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The War
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American forces are fighting
heroic battles in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the
Global War On Terror, yet the
Mainstream Media is largely ignoring these efforts. Hopefully,
we can help get the word out here at MNN. |
Laghman
Province Operation Follow-up
From
the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office, 1/09/09
KABUL, Afghanistan - On Jan. 7 coalition forces killed 32
armed insurgents including one female, detained one suspected
militant, and destroyed a cache of weapons, explosives and
roadside bomb materials during an operation to disrupt the
Taliban's roadside bomb network in Alishang District, located
in Laghman province.
After the operation, local Afghan officials met with coalition
forces and confirmed that all 32 killed were hostile
militants. An Afghan governor approved a radio announcement
stating these facts.
"We stand by our initial news release, that 32 insurgents were
killed during the operation," said Col Jerry O'Hara, a U.S.
Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. "The enemy combatants used
girls and older men to shield their advance. It is important
to note that acting as sentries and spotters takes away any
claims of being a noncombatant. We go through great lengths to
avoid civilian casualties and take responsibility when we
inadvertently cause injuries or casualties." |
Coalition Forces Maintain Pressure on Roadside Bomb Network in
Zabul
From
the U.S. Forces - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office, 1/09/09
KABUL, Afghanistan - The operation in Jaldak District, located
in Zabul province, approximately 60 km northeast of Kandahar,
targeted a Taliban roadside bomb facilitator known to direct
and employ roadside bombs which kill Afghan civilians and
coalition forces, Jan. 8. The wanted militant is also believed
to be in direct contact with local Taliban commanders,
planning roadside bomb attacks along Highway One.
As coalition forces approached the intended compound, armed
militants engaged the force with small-arms fire. Realizing
the potential for women and children to be inside the
buildings from which they were engaged, coalition forces held
their fire and instructed all individuals to exit the building
peacefully. Adhering to the commands, nine women and 16
children exited without harm and were escorted by the force to
a safe location.
Disregarding coalition forces' instructions to surrender, the
armed militants remained inside the buildings and continued to
engage the force with small-arms fire. Having moved the women
and children to safety the force entered the buildings,
killing five armed militants and detaining three suspected
militants during the operation.
The force found one rocket-propelled grenade, hidden in the
building, and destroyed it to prevent its future use.
"These roadside bombs and explosive facilitators are a threat
to everyone here in Afghanistan. We will continue to act as
one collective force against these threats," said Col Jerry
O'Hara, a U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesperson. "Facilitators,
safe houses, weapon suppliers and those who support them will
continue to be targeted until they are stopped." |
Successful Operation Against Taliban Improvised Explosive
Device Facilitator
By
the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan
Public Affairs Office, 1/08/09
KABUL, Afghanistan - A recent International Security
Assistance Force operation has resulted in the death of
Mahamed Gul, an improvised explosive device facilitator who is
known to have been involved in numerous indiscriminate attacks
against local Afghans and security forces in the Musa Qal'eh
area. He was also a known criminal in the area. A number of
enemy forces were also killed in this operation and a quantity
of weapons destroyed.
This successful operation followed soon after the discovery of
a bomb that had been laid close to two mosques in Musa Qal'eh,
in an area where children were playing. On that occasion, it
was only the bravery of a local citizen and quick thinking of
the Musa Qal'eh Afghan national police that ensured the device
was reported and removed.
Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe,
said "This has been a very successful operation and another
step forward in making Musa Qal'eh safer for the people. This
man was involved in actions that directly caused deaths and
injuries among local Afghans and the security forces. By
eliminating the threat posed by another enemy of peace, ISAF
forces continue to support the Afghan national security forces
and Governor Mangal in providing security to the people of
Helmand."
In December another deliberate and precise operation killed
another known IED facilitator, Haji Wrorak, who had been
involved in numerous indiscriminate attacks against local
Afghans and ISAF forces. |
 Airman
Leads Joint Team in Managing the Enemy's Cache
By
Senior Master Sgt. Trish Freeland
U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team, 1/08/09
TAJI, Iraq -Among the many missions executed at the Taji
National Depot, one of the most interesting jobs is enemy
weapons collection. Air Force Capt. Ted Yang is the liaison
officer for Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq's
J4 Collective Weapons section. For him, each day literally
brings something new.
"We collect anywhere from 100 to 1,000 weapons a week," said
Yang. "I saw almost 3,000 weapons come through in just my
first week on the job."
Yang, a Fresno, Calif., native, and his joint team of Airmen,
Soldiers and civilians are responsible for collecting weapons
captured from insurgents so they can't be used against Iraqi
and Coalition Forces. Taji is the main collection point for
all of Iraq.
"If it looks like a weapon or anything that could do harm, it
gets collected during raids," said U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class
Alejandro Jimenez, Collective Weapons Point non-commissioned
officer-in-charge. The Patchogue, N.Y., native has seen some
strange items arrive at the warehouse.
"Kitchenware, motorcycles, helicopters, a World War II-era BMW
motorcycle with side car--anything that is captured," he said.
The weapons are inventoried and logged by serial number and
weapon type. Most are destroyed, while the more unique items
are often sent to museums. Depending on the condition, some
are refurbished and given to the Iraqi military.
"About 1,500 AK-47s were given to the Iraqi army from the
captured caches so they could train and learn how to fix and
maintain them," said Jimenez.
While most deployed jobs in a joint environment come with
challenges, the biggest one for this team thus far has been
the limited amount of daylight hours.
"When units show up unannounced with large numbers of weapons,
they can be processed if it's still morning," said Yang. "The
warehouse closes at 5 p.m. because of lighting conditions, so
if it's late the units have to take the weapons back and
return the next morning to turn them in."
Yang deployed from the 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron,
Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. after being on-station for just
ten days before embarking on the six-month deployment to Iraq.
"I didn't mind. I've never deployed before and I wanted to
experience the joint environment, so I was looking forward to
the experience," said Yang.
"We do something here that yields direct results and affects
the safety and well-being of Iraqi and coalition forces," he
added. |
Afghan,
Coalition Forces Disrupt Improvised Explosive Device Cell in
Farah
From
U.S. Forces Afghanistan, 1/07/09
KABUL, Afghanistan -Afghan national army commandos with
coalition forces in support returned fire killing six
militants during a raid on a compound in Kakhi Safyed
district, Farah province, Jan. 7.
The militants killed included a leader known for supplying
weapons to militant forces and conducting attacks on Afghan
national security forces and coalition forces. Additionally,
commandos killed a known improvised explosive device
facilitator responsible for providing IEDs and IED-production
materials to militant forces in Bala Baluk. He also served as
the chief bodyguard for a high-level Taliban commander.
During the commandos' initial approach to the compound,
militants engaged them with small arms fire from multiple
fighting positions. The commandos returned precision fire
while maneuvering to protect both themselves and the civilian
populace. The fight lasted approximately two hours and
resulted in the deaths of the six militant fighters.
A search of the compound revealed a weapons cache containing
rocket propelled grenades, AK-47s, sniper rifle systems,
machine guns and ammunition. The cache was safely destroyed
during the operation.
As part of the operation, the combined forces also held a
shura with village elders to explain the reason for the
operation and to express their commitment to establishing
security in the area. Thirteen men, 38 women and 20 children
were protected by the combined forces during the engagement.
One ANA commando was injured during the raid. He was treated
on site and was evacuated to a local hospital for further
treatment. One coalition soldier received a minor gunshot
wound, but was able to continue the mission. Both men are
expected to fully recover.
No civilian casualties were reported.
"Today's successful operation demonstrates the skill of our
Afghan national army commandos," said Gen. Mohammad Zahir
Azimi, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense. "Our
Army is defending Afghans from those who would harm us." |
New
Years at Forward Operating Base Kalsu
U.S. Soldiers from the 172nd Infantry Brigade race a camel
during the New Years Eve celebration at Forward Operating Base
Kalsu, Iraq on Dec. 31, 2008. (Click photo to enlarge.) |
Airpower Summary for Jan. 4, 2009
By
U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs, 1/07/09
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in
Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in
Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 4, according to
Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.
In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets fired cannon rounds
onto anti-Afghan forces positioned behind a tree line in the
vicinity of Shurakian. Furthermore, an F/A-18E conducted a
show of force expending flares to deter further enemy
activities. The missions were confirmed a success by the Joint
Terminal Attack Controllers.
Near Monari, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of
force expending flares and provided armed aerial overwatch for
a coalition convoy conducting operations in the area. The
JTACs declared the missions successful.
Navy F/A-18A Hornets conducted shows of force expending flares
and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition forces
patrol that had taken fire from a compound in the vicinity of
Musa Qal Eh and Kajaki Dam. The missions were reported a
success by the JTACs.
Near Delaram, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of
force and performed armed aerial reconnaissance for a
coalition forces foot patrol. The JTAC confirmed the mission
successful.
In total, 53 close air support missions were flown in support
of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction
activities and route patrols.
Eighteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft
flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed
tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 42 close air support missions
for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and
synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key
infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction
activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.
Twenty-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.
Additionally, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy
airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan,
Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 110 airlift sorties were flown; more than 270
tons of cargo were delivered; and nearly 3,000 passengers were
transported.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in
Afghanistan or Iraq.
On January 3, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling
crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million
pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft. |
 Task
Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment Memorializes Cpl.
Tony Gonzales
By
Sgt. Whitney Houston
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, 1/06/09
JOINT SECURITY STATION OLD MOD, Iraq -Multi-National Division
-Baghdad Soldiers gathered at Joint Security Station Old Mod,
Jan. 5, to memorialize Cpl. Tony Gonzales.
Gonzales was killed by a roadside bomb in Sadr City, Dec. 28,
2008.
"Cpl. Gonzales epitomized everything that was right in young
Soldiers today; he was disciplined, he volunteered for
everything and he did not rest until the job was done," said
Lt. Col. Brian Eifler, commander of 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored
Division, which is currently attached to 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry
Division, MND-B.
Gonzales's company commander, Capt. Andrew Slack, spoke of
some of the good times of "Gonzo's" life and his at-the-ready
intelligence as a Soldier.
"Just under two years ago, Gonzo started out in our 3rd
Platoon as an M1A1 tank driver. His position was one that most
privates find themselves in when they arrive at a tank company
besides the front leaning rest. Gonzo was tall, skinny and
lanky; his voice squeaked sometimes, and when we went to the
field he grew the customary field moustache that looked more
like something that he got from a Halloween costume rather
than something he had grown himself. But at the ripe age of 18
he stood out amongst his peers as a very intelligent and
mature Soldier with an inclination to quickly understand and
learn things."
Friend and colleague Staff Sgt. Timothy Cannon continued to
speak of Gonzo's proficiency and good attitude as a versatile
Soldier.
"Cpl. Gonzales was just one of those Soldiers that whatever
job you put him in he loved doing it. He who would give 100
percent, from driving a tank, from being the unit armorer,
flying his UAV and being a dismount; whatever he did he gave
his all."
Cannon also spoke of Gonzo's good humor and desire to make
people laugh.
"One of my personal memories that I will never forget of Gonzo
is when the guys would be playing Call of Duty 4. He would
tell everyone what each weapon was and what kind of round it
fired while they were trying to play, and all they could do
was laugh, cause that was Gonzo. ‘Just trying to help,' he
would say."
From speaker to speaker throughout the memorial service it was
clear that he was an intelligent and proficient Soldier, as
well as a Family member would be missed and remembered
forever.
Gonzales is survived by his parents Tony and Marlynn Gonzales,
as well as his sisters Shaula, Tammy and Megan. |
U.S.,
Iraqi Forces Capture Suspected Bombers, Other Terrorists
By
the American Forces Press Service, 1/05/09
WASHINGTON -U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi security forces nabbed
two bombing suspects, as well as nine other suspected
terrorists, in operations in Iraq over the past three days.
U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi security forces detained two suspected
terrorists yesterday at the scene of an explosion in the
Masafee community of Baghdad's Rashid District. The men are
suspected of setting off two homemade bombs. No injuries were
reported.
In other operations yesterday:
--U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi security forces seized a "sticky"
bomb attached to a car in Baghdad's Rashid District. The
makeshift magnetic bomb was attached to the undercarriage of a
vehicle belonging to a "Sons of Iraq" civilian security group
leader. An Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal unit disposed of
the bomb.
--U.S. and Iraqi soldiers confiscated an improvised explosive
device in Baghdad's Adhamiyah District. An Iraqi EOD team
detonated the device.
In Jan. 3 operations:
--A Kut special weapons and tactics team arrested two
suspected criminals in Numaniyah, southeast of Baghdad. One of
the suspects is believed to be responsible for attacks against
coalition forces in Wasit province.
--Hillah SWAT personnel arrested a man suspected of attacks
against coalition and Iraqi security forces.
--Ramadi SWAT personnel nabbed a suspect accused of drug
dealing, weapons smuggling and counterfeiting U.S. currency in
Tameem, east of Baghdad.
--In Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested two
suspected terrorists, including an alleged criminal cell
leader believed to be responsible for bombing attacks on
coalition convoys in the Manathera area.
--In Maysan province, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers detained three
suspects and seized a weapons cache that included 58 81 mm
mortar rounds, three ammunition cans of 7.62 mm rounds, two
AK-47 assault rifles, two shotguns, a .50-caliber sniper
rifle, a 7.62 mm sniper rifle, a pistol, a can of .50-caliber
rounds and kit for making a bomb specifically designed to
pierce armored vehicles. |
Afghanistan Deployed Marines Deliver Forward Operating Base
Building Materials
By
Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso
Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan - 1/05/09
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM, Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan - CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from Marine
Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 delivered more than 95,000
pounds of building materials to Marines operating in southern
Afghanistan Jan. 2.
The delivery was part of a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground
Task Force -Afghanistan effort to establish combat outposts
in areas of Farah province in the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan, an area notorious for insurgent attacks.
To speed the process along and minimize the risk of injury to
Marines on the ground, HMH-466, part of SPMAGTF-A's air combat
element, delivered all of the material and equipment needed to
establish a forward operating base in a manner only a heavy helo squadron could perform.
Rather than tasking Marines to load materials onto trucks and
conduct numerous convoy operations to build the outposts, the
HMH-466 Marines delivered the "FOBs in a box," by conducting
heavy lift external operations, hooking large containers to
CH-53E Super Stallions and flying with the shipment dangling
from the aircrafts' under side.
"We essentially picked up three large shipping containers with
everything a unit would need to make a FOB," said Capt. Molly
Cahill, a Super Stallion pilot.
The operation was a heavily organized event, which required
several hours of maintenance from helicopter mechanics, as
well as coordination with all the elements of SPMAGTF-A, from
the ground combatants to the Marines in the air.
With the dust-filled environment to which the aircraft are
constantly exposed, they often can't produce the engine power
required to lift a 20,000-pound shipping container, but the
Marines were up to the task.
"Our maintainers got the engines back up to specification
power," said Maj. Stuart Howell, a CH-53E pilot and the unit's
weapons and tactics instructor. "The Marines just worked it
back into shape, cleaning out the engines and in some cases
replacing them. We couldn't have accomplished this mission
without them."
With the birds ready to fly, Marines on FOB Delaram prepared
the crates to be picked up.
The Super Stallions arrived on Deleram in the early morning,
where a Marine Helicopter Support Team was standing by to hook
the cargo to the aircraft.
Three hours later, the mission was completed.
"It all went pretty well," Cahill said. "When we got there the
loads were pre-staged and we used another pilot on the ground
to help coordinate the whole thing. Once we got to our
destination, a Marine popped smoke and we dropped the load;
easy, quick in and out operation."
Cahill said her and all the Marines involved were more than
happy to support the mission.
"We were able to give them everything they needed," she said.
"It would have taken them a long time to convoy all the
supplies they needed, and with external lifts, we don't have
to land the aircraft. If there's a chance of increased threat,
you can get in and out of the zone a lot faster. So we
minimized the danger for all Marines involved."
In addition to the "FOBs in a box," Cahill and her team
delivered generators and more than 900 gallons of fuel. |
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