Dear Interested Reader,
Combined military op nets wanted criminals in Kirkuk Province. Iraqi SWAT arrest suspected murderers. TF Bucca Civil Affairs deliver agricultural equipment. Iraqi SF train in helicopter assault techniques. Joint effort brings electricity to Agurquf.
In Afghanistan, combined forces team up to aid an isolated population. Qanati Girls School is rebuilt. Security is provided in Farah Province.
Joanna
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Apr 18, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Combined military operation nets wanted individuals
Lt. Col. Andy Shoffner, cmdr of 4th Sqdrn, 9th U.S. Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, and Brig. Gen. Qadir, the police chief of the country area in Kirkuk province, discuss an op.
(Army photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)
FOB WARRIOR, Kirkuk - Seven criminals in several villages near Kirkuk were detained through cooperation between IP, IA and Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, April 7.
The individuals were suspected of engaging in insurgent activity and various other crimes and were detained based on outstanding warrants. One of the detained suspects is believed to be among the sqdrns top 10 most wanted targets on their high value individual list, said Capt. Martin Ellison, an intel officer for 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.
"This mission provided an opportunity to help support the Iraqi SF as they support the rule of law," said Cmdr Lt. Col. Andy Shoffner. For many of the villagers of the town, this was one of the first times they have seen IA, IP and U.S. military forces working together. "It's a positive thing for the people of these towns, who often feel isolated, to see the Iraqi SF," Ellison said.
According to the Security Agreement signed by the U.S. and GoI on Jan. 1, ISF are responsible for security in their assigned area of ops, with the U.S. assisting in a support role. "This op was ISF-led from planning to execution," said Shoffner. Our role was to provide enablers such as aviation and military working dogs, as well as securing an outer cordon, said Ellison. The ISF were responsible for both the inner cordon, which was managed by the IA, and executing the warrants, which were conducted by IPs, Ellison said.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
Iraqi SWAT bring justice, arrest suspected murderers
TIKRIT - Mosul SWAT, with CF advisors, conducted a 2-part op April 8 in southeastern Mosul, which ended in the arrest of 2 suspects for their alleged participation in murderous activities.
The suspects, arrested on warrants issued by the Ninewa Investigative Court, were wanted by authorities for disrupting the safety and security of Iraqi civilians, said the ground forces cmdr. "Insurgents will be held responsible for their actions, and Mosul SWAT continues to demonstrate that they are capable of bringing them to justice," he added.
According to investigating sources, one suspect is an IED facilitator and the other is a suspected assassin who formerly provided a safe haven for building and storing the cell's VBIEDs.
Following the arrest, MSWAT utilized info obtained from the suspects to uncover a large cache of homemade hand grenades, and develop additional ops to arrest other terrorists within the active cells.
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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
JTF 134 PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq
TF Bucca Civil Affairs presents Safwan and Umm Qasr with agricultural equipment
CAMP BUCCA — The TF Bucca Civil Affairs team presented agricultural equipment April 11 to members of the Umm Qasr and Safwan Farmers Assns and Town Councils at Camp Bucca.
A total of 6 water trucks and 8 tractors were presented to Mr. Majid Muzam, Umm Qasr Town Council Pres. and Mr. Munadhel Manahe, Safwan Town Council Pres., who accepted the keys on the towns’ behalf. The project is part of an investment CF made to assist the community’s economy, which also included the newly renovated Safwan Agricultural Center, seeds, generators, greenhouse kits and plastic sheathing.
“According to the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development (USAID), agriculture is Iraq’s largest employer, the 2nd largest contributor to Iraq’s economy, and an effective engine for promoting stability through private sector development, poverty reduction and food security,” said Col. David Glaser, cmdr, 42nd MP Bde and TF Bucca.
“For a long period, the agricultural sector has suffered the challenges of crop production being threatened by the shortage and saltiness of water and old agricultural machines. The borders need exceptional care and support, and security protection to enable them to stand on their own again,” said Mr. Majid. “We're celebrating in this occasion to thank all the hands who participated for their generous support,” he added.
According to Sgt. 1st Class John M. Miller, NCO-in-charge, this project will promote the legitimacy of the GoI by working with CF to provide a vital service to the local population. The local economy will benefit by creating long-term jobs, business center development, agriculture initiatives, and civic clean-up activities.
“I present again my thanks, estimate and knowledge of favor for everyone who participated, by words or work in accomplishment of these services, and acceleration of its arrival to the citizens in the city,” said Mr. Munadhel.
“We ask the Lord to keep our countries safe and as you return back to your families, soon we hope you can become proud to see the advancement and developments in Iraq, and realize that you are a part of this accomplishment,” he added.
Camp Bucca is a FOB along the Kuwaiti border near the port city of Umm Qasr, Iraq’s southernmost city.
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Iraqi SF Continue Training, Safeguard Basrah Citizens
(By Spc. William Hatton, Combined Joint Special Ops TF - Arabian Peninsula)
U.S. Army SF Soldiers from ODA 5214 train members of an Iraqi SF unit in helicopter assault techniques.
BASRAH — For the last year, Iraq's 2nd largest city has been experiencing something it hasn't known since the war began... safe streets.
Now that the city has become a safer place, it is important for the 6th RCB to continue to train and be ready for whatever they might face in the future, said the cmdr. He explained that 2 of the most important things to be trained on are weapons maintenance and op.
"The use of weapons like the .50 caliber and the 240 automatic rifle have been extremely important," said an Iraqi officer in the bn. "We use those weapons in battle and it's important for the Soldiers to be well trained in their use. Training in general is important because proficiency doesn't come when you do something just once or twice, but over long periods of training."
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Multi-National Division - Baghdad
Joint Effort Brings Electricity to Agurquf
By Brian Tierce
Capt. Jackie Manton, 225th Engr Bde, speaks to the crowd gathered to celebrate the opening of a new power line, April 8.
BAGHDAD — Not long after arriving here and settling into their battle space, the Soldiers of the 2nd "Paxton" Bn picked up where their predecessors left off, with numerous projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the citizens of Abu Ghraib. One such project aimed at improving the dependability of electricity for the residents of the Agurquf area was recently completed, giving Iraqi and Coalition leaders the chance to celebrate the event at the new power station.
"Today is the culmination of months of work to improve the electrical grid here in Abu Ghraib," said Lt. Col. Samuel Hayes, cmdr, 2nd Bn, 112th Inf Regt. "This was made possible by the partnership between Iraqi and CF working to improve the power across the Qada." The ability to provide better basic services has been heightened by the increased security in the region. With a greater focus on providing for the people of Abu Ghraib, a number of parties got involved in the power project and brought the line back to life.
"Under the leadership of Ghalib Mohammed, dir. gen., Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, the people of Abu Ghraib Qada have a new 33 volt feeder line, which connects new and refurbished sub stations in Vabon and Agurquf," said Capt. Jackie Manton, 225th Engr Bde. "This project will provide better, more reliable power to the people of Abu Ghraib."
The improvements to the power grid are one of many projects under way west of Baghdad as Coalition units in the west aim to improve all aspects of life in their recently acquired battle space. "Any time you can improve the quality of life through improvements in electricity, water, sewage and other essential services, everyday life improves for the local citizens," said Hayes. "When you have something like this happen it is a big day; electricity is something we all come to depend on."
Over the course of the next month the Abu Ghraib district will see the opening of more than 3 schools along with a playground and improvements to the area market. The improvements highlight the increased ability of the Iraqi SF in the area and give the Soldiers of 2-112 Inf. Regt. a tangible view of the quality of life improvements they help facilitate.
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Preparing for a Medical Clinic in Abu Bakr
Army Spc. Zachary Sexton deploys concertina wire around the entrance to a makeshift medical clinic in Abu Bakr, April 7, 2009. Soldiers are preparing the facility for medical personnel from the Iraqi Ministry of Health, who will provide free medical care and consultation to area residents. Sexton is assigned to 1st Bn, 24th Inf Regt, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID.
(DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter J. Pels, U.S. Navy)
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Training Exercise in the Saber Range
Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael McBride (left) explains the different parts of a 120mm mortar shell to Iraqi soldiers on a mortar range during a field training exercise in the Saber Range, outside Mansurya village, Diyala province, April 4, 2009. McBride is assigned as a Plt Sgt for Gunfighter Plt, HHC, 1st Sqdrn, 8th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div.
(DoD photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati, U.S. Army)
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Special to American Forces Press Service
U.S., French, Afghan Forces Team Up to Aid Afghan Villages
By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
TF Warrior bde surgeon Army Capt. (Dr.) William Barker injects anesthetics before stitching the ear of a patient.
(AF photos by Chief MSgt. John Zincone)
KAPISA PROVINCE – The Alasay District Clinic in Kapisa treated more than 670 patients April 5-6 with the assistance of multinational doctors, surgeons and medical teams. The 2-day medical outreach brought together TF Warrior, along with the Kapisa and Parwan PRTs, and Afghan and French soldiers to provide medical care to the isolated population.
More than 120 Afghan women were seen at a separate facility in the village by female health care workers from the French team. Illnesses ranged from colds and pneumonia to lacerations, hypertension and malnutrition.
"Afghans presented us with various medical problems, such as gastritis, asthma, eczema and other types of skin disorders, musculoskeletal pain, and dental problems," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Donray David, who serves with the TF Warrior surgeon group.
One local elder, who is about 70 years old, arrived with a cancerous tumor the size of a grapefruit. Army Capt. (Dr.) William Barker, command surgeon with the task force, arranged for the man to be seen at the Egyptian hospital at Bagram Airfield, and CF paid for his cab fare to get there, David said.
AF 1st Lt. Jon Farley, a PRT medical officer, said he was so impressed with the performance of Afghan doctor Mohammed Samir, that he recommended Samir be admitted to a physician mentorship training program to expand his capabilities and enhance duty performance within the Afghan army. "He was quite competent and capable, and expressed interest in attending training opportunities at Craig Joint Theater Hospital on Bagram Airfield," Farley said.
On April 4, TF Warrior and French forces supported the Afghan NA during a mission to supply food, blankets and school supplies to Alasay district’s Sultan Khiel village. School supplies were distributed to 250 boys, and food and blankets to the adults.
"Like most occasions when we show up, the people and children immediately started coming out of the woodwork to our location," said U.S. AF MSgt. Todd Davis, Kapisa and Parwan PRT engr. Flour, beans, rice, and blankets were given to families who lined up during the event. NATO Int'l Security Assistance Force backpacks, chalk boards and other school supplies were distributed to the children.
"Our recent joint ops in support of the ANA to clear and hold the Alasay District Center are having positive results for the people of Alasay," said Army Col. Stephen Jeselink, TF Warrior dep. cmdr, referring to improvements in security and connecting the people of Alasay to their govt and resources.
A boy waits to be seen at the Alasay District Center. during a two-day village medical outreach by local providers and medical personnel from Task Force Warrior in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, April 5, 2009.
AF Senior Airman Cynthia Lorenzi of the Kapisa and Parwan PRT medical group prepares medications.
An Afghan man receives donations of food, blankets and school supplies.
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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
Small Steps by Afghan NA, CF Make Big Impact for Girls Education in Herat
The newly rebuilt Qanati girls school is pictured. It was the target of a Taliban bombing more than a year ago. The bombing occurred at night, and none of the students or teachers were injured in the blast. The local Afghan NA unit and the nearby CF helped clear the rubble and rebuilt the walls of the school.
KABUL – A year ago the Qanati girls school was bombed in the middle of the night by Taliban militants who are opposed to educating women. The school, which is located in the Shindand District, Herat province, sustained damage to its back wall, and the staircase leading to the 2nd floor was destroyed.
"In the early morning, all of the students came to school and told us, 'We're coming, no problem, this thing is not going to stop us,'" said the schools' headmaster, Mawdood. CF paid for the repairs to the school, and a Combined Joint Special Ops TF - Afghanistan civil affairs team from a nearby firebase supervised the building's progress.
Other than the IED repair work, the school is funded by the Afghan govt with minimal support by CF. Mawdood proudly reports that all 35 teachers are paid every month by the Ministry of Education. The headmaster happily relies on the local Afghan NA for security.
Even though Mawdood does not receive regular help from the CF, he said the girls at the school know that if the firebase was not so close, they would not be able to have the freedom to attend classes. "I was taken aback by the number of teachers, the number of students and the kind of classes they're teaching ... it's the best school I've seen in the area," said a civil affairs team leader, who was impressed with the curriculum, which includes 4 languages, math and sciences.
Even though the school seems to be a model of public education, there are still some issues. A teacher pulls 2 sea shells out of her purse and shows them to the coalition soldiers. "I'm a teacher of biology, and I just have this material with me ... it's mine, and when I go to class I teach them about these things, only with what I have with me. We don't have any extra, and we don't have any in the office to give them to take home."
"They aren't messing around; they want maps, periodic tables, muscular structure," said the CA team leader about some of the educational tools the teachers have been asking for. Walking around the school one can see these girls are not just playing at school, they are serious. The work posted on the walls indicates they study a great deal of algebra and physics, as well as advanced writing classes.
One 12th grade girl wants to go to college, but her family does not want her to travel far away from home. They do not have any money to send her anyway. Even with only a 12th grade education, the girl realizes the importance of education. "I came to school to get skills and learn so I can serve the people of my country," said one Afghan girl shyly biting on her headscarf.
"My sister has a little bit of education, and it has helped her be a better mother," said another student who works at the coalition forces clinic twice a week. "A lot of women just stay home, but education helps them do better at home," she added. She said she would like to wait until she's 22 to get married, but she knows it is up to her family.
"It's important for the family, and it's important for the country," Mawdood said. "One of our teachers is a widow. She has a kid and a family. She is educated, and she works. She puts food on the table for her family, so that's why education for women is really important."
Although the headmaster appreciates the help of the CF, he points out that when they come to visit the school, there are Taliban watching, who use the visit as an argument to the local populace that the school is an American school. "If you guys come in here I'll be happy, but some people outside, they don't like it," said Mawdood. He's not threatened by the Taliban, and the families in the area are confident in the security of the school.
The civil affairs team recently donated concertina wire to the school, which has helped improve the overall security of the building. "It was a small project that had a huge effect. Putting the wire up on the wall, making the girls safer, showing support," said the civil affairs team leader.
The next project in the planning stages is a basketball court for the girls. Mawdood said he wants the girls to have a basketball court in addition to their volleyball court. He would also like a locker room, since the girls cannot wear their athletic shorts to school. For now, however, his girls will continue to enhance their futures with what they have.
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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
Afghan, CF Provide Security in Farah Province
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Wilson
CF pull security for a helicopter as they prepare for extraction in Gulistan District, Farah province, after conducting an op in support of the security and stability of Afghanistan. The troops were pulling security for the safety of the pilots and their comrades on the ground.
A coalition troop pops violet smoke to signal a helicopter for extraction, April 12.
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Impact of Artillery Fire
U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Bn, 501st Inf Regt observe the impacts of artillery fire to calibrate for accuracy near Camp Clark in Afghanistan, April 7, 2009.
(DoD photo by Sgt. Christopher T. Sneed, U.S. Army)
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