By U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sam Davis and Iraqi National Police Lt. Col. Mohammed
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - The residents of Yarimjah, a neighborhood in southern Mosul, were apprehensive when Iraqi National Police officers arrived at 4 a.m. May 24. They had heard many rumors about the national police from neighbors and television. What the neighborhood residents experienced was unexpected. The 2nd Battalion, 6th National Police Brigade, under the command of Col. Fasial Majed Muhsen, moved into the area with exemplary discipline and courtesy.
Fasial, a 42-year-old former Army officer, and his men rapidly searched every building within the neighborhood for illegal weapons and terrorists while minimizing the disruption to the residents.
"The important thing is to create trust between the national police and the people and is as important as capturing insurgents and criminal," said Fasial, who also explained he did not conduct this operation to rob or intimidate the local citizens, but rather to gain their willing support.
"To accomplish this, I must have professional policemen and officers," Faisal said, adding that he requires each member of the unit to treat citizens with respect and dignity.
Fasial further explained that he does not tolerate any misconduct by his men and will fire those who are involved in the slightest offense. This sets a high moral climate for his unit, he said.
The villagers complimented Faisal's methods.
"They treat us like brothers, and the national police are the best force that has come into this area," said resident Abd Al Muhsin Moustafa.
Fasial shared his philosophy toward the residents.
"We are the sons of our country, and we are speaking Arabic. We are Iraqis, and this is an Iraqi force, and we work for Iraq," he said. "The state gives us money to protect you, and we came to help you. You are the masters, and we are the servants."
Under the watchful eye of the national police, Yarimjah is peaceful, and children play alongside the police officers Faisal's approach appears to have made a positive impression on adults and children. Saeed Aziz Omron, standing beside his young son, made that clear.
"If you asked my son, he would join the national police right now," he said.
"The national police has proven itself again as we continue to build relationships with the Iraqi citizens and respect their human rights," Staff Maj. Gen. Hussein Jasim Mohammed al-Awadi, commander of the Iraqi National Police, said during a visit to Yarimjah.
(U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sam Davis serves with Headquarters National Police Transition Team, and Lt. Col. Mohammed is the deputy public affairs officer for the Iraqi National Police.)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Troops in Iraq Kill Four Militants, Detain 13, Seize Weapons
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four enemy fighters, captured 13 suspects and seized scores of weapons in Iraq in recent days, military officials said. Troops captured seven suspects today, including two wanted men believed to be tied to al-Qaida in Iraq bombing networks.
One wanted man, captured with four associates in Mosul, allegedly is a security leader for al-Qaida in Iraq and is suspected of coordinating bombings against Iraqi police.
Forces seized the other wanted man, who reportedly facilitates suicide bombings and foreign-terrorist movement in Tikrit for al-Qaida in Iraq, along with an additional suspect.
Elsewhere in Iraq today, coalition forces captured a suspected leader of an Iranian-backed "special group" and five associates, in Kut. Military officials said the man has been involved in murdering Iraqis and attacking coalition forces.
During operations yesterday:
-- Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers killed four militants and seized a number of weapons in Baghdad. Military officials said troops were acting in self-defense when they killed the enemy fighters.
-- Using tips from local Iraqis, coalition troops uncovered thousands of pounds of weapons and munitions in the Jazeera Desert west of Samarra.
-- Coalition and Iraqi forces seized scores of weapons in the Adhamiya and Sadr City districts of Baghdad in two-day operations that ended today. The caches contained mortars, rockets, homemade explosives materials, assault rifles, rounds of various sizes and other military equipment.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team captured eight suspects during several Salahuddin province-area operations that wrapped up June 1. Troops also uncovered weapons caches in the raids, military officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four enemy fighters, captured 13 suspects and seized scores of weapons in Iraq in recent days, military officials said. Troops captured seven suspects today, including two wanted men believed to be tied to al-Qaida in Iraq bombing networks.
One wanted man, captured with four associates in Mosul, allegedly is a security leader for al-Qaida in Iraq and is suspected of coordinating bombings against Iraqi police.
Forces seized the other wanted man, who reportedly facilitates suicide bombings and foreign-terrorist movement in Tikrit for al-Qaida in Iraq, along with an additional suspect.
Elsewhere in Iraq today, coalition forces captured a suspected leader of an Iranian-backed "special group" and five associates, in Kut. Military officials said the man has been involved in murdering Iraqis and attacking coalition forces.
During operations yesterday:
-- Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers killed four militants and seized a number of weapons in Baghdad. Military officials said troops were acting in self-defense when they killed the enemy fighters.
-- Using tips from local Iraqis, coalition troops uncovered thousands of pounds of weapons and munitions in the Jazeera Desert west of Samarra.
-- Coalition and Iraqi forces seized scores of weapons in the Adhamiya and Sadr City districts of Baghdad in two-day operations that ended today. The caches contained mortars, rockets, homemade explosives materials, assault rifles, rounds of various sizes and other military equipment.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team captured eight suspects during several Salahuddin province-area operations that wrapped up June 1. Troops also uncovered weapons caches in the raids, military officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Army Hero Joins Medal of Honor Roster at Pentagon Ceremony
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - Medal of Honor recipient Army Spc. Ross A. McGinnis joined a select group of military heroes during a Pentagon ceremony here today. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England hosted the event that added McGinnis' name to the roster of other Army Medal of Honor recipients. Army Secretary Pete Geren and Gen. Richard R. Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, also attended the event at the library and conference center.
Medal of Honor recipients "are our nation's most-revered heroes," England said. "And every time a name is added, that individual's story enriches the significance of this award."
McGinnis was an exceptional, selfless soldier who gave his life so that his comrades could live, England said.
Then-Pfc. McGinnis died at age 19 in northeastern Baghdad on Dec. 4, 2006, while protecting his comrades from an enemy grenade that was thrown into his Humvee. McGinnis, who'd been riding topside in the vehicle's gunner hatch, dropped down and used his body to absorb the effects of the exploding grenade, thus saving four fellow soldiers: Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas, Staff Sgt. Ian Newland, Sgt. Lyle Buehler, and Spc. Sean Lawson.
"From the Minutemen at Bunker Hill to our warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan, our history is filled with stories of individuals sacrificing their own lives to secure for us the profound gift of peace and freedom," England observed.
U.S. and allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France during World War Two's D-Day on June 6, 1944, England recalled. The tens of thousands of servicemembers who participated in the successful amphibious landings helped to ensure the collapse of Nazi Germany and the return of freedom to Europe, he said.
"Their courage decisively changed the course of history," England said, adding that four U.S. troops earned the Medal of Honor for their actions on the Normandy beaches.
"Ross was securing those very freedoms for Americans and the people of Iraq when he made the ultimate sacrifice," England said.
Ross McGinnis "had decided that the lives of his friends were more important than his own," Geren observed. "Our duty to Ross and to the memory of Ross and our duty to his family is for all of us to live lives worthy of his sacrifice."
"His memory will live in this Army forever," Geren vowed.
McGinnis and his comrades braved insurgents' bombs and sniper fire almost every day in Baghdad, Cody said, "because they knew we must defeat al-Qaida in Iraq, to keep not only our country safe, but to provide the Iraqis a safe and secure environment so they could rebuild their country."
When McGinnis acted to protect his fellow soldiers from the grenade, he knew full well he would not survive the blast, Cody said.
"There is no greater act of personal courage, loyalty or selfless service than this," he said.
McGinnis' father and mother, Tom and Romayne McGinnis, attended the Pentagon event. Tom McGinnis spoke a few words.
"Ross is the reason that we're here. And, the reason that Ross is not here is because his Army buddies were more important than life itself," Tom said. "We appreciate all the memorials, the gifts (and) the special attention that we've been given since Ross died."
Tom said people's kind words have greatly helped him and his wife cope with the loss of their son. Yet, he added, it's important to remember U.S. servicemembers that are still serving at home and abroad.
"Our troops ... also need our support," McGinnis' father emphasized. "They put their lives on the line for us -- sometimes for four years, sometimes for two years, sometimes for 20 years.
"But, when they get home they also need our support."
President Bush presented the Medal of Honor to McGinnis' parents yesterday at a White House ceremony.
"The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military distinction; it is given for valor beyond anything that duty could require or a superior could command," Bush said, before presenting the medal to McGinnis' parents during the East Room ceremony.
"America will never forget those who came forward to bear the battle," Bush vowed. "America will always honor the name of this brave soldier who gave all for his country."
McGinnis enlisted in the Army at age 17 on June 14, 2004. At the time of his death, McGinnis was a private first class assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany. McGinnis was promoted to specialist posthumously. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
McGinnis' family received their son's Silver Star and Purple Heart medals in December 2006 at a memorial service in their hometown of Knox, Pa., about 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - Medal of Honor recipient Army Spc. Ross A. McGinnis joined a select group of military heroes during a Pentagon ceremony here today. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England hosted the event that added McGinnis' name to the roster of other Army Medal of Honor recipients. Army Secretary Pete Geren and Gen. Richard R. Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, also attended the event at the library and conference center.
Medal of Honor recipients "are our nation's most-revered heroes," England said. "And every time a name is added, that individual's story enriches the significance of this award."
McGinnis was an exceptional, selfless soldier who gave his life so that his comrades could live, England said.
Then-Pfc. McGinnis died at age 19 in northeastern Baghdad on Dec. 4, 2006, while protecting his comrades from an enemy grenade that was thrown into his Humvee. McGinnis, who'd been riding topside in the vehicle's gunner hatch, dropped down and used his body to absorb the effects of the exploding grenade, thus saving four fellow soldiers: Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas, Staff Sgt. Ian Newland, Sgt. Lyle Buehler, and Spc. Sean Lawson.
"From the Minutemen at Bunker Hill to our warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan, our history is filled with stories of individuals sacrificing their own lives to secure for us the profound gift of peace and freedom," England observed.
U.S. and allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France during World War Two's D-Day on June 6, 1944, England recalled. The tens of thousands of servicemembers who participated in the successful amphibious landings helped to ensure the collapse of Nazi Germany and the return of freedom to Europe, he said.
"Their courage decisively changed the course of history," England said, adding that four U.S. troops earned the Medal of Honor for their actions on the Normandy beaches.
"Ross was securing those very freedoms for Americans and the people of Iraq when he made the ultimate sacrifice," England said.
Ross McGinnis "had decided that the lives of his friends were more important than his own," Geren observed. "Our duty to Ross and to the memory of Ross and our duty to his family is for all of us to live lives worthy of his sacrifice."
"His memory will live in this Army forever," Geren vowed.
McGinnis and his comrades braved insurgents' bombs and sniper fire almost every day in Baghdad, Cody said, "because they knew we must defeat al-Qaida in Iraq, to keep not only our country safe, but to provide the Iraqis a safe and secure environment so they could rebuild their country."
When McGinnis acted to protect his fellow soldiers from the grenade, he knew full well he would not survive the blast, Cody said.
"There is no greater act of personal courage, loyalty or selfless service than this," he said.
McGinnis' father and mother, Tom and Romayne McGinnis, attended the Pentagon event. Tom McGinnis spoke a few words.
"Ross is the reason that we're here. And, the reason that Ross is not here is because his Army buddies were more important than life itself," Tom said. "We appreciate all the memorials, the gifts (and) the special attention that we've been given since Ross died."
Tom said people's kind words have greatly helped him and his wife cope with the loss of their son. Yet, he added, it's important to remember U.S. servicemembers that are still serving at home and abroad.
"Our troops ... also need our support," McGinnis' father emphasized. "They put their lives on the line for us -- sometimes for four years, sometimes for two years, sometimes for 20 years.
"But, when they get home they also need our support."
President Bush presented the Medal of Honor to McGinnis' parents yesterday at a White House ceremony.
"The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military distinction; it is given for valor beyond anything that duty could require or a superior could command," Bush said, before presenting the medal to McGinnis' parents during the East Room ceremony.
"America will never forget those who came forward to bear the battle," Bush vowed. "America will always honor the name of this brave soldier who gave all for his country."
McGinnis enlisted in the Army at age 17 on June 14, 2004. At the time of his death, McGinnis was a private first class assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany. McGinnis was promoted to specialist posthumously. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
McGinnis' family received their son's Silver Star and Purple Heart medals in December 2006 at a memorial service in their hometown of Knox, Pa., about 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Christopher D. McCarthy, of Virginia Beach, Va., died 1 June 2008 at Forward Operating Base Ramadi, Iraq. His death is under investigation. He was assigned to the U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Reserve Unit, Norfolk, Va.
For more information media may contact the Joint Forces Command public affairs office at (757) 836-6558
Spc. Christopher D. McCarthy, of Virginia Beach, Va., died 1 June 2008 at Forward Operating Base Ramadi, Iraq. His death is under investigation. He was assigned to the U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Reserve Unit, Norfolk, Va.
For more information media may contact the Joint Forces Command public affairs office at (757) 836-6558
U.S. General Expresses Optimism About Baghdad Operations
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - The U.S. two-star general responsible for operations in Baghdad today expressed optimism about the current state of anti-insurgent efforts in and around Iraq's capital city. Tactically, "the situation I see ourselves in here right now -- it's encouraging," Army Maj. Gen. Jeffery W. Hammond, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad and the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference from his Baghdad headquarters.
Multinational Division Baghdad is also known as Task Force Baghdad. Since December, the 4th Infantry from Fort Hood, Texas, has provided its headquarters element.
Hammond cited the "significant progress" made last month against Baghdad-area insurgents, thanks in large part, to the efforts of local Iraqi security forces. The general commands 30,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in his area of operations.
"The performance of the Iraqi forces was heartening and contributed enormously to this success," Hammond pointed out. "They are the ones extending security in the Sadr City [district], and they have found over 83 weapons caches" since May 20. Those caches yielded 175 homemade bombs, 76 roadside bombs specifically designed to pierce armored vehicles and numerous rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, he said, as well as more than 320 mortar rounds.
Sadr City sprawls across eastern Baghdad and is home to cleric Moqtada al Sadr's militia. Sadr's ongoing cease-fire agreement with coalition and Iraqi forces is credited with helping to reduce violence in Baghdad and is environs.
Hammond said his command's mission to protect Baghdad's citizenry remains unchanged.
"We accomplish this by defeating the enemies of Iraq, improving the Iraqi security forces' capability through partnership, developing the Iraqi police capacity, supporting political and economic growth [and] ultimately transitioning the Iraqi security forces in their responsibility for overall security," he explained.
Hammond cited two primary adversaries: al-Qaida terrorists and illegal armed organizations, such as Iranian-backed "special groups," that disrupt the peace and flaunt the rule of law.
The people of Baghdad are rejecting al-Qaida's murderous agenda, while U.S. and Iraqi security forces are keeping the terrorists on the run, Hammond noted.
"We have severely disrupted their networks and their operations," Hammond said of recent efforts that have resulted in the killing or detention of 430 al-Qaida in Iraq members during the past six months, including senior leaders, media experts, attack coordinators, facilitators and operators.
"We continue to pursue them relentlessly," Hammond said.
Illegal militias that operate in Baghdad also are being dealt with, Hammond noted. Some of them, which the military calls "special groups," are trained and supplied by Iran, he said.
"We've killed or detained 455 special groups operatives in the last six months," Hammond told reporters. "Now, intelligence reports indicate that these criminals receive support from elements in Iran."
Some confiscated weaponry, he noted, is of Iranian origin and recent manufacture.
"I can tell you some weapons recovered in Baghdad were identified as being produced in Iran," Hammond said. "The most recent data production [mark] was February 2008."
Additionally, "we also know many special groups criminal that we target have recently fled to Iran, as well," the general said.
Recent Iraqi-led ground operations with U.S. aerial support in southern Sadr City resulted in the destruction of 61 enemy mortar teams, and the killing of 163 special groups members, Hammond said.
That success "could not have been accomplished without the bravery, the patience and professionalism and concern for collateral damage that was demonstrated by our attack helicopter pilots," Hammond pointed out.
Better security is helping to establish conditions in Baghdad conducive to expanded commerce and employment.
"Now, improved security conditions allow us to improve in other important areas of employment, essential services and local governance," Hammond explained. "Increased employment in Baghdad is of particular importance to us." Current economic and employment projections, he added, indicate the potential to create 160,000 new jobs in Baghdad in the months ahead.
"Now, employment's increased by over 60,000 as a result of our combined efforts," Hammond reported. "We project a further increase by 20,000 more [jobs] here in short order."
Yet, Hammond cautioned that it's too early to declare victory, and there'll be "more challenges ahead" in Baghdad.
"What's most important is that you know we understand our mission, and our soldiers -- your soldiers, in partnership with Iraqi security forces and the citizens of Baghdad -- are making a difference," Hammond told Pentagon reporters.
"Our families support us back home, and we're supported by an Army and local communities that care," he continued. "We're a team. We're making progress."
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - The U.S. two-star general responsible for operations in Baghdad today expressed optimism about the current state of anti-insurgent efforts in and around Iraq's capital city. Tactically, "the situation I see ourselves in here right now -- it's encouraging," Army Maj. Gen. Jeffery W. Hammond, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad and the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference from his Baghdad headquarters.
Multinational Division Baghdad is also known as Task Force Baghdad. Since December, the 4th Infantry from Fort Hood, Texas, has provided its headquarters element.
Hammond cited the "significant progress" made last month against Baghdad-area insurgents, thanks in large part, to the efforts of local Iraqi security forces. The general commands 30,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in his area of operations.
"The performance of the Iraqi forces was heartening and contributed enormously to this success," Hammond pointed out. "They are the ones extending security in the Sadr City [district], and they have found over 83 weapons caches" since May 20. Those caches yielded 175 homemade bombs, 76 roadside bombs specifically designed to pierce armored vehicles and numerous rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, he said, as well as more than 320 mortar rounds.
Sadr City sprawls across eastern Baghdad and is home to cleric Moqtada al Sadr's militia. Sadr's ongoing cease-fire agreement with coalition and Iraqi forces is credited with helping to reduce violence in Baghdad and is environs.
Hammond said his command's mission to protect Baghdad's citizenry remains unchanged.
"We accomplish this by defeating the enemies of Iraq, improving the Iraqi security forces' capability through partnership, developing the Iraqi police capacity, supporting political and economic growth [and] ultimately transitioning the Iraqi security forces in their responsibility for overall security," he explained.
Hammond cited two primary adversaries: al-Qaida terrorists and illegal armed organizations, such as Iranian-backed "special groups," that disrupt the peace and flaunt the rule of law.
The people of Baghdad are rejecting al-Qaida's murderous agenda, while U.S. and Iraqi security forces are keeping the terrorists on the run, Hammond noted.
"We have severely disrupted their networks and their operations," Hammond said of recent efforts that have resulted in the killing or detention of 430 al-Qaida in Iraq members during the past six months, including senior leaders, media experts, attack coordinators, facilitators and operators.
"We continue to pursue them relentlessly," Hammond said.
Illegal militias that operate in Baghdad also are being dealt with, Hammond noted. Some of them, which the military calls "special groups," are trained and supplied by Iran, he said.
"We've killed or detained 455 special groups operatives in the last six months," Hammond told reporters. "Now, intelligence reports indicate that these criminals receive support from elements in Iran."
Some confiscated weaponry, he noted, is of Iranian origin and recent manufacture.
"I can tell you some weapons recovered in Baghdad were identified as being produced in Iran," Hammond said. "The most recent data production [mark] was February 2008."
Additionally, "we also know many special groups criminal that we target have recently fled to Iran, as well," the general said.
Recent Iraqi-led ground operations with U.S. aerial support in southern Sadr City resulted in the destruction of 61 enemy mortar teams, and the killing of 163 special groups members, Hammond said.
That success "could not have been accomplished without the bravery, the patience and professionalism and concern for collateral damage that was demonstrated by our attack helicopter pilots," Hammond pointed out.
Better security is helping to establish conditions in Baghdad conducive to expanded commerce and employment.
"Now, improved security conditions allow us to improve in other important areas of employment, essential services and local governance," Hammond explained. "Increased employment in Baghdad is of particular importance to us." Current economic and employment projections, he added, indicate the potential to create 160,000 new jobs in Baghdad in the months ahead.
"Now, employment's increased by over 60,000 as a result of our combined efforts," Hammond reported. "We project a further increase by 20,000 more [jobs] here in short order."
Yet, Hammond cautioned that it's too early to declare victory, and there'll be "more challenges ahead" in Baghdad.
"What's most important is that you know we understand our mission, and our soldiers -- your soldiers, in partnership with Iraqi security forces and the citizens of Baghdad -- are making a difference," Hammond told Pentagon reporters.
"Our families support us back home, and we're supported by an Army and local communities that care," he continued. "We're a team. We're making progress."
Engineers Rebuild Border Police Checkpoint, Quarters
By Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - Coalition engineer and cavalry soldiers worked together in April and May to build living quarters and a security checkpoint for Afghan border police at the Gowardesh Bridge during Operation Mountain Highway II in the eastern portion of Afghanistan's Nuristan province. Army Spc. Jason Marlowe, a Wisconsin native, and Army Spc. Ben Kavanagh, from Iowa, built the living quarters, bunkers and fighting positions next to the Gowardesh Bridge and Landay River.
"We're building bunkers and their home so they can stay here to protect the bridge and the immediate area," explained Kavanagh, who said their previous living quarters were destroyed by insurgents late last summer.
Afghan National Army soldiers provided overwatch security for two weeks while the engineers worked around the clock to complete the checkpoint and living quarters.
"Were trying to get this built as soon as possible so the ABP can move in here," explained Marlowe. "Right now, everyone is sleeping outside on the ground."
The Afghan border police checkpoint and living quarters were the main efforts of Operation Mountain Highway II. While Marlowe and Kavanagh built the border police station, hundreds of soldiers provided overwatch security in seven observation posts around the valley.
"It takes an enormous amount of overwatch to safely come up here, due to the terrain," explained Capt. John Williams, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment commander.
Construction on the checkpoint and living quarters was completed in mid-May. The new checkpoint will improve security and open up the way for government- and development-related projects in the region.
"Now that we have security in this area, we can restart construction on the road," Williams said.
A $40 million road project was halted in the fall when insurgents killed four workers.
"Two of the observation posts [allow sight for] miles down the road," Williams said. "Once the road is built, it will open up the area to new projects, which weren't feasible before."
(Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird serves in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - Coalition engineer and cavalry soldiers worked together in April and May to build living quarters and a security checkpoint for Afghan border police at the Gowardesh Bridge during Operation Mountain Highway II in the eastern portion of Afghanistan's Nuristan province. Army Spc. Jason Marlowe, a Wisconsin native, and Army Spc. Ben Kavanagh, from Iowa, built the living quarters, bunkers and fighting positions next to the Gowardesh Bridge and Landay River.
"We're building bunkers and their home so they can stay here to protect the bridge and the immediate area," explained Kavanagh, who said their previous living quarters were destroyed by insurgents late last summer.
Afghan National Army soldiers provided overwatch security for two weeks while the engineers worked around the clock to complete the checkpoint and living quarters.
"Were trying to get this built as soon as possible so the ABP can move in here," explained Marlowe. "Right now, everyone is sleeping outside on the ground."
The Afghan border police checkpoint and living quarters were the main efforts of Operation Mountain Highway II. While Marlowe and Kavanagh built the border police station, hundreds of soldiers provided overwatch security in seven observation posts around the valley.
"It takes an enormous amount of overwatch to safely come up here, due to the terrain," explained Capt. John Williams, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment commander.
Construction on the checkpoint and living quarters was completed in mid-May. The new checkpoint will improve security and open up the way for government- and development-related projects in the region.
"Now that we have security in this area, we can restart construction on the road," Williams said.
A $40 million road project was halted in the fall when insurgents killed four workers.
"Two of the observation posts [allow sight for] miles down the road," Williams said. "Once the road is built, it will open up the area to new projects, which weren't feasible before."
(Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird serves in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Two Enemy Fighters Killed, Dozens More Detained in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - Coalition forces killed two enemy fighters, detained dozens of terrorism suspects and discovered several weapons caches in Iraq, military officials reported. Coalition forces used information from a May 15 operation that targeted associates of an al-Qaida in Iraq leader to lead them to areas in central and northern Iraq yesterday and today.
After encountering gunfire, the coalition forces fired back, killing two attackers.
Also during the operations, coalition forces found a car with bomb-making materials and suicide-vest components, and a weapons holding area. The force destroyed the weapons and detained eight suspected terrorists.
In other operations yesterday and today:
-- Coalition forces targeted al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders and their associates in Mosul. A precision operation netted a leader of terrorist finances in the city, and detained 16 additional suspects, 11 of whom are believed to be associated with other al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders, officials said.
-- Coalition forces captured two men wanted for their involvement in bombing networks in Baghdad. One of the men, believed to be an expert in car-bombing tactics, was detained today with another suspect in Taji. The other was detained today in Salman Pak, and allegedly is tied to senior terrorist leaders.
-- Coalition forces captured three additional suspected terrorists during two operations in Baghdad.
In operations yesterday:
-- Police in Baghdad discovered a cache in an abandoned building during an area reconnaissance mission in the Risalah neighborhood in the Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache contained mortar tubes, rounds, fuses and rockets.
-- Iraqi security forces conducted joint raids near Hit, detaining 49 suspects for possible connections with a deadly suicide-bombing attack near the city's government complex May 30 that killed four Iraqi police officers, five civilians, and wounded four police officers and 15 civilians, military officials said.
In operations May 31:
-- Iraq army and national police continued searching and clearing operations in the Abu Al Khasib district of Basra. The national police detained one suspect and discovered a cache of assault rifles and a sub-machine gun. The operation, which began March 25, continues to bring the surrounding area to normalcy, with infrastructure support missions focusing on canal clearing operations, substation repair and construction and road repairs, officials said.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured the No. 2 key suspect in a bomb manufacturing and emplacing cell that operated in Tarmiyah, near Taji, and is responsible for numerous deaths.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 2, 2008 - Coalition forces killed two enemy fighters, detained dozens of terrorism suspects and discovered several weapons caches in Iraq, military officials reported. Coalition forces used information from a May 15 operation that targeted associates of an al-Qaida in Iraq leader to lead them to areas in central and northern Iraq yesterday and today.
After encountering gunfire, the coalition forces fired back, killing two attackers.
Also during the operations, coalition forces found a car with bomb-making materials and suicide-vest components, and a weapons holding area. The force destroyed the weapons and detained eight suspected terrorists.
In other operations yesterday and today:
-- Coalition forces targeted al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders and their associates in Mosul. A precision operation netted a leader of terrorist finances in the city, and detained 16 additional suspects, 11 of whom are believed to be associated with other al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders, officials said.
-- Coalition forces captured two men wanted for their involvement in bombing networks in Baghdad. One of the men, believed to be an expert in car-bombing tactics, was detained today with another suspect in Taji. The other was detained today in Salman Pak, and allegedly is tied to senior terrorist leaders.
-- Coalition forces captured three additional suspected terrorists during two operations in Baghdad.
In operations yesterday:
-- Police in Baghdad discovered a cache in an abandoned building during an area reconnaissance mission in the Risalah neighborhood in the Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache contained mortar tubes, rounds, fuses and rockets.
-- Iraqi security forces conducted joint raids near Hit, detaining 49 suspects for possible connections with a deadly suicide-bombing attack near the city's government complex May 30 that killed four Iraqi police officers, five civilians, and wounded four police officers and 15 civilians, military officials said.
In operations May 31:
-- Iraq army and national police continued searching and clearing operations in the Abu Al Khasib district of Basra. The national police detained one suspect and discovered a cache of assault rifles and a sub-machine gun. The operation, which began March 25, continues to bring the surrounding area to normalcy, with infrastructure support missions focusing on canal clearing operations, substation repair and construction and road repairs, officials said.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured the No. 2 key suspect in a bomb manufacturing and emplacing cell that operated in Tarmiyah, near Taji, and is responsible for numerous deaths.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Lessons Learned at Abu Ghraib Drive Current Detainee Policies
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - Four years ago, Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison was center-stage amid allegations of detainee abuse, and coalition forces suddenly cast as conquerors instead of liberators, losing the trust of the Iraqi people. Conscientious decisions and new detainee programs have helped the coalition turn the corner on the road to regaining that lost trust, Multinational Force Iraq's commander of detainee operations said yesterday in a Baghdad news conference.
"Today, we are still trying to regain that trust, and I want to tell you once again there was no justification for what happened at Abu Ghraib," Army Maj. Gen. Douglas Stone told reporters. "True apologies, though, must be followed by actions which right the initial wrong, and over the past year, we have made great efforts to correct our past mistakes."
A multifaceted approach, including providing better health care and being more culturally sensitive, have led to an improved situation for those in detention, Stone said. Assessing detainees to identify and isolate extremists from the general population is an important step that allows moderate detainees to live free from fear and intimidation, he added.
The practice is proving successful. The reduction of detainee-on-detainee violence over the past six months has been dramatic, Stone said. It also has opened doors to engage the more moderate population and address some of the issues that, initially, may have contributed to their detention.
"They show us that detainees gravitated toward the insurgency because they were underemployed, undereducated, and in need of supplemental sources of income," Stone said. "To address these social problems and to promote good citizenship, we now offer detainees an array of voluntary programs to help serve as a deterrent to insurgent activity."
Programs offered to the detainees include education, vocational training, civics, Islamic discussion, and pay-for-work programs that empower moderate detainees and effectively marginalize violent extremists. Among the most important skills detainees can learn are the abilities to read and write, he said.
"Through such programs, we aim to not only peacefully reintegrate moderates into the Iraqi society, but we also encourage them to become willing and active partners in Iraq's reconstruction," Stone said. "The large number of former detainees who have returned to our facilities to help teach programs shows that we are succeeding."
It seems that's the only way most former detainees return to detention centers -- as teachers to their fellow Iraqis. The detainee population has fallen from a peak of 26,000 in the summer of 2007, to over 21,000 now.
In fact, as of February, release rates have overtaken intake rates, Stone said.
"Today we are releasing, on average, about 50 detainees each day, compared to an average daily intake of only 30 detainees," he said, adding that "miniscule re-internment" rates show the right people are being released.
"Since our engagement programs began in earnest last September, we have ... released [nearly] 10,000 detainees, but just 33 have returned to our custody."
Transparency during this transformation is key to its success as well, Stone added. Detention facilities have been open to inspection by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights, which also has had private discussions with detainees about facility conditions.
"We also have increasingly opened our gates to the international media from Western newspapers and radio to pan-Arab news outlets and satellite networks," Stone said. "We want people to see – not just to read and not just to hear about – what goes on inside detention."
Amid all the changes to improve detainee care and treatment is the realization that detainees' families also are affected. Visitation programs are in place at Camp Cropper and Camp Bucca, and on average, more than 2,000 visits occur a week.
In fact, for the many families who can't reach Camp Bucca, a video-conferencing center has the capability to unite detainees and their loved ones, Stone said.
"Ultimately, we realize that no matter how much we have revolutionized the conduct of detainee operations over the past year, at the end of the day, detention is still detention," he said, adding that he believes detention is a critical task serving both U.S. and Iraqi interests.
"By prioritizing population protection inside our detention centers," Stone said, "we are ensuring that violent extremists remain isolated – both physically and ideologically. With their marginalization, we can begin to reintegrate the vast majority of detainees who are moderate back into society in a safe and secure manner."
The hope is that reintegrated detainees who have participated in training and other programs offered in detention facilities will aid in the creation of a "vibrant and a robust civil society" in Iraq, the general said.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - Four years ago, Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison was center-stage amid allegations of detainee abuse, and coalition forces suddenly cast as conquerors instead of liberators, losing the trust of the Iraqi people. Conscientious decisions and new detainee programs have helped the coalition turn the corner on the road to regaining that lost trust, Multinational Force Iraq's commander of detainee operations said yesterday in a Baghdad news conference.
"Today, we are still trying to regain that trust, and I want to tell you once again there was no justification for what happened at Abu Ghraib," Army Maj. Gen. Douglas Stone told reporters. "True apologies, though, must be followed by actions which right the initial wrong, and over the past year, we have made great efforts to correct our past mistakes."
A multifaceted approach, including providing better health care and being more culturally sensitive, have led to an improved situation for those in detention, Stone said. Assessing detainees to identify and isolate extremists from the general population is an important step that allows moderate detainees to live free from fear and intimidation, he added.
The practice is proving successful. The reduction of detainee-on-detainee violence over the past six months has been dramatic, Stone said. It also has opened doors to engage the more moderate population and address some of the issues that, initially, may have contributed to their detention.
"They show us that detainees gravitated toward the insurgency because they were underemployed, undereducated, and in need of supplemental sources of income," Stone said. "To address these social problems and to promote good citizenship, we now offer detainees an array of voluntary programs to help serve as a deterrent to insurgent activity."
Programs offered to the detainees include education, vocational training, civics, Islamic discussion, and pay-for-work programs that empower moderate detainees and effectively marginalize violent extremists. Among the most important skills detainees can learn are the abilities to read and write, he said.
"Through such programs, we aim to not only peacefully reintegrate moderates into the Iraqi society, but we also encourage them to become willing and active partners in Iraq's reconstruction," Stone said. "The large number of former detainees who have returned to our facilities to help teach programs shows that we are succeeding."
It seems that's the only way most former detainees return to detention centers -- as teachers to their fellow Iraqis. The detainee population has fallen from a peak of 26,000 in the summer of 2007, to over 21,000 now.
In fact, as of February, release rates have overtaken intake rates, Stone said.
"Today we are releasing, on average, about 50 detainees each day, compared to an average daily intake of only 30 detainees," he said, adding that "miniscule re-internment" rates show the right people are being released.
"Since our engagement programs began in earnest last September, we have ... released [nearly] 10,000 detainees, but just 33 have returned to our custody."
Transparency during this transformation is key to its success as well, Stone added. Detention facilities have been open to inspection by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights, which also has had private discussions with detainees about facility conditions.
"We also have increasingly opened our gates to the international media from Western newspapers and radio to pan-Arab news outlets and satellite networks," Stone said. "We want people to see – not just to read and not just to hear about – what goes on inside detention."
Amid all the changes to improve detainee care and treatment is the realization that detainees' families also are affected. Visitation programs are in place at Camp Cropper and Camp Bucca, and on average, more than 2,000 visits occur a week.
In fact, for the many families who can't reach Camp Bucca, a video-conferencing center has the capability to unite detainees and their loved ones, Stone said.
"Ultimately, we realize that no matter how much we have revolutionized the conduct of detainee operations over the past year, at the end of the day, detention is still detention," he said, adding that he believes detention is a critical task serving both U.S. and Iraqi interests.
"By prioritizing population protection inside our detention centers," Stone said, "we are ensuring that violent extremists remain isolated – both physically and ideologically. With their marginalization, we can begin to reintegrate the vast majority of detainees who are moderate back into society in a safe and secure manner."
The hope is that reintegrated detainees who have participated in training and other programs offered in detention facilities will aid in the creation of a "vibrant and a robust civil society" in Iraq, the general said.
Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers, Bring Aid to Village
By Army Capt. Benjamin Roark
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - The line extended out the gate and around the corner, and it disappeared up the narrow street as residents of Dehna, a village west of Baghdad, lined up waiting for aid May 29. The mood was the same at every point in the line: excitement, relief and gratitude. Whether it was a woman there for her family or one of the scores of children waiting for a free toy and maybe some candy, all were grateful to the soldiers who brought them help and hope.
Commando soldiers of the 6th Company, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, distributed food with U.S. soldiers from their partnered unit, the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment "Gimlets," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, part of Multinational Division Baghdad.
Since taking control of the area in January, the U.S. and Iraqi soldiers have made great strides in conducting combined operations to secure the population of Baghdad's Abu Ghraib district. This humanitarian aid mission is an example of how well the units have learned to work together.
"I was surprised how quickly the resources came together, and at the capabilities of the commando company," said Army Capt. David Uthlaut, a native of Charleston, S.C., and commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, attached to the Gimlets.
The combined effort was a result of the village sheik expressing his village's need for food. Uthlaut said he immediately turned to the Iraqi 24th Brigade for help. "They were eager to get the mission under way as soon as possible," he said.
The Iraqi commandos have proven themselves in several past operations with Gimlet soldiers, but this was the first mission of this kind the two units conducted together. It proved to be a big success.
"They already have a reputation for being tactically proficient," said Army Spc. Aaron Miller, a native of San Antonio, and infantryman with Company C. "Now the people also see a different side -- one that cares and protects."
(Army Capt. Benjamin Roark serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - The line extended out the gate and around the corner, and it disappeared up the narrow street as residents of Dehna, a village west of Baghdad, lined up waiting for aid May 29. The mood was the same at every point in the line: excitement, relief and gratitude. Whether it was a woman there for her family or one of the scores of children waiting for a free toy and maybe some candy, all were grateful to the soldiers who brought them help and hope.
Commando soldiers of the 6th Company, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, distributed food with U.S. soldiers from their partnered unit, the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment "Gimlets," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, part of Multinational Division Baghdad.
Since taking control of the area in January, the U.S. and Iraqi soldiers have made great strides in conducting combined operations to secure the population of Baghdad's Abu Ghraib district. This humanitarian aid mission is an example of how well the units have learned to work together.
"I was surprised how quickly the resources came together, and at the capabilities of the commando company," said Army Capt. David Uthlaut, a native of Charleston, S.C., and commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, attached to the Gimlets.
The combined effort was a result of the village sheik expressing his village's need for food. Uthlaut said he immediately turned to the Iraqi 24th Brigade for help. "They were eager to get the mission under way as soon as possible," he said.
The Iraqi commandos have proven themselves in several past operations with Gimlet soldiers, but this was the first mission of this kind the two units conducted together. It proved to be a big success.
"They already have a reputation for being tactically proficient," said Army Spc. Aaron Miller, a native of San Antonio, and infantryman with Company C. "Now the people also see a different side -- one that cares and protects."
(Army Capt. Benjamin Roark serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Monday, June 02, 2008
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 2, 2008
NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] Training Course: Amman – June 10 to 30, 2008
“The International forum on biosecurity will be held in Amman (Jordan) under the title ‘Confronting Biological Threats: Biosecurity, Biological Weapons Nonproliferation, and Regional Cooperative Mechanisms.’ This forum will take place in Amman, Jordan on October 27 – 29, 2008. The event brings together academic experts and practitioners from governments, inter-governmental organizations, academic institutions, civil society and the private sector.” (Arab Institute for Security Studies; 02Jun08)
http://www.acsis.org/announcements.asp#1
Cancer Scientists Lament Funding
“Leading U.S. cancer scientists say that five years of flat federal funding of cancer research is threatening to undo major strides made against the disease. […] ‘I'd like to say I'm an optimist,’ said Dr. Niederhuber, ‘but we're not the only pothole that is desperately in need of resources.’ Potential threats posed by bioterrorism and national disasters have competed for discretionary funds that might have been used for disease-fighting pursuits.” (Wall Street Journal; 31May08; Marilyn
Chase)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121218082570033697.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Changes will cut counties’ bioterror funds [Ohio]
“Funding to each county’s board of health for the ability to plan for a pandemic comes from the State Department. But this fall will see a reduction in the amount of money the counties are receiving. ‘We’ll lose staff we’ve trained to plan for and respond’ to threats, said Matthew Stefanak, Mahoning County District Board of Health commissioner. […] Educating the public hasn’t been part of the health board’s response to bioterrorism. When a situation arises, the public would be notified of the actions they are supposed to take. […] After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, bioterrorism funding increased nationally. But now it is starting to decline. Funding was as high as $32 million, but it has decreased to $19 million for the state of Ohio, Wagner said.” (Vindy.com; 02Jun08; Alison Kemp) http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jun/02/changes-will-cut-counties8217-bioterror-funds/
Cangene Makes Substantial Product Delivery on U.S. Government Botulism Antitoxin Contract
“Cangene Corporation today announces that it has made a substantial delivery of heptavalent botulism antitoxin (‘BAT’) under the contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (‘BARDA’) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.” (Pharma Live; 29May08)
http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=544687&categoryid=10
Debate Over Facility’s Fate Rages On [New York]
“Concern in Congress over the transfer of research on live foot-and-mouth virus from the Plum Island Animal Disease Center to one of five mainland sites competing for a new agro-terrorism research facility might work in the East End’s favor, according to Representative Tim Bishop. ‘The ideal outcome for the East End of Long Island is that Plum Island remain a [Biosafety Level 3] facility, conducting its current research,’ he said. ‘I believe we should keep that kind of research on an island as mandated under current law.’ […] Last Thursday, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on the potential move. Representatives of the Government Accountability Office were critical of the research that the Department of Homeland Security used to determine that moving such research to the mainland would not increase the risk of an outbreak.” (Thye East Hampton Star; 29May08; Jennifer Landes) http://www.easthamptonstar.com/dnn/Home/News/PlumIsland/tabid/5628/Default.aspx
Anthrax kills two people in India; 20 ill [Koraput, Orissa]
“At least two people and dozens of cattle have died of anthrax in India's eastern state of Orissa while more than 20 people have fallen ill, a news report said Monday. […] Earlier, 16 people contracted the disease after eating meat of affected cattle in another village, and a 41-year-old man died May 15 Roy said. ‘We have sent a mobile health team to the region,’ Roy was quoted as saying. ‘The doctors are treating the affected people.’
Five villagers had died of the disease in the same state in February. Anthrax is endemic in 18 of Orissa's 30 districts. It kills dozens of people in the state every year.” (The Earth Times; 02Jun08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/209434,anthrax-kills-two-people-in-india-20-ill.html
Wildlife vaccination drive in West Bengal to prevent anthrax outbreak
“Amid fears of anthrax spreading in West Bengal, the state forest department Monday said a vaccination drive had begun and wildlife was being closely monitored to prevent an outbreak of the disease. […] Around 7,000 anthrax vaccines have already reached the Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary, where a vaccination programme began last week. 'We are maintaining hygiene and sanitation in the forest belts including Buxa, Gorumara, Jaldapara and Chapramari in the north. We are also monitoring the livestock, with the help of West Bengal Animal Resource Development (ARD) department to prevent any infection in the forests,' he said.” (Bombay News; 02Jun08)
http://www.bombaynews.net/story/366204
No major epidemic outbreak in quake zones [Xinhua]
“As of Thursday midnight, no cases of major epidemics or emergent public health incidence have been reported in the quake zones jolted by the 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12, the health ministry said on Friday. […] Health Minister Chen Zhu on Friday continued to urge all-out efforts for disease prevention in the quake-hit areas. Inoculation against Hepatitis A, epidemic encephalitis B on people vulnerable to infectious diseases must be completed before June 15, Chen said, adding vaccines for rabies, anthrax, typhoid and another four infectious diseases should be stored in case of emergency.” (China View; 30May08; Du Guodong) http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/30/content_8285646.htm
Man faces jail for campaign of anti-semitism
“A man bombarded Jewish community leaders and institutions with sickening hate mail in the aftermath of the September terrorist attacks. […] The 31-year-old Bangladeshi cut photographs out from newspapers and annotated the figures with the word 'Jew.’ Many of the letters contained anti-Western comments and threats against the Jewish community. One of his letters to the London-based Jewish Chronicle contained a white powder. The powder was sent away for testing and later found to be harmless.” (The Portsmouth News; 30May08; Simon Jones) http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Man-faces-jail-for-campaign.4135928.jp
Researchers' complaints ignored over anthrax vaccine problems
“Despite the enormous investments in developing an anthrax vaccine, senior employees at the Israel Institute for Biological Research have warned that there are problems with the product. However, institute director Dr. Avigdor Shafferman ignored their claims, and demoted one of the complainants, a senior manager. The Biological Research Institute, one of the most secret institutions in Israel, employs 350 persons and operates with nearly no external supervision. In terms of administration, the institute answers to the Prime Minister's Office, while physical and field security are handled by Malmab - the body responsible for security in the defense establishment at large.” (Haaretz; 01Jun08; Yossi Melman) http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/988801.html
Shock over war poisons find [Powys County, Wales]
“Bottles containing the TNT ingredient pyrrhic acid and mustard gas, once used for chemical warfare, were found at the old Manledd School at Van, near Llanidloes. A controlled explosion was carried out to deal with the chemicals, which had been stored in the building for 40 years.” (The Shropshire Star; 02Jun08)
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&tab=wn&ned=us&scoring=d&q=%22chemical+warfare%22
Prosecutors to build case against PCI officials as tax-evasion case
“Earlier this month, Masayoshi Taga, 62, a former president of PCI, admitted he used the illegally earned public money to bribe high-ranking Southeast Asian government officials as a way of expediting PCI's lobbying for Japanese ODA projects, the sources said. Taga was served a fresh arrest warrant in mid-May on suspicion of swindling the Japanese government out of 140 million yen by overcharging for a fiscal 2004 government-awarded project aimed at disposing of chemical weapons abandoned by the former Imperial Japanese Army in China at the end of World War Two.” (TMC Net; 30May08; Kyodo News) http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-prosecutors-build-case-against-pci-officials-as-tax-/2008/05/30/3473884.htm
Federation Council to Ratify Deal on Russian-Italian Cooperation in Chemical Weapons Disposal
“The Russian Federation Council will consider a bill ratifying an agreement between the Russian and Italian governments on cooperation in the disposal of Russian chemical weapons. ‘This agreement stipulates terms and conditions of the parties' interaction and imposes obligations on Italy on providing non- repayable assistance to Russia in disposing of its chemical weapons arsenals,’ Valentin Zavadnikov, the head of the Federation Council industrial policy committee, told Interfax. The volume of the non-repayable assistance on Italy's part will be worth 360 million euro, Zavadnikov said. This sum is equivalent to the planned investment in the design and construction of chemical weapons disposal facilities near the community of Pochep in the Bryansk region.” (Red Orbit; 29May08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1408793/federation_council_to_ratify_deal_on_russianitalian_cooperation_in_chemical/
Chemical arms: Watchdog wants states to reveal WWII dumps [in Baltic Sea]
“Europe's top rights watchdog has urged the United Kingdom, United States and NATO to reveal locations of chemical munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea after World War Two. The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has called for them to immediately declassify information on the locations of sites where chemical munitions were dumped when the war ended. A resolution adopted by the body on Thursday calls for information to allow a detailed study of the current condition of these chemical weapons, and the risk they pose to the marine environment.” (ADN Kronos International; 31May08) http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2210414400
The Black Death: An Intimate History of the Plague by John Hatcher
“The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. It struck in the mid-1340s, and killed about half the population of Europe within four years. The death toll worldwide is put at 75m. It had momentous social and economic effects. […] It is thought to have started in central Asia, but its cause remains mysterious. Precisely what disease it was and how it spread are also uncertain. It used to be identified as bubonic plague, which is carried by the fleas on rats, but that is now disputed, and there are theories that it was some kind of anthrax or maybe an Ebola-like virus.” (Times Online; 01Jun08; John Carey) http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/non-fiction/article4028806.ece
Last British Guantanamo inmate has been charged - report
“The last remaining British resident held in the US prison camp of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba has been charged with terrorism by a US military tribunal, the BBC reported Friday. Binyam Mohamed, 29, who denies the charge, claimed that he was repeatedly tortured by interrogators in Morocco […] It was understood that he had been charged with conspiring to commit terrorist offences in the US, including plotting to plant a so-called dirty bomb to spread radiation.” (The Earth Times; 30May08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/209133,last-british-guantanamo-inmate-has-been-charged--report.html
IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] briefs on nuclear terror threats
“Joseph Krol, NNSA [U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration] associate administrator for emergency operations, briefed officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency Friday in Vienna, Austria, on the threat posed by nuclear terrorism, the NNSA reported. Krol addressed strategies for responding to threats and ways to counter nuclear terrorism, including deploying radioactive detection technologies, among other security measures. ‘NNSA has a world-class nuclear emergency response capability and is willing to support the efforts of other nations,’ Krol said in a statement.” (Middle East Times; 30May08; United Press International) http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/05/30/iaea_briefs_on_nuclear_terror_threats/c272/
Curb nuclear weapons, group [Nuclear Threat Initiative] urges
“A growing number of prominent Republicans and Democrats, dismayed by what they charge has been a lapse in U.S. leadership under President Bush, are urging his successor to jump start efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons. […] ‘The threat is clear and present,’ said former Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., a leading voice for revitalizing arms control and non-proliferation efforts, in an interview. ‘The same process that builds legitimate nuclear fuel . . . can build a nuclear weapon.’ […] The pending expansion of nuclear power generation also will increase the production of nuclear fuel and waste, raising the risk of nuclear terrorism, experts warned.”
(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 01Jun08; Jonathan S. Landay, McClatchy
Newspapers)
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08153/886506-84.stm
Advances In C. Difficile [Clostridium difficile] Research
“New research into the toxins, virulence, spread and prevention of the superbug Clostridium difficile is reported in the June special issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology. […] Clostridium difficile is found in the environment but is most common in hospitals. It can cause a serious hospital-acquired infection when antibiotics are used as they upset the balance of the normal gut flora, allowing C. difficile to grow and produce toxins. It is carried in the guts of 3% of healthy humans but carriage rates in hospital patients tend to be much higher and elderly people in hospitals, being treated with antibiotics are most at risk of developing infection. […] The potential for a 'designer' probiotic for C. difficile is discussed.” (Science Daily; 02Jun08) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602075851.htm
Fusion Centers May Strengthen Emergency Management
“In the law enforcement and intelligence arena, the push has been to get various agencies effectively sharing information and working in tighter coordination - something they didn't always do before 9/11. This led to the creation of what the law enforcement community calls the ‘fusion center.’ Though most think of homeland security intelligence functions when they think of the fusion center, the concept has always included an all-hazards approach […] ‘The concept of the fusion center is to give the federal government and the states an opportunity to share information and intelligence, and that's not limited to terrorism,’ [Andrew] Lluberes said.” (Government Technology; 30May08; Blake Harris) http://www.govtech.com/gt/365393?topic=117680
Cincinnati tests water-supply warning system for U.S. use
“Water utilities would get earlier warning of viruses, bacteria or chemicals that could be introduced into drinking-water systems by terrorists under a test monitoring program set for expansion beyond Cincinnati. The pilot program ordered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack uses continuous monitoring of public water for contaminants that could sicken or kill millions of people. Some utilities do only spot checks for such germs, pesticides or radioactive materials. […] The agency and the Greater Cincinnati Water Works began the $11 million test project in 2006, and it took about a year and a half to install the equipment, including sensors placed in the water-distribution system at strategic points to feed information to computers for analysis.” (The Columbus Dispatch; 31May08; Lisa Cornwell)
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/05/31/z-apoh_watersecurity_0524.ART_ART_05-31-08_B2_9PAC4UQ.html?sid=101
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.
Mullen Visits U.S. Forces Helping Philippine Military Defeat Insurgents
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2008 - It takes time, confidence and training to defeat an insurgency, and the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Task Force is making a difference in helping the Philippine military defeat extremists on the island of Mindanao, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited this U.S. unit after participating in an Asia security conference in Singapore. He thanked the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine personnel who are helping the Philippine military defeat extremists.
Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf – two groups affiliated with al-Qaida – are trying to terrorize the people of the island and destabilize the government of the area and nation. The Philippine military is having much success against both groups, killing or capturing terrorist leaders and pushing the groups into smaller and smaller enclaves. The indigenous people support the government, U.S. officials said.
The Philippines is a treaty ally of the United States and is influential in the region. "What is dangerous to the region is, frankly, dangerous to the world," Mullen told the roughly 200 servicemembers at Camp Navarro.
The Americans who make up the task force serve six-month deployments to the region. Their motto is "Through, By and With," a reference to their relationship with the Philippine armed forces.
The Americans help the Philippine military address a "classic insurgency," Mullen said, noting that in doing so, it's as important to build a school, rebuild a bridge or host a medical clinic as it is to kill an extremist. "I've come to believe that we're never going to capture them all, [and] we're never going to kill them all," he said. "It's going to be the people who take back their territory -- the people that get fed up with it."
The extremists are the face of the threat that faces the United States and its allies here and elsewhere, Mullen said. American servicemembers will find themselves in many areas working through host nations to combat the threat.
The effort in the Philippines showcases what special operations forces do best: helping other military forces help themselves. U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers work to train the Philippine military in operations and tactics. Civil affairs servicemembers work with local leaders to build or rebuild infrastructure. Navy Seabees help to build schools and medical clinics.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2008 - It takes time, confidence and training to defeat an insurgency, and the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Task Force is making a difference in helping the Philippine military defeat extremists on the island of Mindanao, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited this U.S. unit after participating in an Asia security conference in Singapore. He thanked the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine personnel who are helping the Philippine military defeat extremists.
Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf – two groups affiliated with al-Qaida – are trying to terrorize the people of the island and destabilize the government of the area and nation. The Philippine military is having much success against both groups, killing or capturing terrorist leaders and pushing the groups into smaller and smaller enclaves. The indigenous people support the government, U.S. officials said.
The Philippines is a treaty ally of the United States and is influential in the region. "What is dangerous to the region is, frankly, dangerous to the world," Mullen told the roughly 200 servicemembers at Camp Navarro.
The Americans who make up the task force serve six-month deployments to the region. Their motto is "Through, By and With," a reference to their relationship with the Philippine armed forces.
The Americans help the Philippine military address a "classic insurgency," Mullen said, noting that in doing so, it's as important to build a school, rebuild a bridge or host a medical clinic as it is to kill an extremist. "I've come to believe that we're never going to capture them all, [and] we're never going to kill them all," he said. "It's going to be the people who take back their territory -- the people that get fed up with it."
The extremists are the face of the threat that faces the United States and its allies here and elsewhere, Mullen said. American servicemembers will find themselves in many areas working through host nations to combat the threat.
The effort in the Philippines showcases what special operations forces do best: helping other military forces help themselves. U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers work to train the Philippine military in operations and tactics. Civil affairs servicemembers work with local leaders to build or rebuild infrastructure. Navy Seabees help to build schools and medical clinics.
Coalition Forces In Iraq Detain Dozens of Suspects, Seize Weapons Caches
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured dozens of terrorism suspects and continued to uncover enemy weapons stockpiles in operations over the past few days, military officials reported.
In operations today:
-- Coalition troops captured four men believed to be members of Iranian-backed "special groups" in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district. Intelligence sources led coalition forces to the residence of a suspect wanted for of smuggling Iranian weapons and coordinating special groups training in Iran. The man also is suspected of training others in sniper tactics and acting as a key conduit among special groups leaders in western Baghdad. Forces detained the man and three others without incident.
-- Coalition forces caught four men wanted for ties to al-Qaida in Iraq and detained 10 others during operations around Mosul and Baghdad. Forces captured two wanted men in Mosul thought to be associated with al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders in the city. Seven others were detained there. West of Balad, coalition forces detained four terrorism suspects, including a man wanted for ties to al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders in Iraq's Salahuddin province. In operations in Abu Ghraib, forces netted a man wanted for attacks in the area.
In operations yesterday:
-- Soldiers in Baghdad caught six suspected enemy fighters. Coalition troops in the Iraqi capital's West Rashid district caught a man suspected of being a weapons smuggler and facilitator and a roadside bomb maker. Iraqi soldiers arrested two men suspected of criminal activity in the Mansour district. Coalition forces detained two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq members northwest of Baghdad and another suspect was detained in the Adamiyah district.
-- Coalition forces uncovered a cache during a weapons search in the East Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache contained four anti-tank grenades, three rocket-propelled grenades, 200 7.62 mm rounds, two 107 mm rockets, a claymore mine, 13 86 mm mortars, five 60 mm mortars and two 57 mm surface-to-air rockets.
-- Forces captured a key suspect in a special groups criminal ring in Baghdad's Rusafa district. The suspect is believed to be an assistant to a senior Iranian-trained special groups leader. The man is suspected of kidnapping and managing funds for special groups in Sadr City. Forces also recovered several weapons at the suspect's residence.
-- Two enemy fighters were detained by coalition forces in Ghazni province. Forces searched compounds in the province's Andar district looking for a militant leader wanted for aiding foreign fighters and bomb attacks.
-- Soldiers caught a suspect in the Jazair neighborhood. The man allegedly is connected with several murders, weapons smuggling and other criminal activities.
-- Iraqi special operations forces captured a man in Baghdad suspected of several indirect-fire attacks on a coalition forces base in Abu Tshir. He also allegedly is a sniper for a special groups cell. Another suspect was detained in the operation.
-- In Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, coalition forces targeted an alleged terrorist administrator thought to aid the movement of explosives for al-Qaida in Iraq.
-- Iraqi soldiers and national police officers recovered weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad. Police recovered an explosively formed projectile – a roadside bomb designed to pierce armored vehicles -- and Iraqi soldiers seized one EFP, two light machine guns and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.
-- In other operations, Iraqi soldiers seized several EFPs, RPGs and rifles. Iraqi soldiers recovered a weapons cache that held 17 AK-47 assault rifles, three rifles, an anti-tank mine, two 155 mm rounds and three machine guns. Iraqi soldiers seized another weapons cache that held six 81 mm and 82 mm mortar tubes, and more than 100 81 mm and 82 mm mortar rounds.
In earlier operations:
-- Coalition forces captured a man May 30 near Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, believed to spearhead al-Qaida in Iraq propaganda and suspected of conspiring with terrorist leaders.
-- Iraqi forces captured two suspected terrorists in an operation in Nasser Wa Salaam, west of Baghdad, May 30. The men are believed to be al-Qaida in Iraq weapons traffickers.
-- Iraqi forces caught two special groups cell suspects May 30 in Baghdad. The men are believed to be responsible for the kidnapping, torture and murder of two Iraqi special operations soldiers. One of the men also is suspected of other kidnappings and murders in Baghdad. Seven other suspects were detained during the operation.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces seized several munitions May 30 across Baghdad. In the Shurta area of Rashid, forces seized four mortar rounds and several rifle rounds. On the outskirts of Sadr City, forces seized 12 60 mm high-explosive mortar rounds, two 60 mm mortars, two 82 mm high-explosive rounds, two rocket mortar rounds, a 57 mm rocket and a 40 mm mortar round. Northwest of Baghdad, soldiers found five 81 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round and a grenade.
-- Iraqi police discovered two weapons caches in the Tikrit area of the Salahuddin province May 29. More than 250 rounds were buried in the farmlands. The ordnance ranged from 57 mm to 155 mm rounds, and the cache included rocket-propelled grenades, a propane tank and nearly 150 fuses.
-- Iraqi national police uncovered a weapons cache during a May 29 operation in eastern Baghdad. The police found 82 rifles, three pistols, four roadside bombs including one armor-piercing device, seven rocket-propelled grenades and C-4 explosives.
-- Iraqi forces captured a suspected terrorist May 29 in Mosul. The suspect allegedly is responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi policemen and bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Two additional suspects were detained.
-- Iraqi special operations forces caught two suspected terrorists May 29 in Mosul. The two men are wanted for kidnapping and murder. Twenty-one other suspects were detained in the operation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 1, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured dozens of terrorism suspects and continued to uncover enemy weapons stockpiles in operations over the past few days, military officials reported.
In operations today:
-- Coalition troops captured four men believed to be members of Iranian-backed "special groups" in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district. Intelligence sources led coalition forces to the residence of a suspect wanted for of smuggling Iranian weapons and coordinating special groups training in Iran. The man also is suspected of training others in sniper tactics and acting as a key conduit among special groups leaders in western Baghdad. Forces detained the man and three others without incident.
-- Coalition forces caught four men wanted for ties to al-Qaida in Iraq and detained 10 others during operations around Mosul and Baghdad. Forces captured two wanted men in Mosul thought to be associated with al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders in the city. Seven others were detained there. West of Balad, coalition forces detained four terrorism suspects, including a man wanted for ties to al-Qaida in Iraq senior leaders in Iraq's Salahuddin province. In operations in Abu Ghraib, forces netted a man wanted for attacks in the area.
In operations yesterday:
-- Soldiers in Baghdad caught six suspected enemy fighters. Coalition troops in the Iraqi capital's West Rashid district caught a man suspected of being a weapons smuggler and facilitator and a roadside bomb maker. Iraqi soldiers arrested two men suspected of criminal activity in the Mansour district. Coalition forces detained two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq members northwest of Baghdad and another suspect was detained in the Adamiyah district.
-- Coalition forces uncovered a cache during a weapons search in the East Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache contained four anti-tank grenades, three rocket-propelled grenades, 200 7.62 mm rounds, two 107 mm rockets, a claymore mine, 13 86 mm mortars, five 60 mm mortars and two 57 mm surface-to-air rockets.
-- Forces captured a key suspect in a special groups criminal ring in Baghdad's Rusafa district. The suspect is believed to be an assistant to a senior Iranian-trained special groups leader. The man is suspected of kidnapping and managing funds for special groups in Sadr City. Forces also recovered several weapons at the suspect's residence.
-- Two enemy fighters were detained by coalition forces in Ghazni province. Forces searched compounds in the province's Andar district looking for a militant leader wanted for aiding foreign fighters and bomb attacks.
-- Soldiers caught a suspect in the Jazair neighborhood. The man allegedly is connected with several murders, weapons smuggling and other criminal activities.
-- Iraqi special operations forces captured a man in Baghdad suspected of several indirect-fire attacks on a coalition forces base in Abu Tshir. He also allegedly is a sniper for a special groups cell. Another suspect was detained in the operation.
-- In Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, coalition forces targeted an alleged terrorist administrator thought to aid the movement of explosives for al-Qaida in Iraq.
-- Iraqi soldiers and national police officers recovered weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad. Police recovered an explosively formed projectile – a roadside bomb designed to pierce armored vehicles -- and Iraqi soldiers seized one EFP, two light machine guns and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.
-- In other operations, Iraqi soldiers seized several EFPs, RPGs and rifles. Iraqi soldiers recovered a weapons cache that held 17 AK-47 assault rifles, three rifles, an anti-tank mine, two 155 mm rounds and three machine guns. Iraqi soldiers seized another weapons cache that held six 81 mm and 82 mm mortar tubes, and more than 100 81 mm and 82 mm mortar rounds.
In earlier operations:
-- Coalition forces captured a man May 30 near Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, believed to spearhead al-Qaida in Iraq propaganda and suspected of conspiring with terrorist leaders.
-- Iraqi forces captured two suspected terrorists in an operation in Nasser Wa Salaam, west of Baghdad, May 30. The men are believed to be al-Qaida in Iraq weapons traffickers.
-- Iraqi forces caught two special groups cell suspects May 30 in Baghdad. The men are believed to be responsible for the kidnapping, torture and murder of two Iraqi special operations soldiers. One of the men also is suspected of other kidnappings and murders in Baghdad. Seven other suspects were detained during the operation.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces seized several munitions May 30 across Baghdad. In the Shurta area of Rashid, forces seized four mortar rounds and several rifle rounds. On the outskirts of Sadr City, forces seized 12 60 mm high-explosive mortar rounds, two 60 mm mortars, two 82 mm high-explosive rounds, two rocket mortar rounds, a 57 mm rocket and a 40 mm mortar round. Northwest of Baghdad, soldiers found five 81 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round and a grenade.
-- Iraqi police discovered two weapons caches in the Tikrit area of the Salahuddin province May 29. More than 250 rounds were buried in the farmlands. The ordnance ranged from 57 mm to 155 mm rounds, and the cache included rocket-propelled grenades, a propane tank and nearly 150 fuses.
-- Iraqi national police uncovered a weapons cache during a May 29 operation in eastern Baghdad. The police found 82 rifles, three pistols, four roadside bombs including one armor-piercing device, seven rocket-propelled grenades and C-4 explosives.
-- Iraqi forces captured a suspected terrorist May 29 in Mosul. The suspect allegedly is responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi policemen and bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Two additional suspects were detained.
-- Iraqi special operations forces caught two suspected terrorists May 29 in Mosul. The two men are wanted for kidnapping and murder. Twenty-one other suspects were detained in the operation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Marines Launch New Attack in Afghanistan's Helmand Province
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2008 - Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and British forces of Task Force Helmand launched a new operation in the southern portion of Afghanistan's Helmand province today. British forces pushed south from one of their forward operating bases to secure routes west of the Marine positions. Marines then used the newly secured British position to push into new areas of the province's Garmsir district previously held by insurgents.
In the weeks since Marines started operations in southern Helmand, officials said, they have encountered disorganized resistance in more than 100 engagements with insurgents.
The 2,400-strong Marine unit is securing routes through the district to enable the expansion of the Afghanistan government.
In other Afghanistan operations, Afghan forces attacked several enemy extremists May 29 in Helmand's Nahre-e Saraj district. Extremists attacked the force's patrol with small-arms fire, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from fortified positions. Forces called in air strikes to eliminate the enemy. Forces later found and destroyed a cache of weapons and ammunition at the site. No Afghans or U.S. forces were killed in the attacks.
Two militants were detained yesterday by coalition forces in Ghazni province. Forces searched compounds in the Andar district, targeting a militant leader who allegedly has been a facilitator for foreign fighters and has conducted bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
June 1, 2008 - Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and British forces of Task Force Helmand launched a new operation in the southern portion of Afghanistan's Helmand province today. British forces pushed south from one of their forward operating bases to secure routes west of the Marine positions. Marines then used the newly secured British position to push into new areas of the province's Garmsir district previously held by insurgents.
In the weeks since Marines started operations in southern Helmand, officials said, they have encountered disorganized resistance in more than 100 engagements with insurgents.
The 2,400-strong Marine unit is securing routes through the district to enable the expansion of the Afghanistan government.
In other Afghanistan operations, Afghan forces attacked several enemy extremists May 29 in Helmand's Nahre-e Saraj district. Extremists attacked the force's patrol with small-arms fire, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from fortified positions. Forces called in air strikes to eliminate the enemy. Forces later found and destroyed a cache of weapons and ammunition at the site. No Afghans or U.S. forces were killed in the attacks.
Two militants were detained yesterday by coalition forces in Ghazni province. Forces searched compounds in the Andar district, targeting a militant leader who allegedly has been a facilitator for foreign fighters and has conducted bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 31 in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.
Killed were:
Spc. James M. Finley, 21, of Lebanon, Mo.
Pvt. Andrew J. Shields, 19, of Battleground, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
Killed were:
Spc. James M. Finley, 21, of Lebanon, Mo.
Pvt. Andrew J. Shields, 19, of Battleground, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
Gates Calls Getting 'End Game' Right in Iraq Critical to Region, World
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - With progress being made in Iraq, the United States must focus on getting the "end game" right, while being patient enough to refrain from making "a tactical decision that has strategic consequences," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates, addressing questions after his keynote address at the Asia Security Summit, conceded that the war in Iraq war has been controversial.
"But regardless of what you think about how we got where we are, it is terribly important not to get the end game wrong in Iraq, because the consequences for the whole Middle East -- and frankly, I think, for the world -- are quite dire if we do," he said.
Gates cited "broad, if often grudging, admission" that progress has been made in the past year since the strategy supported by the troop surge took hold.
"My hope is that the situation in Iraq will continue to improve," he said. He said she shares Army Gen. David H. Petreaus' goal, stated during his confirmation hearings for the top U.S. Central Command post, that the United States will be in a position to continue troop drawdowns this fall. Over time, he said, the United States expects to see a "transition of mission," with the Iraqis assuming more roles currently carried out by the U.S. military.
"The issue is really, in my opinion, a question of pacing and how fast we do it and how fast the Iraqis can take on responsibility," he said. He cited recent Iraqi security force activity in Basra, Sadr City and Mosul as "encouraging in this respect."
While Iraq may evoke controversy, Gates said, he sees broad bipartisan support in Congress for efforts under way in Afghanistan. "I see broad continued American commitment in Afghanistan, in partnership with our allies there in carrying forward that struggle," he said.
If anything, the next president is likely to increase the U.S. level of commitment there, he said.
Gates is in Singapore attending the 7th annual Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it is held.
He assured defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policy-makers from more than 20 major Asian nations that ongoing operations Iraq and Afghanistan won't distract the United States from its commitments in Asia.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - With progress being made in Iraq, the United States must focus on getting the "end game" right, while being patient enough to refrain from making "a tactical decision that has strategic consequences," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates, addressing questions after his keynote address at the Asia Security Summit, conceded that the war in Iraq war has been controversial.
"But regardless of what you think about how we got where we are, it is terribly important not to get the end game wrong in Iraq, because the consequences for the whole Middle East -- and frankly, I think, for the world -- are quite dire if we do," he said.
Gates cited "broad, if often grudging, admission" that progress has been made in the past year since the strategy supported by the troop surge took hold.
"My hope is that the situation in Iraq will continue to improve," he said. He said she shares Army Gen. David H. Petreaus' goal, stated during his confirmation hearings for the top U.S. Central Command post, that the United States will be in a position to continue troop drawdowns this fall. Over time, he said, the United States expects to see a "transition of mission," with the Iraqis assuming more roles currently carried out by the U.S. military.
"The issue is really, in my opinion, a question of pacing and how fast we do it and how fast the Iraqis can take on responsibility," he said. He cited recent Iraqi security force activity in Basra, Sadr City and Mosul as "encouraging in this respect."
While Iraq may evoke controversy, Gates said, he sees broad bipartisan support in Congress for efforts under way in Afghanistan. "I see broad continued American commitment in Afghanistan, in partnership with our allies there in carrying forward that struggle," he said.
If anything, the next president is likely to increase the U.S. level of commitment there, he said.
Gates is in Singapore attending the 7th annual Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it is held.
He assured defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policy-makers from more than 20 major Asian nations that ongoing operations Iraq and Afghanistan won't distract the United States from its commitments in Asia.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Christian S. Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, Conn., died May 30 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
The incident is currently under investigation.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Okinawa public affairs office at 011-81-611-745-0790 or OkinawaPAO@usmc.mil .
Cpl. Christian S. Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, Conn., died May 30 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
The incident is currently under investigation.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Okinawa public affairs office at 011-81-611-745-0790 or OkinawaPAO@usmc.mil .
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Iraqis Reopen Bridge Linking Baghdad Districts
By Army Sgt. Jerome Bishop
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - The promise of a prosperous future for Iraq took one step closer to becoming a reality when the Sarafiyah Bridge linking Baghdad's Rusafa and Karkh districts was reopened May 27 after being rebuilt. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was present for the opening event, which featured live music, speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the bridge's roadway.
U.S. Army Maj. Frank Garcia, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Multinational Division Baghdad, said the event is important not only because the bridge has reopened, but also because the Iraqi government took the initiative to conduct the reconstruction.
"We didn't have a direct role in this," he said. "It was Iraqi-led, Iraqi-designed, and there were very few coalition members there."
The local economy is expected to receive a boost, as the flow of goods and services will be much easier, Garcia noted.
In addition to tangible, economic gains offered by the reopening of the bridge, the ceremony also marked a more symbolic meaning.
"One side is Shiia, and the other side is Sunni, and there were very good relationships between them," said Mohammed Asadi, a Baghdad native who works as a media advisor for the brigade. "The terrorists tried to send a message: 'We would like to cut the communication lines between these two main groups in Iraq.' But luckily, they didn't manage to do that. And [the local people] sent the message back: 'Here we are, and we are together.'"
The Sarafiyah Bridge, one of several bridges that cross the Tigris River in the Iraqi capital, was destroyed in an April 12, 2007, vehicle-bomb attack that killed 10 Iraqis and injured at least 26 others.
(Army Sgt. Jerome Bishop serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - The promise of a prosperous future for Iraq took one step closer to becoming a reality when the Sarafiyah Bridge linking Baghdad's Rusafa and Karkh districts was reopened May 27 after being rebuilt. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was present for the opening event, which featured live music, speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the bridge's roadway.
U.S. Army Maj. Frank Garcia, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Multinational Division Baghdad, said the event is important not only because the bridge has reopened, but also because the Iraqi government took the initiative to conduct the reconstruction.
"We didn't have a direct role in this," he said. "It was Iraqi-led, Iraqi-designed, and there were very few coalition members there."
The local economy is expected to receive a boost, as the flow of goods and services will be much easier, Garcia noted.
In addition to tangible, economic gains offered by the reopening of the bridge, the ceremony also marked a more symbolic meaning.
"One side is Shiia, and the other side is Sunni, and there were very good relationships between them," said Mohammed Asadi, a Baghdad native who works as a media advisor for the brigade. "The terrorists tried to send a message: 'We would like to cut the communication lines between these two main groups in Iraq.' But luckily, they didn't manage to do that. And [the local people] sent the message back: 'Here we are, and we are together.'"
The Sarafiyah Bridge, one of several bridges that cross the Tigris River in the Iraqi capital, was destroyed in an April 12, 2007, vehicle-bomb attack that killed 10 Iraqis and injured at least 26 others.
(Army Sgt. Jerome Bishop serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- May 30, 2008
Biological weapons defense to be studied at UC [University of Cincinnati]
“University of Cincinnati researchers will use a $1.3 million Department of Defense grant to look for a new way to kill the bugs most likely to be used in biological weapons. Researchers led by Sergey Grinshpun will use the three-year grant to try to create a self-contained compound that would counteract biological bombs made of anthrax or other dangerous microorganisms. The compound would be released into the air immediately after a biological weapon is triggered, Grinshpun said.” (Enquirer; 29May08; Peggy O’Farrell)
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080529/NEWS01/805290385/1056/COL02
Camera keeps eye on traffic [Oak Ridge, Illinois]
“Observant drivers passing through the Oak Ridge intersection of Illinois Avenue and Robertsville Road might notice small white cylinders attached to the bottom of the traffic lights dangling above. The casing holds a camera equipped with a fish-eye lens. One thing is for sure. The camera sees them. […] Aldis [Inc., the Oak Ridge company where the product known as GridSmart is being perfected for planned introduction sometime next year] is working with local software firm Cadre 5 to enable the system to be connected to sensors, such as biological or chemical warfare agent detectors, for homeland security applications.” (KnoxvilleBiz; 30May08; Larisa Brass) http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/may/30/camera-keeps-eye-on-traffic/
China eager to show it can handle Olympics and crisis
“Amid a massive relief and reconstruction effort pulling resources to central China's earthquake-ravaged Sichuan province, Chinese officials said preparations for the Summer Olympics remain on track. […] Officials provided few details on how the government would deal with a bioterrorism attack or other situations necessitating mass evacuations during the Games. But they continued to show great concern about the possibility of bad weather.” (Los Angeles Times; 29May08; Ching-Ching Ni) http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-olympics29-2008may29,0,4910819.story
Singapore DTA 2008 Focused on Unmanned Vehicles
“Singapore is considering buying unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), Navy Chief Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong said in the keynote speech at the Defense Technology Asia (DTA) 2008 show, held here May 22-23. […] Its above-water sensors can perform coastal and harbor surveillance; electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive detection.” (Defense News; 29May08; Wendell Minnick) http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3552725&c=ASI&s=SEA
Umatilla, Ore., weapons disposal to resume in June
“Officials say the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility will resume munitions disposal in early June. The work at the Eastern Oregon plant stopped on May 14 after smoke filled part of a liquid incinerator. Officials say they learned the smoke erupted after pipes in the pollution abatement system inadvertently plugged.” (KTVZ; 29May08; Associated Press)
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=8396211
Colo. gets $35 million from Army, Shell for arsenal cleanup
“Colorado will get $35 million to help clean up and restore a former nerve gas and chemical manufacturing site near Denver that had been deemed one of the most polluted in the country. Shell Oil Co., which made pesticides and other chemicals at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, will provide $21 million in cash and land under an agreement announced Thursday to settle a 25-year-old state lawsuit. The Army and the federal government are providing the rest. […] The Army manufactured chemical weapons at the 27-square-mile site northeast of Denver starting in 1942. Shell leased part of the land and produced chemicals there until 1982. Cleanup began in 1985.” (San Diego Union Tribune; 29May08; Ivan Moreno) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20080529-1355-wst-arsenallawsuit.html
District Briefing: Spring Valley Weapons Search to Continue
“The cleanup of World War I chemical weapons buried under the Spring Valley neighborhood of Northwest Washington could last three more years, as crews search for more shells and remove tainted soil, officials said yesterday. […] The Spring Valley cleanup began in 1993, after a construction crew uncovered buried shells from a former testing ground for chemical weapons near American University.” (Washington Post; 30May08; Elissa Silverman) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/29/AR2008052903624.html
Coin-sized sensor can detect bombs
“An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded team has created an inexpensive sensor the size of a penny that detects bombs made with improvised peroxide explosive devices. […] UAVs and micro UAVs can use the technology in remote sensing for protecting facilities from chemical warfare agents when investigating chemical properties of a vapor cloud.” (Air Force Materiel Command; 30May08; Maria Callier)
http://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123100812
PACE [Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly] Urges Disclosing Info on Chemical Arms Buried in Baltic
“The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) appealed to the United States, the United Kingdom and NATO on Thursday to immediately declassify information on chemical weapons which were apparently buried in the Baltic Sea after World War Two. The appeal followed a report to a meeting of the PACE Standing Committee in Stockholm on Thursday, on chemical munitions that belonged to Nazi Germany but were taken over by the United States, United Kingdom and Soviet Union after the war and were dumped in the Baltic in the late 1940's, the chief Russian delegate to PACE, Konstantin Kosachyov, told Interfax by telephone from the Swedish capital.” (Red Orbit; 29May08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1408791/pace_urges_disclosing_info_on_chemical_arms_buried_in_baltic/
Chemical arms: Watchdog wants states to reveal WWII dumps
“Europe's top rights watchdog has urged the United Kingdom, United States and NATO to reveal locations of chemical munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea after World War Two. The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has called for them to immediately declassify information on the locations of sites where chemical munitions were dumped when the war ended. A resolution adopted by the body on Thursday calls for information to allow a detailed study of the current condition of these chemical weapons, and the risk they pose to the marine environment.” (ADN Kronos;
30May08)
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2210414400
The Not-So-Ugly American
“McCain reached across the aisle to work with Al Gore in co-sponsoring the Iran-Iraq Arms Non-Proliferation Act in 1992, went against fellow Republicans in backing ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and supported ratification of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). […] Moreover, there are grounds for optimism about McCain’s willingness to live with the constraints on U.S. behavior that are inherent in international law, whether the acceptance of CWC [Chemical Weapons Convention] challenge inspections or (one day) the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.” (The Atlantic; 29May08; James Gibney) http://thecurrent.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/05/post-19.php
Clive Stafford Smith: Why has the Government forsaken Binyam Mohamed?
“It seems likely that the US military will soon seek to prosecute Binyam Mohamed in a military tribunal that fails to meet internationally recognised legal standards. British officials have condemned the tribunals, and the former lord justice Steyn referred to them as ‘kangaroo courts.’ The British Government has strongly opposed Mr Mohamed being put on trial in such an unfair process, and has demanded that he be returned home to London.” (The Independent; 30May08) http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/clive-stafford-smith-why-has-the-government-forsaken-binyam-mohamed-836746.html
Nations Endorse Strengthened Effort on Containing Weapons' Spread
“On the eve of the fifth anniversary of a major counterproliferation effort, representatives from 88 countries endorsed a declaration to strengthen their ability to prevent or intercept the illicit transfer of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Following a senior-level conference in Washington May 27-29, Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) partners said they will continue to work together to prevent the proliferation by air, land or sea of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), related delivery systems and technology. They also are seeking cooperation from industry to prevent the proliferation of such weapons to and from states and groups of concern.” (News Blaze; 30May08; Jacquelyn S. Porth) http://newsblaze.com/story/20080530070144tsop.nb/newsblaze/WORLDNEW/World-News.html
Al-Qaeda's terrifying vision of a devastated America in the wake of a nuclear attack “Washington is laid to waste. The Capitol is a blackened, smoking ruin.
The White House has been razed. Countless thousands are dead. This is the apocalyptic scene terrorists hope to create if they ever get their hands on a nuclear bomb. The computer-generated image below was posted on an Islamic extremists' website yesterday. […] Last night FBI sources said Al Qaeda was desperate to get its hands on a weapon of mass destruction, be it nuclear, chemical, or biological.” (Daily Mail; 30May08; Barry Wigmore) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1022840/Al-Qaedas-terrifying-vision-devastated-America-wake-nuclear-attack.html
Morocco's Anti-Terrorism Efforts Dismantle al-Qaeda Cell and Earn US Praise
“Morocco's anti-terrorism campaign continued to yield tangible results with last week's arrest of a group of suspected al-Qaeda extremists planning attacks in North Africa and Europe. Morocco's international partners, including the United States, praised Morocco's efforts as a model for combating terrorism in the region and around the world. On May 19, Moroccan authorities arrested the 11 suspected terrorists in Nador and Fez, who reportedly were planning attacks on tourist destinations and government facilities in Belgium as well as targets in Morocco. These arrests resulted from the on-going intelligence sharing and cooperation between Morocco, Spain, Belgium, and others to stop the spread of regional terrorist threats, most recent by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). […] Also, last week, Morocco joined the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), the U.S.-led international effort to combat the transfer and production of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.” (PR Newswire;
29May08)
http://sev.prnewswire.com/aerospace-defense/20080529/DC2373829052008-1.html
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.
Volunteer Operation Helps Afghan Youth
By Army Pvt. Tamara Gabbard
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Servicemembers here show they care for the future of a free and democratic Afghanistan and a peaceful, nurturing environment for Afghan children by distributing donated items to local youth. Operation Care, a Bagram-based humanitarian effort, was created in May 2006 and strives to "win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, one child at a time," officials said.
Three times a week, volunteers sort and distribute numerous items donated from all over the United States and parts of Europe to Afghan youth.
"The volunteers give a lot of their free time," said Navy Lt. Sara A. O'Neil, a judge advocate general officer and Operation Care's president. "Giving their time to this organization is a very selfless thing."
Common donations include clothing, candy, toys, shoes and school supplies. O'Neil said the donations have affected people's lives.
"It's amazing when you see the reactions of the kids," she said. "They really grab onto the gifts and smile and seem to be so happy with all they have been given."
In addition to distributing goods to the people of Afghanistan, the operation has extended its outreach to support servicemembers stationed at forward operation bases in remote areas by providing them with comfort items and amenities that are not always readily available in isolated areas.
Highly inconvenient and irregularly scheduled flights used to be the only means of getting supplies to these areas. Now, a travelling chaplain delivers 10 to 15 boxes per week.
Army Chaplain (Capt.) Anthony S. Kazarnowicz, known by many as "Father K," began taking items to servicemembers when he would go on missions to such areas.
The servicemembers receiving Father K's boxes have sometimes not been in contact with anyone from the outside for long periods of time, O'Neil said. Many do not even have post exchanges, she added.
"In bringing packages to the servicemembers, we show them that we care very much for them," Kazarnowic said. "We do not want them to be without any of the basic necessities that we ourselves have."
The success of the program hinges on dedicated men and women who work behind the scenes to ensure its success, the chaplain noted.
"To those who prepare and send packages, I say, 'Thank you very much,'" he said. "Even more important than the contents of the boxes is the awareness that someone back in the states took the time to care."
(Army Pvt. Tamara Gabbard serves with 382nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Servicemembers here show they care for the future of a free and democratic Afghanistan and a peaceful, nurturing environment for Afghan children by distributing donated items to local youth. Operation Care, a Bagram-based humanitarian effort, was created in May 2006 and strives to "win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, one child at a time," officials said.
Three times a week, volunteers sort and distribute numerous items donated from all over the United States and parts of Europe to Afghan youth.
"The volunteers give a lot of their free time," said Navy Lt. Sara A. O'Neil, a judge advocate general officer and Operation Care's president. "Giving their time to this organization is a very selfless thing."
Common donations include clothing, candy, toys, shoes and school supplies. O'Neil said the donations have affected people's lives.
"It's amazing when you see the reactions of the kids," she said. "They really grab onto the gifts and smile and seem to be so happy with all they have been given."
In addition to distributing goods to the people of Afghanistan, the operation has extended its outreach to support servicemembers stationed at forward operation bases in remote areas by providing them with comfort items and amenities that are not always readily available in isolated areas.
Highly inconvenient and irregularly scheduled flights used to be the only means of getting supplies to these areas. Now, a travelling chaplain delivers 10 to 15 boxes per week.
Army Chaplain (Capt.) Anthony S. Kazarnowicz, known by many as "Father K," began taking items to servicemembers when he would go on missions to such areas.
The servicemembers receiving Father K's boxes have sometimes not been in contact with anyone from the outside for long periods of time, O'Neil said. Many do not even have post exchanges, she added.
"In bringing packages to the servicemembers, we show them that we care very much for them," Kazarnowic said. "We do not want them to be without any of the basic necessities that we ourselves have."
The success of the program hinges on dedicated men and women who work behind the scenes to ensure its success, the chaplain noted.
"To those who prepare and send packages, I say, 'Thank you very much,'" he said. "Even more important than the contents of the boxes is the awareness that someone back in the states took the time to care."
(Army Pvt. Tamara Gabbard serves with 382nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Several enemy fighters were killed and 20 were detained during separate operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials said. Four enemy fighters were detained during an Afghan and coalition operation to degrade militant anti-government operations in Konar province.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the province's Narang district, targeting a Taliban member known to have assisted in multiple attacks against the Afghan government and coalition forces, officials said.
In a separate operation, coalition forces detained 16 enemy fighters during an effort to disrupt anti-government operations in Afghanistan's Ghazni province.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the province's Andar district, targeting a militant leader who facilitated foreign fighters and homemade-bomb attacks against the Afghan government and coalition forces, military officials said. During their search, coalition forces were threatened by several enemy fighters and responded with small-arms fire, killing several of the enemy fighters. The troops found weapons and bomb-making materials on the compound and destroyed them to prevent their future use.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
May 30, 2008 - Several enemy fighters were killed and 20 were detained during separate operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials said. Four enemy fighters were detained during an Afghan and coalition operation to degrade militant anti-government operations in Konar province.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the province's Narang district, targeting a Taliban member known to have assisted in multiple attacks against the Afghan government and coalition forces, officials said.
In a separate operation, coalition forces detained 16 enemy fighters during an effort to disrupt anti-government operations in Afghanistan's Ghazni province.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the province's Andar district, targeting a militant leader who facilitated foreign fighters and homemade-bomb attacks against the Afghan government and coalition forces, military officials said. During their search, coalition forces were threatened by several enemy fighters and responded with small-arms fire, killing several of the enemy fighters. The troops found weapons and bomb-making materials on the compound and destroyed them to prevent their future use.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
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