliation and stability.
Indeed, ongoing joint U.S., coalition and Iraqi security operations in Baghdad "appear to be having a positive effect," Khalilzad said, noting violence has decreased in Iraq's capital city by about 25 percent since Operation Law and Order began in mid-February.
The Iraqi security forces "are performing better and they are doing better in terms of carrying their share of the burden," Khalilzad pointed out. Iraqis seem to appreciate the presence of their soldiers and police on the streets to help effect stability, he said, noting citizen-provided tips about insurgent activity have been flowing in steadily.
Also, the Iraqi government is bolstering its credibility among its citizens, Khalilzad said, by dispensing justice fairly without discriminating against any one group. Iraqi involvement with al Qaeda is on the wane, Khalilzad said, adding that some insurgent elements have openly turned against al Qaeda.
Some of these insurgents are "in touch with the (Iraqi) government, seeking reconciliation and cooperation in the fight against al Qaeda terrorists," the ambassador said.
And the recent approval of a national hydrocarbon law that shares the nation's oil wealth with all citizens demonstrates that the Iraqi government is reaching out to all Iraqis, Khalilzad said.
Iraq's economic situation is looking up, and the Iraqi government has committed $10 billion for reconstruction programs, the ambassador said.
"Iraqi leaders have also adopted measures on fuel import liberalization, investment law reform and fuel subsidy reductions, as well as maintaining fiscal discipline," said he added.
Iraq's leaders also are taking steps to achieve good relations with neighboring countries, Khalilzad said, while continuing government efforts to achieve reconciliation between the nation's different sects and tribes.
"Also, the United States and Iraq have agreed on a combination of pressure and engagement to create incentives for changes in behavior on the part of states currently seeking to destabilize Iraq," the ambassador said.
Though these are all significant indicators and developments for Iraq, more needs to be accomplished, he said, to maintain the positive momentum.
Iraqi leaders need to enact a program to demobilize militias, make amendments to the constitution, schedule provincial elections, and reformulate the de-Baathification program so that insurgents can lay down their arms and join the political process, Khalilzad said.
"Iraqis have an unprecedented opportunity" to establish a better life for themselves, Khalilzad said. Yet, Americans and their elected representatives, he said, would like the Iraqi government to achieve more progress involving reconciliation, constitutional amendments and other issues.
"The members of the coalition as well as other countries have made enormous sacrifices to give Iraqis the chance to build a stable and democratic order," Khalilzad said. "Iraqis must not lose this opportunity, and they must step up and take the tough decisions necessary for success."
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Terrorism Suspect Transferred to Guantanamo Bay
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – A terrorism suspect who admitted to helping to kill 13 civilians, including two children, in a 2002 car bombing in Eastern Africa is in U.S. custody and has been transferred as a "dangerous terror suspect" to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a Defense Department official announced today.
Abdul Malik was handed over to U.S. officials by Kenyan authorities and was held for a "short time" before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay over the weekend, a senior defense official said, speaking on background.
Malik was screened by U.S. law enforcement officials while held in custody, the official said. He admitted to participating in the 2002 attack at the Mombasa Paradise Hotel, in which an explosives-filled sport utility vehicle crashed into the hotel lobby, killing 13 and injuring 80. He also has admitted to involvement in the attempted shootdown of an Israeli Boeing 757 civilian airliner carrying 271 passengers, near Mombasa, the official said.
Malik was picked up in Eastern Africa. Prior to the transfer, Malik was not in CIA custody, the official said.
The official said he did not know how long Malik was held in Kenyan custody prior to the transfer.
The next step is for the United States to determine his combatant status. As with all the detainees in Guantanamo, Malik will undergo a combatant status review tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status.
Fourteen high-value detainees were transferred in September to Guantanamo Bay. Before that, the last time an al Qaeda terrorist was moved to the facility was in September 2004.
Malik was transferred to the Guantanamo Bay facility because he represents a significant threat and to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians, the official said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to Malik. About 385 detainees are being held at Guantanamo Bay.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – A terrorism suspect who admitted to helping to kill 13 civilians, including two children, in a 2002 car bombing in Eastern Africa is in U.S. custody and has been transferred as a "dangerous terror suspect" to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a Defense Department official announced today.
Abdul Malik was handed over to U.S. officials by Kenyan authorities and was held for a "short time" before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay over the weekend, a senior defense official said, speaking on background.
Malik was screened by U.S. law enforcement officials while held in custody, the official said. He admitted to participating in the 2002 attack at the Mombasa Paradise Hotel, in which an explosives-filled sport utility vehicle crashed into the hotel lobby, killing 13 and injuring 80. He also has admitted to involvement in the attempted shootdown of an Israeli Boeing 757 civilian airliner carrying 271 passengers, near Mombasa, the official said.
Malik was picked up in Eastern Africa. Prior to the transfer, Malik was not in CIA custody, the official said.
The official said he did not know how long Malik was held in Kenyan custody prior to the transfer.
The next step is for the United States to determine his combatant status. As with all the detainees in Guantanamo, Malik will undergo a combatant status review tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status.
Fourteen high-value detainees were transferred in September to Guantanamo Bay. Before that, the last time an al Qaeda terrorist was moved to the facility was in September 2004.
Malik was transferred to the Guantanamo Bay facility because he represents a significant threat and to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians, the official said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to Malik. About 385 detainees are being held at Guantanamo Bay.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Five Soldiers Killed in Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Roadside bombs killed five U.S. soldiers in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified two Marines who died earlier.
Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed and two others were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near their patrol in Kiyala province. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and two others were wounded in a roadside-bomb explosion in a northwestern section of the Iraqi capital.
The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, Defense Department officials today identified two Marines who died earlier in Iraq.
-- Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y., died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
-- Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla., died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.
March 26, 2007 – Roadside bombs killed five U.S. soldiers in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified two Marines who died earlier.
Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed and two others were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near their patrol in Kiyala province. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and two others were wounded in a roadside-bomb explosion in a northwestern section of the Iraqi capital.
The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, Defense Department officials today identified two Marines who died earlier in Iraq.
-- Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y., died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
-- Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla., died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Hicks Pleads Guilty to Terror Charge
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – David Hicks, the Australian terror suspect captured in Afghanistan in 2001, has pleaded guilty to a charge of supporting terrorism at his military commission hearing here tonight. Hicks, 31, was charged with one count of providing material support to terrorism, with two specifications. He pleaded guilty to the first specification, which states that in and around Afghanistan from December 2000 to December 2001, he intentionally provided material support to al Qaeda and was associated with an armed conflict. He pleaded not guilty to the second specification, which states that during the same period, he provided material support or resources for an act of terrorism.
Hicks's plea came in an unexpected evening session of the hearing, which the military judge, Marine Col. Ralph Kohlmann, called after recessing an earlier hearing. In the earlier hearing, Hicks reserved his right to enter a plea, and two of his civilian attorneys were removed from the proceedings because Kohlmann determined they were not authorized to represent him.
After Hicks entered his plea, Kohlmann questioned him to ensure the removal of his attorneys did not influence his decision. Hicks said the removal did not influence his guilty plea, and he waived his right to civilian counsel.
Under the rules for military commissions, after the guilty plea is entered, the commission must be reconvened so the military judge can go over the charge with the detainee and ensure the validity of the plea, Air Force Col. Morris Davis, chief prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions, said in a news conference. Kohlmann set a deadline for the prosecution and defense teams to present a detailed description of the offense to him by 4 p.m. tomorrow. After receiving this description, he will reconvene the commission at his discretion.
After the charge is accepted by the judge, the commission members must be assembled to decide the sentence, Davis said. Army Maj. Beth Kubala from the Office of Military Commissions confirmed that the commission members for this case have been identified, and will probably travel here this week. The commission consists of 10 members, but only five must be present for proceedings to be held, she said. Davis and the defense attorneys said the case will be resolved by the end of the week.
"I don't look at it as a victory; I look at it as a first step," Davis said of the plea. "At the end of the day, we're satisfied with where we stand at this moment. To me, what's important is that this be a fair process, and that Mr. Hicks get a fair trial."
Kohlmann issued a protective order in the case, so the prosecution and defense attorneys were barred from discussing the details of the plea. Any pre-trial agreements will be discussed in the proceedings and will limit Hicks's ultimate sentence, Kubala said.
Hicks is the first detainee to be charged under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. According to documents released by the Defense Department, Hicks, who was born in Adelaide, Australia, was a member of two terrorist organizations in Albania and Pakistan in 1999. In 2001, Hicks traveled to Afghanistan and attended al Qaeda training camps. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hicks is alleged to have joined al Qaeda forces at Kandahar Airport. After a few weeks at the airport, Hicks traveled to the front lines in Konduz, Afghanistan, to fight coalition forces. He was captured by Northern Alliance forces in December 2001 while attempting to flee to Pakistan.
The maximum penalty Hicks faces is life in prison, but Davis has said repeatedly that the prosecution will not seek a life sentence. "It will certainly be something much less than that," Davis said today.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – David Hicks, the Australian terror suspect captured in Afghanistan in 2001, has pleaded guilty to a charge of supporting terrorism at his military commission hearing here tonight. Hicks, 31, was charged with one count of providing material support to terrorism, with two specifications. He pleaded guilty to the first specification, which states that in and around Afghanistan from December 2000 to December 2001, he intentionally provided material support to al Qaeda and was associated with an armed conflict. He pleaded not guilty to the second specification, which states that during the same period, he provided material support or resources for an act of terrorism.
Hicks's plea came in an unexpected evening session of the hearing, which the military judge, Marine Col. Ralph Kohlmann, called after recessing an earlier hearing. In the earlier hearing, Hicks reserved his right to enter a plea, and two of his civilian attorneys were removed from the proceedings because Kohlmann determined they were not authorized to represent him.
After Hicks entered his plea, Kohlmann questioned him to ensure the removal of his attorneys did not influence his decision. Hicks said the removal did not influence his guilty plea, and he waived his right to civilian counsel.
Under the rules for military commissions, after the guilty plea is entered, the commission must be reconvened so the military judge can go over the charge with the detainee and ensure the validity of the plea, Air Force Col. Morris Davis, chief prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions, said in a news conference. Kohlmann set a deadline for the prosecution and defense teams to present a detailed description of the offense to him by 4 p.m. tomorrow. After receiving this description, he will reconvene the commission at his discretion.
After the charge is accepted by the judge, the commission members must be assembled to decide the sentence, Davis said. Army Maj. Beth Kubala from the Office of Military Commissions confirmed that the commission members for this case have been identified, and will probably travel here this week. The commission consists of 10 members, but only five must be present for proceedings to be held, she said. Davis and the defense attorneys said the case will be resolved by the end of the week.
"I don't look at it as a victory; I look at it as a first step," Davis said of the plea. "At the end of the day, we're satisfied with where we stand at this moment. To me, what's important is that this be a fair process, and that Mr. Hicks get a fair trial."
Kohlmann issued a protective order in the case, so the prosecution and defense attorneys were barred from discussing the details of the plea. Any pre-trial agreements will be discussed in the proceedings and will limit Hicks's ultimate sentence, Kubala said.
Hicks is the first detainee to be charged under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. According to documents released by the Defense Department, Hicks, who was born in Adelaide, Australia, was a member of two terrorist organizations in Albania and Pakistan in 1999. In 2001, Hicks traveled to Afghanistan and attended al Qaeda training camps. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hicks is alleged to have joined al Qaeda forces at Kandahar Airport. After a few weeks at the airport, Hicks traveled to the front lines in Konduz, Afghanistan, to fight coalition forces. He was captured by Northern Alliance forces in December 2001 while attempting to flee to Pakistan.
The maximum penalty Hicks faces is life in prison, but Davis has said repeatedly that the prosecution will not seek a life sentence. "It will certainly be something much less than that," Davis said today.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Australian Detainee Arraigned Before Military Commission
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Preliminary hearings began here today in the case of an Australian detainee captured in Afghanistan in 2001, the first detainee to be charged under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. David Hicks, who became known as the "Australian Taliban" following his capture, is charged with providing material support for terrorism based on his alleged participation in al Qaeda training camps and military campaigns. Hicks declined the reading of his charges in the hearing and reserved the right to enter a plea.
Marine Col. Ralph Kohlmann, the military judge assigned to the case, began the hearing by removing two of Hicks's civilian defense attorneys, Rebecca Snyder and Joshua Draytell. Kohlmann said that because Snyder is a civilian employee of the Defense Department, she is not qualified to serve as the assistant detailed defense counsel under the rules for military commissions and United States Code. Snyder is an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and Kohlmann suggested she pursue getting active-duty orders to serve as the detailed defense counsel.
Draytell, Hicks' civilian attorney, was removed because he refused to sign an agreement stating that he would comply with all applicable rules and regulations for the commissions. Draytell did sign an agreement, but with revised language stating he would comply with all "existing" rules and regulations. He argued this was because at the time he was asked to sign the agreement, the regulations for civilian attorneys in military commissions had not been created by the Defense Department, and he didn't want to sign anything prematurely.
"I cannot sign a document that provides a blank check that draws on my ethical obligations as a lawyer," Draytell said.
Kohlmann advised Hicks that Snyder and Draytell could remain at the defense table as advisors, with the possibility of being recognized as defense counsel at a later date, after further litigation. Hicks declined the opportunity to keep them at the table. Marine Maj. Michael Mori, Hicks's detailed military defense counsel, remained at the table.
"I'm shocked, because I just lost another lawyer," Hicks said after learning Draytell could not participate in the case. "What's the point of him sitting here if he's not representing me? One's gone, now another one's gone, now I'm left with poor Mr. Mori."
This is the third time Hicks has faced legal proceedings at Guantanamo Bay. Proceedings that began in Hicks's case in August 2004 were halted by an order from a district court judge in November 2004. A three-judge federal appeals court panel ruled in July 2005 that the commissions were legal and could go forward. However, preliminary hearings that were scheduled to begin in November 2005 were halted pending the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden who challenged his detention at Guantanamo Bay.
The Supreme Court ruled in June 2006 that military commissions for detainees charged with war crimes would violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice as well as four Geneva Conventions. In response, the Bush administration and Congress crafted the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which allows the United States to try unlawful enemy combatants under new procedures.
Hicks appeared at today's hearing in his tan detainee uniform, with long hair that his civilian attorney consultant said is used to shield his eyes from the light at night. He appeared composed throughout the hearing, at one point joking with Kohlmann about his Australian accent.
"If you don't understand what I say sometimes, it's my language. It's Australian English, sir. There are some differences," Hicks said when Kohlmann inquired about his need for a translator.
Before Kohlmann removed Hicks's civilian attorneys, Hicks said he would like to acquire more defense attorneys for his case, to balance the prosecution team.
According to documents released by the Defense Department, Hicks, who was born in Adelaide, Australia, was a member of two terrorist organizations in Albania and Pakistan in 1999. In 2001, Hicks traveled to Afghanistan and attended al Qaeda training camps. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hicks is alleged to have joined al Qaeda forces at Kandahar Airport. After a few weeks at the airport, Hicks traveled to the front lines in Konduz, Afghanistan, to fight coalition forces. He was captured by Northern Alliance forces in December 2001 while attempting to flee to Pakistan.
The maximum penalty Hicks will face if convicted is life in prison, Air Force Col. Morris Davis, chief prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions, told reporters yesterday. However, Davis said the prosecution does not plan to argue for a life sentence. Past cases with similar charges, such as that of John Walker Lindh, the American citizen who plead guilty in 2002 to serving in the Taliban and carrying weapons, have resulted in sentences of about 20 years, he said.
Hicks's father, Terry, and sister, Stephanie, traveled from Australia to attend today's hearing. They visited with Hicks for about two hours before the hearing, and were expected to spend time with him afterward.
Kohlmann did not announce the trial schedule today, but under the new rules for military commissions, the trial must start within 120 days after the charges are presented to the detainee, which happened March 1 in Hicks's case .
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Preliminary hearings began here today in the case of an Australian detainee captured in Afghanistan in 2001, the first detainee to be charged under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. David Hicks, who became known as the "Australian Taliban" following his capture, is charged with providing material support for terrorism based on his alleged participation in al Qaeda training camps and military campaigns. Hicks declined the reading of his charges in the hearing and reserved the right to enter a plea.
Marine Col. Ralph Kohlmann, the military judge assigned to the case, began the hearing by removing two of Hicks's civilian defense attorneys, Rebecca Snyder and Joshua Draytell. Kohlmann said that because Snyder is a civilian employee of the Defense Department, she is not qualified to serve as the assistant detailed defense counsel under the rules for military commissions and United States Code. Snyder is an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and Kohlmann suggested she pursue getting active-duty orders to serve as the detailed defense counsel.
Draytell, Hicks' civilian attorney, was removed because he refused to sign an agreement stating that he would comply with all applicable rules and regulations for the commissions. Draytell did sign an agreement, but with revised language stating he would comply with all "existing" rules and regulations. He argued this was because at the time he was asked to sign the agreement, the regulations for civilian attorneys in military commissions had not been created by the Defense Department, and he didn't want to sign anything prematurely.
"I cannot sign a document that provides a blank check that draws on my ethical obligations as a lawyer," Draytell said.
Kohlmann advised Hicks that Snyder and Draytell could remain at the defense table as advisors, with the possibility of being recognized as defense counsel at a later date, after further litigation. Hicks declined the opportunity to keep them at the table. Marine Maj. Michael Mori, Hicks's detailed military defense counsel, remained at the table.
"I'm shocked, because I just lost another lawyer," Hicks said after learning Draytell could not participate in the case. "What's the point of him sitting here if he's not representing me? One's gone, now another one's gone, now I'm left with poor Mr. Mori."
This is the third time Hicks has faced legal proceedings at Guantanamo Bay. Proceedings that began in Hicks's case in August 2004 were halted by an order from a district court judge in November 2004. A three-judge federal appeals court panel ruled in July 2005 that the commissions were legal and could go forward. However, preliminary hearings that were scheduled to begin in November 2005 were halted pending the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden who challenged his detention at Guantanamo Bay.
The Supreme Court ruled in June 2006 that military commissions for detainees charged with war crimes would violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice as well as four Geneva Conventions. In response, the Bush administration and Congress crafted the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which allows the United States to try unlawful enemy combatants under new procedures.
Hicks appeared at today's hearing in his tan detainee uniform, with long hair that his civilian attorney consultant said is used to shield his eyes from the light at night. He appeared composed throughout the hearing, at one point joking with Kohlmann about his Australian accent.
"If you don't understand what I say sometimes, it's my language. It's Australian English, sir. There are some differences," Hicks said when Kohlmann inquired about his need for a translator.
Before Kohlmann removed Hicks's civilian attorneys, Hicks said he would like to acquire more defense attorneys for his case, to balance the prosecution team.
According to documents released by the Defense Department, Hicks, who was born in Adelaide, Australia, was a member of two terrorist organizations in Albania and Pakistan in 1999. In 2001, Hicks traveled to Afghanistan and attended al Qaeda training camps. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hicks is alleged to have joined al Qaeda forces at Kandahar Airport. After a few weeks at the airport, Hicks traveled to the front lines in Konduz, Afghanistan, to fight coalition forces. He was captured by Northern Alliance forces in December 2001 while attempting to flee to Pakistan.
The maximum penalty Hicks will face if convicted is life in prison, Air Force Col. Morris Davis, chief prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions, told reporters yesterday. However, Davis said the prosecution does not plan to argue for a life sentence. Past cases with similar charges, such as that of John Walker Lindh, the American citizen who plead guilty in 2002 to serving in the Taliban and carrying weapons, have resulted in sentences of about 20 years, he said.
Hicks's father, Terry, and sister, Stephanie, traveled from Australia to attend today's hearing. They visited with Hicks for about two hours before the hearing, and were expected to spend time with him afterward.
Kohlmann did not announce the trial schedule today, but under the new rules for military commissions, the trial must start within 120 days after the charges are presented to the detainee, which happened March 1 in Hicks's case .
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
DoD, Army Conclude Tillman's Death Was Accidental
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Army Spc. Patrick D. Tillman was accidentally shot and killed by members of his divided Ranger unit after part of it had been ambushed by enemy fighters in a canyon in Afghanistan, senior Defense Department and Army officials told reporters here today. An early unit-level report listed Tillman as being killed by hostile fire, acting DoD Inspector General Thomas Gimble told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
However, findings of follow-on investigations showed that Tillman was the accidental victim of friendly fire, Gimble said. Yet, Tillman's parents weren't told that their son had died in that manner, he said, until a memorial service held weeks after his death.
"What should have happened (is) the moment that they'd suspected fratricide, there should have been a supplemental notification that processed through (the chain of command and to Tillman's family)," Gimble said.
This situation represents "a failure to follow the directives," and it's inexplicable at this point as to why the supplemental notification wasn't made, Gimble said.
Follow-up investigations will determine why the proper notification was delayed, Gimble said. At least nine individuals, including a general, have been identified for further questioning involving this and other administrative aspects surrounding the reporting of Tillman's death, he added.
Tillman, who was posthumously promoted to corporal, died at age 27 on April 22, 2004, on a hillside located not far from Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Gimble and Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commander of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, briefed reporters on the findings of two separate investigations into Tillman's death initiated by the DoD IG and Army investigators in 2005.
There was no criminal intent involved in the former National Football League player's death, Johnson said, noting that was the focus of his investigation. Soldiers in Tillman's unit bore him no ill will, he said.
Prior to the enemy attack, Tillman's company commander had divided the unit into two groups, Johnson said, and the command was towing a disabled vehicle. Tillman's section had just passed through a canyon, Johnson said, when enemy fighters engaged the trailing group.
Tillman requested and received permission to go back on foot with another American and an Afghan soldier to try to help the ambushed convoy, Johnson said. As the besieged Americans passed through the canyon in their vehicles, some of its soldiers mistook Tillman, standing midway on a hill overlooking the scene, for an enemy soldier. The American troops fired on Tillman, killing him, the Afghan soldier, and wounding the other U.S. soldier, Johnson said.
The DoD IG and Army investigations each performed a ground survey of the site where Tillman died, Gimble said. Investigators working the two investigations interviewed hundreds of people, he said, including eye-witnesses.
The DoD IG was focused on discovering if the proper administrative processes were followed surrounding reporting of Tillman's death, including the notification of his next of kin, as well as award processing, Gimble said. Not all of the information in Tillman's Silver Star Medal paperwork was accurate, he said, noting further investigation of this matter will be performed.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Army Spc. Patrick D. Tillman was accidentally shot and killed by members of his divided Ranger unit after part of it had been ambushed by enemy fighters in a canyon in Afghanistan, senior Defense Department and Army officials told reporters here today. An early unit-level report listed Tillman as being killed by hostile fire, acting DoD Inspector General Thomas Gimble told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
However, findings of follow-on investigations showed that Tillman was the accidental victim of friendly fire, Gimble said. Yet, Tillman's parents weren't told that their son had died in that manner, he said, until a memorial service held weeks after his death.
"What should have happened (is) the moment that they'd suspected fratricide, there should have been a supplemental notification that processed through (the chain of command and to Tillman's family)," Gimble said.
This situation represents "a failure to follow the directives," and it's inexplicable at this point as to why the supplemental notification wasn't made, Gimble said.
Follow-up investigations will determine why the proper notification was delayed, Gimble said. At least nine individuals, including a general, have been identified for further questioning involving this and other administrative aspects surrounding the reporting of Tillman's death, he added.
Tillman, who was posthumously promoted to corporal, died at age 27 on April 22, 2004, on a hillside located not far from Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Gimble and Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commander of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, briefed reporters on the findings of two separate investigations into Tillman's death initiated by the DoD IG and Army investigators in 2005.
There was no criminal intent involved in the former National Football League player's death, Johnson said, noting that was the focus of his investigation. Soldiers in Tillman's unit bore him no ill will, he said.
Prior to the enemy attack, Tillman's company commander had divided the unit into two groups, Johnson said, and the command was towing a disabled vehicle. Tillman's section had just passed through a canyon, Johnson said, when enemy fighters engaged the trailing group.
Tillman requested and received permission to go back on foot with another American and an Afghan soldier to try to help the ambushed convoy, Johnson said. As the besieged Americans passed through the canyon in their vehicles, some of its soldiers mistook Tillman, standing midway on a hill overlooking the scene, for an enemy soldier. The American troops fired on Tillman, killing him, the Afghan soldier, and wounding the other U.S. soldier, Johnson said.
The DoD IG and Army investigations each performed a ground survey of the site where Tillman died, Gimble said. Investigators working the two investigations interviewed hundreds of people, he said, including eye-witnesses.
The DoD IG was focused on discovering if the proper administrative processes were followed surrounding reporting of Tillman's death, including the notification of his next of kin, as well as award processing, Gimble said. Not all of the information in Tillman's Silver Star Medal paperwork was accurate, he said, noting further investigation of this matter will be performed.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Two U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – Two U.S. soldiers died March 23 during operations in Iraq, officials said, and the Defense Department has identified four earlier casualties.
A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted combat patrol conducted south of Baghdad, and a soldier assigned to Multi National Force-West died while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province.
The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified four soldiers who died earlier this week while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn.
Army Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Army Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Army Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
March 25, 2007 – Two U.S. soldiers died March 23 during operations in Iraq, officials said, and the Defense Department has identified four earlier casualties.
A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted combat patrol conducted south of Baghdad, and a soldier assigned to Multi National Force-West died while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province.
The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified four soldiers who died earlier this week while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn.
Army Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Army Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Army Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Forces Capture, Kill Terrorists, Seize Weapons Caches in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces captured or killed insurgents and confiscated explosives, weapons and other contraband during operations in Iraq over the past few days. Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, Iraqi national police seized a weapons cache containing hundreds of deadly anti-tank mines during a raid in the Sadr City section of Baghdad yesterday, as other Operation Law and Order operations continue in and around the Iraqi capital and western Iraq.
The raid was conducted by Iraqi lawmen assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Iraqi National Police. The Iraqis were backed up by U.S. soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. An Iraqi citizen told the police about the location of the weapons cache, which contained 470 anti-tank mines, according to officials.
Another March 24 operation in Iraq involved a coalition air strike conducted southeast of Ar Rutbah that killed three terrorists, officials said, while 12 other suspected terrorists were captured the same day during other operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and other terrorists.
In the Ar Rutbah engagement, coalition forces attempted to detain four armed terrorists. One terrorist detonated an explosive device, killing himself. The other three attempted to escape in a vehicle. Coalition forces called in an air strike that destroyed the vehicle and killed the three armed men inside. Coalition forces found a suicide vest, grenades and weapons during a search of the scene. No civilians or friendly forces were injured.
In Mosul on March 24, coalition forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation and weapons distribution. Two additional suspects were captured in Baghdad with reported ties to vehicle-borne improvised explosive device manufacturing and another individual suspected of being a courier for al-Qaeda in Iraq was detained east of Balad, all on March 24.
"These operations serve as a message to terrorist elements that they will not operate freely or find safe haven in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesperson.
Also on March 24, a car bomb detonated near an Iraqi National Police station in Baghdad, killing and wounding an unknown number of Iraqi police and civilians, officials said. Initial reports indicate that the police officers and Iraqi civilians died when the bomb detonated near a police compound in the Jazeera neighborhood of Baghdad's East Rashid district. An undetermined number of police and civilians were also injured.
Another vehicle-borne improvised explosive device destroyed the Haswah Husaniyah mosque located south of Baghdad in a suicide attack on March 24, killing four and wounding 39 people. The 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Infantry Division immediately sent military vehicles, Red Crescent ambulances and 14 Iraqi Army soldiers to assist in recovery and assistance operations. Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division patrolling nearby had observed a dump truck moving within 100 feet of the mosque. The vehicle then detonated.
In other news, Iraqi police apprehended a suicide truck bomber and his vehicle in Ramadi March 23. The vehicle carried a large quantity of chlorine and explosives, but it failed to detonate.
The white cargo truck came to a halt near the entrance to the Jezeera police station, located about 150 meters from a water treatment plant. The police approached the truck for investigation and detained the driver when they discovered that the truck was rigged with explosives and the driver was attempting to detonate the vehicle. The truck contained an unknown number of 55-gallon drums, which were used to camouflage five 1000-gallon barrels filled with chlorine and more than two tons of explosives. The driver is being held for questioning, and all explosives were removed from the truck and destroyed by demolition experts.
Additionally, Iraqi soldiers seized a large weapons cache with bomb-making material and detained 31 insurgents during an operation conducted south of Baghdad on March 23, officials said. Iraqi soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Army Division and U.S. troops with the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted the cordon and search near Diyarah, Iraq.
The cache included nine AK-47s, one heavy machine gun, ammunition and magazines, three concussion grenades, one 122 mm artillery round, one 105 mm artillery round, one anti-tank mine, one rocket-propelled grenade, a variety of bomb-making materials, a tractor and five civilian trucks.
"Our soldiers felt good about their performance in this operation," said Brig. Gen. Abdul Amir, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division commander. "Much was achieved by this operation today." The suspects are being held for further questioning.
In other news, Iraqi Army commandos captured an alleged murderer and kidnapper during a coalition-supported raid conducted March 23 in the Sadr City section of Baghdad, officials said.
Credible intelligence indicates that the detained suspect planned, organized and participated in the kidnapping and killing of civilians and was involved in intimidation and extortion rackets, according to officials. He's also suspected of transporting illegal weapons and munitions and taking part in attacks against Iraqi security forces.
Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces and coalition soldiers arrested three suspects while seizing two improvised explosive devices, loose explosives and IED-making paraphernalia and other prohibited items during a March 23 raid in Baghdad's Al Mansour district, officials said.
In other news, Multi-National Division Baghdad soldiers found a large weapons cache southwest of Radwaniyah, Iraq, March 23, officials said.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache during a combat patrol in the area. The cache contained thousands of rounds of ammunition and other weapons-related items. The contents of the cache were destroyed.
Also, a parked vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonated north of An Najaf, Iraq, March 23, wounding two Iraqi police officers and one civilian, officials reported. The vehicle's driver was detained by the Najaf police and is in custody. Other Iraqi security forces responded to the scene, secured the site and took the injured to a nearby medical facility. The incident is under investigation.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq, Multinational Division Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
March 25, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces captured or killed insurgents and confiscated explosives, weapons and other contraband during operations in Iraq over the past few days. Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, Iraqi national police seized a weapons cache containing hundreds of deadly anti-tank mines during a raid in the Sadr City section of Baghdad yesterday, as other Operation Law and Order operations continue in and around the Iraqi capital and western Iraq.
The raid was conducted by Iraqi lawmen assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Iraqi National Police. The Iraqis were backed up by U.S. soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. An Iraqi citizen told the police about the location of the weapons cache, which contained 470 anti-tank mines, according to officials.
Another March 24 operation in Iraq involved a coalition air strike conducted southeast of Ar Rutbah that killed three terrorists, officials said, while 12 other suspected terrorists were captured the same day during other operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and other terrorists.
In the Ar Rutbah engagement, coalition forces attempted to detain four armed terrorists. One terrorist detonated an explosive device, killing himself. The other three attempted to escape in a vehicle. Coalition forces called in an air strike that destroyed the vehicle and killed the three armed men inside. Coalition forces found a suicide vest, grenades and weapons during a search of the scene. No civilians or friendly forces were injured.
In Mosul on March 24, coalition forces captured nine suspected terrorists with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation and weapons distribution. Two additional suspects were captured in Baghdad with reported ties to vehicle-borne improvised explosive device manufacturing and another individual suspected of being a courier for al-Qaeda in Iraq was detained east of Balad, all on March 24.
"These operations serve as a message to terrorist elements that they will not operate freely or find safe haven in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesperson.
Also on March 24, a car bomb detonated near an Iraqi National Police station in Baghdad, killing and wounding an unknown number of Iraqi police and civilians, officials said. Initial reports indicate that the police officers and Iraqi civilians died when the bomb detonated near a police compound in the Jazeera neighborhood of Baghdad's East Rashid district. An undetermined number of police and civilians were also injured.
Another vehicle-borne improvised explosive device destroyed the Haswah Husaniyah mosque located south of Baghdad in a suicide attack on March 24, killing four and wounding 39 people. The 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Infantry Division immediately sent military vehicles, Red Crescent ambulances and 14 Iraqi Army soldiers to assist in recovery and assistance operations. Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division patrolling nearby had observed a dump truck moving within 100 feet of the mosque. The vehicle then detonated.
In other news, Iraqi police apprehended a suicide truck bomber and his vehicle in Ramadi March 23. The vehicle carried a large quantity of chlorine and explosives, but it failed to detonate.
The white cargo truck came to a halt near the entrance to the Jezeera police station, located about 150 meters from a water treatment plant. The police approached the truck for investigation and detained the driver when they discovered that the truck was rigged with explosives and the driver was attempting to detonate the vehicle. The truck contained an unknown number of 55-gallon drums, which were used to camouflage five 1000-gallon barrels filled with chlorine and more than two tons of explosives. The driver is being held for questioning, and all explosives were removed from the truck and destroyed by demolition experts.
Additionally, Iraqi soldiers seized a large weapons cache with bomb-making material and detained 31 insurgents during an operation conducted south of Baghdad on March 23, officials said. Iraqi soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Army Division and U.S. troops with the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted the cordon and search near Diyarah, Iraq.
The cache included nine AK-47s, one heavy machine gun, ammunition and magazines, three concussion grenades, one 122 mm artillery round, one 105 mm artillery round, one anti-tank mine, one rocket-propelled grenade, a variety of bomb-making materials, a tractor and five civilian trucks.
"Our soldiers felt good about their performance in this operation," said Brig. Gen. Abdul Amir, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division commander. "Much was achieved by this operation today." The suspects are being held for further questioning.
In other news, Iraqi Army commandos captured an alleged murderer and kidnapper during a coalition-supported raid conducted March 23 in the Sadr City section of Baghdad, officials said.
Credible intelligence indicates that the detained suspect planned, organized and participated in the kidnapping and killing of civilians and was involved in intimidation and extortion rackets, according to officials. He's also suspected of transporting illegal weapons and munitions and taking part in attacks against Iraqi security forces.
Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces and coalition soldiers arrested three suspects while seizing two improvised explosive devices, loose explosives and IED-making paraphernalia and other prohibited items during a March 23 raid in Baghdad's Al Mansour district, officials said.
In other news, Multi-National Division Baghdad soldiers found a large weapons cache southwest of Radwaniyah, Iraq, March 23, officials said.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache during a combat patrol in the area. The cache contained thousands of rounds of ammunition and other weapons-related items. The contents of the cache were destroyed.
Also, a parked vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonated north of An Najaf, Iraq, March 23, wounding two Iraqi police officers and one civilian, officials reported. The vehicle's driver was detained by the Najaf police and is in custody. Other Iraqi security forces responded to the scene, secured the site and took the injured to a nearby medical facility. The incident is under investigation.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq, Multinational Division Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Forces Thwart Insurgent Attack in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – American and Afghan forces killed 12 insurgents yesterday during a firefight near Fire Base Tillman in Paktika province, Afghanistan, officials said. The insurgents attempted to attack the fire base located along the Afghanistan and Pakistan border, officials said, but they were detected and came under small-arms fire from pro-government Afghan and U.S. troops. Coalition forces also called in aviation and artillery support against the insurgents.
Two coalition soldiers and two pro-government Afghan troops received minor injuries. Coalition forces' injuries were minor and did not require medical evacuation. One Afghan soldier was medically evacuated for treatment at a coalition medical treatment facility and is expected to fully recover from his wound.
"As the continued efforts of the military and civil leaders on both sides of the border takes a toll on (the) insurgents' freedom of movement, they will continue to become more desperate as the people work with the military and other leaders to rid themselves of these criminals," said Army Maj. Donald A. Korpi, a spokesman for the Task Force Fury.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
March 25, 2007 – American and Afghan forces killed 12 insurgents yesterday during a firefight near Fire Base Tillman in Paktika province, Afghanistan, officials said. The insurgents attempted to attack the fire base located along the Afghanistan and Pakistan border, officials said, but they were detected and came under small-arms fire from pro-government Afghan and U.S. troops. Coalition forces also called in aviation and artillery support against the insurgents.
Two coalition soldiers and two pro-government Afghan troops received minor injuries. Coalition forces' injuries were minor and did not require medical evacuation. One Afghan soldier was medically evacuated for treatment at a coalition medical treatment facility and is expected to fully recover from his wound.
"As the continued efforts of the military and civil leaders on both sides of the border takes a toll on (the) insurgents' freedom of movement, they will continue to become more desperate as the people work with the military and other leaders to rid themselves of these criminals," said Army Maj. Donald A. Korpi, a spokesman for the Task Force Fury.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Terror Suspect Transferred To Guantanamo
The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of a dangerous terror suspect to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Abdul Malik, who was captured as a result of our ongoing conflict against Al Qaida, has admitted to being involved in terrorist attacks in East Africa.
Malik has admitted to participation in the 2002 Paradise Hotel attack in Mombasa, Kenya, in which an explosive-filled SUV was crashed into the hotel lobby, killing 13 and injuring 80. He also has admitted to involvement in the attempted shootdown of an Israeli Boeing 757 civilian airliner carrying 271 passengers, near Mombasa.
The capture of Malik exemplifies the genuine threat that the United States and other countries face throughout the world in the war on terrorism. Due to the significant threat this terror suspect represents, he has been transferred to Guantanamo. The detainees being held at Guantanamo have provided information essential to our ability to understand better how Al Qaeda operates, and thus to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians.
As with all the detainees in Guantanamo, Malik will undergo a combatant status review tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to this detainee. With today's transfer there are approximately 385 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Abdul Malik, who was captured as a result of our ongoing conflict against Al Qaida, has admitted to being involved in terrorist attacks in East Africa.
Malik has admitted to participation in the 2002 Paradise Hotel attack in Mombasa, Kenya, in which an explosive-filled SUV was crashed into the hotel lobby, killing 13 and injuring 80. He also has admitted to involvement in the attempted shootdown of an Israeli Boeing 757 civilian airliner carrying 271 passengers, near Mombasa.
The capture of Malik exemplifies the genuine threat that the United States and other countries face throughout the world in the war on terrorism. Due to the significant threat this terror suspect represents, he has been transferred to Guantanamo. The detainees being held at Guantanamo have provided information essential to our ability to understand better how Al Qaeda operates, and thus to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians.
As with all the detainees in Guantanamo, Malik will undergo a combatant status review tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to this detainee. With today's transfer there are approximately 385 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For further information on this soldier, contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 384-1524.
Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For further information on this soldier, contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 384-1524.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0154.
Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0154.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information on this soldier, contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information on this soldier, contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Minnesota Army National Guard public affairs office at (651) 268-8949 or after hours at (651) 775-4392.
Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Minnesota Army National Guard public affairs office at (651) 268-8949 or after hours at (651) 775-4392.
Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y.
Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Bogrette died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Roberts died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.
For more information in regard to Bogrette the media can contact the 2nd Marine Logistics Group public affairs office at (910) 451-3538. For more information in regard to Roberts the media can contact the Marine Forces Reserve public affairs office at (504) 678-4177.
Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y.
Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Bogrette died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Roberts died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.
For more information in regard to Bogrette the media can contact the 2nd Marine Logistics Group public affairs office at (910) 451-3538. For more information in regard to Roberts the media can contact the Marine Forces Reserve public affairs office at (504) 678-4177.
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