Coalition Forces Kill Five Terrorists, Detain 37

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2007 - Five terrorists were killed and 37 suspected terrorists were detained today as coalition forces continued to put pressure on al Qaeda's operations in Iraq.

Failed Attack Leaves 12 Taliban Dead in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2007 - Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, defeated an insurgent attack yesterday near Regay Village on the east side of the Musa Qalah Wadi in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Coalition Kills More Than 100 Insurgents in Afghanistan Engagement

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2007 - Afghan national security forces advised by coalition forces killed more than 100 insurgent fighters in a battle that started this morning and still continues in the northern part of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.

Coalition Operations in Iraq Disrupt al Qaeda

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2007 - Coalition forces disrupted al Qaeda operations in Iraq with a series of raids today, killing a terrorist leader and detaining more than 25 other individuals suspected of being al Qaeda members and associates.

Afghan, Coalition Troops Kill, Capture Insurgents, Find Weapons

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces killed 21 insurgents, nabbed 12 others, discovered a weapons cache and thwarted two ambushes in Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials said.

Iraq Orders Shiite Pilgrims to Leave Holy City of Karbala

August 28, 2007 | Associated Press
BAGHDAD - More than 1 million pilgrims were ordered to leave the Shiite holy city of Karbala on Tuesday and police imposed a curfew after two days of violence - including raging gunbattles between rival militias - claimed at least 35 lives during a religious festival.

Coalition Troops Kill, Detain Dozens, Seize Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed and captured dozens of insurgents and seized scores of weapons during operations in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Troops Kill, Capture Terrorists, Seize Weapons in 'Lightning Hammer'

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 26 al Qaeda members, captured 37 suspected terrorist and seized 10 weapons caches during Operation Lightning Hammer, one in a series of coordinated "quick-strike" offensives that launched this month, a top general in Iraq said today.

Iraq Operations Net 36 Terrorists, Kill Nine

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 - Coalition troops detained 36 terrorists and killed nine others today during a series of raids in Baghdad and other areas in central and northern Iraq, officials reported.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Destroy Taliban Heroin Lab

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces teamed up to defeat a group of Taliban insurgents protecting a heroin laboratory in Helmand province yesterday, officials reported.

Attacks Down, Economic Development Up in Iraq

By Melinda L. Larson | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2007 - Recent strides in Iraq's economic development, including the reopening of a flour mill last week, are occurring as Iraqi and coalition forces disrupt al Qaeda and other terrorist elements, a senior military spokesman in Iraq said today.

Tribal Leaders in Diyala Province Band Together

By Melinda L. Larson | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2007 - Tribal leaders in Iraq's Diyala province are banding together to secure peace and protect their people, the commander of coalition forces in the province told reporters yesterday.

"They (tribal leaders) signed a peace agreement and swore to protect the land and their people from al Qaeda and to bridge the gap between tribes and to have a provincial-wide reconciliation movement," Army Col. David W. Sutherland said as he sat alongside the Iraqi security forces commander in Diyala, Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, during a joint news conference in Baqubah, Iraq.

Seven Iraqis Escape Makeshift Prison, 11 Terrorists Detained

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2007 - Seven Iraqi citizens found their way to a coalition patrol base near Khan Ban Sa'ad, Iraq, yesterday after escaping a makeshift prison, military officials reported.

The alleged captors were linked to an earlier operation yesterday when attack helicopters patrolling the area observed three individuals moving in a tactical formation through a ditch. Coalition forces positively identified the individuals as hostile enemy forces and fired on their position, killing all three.

Report Cites Measured Progress in Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2007 - The latest National Intelligence Estimate update released yesterday reports a drop in violent attacks and measured progress in Iraq and suggests that, with continued robust counterinsurgency operations and mentoring by coalition forces, Iraqi security forces will continue to improve.

Al Qaeda Disrupted During Operations in Iraq’s Tigris River Valley

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2007 - Coalition forces killed seven terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists today during operations in central and northern Iraq.

Commander Says Iraqi Citizens Turning Against Insurgents

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2007 - Iraqis who once aligned themselves with militants are now taking up arms against al Qaeda, a top commander in the Iraqi capital said during a conference call today.

Violence Down in Iraq, Iraqi Forces Becoming More Capable

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 - Due to the sustained presence of coalition forces in former insurgent safe havens and increased capability of Iraqi security forces, levels of violence in Iraq are the lowest they've been since June 2006, an operational leader on the Joint Staff said today.

One Terrorist Killed, 10 Detained During Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 - Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspected terrorists today during operations around Iraq targeting al Qaeda weapons and leadership networks.

President Bush Attends V.F.W. National Convention

On Wednesday, President Bush said, "The greatest weapon in the arsenal of democracy is the desire for liberty written into the human heart by our Creator. So long as we remain true to our ideals, we will defeat the extremists in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will help those countries' peoples stand up functioning democracies in the heart of the broader Middle East. And when that hard work is done and the critics of today recede from memory, the cause of freedom will be stronger, a vital region will be brighter, and the American people will be safer."

Commander Sees More Stability, Local Governmental Growth in Iraq

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2007 - As 3rd Infantry Division soldiers run terrorists from their safe havens south and east of Baghdad during Operation Marne Husky, they also are helping local Iraqi citizens stand up for themselves, a U.S. commander said today.

Iraqis Destroy Terrorist Safe House

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2007 - Iraqi army scouts accompanied by U.S. special operations forces destroyed a suspected weapons cache and insurgent safe house yesterday in a helicopter assault. Other operations across Iraq have led to the capture of enemy fighters and weapons caches.

Coalition Troops in Iraq Kill Five Insurgents, Net 11

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2007 - Coalition troops today killed five al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists and captured 11 suspects during three operations in central and northern Iraq, officials said.

Al-Qaeda faces rebellion from the ranks

July 23, 2007 | Deborah Haynes in Doura
Fed up with being part of a group that cuts off a person's face with piano wire to teach others a lesson, dozens of low-level members of al-Qaeda in Iraq are daring to become informants for the US military in a hostile Baghdad neighbourhood.

Bush Hails Local-Level Political Progress in Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2007 - Iraqi government development at the community level is progressing even as American and Iraqi forces launch a new offensive targeting terrorists fleeing the major cities for refuge, President Bush said today in his weekly radio address.

Afghan Troops Repel Third Ambush in Three Days

American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2007 - Afghan National Auxiliary Police, advised by coalition forces, countered an attack Aug. 17 in Afghanistan's Helmand province, killing nearly a dozen insurgents.

Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill Three Terrorists, Detain 21

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2007 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspects during operations in Iraq today.

Coalition Forces Capture High-Priority Weapons Smuggler, 62 Others

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2007 - Coalition forces captured a highly sought "special groups" weapons facilitator before dawn today northeast of Baghdad. In other operations this week, coalition forces captured 54 suspected terrorists and killed 19 terrorists.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Repel Two Ambush Attacks

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2007 - Afghan National Army and police forces supported by coalition forces defeated two separate Taliban ambushes yesterday and today in Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.

General Says Iraq Operations Have Terrorists on Run

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2007 - Denying the enemy sanctuary is the major capability brought to bear by surge forces in Iraq, a commander in the region said today.

"We do believe the enemy is on the run," said Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multinational Division Central and 3rd Infantry Division commander, as he spoke with "bloggers" and online journalists. "We've had a good effect; we've killed or captured more than 500 of the enemy in those sanctuaries."

Afghan, Coalition Forces Nab 11 Suspected Insurgents

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - Afghan troops advised by coalition forces detained 11 suspected insurgents during operations today in Ghazni and Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Coalition Forces Kill 13 Terrorists While Targeting Cell Leader

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists east of Tarmiyah, Iraq, during an operation today targeting an al Qaeda cell leader who provides guidance to senior terrorist leaders in Iraq.

Coalition Forces Exert Pressure on al Qaeda, Other Extremists in Iraq

By Maj. Steven Lamb, USA | Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Aug. 17, 2007 - Multinational Division Baghdad troops are doing their part to contribute to Multinational Corps Iraq's Operation Phantom Strike by continuing to apply pressure on al Qaeda and Shiia extremists throughout the Iraqi capital.

General: Quick Strikes Planned in Iraq

August 17 | By PAULINE JELINEK
WASHINGTON (AP) - The No. 2 American commander in Iraq said Friday that coalition forces are planning "quick strike raids" aimed at smashing al-Qaida and other insurgents in far-flung parts of the country before the U.S. brings some of its buildup troops home.

Petraeus Says He Will Propose Troop Cuts

August 15 | By STEVEN R. HURST
BAGHDAD (AP) - The top American commander in Iraq said Wednesday he was preparing recommendations on troop cuts before he returns to Washington next month for a report to Congress, and believes the U.S. footprint in Iraq will have to be "a good bit smaller" by next summer.

But he cautioned against a quick or significant U.S. withdrawal that could surrender "the gains we have fought so hard to achieve."

Defense Department Task Force Works to Reinvigorate Iraq's Economy

By Tim Kilbride | American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Aug. 14, 2007 - Fagah Al Dhahab needs money -- about $4 million, to hear him tell it.

Dhahab is the director general of the Hillah textiles company. His cluster of factories in the capital of Iraq's Babil province represents one piece of a network of state-run industries that dotted Iraq under Saddam Hussein, providing jobs and consumer goods, but also impeding competitive growth as lynchpins of Iraq's controlled economy.

Dhahab's operations are ongoing but suffering, victims of inadequate funding, supply shortages, understaffing and a paucity of electricity. In July, the factory's output was 450,000 meters of fabric. Before that, Dhahab said, he was forced to halt production for prolonged stretches.

Now, a Defense Department task force working to reinvigorate Iraq's economic landscape sees potential in the deteriorated plant. Paul A. Brinkley, deputy undersecretary of defense for business transformation, recently visited the site to award funding for improvements.

Raid Kills Four, Nets Eight in Baghdad’s Sadr City

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2007 - Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained a Jaysh al-Mahdi militia leader and several of his operatives during a raid in the Sadr City section of Baghdad early this morning.

Coalition Troops Launch Operation Phantom Strike in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007 - Coalition soldiers today launched a major joint offensive, Operation Phantom Strike, in a powerful crackdown to disrupt al Qaeda and Iranian-supported extremist operations in Iraq.

U.S. Military Starts New Iraq Offensive

August 13, 2007
BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military launched a new offensive on Monday aimed at cracking down on Sunni and Shiite extremists, according to a statement.

The statement singled out Sunni insurgents linked to al-Qaida in Iraq and said the Shiite extremists were being backed by Iran. The military has stepped up its rhetoric recently against Tehran, which is accused of supplying militias with arms and training to attack U.S. forces. Iran denies the allegations.

Coalition Forces Capture, Kill Insurgents in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces detained 66 insurgents, killed five others and discovered weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Troops Kill, Capture Insurgents, Discover Weapons in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007 - Afghan forces working in concert with coalition forces netted three suspects and a weapons cache and killed several insurgents in Afghanistan over the past three days.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Continue Anti-Taliban Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - Coalition forces detained six men during an operation in Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.

General Expresses Optimism About Iraqi Police Progress

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - The deputy commander of the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team operating in Iraq said today that he's feeling "very, very optimistic" about progress over the past several months.

Trends Encouraging in Baghdad Hotspots, Commander Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - The security situation in eastern Baghdad is improving, the coalition commander for that region said today.

Attacks against coalition forces and Iraqi civilians are down, Army Col. John Castles, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, said. "From where I'm sitting, things are starting to look pretty good," he told Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Camp Taji, Iraq. "Overall throughout the area of operations, the security situation has been improving."

Coalition Successes Mount Against al Qaeda in Iraq

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces captured or killed 18 senior al Qaeda members in July, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said today.

Raid in Iraq Kills 32 Suspected Militants

August 8 | By SINAN SALAHEDDIN
BAGHDAD (AP)- A U.S.-led raid and airstrike targeting networks allegedly smuggling weapons and fighters from Iran killed 32 suspected militants Wednesday in Baghdad's Shiite stronghold of Sadr City, the military said.

Coalition Forces Target al Qaeda Leaders Around Baghdad

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2007 - Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 14 suspected terrorists during coordinated operations targeting a senior al Qaeda leader west of Tarmiyah over the past two days.

Over 20 Taliban Militants Killed in Attempt to Overrun Afghan Coalition Base

August 07, 2007 | Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan - A group of 75 Taliban militants tried to overrun a U.S.-led coalition base in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a rare frontal attack that left more than 20 militants dead, the coalition said.

Tribal Leaders Join Forces to Fight Terrorists in Diyala Province

By Sgt. Serena Hayden, USA | Special to American Forces Press Service
TIKRIT, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007 - Tribal leaders in Diyala province, Iraq, have joined forces and are working together to fight terrorists in their homeland.

Citizens Oust Terrorists from Mosque, Help Uncover Weapons Cache

American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Aug. 6, 2007 - Fed-up with violent and indiscriminate terror tactics, a group of more than 80 residents of the Adhamiyah district, on the east side of the Iraqi capital, banded together yesterday to oust suspected terrorists from a local mosque.

Air Strike Kills Mastermind Behind Iraqi Golden Mosque Bombings

By Samantha L. Quigley | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2007 - The senior al Qaeda terrorist believed to be the mastermind behind both bombings of the Golden Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, was killed during a coalition air strike, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesperson told journalists in Baghdad today.

Recent Ops in Iraq Kill Extremists, Nab Suspects, Weapons

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2007 - Coalition forces killed four insurgents and detained 46 in operations across Iraq since Aug. 3, officials in Baghdad reported.

Baghdad Zoo Trip Tells CENTCOM Enlisted Leader Volumes

Why can't Katie Couric's news crews find this zoo and shoot some video for their evening report?

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - A trip to the Baghdad Zoo was an eye-opener for the senior enlisted leader of U.S. Central Command.

The opportunity came up by chance as Marine Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. Morin was visiting a unit based near the zoo in central Baghdad. "The unit wanted me to see the zoo," he said. "To be honest, I thought it was going to be a waste of time. I'm thinking, 'Why do I want to go to the zoo to look at some animals?'

"But as soon as I crested the gates and saw what was going on, I knew why they wanted me to go there," he continued. "And it was not to look at animals."

The unit wanted Morin to see the interactions of the people at the zoo and what normal life in Baghdad really looks like. "(There were) mothers, fathers, kids, grandparents, extended families all sitting on blankets, playing sports, just like Central Park in New York or like on the Mall here in Washington," he said. "What a huge sign of hope. You had young couples walking hand in hand."

Coalition Raids Detain 17 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - Coalition forces in Iraq detained 17 suspected terrorists during raids targeting al Qaeda operations in the Tigris River Valley today, military officials reported.

Coalition Forces Capture Two Alleged Senior al Qaeda Leaders

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - Coalition forces captured two alleged al Qaeda emirs, killed four terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during Iraq operations over the past two days.

Baqubah Transitions to ‘Hold’ Status, Commander Says

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - Operations in Baqubah, Iraq, are transitioning to the "hold" phase of the "secure, hold, build" strategy, the commander of coalition forces in northern Iraq said today.

Coalition Continues to Target al Qaeda Leaders in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2007 - Coalition forces detained six alleged terrorists this morning south of Tikrit while targeting an al Qaeda key leader responsible for coordinating attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces.

Iraq Makes Security, Economic, Political Gains, Officials Say

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2007 - Ongoing, tangible progress is being made in Iraq across security, economic and political fronts, U.S. officials said in Baghdad today.