American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - Members of the 205th Afghan National Army Corps advised by coalition forces killed more than 100 insurgents during combat in Afghanistan's Helmand province today. The combined force was patrolling near Regay village to clear the area of extremist Taliban fighters. Several dozen insurgents attacked the convoy from an extensive trench system and several compounds with small arms, machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. Taliban fighters reinforced their fighting positions from the village of Musa Qalah throughout the daylong battle.
Coalition aircraft and artillery engaged the Taliban positions. The initial estimate by the ground force commander assessed that more than 100 insurgents were killed in the engagement.
"Afghan national security forces and their coalition partners continue to hunt down the enemies of peace and stability in Helmand province," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "The end is near for the Taliban that believe Musa Qalah is safe from Islamic Republic of Afghanistan forces. This combined operation is just one more step to securing the Musa Qalah area of the Helmand province."
In operations last night, elements of 1st Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, advised by coalition forces made contact with a large group of insurgents prior to an attempted ambush while conducting a combat patrol near Kakrak village in Oruzgan province.
The combined patrol was northeast of Deh Rawood, in the same general area where six days ago more than three dozen insurgents were killed as they prepared an ambush.
The Afghan-led patrol attacked the Taliban with small-arms and crew-served-weapons fire. Soon after the attack against the entrenched insurgents began, the patrol observed more enemy reinforcements moving into the Taliban fighting positions. More than 80 Taliban fighters battled with Afghan forces throughout the engagement.
The insurgents continued to attack the patrol with small-arms, machine-gun, rocket-propelled-grenade and mortar fire from multiple bunkers near Kakrak village during the six-hour battle.
Precision-guided munitions used to attack the Taliban positions killed more than 65 insurgents.
"As with our forces near Musa Qalah, this operation is intended to deny the enemies of peace the use of Deh Rawood as a safe haven," Belcher said. "Much like last week's engagement, last night's overwhelming victory by (Afghan troops) against the extremists is one more example of this strategy to secure a stable and safe living area for the residents of Uruzgan province."
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Bush to Ask for $42 Billion for War Operations
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - President Bush will ask Congress for another $42 billion to fund operations in the war on terror in fiscal 2008, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee today. Gates; Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte; Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Defense Department Comptroller Tina W. Jonas testified before the committee. The request brings the total supplement for fiscal 2008 to $190 billion, Gates said.
"I urge the Congress to approve the complete global war on terror request as quickly as possible and without excessive and counterproductive restrictions," the secretary said. "That will help the department manage its expenses and people more effectively and minimize costly reprogramming actions."
The department had asked for $141.7 billion for war on terror operations in February. The request for fiscal 2008, which begins Oct. 1, was a straight-line projection of ongoing war costs. At the time, Gates told Congress that the number would need to be adjusted as more information became available and the picture on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan became clearer.
That request included $70.6 billion for operations, $37.6 billion to repair or replace equipment, $15.2 billion for force protection, and $4.7 billion to train and equip Afghan and Iraqi security forces.
At the end of July, the department asked for another $5.3 billion to buy 1,520 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. These vehicles, known as MRAPs, offer better protection from improvised explosive devices and car bombs, the leading killers of Americans in Iraq. This brought the total request to $147 billion.
The $42 billion request the president will submit includes $6 billion to support Army and Marine combat formations in Iraq through fiscal 2008. This includes surge forces in the country and the president's announced intention to redeploy five Army brigade combat teams by next summer, Gates said.
The request also includes $14 billion for force protection, including another $11 billion to field 7,000 more MRAP vehicles. If approved, this would bring the request to 15,000 vehicles. "This also includes funding to better defeat enemy snipers and to modify Army combat vehicles to improve survivability," Gates said.
The request adds $9 billion for reconstitution of equipment. This is vital to ensure the armed forces have the equipment and technology needed for future operations, Gates said.
Another $5 billion will go for training and equipment to accelerate the deployment readiness of Army units. Also, $1 billion will go to support National Guard pre-deployment training.
In addition, the president will ask for $1 billion to improve U.S. facilities in Southwest Asia and consolidate bases in Iraq.
Finally, the request seeks another $1 billion to train and equip Iraqi security forces, Gates said.
The defense secretary also threw his support behind the State Department portion of the request. "As you know, the challenges we face in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere are fundamentally political, economic and cultural in nature and are not going to be overcome by military means alone," Gates told the senators. "It will be very difficult for our troops and their commanders to succeed without the key non-military programs and initiatives included in the request for the State Department."
During the hearing, anti-war groups interrupted the testimony on numerous occasions. The committee chairman finally had to clear the hearing room.
"I know that Iraq and other difficult choices America faces in the war on terror will continue to be a source of friction within the Congress, between the Congress and the president, and in the wider public debate," Gates said. "Considering this, I would like to close with a word about something I know we can all agree on -- the honor, courage and great sense of duty we have witnessed in our troops since Sept. 11.
"Under some of the most trying conditions, they have done far more than what was asked of them and far more than what was expected," the secretary continued. "Like all of you, I am both humbled and inspired by my trips to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center) and to the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, like all of you, I always keep our troops – their safety and their mission – foremost in my mind every day."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - President Bush will ask Congress for another $42 billion to fund operations in the war on terror in fiscal 2008, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee today. Gates; Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte; Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Defense Department Comptroller Tina W. Jonas testified before the committee. The request brings the total supplement for fiscal 2008 to $190 billion, Gates said.
"I urge the Congress to approve the complete global war on terror request as quickly as possible and without excessive and counterproductive restrictions," the secretary said. "That will help the department manage its expenses and people more effectively and minimize costly reprogramming actions."
The department had asked for $141.7 billion for war on terror operations in February. The request for fiscal 2008, which begins Oct. 1, was a straight-line projection of ongoing war costs. At the time, Gates told Congress that the number would need to be adjusted as more information became available and the picture on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan became clearer.
That request included $70.6 billion for operations, $37.6 billion to repair or replace equipment, $15.2 billion for force protection, and $4.7 billion to train and equip Afghan and Iraqi security forces.
At the end of July, the department asked for another $5.3 billion to buy 1,520 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. These vehicles, known as MRAPs, offer better protection from improvised explosive devices and car bombs, the leading killers of Americans in Iraq. This brought the total request to $147 billion.
The $42 billion request the president will submit includes $6 billion to support Army and Marine combat formations in Iraq through fiscal 2008. This includes surge forces in the country and the president's announced intention to redeploy five Army brigade combat teams by next summer, Gates said.
The request also includes $14 billion for force protection, including another $11 billion to field 7,000 more MRAP vehicles. If approved, this would bring the request to 15,000 vehicles. "This also includes funding to better defeat enemy snipers and to modify Army combat vehicles to improve survivability," Gates said.
The request adds $9 billion for reconstitution of equipment. This is vital to ensure the armed forces have the equipment and technology needed for future operations, Gates said.
Another $5 billion will go for training and equipment to accelerate the deployment readiness of Army units. Also, $1 billion will go to support National Guard pre-deployment training.
In addition, the president will ask for $1 billion to improve U.S. facilities in Southwest Asia and consolidate bases in Iraq.
Finally, the request seeks another $1 billion to train and equip Iraqi security forces, Gates said.
The defense secretary also threw his support behind the State Department portion of the request. "As you know, the challenges we face in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere are fundamentally political, economic and cultural in nature and are not going to be overcome by military means alone," Gates told the senators. "It will be very difficult for our troops and their commanders to succeed without the key non-military programs and initiatives included in the request for the State Department."
During the hearing, anti-war groups interrupted the testimony on numerous occasions. The committee chairman finally had to clear the hearing room.
"I know that Iraq and other difficult choices America faces in the war on terror will continue to be a source of friction within the Congress, between the Congress and the president, and in the wider public debate," Gates said. "Considering this, I would like to close with a word about something I know we can all agree on -- the honor, courage and great sense of duty we have witnessed in our troops since Sept. 11.
"Under some of the most trying conditions, they have done far more than what was asked of them and far more than what was expected," the secretary continued. "Like all of you, I am both humbled and inspired by my trips to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center) and to the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, like all of you, I always keep our troops – their safety and their mission – foremost in my mind every day."
Weary of Violence, Iraqis Look to Own Troops, Police for Security
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - Iraq's citizens are weary of insurgent-generated violence and are now looking to homegrown security forces to provide long-term peace and stability, a senior U.S. military officer posted in the country's Diyala province said today. And although Iraqi soldiers have tended to demonstrate better capabilities than local constabulary forces, Iraqi police working within his sector are quickly catching up, Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general for operations of Multinational Division North, told reporters during a conference call from his headquarters in Baqubah.
"We have seen steady increases in the police, not only from a readiness perspective, but (also) being able to stand and fight and, in cases, pursue, a pretty tough, demanding and adaptive adversary," said Bednarek, who oversees more than 20,000 U.S. and coalition troops. His Pennsylvania-sized battle space encompasses Ninewah, Diyala and some other provinces north of Baghdad.
Upon assuming his current assignment about 13 months ago, Bednarek recalled hearing stories that Iraqi police officers in his area would flee when coming under fire by al Qaeda or other insurgents.
"Not the case any more," the general said of the improved performance of Iraqi police officers. "You see them standing, you see them making a difference, and you see them fighting back. And, that is exactly what we want to have happen with the police."
Diyala province has about 13,000 police, he said, and work is ongoing to increase the province's police force to 21,000 police officers. Four Iraqi army divisions operate within his sector, he added.
Iraqis "are sick and tired" of violence from al Qaeda and other insurgents, Bednarek said, especially attacks on innocent citizens during the monthlong Ramadan religious observance. As a result, Iraqi citizens are asking to join police and military efforts to corral al Qaeda and other terrorists groups operating in the country, the general said.
Concerned Iraqis "are standing up and fighting back, themselves," he pointed out. "They're sick and tired of what's happening to them at the hands of al Qaeda."
Citizen-provided intelligence alerted Iraqi police officers to the attempted terrorist hijacking of two tour buses filled with passengers in Ninewah province Sept. 22, Bednarek said. The police officers then contacted the Iraqi military. A contingent of Iraqi soldiers thwarted the hijacking, killing one terrorist and wounding another in the process. No passengers were injured.
And Iraqi security forces, with U.S. Special Forces advisors, uncovered a massive enemy weapons cache, likely the largest found so far in the Iraq conflict, containing 20,000 pounds of powerful explosives, Bednarek said. The Sept. 19 action was conducted near Sinjar in Ninewah province.
The general also praised his troops as, "incredible young patriots that are in this fight, every day."
"All they ask of us as their leaders is for the support to allow them to execute the job that they do so well to the standard that the American people expect," Bednarek said.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - Iraq's citizens are weary of insurgent-generated violence and are now looking to homegrown security forces to provide long-term peace and stability, a senior U.S. military officer posted in the country's Diyala province said today. And although Iraqi soldiers have tended to demonstrate better capabilities than local constabulary forces, Iraqi police working within his sector are quickly catching up, Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general for operations of Multinational Division North, told reporters during a conference call from his headquarters in Baqubah.
"We have seen steady increases in the police, not only from a readiness perspective, but (also) being able to stand and fight and, in cases, pursue, a pretty tough, demanding and adaptive adversary," said Bednarek, who oversees more than 20,000 U.S. and coalition troops. His Pennsylvania-sized battle space encompasses Ninewah, Diyala and some other provinces north of Baghdad.
Upon assuming his current assignment about 13 months ago, Bednarek recalled hearing stories that Iraqi police officers in his area would flee when coming under fire by al Qaeda or other insurgents.
"Not the case any more," the general said of the improved performance of Iraqi police officers. "You see them standing, you see them making a difference, and you see them fighting back. And, that is exactly what we want to have happen with the police."
Diyala province has about 13,000 police, he said, and work is ongoing to increase the province's police force to 21,000 police officers. Four Iraqi army divisions operate within his sector, he added.
Iraqis "are sick and tired" of violence from al Qaeda and other insurgents, Bednarek said, especially attacks on innocent citizens during the monthlong Ramadan religious observance. As a result, Iraqi citizens are asking to join police and military efforts to corral al Qaeda and other terrorists groups operating in the country, the general said.
Concerned Iraqis "are standing up and fighting back, themselves," he pointed out. "They're sick and tired of what's happening to them at the hands of al Qaeda."
Citizen-provided intelligence alerted Iraqi police officers to the attempted terrorist hijacking of two tour buses filled with passengers in Ninewah province Sept. 22, Bednarek said. The police officers then contacted the Iraqi military. A contingent of Iraqi soldiers thwarted the hijacking, killing one terrorist and wounding another in the process. No passengers were injured.
And Iraqi security forces, with U.S. Special Forces advisors, uncovered a massive enemy weapons cache, likely the largest found so far in the Iraq conflict, containing 20,000 pounds of powerful explosives, Bednarek said. The Sept. 19 action was conducted near Sinjar in Ninewah province.
The general also praised his troops as, "incredible young patriots that are in this fight, every day."
"All they ask of us as their leaders is for the support to allow them to execute the job that they do so well to the standard that the American people expect," Bednarek said.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Brown, 38, of Harrah, Okla., died Sept. 25 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd 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.
Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Brown, 38, of Harrah, Okla., died Sept. 25 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Anthony K. Bento, 23, of San Diego, died Sept. 24, in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Cpl. Anthony K. Bento, 23, of San Diego, died Sept. 24, in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Tomczak, 24, of Huron, S.D., died Sept. 25, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Tomczak, 24, of Huron, S.D., died Sept. 25, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer Second Class Charles Luke Milam, 26, of Littleton, Colo., died September 25, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Milam was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
Petty Officer Second Class Charles Luke Milam, 26, of Littleton, Colo., died September 25, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Milam was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Appeals Court Rules Military Judge Has Jurisdiction Authority in Gitmo Cases
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - A military appeals court ruled yesterday that a military trial judge has the authority to determine jurisdiction in a military commission, a ruling that paves the way for proceedings to continue against suspected terrorists at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Court of Military Commission Review made the ruling in response to an appeal filed by the prosecution in the case of Canadian detainee Omar Khadr, who was charged in April with murder, support to terrorism and conspiracy under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. On June 4, the military trial judge in Khadr's case dismissed the charges against Khadr, ruling that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
This ruling was based on the fact that Khadr was officially classified as an "enemy combatant" in an administrative hearing at Guantanamo, and the Military Commissions Act requires detainees to be classified as "alien unlawful enemy combatants" before they can be tried by a commission. At the time, the judge also ruled that it wasn't the military commission's role to determine jurisdiction in these cases, even if the prosecution could present evidence showing the accused was an unlawful enemy combatant.
On June 8, the government filed a motion for reconsideration, which the trial judge denied on June 29. So, on July 4, the prosecution filed an appeal with the Court of Military Commission Review challenging the judge's dismissal of the case.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann, the legal advisor to the Office of Military Commissions Convening Authority, said yesterday's ruling gives the military judge authority to ascertain whether jurisdiction exists to try Khadr.
"Both the prosecution and defense have been vigorously preparing for this day, whatever the outcome," Hartmann said. "We have a ruling from the (Court of Military Commissions Review) that tells us how the military judge can determine jurisdiction. Now it is time to move forward."
Hartmann said he expects the prosecution to quickly begin forwarding cases to the convening authority for review. The convening authority will determine whether there is probable cause to send these cases to trial.
In Khadr's case, the military trial judge will now decide when the parties will return to trial in Guantanamo. Khadr, a 20-year-old Canadian citizen, was charged with murder in connection with the death of Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer in Afghanistan in 2002, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, conspiracy and spying.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - A military appeals court ruled yesterday that a military trial judge has the authority to determine jurisdiction in a military commission, a ruling that paves the way for proceedings to continue against suspected terrorists at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Court of Military Commission Review made the ruling in response to an appeal filed by the prosecution in the case of Canadian detainee Omar Khadr, who was charged in April with murder, support to terrorism and conspiracy under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. On June 4, the military trial judge in Khadr's case dismissed the charges against Khadr, ruling that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
This ruling was based on the fact that Khadr was officially classified as an "enemy combatant" in an administrative hearing at Guantanamo, and the Military Commissions Act requires detainees to be classified as "alien unlawful enemy combatants" before they can be tried by a commission. At the time, the judge also ruled that it wasn't the military commission's role to determine jurisdiction in these cases, even if the prosecution could present evidence showing the accused was an unlawful enemy combatant.
On June 8, the government filed a motion for reconsideration, which the trial judge denied on June 29. So, on July 4, the prosecution filed an appeal with the Court of Military Commission Review challenging the judge's dismissal of the case.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann, the legal advisor to the Office of Military Commissions Convening Authority, said yesterday's ruling gives the military judge authority to ascertain whether jurisdiction exists to try Khadr.
"Both the prosecution and defense have been vigorously preparing for this day, whatever the outcome," Hartmann said. "We have a ruling from the (Court of Military Commissions Review) that tells us how the military judge can determine jurisdiction. Now it is time to move forward."
Hartmann said he expects the prosecution to quickly begin forwarding cases to the convening authority for review. The convening authority will determine whether there is probable cause to send these cases to trial.
In Khadr's case, the military trial judge will now decide when the parties will return to trial in Guantanamo. Khadr, a 20-year-old Canadian citizen, was charged with murder in connection with the death of Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer in Afghanistan in 2002, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, conspiracy and spying.
Nations Must Unite Against Terrorism, Bush Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - Nations of the world must unite against terrorism, which denies fundamental rights, President Bush told the United Nations General Assembly today. Terrorists are a threat to all civilized people, Bush said at the opening of the assembly's 62nd session.
"All civilized nations must work together to stop them by sharing intelligence about their networks and choking off their finances and bringing to justice their operatives," he said. "In the long run, the best way to defeat extremists is to defeat their dark ideology with a more hopeful vision, a vision of liberty that founded this body."
The president said the United Nations must encourage leaders attempting to build free institutions that fight terror, enforce the law and respond to the needs of their people.
The citizens of Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan and Iraq have chosen democracy, Bush said, yet terrorists have tried to overturn those votes. "It is not a show of strength. It is evidence of fear," he said. "And the extremists are doing everything in their power to bring down these young democracies."
The president spoke against the dictators of Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Iran as nations that deny their people the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bush called the declaration, negotiated 60 years ago, a landmark achievement in the history of human liberty.
Bush also spoke against the military junta in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and said he will announce a series of steps to help bring peaceful change to the Southeast Asian nation.
Anticipating the eventual death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, Bush said, the United Nations must stand ready to assist a post-Castro Cuba. He also said the world body has a responsibility to work for change in Zimbabwe and in Darfur, Sudan.
Bush said the United Nations helps to build a world where "people are free to speak, assemble and worship as they wish, a world where children in every nation grow up healthy, get a decent education, and look to the future with hope, a world where opportunity crosses every border."
"America will lead toward this vision where all are created equal and free to pursue their dreams," he said. "This is the founding conviction of my country. It is the promise that established this body. And with our determination, it can be the future of our world."
The president said the family of nations must join together to fulfill the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This means the world body must confront terrorism, deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, work to eliminate malaria, and guarantee education for all, he said.
"The declaration opens by recognizing the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom and justice and peace in the world," Bush said.
He added that these standards must guide the work of nations. "Achieving the promise of the declaration requires confronting long-term threats. It also requires answering the immediate needs of today," the president said.
Bush said the nations of the world have differences, but they can agree on many things.
"When innocent people are trapped in a life of murder and fear, the declaration is not being upheld," he said. "When millions of children starve to death or perish from a mosquito bite, we're not doing our duty in the world. When whole societies are cut off from the prosperity of the global economy, we're all worse off."
The nations of the world need to unite to change these underlying conditions for all peoples, and the United Nations must be the catalyst for this change, he said.
"This great institution must work for great purposes: to free people from tyranny and violence, hunger and diseases, illiteracy and ignorance and poverty and despair," the president said. "Every member of the United Nations must join in this mission of liberation."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - Nations of the world must unite against terrorism, which denies fundamental rights, President Bush told the United Nations General Assembly today. Terrorists are a threat to all civilized people, Bush said at the opening of the assembly's 62nd session.
"All civilized nations must work together to stop them by sharing intelligence about their networks and choking off their finances and bringing to justice their operatives," he said. "In the long run, the best way to defeat extremists is to defeat their dark ideology with a more hopeful vision, a vision of liberty that founded this body."
The president said the United Nations must encourage leaders attempting to build free institutions that fight terror, enforce the law and respond to the needs of their people.
The citizens of Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan and Iraq have chosen democracy, Bush said, yet terrorists have tried to overturn those votes. "It is not a show of strength. It is evidence of fear," he said. "And the extremists are doing everything in their power to bring down these young democracies."
The president spoke against the dictators of Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Iran as nations that deny their people the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bush called the declaration, negotiated 60 years ago, a landmark achievement in the history of human liberty.
Bush also spoke against the military junta in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and said he will announce a series of steps to help bring peaceful change to the Southeast Asian nation.
Anticipating the eventual death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, Bush said, the United Nations must stand ready to assist a post-Castro Cuba. He also said the world body has a responsibility to work for change in Zimbabwe and in Darfur, Sudan.
Bush said the United Nations helps to build a world where "people are free to speak, assemble and worship as they wish, a world where children in every nation grow up healthy, get a decent education, and look to the future with hope, a world where opportunity crosses every border."
"America will lead toward this vision where all are created equal and free to pursue their dreams," he said. "This is the founding conviction of my country. It is the promise that established this body. And with our determination, it can be the future of our world."
The president said the family of nations must join together to fulfill the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This means the world body must confront terrorism, deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, work to eliminate malaria, and guarantee education for all, he said.
"The declaration opens by recognizing the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom and justice and peace in the world," Bush said.
He added that these standards must guide the work of nations. "Achieving the promise of the declaration requires confronting long-term threats. It also requires answering the immediate needs of today," the president said.
Bush said the nations of the world have differences, but they can agree on many things.
"When innocent people are trapped in a life of murder and fear, the declaration is not being upheld," he said. "When millions of children starve to death or perish from a mosquito bite, we're not doing our duty in the world. When whole societies are cut off from the prosperity of the global economy, we're all worse off."
The nations of the world need to unite to change these underlying conditions for all peoples, and the United Nations must be the catalyst for this change, he said.
"This great institution must work for great purposes: to free people from tyranny and violence, hunger and diseases, illiteracy and ignorance and poverty and despair," the president said. "Every member of the United Nations must join in this mission of liberation."
Coalition Troops Kill 5 Terrorists, Nab 29 in Iraq Raids
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 29 suspects during a series of anti-insurgent operations conducted across Iraq today, officials reported.
-- Coalition troops captured the alleged associate of a senior leader linked to al Qaeda in Iraq's Baghdad-area car-bombing network during a raid conducted south of Musayyib. The suspect also is suspected of ferrying al Qaeda in Iraq leaders throughout the region. Four other terrorists were killed in the engagement.
-- At a nearby location, coalition forces engaged and killed another terrorist. Seven additional suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
-- Coalition forces captured four suspected terrorists in a separate operation in southern Baghdad. One of the detainees is linked to the al Qaeda in Iraq chief of southern Karkh. Intelligence reports indicate the chief is a key car-bombing facilitator in Baghdad who provides money, vehicles and weapons to numerous insurgent cells in the southern belt of the city.
-- Coalition forces in central Iraq captured five suspected terrorists during three operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operatives. Two of the detainees are believed to be involved in attacks against coalition forces.
-- Coalition forces in Bayji captured three suspected terrorists during a raid targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq member believed responsible for coordinating terrorist meetings in the Tigris River Valley.
-- Coalition forces captured two suspected al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists during an operation in Mosul. One of the detainees is believed to be an al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader and is suspected of helping senior al Qaeda leaders move about Iraq.
"We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq and our forces," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The people of Iraq have chosen their future; Iraqi and coalition forces will ensure al Qaeda in Iraq stays out of their way."
Also today, coalition troops captured an Iraqi suspected of terrorist activity and detained six other suspects during operations in Baghdad. Intelligence indicates the detainee was a "special groups" member who specialized in the movement of weapons throughout Iraq for the terrorist network.
The man was reported to have ties to several special groups senior leaders, as well as contacts with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force members. Intelligence information led coalition forces to an area were they detained six other suspected terrorists. A vehicle that tested positive for explosive material was destroyed.
"Special groups members, working with support from Iran, are criminals who jeopardize the security and safety of Iraqi citizens," said Maj. Brad Leighton, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Their IEDs often kill civilians; their mortar rounds often hit residential areas; and they attack from residential areas, placing residents at risk when Iraqi and coalition security forces defend themselves."
In other news, Iraqi security forces with U.S. Special Forces advisors detained 12 suspected insurgents during a series of early-morning raids across Iraq yesterday.
-- Iraqi forces seized an al Qaeda-in-Iraq key leader and four suspected operatives near Tal Afar.
-- Iraqi special operations troops in Baghdad detained a suspected extremist cell leader and four other suspects. The cell is responsible for improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area.
-- Members of 6th Iraqi Army Scouts in Baghdad detained a suspected extremist "special groups" commander thought to be responsible for conducting explosively formed-penetrator, mortar and improvised-explosive-device attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in Kamaliya and Sadr City. The terror group is suspected of murdering Sunni citizens and of conducting a March 22 IED attack and a December 2006 mortar attack against a coalition base in Baladiyat.
-- Another suspected extremist believed to have led an assassination cell that murdered an Iraqi officer was detained in Diwaniyah by members of 8th Iraqi Army Scouts. The detainee also is suspected of distributing armor-piercing explosives and roadside bombs to other insurgent cells in the area.
In earlier operations:
-- An Iraqi and U.S. raid Sept. 23 resulted in the deaths of a terrorist cell leader and a second insurgent in a remote area south of Qaim. The assault force raided a local quarry where a terrorist cell leader was killed by an Iraqi servicemember after the terrorist tried to retrieve an unexploded hand grenade he had thrown at pursuing forces. A second insurgent took his own life by detonating a suicide vest. The deceased al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader was suspected of overseeing a network responsible for a series of attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces throughout western Iraq over the past two years. One other suspected insurgent was detained during the raid. Four assault rifles, 600 rounds of ammunition, one hand grenade, one rocket launcher, one bomb, two assault vests, six improvised explosive device pressure strips and various documents were seized.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces in Baghdad's Rashid District uncovered a number of roadside bombs and captured 18 suspected insurgents after three days of Operation Dragon Talon II-affiliated raids that ended Sept. 23. Some 67 suspects have been captured since the operation began Sept. 16. Of those detained, 13 individuals are believed to be leaders, organizers or financiers of various terror cells in the area. Seventeen roadside bombs have been found and destroyed by Iraqi and coalition forces with the aid of resident-provided tips.
-- A concerned Iraqi citizen led U.S. soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, to a weapons cache south of Zaidon on Sept. 22. The cache contained 11 120 mm mortar rounds, eight anti-personnel mines, a collection of ammunition of various calibers and seven rockets. The weapons, ammunition and bunker were destroyed.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Sept. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 29 suspects during a series of anti-insurgent operations conducted across Iraq today, officials reported.
-- Coalition troops captured the alleged associate of a senior leader linked to al Qaeda in Iraq's Baghdad-area car-bombing network during a raid conducted south of Musayyib. The suspect also is suspected of ferrying al Qaeda in Iraq leaders throughout the region. Four other terrorists were killed in the engagement.
-- At a nearby location, coalition forces engaged and killed another terrorist. Seven additional suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
-- Coalition forces captured four suspected terrorists in a separate operation in southern Baghdad. One of the detainees is linked to the al Qaeda in Iraq chief of southern Karkh. Intelligence reports indicate the chief is a key car-bombing facilitator in Baghdad who provides money, vehicles and weapons to numerous insurgent cells in the southern belt of the city.
-- Coalition forces in central Iraq captured five suspected terrorists during three operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operatives. Two of the detainees are believed to be involved in attacks against coalition forces.
-- Coalition forces in Bayji captured three suspected terrorists during a raid targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq member believed responsible for coordinating terrorist meetings in the Tigris River Valley.
-- Coalition forces captured two suspected al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists during an operation in Mosul. One of the detainees is believed to be an al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader and is suspected of helping senior al Qaeda leaders move about Iraq.
"We will continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq and our forces," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The people of Iraq have chosen their future; Iraqi and coalition forces will ensure al Qaeda in Iraq stays out of their way."
Also today, coalition troops captured an Iraqi suspected of terrorist activity and detained six other suspects during operations in Baghdad. Intelligence indicates the detainee was a "special groups" member who specialized in the movement of weapons throughout Iraq for the terrorist network.
The man was reported to have ties to several special groups senior leaders, as well as contacts with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force members. Intelligence information led coalition forces to an area were they detained six other suspected terrorists. A vehicle that tested positive for explosive material was destroyed.
"Special groups members, working with support from Iran, are criminals who jeopardize the security and safety of Iraqi citizens," said Maj. Brad Leighton, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Their IEDs often kill civilians; their mortar rounds often hit residential areas; and they attack from residential areas, placing residents at risk when Iraqi and coalition security forces defend themselves."
In other news, Iraqi security forces with U.S. Special Forces advisors detained 12 suspected insurgents during a series of early-morning raids across Iraq yesterday.
-- Iraqi forces seized an al Qaeda-in-Iraq key leader and four suspected operatives near Tal Afar.
-- Iraqi special operations troops in Baghdad detained a suspected extremist cell leader and four other suspects. The cell is responsible for improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area.
-- Members of 6th Iraqi Army Scouts in Baghdad detained a suspected extremist "special groups" commander thought to be responsible for conducting explosively formed-penetrator, mortar and improvised-explosive-device attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in Kamaliya and Sadr City. The terror group is suspected of murdering Sunni citizens and of conducting a March 22 IED attack and a December 2006 mortar attack against a coalition base in Baladiyat.
-- Another suspected extremist believed to have led an assassination cell that murdered an Iraqi officer was detained in Diwaniyah by members of 8th Iraqi Army Scouts. The detainee also is suspected of distributing armor-piercing explosives and roadside bombs to other insurgent cells in the area.
In earlier operations:
-- An Iraqi and U.S. raid Sept. 23 resulted in the deaths of a terrorist cell leader and a second insurgent in a remote area south of Qaim. The assault force raided a local quarry where a terrorist cell leader was killed by an Iraqi servicemember after the terrorist tried to retrieve an unexploded hand grenade he had thrown at pursuing forces. A second insurgent took his own life by detonating a suicide vest. The deceased al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader was suspected of overseeing a network responsible for a series of attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces throughout western Iraq over the past two years. One other suspected insurgent was detained during the raid. Four assault rifles, 600 rounds of ammunition, one hand grenade, one rocket launcher, one bomb, two assault vests, six improvised explosive device pressure strips and various documents were seized.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces in Baghdad's Rashid District uncovered a number of roadside bombs and captured 18 suspected insurgents after three days of Operation Dragon Talon II-affiliated raids that ended Sept. 23. Some 67 suspects have been captured since the operation began Sept. 16. Of those detained, 13 individuals are believed to be leaders, organizers or financiers of various terror cells in the area. Seventeen roadside bombs have been found and destroyed by Iraqi and coalition forces with the aid of resident-provided tips.
-- A concerned Iraqi citizen led U.S. soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, to a weapons cache south of Zaidon on Sept. 22. The cache contained 11 120 mm mortar rounds, eight anti-personnel mines, a collection of ammunition of various calibers and seven rockets. The weapons, ammunition and bunker were destroyed.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew D. Blaskowski, 27, of Levering, Mich., died Sept. 23 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew D. Blaskowski, 27, of Levering, Mich., died Sept. 23 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Bush, Maliki Discuss Iraqi Issues Before General Assembly Meeting
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed key Iraqi concerns today in New York City before a host of international leaders gathered there for the United Nations General Assembly. During a photo opportunity at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, Bush told Maliki it was good to meet with him in person instead of via videoconference, to which the leaders are accustomed. Bush said the face-to-face discussions with Maliki and his "distinguished delegation" covered a wide range of issues.
"We talked about a lot of issues and spent time talking about reconciliation and law," Bush said. "And the prime minister and the (speaker of Iraq's National Assembly) are dedicated to getting good law out of the assembly."
Bush said some Iraqi politicians may be trying to block certain laws in order to gain special advantage, and he warned that political parties there "must understand the importance of getting these laws passed."
The president told Maliki that the United States wants Iraq's security forces "well-trained, mobile and capable of handling Iraqi security on their own." The American people understand that a reduction of U.S. troop levels in Iraq will depend upon success, he added.
Iraq occupies a vital area, and success there would spawn success in the region, Bush said. "It'll send a message to other people who believe in peace," Bush said. "It'll make it easier for people to grow up with a hopeful future in the Middle East."
The president said success in Iraq also would further secure America. On the other hand, he predicted, failure in Iraq would invite chaos.
"If we were to leave before the job is done, chaos could ensue; innocent people would lose their life; extremists would be emboldened; nations that are worried about the (United States' commitment) would ... lose their nerve," he said. "The countries of the Middle East would be endangered, and that would cause America to be endangered, as well."
Bush underscored America's commitment to Maliki and said the United States -- like Iraq -- expects reconciliation and law to occur.
Maliki said the task that lies before Iraq is "gigantic." But with international cooperation, the prime minister said, he's confident that Iraq will succeed.
"Iraq's security is very important, and (President Bush and I) have talked about the importance of mutual respect between our two sides and working together for our mutual goals," he said. "We have a great deal of confidence that we will be victorious."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 25, 2007 - President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed key Iraqi concerns today in New York City before a host of international leaders gathered there for the United Nations General Assembly. During a photo opportunity at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, Bush told Maliki it was good to meet with him in person instead of via videoconference, to which the leaders are accustomed. Bush said the face-to-face discussions with Maliki and his "distinguished delegation" covered a wide range of issues.
"We talked about a lot of issues and spent time talking about reconciliation and law," Bush said. "And the prime minister and the (speaker of Iraq's National Assembly) are dedicated to getting good law out of the assembly."
Bush said some Iraqi politicians may be trying to block certain laws in order to gain special advantage, and he warned that political parties there "must understand the importance of getting these laws passed."
The president told Maliki that the United States wants Iraq's security forces "well-trained, mobile and capable of handling Iraqi security on their own." The American people understand that a reduction of U.S. troop levels in Iraq will depend upon success, he added.
Iraq occupies a vital area, and success there would spawn success in the region, Bush said. "It'll send a message to other people who believe in peace," Bush said. "It'll make it easier for people to grow up with a hopeful future in the Middle East."
The president said success in Iraq also would further secure America. On the other hand, he predicted, failure in Iraq would invite chaos.
"If we were to leave before the job is done, chaos could ensue; innocent people would lose their life; extremists would be emboldened; nations that are worried about the (United States' commitment) would ... lose their nerve," he said. "The countries of the Middle East would be endangered, and that would cause America to be endangered, as well."
Bush underscored America's commitment to Maliki and said the United States -- like Iraq -- expects reconciliation and law to occur.
Maliki said the task that lies before Iraq is "gigantic." But with international cooperation, the prime minister said, he's confident that Iraq will succeed.
"Iraq's security is very important, and (President Bush and I) have talked about the importance of mutual respect between our two sides and working together for our mutual goals," he said. "We have a great deal of confidence that we will be victorious."
Monday, September 24, 2007
NarcoTerror
By Greg Ferency
Since September 11, 2001 the citizens of the United States have been introduced to a type of warfare that they are not very familiar with and not altogether comfortable being involved in. We are now facing groups of individuals who operate in a manner that is concealed, motivated and “group-serving”. They show themselves at will and either die in the carnage or slip back into our society. They have the capabilities to kill a small or large number of us and show little regard for human life in general. I am obviously talking about the terrorist and their actions.
Americans in general are not all that comfortable with the “War on Terror”. It seems to be an ideation that is new and puzzling to the average citizen. Here we have cells of individuals, not armies or governments, who seem to come out of nowhere and do us harm for reasons that we don’t not fully understand or accept, not armies threatening our borders or bombing our harbors from aircraft carriers. What the average citizen doesn’t recognize is that we have been fighting this type of “war” for many years now. Not on foreign lands but on our own streets. On paper the “War on Drugs” is very similar to the “War on Terrorism” but most people don’t seem to recognize that fact.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/ferency_narco_terror.html
Since September 11, 2001 the citizens of the United States have been introduced to a type of warfare that they are not very familiar with and not altogether comfortable being involved in. We are now facing groups of individuals who operate in a manner that is concealed, motivated and “group-serving”. They show themselves at will and either die in the carnage or slip back into our society. They have the capabilities to kill a small or large number of us and show little regard for human life in general. I am obviously talking about the terrorist and their actions.
Americans in general are not all that comfortable with the “War on Terror”. It seems to be an ideation that is new and puzzling to the average citizen. Here we have cells of individuals, not armies or governments, who seem to come out of nowhere and do us harm for reasons that we don’t not fully understand or accept, not armies threatening our borders or bombing our harbors from aircraft carriers. What the average citizen doesn’t recognize is that we have been fighting this type of “war” for many years now. Not on foreign lands but on our own streets. On paper the “War on Drugs” is very similar to the “War on Terrorism” but most people don’t seem to recognize that fact.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/ferency_narco_terror.html
Disguised Weapons
The mission of the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, is to provide its customers and clients extraordinary service in forensic services, forensic education, narcotic investigations, criminal investigations, intelligence, and training. In support of this mission, the Division’s Criminal Intelligence Bureau’s (CIB) Organized Crime Analysis Unit conducted an in-depth intelligence-gathering and examination effort into law enforcement safety handbook.
The Disguised Weapons Handbook is a quarterly report to inform law enforcement officers of what new items are available to suspects. In addition, the purpose is to inform law enforcement of the creativity some suspects have when converting everyday items into homemade weapons. The information contained in this report was obtained from various law enforcement sources and databases. Many of the weapons shown in this publication have websites listed where items can be viewed in greater detail.
DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK HERE
http://www.police-writers.com/disguised_weapons.html
The Disguised Weapons Handbook is a quarterly report to inform law enforcement officers of what new items are available to suspects. In addition, the purpose is to inform law enforcement of the creativity some suspects have when converting everyday items into homemade weapons. The information contained in this report was obtained from various law enforcement sources and databases. Many of the weapons shown in this publication have websites listed where items can be viewed in greater detail.
DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK HERE
http://www.police-writers.com/disguised_weapons.html
Terrorism Organizational and Communication Strategies
Intelligence gathering is the first line of defense against terrorism. Through use of intelligence, law enforcement and military operations can be designed to disrupt terrorist organizations and preempt their operations. Prior to September 11, 2001, most state and local law enforcement agencies viewed intelligence gathering on global terrorist groups as the purview of the federal government. Except for large cities like Los Angeles and New York, if state or local agencies gathered intelligence it tended to be on domestic subversive groups. We have since realized that some terrorist organizations have a global reach, and that state and local law enforcement officials must broaden their view.
READ ON
READ ON
Troops Kill Five, Nab 15 in Raids Around Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained 15 suspects and destroyed a weapons cache in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. During operations east of Tikrit today, coalition and Iraqi forces targeted senior al Qaeda leaders and foreign terrorist facilitators. At the target area, the combined force discovered three armed insurgents in a courtyard.
After the insurgents failed to disarm, combined forces engaged them, killing three. The slain insurgents are believed to be tied to a Baghdad-based network responsible for car-bombing attacks and facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into the Tigris River Valley, military officials said. During the operation, troops discovered several weapons caches, ammunition and military-style uniforms. An explosives team safely destroyed the weapons on site.
Northeast of Mosul today, coalition forces targeted associates of an al Qaeda emir who operates in northwestern Iraq. Troops captured five suspected terrorists, including one suspect who allegedly is responsible for arranging vehicles, distributing wages and supplying false documentation for al Qaeda members, military officials said. He and another suspect are believed to be brothers of the emir.
Two coalition force operations in Baghdad and the northern belt of the Iraqi capital targeted key al Qaeda operatives today. Troops detained one suspected terrorist in Baghdad and nabbed another west of Tarmiyah.
"Terrorists who commit murderous acts against the people of Iraq have no place in this country's future," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will remain on the offensive and root them out of their hiding places."
In eastern Baghdad today, coalition forces arrested a kidnapper and detained four other suspects. Military officials said the detainees are part of a "special groups" cell supported by Iran and were involved in kidnapping operations and other crimes against Iraqi citizens and security forces. As coalition forces raided the targeted site, suspects engaged the troops with small arms and improvised explosive devices, including at least one explosively formed penetrator, a shaped charge designed to pierce armor. The ground forces retaliated and killed one individual, military officials said.
Troops detained three suspects wanted for insurgent activities during a Sept. 22 raid south of Hawr Rajab. During the operation, the paratroopers, who are attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, nabbed three individuals on their target list. The detainees are suspected of planting and detonating improvised explosive devices, military officials said.
Also that day in Ninewah province, Iraqi security forces prevented an attempted hijacking by terrorists targeting two buses filled with passengers. When Iraqi police in Mosul received initial reports that a bus hijacking was in progress, they informed 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division. A company of Iraqi army soldiers responded and engaged the hijackers, killing one and injuring another. The remaining individuals fled while Iraqi soldiers recovered the buses. The passengers and buses were taken to a nearby combat outpost. No passengers were reported injured.
"The swift coordination and response by Iraqi security forces prevented the kidnapping of these passengers," said Army Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "Their actions ensured the safety and security of these innocent civilians."
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Sept. 24, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained 15 suspects and destroyed a weapons cache in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. During operations east of Tikrit today, coalition and Iraqi forces targeted senior al Qaeda leaders and foreign terrorist facilitators. At the target area, the combined force discovered three armed insurgents in a courtyard.
After the insurgents failed to disarm, combined forces engaged them, killing three. The slain insurgents are believed to be tied to a Baghdad-based network responsible for car-bombing attacks and facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into the Tigris River Valley, military officials said. During the operation, troops discovered several weapons caches, ammunition and military-style uniforms. An explosives team safely destroyed the weapons on site.
Northeast of Mosul today, coalition forces targeted associates of an al Qaeda emir who operates in northwestern Iraq. Troops captured five suspected terrorists, including one suspect who allegedly is responsible for arranging vehicles, distributing wages and supplying false documentation for al Qaeda members, military officials said. He and another suspect are believed to be brothers of the emir.
Two coalition force operations in Baghdad and the northern belt of the Iraqi capital targeted key al Qaeda operatives today. Troops detained one suspected terrorist in Baghdad and nabbed another west of Tarmiyah.
"Terrorists who commit murderous acts against the people of Iraq have no place in this country's future," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will remain on the offensive and root them out of their hiding places."
In eastern Baghdad today, coalition forces arrested a kidnapper and detained four other suspects. Military officials said the detainees are part of a "special groups" cell supported by Iran and were involved in kidnapping operations and other crimes against Iraqi citizens and security forces. As coalition forces raided the targeted site, suspects engaged the troops with small arms and improvised explosive devices, including at least one explosively formed penetrator, a shaped charge designed to pierce armor. The ground forces retaliated and killed one individual, military officials said.
Troops detained three suspects wanted for insurgent activities during a Sept. 22 raid south of Hawr Rajab. During the operation, the paratroopers, who are attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, nabbed three individuals on their target list. The detainees are suspected of planting and detonating improvised explosive devices, military officials said.
Also that day in Ninewah province, Iraqi security forces prevented an attempted hijacking by terrorists targeting two buses filled with passengers. When Iraqi police in Mosul received initial reports that a bus hijacking was in progress, they informed 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division. A company of Iraqi army soldiers responded and engaged the hijackers, killing one and injuring another. The remaining individuals fled while Iraqi soldiers recovered the buses. The passengers and buses were taken to a nearby combat outpost. No passengers were reported injured.
"The swift coordination and response by Iraqi security forces prevented the kidnapping of these passengers," said Army Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "Their actions ensured the safety and security of these innocent civilians."
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Coalition Forces Seize Score of Insurgents, Find Weapons in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces detained 20 insurgents and discovered a weapons cache in Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials said. Afghan and coalition forces detained 11 suspected militants today in the Gelan district of Ghazni province, military officials said. At the target site, troops detained the suspected militants and discovered small arms, ammunition vests and a machine gun.
Yesterday, combined forces nabbed nine militants in the Andar district of Ghanzi province, military officials said.
"Our multinational partnership is making significant strides in disrupting violent extremist influence in the region," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Afghan and coalition forces continue to strike major blows against terrorist networks so ordinary citizens may one day live in peace."
The detained militants are being held for further questioning. Military officials said that some damage occurred to buildings in these operations.
(Compiled from Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Sept. 24, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces detained 20 insurgents and discovered a weapons cache in Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials said. Afghan and coalition forces detained 11 suspected militants today in the Gelan district of Ghazni province, military officials said. At the target site, troops detained the suspected militants and discovered small arms, ammunition vests and a machine gun.
Yesterday, combined forces nabbed nine militants in the Andar district of Ghanzi province, military officials said.
"Our multinational partnership is making significant strides in disrupting violent extremist influence in the region," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Afghan and coalition forces continue to strike major blows against terrorist networks so ordinary citizens may one day live in peace."
The detained militants are being held for further questioning. Military officials said that some damage occurred to buildings in these operations.
(Compiled from Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Hiring More Iraqi Police Officers Key to Securing Country
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - Thousands of additional Iraqi police officers must be hired if security is to truly take hold in Iraq, a U.S. military commander said today. "My No. 1 push right now is increasing authorization for police officers from the central government," Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek told online journalists and "bloggers" during a conference call from Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqubah. "Right now that is key."
Bednarek is deputy commanding general of operations for Multinational Division North. His troops have spent the past several weeks teaming up with Iraqi security forces to root out al Qaeda terrorists.
"It all gets down to boots on the ground," Bednarek said. "A lot of people are working this extremely hard."
In parts of the country like Ninewah province, where two Iraqi army divisions and a 23,000-strong police force are in position, violence is sharply down, and Iraqis are conducting many security operations without any coalition involvement, the general explained.
"That's what we're looking for. That's the future. That's the goal," Bednarek said. "Quite honestly, we're trying to work ourselves out of a job."
By contrast, in vast Diyala province, a single army division and 15,000 police are struggling to provide security. "They are woefully short of what they need," Bednarek said. "They need more boots on the ground."
So called "concerned local citizen" organizations, such as the Baqubah Guardians, have been very helpful in fighting al Qaeda, the general explained. He said officials hope that putting unemployed Iraqi men to work as professional police officers will ultimately secure the safety of the country's citizens.
"It gets back to trust," Bednarek said. "The people want to see the Iraqi security forces. They want to see their army, their police out in the neighborhoods."
Hiring additional police officers is the best way to hold on to security gains coalition troops have made in partnership with Iraqi volunteers, the general explained.
"At some point in time we need to bring them into the fold. We've got to provide them a job. We've got to give them a salary," Bednarek said. "For an Iraqi man, it is all about honor. They need an opportunity to provide for their family."
(David Mays works in the New Media branch at American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - Thousands of additional Iraqi police officers must be hired if security is to truly take hold in Iraq, a U.S. military commander said today. "My No. 1 push right now is increasing authorization for police officers from the central government," Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek told online journalists and "bloggers" during a conference call from Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqubah. "Right now that is key."
Bednarek is deputy commanding general of operations for Multinational Division North. His troops have spent the past several weeks teaming up with Iraqi security forces to root out al Qaeda terrorists.
"It all gets down to boots on the ground," Bednarek said. "A lot of people are working this extremely hard."
In parts of the country like Ninewah province, where two Iraqi army divisions and a 23,000-strong police force are in position, violence is sharply down, and Iraqis are conducting many security operations without any coalition involvement, the general explained.
"That's what we're looking for. That's the future. That's the goal," Bednarek said. "Quite honestly, we're trying to work ourselves out of a job."
By contrast, in vast Diyala province, a single army division and 15,000 police are struggling to provide security. "They are woefully short of what they need," Bednarek said. "They need more boots on the ground."
So called "concerned local citizen" organizations, such as the Baqubah Guardians, have been very helpful in fighting al Qaeda, the general explained. He said officials hope that putting unemployed Iraqi men to work as professional police officers will ultimately secure the safety of the country's citizens.
"It gets back to trust," Bednarek said. "The people want to see the Iraqi security forces. They want to see their army, their police out in the neighborhoods."
Hiring additional police officers is the best way to hold on to security gains coalition troops have made in partnership with Iraqi volunteers, the general explained.
"At some point in time we need to bring them into the fold. We've got to provide them a job. We've got to give them a salary," Bednarek said. "For an Iraqi man, it is all about honor. They need an opportunity to provide for their family."
(David Mays works in the New Media branch at American Forces Information Service.)
Iraqis Securing Own Neighborhoods
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - As coalition troops work among the people of Baghdad to improve security, they also are training Iraqi forces, who in turn are securing their own neighborhoods and taking more responsibility, the U.S. general in charge of coalition forces in the city said today. "This is tough work; it would be challenging even if we weren't fighting a brutal enemy at the same time," Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad, told civilian defense experts in a conference call. "But there is progress, and I see steady progress both in terms of the security situation and in terms of the progression as a whole of the Iraqi military and the Iraqi security forces."
Violence in Baghdad has been reduced considerably, Fil said. There has been a 70 percent decrease in casualties caused by car bombs and a 125 percent increase in the number of car bombs that are discovered and disarmed, he said. Civilian casualties are also down, he noted.
"Despite these trends, it is clear that a lot of work is needed to continue to reduce the casualties and to improve the security in some parts of the city," Fil said. "I am very encouraged, though, by the ongoing grassroots reconciliation movements that are also occurring across Baghdad."
Throughout Baghdad, volunteers are stepping forward to help the Iraqi security forces maintain security, Fil said. These volunteers not only are providing much-needed extra manpower for Iraqi forces, but also are going through training to qualify them for service with the Iraqi police officers or military, he said. Tomorrow, 800 such volunteers from the Abu Ghraib area will graduate training and join the police officer forces.
"Areas where these efforts have taken root have gone from being actively contested, which were requiring deliberate clearing operations, to controlled areas through a partnership of Iraqi security forces, our coalition forces, and the local populace," he said.
As security improves throughout the city, citizens who were displaced by the violence are beginning to come back, Fil said. Those citizens who moved to other areas of Baghdad, those who moved elsewhere in Iraq, and even those who moved out of the country are starting to move back as they hear about the improved conditions, he said.
"Everybody senses that the conditions are starting to change," he said. "This movement, I think, is going to accelerate."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 24, 2007 - As coalition troops work among the people of Baghdad to improve security, they also are training Iraqi forces, who in turn are securing their own neighborhoods and taking more responsibility, the U.S. general in charge of coalition forces in the city said today. "This is tough work; it would be challenging even if we weren't fighting a brutal enemy at the same time," Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad, told civilian defense experts in a conference call. "But there is progress, and I see steady progress both in terms of the security situation and in terms of the progression as a whole of the Iraqi military and the Iraqi security forces."
Violence in Baghdad has been reduced considerably, Fil said. There has been a 70 percent decrease in casualties caused by car bombs and a 125 percent increase in the number of car bombs that are discovered and disarmed, he said. Civilian casualties are also down, he noted.
"Despite these trends, it is clear that a lot of work is needed to continue to reduce the casualties and to improve the security in some parts of the city," Fil said. "I am very encouraged, though, by the ongoing grassroots reconciliation movements that are also occurring across Baghdad."
Throughout Baghdad, volunteers are stepping forward to help the Iraqi security forces maintain security, Fil said. These volunteers not only are providing much-needed extra manpower for Iraqi forces, but also are going through training to qualify them for service with the Iraqi police officers or military, he said. Tomorrow, 800 such volunteers from the Abu Ghraib area will graduate training and join the police officer forces.
"Areas where these efforts have taken root have gone from being actively contested, which were requiring deliberate clearing operations, to controlled areas through a partnership of Iraqi security forces, our coalition forces, and the local populace," he said.
As security improves throughout the city, citizens who were displaced by the violence are beginning to come back, Fil said. Those citizens who moved to other areas of Baghdad, those who moved elsewhere in Iraq, and even those who moved out of the country are starting to move back as they hear about the improved conditions, he said.
"Everybody senses that the conditions are starting to change," he said. "This movement, I think, is going to accelerate."
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Joshua H. Reeves, 26, of Watkinsville, Ga., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Spc. Joshua H. Reeves, 26, of Watkinsville, Ga., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
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