By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - U.S. strategic interests are best served by finishing the job in Iraq, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
"The reality is that retreating from Iraq would carry enormous strategic costs for the United States," Bush told an audience at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Read the whole story here.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Iraqi Security Forces Make Progress in Diyala
By Seaman William Selby, USN | Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces are making progress in Iraq's Diyala province through three lines of operation, a military official there said yesterday.
Significant enemy activities in Diyala over the past eight months have dropped by 70 percent, Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces are making progress in Iraq's Diyala province through three lines of operation, a military official there said yesterday.
Significant enemy activities in Diyala over the past eight months have dropped by 70 percent, Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
Read the whole story here.
Bush Cites Security, Political, Economic Gains in Iraq
By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - The surge of forces has enabled the Iraqi government to realize security, political and economic gains, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio.
"The surge is doing what it was designed to do," Bush said. Last year's deployment of about 30,000 extra U.S. troops to Iraq has provided security and breathing space so the Iraqi government can establish itself against its enemies, Bush said at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - The surge of forces has enabled the Iraqi government to realize security, political and economic gains, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio.
"The surge is doing what it was designed to do," Bush said. Last year's deployment of about 30,000 extra U.S. troops to Iraq has provided security and breathing space so the Iraqi government can establish itself against its enemies, Bush said at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Read the whole story here.
Face of Defense: Firefighter Trades New York for Iraq
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, USA | Special to American Forces Press Service
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, March 27, 2008 - On Sept. 11, 2001, Nicholas Pata was a volunteer firefighter in Rockland County, N.Y., who assisted rescue efforts after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Pata, 25, no longer fights fires; he now is an Army private first class and fights terrorism as a Multinational Division Baghdad radio-telephone operator assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Read the whole story here.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, March 27, 2008 - On Sept. 11, 2001, Nicholas Pata was a volunteer firefighter in Rockland County, N.Y., who assisted rescue efforts after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Pata, 25, no longer fights fires; he now is an Army private first class and fights terrorism as a Multinational Division Baghdad radio-telephone operator assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Read the whole story here.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
U.S. Must Stay Until Job is Done, Cheney Says in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 - The United States must continue operations in Iraq until the job is done, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said today in Baghdad.
"I think given the enormous effort that's been made and the sacrifices that have been made - both in terms of lives and national treasure - to succeeding in Iraq, it's very, very important that we succeed," he said, "(and) that we not quit before the job is done.
"We need to remember that our objective here is victory and that we need to be prepared to do whatever it takes in order to achieve that," he added.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 - The United States must continue operations in Iraq until the job is done, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said today in Baghdad.
"I think given the enormous effort that's been made and the sacrifices that have been made - both in terms of lives and national treasure - to succeeding in Iraq, it's very, very important that we succeed," he said, "(and) that we not quit before the job is done.
"We need to remember that our objective here is victory and that we need to be prepared to do whatever it takes in order to achieve that," he added.
Read the whole story here.
Iraqi Air Force Attains Tenfold Increase in Sorties
By John J. Kruzel | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 – Iraq's air force, with help from a U.S. transition team, attained a tenfold increase in its number of weekly sorties and doubled the size of its fleet over the past year, a military official said today.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team, said the Iraqi air force in 2007 evolved from flying about 30 sorties a week to 300 by the end of the year. At the same time, the force's fleet grew from 28 airplanes to 56.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 – Iraq's air force, with help from a U.S. transition team, attained a tenfold increase in its number of weekly sorties and doubled the size of its fleet over the past year, a military official said today.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team, said the Iraqi air force in 2007 evolved from flying about 30 sorties a week to 300 by the end of the year. At the same time, the force's fleet grew from 28 airplanes to 56.
Read the whole story here.
Coalition Disrupts Al Qaeda Networks in Iraq, Detains 27
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 - Coalition forces detained 27 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation east of Sharqat, coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator associated with the al Qaeda networks in northern Iraq. The suspect also is believed to be a close associate of the al Qaeda leader for the network in Abassi.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2008 - Coalition forces detained 27 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation east of Sharqat, coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator associated with the al Qaeda networks in northern Iraq. The suspect also is believed to be a close associate of the al Qaeda leader for the network in Abassi.
Read the whole story here.
Special Ops Marines Deliver in Southern Afghanistan
By Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr., USMC | Special to American Forces Press Service
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 17, 2008 - Special operations Marines deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand province operate at a fast pace.
Accompanied by a small group of Afghan National Army soldiers, the Marines are constantly on the go: visiting villages, distributing humanitarian aid and always searching for insurgents. Their breaks between operations vary from 12 hours to three days.
Read the whole story here.
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 17, 2008 - Special operations Marines deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand province operate at a fast pace.
Accompanied by a small group of Afghan National Army soldiers, the Marines are constantly on the go: visiting villages, distributing humanitarian aid and always searching for insurgents. Their breaks between operations vary from 12 hours to three days.
Read the whole story here.
Friday, March 14, 2008
High-Level al-Qaida Figure Captured
March 14 | By PAULINE JELINEK
WASHINGTON (AP) - After secret interrogations, the CIA transferred to U.S. military custody a high-level al-Qaida figure who helped Osama bin Laden escape from Afghanistan in 2001, the Pentagon announced Friday.
Mohammad Rahim was detained last summer, CIA Director Michael Hayden said, but the intelligence official didn't reveal where or by whom. The CIA turned Rahim over to the military earlier this week in what Hayden said was the first such transfer from his agency's interrogation program since April 2007.
Rahim is now being held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hayden said.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON (AP) - After secret interrogations, the CIA transferred to U.S. military custody a high-level al-Qaida figure who helped Osama bin Laden escape from Afghanistan in 2001, the Pentagon announced Friday.
Mohammad Rahim was detained last summer, CIA Director Michael Hayden said, but the intelligence official didn't reveal where or by whom. The CIA turned Rahim over to the military earlier this week in what Hayden said was the first such transfer from his agency's interrogation program since April 2007.
Rahim is now being held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hayden said.
Read the whole story here.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Anti-insurgency Tactics Succeeding in Iraqi Detention Facilities
By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2008 - New ways of dealing with detainees in coalition-run facilities in Iraq are paying off through less violence, more actionable intelligence for warfighters, and a better separation of extremists from more moderate detainees, a senior leader told military analysts today.
Marine Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Stone, deputy commander for Multinational Force Iraq's detainee operations, said efforts to tamp down on insurgent activity "inside the wire" is paying off in protecting both inside and outside the facilities.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2008 - New ways of dealing with detainees in coalition-run facilities in Iraq are paying off through less violence, more actionable intelligence for warfighters, and a better separation of extremists from more moderate detainees, a senior leader told military analysts today.
Marine Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Stone, deputy commander for Multinational Force Iraq's detainee operations, said efforts to tamp down on insurgent activity "inside the wire" is paying off in protecting both inside and outside the facilities.
Read the whole story here.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Progress Continues in Anbar Province Amid Reduced Violence
By Donna Miles | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2008 - A month into his third tour in Iraq, the commander of Multinational Force West said today he's amazed by vast improvements across Anbar province, with a sharp drop in violence and continued progress among Iraqi security forces.
"It's stunning to me how low (violence levels) are," Marine Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly told Pentagon reporters from a videoconference center in Baghdad.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2008 - A month into his third tour in Iraq, the commander of Multinational Force West said today he's amazed by vast improvements across Anbar province, with a sharp drop in violence and continued progress among Iraqi security forces.
"It's stunning to me how low (violence levels) are," Marine Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly told Pentagon reporters from a videoconference center in Baghdad.
Read the whole story here.
Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill, Capture Terrorists Over Several Days' Operations
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2008 - Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained nine suspects today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces near Ad Dawr targeted the leader of a terror cell for the southern Karkh al Qaeda in Iraq network. Intelligence led coalition forces to a location where the wanted individual was believed to be operating. The ground force detained one suspect, who then provided information on the whereabouts of another alleged terrorist.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2008 - Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained nine suspects today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces near Ad Dawr targeted the leader of a terror cell for the southern Karkh al Qaeda in Iraq network. Intelligence led coalition forces to a location where the wanted individual was believed to be operating. The ground force detained one suspect, who then provided information on the whereabouts of another alleged terrorist.
Read the whole story here.
Face of Defense: Soldier Receives Bronze Star for Heroic Actions
By Sgt. 1st Class Eric Hendrix, USA | Special to American Forces Press Service
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan, March 10, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Loetz recently received a Bronze Star Medal for Valor for saving the life of an Afghan truck driver in 2007.
The story behind the rescue is both harrowing and heartwarming.
Read the whole story here.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan, March 10, 2008 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Loetz recently received a Bronze Star Medal for Valor for saving the life of an Afghan truck driver in 2007.
The story behind the rescue is both harrowing and heartwarming.
Read the whole story here.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Coalition Forces Continue to Disrupt Terrorist Activities in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 - Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 26 suspects during operations over the past two days to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.
During operations today in Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting an alleged al Qaeda senior leader. The targeted individual allegedly is responsible for the overall operational direction for the city's networks and is believed to be the network's senior leader for Baghdad's southern belt.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 - Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 26 suspects during operations over the past two days to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.
During operations today in Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting an alleged al Qaeda senior leader. The targeted individual allegedly is responsible for the overall operational direction for the city's networks and is believed to be the network's senior leader for Baghdad's southern belt.
Read the whole story here.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Troops in Iraq Kill Suspected Terrorists, Seize Weapons
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed three suspected terrorists, captured one other and found a weapons cache in Iraq yesterday, military officials said.
East of Baghdad, coalition forces targeted an al Qaeda in Iraq leader of the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region, and is believed to be the brother of an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq associate detained by combined forces March 2.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed three suspected terrorists, captured one other and found a weapons cache in Iraq yesterday, military officials said.
East of Baghdad, coalition forces targeted an al Qaeda in Iraq leader of the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region, and is believed to be the brother of an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq associate detained by combined forces March 2.
Read the whole story here.
Soldiers Help Iraqi Families Return to Their Homes
American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, March 4, 2008 - With the security situation here improving every day, Iraqi and coalition forces increasingly are helping displaced families move back into their old neighborhoods.
Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, in cooperation with Iraqi security forces, the local reconciliation committee, and local and civic leaders, recently welcomed more than 100 families to an informational meeting aimed at returning them to their southwestern Baghdad homes.
Read the whole story here.
BAGHDAD, March 4, 2008 - With the security situation here improving every day, Iraqi and coalition forces increasingly are helping displaced families move back into their old neighborhoods.
Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, in cooperation with Iraqi security forces, the local reconciliation committee, and local and civic leaders, recently welcomed more than 100 families to an informational meeting aimed at returning them to their southwestern Baghdad homes.
Read the whole story here.
Troops Proud of Progress, Mission in Iraq, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone | American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, March 3, 2008 - There is a new, more upbeat mood among American troops in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, fresh from meeting troops of Multinational Division North in Hawijah, Iraq, and Multinational Division Baghdad in the Rashid district, said the mood of the troops has improved since his first visit as chairman in October.
Read the whole story here.
BAGHDAD, March 3, 2008 - There is a new, more upbeat mood among American troops in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, fresh from meeting troops of Multinational Division North in Hawijah, Iraq, and Multinational Division Baghdad in the Rashid district, said the mood of the troops has improved since his first visit as chairman in October.
Read the whole story here.
Coalition Forces Detain 11 in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq today detained 11 suspected terrorists, including an Iranian-supported "special groups" facilitator, military officials reported.
The suspected special groups facilitator was detained with another suspected criminal early today in Mashru, south of Baghdad. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the two suspects without incident.
The targeted individual reportedly was a special groups logistical advisor for Wasit province. As a logistical leader, he allegedly facilitated the movement of special groups criminals involved in sniper and armor-piercing explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. He also is suspected of facilitating weapon shipments, including EFPs, rockets and mortars.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq today detained 11 suspected terrorists, including an Iranian-supported "special groups" facilitator, military officials reported.
The suspected special groups facilitator was detained with another suspected criminal early today in Mashru, south of Baghdad. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the two suspects without incident.
The targeted individual reportedly was a special groups logistical advisor for Wasit province. As a logistical leader, he allegedly facilitated the movement of special groups criminals involved in sniper and armor-piercing explosively formed penetrator attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. He also is suspected of facilitating weapon shipments, including EFPs, rockets and mortars.
Read the whole story here.
Coalition, Iraqi Troops Target Al Qaeda Forces in Mosul
By Gerry J. Gilmore | American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces are targeting al Qaeda terrorists who have taken refuge in Mosul after fleeing Baghdad in the wake of surge operations, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said yesterday.
"Mosul, as you know, is the center of al Qaeda terrorist activities today," Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces are targeting al Qaeda terrorists who have taken refuge in Mosul after fleeing Baghdad in the wake of surge operations, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said yesterday.
"Mosul, as you know, is the center of al Qaeda terrorist activities today," Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
Read the whole story here.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Target Taliban Networks
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - An armed insurgent was killed and two suspected insurgents were detained during a joint Afghan and coalition operation to degrade Taliban operations in Afghanistan's Zabul province, military officials reported.
The joint force searched in the Jeldak district targeting a Taliban operative responsible for facilitating suicide IEDs and foreign-fighter networks. The targeted individual also was associated with the unlawful detention and murder of civilians, as well as extorting money, food and shelter from residents of a village in a neighboring district, officials said.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 - An armed insurgent was killed and two suspected insurgents were detained during a joint Afghan and coalition operation to degrade Taliban operations in Afghanistan's Zabul province, military officials reported.
The joint force searched in the Jeldak district targeting a Taliban operative responsible for facilitating suicide IEDs and foreign-fighter networks. The targeted individual also was associated with the unlawful detention and murder of civilians, as well as extorting money, food and shelter from residents of a village in a neighboring district, officials said.
Read the whole story here.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Coalition Captures Bomb Facilitator, Detains Terror Suspects
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured an alleged homemade-bomb facilitator with ties to al Qaeda in Iraq today, and detained numerous other terrorism suspects in a variety of recent operations, military officials reported.
The alleged facilitator reportedly is involved in a network supplying explosive materials to the leader of a central Baghdad al Qaeda network, and also is believed to be a close associate and relative of the Bizayz terrorist network's leader, officials said.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured an alleged homemade-bomb facilitator with ties to al Qaeda in Iraq today, and detained numerous other terrorism suspects in a variety of recent operations, military officials reported.
The alleged facilitator reportedly is involved in a network supplying explosive materials to the leader of a central Baghdad al Qaeda network, and also is believed to be a close associate and relative of the Bizayz terrorist network's leader, officials said.
Read the whole story here.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Disrupt Taliban Networks
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2008 - Several insurgents were killed and 14 suspected insurgents were detained during coalition forces operations conducted yesterday and Feb. 29 to degrade Taliban leadership networks in Afghanistan.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the Garmsir district of Helmand province yesterday during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations. Several insurgents were killed when they fired on coalition forces. Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.
Read the whole story here.
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2008 - Several insurgents were killed and 14 suspected insurgents were detained during coalition forces operations conducted yesterday and Feb. 29 to degrade Taliban leadership networks in Afghanistan.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the Garmsir district of Helmand province yesterday during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations. Several insurgents were killed when they fired on coalition forces. Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.
Read the whole story here.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
US Military Kills al-Qaida Leader
March 2 | By PATRICK QUINN
BAGHDAD (AP) - A U.S. military helicopter fired a guided missile to kill a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq leader from Saudi Arabia who was responsible for the bombing deaths of five American soldiers, a spokesman said Sunday.
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Gregory Smith said Jar Allah, also known as Abu Yasir al-Saudi, and another Saudi known only as Hamdan, were both killed Wednesday in Mosul.
Read the whole story here.
BAGHDAD (AP) - A U.S. military helicopter fired a guided missile to kill a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq leader from Saudi Arabia who was responsible for the bombing deaths of five American soldiers, a spokesman said Sunday.
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Gregory Smith said Jar Allah, also known as Abu Yasir al-Saudi, and another Saudi known only as Hamdan, were both killed Wednesday in Mosul.
Read the whole story here.
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