Counter-Insurgency Expert Sees Progress in Iraq

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – A new Iraq strategy that targets multiple terrorist outposts and capitalizes on Iraqis’ growing dislike of al Qaeda are combining to degrade insurgent operations in the country, a counter-insurgency expert said today in Baghdad.

Iraq Rebuilding Shifts from Western Contracts to Iraqis

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – All of the $11 billion appropriated for the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund has been obligated, the work is 83 percent complete, and Iraqis are doing more and more of the work, a senior military official said yesterday.

Iran-Tied Terrorist, Other Suspects Nabbed In Iraq Raids

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Coalition forces captured 27 suspected terrorists, including an alleged terrorist with ties to Iranian elements, during missions conducted across Iraq today as Operation Phantom Thunder continues, U.S. military officials reported.

Coalition Forces Control About Half of Baghdad

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Coalition forces are in control of more than 50 percent of Baghdad and are making progress in the rest, the coalition’s military commander in the city said today.

Trend Lines Improve in Baghdad As Residents Step Forward

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Americans still face a tough fight inside Baghdad, but the trend lines are improving, the commander of Multinational Division Baghdad said today.

Security Spurs Development in Afghanistan

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Development follows security, and Afghanistan is proof of that statement, the chief Army Corps of Engineers officer in Afghanistan said today.

U.S., Afghan Troops Seize 16 Suspected Taliban in Raid

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Afghan and U.S. forces today detained 16 militants during a raid on an alleged Taliban compound and began an offensive to clear the Taliban from the Helman River’s western bank.

Wounded Soldier Heals, Rejoins Unit

By Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour | American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, June 25, 2007 – Army Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic won’t spend a full 15 months in Iraq like the rest of the soldiers in his unit. Still, he knows all too well about the sacrifices of war.

The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division’s Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6.

Iraqis Pulling Weight in Northern Iraq, General Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2007 – The Iraqi soldiers and units working with the Multinational Division North are "holding firm," the director of operations for the division said today from his headquarters in Tikrit.

Operation Phantom Thunder: Marne Troops Make Progress, General Says

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2007 – Ten days into offensive strikes under Operation Phantom Thunder, the commander of Task Force Marne said his troops are one-fifth of the way into their “decisive” and “deliberate” operation in the southern provinces of Iraq.

Iraq Operations Kill, Capture Scores of Terrorists

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2007 – A series of anti-insurgent operations conducted across Iraq by U.S. and Iraqi troops in recent days has resulted in the killing or capture of scores of terrorists and the seizure of copious amounts of enemy ordnance, U.S. military officials reported.

U.S., Afghan Troops Rescue Enemy-Held Hostages

American Forces Press Service
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 21, 2007 – Two people who’d been held hostage by Taliban and al Qaeda militants were rescued today by U.S. and Afghan forces during raids in the Zaghun Shah district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, U.S. officials reported.

Iraqis Turn Toward Government, Coalition, Odierno Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2007 – The Iraqi people are tired of a foreign-dominated group -- al Qaeda -- attempting to manipulate them, and are turning to their government, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today.

U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq Kill 17 Fighters

Jun 22 | By LAUREN FRAYER
BAQOUBA, Iraq (AP) - American attack helicopters fired on al-Qaida militants trying to slip past an Iraqi checkpoint on Friday, killing 17 of them in the fourth day of an offensive to oust the fighters entrenched in this city an hour's drive north of Baghdad.

Push Against Iraq Insurgents Expands

Associated Press | June 20, 2007
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces expanded their push against insurgent strongholds outside Baghdad on Wednesday as Iraqi units joined the offensive and took control of several districts in the key city of Baqouba, the military said.

30 Al Qaeda Fighters Killed in Iraq

June 20, 2007 | Associated Press
BAGHDAD — Thousands of U.S. and Iraqi troops pressed forward for the second day Wednesday with an operation aimed at clearing out a Sunni insurgent stronghold northeast of Baghdad. The U.S. military said at least 30 Al Qaeda fighters were killed and several bombs and weapons caches destroyed as the soldiers fought their way through the streets of Baqouba.

Taliban, al Qaeda Losing Influence in Afghanistan

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2007 – Afghanistan’s citizens are rejecting the dark vision offered by Taliban and al Qaeda extremists and are embracing their central government, senior U.S. and Afghan military officers said today.

Combined Forces Capture Terrorists, Discover Weapons

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces continued security operations throughout Iraq the past few days, killing about 37 extremists, capturing more than 100, and discovering numerous weapons caches, military officials reported.

Local Security Engagements Squeezing Insurgents, General Says

By Tim Kilbride | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – The quickened tempo and increasingly localized nature of joint U.S.-Iraqi security operations are gradually pushing al Qaeda and related insurgent groups out of Iraq’s neighborhoods, a coalition spokesman said this week.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill More Than 24 Enemy Fighters

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed and detained more than two dozen enemy fighters in operations in Afghanistan over the past two days, U.S. officials said.

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Capture Terrorist Leaders

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces captured one terrorist leader and killed 16 suspected terrorists today. Ten more insurgents died in fighting yesterday.

Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Terrorists

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2007 – In operations throughout Iraq over the past three days, coalition and Iraqi forces killed nine terrorists and detained 76 suspected terrorists, military officials reported.

Quarterly Iraq Report Cites Progress, Challenges

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2007 – It’s still too early to assess the impact of the new strategy in Iraq, but more progress is expected as additional troops come on line to boost security in Baghdad, according to the latest quarterly report to Congress, released today.

Report: Indonesian Police Arrest Jemaah Islamiyah Leader Abu Dujana

June 13, 2007 | Associated Press
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian police have arrested the alleged leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, the Southeast Asian terror group blamed for the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings and a series of other attacks in recent years, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Official: Iranian Weapons Intercepted on Way to Taliban

June 13, 2007 | AP
PARIS — The United States has "irrefutable" evidence that Iran is transferring weapons to the Taliban in Afghanistan, with the knowledge of the Iranian government, and NATO has intercepted some of the shipments, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday.

U.S.: Iran Sending Weapons to Taliban

Associated Press | June 12, 2007
PARIS - A senior U.S. diplomat accused Iran on Tuesday of transferring weapons to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan - the most direct comments yet on the issue by a ranking American official.

Eleven Terrorists Held; Bomb-Making Factory Seized in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the Baghdad area today.

More Than 24 Enemy Fighters Killed in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2007 – An eight-hour battle in Afghanistan yesterday led to the deaths of some two dozen enemy fighters.

Al Anbar Police Turn a Corner

David Axe | June 12, 2007
The Iraqi national police force has opened two new training facilities in the western province of Al Anbar, a significant step towards cementing improving security in the region, according to U.S. and Iraqi officials. The academies in Ramadi and Habbaniyah can house nearly 4,000 students at a time for courses lasting as long as 90 days.

12 Detained in Raids; Suicide Bombers Killed in Iraq Ops

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists during coordinated operations targeting the al Qaeda in Iraq network today.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Defeat Enemy Fighters; Civilians Reject Insurgents

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – Elements of the 205th Afghan National Army Corps, advised and assisted by coalition forces, defeated enemy insurgents in two separate firefights in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Zabul provinces June 6, military officials reported.

Combined Forces Kill 21 Insurgents, Detain 20

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed 21 insurgents, detained 20 suspects, and discovered several weapons caches over the past few days in Iraq, military officials reported. Also, two car bombs detonated near Abu Ghraib yesterday, causing major damage to two mosques.

Kirkuk Example Provides Hope Despite Terrorist Attacks, Commander Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – Kirkuk, Iraq’s northern oil center, is an example of people of all sects, tribes and religions being able to live and work together in the Middle East, said Army Col. Patrick Stackpole, commander of 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division. That’s why it is a terrorist target.

Combined Forces Kill One, Detain 13

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2007 – Combined forces killed one terrorist and detained 13 suspected terrorists during the past few days in Iraq, military officials reported. Forces also responded to attacks on a medical clinic and two mosques.

Afghan Civilians Aid Police, Coalition

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2007 – A tip from citizens led Afghan National Police, along with coalition forces, to a munitions cache 15 kilometers southeast of Chamkani in Afghanistan’s Paktya province yesterday, military officials said.

Hitting The Jackpot In The War On Terror -- Part I

By Oliver North | June 8, 2007
CAMP BAUTISTA, Philippines -- It was one of the largest payouts ever in the State Department's Rewards for Justice program: $10 million to a handful of brave Filipinos who had the fortitude to stand up to terror. On Thursday, four of them courageously appeared at the nearby district governor's office with U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney and Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, chief of staff of the Philippine Armed Forces, to collect their share of the reward. The brief public ceremony may well mark the beginning of the end for the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a radical Islamic terror organization affiliated with Al Qaeda and responsible for kidnapping and killing scores of Americans and Filipinos.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Successful Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained 19 suspected militants, killed two dozen enemy fighters and discovered numerous enemy weapons during operations in Afghanistan over the past three days, military officials reported.

Iraqi People Taking Stand Against Al Qaeda

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – The Iraqi people are taking a stand against al Qaeda beyond Anbar province, Multinational Force Iraq’s new spokesman said today.

Four Suspected Terrorists Killed, 23 Detained in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2007 – Coalition forces killed four terrorists, detained 23 others, and discovered multiple weapons caches during recent operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq.

Afghan, U.S. Troops Kill al Qaeda Agent, Net 3 Insurgents

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2007 – Afghan and U.S. forces killed a suspected al Qaeda agent and captured three other suspected insurgents during separate actions in Afghanistan’s Zabul and Nangarhar provinces today, military officials said.

Iraq Raids Net 32 Terrorists; Baghdad Bombs Hurt 4 Iraqis

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2007 – Coalition forces today captured 32 suspected terrorists during a series of raids that targeted al Qaeda operations in Baghdad and western Iraq, officials said.

Eisenhower Speech to Allied Forces at D-Day

Eisenhower's D-Day Broadcast to Europe

Troops Capture Insurgents, Find Mortars in Iraq; Eight Soldiers Wounded

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects, uncovered an enemy mortar system, and suffered eight non-lethal combat casualties in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported.

Commander Says Forces Have Upper Hand Against Taliban

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 – Coalition forces have gained the upper hand against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO forces in the war-torn country told Pentagon reporters during a teleconference today.

U.S., Iraqi Troops Transform ‘Purple Heart Boulevard’

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 – U.S. soldiers called Haifa Street in Baghdad “Purple Heart Boulevard” for the trouble they encountered on the street. Today, U.S. and Iraqi forces are teaming to provide security for the Iraqis living on Haifa Street. The street is the heartbeat of the Karkh District, a neighborhood of 250,000 people on the west side of the Tigris River.

Al Qaeda Support Waning in Iraq’s Diyala Province, General Says

By Tim Kilbride | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 – Circumstantial evidence indicates al Qaeda in Iraq is weakening and popular support is swinging toward the coalition in Iraq’s Diyala province, the commander of U.S. military forces there said yesterday.

24 Taliban Fighters Killed in Battle With U.S. Forces in Afghanistan

June 05, 2007 | Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan — A gunbattle and airstrikes killed an estimated two dozen Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led coalition said Tuesday.

Multiple Coalition Raids Lead to Detention of 15 Suspects

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed a terrorist and detained 15 suspected terrorists during raids today in Baghdad, Mosul and Karmah, Iraq, official reported.

Iranian Weapons Found in Afghanistan

Associated Press | June 04, 2007
KABUL, Afghanistan - Iranian weapons have begun flowing into Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday, but he and Afghan President Hamid Karzai agreed involvement by Tehran cannot yet be proved.

U.S. Military Engineers Improve Iraqi Water, Sewer Services

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2007 – U.S. military engineers have completed nearly 300 major water and sewage projects in Baghdad and across Iraq in the past few years, U.S. military officers reported.

Iraqis in Diyala Turn to Coalition, Government Forces

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2007 – Local Iraqis were instrumental in helping coalition and Iraqi forces liberate 42 men from al Qaeda custody in Iraq’s Diyala province, the coalition commander in the area said.

Amy Lt. Col. Morris Goins, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, said local Iraqis are getting tired of al Qaeda intimidation and threats and are cooperating more with Iraqi and coalition forces.

JFK plot derailed

By Alexandra Marks | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
NEW YORK - The FBI's takedown of a alleged plot to blow up the major jet-fuel tanks and supply pipeline for John F. Kennedy International Airport is a sign that the federal law-enforcement agency is coming into its own as a domestic intelligence agency in the post-9/11 era.

Ambassador Says More Time Needed for Progress in Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2007 – More time is needed to tell if the troop surge will work to stabilize Iraq, and it is premature to talk about victory or defeat in the region, the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq said today.

Three Militants Detained in Khowst, Two in Helmand

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained three militants in an early-morning operation today against al Qaeda militants in Khowst province.

Afghan National Police Detain Ghazni Area Taliban Commander

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – Afghan National Police and Coalition forces captured Haji Salam, a Ghazni area Taliban sub-commander and improvised explosive device expert, during early morning operations in the village of Gawmesak.

Militia Commander’s Capture Highlights Recent Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – Iraqi troops captured a militia commander, a U.S. helicopter crew destroyed a heavily armed vehicle, and an Iraqi police chief and more than a dozen associates have been arrested, military officials reported.