Replies

E.U., U.S. Spar Over Int'l Criminal Court

UNITED NATIONS - The United States has warned the European Union that its promotion of the International Criminal Court is putting more strains on trans-Atlantic relations.

"It would be very unfortunate if this issue were to create discord and disharmony" at the upcoming summit between the United States and the European Union on June 25, a confidential note to sent to EU governments last week said.

In the memorandum, the Bush administration accused the Europeans of trying to subvert U.S. efforts to protect Americans from prosecution by the court and said such interference must stop.

They aren't even complaining about the heat, as it's not that much different than here at Fort Hood.

That's why they're troopers. Ducking. (^;

This is SERIES:

CENTCOM:

June 10, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-39

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TASK FORCE "IRONHORSE" LAUNCHES OPERATION PENINSULA STRIKE

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- During the early morning hours of June 9th, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers conducted a series of raids to eradicate Ba’ath Party loyalists, paramilitary groups and other subversive elements located on a peninsula along the Tigris River, northeast of Balad, Iraq. The raids signaled the start of Operation Peninsula Strike.

The operation took place in two major stages. The first stage of the operation involved moving soldiers and equipment into strike positions, intelligence gathering, and coordination with local police. During the second stage, raids were conducted within the area of operation via land, air and water to capture or destroy subversive elements. Air assault teams, ground attack squads, raid teams, river patrol boats and local security combined forces to block off escape routes and operate check points to ensure the operation’s success.

Operation Peninsula Strike's joint, combined arms team is comprised of U.S. Army infantry, armor, artillery, aviation, and engineers, and U.S. Air Force aviation elements.

So far, Operation Peninsula Strike has resulted in the capture of 397 suspects and the seizure of numerous weapon systems and ammunition. A 10:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. curfew has been implemented on the peninsula for the safety and security of civilians and Coalition forces. Task Force Ironhorse continues to seize illegal weapons in support of the National Weapons Policy implemented on June 1, 2003.

As the operation continues, specially trained soldiers are screening the detainees to determine who may be released and who will be retained for further questioning. These soldiers are also processing information which can be used in the apprehension of hostile groups who continue to try to harm Coalition forces and innocent Iraqi people. The information gathered will also assist Coalition forces in providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.

Task Force Ironhorse remains resolute in its commitment to work with Coalition forces and the local citizens to stop subversive groups that seek to hinder rebuilding efforts. The success of Operation Peninsula Strike will help move the Iraqi people one step closer to a safe, secure and free country.

Iraq's former parliament speaker held by US troops: relative

Add Mideast - AFP to My Yahoo! BAGHDAD (AFP) - Coalition troops arrested Iraq's former parliament speaker Saadun Hammadi at his home here on May 29, one his relatives told AFP.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that the former Iraqi health minister was recently freed by coalition troops.

"Iraqi policemen came to see him on May 29 in the morning asking if he was home. Their visit was shortly followed by that of US military police," said the man, asking to remain anonymous.