SGT Joseph Sanchez used to provide us with daily press releases from Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia. He recently conducted an interview with CBS Radio that was broadcast nationally. In it he talks about his time in Iraq.
Provided below is a link to an .mp3 audio file. The best way to listen is to right-click on the link and select "Save Target as..." from the menu. This will save the file to your computer.
SGT Sanchez Interview (.mp3 file, 3.5 MB)
The following is an informative article profiling an officer with the 139th MPAD, which was deployed to Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia.
Link to Full Article
By Dennis Hines, The MidWeek
Several local students and school officials recently received some important information about cultural diversity.
Captain Angela Bowman of the Illinois Army National Guard gave a presentation during the 16th annual DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active and Family Environment (DCP/SAFE) assembly in which she talked about her experiences in Iraq and about the Iraqi culture.
Bowman served as an operations officer for the 139 Mobile Public Affairs Attachment and as a deputy public affairs officer for Task Force Olympia from January 2004 to January 2005.
During her time in Iraq, Bowman was stationed in Mosul. She said Mosul is one of the most diverse cities in the Middle East and includes numerous religious sects and ethnic groups.
“Talk about trying to understand the culture and having it thrown at you like a fire hose. Literally, that’s what it was,” Bowman said. “We were trying to understand all of this, because this is the culture which we were existing and going to be living in within the next year.”
Bowman said Mosul features some of the largest universities in Iraq. She about 35,000 students attend the University of Mosul.
“I had no concept that 35,000 people in Iraq went to college,” Bowman said. “It just totally blew my mind.”
Bowman said religion is an important part of the Iraqi culture. The Imams (religious leaders) are considered some of the more prominent people in the country. Bowman said various religious sects have a different view about the Imams. The Sunnis believe the Imams are spokespersons for Mohammed, and the Shias believe the Imams are direct decedents of Mohammed.
“There’s a distinct difference in how you deal with each sect. It’s critical to understand what they think about their Imams (the ones that run the mosques),” Bowman said.
This long article continues...
Soldiers from Maine's 133rd reflect on their time in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
BY NICK SAMBIDES, OF THE NEWS STAFF
John Nelson has a small hunk of shrapnel that needs to be cut out of his neck, and it probably will be in a few weeks. Other flecks of ball-bearing-gauge metal float in the flesh on his shoulder blades like tiny steel pins, so numerous and difficult for surgeons to find and remove that they'll probably stay in him for the rest of his life.
A torn tendon aches in his right shoulder, another painful reminder of the terrorist detonation that threw him and a lunch table he had been sitting at about 10 feet. His ears continually ring, and he has lost about 40 percent of the hearing in his left ear.
But the small, blood-red scar dug into his forehead?
"That's just running into something and not having hair. It's really a pain in the ass, not having hair," Nelson said. "I used to have hair, but then I had children."
Sitting earlier this week behind a desk at his compact, neat real estate management office on West Broadway in Lincoln, Nelson, a major doing detached service with the 133rd Engineer Battalion, had come a long way from the battlefields of Mosul, Iraq.
The Maine Army National Guardsman was just sitting down to his favorite lunch - a chili and cheese hotdog with onions - in his unit's mess tent on Dec. 21 when a suicide bomber wearing a vest laced with ball bearings and plastic explosives set himself off.
Nelson was about 30 feet from the human bomb.
"There was no bang. You never hear the one that gets you," Nelson said. "I saw this huge red flash, but it stayed there in my eyes. I felt this heat on the back of my neck, and I thought to myself, 'We've been hit.'"
When Nelson came to, he found himself under the lunch table with his ears ringing and his left ear in pain. Although he might not have realized it at the time, he was about to see just how well the mass-casualty medical response plan he helped devise actually worked.
The cover story on Army Times this week is about military blogs. Colby Buzzell of the 3/2 SBCT (My War) is featured, and LTC Paul Hastings of Task Force Olympia is quoted.
(via Blackfive)
Provided below are a few articles describing the homecoming of two Task Force Olympia units.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham’s first and only assignment at Fort Lewis didn’t last long. He was here four months before the Army shipped him off to Mosul, Iraq, last January.
But he played a major part in the fortunes of Fort Lewis troops, thousands of whom worked under his leadership in northern Iraq the past 13 months.
The post held a ceremony to say farewell Friday to the 53-year-old commander of Task Force Olympia, who’s back from Iraq but on his way now to a new job at the Pentagon.
Ham will be “deputy director for regional operations to the joint staff,” a liaison between U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs. Centcom, located at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla., is responsible for combat operations in Central Asia and the Middle East.
Maj. Gen. Jimmie Collins, the deputy Fort Lewis commander, pinned him with a Bronze Star medal and praised him as “dedicated, committed, a team player, a war fighter without rival.”
A self-effacing Army general is a rare thing, but Ham joked with well-wishers that he thought Collins must’ve been talking about someone else.
“This past year has been the defining period of my life,” he said. “There have been triumphs and tragedies both large and small.”
By BILL NEMITZ, Portland Press Herald Writer
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — The first wave of soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion returned to U.S. soil late Wednesday, ending a year-long deployment in the often-hostile city of Mosul, Iraq. "It's like a dream come true. It doesn't feel real," said Spc. San Pao of Portland moments after stepping off the chartered MD11 aircraft. "Hopefully we'll wake up tomorrow morning and it will still be real."
The first group of 206 soldiers - 162 from Maine and 44 attached to the 133rd from New York's 204th Engineer Battalion - touched down on the frigid tarmac at Fort Drum's sprawling airport precisely on schedule at 10:37 p.m. Inside a reception building, 16 members of the 10th Mountain Division band greeted them with "The Army Song" and various other marches.
It was the first of three flights that will return the 133rd's 548 men and women to the United States by this weekend. The second flight is expected to arrive early this evening, with a third flight arriving Friday.
Wednesday's contingent included all of Bravo Company, most of Alpha Company and 48 members of the Headquarters Support Company.[...]
Link to Full Article
By JOHN RICHARDSON, Portland Press Herald Writer
The largest Maine-based military unit sent to Iraq, and the only one currently stationed there, is expected to return to the United States next week.
The Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, which has about 500 members primarily from southern Maine, is pulling out of Mosul, Iraq, slightly ahead of schedule, said Maj. Peter Rogers, Guard spokesman in Maine.
Many of the troops are already in Kuwait arranging for the return of equipment and their unit. Others remain at Forward Operating Base Marez, working with a newly arrived unit that will replace them there.
The 133rd could reach Fort Drum in New York late next week and could be back in Maine by mid-March, a week or two sooner than expected, Rogers said.
The first edition of The Freedom Ring newsletter has been released by Task Force Freedom, and includes the following article regarding the efforts of its predecessor, Task Force Olympia.
Link to Article
By SPC Nunn, 366th MPAD
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FREEDOM, Iraq – After leading the U.S. Army presence in the northern Ninawa province of Iraq, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company I Corps Forward Task Force Olympia (TFO), of Fort Lewis, WA, reflect upon a successful year long mission, as they depart for home.
During their deployment, members of TFO were able to be a part of history, as they were key in the United States mission to transfer authority of this country to the Iraqi people earlier last year, for the first time since the Saddam Hussein’s take over in June of 1979.
“I think the biggest success our forces have done was allowing the Iraqi’s to take charge of their country on January 24th, 2004. Mosul is better off after this year with our involvement,” said Brig. General Carter Ham, Commander of TFO. “They have a tough fight in front of them, but for the first time in many of their lives, they are starting to feel safe.”
To their credit, the United States presence here has led the way in aiding the people of this region and rebuilding their country and tempering their security into a strong unified body that currently enforces an environment of safety and order that many Iraqi’s have never known.
“We have done some amazing things with aiding the government in rebuilding their security forces, with funding and special training, they have been doing a great job maintaining order here in Mosul,” said Ham. “Now in Ninawa Province there are two Brigades of Security Forces, and four Battalions of the Iraqi Regular Army. We are helping keep this area safe for the good people of this country.”
According to Ham, Army Stryker units have completed over 100,000 successful raids, and have aided in the fortifying of the Syrian border. TFO has also been instrumental in building hundreds of schools throughout the area and installing Police Stations, not only in Mosul, but many of the surrounding towns.
“I think this summer was when the insurgents recognized where Mosul was headed, that the elections were going to take place and the infrastructure was growing stronger every day,” said Ham. “They decided that they needed to stop this from happening, and since then, we have seen attacks from the insurgents increase. It is going to be a tough fight, especially for the Iraqi people, but elections are going to happen.”
Task Force Freedom, out of Fort Erwin, CA, have been preparing for this transfer of authority for the last six months, through battle drills and direct communication with TFO.
“They are a great group of guys, they are tailor trained for this mission and they know what they are getting into,“ said Ham. “They will do a fantastic job.”
From the start, TFO fell into an environment with some unique problems; they replaced a brigade command normally staffed with over 300, with a team of 80 individuals.
“This group is great at finding creative ways to solve unique problems,” said Col. Carl L. Chappell, Chief of Staff for the TFO. “Out of all my experiences here in Iraq, I will miss working with them the most, they are absolutely a blast to work with.”
According to Ham, much of the work done this past year was directly due to do the efforts of the Iraqi people, many of whom have lost loved ones and colleagues during the struggle for a free Iraq.
“Iraqi’s do more without our presence everyday, sometimes one of the hardest things was to sit back and let them do it their own way,” said Ham. “At the end of all of this, credit goes to those brave Iraqi’s that are willing to step up and bravely lead their country.”
Task Force Olympia is returning to their active duty post of Fort Lewis, WA, after a year long deployment to Mosul, Iraq. Task Force Freedom, of Fort Erwin, CA, takes over command in February of 2005.
There are a number of other stories included in the newsletter as well. Follow the links at the bottom of the story.
I apologize for not posting this until today. Welcome home and thank you!
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT AND BILL HUTCHENS; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis offered a formal welcome home Friday to the men and women of Task Force Olympia, back from a year of running U.S. military operations across northern Iraq.
The 100 or so soldiers arrived in Iraq in January 2004 in time to replace a much larger division headquarters, and left as Iraqis held their historic election last month.
Lt. Gen. James Dubik, the Fort Lewis commanding general, praised the task force for assembling on short notice to replace several hundred soldiers who’d been doing the same job with the 101st Airborne Division.
The task force had less than 30 days to plan its move from the local post to Iraq.
“Time was a luxury that this task force did not have,” Dubik said, later adding, “They demonstrated that we are an Army that’s relevant, an Army that’s ready.”
The Army plucked the task force commander, Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, from his post as deputy commanding general for training and readiness at Fort Lewis.
The task force comprised mostly senior officers and noncommissioned officers from the post’s I Corps staff, covering an array of specialities: legal, finance, engineering, contracting, security, civil affairs, communication, training and others.
They were the headquarters for U.S., coalition and Iraqi units, the largest of which were the two Fort Lewis-based Stryker brigades. It was the first combat since the Korean War for the I Corps headquarters.
Ham is still in Mosul, handing over duties to his replacement. He is expected to return to Fort Lewis in the next week or so, but he won’t stay long. He’s been assigned a new job at the Pentagon.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading In Iraq For 365, which is a blog written by an Army journalist who just returned from a year in Mosul. Children Are The Future and Collection of Memories are excellent recent entries, but be sure sure to browse his entire archive.
Reflections from an embedded reporter as he leaves the TFF operational area. This is very interesting reading.
Link to Full Article
The Post-Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq. With the elections over and the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion in place in northern Iraq, I am heading back to Indiana.
The weight of U.S. troops in Mosul helped guarantee the election had been run with few instances of major violence.
Troops with the 113th Engineers had been shot at while they laid barriers for the election.
Attacks on the base in southern Mosul had ground nearly to a halt in the days leading up to last Sunday’s election.
Over the last two days, the violence has begun to pick up again. The nightly mortar attacks have started again over the last two nights at Forward Operating Base Marez, where most of the local National Guard soldiers are stationed.
On the way back from Sykes, near the Syrian border, the convoy I was riding in was ambushed in the city of Tall Afar.
The Humvee I was riding in was several lengths behind the shooting.
Near the front of the convoy, Spc. Kenneth Smith and Spc. Victor Mobley of Gary were involved in a fire fight, along with one of the Stryker escorts.
Northern Iraq remains a dangerous place. [...]
Mosul on election day
This time, on election day, I toured the streets of Mosul with a group of Strykers, who were part of the intense U.S. troop presence in the city. They were under orders not to go near the polls, for fear of giving the impression that the Americans were running the process.
A Stryker officer offered to drop me off a block away and let me walk to the polls on my own. I didn’t have the proper credentials. I had been embedded for nearly a month at that point and I hadn’t even heard of the media credential process that was going on in Baghdad, until a colleague mentioned it in an e-mail a few days before the vote.
I tried to talk my way through the security, which was being run by the Iraqi National Guard. The first soldier spoke no English, and I know only a few words of Arabic.
I showed him my Post-Tribune ID. I said I was an American journalist, pointed to my camera, and then to the entrance to the polls, which was shrouded in concertina wire.
They didn’t let me in.
When the Strykers with 24th Infantry out of Fort Lewis, Wash., offered to drop me off while on a second mission, I was left off on a crowded street on the west side of Mosul.
I had seen a long line at the same polls when the Strykers had driven by hours earlier. People greeted me as I walked toward the polling place. Some people showed me the purple ink that marked their fingers to show they had voted.
After being patted down for weapons near the outer barricades and after several pantomime-laden conversations, they agreed to let me in the gate. [...]
Soldiers have mixed feelings about why they are in Iraq. Some feel they are part of history, helping to give birth to a new democracy. Many more have little interest in the larger issues that brought Americans to Iraq. They just want to finish their duty and get themselves and their fellow soldiers safely home to Gary, Griffith, Highland, Valparaiso, Michigan City and several other small towns and cities throughout Northwest Indiana.
With this as my second time going into a combat zone with an Indiana National Guard unit, I am always struck by the contrasts between the two experiences.
Before they deployed to Camp Atterbury in November, these people were doing very ordinary things in their nonmilitary lives as a mail carrier in East Chicago, a firefighter in Cedar Lake, a marketing coordinator from Griffith, crane operators at U.S. Steel, cops working a beat in LaPorte and Hobart, and a schoolteacher in Merrillville.
Today, they are halfway around the world, sloshing through mud and going to sleep to the sound of Apache helicopters streaking overhead and .50-caliber machine guns, firing at the front gate.
Suddenly decisions made in Washington and Baghdad are no longer abstract and remote. These were my neighbors and now they have gone to war.
I will be back at my house in Valparaiso in less than a week. I’ll take a hot shower, in a room by myself. I will get in a car and drive myself somewhere, anywhere, without passing through a checkpoint. The trip will not end with me cracking open the Velcro on my body armor. For me at least, the war will be over. I will be home.
BG Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia, will have a new assignment at the Pentagon.
Link to Full Article
By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. general who has had strong success against the Iraqi insurgency in Mosul, Iraq, is being brought back to the Pentagon for a wider role in the war.
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of the Multi-National Brigade North, has been selected to become the deputy director for regional operations on the Joint Staff. [...]
As deputy director of regional operations, he will oversee the movement of military forces in Iraq, conduct operational briefings for the national leadership and serve as the operational link between U.S. Central Command and Washington.
The past few days press releases from Multi-National Forces in Northern Iraq have been sent by Task Force Freedom, rather than Task Force Olympia. While I haven't seen an official statement regarding a transfer of authority, we can assume that a new command element is, or will be shortly, in control of coalition forces in that part of the country. Consequently, we added a new category, and all future news from the Mosul region that is not Stryker Brigade related will go there. As a reminder, all coalition forces (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Air Force, Marines etc.) in the area are part of this Task Force - the Stryker Brigade is one of many units operating under the command of Task Force Freedom.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 29, 2005) – Military officials in northern Iraq have announced the launch of J-LENS.
The Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors System, J-LENS, has made its much anticipated debut in northern Iraq. The system will help Multi-National Forces in the Ninewah Province determine where anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks originate from, thus enabling them to more easily track down the insurgents.
J-LENS is an airborne system that detects and tracks low-altitude and surface threats. The system will not only help track insurgents, but help Multi-National Forces anticipate possible mortar round attacks against forward operating bases. Military officials believe that this technology can help greatly in finding and capturing insurgents.
This story includes an interview with COL Robert Brown, Commander of the 1-25 Stryker Brigade.
Link to Full Article
ADAM LYNN AND MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
In his normal life, Leigh McCombs works as a roofer in Spokane.
On Monday, the Army National Guardsman helped raid what U.S. forces believe to be a car bomb factory in Mosul, Iraq. The mission netted explosives, weapons and a handful of suspected insurgents, McCombs said by telephone this week.
“I feel good about being able to bring a little bit of democracy up here to Iraq,” said Spc. McComb, a member of the 81st Brigade Combat Team.
He is one of nearly 10,000 soldiers with Washington state ties who are trying to provide a safe environment in which Iraqis can cast ballots in the nation’s parliamentary elections Sunday.
Nearly 6,000 active-duty troops from Fort Lewis – including Stryker soldiers with the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division – are in the country, as are another nearly 4,000 National Guardsmen from the state. That includes about 3,200 members of the Camp Murray-headquartered 81st Brigade.
The job is tense, especially as Sunday approaches, but satisfying as well, several soldiers said this week.
“I’m not typically excited about being in Iraq in general, but we’re being a part of history here,” 81st Brigade Capt. Adam Iwaszuk said Monday during a telephone interview from Mosul. “It’s a big milestone for the Iraqis.” [...]
Intense security measures also are under way in Mosul, where insurgent violence has increased this month, said Col. Robert Brown, commander of the 1-25.
Brown’s Stryker troops and the additional units, including about 300 soldiers from the 81st Brigade, have set up in 16 or so combat outposts across the city. Some are in areas where there’s been heavy insurgent activity. [...]
“It’s definitely very hard. Very, very tough,” Brown said. “But at the same time, it makes your resolve even greater to not let those guys have died in vain.”
Brown said his line commanders get mixed reports from local leaders about turnout for Sunday’s election.
“Some days, it’s, ‘I’m going to vote no matter what,’” Brown said. “Other days they’re telling me there’s not enough security. It will be secure enough for them to vote.
“We’re doing everything we can to make it as secure as we can. Now it’s up to them to go out and vote.”
And what comes next?
“Who knows? I’m ready for anything. In some ways even if the elections are a success, the enemy is going to want to make a statement. We’re ready for whatever happens,” Brown said. “I’d like to be bored for a while. That wouldn’t bother me a bit.”
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) secured a weapons cache in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment located a weapons cache while reducing an explosive devise. The weapons cache included propellant sticks, mortar rounds, mortar fuses, one bag of grenades, ammunition, and other weapons. All of the armament was reduced in the cache without incident.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 325 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to help build and maintain a prosperous and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 28, 2005) – Iraqi Regular Army soldiers and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining seven individuals in northern Iraq yesterday.
Iraqi Regular Army soldiers from the 101st Infantry Battalion detained two individuals suspected of attacking the Al Kindi Main Gate in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody.
Multi-National Force soldiers detained five individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting a raid in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 325 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to help build and maintain a prosperous and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Q&A with embedded reporter.
Dear Steve,
Do the soldiers have a work schedule everyday? What do they do afterward for entertainment? Do they have to wake up early?
Anything that we can know will help us all back at home. We love to hear about what is going on overseas as much as possible — the good and the bad — mainly what our soldiers are doing how their days are going.
Thanks, P.J. Wagner, wife of Sgt. J.Wagner, of Lake Village
One of the toughest questions to answer at the base in Mosul is “What day is today?”
Schedules run around the clock, seven days a week.
In response to a reader’s letter, Spc. Eugene Evanauskas, with the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion, was asked what he did over one 24-hour period.
Evanauskas was walking through the rain Saturday afternoon. An hour earlier he had been sleeping, after a night of guard duty.
“The last 24 hours basically consisted of a lot of duty,” he said.
Evanauskas is a radio operator for the headquarters company.
At 6:30 p.m. a day earlier, he had come on duty in the command center.
“I was tracking convoys going in and out. Doing a lot of logging and tracking them. Talking with the other companies,” he said. [...]
On Saturday they had the official change-of-command ceremony, with the Virginia National Guard 276th Engineer Battalion handing off to the 113th. During the rainy afternoon, the Virginia flag was lowered in the main courtyard and a contingent led by Lt. Col. Richard Shatto and Sgt. Maj. Larry Smith presented and raised the Indiana flag. Brig. Gen. Carter Ham and Col. Robert B. Brown, commander of the area around Mosul, thanked the Virginia unit.
“Nobody gets off easy,” Brown said of the Indiana soldiers. “You came at the most important time in the history of Iraq — free and open elections. And you will play a key role in that.”
Without being specific, Shatto said the local guard unit is working on projects dealing with the upcoming election, scheduled for Sunday.
“We’ll be providing support to the Iraqi National Guard and the Iraqi Army, as far as securing the town of Mosul,” Shatto said.The change has been happening gradually over the last week and a half.
(TFO Press Release)
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 318 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to help build and maintain a prosperous and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
BY JERRY DAVICH
While his teenage friends play shoot 'em up video games in their bedrooms, Michael Brunsman dodges insurgent gunfire in Iraq.
The 2004 Portage High School graduate left his family late last year to serve Uncle Sam in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
At 19, Brunsman is the youngest soldier in his squad with the 113th Engineer Battalion of the Indiana Army National Guard, now based in Mosul.
"I could throw a rock and it would hit a house in Mosul. That's how close we are," wrote Brunsman via e-mail from his forward operating base.
With a population of 2 million, Mosul is Iraq's third-largest city and also its most troubled region leading up to the country's elections Sunday.
"We're the ones guarding the elections so it's going to be very interesting on (Sunday)," wrote Brunsman, who enlisted in the Army at age 17.
Brunsman transferred to the 113th in mid-October from the 376th Engineer Company in Hammond. The transfer came three days after graduating from Army basic training. He's been on the go ever since.
"This all goes by so fast," he wrote, quickly noting that it's also "pretty cool."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining seven individuals in northern Iraq today. Multi-National Force soldiers detained four individuals suspected of being involved with a anti-Iraqi insurgent cell while conducting a raid south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations in Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 314 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to help build and maintain a prosperous and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining four individuals in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations in Gabr Abd. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 307 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY, Newsday
MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi election officials kicked off a media blitz yesterday in this terror-gripped city aimed at hiring nearly 1,000 election workers in the next six days to help set up and monitor Sunday's landmark vote.
The task is daunting. Hundreds of workers quit last month under threats from insurgents, and until very recently, Khalid Kazar, a skinny 28-year-old official from the Independent Elections Commission of Iraq, had been running mostly a one-man operation in this city of 1.8 million. So far, only six others have joined Kazar's ranks.
Yesterday afternoon, Kazar arranged interviews with local media in hopes of persuading 993 other residents of Mosul to facilitate the nation's first democratic elections in decades.
Despite the long odds of rounding up enough workers in such a short time, U.S. military officials said they were certain elections would occur in Mosul, the country's third-largest city.
"Time is ticking," said Army Civil Affairs Maj. Anthony Cruz, the military's liaison with the Iraqi commission in Mosul. "We're short on workers, but we're trying to address that."
With the help of Cruz and other U.S officials, Kazar has filmed get-out-the-vote ads to run on television and is making sure American and Iraqi soldiers have enough elections recruitment fliers to hand out to locals on their patrols through town. The elections commission has asked U.S. military officials to help with logistics and security plans in the insurgent strongholds of Anbar province, where Fallujah is located, and Mosul's Nineveh province.
"It will be a race to the finish," Cruz said.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscate weapons and ammunition, and detained four individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Multi-National Force soldiers confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detain three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activities north of Al Hawd. Suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 275 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining 28 individuals in northern Iraq today. Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained 20 individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations in Wanah. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Multi-National Force soldiers detained eight individuals suspected of being associated with an insurgent cell during a raid south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 303 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were able to defuse a roadside bomb following a tip received through the Joint Coordination Center in northern Iraq yesterday. An Iraqi citizen called the Joint Coordination Center to inform them of a roadside bomb planted in northeastern Mosul. Multi-National Forces were called to the scene and were able to defuse the bomb. The citizen was given a reward for the tip. These types of courageous acts are often rewarded.
Multi-National Forces encourage citizens of Iraq to cooperate with security forces and turn in military weapons and equipment. Citizens that cooperate could be rewarded for their efforts.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained six individuals during operations in northern Iraq January 23. Quick Response Forces from Task Force Olympia detained five individuals suspected of planting a roadside bomb. Suspects are in custody.
Soldiers of 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activity north of Hammam Al Alil. The suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 271 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By CHRIS WETTERICH, STAFF WRITER
Threatened by bullets, mortar attacks and suicide bombings while trying to bring home good news about the U.S. presence in Iraq and the soldiers' stories, a few members of the Army National Guard's 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment started a rock radio station.
Spc. Justin Savage, 24, of Roscoe and Staff Sgt. Rian Jopek, 40, of Madison, Wis., obtained a 1,000-watt transmitter, and Jopek became the "Mouth of Mosul," introducing Iraq to the likes of AC/DC and Judas Priest.
"We played everything from Green Day to Bowling for Soup," Jopek said, "mixed with Arabic press releases."
The 20 people from the 139th who were sent to Iraq included 14 members headquartered in Springfield and six from a detachment based in Madison. The unit was in the Middle East for about 111/2 months, spending most of its time in Mosul. They were activated on Pearl Harbor Day - Dec. 7, 2003 - and will be officially off-duty Feb. 15. It's unknown if they will be going back. [...]
Members of the unit say that although the United States and Iraqi democrats have faced a potent challenge from insurgents, the news as portrayed by the media has been skewed too much to the negative.
"The international media has proven to be an extreme disappointment," said Capt. Angela Bowman. "They go looking for bad news. There's been a lot of growth and development and development of infrastructure. Contrary to what you hear, the people of Iraq really appreciate what we're doing there."
Morale continues to be high, and the troops in general feel like they are fighting for a good cause, said Jopek, who was once a disc jockey and newsman for several small radio stations in Wisconsin. "American troops are dedicated to make sure it (a democratic Iraq) happens," he said. "But I think ultimately how long it takes remains to be seen."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 24, 2005) – The Eid Al Adha holiday proved to be a more secure period for citizens of northern Iraq, January 20-23. Iraqi citizens in the Mosul area were able to enjoy a safer holiday thanks to the protection provided by Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces. Despite continued insurgent activity the increased security measures of the ISF and MNF aided in a safe holiday period.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By John Yaukey, Gannett News Service
Mary Cozort has lost 16 pounds since her son, Edward, deployed to Iraq more than four months ago. "Every time I e-mailed him I'd write that he has the armor of God around him and he's going to be safe and he's coming home," the Glen Fork, W.Va., resident said. "I have to keep his morale up because he's already been hit by (shrapnel from an improvised bomb)."
Steven Krulish of Swanzey, N.H., now finds himself battling episodes of intense dread after learning his son Ethan's unit sustained heavy casualties in a recent mess tent bombing near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
"When I write him, I don't ask him questions about what sort of military things he's doing," Krulish said. {...]
Retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, who led U.S. forces in conquering Baghdad almost two years ago, has speculated that American troops will be engaged in Iraq for as long as a decade, although much of that could be in a relatively low-profile role.
Ultimately, the decision about when American troops leave may not be made at the Pentagon or White House.
The Arab newspaper al Hayat recently reported that a spokesman for Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, arguably the most powerful man in Iraq, said the new government "might demand that the occupying power leave Iraq."
If that seems like a possible blessing in disguise, consider the cost of a premature U.S. departure.
"That region is home to two-thirds of the world's known petroleum reserves," said Juan Cole, an expert on Arab affairs at the University of Michigan and author of a widely read and respected blog on the Middle East (www.juancole.com). "If it descends into chaos you've got more than just theoretical problems."
Contributing: Christian Hill, The Olympian (Wash.)
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces received a large shipment of equipment in northern Iraq January 19. Iraqi Security Forces in the Mosul area continue to receive vital weapons and equipment to enhance their operational capabilities. ISF received weapons, cold weather gear, and other equipment and supplies. The equipment makes the ISF better prepared for operations during the upcoming elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia Soldier was killed by small arms fire while on patrol in eastern Mosul yesterday.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The name of the soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This entry will remain at the top of the page today. Scroll down for newer entries.
U.S. soldier shot dead on patrol in Mosul - Seattle Times
Link to Full Article
By Trudy Rubin
MOSUL, Iraq - Gen. David Petraeus is flying in a C-130 transport plane back to the place he once made into a model of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation.
Iraq's third-largest city warmed to Petraeus because he reached out to Sunni Arab leaders during a yearlong assignment as commander of the 101st Airborne. [...]
First stop as he blitzes the city: a briefing on the security outlook for elections - dicey.
U.S. forces were beefed up in Mosul after the police fled, and several battalions of Iraqi troops also have been moved in. A couple of these are composed of Kurds, who are good fighters, but their presence fuels Sunni fears that Kurds want to take over the city.
Next, we travel through Mosul inside heavily armored Stryker vehicles where the only view of city streets is on the TV monitor below the gunner's turret.
We visit one of the Interior Ministry's enthusiastic new police commando units composed of former Iraqi army special forces. They may be best suited to fighting the insurgents, but they can't do it alone.
The Stryker speeds us to the Al-Kindi base, where a new Iraqi division headquarters was set up three months ago and is being fleshed out. Fighters from one of the Kurdish battalions tell me, with graphic motions: "Kurds good, Arabs not good."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained sixteen individuals during operations in northern Iraq. Multi-National Force soldiers detained fifteen individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. MNF soldiers also confiscated documents from the individuals. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. The suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 265 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained forty-two individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained forty-one individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations north of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. Suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 249 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq -- A dozen U.S. and Iraqi military officers dropped in on the Mosul police chief last week. After arriving at his headquarters in their armored Humvees, the men crowded into the chief's office to discuss security for the Jan. 30 parliamentary elections.
An Iraqi special forces officer, Lt. Col. Adell Abbas, quickly took over. "I have everything I need to protect you," he assured the police chief.
The police chief appeared doubtful. He looked pleadingly around the room at the Americans, the real power in Mosul. What would they do to protect him?
A Marine seated next to Abbas intervened. "Sir, Col. Adell and I are brothers," said Maj. Frank Shelton. "He has a picture of my daughter. I have a picture of his son. Anything we can do to assist you, that is our mission together."
Abbas, 39, is commander of the 23rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, Iraqi Intervention Force. Shelton, 35, is his senior American adviser. In addition to keeping a photo of Abbas's 4-year-old son, Mustafa, strapped to his left arm, Shelton sleeps five feet from Abbas, eats meals off the same plate and seldom leaves his side. With limited success, he has grown a mustache to resemble the facial hair worn by Abbas and his men. Both men were trained as military divers.
Their intense relationship is part of a changing U.S. strategy to find a way out of Iraq. After a string of battlefield failures by the nascent Iraqi security forces, the U.S. military has committed as many as 10,000 advisers to work directly with Iraqi units in the coming months. The goal is to develop quality leaders who can prevent the units from falling apart under attack and ultimately assume responsibility for Iraq's security.
In Washington, U.S. officials also said that after the elections they would incorporate more troops and officers from Saddam Hussein's army into the Iraqi military and move Iraqis to the frontlines to battle insurgents.
In Iraq, U.S. commanders have developed a security plan for the upcoming elections in which Iraqi troops will have the mission's most dangerous assignment: protecting the polling sites that will inevitably be targets for attack. U.S. troops will provide perimeter security and respond to emergencies but will stay away from the polls to avoid any appearance they are trying to influence the elections, officers involved in the planning said.
Viewed up close, the relationship between Shelton and Abbas shows how complicated the strategy is: an American Marine teaching fundamental leadership skills in the middle of an escalating insurgency.
Shelton, an intense, 5-foot-7 fireplug whose father, Roy, was an American military advisor in Vietnam, said he and his team of eight U.S. advisers would continue to ride with the Iraqis in vulnerable, unarmored trucks as election day approaches. He said he would stay as close as possible to Abbas, who has been told he has a $20,000 bounty on his head, along with other Iraqi battalion commanders.
"You can kill me and get rich and famous," Abbas joked to Shelton as they ate corned-beef hash from the same metal pan one afternoon last week at the 23rd Battalion's temporary base, a vacant building with neither electricity nor running water.
"Yeah, that's why I'm your primary bodyguard," said Shelton, laughing.
Shelton, who speaks in machine-gun-like bursts, alternates ordering, teaching, scolding and praising. Upon hearing that a vehicle with insurgents had been identified in Mosul, he told a soldier: "If they see this vehicle, they need to stop it and capture it. I want them alive, do you understand? Maybe slightly injured, but alive."
Later, after a soldier from the battalion was badly burned in a kerosene heater accident, Shelton told a group of soldiers to be more careful. "I'm an American, so I'll speak bluntly," he said. "That injury was caused by stupidity, by carelessness. Mortars, rockets, we can't do anything about. But we have to careful."
This is page one of a three page article. Shleton's unit is attached to Task Force Olympia in Mousl.
(TFO Press Reelease)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces were able to repel repeated anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks in northern Iraq yesterday. Iraqi Intervention Forces were able to defeat repeated anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks on a train station in southern Mosul. The insurgents tried to overtake the train station, but were defeated by IIF soldiers. No IIF injuries were reported.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Reelease)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Iraqi military leaders met across northern Iraq January 20 to discuss security plans for the January 30 elections. Gen. Babakir, Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Abdul Qater, Commander of the Iraqi Army, and Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command met in northern Iraq in order to hear election security plans from other Iraqi military leaders.
The group of Generals first met with Col. Mohammed, Commander of the Iraqi Commando Battalions at Forward Operating Base Blickenstaff. Col. Mohammed gave his assessment of the security situation for the elections to the Generals.
The Generals then traveled to Al Kindi where they met with Maj. Gen. Khalil, Commander of the 2nd Division Iraqi Army. Maj. Gen. Khalil also assessed the security situation in northern Iraq, and told of the different missions his unit has performed.
Following lunch at the Joint Coordination Center with local government officials, including Nineveh Governor Duraid Kashmoula and Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq representatives, the Generals traveled to Al Kasik. There they met with Maj. Gen. Khoursheed, Commander of the 3rd Division Iraqi Army, and Col. Thomas Thaler, Commander of Al Kasik Military Training Base. Maj. Gen. Khoursheed and Col. Thaler each assessed their forces’ readiness for election time.
The meetings helped military forces operating in northern Iraq make their final security plans for the election.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained eight individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting a cordon and search operation in western Mosul. They also confiscated Iraqi and U.S. money, and weapons from the individuals. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of 1-24th were patrolling in southwestern Mosul later in the day when their convoy was hit with a roadside bomb. They conducted a cordon and search of the area detaining one individual suspected of being associated with the bomb. The suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 207 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
The 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) of the Illinois National Guard recently returned home after working with Task Force Olympia for a year. The unit was responsible for the TFO press releases we have come to rely on, as well as producing the many videos we link to, among other things. Thank you and welcome home!
SPRINGFIELD - A dozen members of an Illinois Army National Guard unit are scheduled to return to central Illinois this evening after a year in Iraq.
The 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, based in Springfield, was called to active duty in December 2003 and spent a year in Iraq, according to military officials.
The soldiers were based in Mosul with other members of Task Force Olympia. While there, the broadcast and print journalists covered stories ranging from school openings to the training of the new Iraqi security forces.
The detachment also was responsible for putting out a weekly newsletter for soldiers in Mosul and for producing 14 half-hour news broadcasts.
NPR aired the following audio segment yesterday. To listen, follow the link and click the "Listen" icon at the top of the page.
Link to Audio Report
By Ivan Watson
The northern Iraqi city of Mosul is seeing growing ethnic tensions and violence, and Kurdish militiamen have joined American forces trying to suppress the insurgency by Sunni Muslim militants. The Kurdish fighters, known as Pesh Merga, are filling a security vacuum left after Mosul's police force collapsed in the face of an insurgent offensive last November.
Link to Article (Photos included)
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 21, 2005 – It's the rainy season in Ninewa province, and the mud sticks to your boots the way old ideas stick in your mind.
But rain also washes away the mud, and officials hope the elections Jan. 30 will wash away the old ideas governing this country.
Army Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq; Iraqi armed forces chief Gen. Babakir; and Iraqi ground forces commander Army Maj. Gen. Abdul Qadr led a trip to Ninewa to get the latest on the security situation for the elections.
More than 20,000 Iraqi and coalition troops are now in Ninewa province, the largest number since the 101st Airborne Division left last year. Most are concentrated in Mosul, Iraq's third-largest city with a population of around 2 million.
As Election Day approaches, military and police officials anticipate an increase in attacks in the region. The trend in the region is up, with an average of more than 100 attacks each week.
Two battalions of American troops have augmented Task Force Olympia in the area, and several battalions of Iraqi army and Iraqi police have moved into and within the region to help provide security for the high-stakes election next week.
And Mosul needs the help, officials said. In November, insurgents leaving Fallujah infiltrated the province. They began a campaign of bombings, killings, kidnappings and intimidation. Religious fundamentalists and former regime die- hards found, at least temporarily, common ground as the campaign continued.
Iraqi police were among the first victims of the insurgents. Coordinated attacks against police stations and an irresolute response from the police resulted in a security meltdown. Some police fought the insurgents, but most deserted their posts. The result: insurgents had almost free rein to intimidate Mosul residents. Almost all election officials in the city quit their posts, and the city was in turmoil.
The Iraqi interim government brought in units, and with units of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, imposed some order on the city. But the rebuilding and the electoral process stalled, officials said.
Since December, Iraqi and coalition officials have been working to improve the security situation and regain electoral momentum. They have largely succeeded. While the trend of attacks is up, coalition and Iraqi forces have tamped down the violence. Iraqi officials said the election will happen in Ninewa province. "It won't be what you would get in the United States, but it will happen," said Babakir through an interpreter.
U.S. officials agreed that the process will "not be pretty." Mosul has roughly 1 million eligible voters. As plans stand, they will walk to polling places, where they will go through increasing levels of security checks. At the polling places, which will be under Iraqi control, they will cast their ballots for the members of the 275-member national assembly that will write Iraq's new constitution.
U.S. forces will stand by and act as a quick-reaction force ready to respond if asked. Iraqi officials in the regional Joint Coordination Center in Mosul will monitor the situation. A recent rehearsal allowed officials to identify and correct deficiencies in the plans. "Insh'allah (God willing), we will be ready," said Iraqi Facilities Protection Service Brigadier Moataz, the commander at the JCC.
Babakir also was encouraging. "We have enough troops in the city," he said through an interpreter. In addition to providing site security around polling places, the troops will be stationed at combat outposts ready to move at a moment's notice.
Petraeus said Iraqi units in the city should be up to strength in time for the elections. He said that the Iraqi army units – many of which were Iraqi National Guard units until they were absorbed into the army Jan. 6 – have been conducting independent operations against the insurgents. "The Iraqis are the ones who are best able to spot the insurgents," he said. "They can spot the different accent. They can make an on-the-spot translation of documents and move quickly, and they are gaining capability every day."
And the increase in Iraqi numbers and capabilities is important to Iraq and the coalition, Petraeus said. "The way to defeat the insurgents is to apply pressure across the board," he said. Applying pressure in only one place allows the insurgents to leave the area and regroup somewhere else, he said. The increased numbers of Iraqi units will allow that constant pressure across the country, he said.
While Iraqi and coalition forces are geared to Jan. 30, they are quick to say they are not ignoring the on-going threat. Insurgents will continue to try and intimidate the populace, they will attempt to assassinate those who win the election, and they will continue to plant improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne IEDs, officials said. The increased number of Iraqi forces will remain in the city for the foreseeable future, Qadr said. "Until the police service is rebuilt in Mosul, we must stay," he said. "We will remain faithful soldiers of this country."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 21, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained one individual during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Regiment captured one individual suspected of firing on them in Tal` Afar. They followed the detention with a cordon and search of an unoccupied building. The 1-5th found and confiscated military intelligence documents. The suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 199 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
USA Today - Associated Press
BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. troops launched fresh raids Thursday around the northern city of Mosul to rein in guerillas who have threatened to disrupt the upcoming election. Iraqi forces sealed off main routes into Baghdad one day after a wave of car bombings rocked the capital. [...]
Troops from the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained nine people and seized weapons in the overnight sweeps in Mosul, the military said.
U.S. forces have intensified nighttime operations in Iraq's third-largest city in a race to make it safe enough for voters to cast ballots in the Jan. 30 parliamentary and regional elections. In the past two weeks alone, U.S. and Iraqi forces have rounded up 200 suspected insurgents there, the U.S. military said. [...]
In the latest fighting, insurgents shelled a hospital in Mosul where U.S. and Iraqi forces had taken up positions in an annex wing, hospital director Faris Hani said. Doctors and patients fled, but no casualties were reported.
American soldiers on patrol Wednesday in Mosul killed three insurgents who fired on them from a car, the military said. [...]
The article continues with a description of fighting throughout Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, IRAQ — Staff Sgt. John Sykora surfs the Internet while listening to a Web-based radio station on his headphones.
For $2 an hour, he can go online with his wife, Toni, in Crown Point and talk about their 4-month-old son, Christopher.
The connection is slow, especially in more remote locations.
Lines can be long, especially starting at around 6 p.m., when the nine-hour time difference allows soldiers to reach their families in real time.
In Mosul, computers are old.
Keyboards sometimes add an “s” to an “a” and an “x” along with the “c” — making sentences hard to follow.
“She just let me know what is happening at home and what she has been doing,” said Sykora, who is a manager supervisor for Dawn Foods in Crown Point.
Some of the soldiers with the 113th Engineering Battalion have begun purchasing Internet phone accounts.
Soldiers with the Virginia National Guard sit with headphones and a microphone and talk for an hour with their families over the computer.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 20, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents attacked a hospital in northern Iraq today. Iraqi Security Forces guarding the Al Salam Hospital in eastern Mosul held off an insurgent attackl. Doctors, staff, and patients fled the hospital because of the attack. No injuries to ISF or Iraqi civilians were reported.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 20, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained nine individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 2nd Squadron 14th Calvary Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities while conducting cordon and search operations in Tal Afar. The soldiers of the 2-14th also confiscated weapons from the detainees. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 198 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, recent video clips from the Task Force Olympia Public Affairs Office. Some of the videos are quite long and may take a while to download. You will also need Windows Media Player to play them.
Olympia Newsline is a news magazine that tells the story of coalition forces supporting Task Force Olympia in Iraq. Edition 17 includes stories on battle planners, a Vietnam attack helicopter pilot in Iraq, an engineer battalion building schools and health clinics, and a vehicle maintenance shop. Also includes hometown holiday greetings from several Soldiers. Produced by 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
133rd Engineers End of Deployment Video
Video compilation of a tour in northern Iraq for the 133rd Engineer Battalion, a Maine Army National Guard unit. Includes photo segments on four companies, unit history and lists many accomplishments. Video of engineers at work on various construction projects, and a memorial section for fallen comrades.
The final edition of Olympia Newsline (#18), a news magazine that tells the story of coalition forces supporting Task Force Olympia in Mosul. Features stories on trauma care training, a bombed-out palace converted into living quarters for Soldiers, Pennsylvania National Guard troops forming a personal security detail, and using DVIDS satellite technology to tell the coalition story and link service members with audiences back home. Also includes hometown holiday greetings from several Soldiers. Produced by 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
B-roll shows the daily duties of Major Scott Whitman and 1st Lieutenant Shadrach Keene, two Task Force Olympia soldiers serving in Mosul. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
Soldiers gather in Mosul to watch National Football League games on Christmas Day.
Display of weapons cache found in Mosul by 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Video shows several types of weapons including mortars, mines and ammunition. Video from 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
TF Olympia End of Operations Video
Video highlights of the Task Force Olympia mission in Mosul. Produced by Specialist Mary Flynn, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
Military personnel enjoy a Christmas meal in a large dinning facility in Mosul. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.
Captain Kevin Gilangorst (Walcott, IA), Commander of the 73rd Engineer Company in Mosul, talks to a reporter at KWQC TV in Davenport, Iowa.
Major Pressley, Operations Officer for the 115th Signal Battalion in Mosul, talks to a reporter at WHNT in Huntsville, Alabama.
Private First Class Ronnie Gutierrez talks from Mosul, in Spanish, with reporter at Univision.
Interview with CPT Allen & SPC Powers
Captain Andy Allen and Specialist Howard Powers from Mosul talk with a reporter at KINGTV in Seattle on Christmas Day.
Interview with SSG & SGT Ramirez
Husband and wife, Staff Sergeant Gustavo Ramirez and Sergeant Melissa Ramirez, talk with MSNBC from Mosul on Christmas Day.
Captain Alfred Boone from Mosul talks with a reporter at WWOR in New York.
(via DVIDS)
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2005 – Servicemembers joining the military today are not joining just the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps – they are joining a truly joint force.
The American military has reached unprecedented levels of joint operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, military officials here said.
"When I joined the Army, you seldom even saw a member of another service," said Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of Joint Task Force Olympia based in Mosul. "Now I have platoons go out and they may have a Navy SEAL with them, an Air Force forward air controller and Marine air providing air cover. And the young lieutenants and sergeants think that's normal."
Multinational Force Iraq officials said there have been few breakdowns in communication among the services. "We do train as we fight," said an official. "In instances where systems do not speak with each other, we have come up with 'workarounds.' This can be as simple as a new command or as complex as designing a software patch.
"The important thing is these (solutions) were developed well before we arrived in Iraq," he continued. "We could see the writing on the wall and trained together at the National Training Center (in California) or in joint exercises."
The United States has engaged in joint operations since the Mexican-American War. For example, the Navy delivered the Army force to Veracruz and helped the soldiers take the fortress.
In the Civil War, "riverine navy" operations in the West helped the Union take Forts Henry and Donelson and the bastion of Vicksburg.
During World War II, Army, Navy and Army Air Forces cooperated in amphibious invasions. And during the Persian Gulf War, all services cooperated. But even in 1991, the services "deconflicted" the battlespace. This means, for example, that commanders assigned the Army a sector and the Marines a sector and they conducted operations separately.
Today, advances in communications, situational awareness and familiarity with each other's tactics, techniques and procedures enable U.S. forces to work closely together. "They really are inseparable now," Ham said.
On the staff level, the higher headquarters have members from all services. At the corps and Multinational Force Iraq level, members of all services work next to and with each other. At the division level, there are members of the other services, but soldiers or Marines predominate. At brigade and battalion level, there are aviation specialists and liaison officers as needed, officials said.
Special operations forces also are integrated into most plans in this theater. Searching for insurgents and training the Iraqi military are at the core of special operations capabilities, said an official. They work independently, but often are supported by more conventional forces. For example, conventional forces may cordon off an area while special operations forces go in to kill or capture an insurgent.
In training, the special operations forces train small numbers of Iraqis to then go back and train their own countrymen.
Conventional forces -- such as the Army Reserve's 98th Training Division -- provide the bulk of basic training and professional military education to the Iraqi army. The line is getting blurred, however. The 98th Division also is providing advisory teams to "embed" with Iraqi units and continue their training in the field, officials said. This was typically a special operations forces mission in the past.
The American military is working together in ways past generations of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen could not have imagined. It is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, officials said. "I would advise new lieutenants and young sergeants to learn about the other services early in their careers," Ham said. "They will need it."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Hundreds of soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived in Mosul January 16. The arrival of the 11th ACR is to help enhance security in northern Iraq as elections near.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have been operating side by side to provide Iraqi citizens with greater protection during the elections. Jointly they operate to disrupt, neutralize, and destroy all anti-Iraqi insurgents that are trying to prevent free elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – One Iraqi civilian was killed and two others were wounded when the truck they were driving tried to speed through a Multi-National Force checkpoint yesterday in northern Iraq.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment tried to halt the vehicle west of Mosul. The vehicle was suspected of being a car bomb. The soldiers used hand signals and warning shots before shooting at the vehicle and wounding the driver and its passengers. All three were evacuated to a local hospital. One of the Iraqi civilians was pronounced dead on arrival. The other two remain hospitalized.
Multi-National Forces have previously warned civilians to obey all signals given by military troops and all signs directing them how to react to checkpoints.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 12 individuals during operations in northern Iraq today. Multi-National Force soldiers conducted a raid in western Mosul leading to the capture of ten individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 24th Infantry Regiment confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detained two individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities while conducting a cordon and search in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Search operations performed by Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces continue to increase as the elections near. The increase is to better the security in the Mosul area.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 180 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated bomb equipment and detained four individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. The soldiers also confiscated a number of bombs and bomb fuses at the sight where they detained the suspected individuals. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 168 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detained nine individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 21st Infantry Regiment detained six individuals for violating curfew in eastern Mosul. After a search of the car 3-21st soldiers confiscated weapons and ammunition. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Iraqi Regular Army soldiers from the 12th Battalion detained three anti-Iraqi insurgents east of Mosul following an exchange of small arms fire. Two of the insurgents were wounded during the exchange. They were evacuated to a local hospital. The insurgents remain in custody.
Iraqi Intervention Force soldiers detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activities after conducting a cordon and search of the Omar Abed Alkhtab Mosque. The suspect is in custody with no IIF injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 164 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces killed five anti-Iraqi insurgents in northern Iraq yesterday. Three anti-Iraqi insurgents were staging an attack, carrying rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds, when Multi-National Force soldiers shot and killed them in southwest Mosul. MNF shot and killed two more insurgents who were also staging an attack later in the day.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 17 -- One cold afternoon in this violent northern city, 1st Sgt. Ken Agueda strolled across an overpass with an assault rifle in one hand and two American dollars in the other.
Agueda pressed the money into the hands of a panhandler while his platoon followed him across the bridge. Drivers stared in disbelief at the exposed American soldiers, stripped of the armored vehicles that normally protect U.S. troops from the insurgents seeking to kill them.
Agueda's gesture came on a day his unit was scouting potential polling sites and buildings that could house an Iraqi battalion arriving for the elections. Members of the platoon marched down the street in loose formation, shaking hands with pedestrians, patting children on the head, waving at the startled drivers, while keeping an eye out for drive-by shooters, roadside bombs, snipers and myriad other threats that plague American troops throughout the country.
The unit, the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, had expected to be headed back to its home base on the Hawaiian island of Oahu by now. Instead it is part of a broad spectrum of manpower and weaponry that the U.S. military has quietly poured into Mosul in advance of the Jan. 30 parliamentary elections. [...]
Although the U.S. strategy aims to assure peace on election day by routing insurgents beforehand, American officers acknowledge that the operation could instead produce violence that might threaten the election's integrity.
At the end of a simulation exercise Saturday in preparation for the elections, an officer asked Lt. Col. Dave Miller, the 1st Battalion's commander, about a scenario in which a polling site was overrun by insurgents who had either killed the Iraqi security forces or forced them to flee.
In attacking the insurgents, the officer asked, would U.S. forces also be expected to protect the ballots?
"A lot of fighting in the streets is not conducive to voting," Miller responded. Referring to the insurgents as "anti-Iraqi forces," he added: "Killing a lot of AIF is one thing. But we have to remember whether it's going to create the kind of environment for voting." [...]
The Golden Dragons entered Iraq in open-air Humvees and literally walked into some of the most perilous corners of the war. Although some have questioned whether troops in Iraq were given adequate armor, Capt. Jim Pangelinan, the 30-year-old commander of the Dragons' Alpha Company, called the debate "laughable." He said the battalion's boots-on-the-ground approach gave soldiers more flexibility and the opportunity to interact directly with Iraqi civilians.
"You can't shake a guy's hand from a tank," said Pangelinan, a West Point graduate from Olney, Md.[...]
Last Saturday, 42 members of the unit gathered in a vacant lot inside Forward Operating Base Patriot and then, in a spectacle rarely seen in Iraq, marched straight out the front gate into the mean streets of Mosul.
"I'd rather be out here, surrounded by my friends, than riding around in a vehicle that can blow up," said Agueda, 36, the company's senior noncommissioned officer.
The platoon followed Agueda over the bridge, through a park, to an abandoned amusement park. There the soldiers fanned out near a roller coaster frozen in time and kiddie cars decorated with smiling faces.
"Hey there's a tracer round coming from that octopus," someone joked.
Then they walked back to their base.
"My wife told my son that I'm out saving the world," said Sgt. Ira Pula, 30, a hulking Samoan, whose son is 5. "Now he asks me, 'Are you almost finished saving the world?' I tell him, {grv}'Yeah, I'm almost done.' ''
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces continue to discover, confiscate, and destroy weapons caches throughout northern Iraq. Since January 10 ISF and MNF have found 10 weapons and munitions caches in the Mosul area. These caches have included numerous rifles, grenades, grenade launchers, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, bomb ignition devices, other bomb making equipment, and intelligence information. ISF and MNF continue to conduct cordon and search operations in order to find weapons and munitions caches.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with the leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
Christian Hill, The Olympian
Lacey resident recounts carnage after suicide bombing
LACEY -- On Dec. 21, Scott Connely spent what he thought were his final hours in Iraq before a trip home eating lunch and talking with a couple of colleagues.
Since September, Connely, 34, worked as a civilian contractor with the Fort Lewis-based Stryker brigade based in northern Iraq, providing technical support for the communication systems they use.
Now, seated in a mess tent at Forward Operating Base Marez near the Mosul airport, Connely found himself six hours away from the first leg of the journey back to his Lacey home. He looked forward to holidays spent with his wife, Jennifer, and their two young children. [...]
The Connelys praised the military's response to his injuries and the outpouring of national support, including cards from schoolchildren and a donated blanket from a church group.
The couple said their heart goes out to families who lost a loved one in the attack, including six soldiers from Fort Lewis.
"We're just very glad to have him home," Jennifer Connely said. "It was a long haul."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 23 individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment while conducting a cordon and search in western Mosul detained 16 individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
During a cordon and search MNF soldiers detained three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 8th Field Artillery Regiment conducted a cordon and search south of Mosul resulting in the detainment of two individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained two individuals suspected of bombing an oil refinery south of Mosul. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, but with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 155 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were attacked in two separate incidences by anti-Iraqi insurgents that left three insurgents dead, one wounded, and another detained yesterday in northern Iraq.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment were patrolling in western Mosul when their convoy was attacked by anti-Iraqi insurgents. The insurgents drove up to the convoy and began shooting. Two of the insurgents were wounded in the counter attack, while the other fled. Soldiers of the 2-325th caught and detained the third individual. Both wounded insurgents were transported to a hospital, with one pronounced dead on arrival. The insurgents are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment were patrolling southwest of Mosul when their convoy was attacked by anti-Iraqi insurgents. As the insurgents approached the convoy with their vehicle they began shooting. The 1-5th soldiers return fire killed both insurgents in the vehicle.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – An Article 32 hearing for Staff Sgt. Timothy M. Knutson, a member of Task Force Olympia, is set to begin Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at Camp Freedom in Mosul.
Knutson has been charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with attempted murder, in connection with his attempt to wrongfully shoot an unnamed male.
This charge is only an allegation. The soldier is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Media planning to attend should arrive at Camp Freedom no later than 9 a.m.
No recording devices, cameras or cell phones will be allowed in the courtroom.
Members of the media planning to attend are asked to contact the Task Force Olympia Media Coordinator, Maj. James Street, who can be reached at james.street@tfo.c1.army.mil.
Related Articles:
Soldier Faces Court-Martial in Killing of Bound Man - LA Times
This story about today's violence in Mosul was filed by another Associated Press reporter.
Link to Full Article
By Sally Buzbee, The Associated Press
BAGHDAD -- U.S. troops staged a series of raids in Mosul and other areas of northern and central Iraq on Sunday, arresting dozens, even as a top American official conceded U.S. and Iraqi forces cannot stop "extraordinary" intimidation by insurgents before this month's crucial national election.
The crackle of small-arms fire reverberated through a busy neighborhood in the center of Baghdad, sending shoppers scurrying, and underscoring the precarious security situation less than two weeks before balloting.
The violence centered on Mosul, the country's third-largest city, where insurgents shot dead a member of a local government council and set off explosives as a U.S. convoy passed, damaging a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. It was unclear whether there were casualties. A mortar damaged a school to be used as a polling place. [...]
Around Mosul, the U.S. Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained 11 suspected insurgents, including an alleged cell leader, and seized weapons and bomb-making material in several weekend raids -- part of the military's strategy to try to secure the city short of launching an all-out offensive.
The Mosul area has emerged as a major flashpoint between U.S. and Iraqi forces and the insurgents, raising fears the election cannot be held in much of the city.
U.S. and Iraqi officials are scrambling to recruit new police and election workers in Mosul after thousands of them resigned in the face of rebel intimidation. Similar mass resignations are believed to have occurred in other Sunni Muslim areas of northern, central and western Iraq. [...]
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
A number of 1/25 SBCT and TFO officers are quoted in the following story.
Link to Full Article
Time Magazine
In the bustling city of Mosul in northern Iraq, there are few hints of the historic election that is about to take place. There are no candidates on the stump making speeches. No supporters handing out leaflets. No rallies, rope lines or debates. Many voters, in fact, don't even know who is on the ballot. Instead, on the streets of the country's third largest city, there is heavy armor--Bradley fighting vehicles, Abrams tanks--and 10,000 weapons-toting U.S. troops, reinforced by almost as many Iraqi government soldiers.
They conduct raids on suspected insurgent hideouts, patrol neighborhoods on foot and man checkpoints throughout the city. In Mosul and the surrounding area, U.S. forces are working toward the same simple purpose: to "kill or capture bad guys and keep them from influencing the elections," says Captain Kevin Beagle, the squadron plans officer for the Army's 2-14 Cavalry. "We've been ramping up, obviously, for the elections."
Throughout Iraq's restive Sunni heartland, the military is in a race to subdue the insurgents by Jan. 30, when the country is scheduled to hold its first free elections in nearly 50 years. In Mosul commanders say they have curbed the insurgents' movements in the city. But the rebels have responded with ever more sophisticated strikes, disabling U.S. military vehicles with roadside bombs and then opening fire on stopped convoys from several positions. Their attacks have killed nine U.S. soldiers and scores of Iraqi national guardsmen in the past week. "By no means is this a safe city," says Captain Jim Pangelinan, who commands the Alpha Company of the Army's Task Force 1-14. "The insurgents' tactics have been more complex than what they've used previously here or elsewhere in the country." Pangelinan and his men have precious little time left to convince the estimated 1.8 million Mosul residents that it will be safe to participate on Jan. 30. "If they feel there isn't decent security," says Major D.A. Sims, the operations officer responsible for Mosul, "they won't turn out in large numbers."
With each day of mayhem, that prediction seems more accurate. The Bush Administration and Iraq's interim Prime Minister, Iyad Allawi, have resisted calls from a cross section of Iraqi political, tribal and religious leaders to postpone the vote until violence subsides in the insurgent-infested swath of territory that cuts through the center and up into the northern parts of the country. Those are areas with heavy concentrations of Sunni Arabs, who make up only 20% of Iraq's population yet ruled Iraq during Saddam Hussein's dictatorship. They know that in democracies the majority rules, and that in Iraq long-suppressed Shi'ite Muslims--who make up 60% of the population--are the majority. As distasteful as the prospect of Shi'ite dominance may be to some Sunnis, many would would prefer democracy to Saddam's tyranny. But with less than two weeks before the vote, U.S. officials admit that the insurgents have succeeded in discouraging Sunni participation by assassinating election workers, gunning down politicians and threatening with death anyone who shows up to vote.
This is page 1 of a 4 page article.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents shot and critically wounded two Iraqi children in northern Iraq today. Both children were taken to local hospitals. At this time one of the children is believed to be dead.
Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were patrolling southwestern Mosul when anti-Iraqi insurgents began shooting at them. The insurgents’ fire struck two civilian children playing in the area.
This demonstrates a lack of concern by insurgents for the safety of innocent Iraqis, including children.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link To Full Article
By Jason Keyser, Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) U.S. forces carried out a series of raids in Iraq's troubled northern city of Mosul, the military said Sunday, as American and Iraqi authorities scramble to prepare for elections there in the face of mass resignations of polling staff and police.
A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was damaged Sunday in the city when an explosion occurred as a U.S. convoy passed by, witnesses said. It was unclear whether there were casualties.
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz acknowledged that the security threat to the Jan. 30 election was worse than in last October's nationwide balloting in Afghanistan and that it was impossible to guarantee ''absolute security'' against the ''extraordinary intimidation that the enemy is undertaking.''
In the Mosul area, the U.S. Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team detained 11 suspected insurgents, including an alleged cell leader, and seized weapons and bomb making material in several weekend raids part of the military's strategy to try to secure the city short of launching an all-out offensive.
East of Mosul, a Katyusha rocket slammed into a home near the Kurdish regional parliament building in Irbil where leaders of the two main Kurdish parties were meeting to discuss the election, a police official said Sunday.
Link to Full Article
By Maria C. Johnson, Staff Writer News & Record
What Connie Spinks remembers about the suicide bomber is his eyes.
She was riding in a convoy of three armored Humvees heading home to Camp Freedom in northern Iraq when she saw a small pickup drive from between two homes, coming straight for them.
The truck, maroon with a white design on the side, reminded her of a Toyota pickup that her father once owned back home in Asheboro. The driver was the only occupant. He had thick, curly hair, caramel-colored skin, a broad nose, chunky cheeks and a mustache.
Army Spc. Spinks, in the gun turret of the middle Humvee, yelled in Arabic for the driver to stop. For a moment, their eyes met.
She expected to see defiance. Maybe hate.
She saw nothing. He looked as if he were doing an everyday job.
She took her trigger finger off her tripod-mounted machine gun and motioned, palm down in the Iraqi way, for him to stop.
He accelerated. It was too late.
This long profile continues...
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces have doubled in size to keep pace with Multi-National Forces in northern Iraq who have also doubled in size.
Several hundred Iraqi Army soldiers reported to Al Kisik military base west of Mosul yesterday. Iraqi soldiers continue to arrive at Al Kisik to provide additional security for the conduct of free elections.
As more Iraqi soldiers continue to move into the area, the number of operations will grow and operational areas will shrink. According to military officials the force increase will mean Iraqi citizens in northern Iraq will have better protection against anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have been operating side by side to provide Iraqi citizens with greater protection during the elections. Jointly they operate to disrupt, neutralize, and destroy all anti-Iraqi insurgents that are trying to prevent free elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Soldiers from the Iraqi Army and Multi-National Forces detained two suspected anti-Iraqi insurgents and confiscated a large amount of bomb-making materials and weapons January 14 in northern Iraq.
Iraqi Army and Multi-National Force soldiers conducted a raid of a house in Ad Duluiyah which resulted in the detention of a suspected anti-Iraqi insurgent cell leader and one close associate. The soldiers discovered 500 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and 55 gallons of diesel fuel oil, chemicals known to be primary ingredients of a high explosive used in previous insurgent attacks, other bomb-making materials and weapons and ammunition. Both suspects are in custody with no IA or MNF injuries reported. The weapons and munitions were confiscated for future destruction.
A Multi-National Forces officer who was on the scene said, “This was a lucrative raid.” A spokesman later added, “This capture means one less threat to the people of Ad Duluiyah and a big blow to (insurgents) attempting to destroy the future of Iraq.”
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with members of the Multi-National Forces and with the leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information about terrorists or criminals should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
Christopher Anderson, San Antonio Express-News
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a showcase for some of the country's most talented young football players, but the game's sponsor made sure that other uniform-clad heroes received their due.
A half-dozen Medal of Honor winners who served in either World War II or Vietnam were recognized in the Alamodome before kickoff, along with 42 soldiers who received either the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star or Purple Heart for their service in Iraq. [...]
Timothy Tabellija, a specialist from Auburn, Calif., was awarded the Purple Heart. A rocket-propelled grenade blasted inside his Stryker armored vehicle, leaving him with a concussion. Shrapnel also penetrated his arm.
Tabellija said he was excited to watch the game with other award-winning soldiers.
"This is awesome. You see all these soldiers from all different units and different jobs, but one way or another we all come together. You know it's the Army of one. Everybody works together. Everybody pulls their own weight. That's why the U.S. military is No. 1 in the world," he said. [...]
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Gunnar D. Becker, 19, of Forestburg, SD, died Jan. 13 in Mosul, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries. PFC Becker was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones he leaves behind. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Lost soldier lit up their lives, friends say - Argus Leader
SD Soldier Killed in Iraq - KELO News
Hundreds honor teenager's sacrifice - Aberdeen News
Vilseck community says its farewells to first 63rd Armor soldier killed in Iraq - European Stars and Stripes
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, Iraq — Two soldiers of the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineering Battalion were awarded Purple Hearts after their convoy was attacked north of Mosul.
Sgt. Steven Foss of Michigan City and Spc. Michael Kieszkowski of Rolling Prairie were injured last week when their convoy was struck by two car bombs as it passed through Tall Afar.
“I have said all along that we are coming into Mosul at a critical time, and I fully expect high risks,” said Lt. Col. Richard Shatto, the 113th’s commander.
The two men are recovering from their injuries and have returned to light duty, Shatto said.
The convoys for the 113th Engineering Battalion, carrying personnel and equipment from Kuwait, had stopped at a base south of Mosul, before being broken into a smaller groups.
Foss and Kieszkowski were riding in the same vehicle headed to Base Sikes, one of the U.S. military’s northern bases near the Syrian border, where part of the 113th is based.
In Tall Afar, their convoy was struck by one car bomb; then 500 feet later was struck by another car bomb and small-arms fire.
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham conducted a lengthy press briefing today to discuss the situation in Mosul and the upcoming elections. Worth reading in full.
MODERATOR: Thank you for joining us today from Baghdad, general. Most of you I think know our briefer here today is Brigadier General Carter Ham. He's the commander of the Multinational Brigade-Northwest, and he's also the commander of Task Force Olympia. General Ham and his troops are responsible for the ongoing security operations in northwestern Iraq, and he's here today to update us on those efforts. And I think he has a few comments that he'd like to make, and then we'll start with some questions in Baghdad, and perhaps a few here. General.
GEN. HAM: Okay, well thank you, Brian. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen -- and I guess good morning for those of you who are in Washington. It is indeed a privilege for me to be here today, representing the men and women of the Multinational Brigade-Northwest. We're headquartered in Mosul, I think as most of you know.
The service, the sacrifice, of these great soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors, our coalition partners and the many civilian and contract employees should make all of us very proud. Much of what they do goes unnoticed each and every day, but their contributions to the people of Iraq are making a difference each and every day.
Two months ago, the security situation in Mosul was rather tenuous. Many of you recall the 10th and 11th of November, when police largely failed, and the insurgents conducted widespread attacks. Then, on the 21st of December, a murderous attack killed 22, and wounded over 70. More recently, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq staff largely quit in Nineweh Province. Insurgents have mounted a gruesome campaign of murder, threats and intimidation.
But those events have not deterred us. And, more importantly, they have not deterred the good people of northern Iraq. And on the 30th of January there will be elections in Mosul, and there will be elections throughout Nineweh Province. It's not going to be easy, but it will be done.
The elections will be possible because of the close partnership between the coalition and the Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi army, National Guard and Ministry of Interior forces, along with increased coalition force presence are helping to improve the security situation in Mosul and throughout Nineweh Province day by day.
The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq staff has returned to Mosul, and in cooperation with the provincial government the Nineweh Province Council, many local mayors, the IECI is reestablishing the processes needed to support voting and registration on January 30th.
There are other positive signs. The interim Iraqi government has assigned a new police chief, a man who has accepted truly a monumental challenge to rebuild a very large police force, one that had been ruined by his predecessor. The chancellor of Mosul University has been replaced -- a very positive step forward. These and other measures by the interim Iraqi government offer what the people of Mosul and the people of the north want most, and that is hope -- hope for a better future for them and for their families; a better future that begins on January 30th, when the people of northern Iraq -- Arabs, Kurds, Turkoman, Yazidis, Christian and all others -- will vote to determine their own destiny. All of us in Multinational Brigade-Northwest are honored to serve in partnership with these brave Iraqis and look forward to working together with them as we move forward to a bright future.
I'd be glad to take some questions, I think first from here. Yes, sir, please?
Related Articles:
Link to Full Article (Registration required)
By Louise Roug, Times Staff Writer
MOSUL, Iraq — On a recent morning, a stream of armored vehicles brought American and Albanian soldiers here to lock down the Mosul airfield.
A few hours later, U.S. Ambassador John D. Negroponte and top American military commanders Gen. George W. Casey and Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz arrived in a swarm of helicopters to meet with Iraqi election officials. Introductions didn't take long. The commission overseeing elections in Iraq's third-largest city numbers two people.
Although U.S. officials insist elections will take place, there are significant hurdles to overcome before the Jan. 30 poll. Mosul, with 1.8 million residents, has become so volatile that American soldiers who work on community projects no longer maintain contact with the local population.
On city streets, no posters or fliers advertise the election, but leaflets threaten beheadings for those who vote.
The entire election staff resigned last month, and the local government has two weeks left to recruit and train 800 workers needed at polling sites throughout the province.
"We're starting from scratch," said Maj. Tony Cruz of the 426 Civil Affairs Battalion.
Mosul, considered a model city early in the U.S.-led occupation, has become a high-stakes battleground for insurgents intent on preventing the vote and American officials determined to ensure that it takes place. The credibility of the entire election could be threatened if violence prevents large numbers of voters here and in a neighboring province that includes Fallouja from casting ballots.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 15, 2005) – In an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections Iraqi Security Forces have increased the number of troops in northern Iraq.
Currently there are nearly 4,000 Iraqi Security Forces in the Mosul area. Their forces include members of the Iraqi National Guard and Iraqi Regular Army. Troops will continue to move into the area as the elections draw closer.
The increase in Iraqi Security Forces will provide additional security to allow the citizens of Iraq to vote.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 15, 2005) – An OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter, while supporting troops on the ground, made an emergency landing in northern Iraq today.
The helicopter landed in northern Mosul and the two pilots were picked up with no injuries. The helicopter has been secured by Multi-National Forces.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 15, 2005) – For the second consecutive day Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Combat Team) were engaged by anti-Iraqi insurgents from a mosque in northern Iraq.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia were patrolling in eastern Mosul when their convoy came under attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents. Yesterday MNF and Iraqi Security Forces came under attack from the same mosque. The MNF countered with a proportional, precise, and an appropriate attack.
Firing from the mosque clearly is a violation of the law of war. Iraqi authorities have stated that those insurgents using a religious center as their headquarters or as a place to attack Iraqi Security Forces or Multi-National Forces will not be safe.
Multi-National Forces continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 15, 2005) – Iraqi National Guard soldiers confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detained six individuals during operations in northern Iraq today.
Soldiers of the 106th Iraqi National Guard confiscated weapons and ammunition in western Mosul during a cordon and search operation. The 106th detained six individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity and being associated with the weapons. Suspects are in custody with no ING injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 119 individuals.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 15, 2005) – Iraqi National Guard and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Striker Combat Team) confiscated weapons, ammunition, and bomb equipment and detained 16 individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 109th Iraqi National Guard and 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment discovered a weapons cache to include, rocket propelled grenades, projectile fuses and ammunition in the town of Avgani during cordon and search operations. The 109th and 2-14th also detained nine people suspected of being associated with the cache. Suspects are in custody with no ING or MNF injuries reported.
Multi-National Force soldiers discovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and military intelligence during a cordon and search in Mosul. MNF soldiers also detained five individuals suspected of being associated with the cache. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment confiscated weapons and ammunition during a cordon and search in Tal Az Bah. The 2-8th also detained two individuals suspected of being associated with the weapons. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 113 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
The following is an official press release from Task Force Olympia confirming earlier news reports.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia soldier was killed and three were wounded after their patrol was hit by a roadside bomb January 13.
The attack occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m.
The wounded Soldiers were transported to a military hospital in Mosul.
The soldiers of Task Force Olympia send their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Link to Article (Full text provided below)
By Nicole Dalrymple, Gulf Region Northern District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
MOSUL, Iraq -- The construction of four brand-new schools for the children of Iraq’s northern-most province, Dahok, began in early January.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with local government officials, awarded $1.3 million for the construction of two 12-room two-story schools, one six-room kindergarten, and one nine-room secondary school on Dec. 28. All work will be done by Dahok province contractors.
Several of Dahok’s schools were constructed in the late 70’s and early 80’s through a United Nations program. Since then, the schools have deteriorated due to lack of funds and resources for maintenance. Many have leaking roofs, inoperable plumbing, no potable water, no windows and no heat.
About 100 Dahok schools are getting much needed renovations under separate contracts, but an even greater need remains. For several months the Dahok government has asked repeatedly for new schools, not just renovations. The school system currently supports approximately 200,000 students, said Anwer Mohammed Hassa, head of planning for the Ministry of Education.
“We have about 200,000 kids in the province and that includes kindergarten, primary and secondary schools,” he said. “New schools are very important.”
Classrooms can be filled with as many as 60 to 80 students at a time, said Mike Posovich, program manager for the Corps’ Northern District’s Building, Health and Education Sector. Some schools run three separate shifts of students daily to handle the need.
The problems with the schools have been growing over the years, said Hameed Salih, public relations representative for Dahok’s governor.
“Dahok was never considered part of Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign,” he said. “The province was completely neglected in the 70’s and 80’s.”
In 1988 when Hussein ordered the use of chemical weapons on the Kurds, many fled Iraq but others were forced to leave their villages and move into the cities, he said. The cities have become very overcrowded and the schools face severe shortages.
Following the Gulf War in 1992, the Kurds established their first local government, and although their capacity to do reconstruction was limited, they made efforts toward improvements.
“At the time we were under double sanctions,” Salih said. “The UN had sanctions against Iraq, and the Iraqi government had sanctions against the Kurds. It has been a very slow process.”
Now that Saddam is gone, the Dahok government wants to encourage its people to return to their villages. But, that is challenging.
“Many people have been living in the cities for over 20 years now,” Salih said. “To make them willing to move back, we know we need to provide the same services they’ve grown accustomed to in the cities. The focus right now is on schools, health care, water projects and electricity.”
In addition to these four schools, the governorate has 90 schools under construction. Fifteen have already been completed.
End of the year funds and a lot of hard work and dedication helped make the four schools a reality. Back in October Corps representatives from the Northern District visited the director generals in all seven provinces within its area of responsibility: Dahok, Diyala, Irbil, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah Ad Din and Sulaymaniyah. It was at this meeting that Dahok officials explained their desire for new schools to the Corps.
“It has taken a lot of effort to get these four schools,” Posovich said. “It has been very important to involve the local officials and have their approval. Up to this point we haven’t been able to deliver the government’s most pressing needs. But now with these new schools we are helping them address a real serious problem. When the end of the year funds became available we saw the opportunity to make things happen for Dahok. The ministry already had plans and specs on the shelf so that helped us move forward quickly.”
The bid process was accelerated to meet the required end-of-year start date. The initial proposals of work were sent out on Dec. 23 and bids were opened on Dec. 25. In order to compete, all vendors had to be from Dahok province, as well as members of the contract union. The bids received were disappointing. All but one of the bids came back twice as high as the reasonable estimate.
“The bids were as high as $900 thousand for one school,” Posovich said. “The vendors were unwilling to reassess their bids and the government suspected collusion. All but one of the vendors was disqualified by the governor.”
The proposals were re-advertised in hopes that more reasonable bids would be received. Bids from 21 vendors were opened on Dec. 28 and, thanks to more realistic bids, all four schools were awarded. The contracts were signed and a preconstruction meeting was held that evening.
The process was a success thanks to cooperation between the Corps, local Project and Contracting Office representatives, U.S. Army Civil Affairs personnel in the area and Dahok officials.
It was important we involve the local officials in the selection process, Posovich said. Earlier this year an Arab contractor was brought in to do renovations on the Kurdish province’s schools. Work was stopped because the contractor did not have local support. We needed their approval to move the process forward. The government also has experience working with these contractors and their input is extremely valuable.
“It took a long time to translate promises into action,” Salih said. We are all happy to see progress being made. Very soon our people will have new schools.”
Link to Full Article
By Hailie Brook
MERIDIAN - Last month an army specialist from Nampa - stationed in Mosul - narrowly escaped the deadliest attack on U.S. troops in Iraq. More than 80 were killed that day - but he survived and now he's back in town.
At a pizza party in Meridian Thursday night there were hugs and kisses aplenty - precious moments that just one month ago the family of 21-year-old Casey Kreps wondered if they'd ever have again. "It's so good to see him and have him back home for awhile," said his grandma, Pearl Kreps.
Thursday night, surrounded by loved ones, Casey savored a few pieces of pizza - but in December it was his choice not to eat that perhaps saved his life. "When we heard it was a dining hall that had been hit I knew from talking to him on the phone that was probably his unit," said Casey's dad, Kevin.
The chow hall was a mile and a half away. On that day it was a walk Casey decided not to take. "It's a long ways to walk," said Casey, "I usually eat snacks or M.R.E.'s for lunch time."
Call it coincidence - but Casey's family calls it the power of prayer. "We were with the family for Christmas and as we got ready to leave we decided to say a prayer together," said Pearl.
"Casey's grandpa said a special prayer - just asking for extra protection," said Kevin, "within the next day we'd heard this had taken place."
"I figured I had a lot of people praying for me," said Casey.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) –Multi-National Forces came under attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents firing from a mosque in northern Iraq today.
The Multi-National Force troops were patrolling in eastern Mosul when they were hit by rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from anti-Iraqi insurgents shooting from the Rashan Mosque. MNF reported no injuries during the incident.
Firing from the mosque clearly is a violation of the law of war. Iraqi authorities have stated that those insurgents using a religious center as their headquarters or as a place to attack Iraqi Security Forces or Multi-National Forces will not be safe.
Multi-National Forces continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) – Iraqi Regular Army confiscated weapons, ammunition, and bomb equipment and detained two individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 101st Iraqi Regular Army discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition at a house in northeastern Mosul during cordon and search operations. The cache included 24 rocket propelled grenade warheads, rocket propelled grenade launchers, 18 sticks of dynamite, 10 mortar rounds, 120 mortar fuses, 200 blasting caps, detonation cord, hand grenades, and other bomb making equipment. The 101st also detained two individuals at the scene suspected of being associated with the cache. The suspects are in custody with no Iraqi Army injuries reported.
Military officials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents the situations is becoming safer. Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 97 individuals since January 5.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
Associated Press
BAGHDAD (AP) — Two U.S. Marines were killed in action in Iraq's western Anbar province, and a soldier died near the restive northern city of Mosul, the U.S. military said Friday. [...]
A 1st Infantry Division soldier also died Thursday while supporting Task Force Olympia operations near Mosul, the military said. Mosul has also seen increased violence since insurgents that were headquartered in Fallujah were driven out of that city in November's U.S. assault. [...]
Other reports of the US casualties:
Cleric's aide latest pre-election victim in Iraq - Seattle Times
Aide to Top Iraqi Cleric Is Killed in Attack - NY Times
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi forces injured two innocent civilians in an attempt to disrupt a security patrol in Mosul yesterday. Multi-National forces rendered medical aid to the Iraqis who were injured by a hail of shrapnel when a roadside bomb detonated near an established security patrol route.
The injured Iraqis were treated by American soldiers and transported to a local hospital. Since the beginning of hostilities, a great number of civilians have been injured or killed by insurgents.
Iraqi Security Forces aided by Multi-National Forces are working to increase security in the area. Anyone with information leading to the capture of weapons or insurgents should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
This article contains statements from TFO commanders.
Link to Full Article
By Sam Dagher, Middle East On-line
Every possible contingency, including suicide bombers blowing themselves up inside polling booths, is being examined by the US military in this restive city as the election countdown begins.
Short of escorting people from their homes to the ballot boxes, US soldiers are doing everything they can to make sure the situation is sufficiently under control for residents of this city of some 1.5 million to vote in the landmark Iraqi elections on January 30. [...]
Then there is the question of how you stop someone who is so much against the whole process that he's willing to wear an explosives-laden vest and to blow himself up in the midst of a crowd on election day.
"A group walking with bombs strapped to their chests are going to be difficult to defend against," says Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kurilla, commander of the 1st Brigade 24th Battalion in western Mosul. [...]
Troops also say they found leaflets warning people that "they would be beheaded if they vote."
Ansar al-Sunna and the group of Jordanian-born militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, both suspected of being active in Mosul and of having links to the Al-Qaeda terror network, have previously warned against participating in the elections.
"It becomes a question of whether putting that 'x' in the box is worth dying for," says Kurilla. [...]
US troops have also set up combat outposts inside the city in a bid to keep up their offensive against insurgents ahead of the vote.
"We need to give the perception of security," says Lieutenant Colonel Michael Gibler, who commands troops on the east side.
Troops will even begin handing out leaflets urging residents to vote.
"Tell terrorists enough is enough; stand in the face of terror to save Iraq on January 30," says one.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 13, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated weapon, ammunition, and bomb equipment and detained five individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition at a house south of Mosul during cordon and search operations. The 1-5th also detained three people suspected of being associated with the cache. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment discovered a large amount of dynamite in a vehicle they stopped at a checkpoint in Hammam Al Alil. The two individuals in the vehicle were detained and remain in custody. No MNF injuries were reported.
Military of ficials have said although the Mosul area is not completely safe, with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons the situations is becoming safer.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 13, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 13 people wanted for anti-Iraqi activity during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
While conducting cordon and search operations the soldiers of the 102nd Iraqi National Guard detained three people wanted for anti-Iraqi activity in the village of Shekan. The suspects are in custody with no ING injuries reported.
Iraqi National Guard soldiers stopped a vehicle at a checkpoint east of Mosul that had been fleeing Multi-National Forces. The vehicle had fired a mortar round at Multi-National Forces earlier. The individual driving was detained with no ING or MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations south of Al Hatra. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained three individuals while conducting cordon and search operations in southeast Mosul. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of planting roadside bombs while conducting cordon and search operations in Hamam Al Alil. The tip that helped lead the 1-5th to the individuals was given by an Iraqi citizen. The suspects are in custody with MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained one individual while conducting cordon and search operations in eastern Mosul. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
BAGHDAD, Jan. 12 -- Insurgents killed five Iraqi soldiers and wounded eight in separate attacks in Mosul over two days, the U.S. military announced Wednesday, underscoring security concerns in Iraq's third-largest city with just 18 days left before nationwide elections.
Insurgents exploded a car bomb next to an Iraqi National Guard patrol Wednesday, killing two soldiers and wounding two, according to the military. In an attack Tuesday, insurgents detonated a bomb near U.S. and Iraqi troops who were delivering heaters and supplies to a school, then fired on the convoy from a mosque, killing three Iraqi soldiers and wounding six, the military said.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 12, 2005) – In an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have increased the number of troops in northern Iraq.
Over the past month the number of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces has increased greatly in the Mosul area to include the activation of Iraqi National Guard units, Iraqi Regular Army basic training graduations, and Coalition Forces moving more troops into the area.
The increase in Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces will provide additional security to allow the citizens of Iraq to vote.
The December 27 edition of The Olympia Observer, the official newsletter of Task Force Olympia, is available for download.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 12, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents used a car bomb in an attack on an Iraqi National Guard patrol, killing two soldiers and injuring another two in southeast Mosul today.
The injured soldiers were evacuated to a local hospital. Despite the attack the Iraqi Security Forces continue to gain ground on anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 79 anti-Iraqi insurgents and collected multiple caches of weapons, military equipment, and munitions.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information on the attack on the ING patrol in Mosul should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 12, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed one anti-Iraqi insurgent and detained four others during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment were patrolling southern Mosul when they were attacked with small arms fire by two anti-Iraqi insurgents. One of the insurgents was killed and the other wounded in the attack. The 2-325th suffered no injuries. The injured insurgent was evacuated to a local hospital for treatment, after which he was detained.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity after stopping their vehicle at a checkpoint west of Mosul. The individuals were found to have bomb making residue on their clothes. Both are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting a cordon and search operation south of Mosul. That individual is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 79 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 12, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) discovered a cache of weapons and munitions in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment were patrolling northwest Mosul when they discovered a cache of weapons, munitions, and bomb making equipment. The cache included 12 rifles, multiple assorted bomb fuses, wires and detonators, three rocket propelled grenade launchers, 11 mortar rounds, 17 assorted grenades, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition from 7.62mm to 155mm. The weapons, munitions, and bomb making equipment were confiscated and destroyed.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 11, 2005) – Iraqi National Guard soldiers and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia delivered kerosene heaters and fuel to children at two schools in Al Mansour yesterday.
Soldiers from the 106th Iraqi National Guard and soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment delivered the heaters based on recommendations made by the ING. The soldiers also delivered much needed school supplies to the teachers and students of the schools.
The operation was part of an ongoing effort by the ING to continually improve the neighborhoods of northern Iraq.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 11, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained two individuals suspected of participating in anti-Iraqi activity in Northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment were searching a vehicle at a checkpoint west of Mosul when they discovered multiple rounds of ammunition scattered throughout the vehicle. The two people in the vehicle were detained and upon detention were found to have bomb making residue on their clothes. Both are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 75 individuals.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 11, 2005) – Soldiers from the Iraqi Regular Army recently completed a rigorous basic training program and are being activated to counter anti-Iraqi insurgents operating in northern Iraq.
The soldiers and their instructors, which included members of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Force, had a graduation ceremony at their training site in Northern Iraq.
“The graduation is a right of passage and a point of immense pride for the defenders of the new Iraq. The dedication to duty and the willingness to stand up and defend their freedom that these soldiers show is amazing. I have tremendous respect for them,” said a Multi-National Force officer.
The training program included instruction and testing on marksmanship, weapons employment, leadership, tactics, first aid, relations with civilians, and professional ethics. The program is designed to create well-rounded professional soldiers ready to take positions in the Iraqi Regular Army.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with members of the Multi-National Forces and with the leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information about anti-Iraqi activity should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 11, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) discovered a cache of weapons and munitions in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment were patrolling western Mosul when they discovered a cache of weapons and munitions. The cache included two artillery rounds, two mortar rounds, and one rocket. The rounds were confiscated and destroyed.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
I don't think we've posted this yet. If we have, I apologize for the repeat.
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Multi-National Forces detained a key leader of the al Qaida-linked Abu Musab al-Zarqawi terrorist network in Mosul on Dec. 22.
Following a thorough investigation, the individual detained was positively identified as Abdul Aziz Sa’dun Ahmed Hamduni, aka Abu Ahmed.
Abu Ahmed served as a deputy to the emir of Mosul, Abu Talha, and assumed command of terrorist operations in Mosul in Abu Talha’s absence. Abu Ahmed admitted to receiving money and weapons from Abu Talha as well as coordinating and conducting terrorist attacks in Mosul.
“The capture of Abu Ahmed, and the subsequent capture of Abu Marwan on 23 December, show significant progress in the inevitable destruction of the Abu Talha-led Al-Queda-Zarqawi terrorist network in Mosul,” said Brig. Gen. Erwin F. Lessel III, spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq.
Security forces in Iraq have previously announced the capture of Abu Marwan, also a senior-level terrorist in the Talha organization. Security forces also recently captured another senior Talha member whose name cannot be released due to operational security reasons.
“Currently, security forces in Iraq have three of Abu Talha’s four most senior leaders in custody,” Lessel said.
The capture of these key members has led to additional captures throughout the Mosul-based AQ-AMZ network. More than 20 percent of Talha’s key members have been captured in the past few weeks.
Abu Ahmed’s capture removed one of Abu Talha’s most valuable officers from the Mosul-based AQ-AMZ terrorist network. Abu Ahmed remains in detention and is providing information regarding the Talha network.
“These terrorists and Saddamists are doing all they can to stop upcoming elections,” Lessel said. “They fear democracy and the day when the Iraqi people vote for a representative government. The vote by the Iraqi people will reject everything the terrorists stand for -- killing innocents, depriving people of food, electricity.”
The use of car bombs and other explosive devices by Abu Ahmed and his affiliates shows disregard for the well-being and security of innocent Iraqi civilians. The Central Criminal Court of Iraq is committed to providing a fair trial to those allegedly engaging in terrorist activities. Those found guilty will be punished accordingly, and thus lose the ability to provide for the future of their families.
The IIG and Multi-National Forces are committed to bringing peace and stability to Iraq and its people. Iraq’s government and security forces grow stronger and more capable every day.
(via Greyhawk)
We wanted to bring this entry back to the top in case people missed it yesterday. The public affairs detachment with Task Force Olympia has put together two "Special Edition E-Magazines" highlighting the efforts of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (3/2 SBCT) and the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion.
While both are very large PDF files to download, they are definitely worth the effort. You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader software (free) to display the magazines. I would suggest right-clicking the links below and selecting "Save Target As...", which will allow you to download the file to your computer.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, IRAQ — The Army base at Mosul looks like it fell from an episode of M*A*S*H. The roads swim in puddles of mud. Grime covers the trucks and Humvees. The crumbling buildings of the former Iraqi base and the quickly assembled offices, nailed together by the Americans, play into the disheveled look.
The only thing that looks really new are the rows of concrete barriers being hauled into place to improve security.
Most of the newly arriving unit of local Indiana Guard troops will be using this as their home, likely for a full year.
Carried by crane from a common yard, just past the place where the 113th Engineering Battalion Guardsmen sleep, the concrete barriers sprout unexpectedly. After breakfast, a crew placed a 6-foot-long, 7-foot-high barrier to the left of the doorway in the office of Col. Richard Shatto and the senior staff.
“The battle for Mosul is the battle for Iraq and it will happen on your watch this January,” Shatto told his senior staff in the morning meeting.
The details of their mission are still not defined, but for the next month it is to help secure the elections. Americans are not expected to monitor the polling places, but troops are expected to harden them against attack on election day.
Shatto has been into the city three times since arriving six days earlier with an advanced party. No one has shot at him, but he has seen shooting around him, he said.
“It’s a mess out there, no doubt. It’s not the Iraqi people but outside insurgents,” Shatto said.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 9, 2005) – The 106th Iraqi National Guard conducted a cordon and search of the Al Monsour Mosque and discovered a large cache of weapons and munitions in western Mosul today.
After receiving credible intelligence, soldiers of the 106th ING conducted a search of the mosque and found 214 AK-47 magazines, components of an artillery round, 12 Motorola bomb charges, and six rear components of AK-47s. The ING confiscated the weapons and chargers for future destruction.
The Interim Iraqi Government and the Ninevah Provincial Governor has made it clear that anyone using places of worship to incite violence or Jihad against the Iraqi government, Iraqi Security Forces or MNF will be subject to search and leaders will be arrested.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 8, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 17 suspected of anti-Iraqi activities during several operations in northern Iraq over the past 24 hours.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 25th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search south of Mosul and detained five people suspected of planning and conducting bombing attacks in Mosul. The suspects are in custody with no injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search and detained five people wanted for planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search operation at a train station northwest of Mosul and detained three people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. During a search of the station, a cache of weapons was discovered that included five AK-47s, a machine gun and ammunition. The suspects are in custody undergoing questioning with no MNF injuries reported during the operation. 1-5 Soldiers also detained one person in Hamam Al Ali for planning and conducting roadside bomb attacks in northern Iraq.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment conducted a cordon and search in the village of Ljhalah-Sharq and detained two people suspected of bombing the Slobi Police Station. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron 14th Calvary Regiment conducted a cordon and search in Tal Afar and detained one person wanted for planning and conducting roadside bomb attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and MNF convoys. The suspect is in custody with no injuries reported during the operation.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
A news article with video and audio from the Ft. Lewis memorial for soldiers killed in the 12/21/04 attack.
Link to Article (Full text provided below)
By By Staff Sgt. Fred Minnick
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service Jan. 7, 2005) --Two Iraqi National Guard soldiers were awarded the Army Commendation Medal Jan. 3 for their heroic acts after a suicide bomber attacked the Forward Operating Base Marez dining facility in southwest Mosul Dec. 21.
The two Iraqis saved the life of an American Soldier suffering severe wounds and carried several other wounded to safety.
“The attack of December 21 was not only intended to take lives, it was intended to divide two nations,” said Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, who awarded the ARCOMs. “The actions taken by these ING soldiers indicate clearly that American Soldiers and the Iraqi soldiers are one. We are very greatful for your brave actions that day.”
The Iraqis were eating lunch with their ING and U.S. comrades when the explosion occurred. Both of the Iraqi soldiers were blown from their seats by the blast, which they described as, “very powerful, lots of noise and heat.” They were both dazed. One of them could only hear a loud ringing sound in his ears. The other couldn’t believe his eyes – everywhere he looked people were gasping for air or bleeding profusely.
Before the two Iraqis lay a helpless American Soldier, who fell to the ground after staggering across the smoke-filled mess hall. They couldn’t understand his words, they saw the wound above his knee and realized the American’s life was in danger.
“Recognizing the Soldier’s injury as potentially life-threatening, the two ING soldiers employed first aid techniques learned during recent training with U.S. Special Forces and used their belts to apply a tourniquet to the U.S. Soldier’s leg to stop the bleeding, and then moved the Soldier out of the danger area,” said Maj. Jim Harrell, a Multi-National Forces spokesman in Mosul.
They moved the Soldier to a MEDEVAC vehicle using a two-man litter carry. After they hoisted the Soldier in the truck, the two Iraqis – one an officer, the other an NCO – ran back to the facility and began treating the other wounded, without regard for their own safety.
Herrell said the ING soldiers, with their American partners, rendered first aid to two very seriously wounded comrades from their unit and at least five other U.S. and ING Soldiers, applying field dressings and moving the wounded by litter and buddy-carry to evacuation vehicles.
Once the smoke cleared and the severely wounded had been evacuated, medical personnel checked the two ING soldiers to ensure they had suffered no severe injuries. The Iraqis waved off medical attention, simply wanting to see the American they helped “to make sure he’s OK,” said the officer.
Both Iraqis said they had great admiration for their U.S. counterparts. As for their own actions, the officer said, “This was our duty. We are a team, and we take care of each other.”
(Editor’s note: (Staff Sgt. Fred Minnick is the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Noncommissioned Officer in Charge.)
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 7, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) are working with local-based companies on various construction projects.
Soldiers of the 133 Engineer Combat Battalion with Mosul-based contractors are working to improve roadways on over 104,000 square meters of roads in different locations throughout Mosul. The total cost is $2.25 million USD with 810 jobs created. The roads were previously asphalt and in poor condition. In conjunction with this work the groups will add concrete surface drainage cross-gutters. The total cost is $250,000 USD with another 90 jobs created.
Another ongoing project including the soldiers of the 133 ECB and Mosul-based contractors is going on in Nineveh. They are constructing the Environmental Directorate Complex, an environmental test center. The $650,000 project has created 234 jobs.
Altogether the work being done has created 1,134 jobs and will cost over $3 million.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 7, 2005) – Iraqi National Guard soldiers and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia donated 30 Kerosene heaters so children in the Al Mansour neighborhood might have a better learning environment during the winter months.
Soldiers from the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion and 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) provided the heaters and Kerosene based upon the recommendations from ING Soldiers.
Iraqi guardsmen continually work with the local schools to identify those schools in need of the most improvement.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 7, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station twice yesterday in southeast Mosul.
An Iraqi Police station in southeast Mosul came under attack by small arms fire and indirect fire during two separate coordinated efforts by insurgent fighters to overrun the station. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled each attack on the station forcing the insurgents to flee and denying them access to the station.
This is the seventh and eighth attack on the southeast station this week. Each attack has resulted in a defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the fourteenth and fifteenth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations in Mosul.
Since November 10, no police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, Iraq (January 7, 2005) – Massachusetts Sen. (D) John Kerry visited Soldiers of Task Force Olympia in Mosul, one of four stops in Iraq for the senator.
Kerry ate dinner with Massachusetts Soldiers at Camp Freedom in Mosul and posed for pictures. To each Soldier he greeted, Kerry spoke encouraging words.
“Thanks for what you’re doing,” Kerry said to a large crowd of TFO Soldiers. “The folks back home really appreciate your courage and sacrifice.”
The former Presidential candidate also met with Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of TFO, and Ninevah Province Governor Duraid Kashmoula.
Task Force Olympia is the command and control element of Multi-National Brigade Northwest.
The following article is a summary of recent events in Mosul by reporter Michael Gilbert.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
A Task Force Olympia soldier was killed and two were wounded Tuesday when Iraqi insurgents attacked their patrol with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, the U.S. military said.
The attack occurred about 2 p.m. Iraq time in Tal Afar, 40 miles west of Mosul. The wounded soldiers were taken to an Army hospital at Mosul Airfield, according to a task force news release.
No other details about the attack were available Wednesday. The soldier’s name and unit were withheld until the soldier’s family can be notified.
Task Force Olympia commands military operations across northern Iraq and is made up mainly of troops from Fort Lewis, including the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
It also includes Army National Guard troops from Virginia and Maine and other active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve units from across the country.
During the past week, soldiers from the Washington National Guard’s 81st Brigade Combat Team, the 82nd Airborne Division and the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division have arrived from other areas in Iraq and placed under Task Force Olympia command.
U.S. military officials said the additional troops are needed to enforce security leading up to the Iraqi parliamentary elections later this month.
Task force troops detained 17 suspected insurgents Tuesday and Wednesday, including six in a car who were thought to have set off a roadside bomb on a passing U.S. patrol.
Soldiers also patrolled a neighborhood in eastern Mosul on Wednesday where several children of middle-class parents have been kidnapped for ransom in recent weeks, according to task force news releases and an account by Newsday, which has a reporter and a photographer embedded with task force troops in Mosul.
Since November, the city has been the scene of sometimes heavy fighting and what U.S. military commanders say is an intimidation campaign by insurgents to disrupt the Jan. 30 elections.
Link to Full Article
BY JEREMY REDMON PHOTOS BY DEAN HOFFMEYER, TIMES-DISPATCH
MOSUL, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Marcus VanDyke locked his eyes on the small white station wagon as he rode by. The forlorn vehicle sat smashed against a concrete barrier, its yellow hazard lights blinking under a moonless sky.
Just the day before, gun-wielding insurgents tried to barrel it into an American military outpost in this northern Iraqi city. U.S. soldiers responded quickly, blasting it with machine guns. They killed two passengers and captured a third.
The wreckage pointed to the importance of VanDyke's mission. The Virginia National Guardsman and his platoon of engineers traveled to the outpost in the early morning hours Tuesday, towing close to 100 concrete barriers.
On their way, they passed several other cars parked along the road. They flinched as they drove by, worrying that insurgents had rigged them with improvised explosives.
"You really don't have a choice but to roll on and hope for the best," said VanDyke, a member of the Richmond-based 276th Engineer Battalion. [...]
The troops passed by a huge crater left by a suicide car-bomber. The massive explosion killed a U.S. soldier last month. It would have killed more soldiers had the engineers not placed concrete barriers around the outpost, VanDyke said.
Insurgents filmed the explosion from three different angles and put the video on the Internet. In the video, the bomb-laden truck appears to get caught on one of the barriers.
Their tense ride finally over, VanDyke and Keen pulled into their base.
"I'm glad that one is over with," Keen said.
VanDyke reminded him they will have more missions before they can return home to Southwest Virginia. But now it was time for them to sleep. They climbed out of their truck under a brightly shining sun.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia Soldier was killed and two were wounded after their patrol was attacked with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire in Tal Afar January 4.
The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The wounded Soldiers were transported to a Military hospital in Mosul.
The name of the soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Link to Full Article
BY JEREMY REDMON PHOTOS BY DEAN HOFFMEYER
Editor's Note: The Times-Dispatch has changed the names of the Turkish businessmen in this article for their safety and the safety of their families.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq -- Kemal sips from a small cup of tea. He drags heavily on his cigarette. Then the Turkish restaurateur calls his next customer.
"Number 47!"
A lucky U.S. soldier approaches, and Kemal hands him his prize: a lamb kebab marinated with butter and red pepper sauce and wrapped in a white paper sleeve.
The wait is more than an hour long. Dozens of dusty soldiers sit in plastic blue lawn chairs, cradling their rifles in their laps. Some are drifting off to sleep. A fluorescent bug light suspended from the ceiling zaps a mosquito.
More soldiers are pouring into Kemal's restaurant these days. His business on this base in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul has picked up since Dec. 21, when a suicide bomber walked into the mess tent and killed more than 20 soldiers and civilians. Dozens more were wounded. The mess tent has been closed since the bombing, leaving soldiers with fewer options for food.
Kemal has mixed feelings about his fortunes. He had dinner with a U.S. captain the night before the officer was killed in the blast. Kemal, who greets his repeat customers with big hugs, lost several friends that day. He cried over their deaths.
"No good. Too many people die," said Kemal, a stout businessman with a bushy gray mustache.
Kemal stood ready at his front counter Saturday night, the open coal pit to his left and blocks of white cheese chilling in a glass case to his right. A powerful fan hummed loudly overhead, sucking smoke away from the orange and gray coals. He scanned a batch of receipts with his big, sad brown eyes and then called his next customer.
"Number 48!"
His customers choose from a limited menu: cheese melted over pita bread, $2; meat pizza, $3; chicken tava, $4; and chicken or lamb kebab, $3. The dishes are made according to his recipes. A native of Turkey, Kemal learned to cook from a friend and fellow Turkish chef.
Pfc. Marquetta Williams, 21, of Mechanicsville stood near the entrance, eyeing Kemal. She had been waiting for more than an hour.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – Iraqi National Guard soldiers discovered a weapons cache during cordon and search of the Iraqi Islamic Party headquarters in Mosul today. The Arab ING unit operated entirely without the support of Multi-National Forces for the first time in northern Iraq.
ING soldiers conducted a cordon and search of the Islamic party headquarters and discovered a large cache of weapons that included seven AK-47’s, a machine gun, 4,000 rounds of various ammunition and anti-Iraqi propaganda. ING soldiers confiscated the weapons for future destruction with no ING injuries reported despite receiving sporadic small arms fire during the operation.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with members of the Multi-National Forces and with the leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information about terrorists or criminals should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion provided new shelter, blankets and kerosene heaters to the Moqabli Syrian Refugee Camp in northern Iraq. The internally displaced persons (IDP) camp was originally created for Syrian natives and could comfortably accommodate 50 people. The camp now provides shelter for more than 550 people.
“There are many problems here that will take time to remedy. My primary concern now is that we help the people survive the winter,” said Maj. Robert Schultz, 426th team leader.
Winterization is just one step in the overall plan to improve the IDP situation in northern Iraq. Based on initial assessments of the camp living conditions and sanitary conditions, the 426th and the Kurdistan Agricultural, Reconstruction and Development Organization designed 48 housing structures to complement the tents that the people are currently living in.
The 600 blankets and 60 kerosene heaters were purchased with funds from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion worked with local Iraqis in northern Iraq to provide Alkishki Village with much needed electrical lines. The $50,000 project provided 250 residents of Alkishki Village electricity. It is also the first time the village’s school has had electricity.
“Throughout the construction schedule we received excellent support from the Dahuk Electrical Power Department. They had inspectors at the site on a regular basis to make sure the work was being done properly so the effort wouldn’t be wasted,” said Maj. Robert Schultz, 426th team leader.
More than a thousand meters of high capacity aluminum electrical wiring has been run to the village. A junction box and transformer added the finishing touch to the project.
(TFO press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and elements of Task Force Olympia and 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Regiment (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 17 suspected terrorists during several operations throughout northern Iraq over the past 24 hours.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 325 Inf. Regt. (Airborne), who recently deployed to Mosul to provide enhanced security for the Iraqi elections, came under small arms attack while patrolling neighborhoods in western Mosul Tuesday. Soldiers returned fire, wounding one of the attackers. While evacuating the wounded to a military hospital, a roadside bomb detonated near the patrol and Soldiers observed a vehicle fleeing the scene.
Aerial reconnaissance maintained visual of the vehicle and informed ground forces of its location. Soldiers quickly responded to the location and detained the six individuals, all of which remain in custody.
Soldiers from the 101st Iraqi National Guard Battalion conducted a cordon and search Tuesday in southeast Mosul, an area that has seen significant attacks on Iraqi police stations; all of which have failed. Iraqi guardsmen searched the region, along with Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, and detained seven suspects and confiscated two handguns, American and Iraqi currency and anti-Multi-National Forces propaganda.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, detained three individuals early Wednesday morning after they observed the suspicious individuals stop their vehicle on a bridge northwest of Mosul and throw an object under the vehicle. Soldiers investigated the incident and determined the object thrown was an AK-47. Two more AK-47s were located in the vehicle, as well as anti-Multi-National Forces propaganda. The three individuals remain in custody.
Soldier from 3rd Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. conducted a cordon and search for suspected kidnappers in a northeast Mosul neighborhood Wednesday. Soldiers detained one suspect from the area who remains in custody.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 5, 2005) – The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion provided new shelter, blankets and kerosene heaters to the Amedi District in northern Iraq.
Computers, copiers, and fax machines were also provided to the mayor’s office. These donations will enable communication to be more effective. In addition, the new office equipment increases the office’s efficiency of assisting the displaced people of Amedi.
About 300 blankets and 60 kerosene heaters were purchased with funds from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program and handed out to the IDPs in the area.
Fifteen concrete homes are currently being erected for the internally displaces persons. The project was started in September and crews have been working to complete the construction before winter sets in. The three-room structures provide a living room, kitchen and bedroom with working bathroom. Electricity will also be in the structures to power lights and heat the home.
Link to Full Article
BY MATTHEW P. BLANCHARD, Knight Ridder
(KRT) - A Bucks County, Pa., military doctor serving in Iraq says he was forced to shut down his Internet war diary last week after Army officials decided his gripping accounts of frontline medicine constituted a breach of Army regulations.
Maj. Michael Cohen, a doctor with the 67th Combat Support Hospital unit, had chronicled the bloody aftermath of the Dec. 21 mess-hall bombing in Mosul that killed 22. That account and 12 months of other postings on his Web log, www.67cshdocs.com, were replaced with a short notice:
"Levels above me have ordered, yes ORDERED, me to shut down this Web site. They cite that the information contained in these pages violates several Army Regulations," Cohen wrote, adding that he disagreed with the ban.
Military blogs have grown numerous since the invasion of Iraq, often providing a closer account of the war than traditional media. But such "milblogs" present a problem for military brass because the diaries are available to anyone with Internet access, including insurgents. [...]
Reached by e-mail Tuesday, Cohen, 35, said that he had shut down the site after receiving a written warning but that he had not been told how his blog had offended his superiors.
Cohen was chief emergency room doctor when the Mosul bombing happened. His postings chronicled life in a modern MASH unit, treating U.S. Stryker brigade troops and wounded Iraqi insurgents alike, and they were popular. Since the blog went offline last week, Cohen said, he has received 150 e-mails from people urging him to put the site back up.
This article contains a few new details about the Mosul bomber.
Link to Full Article
By Maamoun Youssef, Associated Press
CAIRO, Egypt — The suicide bomber who killed 22 people when he blew himself up in a U.S. mess hall in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was a Saudi medical student, an Arab newspaper reported Monday.
Saudi-owned Asharq Al-Awsat identified him as 20-year-old Ahmed Said Ahmed al-Ghamdi, citing unnamed friends of the man’s father. The friends said members of an Iraqi resistance group contacted al-Ghamdi’s father to tell him his son was the suicide bomber who carried out the Dec. 21 attack, the deadliest on an American installation in Iraq.
The father refused to discuss the suicide bombing, but told the newspaper his son had gone to Iraq to fight the Americans and had died there. The family held a mourning ceremony the paper said. It did not say when the ceremony was held or where in Saudi Arabia the family lived. [...]
The al-Ghamdis are a large Saudi clan, three members of which were among the Sept. 11 hijackers.
Saudi Arabia has launched a crackdown on militants that started after terrorism was brought home with an alleged al-Qaida attack on three residential compounds in Riyadh in May 2003. The kingdom also has been under pressure to ensure Saudi militants do not cross its border into Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By ERIC SCHMITT
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 - Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the top commander in Iraq, is reviewing a proposal to add hundreds of American military advisers to work directly with Iraqi units, whose disappointing performance could jeopardize the long-term American exit strategy from Iraq, senior military officials said Monday. [...]
"The development of Iraqi security forces is, in my view, necessarily the main effort," Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of American forces in northern Iraq, said in an e-mail message from his headquarters in Mosul on Monday. "Building capable and loyal Iraqi forces is what will eventually lead to the defeat of the insurgency and to a sufficiently stable environment so that U.S. and other forces can begin to reduce our presence."
General Ham, noting the earlier efforts by some units, said, "It's time to apply it on a larger scale."
"It seems to me that this is something we want to start doing in the immediate post-election period," he said.
The proposal that General Casey and his top aides are weighing has received support in principle from Pentagon officials at a time when Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has been urging commanders in Iraq to accelerate the creation of Iraqi security forces and to improve their quality, a senior Pentagon official said Monday.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 4, 2005) – Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 81st Enhanced Separate Brigade, 6th Brigade of Iraqi Commandos and additional elements of the 25th Infantry Division reinforced Task Force Olympia and began combined Iraqi Security Force and Multi-National Force operations to ensure security for the January 30 elections.
Currently there are 12 combat battalions of both Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces operating in Multi-National Brigade Northwest.
All units in Mosul operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in MNF and ISF will ensure security and stability during the elections as Iraqis participate in the first-ever democratic election in Iraq.
Link to Full Article
BY PETER HARDIN, TIMES-DISPATCH
WASHINGTON -- Army Spc. Richard H. Hursh of Stafford County, wounded badly in a suicide bomber's attack on a U.S. mess hall near Mosul, Iraq, isn't looking back.
Hursh, 20, is a man of few words who locks his deep brown eyes on a visitor with a steady gaze. He's also focusing on the future after he completes physical therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
"I want to become a [military] helicopter pilot," the sturdy soldier said with a hint of a half-smile, as if acknowledging it's a big order. He doesn't know if he can realize his dream with a prosthetic thumb.
As for the buddies left behind in Iraq after he was wounded in the Dec. 21 suicide bombing, "it's tough being over here while they're still in harm's way," he said.[...]
As for his wounds, "I'm lucky that I got hurt this way," and not worse, Hursh said quietly. Two friends from Virginia, Nicholas Mason of King George County and David Ruhren of Stafford County, were among 22 people killed in the attack.
Hursh maintains a positive view of the U.S. operations in postwar Iraq.
"I think what we're doing over there is helping people," Hursh said. Asked about how the effort was faring, he replied, choosing his words carefully, "I think the part we're doing is going well."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 4, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station in southeast Mosul yesterday.
An Iraqi Police station in southeast Mosul came under attack by small arms fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack on the station forcing the insurgents to flee and denying them access to the station.
This is the sixth attack on the southeast station this week. Each attack has resulted in a defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the thirteenth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations in Mosul.
Since November 10, no police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 4, 2005) – Soldiers from Company A, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion recently brought electricity to a village in northern Iraq.
The village of Alkishki is a small rural community of approximately 250 located in the mountains of northern Iraq. The people live in mud hut homes and make their living primarily in agriculture.
The $50,000 project involved erecting electrical poles and placing wiring in addition to adding a junction box and transformer to connect Alkishki village to the nearby villages’ power grid. Local contractors were hired to complete the project.
“It’s remarkable to me that a small group of Soldiers can come visit our village one day and within weeks improve our standard of living,” said one village elder, Said Mohammed.
The new electricity will now allow the village school to operate all year long, even during the winter when daylight hours are shorter.
For the first time in many of the villagers’ lives, their homes will have power.
“Being able to provide power for an entire village with a minimum amount of funding, not only does it make a positive impact on the community, but it also allows us to retain enough of our overall resources to spend in other areas, hopefully improving the lives of others in the region,” said Capt. Gregory Ulma, a civil affairs team leader.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (Jan 3, 2005) – In the small village of Marina, northern Iraq, the people now have a functional health clinic. Multinational Forces recently completed $35,000 worth of renovations on the clinic that sees 40 to 50 patients a day. The clinic opened its doors December 11.
The mayor, Majeed Said Salih, said the support his town has received from Multinational Forces has been overwhelming.
“The people see the good work that is coming from Multinational Forces and are more inclined to support a progressive and democratic Iraq,” Salih said.
Crowds of adults and children from the village gathered around to see the grand opening of their newly renovated health clinic. The people of the village were excited and thankful; their faces were filled with joy as the opening ceremony commenced to induct the health clinic. In a village that has so little, this clinic gave the town a new hope for a prosperous future, said Salih.
The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion oversaw the renovation of the clinic, which included upgrading equipment, painting walls and installing crystal-clear windows.
“It gives me great pride to be a part of this Opening Ceremony and to cut the ribbon for such an important facility within the town,” said Spc. Celeste Mayhew, member of the 426th. “The people of Marina have always greeted us with open arms and happy, smiling faces. Now we can rest assured that they will now greet us with happy, healthy smiling faces.”
Link to Full Article
By MAAMOUN YOUSSEF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
CAIRO, Egypt -- The suicide bomber who killed 22 people when he blew himself up in a U.S. mess hall in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was a Saudi medical student, an Arab newspaper reported Monday.
Saudi-owned Asharq Al-Awsat identified him as 20-year-old Ahmed Said Ahmed al-Ghamdi, citing unnamed friends of the man's father. The friends said members of an Iraqi resistance group contacted al-Ghamdi's father to tell him his son was the suicide bomber who carried out the Dec. 21 attack, the deadliest on an American installation in Iraq.
The father refused to discuss the suicide bombing, but told the newspaper his son had gone to Iraq to fight the Americans and had died there. The family held a mourning ceremony the paper said. It did not say when the ceremony was held or where in Saudi Arabia the family lived. [...]
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 3, 2005) – Iraqi police officers thwarted another attack on Iraqi Security Forces near Tal Afar Sunday.
Officers manning a police outpost near an Iraqi Regular Army compound, west of Mosul, exchanged small arms fire with anti-Iraqi forces. Police wounded two of the suspects, causing the remaining attackers to retreat.
This is another example of Iraqi Security Forces defeating anti-Iraqi insurgents’ attempts to destabilize Iraq. Since November 10, over a dozen insurgent attacks have been thwarted by the Iraqi Police.
Anyone having information about terrorist activates are encouraged to contact the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 3, 2005) – Elements of the 6th Brigade Iraqi Special Police Commandos arrived in Mosul today to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.
The 6th Brigade Commandos will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in Iraqi Security Forces will provide additional security during the elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 3, 2005) – Elements of the 81st Enhanced Separate Brigade arrived in Mosul today to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.
The 81st ESD will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide additional security during the elections.
Link to Full Article
By CATHY DYSON
William Hursh must have looked at the photo a thousand times, on television and Web sites and in newspapers across the country.
It was one of the first images from Mosul, Iraq, after the devastating mess-hall attack on Dec. 21. It showed a U.S. soldier, laid out on a stretcher, wounded and bleeding.
Could it be his son? Hursh wondered. Was that Richard being taken out, with his arms folded over his chest, the way people look in a coffin? Was that really his son's rolled-up shirt and exposed stomach, with a trickle of blood coming from his mouth?
Nah, the Stafford County man thought.
All parents look at pictures from the battlefield and think they see their sons or daughters. How can you tell one from another, he thought, when they all have the same desert fatigues and close-cropped hair?
Hursh and his wife, Leondia, learned in the days after the attack that Richard had serious injuries. From their home in southern Stafford's Leeland Station subdivision, they learned he was walking out of the mess tent at Forward Operating Base Marez, with Sgt. Nick Mason of King George on one side of him and Sgt. David Ruhren of Stafford on the other. [...]
Richard Hursh was able to come home to Stafford for the weekend. He went back to Walter Reed yesterday, and will need extensive therapy for his shoulder and the prosthetic thumb he'll eventually get.
He spent a few quiet days with his parents, who took him out to dinner on New Year's Eve. They went to Five Guys in Fredericksburg's Central Park because one of the men in his platoon called from Iraq to wish him well--and told him to have a Five Guys burger for him.
Richard Hursh was studying at Old Dominion University before he went to Iraq, and plans to return to school. He also hopes to get back to all the outdoor activities he enjoyed, such as kayaking and rock climbing, after his injuries heal.
"That was one of his first questions: 'Can I still ride a motorcycle?'" his father said.
The weekend visit was brief, but memorable, his parents said. "It's wonderful to have him home. We wish he wouldn't have been injured, but we're just glad he's here."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 3, 2005) – Additional elements of the 25th Infantry Division arrived in Mosul today to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.
The 25th Infantry Division will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide additional security during the elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 3, 2005) – A tip from a concerned citizen prevented two terrorist cell members from carrying out further attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces Sunday.
A doctor with the Tal Afar Hospital informed Multi-National Forces of the two suspects after they came for treatment injuries and were provided initial care immediately.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment responded and detained the two suspects. Multi-National Forces provided necessary medical care to the suspects and are now in custody.
The quick action of the doctor possibly saved lives of innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone having information about terrorist activates are encouraged to contact the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
NICK WADHAMS, Associated Press
Insurgents exposed the vulnerability of Iraq's security forces again Sunday, killing at least 22 national guardsmen and their driver in a suicide bombing and 10 other people in separate attacks with elections just weeks away. Prominent Shiite leaders called for unity with Sunni Arabs wanting to delay the vote but insisted it be held despite the violence.
Also, the U.S. military sent new forces to counter the threat in Mosul, center of a worrying rise in car bombings and raids in recent weeks. [...]
One of the worst trouble spots in recent weeks, however, has been the northern city of Mosul, which saw insurgents rise up and overwhelm several police stations in November as well as kill more than 100 National Guard troops.
On Sunday, military spokesman Lt. Col. Paul Hastings said two brigade-sized units, consisting of Iraqi forces and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, were deployed to augment the 8,000 troops already in Mosul. Brigades can include 2,000-4,000 soldiers. [...]
Link to Full Article
NOTEBOOK FROM MOSUL: Bill Nemitz
I felt a little foolish. The 20-truck convoy from the 133rd Engineer Battalion roared around the corner and up into Forward Operating Base Marez, and there I stood off to one side, waving a welcome to each Humvee, each loaded tractor-trailer, as it passed.
Photographer Greg Rec and I had planned to be on Thursday's dawn-to-dusk supply run to and from Dohuk - about 100 miles north of FOB Marez. But deadlines and travel plans intervened, forcing us to cancel at the last minute.
So all day, even while we worked, we worried. Would they make it back OK? Would the insurgents who roam Mosul so freely these days be lying in wait as the convoy, heavy with lumber, generators and myriad other supplies, rumbled across the city?
What weighed most heavily on us, though, was the "jinx thing."
Eight months ago, shortly after Greg and I first embedded with the 133rd, the battalion lost its first soldier, Sgt. Christopher Gelineau, in a roadside bomb attack.
This time, a mere three days after our arrival, a suicide bomber walked into the base dining facility and killed 22 people - including Staff Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr. and Sgt. Thomas Dostie from the 133rd.
Even as the crisis unfolded, some soldiers approached us and said, "It's you guys. You must be a jinx." They didn't have to say it - it was already foremost on our minds.
Several, sensing our anguish, later told us not to worry about it, that it actually was good we were here to witness what happened, to tell this tragic story. [...]
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 2, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station in southeast Mosul yesterday.
Also, Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 14 people for anti-Iraqi activities during operations Saturday in northern Iraq.
An Iraqi Police station in southeast Mosul came under attack by multiple rocket propelled grenade fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack on the station killing three insurgents and denying access to the station. This is the fifth attack on the southeast station this week. Each attack has resulted in a defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the twelfth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations in Mosul. Since November 10, no police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment conducted a cordon and search in Tal Afar and detained eight people suspected of planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search near the village of Ad Dinij and detained four people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search in Nadeech village and detained two people suspected of planning and conducting attacks against MNF. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
By BILL NEMITZ, Staff Writer
DIYANAH, Iraq - The sun has not yet touched the snowy peak of Korek, the 6,943-foot mountain that towers over Forward Operating Base Round Top. But already Staff Sgt. Steve Bond is up preparing breakfast for his Charlie Company platoon.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" says Bond, who has been here nearly seven months and still starts each day in awe of the postcard-perfect scenery - unlike anything he'd see back home in Waterford, Maine. "I haven't minded this one bit."
Nor have the people in this northeast corner of Iraq minded having Bond and his comrades from the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion. When the Maine soldiers depart this outpost at the end of this day and return to their main base 2 1/2 hours away in Mosul, they will be missed by people who came to know them not as invaders or occupiers or easy targets for a remote-control bomb.
Not a chance. Here in Irbil Province, part of what is commonly called Kurdistan, the people came to know the Americans as friends.
First with Alpha Company and then with Charlie Company, the 133rd labored hard here to build health clinics and schools and community centers. The soldiers repaired old roads and created new ones, cut ribbons while local television cameras rolled and brought candy and school supplies to legions of smiling children. [...]
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 2, 2005) – Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Mosul yesterday in an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.
The 82nd will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide added security during the elections.
(TFO) Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 1, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces detained six people for anti-Iraqi activities and decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station in southeast Mosul yesterday.
Also, Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 10 people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities during operations Friday in northern Iraq.
Soldiers from the Iraqi Army detained six people at a traffic control point after one of the individuals assaulted a soldier during questioning. The soldiers quickly responded and apprehended the remaining six suspects for further questioning.
An Iraqi Police station came under attack by small arms fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station in southeast Mosul. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack on the station denying insurgents access and forcing them to flee. This is the fourth attack on this particular station this week. Each attack has resulted in a defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the eleventh time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations. Since November 10, no police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.
MNF Soldiers conducted a cordon in search in western Mosul and detained six people wanted for planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search in western Mosul and detained two people suspected of planning and conducting attacks against churches in Mosul. The suspects are in custody undergoing questioning with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment conducted a cordon and search in Tal Afar and detained two people wanted for anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during operations.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By Bassem Mroue; Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) Prime Minister Ayad Allawi made an unusually strong warning to Iraq's neighbors to crack down on insurgents infiltrating from their territory, saying Friday that Iraq's patience was wearing thin. Al-Qaida, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for a bold attack on U.S. troops.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly accused Syria and Iran of supporting the insurgents waging a campaign of violence against American forces and Allawi's U.S.-backed government. Both countries have denied helping militants or allowing them to cross their borders into Iraq. [...]
Al-Qaida in Iraq, led by the country's most wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for a well-coordinated attack Wednesday on a U.S. post in the northern city of Mosul. The U.S. military said one American soldier and 25 insurgents were killed in the battle.
The militants, however, claimed they had suffered no casualties.
''We, al-Qaida in Iraq, claim responsibility for the battles of Mosul, may God cleanse it from the impurities of the infidels,'' said a statement posted on a Web site that often carries militant claims.
Wednesday's attack began with a massive truck bomb exploding just outside a U.S. checkpoint, followed by attacks by squads of 10-12 insurgents.
A Stryker vehicle reinforcing the Americans was hit by a roadside bomb and a second car bomb. U.S. forces then called in airstrikes by F-18 and F-16 fighter jets, which launched three Maverick missiles and conducted several strafing runs. [...]
(TFO) Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 31, 2004) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents attacked Multi-National Forces from a mosque with small arms fire while in other operations Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 15 people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities Thursday in northern Iraq.
Anti-Iraqi insurgents attacked Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment with small arms fire from the Nabi Sheet Mosque in southwest Mosul. Soldiers quickly returned fire killing one insurgent and wounding another which forced the remaining insurgents to flee. Iraqi National Guard soldiers conducted a search of the mosque to secure the area, ensuring no insurgents remained. There were no MNF or ISF injuries reported during the operation.
The Interim Iraqi Government and the Ninevah Provincial Governor has made it clear that any mosque used as a base of operations to conduct attacks against ISF or MNF is subject to search and attack. Also, anyone using their position of authority to incite violence or Jihad against the Iraqi government, ISF or MNF will be subject to arrest and detention.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment conducted a cordon and search in the village of Ash Shurah, 45 km. north of Mosul, and detained 13 people with suspected ties to a terrorist cell in northern Iraq. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search in central Mosul and detained two people suspected of planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
This link will take you to a Yahoo! News image gallery with the images sorted by date. There are a number of photographs of 1-25 SBCT soldiers in Mosul this past week. The gallery also contains photographs taken at the recent memorial services for our fallen soldiers.
More news about today's attack on a U.S. outpost
Link to Full Article
By NICK WADHAMS, Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Three militant groups warned Iraqis against voting in Jan. 30 elections, saying Thursday that people participating in the ``dirty farce'' risked attack. All 700 employees of the electoral commission in Mosul reportedly resigned after being threatened.
The warning came a day after insurgents in Mosul, which has seen increased violence in recent weeks, launched a highly coordinated assault on a U.S. military outpost. The United States said 25 insurgents were believed slain and one American soldier was killed in the battle, which involved strafing runs by U.S. warplanes. [...]
Wednesday's attack in the northern city of Mosul exhibited a coordination rarely seen among Iraq's insurgents. The violence began with a massive truck bomb exploding just outside a U.S. checkpoint, followed by attacks by squads of 10-12 insurgents.
A Stryker vehicle reinforcing the Americans was hit by a roadside bomb and a second car bomb. U.S. forces then called in airstrikes by F-18 and F-16 fighter jets, which launched three Maverick missiles and conducted several strafing runs.
U.S. officials called the attack a sign of desperation ahead of the vote.
``The fact of the matter is we're keeping the insurgents off balance and they're reeling backward. They're trying to come at us and we're giving it right back,'' spokesman Lt. Col. Paul Hastings said. [...]
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 30, 2004) – Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated another attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize a police station in southeast Mosul while Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 13 people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities during other operations Wednesday in northern Iraq.
An Iraqi Police station came under attack by rocket propelled grenade fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station in southeast Mosul. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack on the station denying insurgents access and forcing them to flee. This is the third attack on this particular station in the last two days. Each attack has resulted in a defeat for the insurgents and a victory for the Iraqi Security forces. This is the tenth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations. Since November 10, no police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search south of Mosul and detained 13 people with suspected ties to a bomb-making cell responsible for attacks in Mosul. The suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
(TFO Presss Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 30, 2004) – One Task Force Olympia soldier died of wounds at a military hospital Dec. 29 after a car bomb detonated on a Multinational Force patrol in Mosul.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m.
The name of the soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
By Maher al-Thanoon
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - A frontal assault on U.S. troops by dozens of Iraqi insurgents in Mosul left an American soldier and about 25 guerrillas dead in one of the boldest attacks yet on occupying forces in Iraq.
Battle raged late on Wednesday as President Bush said his forces would do all they could to make it possible to hold next month's election in Mosul and other violent cities. But many residents of Mosul say they are too afraid to vote.
The soldier died of wounds, the military said on Thursday.
He had been on a patrol that was hit by a suicide car bomb close to a U.S. outpost. Gunmen tried to overrun the area, sending in another suicide truck bomber and firing mortars and rockets in an apparent bid to wipe out an entire U.S. unit.
About 15 U.S. troops were wounded before jets screamed in low over the rooftops to bomb the attackers and force them to break off, leaving about 25 insurgents dead, U.S. military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hastings said.
Insurgents fought pitched battles in Falluja last month after U.S. Marines, hoping to quell revolt before the Jan. 30 election, stormed the rebel bastion west of Baghdad. Guerrillas have also mounted mass assaults on Iraqi police in Mosul, including three on one station on Tuesday and Wednesday. [...]
More news about this battle (sometimes it is not the lead story in the article - read on.
25 Insurgents Are Killed Trying to Overrun U.S. Outpost in Mosul -New York Times
Baghdad blast kills 29 after attackers set trap - Chicago Tribune
House Is Blown Up As Police Move In - Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - American troops backed by warplanes have battled insurgents in the Iraqi city of Mosul, killing around 25 guerrillas in fierce clashes after being attacked by suicide bombs and rocket-propelled grenades.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hastings said on Wednesday a suicide vehicle bomb exploded near a U.S. military outpost in Mosul, and a second suicide attack targeted a U.S. patrol responding to the first blast.
The patrol also had to negotiate several roadside bombs and when it reached the combat outpost, it came under attack from around 50 insurgents firing assault rifles, mortars and rocket- propelled grenades.
"Close air support was called in. Initial estimates are 25 enemy killed," Hastings said.
He said 15 U.S. troops were wounded in the clashes, none of whom had returned to active duty.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Portland Press Herald both have reporter/photographer teams in Mosul to cover National Guard units from their respective home states. Each paper has an online section devoted to Iraq coverage, inlcuding numerous stories and photo galleries that we haven't posted yet.
Provided below are a number of articles featuring those wounded in the attack last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they begin the long road to recovery. If any of you know a wounded soldier personally, please let us know if there is anything we as a group can do to help.
Link to Full Article
By CHRISTINE HAUSER; New York Times
MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 28 - The bearded man was lying on a stretcher on the floor of the American combat support hospital here. He was not moving and did not speak. A quick search revealed a personal detail - he had a wedding ring in his pocket.
There was little else about the man, a casualty of the suicide bomb attack at the base here last week, that Second Lt. Shayla Henderson-Young, 23, knew when she first went to his side. Her vigil with him on the trauma room floor lasted about two hours, until she and others carried him to a quiet hallway where he took two final, gentle gasps of breath.
"The only time that his face ever moved was when he took his last breath," said Lieutenant Henderson-Young, a nurse.
"When I first saw him lying there, I knew he was going to pass, and I was hesitant," she said. "I am not very good with death. But this is what I am trained for."
On Dec. 21, Lieutenant Henderson-Young and other men and women at the 67th Combat Support Hospital took in 91 casualties in 11 hours from the suicide attack on Forward Operating Base Marez, the largest number treated at any military hospital in Iraq at any one time during the current conflict, according to hospital staff members. Twenty-two people died in the attack, 18 of them Americans. [...]
"Their deaths seared Dec. 21 into our souls," said Lt. Col. Todd B. McCaffrey, commander of the First Battalion, Fifth Infantry, at a memorial on Tuesday for three of the dead: First Sgt. Paul D. Karpowich, Sgt. Julian S. Melo and Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Aaron Klein; WorldNetDaily.com
Following is a WorldNetDaily exclusive interview with Army Maj. Michael Cohen, who was the chief ER surgeon at the U.S. base in Mosul during last week's mess-hall bombing. With maimed soldiers pouring into the ER, Dr. Cohen, who hails from Bucks County, Penn., was at the center of what he describes as a nightmare from which he could not run.
WND: Where were you when you first heard about the attack?
COHEN: I was in the hospital walking away from the ER -- I was the ER doc for the day -- and a message came over the radio about a dining facility being hit. We didn't know how many casualties, but I told my staff that we had better start stocking up and preparing. I don't think any of us expected what would actually come through our doors. [...]
WND: Do you think the troops are well protected? Some journalists reported the dining tent was unsafe.
COHEN: I think overall, our troops are very well protected, and things are improving more. Most buildings are being transformed into material able to withstand mortars and certain other attacks. This particular bombing had nothing to do with the vulnerability of the tent. It could have happened in our building because it was a suicide bomber, not mortar.
WND: Do you expect the violence to get worse as we proceed toward Iraqi elections?
COHEN: Yes. And it certainly seems the violence has increased over the last several weeks, probably due to elections. At the same time, our troops are doing an incredible job, and I think we're prepared to handle it.
Army surgeon: U.S. knew Mosul attack suicide - Related WND story
The following are a number of articles that were published over the holiday weekend. I apologize if any of these are repeats.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 28, 2004) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents attacked Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Security Forces from a mosque with small arms fire today wounding one ING soldier in northeast Mosul as Soldiers conducted a joint patrol in the area.
Soldiers from the Iraqi National Guard and Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment quickly maneuvered on the mosque establishing a cordon but the insurgents fled as the Soldiers approached. ING Soldiers searched the mosque finding evidence that safe haven was given to the insurgents so they could conduct anti-Iraqi operations.
The Interim Iraqi Government and the Ninevah Provincial Governor has made it clear that any mosque used as a base of operations to conduct attacks against ISF or MNF is subject to search. Also, anyone using their position of authority to incite violence or Jihad against the Iraqi government, ISF or MNF will be subject to arrest and detention.
The wounded ING soldier was transported to a U.S. Army hospital in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By KENNETH KESNER; Huntsville Times
Jeremy Holmes, 26, injured when bomb blew up mess tent
Joe Holmes was opening presents with family on Christmas morning when the phone rang and he got the one thing he really wanted.
It was a call from his son in Iraq, Spc. Jeremy Holmes, who had been eating in a mess tent near Mosul last Tuesday when a suicide bomber blew it up, killing 18 Americans and three Iraqi guardsmen.
Joe Holmes already knew Jeremy had survived. On Christmas Eve, a sergeant in his unit had called Jeremy's wife, Jennifer, in Norfolk, Va., to say Jeremy had been hurt but would call as soon as he could. [...]
They didn't talk much about what happened in the mess tent last week. Jeremy had been blown into the air, then lost consciousness. He woke up confused and remembers trying to help some of the other soldiers before he was taken out of there.
Jeremy said some of his friends were killed, and some are hurt much worse than he is, said Holmes. "He's just lucky to be alive."
Joe Holmes was happy to be able to call Jeremy's mother, Laura Kesting, and others in Huntsville to give them the good news. Jeremy wanted old friends to know he's going to be OK.
"We're real proud of Jeremy," said Joe Holmes. "Everybody is."
Link to Full Article
By NICK WADHAMS; ASSOCIATED PRESS
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- American commanders are fully aware that Iraq's insurgents exploit their policy of employing locals on U.S. military bases but insist the practice will not stop, though some security measures may be tightened.
The vulnerability of the American stance was exposed on Dec. 21, when an Iraqi suicide bomber dressed in a military uniform detonated his explosives at a mess hall at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, killing 22 people including 14 U.S. servicemembers.
Since then, security has been tightened at chow halls in some camps, with military guards demanding proof of identification more often and not allowing backpacks. Officials say they are constantly reviewing procedures to make sure such an attack doesn't happen again, but insurgents infiltrating camps is unavoidable. [...]
American troops on the bases express widespread distrust about the Iraqis that work there, and have remarked that they all believe contractors are relaying intelligence back to insurgents on the outside.
But that won't lead to a change in policy, said Marine spokesman Lt. Lyle Gilbert.
"Contracting locals helps the economy. That's something we want to do," Gilbert said. "We want the Iraqi economy to flourish. We want them to have jobs, to have money, to get back on heir feet."
Gilbert said that closing off bases to Iraqis would be like "everybody in America closing their doors in fear and not going anywhere."
"We're here. They know we're here, and we know they're there. It's a fact of life," he said.
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY; Newsday
CAMP MAREZ, Iraq -- It was the saddest in a string of tough days for two Army units here as hundreds of sniffing, teary soldiers gathered to say their last goodbyes to four comrades killed in a suicide bombing last week.
Monday's ceremony, in a darkened, hushed auditorium not far from the dining hall where the explosion tore through a lunchtime crowd, had all the customary rituals of a military farewell: the playing of taps, a gunshot salute and the soldiers' lonely helmet-topped weapons on display.
After a busy week worrying about security in their encampment and dodging car bombs and gunfire outside in Mosul -- and enduring a Christmas far from home -- the soldiers were allowed time to grieve.
Some, with grimaces on their faces, caressed the helmets of the four soldiers: Capt. William Jacobsen Jr., 31, of Lacey, Wash., and Staff Sgt. Robert Johnson, 23, of Castro Valley, Calif., both of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment; and Cpl. Jonathan Castro, 21, of Los Angeles and Spc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, La., both from the 73rd Engineer Company. [...]
Col. Erik Kurilla honored Jacobsen as the noble commander of Alpha Company whose death, he said, "tore at the fiber of my soul." Other soldiers described Johnson's Teflon attitude about adversity, how he shrugged off troubles with a smile. Ayro was a big kid at heart, who cried when he watched "The Lion King," maintained a clean lifestyle and was devoted to his mother, said a buddy, Spc. Rigoberto Ramos.
"We owe it to him to make sure the enemy gets what it deserves," Ramos said. [...]
By Associated Press
Three Maine soldiers were injured when their convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq, officials said Monday.
The attack early Sunday in Mosul injured three members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion of the Maine Army National Guard, according to a statement by Gov. John Baldacci and Maine National Guard Adjutant General John W. Libby. [...]
In Sunday's attack, two of the wounded soldiers were treated and returned to duty, according to the statement. The third soldier was listed as ''very serious'' and was evacuated to a hospital in Germany.
The families of the wounded soldiers have been notified of the attack, but no further details were available.
''Our thoughts and prayers are with these brave soldiers and their families,'' Baldacci said in a statement. ''We offer our highest respect and gratitude to all those serving overseas and their families.''
The battalion's 500 members have been stationed in Mosul since February and are rebuilding the region's roads and buildings. [...]
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Joel Egan Baldwin, 37, of Arlington, VA., died in Mosul, Iraq on Dec. 21, when the dining facility was attacked. Chief Baldwin was assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 77, Gulfport, MI.
Gulfport-based Seabee among those killed in Mosul explosion - Biloxi Sun Herald
Gulfport Seabee killed in Mosul mess hall blast - Kansas City Star
Teacher Reacts To Gulfport Seabee Killed In Iraq - WLOX TV
Baldwin Remembered For Love Of Family, Country - WLOX TV
Fallen Seabee honored - The Sun Herald
Purple Heart Honors Fallen Seabee - WLOX-TV
School to honor fallen Seabee - The Sun Herald
Flag Ceremony Honors Fallen Gulfport Seabee - WLOX-TV
Purple Heart Auxiliary presents plaque to widow - Sun Herald
Link to Full Article
By BASSEM MROUE and RAWYA RAGEH; The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's top general said yesterday that the man who carried out Tuesday's suicide attack on a U.S. base near Mosul — in which 22 people, including six members of the Fort Lewis-based Stryker Brigade, died — was not a member of the Iraqi security forces, as had been widely reported.
Gen. Babaker Shawkat Zebari said it was possible the bomber in the mess-tent blast was wearing an Iraqi uniform, but he noted that such uniforms are sold in markets.
"It is not difficult for a person to wear one," he said.
"Certainly [the suicide bomber] was not a member of the national guards because all of our men stationed in the base have been accounted for," he added. [...]
Zebari, Iraq's only four-star general, insisted none of his troops had deserted from combat. But he acknowledged that some recruits undergoing training had quit after being told they would be posted to the restive city of Fallujah, which was taken in a U.S.-led assault in November.
"Not a single soldier ran away from the battlefield [in Fallujah]. It was not a difficult battle. Fallujah was cleaned and the number of our martyrs [fatalities] was only seven," Zebari said.
In the interview at his heavily guarded headquarters in downtown Baghdad, Zebari said Iraqi forces are getting stronger every day and that he expected them to be capable of replacing the Americans within six months to a year.
"The insurgents are getting weaker. Hardly a day passes without detaining or killing dozens of them," he said.
Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi recently said the government commands almost 100,000 trained and combat-ready Iraqis, including police and national guard and army troops, and has accelerated the development of special forces and a counterterrorist strike force.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said the number of trained Iraqi troops is going to increase by 45,000 by elections set for Jan. 30.
Link to Full Article
By CHRISTINE HAUSER; New York Times
MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 24 - On Tuesday, Sgt. Michael S. Posner was standing in the middle of a crowded dining hall at Forward Operating Base Marez, holding a cheeseburger and fries on a lunch tray and looking for his friends, when a huge force blew him off his feet.
The rows of tables and chairs shattered into a chaos of debris and blood. Screams tore through the room. The air turned dusky with the gray aftermath of smoke and dust, out of which the faces of the living and the dead slowly emerged.
On Friday, Sergeant Posner, 34, from Farmingville, N.Y., was one of hundreds of service members who went to the base's movie theater to honor two of the 14 American soldiers killed in the attack. In pairs, they filed past a now-familiar battlefield monument: the dead men's helmets and dog tags slung on their M-16's, propped up between their combat boots. [...]
Specialist McMurray was at the memorial service, too, along with hundreds of other men and women in the 133rd Engineer Battalion to remember Sergeant Poulin and another soldier killed in the attack, 20-year-old Specialist Thomas J. Dostie. Hours later, a reporter asked Sergeant Posner, who had been wounded once before in a roadside bombing, what he was thinking when he hobbled up to salute the dead men.
"That could easily have been me, " he said.
This is a long article with touching details of the bombing tragedy. Follow the link to the full article to read more.
Link to Full Article
By CHRISTINE HAUSER; New York Times
MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 26 - Standing in the courtyard of an Iraqi Army compound on the American base here, Capt. David A. Uthlaut was startled Sunday by a small explosion set off by the Iraqi soldiers behind him.
The blast was just a bit of barracks mischief: the Iraqis had planted a food-rations warmer in a water bottle and sealed it. The chemicals in the packet reacted with the water in the bottle, which exploded.
The harmless bomb was something even American soldiers said they occasionally rigged up for a joke.
But these are not normal times in Forward Operating Base Marez, where 22 people were killed Tuesday in the mess tent, directly across from the Iraqi compound, by a suicide bomber believed to have been wearing an Iraqi Army uniform. [...]
This is a long article. Follow the link to read more.
Link to Full Article
By Seattle Times news services
MOSUL, Iraq -- American soldiers here ate Christmas lunch in flak jackets and combat helmets and prayed for the dead in candlelit ceremonies, marking a somber holiday after the bomb attack on their base Tuesday that killed 22 people, including six soldiers from the Fort Lewis-based Stryker Brigade.
Like the low, gray clouds in the sky, the attack loomed over Forward Operating Base Marez, brokering an odd partnership of Christmas and conflict at mealtimes and in prayers.
During midnight Mass, some soldiers took off their flak vests and leaned them against the chapel wall next to wrapped gifts under a Christmas tree.
But the risk of a mortar or rocket attack kept soldiers and Army contractors in full combat gear in the community center during lunch, when they ate plates heaped with turkey and stuffing at long tables decorated with candy canes and wreaths. [...]
Some soldiers chose the holiday as their time to renew their commitment to the U.S. armed forces, re-enlisting for new terms of service while out on the battlefield.
Sgt. Christopher Brooks, 31, of Birmingham, Ala., took his oath in a plywood shelter on the outskirts of Tikrit as raindrops pattered above. He vowed to give the Army at least five more years of his life.
"I wish I could be home," Brooks said after the ceremony, "but my work is here."
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY; Newsday
CAMP MAREZ, Iraq - The 45 soldiers packed the tiny trailer for the solemn Christmas Eve Mass, singing of scenes that could scarcely be imagined in this war zone. First, there was "Silent Night," and then "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
When they got to "Joy to the World," the back door creaked open and a soldier in gym shorts quietly hobbled into the makeshift chapel. His nose was covered in scabs and his right leg was nearly limp, but no one needed to ask what had happened to him. Sgt. Dennis Patterson had been in the mess tent when a suicide bomb detonated Tuesday, killing 22 and wounding scores of others. [...]
Christmas Eve marked Capt. Jeff Van Antwerp's first patrol as commander of Alpha Company. He took over for a friend, Capt. William Jacobsen Jr., 31, of Charlotte, N.C., who was killed in Tuesday's bombing.
Soldiers are near reverent when they speak of Jacobsen, who had four young children and was a devout Mormon. They said he always put troops' needs above his own.
"A lot of us are hurting inside," Van Antwerp prayed with his unit before leaving on the mission. "We just ask, Lord, that you make our weapons systems lethal."
He led the soldiers on a Christmas Eve hunt for ammunition caches in a violent neighborhood of Old Mosul, searching warehouses that once stored voter registration cards until insurgents burned them all. The troops used sledgehammers to smash open locks along a corridor of shops closed for the Muslim weekend. They found nothing in the stores and only baby formula and sacks of wheat in the warehouses. But in the upstairs office of Faith Auto Shop, troops discovered what appeared to be a small factory for remote-controlled bombs stocked with detonators, a CD claiming to carry a message from Osama bin Laden and other anti-American propaganda.
And along one narrow street they came upon the curled bodies of four Iraqis, each apparently shot in the head. They were not uniformed and it was not immediately clear why they had been executed. Later in the afternoon, as the squad was walking down the street, there was a huge explosive boom. Everyone ran for cover and a radio chirped that a car bomb had been detonated nearby as an armored Stryker vehicle passed. No one was hurt.
Inside another Stryker on the way back to camp, Lt. Dave Webb was asked whether he has special plans for Christmas.
"I forgot it even was," he said.
Link to Full Article
By KOMO TV Staff
PIERCE COUNTY - Christmas night hundreds of people gathered near Fort Lewis to remember the six Stryker Brigade soldiers killed in last week's attack in Mosul.
Military supporters held a candlelight vigil to honor those troops and all of the other local military men and women currently serving overseas.
The vigil was organized by the local group Operation Support Our Troops. The group waves flags and yellow ribbons from an I-5 overpass every weekend. [...]
As the vigil concluded, people set up a wooden cross to honor the victims of the Mosul attack.
People left flowers and other items as a man played Taps on his horn.
A formal memorial service for the soldiers is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 29 at Fort Lewis.
Togetherness, tears for fallen - A related article from the News Tribune
More than 200 gather for vigil honoring soldiers - The Seattle P-I
Bridge vigil honors those far from home - The Olympian
Families, friends keep up Ft. Lewis vigil - The Register Guard
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 26, 2004) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 10 people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities during operations over the past 24 hours.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment conducted a cordon and search in northern Mosul and detained six people for planning and conducting roadside bomb attacks against MNF and Iraqi Security Forces. All suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported during the operation.
A concerned citizen came to Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment in Tal Afar and provided information that led to the detention of four people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. During a search of the residence, several fake identifications were confiscated. MNF reported no injuries during detention operations.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SGM Robert D. O'Dell, 38, of Manassas, VA, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the United States Army Intelligence & Security Command, Fort Belvoir, VA. SGM O'Dell died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Manassas soldier remembered as loving dad, husband - Potomac News
Tributes - Fallen Heroes Memorial
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SFC Paul D. Karpowich, 30, of Bridgeport, PA, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 390th Infantry Regiment, Webster, NY. SFC Karpowich died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Freeland native killed in Mosul blast - The Citizens' Voice
Local soldier among 22 killed in attack - King of Prussia Courier
Paul Karpowich was a soldier's soldier. - The Citizens' Voice
Freeland native killed - The Times Leader
Slain soldier was `team player' - The Courier Post
Funeral Service for Fallen Soldier - WNEP News
A patriot - and friend - remembered - The Times Leader
Funeral held for Montco soldier - Philadelphia Inquirer
January 4, 2005: Chilling warmth - Orlando Sentinel
Community college ceremony honors memory of Sgt. Paul Karpowich - The Citizen's Voice
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SGT Lynn R. Poulin Sr., 47, of Freedom, ME, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Belfast, ME. SGT Poulin died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Victims in Iraq: Recent high school grad, Bath Iron Works shipbuilder - The Associated Press
News of Freedom soldier's death in Iraq stuns family, friends - Morning Sentinel
Rep. Allen comments on deaths of 133rd members - Citizen
Memorial Fund started for Poulin's family - Waldo Village Soup
Governor orders flags at half staff - Waldo Village Soup
Bodies of Maine soldiers being returned home - The Associated Press
Slain sergeant's funeral Thursday - Citizen
Maine's second slain soldier to be laid to rest Friday - Associated Press
Slain soldier's funeral draws hundreds - Portsmouth Herald
Sgt. Poulin put to rest - Waldo Village Soup
Slain soldiers promoted posthumously - Morning Sentinel
Town turns out for Poulin supper - Citizen
Good Citizens: Friends in need - Waldo Village Soup
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SPC Thomas J. Dostie, 20, of Sommerville, ME, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Portland, ME. SPC Dostie died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Victims in Iraq: Recent high school grad, Bath Iron Works shipbuilder - Associated Press
Close-knit town recalls Spc. Dostie - Bangor Daily News
Rep. Allen comments on deaths of 133rd members - Citizen
Governor orders flags at half staff - Waldo Village Soup
Bodies of Maine soldiers being returned home - The Associated Press
Maine's second slain soldier to be laid to rest Friday - Associated Press
Slain soldier's funeral draws hundreds - Portsmouth Herald
Second of two slain soldiers buried New Year's Eve - Boston Globe
Slain soldiers promoted posthumously - Morning Sentinel
'He was one of us' - Maine Today
Soldiers, firefighters honor Thomas Dostie's service - Maine Today
Hundreds mourn a Maine soldier - Press Herald
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SPC Cory M. Hewitt, 26, of Stewart, TN, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 705th Ordnance Company, Fort Polk, LA. SPC Hewitt died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
The issue is not if, but how they will be honored - Charleston Daily Mail
Grieving Kin Hail Troops Killed in Mosul - Washington Post, Associated Press
Stewart County soldier killed in Mosul suicide bombing - NOLA.com, Associated Press
Tennessee soldier killed in Iraq - Jackson Sun
Area honors fallen soldier - Times Leader
Hewitt Laid to Rest - Wheeling News-Register
Fort Polk holds memorial for fallen hero Hewitt - Leesville Daily Leader
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SPC Nicholas C. Mason, 20, of King George, VA, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, VA. SPC Mason died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Two from area killed in Mosul - The Free Lance-Star
For Va. Guardsman Killed in Iraq, 'Being a Soldier Was All He Ever Wanted' - Washington Post
Grieving Kin Hail Troops Killed in Mosul - Washington Post, Associated Press
Slain Va. soldiers recalled - Richmond Times-Dispatch
Sgt. Nicholas Mason - The Free Lance-Star
Families plan services this week for guardsmen killed near Mosul - The Freelance-Star
Sgt. Mason remembered at service - Richmond Times-Dispatch
Guardsman, 20, slain in Mosul eulogized - Washington Times
Ceremony remembers former Hokies - Roanoke Times
The Department of Defense announced today the death of SPC David A. Ruhren, 20, of Stafford, VA, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, VA. SPC Ruhren died December 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when his dining facility was attacked.
Grieving Kin Hail Troops Killed in Mosul - Washington Post, Associated Press
Stafford Soldier Killed in Mosul - Washington Post
Slain Va. soldiers recalled - Richmond Times-Dispatch
Sgt. David Ruhren - The Free Lance-Star
Families plan services this week for guardsmen killed near Mosul - The Free Lance-Star
Mourners bid farewell to Guardsman killed in Mosul attack - The Daily Press
Sgt. Ruhren is honored by the Board of Supervisors - Free Lance-Star
Verse reflects mother's love for David A. Ruhren - Poem written by SGT Ruhren's mother
We will be creating individual entries for each of these soldiers in the near future, but we wanted to post this information as soon as it became available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these men during this trying time.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of thirteen soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when their dining facility was attacked. Killed were:
Capt. William W. Jacobsen Jr., 31, of Charlotte, N.C. Jacobsen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Sgt. Maj. Robert D. O'Dell, 38, of Manassas, Va. O'Dell was assigned to the United States Army Intelligence & Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich, 30, of Bridgeport, Pa. Karpowich was assigned to the Army Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 390th Infantry Regiment, Webster, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Julian S. Melo, 47, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Melo was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Staff Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen, 33, of Bluefield, W.Va. VanKomen was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Staff Sgt. Robert S. Johnson, 23, of Castro Valley, Calif. Johnson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin Sr., 47, of Freedom, Maine. Poulin was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Belfast, Maine.
Spc. Jonathan Castro, 21, of Corona, Calif. Castro was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
Spc. Thomas J. Dostie, 20, of Sommerville, Maine. Dostie was assigned to the Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, Portland, Maine.
Spc. Cory M. Hewitt, 26, of Stewart, Tenn. Hewitt was assigned to the 705th Ordnance Company, Fort Polk, La.
Spc. Nicholas C. Mason, 20, of King George, Va. Mason was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, Va.
Spc. David A. Ruhren, 20, of Stafford, Va. Ruhren was assigned to the Army National Guard's 276th Engineer Battalion, West Point, Va.
Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, La. Ayro was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 24, 2004) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) prevented a potential car bomb attack and detained 38 suspects in separate operations over the past 24 hours.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment prevented a potential attack from occurring on security forces Thursday after they located a car containing a detonator, bomb making material and a video camera. Two subjects fled before they could be apprehended. An Explosives Ordnance Disposal team cleared the vehicle.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment conducted cordon and search operations near the city of Singar today for suspected terrorist cell members. Multi-National Forces detained 32 insurgents who remain in custody for questioning. Soldiers also confiscated five AK-47s, two handguns and two million dinars.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained two suspicious individuals Thursday at a traffic control point in central Mosul after Multi-National Forces spotted the subjects observing the checkpoint from a distance. A search of the subjects produced 1,000 blank identification cards and the suspects were taken into custody.
3-21 also conducted search operations near the northern city of Hammam al Alil Thursday in an attempt to locate suspected weapons caches. The search resulted in the detainment of three insurgents who remain in custody.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment conducted search operations of a Tal Afar business Thursday that resulted in the detention of one individual after Multi-National Forces discovered anti-Iraqi forces propaganda and other documents containing schematics and chemical equations in the business. The suspect remains in custody.
Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s new telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Link to Full Article
By Joseph Giordono, Stars and Stripes
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Unsettling as it is, most U.S. troops understand, if not accept, the possibility of being wounded or killed in direct combat.
But in the wake of the deadly strike on a base dining facility near Mosul, soldiers are talking more than ever about what amounts to a lucky shot, or worse.
Random mortars and rockets hit U.S. bases throughout Iraq. More often than not, they land harmlessly in empty spots inside the wire.
“But if just one of those hits a trailer or a [Tactical Operations Center] or a chow hall, what are you going to do?” said Sgt. Charles Carter, a 24-year-old 1st Cavalry Division soldier stationed at Camp Liberty, formerly called Camp Victory.
“You can be wearing full battle rattle, or you can be standing in your towel shaving. If it’s going to hit you, it’s going to hit you,” Carter said.
“I don’t mean to sound heartless about it, but it’s something that you can’t think about too much.”
The same goes, he said, for the roadside bombs and car bombs that have become one of the main threats to servicemembers in Iraq. [...]
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
Link to Full Article
By RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr.; NY Times
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 23 - The suicide bomber who killed 22 people at an American mess tent in Mosul this week probably wore an Iraqi military uniform and made it through a screening process for new Iraqi troops that, in this case, was "likely not satisfactory," the American military commander in northern Iraq said Thursday.
Having identified the source of the blast as an explosive-laden vest laced with ball bearings, investigators have turned to determining who the killer was and how he avoided military security at the base.
In an interview with CNN, Brig. Gen. Carter F. Ham strongly suggested - but did not say outright - that the bomber was a member of the Iraqi security forces. [...]
In Washington, some lawmakers expressed concern that the revelation about the bomber's uniform would set back efforts to train Iraqis to take over security from Americans.
"We've got to put in more security checks and balances, but we've also got to continue to forge this partnership with Iraqis in rebuilding their security forces, rebuilding their government and rebuilding their country," said Senator John W. Warner, a Republican of Virginia and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, in a telephone interview. "There's no other way."
Eric Schmitt contributed reporting from Washington for this article.
Link to Full Article
USA Today
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — The brigadier general who investigated abuse at Abu Ghraib prison is heading the U.S. military's probe into how a suicide bomber infiltrated a U.S. Army base near Mosul and detonated a deadly explosion, authorities said Friday
The team led by Brig. Gen. Richard Formica started its work in Mosul as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld paid a surprise Christmas Eve visit to the wounded soldiers at the base, part of a tour that also took him to Tikrit and Fallujah.
"Now we have a pretty good idea that it was a suicide bomber," said Lt. Col. Paul Hastings, a spokesman at the Mosul base. "(Formica) is going to investigate into the how's — how did that happen?"
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
Link to Full Article
The Arizona Republic
PHOENIX - The prose is simple and elegant, punctuated in the style of the Internet.
But it speaks the cold language of war from half a world a way.
"To all I love dearly," the e-mail begins, "the internet is back up, so i'm assuming that all families who lost someone have been notified."
With that, the family and friends of Capt. Roger Trimble, West Point, class of 2001, learned he had survived Tuesday's suicide bomb blast that tore through the mess tent at Camp Marez outside Mosul, Iraq, killing 22, including 14 U.S. soldiers, and wounding 69.
"I saw the face of death yesterday," Trimble continues, "and it was a horrible experience. I can't stop thinking about the visual images that i saw."
Trimble, 25, the son of State Historian Marshall Trimble and a 1997 graduate of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, is an armored cavalry officer assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry, 1st Stryker Brigade at Camp Marez. [...]
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew P. Blanchard; Inquirer Staff Writer
With maimed soldiers pouring into the emergency room, Army Maj. Michael Cohen was at the center of a nightmare from which he could not run. Cohen is a Bucks County native, a military doctor, and was the chief ER surgeon at the U.S. base in Mosul during Tuesday's mess-hall bombing.
"No one had any idea what was about to take place," Cohen wrote of the moments after the attack. "We asked one of the newly arrived soldiers how many people were injured, and he said, 'A lot. There are bodies everywhere.'... As I stepped outside, I couldn't believe what was going on."
Also sweating through the action was Cohen's mother, Debbie Cohen, 59, a former Hebrew school teacher glued to the flat-screen computer monitor that sits by the window of her bedroom in Langhorne. Each morning, she logs onto the Web site where her son provides blow-by-blow accounts of shrapnel wounds and medical miracles as an emergency-room doctor with the 67th Combat Support Hospital unit.
"I was hysterical. Hysterical," she said. "As his mother, I want to smack him and say, 'Come home now!' But he's an amazing kid and I respect him." [...]
Cohen's Web log provides a medical twist to the genre, with gripping accounts of removing lungs and catheterizing urethras, and of blood parasites spread by sand flies.
He describes downcast American soldiers queuing in the hospital for hours to see a dying comrade one more time, and on a different day, a wounded Iraqi insurgent quoting Shakespeare on the examination table. There is the dreaded thud of insurgent mortar attacks against the base, the subsequent cry of "Bunkers! Bunkers!" and later, the inevitable crackle of the medical dispatch radio, "EMT, TOC," signaling casualties.
Readers watch Cohen face grisly injuries with an urgent "Oh my God" flashing across his brain but never, ever escaping his lips.
The Web log is available to civilians, insurgents and military moms alike at www.67cshdocs.com. [...]
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Dolan and Gail Gibson; Sun National Staff
FORT LEWIS, Wash. - In Vietnam, Larry Wickline blew up enemy bridges as a combat engineer. But on a foggy, frigid afternoon here yesterday, he stood on an overpass across Interstate 5 to memorialize those fallen in Iraq this week.
"I'm supposed to be Christmas shopping, but today I feel like I needed to do this," said Wickline, 56, of Tacoma, wearing a Vietnam Veterans cap and brown camouflage jacket and waving a giant American flag in the bone-chilling wind. "I'm still not sure what happened over there."
Wickline's grief remained tinged with uncertainty after the suspected suicide bombing near Mosul, Iraq, killed 22 this week. That's because Defense Department officials have yet to release an official list of all fatalities.
Still, Wickline and others around this sprawling Army base in southwestern Washington expect that explosion's fallout will hit here hard. The bombing took place at Forward Operating Base Maraz, home to about 3,500 soldiers, most of them attached to the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based in Fort Lewis. [...]
Follow the link to the full article to read more.
(TFO Press Release)
By Spc. Blair Larson; 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 24, 2004) – Many Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul will forever remember December 21 as the day an explosion ripped through the chow hall, interrupting their noon meal with a shower of shrapnel and thousands of tiny metal ball bearings. The American people will remember watching on television the most deadly attack on Multi-National Forces in Iraq since the war began. But the medical personnel at the 67th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Mosul that day will remember the scene at the hospital as huge numbers of casualties arrived and the harrowing hours they spent tending to their injured comrades.
Although the attack tragically took the lives of many Soldiers and civilians, the extent of the destruction could have been much worse. Were it not for the quick response of the Soldiers and medical professionals who began treatment immediately after the explosion, many more lives could have been lost.
Immediately after the dust cleared from the explosion, Soldiers began to bandage and move the injured to the hospital. Using tables as stretchers and shirts as bandages, the Soldiers on the scene instinctively performed the medical aid that every Soldier is trained to do in order to stabilize a casualty until medical personnel arrive.
The attack was reported by radio to the Soldiers at the CSH, who immediately began preparing for the arrival of the injured. An announcement went out over a speaker in the medical personnel living area, alerting the Soldiers who were on call. As they arrived at the hospital, the staff reported to their assigned areas, ready to put their skills to use.
“I walked through the door and saw patients everywhere; some were bleeding, some gasping for air,” said medic Spc. Victoria Castillo.
It was a scene they had rehearsed many times before. The medical personnel from the 67th Combat Support Hospital have trained constantly to handle a mass casualty scenario, and in the past 11 months, they have responded to several incidents requiring treatment of multiple injuries.
Although the hospital has many well-trained specialists, the first moments after a tragedy like this are filled with everyone pitching in to help with basic life-saving procedures such as stopping bleeding and patching wounds. Even the support personnel were active participants, as the unit’s mechanics, cooks and engineers carried litters and copied down vital information.
“During a mass casualty situation, everyone drops their individual skills and becomes a medic, focusing on the basic skills like making sure bleeding and breathing are controlled,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel White, the Assistant Chief Ward Master.
As the patients arrived by the dozens, the medical personnel used a triage process to sort the more serious injuries from the lesser ones and began to stabilize and treat the casualties. Nearly 90 U.S., Iraqi and multinational casualties were brought to the hospital for treatment.
“When the patients arrived, they were evaluated by priority and sorted by how serious their injuries were. Surgical patients were identified and the worst were brought to the operating room,” said Maj. Simon Telian, a general surgeon at the 67th CSH.
In a perfect example of organized chaos, the hospital came alive. X-ray technicians with portable equipment examined those with broken bones. A radiology specialist gave CT scans to those with abdominal and head wounds. The lab and pharmacy kept the patients supplied with blood and painkillers. Within the first eight hours, the medical staff had performed eight major surgeries and many more minor surgeries.
The injured were stabilized and some were evacuated by helicopter to larger hospitals in Balad and Baghdad. Several would eventually continue on to a military hospital in Germany.
During the evacuation and treatment of the injured, a barrage of mortar rounds hit the hospital. Even under those dangerous circumstances, the medical staff bravely moved the wounded to shelter and continued their treatment.
The hustle and bustle of the trauma center required the help of every staff member. For hours, the medical professionals hovered around the makeshift beds, stabilizing and comforting the injured Soldiers.
“You just keep going non-stop without looking back,” said Castillo.
Although some of the injured were civilians, the majority of the casualties were U.S. Soldiers. Treating fellow Soldiers can take an emotional toll on medical professionals.
“It is more difficult to work with American Soldiers because you feel closer to them,” said 1st Lt. Sarah Kuehl, a registered nurse at the 67th CSH.
For the medical Soldiers who deal with life and death situations, instinct takes over as they work. Their extensive training automatically kicks in, and they are focused completely on the person whose life is in danger.
“Situations like that are overwhelming. You have no time to think, you just have to do your job,” said Castillo.
An emergency can never be planned for enough. Though Soldiers use common scenarios when they train, there are always factors that change when a real emergency arises. The more than 90 casualties treated by the 67th CSH is the largest number of casualties any hospital in theater has seen at one time during the Iraq war.
“If someone had told me we would be faced with this kind of situation, I would have told you that it’s not possible,” said White. “But we worked hard, and we worked as a team to pull it off.”
After every patient was treated and stabilized, the reality of the situation set in. Twenty-two people were dead and 40 were evacuated to larger hospitals. The scene in the hospital was the worst any of the medical personnel had seen in the last 11 months.
“At the end, we got together as a group after we took a last look at the patients to make sure everyone was stable. Only then were we able to relax and talk about the experience,” said Telian.
Thanks to the dedication and determination of the medical staff, many Soldiers’ lives were saved that day. The Army’s highly skilled medical professionals perform heroics every day and are essential to the success of the Multinational Forces’ mission in Iraq.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 24, 2004) – Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld surprised Soldiers of Task Force Olympia with a Christmas Eve visit to Mosul where he met with service members and those injured from the Dec. 21 attack on the Forward Operation Base Marez dining facility.
Rumsfeld met with patients at the local military hospital and thanked the hospital staff workers for their extraordinary response in caring for the wounded from the tragic attack. He then presented Sgt. Chris Scott, a Soldier with 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, with the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained.
A visit to the Camp Freedom palace, headquarters of Task Force Olympia, gave nearly 200 service members the opportunity to take photos and speak with the secretary who complimented all of the Soldiers for their hard work and dedication.
He also sat down with Soldiers for breakfast before leaving for the next stage of his trip.
Link to Full Article
By Robert Burns, Associated Press
MOSUL, Iraq (AP) U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld visited wounded soldiers and brought holiday greetings on Christmas Eve amid tight security at an air base in northern