Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Six, Uncover Weapons Cache

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces detained six suspected insurgents during an operation in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, early this morning.

Forces Rescue Kidnapped Sheiks in Northern Baghdad

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2007 - Seven sheiks kidnapped in northern Baghdad two days ago were rescued by soldiers from 9th Iraqi Army Division during a mission yesterday.

U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Free Hostage From al Qaeda

American Forces Press Service
BAQOUBA, Iraq, Oct. 30, 2007 - A 19-year-old man was rescued from an al Qaeda-in-Iraq prison in the village of Hammadi, 10 miles southwest of Baqouba, by 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, during an air assault Oct. 28.

Afghan Troops Plan Operations While Coalition Steps Back

By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC | Special to American Forces Press Service
GARDEZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 30, 2007 - Afghan national security forces, continuing to move from supporting roles to lead roles, recently demonstrated their leadership skills by planning operations in Gardez to secure their country.

Job No. 1 in Northern Iraq: Keep al Qaeda on Ropes

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2007 - Keeping al Qaeda "on the ropes" is job No. 1 for the 1st Armored Division and Multinational Division North, the organization's commander said today.

Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, who took command of Multinational Division North yesterday, said his command is well-positioned for success following the great work done by the men and women of the 25th Infantry Division. He spoke to online journalists and "bloggers" from his base at Forward Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit.

Coalition Troops Detain 11 Suspects in Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2007 - Coalition forces detained 11 suspects today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central Iraq.

Combat Engineers Mentor, Help Afghans With Construction Projects

By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC | Special to American Forces Press Service
GARDEZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2007 - Four combat engineers recently traveled from Kabul to Gardez to share their construction experience with Afghans hired to build housing units for military personnel assigned to Forward Operating Base Lightning.

Security Forces, Citizens Decrease Violence in Iraq

By Carmen L. Gleason | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2007 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to make progress against al Qaeda and other criminal elements, thanks in large part to the efforts of concerned citizens throughout the country, a senior military official in Baghdad said during a briefing today.

In his first briefing since taking over as chief of Multinational Force Iraq's communications division, Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith said the recent detention of several key leaders in al Qaeda propaganda cells has proven that coalition forces are making an impact against al Qaeda in Iraq.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Scores of Taliban During Six-Hour Fight

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces engaged and killed more than six dozen Taliban fighters near the Musa Qaleh Wadi region of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, officials reported.

A combined Afghan-coalition forces patrol was conducting reconnaissance when Taliban fighters engaged them with rocket and small-arms fire. The combined patrol immediately returned fire, maneuvered, and employed close-air support, resulting about 80 Taliban fighters killed during a six-hour engagement. During the battle, the combined force exchanged small-arms fire with the fleeing attackers, quickly putting them on the defensive.

Coalition Forces in Iraq Continue to Disrupt Terrorist Networks

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2007 - Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals and detained another four suspects early this morning during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq, and military officials report numerous weapons caches discovered and suspects detained in operations over past several days.

Medal of Honor Winner Michael Murphy

On June 28, 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, a very committed four-man Navy SEAL team was conducting a reconnaissance mission at the unforgiving altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. The SEALs, Lt. Michael Murphy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz, Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marcus Luttrell had a vital task. The four SEALs were scouting Ahmad Shah – a terrorist in his mid-30s who grew up in the adjacent mountains just to the south...

Read the entire summary here.

God Bless the family of this amazing American hero.

Shiites Work Against Extremists, Generals Say

By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, 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.

Coalition Troops Kill 5 Taliban During Afghanistan Firefight

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2007 - Coalition forces in Afghanistan killed five Taliban militants during a firefight in the Jeldak district of Zabul province today.

Acting on credible intelligence, coalition forces were searching a nomadic camp when they came under small-arms fire by Taliban militants. Coalition forces returned fire, killing five of the extremists.

Twelve Terrorists Killed, 26 Detained In Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2007 - Coalition troops killed 12 terrorists and detained 26 suspects during a series of operations across Iraq today.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Defeat Insurgents in Helmand Province

American Forces Press Service
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Oct. 22, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces engaged and killed nearly three dozen Taliban fighters in a second day of sustained fighting near the Musa Qaleh Wadi region of Helmand province today.

US, Iraqi Forces Detain Militia Fighters

October 20 | By STEVEN R. HURST
BAGHDAD (AP) - U.S. and Iraqi forces, backed by Polish army helicopters, swept through Shiite militia strongholds south of Baghdad on Saturday, rounding up dozens of militants and killing two. The prime minister met the provincial governor, who called for reinforcements to root out "the criminals."

Coalition Forces Capture 15 Insurgents in Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2007 - Coalition forces detained 15 suspected terrorists today during a series of operations targeting al Qaeda networks throughout Iraq.

Coalition Troops Net 17 Terrorists During Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2007 - Coalition forces detained 17 suspected terrorists today during a series of operations that targeted al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Troops Detain Five Suspected Militants, Assist Attack Victims

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2007 - Coalition forces detained five suspected militants and provided critical medical assistance to suicide-attack victims during recent Afghan operations.

Coalition Forces Pummel Taliban, Support Afghans as Winter Approaches

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2007 - Taliban fighters are facing overwhelming coalition firepower and abject rejection from Afghan citizens, a U.S. Army commander said today.

Coalition Forces Detain 10 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2007 - Coalition forces captured four wanted individuals and detained six suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central Iraq.

Troops in Iraq Capture Terrorists, Weapons Caches

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured 10 al Qaeda-linked terrorists during operations in central and northern Iraq today, while yesterday other troops in Baghdad discovered a huge weapons cache, officials said.

Coalition Detains Suspected Militant in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2007 - Coalition forces detained a suspected militant during an operation today in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force 82 officials reported.

Operations in Iraq Breaking Extremists' Hold

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2007 - Coalition forces have positively identified a terrorist killed in a recent operation as al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Duha, coalition officials announced today.

Concerned Local Citizens Vastly Improve Security in Iraq’s Diyala Province

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2007 - Violence in Iraq's Diyala River Valley has been slashed in half thanks to citizen volunteers, a coalition commander said today.

Troops Seize Weapons, Thwart Insurgents in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2007 - Coalition and Afghan forces seized a weapons cache and thwarted an insurgent ambush in Afghanistan recently, military officials said.

Troops Kill 13 Insurgents; Car Bombs Kill, Injure Iraqis

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2007 - Coalition forces killed 13 insurgents during an air strike near the Iraqi capital yesterday. Meanwhile, two car-bomb attacks in northern Iraq killed six and wounded 38, military officials said.

A coalition air strike killed 13 west of Baghdad yesterday, including three al Qaeda members responsible for assassinating a local imam, military officials said.

Stryker Cavalry Ridding Baghdad of Bombs, 'Bad Guys'

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2007 - U.S. soldiers are sweeping through a Baghdad neighborhood to clear out explosives and extremists, a coalition commander said today.

"We've been working in the East Rashid district going after the bad guys and doing very, very well and trying to give a little hope to the Iraqis ... so they don't have to live in fear any more," Army Col. John RisCassi told online journalists and "bloggers" during a conference call from Iraq.

Coalition Operations in Iraq Kill 14 Terrorists, Net 12

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2007 - Coalition troops in Iraq killed 14 terrorists and captured 12 others during a series of operations in the central part of the country today and yesterday.

Afghan, U.S. Forces Nab Four Suspects, Net Big Ammo Cache

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2007 - Afghan and coalition security forces captured four suspected terrorists and seized a large weapons cache during two separate joint operations Oct. 8, officials said.

Coalition Troops Kill Seven, Detain 21 Terrorists

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2007 - Coalition forces in Iraq killed seven terrorists and detained 21 others today during a series of anti-al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the central and northern parts of the country.

Iraqis Provide Crucial Help in Terrorist Fight

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007 - Iraqi citizens increasingly are providing crucial information to rout out terrorists in southern Baghdad, a military commander said today.

PRTs Showing Progress in Afghanistan, Iraq; Civilian Reserve Needed

By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007 - Provincial reconstruction teams are extending the reach of the Afghan government and helping stabilize Iraq as its government transitions to self-reliance, a panel of Defense Department officials told Congress yesterday.

Troops Kill 37 Insurgents, Nab Four, Seize Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed 37 enemy fighters, detained four suspects and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Troops Kill Five Insurgents, Seize Suspects, Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2007 - Iraqi and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained 20 suspects and seized weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.

Iraqi Security, Economic Efforts Make Continued Progress

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2007 - Efforts to oust al Qaeda and other insurgents from Iraq and to revitalize the country's worn infrastructure continue to make progress, a senior U.S. military officer said in Baghdad today.

More Evidence Shows Iran Directly Supports Iraq Insurgents

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2007 - Coalition forces are finding more evidence that Iran is directly supporting insurgents in Iraq, a U.S. military officer said today.

Coalition Forces Detain 14 Suspects, Kill Six Terrorists

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2007 - Coalition forces killed six terrorists and captured 14 in operations over the past three days in central and northern Iraq, officials reported.

Coalition Raids Kill One, Net 10 Al Qaeda in Iraq Agents

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2007 - Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspects during a series of raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern Iraq today, officials reported.

Airstrike Kills 20-Plus Terrorists; Iraqis Nab 34 Suspects

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2007 - A coalition airstrike killed more than 20 militants, and Iraqi security forces accompanied by coalition advisors captured 34 suspected terrorists during operations across Iraq Sept. 29, officials reported.

Coalition, Afghan Troops Kill 22 Militants, Capture Seven

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2007 - Coalition and Afghan troops killed 22 militants and captured seven during separate operations in Afghanistan's Zabul and Helmand provinces today, officials reported.

Iraqi, Coalition Forces Continue to Pound Enemy Fighters

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2007 - Coalition and Iraq forces continued taking the fight to the enemy in a variety of recent operations.

Afghanistan Operations Disrupt Extremist Plans

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected militants in Afghanistan's Paktika province, and Afghan National Police detained an improvised explosive device maker in Nangarhar province today.

Iraqi Troops, Police Pressure al Qaeda in Northern Iraq

By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 - Iraqi soldiers and police have al Qaeda terrorists on the run in the northern city of Mosul and its outlying areas, an Iraqi general posted in the region said today.

'Dragon' Offensives Destroy al Qaeda Outposts in Dora with Iraqi Assistanc

By David Mays | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 - Coalition offensives in southern Baghdad, spurred by Iraqi intelligence, have dramatically reduced al Qaeda-inspired violence, a military commander said today.

Coalition Kills al Qaeda Leader Who Coordinated Foreign Terrorists in Iraq

By Fred W. Baker III | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 - A top al Qaeda leader who coordinated efforts of foreign terrorists in Iraq was killed this week, a senior official in the region announced today.

Coalition Troops Capture Suspects, Seize Weapons in Iraq

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 - Coalition troops captured seven suspected terrorists and found two weapons caches today during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq, officials reported.