News and Personal dispatches from the front lines.
In their own words:
Kaboom: A Soldier's War Journal: A Tactical Pause - Due to a rash posting on my part, and decisions made above my pay-grade, I have been ordered to stop posting on Kaboom, effective immediately. Though I committed no OPSEC violations, due to a series of extenuating circumstances – the least of which was me being on leave – my “The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage” post on May 28 did not go through the normal vetting channels. It’s totally on me, as it was too much unfiltered truth. I’m a soldier first, and orders are orders. So it is. If you think, please think of us. If you pray, please pray for us. The second half of our deployment will be just as challenging and dangerous as the first half. Thank you for caring. Agree or disagree with the war, if you’re reading this, you are engaged and aware. As long as that is still occurring in a free society, there is something worth the fighting for. (READ MORE)
1st Marine Logistics Group: Corpsmen teach combat casualty care to visiting Iraqi medical team - CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 20, 2008) – Service members at Camp Taqaddum are partnering with the Iraqis to show them their medical know-how and teach them the uses of their new equipment. Five Iraqi Army medical officers from Camp Habbaniyah visited Camp Taqaddum Surgical, 1st Supply Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group, June 20 to discuss a partnership and tour the building. A new hospital has been constructed at Camp Habbaniyah, but the facility needs a properly trained staff to operate in the new building with an understanding of the equipment they will use. (READ MORE)
A Majors Perspective: Media and the War - About a month ago I wrote a post, Wheres the News, discussing the serious decline in news coverage of the war. A couple days ago this same sentiment was echoed by reporters in an article from the NY Times. (Link to NY Times Article) Within the article there was some very fascinating quantitative facts about the coverage amounts: “According to data compiled by Andrew Tyndall, a television consultant who monitors the three network evening newscasts, coverage of Iraq has been ‘massively scaled back this year.’ Almost halfway into 2008, the three newscasts have shown 181 weekday minutes of Iraq coverage, compared with 1,157 minutes for all of 2007. The ‘CBS Evening News’ has devoted the fewest minutes to Iraq, 51, versus 55 minutes on ABC’s ‘World News’ and 74 minutes on ‘NBC Nightly News.’” (READ MORE)
From the 'Stan: More stories and photos - A few of you have posted this link, or e-mailed it to me, but I wanted to make sure everyone gets a chance to read the story and go through the photo gallery (there are a bunch of photos — with faces!) Click to read the story from the East Hampton Star For the 2/7 folks, just saw this blog entry by a guy who talked to Lt. Col. Hall. Also, here is the full text of that Wall Street Journal article from yesterday. I would still recommend searching for “24th Marine Expeditionary Unit” in google news and clicking on the WSJ link there to see the photos. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get a link that will actually take you to the full article. (The links I posted and other people posted keep bringing non-subscribers to the page with three paragraphs). (READ MORE)
IraqPundit: Withdrawal is not that simple - Some see the recent killings in Iraq as a reason for the Americans to pack up and go home. It's far away and it's Bush's war anyway, right? It's sad that terrorists kill civilians. But it's Bush's responsiblity, and he's on his way out. If only it were that simple. Yesterday murderers, maybe al-Qaeda, attacked a politician in Mosul. They missed him, but killed at least 18 civilians and injured 80. I realize it's hard to persuade non-Iraqis that civilians don't deserve this. I also know that plenty of people argue that if the U.S. were to withdraw, al-Qaeda and Shiite militias would stop killing civilians. Does anyone really believe murderers will change their ways? U.S. troops in Iraq know better. (READ MORE)
Fearless 1st Marines’ blog: Cache Sweeps to Street sweeps, Ramadi missions change gears - RAMADI, Iraq (June 18, 2008) – Ramadi, the Jewel of the Anbar Province, bears along it streets and on the walls of the pockmarked buildings the scars of war. The faces of its citizens show the memory of a historic city brought to near destruction by the vicious battles that have taken place in its streets for almost half a decade. However, with recent security developments and cooperation between the Iraqi government, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces, the city is returning to its proud status as the capital of al Anbar. The Iraqi people continue to progress forward and take the lead in fighting terrorists and rebuilding Ramadi. They are patching up the bullet holes, repaving war-torn streets, and the citizens are walking proudly with the look of hope in their eyes; the city is theirs again. (READ MORE)
IN-iraq: Do you expect them to learn forgiveness? -Tribal reconciliation in Balad - Balad, Iraq - In a city that has become known across the province for more than 500 reconciliations of local men with U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces, a broader reconciliation has been ongoing between Shia tribes who dominate the city and Sunni tribes who ring the outlying towns. Balad was infamous for sectarian bloodshed in 2006. More than 57 people were killed when Sunni insurgents killed at least 14 Shiite farmworkers. Shias killed scores of Sunni in reprisals. U.S. forces were accused of not intervening soon enough to stop the killings. The Iraqi Army was finally sent to step in. Iraqi reporters, who Tuesday went to Balad to cover reconciliation progress, know first hand about the terrible rifts caused by sectarianism. Mustafa, an Iraqi TV reporter from Baghdad, told a story of a young man who witnessed two brothers killed in front of a third brother. The man said to the killers, what do you expect him to learn, forgiveness? (READ MORE)
James Aalan Bernsen: A Visit to Camp Slayer - I took a trip recently over to Camp Slayer, another massive base on the same complex as Victory. Like Victory, Slayer is built on a former Ba'ath Party playground - a resort that looks more like a water park than the home of an oppressive regime. There are palm groves everywhere here. They're really quite beautiful, except that beneath the trees and the reeds is just more and more of that almost sickly Baghdad sand. I seriously think we should import several tons of Astroturf to Iraq so that they can put it down and pretend they have grass. I think there's a direct relationship to the amount of grass a country has to how violent and repressive they are. I mean, look at England. They've got tons of grass, and they haven't launched a war in a century. The lake, like that at Camp Victory proper, is surrounded by Palaces and offices of the Ba'ath Party. When Gen. Tommy Franks referred to the "Oil for Food" program as "Oil for Palaces," he wasn't kidding. (READ MORE)
James Aalan Bernsen: Two days and a Wake-up - That's the unique expression folks use around here to keep track of their time. The "wake-up", of course, being the day of your flight out. This place reminds everybody of a prison. One in which the inmates are armed. When I arrived, I had 300 days, give or take, and a wake-up. Now, that time has dwindled down to less than 1 percent, and it's hard to imagine that I'll soon be going home. In a lot of ways, I've become accustomed to this place. Never enjoyed it, just used to it. Kind of like the old baseball glove you've had since little-league, which doesn't fit, was never comfortable, but you just kept using it and can't imagine ever throwing it away. (READ MORE)
Bill Roggio: US names al Qaeda emir of Mosul killed during raid - The US military has identified al Qaeda's leader of Mosul who was killed during a targeted raid in the northern city on June 24. Multinational Forces Iraq named Abu Khalaf as al Qaeda's emir, or leader, of Mosul who was killed during a raid by Task Force 88, the hunter-killer teams assigned to disrupt terrorist command networks in Iraq and elsewhere. Khalaf was killed by US forces as he reached for a gun and his associate attempted to detonate his vest. Khalaf "rose through the ranks to become the overall emir of Mosul," the US military stated. He served as al Qaeda's military commander in Mosul during the rule of former al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al Zarqawi. (READ MORE)
Bill Roggio: Mahdi Army decimated during recent fighting - The Mahdi Army has suffered a significant blow during fighting against Iraqi and Coalition forces this year, according to an Iraq intelligence report. The heavy casualties sustained by the Mahdi Army have forced Muqtada al Sadr, the leader of the Mahdi Army and the Sadrist political movement, to change his tactics and disband the Mahdi Army in favor of a small, secretive fighting force. "More than 2,000 cadres from the Mahdi Army leaders were killed recently," an Iraqi intelligence official told Gulf News. "This led to the almost complete collapse of the army," the official said. An estimated 1,300 Mahdi Army fighters "escaped to safe houses in Iran." Muqtada al Sadr currently resides in Qom, Iran, under the protection of Iran's Qods Force. (READ MORE)
Matel-in-Iraq: Mad Dogs & Englishmen - The picture below is a fort built by the British in sometime around 1927. The British ran Iraq as a League of Nations Mandate until 1932, when Iraq became an independent monarchy under King Faisal, of Lawrence of Arabia fame. Even after independence, the British maintained bases here. I don't know if this was among them. In fact, most people don't think much re this fort, but it is still in use as a police HQ. The British built to last. When the fort was built there was nothing around it but desert. Rutbah's claim to significance is that it is a "wet spot" that gets around 4.5 inches of rain a year, and it had a well. The Fort guarded the road that connected Amman with Baghdad and the oil pipeline. (READ MORE)
The Satirist at War: A CANDID ASSESSMENT - Popped down to the bazaar yesterday for one of my last patrols (if not the last patrol), and when I got back, the FOB* was abuzz with rumors of an impending visit from G1*, to inspect living conditions. This on the heels of a visit from IG* that had been prompted by someone who, according to rumor, had described living conditions on various FOBs and COPs* in our AO* as "deplorable," or something like that. The first thing I'd like to point out is that I've seen deplorable living conditions a few times during my sojourn in the Army, and those instances have all had the following in common: (READ MORE)
Zen Traveler: It's Not Just Sandwiches - My Scottish partner mistakenly left his sandwich and a bottled Starbucks iced-coffee in the car after returning from a task this afternoon. He went back a few minutes later to look for it and it was gone, obviously taken from the car by our Arab security drivers who are tasked with cleaning out the vehicles. Upon questioning the two drivers he got a resounding, “We haven’t seen your lunch nor the coffee”. A lecture ensued about the importance for westerners to be able to get the truth when asking questions. This certainly isn't the first time the drivers heard this. Soon after, one of the drivers showed up with the missing the lunch and coffee stating that he found them in the Driver’s Room. “Dun’no they it got there.” The “take away” here is that two 40+ year old men have to play this little kindergarten game about telling the truth while at the same time saving face. (READ MORE)
Back and still writing:
LT Nixon: Iraq News (27 June) - The Good: Major General Hertling has said that Al-Qaeda is defeated in northern Iraq, and U.S. forces are pursuing remaining elements into small towns and villages. This comes after news that the emir of the Islamic State of Iraq in Mosul has been killed in a U.S. airstrike. Long War Journal reports that the Mahdi Army has been decimated, while many young men in Sadr City (known to be the home base of JAM) are employed in the neighborhood guard to provide security. These employment opportunities are seen as crucial to provide alternatives to joining the militia, much like the Sons of Iraq program has kept many young Sunni men from joining the insurgency. (READ MORE)
Eighty Deuce on the Loose in Iraq: BEING HOME - ...is great! It is the most amazing feeling in the world to be back in the States after so long in Iraq. While over there, it seemed like this day would never come, but finally it did. The flight back was full of anticipation as we all just wanted to end our long journey and be back with the ones we love and care about. For myself, from the time I was last walking around the streets of Baghdad until I landed back in the United States was only four days. Mind blowing, really. Once we arrived at Ft Bragg, there were so many friends and family there, that it was a HUGE crowd. We formed up and marched in while everyone was screaming and cheering, and it was so hard to not break out with a huge smile across my face. The shivers ran throughout my body, and even a little bit right now just thinking about it. It was amazing and I couldn't have asked for much more. (READ MORE)
News from the Front:
Iraq:
Al-Qaeda in Iraq networks suffer losses - BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives Thursday and Friday while targeting terrorist networks in central and northwest Iraq. Coalition forces targeted a man believed to be associated with a bomb cell leader Thursday in Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul. When an armed man at the target location refused to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions, the force perceived hostile intent, engaged and killed the armed man. (READ MORE)
Al-Qaeda “emir” of Mosul identified - AGHDAD – A terrorist killed during an operation June 24 in Mosul has been positively identified as al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of Mosul, Abu Khalaf. Coalition forces killed the al-Qaeda in Iraq “emir” of Mosul as they continued to disrupt terrorist operations there. When they reached the target building, they engaged and killed one terrorist who was reaching for a pistol, one terrorist wearing a suicide vest, and one woman who tried to detonate the dead terrorist’s suicide vest. (READ MORE)
Al-Qaeda networks keep decaying - BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed two terrorists, including an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader, during operations that netted 15 suspected terrorists in central and northern Iraq Thursday. Coalition forces killed an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader near Sharqat, about 90 kilometers south of Mosul. Upon their arrival, Coalition forces observed two suspected terrorists from one targeted building move into another building. The force surrounded the building and called for them to come out, but the terrorists refused to comply with Coalition forces’ instructions. (READ MORE)
Coalition forces celebrate transfer of 1,000 humvees to Iraqi Security Forces - TAJI, Iraq – Senior Iraqi and Coalition force leaders celebrated the transfer of 1,000 M-1114 up-armored humvees to the Iraqi Security Forces here, June 26. Iraqi National Security Advisor, Dr. Rubaie thanked U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, Multi-National Forces-Iraq commanding general, and the Coalition forces for their contributions. He said this is just another step to enable Iraq to be self-defending and self-reliant. (READ MORE)
MND-B Soldiers detain 3 suspected criminals in overnight operations - BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained three suspected criminals June 25-26 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. At approximately 9:45 p.m., June 25, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader in the Shurta neighborhood. At approximately 1:15 a.m., June 26, 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers detained a suspected Sunni criminal in the same neighborhood. (READ MORE)
Electrical sub-station powers up in Basra - BASRA – A new electrical substation that will provide additional power to the citizens of Basra is scheduled to go online next month. Iraqi electrical workers are installing new lines, inspecting transformers and making final checks throughout the substation in preparation to bring it online in early July. The Government of Iraq is making efforts to bring basic services to Iraqis living in Basra as quickly as possible. (READ MORE)
Largest public works substation in Baghdad opens - BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, civic leaders, local townsmen and Coalition forces gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Ameriyah community in the Mansour district of Baghdad to acknowledge the opening of the biggest public works substation in Baghdad June 25. Public works substations provide essential services to local communities such as trash pickup, street cleaning and other services necessary for proper community maintenance. (READ MORE)
IA finds weapons cache in Diyala Province - TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers found a weapons cache in the Diyala Province, June 26. The cache contained more than 1,000 pounds of homemade explosives, three improvised explosive devices, 10 anti-tank mines, four rockets and various IED-making items. “This was a cache found by the Iraqi Army, independently,” said Capt. Kevin Ryan, a spokesman with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. “We assisted with security. This is a great example of the capabilities of the Iraqi Army. They are able to operate on their own.” (READ MORE)
MND-B Soldiers, INPs confiscate weapons caches in Baghdad - BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi National Police seized weapons caches in Baghdad June 26. At approximately 6:30 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad consisting of three 82 mm mortar rounds, two base plates, a rocket propelled grenade, a surface-to-air missile, a rocket head, blasting caps, three anti-tank mines and rocket propellant. (READ MORE)
MND-B Soldiers seize cache in Ameriyah following tip - BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a cache in the Ameriyah neighborhood in west Baghdad during a patrol at approximately 12:30 p.m. June 26. Acting on a tip from an Iraqi civilian, Soldiers from the 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, seized 122 mortar rounds, 17 rocket propelled grenades, eight rockets, three sniper rifles, a machinegun, three TNT sticks, five mortar tubes, 100 blasting caps, five tank rounds and miscellaneous detonation cord, fuses and homemade explosives. (READ MORE)
ISF continue to clear Amarah of munitions - BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces discovered numerous munitions during Operation Basha'er as Salaam in Amarah. The caches, found in homes, businesses and public areas throughout the city from June 19-22 totaled more than 1,700 mortar rounds, 873 mines, 445 artillery rounds, 347 rocket propelled grenades, 267 rockets, 227 missile launchers, 109 improvised explosive devices, 74 grenades; 35, 122 mm rounds; 27 explosively formed projectiles and 14 missiles. (READ MORE)
Iraqi Army, Coalition Troops Provide Medical Care at School - FOB ISKAN — More than 200 adults and 80 children received medical care recently during a combined medical engagement at the Al Herea School in Farisiyah. Eight Iraqi medics from 33rd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, and surgeons and medics from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, hosted the event for residents of Farisiyah and Jurf as Sahkr. “It always puts a smile on my face to see people in need receive proper care,” said Army Staff Sgt. Luke Henry, a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-7th Infantry Regiment. (READ MORE)
U.S. Airmen Train Iraqi Maintainers - KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE — While Iraqi Air Force pilots continue flying sorties to aid stability in their nation, Iraqi maintainers on the ground here have achieved important benchmarks to keep their fleet in the air. Airmen with the Iraqi Air Force's 3rd Squadron took over a wide variety of maintenance duties on the unit's Cessna 208 Caravan fleet that's used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, a task formerly performed by U.S. contractors. "The 3rd Squadron was recently asked to transition from contracted maintenance to full Iraqi support," said Air Force Capt. Gordon Beran, 870th Expeditionary Air Advisory Squadron combat aviation advisor. (READ MORE)
Soldiers Say Goodbye to Macedonian Friends - CAMP TAJI — The Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, bade farewell to their Macedonian partners and welcomed two new Macedonian platoons during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at the Sgt. John M. Schoolcraft III Pavilion June 23. After six months of partnership with Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” and 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, “On Time,” both from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., the Macedonian soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and a Ranger platoon, are going home. (READ MORE)
Afghanistan:
SOF forces train new Afghan Commandos - SHINDAND AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 27, 2008) – The dedication in his eyes is evident as the American Special Operations warrior attentively moves up and down the row of Afghan Commandos on the firing range. He rewards a particularly good shot with an approving tap on the helmet. He seems unaware of the sweltering heat or the weight on his shoulders from the massive amount of equipment he is wearing. His only concern is for the men before him and the mission they have accepted. Afghanistan’s security and stability partially rests in the hands of the Commandos on this range. All are committed to honing the skills and capabilities that are vital to their mission. (READ MORE)
New clinic offers place of healing, caring, hope - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 27, 2008) – The people of the Shindand District, Heart province, Afghanistan, had reason to rejoice June 23, as a new medical clinic opened in their district. Immediately after the celebratory ribbon was cut, the doors to the clinic were opened and over 450 villagers, mostly women and children, poured inside to seek treatment and medication from both Afghan and Coalition medical care providers. “My baby has been sick for at least three days now and I’ve been able to do nothing but pray,” said one local mother, who brought her three-month-old daughter to the clinic. (READ MORE)
CA projects helps rebuild Kohe Safi - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 27, 2008) -- The Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team civil affairs leader visited a few local villages in the Kohe Safi District and met with Community Development Council representatives, June 24. The CDC, a body of elected villagers, is given special training to learn how to allocate funds and pick projects that are needed in each village. Projects are funded through the National Solidarity Program, which works through the Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development. (READ MORE)
Coalition patrol attacked in Wardak province; four dead - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 26, 2008) – Three service members and a local-national interpreter are dead following an attack on a Coalition convoy this morning in Wardak province. The attack took place in Sayed Abad District, destroying one vehicle. Severe blast and fire damage was inflicted on the vehicle; two of the deceased were recovered at the site while two sets of remains were located in a nearby field. The remains are pending identification. Coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces secured the scene and are searching for the attackers. (READ MORE)
Several militants killed in Zabul province - KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces killed several militants June 22 while on patrol in the Shinkay District, Zabul province. Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces encountered an enemy observation site with the armed militants on a ridgeline. While maintaining positive identification, the patrol engaged with small-arms fire and killed the militants. Four AK-47s, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher and five RPG rounds were recovered from the militants. (READ MORE)
Four Taliban detained in Paktika province - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Four militants were detained during a Coalition forces operation to disrupt Taliban activities in Paktika province, Wednesday. Coalition forces searched multiple compounds in Sar Hawza District targeting a Taliban Haqqani network leader known to conduct financing operations in the area. The leader was detained in the operation. (READ MORE)
Several militants killed in Kandahar province - KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and Coalition forces killed several insurgents June 25 while on patrol in Maywand District, Kandahar province. Insurgents attacked the combined security patrol with small-arms fire, RPGs and indirect fire. The patrol returned small-arms fire and maintained positive identification until Coalition aircraft arrived. The insurgents were killed with several precision airstrikes. No ANSF or Coalition forces were injured in the attack. (READ MORE)
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