Jordan's Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit (L) talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad August 15, 2006. Al-Bakhit is on a three-day official visit to Iraq. (REUTERS/Karim Kadim/Pool) (IRAQ)
Posted on 08/15/2006 4:14:39 PM PDT by Gucho
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2006 – Iraqi forces in Baghdad yesterday captured a man believed to be responsible for the January shooting death of a U.S. soldier and an interpreter, U.S. military officials reported.
Iraqi security forces, supported by coalition advisors, conducted the intelligence-focused early-morning raid at a two-story residence in the Mansour district, capturing their primary target without incident. No Iraqi or coalition forces or civilians were injured during this operation.
Also in Iraq, more than 60 Iraqis were killed and another 140 wounded when two makeshift car bombs detonated near a residential building Aug. 13. The explosion triggered a gas explosion at the nearby Hawra market in southeastern Baghdad. The combination of the car bombs and gas explosion caused the collapse of the residential building, officials said.
Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers responded to the scene to provide security and assisted with evacuating the injured.
In a separate incident, soldiers from 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, supported by U.S. soldiers from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained seven suspected terrorists during a combined operation Aug. 12 north of Baghdad.
Meanwhile, 176 Iraqis from the Fallujah area signed up to join the Iraqi police force during a recruiting drive Aug. 12-13.
“In spite of the fact that the police are being targeted (by insurgents), these guys stand forward and join the force,” said Marine Col. Larry Nicholson, commander of Regimental Combat Team 5, which sponsored the drive. “That speaks more eloquently than any Iraqi or American commander can. They are voting with their feet.”
Within a week, the recruits will enroll in an eight-week training course offered by the Jordan International Police Training College. About 1,700 Iraqi police are serving in the Fallujah area, officials said.
“I want to protect my city and fight against terrorism,” one applicant said through an interpreter.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq new releases.)
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Tuesday, 15 August 2006
Story and photos by Sgt. Trevor Snyder - 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD — Iraqi forces took control of another area of Baghdad on Monday after the latest in a series of transfer of authority ceremonies near the capital.
Army Col. Claude Ebel, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division said responsibility for Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah South, a base of operations for security forces south of the capital, was transferred to the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, dubbed the Desert Lion Brigade. The Iraqi unit will have full responsibility for the Baghdad areas of Mahmudiyah and Rutifiyah, Ebel said.
The ceremony, which included a demonstration of Iraqi military capability and martial prowess, comes as joint Coalition and Iraqi operations continue to rid the capital of death squads and insurgent violence.
“They’re a superb unit. They’re the most developed unit since we first arrived,” Ebel said of the Iraqi brigade.
“What really makes (the brigade) special is their soldiers. These are the sons of average Iraqi citizens who choose to fight for all of Iraq.”
Ebel said the brigade has taken initiative by bringing supplies to schools and clinics without Coalition prodding. He also said the brigade has been recognized for their good behavior and humane treatment of detainees.
“That’s a difficult task when you recognize that many of these individuals (detainees) actually tried to kill them,” the colonel said.
Army Lt. Col. Eric Conrad, the military transition team chief advising the Iraqi brigade, said Coalition troops and members of the brigade have been conducting operations together for some time.
Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, aka the Desert Lion Brigade, march in a pass in review ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah South Monday. The unit is now in control of battlespace in south Baghdad.
“We’ve learned their culture and become brothers in arms. Once they get the resources and the confidence, they can do anything. Back in the United States we take a year to establish a new brigade. These guys are doing the same thing under combat conditions. It’s truly remarkable what they have been able to accomplish,” Conrad said.
Conrad gives a lion’s share of credit for the Iraqi unit’s success to Iraqi Army Col. Ali Jassim Mohammed Hassen Al-Ferajee, commander of the Desert Lion Brigade.
“These guys aren’t just sitting on (traffic control points). They’re also going out and doing offensive combat operations,” Conrad said.
Conrad said the Iraqi soldiers are brave men who are willing to shed blood for their country.
The Iraqi brigade was established in early 2005 by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. It was the final brigade to be established in the 6th Iraqi Army Division. Monday’s transfer of authority is the latest in a series of handovers as Iraqi security forces continue to assume more responsibility for their own national and local security.
The mixed Sunni and Shia’ area of Baghdad around Mahmudiyah has been the source of much insurgent activity and sectarian violence plaguing the capital in recent weeks and is located in the area often called "The Triangle of Death" or "The Sunni Triangle."
Iraqi police begin a “presence patrol” through Reyanah, Iraq to speak with local men about joining the police force, while U.S. Marines, mounted in a Light Armored Vehicle, keep their distance and provide security for the police, Aug. 10, 2006. Iraqi police are beginning to receive crucial equipment to help them combat terrorism such as weapons, body armor, uniforms and radios. This has given them a much-needed boost of confidence, especially since they are now heavily engaged with recruiting efforts throughout this region in Iraq’s western Al Anbar Province. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin)
Aug 15, 2006
Afghan women learn to play guitar in the northern city of Mazar-i-Shariff August 15, 2006. All music was banned under the hardline Islamist Taliban regime ousted in 2001 and women were barred from schools, but this unique scheme is now bringing them out again. The $9,200 six-month programme, which eventually aims to be self-supporting, is being paid for by the United Nations and Afghan aid groups. (REUTERS/Ahmad Masood) (AFGHANISTAN)
Soldiers from Forward Operating Base Loyalty completed several beautification and improvements projects in Zafaraniya during the month of July.
U.S. Army Capt. Shelia Matthews, civil military operations officer, cuts the ribbon at a sewing co-op opening in Zafaraniya, Iraq. Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers completed several beautification and improvements projects throughout the month of July. (U.S. Army photo)
By U.S. Army Sgt. Tanasha Stachelclzyk
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq, Aug. 15, 2006 – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, completed several beautification and improvements projects in Zafaraniya and the area outside of FOB Loyalty during the month of July.
The projects included five playgrounds, two soccer fields, a soccer park and a sewing co-op.
“I have the best job. I get to interact with local leaders and people in these neighborhoods,” said Capt. Shelia Matthews, civil military operations officer and command emergency response program coordinator, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt.
“I have seen such an improvement with the Neighborhood Advisory Council members. I participate in weekly meetings with local leaders to discuss long-term and short-term projects. In the beginning we would have to provide the agenda for these meetings, now they already have an agenda waiting,” said Capt. Raymond Johnson, commander, Battery A, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt.
Together they have cleaned up these areas dramatically but they still need our help, said Johnson.
A Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldier pushes a child on a merry-go-round at a completed project site in Zafaraniya, Iraq in July. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Shelia Matthews)
Johnson’s interaction with the leaders takes place at the weekly meetings, but his battery spends the majority of its time patrolling the neighborhoods and interacting with the local people. When they are out, the soldiers not only ask security questions but also questions pertaining to the beautification of their neighborhoods.
In these meetings the council members propose projects after the meetings, Johnson said he would go to Matthews, who would decide if we were able to do them.
The difference between the soccer field and soccer park was not only the size but that the soccer park comes with changing rooms and bleachers, said Matthews.
The sewing co-op was the least expensive project, but probably the most beneficial of them all. The items provided for the project included five sewing machines and materials.
One of the Sindabold NAC members, a woman, opened up her home to the women so they could come there and work using the equipment without having to pay. This enabled them to sew, make items and sell them, which provided them an opportunity to earn an income for themselves and their family.
Not only are projects being brought up by battery commanders but also by the Soldiers themselves.
Staff Sgt. Christian Walters, QRF platoon sergeant, Company G, who spends a lot of time in the neighborhood outside of the FOB, said the local residents are very receptive to him and his Soldiers.
“We patrol the area frequently, and they have something like a neighborhood watch set up. They inform us if there has been anything suspicious going on,” said Walters.
The soldiers and Walters had wanted to do something nice for the children in the neighborhood. They had noticed an area that had been a soccer field but it was not level so every time it rained, it would flood and the children would have to wait weeks before they could play, said Walters.
“We didn’t know how projects worked, so we were going to get together and donate money so we could have one built,” said Walters.
When he approached Matthews, he said she told the soldiers they didn’t have to pay for anything.
He said he gave her the coordinates to the area, and with that information, the local contractors began the project. Although he would have liked to have been present when the project was completed, he was home on leave.
He said he believes that when he and his soldiers go through the neighborhood, the children now have a better understanding of why he and his Soldiers are there.
“Many people in this area are just above middle class,” he said. “It looks like prior to the war they were doing okay for themselves, and during the war, you could tell they lost stuff, but they take care of what they have. They are really good about trash and keeping the area clean.”
“I know we are trying to win the hearts and minds of the people, but I think the adults are set in their ways and beliefs. The children are the future,” he added.
4th BCT has spent approximately $2 million on projects since coming to east Baghdad and will continue to help in the building of a new and improved city.
By Spc. Jason Dangel - 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Aug 15, 2006
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Scores of Iraqi citizens watched as Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and local Iraqi contractors unloaded dozens of concrete barriers around their homes in an attempt to keep terrorists out of the Doura neighborhood in southern Baghdad Friday.
The emplacement of barriers is the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's newest approach to keeping the residents of Al-Doura safe and the terrorists out; the work is being done by local Iraqi contractors.
All vehicles leaving or entering the neighborhood are stopped at designated checkpoints manned by Iraqi police looking for known terrorists, bomb-making materials and illegal weapons.
The new security method was implemented as part of Operation Together Forward, the ongoing security plan to curb terrorism and sectarian violence in the Iraqi capital.
"We are in a conjoined effort with the Iraqi Security Forces to block off certain roads in Doura to better establish security of the neighborhood and give the citizens there a sense of security in their government's effort to build this country," said Master Sgt. Ronald Loebel, brigade engineer noncommissioned officer-in-charge, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The neighborhood has become increasingly violent since U.S. forces liberated Iraq in 2003, where roadside bombs, murders and terrorist attacks on Iraqi civilians happen daily, explained Loebel. The new project, with the increased presence of ISF in the area, will help mitigate violence in Al-Doura, he said.
"On average we were finding about 25 improvised-explosive devices a week in and around Doura before we started this operation," explained Loebel, a native of Killeen, Texas. "So far this week, there has only been four IEDs in the area. We have been very successful up to this point."
Murders, car bombs and sectarian violence have also decreased exponentially due to the increased security operations as ISF and Coalition Forces continue to root out the perpetrators responsible for violence in the region, he said.
The neighborhood is not being sealed off as a result of attacks on Coalition Forces but because it is being used by terrorists to incite sectarian tension between Sunni and Shiite Muslims living in Al-Doura, said 1st Lt. Casey Newell, platoon leader, Co. B, 704th Spt. Bn., of Salem, Ill.
The 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. and its ISF counterparts are attempting to halt attacks directed mainly at Iraqi civilians living in the area, he said.
"We want these people to feel safe by employing a means of control of who goes in and out of Doura. We want to catch the terrorists before they can hurt the citizens," he said.
Working through the night in the cover of darkness, Newell and his platoon are responsible for escorting transportation elements from Company A, 704th Spt. Bn., and Iraqi contractors from a local construction company, as they collectively work together to emplace barriers around the Doura community.
The nightly missions have not come easily for the members of the platoon, who up to this point have been constantly targeted by small-arms fire as their convoys roll into the neighborhood, said Sgt. Peter Schmitt, gun truck team leader, Co. B, 704th Spt. Bn.
Citizens still object to the roadblocks despite the added security the new barriers will provide.
Saad Qadr, a local shop owner, insisted that the barriers will cause problems for the people traveling around the neighborhood but agrees that it will offer additional security for the citizens.
The Doura barrier project is one of many operations taking place as part of Operation Together Forward.
Since Aug. 7, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, attached to the 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. and working with Iraqi National Police, have cleared illegal weapons and munitions from approximately 3,100 homes and 5,300 huts, shacks and various other structures in Doura.
At the same time, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, have begun operations in the southern portion of the neighborhood known as Abu T'schir, an area suspected to be the home of terrorists and death squads.
To date, more than 250 homes have been cleared in Abu T'schir as Soldiers and Iraqi National Police continue to work to rid the area of violence.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Company B, 704th Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and local Iraqi contractors, emplace a concrete barrier in the Doura neighborhood in southern Baghdad Friday. The emplacement of barriers is the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's newest approach to keep the residents of Al Doura safe and the terrorists out. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Dangel, 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)
BAGHDAD – An Iraqi construction worker contracted by the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, loads a concrete barrier for a mission in southern Baghdad with Soldiers from the 704th Support Battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Dangel, 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)
BAGHDAD – Master Sgt. Ronald Loebel, brigade engineer noncommissioned officer-in-charge, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, directs an Iraqi contractor on where to place concrete barriers to prepare them for shipment to the Doura neighborhood in southern Baghdad Thursday. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Dangel, 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)
BAGHDAD – Iraqi citizens of the Doura neighborhood in southern Baghdad watch as a U.S. military convoy and contracted Iraqi construction workers roll into their neighborhood with concrete barriers. Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and local Iraqi contractors unloaded dozens of concrete barriers around their homes in an attempt to keep terrorists out of the Doura neighborhood in southern Baghdad Friday. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Dangel, 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)
By G. A. Volb - Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
Aug 15, 2006
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — At first glance the A-10 cockpit looks like a category five tornado just touched down in the middle of it.
The chaotic scene – hundreds of loose wires and instrumentation ripped from consoles – however, is really the beginning of modifications that’ll extend the service life of the “Warthogs” while increasing their capabilities.
Better known as the Precision Engagement Program, it’s designed to facilitate the use of smart munitions and update the cockpit so it’s more in line with that of its F-16 brethren. Hill’s 508th Aircraft Sustainment Wing and 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group are leading the charge this year -- the PE program one of several scheduled for the aircraft to bring it into the 21st century.
The 508th’s Aircraft Sustainment Squadron ensures Air Combat Command requirements regarding the jets are met.
“We work with the contractor to develop hardware and software to meet those requirements,” said Capt. Michael Ballak, deputy chief for the A-10 Precision Engagement Program at the 508th’s sustainment squadron. “The end product is a modification kit that is delivered to the 309th for installation on the aircraft.” And that’s where the 309th begins the blue-collar work of putting elbow grease into the aircraft.
“The PE work consists of a huge electrical modification which involves updating the cockpit with new avionics and software, giving pilots greater battlefield awareness,” said Robin Ritch, PE section chief for the 309th AMXG. “This means removing some 1,700 wires and replacing them with 14,000 feet of new wire.” Hence the disaster that is a cockpit in transition.
Once completed, the aircraft will include 10 new components, while another 12 will be upgraded.
“We’ll add a hands-on-throttle-and-stick feature, plus integrate the targeting pods,” said Ms. Ritch. “The Litening pod currently uses only a Maverick missile interface that provides limited functionality. The PE modification provides integration of the Litening and Sniper XR targeting pods.” A team of Hill civilians and contractors from L3 Communications are making it happen.
“Currently, we have around 150 mechanics performing the modifications comprised of civilians here at Hill and contractors from L3 Communications,” said Ritch. “They’re specialists in electrical systems, sheet metal, general aircraft mechanics and fuels. We also have some other units supporting the work including the pylon, commodities, avionics and flight test shops.”
Specifically, the aircraft will be turned over to customers with expanded smart munitions ability – for guided bombs and other smart weapons; two multi-functional color cockpit displays; enhanced target identification and designation; wind-corrected munitions dispenser; and double the DC power, giving it the ability to climb higher and faster.
“The A-10 squadron will produce 93 aircraft in fiscal year ’07,” said Rick Merrill, 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron A-10 production chief. “The work will include the Precision Engagement Program, plus Service Life Extension Program and Plastic Media Blast (a corrosion control program). All will be sent back to A-10 combat units stationed world wide.”
The PE portion takes 90 days from wheels down to wheels up. But it’s a timeline that will see marked reductions following the team’s efforts in Leaning the process.
“Lean will provide some major improvements in the process,” said Mr. Merrill. “It’ll bring all of the resources to those performing the work. It means technicians no longer are required to conduct search missions for parts, tooling, kits or anything else required to produce the aircraft. Bottom line is we’ll be returning an aircraft that’s better able to support the warfighter on the ground and in the air.”
“The teamwork between the two units has been outstanding,” said Captain Ballak. “No one organization can execute a successful modification alone. It takes a total team effort to pull off a modification of this size.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott - 363rd MPAD
Aug 15, 2006
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom were provided a rare opportunity Aug. 12 to meet and talk with Gen. Peter Pace, the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
While at Camp Liberty, Pace entertained questions from Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division.
“We came a long way to do one very special thing, and that is to say thank you to you for what you are doing over here. We are so proud of what you do,” said Pace to the room of approximately 50 service members.
“Sometimes, when you are serving overseas and you watch some of the things on television, you could get to the point where you ask yourself ‘do we still have the support of the American people?’ and the answer is absolutely,” he declared.
Comparing the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan with his own experiences as a young lieutenant in Vietnam, Pace said “there is a very distinct difference between what is happening right now and what happened during Vietnam with regard to the Armed Forces of the United States. In Vietnam it seemed to me … that our country was not able to distinguish between the war and the warrior.
“That is no longer true in my opinion,” continued Pace. “Even those at home who have concerns about the war are supportive of you as individuals and your dedication to keeping them safe, and they understand that and appreciate that. People come up to me all of the time … and stop me and say thank you – not to me as an individual but because they recognize me and ask me to pass on to you their appreciation. So, my thanks come not only from me personally but, more importantly, from so many of your fellow citizens who truly understand and appreciate what you are doing. There is zero doubt in my mind that what you are doing is important to our nation.”
Pace pointed out that the 5th anniversary of the attacks on our country in New York, in Washington, D.C., and in the skies over Pennsylvania, is coming up soon.
“The number of individual service men and women who have sacrificed their lives to defend our nation in the five years since we were attacked is approaching the number of our fellow citizens who were murdered that day,” he pointed out.
Pace said it was erroneous to believe that if the United States “simply leaves Afghanistan and leaves Iraq, this war would stop.” The wars in the two countries started before U.S. involvement, he said, “and if we leave before the job is done, it will simply follow us home – and we are not going to let that happen.
“What you are doing here today, and what you have been doing here since you got here and will continue to do, is you are protecting our country and you are helping the Iraqi people have a life similar to the life you had living in a free country – with choices that they never had before.”
Sgt. Matthew Edmonds, a paralegal noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Fires Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., asked about the troop rotation plan, saying that he expected only to be home for approximately 18 months before returning to either Iraq or Afghanistan and questioned “when do you see that this deployment tempo is going to slow down, realistically?”
Pace told Edmonds and his fellow active-duty Soldiers that the Army in 2001 had 33 active brigades and is growing to 42, with 37 in place now. When all 42 are on line, Pace said, it will enable the Army to have 14 brigades active at all times, making rotations for active-duty Soldiers approximately “one year out and two back (home).”
He also pointed out that the National Guard is building up 28 fully equipped combat brigades and, like the active duty brigades, once their goal is reached, rotations will slow to approximately one year deployed and five years home for Guard Soldiers with four or five Guard brigades deployed continuously.
“The good news is that the Army has recognized the need to change the number of brigades,” Pace said. “We started on that and are building.”
In addition, he told Soldiers currently serving in OIF that there is “every reason to believe that the Iraqi army and Iraqi police, over the time that you are gone (from here), will become stronger and have taken over much more of their country, and therefore the need for U.S. and other Coalition Forces will be down.”
Pace also assured those present, in answer to another question, that the military is actively pursuing the need for enhancement, replacement and bettering of all types of equipment, both personal and combat-related. This includes vehicles, which are proven life-savers.
“I think the Army especially has done a great job of providing protection for the Soldiers,” said Pace. He also pointed out that there is undeniably “a lag-time between identifying and buying new equipment.”
Pace, who was sworn in on Sept. 30, serves as principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 12, 2005. Pace is the first Marine to serve as Chairman.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Gen. Peter Pace (far left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visits troops here Saturday. Pace serves as principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 12, 2005. Next to Pace is Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division Commanding General, and Sgt. Maj. Terry Grezlik. (U.S Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott, 363rd MPAD)
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Gen. Peter Pace, the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits with troops at here Saturday. Pace serves as principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. While at Camp Liberty, Pace entertained questions from Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, and told them “there is zero doubt in my mind that what you are doing is important to our nation.” (U.S Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott, 363rd MPAD)
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Gen. Peter Pace, the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addresses troops here Saturday. Pace serves as principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 12, 2005. Pace is the first Marine to serve as Chairman. While at Camp Liberty, he entertained questions from Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division and told them “sometimes when you are serving overseas and you watch some of the things on television, you could get to the point where you ask yourself ‘do we still have the support of the American people?’ and the answer is absolutely.” (U.S Army photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD)
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Gen. Peter Pace (standing, far left), sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff listens to a question from Sgt. Matthew Edmonds (right, with microphone), a paralegal noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Pace visited Soldiers here Saturday and told them “there is zero doubt in my mind that what you are doing is important to our nation.” (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD)
By Maj. David Olson - 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div
Aug 15, 2006
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, supported by Soldiers from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained seven suspected terrorists during a combined operation that began at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday north of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 2nd Bde., 9th IAD, and Troop A, 7th Sqdn., conducted a cordon and search and detained 38 suspects; 31 were released and seven were moved to Camp Taji for questioning.
Meanwhile, a dismounted patrol from 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., seized munitions from two sites north of Baghdad at approximately 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
A patrol from Troop B found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two rounds, an AK-47 assault rifle with 10 magazines, a missile guidance system and 20 to 30 pounds of flake TNT explosives.
The same patrol found a mortar round at a second site. An Estonian Infantry Platoon attached to 7th Sqdn. reinforced the patrol and assisted with the searches.
By Army 1st Sgt. David G. Fraembs - 345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Aug 15, 2006
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan – Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan contributed $67,000 to the construction of a fire station at the Mazar-e Sharif airport, putting the airport on track to become certified as a regional airport.
“The people of Afghanistan thank the U.S. and international community for their support of our rebuilding efforts,” said Razmohamid Alami , Afghanistan ’s deputy minister of transportation, during the station’s opening ceremony here Aug. 10.
This station is the first of several projects designed to transform the airport into a regional airport certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The international community has pledged more than $80 million for transportation projects in Balkh Province .
Improving the transportation system in Afghanistan is one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Transportation, and improving the air transportation system is one of Alami’s priorities, he said.
Alami, who has spent 38 years involved with civil aviation, understands the importance of air transportation for Afghanistan .
“We want to use the blueprint of Mazar-e-Sharif to build regional airports in Herat , Kandahar , Kunduz and Zabul,” he said. “This will provide the regional infrastructure to support international air travel to, from and within Afghanistan .”
One of the benefits of the future air transportation system will help provide more travel opportunities for Afghans during their annual journey to Mecca , known as the Hajj. This journey is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and holds deep spiritual meaning to Muslims. With a regional airport system, more Afghans will be able to participate.
By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Aug. 15, 2006 – Iran is fighting two proxy wars, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told servicemembers here Aug. 13.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace told servicemembers gathered at the camp chapel that Iran is “fighting a proxy war against Israel by supporting Hezbollah” in Lebanon. Iran also is fighting a proxy war against Iraq and the United States by supporting elements inside Iraq.
Pace said the preferred method of dealing with Iran is via diplomacy. The international community must place pressure on Iran to end its support of the Hezbollah terror group in southern Lebanon, he said.
Hezbollah launched raids across the Israeli-Lebanese border and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers July 12. This sparked retaliation by Israel. A United Nations-brokered ceasefire went into effect yesterday. Iran is the principle national sponsor of Hezbollah.
In Iraq, officials believe Iran has trained many members of Shiite militia groups. There are also allegations that Iran is supplying the groups with weapons, including deadly shaped charges, and places to train and plan.
“There is a lot of diplomacy that may be used, a lot of international pressure that can be used, a lot of international dialogue that can be used with the Iranian government to let them know that we don’t appreciate what they are doing,” Pace said.
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Michael Savage Show ~ 9:00pm ET - 12:00am ET (Click Bitcaster)
Basrah, Iraq
Kuwait International Airport
Kabul, Afghanistan
Click Daily World Weather Video Forecast 
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