Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Despite Commitments, U.S. Forces Ready For Any Contingency

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2007 - The commitment of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan is heavy, but the U.S. military has ample forces to respond to any other contingency that may arise, the general in charge of planning for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Coalition Troops Kill Five, Detain 29 in Iraq Raids

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2007 - Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 29 suspects during a series of anti-insurgent operations conducted across Iraq today, officials reported.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Violent Incidents Down; Al Qaeda 'Off Balance' in Iraq, Spokesman Says

By Melinda L. Larson | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2007 - Attacks and violent incidents in Iraq are down, but Iraqi and coalition forces still have a lot of work ahead, a top coalition spokesman in Iraq said today.

19 Terrorists Killed, 80 Detained During Four Days of Operations in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 19 terrorists and detained some 80 others during operations in Iraq since Sept. 20.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Troops Thwart Insurgent Ambush, Nab Suspect in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces killed more than a dozen enemy fighters when they foiled an insurgent ambush, and combined forces captured one suspect this morning in Afghanistan, military officials said.

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Net Suspects, Kill Insurgents, Seize Weapons

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces nabbed dozens of suspects, killed five others and confiscated or destroyed weapons caches across Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Iraqi Citizens Crucial in Locating Terror Mastermind, Securing Country

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2007 - Coalition forces have killed an al Qaeda leader who orchestrated a massive bombing in an impoverished Baghdad neighborhood, a U.S. military spokesman announced today.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Iraqi Security Forces Make Progress in Northern Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2007 - Iraqi security forces have made much progress toward readiness in the past year within Multinational Division North's area of responsibility, a top official in the region said today.

Coalition Forces Kill, Detain al Qaeda Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2007 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 16 suspected terrorists during multiple operations today targeting key al Qaeda operatives and mid-level leaders in Iraq's Tigris River Valley.

Militants Killed, Captured in Afghanistan Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2007 - Several suspected militants were killed and four others were detained today during an operation by Afghan and coalition forces in Afghanistan's Ghazni province.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Coalition Forces Kill Three Insurgents, Capture Key Leader, 11 Other Suspects

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2007 - Three insurgents were killed and 16 others, including a key "special groups" leader, were captured in separate operations in Iraq today.

Troop Surge Turns Momentum Against Terrorists, Official Says

By John Valceanu | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi forces must maintain the momentum generated by the troop surge in Iraq to defeat terrorists and insurgents, a senior military official in Baghdad said today.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Forces Capture Suspected Sattar Assassination Planner

By John Valceanu | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2007 - Coalition forces yesterday captured a man suspected of being behind the Sept. 13 assassination of Sheik Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, an influential Sunni leader who helped fight Al Qaeda in Iraq's Anbar Forces, officials in Baghdad announced during a briefing today.

Forces Kill Insurgents, Capture Suspects in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2007 - Afghan forces, working in concert with coalition troops, killed more than a dozen insurgents, captured 11 suspects and seized a weapons cache in Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials said.

Coalition Forces Capture Key Extremist Leaders in Iraq, Kill Three Insurgents

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces detained six suspects, including several key extremist militant leaders, killed three insurgents and seized a weapons cache in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Coalition Forces Kill Eight Terrorists, Detain 21 Others

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 - Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists in operations in central and northern Iraq today.

Afghan Commandos Nab Taliban Leader in First Raid

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 - A new battalion of Afghan National Army commandos today completed it first operation, capturing a well-known Taliban facilitator and two suspected Taliban extremists.

Security, Economy, Services Improving for Iraqi Citizens

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 - Quality of life in Iraq is getting better thanks to increased security, a chief Iraqi government spokesman said yesterday from Baghdad.

Top Military Advisers Stand Behind Petraeus Recommendations

By Carol L. Bowers | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 - The nation's top military advisers were "unanimous" in backing the recommendations made to the president by Army Gen. David H. Petraeus on the way forward in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Bush Agrees to Transition to Next Phase in Iraq

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - In addition to a drawdown of surge forces in Iraq, President Bush said tonight that he also had accepted Army Gen. David H. Petraeus' recommendation to begin transitioning to the next phase of the U.S. strategy in Iraq in December.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Al-Qaida in Iraq takes heavy losses

September 13
BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (UPI)- Al-Qaida militants in Iraq have taken heavy losses in two joint U.S.-Iraqi raids north of Baghdad, the U.S. military reported Thursday.

Iranian-Made Mortar Likely Used in Recent Attack, General Says

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - A mortar that killed a coalition servicemember and injured 12 when it detonated earlier this week at a coalition operating base likely was manufactured in Iran, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq said yesterday.

Assassination Bolsters Resolve Against al Qaeda, Iraqi Spokesman Says

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - Today's assassination of an influential Sunni leader whose followers have been helping fight al Qaeda in Iraq will only bolster the war on insurgents, a chief spokesman of the Iraqi government said today.

Five Terrorists Killed in Coalition Operations in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - Coalition forces killed five terrorists during operations today targeting al Qaeda leaders and operatives in central and northern parts of the Iraq.

Pakistan Kills 30 Militants in Clash

Agence France-Presse | September 13, 2007
MIRANSHAH, Pakistan - Up to 30 Islamic militants were killed and nine Pakistani troops wounded after insurgents attacked a checkpost in a troubled tribal region bordering Afghanistan, the army said Thursday.

45 Killed in Afghan Clash

Associated Press | September 13, 2007
Airstrikes and Afghan army gunfire killed more than 45 suspected Taliban fighters in a clash in a southern province just as the holy month of Ramadan began, the U.S.-led coalition said.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Coalition Forces Nab 15 Terrorists in Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2007 - Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists during operations today targeting al Qaeda leaders and their networks in the northern part of Iraq.

Iran Denies Request on Missing American

By NASSER KARIMI
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)- Iran said Sunday had refused a request by the Swiss Embassy to travel to the site where an American is believed to have disappeared earlier this year.

Robert Levinson was last seen March 8 on Kish Island, a resort off the southern coast of Iran, and Tehran has repeatedly said it has no information on his whereabouts.

The 'proxy war': UK troops are sent to Iranian border

Exclusive by Kim Sengupta in Baghdad | 12 September 2007
British forces have been sent from Basra to the volatile border with Iran amid warnings from the senior US commander in Iraq that Tehran is fomenting a "proxy war".

In signs of a fast-developing confrontation, the Iranians have threatened military action in response to attacks launched from Iraqi territory while the Pentagon has announced the building of a US base and fortified checkpoints at the frontier.
...
Maj-Gen Rick Lynch, commander of the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said 48 Iranian-supplied roadside bombs had been used against his forces killing nine soldiers. "We've got a major problem with Iranian munitions streaming into Iraq. This Iranian interference is troubling and we have to stop it," he told The Wall Street Journal this week.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Coalition Targets al Qaeda Networks Aiding Foreign Terrorists

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - Coalition forces conducted two operations today targeting facets of the al Qaeda network that conduct attacks and facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists in northwestern Iraq.

Petraeus Cites Encouraging Examples of Iraqi Political Reconciliation

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - There is encouraging evidence of political reconciliation in Iraq despite legislative stalls on key issues, including oil revenue sharing, the top U.S. military commander there said here today.

Afghan Forces Thwart Attempted Taliban Ambush

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - An element of 2nd Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, advised by coalition forces, surprised a large group of Taliban fighters planning an ambush near Wetob village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, today.

Petraeus, Crocker Wrap Up Testimony Citing Progress, Challenges in Iraq

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - The top U.S. military commander and diplomat in Iraq entered their third round of congressional testimony this afternoon reiterating their belief that although the mission in Iraq is challenging, it's making progress the United States can't afford to let slip.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Coalition Crushes Taliban Assault

Associated Press | September 06, 2007
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and U.S.-led coalition troops killed more than 40 suspected Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan, the latest in a wave of strikes that have claimed the lives of hundreds of insurgents, the coalition said Thursday.

Iraqi Police: 14 Shiite Militiamen Killed in Battle With Coalition Forces

September 06, 2007 | Associated Press
BAGHDAD - American and Iraqi Special Forces clashed with suspected Shiite militiamen Thursday in western Baghdad, the U.S. military said, in a gunfight that saw at least 14 people killed, according to residents and police.

Acting on intelligence information, the U.S. and Iraqi troops launched the early-morning raid in the capital's Washash area against the suspected terrorist cell, which was believed to be responsible for attacks on police and sectarian killings, the U.S. command said in a statement.

As the troops entered the area they came under fire from more than a dozen militiamen firing from the rooftops.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Iraqi Army Withdraws From Fallujah

Marine Corps News | By Pfc. Brian Jones | September 05, 2007
FALLUJAH - The last battalion of Iraqi soldiers with 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, withdrew from the Anbar Province city of Fallujah, Sept. 1, leaving the city's security and stability in the hands of the local police and government.

Brig. Gen. Ali al-Hashemi, the brigade's commander, said the time had come when Iraqi Police alone could handle law enforcement in the city.

Coalition Kills al Qaeda Leader, Detains 18 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2007 - Coalition forces killed an al Qaeda leader and detained 18 suspected terrorists during operations today to disrupt the terrorist network and its bombing operations in central and northern Iraq.

Commander Sees Progress in Afghanistan’s Khowst Province

By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2007 - In Afghanistan's "strategic province" of Khowst, enhanced cooperation between coalition and Afghan forces, increased funding from Congress, and improved governance are "mutually reinforcing each other," the commander of the Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team said today.

Patriot Day, 2007

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On that terrible day, our Nation saw the face of evil as 19 men barbarously attacked us and wantonly murdered people of many races, nationalities, and creeds. On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and we pay tribute to the valiant firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives so others might live.

After the attacks on 9/11, America resolved that we would go on the offense against our enemies, and we would not distinguish between the terrorists and those who harbor and support them. All Americans honor the selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, the dedicated members of our public safety, law enforcement, and intelligence communities, and the thousands of others who work hard each day to protect our country, secure our liberty, and prevent future attacks.

Taliban Kidnapper of Koreans Killed

UPI | September 05, 2007
KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan are believed to have killed the man who led the kidnapping of 23 South Korean church workers.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Coalition Troops Kill Three Terrorists, Detain 17

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2007 - Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 17 during operations around Iraq today.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 25 Insurgents, Discover Weapons Cache

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2007 - Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition soldiers, conducted a cordon and search operation of an insurgent headquarters southwest of Kandahar City yesterday leading to the deaths of 25 insurgents and the discovery of a weapons cache.

Military Surge Working, Bush Tells Troops in Iraq

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq, Sept. 3, 2007 - The military surge into Iraq is working, President Bush told troops today during a surprise visit here.