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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – As Iraqi Security Forces continue pushing forward in their proficiency, ranging from hand to hand fighting techniques to weapons tactics and training, they advance as skilled defenders of their nation. With all the capabilities they continue to acquire, precision guided aerial firepower is a significant asset for which they recognize a need. The use of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile begins a new age of air-strike capability for the Iraqi air force.
IAF Squadron 3 tested their new weapon and left nothing but heaps of scrap metal and debris during a demonstration on shadow range aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Nov. 4, 2009.
"What they developed was an AC-208 Cessna Caravan armed with Hellfire missiles and put an [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] pod on it, so it has the capability to do laser target designation," said Maj. Mark Franko, current operations officer with Marine Aircraft Group 26 (Reinforced). "[The Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission Air Force] wanted the Iraqis to validate and demonstrate the capability, and just like us, the [IAF] wanted to practice with a live missile."
KIRKUK, Iraq, Nov. 13, 2009 – The public library here is receiving a facelift that highlights the building’s 72-year heritage while hiding modern amenities.
"For centuries, Iraq's libraries and universities were renowned for their early collection of reference materials, writers, artists, scientists and poets,” said Rizgar Jan, project engineer for the library renovation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region District. “Even today, Iraqi writers, artists, scientists and poets are still among the academic leaders in both the Arab world and throughout the Middle East. In the past decade, because of the security concerns, the Iraqi educational community and libraries have suffered due to lack of funding.”
Jan said the Kirkuk library suffers from both age and neglect, and also was damaged during a terrorist attack. The Corps of Engineers, the local government and the community have joined together to return the building to its former stature as a pillar of the community, he added.
COL ADDER — To learn more about the history of the area in which they are deployed, more than 230 Soldiers here with the 121st Brigade Support Battalion visited the archaeological remains of Ur, Nov. 12.
Lt. Col. Gene G. Henke, the 732nd Combat Service Support Battalion’s chaplain, said while the ziggurat is the most visible landmark in the area, the real treasure for several different religious cultures is the birthplace of the biblical figure Abraham in the remains of Ur, referred to in biblical times as Ur of the Chaldeans.
Henke, a Brookfield, Wis., native, said the story of Abraham can be found in the Bible in Genesis 12-25, and he is mentioned throughout the Bible. Abraham is recognized as the father of Judaism and an important figure in Islam and Christianity, he said.
KABUL, Afghanistan – In response to claims of civilian casualties in Shindand province today, ISAF confirms in the early hours of Nov. 14, an Afghan-international security force searched a number of compounds in the vicinity of Koruhaay village, Shindand, associated with a leading IED facilitator. Upon entering the complex, the force encountered resistance, and in the subsequent escalation of force killed one insurgent. The force was then fired upon while clearing the compound, and several armed insurgents were killed. One of the individuals killed was a woman who was armed.
The security force protected several women and children present in the compounds, and no civilians were harmed during the operation. Additionally, ISAF aircraft did not drop munitions in the area.
Afghan-International Security Force Detains Militants in Zabul
An Afghan-international security force detained a handful of suspected militants in Zabul province Friday while pursuing a Taliban district commander responsible for several attacks in the area and linked to the local Taliban shadow governor.
The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Ghawsuddin Kalay after intelligence indicated militant activity.
After repeated calls for occupants to exit one of the compounds, the joint force used an explosive charge to enter it. The charge inadvertently wounded an Afghan woman who was standing on the other side of the door. The force provided immediate medical aid to the woman, but she later died from her wounds. The search of the compound resulted in a couple of enemy wounded in action and a handful of suspects detained.
An element of the force met with local tribal elders to explain the situation and provided compensation to the owner.
Afghan and international security forces continue to partner in operations to disrupt Taliban attacks and exploitation of Afghan civilians.
ISAF Casualties
One ISAF service member from the United States died in an IED strike in southern Afghanistan yesterday.
In a separate incident, an ISAF service member and a civilian contractor, both from the United States, died in an IED strike in eastern Afghanistan.
THANK YOU TROOPS, GODSPEED!!!
MAY OUR FALLEN REST IN PEACE AND MAY OUR TROOPS REALIZE COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THIS ENEMY!
AND MAY THE NEEDED ADDITIONAL TROOPS BE SENT SOON!!!
Iraq Navy Celebrates the Arrival of the Patrol Ship Nasir
11.14.2009 01:37
UMM QASAR, Iraq - The Iraqi navy welcomed the Patrol Ship Nasir to its new homeport here in a ceremony Nov. 12. The Nasir is the second of four ships contracted from the Fincantieri Shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The Iraqi manned ship departed Italy Oct. 15, completing the more than 5,000 mile journey in about a month.
The ceremony included a naval review of the Nasir and several other Iraqi ships and boats, as well as a demonstration of boarding tactics and a synchronized diver demonstration. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James M. McDonald, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, spoke briefly at the event to highlight the importance of the Nasir in protecting Iraq's coasts.
"Iraq is in charge of its security," McDonald said. MNSTC-I's Iraq Advisory and Training Team-Navy continues to help train and advise the Iraqi naval force. MNSTC-I's goal is to assist Iraq in developing a capable-and-responsive force able for conducting maritime security operations in the region.
With more than 75 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product coming from revenues generated by its offshore oil platforms, Iraq has a keen interest in protecting and controlling its territorial waters.
The ceremony ended with a tour of the Nasir for assembled guests and a brief cruise in the Shatt al-Arab waterway.
Operational Update, Nov. 15:
Afghan-ISF Kill and Detain Militants in Eastern, Northern and Southern Provinces
11.15.2009 05:33
Quote:
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed a group of enemy militants and detained two suspected militants today in eastern Paktika province while pursuing a Haqqani commander with ties to the local Haqqani leadership and who was responsible for several attacks in the area.
The joint task force targeted the buildings in the hills of Sarobi district after intelligence indicated militant activity.
During the assault on one building, the joint force received enemy fire and returned fire. Following no response from calls to exit the building, the joint force cleared the building. During the operation, a group of militants was killed in and outside the building.
A security element of the joint force searched the enemy positions and recovered blasting caps, IED-making materials, a number of RPGs, AK-47 rifles, chest racks and communications equipment.
Afghan-International Security Force Interdicts Militant in Wardak
A separate Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant in Wardak province today while pursuing a Taliban commander and facilitator responsible for planning and executing several attacks in the area.
The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Tokarak in Nerkh district after intelligence indicated militant activity.
During the operation, the joint force received hostile fire and returned fire, killing one enemy militant.
A security element of the joint force searched the enemy position and recovered an AK-47 rifle, multiple hand grenades, and AK-47 magazines. The joint force searched the compounds without further incident.
Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Militants in Kandahar and Kunduz
In an operation in Kandahar province today, an Afghan-international security force detained more than a dozen suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban commander operating in the area who is linked to the local Taliban shadow governor.
The joint security force targeted compounds in a remote stretch of the Daman district after intelligence indicated militant activity. Security elements from the joint force pursued individuals seen departing from one of the compounds and detained several suspected militants.
The joint force searched the compounds without incident, recovered one artillery round and detained the other suspected militants. The artillery round was destroyed at a safe distance from the compounds.
No shots were fired, and no one was injured.
In a separate operation, an Afghan-international security force detained two suspected militants in Kunduz province while pursuing a deputy to an area Taliban shadow governor.
The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Chem Tappeh in Kunduz district after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident.
No civilians were harmed during the operations in Paktika, Wardak, Kunduz or Kandahar provinces.
ISAF Casualties
No ISAF service members were killed during the past 24 hours.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police arrested an individual today during a joint security operation conducted in a rural area located 102 km southwest of Kirkuk to locate and arrest a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq member.
Iraqi Police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the warranted suspect, who allegedly facilitates improvised explosive attacks throughout the region.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, Iraqi Police arrested a suspected associate of the warranted individual.
ISF uncover weapons caches, arrest 14 including warranted AQI terrorists
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Quote:
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two warranted terrorists and 12 suspects during four joint security operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq members responsible for making improvised explosive devices and coordinating IED attacks throughout the country.
In a rural area located approximately 11 km west of Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for an alleged AQI-sponsored IED cell leader.
While searching the area, ISF uncovered an assault rifle and grenades, which were safely destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal members. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, ISF arrested one suspected AQI associate. The warranted individual was not apprehended during the operation.
During a second joint security operation conducted approximately 37 km southwest of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit and U.S. advisors arrested an individual suspected of providing logistical support to the Kirkuk-based vehicle-borne IED network.
The security team searched several buildings for the warranted individual who was identified and arrested along with two additional suspects found in the building.
During a third operation conducted near Bayji, located approximately 103 km southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi Police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a warranted AQI leader suspected of acquiring explosives used for attacks against security forces in Iraq.
Iraqi Police searched multiple buildings in the area, and based on preliminary questioning, identified and arrested the warranted individual.
While searching the building where the suspect was found, the security team uncovered a significant weapons cache containing advanced IED components determined to be more sophisticated than those found during past investigations. The security team uncovered mechanisms that affix armor-piercing magnetic IEDs to vehicles making them unable to be removed unless the IEDs are detonated. The team also uncovered RKG-3 rockets, explosively formed penetrators, fully assembled IEDs, a mine and wire used to make pressure-activated IEDs.
Information provided by the warranted suspect led the security team to a second location nearby. Iraqi Police searched the area, and questioned several individuals; six were identified and arrested based on information gathered at the scene.
During the fourth operation conducted in Duwayarh, located approximately 212 km northwest of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched for a warranted AQI member suspected of transporting explosives and planning attacks in the region.
The security team searched a building and investigated the area for signs of suspicious activity. Based on evidence found at the scene, Iraqi Police identified and arrested the warranted AQI member and two alleged associates found on the premises.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – On television, actor Jeff Donovan plays a defunct spy who has expertise in explosives and weapons.
Recently, however, at Combat Outpost Meade, south of Baghdad, it was Donovan who took pointers from the Soldiers of 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
Donovan was accompanied by Don Campbell, military advisor for the tour, and Bruce Campbell, Don Campbell's brother, and also a cast mate of Donovan.
Bruce Campbell is a star in his own right, from films such as, "Army of Darkness," and "Bubba Hotep." Both Donovan and Bruce Campbell appear on the USA network television show, "Burn Notice."
During their visit at COP Meade, Bruce Campbell and Donovan tried their hand at the firing range and met with Soldiers as part of a morale, welfare and recreation tour throughout Iraq.
"Everybody should support the troops," said Bruce Campbell.
Only a few minutes after landing in a UH-60 Black Hawk, the two actors were greeted by cheers and shouts, "Hey Bruce!"
Spc. Parnell Richardson, of Wilson, N.C., shows Jeffery Donovan an M-240-B machine gun, Nov. 13.
Scania, Iraq – Oregon National Guard members, deployed in Iraq, partook in a unique mission where they were able to make a positive impact on the hearts and minds of local national children from a small village in southern Iraq. As the Soldiers brought supplies, gifts, and other resources for their school, Oct. 27, loving looks and thankfulness filled the area.
Members of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry Regiment, based out of Springfield, Ore., from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team have worked with people that surround a forward operating base called Scania, to ensure local national children there are provided with an education.
The supplies that were donated for the most recent mission came from the Tom Dearling Foundation, which provided 500 school kits with notebooks, crayons, pencils, sharpeners, pens, color markers, glue sticks and scissors.
Scania has also donated building materials for a new school that is being built to consolidate four schools in the area into one larger school that is scheduled to be completed in spring of 2010.
"This support package provides an entire community the possibility to begin the process of providing their own self independence and education for the next generation," said Lt. Mark Major, a Eugene, Ore., native, who is the executive officer for alpha company.
Major said that he believes the kindness and support of the Tom Dearling Foundation will be multiplied ten-fold on the ground.
CLICK on photo to read more:
WONDERFUL JOB TROOPS, THE CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR KINDNESS, GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU!!!
Governor Schwarzenegger Has Breakfast With California Soldiers in Iraq
11.17.2009 09:21
BAGHDAD, Iraq – On Nov. 17, while visiting Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, California gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger shared breakfast with Soldiers from the 49th Military Police Brigade of Fairfield, Calif. Schwarzenegger visited the troops to show his support and bring attention to the California Guardsmen's service to their nation.
Schwarzenegger previously visited troops on USO-sponsored tours to Bosnia in 2002 and Iraq in 2003.
"He's been wanting to visit the troops for the last few years but hasn't had the opportunity," said Schwarzenegger communications director Matt David. "He thought now would be a good time to make a short trip over there."
Schwarzenegger visited the 49th as the brigade is two months into their deployment to Iraq. Their mission is to direct more than 5,000 service members as they train and develop the professionalism of the Iraqi police. During the deployment, the 49th will build on the training they provided the Iraqi Police during a previous deployment in 2005 to 2006.
In addressing the 49th Soldiers, Schwarzenegger thanked them for their sacrifice:
"All of you are doing a tough job. You and your families are sacrificing a lot for our country. America is a great nation because men and women like you have defended America for hundreds of years."
Brigadier General Donald Currier, commander of the 49th Military Police Brigade, commented on how valuable the governor's visit was to his troops' morale. "Time is more important than money, and Gov. Schwarzenegger is always very generous with his time when it comes to our troops," Currier said. "What he shared with our soldiers this morning will go a long way."
Spc. Ferrell Mapp, of Sacramento, expressed his excitement and echoed the sentiments of his commander: "This morning was fantasitic. It's great that he came all the way out here to show us how much he supports us."
B-roll of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visiting service members stationed in Iraq. Scenes include Gov. Schwarzenegger entering a building, Gov. Schwarzenegger addressing service members about his visit and Gov. Schwarzenegger shaking hands and taking photos with service members.
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