War On Terror News

GEN Amos Shares Christmas w/Marines in Afghanistan

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits troops in Afghanistan
by Cpl. Shannon McMillan 1stMarLog

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, accompanied by the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, visited service members of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 23.

Amos and Kent addressed the Marines and sailors during a town-hall meeting where they discussed the progress Marines are making in Afghanistan.

“Everybody knows it’s been a tough fight in Sangin, but we are going to look back the same way we look back at Marjah,” said Amos of the former Taliban stronghold that has seen significant progress since Marines began major operations there in February.

Aussies Celebrate Christmas w/MG Cantwell in A'stan

Aussie troops celebrate Christmas across the globe

A traditional Christmas feast is a consistent theme linking more than 3600 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed on operations throughout the world this festive season.

Deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen have been celebrating Christmas Day in locations as far reaching as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Egypt and Sudan, with others closer to home in East Timor, Solomon Islands and on border protection duties in Australia’s north.
Whilst centred around the Christmas theme, distinct differences have marked the day in each location.
Many personnel in the Middle East had the opportunity to participate in games of cricket and beach volleyball after enjoying a hot meal, giving the day a typically Australian flavour.

Polish Christmas in A'Stan Comes from US

Polish Christmas in Kabul
by Petty Officer 1st Class Denise Alford NTM-A

“Wesolych Swiat” means Merry Christmas in Polish. On Christmas Eve at Camp Eggers Polish soldiers and their US co-workers celebrated the holiday with traditional Polish foods, Christmas trees and presents from various Polish-American groups in the states.

The soldiers make up the Personnel Security Detachment for Deputy Commander International Security Cooperation and all of them volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan.

“I volunteered out of a sense of duty, it just felt like what I should do,” said Warrant Officer Lukasz Sobczak .

Christmas 2007 - Afghanistan

It's not all sugar and spice, parades and carolers.

Suicidal Islamist Murders 41 Paki Muslims on Christmas

Suspected Suicide Bomber Kills 41 in Pakistan
Ayaz Gul VoA News Islamabad

Authorities in northwestern Pakistan say a suspected suicide blast has killed at least 41 people and wounded scores. The attack comes a day after Taliban insurgents launched coordinated assaults on security forces in a neighboring district that left 11 soldiers and 24 militants dead. Ayaz Gul has the details from Islamabad.

The suicide bombing occurred in the town of Khar, the administrative center of Pakistan's insurgency-hit Bajaur district on the Afghan border.

Witnesses say the powerful explosion instantly killed more than 30 people while others died of their wounds in a government-run hospital.

Video: Christmas 1915

No doubt inspired by the 1914 Christmas Truce as well as the spirit of the season, Troops of 1915:

 The US was still years from this war.  Russia fell to the scourge of Communism.  The Honorable Soldiers of Enemies still found peace on this day.  It was a different kind of war.

Video: Christmas 1914

War and Armies were different in 1914:
In 1914, the US was still years away from the war.  We fought a brutal war against Honorable troops.  Hundreds and Thousands died in single battles, but on Christmas 1914, soldiers of enemies set aside weapons and shared a day of peace, together, without permission, of any politician or General.

War in Afghanistan News - 25 Dec 2010

An airstrike took out a Talib leader along with his scooter buddy in Ghor Province to lead today's War in Afghanistan News.

In Kabul, an operation went hot when the guy on the roof started shooting.  He eventually surrendered, but two of his comrades were dead by then and others were in need of medical attention.  The operation made international news as some elements have claimed the shooters weren't the enemy.  ISAF details follow.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News.

 

Italian Leader Spends Christmas w/Troops

Schifani visits, inspires troops on Christmas Eve
USAF TSgt. Kevin Wallace, RC-W

HERAT, Afghanistan (Dec. 24, 2010) – The chief of the Italian Senate visited coalition soldiers at Camp Arena, Herat Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 24 to deliver praises and inspire his troops during the Holiday Season.

The honorable Giuseppe Schifani, head of one of the two chambers of parliament, addressed a formation of soldiers.

“Italy and the Italian citizens are proud of what the coalition troops are doing in this environment,” said Schifani.

Picture Story: Sharing Christmas with Afghans

  Written by USAF SSgt. Barry Loo Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marchal Magee, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team commander from Issaquah, Wash., shakes hands with Abdul Rahman Mangal, Paktya’s deputy governor Dec. 22. The two leaders celebrated the holiday season together during a party at Forward Operating Base Gardez. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry Loo, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)

"I'll 'be home' for Christmas"

Keep Our Troops in your hearts and prayers this Christmas, as they stand guard in the Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, to keep you safe:

 

159 Criminals Escape Mexican Prison

At Least 159 Inmates Escape from Mexican Prison

VOA News: Mexican prison officials say that at least 159 inmates have escaped from a prison in Nuevo Laredo, a northeastern town near the U.S. border.

Officials say the inmates escaped early Friday through the main entrance.  One police source said the method of escape points to complicity of prison guards.  Reports say local, state and federal authorities are searching for the escapees.

Iraq Attacks Kill 7 including 3 Kids

Five Killed in Iraq Bombings

VoA News: Iraqi police say bombings targeting two homes south of Baghdad killed five people Friday and wounded four others.

Authorities say at least three of the victims killed where children. They say the homes were located in Babil and belonged to Shi'ite families.

Also Friday, security officials said gunmen killed two police officers during an ambush in Samarra, north of Baghdad, and burned the officers' vehicle.

On Thursday, Iraq's defense ministry announced that security forces had arrested 93 suspects in an al-Qaida crackdown in the western Anbar province.

Christmas in Afghanistan - "Silver Bells"

Even war cannot stop the Troops' Christmas Spirit, but many guard the walls so others may enjoy:

 Sung by Dean Martin

Chavez Orders College Takeover/Violent Suppression for Christmas

Venezuelan Security Forces Break Up Student Protests

VoA News: Venezuelan troops in Caracas have fired water cannon and rubber bullets at hundreds of students protesting a newly passed law that increases government powers over the country's universities.

The clashes took place Thursday as the security forces blocked the demonstrators from marching from the Central University of Venezuela to the National Assembly. At least three people were injured, including a news photographer who was hit in the head with an object.

Lawmakers Thursday approved the new legislation, which some critics have described as illegal and unconstitutional.

Troops Blow Up Car Bomb

ANSF, ISAF combine efforts to prevent VBIED attack
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Matt Meadows

A concerned Afghan citizen alerted Afghan security officials and International Security Assistance Force to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device near Wardak province’s border with Kabul Province Dec. 21.

The Wardak resident witnessed a suspected vehicle-borne IED following another vehicle through the village of Darrah Sadmara in Wardak Province. He saw the vehicles travelling north toward Kabul and stop on the side of the road just before reaching an Afghan National Police checkpoint entering Kabul Province, according to the eyewitness’ account. After the driver of the suspected vehicle-borne IED exited the vehicle and fled the scene with the driver of the other car, the concerned citizen called ISAF officials.

Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, subsequently requested ANP and National Defense Service officials to secure the site and investigate the possible terrorist actions. The Afghan forces cordoned off the area around the vehicle and contacted the Afghan Ministry of the Interior.

101st Abandons COP Spera

COP Spera closed, dismantled by ISAF
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Ishmail CJTF101

Soldiers from A Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, said goodbye to their home for most of last year Dec. 23 in Khowst Province.

Combat Outpost Spera was sterilized, sanitized then officially closed during a brief ceremony at the remote COP.

COP Spera was a platoon-sized outpost about two kilometers from the Pakistan border until U.S. commanders made the decision to close it, due in part to improved security in the district provided by Afghan National Security Force.

GEN Petraeus Pins Medals on Raiders

Gen. Petraeus awards ‘Raider’ Soldiers for historical progress in Kandahar
by Spc. Breanne Pye 4th ID

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The commander of International Security Assistance Forces, Gen. David Petraeus visited Camp Nathan Smith Dec. 20 to present Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division with medals earned for acts of valor and sacrifice on the battlefield.

The awards ceremony was part of a larger battlefield circulation by Petraeus, during which he received updates from Task Force Raider’s leadership on the progress being made throughout Kandahar province.

Iraqis Assemble Helo Christmas Presents

Crew assembles, flight tests new helicopters for Iraq
by Spc. Amie McMillan 10TH PAOC

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Painted in desert camouflage with a brightly colored flag of Iraq were the words, “Iraqi Army Aviation” in bold letters along the tail. These helicopters were staged on an airfield in Iraq as service members and other personnel worked to assemble and test fly the new aircraft.

A day after the helicopters were delivered by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft, personnel began unloading the brand-new rotor blades from their wooden crates. One by one they were assembled on the T-407 helicopters.

Video: A Soldier's Silent Night

War In Afghanistan News - 24 Dec 2010

The enemy has again attacked civilians, this time wounding 5 in Konduz, to lead off the War in Afghanistan News.

Successes continued in Khowst, as the 25th Haqqani leader this month was captured, along with several minions.  As with 92% of the cases, he surrendered without a fight, fearing the afterlife would be full of Virgin Demons bent on payback for his evil deeds.

At least seven bad guys were killed and 10 captured in operations in Ghazni, Helmand, Logar and Khowst Provinces.  ISAF Details Follow.

Tailor the Way you get your War In Afghanistan News

170 Killed in Ivory Coast Post-Election Violence

UN: More Than 170 Killed in Ivory Coast Violence

VoA News: A United Nations official says more than 170 people have been killed over the past week in Ivory Coast, which remains locked in a post-election crisis.

The U.N. deputy human rights chief, Kyung-wha Kang, said the U.N. has substantiated at least 173 killings, 90 cases of torture, 471 arrests, and 24 cases of people disappearing in a five-day period beginning last Thursday.

The U.N. Human Rights Council passed a resolution in Geneva Thursday strongly condemning the killings and other human rights abuses, and calling for an end to the violence.

The U.N. representative to Ivory Coast, Young Choi, told VOA that the situation in the country is very tense and said there are human rights violations everywhere to be seen.

Afghans Learn to Instruct Police

  Afghans teach Afghans at JSAS
by Pfc. Mark A. Garcia RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghan ministry of interior instructors continued instructing Afghan uniform police recruits the basics at the Joint Security Academy Southwest here Dec. 22.

During the first couple of weeks the MOI instructors teach classes about Afghan law, the Afghan constitution and Afghan ethics. Along with the classes the instructors conduct drill with the students, lead physical training, and also handle the disciplinary procedures.

Zoomies Entertain Jarheads for Christmas

Touch ‘n Go brings holiday cheer to Camp Leatherneck
by Master Sgt. Brian Jones RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- The U.S. Air Forces Central Band, “Touch ‘n Go,” spread some holiday cheer with a performance for service members here, Dec. 22.

The USAFCENT Band is the first permanently assigned Air Force Band to the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Based in Southwest Asia, the band is comprised of deployed airmen from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band from Sembach, Germany.

Touch ‘n Go has been performed 30 shows throughout the AOR since October. Camp Leatherneck is one of the last stops on the group’s “FOB hopping” tour of Afghanistan.

India on Hunt for 4 Terrorists Plotting Holiday Bombings

Indian Police Hunt Militants Said to Plan Mumbai Attack

VoA News: Indian police have launched a manhunt for four men they said belonged to a Pakistan-based militant group and had entered the country's financial capital, Mumbai, to carry out an attack.

Mumbai's joint commissioner of police, Himanshu Roy, said Thursday that four members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group had recently arrived in the city and were planning “a violent attack that will cause disruptions.” He said the group was hoping to strike around the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays.

ADM Mullen Discusses Iranian Terrorism and Nukes in Bahrain

US, Bahrain Discuss Regional Security Issues
by Jim Garamone Office of the SecDef

MANAMA, Bahrain - Regional security issues and strengthening the U.S.-Bahraini alliance were on the table during a meeting between Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last night.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the two men discussed the problems caused by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Aussie Court Convicts 3 Releases 2 Terrorists

Australia Convicts 3 Men of Terrorist Plot Against Army Base

VoA News: An Australian court has convicted three men of plotting a suicide attack on an army base in Sydney last year.

The three men were among five Australian citizens of Somali or Lebanese descent charged by prosecutors with plotting a terrorist attack to avenge Australia's involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The court in the southeastern city of Melbourne found the other two men not guilty and set them free.

Poles Help Afghans Prep for Winter

ISAF task force helps Ghazni residents warm up

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces coordinated a joint operation recently to support residents of three villages in Ghazni District to prepare for the upcoming winter.

After gathering donated supplies, coalition forces handed them over to Afghan security forces to distribute to villagers in the district. Afghan forces gave out more than 3,000 sets of winter clothing, 4,000 school supplies and several hundred pounds of flour, rice, beans and sugar.

KY Farmer-Soldier Look to Expand Egg Business

Agribusiness team visits with chicken farm entrepreneur

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team visited a local chicken farm owner in Khinj district, Panjshayr province recently.

Shanawaz Khan is a Go Joeal villager who started his chicken farm about 16 months ago with 30 chickens. Khan now has more than 800 laying hens and he looks to continue the growth of his business in the future.

“I’d like to have 8,000 chickens to produce enough eggs for all of Panjshayr and one day, all of Afghanistan,” Khan said through an interpreter.

Poles Get Rakkasan Officers

TF Iron Rakkasan conducts officer exchange with Polish Battle Group
by 1st Lt. R.j. Peek CJTF 101

GAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - For the past four months, soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, worked for Task Force White Eagle in eastern Ghazni province.

In order to improve coordination and share counterinsurgency and combat tactics, techniques and procedures, 3rd Bn., 187th Inf. Regt. sent four officers to spend five days embedded with Polish Battle Group Alpha.

Taliban Continue Attacks on Kids, Wounding 7

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Seven Afghan children were seriously wounded by an improvised explosive device blast in Garm Ser district, Helmand province Dec. 21.

International Security Assistance Force responded to the scene and evacuated the wounded to an ISAF medical treatment facility.  Coalition forces also disposed of a secondary IED found near the site, after gaining approval from local village elders.

“The kids in this country are innocent witnesses to insurgent acts of terror and it’s a tragedy they are continuously on the wrong end of these indiscriminate attacks,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Hynes, ISAF Joint Command’s Combined Joint Operations Center director. “Our thoughts and concerns are with the victim’s families. We’ll work with our Afghan partners to find those responsible for this attack and bring them to justice.”

German Politicians Visit Troops

German lawmakers attend presentation in Mazar-e Sharif

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Fourteen members of Germany’s parliament visited International Security Assistance Force Regional Command North headquarters Dec. 20 and were given several presentations on German Governmental Development Corporation programs currently operating in northern Afghanistan.

Representatives from the various programs spoke to those in attendance and gave outlines of the history and goals of their specific programs. With programs specializing in civil rights, construction, education and more, the goal of the presentations was to show the guests not only that progress is being made in a wide range of socioeconomic areas, but that there is a plan in place for the future as well.

Air Forces Give Afghans Goodies in time for Christmas

Afghan Air Force distributes supplies to nearby town
by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker 438th AEW

KABUL, Afghanistan - Members of the Afghan air force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan visited a village north of Kabul to distribute school supplies and clothes Dec. 22. This humanitarian mission was coordinated by Col. Basir, AAF religious and cultural affairs, and Maj. David M. Burnett, the AAF religious and cultural affairs adviser with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing/NATC-A.

Notebooks, back packs, pens, pencils, soccer balls, frisbees, volleyballs, winter clothing, gloves, rubber boots and back packs were all distributed to the village’s children. In addition, blankets and adult clothes were handed out to families.

“This is solely an AAF mission. The humanitarian mission is important because it establishes and builds upon the community relations between the Afghan air force and the villagers. The main goal is to promote the Afghan air force and show the Afghan civilians that they have an air force and they are here to help,” said Burnett.

Mail Bombs Explode in Embassies in Rome

2 Wounded in Rome Embassy Blasts

VOA News: Packages have exploded at the Swiss and Chilean embassies in Rome, wounding two people.

In the first incident, at the Swiss Embassy on Thursday, a staff member who was opening the package sustained serious injuries to both his hands.  The second blast occurred hours later at Chile's Embassy, also wounding one person.

Meanwhile, the Italian news agency ANSA reported that a suspicious package was found at the Ukrainian Embassy in Rome.

RIP LCpl William H Crouse IV

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

            Lance Cpl. William H. Crouse IV, 22, of Woodruff, S.C., died Dec. 21 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, 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.”  (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Nasty Engineers Get Home for Christmas, barely

618th 'Nasty' Engineers Return from Afghanistan
by 1st Lt. Brian MacKey 20th Eng

The 618th Engineer Support Company (Airborne)—nicknamed the Nasty—is on its way home to Fort Bragg after a yearlong tour in some of the roughest areas of Afghanistan.
[Pictured: Company leadership last on the bird out.]

The Airborne Engineers, led by their commander Cpt. Steve Holmberg and 1st Sgt. Chad Blansett, conducted the mission of route clearance, traveling the regions in heavily-armored, specially-equipped vehicles to locate and eliminate improvised explosive devices buried along the roads or in other locations. The mission, though difficult, tedious, and dangerous, is vital to maintain freedom of movement for Afghan and coalition forces. And, most importantly, to keep the streets of Afghanistan safe for the local populations.

Marine! '66 Mustang! Winner Announced

WINNING TICKET # 2107304727350027001

CONGRATULATIONS CAITLIN HENSLEY

For $25, you can help a sick Marine and have a chance at a '66 Mustang Fastback.  Whether your do it for your love of Mustangs or your love of Marines is up to you, but either way, it's a good thing to do.  You only have a few hours left.  I am way late in posting this link. 

John Fourniquet 42 years old, husband, father, and Marine. Recently diagnosed with stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. Although his prognosis is poor, John and his family are fighters!  It is their desire to BEAT this disease. John was originally diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 while on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.  It was believed that the cancer was treated, until October 8, 2010, when John's family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned.  The Melanoma is present in his brain, lung and spine.  John under went a costly craniotomy to remove the largest (3.2 cm) tumor from his brain.  He is scheduled to receive radiation and chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the remaining 7 tumors.

The melanoma is a pre-existing condition that is not covered by insurance.  The Fourniquets will offer their 66 fastback Mustang through ticket sales, in order to raise funds for his treatment and living expenses. Please purchase a $25.00 ticket for a chance to win the 66 Fastback Mustang, and provide much needed help for the Fourniquet family. The contest will begin on November 12, 2010, and the winner will be determined on December 23, 2010. 

But get over there quick and buy the tickets you can.  H/T to the great Marine USMC81 for publicizing this need of a fellow Marine.  Personally, I'd have a hard time accepting the Mustang if I won.  I'd also have a hard time turning it down.  In the end, I couldn't take away his prize possession, particularly because I understand what a great thing it is.  And you can find out today, if you win.

 

War in Afghanistan News 23 Dec 2010

Four terrorists were killed in operations in Kandahar and Helmand Provinces.

The enemy murdered a Mullah and his son in Herat.

Multiple weapons were captured.  ISAF Details follow.

Tailor the way you get your War In Afghanistan News

Explosion at Swiss Embassy in Rome Wounds 1

VoA News: Officials in Italy say a package has exploded at the Swiss embassy in Rome, wounding one person.

Authorities said the explosion happened Thursday when the man opened the package.  He was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

The blast follows a suspicious package scare Tuesday in Rome.  Officials said a transport worker found the package filled with wires and powder in a subway passenger car.

Bomb disposal experts determined the device could not have triggered an explosion, and there were no passengers on the train at the time.

Wounded Find Christmas Present in Iraq

Wounded Warriors return to Iraq, find closure in Anbar
by Staff Sgt. Tanya Thomas 3rd ID

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Eight service members returned to Iraq—a place where they nearly lost their lives—and were welcomed back, Dec. 10, by soldiers with 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, upon their visit to Al Anbar, Iraq.

“Operation Proper Exit” allows wounded warriors to revisit the country they were once medically evacuated from, to find closure to a chapter of their lives that has since remained open.