The following article provides an update on the continuing recovery of Father Tim Vakoc, an Army chaplain who was seriously wounded in Mosul in 2004.
BY JEREMY OLSON, Pioneer Press
A friend lowered a microphone so the Rev. Tim Vakoc could address attendees of the award banquet at Benilde-St. Margaret's, his old high school, from his wheelchair.
For 20 seconds, only the gymnasium lights hummed in the quiet.
"Thank you," Vakoc said.
Silence returned as he labored for breath.
"And," he whispered, "God … love … you."
SGT Joseph Sanchez used to provide us with daily press releases from Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia. He recently conducted an interview with CBS Radio that was broadcast nationally. In it he talks about his time in Iraq.
Provided below is a link to an .mp3 audio file. The best way to listen is to right-click on the link and select "Save Target as..." from the menu. This will save the file to your computer.
SGT Sanchez Interview (.mp3 file, 3.5 MB)
The following is an informative article profiling an officer with the 139th MPAD, which was deployed to Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia.
Link to Full Article
By Dennis Hines, The MidWeek
Several local students and school officials recently received some important information about cultural diversity.
Captain Angela Bowman of the Illinois Army National Guard gave a presentation during the 16th annual DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active and Family Environment (DCP/SAFE) assembly in which she talked about her experiences in Iraq and about the Iraqi culture.
Soldiers from Maine's 133rd reflect on their time in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
BY NICK SAMBIDES, OF THE NEWS STAFF
John Nelson has a small hunk of shrapnel that needs to be cut out of his neck, and it probably will be in a few weeks. Other flecks of ball-bearing-gauge metal float in the flesh on his shoulder blades like tiny steel pins, so numerous and difficult for surgeons to find and remove that they'll probably stay in him for the rest of his life.
The cover story on Army Times this week is about military blogs. Colby Buzzell of the 3/2 SBCT (My War) is featured, and LTC Paul Hastings of Task Force Olympia is quoted.
(via Blackfive)
Provided below are a few articles describing the homecoming of two Task Force Olympia units.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham’s first and only assignment at Fort Lewis didn’t last long. He was here four months before the Army shipped him off to Mosul, Iraq, last January.
But he played a major part in the fortunes of Fort Lewis troops, thousands of whom worked under his leadership in northern Iraq the past 13 months.
By BILL NEMITZ, Portland Press Herald Writer
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — The first wave of soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion returned to U.S. soil late Wednesday, ending a year-long deployment in the often-hostile city of Mosul, Iraq. "It's like a dream come true. It doesn't feel real," said Spc. San Pao of Portland moments after stepping off the chartered MD11 aircraft. "Hopefully we'll wake up tomorrow morning and it will still be real."
Link to Full Article
By JOHN RICHARDSON, Portland Press Herald Writer
The largest Maine-based military unit sent to Iraq, and the only one currently stationed there, is expected to return to the United States next week.
The Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, which has about 500 members primarily from southern Maine, is pulling out of Mosul, Iraq, slightly ahead of schedule, said Maj. Peter Rogers, Guard spokesman in Maine.
The first edition of The Freedom Ring newsletter has been released by Task Force Freedom, and includes the following article regarding the efforts of its predecessor, Task Force Olympia.
Link to Article
By SPC Nunn, 366th MPAD
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FREEDOM, Iraq – After leading the U.S. Army presence in the northern Ninawa province of Iraq, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company I Corps Forward Task Force Olympia (TFO), of Fort Lewis, WA, reflect upon a successful year long mission, as they depart for home.
I apologize for not posting this until today. Welcome home and thank you!
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT AND BILL HUTCHENS; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis offered a formal welcome home Friday to the men and women of Task Force Olympia, back from a year of running U.S. military operations across northern Iraq.
The 100 or so soldiers arrived in Iraq in January 2004 in time to replace a much larger division headquarters, and left as Iraqis held their historic election last month.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading In Iraq For 365, which is a blog written by an Army journalist who just returned from a year in Mosul. Children Are The Future and Collection of Memories are excellent recent entries, but be sure sure to browse his entire archive.
Reflections from an embedded reporter as he leaves the TFF operational area. This is very interesting reading.
Link to Full Article
The Post-Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq. With the elections over and the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion in place in northern Iraq, I am heading back to Indiana.
The weight of U.S. troops in Mosul helped guarantee the election had been run with few instances of major violence.
Troops with the 113th Engineers had been shot at while they laid barriers for the election.
Attacks on the base in southern Mosul had ground nearly to a halt in the days leading up to last Sunday’s election.
BG Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia, will have a new assignment at the Pentagon.
Link to Full Article
By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. general who has had strong success against the Iraqi insurgency in Mosul, Iraq, is being brought back to the Pentagon for a wider role in the war.
The past few days press releases from Multi-National Forces in Northern Iraq have been sent by Task Force Freedom, rather than Task Force Olympia. While I haven't seen an official statement regarding a transfer of authority, we can assume that a new command element is, or will be shortly, in control of coalition forces in that part of the country. Consequently, we added a new category, and all future news from the Mosul region that is not Stryker Brigade related will go there. As a reminder, all coalition forces (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Air Force, Marines etc.) in the area are part of this Task Force - the Stryker Brigade is one of many units operating under the command of Task Force Freedom.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 29, 2005) – Military officials in northern Iraq have announced the launch of J-LENS.
The Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors System, J-LENS, has made its much anticipated debut in northern Iraq. The system will help Multi-National Forces in the Ninewah Province determine where anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks originate from, thus enabling them to more easily track down the insurgents.
This story includes an interview with COL Robert Brown, Commander of the 1-25 Stryker Brigade.
Link to Full Article
ADAM LYNN AND MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
In his normal life, Leigh McCombs works as a roofer in Spokane.
On Monday, the Army National Guardsman helped raid what U.S. forces believe to be a car bomb factory in Mosul, Iraq. The mission netted explosives, weapons and a handful of suspected insurgents, McCombs said by telephone this week.
“I feel good about being able to bring a little bit of democracy up here to Iraq,” said Spc. McComb, a member of the 81st Brigade Combat Team.
He is one of nearly 10,000 soldiers with Washington state ties who are trying to provide a safe environment in which Iraqis can cast ballots in the nation’s parliamentary elections Sunday.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) secured a weapons cache in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment located a weapons cache while reducing an explosive devise. The weapons cache included propellant sticks, mortar rounds, mortar fuses, one bag of grenades, ammunition, and other weapons. All of the armament was reduced in the cache without incident.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 28, 2005) – Iraqi Regular Army soldiers and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining seven individuals in northern Iraq yesterday.
Iraqi Regular Army soldiers from the 101st Infantry Battalion detained two individuals suspected of attacking the Al Kindi Main Gate in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody.
Q&A with embedded reporter.
Dear Steve,
Do the soldiers have a work schedule everyday? What do they do afterward for entertainment? Do they have to wake up early?
(TFO Press Release)
Military officials have said the Mosul area is becoming safer with each seizure and removal of dangerous weapons and detention of anti-Iraqi insurgents. Since January 5 Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces have detained 318 individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and munitions. The operations will continue to increase as elections near to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens wishing to vote.
Link to Full Article
BY JERRY DAVICH
While his teenage friends play shoot 'em up video games in their bedrooms, Michael Brunsman dodges insurgent gunfire in Iraq.
The 2004 Portage High School graduate left his family late last year to serve Uncle Sam in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining seven individuals in northern Iraq today. Multi-National Force soldiers detained four individuals suspected of being involved with a anti-Iraqi insurgent cell while conducting a raid south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining four individuals in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations in Gabr Abd. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY, Newsday
MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi election officials kicked off a media blitz yesterday in this terror-gripped city aimed at hiring nearly 1,000 election workers in the next six days to help set up and monitor Sunday's landmark vote.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscate weapons and ammunition, and detained four individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Multi-National Force soldiers confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detain three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) continued operations to ensure security for the elections, detaining 28 individuals in northern Iraq today. Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained 20 individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations in Wanah. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were able to defuse a roadside bomb following a tip received through the Joint Coordination Center in northern Iraq yesterday. An Iraqi citizen called the Joint Coordination Center to inform them of a roadside bomb planted in northeastern Mosul. Multi-National Forces were called to the scene and were able to defuse the bomb. The citizen was given a reward for the tip. These types of courageous acts are often rewarded.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained six individuals during operations in northern Iraq January 23. Quick Response Forces from Task Force Olympia detained five individuals suspected of planting a roadside bomb. Suspects are in custody.
Link to Full Article
By CHRIS WETTERICH, STAFF WRITER
Threatened by bullets, mortar attacks and suicide bombings while trying to bring home good news about the U.S. presence in Iraq and the soldiers' stories, a few members of the Army National Guard's 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment started a rock radio station.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 24, 2005) – The Eid Al Adha holiday proved to be a more secure period for citizens of northern Iraq, January 20-23. Iraqi citizens in the Mosul area were able to enjoy a safer holiday thanks to the protection provided by Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces. Despite continued insurgent activity the increased security measures of the ISF and MNF aided in a safe holiday period.
Link to Full Article
By John Yaukey, Gannett News Service
Mary Cozort has lost 16 pounds since her son, Edward, deployed to Iraq more than four months ago. "Every time I e-mailed him I'd write that he has the armor of God around him and he's going to be safe and he's coming home," the Glen Fork, W.Va., resident said. "I have to keep his morale up because he's already been hit by (shrapnel from an improvised bomb)."
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces received a large shipment of equipment in northern Iraq January 19. Iraqi Security Forces in the Mosul area continue to receive vital weapons and equipment to enhance their operational capabilities. ISF received weapons, cold weather gear, and other equipment and supplies. The equipment makes the ISF better prepared for operations during the upcoming elections.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia Soldier was killed by small arms fire while on patrol in eastern Mosul yesterday.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The name of the soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This entry will remain at the top of the page today. Scroll down for newer entries.
Link to Full Article
By Trudy Rubin
MOSUL, Iraq - Gen. David Petraeus is flying in a C-130 transport plane back to the place he once made into a model of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation.
Iraq's third-largest city warmed to Petraeus because he reached out to Sunni Arab leaders during a yearlong assignment as commander of the 101st Airborne. [...]
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained sixteen individuals during operations in northern Iraq. Multi-National Force soldiers detained fifteen individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. MNF soldiers also confiscated documents from the individuals. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained forty-two individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained forty-one individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity while conducting cordon and search operations north of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq -- A dozen U.S. and Iraqi military officers dropped in on the Mosul police chief last week. After arriving at his headquarters in their armored Humvees, the men crowded into the chief's office to discuss security for the Jan. 30 parliamentary elections.
(TFO Press Reelease)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces were able to repel repeated anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks in northern Iraq yesterday. Iraqi Intervention Forces were able to defeat repeated anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks on a train station in southern Mosul. The insurgents tried to overtake the train station, but were defeated by IIF soldiers. No IIF injuries were reported.
Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation. Anyone with information should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
(TFO Press Reelease)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Iraqi military leaders met across northern Iraq January 20 to discuss security plans for the January 30 elections. Gen. Babakir, Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Abdul Qater, Commander of the Iraqi Army, and Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command met in northern Iraq in order to hear election security plans from other Iraqi military leaders.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 22, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained eight individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activity in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) of the Illinois National Guard recently returned home after working with Task Force Olympia for a year. The unit was responsible for the TFO press releases we have come to rely on, as well as producing the many videos we link to, among other things. Thank you and welcome home!
SPRINGFIELD - A dozen members of an Illinois Army National Guard unit are scheduled to return to central Illinois this evening after a year in Iraq.
NPR aired the following audio segment yesterday. To listen, follow the link and click the "Listen" icon at the top of the page.
Link to Audio Report
By Ivan Watson
The northern Iraqi city of Mosul is seeing growing ethnic tensions and violence, and Kurdish militiamen have joined American forces trying to suppress the insurgency by Sunni Muslim militants. The Kurdish fighters, known as Pesh Merga, are filling a security vacuum left after Mosul's police force collapsed in the face of an insurgent offensive last November.
Link to Article (Photos included)
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 21, 2005 – It's the rainy season in Ninewa province, and the mud sticks to your boots the way old ideas stick in your mind.
But rain also washes away the mud, and officials hope the elections Jan. 30 will wash away the old ideas governing this country.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 21, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained one individual during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Regiment captured one individual suspected of firing on them in Tal` Afar. They followed the detention with a cordon and search of an unoccupied building. The 1-5th found and confiscated military intelligence documents. The suspect is in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
USA Today - Associated Press
BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. troops launched fresh raids Thursday around the northern city of Mosul to rein in guerillas who have threatened to disrupt the upcoming election. Iraqi forces sealed off main routes into Baghdad one day after a wave of car bombings rocked the capital. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, IRAQ — Staff Sgt. John Sykora surfs the Internet while listening to a Web-based radio station on his headphones.
For $2 an hour, he can go online with his wife, Toni, in Crown Point and talk about their 4-month-old son, Christopher.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 20, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents attacked a hospital in northern Iraq today. Iraqi Security Forces guarding the Al Salam Hospital in eastern Mosul held off an insurgent attackl. Doctors, staff, and patients fled the hospital because of the attack. No injuries to ISF or Iraqi civilians were reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 20, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained nine individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday. Soldiers of the 2nd Squadron 14th Calvary Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities while conducting cordon and search operations in Tal Afar. The soldiers of the 2-14th also confiscated weapons from the detainees. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, recent video clips from the Task Force Olympia Public Affairs Office. Some of the videos are quite long and may take a while to download. You will also need Windows Media Player to play them.
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2005 – Servicemembers joining the military today are not joining just the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps – they are joining a truly joint force.
The American military has reached unprecedented levels of joint operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, military officials here said.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Hundreds of soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived in Mosul January 16. The arrival of the 11th ACR is to help enhance security in northern Iraq as elections near.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – One Iraqi civilian was killed and two others were wounded when the truck they were driving tried to speed through a Multi-National Force checkpoint yesterday in northern Iraq.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 12 individuals during operations in northern Iraq today. Multi-National Force soldiers conducted a raid in western Mosul leading to the capture of ten individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated bomb equipment and detained four individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detained nine individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces killed five anti-Iraqi insurgents in northern Iraq yesterday. Three anti-Iraqi insurgents were staging an attack, carrying rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds, when Multi-National Force soldiers shot and killed them in southwest Mosul. MNF shot and killed two more insurgents who were also staging an attack later in the day.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 17 -- One cold afternoon in this violent northern city, 1st Sgt. Ken Agueda strolled across an overpass with an assault rifle in one hand and two American dollars in the other.
Agueda pressed the money into the hands of a panhandler while his platoon followed him across the bridge. Drivers stared in disbelief at the exposed American soldiers, stripped of the armored vehicles that normally protect U.S. troops from the insurgents seeking to kill them.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces continue to discover, confiscate, and destroy weapons caches throughout northern Iraq. Since January 10 ISF and MNF have found 10 weapons and munitions caches in the Mosul area. These caches have included numerous rifles, grenades, grenade launchers, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, bomb ignition devices, other bomb making equipment, and intelligence information. ISF and MNF continue to conduct cordon and search operations in order to find weapons and munitions caches.
Link to Full Article
Christian Hill, The Olympian
Lacey resident recounts carnage after suicide bombing
LACEY -- On Dec. 21, Scott Connely spent what he thought were his final hours in Iraq before a trip home eating lunch and talking with a couple of colleagues.
Since September, Connely, 34, worked as a civilian contractor with the Fort Lewis-based Stryker brigade based in northern Iraq, providing technical support for the communication systems they use.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 23 individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were attacked in two separate incidences by anti-Iraqi insurgents that left three insurgents dead, one wounded, and another detained yesterday in northern Iraq.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 17, 2005) – An Article 32 hearing for Staff Sgt. Timothy M. Knutson, a member of Task Force Olympia, is set to begin Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at Camp Freedom in Mosul.
This story about today's violence in Mosul was filed by another Associated Press reporter.
Link to Full Article
By Sally Buzbee, The Associated Press
BAGHDAD -- U.S. troops staged a series of raids in Mosul and other areas of northern and central Iraq on Sunday, arresting dozens, even as a top American official conceded U.S. and Iraqi forces cannot stop "extraordinary" intimidation by insurgents before this month's crucial national election.
A number of 1/25 SBCT and TFO officers are quoted in the following story.
Link to Full Article
Time Magazine
In the bustling city of Mosul in northern Iraq, there are few hints of the historic election that is about to take place. There are no candidates on the stump making speeches. No supporters handing out leaflets. No rallies, rope lines or debates. Many voters, in fact, don't even know who is on the ballot. Instead, on the streets of the country's third largest city, there is heavy armor--Bradley fighting vehicles, Abrams tanks--and 10,000 weapons-toting U.S. troops, reinforced by almost as many Iraqi government soldiers.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Anti-Iraqi insurgents shot and critically wounded two Iraqi children in northern Iraq today. Both children were taken to local hospitals. At this time one of the children is believed to be dea