The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.
This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
Chairman: Senator Josef Biden Ranking Republican: Senator Orin Hatch Member: Senator Diane Feinstein
Testimony: victims, law enforcement, politicians, August 3rd, 1993:
2013: (Acting) Chairman: Senator Diane Feinstein notes that in 10 years 350 were killed by what she had banned. This bill purports that it would have prevented 35 lives a year. (Video not yet available).
Car accidents kill tens of thousands of people every year. Use of a cell phone while driving is a major factor in those deaths. Ten times as many people are murdered by hammers and other blunt objects every year. Fifty times as many people are killed by knives and other sharp objects. Less than 10% of all murders involving a rifle, are done by a criminal bearing an assault rifle. More people defend their lives, successfully, with an "assault" rifle, than are murdered by one, every year in the United States.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani high-profile attack facilitator and detained two other insurgents during an operation in Pul-e Alam district, Logar province, today.
The facilitator is believed responsible for transporting and facilitating weapons in multiple provinces across Afghanistan, to include both home-made explosive material and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices for use against Afghan and coalition security forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and injured another during an operation in Marjeh district, Helmand province, yesterday. The security force positively identified the insurgents and engaged them with a precision strike, killing one and injuring another.
East
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 28, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents and detained six suspected insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 27.
Kapisa Province Coalition forces killed three insurgents during an operation in Tagab District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents in Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktika Province Afghan National Security Forces detained four suspected insurgents in Giyan District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 27, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces discovered one weapons cache and cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 26.
Parwan Province Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Bagram District. The cache contained 20 rockets and six cases of gunpowder.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Bati Kot District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nadir Shah Kot District.
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of a Taliban leader, Anwar, during an operation in Hisarak district, Nangarhar province, Sunday.
Anwar was responsible for directing and participating in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He exercised operational control of a significant number of insurgents. During the operation, the security force engaged Anwar and four other militants with a precision strike, killing five.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
During an operation Monday in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained five other insurgents. The Taliban leader is alleged to be responsible for controlling multiple insurgent fighters in Baghlan-e Jadid district. He was a known improvised explosive device expert, and provided financial support and weapons to insurgent forces.
The security force also seized multiple weapons and ammunition as a result of the operation.
East
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban leader along with detaining two other insurgents during a security operation in Pul-e 'Alam district, Logar province, Sunday. The leader is believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. In the past, he was involved in harassing the Afghan public by kidnapping individuals for ransom and establishing illegal checkpoints throughout the district.
During an operation Sunday in Hisarak district, Nangarhar province, an Afghan and coalition security force killed five insurgents. The security force positively identified the insurgents and engaged with a precision strike, killing five.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, detained two suspected insurgents, and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 25.
Kunar Province Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent during an engagement in Tsowkey District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Khowst District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Nuristan Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nurgaram District.
Paktya Province Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Chamkani District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Ghazni District.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Chak District.
Afghan and coalition forces arrested a senior Taliban leader and three other insurgents during an operation in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, Feb 24.
The Taliban commander is believed responsible for coordinating and directing insurgent fighters in Nangarhar province. He is also suspected of having maintained direct operational control of a significant number of suicide bombers prepared to carry out attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
Afghan and coalition forces arrested a Taliban facilitator and one other insurgent during an operation in Arghandab district, Kandahar province, Feb. 24. The Taliban fighter is believed responsible for the direct acquisition and distribution of lethal aid used in conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also suspected of being heavily involved in the financial dealings of the insurgent network operating in Arghandab district.
East
Afghan and coalition forces arrested three insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, Feb. 24. The Taliban leader is accused of being responsible for prosecuting improvised explosive device and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. In the past, he has been linked to activities harassing the Afghan public by kidnapping individuals for ransom and establishing illegal checkpoints throughout the district.
Afghan and coalition forces arrested a Taliban leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Andar district, Ghazni province, Feb. 24. The Taliban leader is believed responsible for procuring and distributing automatic weapons and IEDs to insurgent forces in Andar district. In addition to his logistical responsibilities, he is accused of having personally planned and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 25, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent, located one weapons cache and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 24.
Paktya Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Zormat District. The cache contained small arms ammunition and IED making materials.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Khowst District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Sabari District.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan D. Davis, 34, of Kayenta, Ariz., died Feb. 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 32nd Georgian Liaison Team, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"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.
Yesterday, President Karzai has ordered US Special Forces out of Wardak Province. The US-Afghanistan relationship has changed significantly since 2008 and its unlikely to improve before 2017. To be fair, the relationship has constantly deteriorated since the first trip that then Presidential candidate, and junior Senator from Illinois, but presiding chairman of the Senate Afghanistan committee took to Afghanistan in 2008. The junior politician with no real experience disrespected the elder President, in his own home, back then, ordering the President to bow to the junior Senator's orders, while alleging crimes against his host.
The complete lack of cultural understanding meant that the Obama-Karzai relationship would never be a good one. There is no more enduring memory, than that of an Afghan. They are slow to befriend strangers, and have strict rules of conduct with regards to host-guest. They are loyal to friends, but not to those that attempt to buy them off. Their trust is not given lightly, but once given, it is enduring.
So, when Obama campaigned to install a "counter-weight" to Karzai, despite the elections of Afghans, it was not just in disregard of democracy, but a direct assault to Karzai. When it campaigned to elect Karzai's rival to his position, it sealed the animosity towards Obama, personally. When Obama sent the arrogant Holbrooke to an "AfPak" to tell the two countries what to do, it ignored the proud sovereignity of the Afghan people, and implied the larger Afghan nation was subservient to their neighbors, which still supports the terrorists undermining the Afghan government.
Since 2009, Karzai has demonstrated a less than positive response to the Obama Administration, and has made some demands that are less than positive towards operations there, but until now, it has been mostly bluster, the kind of political mouthing off that is expected of a politician, while the reality of enforcement of those demands was less than forceful. Mostly, it was the kind of talk the Afghan people expected of their own sovereign and duly elected leader, while he winked at US Commanders, though not so much at the "diplomats" of the Administration.
Eikenberry, Holbrooke, and Clinton had all burnt their bridges with Karzai, with a total disregard for Afghan culture, and an attitude of Karzai being a vassal of Emperor Obama. If there was one positive to Kerry's appointment, it was that his previous encounters with Karzai had demonstrated respect of that culture. Despite, all the other negatives of Kerry, Karzai was the one place I expected he would make a positive difference.
Nevertheless, the re-election of Obama, to serve for the rest of Karzai's term, means that Karzai knows relations with the US will not improve while Karzai is President. It means that Karzai has no need to pretend to get along with the Obama Administration, during the rest of his lame duck session. And Obama's insistence on "ending" the war, while demanding the basing of "counter-terrorism" Troops and drones to bomb the neighbors in Afghanistan means that the best Afghanistan can hope for, is a steady stream of dollars, after Karzai is out of office.
There is very little future for Karzai, or Afghanistan's democratically elected government, except the recognition that there will be a steady increase in Taliban, and other terrorist elements. That means the smart money is on a return to Taliban rule, or at least great swathes of Taliban control. It means the smart Afghan politicians are making accomodations to that eventuality. Obama is pulling out, and cutting the number of Afghan Troops he'll have America pay for, while at the height of US, NATO, and Afghan Troops, there was still a great deal of Taliban influence. He's "ending it" to demise of US friends, and the joy of the Taliban, and other enemies.
The post 2008 Karzai-US relationship is in stark contrast to the 2001-2008 relationship. In 2001, Karzai was nearly killed in the fight against the Taliban, alongside US Special Forces Troops. It was a US Special Forces Medic that saved Karzai's life. In 2004, he was asking Bush for a continued US presence in Afghanistan, and even a bigger presence. As late as 2008, he was a strong ally of the US. And it is astounding that few else seem to notice the link between what was and what is.
But then RealPolitik comes into play. The reality is that Karzai's deteriorated relationship with the Obama Administration is terminal. It means that Karzai is moving towards appeasement of the Taliban, in part out of insistence from the Obama Administration, but more due to the reality that they will be too strong to resist with too few Afghan Troops in 2015.
At this point, the US must consider whether to consider the Afghan government an enemy, and fight another war of regime change, or to abandon the country completely, to the Taliban, but the allied relationship is no longer salvageable, and the Obama Administration made a bunch of commitments, but received little in return when it signed the "spike the Football" tour agreement with Afghanistan on 1 May 2012. The greatest gift, and greatest asset, we have to offer Afghanistan is Our Special Forces Troops. Kicking them out of an entire province does not bode well for the future of Afghanistan, the War on Terror, or our continued efforts in Afghanistan related to it.
The only real certainty is that 2017 will bring a new US President dealing with a different Afghan leader, but at this juncture, it's difficult to imagine a scenario where the 2006 US-Afghan relations have returned, or an Al-Qaeda as weak as it was in 2008.
Michael Lipin, VoA, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has ordered the removal of all U.S. special forces from an eastern province in response to allegations that those forces or their Afghan allies may have committed rights abuses against civilians.
Karzai's spokesman Aimal Faizi told reporters Sunday that a government investigation of security incidents in Wardak province found that armed men suspected of ties to U.S. Special Forces were engaged in "harassing, annoying, torturing and even murdering innocent people." He said the Afghan defense ministry has been ordered to ensure that all U.S. Special Forces are out of the province within two weeks.
"All the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are obliged to immediately prevent the operations by all the groups under the name of Special Forces, who are going into houses of people, which results in disturbance and killing of our innocent people and bring to justice, in order to safeguard the properties and lives of people in Maidan Wardak province," Faizi said.
It is the first time the Afghan president has issued such an order against the forces of the United States, a key ally which has been helping Kabul to combat a more than decade-long Islamist insurgency by Taliban terrorists, expelled from power in Afghanistan by forces including US 5th Special Forces Group, and forces including Karzai, and those commanded by him and others.
A U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman said he is aware of reports about Mr. Karzai's order. Speaking to VOA by phone from Kabul, Lt. Col. Les Carroll said the U.S. military "takes all allegations of misconduct seriously" and goes to "great lengths to the determine the facts." He said U.S. officers "intend to fully discuss" the issue of alleged rights abuses with their Afghan counterparts.
The Afghan presidential statement cited two recent examples of alleged misconduct by Afghan militias in Wardak allied to U.S. Special Forces. In one incident, it said nine people disappeared during an operation by what it called a "suspicious force," while in the other, the tortured body of a student was found two days after he was "taken away at night from his home."
Karzai's office said the U.S. military denied any involvement in such cases. It said Afghan security forces will bring to justice those responsible for the abuses and urged local residents to help identify the culprits.
In an additional move, Karzai ordered the U.S.-led NATO force in Afghanistan to stop all special force operations in Wardak immediately.
NATO troops have facilities in Wardak. But Afghan government forces "already have taken a security lead" in some parts of the province as part of a NATO plan to withdraw most of its troops from the country by the end of 2014.
Taliban attacks in Wardak have declined in recent months, as is normal during the winter months.
Wardak's population is predominantly Pashtun, the same ethnic group as the Taliban, and Karzai. A VOA reporter in Islamabad says Pashtun tribal elders may be using the "improved security situation" to pressure Mr. Karzai into removing allied forces from the province.
But, insurgent attacks have continued in other parts of eastern Afghanistan, where three Afghan security personnel were killed in suicide bombings on Sunday.
In one of the day's attacks, a suicidal Islamist car bomber rammed a vehicle into the gate of an intelligence compound in the eastern city of Jalalabad. Officials said the blast killed two agents of the National Directorate of Security and wounded three others. In another attack, a suicidal Islamist car bomber struck a police checkpoint in the nearby town of Puli Alam, killing one officer. Islamist Taliban terrorists claimed responsibility for both bombings.
Authorities said security forces thwarted an additional suicide car bombing in Kabul by shooting and killing the would-be assailant. They said the incident happened near a construction site in a part of the capital housing government and foreign diplomatic offices. Terrorists had staged a large-scale attack in the area last April.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 24, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent, located two weapons caches and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 23.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Sabari District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces discovered one weapons cache in Gurbuz District. The cache contained a mortar system and two jugs of homemade explosives.
Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in SabariDistrict.
Logar Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered one weapons cache in Pul-e Alam District. The cache contained one rocket.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Tsowkey District.
Paktika Province Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Bermal District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 23, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 22.
Additionally, Afghan National Security Forces cleared one IED during an operation in Khowst Province Feb. 21, according to late reports.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Bak District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED in Bak District Feb. 21, according to late reports.
An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban improvised explosive device expert, Zekeria, during a security operation in Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province, Feb. 21.
Zekeria’s IEDs were used to attack Afghan and coalition forces. His death will significantly degrade the ability of insurgents to conduct attacks in Charhar Darah district.
During the operation, the security force observed Zekeria conducting insurgent activity. The security force engaged the insurgent with a precision strike, killing him.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
East Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of a Taliban leader, Habib, during an operation in Charkh district, Logar province, Feb. 20. Habib was responsible for weapons facilitation in Charkh district. He also was instrumental in planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force engaged the insurgent with a precision strike, killing him.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 22, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, detained six suspected insurgents, located one weapons cache and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 21.
Additionally, Afghan forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Kunar Province Feb. 20, according to late reports.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces killed one insurgent during an engagement in Sayed Abad District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Bati Kot District. The cache contained one ton of homemade explosives.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Pul-e Alam District.
Nuristan Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nugaram District.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Mehtar Lam District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspected insurgents in Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning. Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent in Terezayi District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Sar Kani District Feb. 20, according to late reports. The cache contained 200 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer, four small arms rifles and four kilograms of opium.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested six insurgents during an operation in search of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Kunduz district, Kunduz province, today.
The leader is allegedly instrumental in manufacturing, procuring and distributing improvised explosive devices for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province.
The security force also seized a shotgun as a result of the operation.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader, Abdul Qahar, and one other insurgent during an operation in Qal'ah-ye Zal district, Kunduz province, yesterday. Abdul Qahar was responsible for the coordination of attacks against coalition forces and the planning and acquisition of weapons. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him and the other insurgent.
East
During an operation in Charkh district, Logar province, yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces killed an insurgent they observed conducting nefarious activity. The security force engaged the insurgent with a precision strike, killing him.
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of a Taliban leader, Ikleel, during a security operation in Charkh district, Logar province, yesterday. Ikleel, also known as Shakeel, was responsible for distributing weapons to insurgent forces in Logar province. He also planned and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, multiple RPG rounds, multiple AK-47 assault rifles and one machine gun as a result of this operation.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 21, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent, located one weapons cache and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 20.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Pul-e Alam District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Spera District. The cache contained two bags of ammonium nitrate.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces detained one suspected insurgent during an operation in Khugyani District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces cleared six improvised explosive devices, discovered one weapons cache, and detained five suspected insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 19.
Paktya Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared a vehicle-borne IED in Chamkani District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces detained four suspected insurgents in Pul-e Alam District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Ghazni District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Dehyak District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Qarah Bagh District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Sabari District.
Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nadir Shah Kot District.
Parwan Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Bagram District. The cache contained two rockets. Afghan forces diffused and removed both rockets.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces detained one suspected insurgent during an engagement in Behsud District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents and cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 18.
Kunar Province Coalition forces killed two insurgents during an engagement in Sar Kani District.
Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents during an engagement in Dangam District.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Qarah Bagh District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Sabari District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 17.
Nangarhar Province Coalition forces killed one insurgent during an engagement in Sherzad District.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Ghazni City.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 17, 2013) - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents and cleared five improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 16.
Kapisa Province Coalition forces killed three insurgents during an engagement in Tagab District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared three IEDs in Sabari District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Chapahar District.
Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Khogyani District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents, cleared three improvised explosive devices and detained one suspected insurgent during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 15.
Khowst Province Coalition forces killed three insurgents and safely cleared an IED during an engagement in Manduzai District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Terezayi District.
Logar Province Coalition forces detained a suspected insurgent in Pul-e Alam District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktya Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Shwak District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan forces cleared four improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 14.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Ghazni City.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Mohmand Darah District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Behsud District.
Kapisa Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Tagab District.
It has been a full year since February 15, 2012 when Colonol Dabney passed away, and with permission, I am republishing a column by UltimaRatioReg honoring this great Warrior.
Farewell to a Warrior: Colonel William H. Dabney, USMC (Ret.)
February 2012
Colonel William H. Dabney, Unites States Marine Corps (Ret.) passed away today. He was the son-in-law of legendary Marine Lewis “Chesty” Puller, and was a mustang officer who commanded a two-company detachment of 3rd Bn 26th Marines on Hill 881S near Khe Sanh for seventy-seven days in early 1968. Colonel Dabney’s Marines held onto that key terrain with clenched fingers against anything and everything the NVA could throw at them. Only two ways off the hill, they said. “Blown off, or flown off.” A 2005 Leatherneck Magazine article tells the story.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition detained four suspected insurgents, cleared four improvised explosive devices and discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 13.
Nangarhar Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in Chaparhar District. The cache contained 30 kilograms of homemade explosives, and the detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Kapisa Province Afghan forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Tagab District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in Sabari District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan and coalition forces killed Taliban leader, Shadi Mama, during an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, Tuesday.
Shadi Mama was a Taliban leader operating in the Marjeh and Trek Nawa areas of Helmand province. He was responsible for improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He facilitated heavy weapons to insurgents operating throughout Nad ‘Ali district.
During the operation, the security force positively identified Shadi Mama engaging in nefarious activity in an isolated area away from civilians. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him.
A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and no property was damaged as a result of the operation.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
East
An Afghan and coalition force killed Taliban leader, Mojib, during a security operation in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today. Mojib, also known as Mansoor, conducted direct fire attacks against Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He was directly associated with Taliban senior leadership operating in Khugyani district. He procured rocket-propelled grenades to be used in an attack on a coalition aircraft. During the operation, the security force seized multiple assault rifles with associated gear, several grenades and a pistol.
Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents during an operation in Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, Tuesday. During the operation, the security force observed two individuals engaged in insurgent activity. The security force engaged the insurgents with a precision strike, killing both. A post-operation assessment determined no civilians were harmed and no civilian property was damaged during the operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader in Terayzai district, Khost province, today. The detained Haqqani leader is accused of conducting direct fire and IED attacks as well as kidnapping operations throughout Terayzai district. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized multiple grenades, an assault rifle with associated ammunition, an Afghan National Army (ANA) uniform and two ANA identification cards as a result of the operation.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents, detained two, cleared four improvised explosive devices and discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 12.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Shamal District.
Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Shamal District. The cache contained 50 pounds of homemade explosives and IED making materials.
Ghazni Province Afghan forces killed two insurgents and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in Ab Band District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Kapisa Province Afghan forces found and safely cleared an IED in Tagab District.
Paktya Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Lajah Ahmadkhel District.
Operations in RC-East are ongoing.
South
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Tuesday. The detained Taliban facilitator was is believed responsible for coordinating and conducting insurgent operations throughout Shah Wali Kot district, to include oversight of the acquisition of supplies and lethal aid to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
by Lisa Bryant, VoA, TUNIS — The shooting death of opposition politician Chokri Belaid has brought to a head simmering tensions in Tunisia and deep political and religious divisions. The North Africa country, once heralded as a model for Arab democracy, is struggling for a way forward.
A slain politician. An outpouring of rage and grief. Thousands of Tunisians attended Friday's funeral for opposition politician Chokri Belaid. Many blamed the ruling Islamist Ennahda party for his death.
Mourad Habaid showed up with a Tunisian flag wrapped around his shoulders. Habaid says many Tunisians feel that their 2011 revolution has been derailed. He does not know where his country is going.
Tunis University professor Hamadi Redissi says people are fed up with Ennahda for many reasons. The once popular party has failed to deliver. "Ennahda has no more credentials. Ennahda has lost its moral values. Ennahda did not improve economics. Did not make what it promised to people. So politically Ennahda is very weak today," he said.
Basic public services have deteriorated. Insecurity has skyrocketed - including attacks by hardline Islamists against secular politicians and artists.
Two years after uniting to throw off a dictatorship, Tunisians are divided on the way forward. Some, like taxi Fuad Kedimi, are nostalgic for the past. Kedimi says people lived well under the old regime. There was security and lots of tourism and work. Life was good.
Ennahda and its supporters say they are being unfairly blamed for Belaid's death - and for Tunisia's post-revolutionary problems. Some claim outside forces want to destroy Tunisia's revolution.
English teacher Fatah Ousleti, who joined a pro-Ennahda rally in Tunis on Saturday, defends the party. "We think Ennahda is good. It worked a lot. It went through difficulties and hardships all along its life. It went to prison. It went abroad. They were deprived of all their rights. And now they are the ones who rule Tunisia ... it was a gesture of gratitude toward them and their struggle against tyranny and dictatorship," she said.
The divisions on Tunisia's streets are reflected in the government. Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali threatens to resign unless a new, non-political Cabinet is named to defuse the tensions. His own Ennahda party has rejected the proposal.
Ennahda's Meherzia Labidi, the National Assembly's deputy speaker, wants the coalition government to find a compromise. She agrees the country's tensions are worrying. "Tunisia is divided, but not only by religion ... I think we have two extremes. We have extremists on the side of secularists - they want Tunisia to be without religion at all ... they are a small group. And there is another small group of religious people that wants Tunisia to be only Muslim, practicing ... but let me remind you of the huge mass of Tunisians who are in between," she said.
That, Labidi says, is where Tunisians can find common ground.
But for now, Tunisia appears adrift. Unsure of the next step after Belaid's death.
Afghan and coalition security forces killed Taliban leader, Tor Jan, during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, on Monday.
Tor Jan, also known as Graan, was a Taliban leader and facilitator who organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He coordinated the use of improvised explosive devices, weapons and personnel for attacks in Maiwand district. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) leader in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, today. The leader allegedly facilitates distribution of weapons and assists in improvised explosive device emplacement operations in the district. He oversees the acquisition, transfer and delivery of IED materials and explosives to insurgents. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized multiple firearms and ammunition as a result of the operation.
South
During a security operation, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, on Monday. The leader was believed to be directly responsible for the coordination of complex attacks. His subordinate fighters were linked to several attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district. He facilitated weapons and improvised explosive devices to insurgents operating in Kandahar province. During the operation, the security force also detained three suspected insurgents.
East
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Andar district, Ghazni province, today. The leader was allegedly a direct attack leader with some logistical and command responsibilities. He was engaged in the arms trade involving weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices. He coordinated and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized a heavy machine gun with ammunition along with assault rifle ammunition as a result of the operation.
During a security operation, an Afghan and coalition force detained three insurgents in search of a Taliban leader in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today. The leader is believed responsible for planning and conducting attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force seized several assault-rifles with associated equipment and ammunition.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces cleared three IEDs, discovered one weapons cache and detained eight suspected insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 11.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Baraki Barak District.
Ghazni Province Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Gelan District.
Paktya Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Zurmat District. The cache contained 700 kilograms of homemade explosives, mortar rounds and IED making materials.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces detained eight suspected insurgents following an IED attack in Khugyani District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha, United States Army
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire to conduct a reconnaissance of the battlefield and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the support of an assistant gunner. Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds. Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers. Staff Sergeant Romesha then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight equipped with a sniper rifle. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s perimeter. While orchestrating a successful plan to secure and reinforce key points of the battlefield, Staff Sergeant Romesha maintained radio communication with the tactical operations center. As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sergeant Romesha identified the point of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters. After receiving reports that seriously injured Soldiers were at a distant battle position, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his team provided covering fire to allow the injured Soldiers to safely reach the aid station. Upon receipt of orders to proceed to the next objective, his team pushed forward 100 meters under overwhelming enemy fire to recover and prevent the enemy fighters from taking the bodies of their fallen comrades. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s heroic actions throughout the day-long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE:
At 6 a.m., Oct. 3, 2009, Combat Outpost Keating in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, came under complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters. The fighters occupied the high ground on all four sides of the combat outpost and initiated the attack with concentrated fire from B10 recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, known as RPGs, DSHKA heavy machine gun fire, mortars, and small-arms fire.
Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha displayed extraordinary heroism through a day-long engagement in which he killed multiple enemy fighters, recovered fallen Soldiers, and led multiple recovery, resupply, and counterattack operations.
At initial contact, Romesha pushed to the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance vehicle battle position 1, or LRAS 1, under heavy enemy fire to ensure that the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher and Spc. Zachary S. Koppes were in the proper sector of fire and engaging enemy targets. After ensuring that Koppes was suppressing enemy activity in his sector, Romesha moved to the barracks and grabbed an MK-48 machine gun and an assistant gunner, Spc. Justin J. Gregory.
Moving through an open and uncovered avenue that was suppressed with a barrage of RPGs and small-arms fire, Romesha grabbed a limited amount of cover behind a generator and engaged a machine gun team that was on the high ground to the west. After destroying this team, he acquired an additional machine gun team that was firing an overwhelming amount of fire into the LRAS 2 from the switchbacks. As he was engaging, an RPG struck the generator and knocked him onto his assistant gunner. He quickly assessed Gregory and determined that he was fine. Not noticing his own wounds, Romesha re-engaged the enemy with his weapon system until an additional Soldier arrived to man the machine gun, at which point Romesha moved back through the open avenue to the barracks to assemble an additional team. Once at the barracks, Spc. Thomas C. Rasmussen noticed Romesha’s wounds and provided first aid.
Romesha assembled a five-man team and instructed them to load up on ammunition and crew-served weapons. While they were preparing, he again moved out to check on Koppes, grabbing the only accessible sniper rifle along the way, a Dragunov belonging to the Afghan National Army. Despite having only a basic knowledge with the foreign weapon, Romesha engaged multiple enemy positions on the north face, including a machine gun nest and sniper position. While continuing to expose himself to heavy enemy fire, Romesha engaged the enemy positions until they were no longer effective.
After engaging those targets, he moved back to the link up with his team. Enroute to that location, he saw three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s outer perimeter and were moving toward the laundry trailer. With a sense of calmness that inspired his Soldiers, Romesha engaged and destroyed the three targets with the Dragunov rifle and moved to the tactical operations center to give 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bunderman a report confirming that enemy forces were indeed moving inside the wire.
Identifying the essential need for ammunition, Romesha planned and led a mission to secure the ammunition supply point. Under withering fire and multiple RPG strikes, Romesha pushed his team to secure the ammunition supply point. In an attempt to provide covering fire for his maneuvering forces, Romesha used an M-240B machine gun team to secure a stronghold at a sandbagged position. He then led the team to clear the area support group commander’s quarters, and once the building was clear, he solidified his position to provide multiple sectors of fire to suppress the high ground to the west and the south.
While an enemy fighter attempted to breach the wire near Romesha’s location, a member of his team was shot in the arm, so Romesha returned accurate M-4 fire and threw multiple hand grenades to destroy the enemy fighter. Romesha evacuated the casualty and returned to improve his position. In doing so, Romesha engaged targets and suppressed enemy forces to allow the remaining Soldiers at LRAS 2 and Truck 1 battle positions an opportunity to break contact back to friendly forces. Romesha coordinated and led his men to clear the ammunition supply point and then set up positions to secure it. Once the ammunition supply point was secure, Romesha determined that the entry control point was the next obstacle that needed to be reinforced, because it was the only remaining enemy avenue of approach to the tactical operations center and aid station from the northwest.
As 3rd Platoon provided a base of fire to cover the assault on the entry control point building, Romesha led his team to secure and reinforce the entry control point building using an M-203 and a squad automatic weapon. After the entry control point was secured, enemy fighters engaged with a new intensity, sending a barrage of RPGs and B10 rounds into the building. Romesha informed the tactical operations center that the rounds were originating from the village of Urmul and the Afghan National Police checkpoint directly to the front of the entry control point. Calling grid coordinates to the enemy locations, Romesha enabled the critical 120mm mortars and air support to drop in Urmul and the checkpoint. As a result, more than 30 enemy forces were destroyed and Romesha and his men were able to hold the entry control point. Romesha’s reporting and ability to direct air and indirect fire assets allowed friendly forces to gain and maintain this critical objective.
After receiving reports that there were still friendly forces at LRAS 2, Romesha provided an overwhelming amount of covering fire to allow Sgt. Bradley D. Larson, Spc. Ty Carter, and Pfc. Stephan L. Mace, who was seriously injured, to withdraw from a previously pinned down location. Once the three Soldiers arrived at the aid station, 3rd Platoon was instructed to maneuver and support Romesha’s next objective: to recover personnel killed in action at the LRAS 2 vehicle battle position. Due to heavy fire, 3rd Platoon was unable to maneuver, but Romesha decided to push anyway without the necessary suppressive and covering fire. Under overwhelming enemy small-arms fire and RPG fire, with little support or covering fire, Romesha’s team pushed through 100 meters of enemy fire with few covered positions along the way. Upon arriving at the objective, they evacuated the bodies of two American heroes, Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos and Sgt. Vernon W. Martin. This maneuver, with great risk to himself and his Soldiers, prevented the enemy fighters from taking the American bodies off the combat outpost.
Throughout the day, Romesha understood the risks he was taking, and he knowingly put his life in danger to save the lives of his Soldiers and repel a numerically superior enemy force. Romesha was personally responsible for killing more than 10 enemy fighters with either a Dragunov, an M-4 or an MK-48, and an estimated 30 anti-Afghanistan forces with indirect fire and air support. He also led his men in killing a minimum of five others beyond that. Romesha recovered his fallen Soldiers and preserved the lives of several more. His heroic actions allowed B Troop to reconsolidate on the combat outpost and enabled him to lead the counterattack that secured Combat Outpost Keating.
BACKGROUND:
Former Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha (pronounced Row-ma-shay) was born in Lake City, Calif., in August 1981.
Romesha enlisted in the Army in September 1999, as an M1 armor crewman. After completion of training at Fort Knox, Ky., he was assigned as a tank gunner with B Company, 1-63rd Armor, Camp Vilseck, Germany, which included an operational deployment to Kosovo.
After Germany, he was assigned as a gunner/assistant tank commander with A Company, 2-72nd Armor, Camp Casey, Korea. Following Korea, which included a combat tour to Iraq, he was assigned as a section leader with 3-61st Cavalry, Fort Carson, Colo. There he completed the Long Range Reconnaissance Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Air Assault Training.
Romesha deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At the time of the deadly attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Keating, Kamdesh district, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009, Staff Sgt. Romesha was assigned as a section leader for Bravo Troop, 3-61st Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Romesha's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars),Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with Numeral Two Device), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 5 Device), NATO Medal (with Bronze Service Star), the Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Combat Action Badge.
Romesha separated from the Army on April 4, 2011. He and his wife Tamara (Tammy), their three children, Dessi, Gwen, Colin, and Tammy's parents Kevin and Lorin, currently live in Minot, ND. Romesha works as a Field Safety Specialist with an oilfield construction company. He credits the Army's transition assistance program as being helpful in preparing his resume and engaging the company. Romesha equates his civilian job to that of a noncommissioned officer who establishes risk mitigation policies and enforces safety standard operating procedures. He says his current profession is similar to an Army observer/controller, identifying areas the organization can improve and making on-the-spot corrections.
Romesha has two older brothers, one older sister and a younger sister. His fondest childhood memories are of spending time with his grandpa, the late Aury Smith, a WWII veteran, on his small ranch in Vya, Nevada. His grandpa told him to always do his best, and that the integrity of the family name was Romesha’s legacy to be cherished.
When he gets time away from restoring his 100-year-old home, he enjoys watching and attending hockey games.
French and Malian soldiers are on high alert in the northern town of Gao, a day after Islamist terrorists launched an assault to retake the city they were forced out of two weeks ago.
Residents who hid in their homes during the hours-long attack Sunday, cautiously entered the streets still littered with corpses.
Authorities report the crossfire killed three civilians and wounded at least 10 others, but it is still unclear how many soldiers or militants died.
Heavy gunfire and explosions resounded Sunday through the Saharan town, the largest in northern Mali, as the combined government force, complete with French helicopter gunships, fought the al-Qaeda affiliated "Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa."
Clashes were ongoing for days in areas just outside the city. On Saturday and Friday, suicide bombers attacked an army checkpoint near the entrance to Gao. The two suicide blasts were the first reported in Mali.
The Malian military said the bomber in Saturday's attack was a young Arab man and the "Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa" claimed responsibility.
The terrorist group seized control of Gao in April and had ruled the city until the arrival of French and Malian forces last month. Military officials have said some elements of the group remain in the Gao area, and other terrorists are hiding in the surrounding desert.
The group is a faction of al-Qaida's North African wing which, in loose alliance with the home-grown Malian Islamist group Ansar Dine, held Mali's main northern towns of Timbuktu and Gao for 10 months until the French-led offensive drove them out. VoA.
Islamist terrorists flooded into Mali from Libya, following the fall of Qaddaffi.
TEDD (Tactical Explosive Detection Dog) "Livee" and PFC Franklin Sena conduct their first combat patrol together in Southern Afghanistan. Produced by Sgt. Kyle Burns, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of Taliban leaders, Afshin and Ismail, during a security operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Sunday.
Afshin was directly affiliated with the Dec. 24, 2012 attack in Baraki Barak district that killed an American service member and the Dec. 28, 2012 attack that killed an Afghan National Army soldier. Prior to his death, Afshin was believed planning an attack on Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinated and executed attacks utilizing heavy weapons, mines and small-arms fire.
Ismail was the deputy Taliban leader for Baraki Barak district during the winter months. He issued guidance on direct and indirect fire as well as improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He financed the acquisition of IED-making materials, rockets and ammunition for heavy weapons.
During the operation the security force also seized multiple hand grenades, and assault-rifle with associated gear and ammunition.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
During an operation, an Afghan and coalition security force detained four insurgents in search of a Taliban senior leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, today. The leader allegedly coordinates complex attacks and facilitates weaponry to include rockets, mortars, rifles and multiple types of improvised explosive devices.
East
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, today. The leader is believed to organize, facilitate and conduct IED attacks along Highway 1 in the district. He is thought to oversee the acquisition and distribution of IED components to insurgents for emplacements targeting Afghan and coalition forces in the area. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized a firearm as a result of the operation.
During an operation in Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, Sunday, Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents. During the operation, the security force observed two armed individuals engaged in insurgent activity and engaged them with a precision strike, killing both.
Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents and cleared four IEDs during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 10.
Wardak Province Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Jalrez District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Spera District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Bak District.
Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents who were attempting to cut through the perimeter fence of a base in Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 10, 2013) – During a security operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Saturday, Afghan and coalition forces killed Taliban leader, Abdul Baki.
Abdul Baki, also known as Ruzi, was known to operate as part of an extensive insurgent network in Uruzgan, Helmand and Kandahar provinces. He was responsible for coordinating complex attacks utilizing suicide operatives against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
Afghan and coalition security forces arrested two Taliban leaders in Kunduz district, Kunduz province, today. The first leader is accused of gathering materials and facilitating logistics to conduct improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan government officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The second detained Taliban leader is believed to be an IED cell member and weapons facilitator operating in Baghlan-e Jadid district. He is accused of facilitating the movement of rockets and small arms to insurgents in Baghlan province.
East
In Zurmat district, Paktiya province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader accused of executing IED emplacements against Afghan and coalition forces. The detained leader is also believed to have overseen nearly 45 insurgent fighters. The security force detained one suspected insurgent and seized an assault-rifle with associated gear and ammunition.
An Afghan and coalition security force killed two armed insurgents during a security operation in search of a Taliban senior leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The senior leader holds a prominent leadership position in the district Taliban network. He executes guidance on direct and indirect fire as well as IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force seized multiple hand grenades and an assault rifle with associated gear and ammunition.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Feb. 10, 2013) – Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents, detained two and cleared four IEDs during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 9.
Additionally, Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache in Khowst Province and cleared an IED in Ghazni Province during operations Feb. 8, according to late reports.
Kapisa Province
Coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents during an operation near Tagab District.
Khowst Province
Coalition forces detained one insurgent in Gurbuz District. The detained insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Khowst District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Terezayi District.
Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Gurbuz District Feb. 8, according to late reports. The cache contained more than 300 kilograms of explosives, 40 hand grenades, 40 fuses, five small arms rifles, video cameras, hand-held radios and small arms ammunition.
Kunar Province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Asadabad District.
Logar Province
Afghan National Security Forces detained one insurgent and safely cleared an IED in Pul-e Alam District. The insurgent was detained while emplacing an IED. The detained insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.
Ghazni Province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared a bicycle rigged with explosives in a parking area of Ghazni City Feb. 8, according to late reports.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 9, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader in Sabari district, Khost province, today.
The detained Haqqani leader is believed responsible for conducting direct attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He is also accused of being involved in weapons and ammunition facilitation and coordinated the transfer of improvised explosive devices and weapon systems.
The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized a large amount of IED-making materials, homemade explosives, rocket-propelled grenade ammunition, multiple hand grenades, machine gun ammunition, mortar rocket charges and 150 rounds of loose ammunition as a result of the operation.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Khash Rod district, Nimroz province, today. The detained Taliban facilitator is believed to have coordinated the movement of lethal aid, weapons and ammunition to insurgent networks throughout Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province. He is accused of being directly responsible for preparing, organizing and transporting a large shipment of illegal material, and directing fighters in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force also detained one other suspected insurgent.
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban leader during a security operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, Friday. The detained Taliban leader, who operated out of central Kandahar City, is believed responsible for organizing IED operations targeting Afghan and coalition forces, to include coordinating the movement of IED materials into the province and then the transfer and distribution of this material to Taliban insurgents. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents as a result of the operation.
North
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Burkah district, Baghlan province, today. The detained IMU leader is believed to have overseen intelligence operations for an IMU network and for coordinating IED emplacement in the province. He is also accused of being a Taliban facilitator who provided safe haven for Taliban insurgents traveling through Burkah district. During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent
East
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces cleared two IEDs, detained five suspected insurgents and discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 8.
Afghan and coalition forces also discovered a weapons cache during an operation Feb. 6 in Wardak Province, according to late reports.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Terezayi District.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nurgal District.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache and detained five suspected insurgents during an operation in Qarah Bagh District. The cache contained several rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Wardak Province Late reports indicate that Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Maidan Shar District, Feb. 6. The cache contained small arms weapons and ammunition, IED making materials, combat uniforms, 17 mortar rounds, and a bag of hashish.
Afghan and coalition forces killed Taliban leader, Hamid Gul, during a security operation in Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province, Thursday.
Hamid Gul was a Taliban leader within Chahar Darah district that conducted attacks against Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, as well as, Afghan and coalition forces. He oversaw 25 insurgent fighters who were responsible for the acquisition of improvised explosive device-making materials, IED construction and emplacement in the district. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
In Yangi Qal‘ah district, Takhar province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) leader. The leader was an explosives expert assisting with the planning of an impending high profile attack. He coordinated the construction and movement of improvised explosive devices in the province. During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent.
South
An Afghan and coalition security force detained three insurgents during a security operation in search of a Taliban leader in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today. The leader is responsible for organizing improvised explosive device operations against Afghan and coalition forces. He coordinates the movement of IED materials into the province.
East
During a security operation, an Afghan and coalition security force detained five insurgents in search of a Taliban leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The leader oversees multiple insurgent fighters and executes multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition force patrols.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, cleared three improvised explosive devices and discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 7.
Kapisa Province Coalition forces killed one insurgent during an engagement in Tagab District.
Khowst Province Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Spera District. The cache contained two rocket propelled grenade rounds.
Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Sabari District.
Laghman Province Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Alishing District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Achin District.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 07) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban senior leader in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today.
The leader is believed to be a suicide operations facilitator who manages the recruitment, training and movement of insurgent to conduct attacks on Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He is also believed directly associated with several Taliban insider attack insurgents and worked closely with Hezb-e-Islamic Gulbuddin leadership.
He is accused of having taken advantage of his village leadership position to recruit suicide bombers and insider attack facilitators from Wazir Jihadi High School.
During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
In Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader. The leader is believed to be directly responsible for numerous improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. According to coalition officials, he provided guidance to insurgents, provided regular network updates to Taliban leadership and executed IED emplacements against Afghan National Security Forces.
East
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani facilitator in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The facilitator is believed to have supplied insurgents with funds, weapons and equipment to conduct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district. He is also accused of helping finance the purchase of motorcycles, IED materials, weapons, homemade explosives and fuel to support the insurgency. As a result of the operation, the security force also detained three other suspected insurgents and seized multiple rifles with associated ammunition.
In Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani facilitator. The facilitator is believed to be responsible for the acquisition, transfer and distribution of weapons and IED components for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 6.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Alishing District.
“In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.” …….WarriorHike.com
Mark and Sean had begun planning their next mission before they even finished their tour with the Marine Corps. Little did they know that it would lead to the “Walk Off The War” Program, a program designed to help veterans transition from military service back to civilian life.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 05, 2013) – The International Security Assistance Force condemns the indiscriminate violence on Afghan civilians after a bomb exploded inside a hotel in the Khwaja Sabzposh district of Faryab province on Tuesday, killing and injuring more than a dozen people.
South: An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, Wednesday.
The detained Taliban facilitator is believed to have overseen the management of weapons caches for his Taliban network and ensured the facilitation of equipment, vehicles and weapons to insurgent fighters. He is also accused of having acquired and transferred large amounts of improvised explosive devices and IED-making materials to weapons caches throughout Panjwa’i district.
The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized nearly 700 pounds of illegal narcotics as a result of the operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Monday. The leader is believed responsible for coordinating insurgent operations, including the distribution of weapons and funds to insurgent fighters responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent as a result of the operation.
East: BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces cleared three improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 5.
Ghazni Province Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Deh Yak District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Khowst District.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in Egypt, where his arrival Tuesday made him the first Iranian leader to visit the country since Iran's 1979 Islamist revolution.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi greeted Ahmadinejad as he stepped off his plane at Cairo airport.
The Iranian president will meet with Egyptian officials and attend a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which begins Wednesday in Cairo.
Relations between Egypt and Iran deteriorated following the 1979 Iranian revolution and Egypt's peace agreement with Israel, but have improved since the Islamists Muslim Brotherhood's Morsi took office last year. VoA.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces cleared three improvised explosive devices and detained seven suspected insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 4.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Khugyani District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Sperah District.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Qarghah'i District.
Paktya Province Afghan National Security Forces detained seven suspected insurgents following an IED attack in Gardez District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Two senior Islamist terrorists have been captured in northern Mali, including a top leader of group Ansar Dine.
The Tuareg separatist group MNLA says it arrested Mohamed Moussa Ag Mohamed and Oumeini Ould Baba Akhmed on Saturday near Mali's border with Algeria.
Ag Mohamed is the number-three leader of Ansar Dine and helped impose Sharia law on the city of Timbuktu.
Baba Akhmed is believed to be a member of the Movement for Unification and Jihad in West Africa, also known as MUJAO.
The two groups along with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (West) controlled the major towns of northern Mali for about nine months before being driven out by the French and Malian armies.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Monday that French warplanes were continuing bombing raids on supply routes and training centers in the remote desert of northeastern Mali. He told French radio that the objective is to make it impossible for the rebels to stay in northern Mali long-term.
Also Monday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with French President Francois Hollande in Paris and praised the French operation in Mali, calling it "decisive."
Biden also backed France's call for U.N. peacekeepers to be deployed to Mali
President Hollande is pushing for African forces to take over for French troops that have been battling the militants for the past three weeks.
Mr. Hollande made a one-day visit to Mali on Saturday, making brief stops in Sevare, Timbuktu and the capital, Bamako.
He told a cheering crowd in Bamako that French forces are fighting so people in Mali, a former French colony, can live in peace and have democracy.
Mali was plunged into crisis last year when soldiers overthrew the president, and the MNLA and Islamist groups to take control of the north. The Islamists then seized full control of the region and imposed strict Sharia law with measures that included a ban on music and forcing women to wear veils.
The groups also carried out public executions, floggings, and amputations for alleged criminals, drawing strong condemnation for human rights groups and the United Nations. VoA.
Iraqi authorities say a suicide bomber targeting government-backed forces has killed at least 19 people and wounded 40 others.
The attack occurred as soldiers and militiamen were collecting their salaries at an office in the town of Taji, north of Baghdad.
It comes a day after at least 15 people were killed and 150 others wounded in an attack on a police headquarters in the northern city of Kirkuk. Police say that attack was carried out by a suicide car bomber joined by gunmen disguised as officers.
Authorities said the blast Sunday damaged nearby buildings and shops, and some reports put the death toll at more than 30.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks. VoA.
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Go to War against the Nazis with SSG Smith of the 94th Infantry Division. Review: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/everymans-war-vet.html.html
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
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