War On Terror News

Afghan and British forces seize Taliban anti-tank weapon

A Military Operations news article

28 Feb 12

A joint Afghan and British team recently launched a pre-dawn raid on a Taliban compound, seizing an anti-tank weapon which had been used to target a British base.

 

British servicemen of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force conduct a cordon and search of compounds in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district [Picture: Sergeant Wes Calder, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Soldiers from the Queen's Dragoon Guards, known as the Welsh Cavalry, joined forces with their Afghan counterparts to mount the operation to strike at insurgents who had been firing at the headquarters of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (2 MERCIAN) in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a stash of munitions and the 82mm recoilless rifle, designed to smash through tank armour.

3/7 Marines mentor, train the ANA

1st Marine Division Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

2.29.2012

PATROL BASE HANGAR, Sangin, Afghanistan – The patrol had just stepped off the road when gunfire opened up. The Marines and sailors with India Company immediately crouched and raised their weapons. Second Lt. Theodore Hardy, a platoon commander with the company, called for his Marines to take cover by nearby ruins.

A local Afghan boy jokes with Cpl. Michael Greenleaf, a radio operator with 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Feb. 20. India Company’s Marines trained the 3rd Tolai, 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army to patrol on their own and with the Marines in a supporting role. The ANA encountered enemy fire during the patrol and responded quickly, repelling the attack. The Marines have mentored the Afghan soldiers since they arrived at the patrol base late last year.

While the Marines were seeking cover, return fire opened up, and as quickly as the firefight began it ended.

During this exchange, it was the Afghan National Army soldiers with 3rd Tolai, 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps who fired back, with the Marines in a supporting role.

45th IBCT makes last dent against insurgent forces

Written by U.S Army Spc. Shanna Gantz, RC-East PAO Tuesday, 28 February 2012

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, move tactically through the rocky terrain of Afghanistan during a patrol. Soldiers of Co. A and their Afghan National Army counterparts routinely patrol to provide a safe environment for surrounding villages. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Leslie Goble, Task Force Thunderbird Public Affairs)

 

 

 

 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, nearing the end of their deployment, did not slow down from taking the fight to the enemy. The 45th IBCT spotted multiple insurgents placing an improvised explosive device just south of Mehtar Lam City, at the intersection of Highway 7 and the Mehtar Lam Highway on the night of Feb. 23.

The insurgents were observed carrying multiple weapons and digging and placing an IED under the cover of darkness. They also had an element of insurgent overwatch, in a linear ambush position.

"Incident in New Baghdad," & What Really Happened on 12 July 2007

On 12 July 2007, an Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment embarked on a mission to clear Al-Amin District of New Baghdad of Anti-Iraqi Forces, aka Mehdi Militia, aka Jayish al-Mahdi in order to provide freedom of maneuver to Coalition Forces.  By 10:20 AM, Baghdad time, they had taken significant amounts of SAF (small arms fire) and RPG (rocket propelled grenade) fire, sporadically.  Two AH-64D's were in the area and responded.  What would happen next would inspire a movie, that would be nominated for an Oscar, but not win one.

"Now the war is over and in a lot of ways we're still fighting it. It is my accretion that despite what many leaders of this very government said publicly or otherwise, we won. We won through the blood sweat and tears of the troops on the ground, that refused to give up."  Doc Bailey

To understand the situation, one must realize the Mehdi Militia was led by Moqtada al-Sadr, a relative of Bani al-Sadr, who had mentored the Ayatollah Khomeni.  Moqtada's father had been assassinated, allowing the firebrand mulllah to take the reins of power his father had once held.  Moqtada was at the time, for all intents and purposes, the dictator of a Million Man slum in North Baghdad controlled 100% by his Mehdi Militia. 

War In Afghanistan News 29 February 2012

No combat news reported at this time.

Middle East News, 28 February, 2012

The U.N.'s top rights official, Navi Pillay, opened an emergency session on the crisis in Syria with a strong condemnation of the government’s increasingly violent attacks against its people.  Pillay’s call for a stop to the killing received widespread support from delegates attending the special session of the U.N. Human Rights Council.  

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay told an overflow crowd that the situation in Syria has seriously deteriorated since February 13. That is when she appealed at the U.N. General Assembly for urgent action to protect the Syrian people from the violent government crackdown and rise in casualties.

“Since then, my office has received disturbing reports of a rapidly deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation. Recent reports further indicate that Syrian military and security forces have launched massive campaigns of arrest, arbitrarily detaining thousands of protesters, as well as activists and others suspected of anti-government activities,” Pillay said.

Pillay called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to end the shelling and violence. She said the violations should be referred to the International Criminal Court.

The Syrian representative to the council, Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui, dismissed Pillay's criticisms, saying the council session was an attack against Syria.  He charged that the council was a pawn of Syria's opponents who want to prolong the crisis through terrorism. Hamoui spoke through an interpreter.

“Considering the fact that the concepts of protection and humanitarian intervention are being manipulated in a flagrant manner for political reasons, my delegation declares its withdrawal from this sterile discussion.  We also declare that we do not recognize the legitimacy of this session," Hamoui stated. "Nor the legitimacy of any malicious and prejudiced resolutions it may adopt.”

And, with that, the Syrian delegation staged a walkout.  But the act of defiance did little to change the minds of other member states. 

Representatives speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, the European Union and Arab nations called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to immediately stop the killing of civilians.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer pressed the Syrian government to grant humanitarian access for the delivery of food, water and medical aid.

“In the coming weeks, this council must extend the mandate of the commission of inquiry, so it can continue to investigate and document the gross human rights violations being committed in Syria," Brimmer said. "Providing evidence to support accountability for senior Syrian officials who planned and perpetrated these atrocities. Finally, Bashar al-Assad must go.”

Syria's ally Russia said the rights council is politicized and presenting a one-sided evaluation of the violence in Syria. The Russian envoy to the  council said attempts to instill democracy in Syria through force were doomed.

VOA News

ISAF, Afghan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs host Gender Integration Luncheon

By Master Sgt. Kap Kim 
COMISAF Public Affairs 

Kabul, Afghanistan – As a precursor to International Women’s Day on March 8, representatives from the International Security Assistance Force and the Afghanistan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs co-hosted the Gender Integration Luncheon at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 25. 

Marine Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, and Amina Afzali, Afghanistan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs minister, welcomed ambassadors and representatives from the United Nations, non-governmental agencies and Afghan ministries to acknowledge progress made in gender integration and how to continue to work together in the future. 

“ISAF aims to be a partner with the Afghan people in realizing a more secure and hopeful Afghanistan … Our vision is for peace, stability, and prosperity for the Afghan people,” said Allen. “We cannot speak about the future of Afghanistan without talking about half of the Afghan population: Afghan women – and the vital role that Afghan women are playing in paving the path toward the bright future that we all seek for this great country.” 

Afzali passed along her gratitude to the international community and ISAF for helping bring peace to Afghanistan. She applauded the many achievements of Afghan women during the past 10 years, particularly in government and parliament. She highlighted the need for continued security in order to facilitate the involvement of women in society and government. 

For Pieper Steinunn, an ISAF gender affairs advisor who helped plan the luncheon, these achievements are measurable. 

“Women represent about 27 percent of the Afghan government, and were among half of those Afghans invited to the 2011 International Afghanistan Conference in Bonn, Germany” said Steinunn. 

Among the luncheon’s attendees was Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Khatool Mohammadzai, the first female ANA soldier to be promoted to the rank of general officer. 

“You are an emblem of the great fighting spirit of this proud nation, and you are a role model for young women and girls, not only in this country, but throughout the world,” Allen told her. 

Later, Mohammadzai spoke about her past and the future of Afghanistan she envisions. 

Recently, ISAF and coalition countries have worked to reinforce integration of Afghan women’s roles through empowering, education, job creation, maternal health and many other programs. ISAF has also been deeply involved in the training and development of female members in the Afghan National Security Force. 

Allen pointed out many areas in the ANSF where women have played a vital role. He also recognized the efforts made by the Afghan Ministry of Defense and the ANSF in the last two years, pointing out that there is still more work to be done to ensure gender equality. 

“We have further ground to cover, but the ANSF will become the ultimate defeat mechanism against the insurgency, and is already becoming a trusted institution of Afghan national unity,” said Allen. “Whether it is in the United States, Afghanistan or any other country, a nation can only thrive when all of its people have the opportunity to contribute.” 

 

ISAF News

War in Afghanistan 28, February, 2012

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 27) – Several insurgents were captured by an Afghan Provincial Response Company working with coalition forces during execution of a search warrant in Bala Boluk district, Farah province, Saturday. All of the detained insurgents were directly tied to IED and complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, as well as crimes against local Afghans in Farah province. The combined force also discovered a cache of weapons and improvised explosive device materials during the operation. The materials included anti-personnel mines, grenades, ammunition, home-made explosives and various IED components. All of the weapons and explosives were destroyed on site. In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan: South In Maiwand district, Kandahar province, one insurgent was killed during a vehicle search operation conducted by a combined Afghan and coalition security force, Saturday. During the operation, the insurgent dismounted his motorcycle and ran at the security force carrying grenades and small arms ammunition. The security force perceived an immediate threat and engaged the man, killing him. Following the engagement, the security force recovered several IED components and destroyed them on site. East  A coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Pul-e Alam district, Logar province, today. The facilitator provided weapons and financial support for numerous insurgent fighters in the area. No shots were fired during the operation. In Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, a Haqqani leader was captured by Afghan and coalition security forces during an operation today. The leader managed an insurgent network and directed operations against Afghan civilians and security forces in the district. Two suspected insurgents were also detained during the operation.

ISAF News

 

Coalition, Afghans Work Together to Capture Insurgents

ABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2012 – Coalition and Afghan forces have worked together throughout Afghanistan in recent days, capturing several insurgent leaders who led attacks against them and killing one in self defense, military officials said.

In eastern Afghanistan today, a coalition security force in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province captured a Taliban operator who provided weapons and financial support to numerous insurgent fighters in the area. No shots were fired during the operation.

Also today, coalition and Afghan forces in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province captured a Haqqani network leader who managed an insurgent network and directed operations against Afghan civilians and security forces in the district. Two suspected insurgents also were detained.

On Feb. 25, an Afghan provincial response team, working with coalition forces in the western province of Farah, captured several insurgents while acting on a search warrant in the Bala Boluk district. All of the detainees were directly tied to attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, as well as crimes against local Afghans, military officials said.

The combined force also found and destroyed anti-personnel mines, grenades, ammunition, homemade explosives and various bomb components.

Also on Feb. 25, a combined force of Afghan and coalition service members fired on an insurgent in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, killing the man after he ran at the security force carrying grenades and small-arms ammunition during a vehicle inspection. The security force found and destroyed bomb components.

 

 

DOD News

Suicide Attack Kills Nine Amid Quran Protests in Afghanistan

Posted Monday, February 27th, 2012 at 5:15 pm

A suicide car bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into the gates of a NATO base and airport in the northeastern Afghan city of Jalalabad Monday, killing nine people and wounding 12 others.

The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying it was the latest act of revenge for the burning of Qurans at the Bagram Air Base north of Kabul.

The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General John Allen, joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the bombing in Nangarhar province. Mr. Karzai called the attack “inhuman and unIslamic.” No NATO troops were among the casualties.

This attack followed six days of deadly protests over the handling of Islam's holy books. Close to 40 people, including four U.S. military personnel, have died in nearly a week of protests since the incident.

In other news Monday, the United Nations announced it is pulling its international staff from an office in northern Kunduz province after it came under attack from protesters on Saturday.

The U.N. said the staff will be relocated within Afghanistan and that additional arrangements and measures will be put in place to “ensure the office can continue to operate in safety.”

Also Monday, the Taliban claimed an Afghan cook working on their behalf poisoned the food at a NATO base in eastern Afghanistan. A NATO spokesman said traces of bleach were found in food at a dining facility, but it was unclear if the food was tainted intentionally. The spokesman said no one got sick.

The U.S. Embassy has been in lockdown since the violent demonstrations erupted last week. It has warned of a “heightened” threat to Americans in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, the U.S. ambassador to Kabul, Ryan Crocker, told CNN that tensions are running very high, but that Washington should not withdraw troops ahead of schedule. Under an international agreement, foreign combat forces are to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

Observers say the deteriorating security situation also could add pressure on NATO allies in Europe to accelerate plans to leave Afghanistan. The bloody and expensive war is already deeply unpopular.

The Afghan defense and interior ministers have postponed scheduled trips to the United States this week so they can remain in Afghanistan to monitor the situation.

 

 

VOA News

Pentagon: Protests Will Not Alter Afghan Mission

Posted Monday, February 27th, 2012 at 6:00 pm

U.S. defense officials say the military remains committed to its mission in Afghanistan, despite days of violent protests and attacks on foreign troops that have left close to 40 people dead, including four Americans.

Pentagon officials Monday said members of the U.S.-led coalition are continuing their work training Afghan security forces. The increase in violence, sparked by the reported burning of Qurans on a U.S. military base, has raised questions about the viability of a continued U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

Pentagon spokesman George Little said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes the “foundations of our strategy” in Afghanistan remain sound. He said Washington is taking “the long view,” assessing what he said American forces have achieved in reversing the momentum of Taliban insurgents.

Spokesman Little added:

“We will not let recent events allow us to lose sight of the progress we are making toward our broader objectives, including our core goal of defeating al-Qaida and its terrorist allies, and denying it the ability to maintain a safe haven in Afghanistan.”

An American military spokesman in Afghanistan, Navy Captain John Kirby, said that while U.S. troops working with Afghan forces are being more vigilant, that vigilance is not hampering operations. Speaking via video link from Kabul, Kirby said the number of protests has dropped off sharply – from more than 20 a day last week to three on Monday.

Kirby added that a major joint U.S.-Afghan operation, aimed at blocking Taliban insurgents from mounting new attacks as warm weather approaches, wrapped up successfully in southern Afghanistan.

U.S. forces are now watching for possible new attacks on their personnel. On Monday, they were investigating high quantities of chlorine bleach found in coffee and on fruit at a soldiers' dining facility inside a NATO base.

The protests and attacks are in response to news that U.S. troops inadvertently burned copies of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, at the Bagram air base north of Kabul. Media reports say Qurans were being disposed of because of fears that prisoners at the base were using them to pass extremist messages.

VOA News

 

RIP MAJ Robert J Marchanti II

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

 

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  He was killed when he came under small arms fire by an Afghan Intelligence Officer.

Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II, 48, of Baltimore, Md., died Feb. 25, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Marchanti was assigned to 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Division Security Partnering Team of the Maryland Army National Guard, Baltimore, Md.

"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.

The Afghan Government has apologized for the attack.

Indonesia Re-instates 15 year Sentence for Bali Bomber

Indonesia's Supreme Court has reinstated the 15-year prison sentence for a radical Muslim preacher linked to the deadly 2002 Bali bombings and convicted of setting up a terrorist training camp in western Indonesia.

A court spokesman said Monday the court overturned a lower court ruling that last year reduced Abu Bakar Bashir's prison term to nine years. Bashir is the reputed spiritual leader of al-Qaida linked terrorists in the Southeast Asian nation.

The 74-year-old Bashir was found guilty in June 2011 of helping to fund and organize a terror training camp in remote Aceh province. Documents found by police at the site show the group was plotting to assassinate President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and attack Western targets in Jakarta.

The United States last week officially named another terrorist organization founded by Bashir, Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid, as a terrorist organization.

Bashir denies financing terrorist activity, but his fiery preaching has long-inspired the nation's most radical Islamist groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah — the organization blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

He said last year that his latest trial showed Indonesian authorities had sought to demonize Islam. He also claimed the charges of organizing terrorist training activities were fabricated by the United States and Australia to silence his preaching.

Bashir spent more than two years in prison last decade on charges related to the Bali attacks, before that conviction was overturned in 2006.

Marines Killed in Arizona Helo Accident

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Two helicopters belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing collided along the California/Arizona border killing seven Marines Feb. 22 around 8 p.m.

The following six Marines were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and based at Camp Pendleton.

Commander Colleen Brings You: The Camoflauge Keyboard

Have you wondered what life on a FOB in Afghanistan is like?  There's a MilBlog for that!

This isn't the sexy combat type of MilBlog, but rather the kind that tells of the everyday frustrations of living in a cold, dusty environment, where not even showers or toilets are to be taken for granted.

"If you've never heard of Navy showers, try this next time you shower: get in, turn on the water long enough to get wet, and turn the water off. Wash everything you intend to: hair, body, face. Then, turn the water on just long enough to rinse."

Of course, first you have to leave your warm abode and walk to the showers, outside in the cold.

"It's a half mile walk to the Green Bean (think Starbucks), which isn't so fun in the cold. And with the snow/slush/refrozen ice, walking is rather perilous."

Why's she telling you about the walk to the coffee shop?  Because that is where the internet connection is.  It's not the only connection, but the at the last one:

"I once sat on the floor in the corner to try to upload classwork. And the USO always seemed to be 10 degrees too hot."

What she's careful to avoid are OPSEC issues, but that doesn't mean that work can't ever pop up:

"Not a word is said about changes before or after they happen. They just happen. Having studied psychology and sociology in college, I'm attuned to this social interaction, the intricate dance of how total strangers become a working team."

You never know who you'll run into on the other side of the world:

"A good friend from high school is here with his National Guard unit. We hadn't seen each other for 20 years, and had a good time catching up over dinner."

Drop by and take a look to see what life on a FOB is like.

After 48 Years, Washington Completes Takeover of 112 YO Fort

Story by: Capt. Michael Meyer, 358th Public Affairs Detachment

MARYSVILLE, Wash. - On Feb. 25 2012, the U.S. Army Reserve officially closed Fort Lawton and ceremonially transferred the post colors to the city of Seattle. The public joined in honoring 111 years of Fort Lawton’s military history from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the day of the ceremony.

An outdoor flag ceremony was held at 10 a.m. in Seattle at the 2nd Lt. Robert R. Leisy U.S. Army Reserve Center at 4570 Texas Way West with a reception followed at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 3801 West Government Way.

Pictured: Alpha soldiers of the 1/377 Field Artillery out of Fort Lewis, Wash., prepare to take part in Fort Lawton's Decommissioning Ceremony Feb. 25.

Marine Construction Supports EOD

by Cpl. Michele WatsonHELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday night. The sky is pitch black, and it is starting to rain again. The gunner strains his eyes to look for any moving figures illuminated by the frequent flashes of lightning across the sky.

Only a few days ago, it was a sunny morning when the combat engineers of 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), loaded up their trucks. Their mission was to support a few isolated patrol bases manned by soldiers from the Republic of Georgia.

After a few hours of driving, the platoon arrived at their first destination, Patrol Base Enguri, Feb. 14. The Marines immediately conducted a site survey to determine how much structural reinforcement the base required. Site surveys are done prior to the actual construction to determine what kind and how much material will be needed. When the survey is completed, a support unit will go in later with the necessary equipment and complete the construction project.

Pictured: Combat engineers with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), lay down the foundation for the roof of an indirect fire bunker at Patrol Base Didgori, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 19. The Marines built two IDF bunkers for the patrol base manned by soldiers from the Republic of Georgia.

Once the survey was complete, the convoy pressed on to PB Shukvani, where the Marines refueled the vehicles and prepared their supplies for the next task.

Karzai Condemns Nangahar Attacks

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, joins President Karzai in condemning Sunday's early morning suicide car bomb attack in Nangarhar province that killed 9 Afghans to include civilians, security guards and an ANA soldier.

“On behalf of the entire ISAF coalition, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims in today’s attack,” said Allen. “The Taliban is shamelessly murdering innocent Afghan civilians and Afghan National Security Force members, and poisoning the sacred faith of Islam.”

“Insurgents tried to attack an ISAF installation, and on that objective, they failed. The Taliban took more innocent lives and devastated families who will forever mourn the loss of their loved ones,” said Allen.

“Continued violence only hinders everyone’s mutual desire to reach a political settlement in this conflict,” added Allen. “We are steadfast in our desire to support our Afghan partners, and will use the extensive range of our resources to eradicate this heartless insurgency.”

ISAF continues its work alongside Afghan National Security Forces to halt acts of terror and build an enhanced security environment to promote peace and stability throughout Afghanistan.

CounterView on Afghan Violence

As Americans observe the current round of violent Afghan protests, and prepare to receive the remains of Americans whose lives were taken training Afghans to defend their own country, it is easy to say: "Screw them all!"  It's understandable that many are saying exactly that, because the rioting crowds seem to encompass the entire Nation.  After all we've done to bring Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity to a people living in the 14th Century, how could they possibly turn on us over this incident.

The first thing to remember is that those aren't "average Afghans" in the streets, and while the crowds seem large, the biggest riots numbered only in the thousands, in the capital of Kabul.  Elsewhere, there were crowds, numbering in the hundreds, in places like Jalabad & Konduz.  These are cities of tens of thousands to millions of residents.

Americans have rightly asked: When will President Karzai apologize for the Afghan troops that have murdered OUR Troops.  When will he condemn Taliban attacks on HIS civilians.  The answer is that he HAS apologized for the attack on Our Troops and he routinely condemns attacks on Afghan Civilians by the Taliban.  So, the question should be: Why doesn't the MSM report those apologies and condemnations?  Why does it only report Karzai's words when Americans are going to take offense at them?

War In Afghanistan News - 27 FEB 2012

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Sunday.  The leader controlled and equipped multiple insurgent cells as well as planned their attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.  The security force killed one insurgent and detained two others during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

 

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 27 FEB 2012 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”. 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:  Capt Ryan P Hall, Colorado Springs, CO 02/18/12 Djibouti 319th SO Sqdn

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: Capt Nicholas S Whitlock, Newnan, GA 34th 02/18/12 Djibouti 34th SO Sqdn

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: 1LT Justin J Wilkens, Bend, OR 02/18/11 Djibouti 34th SO Sqdn

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: SAmn Julian S Scholten, Upper Marlboro, MD Djibouti 25th Intel Sqdn

 ·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: SGT Allen R McKenna Jr, Noble, OK 02/21/12 Kandahar, AFG 1-10 Cav 4th ID

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: SGT Joshua A Born, Niceville, FL 02/23/12 Nangahar, AFG 385th MP Bn XVIIIth Airborne

·       #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: CPL Timothy J Conrad Jr, Roanoke, VA 02/23/12 Nangahar, AFG 385th MP Bn XVIIIth Airborne

·       #MOS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: LtCol John D Loftis, Paducah, KY 02/25/12 MOI, Kabul, AFG 866th AE Sqdn

·    

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.

Middle East News 26 FEB 2012

Another 31 Syrians were killed today, as the siege of Homs continues, and other parts of the country voted on a new Constitution.

Egypt attempted to start the trial of the son of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, 15 other Americans, and 27 others charged with illegal political activities by unlicensed foreigners in that country.  Still no word from the White House on the Marine who faces execution in Iran.

VoA Details follow:

RIP LtCol John D Loftis

 The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lt. Col. John D. Loftis, 44, of Paducah, Ky., died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack from an Afghan Intelligence Officer at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron, Kabul, Afghanistan.

"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.

The Afghan Government has apologized for the attack.

Suicidal Islamist Kills 3 Nigerians at Church

A suicide car bombing outside a major church in central Nigeria Sunday killed at least three people and wounded more than three dozen others.

Authorities say the attack during services at the Church of Christ in Jos follows Friday's deadly attacks in two northern cities, which killed at least 17 people.

Sunday's attack came as a 24 hour curfew was ordered in the northeastern city of Gombe, the capital of Gombe state, where at least 12 people were killed at police headquarters on Friday. Police have not confirmed if all the victims were officers, but they do suspect members of the radical Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram are behind the attack. Authorities repelled a second attack at a prison.

Afghan Searches for ANA Intel Officer in Attack on Americans

Afghan authorities said Sunday they are looking for an Afghan intelligence official they believe may be responsible for shooting dead two U.S. officers at close range Saturday inside a heavily guarded command center at the Interior Ministry in Kabul.

Officials have identified the shooter as Abdul Saboor, a 25-year-old intelligence officer, who had studied in Pakistan.

The killing of the U.S. officers, a lieutenant colonel and a major, took place as Afghanistan was in the fifth straight day of protests across the country following the burning of Qurans by NATO personnel at Bagram Air Base on Tuesday. Dozens of people have died in the demonstrations.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called for calm Sunday in a televised address. He said “now that we have shown our feelings, it is time to be calm and peaceful.”

Afghan Defense Minister Apologizes for Attack on US Troops

By Elaine Sanchez, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2012 - Earlier today, Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak offered condolences in a phone call with Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and apologized for the incident, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

"Secretary Panetta appreciated the call and urged the Afghan government to take decisive action to protect coalition forces and curtail the violence in Afghanistan after a challenging week in the country," Little said.

Wardak told Panetta that Afghan President Hamid Karzai was assembling religious leaders, parliamentarians, justices of the Supreme Court and other senior Afghan officials to take urgent steps to take such action, Little added.

The United States welcomes Karzai's statement encouraging peaceful expressions, and his call for dialogue and calm, the White House statement said.

War In Afghanistan News - 26 FEB 2012

 In Qarghah’i district, Laghman province, multiple insurgents were killed while placing improvised explosive devices Thursday.  Afghan and coalition security forces positively identified the insurgents and called in close air support assets to engage their position. After the strike, security forces confiscated heavy machine guns, firearms, and ammunition from the scene.  No civilians were harmed during the operation.
Afghanistan has apologized for the attack on Our Troops.

More International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan, after the break:

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

 

Middle East News - 25 FEB 2012

The Obama Administration is in "intense" discussions to get Cabinet member Ray LaHood's son and 16 other Americans released from the new Islamist government in Egypt.  Meanwhile, the Administration has made no mention of the former American Marine facing execution in Iran.

The new President of Yemen was sworn as Islamists blew up a car, killing 26 Yemenis.

The ICRC failed, as has every other organization, it convincing the Syrian Government to stop killing its people, even for 2 hours a day, as the Artillery Bombardment of Homs continues.

Let Our Troops Win!

Do not short change them, by turning away those their potential brothers that are willing to put their lives on the line to defend Freedom.  Do not tie their hands behind their back by denying them equipment. 

Do not betray Our Troops by stripping them of the benefits, they earned in their Sacrifices.  The only guaranteed peace is through surrender, and that comes with the guarantee of oppression. 

H/T to Blackfive

US/NATO Retreat from Afghan Ministries As Violence Expands

NATO's top commander in Afghanistan pulled all coalition advisers out of Afghan government offices after two International Officers were killed in a supposedly secure area Saturday.

A NATO spokesman said the officers were killed inside a secure command center at Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, and the official account indicated a member of the Afghan security forces turned his weapon on the Americans.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the shooting, and said the attack was retaliation for the burning of Qurans by NATO personnel – the incident a week ago that has inflamed passions throughout the country and led to rioting in which dozens of people have died.

General John Allen, commander of all coalition forces in Afghanistan, ordered members of NATO's International Security Assistance Force to leave Afghan government ministries immediately, “for obvious force protection reasons.” Many NATO officers have been working as advisers with their Afghan counterparts, as part of the coalition's plan to gradually turn over control of the country's security.

US UAV Crashes in Pakistan

A U.S. drone has crashed in Pakistan's North Waziristan region near the border with Afghanistan.

The unmanned aircraft crashed in the mountainous area of Machikhel late Saturday.

Taliban members have claimed they shot down the drone, but neither the U.S. nor the Pakistani government has confirmed that.

The United States uses drone strikes to target Taliban and al-Qaida militants inside Pakistan. The drone program is unpopular with the Pakistani people, who say it is a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilians.

Islamist Terrorists Kill 17 Nigerians

A series of bomb blasts and shootings in northern Nigeria has killed at least 17 people, including five worshippers.

At least 12 people were killed at police headquarters in Gombe, in the northeast. Police have not confirmed if all the victims were officers, but they do suspect members of the radical Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram are behind the attack. Authorities repelled a second attack at a prison.

Also Friday night, in the northwest city of Kano, police say gunmen on a motorcycle killed five worshippers at a mosque. No one has claimed responsibility, but officials believe Boko Haram is involved in the attack.

Boko Haram has waged violent attacks in its campaign to implement strict Islamic law across Nigeria, which is roughly divided between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south.

The radical group claimed responsibility for one of the deadliest attacks in Kano last month that killed 185 people. It also admitted to killing at least 44 people in a Christmas Day bombing at a Catholic church outside Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

Following the Christmas attack, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in areas hard hit by violence blamed on Boko Haram.

Mr. Jonathan said the measure impacted parts of Yobe and Borno states in the northeast, Plateau state in central Nigeria, and Niger state in the east.

He said the temporary closure of borders in those areas was necessary to address security challenges and restore normalcy to the country.

The opposition has criticized the Jonathan administration for failing to control Boko Haram.

Afghan Violence Kills 11 More

Afghan officials say gunmen have killed two Westerners inside the Interior Ministry building in Kabul. The shooting took place as violence erupted across Afghanistan Saturday, the fifth straight day of protests over the burning of Qurans.

Hundreds of rock-throwing protesters attacked a United Nations compound in northern Afghanistan. Officials say at least three people died and 47 were injured in the melee in Kunduz.

Authorities say at least 27 people have died since Tuesday after reports surfaced that NATO troops had burned copies of the Quran at Bagram Air Base near Kabul.

 President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials have apologized for the desecration of the Muslim holy book, but the apologies have done little to quash the outrage in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's defense ministry says six Afghan soldiers were killed and 16 were wounded Saturday while trying to defuse a roadside bomb.

The ministry says the incident happened in the Muqur district of western Badghis province. VoA

Female Officers Unimpeded by "Brass Ceiling"

by Sandra Lea Abrams WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the halls of the Pentagon and throughout the armed forces, there are signs that women are gaining momentum on the leadership front.

Witness the recent elevation of Army Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho – the first nurse and first woman to be named Army surgeon general. At the third annual “Building Stronger Female Physicians Awards” ceremony, held in conjunction with the 2012 Military Health System Conference, six women doctors received special honors. The awards program is about more than being a good military doctor; selection is also predicated on what one has done specifically as a leader to help other women.

Army Col. (Dr.) Anne Naclerio, chief surgeon for the Army National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Va., the senior winner of the award, said she believes leadership is best shown through action.

Navy Rolls Out F-35B, Replacement to Harrier

by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy, 2nd MAW

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - A century after 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham took his first flight in 1912, Marine Corps aviation introduced the F-35B Lightning II aircraft into its fleet. The short takeoff vertical landing variant combined with fifth generation capabilities is a breakthrough in itself, matching the importance of the first Marine aviator and starting a new chapter in Marine Corps aviation history.

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 hosted the ceremony inducting the F-35B Lightning II multirole, joint strike fighter, into the Marine Corps aviation arsenal at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, stated at the rollout ceremony that for the first time in aviation history, the most lethal fighter characteristics came together on a single platform. A list of the aircraft's abilities include supersonic speed, radar-evading stealth, extreme agility and short takeoff vertical landing capability.

War In Afghanistan News - 25 FEB 2012

Deadly protests in the streets of Kabul, Jalabad, & elsewhere continue to claim the lives of Muslim Afghans, while Americans prepare to receive the US Troops killed by an Afghan soldier they were training to defend his own country.

No apology has been discovered for the Deaths of Americans, though Politicians and Generals all the way to the top, including the POTUS, have apologized for disposal of Korans desecrated by Taliban terrorists imprisoneed in Bagram.

No further combat reports at this time.

RIP SGT Joshua A Born, CPL Timothy J Conrad Jr.

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

They died Feb. 23, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their unit came under small arms fire from a Soldier in the Afghan National Army. They were assigned to the 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joshua A. Born, 25, of Niceville, Fla., and

Cpl. Timothy J. Conrad Jr., 22, of Roanoke, Va.

"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 24 February 2012

Karzai calls for calm, the Taleban calls for violent attacks, and the apologies from America - from the White House on down -are falling on deaf ears in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan, where anger over the burning of Qurans is still being demonstrated on the streets..

The price of oil on world markets jumped again Friday amid growing tensions over the West's attempt to halt oil-producing Iran's nuclear program.

 As politicians from about 70 countries and organizations are meeting in Tunis to coordinate international efforts to deliver humanitarian relief and political change to Syria, the killings continue.

Details after the break.

Airborne medics test skills for worldwide operations

A Training and Adventure news article

24 Feb 12

Airborne medics from 16 Medical Regiment have been practising the skills they might need for operations around the world on Exercise Serpent's Anvil this week in York.

Medics treat a 'casualty' in the resuscitation suite during Exercise Serpent's Anvil
[Picture: Sergeant Rupert Frere, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Troops from Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment tested their techniques and the high-tech, lightweight equipment they will use to provide medical care as part of the Airborne Task Force (ABTF) - the British Army's rapid reaction force.

The exercise, which took place this week at the Army Medical Services Training Centre in York, saw the medics test to the limit their capabilities, kit and supplies.

A field hospital, including a resuscitation suite, operating theatre and intensive care ward, was set up to treat simulated casualties using equipment such as a portable digital X-ray machine and hand-held diagnostic scanners.

Dempsey Calls for Rededication to Profession of Arms

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 – In a complicated world, service members must rededicate themselves to the profession of arms, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a white paper released today.

Service members must continue “to learn, to understand and to promote the knowledge, skills, attributes and behaviors that define us as a profession,” said Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.

It was precisely this dedication that has allowed the military to survive 10 years of war across the world, the chairman said. Beginning when terrorists attacked America on 9/11, the military has constantly deployed to combat, he added, though many critics said the military could not sustain the levels of deployments, the constant combat and the austere conditions.