War On Terror News

Middle East News Roundup - 22 Aug 2011

IRAN has begun moving its nuclear centrifuges into a facility under a mountain in Qom.

LIBYAN rebels are mopping up in Tripoli, solidifying control of the city, attacking the last remaining pockets of government control, & searching for members of the Qaddaffi regime and family, including those previously reported as captured.  Foreign Nations rushed to state their support for the Rebels.

SYRIA: The UN has determined that 2,200 murdered civilians is the threshold for condemning Syrian attacks on its subjects.

HAMAS terrorists continued launching rockets at Israeli civilians, this time in Ashkelon.

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Details Follow:

 

ISAF BG Jacobson: Taliban Slinking Into Pakistan to Lick their Wounds

The International Security Assistance Force spokesperson, German Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson, announced August 15, 2011 that Taliban senior leaders have realized that their fighting to date has been a failure.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2011 the insurgent war campaign has not materialized as they had predicted due to unprecedented pressure; their capabilities have fallen short of their aspirations.

Over the past year, Afghan and ISAF operations have completed more than fifty thousand rotary aircraft missions. Ten thousand of those missions were special operations missions supporting more than 2,800 raids. Of those missions, three aircraft were lost, one of which was last week’s loss.
 
ISAF’s special operations raids have lead to the successful dismantling of insurgent networks brining enemy initiated violence down thirty percent this year compared to 2010.

Troops in Iraq Fire Back, Mortar Illumination

By Spc. William A. Joeckel, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div.

BAGHDAD — It is the duty of the soldiers with Mortar Platoon “Punishers,” Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st “Vanguard” Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division –Center, to keep violent extremist networks aware of the possible reprisals from their indirect fire attacks on Camp Taji, Iraq.

Pictured: Pfc. Justin Vazeii, a mortarman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, and a Memphis, Tenn., native, prepares a 120 mm illumination round seconds before firing Aug. 16 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Mortarmen with the “Vanguard” Battalion fire illumination rounds on a regular basis to help deter militants from launching indirect-fire attacks and also keep a supply of high-explosive rounds in reserve for counter-fire purposes.

Troops in Iraq Survive IED

by Staff Sgt. Patrick Caldwell 77th Bde

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Death hovered behind a car window packed with figurines and Teddy Bears on a tract of Iraqi road with no name.

Sgt. Victor Pamplona, a Maui, Hawaii, native and a soldier from Golf Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, spotted death first but did not recognize it.

Pendleton hosts 5th Annual Sprint Triathlon

  by Lance Cpl. Michelle Mattei

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — More than 1,200 triathletes swam, cycled and sprinted to the finish line during Camp Pendleton’s 2011 Sprint Triathlon, Aug. 6.

The Sprint Triathlon occurs annually as part of the Marine Special Operations Command Hard Corps Race Series, and serves as the fourth of the six-annual events offered for participants.

Pictured: Jason Matzen, 33, races to the finish line during the Camp Pendleton’s 2011 Hard Corps Race Series Sprint Triathlon, Aug. 6. The 500-yard swim, 30-kilometer bike ride and 5-K run started at Assault Craft Unit 5’s shoreline and continued through the rolling foothills of Southern California.

Tripoli Falls to Libyan Rebels

VoA News: Libyan rebel fighters have pushed into Tripoli's central Green Square after moving past the city's outer defenses and announcing they had detained two of leader Moammar Gadhafi's sons, including his one-time heir apparent, Seif al-Islam.

War In Afghanistan News - 22 Aug 2011

Two more Taliban leaders led at least 6 of their thugs into capture in the last 48 hrs.

Two Haqqani chose to meet their Demonic Overlords. 

Two HiG chose the same fate, while 3 others chose the safer route of the Iron Bar Motel.

Numerous munitions were captured in the process.

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ISAF Details Follow:

Middle East News Roundup - 21 Aug 2011

Syria's Assad has thumbed his nose at critics of his slaughter of his own citizens, telling the world to butt out and mind their own business, that he'll do what he wants when he wants.

Libyan Rebels continue to tighten the noose on Qaddafi, overrunning a major base near Tripoli and taking 3 districts of the capital, while Qaddafi claims to be in full control and willing to defend his dictatorship to the death.  He called on "millions" to march against the Rebels, while Tunisia officially recognized the rebels as the legitimate government of Libya.  President Obama continues to re-iterate his message from 3 months ago: "Qaddafi's days are numbered."

Palestinian Terrorist Group Hamas launched another 17 rockets at Israeli civilians, bringing the total above 100, which have killed Israeli Women and Children, as well as Palestinian civilians.  Egypt has rejected Israel's apology over the border incident following the initial attacks by Hamas.

YEMEN: Terrorists have detonated two suicidal islamists in order to murder tribal leaders and security personnel, killing at least 11.

1st Cav Medics Teach Iraqis to Save Lives

‘Red Dragon’ medics continue to train Iraqi counterparts
by Sgt. Quentin Johnson 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, trained Iraqi Army soldiers on various medical tasks to help ensure they have the knowledge and capability to take care of injured comrades.

Capt. David Marcoux, a Lancaster, Ohio, native and physician assistant for “Red Dragons,” and a team of medics traveled to 4th Battalion, 17th Iraqi Army Brigade’s compound and conducted medical training exercises.

Pictured: Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division - North, advise an Iraqi doctor and medics during a medical procedure near Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 15.

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 22 Aug 2011 1PM-1:13 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”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

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: LT Daniel J Clack, N London, UK 08/12/11 Helmand, AFG 1st Bn, The Rifles

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: 2LT Joe L Cunningham, Kingston, OK 08/13/11 Laghman, AFG 1-179th Inf Rgt 45th BCT

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: MSG Charles L Price, Milam, TX 08/12/11 Kandahar, AFG HHC, 2nd BCT 4th ID

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: SGT Matthew A Harmon., Bagley, MN 08/ 14/11 Paktika, AFG 1-2nd Inf Rgt 172nd Inf Bde

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: SPC Joseph A Van Dreumel, Grand Rapids, MI 08/14/11 Paktika, AFG 1-2nd Inf Rgt 172nd Inf Bde

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: 1LT Damon T Leehan, Edmond, OK 08/14/11 Laghman AFG 1-179th Inf Rgt 45th Inf Bde

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: SPC Dennis G Jensen, Vermillion, SD 08/16/11 Helmand AFG 153rd Eng Bn, 196th MEB

·   #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: SPC Joshua M Seals, Porter, OK 08/16/11 Paktia AFG 1-279th Inf Rgt 45th Inf Bde

·   #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: LCpl Travis M Nelson, Pace, FL 08/18/11 1-6th MarRgt 2nd MarDiv

·   #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: PFC Douglas L Cordo, Kingston, NY 08/19/11 Zabul, AFG 1-24 Inf Rgt 25th ID

·   #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: CCpl Facrou Ali Husseini, Comoros, France 06/16/11 Kapisa AFG 19e RG, French Army

 

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.

Video: Football Coach on Sgt Dakota Meyer, MoH

 

Mr Mike Griffiths, Football Coach on Sgt Dakota Meyer.

 

Turkey Continues Attacks on Iraqi Kurds

Turkey's military says its warplanes have bombed suspected Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq in a third straight night of cross-border strikes.

The military said Saturday that 85 other rebel targets were hit with artillery fire.

The strikes follow a surge in attacks by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels against the Turkish military.

Ankara launched the latest air raids on Wednesday after PKK rebels ambushed a military convoy in Turkey, killing at least eight Turkish soldiers near the border with Iraq.

Shindand Air Field Expanded & Ready for Business

by Karla Marshall USACE-Afghanistan-South

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Completing a construction project ahead of schedule is unusual in Afghanistan. Completing a 112,000-square-meter rotary wing apron four months early is equally remarkable, as it represents a significant milestone in the on-going expansion at Shindand Air Base.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group at Shindand to expand the base to triple its original size. The extra space will be used to relocate some 3,000 coalition forces to make way for construction of a new training runway for Afghan pilots.

SecDef Panetta: MidEast Less Stable; Iraq Likely to Allow US Troops to Stay

By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2011 – Even as deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan draw down, American service members will continue to deploy in the future, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

In a roundtable meeting at the Pentagon with military media representatives, the secretary also discussed the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the U.S. relationship with Pakistan.

War In Afghanistan News - 21 Aug 2011

At least 16 Talib Thugs and 7 Haqqani terrorists were captured over the last 48 hrs.

Additionally, 463 lbs of opium and multiple explosive devices were removed from the enemy inventory.

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ISAF Details Follow:

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader in Kandahar city, Kandahar province, Friday. 

Troops Give Their Stuff to Iraqis

Baghdad-based soldiers donate goods to local families in need
by Sgt. A.M. LaVey XVIII Airborne Corps

BAGHDAD — When a service member rotates out of a combat zone, he can try to sell or give away his personal property - things like televisions or other small appliances, but most of the time those things get discarded.

“The Army has a very good organized, structured plan to handle government property, but not the soldiers’ personal property,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Velisa E. Phillips, deputy chief, Joint Task Force Counterintelligence Coordinating Authority Analysis Cell, military intelligence directorate, United States Forces – Iraq. “Over the years, we have accumulated a lot of stuff. When I got here, there were 47,000 service members here, so even if half that number had a fridge or TV, we are talking about a lot of stuff!”

That got Philips thinking about what could be done with all equipment destined to be left behind. Abandoned personal property creates a real problem for American forces and the Iraqi government, as they prepare for the eventual handover of base facilities.

RIP PFC Douglas L Cordo

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

            Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo, 20, of Kingston, N.Y., died Aug. 19 in Zabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st 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 - 20 Aug 2011

LIBYA: Rebels Advance on Tripoli as Libyan Civil War spills into Tunisia.  Another Qaddaffi loyalist defected to the rebels, while leaving Tunisia for Italy.

ISRAEL: Hamas has continued to launch rockets at civilians in Israel, killing 1 more, wounding 20 in Ofakim, Beersheba, & Ashdod, including Palestians & Children, after murdering 11 yesterday.  Meanwhile, Israel apologized for a retaliatory strike in Sinai that killed Egyptian soldiers.  Israel continues to target terrorist positions launching rockets and mortars in Gaza.
EGYPT has recalled its Ambassador to Israel.

SYRIA: Government Forces continue to slaughter Syrian Civilians, with a current focus on the Homs Province cities of Latakia, Deir el-Zour, and Hama.  Western powers have declared that Assad must abdicate.

IRAN: Sentenced American Hikers to 8 years in prison, ending speculation that they would be released for Ramadan.

IRAQ: SecDef Panetta notes that US Troops will be deployed in new crises in the Middle East, while he expects the US pleas to Iraq to allow US Troops to remain there to bear fruit.

KASHMIR: INDIAN Troops have killed 12 terrorists from PAKISTAN.

 

SSgt's Hartman & Meza Continue Medic Education in Afghanistan

Deployed medics care for, bond with soldiers
by Senior Airman Patrick McKenna USAF-C

SHINDAND AIR BASE, Afghanistan - When the Army goes on missions outside the wire, they are susceptible to any number of threats, ranging from extreme weather conditions and rocks being thrown at them to small-arms fire and roadside bombs. Having well trained medical professionals attached to Army units ensures a quick response in the event a soldier is wounded and in need of emergency medical attention.

For two Air Force medical services technicians deployed to Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, their mission is to travel outside the wire and provide that crucial medical care to approximately 400 soldiers assigned to the 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

Video: Ms Moss, on Student Dakota Meyer, MoH

Ms Heather Moss was a teacher and jobs counseler in Columbia, KY 

Americans Sentenced to 8 Years in Iranian Prison

VoA News: Iranian state television says two Americans detained in the country since 2009 have been sentenced to eight years in prison for spying and illegal entry.

The state television website said Saturday Americans Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal each received a five-year sentence for the spying conviction and a three-year sentence for illegal entry.

Iranian authorities detained the two men and an American woman, Sarah Shourd, in 2009 along the Iran-Iraq border on charges of illegally entering Iranian territory. The three said they were hiking together in the mountains of Iraq's Kurdish region and were unaware they had crossed the unmarked frontier.

Shourd returned to the United States last year after Iran released her on bail. All three Americans denied the charges against them.

Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said he hoped Iran's judicial process will lead to the release of Bauer and Fattal. The United States repeatedly has called on Iran to free them.

Israeli-Egyptian Diplomacy Detioriates

VoA News: Egypt is withdrawing its ambassador to Israel to protest the deaths of Egyptian security forces during Israel's retaliatory attacks against militants along the nations' shared border.

The Egyptian Cabinet said Saturday it is withdrawing its ambassador until the results of an Israeli investigation into the incident are provided. The Cabinet said it also wants the Israeli leadership to apologize for what it described as "hasty" remarks about Egypt.

Israel has expressed concern about a deterioration of security in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula since Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak resigned in February. The Israeli military said gunmen behind militant attacks Thursday in southern Israel crossed into the country from Gaza through the Sinai, despite Egypt's boosted security presence in the region.

Priortizing Air Support in South Afghanistan

‘No plan survives contact with the enemy:’ 2nd MAW (Fwd) adjusts, reacts to aviation demands of war in Afghanistan
by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones 2nd MAW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Somewhere in the darkness, beyond the barbed wire and concrete walls of Camp Leatherneck an improvised explosive device detonates, killing one Marine and injuring another.

Shortly thereafter in a dimly-lit, windowless room on the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) compound, a phone rings. In many ways, the war is calling.

Video: Sgt Dakota Meyer, MoH, Interviewed

 

Sgt. Dakota Meyer, on the farm, on his life and the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor.

War In Afghanistan News - 20 Aug 2011

At least one Talib Leader and more than 17 Talib thugs were captured over the last 48 hours.  No less than 3 other Talib thugs were sent to the afterlife.

At least three Haqqani terrorists were also captured.

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ISAF Details Follow:

KABUL, Afghanistan (August 19, 2011) – International Security Assistance Force service members are providing assistance to the Afghan-led response following an insurgent attack on the British Embassy in Kabul city, Kabul province, Friday.

Middle East News 19 August 2011

In Libya, rebels continue their fight towards Tripoli, as today they claim to have taken control of the western town of Zlitan.

Israel is reporting that rockets are still being fired from Gaza - at last count, at least 20.

Killing of civilians continues in Syria, as Assad ignores the international community's calls for him to step down.

Yeminis took to the streets in support of the newly formed opposition “national council.”

Turkey was the site of attacks by the PKK as they struck at least two military positions in Siirt province in southern Turkey on Thursday.

In Lebanon, the U.N.-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has widened its probe.

Full details after the break

Raider Soldiers conduct field training, ensure communication lines are operational

August 19, 2011

By Spc. Emily Knitter, 1HBCT Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga., Aug. 19, 2011 -- Soldiers from across 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, spent two weeks in the field for a command post exercise, setting up a brigade-wide network to ensure communication systems can talk to each other and then conducting operations such as retrieving higher commands orders, making staff products and building graphics.

Staff Sgt. James Smith, the Unmanned Aerial Surveillance maintenance and quality control noncommissioned officer in charge from A Co., 1-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, explains how to set up the One System Remote Video Terminal to a class during a two-week command post exercise to ensure the brigade-wide network was fully operational.

The exercise, held during the first two weeks in August, was a way for the brigade to update their systems after returning from their most recent deployment.

"A lot of times when a unit is deployed, they are doing stability operations, which means they are hunkered down in one place," explained Ken Stewart, a senior systems analyst for Command Post Staff Integration Team, Computer Science Corporation. "But, when the unit comes back and they go to the combat training centers, they are required to conduct full-spectrum operations. This gives them an opportunity to update their standard operating procedures and prepare for [that]." 

RIP LCpl. Travis M. Nelson

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

               Lance Cpl. Travis M. Nelson, 19, of Pace, Fla., died Aug. 18 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th 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.



Governance, Development Efforts Continue in Afghanistan

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011 – Corruption and insurgent violence remain serious issues, but Afghan community members and leaders are strengthening their local governments “from the bottom up,” a senior Defense Department civilian serving in Afghanistan said today.

Alisa Stack, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command’s deputy chief of staff for stability operations, briefed Pentagon reporters by video uplink from the command’s headquarters in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Stack has served in her current position since fall 2009, when ISAF’s Joint Command was formed. She is responsible for synchronizing security plans and operations with national and provincial plans for governance and development.

“I'm focused on local government initiatives and work for those responsible for providing daily support to Afghan citizens,” she said.

Afghanistan: British under attack - initial reports 9 killed

August 19, 2011

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack that Afghan officials say killed at least nine people  Friday in at least two suicide bombings and a gun battle at a British cultural center in Kabul.

Shots were still heard hours after the suicide bombers started the attack. Several more explosions were heard inside the British Council compound.

'Dragon' Battalion teams with Iraqi soldiers to aid 500

Written by 1st Lt. Patrick Leroy Beaudry, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD – C Wednesday, August 17, 2011 

BAGHDAD—Soldiers with Company D, 1st “Dragon” Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center supported an Iraqi-led humanitarian outreach operation August 2 on a hot summer evening at Joint Security Station Deason, Iraq.

The 17th Iraqi Army Division transported approximately 600 people in great material need from around the Mahmudiyah area to receive the food, clothes, school supplies, generator parts and medication.

“During the past year, we have worked jointly with the 17th Iraqi Army Division to provide humanitarian aid and execute small-scale projects that have impacted more than 10,000 people,” said Lt. Col. Todd Reed, a stability transition team officer with 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt. and a Georgetown, Ky., native. “The aid has been in the form of food bags, medical supplies, physical examinations, as well the distribution of water filters and refurbishing old generators.”

Mountain Eagle team recovers damaged aircraft

 Written by U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Syner Task Force Falcon Public Affairs Friday, 19 August 2011

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – While helicopters have proven their value during Operation Enduring Freedom, from protecting Afghans and Soldiers to delivering supplies, sometimes these versatile aircraft are forced to the earth, unable to continue their mission.  This is where downed aircraft recovery teams come in, rescuing the remains of aircraft to investigate what happened, to bring the aircraft back to coalition forces and in some cases to repair and return the aircraft to duty.

War In Afghanistan News 19 August 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Nangarhar, Faryab, Zabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Logar, Ghazni.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents and detained two more during a security operation in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, yesterday.

The force was in the area searching for a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leader when they observed several groups of heavily armed insurgents maneuvering in the immediate area.

A firefight ensued when the insurgents, armed with rocket propelled grenades, machine guns and AK-47s, attacked the security force. The exchange resulted in the deaths of the insurgent attackers.

The original target of this operation was an insurgent leader who directs a group of Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin and Taliban fighters in the district. He also plans and conducts ambush and roadside bomb attacks against the Afghan National Security Force.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Middle East News 18 August 2011

Israel responds to the earlier terrorist attack in southern Israel that leaves seven dead and many injured. 

Even as the international community urges Assad to leave, the violent crackdown against Syria's citizens continues apace. 

In Iraq, for the second day, Turkish planes bomb Kurdistan Workers' Party enclave.

In Libya, rebels are claiming to have taken control of an important oil refinery west of Tripoli, as well as seizing a nearby town.

Egypt's young entrepeneur/innovators are gaining important mentorships in a six week program that pairs them with their American counterparts.

 

Israel:

Israeli aircraft hit Palestinian targets in the Gaza Strip late Thursday, killing six people.  The dead include leaders of the Popular Resistance Committee, which the Israeli government accuses of being behind attacks in southern Israel that killed seven Israelis earlier in the day.  
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on national television, calling the attacks in southern Israel an increase in the terror front.

As embattled Marjah district cools, battalion moves north

8/17/2011  By Sgt. Jesse Stence  , Regimental Combat Team 1 

 

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan  — A battalion of Marines left Marjah District today, signaling coalition force’s growing confidence in Marjah’s Afghan National Security Forces.

Forward Operating Base Marjah, Afghanistan-Graduates stand at attention during the Afghan Local Police (ALP) graduation ceremony at Forward Operating Base Marjah, Afghanistan, April 4, 2011. After 3 weeks of training with the U.S. Marine Corps Police Mentor Team, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, the Interim Security Critical Infrastructure members graduated to the newly constructed ALP. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Carroll/Released), Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Carroll, 4/4/2011

Two Marine battalions had been operating in Marjah, a district that was considered one of the worst in Helmand 18 months ago. Even after coalition forces gained control of the district center during Operation Moshtarak last February, fierce firefights continued into the winter months, leading some observers to conclude that progress there could be easily reversed.

9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2011 - Tenth-anniversary commemorations of the 9/11 terror attacks will begin kicking off tomorrow,  as almost 2,500 motorcyclists launch the 11th America's 9/11 Ride that begins in Shanksville, Pa., and continues over the next three days to the Pentagon and World Trade Center crash sites.

The annual memorial ride, sponsored by America's 911 Foundation Inc., honors more than 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks, including 184 killed when American Airlines Flight 77 exploded into the Pentagon, as well as the first responders who rushed to all three locations.

Sept. 11 survivors, families who lost loved ones in the attacks and first responders are among those registered for this year's memorial ride, to kick off tomorrow evening in Pennsylvania's Somerset County. There, the first phase of a new Flight 93 National Memorial honoring 40 people killed aboard the flight will be dedicated Sept. 10.

Iraq, U.S. work on bridging spiritual gap

Written by Spc. Karen Sampson, U.S. Forces - Iraq Tuesday, August 16, 2011

BAGHDAD – In Iraq, religious minorities are not always viewed favorably. Sensitivity to the religious needs of the Iraqi people works as a key link in communication. The Universal Pen Pal Project uses faith as a universal language that builds common ground between cultures.

BAGHDAD - Iraqi politician Yonadam Kanna, Christian member of the Iraqi Parliament, meets with Chap. (Lt. Col.) Charles Reynolds, United States Forces – Iraq to discuss the progress of the Universal Pen Pal Project. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karen Sampson)

Chap. (Lt. Col.) Charles Reynolds, United States Forces – Iraq and a chaplain for the U.S. Army since 1989, recently met with Iraqi politician Yonadam Kanna, Christian member of the Iraqi parliament, to discuss the progress of the project.

This spiritual connection between the two countries’ Christian communities changes everyday perspectives, said Kanna, also Council of Representatives, Chairman of the Labor and Social Affairs Committee.

“This project connects the two communities,” he said.

Panama Canal Defense Exercise Begins

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2011 - One of the world's largest multinational military exercises gets under way today to test plans to defend the Panama Canal.

Some 3,500 military and civilian personnel from 17 countries are participating in the 12-day exercise dubbed PANAMAX 2011, U.S. Southern Command officials said.

Orthopedic device helping wounded warriors return to run

August 16, 2011

By Steven Galvan

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 16, 2011 -- A new energy-storing orthopedic device, along with an extensive rehabilitation program, is allowing wounded warriors who previously had difficulties walking or standing due to lower leg injuries to run again.

Spc. Michael Krapels, a member of the Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, works to strengthen his leg while wearing a Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis during physical therapy at the Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston...

The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis, or IDEO, was designed by prosthetist Ryan Blanck at the Center for the Intrepid. It is a custom-fit device made from carbon and fiberglass that supports the foot and ankle and resembles an amputee’s running prosthetic.

The ability to run can be the difference whether a wounded warriors is allowed stay on active duty and to return to their units after having been considered for a medical discharge from the military.

War In Afghanistan News 18 August 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Helmand, Kabul. 

A combined Afghan and International Security Assistance Force discovered an explosives cache in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, today.

The cache, discovered during a security operation, consisted of 9,149 pounds (4,150 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate and 3,858 pounds (1,750 kgs) of homemade explosives.

 

All the explosives were safely destroyed by security forces.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan: