War On Terror News

Iowan Farmer-Soldiers Find Lack of Kunar Products at Afghan Market

Market assessment finds little home-grown food

ISAF JC: KABUL, Afghanistan – The bazaar in Asadabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Kunar province, is a noisy, chaotic stretch of shops and stands that extends the length of the city’s main thoroughfare.

There are many items for sale, including fresh fruits and vegetables, bolts of colorful cloth, finished clothing and electronics. There are also poultry stands that will slaughter and quarter a chicken for a customer on the spot.

Members of the Iowa National Guard’s 734th Agribusiness Development Team patrolled through the bazaar Oct. 17 and assessed the market. They noticed that very few of the products originate in Kunar province.

Russians Join US SF in Afghan Drug Raid

Joint Russian, US Drug Raid in Afghanistan

VoA News: For the first time, Russian and U.S. special forces have taken part in a joint operation to destroy drug labs in Afghanistan.  Russian and U.S. officials on Friday announced the raids, which took place Thursday near the country’s border with Pakistan.

Russian anti-narcotics chief Viktor Ivanov says the special forces, who were aided by Afghan officials, destroyed three heroin labs and one morphine lab. He estimates the raids may have caused up to $1 billion in damage to Afghanistan’s illegal drug trade industry.

Earlier this year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said Afghan drug trafficking poses a threat to world peace and security.  He told officials attending an Asia security summit in Singapore in June that illegal drugs are helping to fund the Taliban and other militant groups.

Petraeus: Iranian Funding of Taliban Undermines Cash to Govt

Petraeus: Iranian Payments to Afghan Government 'Disingenuous'

VOA News: The top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan says Iran's cash payments to the Afghan government are "disingenuous," when it is also funding the Taliban.

U.S. General David Petraeus told VOA's Persian News Network Friday that Iran's activities are conflicting, providing funding to the Afghan government, while on the other hand undermining that government by assisting those creating the country's security problems.

Swedish Hostage Released in Yemen

Yemeni Tribesmen Free Kidnapped Swede

VoA News: Yemeni tribesmen have freed a Swedish engineer, hours after kidnapping him at gunpoint in southern Yemen.

The kidnapping occurred late Thursday in the province of Abyan. Officials say the tribesmen wanted to use the Swede to negotiate the case of one of their clansmen who has been sentenced to death.  The officials said local authorities have agreed to review the case.

Yemeni tribesmen often take foreigners as hostages to press local demands to government authorities.  Abyan province has been the site of months of clashes between security forces and suspected al-Qaida militants. The region has also seen unrest recently involving local separatists.

Nawa, Helmand: An Afghan Success Story

Lynn Sees Counterinsurgency Success in Afghan Village
by Jim Garamone Office of the SecDef

NAWA, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeff Holt was showing Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III the lay of the land of this village in Helmand province from atop the district government center.

"We're going to walk you to the east side for a better look at the future," the colonel said.

While the colonel was talking only about Nawa, it may be a look at what the future could hold for the whole country. Lynn's view from the roof was the culmination of a visit that began with a walk through the town.

Operations in Nawa showed the power of integrating security, development, and governance issues, Lynn said. "It's a place where the Marines are providing security, you have a pretty vibrant local government that's fully engaged, and you have a provincial reconstruction team that's experienced and deep, and all three are working together," he said.

Training the Iraqi Air Force

US air advisors train Iraqi AF instructor pilots
by Staff Sgt. Sanja Allen USAF-Central

TIKRIT AIR BASE, Iraq - For the past six months, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force air advisors with the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron have been training Iraqi pilots to become T-6 Texan II instructor pilots to rebuild the Iraqi air force.

“The 52nd stood up this year forT-6 flight operations,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, ITAM-AF director and 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “It’s an expeditionary flying training squadron teaching the Iraqi instructor pilot candidates who are going through pilot instructor training. Our concept at that venue is to build their instructor pilot corps first, before they incorporate that platform into their overall pilot training pipeline.”

A New Rotation of Poles in Ghazni, Afghanistan

TF White Eagle seventh rotation ends its mission
By Artur Weber, CJTF101

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force White Eagle’s seventh Polish rotation transferred authority to its eighth rotation on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Oct. 28.

The Polish Ambassador to Afghanistan, Maciej Lang, Gov. Musa Khan, Ghazni province governor, Regional Command East commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Polish Maj. Gen. Jerzy Michalowski, deputy commander of the Polish Operational Command, and the TF White Eagle seventh and eighth rotation commanders all attended the ceremony.

"We all, from the private to me, going home to Poland, will become ambassadors to the Afghan people," said Polish Brig. Gen. Andrzej Przekwas during the ceremony.

You DO Remember This Man....Right?

With all the attention being focused on the "youngest" person ever held at Guantanamo Bay (GITMO) there is rarely much mention of another person who figures centrally in this trial, other than his name.   People are consumed by news on what is happening to Omar Khadr.   Consumed with the thought that these prisoners might not be getting a fair trial, might have been tortured.  Consumed with the notion that they might not be getting the best possible medical care, food, etc. while being held in GITMO. 

To whom am I referring?

Here are a few tidbits that will start helping you to answer my question.

War in Afghanistan News 29 Oct 2010

In yet another day of Victories, the Coalition continued to press for peace in Kandahar, entering the 3rd stage of operations there, while picking up numerous explosive caches and capturing dozens of Taliban.

While more Haqqani are surrendering as they hear of their buddies demise, an air strike took out several in Khowst.
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And the victories weren't limited to Kandahar, Khowst, & Helmand, but also were scored in Paktika, Logar, Zabul, and elsewhere.  Details from ISAF follow:

Hezbollah: UN Tribunal Playing Unfair

Hezbollah Leader Calls for Boycott of International Tribunal

Heather Murdock | Beirut VoA News: Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah criticized the U.N.'s Special Tribunal for Lebanon on Thursday after his organization was accused of staging an attack on court investigators in Beirut on Wednesday. Leaders of the Western-backed Lebanese ruling party say Hezbollah orchestrated the attack, in an effort to derail the international tribunal that is investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.  

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, called on the Lebanese people to boycott the U.N. tribunal in a television broadcast.

Farmer-Soldiers Advance Agriculture in Paktia

ADT visits university, farm in Gardez

CJTF101: PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers of the 2-45th Agribusiness Development Team visited the Paktya University and a local farm in Gardez here, Oct. 26.

The ADT conducted a site assessment of Paktya University’s infrastructure to facilitate a project list for the months ahead.

A meeting with the university faculty was held to discuss various classes such as soil testing, beekeeping, poultry production, forestry, a student newspaper and an English language-training course for the instructors.

Marines/Afghan Police Partner for Alfalfa Seed

ANP distribute alfalfa seed to local villagers in Kajaki
by 1st Lt. Barry Morris RCT-2, 1st MarDiv

KAJAKI, Afghanistan - Seasonal change brings with it a shift in weather as well as climate. For the Afghans living around the Kajaki Dam, every opportunity to prepare for the winter months ahead is essential for their continued success and survival.

To help the citizens of Kajaki prepare for the brutal climate change, local Afghan National Police worked together in handing out 64 bags of alfalfa seed to more than 50 Afghan villagers in Kajaki, Oct. 25, with more seed to be delivered as the week progresses.

“The seed distribution is part of a program designed to identify and support the local’s needs, aiding them in making ends meet over the winter,” said Maj. Ethan Harding, civil affairs detachment officer in charge, attached to Regimental Combat Team 2.

Coast Guard Rescues Conneticut Man in Florida Atlantic

Coast Guard rescues 73-year-old man 47-miles off Florida coast

USCG-7: JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Coast Guard rescued a 73-year-old man who had been adrift at sea since Monday approximately 47-miles east of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Wednesday.

Rescued was Richard Steg, 73, of Storrs, Conn.

The crew of the Port Canaveral, Fla., based 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Shrike located Steg adrift at sea aboard the 35-foot single-masted sail vessel "Bonvivant" at about 9:32 a.m. Wednesday. The vessel's engine lost power Monday and sustained a broken mast from heavy weather leaving Steg adrift with no power to control the vessel.

1/8 Honor Fallen: LCpl Raymon Johnson, SMN Edwin Gonzalez

1/8 honors fallen warriors during memorial ceremony
by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines RCT-2, 2nd MarDiv

“Eternal Father, grant we pray, to all Marines, both night and day, the courage, honor, strength and skill their land to serve, thy law fulfill; Be thou the shield forevermore from every peril to the Corps.”

These were the words spoke in prayer, Oct. 21, during a memorial ceremony held by 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, in honor of Lance Cpl. Raymon L. Johnson and Seaman Edwin P. Gonzalez, two brothers-in-arms who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Brit GEN Carter: Khandahar Success Immeasurable Until June 2011

NATO: Success of Kandahar Offensive Not Known Until June 2011

VoA News: A senior NATO commander says the success of an ongoing offensive in southern Afghanistan will not be known until June of next year.

Afghan and NATO troops have been working to clear Kandahar city and surrounding districts of Taliban militants.

British General Nick Carter said Thursday that insurgent attacks will likely decrease in the winter months without foliage to provide cover. He said, during the spring months, fewer men will be available to fight because of harvesting poppy and wheat crops.

RIP SGT Michael D Kirspel, Jr

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

            Sgt. Michael D. Kirspel Jr., 23, of Hopatcong, N.J., died Oct. 27 near the village of Khwaja Kinti (approximately 25 km south of Ghormach), Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery (Strike), 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

"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.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Pakistan Military: Stabilize Gains Before New Operations

Pakistan Resists Military Action in 'Epicenter of Terrorism'

Meredith Buel | Islamabad VoA News: North Waziristan is inside Pakistan, but outside the law. Located along the border with Afghanistan, North Waziristan has become a crossroads for terrorism.

It is a mixed cauldron of armed jihadi organizations including the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, al-Qaida and one of the deadliest insurgent groups, the network of Jalaluddin Haqqani.

The United States wants Pakistan's army to attack these insurgents in the North Waziristan region who are staging deadly assaults on American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.  The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, calls North Waziristan the "epicenter of terrorism."   

Marines Honor Fallen: SSgt Joshua Cullins

1st Marine Division (Forward) memorializes fallen brother
by Cpl. Daniel Blatter 1st MarDiv

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from Regional Command Southwest and 1st Marine Division (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, paused to honor Staff Sgt. Joshua James Cullins, Oct. 27.

Cullins, 28, a 1st Mar Div (Fwd) EOD technician with 1st EOD Company was killed in action, Oct. 19.

“First EOD Company has suffered great losses during this deployment,” said Capt. James Shelstad, 1st EOD Company, company commander. “Each loss has been significant and each loss has been equally painful for the entire EOD family, and for the families back home.”

Obama: Afghan is Harder, OBL, Talib, ASG Agree: US Retreat Good Idea

Analysts Urge President Obama to Rethink Afghan Strategy

Ravi Khanna | Washington VoA News: Defending his Afghanistan strategy this week, President Obama said the Afghan war is harder than the war in Iraq, and that key aspects of his troop surge strategy will take time to succeed. But he told a magazine interviewer, the strategy has not failed yet either.

Meanwhile, a group of Afghanistan experts in Washington say Mr. Obama should re-think his strategy, scale back the U.S. military effort, and push for a meaningful political reconciliation.

U.S. military officials say their offensive Afghanistan's Arghendab River Valley has gone exactly as planned. "This is the place we wanted to get into for some time now," said Capt. Nick Stout, a company commander.

New Jersey Man Faces Nov Trial in Yemen for Terrorism

Trial of US Terror Suspect in Yemen Postponed

VOA News: A Yemeni court has postponed the trial of a U.S. citizen arrested for suspected ties to al-Qaida militants and charged with the murder of a state security officer during a failed escape attempt.

Sharif Mobley was set to be tried Wednesday on charges of killing one of his guards and wounding another while attempting to escape from a hospital where he was receiving treatment in March.

The judge in Mobley's hearing adjourned his trial until November 10.

Iraq: 3 Bombs, 3 Killed, 10 Wounded

Three Killed in Iraq Bombings

VoA News: Iraqi officials say at least three people were killed Thursday in a series of bomb attacks apparently targeting police and government officials.

Investigators say a suicide bombing outside of the federal police headquarters in the city of Mosul killed two police officers and left at least eight people wounded.

In Baghdad, a high-ranking security official died after a bomb attached to his car exploded. A second official was wounded in the blast.

A separate car explosion in Baghdad injured a ministry official.

VA Paki Planned International Islamist Fight after DC Subway Attacks

FBI: Terror Suspect Wanted to Fight US Abroad

VoA News: U.S. law enforcement officials say a man arrested for allegedly plotting attacks on the Washington subway system also wanted to travel overseas to fight against U.S. forces.

A document from the Federal Bureau of Investigation unsealed Thursday says the suspect, Farooque Ahmed, and an unnamed associate planned to fight in Pakistan or Afghanistan early next year.

The document, used to support an arrest warrant for Ahmed, says the suspect was trying to make contact with terror groups. It says he held several meetings with agents posing as al-Qaida operatives.

AQ linked Islamists Murder Somali Girls

Somalia's al-Qaida linked al-Shabab militants have executed two girls accused of spying for the Somali government.

A firing squad killed the two teenagers in the town of Beledweyne on Wednesday while several hundred people watched.  An al-Shabab judge says the two were arrested last week and charged with spying for Somali forces.

The Islamic militant group has been trying to turn Somalia into a strict Islamic state.  The group has imposed a harshly conservative form of sharia, or Islamic law, in the areas it rules.

Helmand Afghan Police Get Improved Checkpoints

 Helmand PRT refurbishes Afghan Police checkpoint

ISAF JC: KABUL, Afghanistan – In partnership with the Afghan National police, the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team is refurbishing and building police checkpoints and headquarters in key areas across the province.

A recent improvement occurred at Check Point Kartelegan, a key base for the Afghan National Police in Helmand's provincial capital of Lashkar Gah. The checkpoint at Kartelegan has new watchtowers and improved facilities, while its general structure has been strengthened and extended.

Zabul Small Businesses Gather to Oppose Taliban

Shop owners initiate shura with ANP

ISAF-JC: KABUL, Afghanistan – Shop owners in a village in Zabul province initiated a shura with the Afghan National Police Saturday.

The purpose of the shura was to discuss Taliban presence in the vicinity of the local bazaar at the ANP compound in Now Bahar district, as insurgents have lately been preventing supply trucks from coming within five kilometers of the bazaar.

Iran's Euro Front Companies Sanctioned

US Acts Against ‘Front Companies’ Linked to Iran

VoA News: The United States has imposed sanctions on 37 companies in Europe and five Iranian citizens suspected of being used by Iran’s shipping company to conduct business.

The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday that “front companies” based in Germany, Malta and Cyprus were facilitating Iran’s use of its national maritime carrier to advance an illicit program for developing weapons of mass destruction and for transporting military cargo.

Farah Afghans Learn Concrete Skills

Afghan masons ‘build’ sustainability through concrete training

ISAF JC: KABUL, Afghanistan – More than 20 villagers from the Gen Na Kan village in Farah province participated in an Afghan-run concrete masonry construction course at Forward Operating Base Farah, Oct. 20.

The course was a part of an effort for Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah and local contractors to promote sustainable training for construction laborers in the Gen Na Kan village. The training enables local laborers to become self-reliant on construction projects in their village and also empowers them to become marketable employees for future contracting projects in the province.

60 Afghans Killed at Baghlan Wedding

Afghanistan Building Collapse Kills At Least 60

VOA News: Officials say at least 60 people, mainly women and children, were killed Wednesday when a part of a house collapsed during a wedding party in northern Afghanistan.

More than 40 others were injured in the accident, which occurred in the Jellaba district of Baghlan province.  Officials say one floor of the multi-story home collapsed during the wedding celebration.  Authorities said they were having a tough time getting information and access because the village is located in a remote area.

Houses in rural Afghanistan are traditionally built with mud bricks and wood and often do not have adequate support.

Islamists Kill 3 Afghan Police

Bomb Kills 3 Afghan Police in South

VoA News: Afghan officials say a roadside bomb has killed at least three police officers in southern Afghanistan.

The attack took place late Wednesday in Zabul province.

Violence has increased as Afghan and coalition forces target Taliban militants in the southern city of Kandahar and surrounding districts.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi told reporters that the operation was nearing its end, with many areas cleared of insurgents.

Marine Construction Employs Afghans

Construction Projects In Nawa District Governor’s Center Provide Hundreds Of Afghans With Job Opportunities by Sgt. Mark Fayloga RCT-1

NAWA, Afghanistan — Do as much good for as many people possible.

That’s been a driving force behind the planning of dozens of construction projects taking place at the Nawa District Governor’s Center in Nawa, Afghanistan.

From the larger projects like construction on a brand new shura hall, to the smaller painting jobs and air conditioner installation, Master Sgt. Sean Sargeant, along with the rest of the 3rd Civil Affairs Group and Nawa government, has been able to provide more than 500 Afghans with job opportunities.

Helmand School Thrives 3 years running thanks to Brits

School thriving 3 years later

ISAF-JC: KABUL, Afghanistan – During a recent shura, Helmand villagers told British soldiers from A Company, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, that a school built by International Security Assistance Forces three years ago is now thriving.

The soldiers were invited to join the villagers at the shura in the gardens of the village to discuss the issues of security and development.

Gulam Rasul, the head teacher at the village school, hosted the shura and explained the school was attended by 150 boys and girls up to age eleven, and that the school had two sister schools in the neighbouring villages of Ubek Khan and Zaman Khel.

Gulam showed the visitors the school registry, detailing the 150 pupils attending classes, and the school grounds.

The head teacher also showed the new water pumps recently installed in the village and spoke of the improving security situation in the local area.

War in Afghanistan News 28 Oct 2010

  In a day of death and destruction, the Coalition sent numerous Taliban Narco-Terrorists to feed the worms in Baghlan, as well as a Talib leader in Helmand.  Khandahar was also the scene of destruction of several kilos of homemade explosives.  Another Talib leader and his buddy also gave up without a fight in Khandahar.  This scene was also played out in Qalat.

In Khowst, several Haqqani terrorists chose surrender to fighting.
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 Details Follow, from ISAF:

RIP SFC Phillip C Tanner

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

            Sgt. 1st Class Phillip C. Tanner, 43, of Sheridan, Wyo., died Oct. 26 at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident.  He was assigned to the 106th Transportation Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 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.” (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

NYTimes Photographer MedEvaced From Bagram

Air Force aircraft, aeromedical crews evacuate injured New York Times photographer from Afghanistan
by Capt. Justin Brockhoff HamCom

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and its crew aeromedically evacuated a New York Times photographer from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, early Sunday, Oct. 24, after the 44-year-old man was injured by a land mine in Kandahar province.

Joao Silva, a veteran war photographer based in South Africa, was embedded with an Army patrol when the explosion occurred. According to a report by the New York Times, Mr. Silva continued to shoot pictures while he was being treated by medics on the ground.

Shortly after the explosion, a helicopter evacuated Mr. Silva to a military hospital where he underwent surgery and received treatment for other wounds. Once stabilized, he was transported to Bagram Air Field, near Kabul, where doctors provided further care and prepared him for the flight to Ramstein.

Unsung Dragoon Heroes

2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment 10.26.2010  KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Back home the air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to change. As people break out their sweatshirts and fall sets in, so does America’s favorite time of year. Fall brings football and anyone who follows the game closely understands that the unsung heroes of any successful football team are the offensive linemen. They take the field every week and spend their time in the trenches. They leave the field muddied and tired and seldom receive accolades. Their stats and names seldom make the sports section or ESPN’s highlight reel. However without their contribution, the running backs and quarterbacks couldn’t stand in the limelight. It is all a team effort.

Similarly, the members of the Regimental Support Squadron, Muleskinners, are the linemen of the Regiment and the Convoy Security Teams are the defensive tackles protecting the supplies the Regiment needs to fight and win. As in football, any combat oriented organization has to do three things well;

New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah by Richard S Lowry

Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq, 2004 was a pivotal point in the War in Iraq.  Many great books have been written about the battles of Fallujah, including House to House by David Bellavia, On Call in Hell by Richard Jadick, and Shadow of the Sword by Jeremiah Workman.  Many Heroes were proven on the streets of Fallujah.

Wars are not won solely on the firefights of squads, nor the decisions of Generals, but on the whole of the Military, across many ranks, based on the situation on the ground.  What sets this book apart is the meticulous detail of a brilliant historian in sewing these stories together.  He includes Bellavia, Jadick, Rubio, and the Generals & Colonels in the story of the Battle of Fallujah.  Lowry recognizes and states how the media role impacted the battlefield and the plans. 

He gets into the minds of Squad Leaders, Medics, Platoon Leaders, Commanders, and Generals showing us what they were thinking as shells and bullets exploded around them, as they tricked the enemy into expecting an attack from the opposite direction, as they planned and executed the battle. 

DCAMP helps return Soldiers to the fight

16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Spc. Jennifer Spradlin

10.26.2010 KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Sgt. Danli Samonte has just completed another session of physical therapy and waits patiently while his right arm is iced. Five days ago he was part of a mounted patrol with C Battery, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Combat Regiment, when his vehicle struck a 200-pound improvised explosive device planted in the road.

Samonte was taken to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, where medical personnel initially believed he might have fractured his arm. Later it was determined that his injury was a muscle strain, and he was enrolled in a wounded warrior project on KAF, also known as the Dragoon Case Management Program.

The Dragoon Case Management Program, known as DCAMP,

Uruzgan teachers to begin receiving salaries

ISAF Joint Command 10.26.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – In the coming weeks the teachers of Oshay school in Shahidi Hassas district of Uruzgan province will begin to receive pay for their work.

Recently, six teachers, identified and selected by local officials with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, were notified they will be receive salaries of more than 5,000 AFG per month.

With support from village elders and tribal leaders, the Oshay school was reopened Sept 23. Coalition forces also assisted with the provision of resources and material, as well as lending project oversight throughout the process to help get the Oshay school ready for the upcoming year.

Registration day saw more than 75 students register for school, with an additional 75 expected to register on the first day of school.

Iraq Deployment Upcoming for 3/1 Advise and Assist Brigade

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the deployment of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Calvary Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas, to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.  The unit consisting of approximately 3,800 personnel will deploy in January 2011.

            As part of Operation New Dawn, the 3rd AAB will have three primary missions:  advise, assist, train and equip Iraqi Security Forces; conduct partnered counter-terrorism operations; and support and protect civilian and military efforts focused on developing Iraqi civil and institutional capacity.

            The 3rd AAB was formed from

Danes Sink Pirate Boat

VOA News 27 October 2010 The Danish navy says it has sunk a suspected Somali pirate boat in the Gulf of Aden.

Spokesman Kenneth Nielsen said Wednesday that the warship Esbern Snare intercepted a suspicious boat Tuesday, confiscated weapons and fuel, and detained six suspected pirates.  The Danes then used explosives to mine and sink the boat.

The suspected pirates were