War On Terror News

Hawaii Strykers Build Relationship in Iraq

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

07.30.2010  KIRKUK, Iraq - To strengthen the partnership between the “Golden Dragons” of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Stryker Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, and the leadership of Qarah Anyar, near Kirkuk, Iraq, multiple key leader engagements were held, July 27.

“We held these meetings to gain a better understanding of the priorities of the village and discuss upcoming projects they have planned,” said Capt. Patrick Stauffer, commander of Company B, 1/14th Inf.

Guard’s NASCAR Drivers Meet Scouts at Jamboree

National Guard Bureau
Story by Sgt. Darron Salzer

07.30.2010  FORT A.P. HILL, Va., - With little urging by Sgt. Ken Weichert, thousands of Boy Scouts from around the country cheered as NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon walked onto the stage here at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 29.

“It’s awesome to be a part of this and an honor to be here … as we represent the men and women of the National Guard every week out there on the race track,” said Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 National Guard-sponsored NASCAR racecar. “To get to see what you have been doing here the last few days, and the excitement you guys have, it’s incredible.”

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., told the Scouts that he had no idea what to expect at the jamboree. “I went on YouTube to figure out what we were getting in to, and this is pretty cool what you are doing.

‘Wounded Warrior’ Facility Helps Injured Marines Get Back to the Fight

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

07.30.2010  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Frank Martin had only been in Afghanistan a few days when a 60-pound improvised explosive device detonated while he and his squad were on their first foot patrol in northern Marjah, hurling him into the air.

“It actually picked me up off my feet and I did a one-eighty,” said Martin, infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, attached to the 1st Marine Division. “When I hit the ground the first thing I thought was, ‘oh crap, someone got hit.’

After the dust settled, Martin quickly realized he had been hit –

Citizens Report Weapons Caches in Charikar Afghanistan

Combined Joint Task Force 101

07.30.2010  Afghan National Police, with assistance from Coalition Forces, recovered two weapons caches in the town of Charikar July 26.

Responding from two different calls from the citizens of Parwan, an ANP explosive ordinance disposal team, with assistance from Coalition Forces, planned and organized the operation to recover both caches.

The caches included one anti-tank mine hidden in a wall, and multiple anti-personnel mines, shape charges, time fuses and sticks of dynamite. These munitions are often used in roadside bombs, which have killed Afghan civilians.

“We are very encouraged to hear that citizens of Parwan Province are taking action to make their communities a safer place to live, work and raise their children,” said U.S. Army Col. Will Roy, commander 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Task Force Wolverine.

If anyone knows the location of any weapons caches or unexploded ordinance they should call the Parwan Community Safety Line at 0796503599.

RIP CPT Jason E. Holbrook, SSG Kyle R. Warren

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

 

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

    They died July 29 at Tsagay, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  

    Killed were: 

        Capt. Jason E. Holbrook, 28, of Burnet, Texas, and 

        Staff Sgt. Kyle R. Warren, 28, of Manchester, N.H. 

    They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. 

"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)

Iraqi Forces Arrest 10 Al-Qaida in Iraq Associates

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

07.30.2010  WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces arrested 10 suspected associates of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist organization in several operations July 30, military officials reported.

Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisers searched several buildings in Mansuriyah for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member who allegedly is responsible for building and emplacing bombs that attach magnetically to vehicles. Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest four suspected criminal associates of the wanted man.

In Ghazaliah, Iraqi forces

Afghan Leaders One Step Closer to Peace With 'Voice of East Paktika' Jirga

ISAF Joint Command

07.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 1,500 Afghan nationals attended the Voice of East Paktika Jirga July 29 to discuss peace and tribal security in the seven northern districts of Paktika province.

The regional jirga came just over a week after the International Conference on Afghanistan was held in Kabul, where President Hamid Karzai announced his goal to have Afghan forces lead security operations by 2014.

Security for the event was provided by the Afghan National Army and local Afghan National Police.

Iraqis graduate US FBI basic crime scene training program

Written by United States Forces – Iraq PAO Friday, July 30, 2010

BAGHDAD – More than 40 senior and mid-level Iraqi police officers graduated from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s basic crime scene investigation training program here at Joint Security Station Shield July 29.

The police officers learned an array of crime scene analysis and evidence processing techniques and procedures-- knowledge desperately needed here in Iraq-- where modern forensic techniques are just beginning to be used.  

“This collaborative effort is of great value to the various police departments and organizations,” said Brig. Gen. Ayad Abdulrazzaq, general inspector/director of investigation for the Iraqi Police. “The combined U.S. and Iraqi effort is helping us become a more disciplined and professional organization,” Abdulrazzaq said.

GTMO’s Solar Power, Present and Future

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Story by Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta

07.28.2010  NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Last year, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced five energy targets that would help to ensure at least 40 percent of the Navy's total energy consumption comes from alternative sources.

One of those targets is to produce at least half the shore-based energy requirements from renewable sources, such as solar, wind and ocean generated by the naval installations by 2015.

When it comes to producing the base’s electricity, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba is self-sufficient because the United States has no diplomatic relationship with the Cuban government.

Most of GTMO’s electricity is produced by

French President: Strip Foreign-Born Criminals of Citizenship

VOA News 30 July 2010

French President Nicolas Sarkozy says foreign-born citizens should be stripped of their French nationality if they are convicted of using violence against law enforcement officials.

Mr. Sarkozy called for the crackdown Friday during a speech in the southeastern city of Grenoble, where earlier this month, rioters burned cars, torched shops and shot at police while protesting the shooting of a robbery suspect.

The French leader also said it should be tougher for children born in France

US Calls Iran's Year-Long Detention of Hikers 'Unjustifiable'

Secretary of State Clinton calls on Tehran to "do the right thing" and release them.

VOA  David Gollust | State Department 30 July 2010

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marked the first anniversary of Iran's detention of three American hikers with a call on Tehran to "do the right thing" and release them. Amnesty International has also appealed for their freedom.

Both U.S. officials and family members of the three Americans reject Iranian suggestions they were spying and Secretary Clinton, in a statement marking the anniversary of their capture, says their continued detention is unjustifiable.

The three Americans - 31-year-old Sara Shourd - and Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, both 27, were arrested by Iranian authorities on July 31 of last year for allegedly

Forces in Afghanistan Capture Suspected Insurgents

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

07.30.2010  WASHINGTON - Afghan and coalition forces captured numerous suspected insurgents in recent operations in Afghanistan, and insurgents have continued killing civilians as they seek to intimidate the population, military officials reported.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained four suspected insurgents in Paktia province last night, including a Haqqani terrorist network subcommander who facilitates the movement of weapons into the province's Gardez District. The commander was in direct contact with senior Haqqani leadership operating in the Khost-Gardez area and in Pakistan, officials said.

The security force targeted a compound near the village in Gardez district and secured the area. Afghan forces then called for all residents to come out of the compound peacefully. After initial questioning, the insurgent commander and three additional suspected insurgents were detained. Multiple automatic weapons, magazines, grenades and chest racks were found, along with a blasting cap.

An Afghan and coalition security force detained

Cluster Munitions Treaty to Take Effect Sunday

VOA  Suzanne Presto | Washington 30 July 2010

The Convention on Cluster Munitions goes into force Sunday, August 1, with 107 signatories agreeing to ban the use of cluster munitions.  

The convention that goes into force Sunday bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions.  It also requires countries to clean up contaminated land and assist victims, and it gives a deadline for the destruction of stockpiles.

Thomas Nash is the coordinator of the Cluster Munitions Coalition, an umbrella body that has campaigned for the ban since 2003.  He compares the Convention on Cluster Munitions to the 1997 treaty that banned landmines, saying the cluster bomb treaty is a comprehensive convention.  

"...to provide a forum for providing for

Sunscreen Helps Shield Against Cancer, Burns

Camp LeJeune Base Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Jo Jones

07.29.2010  MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Whether used on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or the battlefields of Afghanistan, there is one agent that protects service members, families and Department of Defense civilians from one of the most dangerous forms of radiation on the planet – ultraviolet rays.

Like modular tactical vests shielding military personnel from shrapnel, sunscreen deflects these invisible rays, which cause sunburns and other serious health problems.

“It’s important to wear sunscreen to prevent the damage caused by UV light, which leads to wrinkles and skin cancer,” said Navy Lt. Katherine Holcomb, a staff dermatologist at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. “There is no such thing as a safe tan.”

Two well-known sources that emit UV light are the sun and tanning beds. The sun emits both long waves known as UVA and short waves known as UVB. UVA can penetrate deep into the skin and easily pass through windows and car glass. UVB is the component of sunlight that causes a burn.

Eagle Scouts Soar in Utah Intelligence Battalion

National Guard Bureau
Story by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

07.29.2010  ARLINGTON, Va., -- The Utah National Guard's 141st Military Intelligence Battalion will deploy to Iraq in a few weeks with a total 83 Soldiers, who have earned their Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America.

“It’s easy being a battalion commander of Eagle Scouts, because you don't have to worry about them,” said Lt. Col. Matt Price, the battalion commander and a scout leader for his sons, including three Eagle Scouts. “They have high values, because they have been taught that as young men. You can trust them.”

The 286-member unit is currently in field training at their pre-mobilization site, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

During a recent meeting with civilian employers, Price asked all the Eagle Scouts in the room to stand. Almost half of his unit stood up, he said.

Aussie soldiers help Afghan victims of Taliban bomb attack

Australian soldiers rushed to the aid of four Afghan civilians and an Afghan soldier after a Taliban bomb exploded at a local market place in the southern Baluchi Valley, Uruzgan, Afghanistan on the 23rd of July.

The soldiers, from Australia’s 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1), launched a quick reaction force from the nearby Australian patrol base following the blast, which caused extensive damage to the markets.

The bomb, which instantly killed

National Guard Soldiers Win in Fishing Tournament

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

07.29.2010  DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — Sgt. 1st Class Brian Troxel, and Staff Sgt. Tom Leshovsky won the FLW Walleye National Guard Soldier Appreciation Tournament held on Devils Lake this week. The team, fishing with pro Dan Stier of Mina, S.D., caught three walleyes for a total of 11 pounds, 8 ounces to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.

“The FLW tournament officials did an incredible job setting up the Soldier appreciation day in Devils Lake. It provided the opportunity to have Soldiers fish and learn from professional anglers and also experience the thrill of tournament fishing on Devils Lake,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Heim, who participated and helped coordinate the event. “This tournament wasn’t necessarily just about the fishing. It was about the FLW and the pro anglers giving back a little something to service members.”

RIP LCpl Shane R. Martin

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

    Lance Cpl. Shane R. Martin, 23, of Spring, Texas, died July 29 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

"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)

Maintenance Platoon Keeps Wheels Turning on Battlefield

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Brent Powell

07.29.2010  FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan -- When most people think of Soldiers they think men with guns rushing headlong into danger, while rarely giving thought to those behind the scenes who keep the weapons firing and the vehicles rolling.

One group of Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Salerno work hard behind the scenes each day to ensure that their counterparts on the front lines not only have the equipment they need, but that it is ready to keep them in the fight.

The Soldiers are from Task Force Red Knight’s maintenance platoon, Company G, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Adventure Awaits OIF, OEF Veterans

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James

07.29.2010  MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Outward Bound offers OIF and OEF veterans an opportunity to enjoy scenic landscapes, engage in challenging physical activities and work through personal issues as a team.

An overview package prepared by Veterans program manager Meg Ryan states the mission of the Outward Bound Veterans Program is to provide veterans the opportunity to work on emotional difficulties that combat-related experiences have caused while they are in a wilderness setting.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Ivor R. Pardee has gone on several trips including the Sequoia National Forest in California and the Colorado Rockies with the group in past years. As an airfield operations staff-noncommissioned officer with Cherry Point’s Air Traffic Control Center, Pardee actively encourages his Marines to take advantage of the program.

“The veterans program is specifically designed for service members who participated in either Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Pardee, “It doesn’t matter if they are active-duty, National Guard, reservists or retired as long as they served in one or both of those operations.”

Allegations of Quran Desecration and Disrespect in Tarin Kot

ISAF Joint Command

07.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF task force looked into allegations of Quran desecration in Tarin Kot, Uruzgan province following allegations in the media.

The task force examined all patrol activities for the past three days to determine whether there could have been any situations when an ISAF service member came across a Quran. The task force found none.

The allegations in the media also state that the Quran was bayoneted. Soldiers performing patrols in that area do not carry bayonets according to the task force.

Members of the ANA and the ANP peacefully dispersed the crowd.

ISAF understands the significance and importance of the Quran to the Muslim religion and the people of Afghanistan and takes allegations of the desecration and disrespect of the Quran or any other religious or cultural items very seriously.

Iraq USF- I, ISF senior leadership attend first Police Primacy Summit

Written by United States Forces – Iraq PAO Thursday, July 29, 2010

BAGHDAD –United States Forces-Iraq and Iraqi Police senior leaders met today to discuss the growing role of the Iraqi Police, who are preparing to eventually take on full responsibility for the internal security of Iraq, at the first police primacy summit here July 29.

The transition of the internal security responsibility will enable the Iraqi Army to incrementally pull out of the cities and return to its conventional defensive role.

Official Reminds Troops, Vets to Submit 'Stop Loss' Claims

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Ian Graham

07.29.2010  WASHINGTON - Defense Department officials want to ensure that anyone whose military enlistment was involuntarily extended under the so-called "stop loss" provision applies to receive a stipend by the Oct. 21 deadline.

An estimated 145,000 service members are eligible to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in stop loss status.

During a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable July 28, Lernes J. Hebert, the department's acting director of officer and enlisted personnel management, said tens of thousands of applications have been processed, but the department is far from having received claims from every eligible service member. As a result, he said, officials are trying to get the word out so eligible people can apply by the deadline.

Regional CDC Working for People of Afghanistan

By U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith
Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team

07.29.2010  PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Panjshir Province Regional Community Development Council, the Bazarak mayor, representatives from the International City Managers Association and Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Civil Affairs soldiers met in the Bazarak District July 26 to discuss local and provincial issues.

The weekly meeting, which is held either at Forward Operating Base Lion or the Bazarak Guest House, has become a forum for Panjshiris at the village level to take part in the government through their CDC, according to U.S. Army Spc. LeAnn Kwait, Panjshir PRT Civil Affairs.

“These meetings are important because they allow transparency in the process of local villagers bringing projects through their government to request help from the PRT,” said Kwait, a Levittown, Pa., native. “We have six commander-approved projects now that have come up through the CDCs from villagers.”

The meeting started with Khalilullah Rahmani, an ICMA employee working as the Bazarak mayor’s advisor, discussing his recent trip to a slaughterhouse in the Jalalabad area.

NTM-I Supported by NDC Rome Conducting a Crisis Management Exercise

Joint Force Command Naples
Story by Jennifer Hunnicutt

07.29.2010  BAGHDAD - The NATO Training Mission – Iraq with the support of NATO Defence College - Rome is conducting a Crisis Management Exercise for the students of the Iraqi National Defence College during the July 25-29 period.

The aims of the CMX are to provide a practical exercise to confirm and reinforce an understanding of the strategic issues that impact on effective governance, inter-departmental operations, internal security and the provision of essential services. In addition, the CMX provides a significant learning opportunity and experience for the NDC staff and instructors so they can manage and run similar exercises in the future.

“This CMX is very important for the students to develop and practice strategic planning, to get a real feel for inter-agency co-operation and risk management”, said Lt. Col. Raffaelle Mauriello, the NTM-I Advisor in NDC-I coordinating the support to the NDC CMX.

Taliban Helpless Against Floods While Afghan Air Force Saves Thousands

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Quillen

07.30.2010  LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Crouched low against the beating winds, Afghan civilians trudge quickly through knee deep muddy fields to the relative safety of a waiting Mi-17 transport helicopter, courtesy of the Afghan Air Force. Bringing only what they could carry, villagers from the Laghman, Nangahar and Kunar provinces sought refuge from the severe flooding that had struck the region, almost overnight. The Taliban maintain a strong presence in the Kunar region and routinely use surface-to-air fire against low flying helicopters, yet heedless of this threat Brig. Gen. Muhammad Barat Kabul Air Wing Commander --assisted by NATO allies-- launched two Mi-17 helicopters, solely tasked to help as many as they could.

“The weather was simply terrible. It started to clear a bit the second day but the first was definitely flown under special visual flight rules or even under instrument flight rules, as visibility was exceedingly poor” explains Lt. Col. Greg Roberts, U.S. Air Force 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, Combined Air Power Transition Force. Roberts helped pilot and assisted in the rescue.

Dealing with half mile visibility in the rain, 500 ft flight ceilings, and a general haze, all of which

Palestinian Rocket Hits Israeli City of Ashkelon

VOA  Robert Berger | Jerusalem 30 July 2010

A rocket attack is raising tensions on the Israeli border with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military says Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a rocket that hit the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon 12 kilometers away.  The Chinese-made Grad rocket landed near high-rise apartment buildings, causing damage but no injuries.

An eyewitness gave this account to Israel Radio: "Suddenly there was a boom, as if the rocket was falling on my head," he said.  The man went out on his balcony and saw smoke. He said the blast blew out the windows of apartments and cars.

Insurgents Kill 6 More Civilians, Wound 3 More in IED Strikes

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents killed six more Afghan civilians and wounded three more in improvised explosive device attacks in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

Four civilians were killed and three wounded when an IED detonated in the Mizan district of Zabul province. The wounded were airlifted to a military medical facility in Qalat to receive treatment.
In the Khash Rod district of Nimroz province, two Afghan civilians were killed when their vehicle struck an IED.

In an earlier report,

Naval Divers Make a Splash at [Boy Scout] Jamboree

Joint Task Force – National Scout Jamboree
Story by Airman 1st Class Joe Mcfadden

 

07.29.2010  FORT A.P. HILL, Va.—Sixteen years since his last Jamboree, former Eagle Scout Michael Starr never imagined he’d be back for the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Jamboree here July 26, or at least that he would be back in a different uniform: one of a U.S. Navy Sailor.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything with the boy scouts,” said Starr. “You get scouts from all over the world in one spot for this event,”

Now Starr is one of the naval divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two home ported in Little Creek, Va., who have been attached to Joint Task Force National Scout Jamboree and are on-hand for this year’s Jamboree.

DOD Announces School Year 2010/2011 Child Care Fee Policy

 

    The Department of Defense announced today the school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy.  The policy will adjust fee ranges in child care programs across the services and will be implemented no later than Sept. 30, 2010.  Changes will impact families who have children enrolled in DoD child development centers and school age care programs. 

    The DoD broadened child care fee ranges from six to nine categories, raised the income cap on each fee range, and established the top earning range at $125,000 a year and above for a more equitable policy.  Previously, families earning more than $70,000 a year and above all paid the same fee for child care.  Under the new policy, families will see either a small decrease or increase in their fees depending on their total family income.   Families earning $85,000 and below will experience relatively minimal changes.  Each military service will provide fee guidelines specific to their installations.

   "This is the first time in six years that the Defense Department has

Landmark Public Trial Successfully Held in Khost Province; Two Kidnappers Sentenced to 16-years

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Brent Powell

07.29.2010  KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- A public trial for two-accused Afghan kidnappers was held in the Khost Provincial Court, marking a significant step forward in Afghanistan’s progression toward implementing the Rule-of-Law and solidifying a legal process for the accused.

The trial, which resulted in the conviction and sentencing of two Afghans, Alalqadar and Noorosman, marked only the second time that a public trial has taken place in Khost Province since the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan came to power.

US Embassy in Paris Receives 'Suspicious' Mail

Initial tests indicate letter not harmful, two staff members being treated after handling mail

VOA News 30 July 2010

The U.S. embassy in France says two of its employees are undergoing medical checkups after handling a suspicious piece of mail, but preliminary tests indicate the letter was not harmful.

Embassy spokesman Paul Patin told reporters in Paris Friday that mailroom handlers identified a "suspicious letter," and that those who were in contact with it are being tested for poisoning.

Iraqi Forces Arrest 6 Terrorism Suspects

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq News Releases

07.29.2010  WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces arrested six people affiliated with the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorism organization in combined operations with U.S. advisors yesterday, military officials reported.

In southwestern Baghdad, Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member who allegedly has close ties to the organization's senior leadership. Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest three suspected criminal associates of the wanted man.

In Hawijah,

UN: Missing Russian Pilot Freed in Sudan

VOA News 30 July 2010

The United Nations says a Russian helicopter pilot who disappeared in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region has been found and returned to his U.N. peacekeeper's base after being seized and beaten by a militia group earlier this week.

A U.N. spokesman, Farhan Haq, said Thursday that the pilot, who works for the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, was returned safely by helicopter to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, where the force has a base.

Russia's special presidential envoy to Sudan, Mikhail Margelov, said "irregular paramilitaries" from the pro-government Janjaweed militia had taken Yevgeny Mostovshchikov prisoner and attempted to use him to bargain concessions from Sudanese authorities.

Mexican Government Says Top Drug Cartel Leader Killed

VOA News 30 July 2010

The Mexican government says a top member of the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel has been killed.

Late Thursday, authorities confirmed reports in the Mexican media that Inacio "Nacho" Coronel, a senior member of the cartel, was killed in a military raid near the western city of Guadalajara.  

The U.S. State Department previously described Coronel as responsible for moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine via fishing vessels from Colombia to Mexico and to the southwestern U.S. states of Arizona and Texas.

In late 2003,

Iron Rakkasans Conduct Successful Resupply Despite Insurgent Attacks

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

07.29.2010  PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In an effort to better prepare incoming 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division Soldiers, the Iron Rakkasans from 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment conducted July 23-25 the second largest resupply of vehicles and equipment since the unit has been in country.

In order to achieve success, the monumental operation focused on accomplishing two tasks: getting supplies and equipment to their destination, and bringing supplies and equipment back.

“The first task was to bring fuel, food, vehicles and repair parts to Forward Operating Base Khoyr Kot Castle and Forward Operating Base Kushamond,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joshua Canan, a native of Greenville, Ohio, and battalion motor officer for the forward support company that works with 3 Bn., 187th Inf. “Four additional Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles were taken down

More than 4,000 Afghan National Security Forces graduate

By NTM-A_CSTC-A

Kabul, Afghanistan (July 29, 2010) - Today 4,123 Afghan National Security Forces graduated from various Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police training courses. This is a significant contribution to the continuous growth of the ANSF forces to the 243,000 goal. The 134,000 trained ANA soldiers goal will be met early next month. This benchmark will be exceeded two months ahead of schedule. 

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Soldiers from a graduating Afghan National Army course perform a traditional Afghan war dance as part of a combined gradution ceremony at the Kabul Military Training Center July 29, 2010. Graduations such as these contribute to the ANA goal of 134,000 trained soldiers -- a goal that will be met two months early. (Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joel Newburn) 

Planned Africa Union Troop Surge in Somalia a Strategic Blunder?

Analyst Says Planned Africa Union Troop Surge in Somalia Would be Strategic Blunder

J. Peter Pham says 8,000 troops to be deployed in Somalia are enough to protect borders, but not to defeat insurgency

VOA  Yeheyes Wuhib | Washington D.C. 29 July 2010

Somalia’s government has hailed the recent decision by the African Union to beef up its force in Mogadishu in an effort to boost security in Somalia and the entire region.  The African Union has agreed to add about 4,000 peacekeepers to Somalia -- for a total of about 8,000.

“The decision is a lifeline for the transitional government and is good not only for security in Somalia but for security in neighboring countries,” says Abdulkadir Mohamoud Walayo, spokesperson for the Transitional Federal Government.

The AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has so far prevented al-Qaeda-inspired Shebaab insurgents from taking power.  

Supporters say if peacekeepers can push al Shabaab out of the capital, it will give the government time to provide social services to the population and widen its support.

Afghan Civilian Killed During ISAF Operations

ISAF Joint Command

07.29.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan yesterday were attacked by insurgents with small arms. After indentifying the point of origin, ISAF forces returned fire with small arms and mortar rounds.

After several fire fights from different locations, coalition forces received a report a local civilian girl had been killed in the fight. The ISAF forces were able to locate the compound and confirmed the death from apparent mortar shrapnel wounds.

“We deeply regret this casualty and express our sincerest apologies to her family,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “ISAF takes civilian casualties very seriously and will continue to take every precaution to prevent them in the future.”

Japanese Shipper Investigates Strait of Hormuz Explosion

VOA  Akiko Fujita | Tokyo 29 July 2010

Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is investigating an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz that damaged a large oil carrier. The explosion occurred shortly after midnight local time and injured a crew member on board.

The explosion occurred as the oil tanker M Star was passing through a narrow strait off the coast of Oman. Thirty-one crew members on board were headed back to Japan, when they saw a flash, then heard a loud explosion.

Photo released by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) of "M. Star"

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines spokeswoman Kazumi Nakamura says the impact shattered windows and damaged the hull. The tanker also lost a life boat.