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Back home from duty in Iraq

Jan-22-2006 » (0) Comments

MAJ South's unit served as part of Task Force Freedom alongside the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.

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LOU MUMFORD, Tribune Staff Writer

COLOMA -- As manager of the Coloma Transportation Service Center for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Paul South knows a thing or two about roads.

Now, he knows something about road-side bombs as well.

A major with the National Guard, the 37-year-old South just returned with his Gary, Ind.-based 113th Engineer Battalion from a year-long military mission in Iraq. He's believed to be the highest-ranking official in Michigan state government to serve with the military in Iraq. [...]

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Task Force Freedom Transfers Authority to Task Force Band of Brothers

Dec-30-2005 » (1) Comments

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By News Blaze

TIKRIT, Iraq - Task Force Freedom relinquished command of northwest Iraq in a ceremony Dec. 30 to the Task Force Band of Brothers.

The ceremony was held at Life Support Area Diamondback in Mosul and marked the transfer of authority from TF Freedom, a headquarters built around the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, to TF Band of Brothers, centered around the newly transformed headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), from Fort Campbell, Ky. [...]

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Iraqi Police celebrate opening of new station in Tal Afar

Dec-29-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Pres Release)

TAL AFAR, Iraq (December 28, 2005) — In a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Tal Afar Police Chief Gen. Fawaz Mahmoud Issa officially opened the new Al Salam Police Station in Tal Afar.

The event marked a milestone for Tal Afar’s Police Department as part of efforts to restore the city’s quality of life and security.
Last year terrorists destroyed a police station in Tal Afar, but the opening of the new station represents a resurrection of the police force according to city officials.

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First Battle Space Transition in Nineveh Province of Iraq

Dec-29-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (December 27, 2005) – Over 500 soldiers from the Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Army came together for a battle-space assumption handover ceremony.

For the first time within the Nineveh Province of Iraq, the 3/3/2 Iraqi Army assumed military control of battle-space. The Iraqi Army is fully engaged in the fight, and Iraq’s leadership will bring security and stability back to the nation and ultimately defeat the insurgency.

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Medical Brigade troops get home just in time for the holidays

Dec-24-2005 » (0) Comments

This unit provided medical support to Stryker Brigades

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By Michael Gilbert, THE NEWS TRIBUNE

More than five dozen soldiers were due home this morning after a yearlong deployment in the Middle East.

The 67 soldiers from the 551st Medical Logistics Company were to arrive at Soldiers Field House about 4:30 a.m. – ahead of their scheduled return.

The company, a unit of the 62nd Medical Brigade, is returning from its second deployment in support of the war in Iraq. It provided medical supplies, repairs and equipment in Kuwait during its last tour.

Projects in Mosul Point to a Better Life for Iraq

Dec-21-2005 » (0) Comments

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By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, Dec. 21, 2005 – Mosul is a microcosm of Iraq.

It's the second-largest city in the country, and contains all kinds of people who make up the ethnic stew that is this nation.

Shiia Arab, Sunni Arab, Kurds, Turkomen, ethnic Iranians, Assyrians and many other ethnicities settled in Mosul, taking advantage of its location astride ancient trading routes, and amid fertile land that turned the region into the wheat belt of the Middle East.

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Returning reservists showed the good side of war

Dec-19-2005 » (0) Comments

This unit provided much of the news that was displayed on these pages.

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By SARAH CLARK, DesMoines Register

About 70 friends and family members gathered Sunday as 14 Army reservists with the Des Moines-based 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment were presented with Welcome Home Warrior Awards during a ceremony at Four Point Sheraton.

The unit, which spent 11 months and four days in Mosul at Forward Operating Base Courage, arrived at Fort Sill, Okla., on Dec. 9 for debriefing and returned to Des Moines on Thursday .

The timing was perfect for Staff Sgt. Michele Uitermarkt.

"Being home is wonderful,'' she said. "I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.''[...]

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Task Force Finds Terrorists, Weapons

Dec-16-2005 » (0) Comments

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Task Force Freedom

MOSUL, IRAQ — Iraqi Security Forces along with Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches in northern Iraq Dec. 5-12.

In Mosul, Iraqi Army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Division, along with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, seized a cache of AK-47s with multiple loaded magazines, a sniper rifle with loaded magazines, an anti-aircraft missile launcher with four missiles, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, 500 more linked rounds of ammunition, a semi-automatic pistol, an automatic rifle, hand grenades, rocket propelled grenade launchers with ammunition and high explosives during a raid Dec. 12.

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Elections in Mosul

Dec-16-2005 » (0) Comments

Sminklemeyer has posted an email he received from an officer in Mosul regarding election activity yesterday. Good read.

Tal Afar voters undeterred by mortar attacks

Dec-16-2005 » (0) Comments

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By Monte Morin, Stars and Stripes

TAL AFAR, Iraq — Crowds of Iraqi voters, many of them women, poured into the streets of this ancient city and lined up to vote Thursday, despite sporadic mortar attacks that killed at least three people and injured eight.

Voting queues stretched around corners and doubled back again as festive election season music blared on boom boxes and colored streamers hung from wires suspended over city streets.

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Soldier's mom wants town to adopt unit in Iraq

Dec-14-2005 » (0) Comments

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By GINA B. GOOD, Pahrump Valley Times

Jenny Liakopoulos is a woman with a mission - a military mission from God. She wants the town, through the Pahrump Town Board, to adopt the 600 men and women of the 47th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) Army Medical Troop from Ft. Lewis, Wash., who are currently stationed in Iraq.

The unit operates at two sites - a 164-bed hospital in Mosul and an 84-bed hospital in Tikrit, the home town of Saddam Hussein, who is currently on trial in Baghdad for crimes against his own people.

Cooks, truck drivers and mechanics from the 47th were deployed along with doctors, nurses and medics at the end of October.

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Welcome home for the 113th

Dec-14-2005 » (1) Comments

Welcome home to the 113th ENG (Indiana National Guard), which spent the past year in Mosul operating as part of Task Force Freedom.

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By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer

INDIANAPOLIS — Birthdays by e-mail and early morning calls from Iraq ended at last for half of the families of the 113th Engineer Battalion.

The first contingent of soldiers from the Indiana National Guard unit from Gary, Hammond, Valparaiso and LaPorte touched down late Tuesday at an armory here after nearly a year in Iraq.

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School Renovations Seek Bright Future for Iraq

Dec-13-2005 » (0) Comments

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By Claude D. McKinney, American Forces Press Service

MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 12, 2005 – Whether the key to a bright future for a country is to educate the children of the present will be tested in northern Iraq over the next generation, based on the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region North.

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Fact Sheet: Rebuilding Iraq

Dec- 7-2005 » (0) Comments

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Presidential Fact Sheet, The Whitehouse

Among other statements about the war in Iraq, the President had the following comments regarding Mosul:

Iraqi And American Forces Have Cleared And Are Holding The City Of Mosul. Mosul is one of Iraq's largest cities and home to a diverse population of Sunni Arabs, Kurds, and other ethnic groups. It was here that American troops brought justice to Saddam's sons in the summer of 2003. Mosul was relatively quiet in the months after liberation, and American forces began to redeploy elsewhere in the country. Then, the enemy infiltrated the city, and by late last year, they had gained control of much of Mosul. American and Iraqi forces responded with a series of coordinated strikes on the most dangerous parts of the city and killed, captured, and cleared out many of the terrorists and Saddamists. Over time, the Iraqi police and legitimate political leaders regained control. As Iraqis have grown in strength and ability, they have taken more responsibility for the city's security, and Coalition forces have moved into a supporting role.

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Iraqi girls school receives needed supplies

Dec- 1-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (November 29, 2005)- The Ninewa Middle School for girls in the Al-Faisaliya neighborhood in Mosul accepted school necessities from Operation Iraqi Children Nov. 29.

Teachers from the Ninewa Middle School received supplies from the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion to hand out to their children. Prearranged by the Department of Education and Mr. Mohammed S. HajRamathan, Provincial Council Chairman for Education, five classrooms with about 150 children received school supplies. Iraqi Security Forces along with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion provided security for the delivery of the supplies. Each child in the classroom received a kit containing pencils, an eraser, folders, rulers, and other items needed to help them with their studies. The smile on their faces showed the excitement as the supplies were handed out. Spc. Joselyn Bowen, Education Team Leader, Civil Affairs stated “the kids were very excited to get the supplies, and the mission was a great success”.

Operation Iraqi Children was started to help school children and last year gave out supplies to over 2000 children.

SecArmy: Morale is key to Iraqi success

Nov-28-2005 » (0) Comments

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By Staff Sgt. Carmen Burgess, Army News Service

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 28, 2005) – Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey said he believes that high troop morale is a key contributor to the Army’s success in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This came at the end of a Thanksgiving holiday trip to Iraq where the Army’s top executive spent time visiting with Soldiers in or attached to the 3rd Infantry and 101st Airborne divisions and Task Force Freedom.

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SGT Denis J. Gallardo

Nov-24-2005 » (4) Comments

The Department of Defense announced yesterday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SGT Denis J. Gallardo, 22, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 22, from a non-combat related illness. Gallardo was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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MSG Anthony R. C. Yost

Nov-22-2005 » (4) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

MSG Anthony R. C. Yost, 39, of Flint, Mich., died in Mosul, Iraq on Nov. 19, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. MSG Yost was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

This article will remain at the top of our page today. Please scroll down for more news.

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U.S. forces kill 8 terrorist suspects in Mosul

Nov-20-2005 » (2) Comments

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By The Associated Press

Officials said they don't know if one of the dead could be terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- U.S. forces sealed off a house in the northern city of Mosul where eight suspected al-Qaida members died in a gunfight — some by their own hand to avoid capture. A U.S. official said Sunday that efforts were under way to determine if terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was among the dead. [...]

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Thank you SGT John Franzen

Nov-19-2005 » (1) Comments

For quite some time now, my day has started off early in the morning by looking for email from SGT John Franzen, the Public Affairs NCO for the 366th MPAD. His unit is redeploying in the near future. I want to take this opportunity to thank him and his staff for keeping SBN up-to-date on the activities of the soldiers comprising Task Force Freedom. Without his press releases, SBN would not be the news outlet of choice for the many soldiers, family, and friends who come here for news about Stryker Brigade Combat teams.

Thank you SGT Franzen for your service to SBN and our country.
safetypro

Local performance to air on TV channel for military

Nov-16-2005 » (0) Comments

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The Arizona Republic

Sweetwater Elementary School students' performance of patriotic music will be aired on the Defense Department's Pentagon Channel, which is seen in 177 countries.

On Thursday a Pentagon Channel crew filmed the hour-long program, which will be broadcast at more than 230 stateside military bases and on commercial cable and satellite providers nationwide including Peoria's Channel 11. In addition, the event can be seen via Webcast at www.pentagon channel.mil. [...]

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SGT Tyrone L. Chisholm

Nov-15-2005 » (11) Comments

The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SGT Tyrone L. Chisholm, 27, of Savannah, GA, died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 11, when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near his M1A2 Abrams Tank. SGT Chisholm was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.

Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind.

We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry. It will remain at the top of the page today. Please scroll down for more news.

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Secretary of State visits Mosul, Iraq

Nov-11-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (November 11, 2005) – Secretary of State Condelezza Rice visited Mosul, Iraq today to inaugurate the Nineveh Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) headquartered here. Secretary Rice was hosted by Task Force Freedom Commander Major General David Rodriguez and Embassy Deputy Regional Coordinator Clarence Hudson. During her visit she met with the Provincial Government leadership including the Governor, Deputy Governor, the chairman of the Provincial Council, and the chairman of the Provincial Reconstruction Development Team (PRDC). In her comments to the audience she applauded the efforts of the local government leaders and spoke of circumstances that once seemed impossible that now seem inevitable in terms of the growth and development of governments. She also addressed a group of Soldiers from Multi National Force – Northwest in a Veterans Day Celebration. The Secretary of State was accompanied by Ambassador Khalilzade.

Security forces seize weapons, capture terror suspects

Nov- 5-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

Iraqi Security Forces along with Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 46 suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches Oct. 31-Nov. 4.

Iraqi Army Soldiers detained 12 individuals suspected of terrorist activity in response to a shooting in a neighborhood in Tal Afar Nov. 2. Iraqi Police detained 11 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 4. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Division along with Multi-National Forces detained 11 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a series of raids in Mosul Nov. 1. Iraqi Police seized a cache of 57-millimeter rockets and 122-millimeter artillery rounds in Qayarrah Nov. 1. Iraqi Police detained three more individuals suspected of conducting terrorist activity in Jamessia Nov. 2. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 3rd Division detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in eastern Mosul Nov. 3. Iraqi Police along with Soldiers from 65th Military Police detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity in northern Mosul Nov. 4.

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Public compensation to Tal Afar citizens, very successful

Nov- 3-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (November 2, 2005) – In the aftermath of the recent surge to remove terrorists from the Al Sarai neighborhood in Tal Afar, the Iraqi government has compensated citizens for their sacrifice and assistance. Soldiers from 3rd Iraqi Army Division, under the direction of the Iraqi government, distributed 27,136 payments totaling 4,070,400,000 Iraqi dinars in three days to Tal Afar citizens. Security provided by Iraqi Security Forces allowed successful implementation of these payments. Remaining funds of 429,600,000 dinars are expected to be distributed today. Security Forces continue to improve safety throughout Tal Afar.

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Tal Afar citizens collect money from Iraqi government

Oct-31-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

By Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks
3d U.S. CAVALRY PAO

TAL AFAR, Iraq — City officials in Tal Afar began handing out more $4.5 billion Iraqi Dinar to the citizens of the city early Saturday morning.

The Iraqi Transitional Government allocated the money to provide every family (head of the household) 157,000 Dinar ($100) within Tal Afar, including displaced families, as compensation to mitigate past terrorist activity in the city.

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Shallow Grave unearthed, terrorists using women and children

Oct-31-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

WESTERN NINEWA, IRAQ – Acting on information from a citizen in Tall Afar, the Iraqi Police uncovered the bodies of 14 people buried in a shallow grave just east of the city Friday. Twelve of the corpses were bound and appear to have been shot in the head execution style while two others were decapitated.

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Over 1,200 enter the ranks of Iraqi Police

Oct-28-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (October 28, 2005) – In the first of its kind, 244 Iraqi Police (IP) recruits from the Tigris River Valley graduated from the Mosul Public Safety Academy Oct. 27. On Oct 26, an additional 453 IP’s returned to Mosul after graduating from the Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) and 199 IP recruits from Tal Afar and 305 new IP officers from Mosul departed for JIPTC the next day. These newly trained Iraqi Police were eager to begin fighting insurgency within Mosul.

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We make a difference in Iraq

Oct-24-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Editorial
By Maj. Bill Cowling
Special to The Star

MOSUL, Iraq — I am told by friends and family that they are often informed of the disappointments that we experience in Iraq. While these disappointments are real, I wanted to share with my fellow Missourians the many successes the Iraqi government and the coalition forces are experiencing in Mosul.

Thanks to the efforts of many top military and civilian professionals, Mosul’s provincial government is growing stronger each day. The reconstruction of Iraq is extremely hard work. However, because of the dedication of Iraqi officials with their coalition counterparts, and the resolve of our support network at home, we will see this government fully stand up. [...]

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Significant Strides Made in the Shadow of Operation Restoring Rights

Oct-22-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

By CW3 J.M. Hurtado 3d ACR

WESTERN NINEWA, IRAQ - The Third Armored Cavalry Regiment, partnered with the 3d Iraqi Army Division, captured five terrorists and nine smugglers in the past twenty-four hours. Two of these men are senior-level leaders responsible for planning and funding terrorism in the northern area of Iraq.

In the past 5 days, the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment and Third Iraqi Army Division soldiers have secured and destroyed more than ten-thousand pounds of explosives that terrorists intended for use against them and the Iraqi People.

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Iraqi Army BCT class graduates

Oct-19-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (October 19, 2005) – The Iraqi Army graduated 53 of its newest trainees from the Iraqi Army Basic Combat Team training (IA BCT) in Qayyarah Oct. 17.

The trainees participated in a four-week course preparing them to assume the counter-insurgency fight. Soldiers were provided instruction on 28 different subject areas, including physical training, drill and ceremony, guard duty, first aid, and basic rifle and marksmanship.

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U.S. Soldier Dies in Mosul ....

Oct-18-2005 » (8) Comments

Link to Full Article
News Article, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2005 – A Task Force Freedom soldier was killed by small-arms fire in Mosul, Iraq, early today, military officials reported.

No further information was available, and the soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. [...]

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.

S.M. soldier earns Silver Star

Oct-17-2005 » (1) Comments

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Lompoc Record

Sgt. 1st Class Gary Villalobos earned the Army's third highest award for valor in Iraq during a ceremony that spotlighted the Santa Marian's extreme efforts to prevent insurgents from capturing a fallen soldier's body.

Villalobos, assigned to Fox Troop, Second Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, was awarded the Silver Star Medal Thursday for his gallantry in combat while outnumbered by insurgents June 7 in Tal Afar, Iraq.

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Mosul is policing its own

Oct-17-2005 » (0) Comments

Link To Article
By Polli Keller

MOSUL,Iraq (Army News Service, Oct 17, 2005)–The Mosul city government and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or USACE, are working together to renovate eight Mosul police stations.

This $1.9 million dollar project began June 2005; completion is scheduled for this year’s end. Five of the eight scheduled renovations already are complete.

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Top Army honour for former Bishop’s pupil

Oct- 5-2005 » (0) Comments

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By Michael Byrne, The Rochdale Observer

A FORMER Bishop Henshaw School pupil has received one of the American Army’s top awards.

Staff Sergeant Donald Tucker has been awarded the Bronze Star for helping to save lives in Iraq during a 12 month tour of duty as a senior medic at American military bases near Mosul.

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McMaster at center of Iraq action

Sep-30-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By: George E. Beetham Jr.

During the Gulf War of 1991, then Capt. H.R. McMaster commanded Eagle Troop of the Second Squadron of the Second Armored Cavalry Division.

His troop led the armored advance into Iraq, driving in advance of the main armored divisions across miles of desert in a traditional cavalry scouting role.

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Maintenance Company Return Home to Hawaii

Sep-30-2005 » (0) Comments

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By U.S. Army Spc. Amanda Richardson, Defend America

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2005 — U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 536th Maintenance Company (Direct Support) arrived home recently after a year long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The troops were welcomed home by family members holding signs with various greetings, including "We've missed you! Welcome Home! I love you and we're proud of you!"

Thunderous applause filled the gymnasium as the soldiers marched inside for their redeployment ceremony. [...]

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Suicide Bomber attacks civilians

Sep-28-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 28, 2005) –Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces Soldiers responded to a suicide bomber attack in Tal Afar on the morning of September 28.

Iraqi citizens filing for compensation at a Civil Military Operations Center, were the target of the attack. Five civilians were killed and 30 wounded in the explosion. The wounded were evacuated to local civilian and military hospitals for treatment.

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US is logging gains against Al Qaeda in Iraq

Sep-28-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By Jill Carroll and Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor

BAGHDAD AND CAIRO – In a succession of intelligence breaks, the US says it has killed two key members of Al Qaeda in Iraq in recent days, including the organization's No. 2 man who is suspected of orchestrating a series of suicide bombings in Baghdad since April.

According to American military officials, the US has either made key arrests or developed informants who have led to a cascade of actionable intelligence over the past month. Since the middle of August, the US has reported killing or capturing at least 16 members of Al Qaeda in Iraq, led by the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

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After Tal Afar battle, a city comes to life

Sep-27-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 27, 2005) – Over a five day period more than 600 young men stood in line to volunteer for the Tal Afar police force. Two hundred twenty-four of those men were recruited and will attend police training. Within the next two months more than 800 Iraqi policemen will be on the Tal Afar police force operating out of six new or renovated police stations. This is an increase of more than 450 new policemen over the current force.

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Mason native sees progress in Iraq, despite violence

Sep-26-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By Nicole Geary, Lansing State Journal

It's a few minutes after 9 a.m. on a typical weekday in mid-Michigan.

There's an eight-hour difference and thousands of miles between Maj. Darren Klemens in Mosul, Iraq, and his hometown of Mason.

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Iraqi soldiers showing significant progress

Sep-23-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By Jonathan Finer, The Washington Post

TAL AFAR, Iraq — The Iraqi soldiers had already searched the house, according to a sticker plastered across its gate.

But when their commanding general and a U.S. colonel arrived one afternoon last week to praise their performance and observe them in action, the troops wanted to give a demonstration. With theatrical intensity, they charged the two-story structure on the nearly deserted block, rifles at the ready, while other soldiers and two reporters watched.

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Food and security delivered in Tal Afar

Sep-22-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 22, 2005) – As part of the ongoing Operation Restoring Rights citizens of Tal Afar received further aid from the Iraqi government with the arrival of more essential food items there Sep. 21.

Over 250,000 pounds of food was delivered to Tal Afar by Iraqi workers as the second instillation of over $10 million of immediate reconstruction projects and aid to begin the rebuilding process there.

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Mosul Operations

Sep-21-2005 » (1) Comments

The Belmont Club and Bill Roggio both have an in depth analysis of recent operations in Iraq, including those in Tal Afar and Mosul.

Focus to return to restoration in Tal Afar

Sep-20-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 20, 2005) – Governor Duraid Kashmula, governor of Nineveh province announced yesterday that operations in Tal Afar, aimed at restoring the rights of citizens and removing terrorists have been highly successful. As a result of those success the government, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are turning their focus toward reconstruction and rebuilding.

Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar has resulted in at least 151 terrorists killed, 683 terrorists captured, 64 weapons caches seized, and 33 improvised explosive devices found since August 26th.

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U.S.: 2 al-Qaida Leaders Captured in Mosul

Sep-17-2005 » (1) Comments

Link to Full Article

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Coalition forces have arrested two alleged leaders of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group, the U.S. military said Saturday.

The two men were identified as Taha Ibrahim Yasin Becher, whose alias was Abu Fatima, and Hamed Saeed Ismael Mustafa, also known as Abu Shahed. The statement said the two men, who were holding a meeting at the time of their capture, headed al-Qaida's organization in Iraq's third-largest city. ...

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Combat operations in north lead to capture of terrorists and weapons

Sep-17-2005 » (1) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 16, 2005) – Iraqi Security forces and Multi-National forces from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained seven suspected terrorists, killed two terrorists, and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.

As a part of Operation Restoring Rights Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division Iraqi Army and Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment killed two terrorists following an attack on their patrol in Tal Afar. In other operations there, Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized three weapons caches during search operations. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.

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Reconstruction underway in Tal Afar after offensive

Sep-16-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
by Lance Cpl. Bernadette L. Ainsworth
Army News Service

Scores of insurgents were reportedly killed, detained or fled from the town of Tal Afar Sept. 11 as Coalition forces launched an offensive into the city, located about 30 miles west of Mosul in northern Iraq.

Now reconstruction and re-establishment of infrastructure in the city has been turned over to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's 401st Civil Affairs Battalion.

The civil affairs Soldiers have already been working on short-term projects in Tal Afar, including school refurbishments, supplying food, road repair, fixing electrical problems, digging wells for drinking water and starting a local newspaper.

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Overview of Operation Restoring Rights

Sep-14-2005 » (0) Comments

Colonel H. R. McMaster, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Tal Afar, briefs the Pentagon press corps from Iraq on recent operations there.

Link to Full Transcript

COL. MCMASTER: Great. Okay, I'll begin by talking about the purpose of the operation and then describe the enemy that we're facing here, and then summarize the effects I think we've had on the enemy over the past couple of weeks.

First of all, the purpose of this operation is the secure the population of Tall Afar from the terrorists who have infiltrated this city and set up a safe haven support base here in Tall Afar. The whole purpose of the operation is to secure the population so that we can lift the enemy's campaign of intimidation and population -- intimidation and coercion over the population and allow economic and political development to proceed here and to return, really, to normal life.

Operations in Tal Afar net capture of 78 terror suspects

Sep-13-2005 » (0) Comments

(TF Press Release)

UPDATE: Additional information at the bottom.

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 13, 2005) – As a part of the ongoing Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar Multi-National forces from Task Force Freedom detained 78 suspected terrorists during operations there Monday.

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Tal Afar Offensive

Sep-11-2005 » (0) Comments

The following articles/summaries describe in depth the recent operations in Tal Afar, which lies west of Mosul. Although (to my knowledge) no Stryker Brigade units are currently operating there, they have in the past. Additionally, the coalition troops operating there are part of Task Force Freedom, which the Stryker Brigade is part of as well.

Tal Afar drive targets insurgents

Sep-10-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. and Iraqi soldiers have been going from house to house in the restive northern city of Tal Afar to ferret out militants in an operation that will continue until it is "freed from insurgents," military officials said.

U.S. and Iraqi forces, traveling in Humvees and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, on Saturday swept through one-third of the city, where U.S. and Iraqi forces have been sparring with militants in recent weeks.

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Security forces kill and capture more terrorists

Sep- 9-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 9, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed 11 terrorists and detained 13 suspected terrorists Thursday and today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division along with MNF Soldiers detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire in Ganus Thursday.

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SPC Jeffrey A. Williams

Sep- 9-2005 » (10) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SPC Jeffrey A. Williams, 20, of Warrenville, Ill., died on Sept. 5,
2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat patrol. SPC Williams was assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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Local soldier has "amazing day" in Iraq

Sep- 9-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article

In the middle of a major Coalition and Iraqi Army action against anti-Iraqi insurgents in northwestern Iraq, Lt. Col. Cecil Nance of the North Carolina National Guard intervened to see a grandmother, mother and newborn baby to safety.

Midmorning on this particular early June day, soldiers reported "civilians on the battlefield," and described two adult females carrying a "package." Because this region was already a hotbed of insurgent activity and reports of suicide bombers (even using women) were on the rise, extreme caution was advised. When Nance arrived on the scene, he discovered the "package" to be a newborn baby.

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Tal Afar citizens stand up against terrorism

Sep- 7-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

TAL AFAR, IRAQ (September 7, 2005) – Citizens of Tal Afar held a peaceful demonstration Monday to show their courage as they denounced terrorism and voiced support for Iraqi Security Forces backed by Coalition Forces. Government officials also voiced their opposition to the negative affects the terrorists are having on peace and security in the area.

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More finds aimed at improving security in northern Iraq

Sep- 4-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 4, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 22 suspected terrorists and seized improvised explosive making material Saturday and today.

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U.S.-Led Assault in N. Iraq Town Meets Little Insurgent Resistance

Sep- 4-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By Jonathan Finer, Washington Post

TALL AFAR, Iraq, Sept. 3 -- After spending the night in abandoned homes, the more than 5,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops who had swept into the northern city of Tall Afar awoke Saturday morning to broadcasts from mosques calling residents to fight the invasion.

But the troops met little resistance as they continued raiding houses Saturday to gather information about the insurgents who have controlled large parts of the city for nearly a year.

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Security forces continue to take charge against terror

Sep- 2-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 2, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 32 more suspected terrorists Thursday and today.

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2LT Charles R. Rubado

Sep- 1-2005 » (10) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2LT Charles R. Rubado, 23, of Clearwater, Fla., died on Aug. 29, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his M1A2 Abrams tank came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. 2LT Rubado was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.

Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind.

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CWO Dennis P. Hay

Sep- 1-2005 » (9) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chief Warrant Officer Dennis P. Hay, 32, of Valdosta, Ga., died on Aug. 29, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where his OH-58D Kiowa helicopter came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. CWO Hay was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and comrades.

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ISF and MNF continue their streak to halt terrorism

Sep- 1-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 1, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists and detained five more terrorists Wednesday and today.

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SPC Joseph L. Martinez

Aug-31-2005 » (12) Comments

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SPC Joseph L. Martinez, 21, of Las Vegas, Nev., died on Aug. 27, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where his dismounted patrol was engaged by enemy forces using small arms fire. SPC Martinez was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.


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Wounded soldier returns to Hammond

Aug-29-2005 » (2) Comments

The 113th Engineers support the 1/25 SBCT

Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune

HAMMOND — The front steps of his parents’ home are quieter and cooler than the back seat of a humvee in Mosul in July.

Spc. David Edwards, 22, of Hammond, is legally blind since a roadside motor detonated less than 5 feet from his humvee while he traveled through the often angry Palestine neighborhood of western Mosul.

“I just saw a flash and heard a boom. I was kind of out of it, but I was conscious,” Edwards said.

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Convoy delivers through dust, heat, mines

Aug-27-2005 » (0) Comments

Soldiers Supporting the 1/25 SBCT

Link to Full Article

By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes

RAWAH, Iraq — The temporary home of the 535th Engineer Company (Combat Support Equipment) is a dry, dusty place called Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul.

But the company’s 3rd Platoon “High Rollers,” along with soldiers from Company A, 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), have come to see Marez as an oasis after driving four tactical convoys through a desert where the dust surely must be on steroids.

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Task Force Ripper teams foil insurgents ...

Aug-26-2005 » (0) Comments

Task Force Ripper teams foil insurgents by filling Mosul's potholes

Link to Full Article
By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes

MOSUL, Iraq — With a name like Task Force Ripper, the mission would seem to be some sort of bloody, covert operation that strikes fear into the hearts of enemy forces in Iraq.

The Germany-based 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) mission — named for rapid pothole repair, or RPR — does take place under the cover of night, but the purpose is to save lives, not take them.

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PFC Elden D. Arcand

Aug-24-2005 » (10) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PFC Elden D. Arcand, 22, of White Bear Lake, MN died on August 21, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, where his M915A1 tractor pulling a 7,500-gallon tanker accidentally rolled over. PFC Arcand was assigned to the Army's 360th Transportation Company, 68th Corps Support Battalion, 43rd Area Support Group, Fort Carson, CO.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.

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SSG Brian L. Morris

Aug-24-2005 » (10) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SSG Brian L. Morris, 38, of Centreville, Mich. died on August 21, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, where his M915A1 tractor pulling a 7,500-gallon tanker accidentally rolled over. SSG Morris was assigned to the Army's 360th Transportation Company, 68th Corps Support Battalion, 43rd Area Support Group, Fort Carson, CO.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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94th Engineers expand mission

Aug-21-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes

MOSUL, Iraq — With the ability to construct buildings and excavate land, the 94th Engineer Battalion seemed like the ideal choice for the mission at hand — to improve forward operating bases in northwest Iraq.

But by the time the unit arrived, the mission had changed.

Instead of making life better for soldiers on the bases, the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) has spent its first seven months in Iraq doing much of its work outside the wire.

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The 113th halfway home

Aug-14-2005 » (0) Comments

The following article profiles a soldier home on leave from Mosul, and also contains a good description of conditions there.

Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer

Even in his desert tan uniform, with pant legs secured in his tight-laced suede boots, there was no adoring crowd to surround Sgt. Major Larry Smith. No one much noticed him. h The Munster soldier was on leave from Mosul, Iraq, where the Indiana National Guard’s 113th Engineer Battalion, based in Gary, has been stationed since late December. He was in Highland this night to address the National Night Out anti-crime awareness event. Smith stood next to a stock car display, waiting for his place in the program. A blond-haired boy, who looked about 10, walked by him and squeezed halfway into the driver’s side window. A few seconds later, he asked Smith if he could sit in the car.

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U.S. ACHIEVES SUCCESS WITH IRAQI BATTALION

Aug-13-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
Middle East Newsline

BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The U.S. military has achieved major success in developing and training an Iraq Army battalion.

U.S. officials said the success in the training and deployment of the 1st Battalion of the 1st Brigade was demonstrated in operations in the Mosul area. The reconstituted battalion, part of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, has operated its own personnel, intelligence and logistics sections.

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U.S. military finds chemical site in Iraq

Aug-13-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
CNN

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Coalition forces have found more than 1,500 gallons of various chemicals in what officials believe is an insurgent chemical production facility and storage sites, the U.S. military said Saturday.

Task Force Freedom, which is based in the northern city of Mosul, conducted raids Tuesday using information obtained in detainee interrogations, according to a military news release.

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ISF and MNF continue to degrade terror cells in northern Iraq

Aug- 6-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 6, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 34 suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Friday.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained 25 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation south of Qayyarah. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported

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MNF operations continue to stifle terrorist activity

Aug- 4-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 4, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 28 suspected terrorists and killed five terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Wednesday.

Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment killed five terrorists in support of Iraqi Police who were being attacked in Tal Afar Wednesday. No MNF injuries were reported during the attack.

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Security Forces continue high level of activity in fighting terror

Aug- 3-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 3, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 30 suspected terrorists, killed one terrorist, and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today and Tuesday.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Division detained 11 individuals suspected of terrorist activity at checkpoints near Tal Afar today. Iraqi Police detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity following an attack on a police station in western Mosul Tuesday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.

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No let up by Security Forces in fighting terror in northern Iraq

Aug- 2-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 2, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 19 suspected terrorists and killed one terrorist during operations in northern Iraq today and Monday.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division detained 12 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul today. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul today. Iraqi Commandoes from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in central Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.

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Suicide bomber kills 20, injures another 25

Jul-29-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Twenty Iraqi civilians were killed and another 25 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated outside an Iraqi Police station in Rabiya, near the Syrian border today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The attack site is still under investigation.

UPDATE:

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – After preliminary investigations it was found that 10 Iraqi civilian were killed, another 20 were injured, and one Iraqi Army Soldier injured in the suicide bomb attack that took place in Rabiya, a town west of Tal Afar near the Syrian border, today. Initial reports had indicated a higher number of deaths and injuries. The attack and the site will continue to be investigated.

Doctors with orders — for Iraq

Jul-26-2005 » (0) Comments

The following article highlights the activities of Army medical staff stationed in Mosul.

Link to Full Article
By Michael Moran, MSNBC

It was 3 a.m. when Dr. Tamarin McCartin’s pager went off. Three severely injured children, the survivors of an Iraqi family ripped apart by mortar fire the prior evening, had been driven around the dangerous, post-curfew Iraqi night by their teen-aged brother for more than seven hours in search of urgent medical help. Eventually, having been turned away from several facilities and the Syrian border, the boy convinced an American unit to break Army regulations and arrange helicopter transport to the U.S. Army’s 228th Combat Support Hospital in Mosul for his dying siblings.

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Residents fleeing Tal Afar

Jul-21-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
From Jane Arraf, CNN

MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- As U.S. soldiers construct a wall around the troubled city of Tal Afar to keep out fighters and weapons, residents are fleeing in fear of an imminent military attack by American and Iraqi forces against insurgents still in the city, according to a senior military commander.

"It's not a mass exodus right now, but people have moved out of the city along kinship lines," Col. H.R. McMaster, commander of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry, which is responsible for security in Tal Afar, told CNN.

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Security Forces detain eight in northern Iraq

Jul-17-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eight suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals after being attacked with small arms fire in northern Mosul. The individuals were believed to have initiated the attack.

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Six Iraqi Police dead in suicide bombing

Jul-16-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Six Iraqi Police were killed and another 10 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated at a police station in Hammam Al Alil, south of Mosul today. The injured policemen were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Terrorist attacks continue to target citizens of Iraq, Iraqi Police, and other Iraqi Security Forces working to improve the safety and security of the country.

Two Task Force Freedom Press Releases

Jul-14-2005 » (0) Comments

- Terrorist attacks kill one civilian, injure another

- One civilian killed after speeding towards Security Force patrol

Click below to read the entire text.

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PFC Eric P. Woods

Jul-13-2005 » (17) Comments

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PFC Eric P. Woods, 26, of Omaha, Neb., died on July 9 in Tal Afar,
Iraq. His HMMWV struck an improvised explosive device that caused the vehicle to overturn. PFC Woods was in the area to evacuate another soldier who had been wounded. PFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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SPC Hoby F. Bradfield Jr.

Jul-13-2005 » (19) Comments

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SPC Hoby F. Bradfield Jr., 22, of The Woodlands, Texas, died July 9 in Tal Afar, Iraq while he was conducting a dismounted cordon search. SPC Bradfield was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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The Freedom Post

Jul-13-2005 » (0) Comments

Task Force Freedom has published a new Freedom Post, with a number of stories regarding recent activities in northern Iraq. There are also quite a few video additions to browse.

Iraqi Police hold their ground against terrorists

Jul-12-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Police and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained three suspected terrorists and killed four terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.

Iraqi Police alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals who policemen had seen emplacing an improvised explosive device earlier in the day in western Mosul. While en route back to their station, the Iraqi Police were attacked by terrorists. The ensuing battle left four terrorists and one policeman dead, and another policeman injured. The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.

ISF working alongside MNF to stop terrorists

Jul-12-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed five terrorists, injured another, and detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Monday.

Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment engaged and killed five armed terrorists and injured another while patrolling in Tal Afar. The injured terrorist will be detained following treatment.

Iraqi Police detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two cordon and search operations in Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling northwest of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.

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Terrorist attack targets Iraqi civilians, killing one

Jul-12-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – One Iraqi civilian was killed and another nine were injured in a terrorist attack in Tal Afar today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Local citizens reported an individual placed an object in the trunk of a vehicle and fled the area shortly before the explosion. The type of explosive is under investigation.

Terrorist attacks have continually targeted innocent civilians killing 15 and injuring 64 in the over the past two weeks in northern Iraq.

Terrorists continue to target peace keepers

Jul-10-2005 » (1) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 10, 2005) – Five Iraqi Police were killed and another three were injured when a suicide car bomb detonated near their patrol southeast of Mosul today. The injured policemen were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The attack site is still under investigation.

Terrorist attacks continue to target Iraqi Police, other Iraqi Security Forces, and citizens of Iraq working to improve the state of the country.

TFF Press Releases

Jul- 9-2005 » (0) Comments

Provided below are two press releases from Task Force Freedom.

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Two more innocent civilians killed during second terrorist attack of the day

Jul- 7-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 7, 2005) – Two Iraqi civilians were killed and another seven injured when terrorists fired mortar rounds into a neighborhood in western Mosul today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The scene of the attack is still under investigation.

Two attacks in Mosul today have killed six civilians and injured 24. Terrorist attacks continue to target and disregard innocent bystanders killing 14 and injuring 51 Iraqi civilians in the past 10 days.

Four innocent civilians killed during terrorist attack

Jul- 7-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 7, 2005) – Four Iraqi civilians were killed and another 17 injured when terrorists fired mortar rounds at an Iraqi Police Station in western Mosul today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The scene of the attack is still under investigation.

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SSG Jeremy A. Brown

Jul- 6-2005 » (17) Comments

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SSG Jeremy A. Brown, 26, of Mabscott, W.Va., died July 3 in Mosul Iraq, from injuries sustained earlier that day in Tal Afar, Iraq, where the HMMWV in which he was riding accidentally rolled over. Brown was assigned to the Army's 66th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.

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DoD Special Briefing on Security Operations in NW Iraq

Jul- 1-2005 » (1) Comments

Major General David Rodriguez, Commander of Task Force Freedom, conducted a lengthy bress briefing this morning.

Link To Full Transcript

Excerpt:

GEN. RODRIGUEZ: Well, I appreciate the opportunity to provide an update on the combined efforts of the Iraqi and coalition operations in the Multinational Force Northwest Area of Operations.

Some of you have been here and seen firsthand the great courage of the Iraqi people and the heroic efforts of the soldiers in the 1st 25th Stryker Brigade, the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, and the 11th Armored Calvary Regimental Headquarters. It is an honor for me to represent all of them to you today.

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Citizens helping Security Forces secure northern Iraq

Jul- 1-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (July 1, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 26 suspected terrorists, seized a weapons cache, and defused an improvised explosive device with the help of an Iraqi citizen during operations in northern Iraq today.

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Security Forces continue to thwart terror in northern Iraq

Jun-27-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 27, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist, injured two terrorists, detained 11 suspected terrorists, and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today and Sunday.

Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment were attacked by terrorists with small arms fire while patrolling in Tal Afar today. They returned fire killing one terrorist and injuring another two. The injured terrorists will be detained following treatment.

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Six killed by suicide bomb blast in Mosul

Jun-26-2005 » (0) Comments

There are no reports of injuries to US soldiers in this attack in Mosul.

Link to Full Article
By FRANK GRIFFITHS, Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A suicide bomber who hid explosives beneath watermelons in a pickup truck slammed into a police headquarters in northern Iraq on Sunday, killing six people and wounding eight others, police and hospital officials said.

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The Freedom Post

Jun-25-2005 » (0) Comments

The TFF public affairs team has published its June edition of The Freedom Post (PDF file), which includes a variety of articles. It has also posted a number of video stories online as part of The Stallion Report.

PFC Christopher R. Kilpatrick

Jun-22-2005 » (25) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PFC Christopher R. Kilpatrick, 18, of Columbus, Texas, died June 20 in Tal Afar, Iraq, during convoy operations when enemy forces attacked his HMMWV with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. PFC Kilpatrick was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Brigade, Fort Polk, LA.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and comrades PFC Kilpatrick leaves behind.

Please scroll down for more of today's news.

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Suicide bomber kills three, injures nine

Jun-22-2005 » (1) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 22, 2005) – Three Iraqi civilians were killed and another nine were injured when a suicide bomber detonated near a Multi-National Force convoy in western Mosul today. The civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Security Forces continue to investigate the scene of the attack.

Terrorists continue to disregard the health and safety of Iraqi citizens. A number of terrorist attacks over the past six days have killed five and injured another 36 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks have either directly targeted or disregarded civilian lives.

Four Iraqi civilians injured in terrorist attack

Jun-20-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 20, 2005) – Four Iraqi civilians were injured during a terrorist mortar attack in Tal Afar Sunday. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A number of terrorist attacks over the past four days have killed two and another injured 24 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks either directly targeted or disregarded civilian lives.

For GI's, Iraqi city emerges as test case

Jun-16-2005 » (0) Comments

By Richard A. Oppel Jr. The New York Times
Link to Full Article

TAL AFAR, Iraq Nine months ago the U.S. military laid siege to this city in northwestern Iraq and proclaimed it freed from the grip of insurgents. Last month, the Americans returned in force to reclaim it once again.

After the battle here in September, the military left behind fewer than 500 troops to patrol a huge region. With so few soldiers and the local police force in shambles, insurgents came back and turned Tal Afar, a dusty, agrarian city of about 200,000 people, into a way station for the trafficking of weapons and fighters from nearby Syria and a ghost town of terrorized residents afraid to open their stores, walk the streets or send their children to school.
[...]

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Suicide bomber injures a number of civilians

Jun-16-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – Seven innocent Iraqi civilians were injured when a suicide car bomber detonated near an Iraqi Army convoy in southern Mosul today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

In the past two weeks terrorist attacks in northern Iraq have killed over 20 and injured over 30 Iraqi civilians. Terrorists have either directly targeted or disregarded innocent civilians during their attacks.

Iraqi Police seize large weapons cache

Jun-16-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – Iraqi Police seized a large weapons cache during a search operation south of Mosul today. The cache included 120 mm rockets, over 600 mines, thousands of fuses and blasting caps, and over 600 various type rounds of large ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.

Concerned Iraqi citizens continue to provide valuable information leading to the detention of terrorists. Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.

Iraqi civil servants assassinated

Jun-16-2005 » (0) Comments

TFF Press Release

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – An Iraqi judge and his driver were assassinated today in central Mosul.

Witnesses reported terrorists in a white pick-up truck approached a Mosul misdemeanor court judge, Salim Mahmood Ali and his driver and shot into their vehicle. Both men were wounded by gunfire and were taken to a local hospital, where they died of their wounds.

Acts such as these demonstrate the terrorist’s unwillingness to allow Iraqi citizens to live in peace and choose their own destiny.

Terrorist attack in Tal Afar kills and injures a number of civilians

Jun-15-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 15, 2005) – At least three innocent Iraqis were killed and another 11 were injured during a mortar attack conducted by terrorists in Tal Afar today. The scene of the attack is still under investigation. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

In the past two weeks terrorist attacks in northern Iraq have killed over 20 and injured over 30 Iraqi civilians. Terrorists have either directly targeted or disregarded innocent civilians during their attacks.

Iraqi Police rescue two citizens

Jun-15-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 15, 2005) – Iraqi Police successfully rescued two hostages in eastern Mosul Tuesday. During a cordon and search of the house Iraqi Police rescued the hostages and also detained three individuals suspected of kidnapping the two civilians. The suspects are in custody with no reported injuries.

Iraqi Security Forces have successfully conducted two rescue operations in the last week, saving three Iraqi civilians. Information provided by citizens continues to play a critical role in the rescue of hostages.

Soldiers in Mosul detain insurgents, rescue hostage, find caches

Jun-14-2005 » (0) Comments

Link to Full Article
Army News Service

MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, June 13, 2005) -- Coalition forces detained 36 suspected terrorists in Mosul, Iraq this past week, rescued a hostage and found seven weapons caches.

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Innocent child victim to terrorist attack

Jun-14-2005 » (0) Comments

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (June 14, 2005) – Two innocent Iraqi civilians were killed, including a child, and another three were injured during terrorist attacks in northern Iraq Monday.

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LTC Terrence K. Crowe

Jun-10-2005 » (13) Comments

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe, 44, of New York, N.Y., died June 7 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Crowe was assigned to the Army Reserve's 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division, Lodi, N.J.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of LTC Crowe. We will add any articles we find to this entry.

Continu