American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 12 suspected insurgents today during operations targeting al Qaeda operatives in central and northern Iraq, military officials said. During two separate raids conducted north of Muqdadiyah, coalition forces targeted reported al Qaeda operations in the northeast Diyala River Valley region.
During one of the operations, the coalition force engaged and killed two terrorists. In a separate raid, a suspected terrorist displayed what appeared to be fresh wounds from a previous engagement. He was treated on site and subsequently detained, along with one other suspect. Coalition forces also destroyed a building in the area that was assessed to be a safe house for terrorist operations.
During an operation in Sadiyah, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in an al Qaeda in Iraq media cell operating north of Muqdadiyah. The wanted individual also allegedly is associated with numerous terrorists operating in the Diyala River Valley region. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to coalition troops and was detained, along with three more suspected terrorists.
Southwest of Kifri, coalition forces captured another alleged terrorist leader responsible for a network operating in the Diyala region. The detainee allegedly is responsible for numerous attacks against coalition forces. Reports also indicate the suspect was previously injured during an Iraqi security forces operation. The detainee allegedly escaped from the hospital with the help of other terrorists, killing five Iraqi policemen during the escape.
In Mosul, coalition forces detained five suspects while targeting an alleged al Qaeda leader involved in weapons facilitation and kidnapping operations.
"Our operations are steadily chipping away at the al Qaeda in Iraq network," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to relentlessly apply pressure on these terrorists that carry out brutal attacks against the Iraqi people and the security forces that protect them."
Yesterday, coalition forces killed seven terrorists during anti-al Qaeda operations in Muqdadiyah.
Coalition forces targeted associates of an al Qaeda leader allegedly responsible for coordinating and directing a large terrorist group, and carrying out executions in the Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate that this terror cell killed at least two people in the last few days and has attacked coalition forces on multiple occasions.
The terrorists were positively identified at a known al Qaeda in Iraq safe house. Coalition forces directed a precision air strike that killed two of the terrorists.
Later that day, coalition forces positively identified terrorists involved in the same terrorist cell operating in the region. Coalition forces directed a second air strike that killed five more terrorists.
"Al Qaeda remains a threat to the safety and security of the Iraqi people," said Navy Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to strike the al Qaeda networks that are responsible for conducting heinous attacks against the Iraqi people."
In other Iraq news:
U.S. helicopter aviators destroyed an al Qaeda in Iraq safe house in the Zambraniyah area Jan. 1. A U.S. infantry patrol reported being firing on by occupants of the house. An AH-64 Apache helicopter from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade engaged the house with a Hellfire missile. One enemy was killed, another enemy was wounded, and five suspected al Qaeda fighters were detained during the operation. One local Iraqi was wounded. A second Apache helicopter destroyed an improvised explosive device discovered by a local citizen in the area.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers captured dozens of al Qaeda-affiliated extremists during a Dec. 29 operation conducted in the Ubaydi farmland 20 miles south of Baghdad.
During the operation, American and Iraqi troops searched houses and fields near the Tigris River. Iraqi soldiers detained 32 people that were on their most-wanted list. Three of the detainees were found in a "spider hole."
About half of the anti-insurgent force was made up of Iraqi soldiers. Iraqi police stopped al Qaeda fighters from escaping the targeted area.
"The purpose was to clear all reported or suspected enemy safe houses, meeting locations and cache sites in the northern portion of (the area of operations) Anzio," said Army Lt. Col. Dane Barksdale, a task force commander. "We detained more than 40 enemy and confiscated or destroyed enemy mortar and anti-aircraft ammunition." Iraqi soldiers discovered four 120 mm mortar rounds and 80 rounds of 20 mm anti-aircraft ammunition.
In Dec. 28 operations:
Coalition forces killed an al Qaeda leader and two other insurgents during operations conducted near Baghdad. Coalition forces targeted Muhammad Khalil Ibrahim, the deputy military leader for the al Qaeda in Iraq network operating south of Baghdad. Ibrahim was a key planner in numerous attacks against coalition forces operating in the Mahmudiyah area. He also was involved in the facilitation of foreign terrorists and weapons. Ibrahim and other senior al Qaeda members allegedly were planning to conduct a large-scale attack against coalition forces in the near future. "This was a dangerous terrorist who will never again harm innocent Iraqis or the security forces that protect them," said Army Maj. Anton Alston, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to relentless pursue terrorist leaders, like Ibrahim, who threaten our forces and attempt to deny the Iraqi people a future of their choice."
-- U.S. soldiers found an explosively formed penetrator cache during a cordon-and-search operation conducted in Baghdad's west Rashid sector. U.S. soldiers found three assembled armor-piercing bombs and six more ready for assembly while searching a residence in Aamel. The captured ordnance was removed for disposal.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Marne Soldiers Gear Up to Build Iraqi Army's 'Backbone'
By Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - "No one is more professional than I," states the U.S. Army's NCO Creed, and noncommissioned officers here are gearing up to instill the same pride and professionalism in their Iraq counterparts. The Task Force Marne NCO Academy at FOB Kalsu will welcome its first class of Iraqi soldiers Jan. 14.
"We're going to be teaching them everything – combat orders, combat medical, map-reading, mounted patrols, dismounted patrols, weapons, rules of engagement, duties and responsibilities," said Master Sgt. Michael Howle, the new training facility's commandant. "The instructors who were selected are supposed to be some of the best NCOs we have here."
Preparations for the academy have been under way for about five weeks, and the NCOs have built the academy from the ground up.
"We started this from scratch, nada, zero," Howle said. "A month ago, we had eight empty tents. Now we have four sleep tents, three classrooms and an office tent. We've also set up a (squad training exercise) lane on a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of our perimeter road, and we're having a shoot house built."
The classes will be small at first, with 20 soldiers in each of three platoons, Howle said. Subsequent classes will be larger, with the largest number of attendees projected at 180. Six instructors will be assigned to each platoon.
"We're building this place up for the Iraqis to take it over," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Romine, the academy's chief of operations. "Out of every class, we'll take three outstanding students to stay here and teach."
Training Iraqis to take over is a driving force for the NCOs running and teaching at the academy.
"Since this project kicked off, everyone's picked up a whole lot," said Staff Sgt. Mark Hooks, one of the program's instructors. "They all know that if we pull this off, we can hand it over and get out of here quicker."
He and the other instructors realize that this goal may not come to fruition right away, but they are remaining optimistic.
"It's going to take time to get their NCOs to the level we're at," said medical instructor Sgt. 1st Class James Phillips, who volunteered to teach at the NCO Academy for that very reason. "The sooner we can get them trained to teach their own people, the sooner we can get out of here."
During their last week of preparation before the first Iraqi soldiers arrive, the academy staff has been conducting full-dress rehearsals, covering everything from physical training to classroom material. Multinational Division Center Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. paid a New Year's Day visit to the NCOs there to check on their progress.
"You're doing a great job; I couldn't be more pleased," Andrews told the soldiers. "I really appreciate the hard work and dedication you're putting in here."
The academy's cadre has been training hard to be able to effectively impart the knowledge and experience they've gained over their years as NCOs, and are looking forward to pointing their new students in the right direction.
"This is a good step for the Iraqi army," said instructor Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Newton. "Once they get their NCO corps established, they'll be much better off."
Andrews shared a similar sentiment. "Over the years, it has been acknowledged that the NCO corps is the backbone of our Army," Andrews said. "Once the Iraqi NCOs get that, they'll get a better grip on their worth. They've got the combat experience. Now they need the institutional knowledge. You've got to have both."
(Army Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft serves with the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - "No one is more professional than I," states the U.S. Army's NCO Creed, and noncommissioned officers here are gearing up to instill the same pride and professionalism in their Iraq counterparts. The Task Force Marne NCO Academy at FOB Kalsu will welcome its first class of Iraqi soldiers Jan. 14.
"We're going to be teaching them everything – combat orders, combat medical, map-reading, mounted patrols, dismounted patrols, weapons, rules of engagement, duties and responsibilities," said Master Sgt. Michael Howle, the new training facility's commandant. "The instructors who were selected are supposed to be some of the best NCOs we have here."
Preparations for the academy have been under way for about five weeks, and the NCOs have built the academy from the ground up.
"We started this from scratch, nada, zero," Howle said. "A month ago, we had eight empty tents. Now we have four sleep tents, three classrooms and an office tent. We've also set up a (squad training exercise) lane on a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of our perimeter road, and we're having a shoot house built."
The classes will be small at first, with 20 soldiers in each of three platoons, Howle said. Subsequent classes will be larger, with the largest number of attendees projected at 180. Six instructors will be assigned to each platoon.
"We're building this place up for the Iraqis to take it over," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Romine, the academy's chief of operations. "Out of every class, we'll take three outstanding students to stay here and teach."
Training Iraqis to take over is a driving force for the NCOs running and teaching at the academy.
"Since this project kicked off, everyone's picked up a whole lot," said Staff Sgt. Mark Hooks, one of the program's instructors. "They all know that if we pull this off, we can hand it over and get out of here quicker."
He and the other instructors realize that this goal may not come to fruition right away, but they are remaining optimistic.
"It's going to take time to get their NCOs to the level we're at," said medical instructor Sgt. 1st Class James Phillips, who volunteered to teach at the NCO Academy for that very reason. "The sooner we can get them trained to teach their own people, the sooner we can get out of here."
During their last week of preparation before the first Iraqi soldiers arrive, the academy staff has been conducting full-dress rehearsals, covering everything from physical training to classroom material. Multinational Division Center Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. paid a New Year's Day visit to the NCOs there to check on their progress.
"You're doing a great job; I couldn't be more pleased," Andrews told the soldiers. "I really appreciate the hard work and dedication you're putting in here."
The academy's cadre has been training hard to be able to effectively impart the knowledge and experience they've gained over their years as NCOs, and are looking forward to pointing their new students in the right direction.
"This is a good step for the Iraqi army," said instructor Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Newton. "Once they get their NCO corps established, they'll be much better off."
Andrews shared a similar sentiment. "Over the years, it has been acknowledged that the NCO corps is the backbone of our Army," Andrews said. "Once the Iraqi NCOs get that, they'll get a better grip on their worth. They've got the combat experience. Now they need the institutional knowledge. You've got to have both."
(Army Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft serves with the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Airmen in Afghanistan Honor Fallen Comrade
By Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - One airman's commitment to a fallen comrade came full circle Jan. 1 with the dedication of a road in his honor here. The newly-named "Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie Way" owes its existence to the efforts of Air Force Tech. Sgt. Blaine Arsenault of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. Arsenault once worked for Gillespie, a career fuels specialist who was killed July 9, 2007, by small-arms fire near Herat, Afghanistan.
"Sergeant Gillespie was my first supervisor," said Arsenault. "When I heard he died, I took it personally."
Shortly after the news reached him, Arsenault found himself deployed to Afghanistan. Following a conversation with another Gillespie co-worker, Senior Master Sgt. Dean Abbott, he had an idea.
"After Sergeant Abbott and I talked, I was walking down Disney Drive (named after the late Army Spc. Jason Disney) and I thought about the road being named for a fallen soldier," said Arsenault. "I knew they were building a new road by the fuel farm, and thought there was no better way to honor Sergeant Gillespie's memory than to name it after him."
After weeks of research and coordination, Arsenault's efforts resulted in the naming of the road, including the Jan. 1 unveiling of a sign proclaiming "Gillespie Way" during a ceremony in the fallen airman's honor.
"Master Sergeant Gillespie's memory will live on," Col. Barry Mines, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander, told the group gathered for the ceremony. "As our trucks drive around this fuel farm, the drivers will remember one of their very own fuels specialists who gave his life in the service of his country."
Abbott, who knew Gillespie for 14 years, said the fallen airman would have appreciated the efforts on his behalf.
"He would've loved it. He was a people person," Abbott said. "We as a people, a profession and an Air Force have lost a great human being. He was the whole package. He was all about helping, and he volunteered to come back to Afghanistan because he wanted to make a positive difference."
Admiring the new road after the ceremony, Arsenault summed up the legacy of his fallen comrade. "He was a mentor, a wingman, a leader and a warrior," he said. "He will not be forgotten."
(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith serves with 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - One airman's commitment to a fallen comrade came full circle Jan. 1 with the dedication of a road in his honor here. The newly-named "Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie Way" owes its existence to the efforts of Air Force Tech. Sgt. Blaine Arsenault of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. Arsenault once worked for Gillespie, a career fuels specialist who was killed July 9, 2007, by small-arms fire near Herat, Afghanistan.
"Sergeant Gillespie was my first supervisor," said Arsenault. "When I heard he died, I took it personally."
Shortly after the news reached him, Arsenault found himself deployed to Afghanistan. Following a conversation with another Gillespie co-worker, Senior Master Sgt. Dean Abbott, he had an idea.
"After Sergeant Abbott and I talked, I was walking down Disney Drive (named after the late Army Spc. Jason Disney) and I thought about the road being named for a fallen soldier," said Arsenault. "I knew they were building a new road by the fuel farm, and thought there was no better way to honor Sergeant Gillespie's memory than to name it after him."
After weeks of research and coordination, Arsenault's efforts resulted in the naming of the road, including the Jan. 1 unveiling of a sign proclaiming "Gillespie Way" during a ceremony in the fallen airman's honor.
"Master Sergeant Gillespie's memory will live on," Col. Barry Mines, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander, told the group gathered for the ceremony. "As our trucks drive around this fuel farm, the drivers will remember one of their very own fuels specialists who gave his life in the service of his country."
Abbott, who knew Gillespie for 14 years, said the fallen airman would have appreciated the efforts on his behalf.
"He would've loved it. He was a people person," Abbott said. "We as a people, a profession and an Air Force have lost a great human being. He was the whole package. He was all about helping, and he volunteered to come back to Afghanistan because he wanted to make a positive difference."
Admiring the new road after the ceremony, Arsenault summed up the legacy of his fallen comrade. "He was a mentor, a wingman, a leader and a warrior," he said. "He will not be forgotten."
(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith serves with 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Joshua R. Anderson, 24, of Jordan, Minn., died Jan 2 in Kamasia, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Pfc. Joshua R. Anderson, 24, of Jordan, Minn., died Jan 2 in Kamasia, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Maseth, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 2 of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 793-9966.
Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Maseth, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 2 of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 793-9966.
Afghan Forces Deliver Supplies to Orphans in Kandahar
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and coalition forces delivered more than a ton of food, clothes and toys to the nearly 380 children of Shahid Ali Ahad Khan Karzi Orphanage and school in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Dec. 30. The children, ranging in age from 6 to 13, received clothes and shoes to help them endure the harsh Afghan winter, as well as new toys, soccer balls and school supplies.
Afghan soldiers also provided rice, beans and cooking oil to the orphanage staff. The orphanage's principal said the supplies came at the right time, as the storage room was empty.
In addition to the toys, food and supplies, the children also received free medical care from Afghan security forces and coalition doctors and medics. With winter weather settling in, some of the children were treated for minor ailments, such as ear infections and other flu-like symptoms. The children also learned good hygiene habits to keep them healthy.
"This was an excellent opportunity to show the children that we are concerned for their well-being," an Afghan soldier can.
"I am very pleased with the help that you brought for the children," the orphanage principal said. "God bless your kindness."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Jan. 4, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and coalition forces delivered more than a ton of food, clothes and toys to the nearly 380 children of Shahid Ali Ahad Khan Karzi Orphanage and school in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Dec. 30. The children, ranging in age from 6 to 13, received clothes and shoes to help them endure the harsh Afghan winter, as well as new toys, soccer balls and school supplies.
Afghan soldiers also provided rice, beans and cooking oil to the orphanage staff. The orphanage's principal said the supplies came at the right time, as the storage room was empty.
In addition to the toys, food and supplies, the children also received free medical care from Afghan security forces and coalition doctors and medics. With winter weather settling in, some of the children were treated for minor ailments, such as ear infections and other flu-like symptoms. The children also learned good hygiene habits to keep them healthy.
"This was an excellent opportunity to show the children that we are concerned for their well-being," an Afghan soldier can.
"I am very pleased with the help that you brought for the children," the orphanage principal said. "God bless your kindness."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Friday, January 04, 2008
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan. 3 in As Sadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using small arms fire during combat operations. Both Soldiers were assigned to the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Killed were:
Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted, 37, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Cpt. Thomas J. Casey, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M.
For further information related to this release, contact Fort Riley public affairs at (785) 239-3410.
Killed were:
Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted, 37, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Cpt. Thomas J. Casey, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M.
For further information related to this release, contact Fort Riley public affairs at (785) 239-3410.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- January 4, 2008
Alameda County [California] shines in study on contagious disease response
“Most public health departments are not meeting U.S. guidelines for quickly handling cases of contagious diseases, and a good number are ignoring phone calls from doctors reporting possible outbreaks, according to a national study published Wednesday. The good news is that at least one [San Francisco] Bay Area agency - the Alameda County Public Health Department -was a top performer in the study. […] The Rand Corp. study tested the disease-reporting systems at 74 public health departments selected at random. Researchers found that two-thirds of health departments they surveyed did not return phone calls from doctors reporting possible outbreaks within the 30-minute window recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But more disturbing is that nearly 40 percent of the health departments never returned at least one phone call from a doctor reporting a possible outbreak.” (San Francisco Chronicle, 03Jan08, Erin Allday) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/03/BAU6U865B.DTL
The press release for the study is available at http://www.rand.org/news/press/2008/01/02/
Security Scares at US, UK, Israeli Posts [in Australia]
“The U.S., British and Israeli embassies each received packages containing a suspicious powder Wednesday, creating a security scare in which some staff was evacuated and police cordoned off nearby streets, police said. The powder proved to be harmless in each case, an Australian Federal Police spokesman said on condition of anonymity, citing police policy. Police would not detail their security response. They blocked traffic to the diplomatic precinct and a fire engine was sent to the scene.” (Google News, 03Jan08, AP) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jQ2t8wFJGIcAfN_0Gqu3HIymjDdAD8TTVST80
Hospital anthrax scare [in New Zealand]
“Powder used on New Zealand Post mail sorting machines could be the cause of a fourth anthrax scare in the Central North Island in a month. About 40 Rotorua Hospital staff working in the Edward Guy Building were evacuated when a white powder was found on the outside of an envelope yesterday. Three staff were decontaminated as a precaution.” (The Daily Post, 04Jan08, Matthew Martin) http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3759983&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Osiris Therapeutics Awarded Department of Defense Contract for Prochymal Fully Valued at $224.7 Million
“Osiris Therapeutics announced today that it has been awarded a $224.7 million contract, including purchase options, from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to develop and stockpile Prochymal, an adult stem cell therapy, for the repair of gastrointestinal injury resulting from radiation exposure. Under the terms of the contract, the DoD will provide funding to Osiris for the development of Prochymal for acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in two stages, with an initial amount of $4.2 million in 2008.” (FOX Business, 03Jan08, BusinessWire) http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/osiris-therapeutics-awarded-department-defense-contract-prochymaltm-fully_423618_10.html
A jihadi dirty bomb will be of Pak[istan] origin'
“A turmoil-hit Pakistan may stress that fears about its nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of Islamic extremists are ‘totally unfounded and nonsense’. But the scare is not so much about the safety of the actual nuclear weapons or warheads, as about radicals getting access to enriched uranium, nuclear components and know-how. ‘Attempts by Al-Qaida to acquire dirty bombs are quite well-established,’ said a senior official, who in the past has been linked with India's nuclear weapon programme.” (The Times of India; 01Jan08; Rajat Pandit, TNN) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/A_jihadi_dirty_bomb_will_be_of_Pak_origin/articleshow/2665894.cms
Special Fund Aids Albania-U.S. Munitions Destruction Project: Nonproliferation and disarmament successes registered around the world
“The recently completed U.S.-Albania munitions destruction project marked another success in the effort for disarmament and nonproliferation of weapons. […] The project was carried out under the auspices of the State Department’s Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF). It is one of many projects that the fund selectively tackles. Operating quietly since 1994, the fund tends to finance high-priority or especially difficult nonproliferation projects when money is unavailable through other agencies or departments that typically are involved in disarmament issues. A project could be undertaken in any corner of the world as long as it sets out to do the following: halt proliferation of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and associated technologies and delivery systems; destroy or neutralize existing conventional weapons or weapons of mass destruction, related materials and delivery systems; limit the spread of sophisticated conventional weapons and related technologies and delivery systems; and track, control and secure dangerous fissile or radiological materials or chemical agents and pathogens.” (U.S. Department of State,
03Jan08)
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2008&m=January&x=20071221160907sjhtrop0.2555811
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/research/cbw/index.htm
“Most public health departments are not meeting U.S. guidelines for quickly handling cases of contagious diseases, and a good number are ignoring phone calls from doctors reporting possible outbreaks, according to a national study published Wednesday. The good news is that at least one [San Francisco] Bay Area agency - the Alameda County Public Health Department -was a top performer in the study. […] The Rand Corp. study tested the disease-reporting systems at 74 public health departments selected at random. Researchers found that two-thirds of health departments they surveyed did not return phone calls from doctors reporting possible outbreaks within the 30-minute window recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But more disturbing is that nearly 40 percent of the health departments never returned at least one phone call from a doctor reporting a possible outbreak.” (San Francisco Chronicle, 03Jan08, Erin Allday) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/03/BAU6U865B.DTL
The press release for the study is available at http://www.rand.org/news/press/2008/01/02/
Security Scares at US, UK, Israeli Posts [in Australia]
“The U.S., British and Israeli embassies each received packages containing a suspicious powder Wednesday, creating a security scare in which some staff was evacuated and police cordoned off nearby streets, police said. The powder proved to be harmless in each case, an Australian Federal Police spokesman said on condition of anonymity, citing police policy. Police would not detail their security response. They blocked traffic to the diplomatic precinct and a fire engine was sent to the scene.” (Google News, 03Jan08, AP) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jQ2t8wFJGIcAfN_0Gqu3HIymjDdAD8TTVST80
Hospital anthrax scare [in New Zealand]
“Powder used on New Zealand Post mail sorting machines could be the cause of a fourth anthrax scare in the Central North Island in a month. About 40 Rotorua Hospital staff working in the Edward Guy Building were evacuated when a white powder was found on the outside of an envelope yesterday. Three staff were decontaminated as a precaution.” (The Daily Post, 04Jan08, Matthew Martin) http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3759983&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Osiris Therapeutics Awarded Department of Defense Contract for Prochymal Fully Valued at $224.7 Million
“Osiris Therapeutics announced today that it has been awarded a $224.7 million contract, including purchase options, from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to develop and stockpile Prochymal, an adult stem cell therapy, for the repair of gastrointestinal injury resulting from radiation exposure. Under the terms of the contract, the DoD will provide funding to Osiris for the development of Prochymal for acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in two stages, with an initial amount of $4.2 million in 2008.” (FOX Business, 03Jan08, BusinessWire) http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/osiris-therapeutics-awarded-department-defense-contract-prochymaltm-fully_423618_10.html
A jihadi dirty bomb will be of Pak[istan] origin'
“A turmoil-hit Pakistan may stress that fears about its nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of Islamic extremists are ‘totally unfounded and nonsense’. But the scare is not so much about the safety of the actual nuclear weapons or warheads, as about radicals getting access to enriched uranium, nuclear components and know-how. ‘Attempts by Al-Qaida to acquire dirty bombs are quite well-established,’ said a senior official, who in the past has been linked with India's nuclear weapon programme.” (The Times of India; 01Jan08; Rajat Pandit, TNN) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/A_jihadi_dirty_bomb_will_be_of_Pak_origin/articleshow/2665894.cms
Special Fund Aids Albania-U.S. Munitions Destruction Project: Nonproliferation and disarmament successes registered around the world
“The recently completed U.S.-Albania munitions destruction project marked another success in the effort for disarmament and nonproliferation of weapons. […] The project was carried out under the auspices of the State Department’s Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF). It is one of many projects that the fund selectively tackles. Operating quietly since 1994, the fund tends to finance high-priority or especially difficult nonproliferation projects when money is unavailable through other agencies or departments that typically are involved in disarmament issues. A project could be undertaken in any corner of the world as long as it sets out to do the following: halt proliferation of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and associated technologies and delivery systems; destroy or neutralize existing conventional weapons or weapons of mass destruction, related materials and delivery systems; limit the spread of sophisticated conventional weapons and related technologies and delivery systems; and track, control and secure dangerous fissile or radiological materials or chemical agents and pathogens.” (U.S. Department of State,
03Jan08)
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2008&m=January&x=20071221160907sjhtrop0.2555811
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/research/cbw/index.htm
Sewer Project Helps Eastern Baghdad Community Clean Up Streets
By Norris Jones
Special to American Forces Press Service
Thousands of families in eastern Baghdad soon will have their neighborhoods free of raw sewage in the streets. Iraqi construction workers are completing a $30 million sewer project in Kamaliya, southeast of Sadr City. About 36 miles of sewer pipe has been installed, and 10 pump stations were built, with the largest having the capacity to move more than 2,000 cubic meters of water per hour.
"Residents there appreciate the improvements taking place," said Iraqi engineer Mustafa Haddad, who works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "For over two years, we've been working on this project, and the community has been very supportive. They were using slit trenches and wading through raw sewage to get to their homes, a definite health risk."
Haddad is the deputy resident engineer of the corps' Loyalty Office, located south of Sadr City. More than 20 Iraqi engineers work out of the office, overseeing more than $125 million in infrastructure improvements in eastern Baghdad, including school and hospital renovations, electric network upgrades, road paving and new water-treatment facilities.
Haddad has put up with mortars, one of his fellow Iraqi engineers was gunned down after visiting a school project, other office workers have been injured, and he personally has been targeted by insurgents and had to move his family to a different area.
"We're here because we know how important this work is for our country and our people. Yes, it's a difficult time. But those in need are looking for help, and we're going to continue to do everything we can to offer it to them," he said. "Their streets will soon be dry and clean. People in Kamaliya are seeing significant signs of progress."
Haddad, 29, earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Baghdad's University of Technology.
"My family worries about me and the dangers I face, but they understand how important this work is," he said. "We need to keep making things better, and some day soon Iraq will turn the corner."
Apart from Kamaliya, Haddad is overseeing 20 other sewer projects in eastern Baghdad.
(Norris Jones is a public affairs officer with the Gulf Region Central district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in Iraq.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Thousands of families in eastern Baghdad soon will have their neighborhoods free of raw sewage in the streets. Iraqi construction workers are completing a $30 million sewer project in Kamaliya, southeast of Sadr City. About 36 miles of sewer pipe has been installed, and 10 pump stations were built, with the largest having the capacity to move more than 2,000 cubic meters of water per hour.
"Residents there appreciate the improvements taking place," said Iraqi engineer Mustafa Haddad, who works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "For over two years, we've been working on this project, and the community has been very supportive. They were using slit trenches and wading through raw sewage to get to their homes, a definite health risk."
Haddad is the deputy resident engineer of the corps' Loyalty Office, located south of Sadr City. More than 20 Iraqi engineers work out of the office, overseeing more than $125 million in infrastructure improvements in eastern Baghdad, including school and hospital renovations, electric network upgrades, road paving and new water-treatment facilities.
Haddad has put up with mortars, one of his fellow Iraqi engineers was gunned down after visiting a school project, other office workers have been injured, and he personally has been targeted by insurgents and had to move his family to a different area.
"We're here because we know how important this work is for our country and our people. Yes, it's a difficult time. But those in need are looking for help, and we're going to continue to do everything we can to offer it to them," he said. "Their streets will soon be dry and clean. People in Kamaliya are seeing significant signs of progress."
Haddad, 29, earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Baghdad's University of Technology.
"My family worries about me and the dangers I face, but they understand how important this work is," he said. "We need to keep making things better, and some day soon Iraq will turn the corner."
Apart from Kamaliya, Haddad is overseeing 20 other sewer projects in eastern Baghdad.
(Norris Jones is a public affairs officer with the Gulf Region Central district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in Iraq.)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Face of Defense: Soldier Honors Vietnam-Veteran Father
By Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Like any soldier, Army Pfc. Alexander Cesario always makes sure he has all his essential equipment before he goes "outside the wire." For Cesario, that means his weapon, radio and night vision goggles, as well as one special personal item: an American flag his father brought home from Vietnam. Cesario, a Somerville, N.J., native serving as a forward observer with 82nd Airborne Division's Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, has carried his father's flag with him on every mission since being deployed to Iraq a year ago.
The soldier's father, Adam, 61, acquired the flag when he was a young paratrooper serving in Vietnam. The elder Cesario never let a day go by without unfurling the flag, no matter where he was or what he was doing.
"(My dad) flew that flag every day, even if he had to put it up on a radio antenna," Cesario said.
At one point, a mission went wrong and Cesario's father was cut off from the rest of his platoon. For three days, he had to hack it out of the jungle alone, with the Viet Cong in hot pursuit. But even on the run, he still managed to raise the flag each day.
"He didn't stop moving at all for those three days, except to fly that flag," Cesario said.
When Cesario's father returned from the war, he put the flag into safekeeping. He was so protective of it that even family members were rarely allowed to handle it.
"It was like his prized possession," Cesario said.
Nothing could make the elder Cesario part with the flag until Alexander, 19, was deployed to Iraq this year. After he began patrolling the streets of Baghdad, Cesario decided he wanted to carry on his father's tradition. After some arm-twisting, he convinced his dad to mail him the flag.
The flag arrived with step-by-step instructions on how to take care of it, Cesario said. He recalled the final step with a laugh: "If you lose it, don't bother coming home."
Despite the threat of exile, Cesario takes the flag with him everywhere. It is his way of paying tribute to his father, he said.
"I wanted to honor him," Cesario said, "It meant a lot to him, and because of that, it means a lot to me."
The soldier keeps the flag tucked into the front flap of his body armor, close to his heart. He said he's looking forward to redeploying and returning the flag -- now a veteran of two wars -- to its rightful owner.
Cesario, who is single, said he would like to pass the flag on to his own son when he has one. There's only one problem.
"I'll have to pry it away from my dad first," he joked.
(Army Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor serves with 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Like any soldier, Army Pfc. Alexander Cesario always makes sure he has all his essential equipment before he goes "outside the wire." For Cesario, that means his weapon, radio and night vision goggles, as well as one special personal item: an American flag his father brought home from Vietnam. Cesario, a Somerville, N.J., native serving as a forward observer with 82nd Airborne Division's Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, has carried his father's flag with him on every mission since being deployed to Iraq a year ago.
The soldier's father, Adam, 61, acquired the flag when he was a young paratrooper serving in Vietnam. The elder Cesario never let a day go by without unfurling the flag, no matter where he was or what he was doing.
"(My dad) flew that flag every day, even if he had to put it up on a radio antenna," Cesario said.
At one point, a mission went wrong and Cesario's father was cut off from the rest of his platoon. For three days, he had to hack it out of the jungle alone, with the Viet Cong in hot pursuit. But even on the run, he still managed to raise the flag each day.
"He didn't stop moving at all for those three days, except to fly that flag," Cesario said.
When Cesario's father returned from the war, he put the flag into safekeeping. He was so protective of it that even family members were rarely allowed to handle it.
"It was like his prized possession," Cesario said.
Nothing could make the elder Cesario part with the flag until Alexander, 19, was deployed to Iraq this year. After he began patrolling the streets of Baghdad, Cesario decided he wanted to carry on his father's tradition. After some arm-twisting, he convinced his dad to mail him the flag.
The flag arrived with step-by-step instructions on how to take care of it, Cesario said. He recalled the final step with a laugh: "If you lose it, don't bother coming home."
Despite the threat of exile, Cesario takes the flag with him everywhere. It is his way of paying tribute to his father, he said.
"I wanted to honor him," Cesario said, "It meant a lot to him, and because of that, it means a lot to me."
The soldier keeps the flag tucked into the front flap of his body armor, close to his heart. He said he's looking forward to redeploying and returning the flag -- now a veteran of two wars -- to its rightful owner.
Cesario, who is single, said he would like to pass the flag on to his own son when he has one. There's only one problem.
"I'll have to pry it away from my dad first," he joked.
(Army Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor serves with 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.)
Troops Kill 2, Capture 21 in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed two suspected terrorists and detained 21 others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. In Kirkuk today, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an improvised explosive device cell leader for an Ansar al Sunna extremist group operating in the city.
Reports indicate the suspect commanded two brothers detained Dec. 31 by coalition forces for their role in IED attacks against troops. Ground forces detained the wanted individual's brother, who military officials said is a suspected terrorist.
During other operations today in Jalula, Samarra and north of Muqdadiyah, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists while targeting al Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in murder, intimidation and terrorist financing.
In Mosul yesterday, troops captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with an al Qaeda senior leader operating in northern Iraq. The suspect claims to have been involved in attacks against coalition forces and is associated with a foreign terrorist facilitator operating south of Baghdad who was detained Nov. 16, military officials said.
"Coalition forces are working to clear and hold areas where terrorists think they can hide," said Navy Lt. Patrick Evans, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to take the fight to al Qaeda, diminishing their ability to attack innocent civilians."
In Baqouba on Jan. 1, Stryker Brigade soldiers killed two enemy fighters and detained seven. Three of the detainees are known members of an IED cell operating in the area, military officials said.
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., conducted the raid in the Baqouba suburb of Burhitz.
"It was a successful operation in that we captured seven detainees, and when we were engaged by anti-coalition forces, our soldiers returned fire and were able to ward off the attack, killing two of the enemy," said Army Capt. Philip Mundweil, the company commander. "The soldiers performed spectacularly in accordance with their training, and the information we gain from the detainees will undoubtedly lead to follow on information that allows us to kill or capture more al Qaeda in Iraq in the future."
Elsewhere in Iraq on Jan. 1, Multinational Division North soldiers received a report that an ambush in Salahuddin province killed one Iraqi police officer and injured six others, including the Salam Iraqi police commander. The report added that three Iraqi National Police officers also were injured in the attack.
Coalition forces evacuated six of the injured to a local hospital and three others to a Multinational Division North medical treatment facility, officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Division North news releases.)
Jan. 3, 2008 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed two suspected terrorists and detained 21 others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. In Kirkuk today, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an improvised explosive device cell leader for an Ansar al Sunna extremist group operating in the city.
Reports indicate the suspect commanded two brothers detained Dec. 31 by coalition forces for their role in IED attacks against troops. Ground forces detained the wanted individual's brother, who military officials said is a suspected terrorist.
During other operations today in Jalula, Samarra and north of Muqdadiyah, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists while targeting al Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in murder, intimidation and terrorist financing.
In Mosul yesterday, troops captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with an al Qaeda senior leader operating in northern Iraq. The suspect claims to have been involved in attacks against coalition forces and is associated with a foreign terrorist facilitator operating south of Baghdad who was detained Nov. 16, military officials said.
"Coalition forces are working to clear and hold areas where terrorists think they can hide," said Navy Lt. Patrick Evans, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue to take the fight to al Qaeda, diminishing their ability to attack innocent civilians."
In Baqouba on Jan. 1, Stryker Brigade soldiers killed two enemy fighters and detained seven. Three of the detainees are known members of an IED cell operating in the area, military officials said.
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., conducted the raid in the Baqouba suburb of Burhitz.
"It was a successful operation in that we captured seven detainees, and when we were engaged by anti-coalition forces, our soldiers returned fire and were able to ward off the attack, killing two of the enemy," said Army Capt. Philip Mundweil, the company commander. "The soldiers performed spectacularly in accordance with their training, and the information we gain from the detainees will undoubtedly lead to follow on information that allows us to kill or capture more al Qaeda in Iraq in the future."
Elsewhere in Iraq on Jan. 1, Multinational Division North soldiers received a report that an ambush in Salahuddin province killed one Iraqi police officer and injured six others, including the Salam Iraqi police commander. The report added that three Iraqi National Police officers also were injured in the attack.
Coalition forces evacuated six of the injured to a local hospital and three others to a Multinational Division North medical treatment facility, officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Division North news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Brian L. Gorham, 21, of Woodburn, Ky., died Dec. 31 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered on Dec. 12 in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Pfc. Brian L. Gorham, 21, of Woodburn, Ky., died Dec. 31 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered on Dec. 12 in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Shawn F. Hill, 37, of Wellford, S.C., died Jan. 2 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 178th Engineer Battalion, 218th Infantry Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, Rock Hill, S.C.
For more information media may contact the South Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (803) 806-4327.
Sgt. Shawn F. Hill, 37, of Wellford, S.C., died Jan. 2 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 178th Engineer Battalion, 218th Infantry Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, Rock Hill, S.C.
For more information media may contact the South Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (803) 806-4327.
Afghan Troops Disarm Roadside Bombs, Save Lives
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Afghan national security forces saved the lives of Afghan civilians and coalition forces when they found two improvised explosive devices placed on commonly used routes in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, military officials reported today. During a security patrol to provide medical and humanitarian aid to villagers in the area, Afghan National Army soldiers assigned to 205th Corps discovered an IED placed along a village roadway very near a mosque. The soldiers immediately secured the site and detained a suspect for questioning.
They also warned a coalition convoy on the same road of the danger ahead and prevented them from hitting the IED.
"If the ANA soldiers had not alerted us, we would have hit the IED," a commander from the coalition convoy said. "Their actions saved our lives and the lives of the villagers who regularly use the road to get to the mosque."
After the Afghan soldiers disabled the IED, they investigated the surrounding area and found a wire leading to the mosque, where an insurgent intended to detonate the bomb.
With the IED removed and the site safe, Afghan and coalition forces continued their mission until the Afghan-led convoy found another IED in the roadway. The second IED was in an area overlooking a village known for insurgent activity. Afghan army engineers destroyed the mine, protecting villagers who could have inadvertently set off the bomb.
"The ANA is a national institution that grows stronger every day," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Their actions continue to save the lives of countless civilians and coalition forces. Their capability to provide security in areas where insurgents are active is a testament to their bravery and capability."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Jan. 3, 2008 - Afghan national security forces saved the lives of Afghan civilians and coalition forces when they found two improvised explosive devices placed on commonly used routes in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, military officials reported today. During a security patrol to provide medical and humanitarian aid to villagers in the area, Afghan National Army soldiers assigned to 205th Corps discovered an IED placed along a village roadway very near a mosque. The soldiers immediately secured the site and detained a suspect for questioning.
They also warned a coalition convoy on the same road of the danger ahead and prevented them from hitting the IED.
"If the ANA soldiers had not alerted us, we would have hit the IED," a commander from the coalition convoy said. "Their actions saved our lives and the lives of the villagers who regularly use the road to get to the mosque."
After the Afghan soldiers disabled the IED, they investigated the surrounding area and found a wire leading to the mosque, where an insurgent intended to detonate the bomb.
With the IED removed and the site safe, Afghan and coalition forces continued their mission until the Afghan-led convoy found another IED in the roadway. The second IED was in an area overlooking a village known for insurgent activity. Afghan army engineers destroyed the mine, protecting villagers who could have inadvertently set off the bomb.
"The ANA is a national institution that grows stronger every day," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Their actions continue to save the lives of countless civilians and coalition forces. Their capability to provide security in areas where insurgents are active is a testament to their bravery and capability."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Afghan Forces Provide Medical Aid to Villagers
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and Public Health Ministry personnel, assisted by coalition forces, treated 56 Afghan citizens Dec. 30 at the Khas Village clinic in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. More than 5,000 Afghans have received medical care at the clinic since it opened a year ago. The clinic originally opened in a smaller structure, but soon required a larger facility to handle the number of patients and the higher standard of care patients needed, officials said. The Public Health Ministry built a larger structure with an operating room, X-ray room and pharmacy.
The medical staff was increased to handle the larger patient load, enhancing care provided to villagers throughout the district. A woman doctor, who has delivered six babies in the past year, was added to the clinic staff to treat women. Villagers have responded positively to the addition, officials said.
Afghan National Army doctors and medics staff the clinic six days a week with help from three coalition force doctors and medics from a nearby combined military outpost. The teamwork creates an environment for the doctors and medics to learn from and mentor each other.
"We are grateful that we can learn together and discuss techniques and different approaches to medicine," an Afghan National Army medic said.
Some patients require more comprehensive medical care than is available at the clinic. Over the past year, Afghan and coalition doctors have worked together to move 20 patients needing a higher level of care to more advanced medical facilities in other parts of the country.
"News about the care we provide has reached many tribes and villages," a coalition medic said. "The Afghan citizens are allowing us to deliver their babies, which is a sign that they trust the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide for their welfare, whereas the Taliban can't and won't."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Jan. 3, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and Public Health Ministry personnel, assisted by coalition forces, treated 56 Afghan citizens Dec. 30 at the Khas Village clinic in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. More than 5,000 Afghans have received medical care at the clinic since it opened a year ago. The clinic originally opened in a smaller structure, but soon required a larger facility to handle the number of patients and the higher standard of care patients needed, officials said. The Public Health Ministry built a larger structure with an operating room, X-ray room and pharmacy.
The medical staff was increased to handle the larger patient load, enhancing care provided to villagers throughout the district. A woman doctor, who has delivered six babies in the past year, was added to the clinic staff to treat women. Villagers have responded positively to the addition, officials said.
Afghan National Army doctors and medics staff the clinic six days a week with help from three coalition force doctors and medics from a nearby combined military outpost. The teamwork creates an environment for the doctors and medics to learn from and mentor each other.
"We are grateful that we can learn together and discuss techniques and different approaches to medicine," an Afghan National Army medic said.
Some patients require more comprehensive medical care than is available at the clinic. Over the past year, Afghan and coalition doctors have worked together to move 20 patients needing a higher level of care to more advanced medical facilities in other parts of the country.
"News about the care we provide has reached many tribes and villages," a coalition medic said. "The Afghan citizens are allowing us to deliver their babies, which is a sign that they trust the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide for their welfare, whereas the Taliban can't and won't."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Reno S. Lacerna, 44, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31, 2007 in Al Qayyarah, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 87th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart Public Affairs at (912) 767-2479.
Sgt. Reno S. Lacerna, 44, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31, 2007 in Al Qayyarah, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 87th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart Public Affairs at (912) 767-2479.
Street Lights Restore Iraqis' Sense of Safety
By Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - With small additions like street lights, a sense of safety is returning to the streets of two Iraqi communities. More than a month after street lights were installed in Arab Jabour and Buaytha, south of Baghdad, local citizens and soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Stewart, Ga., are enjoying the peace of mind the lights have brought to the area.
Yassin Majid Yassin, a member of the concerned local citizens group that helps to provide security in Arab Jabour, said the street lights are just the first step in securing the night. He said he hopes that in time, he and his fellow citizens will be able to take on a larger role in securing their neighborhoods at night, for a role now performed largely by soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.
Army Spc. Dwight Arceneaux, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, said the street lights have made night patrols a little safer, because anyone out after dark now is easily identifiable, a fact that Yassin and his fellow concerned citizens find comforting. Arceneaux added that the lights also help him and his fellow soldiers recognize which vehicles should or shouldn't be out on roads after curfew.
Yassin agreed with Arceneaux, adding that nighttime visibility also has meant that roads can stay open in the daytime, as those who would plant roadside bombs no longer have darkness to hide their activities.
"If you were to ask all the people around here, they would tell you the same thing: The lights have made things safer," he said.
As coalition forces push further south into areas where al Qaeda has been pushed, concerned local citizens like Yassin will take on a larger role in defending their communities, military officials said.
(Army Sgt. Luis Delgadillo serves with 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - With small additions like street lights, a sense of safety is returning to the streets of two Iraqi communities. More than a month after street lights were installed in Arab Jabour and Buaytha, south of Baghdad, local citizens and soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Stewart, Ga., are enjoying the peace of mind the lights have brought to the area.
Yassin Majid Yassin, a member of the concerned local citizens group that helps to provide security in Arab Jabour, said the street lights are just the first step in securing the night. He said he hopes that in time, he and his fellow citizens will be able to take on a larger role in securing their neighborhoods at night, for a role now performed largely by soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.
Army Spc. Dwight Arceneaux, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, said the street lights have made night patrols a little safer, because anyone out after dark now is easily identifiable, a fact that Yassin and his fellow concerned citizens find comforting. Arceneaux added that the lights also help him and his fellow soldiers recognize which vehicles should or shouldn't be out on roads after curfew.
Yassin agreed with Arceneaux, adding that nighttime visibility also has meant that roads can stay open in the daytime, as those who would plant roadside bombs no longer have darkness to hide their activities.
"If you were to ask all the people around here, they would tell you the same thing: The lights have made things safer," he said.
As coalition forces push further south into areas where al Qaeda has been pushed, concerned local citizens like Yassin will take on a larger role in defending their communities, military officials said.
(Army Sgt. Luis Delgadillo serves with 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Face of Defense: Combat Medic Places Mission First
By Pfc. Samantha Schutz, USA
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Today's Army is an interdependent network of soldiers who are as unique as the jobs they do, with more than 150 military occupational specialties available to choose from. When a unit deploys to a combat zone, the soldiers within it depend on each other more than ever, along with their occupational knowledge, to keep operations running smoothly. Army Staff Sgt. Craig Sotebeer, a native of Port Angeles, Wash., and an emergency care medic with Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, said he has numerous duties both in the United States and while deployed, and that he takes all of them seriously.
While his primary job as a medic is taking care of sick and injured troops, Sotebeer also maintains the troop's gun trucks and ambulances, which are the primary evacuation vehicles used when a convoy encounters an emergency.
"I go out on convoys more than any other medic in the troop," Sotebeer said, noting he serves as the combat medic for a Stryker team mission two or three times per week. Each group of three or more vehicles must include a medical vehicle.
It is extremely important for combat medics to check the vehicles and equipment daily in preparation for each mission, Sotebeer said.
When Sotebeer isn't treating the troops, preparing for missions, or out on a convoy, he spends a lot of time helping to add on to the three-year-old building that serves as the 2nd Stryker Regiment's Troop Medical Clinic. In the four months since he arrived in Iraq, Sotebeer has added a deck, some doors and a television cabinet to the clinic, and has made some repairs. But construction is not one of his hobbies when he's not deployed, the soldier noted. Rather, he said, he enjoys just spending time with his family. Sotebeer has two sons and a daughter -- David, Luka and Ella -- with his wife of seven years, Dragana.
"Unfortunately, we're getting used to me being deployed," he said.
During the 11 years Sotebeer has been in the Army, he has been deployed three times. But that doesn't mean he's out of touch with his family, he said. He receives mail almost daily, whether it's a care package or a home video via e-mail.
"Personally, I have to keep myself really busy," the medic said. "I don't take a lot of days off. That would just give me more time to think about missing my kids."
Officially, Sotebeer works a 12-hour shift seven days a week, but he said he often stays at the clinic up to two hours after his work shift ends. In addition to the long hours of scheduled duty, combat medics are constantly on call in case of emergency. With the stress from long work hours in a combat environment, Sotebeer said, he has found it works best to "pace yourself."
"Don't try to be too 'gung-ho' right off the bat; pace your energy levels and your work schedule," Sotebeer said he tells newly-deployed soldiers. "Otherwise, you'll run out of steam."
Long Island, N.Y., native Army Maj. John McMurray, commander of the Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, described Sotebeer as "a true leader of soldiers."
"He not only has my full trust, but -- more importantly -- he has the full trust of his soldiers," McMurray said. "He has trained them to be confident, technically proficient and capable medics."
The soldiers who work at the clinic under Sotebeer's guidance have a noticeable amount of respect for him and his knowledge, and he is always busy because he truly understands his duties, McMurray said.
As busy as Sotebeer keeps himself, he said, he is grateful this tour in Iraq has been stable so far. During his last deployment, five of Sotebeer's close friends were killed in action.
"This time it's been good. Last time was pretty chaotic," he added. He said he prayed for a safe tour and is getting it thus far.
(Army Pfc. Samantha Schutz serves with 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.)
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Today's Army is an interdependent network of soldiers who are as unique as the jobs they do, with more than 150 military occupational specialties available to choose from. When a unit deploys to a combat zone, the soldiers within it depend on each other more than ever, along with their occupational knowledge, to keep operations running smoothly. Army Staff Sgt. Craig Sotebeer, a native of Port Angeles, Wash., and an emergency care medic with Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, said he has numerous duties both in the United States and while deployed, and that he takes all of them seriously.
While his primary job as a medic is taking care of sick and injured troops, Sotebeer also maintains the troop's gun trucks and ambulances, which are the primary evacuation vehicles used when a convoy encounters an emergency.
"I go out on convoys more than any other medic in the troop," Sotebeer said, noting he serves as the combat medic for a Stryker team mission two or three times per week. Each group of three or more vehicles must include a medical vehicle.
It is extremely important for combat medics to check the vehicles and equipment daily in preparation for each mission, Sotebeer said.
When Sotebeer isn't treating the troops, preparing for missions, or out on a convoy, he spends a lot of time helping to add on to the three-year-old building that serves as the 2nd Stryker Regiment's Troop Medical Clinic. In the four months since he arrived in Iraq, Sotebeer has added a deck, some doors and a television cabinet to the clinic, and has made some repairs. But construction is not one of his hobbies when he's not deployed, the soldier noted. Rather, he said, he enjoys just spending time with his family. Sotebeer has two sons and a daughter -- David, Luka and Ella -- with his wife of seven years, Dragana.
"Unfortunately, we're getting used to me being deployed," he said.
During the 11 years Sotebeer has been in the Army, he has been deployed three times. But that doesn't mean he's out of touch with his family, he said. He receives mail almost daily, whether it's a care package or a home video via e-mail.
"Personally, I have to keep myself really busy," the medic said. "I don't take a lot of days off. That would just give me more time to think about missing my kids."
Officially, Sotebeer works a 12-hour shift seven days a week, but he said he often stays at the clinic up to two hours after his work shift ends. In addition to the long hours of scheduled duty, combat medics are constantly on call in case of emergency. With the stress from long work hours in a combat environment, Sotebeer said, he has found it works best to "pace yourself."
"Don't try to be too 'gung-ho' right off the bat; pace your energy levels and your work schedule," Sotebeer said he tells newly-deployed soldiers. "Otherwise, you'll run out of steam."
Long Island, N.Y., native Army Maj. John McMurray, commander of the Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, described Sotebeer as "a true leader of soldiers."
"He not only has my full trust, but -- more importantly -- he has the full trust of his soldiers," McMurray said. "He has trained them to be confident, technically proficient and capable medics."
The soldiers who work at the clinic under Sotebeer's guidance have a noticeable amount of respect for him and his knowledge, and he is always busy because he truly understands his duties, McMurray said.
As busy as Sotebeer keeps himself, he said, he is grateful this tour in Iraq has been stable so far. During his last deployment, five of Sotebeer's close friends were killed in action.
"This time it's been good. Last time was pretty chaotic," he added. He said he prayed for a safe tour and is getting it thus far.
(Army Pfc. Samantha Schutz serves with 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.)
Three Suspects Killed, 33 Detained in Iraq Operations
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 33 suspects in operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq this week. North of Jalula today, forces captured a suspect wanted for aiding foreign terrorists in Kirkuk, killing three and wounding another during the operation. Forces also captured three other suspects there.
Today in Samarra, forces captured a suspect wanted for propaganda operations and detained another suspect in a separate operation nearby. And in the Adhamiyah area, forces detained a suspect wanted for training terrorists.
In the northeastern Diyala River Valley region yesterday, forces captured four people suspected of an execution-style killing.
In Dec. 31 operations, forces captured 21 suspects targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq:
-- In Kirkuk, forces captured two suspects wanted for bomb attacks. The two, believed to be brothers, are suspected of involvement in the Ansar al Sunna network operating there.
-- Nearby, forces captured another wanted suspect believed to be an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network operating in the Kirkuk province. They also captured another suspect in the same operation.
-- South of Samarra, forces caught five people suspected of helping foreign terrorists there. Forces also detained 12 suspects in Mosul.
-- A car-bomb explosion at a checkpoint near Mushada killed two members of a concerned local citizens group and wounded two others. Two more are missing, officials said.
In earlier operations:
-- Forces found and destroyed a weapons cache south of Baghdad, and concerned local citizens turned in another cache in Hawr Rajab on Dec. 29. In both caches, forces found mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and bomb-making materials.
-- Forces captured three suspected extremists Dec. 28 after receiving a tip from a local citizen in southeastern Baghdad. The suspects were detained for questioning.
-- In Baghdad, soldiers rescued a kidnap victim in western Rashid on Dec. 26. Forces also found rockets and about 8 pounds of homemade explosives.
-- Also Dec. 26, two suspects were detained for suspicious activity near Jisr Diyala on a road frequently used by coalition forces. One later admitted to placing an improvised explosive device on the road. Forces, however, searched the area and did not find a bomb.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Jan. 2, 2008 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 33 suspects in operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq this week. North of Jalula today, forces captured a suspect wanted for aiding foreign terrorists in Kirkuk, killing three and wounding another during the operation. Forces also captured three other suspects there.
Today in Samarra, forces captured a suspect wanted for propaganda operations and detained another suspect in a separate operation nearby. And in the Adhamiyah area, forces detained a suspect wanted for training terrorists.
In the northeastern Diyala River Valley region yesterday, forces captured four people suspected of an execution-style killing.
In Dec. 31 operations, forces captured 21 suspects targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq:
-- In Kirkuk, forces captured two suspects wanted for bomb attacks. The two, believed to be brothers, are suspected of involvement in the Ansar al Sunna network operating there.
-- Nearby, forces captured another wanted suspect believed to be an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network operating in the Kirkuk province. They also captured another suspect in the same operation.
-- South of Samarra, forces caught five people suspected of helping foreign terrorists there. Forces also detained 12 suspects in Mosul.
-- A car-bomb explosion at a checkpoint near Mushada killed two members of a concerned local citizens group and wounded two others. Two more are missing, officials said.
In earlier operations:
-- Forces found and destroyed a weapons cache south of Baghdad, and concerned local citizens turned in another cache in Hawr Rajab on Dec. 29. In both caches, forces found mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and bomb-making materials.
-- Forces captured three suspected extremists Dec. 28 after receiving a tip from a local citizen in southeastern Baghdad. The suspects were detained for questioning.
-- In Baghdad, soldiers rescued a kidnap victim in western Rashid on Dec. 26. Forces also found rockets and about 8 pounds of homemade explosives.
-- Also Dec. 26, two suspects were detained for suspicious activity near Jisr Diyala on a road frequently used by coalition forces. One later admitted to placing an improvised explosive device on the road. Forces, however, searched the area and did not find a bomb.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Afghan Forces Free Village From Insurgent Control
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Afghan national security forces liberated the village of Yakhdan, in the Shahidi Hasas district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province, from insurgent control Dec. 31, coalition military officials reported. The Shahidi Hasas district reportedly serves as a major corridor for transporting fighters and weapons between the provinces to the north and south of Oruzgan. Insurgents are suspected of using Yakhdan as a major command and control hub for illegal activities, officials said.
Afghan National Army soldiers led the multiday operation, along with Afghan National Police and coalition forces.
In other operations that day, coalition and Afghan forces killed several militants and found a weapons cache in raids targeting Taliban extremist operations in Helmand province.
Forces searched compounds in the Nahr Surkh district looking for militants associated with Taliban extremists and foreign-fighter facilitators. During the search, several militants were killed in an attack against coalition and Afghan forces. No exact number of militants killed was reported. Forces found a weapons cache with several AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Jan. 2, 2008 - Afghan national security forces liberated the village of Yakhdan, in the Shahidi Hasas district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province, from insurgent control Dec. 31, coalition military officials reported. The Shahidi Hasas district reportedly serves as a major corridor for transporting fighters and weapons between the provinces to the north and south of Oruzgan. Insurgents are suspected of using Yakhdan as a major command and control hub for illegal activities, officials said.
Afghan National Army soldiers led the multiday operation, along with Afghan National Police and coalition forces.
In other operations that day, coalition and Afghan forces killed several militants and found a weapons cache in raids targeting Taliban extremist operations in Helmand province.
Forces searched compounds in the Nahr Surkh district looking for militants associated with Taliban extremists and foreign-fighter facilitators. During the search, several militants were killed in an attack against coalition and Afghan forces. No exact number of militants killed was reported. Forces found a weapons cache with several AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Iraq Bombing Underscores Need to Pressure al Qaeda, General Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Yesterday's suicide bombing at a Baghdad funeral highlights the need to keep up the pressure on al Qaeda in Iraq, a senior U.S. military officer said today. The al Qaeda attack "is further evidence of the nature of these extremists," Army Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. More than 30 Iraqis died in the blast, which injured nearly 35 others, according to news reports.
Bergner condemned the "barbaric" attack, noting it personifies al Qaeda's indiscriminate violence and the group's corrupt, extremist ideology that targets the innocent.
The Baghdad bombing, the general said, underscores the need to apply "continuous and persistent pressure" against al Qaeda and other terror groups that operate in Iraq.
Working toward that purpose, coalition and Iraqi security forces have killed or captured 51 al Qaeda in Iraq leaders, Bergner said. Ten of the most significant of these deceased or detained insurgent leaders were involved in weapons trafficking, murder, foreign-terrorist facilitation, hijacking, finances, bomb making and other activities, Bergner said.
Bergner also praised the tens of thousands of Iraqi citizen volunteers who have joined in the fight against al Qaeda.
"Together with the Iraqi security forces and this new group of leaders, we will continue to pursue those who terrorize the Iraqi people," Bergner said. "We know it will continue to be a tough fight and one that will test the courage and the strength of the Iraqi people, the Iraqi forces, and the coalition forces."
Bergner praised the Iraqi people and their military and police forces for "standing up" and rejecting extremists like al Qaeda.
In 2007, surge-reinforced coalition troops and Iraqi citizens' groups, soldiers and police pushed al Qaeda operatives out of Baghdad and Iraq's Anbar province, Bergner said.
"It has been a year of very tough fighting," Bergner observed, noting that offense-minded U.S. troops often paid a price when attacking dug-in enemy fighters.
Coalition forces in Iraq "have pursued the enemy in places which had become safe havens and operating bases," Bergner explained. Al Qaeda forces, he noted, often were ensconced in hard-to-attack defensive positions.
"So, the year that we have seen a significant amount of progress is also a year that has involved an enormous amount of sacrifice," Bergner said.
At the start of a new year, Bergner predicted more battles ahead for U.S. forces in Iraq.
"All of us start this year with the full understanding that this is still a tough fight. It will continue to be a tough fight," Bergner said.
U.S. forces in Iraq will face that challenge teamed with increasing numbers of capable Iraqi soldiers and police, as well as additional concerned-citizen groups that have sworn to fight al Qaeda, Bergner said.
In 2008, "we will see increasing commitment and involvement" against al Qaeda by the Iraqi military and police forces and the Iraqi people, the general predicted.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Yesterday's suicide bombing at a Baghdad funeral highlights the need to keep up the pressure on al Qaeda in Iraq, a senior U.S. military officer said today. The al Qaeda attack "is further evidence of the nature of these extremists," Army Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. More than 30 Iraqis died in the blast, which injured nearly 35 others, according to news reports.
Bergner condemned the "barbaric" attack, noting it personifies al Qaeda's indiscriminate violence and the group's corrupt, extremist ideology that targets the innocent.
The Baghdad bombing, the general said, underscores the need to apply "continuous and persistent pressure" against al Qaeda and other terror groups that operate in Iraq.
Working toward that purpose, coalition and Iraqi security forces have killed or captured 51 al Qaeda in Iraq leaders, Bergner said. Ten of the most significant of these deceased or detained insurgent leaders were involved in weapons trafficking, murder, foreign-terrorist facilitation, hijacking, finances, bomb making and other activities, Bergner said.
Bergner also praised the tens of thousands of Iraqi citizen volunteers who have joined in the fight against al Qaeda.
"Together with the Iraqi security forces and this new group of leaders, we will continue to pursue those who terrorize the Iraqi people," Bergner said. "We know it will continue to be a tough fight and one that will test the courage and the strength of the Iraqi people, the Iraqi forces, and the coalition forces."
Bergner praised the Iraqi people and their military and police forces for "standing up" and rejecting extremists like al Qaeda.
In 2007, surge-reinforced coalition troops and Iraqi citizens' groups, soldiers and police pushed al Qaeda operatives out of Baghdad and Iraq's Anbar province, Bergner said.
"It has been a year of very tough fighting," Bergner observed, noting that offense-minded U.S. troops often paid a price when attacking dug-in enemy fighters.
Coalition forces in Iraq "have pursued the enemy in places which had become safe havens and operating bases," Bergner explained. Al Qaeda forces, he noted, often were ensconced in hard-to-attack defensive positions.
"So, the year that we have seen a significant amount of progress is also a year that has involved an enormous amount of sacrifice," Bergner said.
At the start of a new year, Bergner predicted more battles ahead for U.S. forces in Iraq.
"All of us start this year with the full understanding that this is still a tough fight. It will continue to be a tough fight," Bergner said.
U.S. forces in Iraq will face that challenge teamed with increasing numbers of capable Iraqi soldiers and police, as well as additional concerned-citizen groups that have sworn to fight al Qaeda, Bergner said.
In 2008, "we will see increasing commitment and involvement" against al Qaeda by the Iraqi military and police forces and the Iraqi people, the general predicted.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- January 2, 2008
Researchers turn anthrax toxin into a cancer killer
“Researchers have developed a mutated anthrax toxin, which may have implications as an effective cancer therapy. Researchers at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology created a mutated antrax toxin, which could kill tumour cells in mice. In the study, Stephen Leppla and colleagues showed that [a]nthrax toxin was fairly selective in targeting melanoma cells, even though the risk of non-cancer toxicity prevents any clinical use.” (DailyIndia.com, 30Dec07, Asian News
International)
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/203751.php/Researchers-turn-anthrax-toxin-into-a-cancer-killer
Schott Secures Research Funding To Improve Glass Packaging For Vaccines And Drugs “The U.S. Department of Defense, along with Congressman Tim Holden [of Pennsylvania], announced that SCHOTT North America has been awarded an appropriation of $800,000 in federal funding, which Congressman Holden inserted into the Defense Appropriations Bill. The funding will allow SCHOTT to conduct research into the interaction between biotherapeutic drugs and glass packaging. Currently, such interactions can lead to drug loss due to adsorption, aggregation and precipitation, which diminishes the effectiveness of these drugs. One goal of the research is to improve the government's ability to stockpile ready-to-inject vaccines and treatments, and thus speed its response to bioterror attacks and pandemics.” (Glass on Web, 24Dec07) http://www.glassonweb.com/news/index/7093/
Bush surprises Congress with veto of Pentagon operations bill
“President Bush dealt Congress an unexpected setback Friday, announcing he would veto the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, which includes some key amendments affecting the Pueblo Chemical Depot and the Army's plan to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The White House and Congress have battled for two months over federal spending bills for 2008, finally settling on a $550 billion ‘omnibus’ budget package that Bush grudgingly signed this week. The president had not signaled any opposition to the Defense Authorization Act, which gives legislative approval - but not dollars - to Pentagon operations next year. Bush surprised lawmakers Friday by saying he would veto the defense measure because the Iraqi government had protested some of its provisions […]” (The Pueblo Chieftain, 29Dec07, Peter Roper)
http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1198913436/1
Depot disposes of final 160-gallon VX spray tank
“The Umatilla Chemical Depot [in Oregon] destroyed the last of 156 VX-filled spray tanks Monday afternoon. The event marked the end of all VX spray tanks not just at the depot but in the whole United States' stockpile. Each tank was 15-and-a-half feet long and contained 160 gallons of VX agent, a terribly toxic oily nerve agent. The spray tanks were significantly larger than other chemical munitions and could mount on military aircraft for aerial disbursement of the agent. Depot workers Thursday transported the tanks on flatbed trailers from depot storage to the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Crews there destroyed the final tank at about 2:40 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Depot spokesman Bruce Henrickson said the destruction means ‘another entire category of chemical munitions is now completely gone from America's stockpile.’” (Chemical Weapons Working Group, 27Dec07, The East Oregonian) http://cwwg.org/eo12.27.07.html
India committed to destroying chemical weapons stockpile by 2009
“India has destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical weapons stockpile and is committed to eliminating the balance by 2009, an authoritative journal says. 'By the end of 2006, India had destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical weapons/material stockpile. India had asked for and was granted extension for destroying (the remaining stocks by April 2009) and is expected to achieve 100 percent destruction within this timeframe,' CBW Magazine says.” (Earthtimes.org, 30Dec07, IANS) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/166306.html
Radioactive waste: Without action, Virginia will have to dispose of its own
“Virginia may be a net importer of ordinary garbage, but it sends out its own really nasty stuff. […] While Virginia takes in other states' coffee grounds and leftover two-by-fours, it exports its low-level radioactive waste. A lot of it: According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, only eight states disposed of more in the most recent year for which data are available, 2000. Among the sources: hospitals and medical research facilities, labs, nuclear power plants, shipyards that build nuclear vessels. The materials include things like contaminated clothing and rags, carcasses of lab animals, even cast-off smoke alarms. […] But Virginia may not be exporting its radioactive waste much longer. The South Carolina landfill to which much of it has been going will stop taking it as of July 1. […] What will Virginia do with its nuclear leftovers? It doesn't have a landfill licensed to take them. […] And just think of the implications of storing radioactive material on as many as 200 sites, on university campuses, at hospitals, industrial and office complexes in Virginia. It might not be well secured or properly packaged. It might be stuck in a storeroom and forgotten until someone who doesn't know what it is — or how to handle it — encounters it. It might become the target of terrorists looking for material to build a ‘dirty bomb.’” (dailypress.com, 30Dec07) http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-ed_nukewaste_edit_1230dec30,0,6481483.story
Survey Reveals Nuclear Terrorism is America's Top Fear
“The Saga Foundation today announced the results of a survey which revealed the top fear of Americans is nuclear terrorism. An overwhelming 74 percent of Americans believe that a successful terrorist attack on U.S. soil is likely to happen. Half (49 percent) believe an attack will include some sort of a nuclear device. Those stark findings were revealed by a nationwide survey and in a series of focus group sessions conducted for the Saga Foundation by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. […] In fact, nearly 50 percent of Americans fear al Qaeda acquiring a nuclear bomb more than they fear states that already have the bomb, including potential rogue nations with nuclear ambitions such as North Korea and Iran.”
(Earthtimes.org, 02Jan08, The Saga Foundation) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,248695.shtml
What About the Nukes? Despite its claims, Pakistan's nuclear weapons are vulnerable “The assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto reminds us starkly of an unanswered question most of us would prefer to forget: how secure are Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Could Al Qaeda or another terrorist group acquire a warhead or enough radioactive material to create a dirty bomb? […] A witch's brew that includes political instability, a burgeoning Islamic insurgency, a demoralized army and an intensely anti-American population, puts Pakistan's nuclear weapons at risk. Washington and Islamabad have offered soothing reassurances, suggesting that some technical and procedural safeguard like a ‘kill switch’ separates the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons from the stability of the state. As recently as November, Musharraf told reporters that Pakistan's custodial arrangements for nuclear weapons and material are ‘the best in the world’ and that so long as he is in power ‘Pakistan's nuclear weapons will be safe.’” (Newsweek, 28Dec07, Graham Allison) http://www.newsweek.com/id/82259/output/print
AMC [Air Force Materiel Command] wins homeland security challenge “Air Force Materiel Command came out on top in an Air Force-wide competition that tested different commands’ ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare threats. In six scenarios — including one in which a vehicle-borne ‘dirty bomb’ detonates and causes mock casualties — teams from eight Air Force major commands were evaluated over one week starting Dec. 10. Another exercise had teams competing to identify chemical and biological samples. Air Force Materiel Command beat out teams from Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Space Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. An Air National Guard team also participated and received a team spirit award.”
(Air Force Times, 29Dec07)
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/airforce_competition_071229w/
S.J. [San Joaquin County, California] getting $1.5M for emergency response
“The outside of the motor-home conversion that serves as the mobile vehicle for Stockton Fire Department's hazardous-materials response team gleams red and white like a fire engine. On the inside, instead of a fold-out bed and a mini-fridge stocked with junk food, this RV is full of industrial-sized stoppers to plug up gas leaks, glassware straight out of a chemistry lab and full-body suits designed to keep the wearer safe from dangerous chemicals and - at least for a little while - radiation from a ‘dirty’ bomb. In short, this is not your grandpa's Winnebago. Much of the equipment was bought through federal grants to emergency crews following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more high- and low-tech equipment is on the way in the latest package of grants - about $1.5 million worth - awarded to bolster emergency response all across San Joaquin County.”
(Stockton Record, 29Dec07, Zachary K. Johnson)
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071229/A_NEWS/712290323
Israel Wins [Hypothetical] ‘Nuke War’
“A doomsday war between nuclear-armed adversaries Iran and Israel would kill up to 28 million Iranians and destroy their nation, but the Jewish state might survive, according to a prestigious US think tank. The nightmare ‘what if?’ scenario concluded that Israel's state-of-the-art missile defense would intercept most of Iran's nuclear-tipped missiles.
That would limit Israel's deaths to as ‘few’ as 200,000 - while its much more numerous and more powerful nukes would obliterate Iran, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies. […] If Syria joined its ally Iran in a wider war, it could attack Israel with mustard gas, nerve agents and anthrax in non-nuclear warheads. That could kill another 800,000 Israelis, but in response, up to 18 million Syrians would die, the study found.” (New York Post, 25Dec07, Andy Soltis) http://www.nypost.com/seven/12252007/news/worldnews/israel_wins_nuke_war_446018.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
“Researchers have developed a mutated anthrax toxin, which may have implications as an effective cancer therapy. Researchers at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology created a mutated antrax toxin, which could kill tumour cells in mice. In the study, Stephen Leppla and colleagues showed that [a]nthrax toxin was fairly selective in targeting melanoma cells, even though the risk of non-cancer toxicity prevents any clinical use.” (DailyIndia.com, 30Dec07, Asian News
International)
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/203751.php/Researchers-turn-anthrax-toxin-into-a-cancer-killer
Schott Secures Research Funding To Improve Glass Packaging For Vaccines And Drugs “The U.S. Department of Defense, along with Congressman Tim Holden [of Pennsylvania], announced that SCHOTT North America has been awarded an appropriation of $800,000 in federal funding, which Congressman Holden inserted into the Defense Appropriations Bill. The funding will allow SCHOTT to conduct research into the interaction between biotherapeutic drugs and glass packaging. Currently, such interactions can lead to drug loss due to adsorption, aggregation and precipitation, which diminishes the effectiveness of these drugs. One goal of the research is to improve the government's ability to stockpile ready-to-inject vaccines and treatments, and thus speed its response to bioterror attacks and pandemics.” (Glass on Web, 24Dec07) http://www.glassonweb.com/news/index/7093/
Bush surprises Congress with veto of Pentagon operations bill
“President Bush dealt Congress an unexpected setback Friday, announcing he would veto the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, which includes some key amendments affecting the Pueblo Chemical Depot and the Army's plan to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The White House and Congress have battled for two months over federal spending bills for 2008, finally settling on a $550 billion ‘omnibus’ budget package that Bush grudgingly signed this week. The president had not signaled any opposition to the Defense Authorization Act, which gives legislative approval - but not dollars - to Pentagon operations next year. Bush surprised lawmakers Friday by saying he would veto the defense measure because the Iraqi government had protested some of its provisions […]” (The Pueblo Chieftain, 29Dec07, Peter Roper)
http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1198913436/1
Depot disposes of final 160-gallon VX spray tank
“The Umatilla Chemical Depot [in Oregon] destroyed the last of 156 VX-filled spray tanks Monday afternoon. The event marked the end of all VX spray tanks not just at the depot but in the whole United States' stockpile. Each tank was 15-and-a-half feet long and contained 160 gallons of VX agent, a terribly toxic oily nerve agent. The spray tanks were significantly larger than other chemical munitions and could mount on military aircraft for aerial disbursement of the agent. Depot workers Thursday transported the tanks on flatbed trailers from depot storage to the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Crews there destroyed the final tank at about 2:40 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Depot spokesman Bruce Henrickson said the destruction means ‘another entire category of chemical munitions is now completely gone from America's stockpile.’” (Chemical Weapons Working Group, 27Dec07, The East Oregonian) http://cwwg.org/eo12.27.07.html
India committed to destroying chemical weapons stockpile by 2009
“India has destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical weapons stockpile and is committed to eliminating the balance by 2009, an authoritative journal says. 'By the end of 2006, India had destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical weapons/material stockpile. India had asked for and was granted extension for destroying (the remaining stocks by April 2009) and is expected to achieve 100 percent destruction within this timeframe,' CBW Magazine says.” (Earthtimes.org, 30Dec07, IANS) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/166306.html
Radioactive waste: Without action, Virginia will have to dispose of its own
“Virginia may be a net importer of ordinary garbage, but it sends out its own really nasty stuff. […] While Virginia takes in other states' coffee grounds and leftover two-by-fours, it exports its low-level radioactive waste. A lot of it: According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, only eight states disposed of more in the most recent year for which data are available, 2000. Among the sources: hospitals and medical research facilities, labs, nuclear power plants, shipyards that build nuclear vessels. The materials include things like contaminated clothing and rags, carcasses of lab animals, even cast-off smoke alarms. […] But Virginia may not be exporting its radioactive waste much longer. The South Carolina landfill to which much of it has been going will stop taking it as of July 1. […] What will Virginia do with its nuclear leftovers? It doesn't have a landfill licensed to take them. […] And just think of the implications of storing radioactive material on as many as 200 sites, on university campuses, at hospitals, industrial and office complexes in Virginia. It might not be well secured or properly packaged. It might be stuck in a storeroom and forgotten until someone who doesn't know what it is — or how to handle it — encounters it. It might become the target of terrorists looking for material to build a ‘dirty bomb.’” (dailypress.com, 30Dec07) http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-ed_nukewaste_edit_1230dec30,0,6481483.story
Survey Reveals Nuclear Terrorism is America's Top Fear
“The Saga Foundation today announced the results of a survey which revealed the top fear of Americans is nuclear terrorism. An overwhelming 74 percent of Americans believe that a successful terrorist attack on U.S. soil is likely to happen. Half (49 percent) believe an attack will include some sort of a nuclear device. Those stark findings were revealed by a nationwide survey and in a series of focus group sessions conducted for the Saga Foundation by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. […] In fact, nearly 50 percent of Americans fear al Qaeda acquiring a nuclear bomb more than they fear states that already have the bomb, including potential rogue nations with nuclear ambitions such as North Korea and Iran.”
(Earthtimes.org, 02Jan08, The Saga Foundation) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,248695.shtml
What About the Nukes? Despite its claims, Pakistan's nuclear weapons are vulnerable “The assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto reminds us starkly of an unanswered question most of us would prefer to forget: how secure are Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Could Al Qaeda or another terrorist group acquire a warhead or enough radioactive material to create a dirty bomb? […] A witch's brew that includes political instability, a burgeoning Islamic insurgency, a demoralized army and an intensely anti-American population, puts Pakistan's nuclear weapons at risk. Washington and Islamabad have offered soothing reassurances, suggesting that some technical and procedural safeguard like a ‘kill switch’ separates the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons from the stability of the state. As recently as November, Musharraf told reporters that Pakistan's custodial arrangements for nuclear weapons and material are ‘the best in the world’ and that so long as he is in power ‘Pakistan's nuclear weapons will be safe.’” (Newsweek, 28Dec07, Graham Allison) http://www.newsweek.com/id/82259/output/print
AMC [Air Force Materiel Command] wins homeland security challenge “Air Force Materiel Command came out on top in an Air Force-wide competition that tested different commands’ ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare threats. In six scenarios — including one in which a vehicle-borne ‘dirty bomb’ detonates and causes mock casualties — teams from eight Air Force major commands were evaluated over one week starting Dec. 10. Another exercise had teams competing to identify chemical and biological samples. Air Force Materiel Command beat out teams from Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Space Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. An Air National Guard team also participated and received a team spirit award.”
(Air Force Times, 29Dec07)
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/airforce_competition_071229w/
S.J. [San Joaquin County, California] getting $1.5M for emergency response
“The outside of the motor-home conversion that serves as the mobile vehicle for Stockton Fire Department's hazardous-materials response team gleams red and white like a fire engine. On the inside, instead of a fold-out bed and a mini-fridge stocked with junk food, this RV is full of industrial-sized stoppers to plug up gas leaks, glassware straight out of a chemistry lab and full-body suits designed to keep the wearer safe from dangerous chemicals and - at least for a little while - radiation from a ‘dirty’ bomb. In short, this is not your grandpa's Winnebago. Much of the equipment was bought through federal grants to emergency crews following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more high- and low-tech equipment is on the way in the latest package of grants - about $1.5 million worth - awarded to bolster emergency response all across San Joaquin County.”
(Stockton Record, 29Dec07, Zachary K. Johnson)
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071229/A_NEWS/712290323
Israel Wins [Hypothetical] ‘Nuke War’
“A doomsday war between nuclear-armed adversaries Iran and Israel would kill up to 28 million Iranians and destroy their nation, but the Jewish state might survive, according to a prestigious US think tank. The nightmare ‘what if?’ scenario concluded that Israel's state-of-the-art missile defense would intercept most of Iran's nuclear-tipped missiles.
That would limit Israel's deaths to as ‘few’ as 200,000 - while its much more numerous and more powerful nukes would obliterate Iran, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies. […] If Syria joined its ally Iran in a wider war, it could attack Israel with mustard gas, nerve agents and anthrax in non-nuclear warheads. That could kill another 800,000 Israelis, but in response, up to 18 million Syrians would die, the study found.” (New York Post, 25Dec07, Andy Soltis) http://www.nypost.com/seven/12252007/news/worldnews/israel_wins_nuke_war_446018.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
First FOIA Reform Bill In More Than A Decade Becomes Law
January 2, 2008 - In one of his last decisions of the year on Monday, December 31, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reform bill (S. 2488). The bill, the OPEN Government Act of 2007, was passed unanimously by both the House and the Senate in December. The new law aims to fix some of the most persistent problems in the FOIA system, including excessive delay, lack of responsiveness, and litigation gamesmanship by federal agencies.
The OPEN Government Act mandates tracking numbers for FOIA requests that take longer than 10 days to process to ensure they will no longer fall through the cracks and provides incentives to agencies to avoid litigation and processing delays. For the first time, there will be a penalty for agencies who do not comply with the FOIA's time limits. The new law also requires agencies to report more accurately to Congress and the public on their FOIA programs and creates the Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives to mediate conflicts between agencies and requesters and review agency FOIA performance.
In addition, the law codifies the definition currently used by most courts to determine which requesters are considered representatives of the news media and therefore entitled to reduced processing fees. However, this provision is unlikely to change the status of bloggers and some other freelance journalists who do not qualify for news media treatment under existing law. S. 2488 also includes a provision requiring agencies to inform requesters about the amount of information redacted from documents released under FOIA and the exemption justifying each deletion.
"Our six government-wide audits of FOIA performance show that these bipartisan changes to the Freedom of Information Act are common sense solutions," remarked Meredith Fuchs, general counsel of the National Security Archive. "This bill establishes tracking systems for FOIA requests like FedEx uses for packages, actually penalizes agencies for the first time for delays that our audits found could reach 20 years, and sets up an office to mediate disputes as an alternative to litigation."
"This is the bill that President Bush wrote an executive order to try to prevent," said Tom Blanton, director of the Archive, referring to E.O. 13392 (December 14, 2005), which called for a "citizen-centered and results-oriented approach" to FOIA, established Chief FOIA Officers at each of 92 major agencies, and required agencies to evaluate their FOIA programs and draft improvement plans. President Bush signed the bill without comment after unanimous approval in Congress.
"Congress has acted to improve the FOIA for the first time in more than a decade, since the electronic FOIA amendments of 1996, but Congressional and public oversight will be essential for the law's success," Blanton noted. "Our Knight Open Government Survey in 2007 found that only one in five federal agencies fully complied with the 1996 law, even after 10 years of implementation."
Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.
http://www.nsarchive.org
The OPEN Government Act mandates tracking numbers for FOIA requests that take longer than 10 days to process to ensure they will no longer fall through the cracks and provides incentives to agencies to avoid litigation and processing delays. For the first time, there will be a penalty for agencies who do not comply with the FOIA's time limits. The new law also requires agencies to report more accurately to Congress and the public on their FOIA programs and creates the Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives to mediate conflicts between agencies and requesters and review agency FOIA performance.
In addition, the law codifies the definition currently used by most courts to determine which requesters are considered representatives of the news media and therefore entitled to reduced processing fees. However, this provision is unlikely to change the status of bloggers and some other freelance journalists who do not qualify for news media treatment under existing law. S. 2488 also includes a provision requiring agencies to inform requesters about the amount of information redacted from documents released under FOIA and the exemption justifying each deletion.
"Our six government-wide audits of FOIA performance show that these bipartisan changes to the Freedom of Information Act are common sense solutions," remarked Meredith Fuchs, general counsel of the National Security Archive. "This bill establishes tracking systems for FOIA requests like FedEx uses for packages, actually penalizes agencies for the first time for delays that our audits found could reach 20 years, and sets up an office to mediate disputes as an alternative to litigation."
"This is the bill that President Bush wrote an executive order to try to prevent," said Tom Blanton, director of the Archive, referring to E.O. 13392 (December 14, 2005), which called for a "citizen-centered and results-oriented approach" to FOIA, established Chief FOIA Officers at each of 92 major agencies, and required agencies to evaluate their FOIA programs and draft improvement plans. President Bush signed the bill without comment after unanimous approval in Congress.
"Congress has acted to improve the FOIA for the first time in more than a decade, since the electronic FOIA amendments of 1996, but Congressional and public oversight will be essential for the law's success," Blanton noted. "Our Knight Open Government Survey in 2007 found that only one in five federal agencies fully complied with the 1996 law, even after 10 years of implementation."
Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.
http://www.nsarchive.org
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr., 21, of Chelsea, Ala., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr., 21, of Chelsea, Ala., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The incident is under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Afghan Province Provides Safety for Pakistani Refugees
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Security has improved so much in Afghanistan's Khowst province that Pakistani families are taking refuge there, officials said today. A year ago, the province -- on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan -- was one of the most dangerous in the country. Now, between 300 and 400 Pakistani families fleeing violence in Pakistan following former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination Dec. 27 have taken refuge in Khowst, Gov. Arsala Jamal said today.
Jamal and Army Col. Martin Schweitzer, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, spoke to Pentagon reporters via video teleconference from Forward Operating Base Salerno.
Jamal stressed that the families moving into his province are not Afghan refugees who lived in Pakistan, but rather are Pakistani citizens. Some 2.5 million Afghans lived in camps in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation and subsequent civil war.
"They are Pakistani nationals, and they're living with Afghans," Jamal said. "We have not created a separate camp for them, because they knew these Afghan families. And they are staying with Afghan families because Afghan families lived with them before."
Jamal and Schweitzer said the counterinsurgency strategy in place in the province has made the difference in security. The coalition stopped focusing on the enemy as the center of gravity and started focusing on the people of Afghanistan, the colonel said.
"Once that architecture was put in place, it wasn't a surprise that the people of Afghanistan started to choose their district and central government as the better way of life than the Taliban," Schweitzer said.
The sanctuaries and safe havens that Taliban and al Qaeda used are no longer able to operate. In Khowst, the level of cross-border attacks has dropped 70 percent, the colonel said. Overall, the number of direct-fire incidents in the province has dropped almost 42 percent.
The security has improved all aspects of life. Only 21 trucks went through the province's Ghazni district in May 2006. Last month, more than 8,000 trucks plied the same routes, Schweitzer said.
The population is seeing the change and is supporting the government, the colonel said, with the Afghan National Army as the main catalyst. The army is the most respected national organization in the country, he said, and is in the lead through all of the six provinces centered around Khowst. Some 5,500 Afghan soldiers are patrolling in the province. Only six years ago, there was only one battalion in the entire Afghan army, he noted.
The counterinsurgency strategy is based on separating the enemy from the people and then "getting government down there to the people, synchronizing the entire (non-governmental organization) and international community and the assets that we have, to be able to provide effects through the Afghan decision cycle on what they need to better their districts, their provinces and their governments," the colonel said. "And the Afghan government is becoming the answer for more Afghan citizens each day."
Jamal said the Afghan security forces, the coalition and civil administration are working together as a team.
"This team believes that the war we have here in Afghanistan and also in Khowst is the war of winning minds and hearts, and it ... cannot be won by military means alone, but it has to be coupled with other efforts, like development and listening to the people," he said. "That's why during 2007 the focus was on people and the people who are ... in the center of our efforts, balancing development, security and reaching to the people."
Jamal said the province is a model for the rest of Afghanistan. "This model can be copied in other areas of Afghanistan, provided adequate and continuous financial resources are available, and this is coupled with military and security operations targeting towards creating Afghan ownership, leadership and also finally building Afghan institutions," he said.
Though the province has had a remarkable transformation in a year, Schweitzer said, everyone understands there is a long way to go. International efforts are important to continued progress, he said, and the province needs help with land and natural resources development.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Security has improved so much in Afghanistan's Khowst province that Pakistani families are taking refuge there, officials said today. A year ago, the province -- on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan -- was one of the most dangerous in the country. Now, between 300 and 400 Pakistani families fleeing violence in Pakistan following former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination Dec. 27 have taken refuge in Khowst, Gov. Arsala Jamal said today.
Jamal and Army Col. Martin Schweitzer, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, spoke to Pentagon reporters via video teleconference from Forward Operating Base Salerno.
Jamal stressed that the families moving into his province are not Afghan refugees who lived in Pakistan, but rather are Pakistani citizens. Some 2.5 million Afghans lived in camps in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation and subsequent civil war.
"They are Pakistani nationals, and they're living with Afghans," Jamal said. "We have not created a separate camp for them, because they knew these Afghan families. And they are staying with Afghan families because Afghan families lived with them before."
Jamal and Schweitzer said the counterinsurgency strategy in place in the province has made the difference in security. The coalition stopped focusing on the enemy as the center of gravity and started focusing on the people of Afghanistan, the colonel said.
"Once that architecture was put in place, it wasn't a surprise that the people of Afghanistan started to choose their district and central government as the better way of life than the Taliban," Schweitzer said.
The sanctuaries and safe havens that Taliban and al Qaeda used are no longer able to operate. In Khowst, the level of cross-border attacks has dropped 70 percent, the colonel said. Overall, the number of direct-fire incidents in the province has dropped almost 42 percent.
The security has improved all aspects of life. Only 21 trucks went through the province's Ghazni district in May 2006. Last month, more than 8,000 trucks plied the same routes, Schweitzer said.
The population is seeing the change and is supporting the government, the colonel said, with the Afghan National Army as the main catalyst. The army is the most respected national organization in the country, he said, and is in the lead through all of the six provinces centered around Khowst. Some 5,500 Afghan soldiers are patrolling in the province. Only six years ago, there was only one battalion in the entire Afghan army, he noted.
The counterinsurgency strategy is based on separating the enemy from the people and then "getting government down there to the people, synchronizing the entire (non-governmental organization) and international community and the assets that we have, to be able to provide effects through the Afghan decision cycle on what they need to better their districts, their provinces and their governments," the colonel said. "And the Afghan government is becoming the answer for more Afghan citizens each day."
Jamal said the Afghan security forces, the coalition and civil administration are working together as a team.
"This team believes that the war we have here in Afghanistan and also in Khowst is the war of winning minds and hearts, and it ... cannot be won by military means alone, but it has to be coupled with other efforts, like development and listening to the people," he said. "That's why during 2007 the focus was on people and the people who are ... in the center of our efforts, balancing development, security and reaching to the people."
Jamal said the province is a model for the rest of Afghanistan. "This model can be copied in other areas of Afghanistan, provided adequate and continuous financial resources are available, and this is coupled with military and security operations targeting towards creating Afghan ownership, leadership and also finally building Afghan institutions," he said.
Though the province has had a remarkable transformation in a year, Schweitzer said, everyone understands there is a long way to go. International efforts are important to continued progress, he said, and the province needs help with land and natural resources development.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Face of Defense: Airmen Augment Soldiers for Medevac Missions
By Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Days after deploying here, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Thackery saw firsthand the cost of the Taliban's war on the Afghan people and responded as he was trained -- by saving lives. On Oct. 13, about a week after his arrival, the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron medic and Hamilton, Va., native was on alert when the call came. A suicide bombing had resulted in a large number of casualties. While two other squadron medics, Air Force Tech. Sgts. David Denton and Nicholas Falcon, flew out to the scene on Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters, Thackery flew out on one of the squadron's HH-60 Pave Hawks.
"I treated four patients in the course of two missions; all were critical," he said. "We had everything from fractures and shrapnel wounds to cardiac arrests."
Since February 2006, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, like those assigned to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, have been flying alongside Army aircraft to help provide medical evacuation throughout Afghanistan. Although it's a new mission for the Air Force, the skills of airmen like Thackery have made them critical to its success.
"During a mission, my training sets in, and I start doing triage in my head. I work on one patient while I'm thinking about how I'll treat the other," said Thackery, who deployed from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. "I don't think about what I've been through until afterward."
For medics like Thackery, whose experiences are with the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation mission, medevac is something entirely new. While medevac missions move patients via helicopter from the point of injury, where they are often in critical condition, to a nearby medical facility, aeromedical evacuation missions usually fly stabilized patients aboard fixed-wing aircraft from a medical facility to a higher level of care.
Typical aeromedical evacuation missions can have anywhere from one to three nurses and between two and four medical technicians. If a patient is in critical condition, with burns or breathing trouble, a critical-care transport team is added to the flight. Such teams usually consist of a doctor, a nurse and a respiratory technician. Things are far different on medevac missions.
"On our missions, we are the only medical provider on the aircraft," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Crain, a Riverview, Fla., native deployed to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron from the 622nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. "Between us and the rest of the crew, we are the critical care team for the patient, and we can make the difference whether the patient makes it to the next level of care or dies."
Crain, a firefighter/paramedic with the Hillsborough County, Fla., Fire Rescue Department, said the nature of the mission -- sometimes flying directly into harm's way to pick up patients from the battlefield -- means additional responsibilities for the medics.
"We're not just medics; we're part of the crew," Crain said. "We're always alert for danger and looking around until we get to the scene."
That shared responsibility and interaction among the entire crew -- medics, pilots, flight engineer, aerial gunners and the maintainers back at the base -- is just one part of what Thackery calls "the wheel," in which each person is a spoke that helps ensure the entire mission turns properly.
"For a lot of our maintainers, it's a race to see who can get out to the helicopter first when the call to launch comes," said Air Force Master Sgt. Sean Siegal, the squadron's maintenance production superintendent, a Moreno Valley, Calif., native, deployed from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. "The person who launches it gets to paint a green foot on the door representing the 'save' when it returns."
Despite the dusty Kandahar weather, which makes maintaining the Pave Hawks a tough job, Siegal said, he and his maintainers are glad to be part of the mission. "We work hard, but you don't hear many complaints. When we look back, we'll be proud of what we did here."
Although the medevac mission is still fairly recent for the Air Force, most among the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron find the challenges rewarding. "Most of the missions are very challenging because of the terrain, weather and low illumination," flight engineer Staff Sgt. Zachary Gyokeres, a Farmington Hills, Mich., native who deployed with the squadron from its home station at Kadena Air Base, said, noting many missions are flown at night. "Every time you go out, it is something different, but it's rewarding to help someone who's injured and needs your help."
Despite the rewards, the nature of the mission means that airmen often are exposed to the harsh results of the Taliban's violent extremism, both against coalition forces and the Afghan people. However, the camaraderie shared by this close-knit unit helps them keep a balanced perspective and maintain their focus on the mission.
"It's part of our daily life," Thackery said. "But we talk about it among ourselves, and it helps. The people we work with are extremely professional, and our motivation is to help get patients safely back to their families. It's a noble thing, and it is the high point of my career."
(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Days after deploying here, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Thackery saw firsthand the cost of the Taliban's war on the Afghan people and responded as he was trained -- by saving lives. On Oct. 13, about a week after his arrival, the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron medic and Hamilton, Va., native was on alert when the call came. A suicide bombing had resulted in a large number of casualties. While two other squadron medics, Air Force Tech. Sgts. David Denton and Nicholas Falcon, flew out to the scene on Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters, Thackery flew out on one of the squadron's HH-60 Pave Hawks.
"I treated four patients in the course of two missions; all were critical," he said. "We had everything from fractures and shrapnel wounds to cardiac arrests."
Since February 2006, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, like those assigned to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, have been flying alongside Army aircraft to help provide medical evacuation throughout Afghanistan. Although it's a new mission for the Air Force, the skills of airmen like Thackery have made them critical to its success.
"During a mission, my training sets in, and I start doing triage in my head. I work on one patient while I'm thinking about how I'll treat the other," said Thackery, who deployed from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. "I don't think about what I've been through until afterward."
For medics like Thackery, whose experiences are with the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation mission, medevac is something entirely new. While medevac missions move patients via helicopter from the point of injury, where they are often in critical condition, to a nearby medical facility, aeromedical evacuation missions usually fly stabilized patients aboard fixed-wing aircraft from a medical facility to a higher level of care.
Typical aeromedical evacuation missions can have anywhere from one to three nurses and between two and four medical technicians. If a patient is in critical condition, with burns or breathing trouble, a critical-care transport team is added to the flight. Such teams usually consist of a doctor, a nurse and a respiratory technician. Things are far different on medevac missions.
"On our missions, we are the only medical provider on the aircraft," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Crain, a Riverview, Fla., native deployed to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron from the 622nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. "Between us and the rest of the crew, we are the critical care team for the patient, and we can make the difference whether the patient makes it to the next level of care or dies."
Crain, a firefighter/paramedic with the Hillsborough County, Fla., Fire Rescue Department, said the nature of the mission -- sometimes flying directly into harm's way to pick up patients from the battlefield -- means additional responsibilities for the medics.
"We're not just medics; we're part of the crew," Crain said. "We're always alert for danger and looking around until we get to the scene."
That shared responsibility and interaction among the entire crew -- medics, pilots, flight engineer, aerial gunners and the maintainers back at the base -- is just one part of what Thackery calls "the wheel," in which each person is a spoke that helps ensure the entire mission turns properly.
"For a lot of our maintainers, it's a race to see who can get out to the helicopter first when the call to launch comes," said Air Force Master Sgt. Sean Siegal, the squadron's maintenance production superintendent, a Moreno Valley, Calif., native, deployed from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. "The person who launches it gets to paint a green foot on the door representing the 'save' when it returns."
Despite the dusty Kandahar weather, which makes maintaining the Pave Hawks a tough job, Siegal said, he and his maintainers are glad to be part of the mission. "We work hard, but you don't hear many complaints. When we look back, we'll be proud of what we did here."
Although the medevac mission is still fairly recent for the Air Force, most among the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron find the challenges rewarding. "Most of the missions are very challenging because of the terrain, weather and low illumination," flight engineer Staff Sgt. Zachary Gyokeres, a Farmington Hills, Mich., native who deployed with the squadron from its home station at Kadena Air Base, said, noting many missions are flown at night. "Every time you go out, it is something different, but it's rewarding to help someone who's injured and needs your help."
Despite the rewards, the nature of the mission means that airmen often are exposed to the harsh results of the Taliban's violent extremism, both against coalition forces and the Afghan people. However, the camaraderie shared by this close-knit unit helps them keep a balanced perspective and maintain their focus on the mission.
"It's part of our daily life," Thackery said. "But we talk about it among ourselves, and it helps. The people we work with are extremely professional, and our motivation is to help get patients safely back to their families. It's a noble thing, and it is the high point of my career."
(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Coalition Troops in Iraq Capture Insurgent Leader
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a suspected insurgent leader during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Husseiniyah area, military officials reported. The detainee reportedly is a terrorist recruiter for Karbala province. He also allegedly facilitated terrorists' training in constructing roadside bombs, as well as operational and computer security.
A large amount of U.S. currency was seized during the operation.
"Coalition and Iraqi security forces are disrupting and dismantling the networks that threaten the ability to provide safety and security for the Iraqi people," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
Earlier, coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 14 suspects during anti-al Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq that began Dec. 29 and ended yesterday.
Coalition forces swept the Muqdadiyah area yesterday and targeted alleged associates of insurgents killed during Dec. 29 operations. Coalition forces killed two armed suspects who fired on them.
Coalition forces found two weapons caches, including 10 rifles, eight grenades, four military-style assault vests with 20 loaded magazines, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and rocket propellant. One of the armed men was wearing a suicide vest. Seven suspected terrorists also were detained during the operation.
Farther north in Mosul yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected al Qaeda terrorists.
North of Muqdadiyah on Dec. 29, coalition forces targeted associates of the al Qaeda network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley. One armed terrorists was killed early during the operation.
Coalition forces then continued on and were engaged by enemy fire. The ground force returned fire, killing three more terrorists. While clearing the area, the ground force discovered numerous weapons, including several machine guns, military-style assault vests and magazines, improvised explosive devices, and a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and rounds. In addition to the weapons, coalition forces safely destroyed a vehicle used for terrorist activity.
Also, coalition forces captured a wanted individual during a Dec. 29 raid west of Mahmudiyah. The detainee reportedly is a leader in the city's al Qaeda cell who also established a training center for female suicide bomber in Yusufiyah.
"Iraqi and coalition forces are focused on clearing and holding areas where terrorists think they can hide," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Together, we are disrupting terrorist operations and working to improve safety and security for Iraqi citizens."
In other Dec. 29 Iraq operations, coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 34 suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
-- North of Tikrit, coalition forces targeted an associate of the al Qaeda network in Kirkuk province. The targeted individual was reported to be a terrorist financial and supply specialist. When coalition forces arrived in the operations area they called for the suspects to come out of a building. The coalition force was then fired upon, and air support was called in. Three terrorists were killed during the engagement. As the ground force cleared the area, they found a suicide belt and vest and numerous weapons.
-- In another operation north of Tikrit, coalition forces captured an individual believed to be a member of the al Qaeda network. The detainee also is allegedly associated with the al Qaeda cell in Samarra. Six other suspects also were detained during the operation.
-- West of Tarmiyah, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a close associate of the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised-explosive-device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and facilitating foreign terrorists. The ground force detained 21 other suspected terrorists during the series of operations. Coalition forces also destroyed one building believed to be used as a safe house for terrorist operations.
-- In Mosul, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during an operation targeting al Qaeda in Iraq. In the past few weeks, coalition forces have detained three wanted individuals and more than 26 suspected terrorists associated with the al Qaeda network in Mosul. "Terrorists have no safe haven in Iraq," said Navy Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue our operations to hunt down al Qaeda in Iraq's leaders and operatives and to foil their attempts to destabilize the country."
-- In southern Iraq, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists. In the Daghgharah area, coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist leader and weapons trainer who allegedly specialized in rocket-propelled-grenade and mortar attacks against coalition forces. "Much progress has been made in the pursuit of criminal elements," said Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Yet, dangerous elements still exist. Iraqi and coalition forces remain committed to protecting the Iraqi people from these vicious criminals."
In earlier operations:
-- Iraqi soldiers discovered a large weapons cache in Mansour, a district in western Baghdad, Dec. 28. The Iraqi soldiers found two mortar tubes, 86 mortar rounds, five improvised rocket launchers, 10 rockets, two rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, seven RPG rounds, six hand grenades, and various bomb-making materials. "This was an independent operation by the Iraqi army soldiers from the 6th Iraqi Army Division," said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a Multinational Division Baghdad spokesman. "The recovery of these items is another indication the Iraqi security forces are increasing in capability. Taking these items away from the extremists is a good thing for the Iraqi people."
-- U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found three improvised explosive devices and a weapons cache during joint operations in Saydiyah on Dec. 27. During a house-to-house search, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found an IED hidden behind a door, another IED between two houses, and a buried IED. Ten 120 mm mortars also were found in a courtyard. The captured munitions were safely detonated.
-- Members of a concerned local citizen group seized a cache of munitions east of the city of Nijidat on Dec. 26. The cache contained: 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, a rocket-propelled grenade, a 115 mm high-explosive tank round, a 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse. The local citizens group delivered the cache to Forward Operating Base Hammer, where Army Capt. Chas Cannon, commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group. "The (concerned local citizens) allow us to focus more on governance and economics," Cannon said. "The fact we have help out there with security allows us to maintain our focus on essential services and the local Iraqi government."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Dec. 31, 2007 - Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a suspected insurgent leader during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Husseiniyah area, military officials reported. The detainee reportedly is a terrorist recruiter for Karbala province. He also allegedly facilitated terrorists' training in constructing roadside bombs, as well as operational and computer security.
A large amount of U.S. currency was seized during the operation.
"Coalition and Iraqi security forces are disrupting and dismantling the networks that threaten the ability to provide safety and security for the Iraqi people," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
Earlier, coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 14 suspects during anti-al Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq that began Dec. 29 and ended yesterday.
Coalition forces swept the Muqdadiyah area yesterday and targeted alleged associates of insurgents killed during Dec. 29 operations. Coalition forces killed two armed suspects who fired on them.
Coalition forces found two weapons caches, including 10 rifles, eight grenades, four military-style assault vests with 20 loaded magazines, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and rocket propellant. One of the armed men was wearing a suicide vest. Seven suspected terrorists also were detained during the operation.
Farther north in Mosul yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected al Qaeda terrorists.
North of Muqdadiyah on Dec. 29, coalition forces targeted associates of the al Qaeda network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley. One armed terrorists was killed early during the operation.
Coalition forces then continued on and were engaged by enemy fire. The ground force returned fire, killing three more terrorists. While clearing the area, the ground force discovered numerous weapons, including several machine guns, military-style assault vests and magazines, improvised explosive devices, and a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and rounds. In addition to the weapons, coalition forces safely destroyed a vehicle used for terrorist activity.
Also, coalition forces captured a wanted individual during a Dec. 29 raid west of Mahmudiyah. The detainee reportedly is a leader in the city's al Qaeda cell who also established a training center for female suicide bomber in Yusufiyah.
"Iraqi and coalition forces are focused on clearing and holding areas where terrorists think they can hide," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Together, we are disrupting terrorist operations and working to improve safety and security for Iraqi citizens."
In other Dec. 29 Iraq operations, coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 34 suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
-- North of Tikrit, coalition forces targeted an associate of the al Qaeda network in Kirkuk province. The targeted individual was reported to be a terrorist financial and supply specialist. When coalition forces arrived in the operations area they called for the suspects to come out of a building. The coalition force was then fired upon, and air support was called in. Three terrorists were killed during the engagement. As the ground force cleared the area, they found a suicide belt and vest and numerous weapons.
-- In another operation north of Tikrit, coalition forces captured an individual believed to be a member of the al Qaeda network. The detainee also is allegedly associated with the al Qaeda cell in Samarra. Six other suspects also were detained during the operation.
-- West of Tarmiyah, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a close associate of the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised-explosive-device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and facilitating foreign terrorists. The ground force detained 21 other suspected terrorists during the series of operations. Coalition forces also destroyed one building believed to be used as a safe house for terrorist operations.
-- In Mosul, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during an operation targeting al Qaeda in Iraq. In the past few weeks, coalition forces have detained three wanted individuals and more than 26 suspected terrorists associated with the al Qaeda network in Mosul. "Terrorists have no safe haven in Iraq," said Navy Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "We will continue our operations to hunt down al Qaeda in Iraq's leaders and operatives and to foil their attempts to destabilize the country."
-- In southern Iraq, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists. In the Daghgharah area, coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist leader and weapons trainer who allegedly specialized in rocket-propelled-grenade and mortar attacks against coalition forces. "Much progress has been made in the pursuit of criminal elements," said Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Yet, dangerous elements still exist. Iraqi and coalition forces remain committed to protecting the Iraqi people from these vicious criminals."
In earlier operations:
-- Iraqi soldiers discovered a large weapons cache in Mansour, a district in western Baghdad, Dec. 28. The Iraqi soldiers found two mortar tubes, 86 mortar rounds, five improvised rocket launchers, 10 rockets, two rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, seven RPG rounds, six hand grenades, and various bomb-making materials. "This was an independent operation by the Iraqi army soldiers from the 6th Iraqi Army Division," said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a Multinational Division Baghdad spokesman. "The recovery of these items is another indication the Iraqi security forces are increasing in capability. Taking these items away from the extremists is a good thing for the Iraqi people."
-- U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found three improvised explosive devices and a weapons cache during joint operations in Saydiyah on Dec. 27. During a house-to-house search, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found an IED hidden behind a door, another IED between two houses, and a buried IED. Ten 120 mm mortars also were found in a courtyard. The captured munitions were safely detonated.
-- Members of a concerned local citizen group seized a cache of munitions east of the city of Nijidat on Dec. 26. The cache contained: 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, a rocket-propelled grenade, a 115 mm high-explosive tank round, a 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse. The local citizens group delivered the cache to Forward Operating Base Hammer, where Army Capt. Chas Cannon, commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group. "The (concerned local citizens) allow us to focus more on governance and economics," Cannon said. "The fact we have help out there with security allows us to maintain our focus on essential services and the local Iraqi government."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
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