There have been a few firefights and occasional mortars and rockets coming in on base. Nothing like the insane days of '04 through fall of '07, but it has ticked up some.
This is largely being attributed to Iraq finally seating its new government and the terrorists are still trying to derail the democracy. Muqtada al Sadr has also returned, so the Iran-funded rockets are re-appearing. Again, not nearly at the frequency of the earlier days, though.
There does not appear to be any reaction to the protests in Egypt. If anythying, these protests that are breaking out around the Middle East might be partially because they see a (still fledgling) democracy in Iraq and they want something like that.
The new replacements were getting nervous and Al’ spent most of the time reassuring them. Other than that, haven’t heard back since.
Oh, that was just the Christmas Day bombing. The terrorists always launch mortars and rockets at us on Christmas. This time, there were some people who have only been here a few months and had never experienced incoming fire before. So, we were all in the bunker while the mortars were coming in and I was cracking jokes to ease the tension and letting them know that I'd been through this countless times and we'd be OK.
And, of course, we were. :)
Stay safe Brother!
Thanks for the update. Any news about other forces coming to the area? Like the Suez Canal? I’m sure you are limited on what you can say, so God bless you Trooper! We are right here beside you! (M24 A-1 in my case. I’m sure in your case, that would be one of those awesome M110 SASS.)
Good to hear from you, Allegra. Stay safe.
Glad you won’t be here for the next installment of a snowstorm on Groundhog Day or thereabouts........
Boots