War On Terror News

First HERRICK 14 unit leaves Afghanistan

Military Operations news article

30 Aug 11

Soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (3 MERCIAN), have finished their six-month deployment to Afghanistan, becoming the first members of Task Force Helmand to return home from Operation HERRICK 14.

A Warrior armoured fighting vehicle on patrol with B Company, 3 MERCIAN, in Helmand province, Afghanistan
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Since February 2011, the 150 soldiers from B Company have been operating as part of the Armoured Infantry Company equipped with the Warrior armoured fighting vehicle.

B Company's role was to partner with the Afghan National Civil Order Police and Afghan National Army to provide security through vehicle checkpoints and patrols along Highway 1 - the main artery through Helmand and Maiwand.

RIP Sergeant Barry Weston

Sergeant Barry Weston killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

31 Aug 11

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sergeant Barry John Weston, from Kilo Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday, Tuesday 30 August 2011.

Sergeant Barry Weston with his daughters, Jasmine, Poppy and Rose
[Picture: via MOD]

Sgt Weston was killed while leading a patrol operating near the village of Sukmanda in southern Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province.

The patrol was participating in an operation to draw insurgents away from the civilian population in order to disrupt their activity and further expand the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

During the patrol, Sgt Weston was fatally injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Sergeant Barry John Weston

Sgt Barry 'Baz' Weston was born in Reading on 27 February 1971. He joined the Royal Marines on 30 September 1991 where he impressed from the outset as one of the fittest members of his Recruit Troop.

Upon successfully completing six months of arduous training, Sgt Weston was passed fit for duty on 22nd May 1992 and joined Mike Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines.

Iraqi pilot program trains future leaders

Written by Sr. Airman Chuck Broadway, U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team Monday, August 29, 2011

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq-- Since the Iraqi pilot training program began in 2008, more than 60 Iraqi pilots have earned their wings under the tutelage of U.S. advisors. The pilot program has also produced 30 instructor pilots who, along with U.S. advisors, will continue to educate and train students to strengthen the Iraqi air force.

Iraqi pilot training at Kirkuk is similar to initial flight school for U.S. military pilots. Lt. Col. Ned Sandlin, 521st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron commander, said the Iraqis learn the basics of flying. This includes attention to detail, airmanship and foundational flying skills such as instrumentation, flying off the terrain and aircraft handling characteristics.

“The Iraqis get a very similar feel to what training is like in the states,” Sandlin said when comparing the Kirkuk program to undergraduate pilot training in the U.S. “It’s so similar that any U.S. instructor pilot can come over here and quickly recognize and adapt to the way the squadron operates.”

Marines train AP to handle special tactics missions

8/29/2011  By Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores  , II MEF (FWD) 

 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan  — Marine Corps instructors at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, are in the process of training an elite group of Afghan Uniformed Police in a first-of-its-kind training program.

8/23/2011 By Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores
II MEF (FWD) Afghan National Security Forces train at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, in the early morning of Aug. 23. During the holy month of Ramadan, the academy staff remains flexible in order to maintain training schedules while accommodating students' religious desire to fast from sunrise to sunset. The fast forbids any consumption of food or drink, including water.

In the Provincial Response Company Course, or PRC, selected Afghan law enforcement officers are being taught the skills required to engage terrorism, conduct hostage rescue operations and fight heavily armed criminals in urban environments.

War In Afghanistan News 31 August 2011

War in Afghanistan News - 31 Aug 2011

At least 11 Haqqani have met their demonic overlords and another 9 captured in recent oerations in Eastern Afghanistan. 

Two Talib thugs joined their virgin demons and 3 Talib Leaders led another 10 into a cowardly surrender.

Multiple munitions and weapons were also captured.

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ISAF Details Follow:

Middle East News - 30 Aug 2011

To celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Syrian Troops murdered 7 more citizens including a kid.  Amnesty International alleges that at least 88 protestors have died in prison.  The US Administration has expanded sanctions on Syrian officials by 3 people and the EU is considering sanctions.

Libyan rebels have announced a 4 day deadline for Qaddaffi's hometown to surrender.  NATO continues to bomb pro-Qaddaffi forces, on the grounds he still commands it and won't end the violence.  Algeria has defended its decision to accept the Qaddaffi women on humanitarian grounds as the daughter gave birth. The AP has released 1993 & 1999 file pictures of the Qaddaffi daughter, Hana, supposedly killed in the 1986 bombing of Qaddaffi's abode.  Evidently she was working in a Tripoli hospital last week.  Zimbabwe's Mugabe, a long time friend of Qaddaffi has renounced the alliance and pledged loyalty to the apparent winners of the civil war in Libya.

Iran is also reaching out to the new Libyan government.

PFC Zach Smith: Called to Service, Calls for Ducks

Why they serve: For one 149th Infantry Regiment soldier, you could almost say it’s his calling

310th ESC: JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Somewhere in the distance, you hear a duck calling as if it was a summer day at the lake back in Kentucky. But you’re definitely not in Kentucky, and there are no lakes for miles around. Only sand and sparse vegetation populate these lands just a few hours north of Baghdad on a day when no improvised explosive devices hinder your journey to Balad, Iraq.

So, the question that must be answered, then, is why are there duck sounds on the outskirts of the desert? The answer is simple: someone must be very good at making them.

Sgt Tony Jago: A Changed Man Making Waves in Afghanistan

Ohio Marine returns to Afghanistan with new mission
by Cpl. Marco Mancha RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- He comes from a small town in the Buckeye State. He had no real direction growing up and spent most of his days drawing and playing his six-string guitar, until a simple decision to take a trip to a recruiter’s office changed his life forever.

Sgt. Tony L. Jago of Rushsylvania, Ohio, now finds himself thousands of miles away from home serving as the assistant operations chief for the Operations Section of 2nd Marine Division (Forward).

Jago said he remembers just wanting a change of pace and some structure in his life and joined the Marine Corps.

Charges Withdrawn Against Aussie Soldier

General Courts Martial relating to charges against Australian defence force members relating to the 12 February 2009 CIVILIAN CASUALTY Incident

A directions hearing convened by the Registrar of Military Justice in relation to the charges against the third Australian Defence Force member relating to an incident in Afghanistan on 12 February, 2009 was conducted, by telephone, on 29 August 2011.

The Director of Military Prosecutions applied formally to withdraw the charges before the Judge Advocate.  The Judge Advocate ordered that the charge sheet be withdrawn.

Behind the Marine Marjah Successes

Healing the Bleeding Ulcer: A more hopeful prognosis in Southern Helmand province
  by Sgt. Jesse Stence RC-SW

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – When Gen. Stanley McChrystal applied the label “bleeding ulcer” to a Helmand district in May of 2010, he raised the international community’s awareness of the difficulties involved in counterinsurgency operations in the province.

The quote appeared last spring in a McClatchy Newspapers article, which described the effects of insurgent resistance in Marjah and correctly predicted that coalition forces would need months to raise a permanent police force capable of pacifying the district.

Pictured: Brig. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (Forward), Task Force Leatherneck, addresses coalition forces gathered at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, during a ceremony marking a transfer of authority in Southern Helmand province. During the ceremony, Regimental Combat Team 1 transferred command of three infantry battalion to RCT-5. Col. Roger Turner, the commanding officer of RCT-5 reports directly to Craparotta.

Marines Help Feed Afghans in Helmand

Afghan soldiers, US Marines help Helmand farmers with food delivery
by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Just outside of Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, insurgents still occasionally emplace improvised explosive devices into the sand and fields where local children play, farmers tend flocks, and coalition and Afghan National Security Forces conduct patrols. By contrast, the day after one group of coalition forces encountered an IED near the base, Afghan National Army soldiers gave food and built relationships with locals, Aug. 27.

During the food distribution, ANA soldiers with the 215th Corps, along with U.S. Marines with the Houston-based 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, entered two villages to hand out food, tea and discuss needs and concerns of the residents.

War In Afghanistan News - 30 Aug 2011

At least 4 Taliban thugs feed the worms today.  Two died in an attack on a base in Qalat and another in Konduz. Another died of premature detonation in Kabul.

Another 4 were captured, along with explosives, munitions, and weapons.

To prove their power, the Taliban murdered a doctor and his assistant in Takhar.

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ISAF Details Follow:

RIP SPC Douglas J Green

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

Spc. Douglas J. Green, 23, of Sterling, Va., died Aug. 28 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

"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.

Middle East News - 29 Aug 2011

Syria murdered another 6 subjects of the regime, this time 5 in Sarameen, Idlib, wounding 60 and another in Qara, near the capital.  Government forces have also surrounded the town of Rastan.

Rebels in Libya are closing the noose on Qaddafi's hometown amidst rumors his family has fled to Algeria.  France has re-opened its embassy in Tripoli, a Red Cross ship has arrived with emergency supplies, and another ship evacuated 850 from Tripoli.

Iraq has begun holding for those killed in the islamist attack on the Um al-Qura Mosque on Sunday.

A knife wielding Palestinian terrorist has wounded at least 7 in Tel Aviv, Israel, before being arrested by police.

Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for murdering 18 in Algeria last week.

The Serbian Connection to International Unrest

‘Revolution School’ Teaches How to Overthrow a Government

Henry Ridgwell, VoA News, London

Veterans of the uprising in Serbia, which overthrew President Slobodan Milosevic, are running workshops for opposition groups around the world on how to bring down a dictator.

On the outskirts of new Belgrade - among Communist-era tower blocks - lies the anonymous-looking office the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies [CANVAS]. It teaches the science behind forced regime change.

Inside, Srja Popovic runs a School of Revolution.

Eyes in the Skies Over Afghanistan

  by Spc. Tobey White, CJTF-1

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — “We have reports of the Afghan National Army sitting on an improvised explosive device at this location,” says a voice over the radio in a cramped control shelter Aug 25. “Can you give me an ETA?”

“Roger,” replies one of the unmanned aerial system operators listening in. “We’re 22 kilometers out. It’ll be 10 mikes.”

Pictured: U.S. Army Sgt. Alex Keehn, a unmanned aerial system operator with the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard, and a native of Rochester, Minn., controls “Shadow,” a UAS during a mission on Aug. 25 at Forward Operating Base Sharana. Keehn’s unit deployed in July to augment the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, UAS team. Shadow offers commanders intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

197 Mile Relay Run Connects Afghanistan to Oregon

From the Afghanistan mountains to the Oregon coast
by Staff Sgt. Anna Rutherford 1249 Engineers

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It was an unusually cool evening on Forward Operating Base Sharana – perfect for a run. With the cool weather and a fresh rain, the Hood to Coast Satellite Run kicked off Aug. 26. The 12-person relay teams were comprised of soldiers from the 1249th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Gridley, the 18th Engineer Brigade, Task Force Sword and the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Task Force Attack. The relay was run in conjunction with the Oregon Annual Hood to Coast 197-mile run, which extends from Mount Hood located in the northern region of Oregon, to the Pacific Ocean, specifically Seaside, Ore. Teams are comprised of 12 runners each, running three legs of varying distances. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the relay race, also known as “The Mother of All Relays.”

War in Afghanistan News - 29 Aug 2011

At least 4 Talib thugs serve their nation as fertilizer while at least 10 more preferred the cowardice of a life at ease behind the Iron Bars over the last 48 hrs.

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ISAF Details Follow:

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed multiple insurgents and detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in Khas Uruzgan district, Uruzgan province, Friday.

Middle East News - 28 Aug 2011

Yemen prevented a suicide attack planned and executed in the same manner as the USS Cole attack.

Violence in Iraq has claimed 28 lives as Islamist Ramadan broke out.

Iran's prisoner pardons don't appear to include American hikers in the 100 or so released.

Syria has rejected an Arab call to end violence against Syrian civilians.

War crimes reports abound as the rebels surround the last vestige of Qaddafi control.  Libya's rebel government said Sunday it will not extradite the Libyan man convicted in the 1988 bombing of a U.S.-bound jetliner which killed 270 people when it exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland.

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RIP SPC Michael C Roberts

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

           Spc. Michael C. Roberts, 23, of Watauga, Texas, died Aug. 27 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 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)

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 29 Aug 2011 1PM-1:10 ET

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. 

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1PM to 1:02 EDT: SGT #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: Pvt Matthew Lambert, Townsville, N. Queensland, AUS 08/22/11 Oruzgan, AFG 2nd Bn RAR, Australia
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: 1LT Timothy J Steele, Duxbury, MA 08/23/11 Kandahar, AFG 2-87th Inf Rgt 10th MTN Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: SGT Andrew R Tobin, Jacksonville, IL 08/24/11 Kandahar, AFG 2-87 Inf Rgt 10th MTN Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: PFC Brandon S Mullins, Owensboro, KY 08/25/11 Kandahar, AFG 3-21 Inf Rgt 25th Inf Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: PFC Jesse W Dietrich, Venus, TX 08/25/11 Kandahar, AFG 2-87 Inf Rgt 10th MTN Div
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: LT Camille Levrel, 08/16/11 Kapisa, AFG 152nd Inf Rgt, French Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: SGT Szymon Sitarczuk, Poland 08/16/11 Ghazni, AFG Polish Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: CPL Douglas Grant, Tokomaru, NZ 08/20/11 Kabul, AFG New Zealand SAS

 

 

Republication of Moments of Silence WITHOUT attribution is encouraged.  Tailoring quotes and tribute video is encouraged but not required, though it is requested that the times and names be maintained intact.  Each moment is tailored to meet twitter norms and to be tweeted at that time, Each Monday, based on order of notification.

Mass Murder in Monterrey is the New Norm

VoA News: Several hundred Mexican troops have converged on a northern town where an arson fire at a casino killed 52 people.

The Associated Press says 1,500 security forces conducted raids on nearly a dozen casinos in Monterrey, detaining three people.

On Thursday, armed suspects carrying a flammable liquid burst into Casino Royale, and moments later the building was in flames. Authorities are still trying to identify some of the 52 victims.

Army Medical Team Saves Afghan Baby's Life & Mother

Medical emergency leads to gift of life
by Sgt. Charles Crail CJTF-1

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - When the Khan family arrived at the door of the Task Force Black Lions’ medical clinic, Forward Operating Base Orgun-E, Aug. 24, they expected the day to be one of tragedy.

As doctors from the 2nd Forward Surgical Team, from Fort Carson, Colo., operated on a pregnant Afghan woman to remove what they thought was a stillborn infant by Caesarean section, they were greeted by the pleasant surprise of kicking feet.

“He is my first-born son,” said Rosu Khan, the baby’s father. “I am very excited to have him here. I am very happy with all the doctors who helped us.”

Pictured: Rosu Khan poses with his younger sister Jelah Khan holding his newborn son, Rusiz Khan, moments after he was delivered by Caesarean section at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E in eastern Paktika province, Afghanistan. Medical personnel expected baby Rusiz to be still born when the Khan family arrived at the 2nd Forward Surgical Team’s medical clinic. Midway into the C-section he began kicking, and moments later was delivered into the waiting arms of his family.

 

Afghan Police Gain from Marine Training

Marines train Afghan police to handle special tactics missions
by Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Corps instructors at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, are in the process of training an elite group of Afghan Uniformed Police in a first-of-its-kind training program.

In the Provincial Response Company Course, or PRC, selected Afghan law enforcement officers are being taught the skills required to engage terrorism, conduct hostage rescue operations and fight heavily armed criminals in urban environments,

SAmn Jorge Henry - Wounded, Called in 8 tons of Ordinance

JTAC shot, keeps calling in critical close air support
by Staff Sgt. John Wright 455th AEW

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The war in Afghanistan has produced no shortage of American heroes, but most recently a Joint Terminal Attack Controller from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron proved it yet again.

Senior Airman Jorge Henry, 817th EASOS JTAC, was credited with helping save the lives of a 34-man Army company in the Northern Kunar province Aug. 12, 2011, by calling in multiple air strikes after being shot by a Taliban sniper.

Pictured: Senior Airman Jorge Henry, a joint terminal attack controller deployed to the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, is presented an Air Force Combat Action Medal by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, for actions taken during a nine-hour firefight in Afghanistan Aug. 12, 2011. Henry, deployed from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Schoefield Barracks, Hawaii, also sustained a gunshot wound to the hand early in the battle and continued to call in close air support throughout the firefight. He received the Purple Heart and the AFCAM Aug. 25, 2011, while recuperating in Southwest Asia. (Photo by Master Sgt. Gary J. Rihn)

War In Afghanistan News - 28 Aug 2011

Islamist terrorists continued their campaign of murdering Afghan Civilians into the weekend, attacking mosques, markets, and mini-vans.  In 6 attacks across 5 provinces, the Taliban killed 14 and wounded 49, bringing the continued condemnation of US & International Forces, President Karzai, and the silence of the MSM.

In Herat, the Taliban murdered 2 kids, 2 women and a man traveling in a minivan, injuring another 5 who were treated by US Troops.  Meanwhile, two Talib thugs got a taste of the Sharia "justice" they like to inflict on others, when they were stoned to death for murdering a local elder.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF Details Follow:

Islamists Explode UN HQ in Nigeria, Killing 19

VoA News: Nigeria's president has visited the United Nations headquarters in the capital, Abuja, where a car bombing killed at least 19 people.

President Goodluck Jonathan Saturday offered condolences to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for what he called a “dastardly” act. He said his government is working to bring terrorism “under control,” and said it would also work with the United Nations and other world leaders to respond to the attack.

U.S. officials said Saturday that agents from the FBI arrived to help the Nigerian government with the investigation.

RIP PFC Jesse W Dietrich

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

Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich, 20, of Venus, Texas, died Aug. 25 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd 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.

Middle East News - 27 Aug 2011

Iran is calling on Syria to make concessions to protestors before insurmountable momentum builds to overthrow its closest. ally.  Syria continues to murder its subjects.  Russia has circulated a UN proposal to end the government violence without repercussion to the dictator's regime.

In Iraq, 25 people died in a bus-car crash.

Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda's #2 was killed in Pakistan.

Libyan Rebels are mopping up in Tripoli, and moving towards the last vestiges of Qaddaffi control, his hometown, which British planes have bombed in advance.  The Transitional Government promises to overcome the current shortages in the capital as quickly as possible.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

Al-Qaeda #2: Atiyah Abd al-Rahman: Dead

A U.S. official says al-Qaida's number two leader, Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, has been killed in Pakistan.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Saturday Rahman was killed on August 22 in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region of Waziristan — a known refuge for Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants.

The official would not say how Rahman was killed.

Pakistani security officials said on August 22 that a U.S. drone strike that day killed four suspected militants near the town of Mir Ali in North Waziristan.

Rahman rose to al-Qaida's number two spot after U.S. special operations forces killed the network's leader, Osama bin Laden, during a raid on his Pakistan compound in May. In June, al-Qaida picked Ayman al-Zawahri to succeed bin Laden as head of the terror organization.

Army Dive Team Assesses Afghan Dams

USACE, Army divers team up for solutions at Kajaki and Dahla dams
by Karla Marshall

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Maintaining underwater structures at dams, even under the best of circumstances, takes periodic inspection and repair. The Kajaki and Dahla dams in southern Afghanistan, however, have not had the benefit of either for several years, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to remedy the neglect.

U.S. Army divers, at the request of the Afghanistan Engineer District-South, arrived at the district’s headquarters at Kandahar Airfield in early August to help inspect both the Kajaki and Dahla dams. Their plan was to use a remotely operated vehicle to collect data and images of the gate structures, release valves, inlet tunnels and trash racks. The team intended to obtain data, such as sediment buildup, structural integrity and concrete cavitations and provide it to USACE engineers and project managers working to analyze and improve the dams’ integrity.

RIP Pvt Matthew Lambert

Private Matthew Lambert returns to Queensland

The soldiers of Mentoring Task Force – Three have quietly farewelled their mate, Private Matthew Lambert, from Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan after he was killed in an explosion on Monday morning 22 August 2011.
 
In a simple ceremony at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot, his mates gave their fallen colleague a fitting farewell.
 
The Commanding Officer of MTF-3, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said Private Lambert was a highly professional and disciplined soldier.
 
“As his Commanding Officer, Private Matthew Lambert never failed to impress me with his drive, personal philosophy and professionalism. The words which best describe Private Lambert are courageous, fit, strong, and disciplined. 
 

Taliban Get Stoned by Afghans

Insurgents stoned by Afghan citizens
by Maj. Bradley Gordon 2nd MarDiv

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province - Citizens of the Nawa District took matters into their own hands last week as they stoned two insurgents in retaliation for the killing of a local elder. The insurgents claim the elder was cooperating with officials of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

According to the district chief, Haji Manaf Khan, a number of the villagers of Sra Qala, including the two sons of the elder, first disarmed the insurgents, taking their rifles, and then stoned them to death.

As this event indicates, Afghan citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with insurgent activity. They continue to work with coalition forces against the insurgents and their efforts to undermine the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

Afghan Border Patrol Revel in Benefit of Literacy

Afghan Border Police trains on literacy, gender equality
by Sgt. Marc Loi, 319th MPAD

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – Under a scorching sun and in front of a host of general officers from various NATO nations, the Afghan national army’s Fort Spin Boldak Kodiak graduated its final class of 130 Afghan Border Police recruits, inching yet closer to the 160,000 security providers the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan set as the threshold required to take the lead in its own national defense.

Though much similar to other graduations, the Aug. 27 rite-of-passage also had special meanings for recruits, as it was the last class to have trained at the fort. Built in 1880 under Amir Abdul Rahman, the fort is one of the oldest military posts in the country, and until now, served as training ground from one of the five regional training facilities in Afghanistan. The class was also one of the first to train for eight instead of six week, giving trainers, who comprised of Romanian and American troops, the chance to teach trainees basic reading skills and an awareness of human rights and gender equality.

Pictured: An Afghan Border policeman shows off his graduation certificate to fellow classmates during a ceremony at the Fort Spin Boldak (Kodiak) Aug. 27. One of 130 graduates, he will join more than 130,000 other Afghan National Police officers to provide safety and security for Afghanistan.

Islamist Attacks in South Central Asia - 27 Aug 2011

Taliban Thugs have killed no less than 30 Pakistani and Afghan Muslims in attacks in both countries.

Islamists have kidnapped the son of the assassinated Pakistani politician who defended a Paki against blasphemy laws.

Islamists in Thailand have murdered 6 in that country.

India has set the date for the execution of the 1991 assassins of Gandhi.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News
Details Follow:

RIP PFC Brandon S Mullins

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

           Pfc. Brandon S. Mullins, 21, of Owensboro, Ky., died Aug. 25 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska

"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.

Weekly Afghanistan Update: BG Jacobson - 26 Aug 2011

The International Security Assistance Force spokesperson, German Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson, expressed his heartfelt congratulations for the recent celebration of Afghanistan’s 92nd Independence Day.

The celebration of Afghan Independence, only a few days after the beginning of the process of transition, has particular symbolic value, said Jacobson.

“Together we are moving forward to a safer and brighter future for Afghanistan and its people, he added. “The people of Afghanistan will remain unshaken by those who are trying to stop the freedom and peace coming to this land.”

Afghan Medics Pass Test by Fire

ISAF, HERAT, Afghanistan (August 26, 2011)– The Afghan Air Force and Afghan National Army quickly responded with medical support after a roadside bomb detonated on a mini-bus transporting Afghan citizens, in the Owbeh district, Aug. 18.

After the bus was hit by the explosion, the Afghan Air Force immediately responded with the largest air-casualty evacuation they have conducted to date, pulling at least 13 survivors from the wreckage.

War In Afghanistan News - 27 Aug 2011

The enemy has murdered another 5 civilians in East Afghanistan.

Our Troops destroyed two car bombs before the enemy could deploy them.

At least 7 Haqqani terrorists were captured in the last 48 hours.

Two Talib thugs feed the worms in Helmand and multiple explosives were captured.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF Details Follow: