The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. David E. Lambert, 39, of Cedar Bluff, Va, died Oct. 26, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 237th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command of the Virginia National Guard.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Virginia National Guard public affairs office at (804) 225-3724, ext. 2211.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Guardsman Goes Full-Time to Answer Nation's Call
By Cpl. Nathan Hoskins, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - It didn't matter that he already had a good job that paid well, and his convictions weren't shaken after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Tom Jessee wanted to join the Army full time. He wanted to become a full-time warrior. Since one week after he graduated from high school, Jessee -- now a lieutenant colonel and the executive officer for the 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division -- has been in the Army.
While growing up in Tecumseh, Okla., Jessee knew he was going to follow in his father's footsteps and join the military one day; he just didn't know in what capacity, he said. His father had served a 20-year Air Force career.
Jessee enlisted in the Army National Guard as an air traffic control radar operator. The Guard, at the time, afforded him some perks, such as staying close to home, he said. "At the time, I wasn't too keen on going active duty and moving away from home. I kind of wanted to stick around locally," he explained.
As time went on and he spent more and more drill weekends at the airfield, he decided that flying was for him.
"The unit that I was in also had two companies of helicopters stationed at that same base. So I went down on the drill weekend while they were out there flying. I was very enamored with that whole environment," he said. The atmosphere drew him in, and he decided he was going to get his commission and go to flight school.
In 1987 he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard and graduated from flight school in March 1989. Up to this point, Jessee said, he had very much enjoyed the National Guard, but after flight school, he knew he wanted to be a full-time leader and pilot in the Army.
Shortly after he pinned his flight wings on, he went with a warrant officer buddy of his to the local recruiter's station to see about changing over to the regular Army.
His friend was signed that very day, but he was rejected -- they just didn't need any commissioned officers at the time, he was told.
In 1992, he married his wife, Carol, and then went off to the officer advance course – a course that prepares junior officers for company command. Every time he came back from one of these courses, he had a renewed urge to make the Army his full-time job, he said.
"Basically, every time that I would go to annual training or to a school or any prolonged period where I was in a uniform doing my military job, I would come back just going: 'I love doing my job; I want to do this,'" he recalled. "I enjoyed my civilian job, but I always considered myself a part-time civilian, as opposed to a part-time soldier, because the soldier was really what was predominant in my life. That's what drove me; that's where my center of gravity was."
Up to this point, he had flown CH-47 Chinooks and UH-1 Hueys. Two weeks after he returned from the UH-60 Black Hawk course, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred.
"My days of getting laughed at for wanting to come on active duty were over," he said.
When 9/11 happened, he and his family were living in Tulsa, Okla. He had a great sales job and was making a decent living, he said.
But they were at church one night when an evangelist whose flight was grounded due to the terrorist attacks visited and told the congregation that the United States was going to go to war in the near future – he wanted to pray for any servicemembers in the congregation, Jessee recalled.
That night he not only felt his own desire to join the Army full-time, but felt God was calling him to serve his nation in a more involved way, he said.
Although he tried his best, things didn't line up well enough to enable him to transfer to the regular Army. So, in the meantime, he took a sales job in Michigan and transferred from the Oklahoma National Guard to the Michigan National Guard, he said.
While in Michigan, things came together, but barely. "My packet (to transfer to regular Army) got approved two days before my personal deadline," he said.
This personal deadline was based on his date of rank as a major – just two days later and his whole career as he now knows it would never have been.
After that bit of good news, he was accepted to serve with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Fort Campbell, Ky., an elite unit of aviators that primarily moves special operations units across the battlefield.
Jessee and his family were three days away from buying a house and moving to the area when he found out that if he took the job with the 160th, he would be at risk of being passed over for consideration for promotion to lieutenant colonel. He couldn't take that chance.
Instead, he packed up his family and moved to Korea to command the Company A "Black Cats," 2nd Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment. He was now a full-time soldier.
The transition from a seemingly normal civilian life to being a full-time Army wife has added some responsibility to Carol that she didn't expect, she said.
"Being the wife of a company commander whose company is the size of a battalion was a giant piece of responsibility that I did not realize was mine," she said. "It was a lot of hard physical and mental work, but I embraced it and went to work. There's no time in life for pouting or crying."
The family, including the couple's children -- Garrett, 6, and Clayton, 9 -- went right along with Jessee to Korea, but not without some worry, Carol said.
"I was apprehensive for about two minutes, but then I got very excited about international travel; the adventure we were about to embark upon was thrilling," she said. "We would go anywhere to be with Tom. We were privileged to experience a different culture. It makes us appreciate what we do have as Americans."
Carol was at first "a little nervous" about her husband joining the Army full-time, she said, but she's behind him 100 percent.
"I've always known deep down that Tom was born to fly and to lead. This is what brings him real joy; I want him to experience that joy daily," she said.
It takes the whole family to work together to keep their full-time soldier on his game, she said.
"Active duty is nowhere near just a job. It is a calling for our entire family, and quickly adapting to change has been our key to success," she said. "We both have a role in this venture; he can't do his part if I don't do mine. It's like a well-oiled machine that works as a whole and not as independently spinning parts."
After serving for nearly 20 months in Korea, Jessee moved his family along with his company to Fort Hood, Texas, as part of the reorganization taking place in the Army, he said. His company was reflagged as Company B, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. When he settled down in Fort Hood, he transitioned to the position of executive officer for the brigade's 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment.
Now, after being promoted to lieutenant colonel, Jessee is serving as the executive officer for the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade in Iraq, where he flies missions in the Black Hawk and pushes piles of paperwork across his desk – helping to keep the wheels turning in the division's aviation brigade. He plans on continuing on until retirement.
Jessee offered a few thoughts for those who, like him, want to make the Army a career choice.
"For any soldier or officer coming into the military, if you're going to make it a career, you really have to love your job. You have to believe in what the Army does as an organization. You have to believe in the people around you," he said.
(Army Cpl. Nathan Hoskins is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - It didn't matter that he already had a good job that paid well, and his convictions weren't shaken after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Tom Jessee wanted to join the Army full time. He wanted to become a full-time warrior. Since one week after he graduated from high school, Jessee -- now a lieutenant colonel and the executive officer for the 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division -- has been in the Army.
While growing up in Tecumseh, Okla., Jessee knew he was going to follow in his father's footsteps and join the military one day; he just didn't know in what capacity, he said. His father had served a 20-year Air Force career.
Jessee enlisted in the Army National Guard as an air traffic control radar operator. The Guard, at the time, afforded him some perks, such as staying close to home, he said. "At the time, I wasn't too keen on going active duty and moving away from home. I kind of wanted to stick around locally," he explained.
As time went on and he spent more and more drill weekends at the airfield, he decided that flying was for him.
"The unit that I was in also had two companies of helicopters stationed at that same base. So I went down on the drill weekend while they were out there flying. I was very enamored with that whole environment," he said. The atmosphere drew him in, and he decided he was going to get his commission and go to flight school.
In 1987 he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard and graduated from flight school in March 1989. Up to this point, Jessee said, he had very much enjoyed the National Guard, but after flight school, he knew he wanted to be a full-time leader and pilot in the Army.
Shortly after he pinned his flight wings on, he went with a warrant officer buddy of his to the local recruiter's station to see about changing over to the regular Army.
His friend was signed that very day, but he was rejected -- they just didn't need any commissioned officers at the time, he was told.
In 1992, he married his wife, Carol, and then went off to the officer advance course – a course that prepares junior officers for company command. Every time he came back from one of these courses, he had a renewed urge to make the Army his full-time job, he said.
"Basically, every time that I would go to annual training or to a school or any prolonged period where I was in a uniform doing my military job, I would come back just going: 'I love doing my job; I want to do this,'" he recalled. "I enjoyed my civilian job, but I always considered myself a part-time civilian, as opposed to a part-time soldier, because the soldier was really what was predominant in my life. That's what drove me; that's where my center of gravity was."
Up to this point, he had flown CH-47 Chinooks and UH-1 Hueys. Two weeks after he returned from the UH-60 Black Hawk course, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred.
"My days of getting laughed at for wanting to come on active duty were over," he said.
When 9/11 happened, he and his family were living in Tulsa, Okla. He had a great sales job and was making a decent living, he said.
But they were at church one night when an evangelist whose flight was grounded due to the terrorist attacks visited and told the congregation that the United States was going to go to war in the near future – he wanted to pray for any servicemembers in the congregation, Jessee recalled.
That night he not only felt his own desire to join the Army full-time, but felt God was calling him to serve his nation in a more involved way, he said.
Although he tried his best, things didn't line up well enough to enable him to transfer to the regular Army. So, in the meantime, he took a sales job in Michigan and transferred from the Oklahoma National Guard to the Michigan National Guard, he said.
While in Michigan, things came together, but barely. "My packet (to transfer to regular Army) got approved two days before my personal deadline," he said.
This personal deadline was based on his date of rank as a major – just two days later and his whole career as he now knows it would never have been.
After that bit of good news, he was accepted to serve with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Fort Campbell, Ky., an elite unit of aviators that primarily moves special operations units across the battlefield.
Jessee and his family were three days away from buying a house and moving to the area when he found out that if he took the job with the 160th, he would be at risk of being passed over for consideration for promotion to lieutenant colonel. He couldn't take that chance.
Instead, he packed up his family and moved to Korea to command the Company A "Black Cats," 2nd Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment. He was now a full-time soldier.
The transition from a seemingly normal civilian life to being a full-time Army wife has added some responsibility to Carol that she didn't expect, she said.
"Being the wife of a company commander whose company is the size of a battalion was a giant piece of responsibility that I did not realize was mine," she said. "It was a lot of hard physical and mental work, but I embraced it and went to work. There's no time in life for pouting or crying."
The family, including the couple's children -- Garrett, 6, and Clayton, 9 -- went right along with Jessee to Korea, but not without some worry, Carol said.
"I was apprehensive for about two minutes, but then I got very excited about international travel; the adventure we were about to embark upon was thrilling," she said. "We would go anywhere to be with Tom. We were privileged to experience a different culture. It makes us appreciate what we do have as Americans."
Carol was at first "a little nervous" about her husband joining the Army full-time, she said, but she's behind him 100 percent.
"I've always known deep down that Tom was born to fly and to lead. This is what brings him real joy; I want him to experience that joy daily," she said.
It takes the whole family to work together to keep their full-time soldier on his game, she said.
"Active duty is nowhere near just a job. It is a calling for our entire family, and quickly adapting to change has been our key to success," she said. "We both have a role in this venture; he can't do his part if I don't do mine. It's like a well-oiled machine that works as a whole and not as independently spinning parts."
After serving for nearly 20 months in Korea, Jessee moved his family along with his company to Fort Hood, Texas, as part of the reorganization taking place in the Army, he said. His company was reflagged as Company B, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. When he settled down in Fort Hood, he transitioned to the position of executive officer for the brigade's 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment.
Now, after being promoted to lieutenant colonel, Jessee is serving as the executive officer for the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade in Iraq, where he flies missions in the Black Hawk and pushes piles of paperwork across his desk – helping to keep the wheels turning in the division's aviation brigade. He plans on continuing on until retirement.
Jessee offered a few thoughts for those who, like him, want to make the Army a career choice.
"For any soldier or officer coming into the military, if you're going to make it a career, you really have to love your job. You have to believe in what the Army does as an organization. You have to believe in the people around you," he said.
(Army Cpl. Nathan Hoskins is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Supply Airmen Help Take Fight to Enemy
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - Keeping aircraft flying and warfighters supplied in Afghanistan is a challenging job, but one done gladly by members of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Supply Flight here. An estimated $50 million in equipment and supplies, everything from aircraft weapon system parts to office supplies, makes its way through the flight every month.
Only 21 airmen work in ELRS Supply, but they have the responsibility for managing all supply functions for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and eight forward operating bases, said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brian Miller, the flight superintendent.
One of the greatest challenges is meeting the diverse needs of operations throughout the country, Miller added.
Nearly $190 million of the more than $200 million in assets maintained by supply is kept in contingency high priority mission support kits, or CHPMSKs, which provide essential parts for immediate needs.
The kits primarily are used to support aircraft maintainers, and any parts removed are automatically replenished from various locations throughout Afghanistan and the United States, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Ivonne Collado, CHPMSK noncommissioned officer in charge. This process ensures maintenance flights have enough parts to keep the planes in the air, despite regular operations in often harsh environments.
Miller also added that when it comes to ordering parts, customers should remember that an order can sometimes take longer to arrive if it is a lower-priority asset, as it can get bumped from a flight by a higher-priority part.
"The experience can be better for everyone if they remember we face logistical challenges and need them to be patient while we do everything we can to get them the items they need," Miller said.
"Without this process and the supply airmen managing it, getting the parts needed to repair aircraft would be very difficult and could lead to grounded aircraft, rather than aircraft that are able to complete their missions," Miller said. "You can't fly without supply."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - Keeping aircraft flying and warfighters supplied in Afghanistan is a challenging job, but one done gladly by members of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Supply Flight here. An estimated $50 million in equipment and supplies, everything from aircraft weapon system parts to office supplies, makes its way through the flight every month.
Only 21 airmen work in ELRS Supply, but they have the responsibility for managing all supply functions for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and eight forward operating bases, said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brian Miller, the flight superintendent.
One of the greatest challenges is meeting the diverse needs of operations throughout the country, Miller added.
Nearly $190 million of the more than $200 million in assets maintained by supply is kept in contingency high priority mission support kits, or CHPMSKs, which provide essential parts for immediate needs.
The kits primarily are used to support aircraft maintainers, and any parts removed are automatically replenished from various locations throughout Afghanistan and the United States, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Ivonne Collado, CHPMSK noncommissioned officer in charge. This process ensures maintenance flights have enough parts to keep the planes in the air, despite regular operations in often harsh environments.
Miller also added that when it comes to ordering parts, customers should remember that an order can sometimes take longer to arrive if it is a lower-priority asset, as it can get bumped from a flight by a higher-priority part.
"The experience can be better for everyone if they remember we face logistical challenges and need them to be patient while we do everything we can to get them the items they need," Miller said.
"Without this process and the supply airmen managing it, getting the parts needed to repair aircraft would be very difficult and could lead to grounded aircraft, rather than aircraft that are able to complete their missions," Miller said. "You can't fly without supply."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Citizen Tip Leads to Massive EFP, Explosives Cache
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - A concerned citizen led coalition forces to the largest cache of explosively formed penetrators ever found in a single location Oct. 23 in a home in Saada village, Iraq, officials reported. EFPs, as the devices are known, are shaped charges designed to pierce even armored vehicles. Officials believe the deadly weapons originate in Iran.
"We knew we had something significant when the home's owner started bragging about how many weapons he had. A find like this helps keep my soldiers' morale up, because they know they've made a difference. It makes them feel good that they are saving soldiers' lives through their work," said Army Capt. Jason Rosenstrauch, B Troop commander, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.
This cache included more than 120 fully assembled EFPs and more than 150 copper disks of four different sizes used in making EFPs -- including 12-inch disks, among the largest ever discovered in Iraq. It also included 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, about 30 107 mm rockets, two mortar tubes and 20 claymore-type mines.
Coalition forces detained the cache owner in the raid.
Rosenstrauch said the citizens of Khan Bani Saad are working closely with coalition forces to keep insurgents out of the city.
"We have a lot of peace in the city center now," Rosenstrauch said. "We have had (many concerned local citizens) reporting on enemy activity. The people are turning on the insurgents and telling us where they are."
In other recent Iraq operations:
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers grabbed seven suspected al Qaeda terrorists during two separate raids in the southern Doura area of the Iraqi capital Oct. 24. The suspects included five men who were positively identified as terrorist suspects engaged in murders, sniper activities, placing improvised explosive devices, grenade attacks on coalition forces, and displacing Shiia families; one man accused of placing IEDs, forcing people from their homes and murdering women; and another man suspected of financing al Qaeda activities.
-- A tip from a resident led Iraqi national police with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Division, to a large weapons cache in the southeast district of New Baghdad in the Iraqi capital Oct. 24.
-- Soldiers from the 4th "Dragon" Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, uncovered a weapons cache and detained a suspected terrorist during ongoing operations in Baghdad's Rashid district Oct. 23. The cache included three 120 mm mortar rounds and wire with a blasting cap. The suspected terrorist is accused of leading a terrorist cell believed to be involved in murders, IED placement and weapons trafficking.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Oct. 26, 2007 - A concerned citizen led coalition forces to the largest cache of explosively formed penetrators ever found in a single location Oct. 23 in a home in Saada village, Iraq, officials reported. EFPs, as the devices are known, are shaped charges designed to pierce even armored vehicles. Officials believe the deadly weapons originate in Iran.
"We knew we had something significant when the home's owner started bragging about how many weapons he had. A find like this helps keep my soldiers' morale up, because they know they've made a difference. It makes them feel good that they are saving soldiers' lives through their work," said Army Capt. Jason Rosenstrauch, B Troop commander, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.
This cache included more than 120 fully assembled EFPs and more than 150 copper disks of four different sizes used in making EFPs -- including 12-inch disks, among the largest ever discovered in Iraq. It also included 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, about 30 107 mm rockets, two mortar tubes and 20 claymore-type mines.
Coalition forces detained the cache owner in the raid.
Rosenstrauch said the citizens of Khan Bani Saad are working closely with coalition forces to keep insurgents out of the city.
"We have a lot of peace in the city center now," Rosenstrauch said. "We have had (many concerned local citizens) reporting on enemy activity. The people are turning on the insurgents and telling us where they are."
In other recent Iraq operations:
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers grabbed seven suspected al Qaeda terrorists during two separate raids in the southern Doura area of the Iraqi capital Oct. 24. The suspects included five men who were positively identified as terrorist suspects engaged in murders, sniper activities, placing improvised explosive devices, grenade attacks on coalition forces, and displacing Shiia families; one man accused of placing IEDs, forcing people from their homes and murdering women; and another man suspected of financing al Qaeda activities.
-- A tip from a resident led Iraqi national police with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Division, to a large weapons cache in the southeast district of New Baghdad in the Iraqi capital Oct. 24.
-- Soldiers from the 4th "Dragon" Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, uncovered a weapons cache and detained a suspected terrorist during ongoing operations in Baghdad's Rashid district Oct. 23. The cache included three 120 mm mortar rounds and wire with a blasting cap. The suspected terrorist is accused of leading a terrorist cell believed to be involved in murders, IED placement and weapons trafficking.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds sustained when they came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during combat operations on Oct 25, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
Killed were:
Sgt. Joshua C. Brennan, 22, of Ontario, Ore., who died Oct 26 in Asadabad, Afghanistan..
Spc. Hugo V. Mendoza, 29, of Glendale, Ariz., who died Oct 25.
For further information related to this release, contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Killed were:
Sgt. Joshua C. Brennan, 22, of Ontario, Ore., who died Oct 26 in Asadabad, Afghanistan..
Spc. Hugo V. Mendoza, 29, of Glendale, Ariz., who died Oct 25.
For further information related to this release, contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Iraqis, Coalition Forces Work Together to Solve Water Issues
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - Getting potable drinking water to residents of the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital was the focus of a meeting here Oct. 22. Community leaders joined soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, to try to hammer out solutions. The main problem cited was improper connections to the water supply, which leads to water line leaks and breaks, low water pressure and disease.
Army 1st Lt. Joseph Gray of Rochester, N.H., a member of 2nd IBCT's embedded provincial reconstruction team, stressed to attendees the meeting was "primarily to identify issues and come back with solutions."
"Solutions are not about pointing out who is at fault," he said. "Nothing has been done to this point, and we are concerned with fixing the problems."
Mohammed Hader, the District Advisory Council vice president for the area, said tapping into water lines was done mainly by squatters, and that it was causing environmental problems. He added that these issues have been raised before, but nothing has changed.
That led to a discussion about how this time could be different. Possible solutions aired included municipal water delivery, solar-powered filtration systems, personal filtration units, repairing and replacing broken lines and building a water-bottling plant.
Other issues raised were a lack of spare parts and a shortage of maintenance personnel. An inadequate water distribution network also was discussed.
Officials said coalition forces have spent almost $13 million this year getting potable water to New Baghdad district residents, and that possible solutions like those aired at the meeting can further the coalition and Iraqi goal of getting clean drinking water to the people.
(From a Multinational Division Baghdad news release.)
Oct. 26, 2007 - Getting potable drinking water to residents of the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital was the focus of a meeting here Oct. 22. Community leaders joined soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, to try to hammer out solutions. The main problem cited was improper connections to the water supply, which leads to water line leaks and breaks, low water pressure and disease.
Army 1st Lt. Joseph Gray of Rochester, N.H., a member of 2nd IBCT's embedded provincial reconstruction team, stressed to attendees the meeting was "primarily to identify issues and come back with solutions."
"Solutions are not about pointing out who is at fault," he said. "Nothing has been done to this point, and we are concerned with fixing the problems."
Mohammed Hader, the District Advisory Council vice president for the area, said tapping into water lines was done mainly by squatters, and that it was causing environmental problems. He added that these issues have been raised before, but nothing has changed.
That led to a discussion about how this time could be different. Possible solutions aired included municipal water delivery, solar-powered filtration systems, personal filtration units, repairing and replacing broken lines and building a water-bottling plant.
Other issues raised were a lack of spare parts and a shortage of maintenance personnel. An inadequate water distribution network also was discussed.
Officials said coalition forces have spent almost $13 million this year getting potable water to New Baghdad district residents, and that possible solutions like those aired at the meeting can further the coalition and Iraqi goal of getting clean drinking water to the people.
(From a Multinational Division Baghdad news release.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr., 52, of Upper Marlboro, Md., died Oct 24 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 275th Military Police Company, 372nd Military Police Battalion, Washington, D.C. National Guard.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the D.C. National Guard public affairs office at (202) 685-9862/9861.
Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr., 52, of Upper Marlboro, Md., died Oct 24 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 275th Military Police Company, 372nd Military Police Battalion, Washington, D.C. National Guard.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the D.C. National Guard public affairs office at (202) 685-9862/9861.
Iraqi Government Must Solidify Accomplishments, General Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - The Iraqi government needs to act now, not later, to solidify gains made in the war-torn country, the coalition commander in northern Iraq said today. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon told Pentagon reporters via a teleconference from his headquarters near Tikrit that a key to success in northern Iraq "will be the government's ability to capitalize on the current concerned citizen movements, leveraging them as a bridge to Sunni inclusion and reconciliation."
Mixon, commander of the 25th "Tropic Lightning" Division, will turn command of Multinational Division North over to Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling of the 1st Armored Division shortly. The general looked back on his 15-month deployment to the country and noted many positive outcomes.
He said the greatest example of success is with the Iraqi army. When the 25th Infantry Division arrived in August 2006, all of Iraq's army divisions in Multinational Division North were operating under coalition control. "In other words, I had command of those divisions," he said. "By contrast, today all four Iraqi army divisions are under Iraqi control, and they now routinely conduct unilateral and joint operations."
Another example is in Ninevah province. The province, which includes Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, is under the protection of the 2nd and 3rd Iraqi Army Divisions. These units conduct security operations largely independent of coalition forces.
"This has allowed me to reduce our day-to-day security presence in ... Mosul to just one (U.S.) infantry battalion," he said. "Just a year ago, we had three times this force operating in Mosul."
In Salahuddin and Diyala provinces -- areas that have experienced awful fighting against al Qaeda in Iraq -- Iraqis are in the lead in establishing operations centers in Samarra and Baqouba, the general said.
"These Iraqi-controlled centers serve as command and control nodes for Iraqi army and police forces and the integration of civilian agencies," he said. "These fully functional centers operate 24/7 and have proven to be invaluable as hubs for information and security operations in these two key cities."
Coalition and Iraqi attacks against terrorists in the area have paid off, he said. "The addition of two surge brigades in our area helped us regain the initiative from al Qaeda in the northern Baghdad belt and in Diyala province, which ... was our most volatile province," Mixon said.
Intelligence-driven raids have captured or killed dozens of terrorist cell leaders and disrupted extremist financial networks in Mosul and Samarra. "In all provinces, the enemy is off-balance and unable to plan, finance or execute coordinated operations to near the level it had prior to the surge," the general said.
The total number of attacks in Multinational Division North have dropped for three consecutive months and are on track to drop again for October, Mixon said. "These security successes have restored the confidence of the Iraqi people, who are now stepping forward in many communities, setting aside tribal and secular differences and sharing a common duty of fighting terrorism and rejecting extremism," he said.
He said similar progress has been made in governance and in the economy.
But there are still problems, he acknowledged. "Successful operations in Anbar and Baghdad have driven more enemy forces into the northern region, which remains a coveted terrorist sanctuary and breeding ground," he said.
The command has long and porous borders with Iran and Syria that offer easy access for foreign fighters. Severe unemployment in the region creates an enormous disaffected military-age male population. "In short, Multinational Division North remains a fertile ground for an active insurgency if we allow it to continue," he said.
Northern Iraq is at a crossroads, Mixon said. "While some areas, some as Ninevah, are ready for transition, others, such as Diyala, will require robust coalition presence for the foreseeable future," he said. "Our efforts, particularly during the surge, have brought precious time for the Iraqi government to move forward in the political processes and to make even greater improvements in the Iraqi security forces."
The government must act now to solidify the gains, he said, by building on the Iraqi citizens' optimism created by the security environment. "A key to success will be the government's ability to capitalize on the current concerned-citizen movements, leveraging them as a bridge to Sunni inclusion and reconciliation," he said.
The government must confront corruption and the financing of terrorist criminal activity to further the legitimized government and to keep pressure on the enemy, Mixon said. "A key step in 2008 will be provincial elections in the northern provinces as the nation builds toward a representative government," he added.
Mixon said he is proud of the job his soldiers and their Iraqi partners have done. "My soldiers know that we have made a difference, and that our sacrifices have not been in vain," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - The Iraqi government needs to act now, not later, to solidify gains made in the war-torn country, the coalition commander in northern Iraq said today. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon told Pentagon reporters via a teleconference from his headquarters near Tikrit that a key to success in northern Iraq "will be the government's ability to capitalize on the current concerned citizen movements, leveraging them as a bridge to Sunni inclusion and reconciliation."
Mixon, commander of the 25th "Tropic Lightning" Division, will turn command of Multinational Division North over to Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling of the 1st Armored Division shortly. The general looked back on his 15-month deployment to the country and noted many positive outcomes.
He said the greatest example of success is with the Iraqi army. When the 25th Infantry Division arrived in August 2006, all of Iraq's army divisions in Multinational Division North were operating under coalition control. "In other words, I had command of those divisions," he said. "By contrast, today all four Iraqi army divisions are under Iraqi control, and they now routinely conduct unilateral and joint operations."
Another example is in Ninevah province. The province, which includes Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, is under the protection of the 2nd and 3rd Iraqi Army Divisions. These units conduct security operations largely independent of coalition forces.
"This has allowed me to reduce our day-to-day security presence in ... Mosul to just one (U.S.) infantry battalion," he said. "Just a year ago, we had three times this force operating in Mosul."
In Salahuddin and Diyala provinces -- areas that have experienced awful fighting against al Qaeda in Iraq -- Iraqis are in the lead in establishing operations centers in Samarra and Baqouba, the general said.
"These Iraqi-controlled centers serve as command and control nodes for Iraqi army and police forces and the integration of civilian agencies," he said. "These fully functional centers operate 24/7 and have proven to be invaluable as hubs for information and security operations in these two key cities."
Coalition and Iraqi attacks against terrorists in the area have paid off, he said. "The addition of two surge brigades in our area helped us regain the initiative from al Qaeda in the northern Baghdad belt and in Diyala province, which ... was our most volatile province," Mixon said.
Intelligence-driven raids have captured or killed dozens of terrorist cell leaders and disrupted extremist financial networks in Mosul and Samarra. "In all provinces, the enemy is off-balance and unable to plan, finance or execute coordinated operations to near the level it had prior to the surge," the general said.
The total number of attacks in Multinational Division North have dropped for three consecutive months and are on track to drop again for October, Mixon said. "These security successes have restored the confidence of the Iraqi people, who are now stepping forward in many communities, setting aside tribal and secular differences and sharing a common duty of fighting terrorism and rejecting extremism," he said.
He said similar progress has been made in governance and in the economy.
But there are still problems, he acknowledged. "Successful operations in Anbar and Baghdad have driven more enemy forces into the northern region, which remains a coveted terrorist sanctuary and breeding ground," he said.
The command has long and porous borders with Iran and Syria that offer easy access for foreign fighters. Severe unemployment in the region creates an enormous disaffected military-age male population. "In short, Multinational Division North remains a fertile ground for an active insurgency if we allow it to continue," he said.
Northern Iraq is at a crossroads, Mixon said. "While some areas, some as Ninevah, are ready for transition, others, such as Diyala, will require robust coalition presence for the foreseeable future," he said. "Our efforts, particularly during the surge, have brought precious time for the Iraqi government to move forward in the political processes and to make even greater improvements in the Iraqi security forces."
The government must act now to solidify the gains, he said, by building on the Iraqi citizens' optimism created by the security environment. "A key to success will be the government's ability to capitalize on the current concerned-citizen movements, leveraging them as a bridge to Sunni inclusion and reconciliation," he said.
The government must confront corruption and the financing of terrorist criminal activity to further the legitimized government and to keep pressure on the enemy, Mixon said. "A key step in 2008 will be provincial elections in the northern provinces as the nation builds toward a representative government," he added.
Mixon said he is proud of the job his soldiers and their Iraqi partners have done. "My soldiers know that we have made a difference, and that our sacrifices have not been in vain," he said.
Ramadi Unity Parade Marks Key Event in Iraqi Reconciliation
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - A remarkable parade in Iraq's Anbar province, openly attended by citizens from all walks of life, demonstrates that Iraqi reconciliation efforts are working, a coalition commander said today. "Out in al Anbar, which you know has been a difficult area about six months ago: a total change," Army Brig. Gen. Dave Phillips told online journalists and bloggers during a conference call from Baghdad. "When they say there is an awakening, I think that's almost an understatement."
Phillips, deputy commanding general for the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, said he personally attended an event earlier this week that proved the awakening movement encouraged by Sunni sheiks is working.
"This past Tuesday, I went out to Ramadi," the general explained. "The Iraqis came up with a concept of a Unity Day parade. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think Ramadi would host a parade which would be led with a band playing and then also young Iraqi boy scouts marching with flags, young Iraqi girl scouts marching with flags, followed by the fire department, the national police, the regular police, ambulances. Never dreamed I would see something like that."
Increased security in Iraqi communities allows such open celebrations to take place, Phillips explained. To that end, the general said, he and his team have helped hire more than 13,000 new Iraqi police officers just in the past two months.
"We have more people signing up than what we actually have ability to hire," Phillips explained. "And when I say 'we,' I'm referring to the Iraqis."
Tomorrow, 450 Iraqi police officers will begin 10 weeks of specialized training led by Italy's fabled Carabinieri force, the general said.
"The national police of Iraq are structured very similar to the Carabinieri in Italy," Phillips explained. "The Carabinieri have nationwide authority; so do the (Iraqi) national police. They can deploy anywhere in the country, and they're a high-end police force that can transition very rapidly to almost light infantry. And so we saw the parallels there."
In addition to the thousands of police applicants, thousands more Iraqis are volunteering to patrol their own neighborhoods as "concerned local citizens" the general said.
"Most of them bring their own weapons with them," Phillips said. "They will work with the Iraqi police, and they will be responsible for guarding a block or a corner or some area. And they basically are auxiliaries. They help the police. They can't make arrests, but they are there as eyes and ears on the street, and they provide information."
So far, more than 50,000 concerned local citizens have offered their services in and around Fallujah, Muqdadiyah, and Diyala, the general said.
"Some are paid. A vast majority are not paid," Phillips said. "They're doing it because they want to see a difference in their community."
It's clear, the general said, that Iraqi citizens are making a difference in their community when they are able to openly celebrate as they did this week in Ramadi.
"When I sat there at the Ramadi parade, that evening I contacted my wife and told her that for one of the first times in a long time, I was very optimistic," he said. "In the past, I was cautiously optimistic, but what I saw at Ramadi, to me, that was one of those days to where you realized you are witnessing something extremely special."
(David Mays works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 26, 2007 - A remarkable parade in Iraq's Anbar province, openly attended by citizens from all walks of life, demonstrates that Iraqi reconciliation efforts are working, a coalition commander said today. "Out in al Anbar, which you know has been a difficult area about six months ago: a total change," Army Brig. Gen. Dave Phillips told online journalists and bloggers during a conference call from Baghdad. "When they say there is an awakening, I think that's almost an understatement."
Phillips, deputy commanding general for the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, said he personally attended an event earlier this week that proved the awakening movement encouraged by Sunni sheiks is working.
"This past Tuesday, I went out to Ramadi," the general explained. "The Iraqis came up with a concept of a Unity Day parade. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think Ramadi would host a parade which would be led with a band playing and then also young Iraqi boy scouts marching with flags, young Iraqi girl scouts marching with flags, followed by the fire department, the national police, the regular police, ambulances. Never dreamed I would see something like that."
Increased security in Iraqi communities allows such open celebrations to take place, Phillips explained. To that end, the general said, he and his team have helped hire more than 13,000 new Iraqi police officers just in the past two months.
"We have more people signing up than what we actually have ability to hire," Phillips explained. "And when I say 'we,' I'm referring to the Iraqis."
Tomorrow, 450 Iraqi police officers will begin 10 weeks of specialized training led by Italy's fabled Carabinieri force, the general said.
"The national police of Iraq are structured very similar to the Carabinieri in Italy," Phillips explained. "The Carabinieri have nationwide authority; so do the (Iraqi) national police. They can deploy anywhere in the country, and they're a high-end police force that can transition very rapidly to almost light infantry. And so we saw the parallels there."
In addition to the thousands of police applicants, thousands more Iraqis are volunteering to patrol their own neighborhoods as "concerned local citizens" the general said.
"Most of them bring their own weapons with them," Phillips said. "They will work with the Iraqi police, and they will be responsible for guarding a block or a corner or some area. And they basically are auxiliaries. They help the police. They can't make arrests, but they are there as eyes and ears on the street, and they provide information."
So far, more than 50,000 concerned local citizens have offered their services in and around Fallujah, Muqdadiyah, and Diyala, the general said.
"Some are paid. A vast majority are not paid," Phillips said. "They're doing it because they want to see a difference in their community."
It's clear, the general said, that Iraqi citizens are making a difference in their community when they are able to openly celebrate as they did this week in Ramadi.
"When I sat there at the Ramadi parade, that evening I contacted my wife and told her that for one of the first times in a long time, I was very optimistic," he said. "In the past, I was cautiously optimistic, but what I saw at Ramadi, to me, that was one of those days to where you realized you are witnessing something extremely special."
(David Mays works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Adam J. Chitjian, 39, of Philadelphia, Pa., died Oct 25 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms during combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Pfc. Adam J. Chitjian, 39, of Philadelphia, Pa., died Oct 25 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms during combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Memorial Bracelets
The following is a paid review of the website for Memorial Bracelets™.
Memorial Bracelets™ is a commercial website that provides a variety of bracelets that memorialize the victims and heroes of terrorism; as well as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have defended America with their lives since the Vietnam War. The bracelets come in aluminum, tanned leather and stainless steel. The customer has a wide range of choices for the bracelet’s engraved content. As an example, the name of a still MIA soldier from the Vietnam War may be chosen.
A victim of terrorism can also be chosen for the engraving on the Memorial Bracelets™. The website catalogues events and the names of victims of terrorism from 2000 through 2004. A Memorial Bracelets™ for a victim of terrorism would include: Name, State, County of Residence, Attack Location, Date of Event and Status.
The website itself is well-designed and easy to navigate. While the visitor is offered a wide variety of choices, it is easy to navigate through the purchase process and ultimately to a secure credit card location. Although a commercial enterprise, Memorial Bracelets™ donates $2 from every bracelet purchased to a wide variety of terrorism and military related charities. According to Memorial Bracelets™, since 2001 they have donated nearly $60,000 to charities such as the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Fisher House™ Foundation, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and The Twin Tower Orphan Fund.
Memorial Bracelets™ is a commercial website that provides a variety of bracelets that memorialize the victims and heroes of terrorism; as well as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have defended America with their lives since the Vietnam War. The bracelets come in aluminum, tanned leather and stainless steel. The customer has a wide range of choices for the bracelet’s engraved content. As an example, the name of a still MIA soldier from the Vietnam War may be chosen.
A victim of terrorism can also be chosen for the engraving on the Memorial Bracelets™. The website catalogues events and the names of victims of terrorism from 2000 through 2004. A Memorial Bracelets™ for a victim of terrorism would include: Name, State, County of Residence, Attack Location, Date of Event and Status.
The website itself is well-designed and easy to navigate. While the visitor is offered a wide variety of choices, it is easy to navigate through the purchase process and ultimately to a secure credit card location. Although a commercial enterprise, Memorial Bracelets™ donates $2 from every bracelet purchased to a wide variety of terrorism and military related charities. According to Memorial Bracelets™, since 2001 they have donated nearly $60,000 to charities such as the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Fisher House™ Foundation, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and The Twin Tower Orphan Fund.
Coalition Forces Continue to Rebuild Northern Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces with Multinational Division North continue to work with the government of Iraq to rebuild infrastructure and improve quality of life for people of northern Iraq. Since assuming responsibility for security and reconstruction in northern Iraq in September 2006, Task Force Lightning has reported beginning 1,433 projects, valued at $101.4 million, and completed 1,119 projects, valued at $37.4 million. The projects include supporting more than 100 humanitarian assistance projects, costing $4.1 million, and reconstructing major crimes courts.
In Diyala, completed projects included a water filtration system in Buhriz and a library in Muqdadiyah. For the Ninevah province, the division renovated a business center, purchased water trucks in Baaj and completed several other projects. In the works, Task Force Lightning is improving the consistency of fuel distribution throughout the province by assisting Ministry of Oil allocations.
For Mosul, MNDN is helping plan Mosul dam contingencies, and continues to support reconstruction of the Mosul major crimes court. Salahuddin province projects include constructing a major crimes court, and rebuilding the provincial television station.
In addition to helping rebuild northern Iraq, the projects also provided 197 grants to small businesses throughout the area. Diyala Electric Industries, a Ministry of Industry and Minerals state-owned enterprise and the only manufacturer of high power line electrical transformers in Iraq, is increasingly operational with hundreds of employees after operating at limited capacity due to the security situation since 2003.
"DEI is arguably the most strategically important factory in all of Iraq," and its managers anticipate reaching peak or near-peak production levels within the next 24 months, according to officials with the Defense Department's Business Stability Operations Task Force who visited the factory in August.
The factory is located on the western side of Baqouba and has the ability to manufacture electrical power transformers, distribution transformers, electric meters, clothing irons, ceiling fans, spark plugs and additional electronic items, and primarily services the ministries of Electricity and Oil.
The company, which reported running only seven commuter buses for employees in Baqouba on Aug. 29, now has 25 commuter buses operating in Baqouba and its surrounding villages, employing about 800 citizens. Projects are under way to allow DEI to reach its maximum potential, officials said.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces with Multinational Division North continue to work with the government of Iraq to rebuild infrastructure and improve quality of life for people of northern Iraq. Since assuming responsibility for security and reconstruction in northern Iraq in September 2006, Task Force Lightning has reported beginning 1,433 projects, valued at $101.4 million, and completed 1,119 projects, valued at $37.4 million. The projects include supporting more than 100 humanitarian assistance projects, costing $4.1 million, and reconstructing major crimes courts.
In Diyala, completed projects included a water filtration system in Buhriz and a library in Muqdadiyah. For the Ninevah province, the division renovated a business center, purchased water trucks in Baaj and completed several other projects. In the works, Task Force Lightning is improving the consistency of fuel distribution throughout the province by assisting Ministry of Oil allocations.
For Mosul, MNDN is helping plan Mosul dam contingencies, and continues to support reconstruction of the Mosul major crimes court. Salahuddin province projects include constructing a major crimes court, and rebuilding the provincial television station.
In addition to helping rebuild northern Iraq, the projects also provided 197 grants to small businesses throughout the area. Diyala Electric Industries, a Ministry of Industry and Minerals state-owned enterprise and the only manufacturer of high power line electrical transformers in Iraq, is increasingly operational with hundreds of employees after operating at limited capacity due to the security situation since 2003.
"DEI is arguably the most strategically important factory in all of Iraq," and its managers anticipate reaching peak or near-peak production levels within the next 24 months, according to officials with the Defense Department's Business Stability Operations Task Force who visited the factory in August.
The factory is located on the western side of Baqouba and has the ability to manufacture electrical power transformers, distribution transformers, electric meters, clothing irons, ceiling fans, spark plugs and additional electronic items, and primarily services the ministries of Electricity and Oil.
The company, which reported running only seven commuter buses for employees in Baqouba on Aug. 29, now has 25 commuter buses operating in Baqouba and its surrounding villages, employing about 800 citizens. Projects are under way to allow DEI to reach its maximum potential, officials said.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Three Terrorists Killed, Five Detained in Iraq Operations
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained five suspects during a series of operations to disrupt terrorist networks in central Iraq today.
-- West of Tarmiyah, coalition forces killed three terrorists during an anti-insurgent operation. One other suspect was detained.
-- West of Ramadi, coalition forces captured a suspected al Qaeda member linked to gun running and foreign-terrorist infiltration activities. One other suspect was detained.
-- Near Beiji, coalition forces captured an individual linked to providing financial and logistics support for al Qaeda operations. Coalition forces also detained one other suspect.
In Iraq operations yesterday, coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during anti-al Qaeda operations southwest of Balad and captured four suspected terrorists during operations southwest of Tarmiyah.
On Oct. 24, Mortar rounds impacted in the Hib Hib area of Khalis, in Diyala province, killing two civilians and wounding 25 others.
In earlier operations, Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors detained a suspected terrorist leader believed to be linked to al Qaeda in Iraq during a raid in the Abu Ghraib area Oct. 23.
Also that day, U.S. helicopter crews fired on three insurgents observed trying to emplace a roadside bomb in northern Baghdad. One individual was wounded, and the other two extremists fled the scene.
In operations Oct. 22:
-- Iraqi soldiers turned a school in Baghdad's Bakariya village into a temporary medical clinic. Iraqi troops with 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted the medical operation without assistance from U.S. troops.
-- Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors detained a suspected terrorist commander in a raid in New Baghdad. The detainee is linked to kidnappings of local residents and mortar attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces in the Kamaliyah area.
-- U.S. soldiers discovered a weapons cache and an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Baghdad. The cache contained a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun. The soldiers also found a roadside bomb that was buried nearby. The gun and the bomb were destroyed.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained five suspects during a series of operations to disrupt terrorist networks in central Iraq today.
-- West of Tarmiyah, coalition forces killed three terrorists during an anti-insurgent operation. One other suspect was detained.
-- West of Ramadi, coalition forces captured a suspected al Qaeda member linked to gun running and foreign-terrorist infiltration activities. One other suspect was detained.
-- Near Beiji, coalition forces captured an individual linked to providing financial and logistics support for al Qaeda operations. Coalition forces also detained one other suspect.
In Iraq operations yesterday, coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during anti-al Qaeda operations southwest of Balad and captured four suspected terrorists during operations southwest of Tarmiyah.
On Oct. 24, Mortar rounds impacted in the Hib Hib area of Khalis, in Diyala province, killing two civilians and wounding 25 others.
In earlier operations, Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors detained a suspected terrorist leader believed to be linked to al Qaeda in Iraq during a raid in the Abu Ghraib area Oct. 23.
Also that day, U.S. helicopter crews fired on three insurgents observed trying to emplace a roadside bomb in northern Baghdad. One individual was wounded, and the other two extremists fled the scene.
In operations Oct. 22:
-- Iraqi soldiers turned a school in Baghdad's Bakariya village into a temporary medical clinic. Iraqi troops with 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted the medical operation without assistance from U.S. troops.
-- Iraqi commandos with U.S. advisors detained a suspected terrorist commander in a raid in New Baghdad. The detainee is linked to kidnappings of local residents and mortar attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces in the Kamaliyah area.
-- U.S. soldiers discovered a weapons cache and an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Baghdad. The cache contained a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun. The soldiers also found a roadside bomb that was buried nearby. The gun and the bomb were destroyed.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Three Militants Caught in Afghanistan Operations
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces detained three suspected militants in the Nerkh district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday. The troops caught the suspects during a search of buildings believed to be militant hiding places.
"Coalition forces conducted a search of the compounds in the Nerkh district for militants indicated to be in the area," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 82.
In earlier operations, coalition forces killed several militants and detained two others in the Nerkh district of Wardak province Oct. 23. A follow-on search yielded a weapons cache containing explosive materials, weapons and ammunition.
Two Afghan National Police officers were wounded, yet they managed to repel a Taliban attack on a security checkpoint in the village of Shkin, in the Bermel district of Afghanistan's Paktika province. Coalition forces rendered medical assistance to the wounded police, who were then taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Oct. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces detained three suspected militants in the Nerkh district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday. The troops caught the suspects during a search of buildings believed to be militant hiding places.
"Coalition forces conducted a search of the compounds in the Nerkh district for militants indicated to be in the area," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 82.
In earlier operations, coalition forces killed several militants and detained two others in the Nerkh district of Wardak province Oct. 23. A follow-on search yielded a weapons cache containing explosive materials, weapons and ammunition.
Two Afghan National Police officers were wounded, yet they managed to repel a Taliban attack on a security checkpoint in the village of Shkin, in the Bermel district of Afghanistan's Paktika province. Coalition forces rendered medical assistance to the wounded police, who were then taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Edward O. Philpot, 38, of Latta, S.C., died Oct 23 in Afghanistan, from a non-combat related Humvee rollover accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, Dillon, S.C.
This incident is under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the South Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (803) 806-4327.
Sgt. Edward O. Philpot, 38, of Latta, S.C., died Oct 23 in Afghanistan, from a non-combat related Humvee rollover accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, Dillon, S.C.
This incident is under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the South Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (803) 806-4327.
Shiites Work Against Extremists, Generals Say
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - A movement toward peace that began in mostly Sunni areas of Iraq now is moving into Shiite areas as well, a senior commander said in Baghdad today. "Bound together by the desire for peace and prosperity, the Iraqi people are overcoming differences to provide a better future for their children," said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Multinational Corps Iraq commander.
In a news briefing, Odierno and Iraqi army Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar said they are upbeat about the security situation in the Iraqi capital. Both said the shift of Iraqis to supporting the coalition and government is continuing. The shift began in the Sunni–dominated Anbar province, but now is spreading to Baghdad, Odierno said.
"All sectors of Baghdad have witnessed a decrease in terrorist activities compared to the beginning of Operation Fardh al Qanoon," Qanbar, the commander of the Baghdad Operations Command, said. "This has brought life to normal in many parts of Baghdad."
Overall violence in Baghdad is down 80 percent over the same period in 2006, Qanbar said. Overall terrorist attacks are down 59 percent, and assassinations are down 72 percent. The Iraqi general said the holy month of Ramadan, which ended Oct. 12, was much different this year.
Odierno agreed. "Iraqis celebrated Eid al Fitr (the feast ending Ramadan) last week in their parks, restaurants and streets," he said. "During last year's Eid, this was not the case. The security improvements made this possible. Attack levels continue their downward trend that began in June and are now at their lowest level since January 2006."
The general said that improvised-explosive-device attacks, extremists' preferred method of terror, are down more than 60 percent in the past four months, and bombs that do go off are less lethal.
Iraqi citizens tell Odierno they see and feel a difference. "Whenever I travel around Baghdad, Iraqis tell me how much safer they feel in their neighborhoods," he said.
In the western Baghdad neighborhood of Jihad, both Sunni and Shiite residents have worked hard to reduce violence and last week signed a reconciliation agreement. "Yesterday, just five days after the signing of the agreement, a group of Iraq government officials visited Jihad to assess how to improve the services," Odierno said.
This is key to solidifying security gains, the general said. In Jihad, the town council and the ministries agreed to get the hospital working again, rebuild the sewage disposal plant, improve the delivery of oil, and rehabilitate schools and mosques.
"The coalition and Iraqi security forces are committed that the citizens of Jihad enjoy the benefits of their improved security situation," he said. "We will work closely with the government to ensure they can deliver supplies and to provide security. Alongside the government, the coalition is working to provide substantial financial support to help the citizens of Jihad."
The general named criminals and terrorists in Sadr City who are not interested in reconciliation. He called the men terrorists and criminals who "commit extortion, kidnappings, intimidation and murder against the Iraqi people." These gangs are on the coalition and Iraqi target list, he said.
"Local citizens across Iraq are taking back their communities; they are providing valuable information to the coalition and Iraqi security forces, seizing caches and even detaining extremists to defend their homes," Odierno said.
Iraqi security forces continue to improve and continue to increase their capabilities, Odierno said. "Together, the coalition and Iraqi security forces are working hard to protect the Iraq population and remove dangerous elements," he said.
The general also cited a sense of optimism in Baghdad. "I'm encouraged by the improvements in the Iraqi security forces, by the local community leaders signing reconciliation agreements, and by local volunteers providing security in their neighborhoods," he said. "This is creating space to lay an economic foundation and improve essential services."
The coalition and Iraqi government must continue their efforts and encourage the groundswell against terrorists and extremism, Odierno said.
"Working closely with the government, we need to ensure that improved services are brought to the Iraqi people," he said. "I believe we are well on our way to make lasting differences in Iraq. Coalition and Iraqi security forces remain committed to providing protection and moving forward. The future holds great promise, and the Iraqi people have reason to begin to hope."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - A movement toward peace that began in mostly Sunni areas of Iraq now is moving into Shiite areas as well, a senior commander said in Baghdad today. "Bound together by the desire for peace and prosperity, the Iraqi people are overcoming differences to provide a better future for their children," said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Multinational Corps Iraq commander.
In a news briefing, Odierno and Iraqi army Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar said they are upbeat about the security situation in the Iraqi capital. Both said the shift of Iraqis to supporting the coalition and government is continuing. The shift began in the Sunni–dominated Anbar province, but now is spreading to Baghdad, Odierno said.
"All sectors of Baghdad have witnessed a decrease in terrorist activities compared to the beginning of Operation Fardh al Qanoon," Qanbar, the commander of the Baghdad Operations Command, said. "This has brought life to normal in many parts of Baghdad."
Overall violence in Baghdad is down 80 percent over the same period in 2006, Qanbar said. Overall terrorist attacks are down 59 percent, and assassinations are down 72 percent. The Iraqi general said the holy month of Ramadan, which ended Oct. 12, was much different this year.
Odierno agreed. "Iraqis celebrated Eid al Fitr (the feast ending Ramadan) last week in their parks, restaurants and streets," he said. "During last year's Eid, this was not the case. The security improvements made this possible. Attack levels continue their downward trend that began in June and are now at their lowest level since January 2006."
The general said that improvised-explosive-device attacks, extremists' preferred method of terror, are down more than 60 percent in the past four months, and bombs that do go off are less lethal.
Iraqi citizens tell Odierno they see and feel a difference. "Whenever I travel around Baghdad, Iraqis tell me how much safer they feel in their neighborhoods," he said.
In the western Baghdad neighborhood of Jihad, both Sunni and Shiite residents have worked hard to reduce violence and last week signed a reconciliation agreement. "Yesterday, just five days after the signing of the agreement, a group of Iraq government officials visited Jihad to assess how to improve the services," Odierno said.
This is key to solidifying security gains, the general said. In Jihad, the town council and the ministries agreed to get the hospital working again, rebuild the sewage disposal plant, improve the delivery of oil, and rehabilitate schools and mosques.
"The coalition and Iraqi security forces are committed that the citizens of Jihad enjoy the benefits of their improved security situation," he said. "We will work closely with the government to ensure they can deliver supplies and to provide security. Alongside the government, the coalition is working to provide substantial financial support to help the citizens of Jihad."
The general named criminals and terrorists in Sadr City who are not interested in reconciliation. He called the men terrorists and criminals who "commit extortion, kidnappings, intimidation and murder against the Iraqi people." These gangs are on the coalition and Iraqi target list, he said.
"Local citizens across Iraq are taking back their communities; they are providing valuable information to the coalition and Iraqi security forces, seizing caches and even detaining extremists to defend their homes," Odierno said.
Iraqi security forces continue to improve and continue to increase their capabilities, Odierno said. "Together, the coalition and Iraqi security forces are working hard to protect the Iraq population and remove dangerous elements," he said.
The general also cited a sense of optimism in Baghdad. "I'm encouraged by the improvements in the Iraqi security forces, by the local community leaders signing reconciliation agreements, and by local volunteers providing security in their neighborhoods," he said. "This is creating space to lay an economic foundation and improve essential services."
The coalition and Iraqi government must continue their efforts and encourage the groundswell against terrorists and extremism, Odierno said.
"Working closely with the government, we need to ensure that improved services are brought to the Iraqi people," he said. "I believe we are well on our way to make lasting differences in Iraq. Coalition and Iraqi security forces remain committed to providing protection and moving forward. The future holds great promise, and the Iraqi people have reason to begin to hope."
Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team Funds $1.7 Million Bridge
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Construction is under way for a $1.7 million bridge across the Farah Rud River here. The project, funded by the Farah Provisional Reconstruction Team, will employ several hundred Afghans for two years. Each year, the Farah Rud River rises about six feet, cutting the people in Tojg off from the main road and their farmlands. The nearest crossing is several hours away, in Farah City. Eight to 10 people drown annually attempting to cross the river.
The massive masonry and reinforced concrete bridge will span 300 meters and rise 12 meters over the center span.
The bridge will benefit not only the 10,000 residents of Tojg, but also people from the districts of Shib Koh, Qalay Ka, Lashe Juwain and Farah City.
Due to the size and duration of the project, several local contractors joined forces to create a joint venture company, pooling resources, equipment and manpower for the bridge construction. These companies include Shir Pir Construction Co., Bradaran Noori, Kheyaban Construction Co., and Meihan Parwar.
By reducing travel time to the city center, this link will enhance economic activity, improve response times for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and improve access to social services. The link also will extend the reach of the central government, allowing officials to conduct more frequent assessments of the outer districts.
"This project is right up there with some of the major projects we have done in Afghanistan. It's part of the foundation infrastructure, roads and bridges and dams, heavy infrastructure that allows transportation and goods and services to flow. Projects like this are critical for the functioning of the economy," said Navy Lt. j.g. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer at Farah PRT.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Oct. 24, 2007 - Construction is under way for a $1.7 million bridge across the Farah Rud River here. The project, funded by the Farah Provisional Reconstruction Team, will employ several hundred Afghans for two years. Each year, the Farah Rud River rises about six feet, cutting the people in Tojg off from the main road and their farmlands. The nearest crossing is several hours away, in Farah City. Eight to 10 people drown annually attempting to cross the river.
The massive masonry and reinforced concrete bridge will span 300 meters and rise 12 meters over the center span.
The bridge will benefit not only the 10,000 residents of Tojg, but also people from the districts of Shib Koh, Qalay Ka, Lashe Juwain and Farah City.
Due to the size and duration of the project, several local contractors joined forces to create a joint venture company, pooling resources, equipment and manpower for the bridge construction. These companies include Shir Pir Construction Co., Bradaran Noori, Kheyaban Construction Co., and Meihan Parwar.
By reducing travel time to the city center, this link will enhance economic activity, improve response times for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and improve access to social services. The link also will extend the reach of the central government, allowing officials to conduct more frequent assessments of the outer districts.
"This project is right up there with some of the major projects we have done in Afghanistan. It's part of the foundation infrastructure, roads and bridges and dams, heavy infrastructure that allows transportation and goods and services to flow. Projects like this are critical for the functioning of the economy," said Navy Lt. j.g. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer at Farah PRT.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
U.S. Forces Detain Suspected Terrorists in Central, Northern Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained 19 suspected terrorists during operations today in the central and northern parts of Iraq.
-- West of Tikrit, coalition forces captured a wanted individual who is believed to be an associate of several terrorist leaders operating throughout the Tigris River Valley. The suspect allegedly is responsible for the movement of weapons from outside of Iraq to safe houses in the area. As coalition forces arrived at the target area, the wanted individual surrendered to the ground force and was detained without incident.
-- In southern Baghdad, coalition forces captured another individual during an operation targeting an al Qaeda member allegedly involved in bombing attacks. Reports indicate the suspect is an associate of a terrorist believed to have transported messages from a former southern belt terrorist leader killed during a coalition forces operation Sept. 25. The captured individual also is believed to have knowledge of foreign terrorists and senior al Qaeda members operating in the Arab Jabour area and southern Baghdad. One other suspect was detained on site.
-- In another operation in the capital city, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged al Qaeda cell leader involved in attacks on coalition forces in the Arab Jabour area.
-- West of Ramadi, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting a member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. The targeted individual reportedly is a close associate of several senior al Qaeda members operating outside of Iraq, one of whom allegedly is responsible for facilitating finances across the border and transporting messages to senior terrorist leaders. The individual also allegedly has ties to other al Qaeda financiers in the region.
-- South of Tarmiyah, coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists during two coordinated operations. Eight were detained while forces were targeting al Qaeda leaders operating in the city's terrorist network. Coalition forces detained another suspect while targeting an alleged associate of an al Qaeda leader responsible for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Intelligence reports indicate the network is involved with car bombings, improvised-explosive-device attacks and facilitating foreign terrorists.
-- In Mosul, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an individual believed to be a key logistical provider for all of al Qaeda. Intelligence reports also indicate the individual has allegedly provided transport for senior terrorists operating in the region.
"We continue to clear and hold areas where the terrorists think they can hide," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Al Qaeda in Iraq will find no safe haven from our operations to capture their leadership and dismantle their networks."
In operations earlier this week, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers found two weapons caches and detained four individuals during ongoing clearing operations in the Rashid district on Oct. 22. An Iraqi citizen's tip aided troops in finding a cache and arresting three military-age males for possession of two hand grenades, an AK-47 assault rifle and four magazines.
Also on Oct. 22, tips from local residents led to the detention of two insurgents in Adwaniya. U.S. and Iraqi troops detained the two during raids designed to disrupt insurgent activities in the area. Local residents reported that one of the detainees was using his business as an al Qaeda meeting point. Coalition forces searched the building and found IED-making materials.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Oct. 24, 2007 - Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained 19 suspected terrorists during operations today in the central and northern parts of Iraq.
-- West of Tikrit, coalition forces captured a wanted individual who is believed to be an associate of several terrorist leaders operating throughout the Tigris River Valley. The suspect allegedly is responsible for the movement of weapons from outside of Iraq to safe houses in the area. As coalition forces arrived at the target area, the wanted individual surrendered to the ground force and was detained without incident.
-- In southern Baghdad, coalition forces captured another individual during an operation targeting an al Qaeda member allegedly involved in bombing attacks. Reports indicate the suspect is an associate of a terrorist believed to have transported messages from a former southern belt terrorist leader killed during a coalition forces operation Sept. 25. The captured individual also is believed to have knowledge of foreign terrorists and senior al Qaeda members operating in the Arab Jabour area and southern Baghdad. One other suspect was detained on site.
-- In another operation in the capital city, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged al Qaeda cell leader involved in attacks on coalition forces in the Arab Jabour area.
-- West of Ramadi, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting a member of a foreign terrorist facilitation network that channels extremists into Iraq. The targeted individual reportedly is a close associate of several senior al Qaeda members operating outside of Iraq, one of whom allegedly is responsible for facilitating finances across the border and transporting messages to senior terrorist leaders. The individual also allegedly has ties to other al Qaeda financiers in the region.
-- South of Tarmiyah, coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists during two coordinated operations. Eight were detained while forces were targeting al Qaeda leaders operating in the city's terrorist network. Coalition forces detained another suspect while targeting an alleged associate of an al Qaeda leader responsible for the Tarmiyah sector of the northern belt. Intelligence reports indicate the network is involved with car bombings, improvised-explosive-device attacks and facilitating foreign terrorists.
-- In Mosul, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an individual believed to be a key logistical provider for all of al Qaeda. Intelligence reports also indicate the individual has allegedly provided transport for senior terrorists operating in the region.
"We continue to clear and hold areas where the terrorists think they can hide," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Al Qaeda in Iraq will find no safe haven from our operations to capture their leadership and dismantle their networks."
In operations earlier this week, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers found two weapons caches and detained four individuals during ongoing clearing operations in the Rashid district on Oct. 22. An Iraqi citizen's tip aided troops in finding a cache and arresting three military-age males for possession of two hand grenades, an AK-47 assault rifle and four magazines.
Also on Oct. 22, tips from local residents led to the detention of two insurgents in Adwaniya. U.S. and Iraqi troops detained the two during raids designed to disrupt insurgent activities in the area. Local residents reported that one of the detainees was using his business as an al Qaeda meeting point. Coalition forces searched the building and found IED-making materials.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Larry I. Rougle, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, died Oct. 23 in Sawtalo Sar Mountain, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Southern European Task Forces public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Staff Sgt. Larry I. Rougle, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, died Oct. 23 in Sawtalo Sar Mountain, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Southern European Task Forces public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Violence, Casualties Down in Iraq
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - The U.S. troop surge in Iraq continues to have positive effects, as violence and casualties are decreasing in many areas of the country, the Joint Staff's director for operational planning said today. In and around Baghdad, terrorist operations are down by 59 percent; operations targeting Iraqi forces are down more than 60 percent; car bombs are down by 65 percent; fatalities due to car bombs are down by 81 percent; casualties due to enemy attacks are down by 77 percent; and the violence during this last Ramadan period was the lowest in three years, Army Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock told Pentagon reporters.
Also, last week in Anbar province, the coalition had no casualties, which is an important milestone, the general noted.
"Overall casualties in Iraq have continued to decrease, even though coalition forces have conducted a variety of operations throughout the country," Sherlock said. "While this is indeed encouraging, al Qaeda in Iraq, other extremist groups and criminal elements in Iraq continue to be major threats."
Extremist groups are still very capable of staging spectacular attacks, so the coalition must remain committed to the fight, Sherlock said. He noted that the continuing rise of concerned local citizens' groups and improvements in Iraqi security forces is encouraging.
Sherlock said the United States still is working with the governments of Turkey and Iraq on a diplomatic solution to the problem with rebels in northern Iraq. The issue is important to several countries in the region, so the U.S. officials are working with all parties involved to come up with an acceptable solution, he said.
"We are committed to security in that region," he said. "We believe this is an issue between Turkey and Iraq. We are working with both countries, as Turkey is a valued ally for a number of years and Iraq is an ally in the war on terror."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - The U.S. troop surge in Iraq continues to have positive effects, as violence and casualties are decreasing in many areas of the country, the Joint Staff's director for operational planning said today. In and around Baghdad, terrorist operations are down by 59 percent; operations targeting Iraqi forces are down more than 60 percent; car bombs are down by 65 percent; fatalities due to car bombs are down by 81 percent; casualties due to enemy attacks are down by 77 percent; and the violence during this last Ramadan period was the lowest in three years, Army Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock told Pentagon reporters.
Also, last week in Anbar province, the coalition had no casualties, which is an important milestone, the general noted.
"Overall casualties in Iraq have continued to decrease, even though coalition forces have conducted a variety of operations throughout the country," Sherlock said. "While this is indeed encouraging, al Qaeda in Iraq, other extremist groups and criminal elements in Iraq continue to be major threats."
Extremist groups are still very capable of staging spectacular attacks, so the coalition must remain committed to the fight, Sherlock said. He noted that the continuing rise of concerned local citizens' groups and improvements in Iraqi security forces is encouraging.
Sherlock said the United States still is working with the governments of Turkey and Iraq on a diplomatic solution to the problem with rebels in northern Iraq. The issue is important to several countries in the region, so the U.S. officials are working with all parties involved to come up with an acceptable solution, he said.
"We are committed to security in that region," he said. "We believe this is an issue between Turkey and Iraq. We are working with both countries, as Turkey is a valued ally for a number of years and Iraq is an ally in the war on terror."
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