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MAJ South's unit served as part of Task Force Freedom alongside the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
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. [...]
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.
Link to Full Article
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.
Sminklemeyer has posted an email he received from an officer in Mosul regarding election activity yesterday. Good read.
Welcome home to the 113th ENG (Indiana National Guard), which spent the past year in Mosul operating as part of Task Force Freedom.
Link to Full Article
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.
Link to Full Article
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
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. [...]
(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.
(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.
Link to Full Article
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
The Belmont Club and Bill Roggio both have an in depth analysis of recent operations in Iraq, including those in Tal Afar and Mosul.
(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.
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. ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provided below are two press releases from Task Force Freedom.
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.
Major General David Rodriguez, Commander of Task Force Freedom, conducted a lengthy bress briefing this morning.
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.
(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.
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.
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.[...]
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Task Force Freedom public affairs website has added quite a bit of content recently. Browse the Shout Outs, Stories, and Stallion Report sections for new video and print stories.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SFC Randy D. Collins, 36, of Long Beach, CA, died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries sustained in Mosul, Iraq, May 4 during a mortar attack. Collins was assigned to the Army's 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers Collins leaves behind. This entry will remain at the top of the page today; please scroll down for recent news.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (May 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 32 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today.
Troops from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force, 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Commando, and 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade Iraqi Army detained 30 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (May 23, 2005) – Two kidnapped Iraqi citizens were rescued thanks to another citizen who led Multi-National Force Soldiers to the house where they were being held captive in northern Iraq today.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SGT Jacob M. Simpson, 24, of Ashland, Oregon died May 16, in Tal Afar, Iraq, when a rocket propelled grenade struck the building he was securing. Simpson was assigned to the Army's 2d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment from Fort Carson, CO, which is operating alongside elements of the Stryker Brigade in Tal Afar.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind. We will include any additional articles we find below.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (May 19, 2005) – An attempted terrorist attack failed when two car bombs detonated prematurely in northern Iraq today.
Two terrorists were killed when their two car bombs exploded prematurely in a northern Mosul neighborhood. Iraqi Police investigated the scene seizing four RPG rounds, one RPG launcher, five grenades, one grenade launcher, and small arms ammunition recovered from the second car bomb. No Iraqi civilians or ISF injuries were reported.
Provided below are descriptions of, and links to, the latest videos from Mosul, courtesy of the DVIDS website. Included are the Stryker vehicle testimonials that people have been asking for, as well as an interview with author/photographer Michael Yon who took the unforgettable Little Girl photo.
SPC Nick Beintema was wounded in the attack that killed four soldiers in Tal Afar.
Link to Full Article
By Ross Farrow, News-Sentinel
Shortly before leaving for his second tour in Iraq, Army Specialist Nick Beintema told his parents, "I have a real bad feeling this time."
His worst fears, and those of his parents, were prophetic.
Beintema, 22, was almost killed and faces up to four months in the hospital after being wounded last Tuesday in a reconnaissance mission in northern Iraq, less than a month before he was due to be discharged.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 28 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Stryker military vehicle.
Among those killed was SPC Ricky W. Rockholt Jr., 28, of Winston, Ore. Rockholt was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 28 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Stryker military vehicle.
Included was PFC Robert W. Murray Jr., 21, of Westfield, Ind. Murray was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
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.
PFC Mendoza is another Task Force Freedom soldier that could use our suport and encouragement as he recovers at Walter Reed.
Link to Full Article
By STEVE MURPHY, BLADE STAFF WRITER
FOSTORIA - Army Pfc. Jay L. Mendoza lost his gallbladder, adrenal glands, and part of his intestines after being struck by a mortar round in Iraq.
But the 19-year-old Fostoria resident's family is relieved that his injuries from the attack weren't worse.
The 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment has posted a number of videos from Mosul on the DVIDS site (approx. 60 so far). Rather than post individual links we thought it would be easier to send you to their site, where you can browse the entire list.
A VA-based Army reserve unit is preparing to depart for a year in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By ROB DAVIS, The Free Lance-Star
A Culpeper-based Army Reserve unit is deploying to Iraq to help train Iraqi army recruits.
Seventy to 75 soldiers in the 3rd Battalion of the 317th Regiment got their orders Friday. They will spend a year in Mosul, Iraq, about 250 miles northwest of Baghdad.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq -- The two dozen Iraqi soldiers marched in formation into downtown Mosul, streets emptying in their path. The men trained their rifles on potential bomb threats: a donkey-drawn vegetable cart, a blue Opel sedan, a man with a bulge beneath his tattered gray coat.
Less than a month ago, U.S. forces patrolled these dangerous streets. But on this humid morning there were only the Iraqis and a lone U.S. adviser, Marine Staff Sgt. Lafayette Waters, 32, of Kinston, N.C., who blended unobtrusively into the patrol.
The March 21, 2005 edition of The Freedom Post is available online.
You can also find older editions of the newletter on the archives page along with a variety of video clips.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (April 4, 2005) – One Task Force Freedom Soldier was killed, and another was injured by insurgent small arms fire in Tal Afar Saturday.
The injured Soldier was taken to a combat hospital for treatment.
The name of the Soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Soldiers of Task Force Freedom send their condolences to the family of the deceased.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (April 3, 2005) – One Iraqi citizen was killed and two were injured when insurgents attacked their vehicle in northern Iraq today.
The vehicle was traveling in western Mosul when insurgents approached shooting out the back window and throwing a hand grenade inside. The injured citizens were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
First Sgt. Earl Deal Jr. said he may win the prize for being the oldest American soldier in Iraq.
Deal may not be far off the mark. He turned 59 on Feb. 6. If the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion were to have its tour extended for the full 18 months allowed by law, Deal could be forced into mandatory retirement, at 60, while his unit is in Mosul, Iraq.
He isn’t the only older soldier with the unit that has bases in Gary, LaPorte and Valparaiso. More than a dozen soldiers with the 113th Engineers are older than 50, including most of the senior sergeants. [...]
The Freedom Post, the official newsletter of Task Force Freedom, is available online. You can also visit their homepage and search for other content as well.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 9, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces detained 81 individuals suspected of insurgent activity during operations in Iraq today.
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) along with Multi-National Forces (MNF) detained 58 individuals suspected of terrorist activities in Hamam Al Alil and also detained 20 more individuals suspected of terrorist activities in Salamiyah. ISF and MNF detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activities during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
The Army National Guard unit profiled below spent time in Mosul attached to Task Force Freedom.
Link to Full Article
By DENNIS ANDERSON/Antelope Valley Press
CAMP ROBERTS — The best part of surviving hot combat in Iraq for Bravo Co. tankers was getting sent home to California instead of being parked at Ft. Lewis in Washington state.
"That's my best experience, that we got to come home, got to come home to California, because California is home," Sgt. Patrick Hux of Palmdale said Saturday. [...]
Link to Full Article
By JACK LEWIS, GUEST COLUMNIST
NORTHERN IRAQ -- He's young enough to be my son. Annoying enough, too.
When I beat on his hooch door this morning to get him up for a mission, he was his typical floppy-jointed, addle-headed, eye-rolling self. It was pouring down rain, I was standing out in it wearing PT shorts and a raincoat, and I had no patience: "Get up, time to move. You're going down with Apache."
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 4, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces detained 42 individuals suspected of insurgent activity and confiscated weapons in northern Iraq yesterday.
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Multi-National Forces (MNF) conducted multiple cordon and searches resulting in the detainment of 42 individuals suspected of terrorist activities in Biaj. ISF and MNF also confiscated 75 AK-47s, one rocket propelled grenade, two shotguns, three bolt action rifles, four pistols, one hand grenade and over 350 rounds of various ammunition. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 2, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces discovered two weapons and munitions caches during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Troops from the 107th Iraqi Army discovered a large weapons cache during a cordon and search operation south of Al Had. The cache included 170 mortar rounds, hundreds of rocket propelled grenade rounds, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 2, 2005) – Multi-National Forces detained one suspected insurgent, killed two and injured another insurgent during operations in northern Iraq today.
Multi-National Force Soldiers killed two insurgents and injured another during an ambush in northern Mosul. The insurgents had previously conducted rocket propelled grenade attacks against Security Forces. No MNF injuries were reported during the operation.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 20, 2005) – Multi-National Forces discovered four large weapons caches in northern Iraq today.
Multi-National Force Soldiers discovered three large weapons caches during cordon and search operations in southern Mosul. The caches included numerous artillery rounds and mortar rounds, rifles, explosive charges, rocket propelled grenade launchers, rockets, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.
Link to Full Article
By SGT. KEVIN SCOTT/Special to the Daily Press
MOSUL, IRAQ — With the elections approaching and hostilities rising, the word came down: Get ready to move into the hotbed of Mosul and provide security for the January elections.
Before their month-long assignment was complete, High Desert soldiers had helped secure free elections. Company B, 1st Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment from Apple Valley was involved in more enemy contact than during its previous combined 10 months at Logistics Support Area Anaconda.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
Two booms sounded in the distance, before a third explosion was close enough to shake the metal compartment where I slept in Mosul.
Entrenched in the rainy season, Mosul is a dreary, dangerous place.
Link to Full Article
T.A. BADGER, Associated Press
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Christina Favila hadn't been face to face with her husband since Christmas, when his Army Reserve unit shipped out to Iraq for a year, so she wanted to look her best.
Link to Full Article
By Mike Dorning, Tribune correspondent
MOSUL, Iraq -- Capt. Charles Greene is out of the fight, at least for a while. But the future of America's involvement in Iraq rests largely with men like him.
A blunt-talking former Army Ranger instructor whose drawled sentences are peppered with a soldier's obscenities, Greene led American advisers assisting a battalion of the Iraqi Intervention Force, an elite unit meant to be a strike force against insurgents.
The following article outlines recent troop rotations, and mentions the transfer of command in the north from Task Force Olympia to Task Force Freedom.
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, AFIS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2005 – With the Army's 18th Airborne Corps taking over as the Multinational Corps Iraq headquarters, the 2004-2006 rotation of troops is well under way.
Troops have been flowing into and out of Iraq since October as part of the rotation. When finished, there will be about 138,000 American servicemembers in Iraq.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – In yet another unprovoked attack, insurgents killed and injured Iraqi citizens. Near Tal Afar today an improvised explosive device claimed two innocent lives and injured three others. Insurgents continue to disregard the safety of their fellow citizens during their attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces. Attacks by insurgents have killed five Iraqi civilians in the last two days in northern Iraq.
UPDATE: Photos added below.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Coalition troops in northern Iraq today. Rumsfeld visited with troops, gave out awards, and visited local Iraqi leaders while in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait -- Waiting on the tarmac for a C-130, I had one last reminder of the danger I was leaving behind in Mosul.
On my first trip to Iraq, I came up with a rule of thumb that it takes at least three tries to get out of anywhere, especially hot spots like Baghdad and now Mosul.
Family members have confirmed that SSG Zachary Ryan Wobler was the soldier killed in Mosul on Sunday, February 6 (see below). SSG Wobler was assigned to the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
An interesting article that follows a soldier injured in Mosul through his journey to Germany.
Link to Full Article
By JEFFREY KOFMAN
BALAD, Iraq, Feb. 8, 2005 — Army National Guard Sgt. Chris Chilles lies on a gurney, wincing in pain. His voice is weak, his words sometimes slurred.
"I was on patrol," he says, "and my truck was hit by an IED [a roadside bomb], and shrapnel came through my back. A couple of pieces were lodged in. Some tore through my abdomen."
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
TALL AFAR, Iraq — Roadside bombs around Tall Afar are stalked by what looks like a small payloader with oversized wheels.
The Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion inherited the Meerkat from the Virginia National Guard unit that had been working at the remote outpost Sykes.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune
TALL AFAR, Iraq -- Local Indiana National Guard troops stationed at the remote outpost at Tall Afar, spent most of this week recovering from the elections.
Troops with the 113th Engineer Battalion had many of the same duties as their counterparts in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Rayanne Schmid, The Daily Times
Becky and Kelly Crunk gladly accepted the news Wednesday that their son, Spc. Ryan Lamarr Crunk’s condition had been upgraded from serious to just injured.
Ryan, 22, who is with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, sustained injuries to his right leg, hand and forearm in a Sunday grenade blast in Mosul, Iraq. He was transferred to Kuwait and currently is in a base hospital in Germany.
Link to Article
By Nicole Dalrymple
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 3, 2005) -- An estimated $25 million is being spent to construct 100 new border forts along the northern borders of Iraq, as well as rehabilitate and enhance numerous points of entry.
Link to Full Article
By Sameer N. Yacoub, Associated Press
[...] Emboldened by the elections, which U.S. and Iraqi authorities cited as a victory for democracy, the police chief in Mosul demanded the insurgents hand over weapons within two weeks or he would "wipe out" anyone giving them shelter.
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.
Link to Full Article
By BRAD CROCKER
Army Pfc. Brandon Miller of Pascagoula was injured during a grenade attack Sunday as he helped maintain order during the historic elections in Mosul, Iraq.
Two other members of Miller's unit were also reportedly injured.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT AND ADAM LYNN; The News Tribune
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, was admittedly pessimistic about what Sunday might bring in embattled Mosul. A few days before the election, he said he feared suicide bombers would strike early and discourage voters from turning out.
But the bombs didn’t come, and Iraqi voters turned out in higher than expected numbers, Ham said.
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY, STAFF CORRESPONDENT
January 31, 2005
MOSUL, Iraq - The metal gates were just clanking shut at the elementary school serving as a polling place, and the U.S. military commander was congratulating election workers for a job well done, when a boom rang out a short distance away.
Insurgents had lobbed a grenade at U.S. snipers perched on the roof of a building overlooking another schoolyard and wounded seven - leaving some howling in pain, the others just dazed.
NPR offers this audio report from Saturday discussing the preparations for today's elections in Mosul. Follow the link above and click the "Listen" icon. Summary:
Time magazine reporter Charlie Crain is embedded with U.S. Army troops in Mosul, an ethnically mixed city in Iraq's north. He describes the very visible presence of American and Iraqi security forces around polling places there.
BG Carter Ham is quoted regarding elections in Northern Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By DEXTER FILKINS
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 30 - After a slow start, voters turned out in very large numbers in Baghdad today, packing polling places and creating a party atmosphere in the streets as Iraqis here and nationwide turned out to cast ballots in the country's first free elections in 50 years. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Louise Roug, Times Staff Writer
MOSUL, Iraq — It's long after midnight when paratroopers from Alpha Company enter the house and start moving room to room.
In the kitchen, decorated with plastic flowers and lace curtains, they ransack drawers and cupboards. In the bedroom, they find a small bottle of I Love New York eau de toilette standing half-empty, as if recently used. But the food in the fridge has spoiled. The soldiers' target is long gone.
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY
MOSUL, Iraq -- The paunchy caretaker paced nervously along the rooftop of the elementary school as U.S. soldiers dropped to their knees and waved their rifles out over the balconies of the homes below.
Two officers pointed to intersections that would be closed and medians that would be lined with concrete barricades as Iraqi officials convert the schoolhouse into a polling place on election day.