Saturday, November 5
OPERATION STEEL CURTAIN UPDATE
| November 5, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Approximately 1,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers continue Operation Steel Curtain in Husaybah, near the Iraq-Syria border. The force is moving through the city to restore security along the border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq's terrorist network operating throughout the region. Husaybah is one of the main centers for transiting foreign fighters, equipment and money into Iraq. The Iraqi and U.S. forces have encountered sporadic resistance – mostly small arms fire and improvised explosive devices - from al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists throughout the city. Members of the Iraqi scout platoons, specially recruited soldiers from the al Qaim region, are embedded with U.S. and Iraqi infantry companies and are helping to identify terrorist strong points and areas known to contain these homemade bombs. A combination of six bombs and mines has been discovered so far. Additionally, a suspected suicide car bomb was destroyed this morning by a Coalition air strike. A total of nine Coalition air strikes have been conducted on enemy strong points throughout the day. Only buildings occupied by terrorists firing on Marines and Iraqi Soldiers have been targeted. As with all coalition operations, strict measures are taken to prevent civilian casualties and unnecessary collateral damage to property. The number of terrorists killed in the strikes is unconfirmed at this time. Iraqi Soldiers established a temporary lodging area in a vacant housing district in Husaybah to be used by residents who have been temporarily displaced by the operation. Iraqi and Coalition forces have accepted approximately 400 residents and are providing them with billeting, food and security. There are no reports of Iraqi Soldier, civilian or U.S. military fatalities. The offensive is part of Operation Sayaid (Hunter), designed to deny al Qaeda in Iraq the ability to operate in the Euphrates River Valley and to establish a permanent security presence along the Syrian border. By eliminating terrorist influence in and around Husaybah, Coalition and Iraqi security forces are providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people in that region to vote in the Dec. 15 national elections. Weblog LINK |
OLD SCUZBALL DIES AT CAMP BUCCA
| November 5, 2005 CAMP BUCCA, Iraq – A 65-year-old male security detainee died Nov. 5 of natural causes at Camp Bucca. The detainee complained of chest pains and was immediately transported to the Camp Bucca field hospital by the medics. The detainee went into cardiac arrest while in the intensive care unit and died after all life-saving efforts failed to resuscitate him. He was pronounced dead at 2:05 p.m. by an attending physician. The remains will be transferred to the family upon completion of an autopsy, in accordance with standard procedure. Weblog LINK |
AFGHAN LAWYERS TEST TO BECOME MILITARY JUDGES
| November 5, 2005 KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan National Army’s long-awaited military justice system came closer to completion recently when 47 Afghan lawyers took a test to fill 20 military judge positions. Those selected will serve as judges for five basic military courts and one court of appeals at the Ministry of Defense. This is another step along the path to Afghanistan ’s quest for good governance, said Navy Cmdr. Errol Henriques, lead mentor for ANA Brig. Gen. Shir Mohammad Zazai, the ANA General Staff’s legal department director. It shows openly what the selection criteria and qualifications are for military judges and removes doubt over why one judge might get appointed while another might not. The testing process confirms these lawyers meet the standards required of a military judge. The ministry also expects to be able to appoint prosecutors and defenders for the court system from among these applicants, Henriques explained. “The test is important to show how the ministry sets standards and maintains them consistently,” Henriques said. Consistency lends credibility, crucial components of a visible system acceptable to the new National Assembly. Zazai officiated the testing process. He told the applicants, “Your work will help build discipline in the Afghan National Army by making fairness and justice our highest priority.” Though it applies to members of the ANA, the military justice system must operate within the framework of national law as established by Afghanistan ’s constitution. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is a sovereign state with the authority to regulate its citizens’ activities, and this system, explained Henriques, “takes into account the provisions of Islamic law and tradition seen as guiding principles in Afghan society.” Putting all the information together to develop a solid, legal foundation for the ANA also lets Afghanistan ’s senior leaders examine what is right with how the nation’s government has taken shape so far, Zazai said. Several more steps remain to be taken before the military justice system is completely in place. “We still need to train the military judges, prosecutors and defenders,” Henriques said. “We want to make sure we do this right the first time through.” ANA Maj. Gen. Zaher Azimi, assistant minister of defense for Parliamentary Affairs, Social Relations and Public Affairs, said, “You could compare it to any other complex military operation. Everything we do must be planned carefully, considering the impact on society as well as on our army. “It is not about punishment, as much as it is about having standards everyone understands, and making sure those standards come from the history and culture of Afghanistan .” Weblog LINK |
U.S./IRAQI GRUNTS LAUNCH OPERATION STEEL CURTAIN
| November 5, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Approximately 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers with Regimental Combat Team-2 and 1,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers began Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) in western Al Anbar Nov. 5. The objectives of Operation Steel Curtain are to restore security along the Iraqi-Syrian border and destroy the al Qaeda in Iraq's terror network operating throughout Husaybah. The operation follows on the heels of Operations Iron Fist and River Gate. During Operation Steel Curtain, elements of the 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division and specially trained scout platoons recruited from the Al Qaim region will take part in this operation. Since early summer, the combat capabilities of the Iraqi forces have grown in Al Anbar province. Iraqi security forces now include almost two full infantry divisions of Iraqi Army Soldiers. During the past six months, two division headquarters have formed in the province, four brigade headquarters and ten infantry battalions have deployed to the Al Anbar to join the fight against al Qaeda in Iraq led insurgency. Operation Steel Curtain marks the first large-scale employment of multiple battalion-sized units of Iraqi Army forces in combined operations with Coalition Forces in the last year in al Anbar Province. Terrorists have used the region’s porous borders to smuggle foreign fighters, money and equipment into Iraq to be used in their ongoing attacks against the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces. Terrorists continue to influence the local population of Husaybah through murder and intimidation and have vowed to prevent the citizens of western Al Anbar Province from participating in the democratic process. The offensive is part of Operation Sayaid (Hunter) designed to deny al Qaeda in Iraq the ability to operate in the Euphrates River Valley and to establish a joint permanent security presence along the Syrian border. By eliminating terrorist influence in and around Husaybah, Coalition and Iraqi security forces are providing a safe and secure environment to allow the Iraqi people in that region to vote in the upcoming Dec. 15 national elections. Weblog LINK |
5 SCUZBALLS NABBED, LOTS OF GUNS N' AMMO FOUND, BLOWN UP
| November 5, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers found several weapons caches during combat operations Nov. 3-4 in and around Baghdad. The stockpiles of weapons and munitions now taken out of terrorists’ hands include rockets, homemade bombs, mortars, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, grenades and ammunition. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division discovered the largest cache west of Baghdad shortly before noon on Nov. 3. The cache included 2,000 7.62-mm rounds, 15 RPG rounds, three 57-mm rockets (and a launcher), eight 80-mm rounds, two mortar base plates, a mortar sighting device and an 18-inch homemade bomb. Soldiers also discovered a second cache, which consisted of 33 81-mm rounds, 26 RPG rounds, 17 60-mm rounds, eight 57-mm rounds, three mortar base plates, two fragmentation grenades, two 120-mm rounds and about 300 7.62-mm rounds. An explosives ordnance disposal team destroyed both caches through controlled detonation procedures. In southeast Baghdad, Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team noticed five suspicious individuals near a banana factory around 7 p.m. Nov. 3. During a search Soldiers found 19 grenades, 11 AK-47 assault rifles, eight RPG rounds, five sticks of dynamite, four blasting caps, three pistols, two RPG launchers, two RPK machine guns, a sniper rifle, detonation cord and a mortar sight. The five terrorist suspects were detained for further questioning. An EOD team recovered the cache. Northwest of Baghdad, a patrol from 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division discovered a cache of 10 200-pound bombs, 25 152-millimeter rounds, three 122-millimeter rounds and a 130-millimeter round. The munitions were destroyed in a controlled detonation by an EOD team. Around 7 a.m. Nov. 4 another 3rd Bde., 1st Armored Div. patrol found a cache in west Baghdad. This cache included 76 .50-caliber bullets, four rocket launchers, five mortar tubes and a sniper rifle. Weblog LINK |
Friday, November 4
FRENCHIES FINISH AIR MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN
| November 4, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA – After three months of flying support and combat sorties, the French Air Force successfully fulfills its mission here Friday. The French Air Force flew Operation Enduring Freedom close air support, armed reconnaissance and convoy escort missions in support of the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan Sept. 18. “We were here to show the Coalition forces that France is willing to support [the flying mission],” said Lt. Col. Marc Bezombes, French liaison officer at the Combined Air Operations Center, Southwest Asia. The French Air Force also flew missions in support of the International Security Assistance Force, a United Nations-mandated operation established to assist the government of Afghanistan. The primary role of ISAF is to assist the government of Afghanistan in providing a safe and secure environment within Kabul and its surrounding areas, which will assist in the reconstruction of a new Afghanistan according to Global Security. The French consider their time over the skies of Afghanistan a major success. “Our mission here was well accomplished,” Lt. Col. Bezombes said. During their time in Southwest Asia, the French Air Force flew more than 400 sorties, logging nearly 2,000 flying hours. These included about 720 hours flying the M-2000 Mirage, 550 hours in the F-1 Mirage and 680 C-135 SR tanker hours. “This was a wonderful experience,” Lt. Col. Bezombes said. “This has fortified the links between the French and U.S. Air Forces. The French Air Force also enhanced the Coalition combat capability by performing six successful air strikes using laser-guided bombs against anti-Coalition militia. Though the French Air Force mission is complete, the air crews will not soon forget their time in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. “We were very proud to fly in this coalition and we thank the American and Coalition staff for their welcome, help and kindness,” said Capt. Michael Gente, French Liaison Officer of F-1 Operations at the CAOC. There are currently no plans for further ISAF or OEF participation this year for the French Air Force, according to Lt. Col. Bezombes. “It was interesting to meet people from all the different countries,” said Adjutant Christophe Breton, chief of French communications at the CAOC. “When the mission was clear, it was easy to make a good judgment call. We are all here for the same reason – peace.” Weblog LINK |
U.S. COPTER RELIEF FLIGHTS TOP 1000 IN PAKISTAN
| November 4, 2005 Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – U.S. military helicopter crews delivering relief aid to earthquake survivors in Pakistan’s remote mountain ranges have flown more than 1000 trips since beginning flight operations here Oct 11. When helicopter flight operations ended for the day on Nov. 3, U.S. military pilots had flown 1,056 missions into Pakistan’s Kashmir and Northwest Frontier Provinces, a rugged mountainous region. There are 24 U.S. military helicopters supporting Pakistani-led relief efforts. The U.S. Army has 17 CH-47 Chinooks and three UH-60 Blackhawks providing aid, while the U.S. Navy has two MH-53 Sea Stallions and two MH-60 Knighthawks. More than 3,200 injured Pakistanis have been evacuated to medical facilities aboard U.S. military helicopters in the past 25 days. In addition, the amount of relief supplies delivered by U.S. military helicopters totaled more than 4 million pounds. Weblog LINK |
5 MID LEVEL SCUZBALLS KILLED IN HUSAYBAH AIR STRIKE IDENTIFIED
| November 4, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces identified five al-Qaida leaders killed by an air strike in Husaybah Oct. 29. Coalition Forces conducted a series of raids on suspected terrorist and foreign fighter safe houses to capture or kill terrorists operating in the town of Husaybah. During the raids, Coalition forces destroyed three safe houses with air strikes using precision guided munitions. One of the safe houses destroyed was the location of an apparent meeting between al Qaida in Iraq (AQIZ) terrorist leaders from the Husaybah and Al Qaim areas. Coalition Forces now confirm the deaths of five key al Qaida in Iraq (AQIZ) terrorist leaders who were killed in that meeting. They are: § Abu Asil, a North African terrorist, was the senior AQIZ foreign fighter facilitator in the Al Qaim region and an associate of Zarqawi. His influence stretched across Al Anbar province and he was relied upon to provide foreign fighters and suicide bombers to AQIZ terrorist cells in the region. Asil had contacts throughout the Middle East who were involved in the recruiting, transportation, training and smuggling of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Iraq. § Abu Raghad, a senior AQIZ foreign fighter terrorist cell leader who operated in the Husaybah area. He was responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing attacks against coalition forces. Those attacks include the emplacement of IEDs and mines and the facilitation, production and use of VBIEDs. § Abu Talha, an AQIZ terrorist cell leader in the Ubaydi area. Talha directed, planned, coordinated and executed terrorist attacks in and around Ubaydi. Specifically, Talha’s cell was responsible for the production, and emplacement, and implementation of IED and VBIED attacks in the area. § Abu Usama and Abu Salman, AQIZ terrorist cell leaders in the Husaybah area who were active in carrying out local terrorist attacks. Besides planning and conducting terrorist attacks, they procured weapons such as rockets, anti-aircraft missiles and mines for use against coalition forces. The weapons then would be distributed to their terrorist cells to be used in attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. To provide information on terrorists, foreign fighters, and former regime members by calling the nationwide tips hotline at 130 (within Baghdad) and 01-130 (outside of Baghdad). Weblog LINK |
GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN, SCUZBALLS KILLED NEAR RAMADI
| November 3, 2005 RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi Army troops and Coalition engage terrorists and seized a cache during firefight Nov. 2 northeast of Ramadi. Troops from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition forces engaged a group of 15 terrorists armed with AK-47s and RPG launchers when their patrol was attacked. Troops killed several terrorists during the engagement. A vehicle loaded with a cache of ordnance was discovered in the vicinity of the initial attack. An inventory produced one machine gun, two automatic rifles, two RPG launchers, over 1,200 rounds of various small arms ammunition, 10 propellant sticks, two license plates, three Iraqi Army uniforms and some documents. The contraband was turned over to authorities for further processing. No injuries to Iraqi or Coalition troops were reported. Weblog LINK |
SURPRISE! CAR BOMB BLOWS UP EARLY, KILLS SCUZBALLS
| November 3, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad dispatched elements to the scene where two terrorists attempting to build a car bomb were killed when the device prematurely detonated in central Baghdad Nov. 2. Elements dispatched included an explosives ordnance disposal team and a patrol from 6th Squadron, 8th Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. The explosion also killed an Iraqi civilian and set a nearby house on fire. Iraqi firefighters responded to douse the flames. The EOD team determined the terrorists had been building the vehicle-carried improvised explosive device using a 122 mm projectile, ball bearings and about 80 pounds of homemade explosives. During a sweep of the house, the 6-8 Cav. Soldiers found another 122 mm projectile, five hand grenades, three A-47 assault rifles, an RPK machine gun and AK-47 magazines. Weblog LINK |
U.S. AIR FORCE PAKISTAN RELIEF UPDATE
| November 3, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — The U.S. Air Force continued to support Pakistan-led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting much-needed supplies into the devastated region Wednesday. One U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and one contracted B-747 flew in more than 133,000 pounds of aircraft parts, turbine engines, tents and other materials in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted more than six million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan. Our Airmen remain ready, capable and on call to support the people of Pakistan and simultaneously to sustain ongoing combat operations anywhere in the world. Weblog LINK |
9 SCUZBALLS DETAINED AFTER ATTACKING IRAQI PATROL
| November 3, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – An Iraqi security forces patrol came under small arms fire Nov. 1 after an improvised explosive device exploded in Baqubah. 4th Iraqi Army Soldiers prepared to cross a narrow bridge when a nearby IED exploded. Terrorists then attacked the patrol with small arms fire. The terrorists fled the area after a Coalition Forces air support team was called in to assist the patrol. IA Soldiers were then able to cordon the area and search the village, taking nine insurgents into custody. Seven IA Soldiers were wounded during the intense and complex engagement. Weblog LINK |
1 SCUZBALL FIRES AT PLANE, GETS HIMSELF AND 2 BUDDIES NABBED
| November 2, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Three terrorists were detained after one attacked an aircraft from a 2-17th Cavalry Squadron air weapons team. The aircraft spotted the three terrorists and observed them run into a wood line in Ad Duluiyah. The team took up defensive positions observing the wood line, looking for the insurgents. The three terrorists came out of the woods and one started firing at the aircraft with an AK-47 before fleeing into a nearby house. The aircraft continued surveillance to assure the anti-Iraqi forces remained in the house while awaiting assistance from a ground forces from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The ground troops cordoned off the area and detained the terrorists after one surrendered. The AK-47 was confiscated along with approximately 90 rounds of ammunition and $300 in U.S. currency. The three detainees are being questioned by Coalition Forces. No Soldiers were injured in the incident. Weblog LINK |
MOSUL: 11 SCUZBALLS HELD FOR INVESTIGATION
| November 2, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army troops and Coalition forces detained eleven suspected insurgents, here, during cordon and search operations Nov. 1. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division and Coalition troops conducted the searches with the intent to capture the members of a terrorist cell operating out of a local neighborhood. The cell was believed responsible for terrorizing several neighborhoods with kidnappings and murders as well as a rash of roadside bombings and shooting attacks on Coalition forces. Troops performed coordinated searches of several suspected hideouts and concluded the operation with a total of 11 detainees. The suspects are being held in custody pending further investigation by authorities. No injuries or damages were reported. Weblog LINK |
WE TOLD YOU ABOUT ESCAPE BACK IN JUNE. NOW YOU'RE REPORTING IT?..... DUMASSES!
| November 2, 2005 KABUL , Afghanistan – Recent Associated Press reports cite one of “Usama bin Laden’s top lieutenants“ escaped from the detention facility at Bagram Airfield. These reports may lead their audience to believe the escape happened recently. The escape occurred July 10 and the information was released by Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan July 10. “This information is being aired at the court-martial trial of Army Sgt. Alan J. Driver who is charged with counts of maltreatment of detainees under his charge,” said Army Col. Jim Yonts, CFC-A public affairs officer. “The reporting in these articles gives the audience the illusion that the escape and subsequent increased security precautions just happened. Security procedures were bolstered immediately after the escape.” The search for the four escaped detainees continues with the cooperation and support from the Government of Afghanistan.” Weblog LINK |
AFGHANISTAN: GUNS N' AMMO FOUND, BLOWN UP
| November 2, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers and paratroopers with 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne) discovered a cache in southern Ghazni Nov. 1. The cache consisted of weapons, ammunition, mines and documents. “This find is significant because the removal of this cache denies the enemy the capability to attack the Government of Afghanistan and kill innocent Afghan civilians,” said Col. Patrick Donahue, commander, Regional Command East. The cache held a heavy machine gun, light machine guns, assault rifles, recoilless rifles, mortar systems with mortar rounds, thousands of rounds of small-arms and light-machine gun ammunition, 135 rocket-propelled grenades, two crates of fragmentation grenades and IED making materials. The items were secured by the unit and taken to a nearby Forward Operating Base where they were destroyed. Elsewhere in Afghanistan , two other caches were turned in to Coalition forces by the ANP in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces Nov 1 and Oct. 31. Together, the caches consisted of approximately 85 rockets or rocket components, 18 mortar rounds, small-arms ammunition and artillery rounds. The cache discovered Oct. 31 was destroyed in place by an explosive ordinance disposal team, and the other cache will be destroyed at a later date. “The turn-in of these caches is a clear indication that the Afghan people are tired of war and do not support the enemy’s efforts to stymie the progress being made by the GoA ,” Donahue said. Weblog LINK |
LIBERTY ROTATES OUT, BAND OF BROTHERS TAKES OVER
| November 2, 2005 TIKRIT, Iraq – Task Force Band of Brothers and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) officially took command of north central Iraq in a ceremony held at Forward Operating Base Danger Nov. 1. The ceremony marked the transfer of authority from Task Force Liberty and the 42nd Infantry Division, a National Guard unit from New York that has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a year, to TF Band of Brothers. TF Band of Brothers is composed of two brigade combat teams and a combat aviation brigade of the 101st Abn. Div. from Fort Campbell, Ky., and two brigade combat teams of the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga. The 101st will continue the work Task Force Liberty began in the region by continuing to train the Iraqi Army and Iraqi security forces and assisting them as they protect their country from terrorist elements and insurgents. TF Band of Brothers is dedicated to preserving the evolving, democratically elected government of Iraq, and ensuring the safety of its people. Weblog LINK |
AIR FORCE PAKISTAN RELIEF SUMMARY
| November 2, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — The U.S. Air Force continued to support Pakistan-led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting much-needed supplies into the devastated region Tuesday. One contracted B-747 flew in more than 180,000 pounds of blankets, stoves, tents and other materials in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted nearly six million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan. Our Airmen in vital support roles continue to assist with humanitarian efforts in Pakistan as long as required. Pakistan has shown solidarity and unwavering partnership in the Global War on Terror, and the United States stands ready to answer in the nation’s time of need. Weblog LINK |
HUSAYBAH SCUZBALLS KILLED, HIDEYHOLES BLOWN UP
| November 2, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A series of Coalition air strikes Nov. 2nd in and around Husaybah destroyed several safe houses, killed at least one terror leader and caught an IED cell in the act of emplacing roadside bombs. Coalition Air Forces, acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens, conducted air strikes against three al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist safe houses in Husaybah. Targeted at the safe houses were a senior al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitator, a terror cell leader and an IED terrorist cell that were linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighters in the Husaybah, Karabilah, and al Qaim region. Sources report that Abu Asim was killed at one of the safe houses when it was attacked. Asim was a senior al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitator who was recently brought in to replace another facilitator thought to have been killed by Coalition Forces. Sources report that Asim had contacts across the border in Syria, who would arrange the smuggling of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into the Husaybah and al Qaim region. Another safe house, also destroyed by close-air-support assets, housed a senior Husaybah al Qaeda member as well as a number of other terrorists who operated from there. The senior terrorist was an assistant and close associate of the current al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Husaybah and helped the Emir in running daily activities and communicating with terrorist cells. During the strike against the known safe houses close-air-support assets discovered and attacked an IED cell while it was finalizing the emplacement of roadside bombs along a main route. They then attacked and destroyed a nearby safe house that the terrorists were using to support IED operations. An unknown number or terrorists were killed in the engagement. Sources indicated that, following the air strikes, surviving terrorists from neighboring houses retrieved the bodies of six terrorists killed during the attack. They moved them into a nearby school in an apparent attempt to hide their losses. During the attacks, Coalition air assets received ineffective small-arms fire from terrorists operating from the safe houses and nearby locations. The use of precision guided munitions, and direct fire weapons systems to destroy the terrorist safe houses and the timing of the strikes mitigated the risk to civilians in the local area. Weblog LINK |
YEMINI SCUZBALLS DETAINED IN ZAFARANIYA
| November 2, 2005 ZAFARANIYA, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers raided the homes of two suspected Al Qaeda conspirators and took the men into custody in south Baghdad Nov. 1. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team detained the two suspected members of a Yemeni branch of Al Qaeda who were on a reconnaissance assignment in Baghdad. Both were in possession of Yemeni passports. “They admitted to being from Yemen,” said Capt. Matthew Wheeler, 1st Bn., 9th FA intelligence officer. “There’s a lot of circumstantial evidence against the detainees, and that will solidify as we examine the evidence more closely…The capture of these two guys is another solid step forward against Al Qaeda in Iraq.” After the detainees were transported to a military internment facility, Soldiers and Iraqi Public Order Brigade troops searched several large fields nearby. ”It’s possible insurgents use the field as a staging area for (car bomb) attacks, so we just wanted to check it out,” Wheeler said. “The POB added a lot of combat power to the search force, and it was good training for them.” Weblog LINK |
12 SCUZBALLS NABBED AFTER ATTACK
| November 2, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers detained a dozen terror suspects after a bomb attack against Coalition Forces in the early-morning hours of Nov. 1 in the Rusafa district in east Baghdad. Task Force Baghdad’s 720th Military Police Battalion, joined by 2nd Iraqi Army Battalion, conducted an early morning raid, capturing 12 suspected terrorists and numerous small arms. At 12:50 a.m., the 720th MPs came under a roadside bomb and small-arms attack. No casualties or damage to equipment occurred. Following the attack, the unit linked up with the Iraqi Soldiers and conducted a hasty cordon and search of a nearby cement factory. After three hours of searching, the joint Coalition and Iraqi Army mission yielded, in addition to the terrorists, more than 65 AK-47 rifles, 120 AK-47 magazines, three PKC machine guns and three PKC ammunition drums. “What could’ve been an unfortunate, negative situation turned out positive,” said Lt. Col. Edward Chesney, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division deputy commander. “Both U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers’ vigilance is directly responsible for the success of this mission.” Weblog LINK |
Thursday, November 3
CRATER ANALYSIS TEAM DETERMINES SOURCE OF ROCKET ATTACK
| November 2, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers investigating a rocket attack in east Baghdad Oct. 31 that killed one Iraqi and wounded three others, arrived at the suspected scene to determine from where the rocket may have been launched. Local Iraqi Police evacuated the wounded and secured the site as Iraqi firefighters doused fires caused by the explosions. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers investigated the scene and questioned local residents at the suspected launch site of the rockets. “The Iraqi Police responded very quickly to this terrorist attack,” said Lt. Col. Edward Chesney, deputy commanding officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “It is impossible to know who the terrorists were targeting in this attack but in the end it does not matter – they murdered and maimed innocent civilians.” A crater analysis team from 2nd BCT went to the site the next morning to verify the type of munitions the terrorists used in the attack. The crater analysis team often deploys to the site of indirect fire attacks to verify what the fire direction computers tell the unit about the enemy fire. “I am 100 percent confident that the rocket was 127-millimeter, due to the range it was fired from and the acquired acquisition,” said Chief Warrant Officer Chad Barrett, a radar technician and targeting specialist with 2nd BCT. The crater analysis team uses well-proven devices and techniques to get their data. “We use parachute cord to measure the intersection of the point of impact in the crater, a compass to discover the direction of where the round was fired and a Global Positioning System for confirmation,” said Sgt. Kenneth Sutton, a fire support NCO. Shrapnel discovered at the site will also provide information on what type of munitions were used, he said. Weblog LINK |
GRUNT WHO FRAGGED 2 OFFICERS TO BE COURT-MARTIALED
| November 1, 2005 CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – The Article 32 investigating officer recommended that the case of United States versus U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alberto B. Martinez be referred to a general court-martial Nov. 1 at Camp Airifjan, Kuwait. Martinez, formerly of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard, is charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the deaths of his company commander, Capt. Phillip T. Esposito of Suffern, N.Y., and Milford, Penn., and 1st Lt. Louis E. Allen, the former operations officer for HHC, 42nd Inf. Div. Martinez is accused of planning and conducting a June 7 attack at Forward Operating Base Danger in Tikrit, Iraq, which resulted in the subsequent deaths of the two officers. The investigating officer presiding at the hearing, Col. Patrick J. Reinert, ruled that reasonable grounds existed to recommend the Martinez case be referred to a general court-martial. In addition, he found reasonable grounds to believe four aggravating factors existed in the case that warranted consideration by the General Court-Martial Convening Authority to refer the case Capital. The four aggravating factors outlined by the investigation officer are: 1. The offense was committed in such a way or under circumstances that one or more persons, other than the victim were unlawfully and substantially endangered 2. The offense was committed in a time of war 3. The accused knew that the victims were in execution of their offices as commissioned officers and 4. The accused could be found guilty in the same case of another violation of Article 118 (Murder); multiple murders occurred in the same incident. The investigating officer also ruled that evidence existed to charge Martinez with the additional crime of violation of Article 121 (Larceny), for removing grenades and using them in a personal vendetta, therefore depriving the government the use of the property during lawful combat operations in Iraq. Additionally, Reinert ruled that reasonable evidence existed to charge Martinez with violation of Article 134 (General Article). Specifically, prejudice of good order and discipline in the Armed Forces; conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the Armed Forces; and use of weapons of mass destruction (hand grenade/claymore mine) against a U.S. national abroad. These recommendations and conclusions will be delivered to the Special Court Martial Convening Authority for his action, said Maj. Matthew P. Ruzicka, chief of military justice, Multi-National Corp-Iraq, Camp Victory, Iraq. “The Special Court-Martial Convening Authority has several potential options after receiving the investigating officer’s conclusions and recommendations,” Ruzicka said. “The potential options for the [SCMCA] include dismissing the charge or either of the specifications, referring either or both of the specifications to a special court-martial, or forwarding the charge and two specifications to the General Courts-Martial Convening Authority with a recommendation,” Ruzicka said. If the SCMCA decides to recommend a general court-martial, he would forward that recommendation to the MNC-I Commanding General, Lt. Gen. John R. Vines. Vines will make final decision which could be a capital or non-capital referral in the case of a general court-martial, Ruzicka said. If Martinez is found guilty “of a violation of article 118(1) of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, the mandatory sentence is life in prison with eligibility of parole. He could also receive a sentence of death,” Ruzicka said. All told, the defense and prosecution called a total of nine witnesses during the proceedings. The witnesses ranged from a U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division detective who investigated the scene of the attack, to a U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician who made determinations on the type of explosives used in the attack at the “Water Palace” that took Esposito’s and Allen’s lives. Various Soldiers from the 42nd Inf. Div. were also called to the stand. “He was a good officer and a good Soldier,” said Staff Sergeant Ashvin Thimmaiah of the fallen Esposito. “He followed the standards, and enforced them to the letter.” Thimmaiah, the readiness noncommissioned officer for HHC, 42 Inf. Div., played the board game “Risk” on a regular basis with both Esposito and Allen, and he also had a working relationship with Martinez. Members of the audience included the widows of the fallen Soldiers along with the spouse of the accused. The Article 32 Investigation adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Weblog LINK |
UNGRATEFUL PAKISTANI SCUZBALLS FIRE AT RELIEF COPTER
| November 1, 2005 Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – A United States Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter flying in the vicinity of Chakothi delivering relief aid to earthquake victims, is believed to have been fired upon by a Rocket Propelled Grenade today around 1:45 p.m. The aircraft was not hit and returned safely with its crew without further incident to Chaklala Air Base around 2:30 p.m. The incident is under investigation. Weblog LINK |
SCUZBALLS NABBED AFTER POTSHOTTING GRUNTS, NOBODY HURT
| November 1, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained four terrorists during combat operations in western Abu Ghraib Oct. 31. The Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry had set up a tactical control point when a vehicle approached and opened fire on the 1/11th Soldiers. The U.S. Soldiers returned fire and engaged the terrorists, detaining three and wounding one, who was immediately transported to the Abu Ghraib Internment Hospital for treatment. All four are currently in custody. The terrorists were armed with small arms and ammunition. The Soldiers also discovered electrical equipment, tape, wires, and tools in the vehicle. There were no injuries or damages to U.S. forces or equipment. Weblog LINK |
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500 SCUZBALLS SPRUNG FROM ABU GHRAIB, TOLD TO BE GOOD
| November 1, 2005 ABU GHRAIB, Iraq — In the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, a day of rejoicing that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Iraqi Government requested a special release board and worked with Multi-National Force-Iraq to expedite the release of approximately 500 security detainees from Abu Ghraib Nov. 1. These detainees were selected for release following a careful and thorough review of their files by a special Iraqi-led review board which determined they had not committed serious crimes against Iraqi Forces, the citizens of Iraq or Coalition Forces. Deputy Prime Minister Abed Motlaq Al-Jabouri, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abdul Hussein Shandel and the Minister of Human Rights, Ms. Narmin Othman, were present for the release to emphasize the importance of being a good Iraqi citizen and provide support to the Iraqi government. The special review board carefully reviewed detainee files and voted to release those not guilty of serious, violent crimes such as bombing, torture, kidnapping or murder. These detainees have confessed to their crimes, renounced violence and pledged to be good citizens of Iraq. This release is an acknowledgment by the Iraqi government and MNF-I of the importance of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the day of joy and thanksgiving. The Iraqi government and MNF-I decided to release the detainees to allow them to be with families and loved ones on this day to help in the process of building a new Iraq. This release marks another milestone achieved in the Iraqis’ progress toward democratic governance and the rule of law. Weblog LINK |
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USS PEARL HARBOR DELIVERS MORE AID TO PAKISTANIS
| November 1, 2005 KARACHI, Pakistan— The amphibious landing ship dock USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) offloaded 16 pieces of heavy machinery Oct. 29 to contribute to the Pakistani led relief effort for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the region. Pearl Harbor’s cargo included tractors, heavy trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment requested by the government of Pakistan to assist with improving road access to the affected areas in the northern part of the country. Landslides, which resulted from the quake, have wiped out roads, making entire communities accessible only by helicopter or foot. The offloading of the heavy equipment was Pearl Harbor’s third delivery to Karachi in 11 days; on October 18 the ship delivered 13 pieces of heavy machinery and on October 24 the ship returned to deliver 140 tons of food, water, milk and blankets. Pearl Harbor and her sister ship, USS Cleveland (LPD-7) have delivered 66 pieces of heavy machinery, as well as more than 160 tons of relief supplies. The ships’ presence in the Arabian Gulf conducting maritime security operations allowed them to respond quickly, said Rear Adm. Michael A. LeFever, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group One. “These ships were ideal for this mission,” LeFever said from the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) in Islamabad. “We were in the right place at the right time, and these amphibious ships provide a heavy lift capability that came in handy. But maybe the biggest assets are the crews of these two ships. Everyone was eager to help the Pakistani people, and they proved it with the speed and efficiency in which these deliveries were made.” ESG-1’s ships remain ready to continue to assist the Pakistani government should further assistance be requested. Weblog LINK |
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2 SCUZBALLS KILLED, 3 WOUNDED, 10 NABBED, SEVERAL PILES OF GUNS N' AMMO TAKEN IN NORTHERN IRAQ
| November 1, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq –Task Force Freedom operations in northern Iraq netted 11 terror suspects and confiscated weapons and ammunition Oct. 28-31. Soldiers from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists and wounded another after being engaged with rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire hospital in northern Iraq Oct. 31. Soldiers evacuated the bodies to a local hospital. The unit searched the vehicle, discovering AK-47’s, a machine gun, hand grenades, and ammunition. Soldiers from 503rd Military Police seized a cache consisting of rolls of detonation cord, rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds, a mortar tube, an improvised rocket launching tube, and 3,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition in eastern Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment seized a cache consisting of weapons and magazines, 200-7.62 linked rounds of ammunition, and 300 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition in Tuaim. In eastern Mosul Oct. 30, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment detained four terror suspects during a raid. Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained an individual identified as wanted in connection with the death of an Iraqi Policeman. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained three more individuals identified for involvement in improvised explosive device activity and detained another individual suspected of terrorist activity during separate cordons and searches in Tal Afar and Tal Hajar. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search in Tal Afar. Task Force Freedom Soldiers engaged and wounded two terrorists attempting to flee during a vehicle pursuit in central Mosul Oct. 29. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment seized weapons, scopes, and loaded magazines during a search in western Mosul Oct. 28. Weapons caches were confiscated for future destruction. Weblog LINK |
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12 SCUZBALLS NABBED BY BAGHDAD PATROLS, BOMB ATTACKS THWARTED
| November 1, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – During combat operations in and around Baghdad Oct. 27-31, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continued to aggressively engage terrorists plotting attacks against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi security and Coalition forces. Soldiers on patrol disrupted several potential attacks, finding and destroying improvised explosive devices before they could be detonated by terrorists. On Oct. 29, Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team reported finding two vehicle bombs in south Baghdad. The first truck contained four 122-millimeter rounds and the second vehicle contained three 130-millimeter rounds and two 122-millimeter rounds. An explosives ordnance disposal team was summoned to the scene to disable the explosive charges. Three suspects were detained for further questioning about the bombs. In an Oct. 28 incident, another Task Force Baghdad patrol south of Baghdad spotted three suspicious individuals crouched by the side of the road next to what appeared to be a pile of dirt. When the U.S. Soldiers approached, the three terrorists jumped into a truck and tried to get away. They were quickly stopped by the Soldiers who searched the vehicle and found detonation cord. The individuals were detained and told the Soldiers they had nothing to do with the “pile of rocks” on the side of the road. When the Soldiers approached the dirt mound, they saw a 155-millimeter round sticking out. To protect Iraqi citizens in the area, they cordoned off the area. An explosive ordnance disposal team later destroyed the bomb. Immediately after a patrol from 3rd Bn., 7th Inf. Reg. struck an IED in south Baghdad Oct. 27, they detained three individuals who were seen running into a nearby house. When the Soldiers searched the premises, they found bomb-making materials. No U.S. Soldiers were injured in the IED attack. In other combat operations: Two were detained Oct. 30 by a U.S. patrol north of Baghdad after they were found with bomb-making material, including a blasting cap and two mortar rounds. Soldiers from 3-7 Inf. detained three terror suspects during a cordon and search in western Al Rasheed Oct. 31. In a separate operation, Iraqi elements from the Wolf Brigade captured 15 suspected terrorists in Al Dora during the early-morning hours of Oct. 31. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment discovered two roadside bombs during route clearance operations Oct. 30. An EOD team disarmed the bombs and determined the devices were made from four 125-millimeter artillery rounds and two anti-tank mines. Weblog LINK |
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GRUNTS BRING PVC PIPE, IRAQI CITIZENS DO THE REST
| November 1, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Baghdad Soldiers delivered more than 600 feet of PVC pipe to an Abu Ghraib neighborhood Oct. 30. Thanks to the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 71st Cavalry, citizens of this neighborhood can now use the PVC pipe to replace the rusted and leaking steel pipe in their current dilapidated water supply system. “They will do the work themselves instead of waiting for the contracting process,” said 1st Lt. James Burnett, of 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry civil affairs officer. The pipe will service about 50 citizens. Weblog LINK |
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GRUNTS BLOW UP BIG PILE OF BOMB-MAKING AMMO
| November 1, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- More than 2,400 rounds of unexploded ordnance were discovered and destroyed in a 12-day operation in rural east Baghdad. Soldiers from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, and up to 45 Iraqi contractors were involved in the operation Oct. 9 through 23 to deny terrorists the use of bomb-making material. A scrap-metal junkyard was cleared of unexploded ordnance, which included 1,135 mortar rounds, 632 artillery rounds, 195 rockets, 22 mines and six bombs. “The operation takes possible improvised explosive devices off the streets,” said Sgt. Frank Neal, the small-arms master gunner for the troop. Neal said the operation to destroy the ordnance was completed with a focus on safety and that none of the Soldiers or Iraqi contractors who helped collect the munitions suffered any injuries during the controlled detonations. Weblog LINK |
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PROGRESS: IRAQI VENDORS BEGIN RECIEVING DINARS INSTEAD OF DOLLARS
| November 1, 2005 CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Iraqi contractors supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom are now counting dinar instead of dollars on payday. Another milestone in the country’s economic development was reached Oct. 14 when a 3rd Infantry Division finance office issued the first payment in Iraqi currency while in theater. Local vendors and contractors were previously paid in U.S. dollars. This is the first time in all the rotations of Operation Iraqi Freedom that a dinar check payment has been issued to local vendors and contractors within the Baghdad area of operations. This is a huge step according to Maj. Richard Santiago, commander of 3rd Finance Company, 3rd Soldier Support Battalion, Division Support Brigade, who said paying locals in dinar benefits both the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces. “This is truly a win-win situation for all,” Santiago said. “Issuing dinar check payments improves the economic and financial stability of Iraq by promoting the Iraqi banks while using their local currency. It also decreases the cash requirements our finance offices need in order to meet mission requirements, as we are now able to pay the local vendors and contractors with a check instead of cash.” Implementing the dinar payment took a lot of coordination between several agencies. The 18th Soldier Support Group, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the Office of the Assistance Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller), the U.S. Treasury Department and the 3rd Finance Co. were all involved. Weblog LINK |
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Monday, October 31
FIXER FOR OUTSIDE JIHADIS KILLED ALONG WITH 3 LESSER SCUZBALLS
| October 31, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – A Saudi-born member of al Qaeda involved in smuggling foreign fighters into Iraq was killed Oct. 29 as he attempted to flee Coalition Forces. Multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens led Coalition Forces to a location near Ubaydi where a senior Saudi al Qaeda foreign fighter facilitator known as Sa’ud (aka Abu Sa’ud) would be located. Upon arrival at the location, Coalition Forces attempted to secure the vehicle containing Sa’ud and other terrorists when the driver tried to escape. Coalition Forces shot at the vehicle, killing Abu Sa’ud and three unknown terrorists. Abu Sa’ud, a Saudi extremist, was a senior al Qaeda terrorist who funneled foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Iraq. Intelligence sources believe that Sa’ud recently arrived from Saudi Arabia to shore up the leadership of al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter and terrorists cells whose previous leaders have been captured or killed in recent months. Coalition Forces were informed that an alleged meeting was being arranged in the coming days in which Sa’ud was to take control of foreign fighter facilitation in the al Qaim and Husaybah region. It was also believed that Sa’ud would take on a more active role in the planning and execution of operations against Coalition Forces. Weblog LINK |
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SCUZBALL KILLED TRYING TO PLANT BOMB
| October 31, 2005 BAGHDAD -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers stopped a terrorist Oct. 29 as he tried to emplace an improvised explosive device in an Abu Ghraib neighborhood. This individual is suspected to have emplaced and detonated other IEDs against Iraqi Army units in eastern Abu Ghraib. The terrorist was observed by Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as he rode up on a bicycle and emplaced what looked like a bag having suspicious wires coming out of it. The Soldiers, determining the suspicious bag was an IED, shot and killed the individual. The IED exploded moments after the terrorist was shot, but no damage or injuries were reported. After sweeping the area, the Soldiers found another IED on the terrorist’s bicycle. An explosives disposal team later destroyed the bomb through a controlled detonation. Weblog LINK |
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MEDIA REPORTS THAT COPTERS WILL STOP FLYING IS BUNK BUT THE UN NEEDS TO GIVE MORE
| October 31, 2005 Islamabad, October 30, 2005 - The United States is aware of recent stories in the media suggesting that relief helicopters will soon stop flying if donations to the U.N. effort don’t increase. The US Embassy offers the following by way of clarification. • Relief operations are continuing on an accelerated basis, with increasing quantities of relief supplies being airlifted on a daily basis. • The day after the earthquake, four US-provided helicopters already in Pakistan mobilized to the affected areas. Two days after the earthquake, eight U.S. military helicopters arrived in Pakistan and begin immediately flying food, medicine, water and other relief supplies to the areas most severely damaged by the earthquake. • In the three weeks since then, U.S. Helicopters have flown nearly 800 sorties to quake stricken areas, and have delivered more than 2.8 million pounds of relief supplies. Additionally, they have evacuated nearly 3,000 people injured by the earthquake. • During this operation, we have increased and plan to further increase the number of U.S. Helicopters to respond to the requests and needs of the Pakistani Government and Military. Today, 21 U.S. military helicopters are involved in relief missions, flying dozens of sorties each day to relief centers and villages throughout the quake stricken area with more expected within coming days. • In addition, the US Government has contributed $3.5 million dollars to the UN-WFP airlift through UNHAS, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service. Of $5 million the US has contributed to ICRC, up to $2 million is also being used to support airlift capacity in Pakistan. • The U.S. has no plans to diminish its support of its ally Pakistan in its hour of need and hopes the international community can step up with great increased commitments to support the relief efforts. • We agree with the UN that the international community needs to greatly step up its level of support to Pakistan in order to provide humanitarian relief during what will be a protracted relief operation lasting months. We would urge all donors to do the same. Weblog LINK |
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U.S., IRAQI GRUNTS SWEEP UP 49 SCUZBALLS, GUNS N' AMMO
| October 31, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers, along with Iraqi Security Forces, conducted major combat assaults, dubbed Operation Clean Sweep, Oct. 28-29 in south Baghdad. The operation netted 49 terrorists and a large weapons cache. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment and Iraqi forces from the 4th Public Order Brigade swept through the eastern al-Rasheed district Oct. 29. The multi-pronged assault resulted in more than 350 target houses searched and the detention of 33 suspected terrorists. Bomb-making materials were also found at several of the target houses. In an earlier mission Oct. 28, 1-184 Inf. Soldiers detained 16 terror suspects and discovered a large weapons cache during a cordon and search. The cache was hidden in a second-story crawlspace underneath a bathtub and included 13 AK-47 assault rifles, three MPK machine guns, 20 AK-47 barrels, one pistol, U.S. currency and an ammunition stockpile. Weblog LINK |
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FLIGHT CREWS AIR DROP HUMANITARIAN AID INTO PAKISTAN
| October 30, 2005 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Two C-130 Hercules flight crews left from here Oct. 29 and air dropped an estimated 50,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake in Pakistan . Fourteen container delivery system bundles filled with food, water, shelter and supplies descended on people below in need of the items made available. “As far as the C-130 goes, you not only have a wartime mission, you have a peacetime mission, and that is was we did today,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mario Mendizabal, a loadmaster with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The Airmen flew into Afghanistan , loaded the aircraft and set out on their peacetime mission to deliver relief aid. They credit their mission success to the preparation, planning and coordination of many other individuals. “We definitely couldn’t have done it without all the support,” said Air Force Capt. Nate Dillon, a pilot for 774th EAS. “It all worked out with efficient planning.” From planning the route to reviewing training manuals, the crew worked hard to make sure the relief aid would reach its intended target. "The only thing that was going through my mind was sticking with the checklist because it covers everything; and that’s what I did; it covered it step by step,” Mendizabal said. Mendizabal and his fellow loadmaster, Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Atkinson, said the training the two received was a point of reference they had to build upon to perform the mission. “We’ve both done CDS bundles for training at home with one or two but never 14 all at a time,” Mendizabal said. “It’s kind of something new for us.” Most of the aircrew had never taken part in a humanitarian relief mission so the experience for them meant something special, they said. “It’s a very rewarding experience,” Dillon said, who flew the aircraft for the Oct. 29 mission. “I think I can speak for all of us by saying that.” The experience was good for the crew. “It’s something different and breaks up the monotony of what you’re used to doing,” he said. However, the change of mission did present its challenges, Dillon said. Releasing the cargo on an unfamiliar drop zone is a difficult thing to accomplish, he said, but just like his loadmasters, their training to their deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom proved to be a success for the Airmen. “We train for this at home in Alaska , and you see the same drop zone,” Dillon said. “When you go into an unfamiliar route, the terrain is a lot more significant; you have to time everything just right.” The front crew was cool, calm and collected for doing an airdrop on a drop zone they never saw and probably never will see again, Mendizabal said. Mendizabal said the confidence they gain from the success of their mission will help them face future missions and that this was just part of their job. “If it’s hurricane relief, earthquake relief or tsunami relief, what ever you got for us, we can handle it,” he said. Weblog LINK |
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U.S. SOLDIERS ALLEGEDLY PUNCH SCUZBALLS, NOBODY HURT
| October 30, 2005 KABUL , Afghanistan -- Charges have been filed against two U.S. Soldiers under military law for alleged assault against two individuals who were bbeing temporarily detained at a forward operating base detention site located in the Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan . The two Soldiers are accused of striking the detainees who were in their custody. The Soldiers allegedly punched the detainees on the chest, shoulders and stomach. The nature of the assault did not require medical attention for either of the detainees. “The command remains committed to investigate all allegations of misconduct and will hold individuals responsible for their actions consistent with US military law," said Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, Deputy Commanding General Combined Joint Task Force-76 (support). The charges include conspiracy to maltreat, assault, and dereliction of duty. The allegations, if substantiated, could lead to disciplinary action. Weblog LINK |
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PAKISTAN QUAKE RELIEF SUMMARY
| October 30, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA — The U.S. Air Force continued to support Pakistan-led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting much-needed supplies into the devastated region Saturday. A contracted AN-124 Condor and a contracted B-747 flew in more than 205,000 pounds of water, school supplies, vehicles, tents, blankets and other materials in response to requests from Pakistan’s government. To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted more than four million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan. Airmen remain ready to assist with humanitarian efforts in Pakistan as long as required. Pakistan has shown solidarity and unwavering partnership in the Global War on Terror, and U.S. air forces in the region stand ready to answer in the nation’s time of need. Weblog LINK |
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6 SCUZBALLS KILLED, 5 NABBED AS AMBUSH BACKFIRES
| October 30, 2005 TAJI, Iraq — Coalition Forces foiled an anti-Iraqi forces ambush around 9 p.m. Oct. 29 northwest of Baghdad. The coordinated combat operation against the terrorist forces involved U.S. Army ground and aviation forces and close-air support from a U.S. Air Force F-15E which dropped a 500-pound precision-guided bomb on the enemy position. The area was known for multiple ambushes with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenades against local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and Coalition Forces. As ground forces from 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division secured the area around site, attack helicopters arrived at the scene and confirmed the individuals hiding in the bushes were enemy forces. AH-64 Apache helicopters returned fire after being engaged from the ground. The Apaches continued to engage the anti-Iraqi forces as they scattered and tried to hide in vegetation. When multiple terrorists converged in one location, ground forces called in the F-15E air strike. At least six terrorists were killed and five others were wounded and detained by Coalition Forces. No U.S. or civilian casualties were reported in the incident. Weblog LINK |
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SCUZBALLS WOUND 2 CHILDREN, 1 WOMAN IN ATTACK ON ABU GHRAIB
| October 30, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Terrorist-launched mortar rounds fell short of the Abu Ghraib Prison walls at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29. One woman and two children were injured in the attack. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment responded to the attack and transported the injured to the Abu Ghraib Hospital. Weblog LINK |
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NORTHERN IRAQ: 2 SCUZBALLS KILLED, 1 WOUNDED, 78 DETAINED
| October 30, 2005 MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists, wounded another, detained 78 suspected terrorists, and seized a number of weapons during operations in Iraq Oct. 24-28. Iraqi Border Patrol officers detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity at a checkpoint near the Syrian border Oct. 28. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 3rd Battalion, detained an individual suspected of terrorist activity in Tal Afar Oct. 24. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment detained 27 individuals suspected of terrorist activity, wounded one terrorist, and seized a weapons cache during operations in Mosul Oct. 26-28. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment killed two terrorists after receiving small arms fire in eastern Mosul Oct. 24. Soldiers from the 4-23rd also detained one individual for violating curfew while patrolling in western Mosul Oct. 28. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations in western Mosul Oct. 25-26. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained 34 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized numerous weapons during separate operations in Tal Afar Oct. 25-28. The weapons seized included AK-47s, over 100 rounds of ammunition, fuses, AK-47 magazines, blocks of PE-4 explosives, and an artillery shell. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity during separate operations in Tal Afar Oct. 26-28. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache of several artillery shells during separate operations south of Tal Afar Oct. 28. Iraqi security forces supported by Multi-National forces continue operations in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region. Weblog LINK |
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