Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Coalition Detains 35 Suspects in Central, Northern Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2007 - Coalition forces detained 35 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq over the past two days.

Mullen Cites Limited Progress in Iraq

July 31 | By KIMBERLY HEFLING
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush's choice to head the military Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday an increase of troops in Iraq is giving commanders the forces needed to improve security there.

"Security is better, not great, but better," said Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, speaking before the Senate Armed Services committee at his nomination hearing.

The Tipping Point

By Carol Devine-Molin | July 31, 2007
Wait a minute! Am I now to believe that we can win the war in Iraq after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has repeatedly advised Americans that the war is lost? In fact, "pull out now, the war is lost" has been the ongoing mantra of the Democrat Party and the entire gaggle of Left-wingers that are antiwar, and, although they are loath to admit it, anti-troop.

Coalition Raids Kill Five Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2007 - Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 38 suspected terrorists today during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq's Salah Ad Din and Anbar provinces, military officials reported.

Petraeus Says U.S. Will Retain Presence in Iraq for Foreseeable Future

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2007 - The United States will retain some presence in Iraq for the foreseeable future, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said today.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Bush Wants Terrorism Law Updated

By DEB RIECHMANN | Associated Press | July 30, 2007
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush wants Congress to modernize a law that governs how intelligence agencies monitor the communications of suspected terrorists.

"This law is badly out of date," Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address.

Forces Kill 8 Terrorists, Detain 22 Suspects Today During Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2007 - Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 22 suspected terrorists during operations today targeting al Qaeda members in central Iraq and the Tigris River valley, officials reported.

Afghan, Coalition Troops Conduct Successful Missions Against Taliban

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2007 - Afghan National Security Forces, supported by coalition partners, successfully conducted an operation against Taliban fighters in Helmand province this week, military officials reported.

General Recognizes Pilots for Daring Rescue Mission

By Spc. Nathan Hoskins, USA | Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, July 29, 2007 - The top U.S. general in Iraq presented awards to four Apache pilots for their part in the July 2 rescue of two other pilots downed by enemy fire during a July 27 ceremony in the Victory Base Complex here.

Surge Putting Pressure on Terrorists; Air Power Surges with Ground Troops

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2007 - Operations in Iraq are putting pressure on insurgents, keeping them off balance and eliminating their safe havens, a senior spokesman there said today.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Airstrikes Kill 50 Taliban

Associated Press | July 27, 2007
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - NATO and Afghan troops clashed with Taliban insurgents and called in airstrikes, killing at least 50 suspected militants and dozens of civilians, local officials and villagers said Friday.

U.S., Iraqi Troops Clash With Shiite Militia, 17 Dead

July 27, 2007 | Associated Press
BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi troops came under heavy gunfire after they captured an alleged Shiite militia leader Friday in the holy city of Karbala, prompting them to call in an airstrike in a battle that left some 17 militants dead, the military said.

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Consolidating Anbar Gains

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces are consolidating gains they have made in Iraq's Anbar province, the coalition's ground commander in the region said today.

Iraq Operations Net Suspected Weapons Smuggler

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2007 – Coalition forces captured four suspected terrorists believed to receive support from within Iran in a pre-dawn raid in a village in Iraq’s Diyala province today.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Troops Detain Suspects in Iraq; U.S. Condemns Baghdad Attack

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces netted 39 suspects in Iraq over the past two days, and military officials strongly condemned an attack that killed at least 50 Iraqi soccer celebrants in Baghdad.

U.S., Iraqi Generals Chart Security Progress in Baghdad

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2007 - Security progress in Iraq is undeniable, Iraqi and American leaders in Baghdad said today.

Iraqi army Lt. Gen. Abood Qanbar, commander of the Baghdad Operations Center, said sectarian violence is decreasing and his country will not slip in civil war.

Troops in Afghanistan Thwart Ambushes, Kill Scores of Enemy Fighters

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces repelled three insurgent ambushes, killing scores of enemy fighters in Afghanistan over the past two days.

Iraq, Afghanistan Campaigns Have Kept U.S. Safe, Intelligence Official Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2007 - The U.S. offensive targeting overseas terrorists has helped to prevent more Sept. 11-type attacks on the homeland, the defense department's top intelligence official told legislators at a Capitol Hill hearing yesterday.

U.S. Envoy: Troops Holding Down Violence

July 26 | By STEVEN R. HURST
BAGHDAD (AP) - Washington's top diplomat in Iraq said Thursday that increased U.S. troop strength had brought down violence, but it was impossible to rush political reconciliation or to predict when conditions would allow the United States to begin reducing its involvement.

Troops Nab 48 Suspects, Kill One Insurgent in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2007 - Combined Iraqi and U.S. forces captured 48 suspected terrorists, killed one insurgent and seized weapons and bombs in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Joint Contracting Command Helps Boost Iraq Economy

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2007 | More Iraqi firms are obtaining more reconstruction contracts, which in turn creates more jobs and strengthens Iraq's economy, a senior U.S. military officer said today.

Bush: Defeating al Qaeda in Iraq Key to Defeating al Qaeda Worldwide

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2007 – Defeating al Qaeda in Iraq is critical to defeating the larger al Qaeda terrorist network, and the United States won’t stop short of that goal, President Bush said today at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

82nd Airborne Springs Insurgent Trap

David Axe | July 24, 2007
A battalion of paratroopers riding in helicopters swooped down to attack insurgents fleeing heavy fighting in Baghdad and Baqubah on July 12, killing around 30, capturing 23 and freeing three kidnapped Iraqis who had been sentenced to die by an illegitimate terrorist court. No U.S. troops were killed in the battle.

Suspected Terrorists Detained in Iraq, al Qaeda Cell Leader Killed

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces detained numerous suspected terrorists and killed an al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader in operations over the last three days, military officials reported.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Afghan, Coalition Forces Defeat Insurgent Ambush

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2007 – Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces were attacked by an unknown number of enemy fighters during a patrol on the western side of the Helmand River in the Musa Qalah district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday.

Coalition Forces Continue to Close in on Terrorists Networks

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2007 – Coalition forces captured 12 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al Qaeda and its logistics networks around Iraq today.

Baghdad Revives as Surge, Economic Programs Take Effect

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2007 – Surge-related crackdowns on extremists combined with infrastructure improvements are helping to resuscitate Baghdad’s business and entertainment districts, U.S. and Iraqi officials said yesterday.

Iraq Operations Kill, Capture Dozens of Enemy Fighters

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed or captured dozens of enemy fighters and terrorism suspects in operations over the last three days, military officials reported.

Troops in Afghanistan Detain Nine Enemy Fighters

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained nine enemy fighters today, including six who were nabbed after a firefight, military officials reported.

Anbar Situation Has ‘Turned the Corner,’ U.S. General Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 – The security situation in Anbar province has greatly improved in recent months, thanks to additional U.S. troops provided by the surge and the growing presence of trained and vetted Iraqi soldiers and police, a senior U.S. military officer said today.

Top Marine ‘Heartily Encouraged’ by Progress in Anbar Province

By Steven Donald Smith | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2007 – The Marine Corps’ top officer said yesterday he is “heartily encouraged” by the progress Iraqi and coalition forces are making in Iraq’s Anbar province.

Progress Continues in Iraq, Despite Singular Acts of Violence

By Melinda L. Larson | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2007 – Success on the ground in Iraq is being overshadowed by spectacular attacks designed to draw attention from good things that are happening there, a U. S. Central Command officer told online journalists and bloggers in a July 19 conference call.

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Detain, Kill Numerous Terrorists; Find Weapons

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces killed and captured multiple suspected terrorists over the past three days, U.S. military officials reported.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Militants

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained several militants in operations conducted yesterday and today, U.S. military officials reported.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Top Terrorist Leader Captured in Mosul

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2007 – Coalition forces in Mosul today captured a man they believe to be the most active terrorist cell leader in that area.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Antiterrorism Successes Continue in Iraq Despite Foreign-Born Resistance

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of al Qaeda members in Iraq over the past two months, including 26 of the terror network’s “high-value” leaders and a would-be bomber, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said.

Two Terrorists Killed, 21 Detained in Iraq Raids Today

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2007 – Two terrorists were killed and 21 suspects detained in raids targeting al Qaeda throughout Iraq today.

Petraeus: More Time Needed to Assess Effectiveness of Iraq Surge

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2007 – More time is needed to gauge the effectiveness of the ongoing military offensive against insurgents in and around Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq, the top U.S. general there said.

Troops Detain 19 Suspects, Seize Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces detained 19 suspects and captured weapons caches during recent operations in Iraq.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Coalition Forces Kill Scores of Taliban Fighters, Detain Five

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces killed scores of Taliban insurgents and detained five others in Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials said.

Coalition Troops Kill Three Terrorists, Detain Eight

American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, July 6, 2007 – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained eight suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda operatives in Iraq’s Anbar province today.

Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Terrorists; Find, Destroy Weapons Caches

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2007 – Iraqi security forces and coalition troops have killed four terrorists, detained 21 suspected terrorists and uncovered bomb-making materials and weapons caches during the past three days, military officials reported.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Militants, Thwart Ambush

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained six suspected militants today during an operation designed to disrupt the facilitation of insurgent attacks against the Afghan government, military officials said.

Forces Detain Three Insurgents, Seize Weapons in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces working in concert across Afghanistan today detained three insurgents, including a Taliban field commander, and uncovered weapons caches, military officials said.

‘Arrowhead Ripper’ Continues to Deny Terrorists Resources in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
BAQUBAH, Iraq, July 9, 2007 – Iraqi army and coalition soldiers from Task Force Lightning continued offensive operations in and around the capital of Iraq’s Diyala province today, as Operation Arrowhead Ripper continues to deny resources to al Qaeda terrorists during its 20th day in the area.

Troops Kill Nine, Detain 15, Discover Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces killed nine insurgents, detained 15 others, and uncovered weapons during recent operations in Iraq, military officials said.

Early Troop Withdrawal Would Leave Iraq More Violent, General Says

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2007 – Iraqi security forces are not yet ready to secure their country, and if U.S. troops were withdrawn too soon, violence would escalate, a top U.S. commander in the region said yesterday.

Click here for the full story.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

The Declaration of Independence

Military.com | July 04, 2007
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Terrorist Killed, Nine Detained in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 5, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained nine suspected terrorists during raids around the country yesterday and today targeting al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and operatives.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Mass Re-enlistment, Citizenship Ceremony Scheduled for July 4 in Iraq

By Meghan Vittrup | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – More than 600 troops are expected to re-enlist tomorrow, and more than 100 others will become U.S. citizens in an Independence Day ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq.

U.S. Forces Rescue Downed Helicopter Crew; Ops Continue Throughout Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – An AH-64 Apache helicopter crew rescued two U.S. pilots after enemy fire brought down their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter south of Baghdad yesterday.

US Kills 23 Insurgents in Anbar Battle

Agence France-Presse | July 03, 2007
US and Iraqi forces waged a two-day battle against insurgents south of the former insurgent bastion of Ramadi, killing 23 alleged militants, the military said on Tuesday.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Iran Arming, Training, Directing Terror Groups in Iraq, U.S. Official Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2007 – While al Qaeda in Iraq remains the main enemy in the country, coalition and Iraqi forces are increasingly targeting groups whose training, funding and supplies come from Iran, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq said today.

Troops Kill Five Insurgents, Capture 36; Weapons Caches Found, Destroyed

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2007 – Iraqi security forces and coalition troops killed five insurgents, nabbed some three dozen suspects and discovered scores of weapons caches and booby traps in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Marines Working to Deny Insurgents Safe Haven in Iraq

By Meghan Vittrup | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2007 – The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit will continue to deny insurgents the use of the less populated Lake Tharthar region as part of Operation Fard al Amin, which means safety and security, the unit’s commander told reporters during a Baghdad news briefing yesterday.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Civilian Death Toll Down in Iraq According to Government Figures

Sunday, July 01, 2007 | Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Around 1,200 Iraqi civilians were killed in violence in June, a 36 percent drop from the previous month and the lowest monthly toll this year, according to Iraqi government figures obtained Sunday.

Bush Thanks New Generation for Standing Up to Terror

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2007 – A new generation of Americans has pledged “their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” to defend the United States and freedom around the world, President Bush said during his weekly radio address yesterday.

Bush, who will spend Independence Day with members of the West Virginia Air National Guard, said the members of the U.S. armed forces are standing up to ideologies that seek to strip freedom from people.

Iraq Training Team Commander Expresses Confidence Iraqis Will Succeed

By Melinda L. Larson | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2007 – Iraq’s military forces are committed to standing on their own, the officer in charge of their training told bloggers June 28, and he expressed confidence that Iraq’s army, navy, air force and police will succeed.

Phantom Thunder, Related Operations Continue in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2007 – Operation Phantom Thunder and other offensive military operations in Iraq continue to turn up terrorist leaders, enemy fighters and weapons intended for use against Iraqi and coalition forces and Iraqi citizens, military officials reported.