Tribute to the military

Monday, December 25, 2006

Soldiers Send Christmas Greetings

Courtesy of CBN News

Armed Forces News

CBNNews.com - Many military families cannot spend this Christmas at home with family. They're stationed overseas serving their country. Watch the video on this page to see Christmas greetings from numerous soldiers to their families. There are approximately 50 to 60 greetings from military stationed at various bases around the world. Merry Christmas and may God Bless our wonderful armed service members and their loved ones. Click here to watch video

Top Stories from CBNNews US


.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas 2006



They came "from the east to Jerusalem" to worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews".

Best Wishes and Seasons Greeting during this Christmas 2006.



The reason for the season!!

God Bless,

Bos'un

Al-Sadr meets Shiite leaders

Courtesy of CBN News, December 21, 2006


Associated Press
Watch Video

CBNNews.com - He's been called "the most dangerous man in Iraq."

Now, the radical Shiite militia leader Muqtada al-Sadr is considering a cease-fire.

Al-Sadr met with other Shiite leaders Thursday.

They're asking him to rejoin the political process. His supporters pulled out of the political process three weeks ago, after al-Maliki met with President Bush in Jordan.

Al-Sadr is the commander of the Mahdi army - that's the brutal militia behind much of the sectarian violence.

Until the walkout, al-Sadr's faction had been an integral part of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's governing coalition.

Observers hope any agreement on al-Sadr's part will curb the bloodshed in the country.

Sources: CBN News, Associated Press

Friday, December 22, 2006

al Qaeda takes credit for US mid-term elections

Al Qaeda Sends a Message to Democrats

According to ABC News, Brian Ross and Hoda Osman report that Al Qaeda has sent a message to leaders of the Democratic party that credit for the defeat of congressional Republicans belongs to the terrorists.

"The first is that you aren't the ones who won the midterm elections, nor are the Republicans the ones who lost. Rather, the Mujahideen -- the Muslim Ummah's vanguard in Afghanistan and Iraq -- are the ones who won, and the American forces and their Crusader allies are the ones who lost," Zawahri said, according to a full transcript obtained by ABC News. Zawahri called for the Democrats to negotiate with he and his boss Osama. For the rest of the story(read more here)

The liberals and donk lefti should be jumping for joy that they can enter dhimmitude with the creators of 9-11. Personally it appears that the liberals and donk lefti hate our President more than the enemy and have tried at every turn to swart efforts in the war on terror.

Well, Harry Reid, John "F" Kerry, Jack Murtha, and other liberal politicians, what do you say about Zawahri's comments? You can slam President Bush, but, can you slam a terrorist? In the past, terrorist talking points and the DNC talking points have sounded like the same speech writer wrote their speeches. Where is the roar and outcry from the DNC to distance themselves from Zawahri?

The much awaited press release by Zawahri has registered little more than a burp in the mainstream press. It appears that Zawahri's comments may be slightly embarrassing and is not being widely disseminated. We'll see if the talking head networks will dissect Zawahri's press release this weekend.

Also in the news courtesy of Breitbart.com:

Al- Qaeda Hints at Power Status in Iraq

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, told the United States it is negotiating with the wrong people in Iraq, suggesting in a video released Wednesday that his...

Al- Zawahri: U. S. Talking to Wrong People

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda said the United States was negotiating with the wrong people in Iraq, implying in a video broadcast Wednesday on Al-Jazeera that Washington should be...

Al- Zawahri Slams Palestinian Vote Plan

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda criticized both sides of the Palestinian power struggle in a video aired Wednesday, calling the Palestinian president America's man but also lashing...

Al- Zawahri: U. S. Should Talk to al- Qaeda

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda criticized both sides of the Palestinian power struggle in a video aired Wednesday, calling the Palestinian president America's man but also lashing...

Leader Hints U. S. Should Talk to al- Qaeda

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, told the United States on Wednesday that it was negotiating with the wrong people in Iraq, strongly implying in a video...


.

Monday, December 18, 2006

The Regathering Storm; Al Qaeda recruiting Westerners

Courtesy of National Terror Alert Response Center

Al Qaeda Recruiting Westerners

December 18th, 2006
For the past year, a secret has been slowly spreading among Taliban commanders in Afghanistan: a 12-man team of Westerners was being trained by Al Qaeda in Pakistan for a special mission. Most of the Afghan fighters could rely only on hearsay, but some told of seeing the “English brothers” (as the foreign recruits were nicknamed for their shared language) in person.

One eyewitness, a former Guantánamo detainee with close Taliban and Qaeda ties, spoke to Newsweek recently in southern Afghanistan, demanding anonymity because he doesn’t want the Americans looking for him. He says he met the 12 recruits in November 2005, at a mud-brick compound near the North Waziristan town of Mir Ali. Read Article

Technorati tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Islamic Republic of France

In a policy reminiscent to the failed UN mission in Somalia in the early 1990s, some of our NATO allies are beginning to show signs of their lack of commitment to fight in the war on terror.

According the the Canadian Press, "Some NATO members - including France, Germany, Italy and Spain - have refused to regularly send troops to fight alongside the British, Canadian, Dutch and U.S. forces on the front lines of battles with the resurgent Taliban in the restive south and east."

India-Defence.com reported this morning that:

France plans to withdraw around 200 special forces from southern Afghanistan at the start of next year following a recent surge in violence, reported the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche on Sunday.

The French Defence Ministry was not immediately available for comment. The French military is participating in various missions in Afghanistan, and the small special forces team has been under US control since 2003 as part of operation Enduring Freedom.

Nine French troops have died fighting in Afghanistan, and Le Journal du Dimanche said the relatively high death toll had played a part in the decision to withdraw the forces.

The US was also downscaling its Enduring Freedom operation, the newspaper said, adding that some 1,000 French troops deployed around Kabul under NATO control would be staying put. Afghanistan is going through its bloodiest phase since US-led troops drove the Taliban from power after the September 11, 2001, attacks, and NATO has called on its member countries to send in more soldiers to help combat the upsurge in violence.

France, however, declined to dispatch more troops last month, saying it already had its hands full with the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, where it has committed some 2,000 soldiers.

Associated Press reported later that France's defence minister, Michele Alliot-Marie, said her country would be willing to send its troops to Afghanistan's violence-plagued areas as temporary reinforcements if requested, but, would not be sent permanently. It sounded to me like another case of French double talk to defend its weak position.

There has been an ongoing 'intifada' in France for the past several years. World Tribune reported in October that there has been 2,500 French police officers injured in 2006 alone by roving gangs of islamists. Michael Thoomis, Secretary General of the Action Police Trade Union said, "We are in a state of civil war, orchestrated by radical Islamists. This is not a question of urban violence any more. It is an intifada, with stones and firebombs."

One has to ask Ms. Alliot-Marie if the problems at home with the islamists who continue to battle the police may be the underlying reason for French white flag waving. I am at a loss for words in regards to Germany, Spain, and Italy. It may be that the leftists in their countries have gained more power. At least for now, Germany, Spain and Italy troop strengths remain unchanged.

For more reporting on France's "enthusiasm" to fight in Afghanistan:



.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Iraqi Army catches Baqubah insurgents

Courtesy of Centcom Multi-National Forces Iraq

Friday, 15 December 2006

BAQUBAH — The Iraqi Army led a successful offensive operation here recently, capturing 10 suspected insurgents and rescuing a kidnapped 16-year-old Iraqi boy being held for a $150,000 ransom.

Iraqi Soldiers from 5th Iraqi Army conducted searches, while the U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, cordoned off several neighborhoods.

Maj. Kalil Malek Ahmad, commander, 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, said his Soldiers identified insurgents with the help of intelligence sources.

Lt. Col. Morris Goins, commander, 3rd Brigade’s 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, which provided the cordon for the search, said the operation gave the Iraqi Army an opportunity to demonstrate it’s capability to play a primary role in military operations.

“Iraq is a sovereign nation. They have an Iraqi Police department. They have an Iraqi Army,” said Goins, a native of Southern Pines, N.C. “It’s important for them to conduct these operations. They are in the lead and we assist when needed.”

This most recent search for insurgents, which is part of a larger effort, “will help local residents by driving a wedge between the Iraqi people and al Qaeda,” said Goins.

Al Qaeda operatives are attempting to disrupt Coalition Forces and have threatened local residents in the neighborhoods of Khatoon and Mufrek, he said.

Capt. Scott Steele from the U.S. Army’s military training team in Baqubah, and native of Faripault, Minn., said it is important for the Iraqi Army to lead such operations in anticipation of full autonomy.

“If the Iraqis take over, the United States can leave,” he said. “We’re just helping them along so that they can secure their own country by themselves.”

Goins said his unit was presented with some challenges while working with the Iraqis, such as language barriers and differences in communications platforms, but those obstacles were overcome with prior coordination.

“As with any brand new government, you have challenges,” said Goins. “People often think the United States was born yesterday. It’ll take a little while. There’s a lot of promise here. The work is hard but it’s good.”

Photo: Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division get ready to enter a suspected insurgent's home during a massive cordon and search operation conducted in a neighborhood in Baqubah, Iraq, Dec. 2. Official Department of Defense photo.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Christmas Greetings from Michael Yon

Photo credit from Michael's card last year thanking me for my support.  Please support Michael Yon's embeded reporting.The Bosun just received Michael Yon's latest correspondence and would like to share Michael's email with you. As you know, Michael is an independent journalist who covers the war zones in several countries. Michael has put himself in harms way to get his dispatches right and bring home the truth to you.


Respectfully, Bosun

From Michael:

Greetings,

I am still awaiting permission to embed with troops in Iraq. The Army embeds have been approved, but there was a hold-up with a request to embed with the Marines. Unfortunately, word is just getting out that Public Affairs lost three excellent people to a bomb in Ramadi. One of those was Major Megan McClung, a Marine about whom journalists spoke with great appreciation and admiration for her professionalism and courage. Also killed was Captain Travis Patriquin, another officer whom journalists regarded in a very positive light for his dedication to his profession and his willingness to get the hard work done. After volunteering to go on the same mission to escort journalists, Specialist Vincent J. Pomante III was also killed in that blast. Knowing that Vincent volunteered to go on a mission in the most dangerous place in Iraq says it all. The thoughts and prayers of many journalists are going out to the families of our fallen.

Another dispatch is posted: No Darker Heart.

This site runs completely from reader support. As I make final preparations for an embed that will hopefully enable me to celebrate Christmas with our troops in Iraq, I want to extend my appreciation to all of those whose generosity makes this work possible.

Respectfully,

Michael
Michael Yon
P O Box 416
Westport Pt MA 02791


Friday, December 08, 2006

Chicago Terror Suspect plotted mall bombing

Muslim Convert

 

A courtroom sketch of the suspect, who appeared in court after arrest on charges of plotting to set off hand grenades in garbage cans at a Rockford shopping mall the Friday before Christmas.  Sketch courtesy of AP

Law enforcement officials say the man was a U.S. citizen, and planned to commit some sort of terrorist attack in Chicago. The man had "ideas and desires, but no means," law enforcement sources said.

Story Courtesy of National Terror Alert Response Center:

Chicago Terror Plot Suspect Arrested

A Muslim convert plotted to set off hand grenades at a Chicago-area shopping mall in a holiday season terror campaign that was thwarted by federal investigators. According to an FBI affidavit, the suspect told a confidential source that he wanted to “commit violent acts of jihad,” and spoke of killing judges and blowing up public buildings.  Apparently he also declared that he wanted to, "Stab the **** outta  Jews" at a synagogue near the mosque that he attended and in the DeKalb area.

In advance of a planned attack on a Rockford mall, the suspect prepared a martyr’s videotape in which he let the “enemies of Islam” know that “the time for jihad is now.” He added, “This is a warning to those who disbelieve, that we are here for you, and I am ready to give my life…May Allah protect me on this mission we conduct.”

Local Chicago Area News Links:

Other news reports about this incident:

Man arrested in alleged Illinois terrorism plot - Reuters A U.S. man who wanted to carry out a "violent jihad" was arrested after he obtained a gun and four hand grenades from a government informant to attack an Illinois shopping mall, the FBI said on Friday.

Feds: Muslim Convert Plots to Blow Up Mall - NewsMax.Com A Muslim convert who talked about his desire to wage jihad against civilians was charged Friday in a plot to set off hand grenades at a shopping mall during the Christmas rush, authorities said.

.

Islam gets concessions: infidels get conquered

Islam gets concessions; infidels get conquered

(latimes.com)  IN THE DAYS before Pope Benedict XVI's visit last Thursday to the Hagia Sophia complex in Istanbul, Muslims and Turks expressed fear, apprehension and rage...

 

Welcome to the Caliphate Dream of the Middle East

 



After a destabilizing invasion and occupation, Islamic extremists are poised to seize political power across the Middle East in the wake of a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. The resulting transnational fundamentalist Caliphate would represent the successful completion of al Qaeda's major explicit political goal.


The quote is from: Intelwire

Framing the Conflict

No one knows the stakes of the deadly game in Iraq better than the two men charged with winning it. On one side stood Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. His opposite number was Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al Qaeda's bloodthirsty lieutenant and the most central actor in the Iraq insurgency.

It's not surprising that Myers and Zarqawi saw the same stakes in Iraq. What's disturbing is the fact that so few Americans understand what these men were fighting for.

In March 2003, the United States launched a proactive campaign to oust Saddam Hussein and install democracy in Iraq. All controversies aside, the invasion was clearly and explicitly predicated on an old military maxim -- the best defense is a good offense.

But in September 2005, American's best offense has become a desperate defense of virtually any position in Iraq. In a little-noticed Pentagon news briefing in August, Myers laid out the likely consequences if the U.S. is perceived as retreating under fire.

"The stakes are huge," said Myers. "If the Zarqawis of the world, if (al Qaeda) were allowed to be successful in Iraq, in their view, that would be the start of the caliphate that they envision. The stakes would be huge for the region. You talk about instability. It would be instant instability in that region, in Saudi Arabia on down the Gulf states, perhaps Iran, Syria, Turkey."

With those words, Myers unambiguously identified America's strategic imperative for the postinvasion conflict in Iraq -- preventing the birth of a fundamentalist Islamic empire spanning the entire Middle East -- al Qaeda's Caliphate. Source Intelwire: Caliphate 

American-Made: Al Qaeda's New Caliphate

God Protect Us.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Religion of Peace update: Pray 5 times a day or face beheading

The Scotsman

Courtesy of The Scotsman Newspaper

According to an article in The Scotsman, a Somali Islamic Court ordered that ANYONE who does not pray five times a day will be beheaded.  Apparently the edict will be implemented as soon as possible (in three days' time.)

Shops, tea houses and other public places in Bulo Burto, 124 miles north-east of the capital, Mogadishu, should be closed during prayer time and no-one should be on the streets, said Sheik Hussein Barre Rage, the chairman of the town's Islamic court.  For the rest of the story: Beheading in the name of religion

 

Baker Report Slams Israel

With a saddened heart I have to comment on the Baker report.

Breitbart.com is reporting some alarming news they claim is buried deep in the 160 page Iraq Study Group Report:

Baker panel's mention of Palestinian "right of return" raises eyebrows

I cannot verify how close to the truth this story really is, but, if it means what I think it means and is a truthful story as reported by Breitbart.com, this may be a very grave development that does not deserve a pass.

Quoted from the Breitbart news story:

"A reference to Palestinians' "right of return" in the report issued by the high-level Iraq Study Group broke a diplomatic taboo which sparked immediate concern in Israel and surprise among Middle East policy experts.

The reference was buried deep inside a 160-page report that urged US President George W. Bush to renew efforts to revive Israel-Palestinian peace talks as part of a region-wide bid to end the chaos in Iraq.

"This report is worrisome for Israel particularly because, for the first time, it mentions the question of the 'right of return' for the Palestinian refugees of 1948," said a senior Israeli official, who was reacting to the US policy report on condition he not be identified. A Middle East analyst who was involved in the Iraq Study Group discussions but did not participate in drafting the report expressed surprise when the reference was pointed out to him by a reporter....Source: Baker panel's mention of Palestinian "right of return" raises eyebrows"

Here is the Iraq Study Group Report Text found on pages 57 and 58:

RECOMMENDATION 16: In exchange for these actions andin the context of a full and secure peace agreement, the Israelis should return the Golan Heights, with a U.S. security guarantee for Israel that could include an international force on the border, including U.S. troops if requested by both parties.

RECOMMENDATION 17: Concerning the Palestinian issue, elements of that negotiated peace should include:
• Adherence to UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and to the principle of land for peace, which are the only bases for achieving peace.
• Strong support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority to take the lead in preparing the way for negotiations with Israel.
• A major effort to move from the current hostilities by consolidating the cease-fire reached between the Palestinians and the Israelis in November 2006.
• Support for a Palestinian national unity government.

The Way Forward—A New Approach

• Sustainable negotiations leading to a final peace settlement along the lines of President Bush’s two-state solution, which would address the key final status issues of borders, settlements, Jerusalem, the right of return, and the end of conflict. ISG Report

Read and weep. The enemies of Israel are partying tonight. It may come to pass that the world as we knew it, will end by the leftist and stalist agenda.

Yesterday before this damn report was released, I had some concerns that this report was a sham job. We are going to have to study every word. Mr. Baker and his commission deserves a very close look.

We all bettere watch out what we wish for. The hidden agenda of the left is coming closer to a climax.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

British Troops repelled by Taliban

According to a Reuters story posted at Breitbart.com, Taliban repel British assault in south Afghanistan, British Marines attacked a Taliban-held valley in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday but withdrew after a ferocious counterattack that withstood air strikes.

The fierce resistance illustrated the challenges facing the NATO troops in Afghanistan where they are trying to subdue well-armed Taliban and other militants bolstered by profits from a record opium crop, according to Afghan and foreign officials.

Major Andy Plewes, who led the Royal Marines of Zulu Company 45 Commando, on the assault, said the soldiers had expected resistance: "What we didn't know was how strong it was."  For the rest of the story: British Repelled

 

Official: US Talks with Syria and Iran could isolate Israel

Courtesy of the Jerusalem Post

Originally written by HERB KEINON for the Jerusalem Post

With the US Iraq Study Group expected to recommend on Wednesday that the US diplomatically engage Syria and Iran, Israeli government sources differ widely about the impact this type of engagement might have on Israel.

While a senior defense official said US talks with Iran would lead to a slippery slope that would eventually leave Israel alone facing the Iranian nuclear threat, other government officials indicated that US-Iranian talks were needed to stabilize the region since Iran was "calling the shots" everywhere from Lebanon to Gaza. For the rest of the story: US may drop Israel

Bosun's comments: America's "cut and run" Democratic Party has gained the upper hand in the mid-term 2006 elections.  The liberal agenda is taking control of Washington.  America is loosing its will to fight the war on terror.  This policy shift had allowed the US Iraq Study group to gain traction. 

It appears that our "new" policy toward Iraq that is about to be released by the US Iraq Study Group will abandon democracy and seek political compromise with the insurgents.  The Baker Commission's US Iraq Study Group will engage Tehran and Damascus as "partners" to secure stability in Iraq and compromise our support of Israel.  Baker, his commission, the Democrats, and the world community will sell out Israel.   

It is my humble opinion that the legacy of Iraq will impact U.S. policy and security much more than we realize.  American Jews and liberals you should watch out what you wished for. 

Monday, December 04, 2006

Bush accepts Bolton's UN Resignation

Bush caves to the Democratic Senate!  Bush ****cans Bolton.  According to a White House Press release, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his temporary appointment expires within weeks.  It appears that the administration is picking its fights with caution and will not appoint Bolton for a second recess appointment.  Perhaps Bush should ask former President Clinton if he would like at nomination.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.  For the latest on Bolton being thrown out, please visit KFMB Channel 8 News, San Diego, California: Bolton ousted

 

Friday, December 01, 2006

Leaders working toward security handover

Courtesy of Central Command

Leaders working toward security handover, dismantling al Qaeda in Iraq

Friday, 01 December 2006

Wearing new uniforms, members of the Iraqi National Police Quick Reaction Force in Baghdad assemble to receive instructions for their next mission. New uniforms are part of the goal to create a credible police force and gain the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Shannon Crane)

Wearing new uniforms, members of the Iraqi National Police Quick Reaction Force in Baghdad assemble to receive instructions for their next mission. New uniforms are part of the goal to create a credible police force and gain the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Shannon Cranne)

BAGHDAD — Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesman, spoke to members of the Arab media during a round-table discussion Thursday in the wake of President Bush’s meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Amman, Jordan.

During the president’s meeting with the prime minister they agreed to “accelerate” the transfer of security responsibility from Coalition Forces to Iraqi Security Forces. 

Caldwell told reporters Coalition Forces would do their best to quell violence in Iraq for as long as the Iraqi Government needed them. The transition of responsibility would occur when Iraqi leaders are ready, and not before, he said.

“Iraqi Forces need more support from Multi-National Force – Iraq,” Caldwell said. “They need more troops and equipment before Iraq can ask American and Coalition Forces to pull out of Iraq.” 

Caldwell emphasized that any solution to problems in Iraq will be an “Iraqi solution,” not one dictated by Coalition Forces or the United States.

“The president is committed to help the (Iraqi) government see it through until the Iraqi prime minister says U.S. assistance is no longer needed. At that time, American troops will go home,” he said. 

Responding to questions on the recent rise in violence throughout Iraq, Caldwell said the current situation is “unacceptable,” and that Coalition Forces are doing everything they can to ease the problem.

Caldwell showed the reporters photos of more than 30 terror leaders who have been killed or captured in the last few months. (Click here for the Slides

“The more we can do to bring down these operations, the greater our ability to bring down the levels of violence,” Caldwell said.

However, he said, military force is not enough. 

“There needs to be a political and military solution,” Caldwell said. “A military solution alone will not solve the problem of violence. I’m encouraged to hear that the prime minister and political parties are talking about a political solution.”

Until then, he said, Coalition Forces will keep training Iraqi Security Forces to maintain peace in the streets of Iraq and work toward the accelerated transfer of security responsibility agreed upon by the president and prime minister. 

Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for the Iraqi Government, joined Caldwell during his discussion with the media. Al-Dabbagh said Iraqi troops could take control of their own security operations as early as June 2007.

He said the ability of Iraqi Security Forces to deal with terrorists and insurgent militias on their own will bolster the legitimacy of Iraq’s democratically elected government. 

“When Iraqi Security Forces have the ability to deal with the militias, then the Iraqi elected government will be strong,” al-Dabbagh said. “As long as militias operate in Iraq, it will be difficult for the Iraqi government to uphold the rule of law.”

“There are as many as 23 different militias operating in Baghdad alone,” Caldwell said. “The prime minister wants to deal with them within the political process. The Coalition Force’s position is that if somebody acts outside of the law – murders, executions, kidnappings – we’re going to go after them as individuals while the prime minister continues the political task of going after them as organizations.” 

Al-Dabbagh said anyone who commits violence against Iraqis is a criminal and will be dealt with as such.

“No one is above the law if he breaks the law,” al-Dabbbagh said. “These militias have no right to carry weapons in the streets. The government will deal with all of them equally.” 

With an accelerated timetable to make security a solely Iraqi responsibility, Caldwell said 2007 will be a “year of transition.”

Transition, he said, will begin with intensified training of Iraqi Army and Police forces.

“You’ll see a greater number of Coalition Forces that will be embedded and working beside Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. Where before you had an 18-person team, you may now see a 54-person team. The goal is to focus on professionalism and the training of leaders.”

Caldwell said the transition will include a gradual pullback of Coalition combat operations as Iraqi troops begin to shoulder the load. 

“You will see far fewer Coalition Forces doing military operations, and far more Iraqi Forces,” Caldwell said. “The Coalition Force will take on more of a support role than it ever has before. Iraqi forces will clearly be in the lead.”

 

(Compiled by Combined Press Information Center)

Marines dig "Talons" into insurgency

Courtesy of Central Command's Multi-National Force - Iraq

Thursday, 30 November 2006

Story and photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran
Headquarters Marine Corps

Image SAQLAWIYAH — Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment swooped down on unknowing insurgents recently. Marines netted 13 suspected insurgents and rescued two Iraqis held hostage by insurgents.
Marines completed a search of a garage complex with the assistance of B Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment and assets assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, which included amphibious assault vehicles, tanks and air support.

"There had been reports of insurgent activity in the area, so we went in and searched it," said Cpl. Rodrigo R. Santos, a 26-year-old rifleman from Yonkers, N.Y. "They were suspected of selling weapons, ammunition and IED-making materials."

Marines set up vehicle checkpoints on all roads leading into the garage complex to ensure no insurgents could disrupt the searches. Other Marines moved in to apprehend possible insurgents in the area.
"We took over the area real fast," Santos said. "The units communicated and coordinated very well."

All the garages and semi-trucks in the area were searched. Marines smashed locks off garage doors to search the backs of trucks and made sure they weren't trying to transport anything illegal.

Marines gathered detainees while they searched and transported them to a temporary holding facility.

Detainees were put in holding areas that were made at the site. Marines from the battalion's Headquarters and Service Company kept watch over the detained Iraqis.

"We had a lot of people to maintain," said Cpl. Kurt M. Vogler, a 26-year-old administration clerk from Elicott City, Md.

Marines were responsible for taking care of the detainees, feeding them and making sure any medical problems they had were assessed.

"We gave them blankets, we fed them and we gave them tea," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ion Jarmond, a 33-year-old hospital corpsman from Hampton, Va. "I also treated around 30 men for different symptoms from headaches to an old lady with diabetes."

They gave the detained Iraqis two meals during the day and also provided them with snacks while they were processed.

All the Iraqis on site were questioned about the insurgent activity in the area, and explosive ordnance disposal technicians blew up contraband found in the search.

"The mission went excellent," Santos said. "We processed everyone we wanted to and sent a message to the insurgents. It tells them that what they are doing in the area isn't going to be tolerated."

 

.