Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Success Builds on Success in Iraq
Success is building on success in Iraq, a senior military official said July 7 at a news conference in Baghdad.
Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said the total number of security incidents in Iraq now sits at 2004 levels.
“As the [Iraqi security force] enforces the rule of law and improves security in places like Basra, Mosul, Amarah and Sadr City, the people are finding new confidence in those that lead and protect them,” Driscoll said. “Iraqis see security forces in their neighborhoods providing protection, and they are increasingly providing the army and police with valuable information that enhances safety.”
The police and army have been able to enter neighborhoods where they could not always operate in the past, Driscoll explained.
“The Iraqi security forces are taking more weapons off the street, which further limits the ability of criminals and terrorists to conduct violent attacks against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces,” he said.
Operations in Basra have taken thousands of weapons off the streets. In late March, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi security forces in to the southern city. Since then, Iraqi soldiers and police have captured more than 6,200 mortars, almost 8,000 artillery rounds, more than 20 surface-to-air missiles, some 750 rockets, nearly 200 rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, almost 340 roadside bombs and more than 50 bombs specifically designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles, Driscoll said.
In Mosul, Iraqi and coalition forces seized 33 weapons caches during the last week of June alone, and in Baghdad, Iraqi and coalition forces found and safely cleared 67 weapons caches during the same period, he said.
The same is true in other areas of the country. Since Iraqi army operations intensified in Sadr City, forces have seized 217 arms caches. In Amarah on June 29, Iraqi soldiers seized a significant weapons cache that included enough shaped, charged components to build between 40 and 50 of the deadly armor-piercing bombs, and 400 blocks of C-4 explosives and small arms, Driscoll said. On July 3, Iraqi soldiers found another weapons cache with 152 copper disks that are the key components of the armor-piercing bombs.
“We have taken a lot of the enemy weapons off the battlefield, and it's making for significantly improved security,” Driscoll said. “We still face a tough fight. And it is increasingly an Iraqi effort, with the [Iraqi security forces] most often in the lead and coalition in support with key enablers.”
Much work remains, but the Iraqi government is proving it’s up to the job, Driscoll said, noting that coalition forces will continue to help the Iraqi security establishment accomplish its missions.
“We continue to pressure those who want to destroy rather than rebuild Iraq, and coalition forces are committed to supporting the Iraqi security forces in preserving our hard-fought gains,” he said.
Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said the total number of security incidents in Iraq now sits at 2004 levels.
“As the [Iraqi security force] enforces the rule of law and improves security in places like Basra, Mosul, Amarah and Sadr City, the people are finding new confidence in those that lead and protect them,” Driscoll said. “Iraqis see security forces in their neighborhoods providing protection, and they are increasingly providing the army and police with valuable information that enhances safety.”
The police and army have been able to enter neighborhoods where they could not always operate in the past, Driscoll explained.
“The Iraqi security forces are taking more weapons off the street, which further limits the ability of criminals and terrorists to conduct violent attacks against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces,” he said.
Operations in Basra have taken thousands of weapons off the streets. In late March, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi security forces in to the southern city. Since then, Iraqi soldiers and police have captured more than 6,200 mortars, almost 8,000 artillery rounds, more than 20 surface-to-air missiles, some 750 rockets, nearly 200 rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, almost 340 roadside bombs and more than 50 bombs specifically designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles, Driscoll said.
In Mosul, Iraqi and coalition forces seized 33 weapons caches during the last week of June alone, and in Baghdad, Iraqi and coalition forces found and safely cleared 67 weapons caches during the same period, he said.
The same is true in other areas of the country. Since Iraqi army operations intensified in Sadr City, forces have seized 217 arms caches. In Amarah on June 29, Iraqi soldiers seized a significant weapons cache that included enough shaped, charged components to build between 40 and 50 of the deadly armor-piercing bombs, and 400 blocks of C-4 explosives and small arms, Driscoll said. On July 3, Iraqi soldiers found another weapons cache with 152 copper disks that are the key components of the armor-piercing bombs.
“We have taken a lot of the enemy weapons off the battlefield, and it's making for significantly improved security,” Driscoll said. “We still face a tough fight. And it is increasingly an Iraqi effort, with the [Iraqi security forces] most often in the lead and coalition in support with key enablers.”
Much work remains, but the Iraqi government is proving it’s up to the job, Driscoll said, noting that coalition forces will continue to help the Iraqi security establishment accomplish its missions.
“We continue to pressure those who want to destroy rather than rebuild Iraq, and coalition forces are committed to supporting the Iraqi security forces in preserving our hard-fought gains,” he said.
MND-B Soldiers detain key criminal suspected of kidnapping, murder and more
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a key suspected criminal in the Karadah security district of eastern Baghdad July 8.
Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light) detained the suspected criminal while conducting operations specifically targeting him. He is a suspected high-ranking Special Groups officer in Zafaraniyah who is believed to be a member of a Special Groups cell’s death squad and to have direct involvement with kidnapping, murder and indirect fire attacks against Coalition forces and local government officials.
“Detaining this criminal is a tremendous victory for the people of Zafaraniyah and will allow citizens in eastern Baghdad to live a little safer,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, a spokesperson for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light). “Removing criminals from Baghdad’s streets is a necessary step along the path to a secure and stable future for all Iraqi citizens, security forces and government officials.”
Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light) detained the suspected criminal while conducting operations specifically targeting him. He is a suspected high-ranking Special Groups officer in Zafaraniyah who is believed to be a member of a Special Groups cell’s death squad and to have direct involvement with kidnapping, murder and indirect fire attacks against Coalition forces and local government officials.
“Detaining this criminal is a tremendous victory for the people of Zafaraniyah and will allow citizens in eastern Baghdad to live a little safer,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, a spokesperson for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light). “Removing criminals from Baghdad’s streets is a necessary step along the path to a secure and stable future for all Iraqi citizens, security forces and government officials.”
Coast Guard Augments Army at Bagram Air Base
Long known to protect the waters surrounding the United States, the question asked each time someone sees them is, “What is the U.S. Coast Guard doing here?”
Chief Petty Officer Daniel Kinville and Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Kowalewski are part of an eight-person unit from the Coast Guard’s 1179th Deployment Support Brigade, and are the only two Coast Guard personnel in Afghanistan.
“Usually, everyone’s first reaction when they see us is shock,” said Kowalewski, a Pittsburgh native. “They can’t seem to figure out why we’re so far from the U.S. coast and why we’re in a landlocked country.”
The answer lies in the Coast Guard’s reputation for keen attention to detail with paperwork, packing, customs and hazardous-materials shipping and storage -- their ability to continually ship containers across oceans without frustration issues. Based on this expertise, Army officials requested the Coast Guard’s help with redeploying and sealifting their gear.
The Coastie duo adds another flavor to the vast assortment of uniforms here, and for many soldiers, seeing a Bagram-based Coastie holds a silver lining, Kowalewski said.
“The soldiers get really excited when they see us,” she explained. “They know that once we get here and start customs services, [it] means they are getting closer to going home.”
Kinville and Kowalewski are serving nine-month deployments, and neither is performing duties typical to their Coast Guard specialty. As a prerequisite for their duties here, each had to go through extensive hazardous-materials handling and packing and shipping courses, followed by convoy travel and weapons training.
Still, the additional training and stepping out of normal roles expands a servicemember’s breadth of experience, said Kinville, a Yorktown, Va., native.
“We get the experience of working with the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines. This is something totally different than what we do back in the states,” he said.
They were both startled when they heard a 155 mm Howitzer fire for the first time, and Kowalewski experienced her first helicopter ride.
“The chance to be here, [to] see the front lines with the soldiers [and to] experience their way of life in and around the different stages of deployment is really amazing,” Kinville said. “I’m proud to be able to support them and help where I can.”
Chief Petty Officer Daniel Kinville and Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Kowalewski are part of an eight-person unit from the Coast Guard’s 1179th Deployment Support Brigade, and are the only two Coast Guard personnel in Afghanistan.
“Usually, everyone’s first reaction when they see us is shock,” said Kowalewski, a Pittsburgh native. “They can’t seem to figure out why we’re so far from the U.S. coast and why we’re in a landlocked country.”
The answer lies in the Coast Guard’s reputation for keen attention to detail with paperwork, packing, customs and hazardous-materials shipping and storage -- their ability to continually ship containers across oceans without frustration issues. Based on this expertise, Army officials requested the Coast Guard’s help with redeploying and sealifting their gear.
The Coastie duo adds another flavor to the vast assortment of uniforms here, and for many soldiers, seeing a Bagram-based Coastie holds a silver lining, Kowalewski said.
“The soldiers get really excited when they see us,” she explained. “They know that once we get here and start customs services, [it] means they are getting closer to going home.”
Kinville and Kowalewski are serving nine-month deployments, and neither is performing duties typical to their Coast Guard specialty. As a prerequisite for their duties here, each had to go through extensive hazardous-materials handling and packing and shipping courses, followed by convoy travel and weapons training.
Still, the additional training and stepping out of normal roles expands a servicemember’s breadth of experience, said Kinville, a Yorktown, Va., native.
“We get the experience of working with the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines. This is something totally different than what we do back in the states,” he said.
They were both startled when they heard a 155 mm Howitzer fire for the first time, and Kowalewski experienced her first helicopter ride.
“The chance to be here, [to] see the front lines with the soldiers [and to] experience their way of life in and around the different stages of deployment is really amazing,” Kinville said. “I’m proud to be able to support them and help where I can.”
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