War On Terror News

Thunder Lab Version 1.0

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Elizabeth Burke

06.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan air force base in Kabul is home to the Thunder Lab. The Thunder Lab in an English immersion program designed to improve the English, aviation and professional skills of Afghan air force officers awaiting pilot training.

The Immersion lab was the idea of the 438th Vice Wing Commander, Col. Creig Rice.

“These guys had been told they were going to go to pilot training three or four different times. It hadn’t happened and now we are delaying again because of our acquisition process. The looks on their faces showed that they were losing hope and I wanted to change the game a little bit and give them something new and different to look forward to and the Thunder Lab was it.” Rice said.

The Thunder Lab concept is based on the immersion lab at the Defense Language Institute.

US Senate Confirms Petraeus to Lead Afghan War

VOA News 30 June 2010

The U.S. Senate has confirmed General David Petraeus as the next commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Lawmakers voted unanimously in support of Petraeus's nomination Wednesday. He replaces General Stanley McChrystal, who resigned last week after he and his aides made disparaging remarks about Obama administration officials.

Petraeus, who has been head of U.S. Central Command, is widely credited for helping turn around the war in Iraq by implementing a counter-insurgency strategy that helped lay the framework for the current effort in Afghanistan.

Experts Gather in New York Wednesday to Discuss Jihadism in Somalia

Professor Kenneth Menkhaus of Davidson College says counter-terrorism efforts might have further strengthen Islamic groups in Somalia

VOA  James Butty | Washington, D.C. 30 June 2010

A U.S. based university professor has said counter-terrorism efforts by both U.S. and Ethiopian governments to marginalize or defeat Islamic groups in Somalia might have had the unintended consequence of further strengthening the groups.

Flat Stanley Visits Dragoon Troop

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
By 2nd Lt. Gregory Maull

06.29.2010  CONTINENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq– Sometimes it can be difficult for Soldiers and families to cope with the stress of a deployment. However, with a little creativity, they can accomplish the task of staying connected with one another.

One example of this creativity is displayed by the 2nd grade students of Arthur Edward Elementary, New Bern, N.C. school project called “Flat Stanley.”

Staff Sgt. Ronald Whitehead, of Alexander, La., a bradley system maintainer, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division received one such Flat Stanley from his son Dalton.

“Students mailed Flat Stanley to deployed Soldiers to give them some company from a friend in America. Soldiers who receive Flat Stanley are asked to

Opening the Middle East Internet

For millions around the world, the Internet is less a super-highway and more an obstacle course - complete with virtual hazards, roadblocks and detours. As more and more governments start filtering content - or blocking access outright - users are left with an Internet full of holes. Now there's a new anti-censorship tool - called alkasir - specifically designed for Middle East users. But is alkasir guilty of the same censorship it's trying to combat?

Doug Bernard | Washington 01 July 2010

Walid al-Saqaf is a Ph.D. candidate at Sweden's Orebro University and the lead developer of alkasir.  Recently VOA's Doug Bernard spoke with Mr. al-Saqaf via Skype.

Doug Bernard: Thanks for joining us; Mr. al-Saqaf, what is alkasir?

Afghan Police to Experience Modern Training Facility in Gardez

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Police in Gardez district can now live at their police compound while attending training, thanks to a new $5 million construction project headed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The new site includes five living barracks, a latrine, a laundry facility, dining facility, leach field for sewage, and a parking lot.

The move to provide a more modern training facility for the ANP is part of an initiative to advance training, increase retention rates, and provide greater security in Paktya Province.

"The government of Afghanistan sees the need for

Iranian TV Airs New Video of 'Missing Scientist'

VOA News 30 June 2010

Iran's state television has aired what it says is footage of a missing nuclear scientist whom Tehran alleges was kidnapped by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

In Tuesday's video, a man described as Shahram Amiri, a researcher working for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said he had just escaped from U.S. agents in the eastern state of Virginia and is in hiding.

The man said he could be arrested at any time and

Insurgent Attack Against Jalalabad Airport Repelled

ISAF Joint Command

06.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and ISAF forces repelled a number of insurgents when they attacked Jalalabad airfield this morning using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. The airfield's perimeter was not breached, and several insurgents were killed during the attack. Two combined security force members received minor injuries; there are no reports of civilian injuries.

"The combination of our Afghan and coalition forces are always prepared to deal with attacks on this facility shared by Afghans and ISAF, and the response this morning was immediate," said Maj. Mary Constantino, spokesman, Task Force Bastogne.

‘Distro’ Platoon: the Lifeline of Soldiers at Remote Bases in Iraq

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
By Capt. Alan Fowler

06.29.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION GARRY OWEN, Iraq – The Distribution Platoon, Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides the logistics lifeline for the Soldiers of Task Force Eagle in Maysan province, Iraq.

Since arriving in Iraq, the “Distro” Platoon has been working to provide all manner of logistical support, enabling Company A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, to advise and assist the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement at Joint Security Station Al Tib.

“The Forward Support Company truly is a life line for us. Whether it’s generator parts or water, their dedication keeps us focused on the mission,” said Capt. Neil Johnson, commander, Company A, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg.

Iraqis Arrest 16 Terrorism Suspects

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces arrested 16 suspected criminal associates of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist organization in recent operations, military officials reported.

In Beiji, southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors, June 29, searched several buildings for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member allegedly involved in building roadside bombs.

A large amount of evidence believed to be related to the manufacture, emplacement and employment of bombs targeting security forces and civilians was collected at the scene. Additional

"Afghan and coalition forces have made significant progress in Kandahar"

Afghan, International Forces Detain Insurgents

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

06.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international force detained a number of suspected insurgents including a Taliban facilitator in Afghanistan's Helmand province, June 28, military officials reported.

The facilitator, believed to be a key player in the facilitation network in the province's Now Zad district, allegedly is responsible for procuring and distributing bomb-making components.

AFG Petraeus Discusses Pros, Cons of July 2011 Deadline

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Jim Garamone

06.29.2010  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators questioned Army Gen. David H. Petraeus repeatedly on his understanding of the July 2011 target date to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Afghanistan during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee June 29.

President Obama has nominated Petraeus – the commander of U.S. Central Command – to be commander of U.S. and NATO forces. The committee passed its recommendation for confirmation to the full Senate after the hearing. The general's nomination for the NATO post must go through NATO channels.

When President Barack Obama laid out the new strategy in Afghanistan during a speech at the U.S. Military Academy in December, he said that he would add 30,000 American troops to the mix, but that U.S. forces would begin returning to the United States in July 2011 if conditions on the ground allow. Petraeus told the senators that he supported and agrees with the president's strategy.

U.S. forces in Afghanistan would "begin a process in July 2011 under which tasks are transferred to Afghan security forces and government officials and a 'responsible drawdown' of the surge forces begins, pace to be determined by conditions," he said.

American forces in Afghanistan are relentlessly pursuing the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies, and commanders and political leaders must consider conditions on the ground before a drawdown begins, the general said.

Still, he added, the deadline does make sense.

Google Seeks Compromise with China

VOA  Jan Sluizer | San Francisco. 29 June 2010

The Internet search firm Google says it has come up with a compromise as it seeks to renew its Internet content provider license in China.  The company has tried to offer an uncensored search site to Chinese users, while the Beijing government has demand censorship.  

When Google launched in China in 2006, the Chinese government objected to

June 30 Marks One Year in Captivity for U.S. Soldier

ISAF Joint Command

06.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – Tomorrow marks one year in captivity for Spc. Bowe W. Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, who was discovered missing during his unit’s roll-call here one year ago.

Bergdahl was declared Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown, July 1, 2009, and that status was changed to "Missing-Captured,” July 3, 2009. Bergdahl is a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

“Since he was captured, June 30, 2009, it has been a top priority for U.S. and coalition forces to find him, recover him, and bring him home safely,” said Rear Admiral Greg Smith, deputy chief of Staff for Communication. “We continue our efforts to determine his whereabouts and ensure his safe return. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowe and his family,” Smith said.

Somalia Official Says Aim Remains Peace and Security

VOA  Peter Clottey 29 June 2010

An official of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government told VOA the European Union sponsored training of the country’s police force is progressing steadily despite stiff opposition from hard-line insurgent groups.

Government spokesman Abdi Kadir Walayo said President Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed’s administration is still determined to wrestle power from hard-line Islamic insurgent groups and to restore peace and stability.

“For the last 20 years, the whole Somali government infrastructure has been shattered and the police force and other law enforcement agencies were also part of that infrastructure. And, the present administration was trying to train and put back the infrastructure and law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Walayo’s comment came as the country prepares for its independence day celebrations. It also follows claims by insurgents that

Kunar Province Sees Second Full Day of Successful Combined Operations

ISAF Joint Command

06.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - Operations involving units from the Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force continued June 29 in Kunar province.

The Afghan-led force includes almost 600 personnel, more than 60 percent of which are members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan border police.

The operation began after the combined force was airlifted by helicopter into the mountains early Sunday morning near the town of Daridam, Marawara district.

Insurgents were using

RIP SSG Eric B. Shaw, SPC David W. Thomas

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

   The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

   They died June 27 in Konar, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

   Killed were:

   Staff Sgt. Eric B. Shaw, 31, of Exeter, Maine; and

   Spc. David W. Thomas, 40, of St. Petersburg, Fla.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

First Stop GTMO

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
Story by Spc. Archie Corbitt

06.28.2010  GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Many onboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have been in the service for a number of years and have seen many duty stations – but there are a few who have yet to gain that first-hand experience.

Army Pfc. Jerome Perry Jr. is a supply clerk assigned to the S-4 supply shop with the 525th Military Police Battalion and Joint Task Force Guantanamo is his first duty station. For his ability to go from Advanced Individual Training to a deployed location and adapt in an ever-changing environment, Perry has earned his 15 minutes of fame.

When Perry was asked to select places he wanted to be stationed, he chose Brazil, Ft. Hood, Texas and Korea. Instead the military chose to send him to JTF-GTMO.

“I guess they wanted the best, so

US Charges 18 in Money-Laundering Case

VOA News 29 June 2010

U.S. federal officials say 18 people have been charged in an international money-laundering operation that investigators say moved millions of dollars in Colombian drug profits through the United States, Colombia and other countries.

Authorities Tuesday said the charges follow an extensive operation, dubbed "Circling Vultures," in which the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated Colombia's Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE).  Investigators have described the exchange as a means of laundering narcotics proceeds generated in the United States for return to Colombia.

RIP Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick

Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick of 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), part of the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed in a small arms fire engagement with insurgent forces in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on 27 June 2010.

• Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), aged 32 from Llanelli

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Intrepid Center Merges Art, Science for Brain Treatment

By Lisa Daniel American Forces Press Service BETHESDA, Md., June 28, 2010 – When the National Intrepid Center of Excellence opened its doors here last week, the sense of hope in reversing the rising tide of brain injuries and psychological illness in servicemembers was palpable. Navy Lt. Cdr. Jena McLellan, a clinical trials coordinator with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, demonstrates the center’s Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment, or CAREN, virtual reality system to assess wounded warriors with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress, at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Md., June 23, 2010. NICoE photo by Linsey Pizzulo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. From its warm design and family-friendly amenities to its best-in-the-world diagnostic and assessment equipment, the center boasts the convergence of art and science that officials hope will become the new normal in researching, diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. As Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said at the center’s June 24 dedication ceremony, the need for such a center could not be more pressing. Hundreds of thousands of servicemembers are believed to have suffered TBIs and PTSD during their service in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many go undiagnosed, suffering the “invisible wounds” of war without explanation. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army vice chief of staff, was asked during testimony before a U.S. Senate committee last week why the military cannot better diagnose brain injuries and PTSD. “I promise you it is not from lack of trying,” he said. “We are doing everything we can.” That’s where the Intrepid Center comes in. Not a clinical care hospital, the center instead is designed to accept

Program Eases Adoption Expenses for Military Families

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Elaine Wilson

06.28.2010  WASHINGTON, D.C. - For many people, $2,000 doesn't add up to much money in the long haul; it won't, after all, buy a new car or a house.

But for Air Force Master Sgt. Kipp M. Bourgeois and his wife, Christina, the money was just enough to fulfill their long-term dream: a family.

Online Program Helps Military Families Vote Absentee

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Lisa Daniel

06.28.2010  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Defense Department today launched an Internet-based program to help service members and other Americans living overseas vote more easily in November's elections.

The new, online voting assistant at www.fvap.gov  will make the registration and absentee ballot application process "quick, easy, seamless and intuitive," Bob Carey, federal voting assistance program director, said today during an interview with The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.

Americans living abroad previously had to research a 290-page manual to figure out their state requirements for absentee voting, including where and how to send in their applications, Carey said.

"One of the things we found from the 2008 elections was that voters found the process very

Army’s Top NCO Visits USF-I and III Corps

103rd Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Roger Dey

06.28.2010  CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, the Army’s top non-commissioned officer, visited United States service members during a two-day trip to Iraq June 24-25.

During his stop at Camp Victory, Preston gave a big-picture perspective on Army strength and dwell times and explained the important role Comprehensive Soldier Fitness plays in keeping Soldiers strong and resilient to about 65 United States Forces-Iraq and III Corps service members.

Much of the discussion focused on unit rotations and stateside dwell times.

Preston pointed out that there are currently about 251,000 Soldiers forward deployed around the world today, more than there were at the height of the surge in 2007.

The turn-around time for units has a direct impact on Soldiers and their families, and it’s something Preston said he has discussed with the president.

“I talked to him about what I called ‘stress on the force.’ I said Soldiers are deployed for 12 months, they’re back for 12 months of dwell, and they’re deployed again for another 12 months,” he said.

“I said, ‘Mister President, that 12 months of dwell is not 12 months of sitting at home, watching TV,

RIP PFC Bryant J. Haynes

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes, 21, of Epps, La., died June 26 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.  He was assigned to the 199th Support Battalion, Louisiana Army National Guard, Alexandria, La.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

RIP SGT John M. Rogers

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

  Sgt. John M. Rogers, 26, of Scottsdale, Ariz., died June 27 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Reserve Engineer Hopes to ‘Spark Some Innovation’ Against IED Threat

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer

06.28.2010  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Waiting outside a conference room in the Regional Command Southwest headquarters building, Cpl. Paul A. Spies passes the time by glancing at the wall adorned with wood-framed pictures of fallen brethren, many of whom were killed by improvised explosive device blasts. A few moments later, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, commander of RC (SW), walks into the conference room already full of unit commanders. Spies waits patiently for his name to be called.

Spies is waiting to brief the commanders during a counter-IED conference, and he has 15 minutes to convey the idea he envisioned would help combat the threat that has claimed thousands of lives during counter insurgency operations. At 10:05 a.m., he is called into the room.

A few weeks before deploying to Afghanistan, he was driving past an

New Unit Program Helps Soldiers ‘Flatten the Wave’

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
Story by Sgt. Shantelle Campbell

06.28.2010  TIKRIT, Iraq – After recognizing an alarming increase in divorce rates among military personnel in 2004, the Army set out to reverse the trend by spending $2 million on a variety of marriage programs.

Most of these programs focus on providing Soldiers and their spouses with tools that would help them endure and stay together during stressful times such as deployments. However, there were hardly any programs that specifically focused on helping Soldiers and their spouses cope after the relationship had fallen apart.

Noticing a need for such a program, Maj. Terry Romine of Hoxie, Ark., and a Family Life chaplain for the 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., took his division chaplain’s concept and created the “Flatten the Wave” program.

Afghan Police Gain Leadership Skills, Public Trust

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Judith Snyderman

WASHINGTON - Payoffs to police have contributed to widespread corruption in Afghanistan, but new efforts to engender respect for police and to train police chiefs with leadership skills could pay off in a more stable and just Afghan society, a senior officer involved in NATO's training mission said.

Maj. Gen. Mike Ward of the Canadian army, deputy commander for police on the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan staff, described a case in point during a June 25 "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable.

"We have a very promising model of the civil police and justice program operating down in Kandahar right now which is a composite of the Canadian civil police and the U.S. 97th [Military Police] Battalion," Ward said.

Afghan police officers are walking their beats and engaging with

Welcome Home U.S. Navy Ensign Robert W. Langwell RIP

Sailor Missing From Korean War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Navy Ensign Robert W. Langwell, of Columbus, Ind., will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on July 12.  On Oct. 1, 1950, Langwell was serving on the minesweeper USS Magpie

Petraeus: Progress in Afghanistan, but Tough Times Ahead

VOA  Al Pessin | Washington, D.C. 29 June 2010

The U.S. Army General who President Barack Obama wants to send to lead American and coalition forces in Afghanistan told members of the Senate on Tuesday that there are already signs of success from the new strategy and troop surge the president announced in December.  General David Petraeus told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the effort to establish security and develop Afghanistan's government and security forces will continue to be difficult, but he said he believes it can succeed.  

General Petraeus appeared irritated with some senators and other observers who

Iraq Sharing the Knowledge of Maintenance

1st Infantry Division Headquarters
Story by Spc. David Dyer

06.28.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is an old adage credited to Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.

The Soldiers from the maintenance section of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division have made that old saying a motto they live by.

In the military,

Britain's Iraq War Inquiry Resumes

VOA  Selah Hennessy | London 29 June 2010

Britain's Iraq war inquiry began again on Tuesday after suspending its hearings for the country's general elections.  Former U.N. inspector Hans Blix is among those called to appear before the five-member panel in the coming weeks.

Britain's inquiry into the war in Iraq was put on hold for more than four months to make way for the country's general election.

During the interval, the panel traveled to France and the United States to interview key players in the Iraq invasion.  The committee also spoke with U.S. General David Petraeus during a visit he recently made to Britain.

The inquiry was set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to investigate Britain's role in the Iraq war.

Former U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix, who oversaw the weapons inspection in Iraq before the invasion, will appear before the inquiry in the coming weeks.

Wyn Rees, a professor in politics at Britain's Nottingham University, says Blix will make an interesting contribution to the inquiry because he was highly critical of the invasion.

"Blix is interesting because he maintained

Officials Report on Numerous Afghanistan Operations

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

06.28.2010  WASHINGTON - Precision air strikes, a pitched battle with insurgents in Kunar province and the killing or capture of key enemy fighters highlight recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

A precision air strike called in by a combined Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents, including a Haqqani terrorist network roadside-bomb cell leader, while the insurgents were planting a roadside bomb in Khost province last night.

After international forces confirmed insurgent activity and that no civilians were at risk, they called for

Sudan Closes Libyan Border Over Rebel Threat

VOA News 28 June 2010

Sudan says it will close its border crossings with Libya to protect travelers from attacks by rebels.

Sudan's Interior Ministry said authorities would block land crossings from July 1.

The ministry did not give details on

Suspected US Missile Strike Kills 10 in Pakistan

VOA News 29 June 2010

Pakistani security officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least 10 militants, including a suspected al-Qaida operative, in the country's northwest.

Officials say a drone fired two missiles at a compound near Wana, the main town in the South Waziristan tribal region on Tuesday. Foreign fighters were said to be among those killed.

ANSF, 3-187 Air Assault Into Monari, [Afg] Eliminate Insurgent Cell

Combined Joint Task Force 101Story by 1st Lt. R.j. Peek

06.28.2010  PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault operation in Monari village and nearby Omar Khel, Kushamond District, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 25.

This air assault was conducted in response to information provided by Afghan villagers about insurgent activity.

Monari village is considered a safe haven for multiple insurgent key leaders said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Schwengler, Company B commander, from Bismark, N.D.

As the ANSF moved through the village, a group of three insurgents fired

Afghans Protest Search and Seizure at Madrassa in Qalacha

UN Staff Member Killed in Afghan Attack

The UN in Afghanistan says its vehicles came under fire while at a busy traffic circle in Kabul

VOA News 29 June 2010

The United Nations says one of its staff members has been shot and killed in an attack in the Afghan capital. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan says its vehicles came under fire while at a busy traffic circle in Kabul Tuesday.  Two Afghan staff members were in the vehicle at the time. The other employee was unharmed.

UNAMA said the circumstances of the shooting were unclear.  The agency issued a statement condemning violence against "any of its personnel under any circumstances."

On the outskirts of the capital, an Afghan protest against NATO forces turned violent Tuesday, with at least 20 people injured in clashes with police.

SMA Visits United States Division-South [Iraq]

1st Infantry Division Headquarters
Story by Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Smith

06.28.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATINE BASE BASRA, Iraq – The Army’s top non-commissioned officer visited Soldiers in southern Iraq to see how they are living in a deployed environment and to answer questions about the way ahead as the drawdown in Iraq approaches.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, the Army’s senior enlisted member, visited Soldiers of United States Division-South at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Patrol Base Minden, and the Shalamcha Point of Entry along the Iraq-Iran border.

At PB Minden, which is occupied by Soldiers from one of his former units, the

Intrepid Center Merges Art, Science for Brain Treatment

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public AffairsStory by Lisa Daniel

06.28.2010  BETHESDA, Md., - When the National Intrepid Center of Excellence opened its doors here last week, the sense of hope in reversing the rising tide of brain injuries and psychological illness in service members was palpable.

From its warm design and family-friendly amenities to its best-in-the-world diagnostic and assessment equipment, the center boasts the convergence of art and science that officials hope will become the new normal in researching, diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

As Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said at the center's June 24 dedication ceremony, the need for such a center could not be more pressing. Hundreds of thousands of