Afghans, Coalition Have Forces Needed to Deal With Taliban

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

April 10, 2007 – Taliban capabilities have gotten more robust, but so have the capabilities of the Afghan National Army and police to deal with them, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said today. Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez told ABC reporter Diane Sawyer it will take a long time to rid the country of the "scourge of terrorism."

The Afghan National Army now has 35,000 soldiers trained and equipped. The Afghan police number about 63,000. Ultimately the Army will have 70,000 soldiers, and there will be 82,000 police in the nation of 25 million.

There are 47,000 troops from outside Afghanistan in the country, including 25,000 Americans. Rodriquez said the United States has enough troops in country.

"We've asked for some trainers for the police and everything, and they're taking a look at when and how they can get them here to support that," he said. "But overall, yes, we have enough U.S. troops for what we need to do."

Taliban Web sites say that a reconstituted force of 6,000 fighters and more than 1,000 suicide bombers are ready for spring attacks in Afghanistan. Rodriguez said he thinks that number should be reduced by about half.

"That's still a lot of suicide bombers, relative to what we think we're going to see," he said. "But, it'll be an increase over last year."

The general said killing or capturing Osama bin Laden is important symbolically, but more important is to defeat his intentions, his network and his capability to inflict harm outside a limited area.

The Taliban will not win in Afghanistan, Rodriguez said, even though the terror group will continue to attack and come after NATO, U.S. forces and Afghan government forces. "I think they see their opportunities starting to slip away," he said.

Rodriguez is not writing the group off as a combat force. The Taliban will continue to come after forces providing stability in Afghanistan, he said. U.S. forces will have to remain in the country for a "couple of years" at least, the general said.

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Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cmdr. Philip A. Murphy-Sweet, 42, of Caldwell, Idaho, died April 7, as a result of enemy action in the vicinity of Baghdad. He was operationally assigned to Joint Contracting Command, Multi-National Force - Iraq and was deployed from his permanently assigned command of Naval Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

For more information related to this release the media can contact Navy public affairs at (703) 697-5342.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown, 31, of Prichard, Ala.
Pfc. David N. Simmons, 20, of Kokomo, Ind.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3283.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 25, of Santa Rosa, Calif., died April 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq. Williams was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 7 in Zaganiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:
Capt. Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, 25, of East Hampstead, N.H.
Spc. Ebe F. Emolo, 33, of Greensboro, N.C.
Spc. Levi K. Hoover, 23, of Midland, Mich.
Pfc. Rodney L. McCandless, 21, of Camden, Ark.

For more information in regard to this release the media can 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.

Spc. Clifford A. Spohn III, 21, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Apr. 9 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked his location with indirect fire. Spohn was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

Four U.S. Army Soldiers Killed, Senior al-Qaeda Leader Captured

By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service

April 8, 2007 – Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed and one wounded Saturday as a result of an explosion near their vehicle in Iraq's Diyala Province, defense officials said. In other news, coalition forces captured a senior al-Qaeda leader and two others during raid Sunday morning in Baghdad.

Coalition forces identified the man as the gatekeeper to the al-Qaeda emir of Baghdad. He has alleged ties to several senior al-Qaeda members and is reportedly linked to a number of mass casualty, vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the Baghdad area.

He was detained along with another known al-Qaeda VBIED cell leader and one other suspect.

"This is a significant step in our efforts to disrupt the VBIED network and their devastating attacks against the Iraqi people," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

Meanwhile, soldiers from the Iraqi Army and coalition forces from Multinational Division Center South and Multinational Division Baghdad entered their third day of fighting today against illegally-armed militia in Diwanuyah.

Operation Black Eagle netted 39 militia members and large caches of weapons including several explosively formed projectiles and IED-making factories, according to military officials.

"So far we have achieved great success fighting the terrorists," said Maj. Gen. Oothman Faroudm, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, which is leading the assault. "We have freed the people of Diwaniyah from the murder and intimidation that has plagued the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months."

On Saturday, paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained three known insurgents south of Baghdad, according to military officials.

The coalition forces discovered the suspects while performing a reconnaissance of an area north of Mahmudiyah. According to military officials, two of the detainees were positively identified as individuals involved in the shooting of two paratroopers April 3 that killed one and wounded the other.

The third detainee is linked with a known IED production cell near Hawr Rajab, Iraq. One AK-47 with an empty bandolier was also confiscated.

(Compiled from Multinational Force and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Six Soldiers Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Eight Previous Casualties

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2007 – Six Army soldiers were killed and four wounded yesterday during operations across Iraq, defense officials said.

-- Three Multinational Division Center soldiers were killed yesterday, and one soldier was wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated while they patrolled south of Baghdad.

-- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday, and three others were wounded during an indirect-fire attack targeting units operating south of the Iraqi capital.

-- One Multinational Division North soldier died yesterday from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Diyala province.

-- One Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Salah Ad Din province. The servicemembers' identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of seven soldiers and a sailor who died recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph C. Schwedler, 27, of Crystal Falls, Mich., died April 6 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Schwedler was assigned to East Coast Navy SEAL Team.

-- Army Pfc. Jay S. Cajimat, 20, of Lahaina, Hawaii, died April 6 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a car bomb detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

-- Army Pfc. Daniel A. Fuentes, 19, of Levittown, N.Y., died April 6 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

-- Army Sgt. Forrest D. Cauthorn, 22, of Midlothian, Va., died April 5 in Hawijah, Iraq, from wounds suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

-- Army Spc. Jason A. Shaffer, 28, of Derry, Pa., died April 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, when a car bomb detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Shaffer was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

-- Army Staff Sgt. Jerry C. Burge, 39, of Carriere, Miss.; and Cpl. Joseph H. Cantrell IV, 23, of Ashland, Ky., died Apr. 4 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

-- Army Pfc. James J. Coon, 22, of Walnut Creek, Calif., died April 4 in Balad, Iraq, when an IED detonated near his vehicle. Coon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

Six Taliban Fighters Killed in Afghanistan; Weapons Cache Destroyed

American Forces Press Service

April 9, 2007 – Coalition forces and Afghan National Army forces killed six Taliban combatants and destroyed a weapons cache in Afghanistan over the past two days. Taliban fighters launched rocket and mortar fire at a combined Afghan national army and coalition base in the Cahar Cineh Valley of Oruzgan province today. A local Afghan woman near the base suffered shrapnel wounds to her chest and abdomen as a result.

Combined forces returned mortar fire at the Taliban fighters, who quickly retreated over a ridgeline, and coalition medics quickly stabilized the woman's life-threatening wounds, U.S. officials said. The victim was evacuated to a medical facility in Tarin Kowt, where she is listed in stable condition. No other injuries to Afghan civilians were reported.

"Taliban fighters continue to inflict pain and suffering on innocent Afghan civilians," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Taliban fighter tactics are no match for the determination and skill of (Afghan National Army) and coalition forces."

In Afghanistan yesterday, six Taliban fighters fired a rocket-propelled grenade round into the side of an ANA vehicle as they drove past the combined forces patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province. Coalition aircraft were notified and observed the Taliban-operated vehicle for several kilometers as it traveled out of the populated Sangin district area. After the vehicle had traveled a safe distance from Afghan civilians and structures, coalition forces destroyed the vehicle, killing all six of the Taliban fighters.

Also yesterday, ANA and coalition forces received small-arms and RPG fire from more than 10 Taliban fighters hiding in a compound on the Sangin district's east side. The combined patrol returned small-arms fire at the Taliban fighters before maneuvering toward the compound. While searching the compound, combined forces discovered a large weapons cache containing an RPG and 82 mm rounds. The cache was destroyed at the site.

"Violent extremists have resorted to conducting unsuccessful cowardly attacks and suicide-bomb tactics in an attempt to strike fear in the hearts of the Afghan people," Belcher said. "The ANA soldiers showed extreme proficiency and probably kept these extremists from harming innocent Afghans."

Also in Afghanistan yesterday, Afghan national police assisted the 13th Psychological Operations Battalion during a bomb-defusing operation in Charikar. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians from Bagram Air Base defused a 250-pound Soviet bomb that fell on a village 18 -years ago. Due to the bomb's potential blast radius, more than 70 villagers had to be evacuated to a safe zone, where Afghan police officers provided security and humanitarian aid.

"The people were very friendly, but unsure," said Army Maj. Lance Baker, of the 13th Psychological Operations Battalion. "They didn't want to leave their homes, (but) it's our job to interface with local nationals, and our mission was to assist EOD and make sure the villagers don't interfere with EOD's mission."

The Afghan National Police forces' assistance was critical to the operation.

"We're here for their security in case the insurgents attack," said ANP Pvt. Safay Ullah. "Also, if we're not here, people may not cooperate. They have respect for us."

A village elder interviewed expressed gratitude. "We are always grateful when (they) help us," he said.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

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Iraqis Showcase Democracy on Fourth Anniversary of Fall of Saddam's Regime

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service


April 9, 2007 – The image of thousands of Iraqi citizens peacefully voicing their views in Najaf today illustrates the freedoms they've gained since U.S. and coalition forces liberated the country from Saddam Hussein's iron grip four years ago, a senior U.S. military officer in Baghdad said today. Between 5,000 and 7,000 Iraqis are participating in peaceful anti-U.S. demonstrations in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters in Baghdad.

"That is their right in the new Iraq," Fox said. "And, it's only fair, however, to note that they exercise that right because coalition forces liberated them from a tyrannical, barbaric regime that would never have permitted such freedom of expression."

The U.S. and coalition forces' air and ground campaign launched March 20, 2003, quickly overwhelmed Saddam's military. The dictator's rule was effectively ended on April 9, when American troops in downtown Baghdad pulled down a metal statute of the dictator amid the cheers of elated Iraqis.

American forces found Saddam hiding in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit in December 2003. After being tried and convicted by an Iraqi court on charges of genocide against the Iraqi people and other crimes, Saddam was executed by hanging on Dec. 29, 2006.

The removal of the late dictator's "republic of fear" also has enabled hundreds of thousands of Iraqis to participate in multiple religious celebrations and festivals held across the country.

However, Fox acknowledged the ongoing animosity between some of Iraq's Sunnis and Shiites that's often instigated and inflamed by al Qaeda attacks. "Now, Iraqis must reject those who seek to drive wedges between people who have in the past lived in harmony," the admiral said.

Fox cited the establishment of a constitution, democratic governance and voting processes among the "substantial accomplishments" witnessed in Iraq since the end of Saddam's regime. "Today, the Iraqi people are free to vote, to worship and to peacefully assemble," Fox said.

Yet, he also acknowledged that parts of the country remain dangerous "for those who have been involved in helping to build a new (democratic) state in this ancient land."

Meanwhile, Iraqi and coalition security forces are working together to protect the people of Iraq, as provincial reconstruction teams are helping restore Iraq's battered infrastructure and resuscitate the national economy to provide a better future for Iraq's citizens, the admiral said.

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Troops Detain 14 Suspects in Iraq; Car Bomb Kills 17, Injures 26

American Forces Press Service

April 9, 2007 – Coalition forces captured 14 suspected terrorists during operations across Iraq today, and terrorists killed 17 Iraqis and wounded 26 in a car bomb yesterday. In raids around Iraq today, coalition forces northwest of Bayji detained five suspected terrorists with ties to foreign-fighter facilitation. Coalition forces in Tarmiyah captured seven suspects with alleged ties to al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group.

Elsewhere today, coalition forces northwest of Karmah nabbed two suspected terrorists with links to a car-bomb cell allegedly responsible for planning attacks against Iraqi police and coalition forces, military officials said.

"Coalition forces continue systematic operations to hunt down terrorists no matter where they may hide," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

In other news from Iraq, 17 Iraqis died yesterday and 26 were wounded when a car bomb detonated near Mahmudiyah. The incident occurred on a main Iraqi highway near the Mahmudiyah health clinic and a local Mosque.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and with 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, responded to the blast. The combined forces brought 17 of the wounded civilians to Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah for medical care and evacuated eight victims to the 28th Combat Support Hospital via helicopter for further treatment.

Task Force 2-15 cordoned off the area around the site of the attack and diverted traffic. The incident is under investigation, U.S. officials said.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered Apr. 4 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Jerry C. Burge, 39, of Carriere, Miss.
Cpl. Joseph H. Cantrell IV, 23, of Ashland, Ky.

Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:
Pfc. Walter Freeman Jr., 20, of Lancaster, Calif.
Pfc. Derek A. Gibson, 20, Eustis, Fla.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420; after hours (719) 526-5500.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Phillip I. Neel, 27, of Maryland, died April 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades. His death is under investigation.
Neel was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Conor G. Masterson, 21, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., died April 7 in Eastern Afghanistan of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Masterson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.

Navy Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 6 from enemy action while conducting combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq.

Killed were:
Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter, 36, of Villa Hills, Ky.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Curtis R. Hall, 24, of Burley, Ind.
Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph A. McSween, 26, of Valdosta, Ga.

All three sailors were assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Eleven, Whidbey Island, Wash. For more information related to this release the media can contact Navy public affairs at (703) 697-5342.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:
Capt. Anthony Palermo, 26, of Brockton, Mass.
Spc. Ryan S. Dallam, 24, of Norman, Okla.
Pvt. Damian Lopez Rodriguez, Tucson, Ariz.

For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Adam P. Kennedy, 25, of Norfolk, Mass., died April 8 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered with his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire. Kennedy was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Todd A. Singleton, 24, of Muskegon, Mich., died April 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Forces Discover Weapons Caches in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

April 5, 2007 – Acting on reports from Afghan civilians, coalition forces and Afghan National Army discovered several weapons caches in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province April 3. Three weapons caches, consisting of 30 82 mm recoilless rounds, were found hidden along a ridgeline near the Pakistani border, military officials report. The recoilless rounds, commonly used to create improvised explosive devices, were destroyed in place.

Over the past week, coalition forces in the province have discovered 60 82 mm recoilless rifle rounds, 28 85 mm rocket propelled grenade rounds, 17 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, six 107 mm rockets, three 75 mm RPG rounds and an RPG launcher in the Bati Kot, Shinwar, Achin and Khogyani districts.

"The weapons recovered will no longer be available for use by Taliban fighters and other militant forces," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Afghans are taking responsibility for their safety and security by reporting the locations of weapons caches."

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

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Forces Capture 39 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

April 5, 2007 – Coalition forces captured 39 suspected terrorists during operations over the past two days throughout Iraq, officials report. During an operation in Southwest Baghdad, coalition forces captured a suspected vehicle-bomb cell leader and supplier of roadside bomb components. Officials said the suspect is believed to have been recently involved in attacks against coalition forces.

Forces discovered a weapons cache while searching the suspect's vehicle. The vehicle and weapons caches were destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists.

Elsewhere in Iraq today, six suspects were captured with alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq and the facilitation of foreign fighters. Another seven were captured, including a suspected weapons dealer reportedly involved in the sale and purchase of sniper rifles, automatic weapons, ammunition and bomb casings.

In operations yesterday, forces raided two known foreign fighter safe houses and captured four suspects with ties to foreign fighter facilitation and the movement of weapons into Iraq during operations north of Mosul.

Coalition forces also detained three more suspected foreign fighter facilitators in Habbaniyah, while two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al Qaeda were captured southwest of Karmah.

"Foreign fighters and the facilitators that bring them in are a detriment to the stability of a peaceful Iraq," Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a spokesperson for Multinational Force Iraq, said. "Coalition forces will continue to target them and the networks that illegally bring them in to Iraq."

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Five Soldiers Killed in Iraq, Officials Identify Previous Casualties

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2007 – Five soldiers from Multinational Division Baghdad were killed during separate operations in Baghdad yesterday, military officials reported. While providing escort security north of capital city, two soldiers died and another was wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy.

In a separate incident, a soldier died when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in an eastern section of Baghdad. Military officials said the unit was conducting an area reconnaissance mission when the attack occurred. Also yesterday, two soldiers died and three were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated in a southern section of the city. The servicemembers' are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of 11 soldiers and two Marines who died recently during U.S. operations abroad.

-- Army Pfc. Gabriel J. Figueroa, 20, of Baldwin Park, Calif., died April 3 in Baghdad when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Figueroa was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

-- Army Staff Sgt. Shane R. Becker, 35, of Helena, Mont., died April 3 in Baghdad when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Becker was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

-- Army Spc. Curtis R. Spivey, 25, of Chula Vista, Calif., died April 2 in San Diego of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on Sept. 16 in Baghdad. Spivey was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

-- Army Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg, 24, of Long Island, New York, died April 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ritzberg was assigned to the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

-- Army Staff Sgt. Bradley D. King, 28, of Marion, Ind., died April 2 in Amiriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. King was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, Ind.

-- Army Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Army Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick, 25, of Spring Hope, N.C.; Army Sgt. Robert M. McDowell, 30, of Deer Park, Texas; and Army Spc. William G. Bowling, 24, of Beattyville, Ky., died April 1 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

-- Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Olsen, 20, of Eagan, Minn., died April 2 while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Olsen was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

-- Marine Pfc. Miguel A. Marcial III, 19, of Secaucus, N.J., died April 1 in Anbar province. His death is under investigation. Marcial was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

-- Army 1st Lt. Neale M. Shank, 25, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died March 31 in Baghdad in a non-combat-related incident. His death is under investigation. Shank was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

-- Army Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died March 29 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Gates, Pace Discuss Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 5, 2007 – People in Baghdad are being tortured and killed by "death squads" and a precipitous withdrawal from Baghdad at this point would result in "a significant increase in violence," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "These are targeted killings by relatively small numbers of people in an attempt to stoke the sectarian violence and, frankly, to try and make the Baghdad Security Plan fail by hampering the reconciliation process," Gates said.

In a joint briefing at the Pentagon, the defense secretary and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described current U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, an Iraqi phrase that means "Enforcing the Law," is under way in Iraq. It includes an initiative to put five additional U.S. brigades into and around the Iraqi capital.

When asked if military leaders were satisfied with the rate of brigade deployment into Baghdad, Pace said, "This is very much on track. The Marines are now all in al Anbar." "
The third of five Army brigades is moving into Baghdad. "It'll be fully operational within the next week to 10 days," Pace said.

Around April 15, the fourth Army brigade is scheduled to deploy to Kuwait, followed by the fifth brigade around May 15, the general said. "So this has been on plan to be fully up in all categories in early June," he said.

"The plan from the very beginning has been to move approximately a brigade a month into Baghdad," Gates said. "One of the principal reasons that it was not possible to accelerate it was that we want to make sure that every single one of those brigades is adequately trained before they actually enter Iraq."

Despite an increase in large-scale terrorist attacks, the security plan is showing encouraging signs, Gates said.

"The early signs are positive," he said, but he cautioned that it's too early in the operation to predict how successful it ultimately will be.

"I think that there is a great reluctance to engage in 'happy talk' about this," Gates said. "It's a tough environment."

Echoing comments by Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, Gates said a more accurate assessment of the plan's efficiency will emerge once the operation has had a chance to "take hold" this summer.

"General Petraeus, I think, has been very realistic in his assessments in terms of what's working and what he's happy with and what concerns him," the secretary said. "And I think we'll just have to wait several more months before we're in a position to make any real evaluation."

Speaking about the impending "spring offensive" in Afghanistan, Gates and Pace expressed some concern that violence levels would increase there as they have the past two years.

"I wanted to make sure that with our focus on Iraq, that we did not take our eye off the ball in Afghanistan," he said. "It was the reason why I extended a brigade in Afghanistan to ensure additional force would be available."

Gates added that he has been meeting with U.S. and NATO officials to discuss and coordinate efforts in Afghanistan.

"Secretary Rice and I met late yesterday afternoon and then yesterday evening with the NATO secretary-general to discuss principally Afghanistan and the need for other NATO countries that have made commitments to fulfill those commitments, opportunities for better coordination and cooperation," Gates said.

Without divulging details, Pace said NATO's commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill, has begun operations that "will unfold very clearly here in the next couple days."

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Iraqis Show Confidence in Security Forces

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

April 4, 2007 – The Iraqi people are starting to show more confidence in their security forces, and this is paying off with better security in Baghdad, coalition officials said today. The largest indicator is that sectarian killings have dropped 27 percent in March from February, Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, coalition spokesman, said during a Baghdad news conference.

But although that and other indicators point in the same direction, Caldwell cautioned, security should not be measured in progress over days or weeks, but rather over months.

With the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, in place, three of the five U.S. brigade combat teams slated for deployment as part of the surge are in place. Two more coalition brigades will move into Baghdad in the late May, early June time frame.

Iraqi security forces are holding up their end of the deal, Caldwell said. All nine Iraqi battalions that are part of the surge are in place and contributing to security in all neighborhoods of the capital.

"The progress of the Iraqi forces is good and will get better," said Iraqi government spokesman Dr. Ali Aldabbagh. "Despite all the challenges of the terrorist groups against the Iraqi people, and despite all the terrorist operations carried out in March ... the Iraqi people now have more trust in their Iraqi security forces. This will lead to more cooperation between the Iraqi people and the security forces."

Caldwell said security is the key to change in Baghdad.

"When the people feel more secure, everything else is possible," he said. "That's why we are working diligently with our Iraqi partners to secure progress and provide hope."

Iraqi and coalition efforts are centered in Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, and Arabic phrase that means "enforcing the law."

"The effects of our commitment will be felt over many months," Caldwell said. "We know our increased presence among the people is having an effect."

The Iraqi people are seeing more Iraqi army and police personnel patrolling the streets and manning checkpoints in the neighborhoods. This higher level of contact is building increased confidence, which in turn is leading to greater cooperation, Aldabbagh said.

The cooperation between the Iraqi people and their security forces is at an all-time high, Caldwell said. While Iraqis can still use a national tip line to turn in terrorists, insurgents and criminals, more in the Baghdad area are taking advantage of the fact that security forces are in the neighborhoods.

"It is a true community police effort," he said. "Police and soldiers live among the people and share their knowledge and concerns. Now, the people can report criminal activity directly to the stations."

As Iraqi and coalition forces patrol and as the security situation improves, Baghdadis are engaging the forces more and providing them far more information than in the past, the general said.

"This cooperation is helping to bring down the levels of sectarian violence," he added. "Results produce more results. As the people feel more confidence in their protectors, they are less likely to take the law into their own hands. There are encouraging signs that more people are buying into restraint rather than retribution."

Al Qaeda in Iraq continues its high-profile car bomb attacks to massacre innocent civilians, Caldwell said. Even with Iraqi security forces foiling more attacks at checkpoints, "too many still occur," Caldwell said.

The general said al Qaeda in Iraq is trying to ignite a cycle of tit-for-tat violence, but the downward trend in sectarian attacks may mean the Iraqi people increasingly aren't letting themselves be drawn in by al Qaeda's tactics. "The decline in sectarian murders may be a sign that the people of Iraq are rejecting this cycle of violence," he said.

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Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. James J. Coon, 22, of Walnut Creek, Calif., died April 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when in improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Coon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Gates: Still 'So Far, So Good' in Iraq

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

April 4, 2007 – Security in Baghdad has improved even though only part of the planned increase of U.S. troops is in place, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today on a nationally syndicated radio program. "So far, so good," Gates said on the Laura Ingraham Show, noting it is too early to draw conclusions.

Al Qaeda continues to launch dramatic terror attacks against population centers, but Gates said some of these attacks are in reaction to the progress being made.

"It's been part of their strategy since last year to foment sectarian violence," Gates said. "I think some of these large car bombs are to counteract some of the positive things that have been happening as a result of even the two brigades going into Baghdad along with a significant number of Iraqi forces."

A third U.S. brigade is in Baghdad, but hasn't fully joined operations. The last two U.S. brigades into the Iraqi capital will be there by late May or early June, Defense Department officials said.

Gates said he is pleased with the commitment and cooperation from the Iraqi government. The Iraqis have delivered the additional troops they promised, and Iraqi commanders in Baghdad are directing operations. The Iraqi government is allowing Iraqi security forces and coalition forces into any neighborhood.

The Iraqi government also is maintaining its commitment to no political interference in operations, Gates said.

And the changes have been noticed, Gates told Ingraham and her listeners.

"What's interesting to me is just in the last few days, looking at the news media, ... there have actually been some pretty positive stories coming out of Baghdad - children returning to playgrounds, markets reopening, and so on," the secretary said.

Illegal militia in Baghdad have stood down, though activity continues in some parts of Iraq. Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr remains in Iran, and there are "some signs that his prolonged absence is leading to some fractures in (his militia's) organization," Gates said.

Gates also discussed the military's need for funding to finance the war effort. He said he is concerned about delays in enacting an emergency supplemental bill. Each house of Congress has passed a version of the bill, and both versions contain a timeline for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq. President Bush has vowed to veto any bill containing the withdrawal language.

Gates said each of the armed services will be affected by a delay, with the Army being the worst off. The service may be forced to suspend training for deploying forces, repairing equipment and putting in place a civilian hiring freeze. The secretary said a threatened complete cut-off of war "would be dramatic."

Most Americans across most parts of the political spectrum agree that the only way Iraq can emerge as a country that can govern, defend and sustain itself is if there is a political reconciliation among the different parties in Iraq, the secretary said.

U.S. officials recognized late last fall that with the level of violence was so high in Baghdad that prospects for reconciliation were almost nonexistent.

"The whole idea of the surge is to help buy the Iraqis time to pursue political reconciliation," he said. "And there seems to be some progress in that regard."

Gates said there should be a dialogue with Syria, "but talking for the sake of talking really doesn't accomplish very much unless you have some sort of a goal out of it."

He said any U.S. officials going to Damascus should ask the Syrians to stop allowing suicide bombers to cross their borders into Iraq. They should ask about the flow of weapons out of Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon, he added.

"I think these are the kind of issues that if there is going to be a dialogue there has to be some substance to it," Gates said.

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Baghdad 'Surge' Produces Early Successes, Official Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

April 4, 2007 – Murders and kidnappings, the hallmarks of sectarian violence, have decreased in Baghdad since reinforcements of U.S. and Iraqi security forces began to flow into the city in mid-February as part of Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, a senior U.S. military official said in Baghdad today. "A clear reduction in the number of kidnappings and execution-style murders" has taken place across Baghdad since Fahrd al-Qanoon, or "Enforce the Law," was launched to secure and tamp down violence in Baghdad and western Iraq, Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said to representatives of U.S.-based veterans groups during a telephone conference call.

There are "some preliminary good signs" that security measures are taking hold in Baghdad, Fox said, as U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to make their presence felt as they operate from 31 joint security stations established across the city.

"Our troops now are living and operating in the districts of Baghdad," Fox said.

However, it is too early to say if the reduction in violence is permanent, Fox said, noting there have been an increase in the numbers of car-bombings and other spectacular attacks in Baghdad.

The political commitment of the Iraqi government to confront and defeat the insurgents and the joint embedding of U.S. and Iraqi troops at specific sites inside Baghdad's neighborhoods represent a departure from past anti-terrorist offensives, Fox noted.
For example, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki "has been very clear and unambiguous about the even-handed application of the law," Fox said. No Baghdad neighborhoods are off-limits to being patrolled at any time of the day or night by U.S. and Iraqi troops.

Also, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander since Feb. 10, has instituted "a much higher level of counterinsurgency tactics, in which we understand that the people of Baghdad and the people of Iraq are at the center of gravity of this fight," Fox said.

Baghdad's residents gain confidence at seeing Iraqi security forces patrolling their neighbors, Fox noted, which in turn leads to more citizen-provided tips and cooperation that is used to break up insurgent groups and stem the violence.

About 28,000 additional U.S. troops, including 21,500 combat and 7,000 support forces, have been committed to participate in Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, which, in addition to Baghdad, encompasses an area of operations that includes Anbar province in western Iraq.

Three of the five U.S. Army combat brigades committed to the security operation are now in Baghdad, Fox reported. The two other brigades are slated to arrive in Baghdad during April and May, he noted, with all U.S. units in place by early June.

Although buoyed by the early successes, Fox acknowledged "it's going to take months," perhaps not until the fall, until the results and effectiveness of Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon can be fully assessed.

The increase of Baghdad car bombings indicates the insurgents "are doing everything they can to create terror," Fox pointed out, as they kill even innocent children to further their aims.

America's military forces are serving in Iraq "to protect the people of Iraq, to protect the people of Baghdad and to create a breathing space (and) enough of a window of opportunity for the Iraqi government to get its feet under itself," Fox said.

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Firm Political Will Necessary for Victory, Deputy Defense Secretary Says

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 4, 2007 – Without delay, the United States needs to provide American men and women in uniform with the funds, supplies and weapons they need to get the job done, the deputy secretary of defense said here today. "Importantly, we need to send a clear message of resolve," Gordon England said today at the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition.

Speaking to a packed room of about 850 active and retired servicemembers, as well as defense industry officials and other civilian professionals, England said the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are the first two battles in what will prove to be a long war against terrorism. They will not be lost militarily as long as the collective will, determination and resolve to win are intact, he said.

"But it can be lost in Washington," England warned. "Ultimately, all wars are about political will."

England said partisan and ideological differences are unimportant.

"It's not about Democrats, it's not about Republicans. It's not about liberals, and it's not about conservatives. Rather, what it's about it is a shared political vision of preserving freedom and liberty," he said.

Some argue waging a global war is too hard and too costly and recommend quitting or scaling back, England said.

"We cannot and should not retreat," he responded, "(because) if we do, our enemies will not retreat. They will not disengage."

Describing the nature of America's adversaries, England said the enemy is real, dangerous and absolutely determined. All who love liberty and freedom are "fair game to them," he said.

"On Sept. 11, terrorists turned civilian airliners into guided missiles and they killed 3,000 people of 60 different nationalities that day. I've thought about ... why it is they killed 3,000 people that day," England said. "I've concluded the reason that 3,000 people were killed is because they didn't know how to kill 30,000 or 300,000 or 3 million, but they would have if they could have, and they're still trying."

England offered Khalid Sheikh Muhammad's Combatant Status Review Tribunal from the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center as proof of terrorists' unrelenting drive. During his March 19 hearing, Muhammad admitted to playing "many roles" in the bombings of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1998 and the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000.

"If any one of you questions our enemy's willingness, (you) should read the transcripts of Khalid Sheikh Muhammad; they're on the Web. They're in the newspaper," England said.

In closing, England implored audience members to do all they can do "to ensure that freedom prevails in this current struggle."

"Help build a world where our children and our grandchildren, and all who cherish freedom can live their lives in peace," he said.

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Criminal Trials Open Window for Reconciliation in Iraq

By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service

April 4, 2007 – The government of Iraq took a step toward national reconciliation April 2 when it opened criminal cases against a Sunni and a Shiite man accused of "crimes against the Iraqi people," a coalition legal official said. Army Col. Mark Martins, a staff judge advocate for Multinational Force Iraq and legal advisor to Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, MNF-I commander, told online journalists yesterday that the Iraqi government demonstrated its ability to put aside revenge politics by taking definitive action against an alleged Sunni al Qaeda operative and a Shiite national policeman accused of torturing detainees in his custody.

"This really represents, we believe, a small step forward for the Iraqi government on two fronts," Martin said. "One is the political will to embrace the rule of law, and the second is the capacity to render justice through secure and legitimate proceedings."

Legal action was facilitated by the construction of a joint judicial and law enforcement compound in Baghdad's Rusafah neighborhood, Martin said. The "Rule of Law" facility, as the Iraqis call it, "allows police, courts and prisons -- the three big pieces of the criminal justice system -- to work together securely," he explained.

While Iraq's legal system clearly needs additional capacity, Martin said, this week's events at the facility served as "proof of principle." High-level Iraqi government officials from a range of sects and political parties watched the proceedings, reinforcing the notion of a united commitment to the rule of law.

"The cases that occurred (April 2) involve allegations of barbaric acts, and one of them was in the name of terrorist and religious extremism, and the other was sectarian reprisal by a national police officer under color of law," the colonel said.

These proceedings "show that the politics of revenge and fanaticism can be replaced," he noted. "It's not who you are, but what you did. Not what religious sect, or what region or what tribe, but what you did to other Iraqis."

Martin explained that while construction of the new facility has been going on for about two months, it owes its progress to the Baghdad security plan that shaped the necessary political climate to move ahead with trials.

As Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and others in the government have demonstrated their willingness to move against destabilizing elements from any sect, Martin said, Iraqis now feel empowered to "step forward and condemn one of their own who's disgraced his uniform, as well as a fanatic who wants to hijack the country regardless of the cost to innocents."

In fact, the colonel noted, additional major crimes committed under Iraq's current state of emergency are set be tried by the high-level Central Criminal Court of Iraq. The prominence of such proceedings, he said, would be proof the Iraqi government is willing to take on major criminals who seek to undermine the state.

The capacity should be in place for the court to process six to 10 cases per week by late May or early June, Martin said.

"These and similar cases, if they are tried in the coming weeks by the Iraqis, can open a window to reconciliation and to lasting security," Martin noted.

By pursuing criminals in an unbiased way, he said, "it ensures that all institutions are accountable, including the state, including people who may be in official positions."

The question of accountability and due diligence has been a problem, Martin admitted, especially among the Iraqi police. In a system where historically a confession "is a very strong mode of demonstrating guilt," he said concerted efforts are being made to instill transparency into the criminal justice system by instructing police investigators in forensic evidence collection.

"One of the functions of this 'Rule of Law' corridor or complex is to bring the police closer to the judiciary," Martin explained, so they can see the proper role of evidence and a defense counsel in criminal proceedings.

To help facilitate this growth, Martin said, coalition personnel are engaged with the Iraqi government and security forces at many levels. Multinational Security Transition Command trainers teach investigative skills as part of their police curriculum, he said, while U.S. Embassy officials act in an advisory capacity with the government, and U.S. Department of Justice liaisons work with the head of Iraq's higher juridical council.

The result of these efforts, Martin said, and what was displayed in part on April 2, is a realization among the Iraqis that "for lasting reconciliation to be achieved, the government, and eventually the people, must reject revenge for whatever reason and accept the rule of law.

"I don't want to overstate what happened," he stressed, "It doesn't exist fully in Iraq yet, certainly."

However, the colonel noted, "You've got to give them their due. It's a step forward. The government made a step toward reconciliation."

(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)

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Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Shane R. Becker, 35, of Helena, Mont., died April 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. Becker was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Curtis R. Spivey, 25, of Chula Vista, Calif., died April 2 in San Diego of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on Sep. 16, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq. Spivey was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Gabriel J. Figueroa, 20, of Baldwin Park, Calif., died April 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. Figueroa was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Heroes in the Global War on Terror

The Department of Defense Office of Public Affairs has recently updated its "Heroes in the Global War on Terror" website, which includes profiles of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have received medals of distinction for their bravery and contributions to fighting the Global War on Terror.

Some of the heroes include Maj. Kim Campbell, aka "Killer Chick," who flew her bullet-riddled Warthog 300 miles back to base after a close engagement with Iraqi Republican Guard soldiers; 1st Lt. Elliott Ackerman, who led his Marines through a series of ambushes and attacks during the battle of Fallujah; and Staff Sgt. Jo Turner and Spc. Cheryl Ivanov, combat medics who, through their skills, eventually earned respect from the Afghan soldiers they served with.

You can find all of our heroes at: http://www.defenselink.mil/home/dodupdate/heroes/index.html.

13 Terrorists Killed In Iraq, 14 Detained; Weapons Found

American Forces Press Service

April 3, 2007 – Coalition forces in Iraq this week killed 13 suspected terrorists, captured 14 others and netted weapons and bomb-making materials in various operations, military officials reported. South of Fallujah this morning, coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained seven suspects with alleged ties to a foreign fighter facilitation network.

As coalition forces began clearing the targeted building, several armed men fled and took up defensive positions along a river. Coalition forces called in close-air support to eliminate the threat. A fixed-wing aircraft responded and engaged with precision fire, killing seven terrorists.

After securing the area, several families told coalition forces that the armed terrorists showed up in masks and forcably took over their houses earlier that evening.

A separate raid in Qaim today, near the Syrian border, resulted in the capture of six suspected foreign fighter facilitators.

"Coalition forces continue to dismantle al Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter networks," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "These and other foreign terrorist facilitators are continuously putting innocent Iraqis in harm's way."

A coalition force air strike yesterday afternoon destroyed two buildings that were housing large caches of explosives materials in Arab Jabour. While searching the targeted building, ground forces had discovered large amounts of chemicals and bomb-making materials.

Coalition forces called in for air support to destroy the buildings to prevent the materials from being used against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi military and coalition forces in the future.

"No civilians were hurt during the demolition of these buildings," Garver said. "A careful analysis was conducted prior to the strike, and every possible precaution to avoid unnecessary collateral damage was taken."

During a routine patrol yesterday in Sab Al Bor, Iraqi police officers discovered the body of an 11-year-old Iraqi boy on Sudani Street. The child's throat had been slit in an apparent murder, military officials reported.

Troop B, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment soldiers received the initial report from the Iraqi police and assisted in gathering information. A police report of the incident indicated that a local al Qaeda cell is suspected in the murder which was "perpetrated to instill fear in the villagers of Sab Al Bor."

Iraqi security forces have launched an investigation.

During an evening operation in southeast Rashid on April 1, Iraqi national police and Multinational Division Baghdad forces engaged combatants in and around the Sahaby mosque after receiving small-arms fire from the building.

The Iraqi national police entered the mosque, while MND-B forces provided the outer cordon. One person was detained and taken to the nearest police headquarters for questioning. An alarm clock timer and several spent shell casings were also found inside. No MND-B troops entered the mosque or immediate premises at any time, officials said.

Iraqi police patrolling south of Baghdad on April 1 discovered a weapons cache containing mortars and munitions.

Military Transition Team members from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, received a report from the Babil Provincial Joint Coordination Center that Iraqi police found two 60 mm mortars, 10 60 mm mortar rounds and a set of night vision goggles in Hillah, Iraq.

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Soldier, Marine Die in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2007 – A soldier and a Marine died in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department identified six soldiers who died previously.

Three coalition soldiers were injured, and one later died of wounds suffered when a large truck bomb exploded at a police station yesterday in Kirkuk. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of six soldiers who died recently during U.S. operations abroad.

-- Staff Sgt. Jason R. Arnette, 24, of Amelia, Va., died April 1, and Spc. Wilfred Flores Jr., 20, of Lawton, Okla., died March 31 of wounds suffered March 31 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

-- Army Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died March 29 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

-- Sgt. Edmund W. McDonald, 25, of Casco, Maine, and Spc. Agustin Gutierrez, 19, of San Jacinto, Calif., died March 29 in North Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle accident March 28 in North Kabul. They were assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

-- Spc. Christopher M. Wilson, 24, of Bangor, Maine, died March 29 at Korengal Outpost, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from a rocket-propelled-grenade explosion. Wilson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died Mar. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420; after hours (719) 526-5500.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Neale M. Shank, 25, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident.

His death is under investigation.

Shank was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.

Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Olsen, 20, of Eagan, Minn., died April 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Olsen was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Twentynine Palms public affairs office at (760) 830-5476.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick, 25, of Spring Hope, N.C.
Sgt. Robert M. McDowell, 30, of Deer Park, Texas.
Spc. William G. Bowling, 24, of Beattyville, Ky.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Bradley D. King, 28, of Marion, Ind., died April 2 in Al Amiriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. King was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, Ind.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Indiana Army National Guard at (317) 247-3105.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg, 24, of New York, died April 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ritzberg was assigned to the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.

Admiral Outlines Progress of Security Operation in Baghdad

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 2, 2007 – Over the past month in Baghdad, Iraqi security and coalition forces seized more than 300 weapons caches, detained more than 1,400 suspects, and found and cleared more than 300 improvised explosive devices, a coalition spokesman told reporters in the Iraqi capital yesterday. "Additionally, the more than 5,000 tips from Iraqi citizens last month contributed to Iraqi security and coalition forces' ability to conduct these operations," said Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, communications division chief for strategic effects, Multinational Force Iraq.

The Baghdad security operation, called Fardh al-Qanoon, an Iraqi phrase that means "Enforcing the Law," was announced Feb. 13 and included initiatives to split Baghdad into 10 districts and create joint security stations in the capital city.

"To protect the Iraqi people, 31 joint security stations and 22 combat outposts, manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and coalition soldiers in various combinations, are currently open in all 10 districts in Baghdad, and more are being built," Fox said.

Updating reporters on the operation's progress, the admiral said the additional coalition forces required to fully implement Fardh al-Qanoon are still being deployed, and will not be in place for several months. The final elements of the third U.S. brigades are in or approaching Kuwait, with lead elements moving into Baghdad, he said.

"About half of the U.S. troops requested are currently in place, with the remainder expected to be in place by early June," he said. "The new division headquarters is on the ground in Baghdad, conducting preliminary reconnaissance and coordination missions."

Fox said posturing troops permanently in Baghdad's district neighborhoods has increased the number of "additional actionable tips."

"They're living there, and they're operating in the neighborhood and getting to know the Iraqi people in those neighborhoods," he said. "Increased contact between security forces and the people in the neighborhood increases the level of confidence that the people have in those neighborhoods in the security forces, which in turn creates an additional level of cooperation."

Despite signs of progress, it's important to keep a realistic view of Baghdad security, Fox said, stating that current violence levels are unacceptable.

"We expect to see a high level of violence over the coming weeks and months," he said. "Al Qeada and other extremists will continue their high-profile attacks in an attempt to cause chaos by sectarian violence."

Though there has been initial progress, combined forces' work will not be accomplished in days or weeks, but will require sustained effort over the course of many months, Fox said. The commitment by coalition forces, in cooperation with Iraqi security forces, to enforce the law and bring security to Baghdad "remains undiminished," he said.

"The Iraqi people deserve to live happy lives, to go to the corner coffee shop (or) walk to work or school without fear," Fox said. "With our Iraqi partners, we are working diligently to make this happen, but it's going to require patience, resolve and commitment."

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Coalition Forces Kill Six Terrorists, Detain 10 Suspects

American Forces Press Service

April 2, 2007 – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects yesterday and today during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq couriers and vehicle-bomb cells, military officials reported. Ground forces killed six terrorists tied to vehicle-bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces today in Mosul. During the operation, ground forces entered the first of two targeted buildings and engaged three hostile men, including one armed with a pistol, officials said.

As one of the men charged at coalition forces, self-defense measures were used, killing the three terrorists. While approaching the second building, coalition forces began receiving enemy fire. Coalition forces returned fire, killing three more terrorists.

Officials report that three suspects were detained today in Baghdad with alleged ties to al Qaeda courier operations, and three more were detained for alleged involvement with car-bomb operations.

In other operations, officials report that coalition forces yesterday captured two suspected terrorists southeast of the Mosul who are allegedly involved in vehicle-bomb and rocket attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces.

Coalition forces captured a suspected senior-level al Qaeda in Iraq courier and an associate in an operation north of Karmah yesterday, while Iraqi police forces conducted an operation in Baghdad capturing a suspect believed to be involved in insurgent activities, military officials said.

With coalition advisors present for support, Iraqi forces raided a residence in the Shuada district of Kut, southeast of Baghdad, and captured their primary target without incident.

Iraqi forces also detained one other suspicious individual who was present during the operation. The primary target of this operation is alleged to be responsible for weapon smuggling and roadside bomb activities intended to kill Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.

"These operations demonstrate that the coalition continues to whittle away at the al Qaeda in Iraq network," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

"Al Qaeda continues to demonstrate they are only interested in murder and destruction and are not interested in the peaceful future of a united Iraq," Garver said. "Eliminating the threat of al Qaeda will make Iraq safer for all Iraqis."

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers died from wounds suffered Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Jason R. Arnette, 24, of Amelia, Va. He died April 1 in Baghdad, Iraq.
Spc. Wilfred Flores Jr., 20, of Lawton, Okla. He died Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died March 29 in North Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle accident on March 28 in North Kabul. Their deaths are under investigation.

Killed were:
Sgt. Edmund W. McDonald, 25, of Casco, Maine.
Spc. Agustin Gutierrez, 19, of San Jacinto, Calif.

Both soldiers were assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.

Soldier Dies of Noncombat Cause; Earlier Casualty Identified

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2007 – A U.S. soldier died in Baghdad of non-battle-related causes March 30, and the Defense Department has identified an earlier casualty.

The Multinational Division Baghdad soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Meanwhile, DoD officials announced the identity of a soldier who was killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Army Master Sgt. Sean M. Thomas, 33, of Harrisburg, Pa., died March 27 in Baghdad when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire. Thomas was assigned to the 28th Division Support Command, Harrisburg, Pa.

Operations Net 22 Suspects in Iraq; Seven Killed in Bombings

American Forces Press Service

April 1, 2007 – Recent military operations resulted in the death of one terrorist and the detention of 22, while car bombings in Iraq yesterday killed seven Iraqi civilians, military officials said. Near the Syrian border today, coalition forces killed one armed terrorist and captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to an al-Qaeda foreign fighter facilitation network. In Baghdad, two more foreign fighter facilitation network suspects were detained.

During an operation March 29 in Arab Jabour, coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist and destroyed a weapons cache found in the man's vehicle. The weapons consisted of a Soviet DShK anti-aircraft machinegun and several small-arms weapons.

In Mosul, coalition forces detained six suspects with alleged involvement in the distribution of bomb-making material. Four others were detained with alleged ties to al Qaeda operations.

Yesterday, south of Fallujah, coalition forces captured five suspects with reported links to foreign fighter facilitation and terrorist financing operations.

In Sadr City yesterday, Iraqi forces, with coalition advisors, detained two suspected terrorists during an evening raid targeting insurgent forces.

As ground forces approached the targeted area, they began taking enemy fire. Ground forces called for air support, and coalition aircraft suppressed the enemy fire. One building received minor damage during the air strike.

Despite reports from individuals and some media organizations, military officials said yesterday that coalition forces were not involved in air strikes March 30 over Sadr City.

A Military Transition Team from 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, received a report yesterday from the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Babil province that an explosion occurred at a gas station in the center of the city of Hillah, two blocks north of the Iraqi Police headquarters building. Two civilians were reported killed, and 21 were wounded in the blast.

Another car bomb exploded in Sadr City yesterday, killing five Iraqis and wounding 15 near the Al Sadr hospital.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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