Main

June 11, 2015

‘I saw only one thing in their eyes: courage’

By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 11, 2015

When the bomb exploded, Navy Chief Petty Officer Justin Wilson didn’t run away.

Continue reading "‘I saw only one thing in their eyes: courage’" »

April 15, 2015

Queen awards British paratroop for saving wounded US Marine

Stars and Stripes
Published: April 15, 2015

A British paratroop who helped save the life of a U.S. Marine officer in Afghanistan has received Britain’s highest award for valor.

Continue reading "Queen awards British paratroop for saving wounded US Marine" »

Queen awards British paratroop for saving wounded US Marine

Stars and Stripes
Published: April 15, 2015

A British paratroop who helped save the life of a U.S. Marine officer in Afghanistan has received Britain’s highest award for valor.

Continue reading "Queen awards British paratroop for saving wounded US Marine" »

March 20, 2015

MARSOC corpsman awarded Silver Star Medal

Story by Sgt Donovan Lee
Date Posted:03.20.2015 17:27

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin D. Baskin, a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, was awarded the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 20, for his actions in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "MARSOC corpsman awarded Silver Star Medal" »

November 7, 2014

Remembering Fallujah 10 years later

By Joshua Stewart, Staff writer 12:49 p.m. EST November 7, 2014

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – It has been a decade since Marines fought for their lives — and their brothers-in-arms — in Iraq's bloodiest battles, which would spark a turning point in the eight-year war.

Continue reading "Remembering Fallujah 10 years later" »

November 5, 2014

Marine commanders reflect on 13 years of war in Afghanistan

By Hope Hodge Seck
Nov. 5, 2014 - 06:08PM

It was late 2010, and Sgt. Philip A. McCulloch Jr. was locked into what may have been the darkest battle of America’s longest war.

Continue reading "Marine commanders reflect on 13 years of war in Afghanistan" »

November 1, 2014

Camp Leatherneck goodbye

Reporter looks back on history of headquarters given to Afghan troops
By Gretel C. Kovach5 A.M.NOV. 1, 2014

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Leaving Camp Leatherneck for the last time as a journalist who traveled there half a dozen times over the years, I felt a mix of pride and relief, sadness and uncertainty, emotions all tempered with disbelief that our long war in Afghanistan is at an end.

Continue reading "Camp Leatherneck goodbye" »

Afghanistan: A father's journey in the footsteps of his fallen son

By Fergal Keane
BBC News
27 October 2014 Last updated at 07:43 ET

Tony Lewis's son Conrad was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. His father travelled to the country to try to understand what he died for.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: A father's journey in the footsteps of his fallen son" »

October 26, 2014

US Marines hand over military bases to Afghan military 13 years after the invasion that launched the war against the Taliban

By REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 12:33 EST, 26 October 2014 | UPDATED: 13:07 EST, 26 October 2014

US Marines and British troops ended their combat operations in Afghanistan on Sunday, 13 years after a US-led invasion launched the long and costly war against the Taliban.

Continue reading "US Marines hand over military bases to Afghan military 13 years after the invasion that launched the war against the Taliban" »

October 2, 2014

1/7 transfers authority, ends operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Story by SSgt John Jackson
Date Posted:10.02.2014 07:01

TACTICAL BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – First battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, cased their unit battle colors during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Tactical Base Dwyer, Oct. 1.

Continue reading "1/7 transfers authority, ends operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan" »

September 13, 2014

'The Hornet's Nest' emphasizes humanity, nobility of war

Sep. 13, 2014 - 10:48AM
By Hope Hodge Seck

Wildly jerky and almost nauseating hand-held camera shots hit the viewer in the early minutes of the film, producing a gut-tensing feeling of running in the middle of a firefight in Afghanistan. Father-and-son filmmakers Mike and Carlos Boettcher captured the helplessness and peril of combat simply by leaving their cameras on record as they dashed for cover from Taliban snipers or hit the ground on a signal from soldiers or Marines.

Continue reading "'The Hornet's Nest' emphasizes humanity, nobility of war" »

September 8, 2014

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit Marines, sailors in Helmand for final time

Story by SSgt John Jackson
Date Posted:09.08.2014 10:33

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – General James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visited Marines and sailors aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 6.

Continue reading "Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit Marines, sailors in Helmand for final time" »

September 1, 2014

1/7 disrupts Taliban insurgents to assist retrograde operations

Photos by Sgt. Joseph Scanlan
Date Posted:09.01.2014 06:38

Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, operated during a mission in Helmand province to disrupt enemy insurgents while retrograde operations were ongoing nearby, Aug. 16-18.

Continue reading "1/7 disrupts Taliban insurgents to assist retrograde operations" »

August 29, 2014

Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan

By Cpl. Cody Haas | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | August 29, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Enemy insurgents continue to operate in Helmand province, Afghanistan. To mitigate this threat, infantry units conduct security patrols to build relationships with locals in the surrounding area of Camps Bastion and Leatherneck, and to rid local routes of improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan" »

August 26, 2014

Video: 1/2 Charlie Company Deconstructs P.B. Boldak

Video by Cpl John Martinez
Date Taken:08.14.2014 | Date Posted:08.26.2014 6:01PM

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, conduct retrograde operations aboard Patrol Base Boldak, Helmand province, Afghanistan, from 14 to 19 August 2014. The remediation and closure of Patrol Base Boldak allows Charlie Company to continue their operations aboard the Bastion-Leatherneck Complex.

Continue reading "Video: 1/2 Charlie Company Deconstructs P.B. Boldak" »

1/2 Charlie Company Tears Down P.B. Boldak [Image 1 of 22]

Photos by Cpl John Martinez
Date Taken:08.16.2014 | Date Posted:08.26.2014 16:36

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment during the retrograde of Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on August 14, 2014.

Continue reading "1/2 Charlie Company Tears Down P.B. Boldak [Image 1 of 22]" »

August 24, 2014

How one female officer won over her skeptical combat-arms Marines

Story by Joshua Stewart
Aug. 24, 2014 - 06:00AM

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIF. — Lance Cpl. Eamonn Garber wasn’t sure things would work out, and that was bad mostly because his unit was at war.

Continue reading "How one female officer won over her skeptical combat-arms Marines" »

August 22, 2014

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1 conduct retrograde operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan

By Cpl. Cody Haas | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | August 22, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- As the U.S. footprint throughout Afghanistan begins to shrink, the extra gear and equipment needs to be retrograded back to the States by a unit capable of moving large items in a timely fashion. For Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, it is their mission.

Continue reading "Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1 conduct retrograde operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan" »

August 20, 2014

Marines with Weapons Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Cody Haas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.20.2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Enemy insurgents continue to operate in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in the area surrounding Camps Bastion and Leatherneck. In order to mitigate this threat, patrols are conducted to clear the surrounding area of all suspicious individuals and threats.

Continue reading "Marines with Weapons Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan" »

August 17, 2014

1st Marine Regiment cases colors, ends mission in Afghanistan

Story by 1LT Garth Langley
Date Posted:08.17.2014 09:41

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A blinding sandstorm swept across the desert floor surrounding Regional Command (Southwest)’s security-nebulous, Task Force Belleau Wood, Aug. 15, 2014. During a brief pause in the storm, Marines with 1st Marine Regiment held a small ceremony to case the unit’s battle colors for the final time in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "1st Marine Regiment cases colors, ends mission in Afghanistan" »

August 16, 2014

Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company provide security for units operating in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Cody Haas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.16.2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – During the early morning hours before sunrise, Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company donned their gear for a security operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 8.

Continue reading "Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company provide security for units operating in Helmand province, Afghanistan " »

August 12, 2014

Greeley, Colorado, native receives meritorious promotion while deployed to Afghanistan

Story by Sgt Jessica Ostroska
Date Posted:08.12.2014 02:12

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Former U.S. senator, Olympic gold medalist and professional NBA athlete Bill Bradley once said, “Ambition is the path to success, and persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”

Continue reading "Greeley, Colorado, native receives meritorious promotion while deployed to Afghanistan" »

July 29, 2014

Marine Proud to Serve Twice during Afghan Drawdown

Marine Corps News | Jul 29, 2014 | by 1st Lt. Garth Langley

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- During America’s longest war, many newly-minted Marines’ have wished for an opportunity to dirty their boots in Afghanistan. In the past year, however, deployments to Helmand have slowed and the remaining forces are focused on the redeployment and retrograde effort, while others continue to advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces. Regional Command (Southwest) is set to close its doors by the end of 2014, which will mark the end of a significant chapter in the Marine Corps’ role in the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign.

Continue reading "Marine Proud to Serve Twice during Afghan Drawdown" »

July 25, 2014

Marines, sailors with Charley Company ensure Camp Dwyer’s safety in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Cody Haas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.25.2014

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan— Improvised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents remain a threat to units patrolling in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors with Charley Company ensure Camp Dwyer’s safety in Helmand province" »

July 24, 2014

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps visits Marines, sailors in Afghanistan

By Sgt. Jessica Ostroska | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | July 21, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr. held a town hall meeting for Marines and sailors aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2014.

Continue reading "Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps visits Marines, sailors in Afghanistan" »

July 21, 2014

Working dog, handler prove useful in Afghanistan

By Cpl. Cody Haas | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | July 21, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Improvised explosive devices remain a major threat to Marines conducting security patrols in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Working dog, handler prove useful in Afghanistan" »

July 18, 2014

VMGR-352 lights up night sky for battlefield illumination mission

By Sgt. Frances Johnson | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | July 22, 2014

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- A six-man air crew with Marine Aerial Refueling Transportation Squadron 352 prepared their KC-130J Hercules for a battlefield illumination mission over Helmand province, July 18.

Continue reading "VMGR-352 lights up night sky for battlefield illumination mission" »

July 15, 2014

Video: 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion honors fallen heroes

Video by Cpl Cody Haas
Date Posted:07.15.2014 8:01AM

A memorial service was held in honor of Staff Sgt. David H. Stewart, Cpl. Brandon J. Garabrant and Cpl. Adam J. Wolff aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 8, 2014.

Continue reading "Video: 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion honors fallen heroes" »

July 13, 2014

1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, supply Marines account for $117 million worth of gear

Story by Sgt. Frances Johnson | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.13.2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Tracking equipment required to sustain missions for an infantry battalion in a combat zone may seem like it would be the work for an entire battalion itself. For 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, the supply shop consists of only five Marines.

Continue reading "1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, supply Marines account for $117 million worth of gear" »

July 8, 2014

Scout Sniper Platoon mourns loss of fallen brother

By Cpl. Joseph Scanlan | 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment | July 08, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Nearly four months into their combat deployment, Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, experienced a heartbreaking loss.

Continue reading "Scout Sniper Platoon mourns loss of fallen brother" »

July 4, 2014

Last Marines in Afghanistan proud to serve on U.S. Independence Day

Story by 1LT Garth Langley
Date Posted:07.04.2014 14:51

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Thomas Paine once said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." As the nation honors Independence Day during patriotic celebrations across the nation, deployed U.S. service members with Regional Command (Southwest) paused briefly to honor America, July 4, 2014.

Continue reading "Last Marines in Afghanistan proud to serve on U.S. Independence Day" »

June 26, 2014

Marines emerge victorious in World Cup tournament at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan

Story by Cpl Joseph Scanlan
Date Posted:06.26.2014 04:19

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – When Marines and sailors are not patrolling and supporting missions in Afghanistan, they often exercise to relieve stress and pass time. With the 2014 FIFA World Cup currently underway, the Marines of “Suicide” Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, decided to host their own soccer tournament aboard Camp Dwyer, June 21, 2014.

Continue reading "Marines emerge victorious in World Cup tournament at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan" »

June 25, 2014

Logistics Command keeping Marines in the fight since 1798

Story by Sgt Jessica Ostroska
Date Posted:06.25.2014 01:51

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Whether deployed in a combat zone, stateside, or conducting training operations with partnered countries, Marines need logistical support to aid them in accomplishing their missions, and Logistics Command Forward was responsible for the supplying their needs up until June 1, 2014.

Continue reading "Logistics Command keeping Marines in the fight since 1798" »

June 24, 2014

In peace time and in war there will always be mail call

Story by Sgt Frances Johnson
Date Posted:06.24.2014 07:33

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines of the Camp Leatherneck post office are few in number but have been working hard during the five months they have been deployed. Ensuring mail is delivered and picked up from all service members and civilians working in Regional Command (Southwest), the Marines of the post office make postal operations run as smoothly as possible.

Continue reading "In peace time and in war there will always be mail call" »

In peace time and in war there will always be mail call

Story by Sgt Frances Johnson
Date Posted:06.24.2014 07:33

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines of the Camp Leatherneck post office are few in number but have been working hard during the five months they have been deployed. Ensuring mail is delivered and picked up from all service members and civilians working in Regional Command (Southwest), the Marines of the post office make postal operations run as smoothly as possible.

Continue reading "In peace time and in war there will always be mail call" »

June 16, 2014

FAST Marines, U.S. soldiers arrive at the U.S. Embassy compound in Iraq

By Gina Harkins and Andrew Tilghman
Staff writers
Jun. 16, 2014 - 08:42PM

The Pentagon has deployed about 100 troops — including more than 50 Marines attached to a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team to the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, to help protect diplomatic personnel and property.

Continue reading "FAST Marines, U.S. soldiers arrive at the U.S. Embassy compound in Iraq" »

June 14, 2014

Bravo Company keeps Bastion, Leatherneck secure

Story by Cpl. Michael Dye | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.14.2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, are tasked with the mission of protecting the Camps Bastion and Leatherneck. To achieve this crucial mission, the unit conducted a security patrol near the base, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 3, 2014.

Continue reading "Bravo Company keeps Bastion, Leatherneck secure" »

June 3, 2014

Marine Corps to close its IED detection dogs specialty

By Hope Hodge Seck
Jun. 3, 2014 - 06:50PM

Officials with the Marine Corps military working dog program are looking to find homes for all the service’s improvised explosive device-sniffing dogs as the Corps’ requirement for these highly trained animals draws to a close.

Continue reading "Marine Corps to close its IED detection dogs specialty" »

May 29, 2014

1/7 Marines support British forces during turnover of Sterga II

By Cpl. Joseph Scanlan | Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan | May 29, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- As Marines departed Sangin District, one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous areas, they were supported by British soldiers with Maneuver Battle Group who provided security to ensure a safe convoy to Camp Leatherneck.

Continue reading "1/7 Marines support British forces during turnover of Sterga II" »

May 28, 2014

Marines of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines take control of the fight in southern Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Michael Dye | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.28.2014

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, completed the turnover with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, and took control over Patrol Base Boldak and its area of operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 20, 2014.

Continue reading "Marines of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines take control of the fight in southern Helmand province" »

May 27, 2014

Obama announces plan to keep 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan after 2014

Published May 27, 2014
FoxNews.com

President Obama announced Tuesday that he aims to keep 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after the war formally ends later this year, while pledging a near-total withdrawal by the end of 2016.

Continue reading "Obama announces plan to keep 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan after 2014" »

May 26, 2014

Service Members Aboard Camp Leatherneck Remember the Fallen

by Sgt Frances Johnson
Date Posted:05.26.2014 2:12PM

Regional Command (Southwest) hold Memorial Day ceremony May 26, 2014, aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Service Members Aboard Camp Leatherneck Remember the Fallen" »

May 22, 2014

Marine general talks Afghanistan

Q & A with Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, southwest NATO commander

By Gretel C. Kovach
4 a.m.May 22, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marine Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo is slated to be the last coalition commander in southwestern Afghanistan, an impoverished Taliban stronghold checkered with illicit poppy plots. The former head of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego took charge of Helmand and Nimruz provinces in February, at the helm of Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan and NATO’s regional command.

Continue reading "Marine general talks Afghanistan" »

May 12, 2014

On the ground in Afghanistan: the last days of a FOB

May 12th, 2014 | Afghanistan Embedded journalism Food | Posted by Hope Hodge Seck

As I prepared for my first embed with in Afghanistan, I figured I might spend some time sleeping under the stars and taking “health and comfort breaks” in the woods as the Marines shut down several of their remaining forward operating bases. I’ve done a bit of tent camping, and I figured I couldn’t be disappointed if I managed my expectations.

Continue reading "On the ground in Afghanistan: the last days of a FOB" »

May 10, 2014

Protecting troops at war's end

Base security beefed up at Marine headquarters after 2012 attack, drawdown

By Gretel C. Kovach
11:57 a.m.May 10, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — At night, the perimeter of the massive headquarters base for international forces in Helmand Province is ablaze with floodlights that could blind approaching enemy fighters.

Continue reading "Protecting troops at war's end" »

May 8, 2014

CLB-7 Marines, sailors complete convoy out of Forward Operating Base Nolay for final time

Story by Cpl Cody Haas
Date Posted:05.08.2014 06:29

FORWARD OPERATING BASE NOLAY, Afghanistan – Units currently deployed to Afghanistan are conducting missions to decrease the amount of gear and personnel aboard forward operating bases and combat outposts. One of the units providing this type of support is Combat Logistics Battalion 7.

Continue reading "CLB-7 Marines, sailors complete convoy out of Forward Operating Base Nolay for final time" »

Café Sangin

Final Exit: Afghanistan War Diary

By Gretel C. Kovach
8:32 a.m. May 8, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — I climbed the basement stairs of the “drug lord palace” where we slept at Forward Operating Base Jackson/Sabit Qadam one morning and did a double-take. Maj. Mike Johannes was sitting out front sipping something from a travel mug.

Continue reading "Café Sangin" »

May 7, 2014

Harlingen Marine helps secure an area of Afghanistan

By TRAVIS M. WHITEHEAD Valley Morning Star
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 10:11 pm

When Staff Sgt. Troy Garza first arrived in Sangin Valley in Afghanistan, he and his fellow Marines faced daily firefights with insurgents.

Continue reading "Harlingen Marine helps secure an area of Afghanistan" »

May 5, 2014

Marines withdraw from Sangin

Afghans secure northern Helmand as NATO combat mission wanes

4:19 a.m. May 5, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The last U.S. Marines withdrew from northern Helmand early Monday morning, turning their two bases in the hard-fought Sangin district over to Afghan national security forces.

Continue reading "Marines withdraw from Sangin" »

May 1, 2014

Camp Leatherneck is Afghanistan’s next ghost town

May 1st, 2014 | Afghanistan Battle Rattle Camp Bastion Camp Leatherneck | Posted by gpingersoll
By Hope Hodge Seck

Camp Leatherneck–Greetings from Camp Leatherneck, a once-bustling base in Afghanistan’s Helmand province that is rapidly becoming a ghost town.

Continue reading "Camp Leatherneck is Afghanistan’s next ghost town" »

April 29, 2014

Combat engineer Marines conduct Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl Cody Haas
Date Posted:04.29.2014 08:26

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan –Marines and sailors with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion relieved 1st CEB during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, April 20.

Continue reading "Combat engineer Marines conduct Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Afghanistan" »

April 27, 2014

AFGHAN FORCES PREPARE TO TAKE LEAD

By Gretel C. Kovach
12:01 a.m. April 27, 2014

Across Afghanistan, monumental transitions like the one involving Marine Lt. Col. Thomas Ziegler are taking place.

Continue reading "AFGHAN FORCES PREPARE TO TAKE LEAD" »

April 23, 2014

Infantrymen disrupt Taliban lethal aid in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.23.2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – As the majority of Camp Leatherneck’s residents were still asleep one typical Thursday morning, infantrymen with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, reinforced with Afghan commandos, prepared to depart friendly lines, April 17.

Continue reading "Infantrymen disrupt Taliban lethal aid in Helmand province" »

April 17, 2014

Marines pull out of Afghanistan's Nimroz province

Apr. 17, 2014 - 06:00AM
By Hope Hodge Seck
Staff writer

Earlier this month, the Marine Corps quietly took leave of Nimroz province, consolidating its operations in Afghanistan to a single province and completing another chapter in its drawdown efforts.

Continue reading "Marines pull out of Afghanistan's Nimroz province" »

April 8, 2014

Corpsman awarded Commendation Medal for valor in Afghanistan

By Thomas Brennan
The (Jacksonville, N.C.) Daily News
Published: April 8, 2014

“When the time comes and you’re down range and a Marine yells ‘corpsman up,’ I know you won’t hesitate, because that’s not what we do.”

Continue reading "Corpsman awarded Commendation Medal for valor in Afghanistan" »

March 29, 2014

Can Afghan forces hold after Marines depart?

Q&A; with Col. Michael Langley, advisor to 215th Corps in Helmand

By Gretel C. Kovach
11:02 a.m.March 29, 2014

In 2010, U.S. Marines helped establish the 215th Afghan National Army Corps in the Helmand and Nimruz provinces — part of the southern heartland of the Taliban insurgency and the deadliest area of the country for the coalition.

Continue reading "Can Afghan forces hold after Marines depart?" »

March 27, 2014

Weight training in Afghanistan? Build a gym

By Jennifer Hlad
Published: March 27, 2014

You fly 10,000 miles and get plunked down in a compound with cardio gyms, weightlifting gyms and an outdoor Crossfit box.

Continue reading "Weight training in Afghanistan? Build a gym" »

March 19, 2014

Chaplain’s mission continues in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Cody Haas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.19.2014

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – When service members are deployed to a combat zone, many rely on a chaplain for spiritual guidance and well-being.

Continue reading "Chaplain’s mission continues in Afghanistan" »

March 18, 2014

1/7 conducts medical training exercise in Afghanistan

Images - 1/7 conducts medical training exercise in Afghanistan

Photos by by Cpl Joseph Scanlan
Date Posted:03.18.2014 06:40

Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provide security as Navy corpsmen treat simulated casualties during a training drill aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 14, 2014. The drill was designed to ensure accountability of all personnel and gear while practicing movement to muster locations in the event of an emergency. The battalion had Navy corpsmen with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, evaluate the service members as they reacted to the situation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan)

Continue reading "1/7 conducts medical training exercise in Afghanistan" »

March 16, 2014

Cutting Edge transfers authority to 1/7

Story by by Cpl Joseph Scanlan
Date Posted:03.16.2014 08:01

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors stood at attention as 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, known as Cutting Edge, handed over the responsibilities for their area of operations in Regional Command (Southwest) to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, known as First Team, during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 15.

Continue reading "Cutting Edge transfers authority to 1/7" »

March 14, 2014

Marines help in an unusual camel rescue in Afghanistan

By ERIKA I. RITCHIE / STAFF WRITER
Published: March 14, 2014 Updated: March 15, 2014 10:30 a.m.

As the military wind-down continues in Afghanistan, some troops are applying the Marine Oohrah in gentler ways.

Continue reading "Marines help in an unusual camel rescue in Afghanistan" »

March 6, 2014

General: Marines Ready to Leave Helmand Province

Mar 06, 2014 | by Richard Sisk

Afghanistan's Helmand province, by far the scene of the heaviest coalition casualties of the war, could be abandoned by U.S. and allied forces by year's end, Marine Maj. Gen. Walter L. Miller said Thursday.

Continue reading "General: Marines Ready to Leave Helmand Province" »

March 4, 2014

Corpsman with 9th Marine Regiment recognized for actions in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Cody Haas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.04.2014

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan – If a Marine is seriously injured during a patrol, having a skilled Navy corpsman on the scene can mean the difference between life and death.

Continue reading "Corpsman with 9th Marine Regiment recognized for actions in Helmand province" »

February 7, 2014

Love letters from the sand

By Jennifer Hlad
Published: February 7, 2014

A muddy piece of Camp Leatherneck in front of a concrete barrier isn't the most romantic of locations, but Thursday morning, it was filled with messages of love.

Continue reading "Love letters from the sand" »

February 6, 2014

Last Marine takes command in Afghanistan

Camp Pendleton brigade replaces southwest force at war's end

By Gretel C. Kovach
4:52 p.m. Feb. 6, 2014

A Marine brigade from Camp Pendleton took command of coalition forces in southwestern Afghanistan as the 13-year campaign enters its critical final phase, the International Security Assistance Force announced Thursday

Continue reading "Last Marine takes command in Afghanistan" »

January 28, 2014

CLB-6 redeploys, CLB-7 last Marine logistical unit to deploy to Afghanistan

Story by Sgt Jessica Ostroska
Date Taken:01.26.2014 | Date Posted:01.28.2014 10:19

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 handed over the responsibilities as the logistics combat element for Regional Command (Southwest) to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 26.

Continue reading "CLB-6 redeploys, CLB-7 last Marine logistical unit to deploy to Afghanistan" »

January 13, 2014

Final rotation of Marines deploys to Afghanistan

I MEF (Fwd.) arrives to bring Marines' war effort to a close
By James K. Sanborn
Staff writer
Jan. 13, 2014 - 08:49AM

When Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo takes charge as the top Marine commander in Afghanistan this month, he will find the Corps has made significant headway in preparing for complete withdrawal of combat troops by the end of 2014.

Continue reading "Final rotation of Marines deploys to Afghanistan" »

January 11, 2014

Afghan war reaches endgame

Top commanders discuss stakes, prospects in last year of NATO campaign

By Gretel C. Kovach
8:13 a.m.Jan. 11, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The NATO campaign in Afghanistan may be ending late this year, but the war is not. Insurgent strongholds will remain — 13 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted a U.S. invasion — inspiring anxiety about prospects for long-term stability and a newfound urgency among Afghan national security forces.

Continue reading "Afghan war reaches endgame" »

January 8, 2014

Afghan soldier who murdered Marine awaits execution

Jan. 8, 2014 - 09:01PM

An Afghan soldier who killed a Marine lance corporal in a green-on-blue attack in 2012 is now awaiting execution in Afghanistan after being convicted of murder by a local court, according to Marine officials and court documents.

Continue reading "Afghan soldier who murdered Marine awaits execution" »

December 28, 2013

Commandant spends Christmas with Marines in RC Southwest

Story by Cpl Austin Long
Date Taken:12.24.2013 | Date Posted:12.28.2013 10:02

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett visited Marines and sailors with Regional Command [Southwest], Dec. 23-26.

Continue reading "Commandant spends Christmas with Marines in RC Southwest" »

December 25, 2013

Wounded Marine Behind Viral Email Gets New Helmet Hand-Delivered To Afghanistan By Corps' Top General

Paul Szoldra
December 25, 2013

The Marine behind an email that went viral on military networks was surprised by the Corps’ top general and senior enlisted leader Monday, when they both showed up in Afghanistan to present him with a brand new helmet.

Continue reading "Wounded Marine Behind Viral Email Gets New Helmet Hand-Delivered To Afghanistan By Corps' Top General" »

November 28, 2013

How Marines at war did Thanksgiving

Holidays in Afghanistan winding down after 12 years of combat

By Gretel C. Kovach
3:50 p.m.Nov. 28, 2013

Camp Leatherneck, headquarters for the Marine command in southwestern Afghanistan, is about as bleak as ever on Thanksgiving Day. Concrete barriers under a leaden sky. Tents and metal shipping containers dusted with fine sand. And a sound track of generators and military trucks droning half a world away from home.

Continue reading "How Marines at war did Thanksgiving" »

November 27, 2013

Marine Corps folds storied base in Afghanistan

By James K. Sanborn
Staff writer
Nov. 27, 2013 - 09:13PM

The Marine Corps has reached another milestone as it winds down operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Corps folds storied base in Afghanistan" »

October 25, 2013

Marines activate for Afghan wind down

1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward heads out in early 2014

By Jeanette Steele
5:35 p.m.Oct. 25, 2013

Camp Pendleton Marines conducted an activation ceremony on Wednesday for the headquarters unit that will supervise the wind down of Marine forces in southern Afghanistan over the next year.

Continue reading "Marines activate for Afghan wind down" »

September 7, 2013

Through their eyes: Armored vehicle driver in Afghanistan

By Cpl. Paul Peterson | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | September 07, 2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Like many areas of Afghanistan, the shifting desert surrounding the town of Now Zad in northern Helmand province is deceptive. The parched surroundings stand in stark contrast to the village’s tree-lined streets and the emergent green of nearby fields.

Continue reading "Through their eyes: Armored vehicle driver in Afghanistan" »

September 2, 2013

Now Zad District handed over to Afghan Uniformed Police

Courtesy Story | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.02.2013

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan - The U.S. Marine-led Police Advisor Team in Now Zad transitioned the lead security role to the Afghan Uniformed Police Aug. 23.

Continue reading "Now Zad District handed over to Afghan Uniformed Police" »

August 31, 2013

Battlefield Q&A;: Marine general over Afghan ops

Maj. Gen. Joseph Osterman on keeping NATO troops safe as most head home

By Gretel C. Kovach
noon Aug. 31, 2013

The last time Maj. Gen. Joseph Osterman served in Afghanistan, the United States was doubling its forces in the southwest during the 2010 surge. Now the former Camp Pendleton Marine and Task Force Leatherneck commander oversees a rapidly dwindling force, as the Kabul-based operations officer for the coalition.

Continue reading " Battlefield Q&A;: Marine general over Afghan ops" »

August 30, 2013

Afghan streets: NYPD officer serves in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Paul Peterson | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 08.30.2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Before the War on Terror, the toppling of the oppressive Taliban regime in Afghanistan, or the attacks of Sept. 11, a young boy from the Bronx knew one thing: he wanted to help.

Continue reading "Afghan streets: NYPD officer serves in Afghanistan" »

August 7, 2013

Afghan translator of Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer caught in bureaucratic limbo

BY: Alana Goodman
August 7, 2013 11:30 am

Four years ago, an Afghan translator known as “Hafez” charged into enemy fire to help Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer rescue wounded American soldiers during one of the most famous battles in the Afghanistan war.

Continue reading "Afghan translator of Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer caught in bureaucratic limbo" »

August 4, 2013

Regimental Combat Team 7 Rolls Up Its Flag In Afghanistan

by Sean Carberry
August 04, 2013 3:58 AM

At the peak of fighting in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, there were 20,000 Marines battling the Taliban. Now there are 8,000 — and more are heading home every month.

Continue reading "Regimental Combat Team 7 Rolls Up Its Flag In Afghanistan" »

July 22, 2013

Last Marine Infantry Regimental Headquarters Prepares to Leave Afghanistan

Story by 1st Lt. Spencer Kenyon
07.22.2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Due to the transfer of lead security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces, Regimental Combat Team 7 will leave Helmand province in August as the last Marine infantry regimental headquarters to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Last Marine Infantry Regimental Headquarters Prepares to Leave Afghanistan" »

July 13, 2013

Warlords protect Bastion, Leatherneck, Shorabak

Story by Cpl. Lia Adkins
07.13.2013

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - With fighting season well underway and in preparation for Ramadan, the Warlords of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, were in a high operations tempo to counter a possible increase in insurgent activity.

Continue reading "Warlords protect Bastion, Leatherneck, Shorabak" »

June 29, 2013

Ready to Roll: Marine mechanics keep vehicles moving

Story by Lance Cpl. Mel Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 06.29.2013

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan—Shrill screams of trucks backing up, sounds of clanging wrenches tightening loose screws and music resonate throughout the mechanic shop. Sand-coated grease stains cover the faces of Marines working beneath trucks and repairing damaged vehicles.

Continue reading "Ready to Roll: Marine mechanics keep vehicles moving" »

June 27, 2013

Top General: Marines 'Not Leaving a Single Thing' in Afghanistan

Marine Corps to remove all equipment from warzone or give it to another country, Commandant James Amos says

By Paul D. Shinkman
June 27, 2013

Marines are not planning a repeat showing of the rusting carcasses of Russian military equipment that litter the ground in Afghanistan following its unsuccessful campaign in the 1980s.

Continue reading "Top General: Marines 'Not Leaving a Single Thing' in Afghanistan" »

June 10, 2013

America’s Battalion returns to southern Helmand

Story by Lance Cpl. Mel Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 06.10.2013

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan— After years spent in Helmand province, the U.S. Marines are making strides toward bringing the last deployed service members home.

Continue reading "America’s Battalion returns to southern Helmand" »

May 29, 2013

Marine general: Afghans battling for Sangin

Insurgents probing defenses of national forces, locals

By Gretel C. Kovach
4:33 p.m.May 29, 2013Updated10:07 a.m.May 30, 2013

Afghan national security forces have effectively taken the lead for combat operations in the southwest of the country, where they have been battling insurgents for several days in a former enemy stronghold of Helmand Province, according to the Marine general in command of U.S. and international forces in the region.

Continue reading "Marine general: Afghans battling for Sangin" »

May 28, 2013

Marine, Afghan Police Officer Reunite

May 28, 2013
Marine Corps News| by Sgt. Ned Johnson

COMBAT OUTPOST NOW ZAD, Afghanistan -- A Marine climbs to the top of an Afghan National Police tower to provide security, more than three years since the last time he was in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine, Afghan Police Officer Reunite" »

May 25, 2013

Afghan forces build confidence, set up checkpoints

Story by Sgt. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 05.25.2013

COMBAT OUTPOST NOW ZAD, Afghanistan— As Afghan forces continue to take the lead security role in Helmand province, the Marines are quietly helping them build their confidence.

Continue reading "Afghan forces build confidence, set up checkpoints" »

May 12, 2013

Drones move one step closer to unmanned pizza delivery

Drone K-MAX helicopters in Afghanistan aren't spying — they're delivering supplies.

By: Jay Price McClatchy Foreign Staff, Published on Sun May 12 2013

CAMP BASTION, AFGHANISTAN—The small group of U.S. marines at a remote base in northern Helmand province was running low on ammunition after days of fierce fighting.

Continue reading " Drones move one step closer to unmanned pizza delivery" »

May 11, 2013

US Marines pack up in Afghanistan as Taliban wages spring offensive

It's the beginning of the end of an era for U.S. Marines stationed in Afghanistan.

By Jim Maceda, Correspondent, NBC News
May 11, 2013

It was the summer of 2012 and the most dangerous part of the mission – when soldiers get complacent and make mistakes. So, even in 130-degree heat, Cpl. Randy Derstine and his men of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, patrolled hard in the mountainous, heavily disputed Kajaki Dam area of Helmand province

Continue reading "US Marines pack up in Afghanistan as Taliban wages spring offensive" »

May 10, 2013

Marine father deploys to Afghanistan, closer to his son

Story by Sgt. Bryan Peterson | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.10.2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brice Thomas thought once the war in Iraq came to an end, combat deployments would be a thing of the past for him given his 25 years in the Marine Corps, three combat tours and the drawdown in Afghanistan. But fate had a different plan.

Continue reading "Marine father deploys to Afghanistan, closer to his son" »

May 8, 2013

Retrograding Home: Redeployment a focus of effort as Afghanistan exit draws closer

Courtesy Story | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.08.2013

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - In 2009, Camp Dwyer was a sprawling base which housed thousands of service members ready to fight. Most of them were the result of a 30,000 troop surge in Afghanistan introduced by President Barack Obama.

Continue reading "Retrograding Home: Redeployment a focus of effort as Afghanistan exit draws closer" »

May 7, 2013

U.S. Marines successfully employ drone copters in Afghan war

By Shaun Waterman
The Washington Times
Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The K-MAX unmanned drone helicopter is proving invaluable to U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, according to a report from McClatchy News on Tuesday.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines successfully employ drone copters in Afghan war" »

May 1, 2013

Marines in Afghanistan tout unmanned supply helicopter

By Chris Carroll
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 1, 2013

WASHINGTON — Ammunition was running low on a base in Afghanistan’s Helmand province that had come under sustained attack in January, and the Marine Corps sent in a robot to help.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan tout unmanned supply helicopter" »

April 7, 2013

Americans, Afghan civilians killed in weekend violence

By Ben Brumfield, Catherine E. Shoichet and Josh Levs, CNN
April 8, 2013 -- Updated 0023 GMT (0823 HKT)

(CNN) -- The death toll has surged from weekend violence in Afghanistan, with six Americans and more than a dozen Afghan civilians reportedly among the casualties.

Continue reading "Americans, Afghan civilians killed in weekend violence" »

April 2, 2013

As US packs up in Afghanistan, the return of the dreaded MRE

By Heath Druzin
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 2, 2013

KABUL — U.S. troops across Afghanistan are preparing for a reunion with a long-lost frenemy.

Continue reading "As US packs up in Afghanistan, the return of the dreaded MRE" »

Afghans seek their own exit strategy

The wealthy are buying homes abroad and moving money out of Afghanistan amid concern about what will happen after foreign troops leave in 2014. The less wealthy sometimes go the illegal route.


By Alexandra Zavis, Los Angeles Times

April 2, 2013, 6:31 p.m.
KABUL, Afghanistan — Nabil Ahmad was at his desk at a logistics support firm last spring when an explosion ripped through the office.

Continue reading "Afghans seek their own exit strategy" »

March 13, 2013

Eagle Eye

By Sgt. Bobby Yarbrough | II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) | March 13, 2013

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan -- The Marines of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, had been taking sporadic enemy fire for most of the morning March 2 while conducting their daily patrol through Boldak, a small town interlaced with green fields and large mud compounds about eight kilometers southeast of Camp Leatherneck. Due to their position and the unforgiving terrain of the city, the Marines couldn’t locate the shooter.

Continue reading "Eagle Eye" »

March 2, 2013

As Marines Exit Afghan Province, a Feeling That a Campaign Was Worth It

By JAMES DAO
Published: March 2, 2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — On a whirlwind Christmas tour of Helmand Province in 2010, Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, visited 11 bases in a single day. At one, thousands of Marines showed up for prime rib, dust-covered and grim-faced after weeks of dodging and delivering gunfire, seeing comrades killed, and sleeping on dirt. Helmand had become Marineistan.

Continue reading "As Marines Exit Afghan Province, a Feeling That a Campaign Was Worth It" »

U.S., Afghan officials at odds over fate of military bases

Afghans want the hundreds of bases and other outposts handed over to them as troops withdraw. But the U.S.-led coalition says Afghanistan lacks the capabilities for maintaining and defending all of them.

By Shashank Bengali, Los Angeles Times
March 2, 2013, 5:50 p.m.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Late last year, before leaving Forward Operating Base Tillman for the last time, U.S. troops took apart every inch of the remote outpost near the border with Pakistan, from the dirt-packed barricades to the flat-screen TVs in the intelligence center.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan officials at odds over fate of military bases" »

February 23, 2013

Corpsmen work to keep blood flowing

Story by 1st Lt. Nicole Yuhas | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.23.2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Two minutes. his is the time it can take for a person to bleed out after suffering an arterial wound.

Continue reading "Corpsmen work to keep blood flowing" »

February 20, 2013

After successful operation, ANCOP stays ahead of insurgents

Story by Sgt. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 02.13.2013
Date Posted:02.20.2013 01:41

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan— In the middle of the night, more than 80 Afghan National Civil Order Police and less than ten Marines boarded helicopters.

Continue reading "After successful operation, ANCOP stays ahead of insurgents" »

February 18, 2013

Parsippany Hills H.S. teammates reunite as Marines in Afghanistan

Written by
Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR
Feb 18, 2013

PARSIPPANY — Most people have their high school reunions in their old cafeteria, or a hotel or restaurant.

Continue reading " Parsippany Hills H.S. teammates reunite as Marines in Afghanistan" »

February 12, 2013

Half of troops in Afghanistan home in 1 year

By Jeff Schogol - Staff writer
Posted: Tuesday Feb 12, 2013 10:44:06 EST

President Obama will announce tonight that 34,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan will return home by this time next year — halving the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, senior administration officials confirm.

Continue reading "Half of troops in Afghanistan home in 1 year" »

February 10, 2013

Dunford takes charge of forces in Afghanistan

By Patrick Quinn - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Feb 10, 2013 9:33:12 EST

KABUL, Afghanistan — Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford took charge of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday as the coalition enters the final stretch of the more than 11-year-old war. The new commander faces daunting challenges, including making sure Afghan government forces are ready to take control and orchestrating the withdrawal of foreign forces during the next 23 months.

Continue reading "Dunford takes charge of forces in Afghanistan" »

February 5, 2013

2nd MAW heads out for Afghanistan

By Drew C. Wilson - Havelock News
Published: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 09:57 AM.

HAVELOCK — Like all good Marines, Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Strother is ready to go to Afghanistan and get the job done.

“I’m confident in our abilities to do our job,” said Strother, who is the operations chief for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Tactical Air Center. “We’ve done a lot of training and we’ve done a lot of work to get ready. They’re real good Marines.”

Continue reading "2nd MAW heads out for Afghanistan" »

February 3, 2013

Afghans Prepare for U.S. Drawdown

February 3, 2013

Photos from Forward Operating Base Castle in Khan Neshin, Afghanistan as Marines pack up to vacate the base which will close this March.

Continue reading "Afghans Prepare for U.S. Drawdown " »

February 1, 2013

Troops in Afghanistan get Super Bowl feast

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 1, 2013 10:46:46 EST

Troops in Afghanistan not only will be watching the Super Bowl, they’ll be chowing down on 49,000 pounds of chicken wings, 40,000 frozen pizzas and 2,200 gallons of chili — and washing it down with 9,800 cases of non-alcoholic beer, thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.

Continue reading "Troops in Afghanistan get Super Bowl feast" »

January 30, 2013

Marines increase rocket strikes in Afghanistan

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jan 30, 2013 19:58:15 EST

Marine artillerymen are raining down rockets on insurgents in Afghanistan at a record pace.

Continue reading "Marines increase rocket strikes in Afghanistan" »

January 23, 2013

Marines see fewer attacks in Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jan 23, 2013 12:00:02 EST

Enemy-initiated attacks on coalition and Afghan forces in southwestern Afghanistan were down 20 percent in 2012, figures that will likely come into play as the U.S. continues its troop withdrawal after 11 years of war.

Continue reading "Marines see fewer attacks in Afghanistan" »

January 17, 2013

Marine Steps Up as Chaplain’s Assistant

By Sgt. Ned Johnson
Headquarters Marine Corps
January 17, 2013

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- As Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adam Henderson begins his daily assignments here, he knows that most men his age are not making the same sacrifices he makes each day on a deployment.

Continue reading "Marine Steps Up as Chaplain’s Assistant" »

January 10, 2013

Panetta: ‘Last chapter’ of war in Afghanistan

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 10, 2013 12:19:57 EST

WASHINGTON — In a notably upbeat assessment of war progress, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that the U.S.-led coalition has advanced to the “last chapter” of an 11-year struggle to ensure that Afghanistan can defend itself.

Continue reading "Panetta: ‘Last chapter’ of war in Afghanistan" »

January 9, 2013

Marine to Draw on Past Experiences as Combat Instructor

January 9th, 2013 // By Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

A mortarman turned squad leader plans to use his experiences gained while deployed to teach new Marines as a combat instructor.

Continue reading "Marine to Draw on Past Experiences as Combat Instructor" »

January 8, 2013

U.S. considering no troops in Afghanistan

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 8, 2013 16:52:28 EST

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration says it might leave no troops in Afghanistan after December 2014, an option that defies the Pentagon's view that thousands of troops may be needed to contain al-Qaida and to strengthen Afghan forces.

Continue reading "U.S. considering no troops in Afghanistan" »

January 5, 2013

US pushes to finish Afghan dam as challenges mount

By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press
Published: January 5, 2013

KAJAKI, Afghanistan -- In the approaching twilight of its war in Afghanistan, the U.S. is forging ahead with a giant infrastructure project long criticized as too costly in both blood and money.

Continue reading " US pushes to finish Afghan dam as challenges mount " »

December 25, 2012

Marines mark the holiday at war

Christmas at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
12:01 a.m., Dec. 25, 2012
Updated 8:29 p.m. , Dec. 24, 2012

Quite a few Marines serving in Afghanistan would rather forget it’s Christmas. Not Sgt. Joseph Soileau, an air wing planner who deployed from Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. When carolers passed by his office at Camp Leatherneck recently, Soileau walked outside to enjoy the serenade.

Continue reading "Marines mark the holiday at war" »

December 22, 2012

In Afghanistan, a hard holiday for troops

By Carmen Gentile - Special to USA TODAY
Posted : Saturday Dec 22, 2012 9:36:38 EST

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ARIAN, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan — First Sgt. Alan Robison is missing Christmas with his wife and children for the fourth time due to deployments.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, a hard holiday for troops" »

December 18, 2012

Tribute to New York Fire Department, ladder company patrols Afghan sky

By Sgt. John Jackson | Headquarters Marine Corps
December 18, 2012

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- In an effort to ensure Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 Marines remember why they are deployed, the squadron has adopted one of New York Fire Department’s most decorated ladder companies that was heavily involved during the rescue attempts at the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001.

Continue reading "Tribute to New York Fire Department, ladder company patrols Afghan sky" »

Logistical hub for northern Helmand keeps Marines equipped

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.18.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST SHAMSHER, Afghanistan – Marines must remain well equipped to be ready for daily operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Logistical hub for northern Helmand keeps Marines equipped" »

November 29, 2012

Return to Marjah: Marines work with much improved ANSF

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.29.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, recently returned to southern Afghanistan, two years after their deployment to the Marjah area.

Continue reading "Return to Marjah: Marines work with much improved ANSF" »

November 26, 2012

Despite spinal cord surgery, Marine continues to push forward on third combat deployment

Story by Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.26.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The drive to become a Marine and gain acceptance into the tight-knit family is what drove Staff Sgt. Monica Paz to enlist during July 2000.

Continue reading "Despite spinal cord surgery, Marine continues to push forward on third combat deployment" »

November 22, 2012

3/9 celebrates Thanksgiving in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.22.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, were in the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving.

Continue reading "3/9 celebrates Thanksgiving in Helmand province" »

November 18, 2012

Marines under microscope, teach Afghan Army proper patrols, tactics

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.18.2012

SOUTHERN HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Afghan sun beat down on the patrol and gusts of wind threw sand and dirt on the faces of the men as they talked to locals and searched for any insurgent activity.

Continue reading "Marines under microscope, teach Afghan Army proper patrols, tactics" »

November 17, 2012

2/7 Marines provide security for Operation Golden Gate

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.17.2012

AFGHANISTAN- -Combat engineers man their heavy equipment, pushing thousands of pounds of earth around while building and improving an area vital to the progression of southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2/7 Marines provide security for Operation Golden Gate" »

November 2, 2012

Enid machine gunner makes most of Afghan deployment

Story by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.02.2012

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – After three years at Oklahoma State University, it came time for the Enid, Okla., native, to make a decision on his major. Realizing it would affect the rest of his life, he wanted to be absolutely sure. He took a long, hard look in the mirror and made his decision. He wanted to be a Marine.

Continue reading "Enid machine gunner makes most of Afghan deployment" »

October 31, 2012

Combat logistics patrol supports mission, supplies Marines

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.31.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines and sailors supplying the infantry and other coalition forces have a job with long hours, late nights and early mornings.

Continue reading "Combat logistics patrol supports mission, supplies Marines" »

October 25, 2012

Deployed Marines mindful of insider attacks

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 25, 2012 21:05:05 EDT

TAGHAZ, Afghanistan — It should have been a straightforward request: A Marine lance corporal needed to relieve himself several hours into a long visit to an Afghan Border Police headquarters. It isn’t that simple, however.

Continue reading "Deployed Marines mindful of insider attacks" »

October 11, 2012

Dog on patrol: Meet Crank, the bomb-sniffing, cigar-eating wonder

October 11th, 2012 | Afghanistan Animals Embedded journalism Infantry | Posted by Dan Lamothe

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan – I was lifting weights Tuesday night in the dusty, prison-inspired gym here when Cpl. Byron Willis ran up to two of his fellow Marines.

Continue reading "Dog on patrol: Meet Crank, the bomb-sniffing, cigar-eating wonder" »

October 9, 2012

Marines aid Afghan soldiers secure area

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.09.2012

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan - Entering the Trek Nawa District of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, made a bold military presence absent to the region for nearly a year.

Continue reading "Marines aid Afghan soldiers secure area" »

October 7, 2012

1/7 Marines help ANSF, Sangin Government stand tall

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.07.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SABIT QADAM, Afghanistan – It has been seven long months for the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, but they will soon return home to family and friends from Sangin, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "1/7 Marines help ANSF, Sangin Government stand tall" »

October 6, 2012

On to life on Afghanistan’s frontier at COP Taghaz

October 6th, 2012 | Afghanistan Embedded journalism Infantry | Posted by Dan Lamothe

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan – If you’re going to spend a month in Afghanistan, you may as well visit the frontier while you’re there.

Continue reading "On to life on Afghanistan’s frontier at COP Taghaz" »

September 29, 2012

In southern Afghanistan, concerns about what comes next

By Kevin Sieff, Published: September 29

GARMSIR, AFGHANISTAN — On the wall of his office in this district’s U.S. Marine headquarters, where other commanding officers might display photos of children and wives, Capt. Devin Blowes keeps a roster of bearded men whose names he’s recently learned to pronounce.

Continue reading " In southern Afghanistan, concerns about what comes next" »

September 28, 2012

Stocked up, moving out: mobile post exchange serves Marines anywhere

9/28/2012 By Cpl. Timothy Lenzo , Combat Logistics Battalion

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan — The mobile exchange is a service civilians might not know about, but to Marines serving in Afghanistan, it is something to look forward to.

Continue reading " Stocked up, moving out: mobile post exchange serves Marines anywhere " »

September 27, 2012

Marine Recalls Camp Bastion Attack

By Marine Corps Sgt. James Mercure
Regional Command Southwest

AFGHANISTAN, Sept. 27, 2012 – “There was blood down my leg after I got shot,” recalled Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Burk, who was present during the Sept. 14 insurgent night attack on Camp Bastion here in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine Recalls Camp Bastion Attack" »

September 24, 2012

Running toward gunfire: Marines, British forces repel insurgents attacking Camp Bastion

9/24/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , Marine Attack Squadron 211

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan —
Sgt. Rasheem Thomas never thought his first night working on Camp Bastion would turn into a gun battle with 15 insurgents.

Continue reading " Running toward gunfire: Marines, British forces repel insurgents attacking Camp Bastion " »

September 11, 2012

Georgia native, corpsman serves country on first deployment

Story by Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.11.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan – As a senior in high school, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ricky Lattimore made the decision to serve his country. One month after his May 2008 graduation, he was on his way to basic training.

Continue reading "Georgia native, corpsman serves country on first deployment" »

September 10, 2012

1/1 Weapons, brothers in arms with ANA

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.10.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – On the edge of Trek Nawa, an area between the Nawa and Marjah districts, stands a small patrol base where Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers come together and work side by side.

Continue reading "1/1 Weapons, brothers in arms with ANA" »

September 8, 2012

From Virginia to Afghanistan, Marine develops his own legacy

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.08.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – The Marine Corps is filled with stories of young men and women looking for something different. They are brought together by a bond from the day they receive their Eagle, Globe and Anchor and officially earn the title of United States Marine.

Continue reading "From Virginia to Afghanistan, Marine develops his own legacy" »

September 6, 2012

Illinois native bridges language, cultural barriers through Trek Nawa

9/6/2012 By Cpl. Timothy Lenzo , Headquarters Marine Corps

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan —
The Marines are down but not out. The late afternoon sun beats on them, and one Marine wipes sweat from his eyes. Across from them, their opponents smile, seemingly sensing the outcome. With the Olympics fresh in their minds, this is not simply a volleyball game, this is a matter of national pride.

Continue reading " Illinois native bridges language, cultural barriers through Trek Nawa " »

September 5, 2012

Stop Playing 'Modern Warfare' And See What A Real Marines Mission In Afghanistan Looks Like

Geoffrey Ingersoll | Sep. 5, 2012, 1:40 PM

I arrived in the middle of things, just after a hostile action on Afghan police headquarters. The word around camp was:

"Police Chief Wali Koka is officially tougher than Chuck Norris."

Continue reading "Stop Playing 'Modern Warfare' And See What A Real Marines Mission In Afghanistan Looks Like" »

September 3, 2012

Proper equipment saves Wisconsin Marine’s life

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.03.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – Every day Marines put on their protective gear and put their lives in danger. They wear a heavy flak jacket, Kevlar helmet and fire retardant clothing. With temperatures reaching more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, patrolling with all their gear can become tiresome, but there is one Marine who will not hear complaining about the extra weight.

Continue reading "Proper equipment saves Wisconsin Marine’s life" »

Ready, Aim, Fire: scout snipers on target throughout Trek Nawa

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.03.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – The Marine scout snipers are specialized, trained marksmen. Extensively trained in weapon systems, stalking, concealment and overall field skills, the Marines are able to adapt and run independently as small teams or while partnering with larger patrols.

Continue reading "Ready, Aim, Fire: scout snipers on target throughout Trek Nawa" »

Marines overcome language barriers, teach ANA mortar systems

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.03.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan –Afghan National Army soldiers march in and form a semicircle around their Marine instructor. They pull out notepads and pencils and are already jotting down notes before the class even starts.

Continue reading "Marines overcome language barriers, teach ANA mortar systems" »

September 2, 2012

Marines train Afghans to defend their own turf

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Sep 2, 2012 10:31:04 EDT

With a mixture of brawn and brains, Marine special operators continue to push their way into villages in Afghanistan, setting up shop alongside Afghan special forces to train those living there to defend their own turf from the Taliban.

Continue reading "Marines train Afghans to defend their own turf" »

August 31, 2012

Scout snipers keep watch over Marines

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.31.2012

AGHA AHMAD, Afghanistan – The snaps and cracks of accurate small-arms fire break the silence of the day.

Continue reading "Scout snipers keep watch over Marines" »

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians teach methods to counter improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan

8/31/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — In today’s war, improvised explosive devices remain the number one threat to Marines and sailors forward deployed to Afghanistan.

Continue reading " Explosive ordnance disposal technicians teach methods to counter improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan " »

August 29, 2012

One Marine feeds a company

8/29/2012 By Cpl. Ed Galo , Regimental Combat Team 6

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan — Whether preparing the ingredients to be used for a meal, preheating ovens or making sure the food doesn’t over cook, feeding 300 people can be a difficult task. It can be even harder in a foreign environment and a single Marine is tasked with the workload.

Continue reading " One Marine feeds a company " »

August 25, 2012

Following the scent: An explosive detector dog and his handler protect Marines

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.25.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan’s rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience.

Continue reading "Following the scent: An explosive detector dog and his handler protect Marines" »

August 24, 2012

Rolling thunder: Marine tankers provide safety for operational forces

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.24.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, have been supporting the most dangerous operations in northern Helmand province since they first arrived about two months ago.

Continue reading "Rolling thunder: Marine tankers provide safety for operational forces" »

August 22, 2012

Americans tune out Afghan war as fighting rages on

By DEB RIECHMANN | Associated Press - August 22, 2012

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — It was once President Barack Obama's "war of necessity." Now, it's America's forgotten war.
The Afghan conflict generates barely a whisper on the U.S. presidential campaign trail. It's not a hot topic at the office water cooler or in the halls of Congress — even though more than 80,000 American troops are still fighting here and dying at a rate of one a day.

Continue reading "Americans tune out Afghan war as fighting rages on" »

August 21, 2012

First Time, First Firefight – Marine stays focused during combat

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.21.2012

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan – It’s a moment of truth for many Marines – the first time they are in combat and their training is put to the test.

Continue reading "First Time, First Firefight – Marine stays focused during combat" »

August 20, 2012

Afghans to spy on own troops to stop ‘insider’ attacks

By Kevin Sieff, Published: August 20

KABUL — Afghan officials say they have launched an expanded effort to spy on their own police and army recruits, an acknowledgment that previous measures designed to reduce insurgent infiltration in the country’s security services have failed.

Continue reading "Afghans to spy on own troops to stop ‘insider’ attacks" »

August 9, 2012

2/5 conducts MCMAP training in Afghanistan

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ismael Ortega | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.26.2012
Date Posted:08.09.2012 02:39

U.S. Marines with the 2/5 held a a Marine Corp Martial Arts Program session on Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay, Helmand province, Afghanistan July 26, 2012. Marines conducted the session as part of the sustainment training required by the program.

Continue reading "2/5 conducts MCMAP training in Afghanistan " »

2/5 conducts MCMAP training in Afghanistan

Photos by Lance Cpl. Ismael Ortega | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.26.2012
Date Posted:08.09.2012 02:39

U.S. Marines with the 2/5 held a a Marine Corp Martial Arts Program session on Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay, Helmand province, Afghanistan July 26, 2012. Marines conducted the session as part of the sustainment training required by the program.

Continue reading "2/5 conducts MCMAP training in Afghanistan " »

August 8, 2012

Marine Declines Scholarship to Serve

By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter
Regimental Combat Team 6

COMBAT OUTPOST JAKER, Afghanistan, Aug. 8, 2012 – For some people, history is just another subject in school. For Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Taylor, being a part of history was a calling.

Continue reading "Marine Declines Scholarship to Serve" »

August 5, 2012

Afghan combat support soldiers work with Marine advisors

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.05.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST FIDDLERS GREEN, Afghanistan – The future success of Afghanistan’s security depends largely on the abilities of the country’s armed forces.

Continue reading "Afghan combat support soldiers work with Marine advisors" »

August 4, 2012

Marine special operators fight, live among the Afghans

Teams recruit community police forces, form local governing councils

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
9:30 a.m., Aug. 4, 2012

PUZEH, Afghanistan — Marine special operations forces realized the security situation had changed dramatically in their stretch of the upper Sangin river valley this summer when village boys started playing policeman instead of Taliban insurgent.

Continue reading "Marine special operators fight, live among the Afghans" »

Afghan parliament votes out defense minister

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Aug 4, 2012 13:21:52 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan parliament voted Saturday to dismiss the country’s defense and interior ministers, a move that threatens to throw the country’s security apparatus into confusion as foreign forces withdraw.

Continue reading "Afghan parliament votes out defense minister" »

August 2, 2012

Afghan forces increasingly in security lead in southern Helmand province

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 08.02.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST DEHLI, Afghanistan — As Marines drove along the narrow dirt roads of southern Helmand province they watched farmers tend to their corn fields and livestock. They saw children running alongside vehicles and swimming in a river that irrigates the fields surrounding it. Trucks carrying bags of wheat and other products passed the Marines' convoy regularly on their way to deliver their goods to bazaars and customers in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan forces increasingly in security lead in southern Helmand province" »

August 1, 2012

Arizona native helps keep rockets’ red glare alive, well in Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. James Mercure | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.01.2012

PATROL BASE EREDVI, Afghanistan - The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System delivers target destruction from miles away.

Continue reading "Arizona native helps keep rockets’ red glare alive, well in Afghanistan" »

July 31, 2012

Third Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion disrupts enemy passageways

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 07.31.2012

KHANESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – As the morning sun rose, the sound of helicopter rotor blades could be heard from the flight line at Forward Operating Base Payne, July 21, 2012.

Continue reading "Third Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion disrupts enemy passageways" »

Afghan forces hold training exercise at Combat Outpost Castle

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 07.31.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan – As Afghan forces prepare to take the lead in combat roles, Marines with Police Advisor Team, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, and Afghan forces at Combat Outpost Castle held a command post exercise, July 18, 2012.

Continue reading "Afghan forces hold training exercise at Combat Outpost Castle" »

July 30, 2012

Afghan, Marine partnership bears fruit through progress, transition in southern Helmand

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 07.30.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When the Marines and sailors of Regimental Combat Team 5 arrived here in August 2011, their predecessors from RCT-1 had already planted the seeds of transition with Afghan National Security Forces.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine partnership bears fruit through progress, transition in southern Helmand" »

July 26, 2012

Marine born in Afghanistan gives back to home nation

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 07.26.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —“I remember the day I heard that America was going into Afghanistan,” said Lance Cpl. Behzad Razzada, a member of the Embedded Partnering Team, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “My parents were happy because it was a chance for Afghanistan to unite and fight for freedom. They said it was the only way that injustice in Afghanistan would be finished.”

Continue reading "Marine born in Afghanistan gives back to home nation" »

July 22, 2012

Marine advisors mentor Afghan police in Kajaki

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) | Date: 07.22.2012

KAJAKI DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marines with the Kajaki Police Advisor Team have been working with local security officials since they arrived in Afghanistan, nearly a month ago.

Continue reading "Marine advisors mentor Afghan police in Kajaki" »

July 21, 2012

Marines see calm in once-violent Afghan area

Much has changed since Camp Pendleton unit suffered heavy casualties last year

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
noon, July 21, 2012

SANGIN, Afghanistan — In one of the most violent districts in Afghanistan, the line of two dozen Marines walked slowly through the field. Following each other’s footsteps, the infantrymen were careful not to stray from the path marked by an engineer sweeping for bombs.

Continue reading "Marines see calm in once-violent Afghan area" »

July 20, 2012

Combat engineers conduct expansion operation, increase patrol base size, capabilities

7/20/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

PATROL BASE EREDVI, Afghanistan — More than 100 Marines from Engineer Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) completed their largest mission to date in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, here, July 15.

Continue reading " Combat engineers conduct expansion operation, increase patrol base size, capabilities" »

July 17, 2012

Afghanistan War Diary: A Purple Heart

Marine honored for combat wounds, others warned not to add to casualties at home

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
12:32 p.m., July 17, 2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN — The Purple Heart ceremony was simple. It was the setting that made it unforgettable.

Continue reading "Afghanistan War Diary: A Purple Heart" »

Texas native serves country by saving lives

Story by Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 07.17.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – As a senior in high school, Navy Seaman Christian Adkins knew he wanted to serve his country. Two months after his graduation, he was on his way to basic training.

Continue reading "Texas native serves country by saving lives" »

July 16, 2012

“Duty Expert” keeps combat logistics patrols moving

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 07.16.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Flat tires, blown transmissions, and even vehicle accidents are common occurrences in the harsh environment and inherent danger of a war zone,” said Staff Sgt. Brendan H. Chamburs, company gunnery sergeant, Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “The wrecker section has the responsibility to maintain convoy momentum when things go wrong.”

Continue reading "“Duty Expert” keeps combat logistics patrols moving" »

July 11, 2012

All In A Day’s Work: Explosives Tandem Team From Camp Pendleton

Wednesday, July 11, 2012
By Beth Ford Roth

Video
Two Marines talk about their role as an explosive team. The two Marines partner together when their squad needs to destroy enemy fighting positions, enter compounds and employ demolitions.

Continue reading "All In A Day’s Work: Explosives Tandem Team From Camp Pendleton" »

Operation Branding Iron II Charlie

Photos by Lance Cpl. Ismael Ortega | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.06.2012
Date Posted:07.11.2012 11:19

The Marines conducted Operation Branding Iron II Charlie to disrupt enemy logistics and deny the enemy a safe haven for staging operations.

Continue reading "Operation Branding Iron II Charlie" »

July 9, 2012

Belleau Wood Marines conduct historic transfer of authority in Helmand province

7/9/2012 By Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez , Regimental Combat Team 5

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II — Since their activation in 1917, 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have courageously fought for America, most notably in World War I when they fought side-by-side in the bloody Battle of Belleau Wood.

Continue reading "Belleau Wood Marines conduct historic transfer of authority in Helmand province " »

Marine Corps footprint in Afghanistan shifting as drawdown continues

July 9th, 2012 | Afghanistan Drawdown Infantry Marjah | Posted by Dan Lamothe

The Marine Corps’ footprint in Afghanistan is changing dramatically as a drawdown in forces continues throughout the summer.

Continue reading "Marine Corps footprint in Afghanistan shifting as drawdown continues" »

July 4, 2012

July Fourth at war: Marines say don't forget us

Closest most get to fireworks in Afghanistan is an artillery mission

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
2:24 p.m., July 4, 2012
Updated 9:14 p.m.

Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay, Afghanistan — The Fourth of July isn’t much of a holiday in the war zone. It’s just another work day for many Marines and a reminder of family and friends who are gathering without them back home.

Continue reading "July Fourth at war: Marines say don't forget us" »

Marine has the blues in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 07.04.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE NOLAY, Afghanistan – One recent morning, while waiting in line for breakfast at the field mess hall at Forward Operating Base Nolay, Marines could hear the sound of blues music coming from a harmonica.

Continue reading "Marine has the blues in Afghanistan" »

July 3, 2012

Charlie Company keeps Marines in operations supplied

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 07.03.2012

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Nearly every hour, the sound of explosions echoed through the desert and green valleys of Sangin, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Charlie Company keeps Marines in operations supplied" »

June 29, 2012

Combat Camera Marine documents war, progress in Kajaki, Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. James Mercure | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 06.29.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KISHTIWAN – He carries a copy of the U.S. Constitution on every combat operation he’s documented and returns with history in his camera.

Continue reading "Combat Camera Marine documents war, progress in Kajaki, Afghanistan" »

June 25, 2012

Fighting Irish: deployed crew chief fulfills dream

Story by Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 06.25.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Flying over southwestern Afghanistan, a voice came over the radio, drawing the crew chiefs’ attention to a large truck and SUVs racing through the desert. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, “Vengeance,” were performing aerial reconnaissance in the area, looking for any suspicious vehicles or potential insurgent activity.

Continue reading "Fighting Irish: deployed crew chief fulfills dream" »

June 24, 2012

This Is My Life, Episode 3

Video by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 06.24.2012

This is my life is a video journal blog of Marines in Afghanistan, documenting their daily life. This episode follows an infantryman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "This Is My Life, Episode 3" »

3/8 Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers patrol in Garmsir District

Courtesy Photos | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.24.2012

U.S. Marines with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol out of Forward Operating Base Dehli, Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012.

Continue reading "3/8 Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers patrol in Garmsir District" »

June 22, 2012

Houston corpsman holds own, saves lives with 2/5 Marines

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 06.22.2012

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – The brotherhood and friendly rivalry between sailors and Marines spans across the history of both military branches. Whether it’s a sailor jokingly calling a Marine a “jarhead” or a Marine retorting with calling the sailor a “squid,” the two branches are always closely linked. Corpsmen, who support both the Navy and Marine Corps, often find themselves stuck in the crossfire.

Continue reading "Houston corpsman holds own, saves lives with 2/5 Marines" »

Mexican immigrant serves in Marines, OEF; eyes US citizenship

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 06.22.2012

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – He stands side-by-side his fellow Marines, pours his blood and sweat into his job and sacrifices time away from his family. He lives driven by a will to earn his way in life and appreciate what’s been given to him.

Continue reading "Mexican immigrant serves in Marines, OEF; eyes US citizenship" »

June 20, 2012

Summer poses toughest test for Afghan forces

By Donna Cassata - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 20, 2012 18:35:49 EDT

WASHINGTON — This summer’s fighting in Afghanistan will be the toughest test for the country’s evolving security forces as they try to root out insurgents in the more heavily populated regions, senior defense officials told skeptical lawmakers on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Summer poses toughest test for Afghan forces" »

Long Island native uses years of mechanical expertise to keep logistics Marines mission ready

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 06.20.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan —“When you have a [mechanically inclined] mind and you are familiar with how an engine works and how a vehicle works, you can solve a lot of the problems and issues that come up on convoys, that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to [fix],” said Cpl. Jason K. Fricke.

Continue reading "Long Island native uses years of mechanical expertise to keep logistics Marines mission ready" »

June 18, 2012

Behind the scenes: Administration shop supports hundreds of Marines

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 06.18.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – From reconstructing roads to eliminating insurgents, many Marines and sailors deployed to Afghanistan make an impact that is readily visible.

Continue reading "Behind the scenes: Administration shop supports hundreds of Marines" »

Explosive tandem demolishes bunkers, supports Operation Jaws

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 06.18.2012

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – The Marines rush to take cover behind a berm, as the countdown begins.

Continue reading "Explosive tandem demolishes bunkers, supports Operation Jaws" »

Combat Logistics Battalion 4 supports Operation Branding Iron

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 06.18.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines and sailors with 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provided sustained logistics support to Regimental Combat Team 6, north of Musa Qal’ah, May 27-June 11, in support of Operation Branding Iron.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 4 supports Operation Branding Iron" »

June 15, 2012

Marines Emerge Unscathed From Operation Jaws

June 15th, 2012 // By Cpl. Timothy Lenzo

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – The Marines of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment added to their rich history when they trekked through Zamindawar, one of the few remaining insurgent strongholds in Afghanistan, May 26-June 9, to disrupt the insurgents’ leadership and logistics chain.

Continue reading "Marines Emerge Unscathed From Operation Jaws" »

June 13, 2012

Marines overcome insurgents, clear Kajaki town during Operation Jaws

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 06.13.2012

KAJAKI, Afghanistan - The Marines of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment added to their rich history when they trekked through Zamindawar, one of the few remaining insurgent strongholds in Afghanistan, May 26-June 9, to disrupt the insurgents’ leadership and logistics chain.

Continue reading "Marines overcome insurgents, clear Kajaki town during Operation Jaws" »

June 11, 2012

Workload Grows for Logistics Crews in Afghanistan

Jun. 11, 2012 - 05:32PM |
By DAN LAMOTHE

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan has required an expansive effort to sort, identify and ship unused equipment stored in theater as the Marine Corps withdraws thousands of troops from Helmand province this summer.

Continue reading "Workload Grows for Logistics Crews in Afghanistan" »

June 8, 2012

3/11 returns

Story by Sgt. Heather Golden | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms | Date: 06.08.2012

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - When Cpl. Don Robinson left to join the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit with the rest of Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, in November, his daughter Samira was a tiny 2-month-old.

Continue reading "3/11 returns" »

Marines from Twentynine Palms hit insurgents

June 08, 2012 6:00 am • By Lance Cpl. MARK GARCIA United States Marine Corps

COMBAT OUTPOST TABAC, Afghanistan ---- As allied forces begin their drawdown in Afghanistan, Marines and Afghan National Security Forces applied increased pressure on the insurgency during Operation Sangin United Horizons ---- a battalion-sized operation that took place May 17 to 20.

Continue reading "Marines from Twentynine Palms hit insurgents" »

May 31, 2012

Afghan Army, Marines investigate Wushtan

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.31.2012

WUSHTAN, Afghanistan- Helicopters landed in a field during the early morning darkness, May 17, delivering the Marines of Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and soldiers of the Afghan National Army to the outskirts of the town of Wushtan to begin Operation Sangin United Horizons.

Continue reading "Afghan Army, Marines investigate Wushtan" »

May 30, 2012

Wing Chaplain provides spiritual help on the fly

Photos by Cpl. Isaac Lamberth | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 05.27.2012
Date Posted:05.30.2012 10:39

Navy Cmdr. Francis Foley, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) command chaplain, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Randall, a religious program specialist were at Combat Outpost Now Zad, Afghanistan, May 27. Foley and Randall delivered care packages to the Marines at the outpost.

Continue reading "Wing Chaplain provides spiritual help on the fly" »

RCT-6 Commanding Officer's Weekly Message

Courtesy Video
Date Posted:05.30.2012 3:32AM

The commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 6, Col. John Shafer, updates family members of RCT-6 Marines and Sailors on ongoing operations in the region.

Continue reading "RCT-6 Commanding Officer's Weekly Message" »

May 27, 2012

Logistics Marines, sailors transfer excess medical supplies to Afghan National Army

5/27/2012 By 2nd Lt. Tyler Morrison , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines and sailors with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Material Distribution Center, Supply Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) sorted, staged and delivered more than $85,000 worth of consumable medical supplies to Afghan soldiers with Regional Logistics Support Command-Southwest, May 24.

Continue reading "Logistics Marines, sailors transfer excess medical supplies to Afghan National Army " »

May 26, 2012

DRAWDOWN ON STEEP PACE IN RESTIVE AFGHAN REGION

y GRETEL C. KOVACH • U-T
12:01 a.m., May 26, 2012
Updated 9:08 p.m. , May 25, 2012

U.S. Marines deployed to what has been the most violent province in Afghanistan for coalition forces are handing over control to Afghan forces at a pace faster than the one set for the country as a whole.

Continue reading "DRAWDOWN ON STEEP PACE IN RESTIVE AFGHAN REGION " »

May 25, 2012

Indiana Marine builds bonds with Afghans

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.25.2012

WUSHTAN, Afghanistan - During a halt in a security patrol here May 18, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Barth, a native on New Albany, Ind., sat down next to Muhammed Hasim, one of his counterparts with the Afghan National Army, and struck up a conversation.

Continue reading "Indiana Marine builds bonds with Afghans" »

New York Detective puts skills to use in Afghanistan

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.25.2012

WUSHTAN, Afghanistan - Marc Davis took a few minutes to talk to an old Afghan man on the road, May 19. As a veteran of the New York City police force, it is a scenario he has been through hundreds of times. The only difference is that instead taking place on a busy city street surrounded by towering skyscrapers, it’s happening on a dirt road next to a mosque surrounded by small mud buildings in Washtun, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "New York Detective puts skills to use in Afghanistan" »

May 24, 2012

Dog Company Marines bite down on insurgency with Afghan forces during Operation Sangin United Horizons

Story by Lance Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.24.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST TABAC, Afghanistan – During a time in which Marines are continually withdrawing from Afghanistan, Marines and Afghan National Security Forces put continued pressure on the insurgency during Operation Sangin United Horizons, a battalion-sized operation that took place, May 17-20.

Continue reading "Dog Company Marines bite down on insurgency with Afghan forces during Operation Sangin United Horizons" »

One stop morale shop: Warfighter Exchange Services Team travels throughout Helmand Province

Story by Sgt. John Jackson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.24.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Whenever anybody sees the PX truck, that is all you hear about – people saying ‘Oh, the PX truck is here,’” said Lance Cpl. Cody Turner, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion. “It’s definitely a morale booster for all the Marines at the [Forward Operating Bases].”

Continue reading "One stop morale shop: Warfighter Exchange Services Team travels throughout Helmand Province " »

May 22, 2012

Combat: Behind the scenes

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.21.2012
Date Posted:05.22.2012 11:19

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan — The Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 6 and its subordinate battalions have been working nonstop on a combat operation referred to as Operation Jaws since February.

Continue reading "Combat: Behind the scenes" »

Marines implement recycling program, save battalion thousands of dollars

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.22.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Belk, a motor vehicle mechanic with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), came up with a plan to help his battalion save money in a combat zone through recycling.

Continue reading "Marines implement recycling program, save battalion thousands of dollars" »

May 21, 2012

Corpsmen rescue wounded Marine during firefight

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.21.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – When the Marines reached the hilltop, they knew it was going to be a rough day.

Continue reading "Corpsmen rescue wounded Marine during firefight" »

May 17, 2012

Pick, pack, ship: Marines support units across Helmand Province

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.17.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Supply Management Unit aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, is home to more than 500,000 pieces of gear and supports 56 units throughout Regional Command Southwest.

Continue reading "Pick, pack, ship: Marines support units across Helmand Province" »

Lejeune Marines clear Afghan valley of insurgents

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.17.2012

NIMRUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As the early morning sun peeks over the mountains the Nimruz province of Afghanistan, the Marines and sailors with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, began an operation in the Gostan Valley.

Continue reading "Lejeune Marines clear Afghan valley of insurgents" »

Sangin Marines brace for summer of combat

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 17, 2012 14:45:19 EDT

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Lying on a dusty rooftop, Lance Cpls. Jacob Bisek and Daniel Buzalsky watched suspiciously as a man down the road peered at them. He was pointing at the Marines and holding a cell phone, raising the prospect he was a Taliban spotter.

Continue reading "Sangin Marines brace for summer of combat" »

May 16, 2012

Combat Logistics Battalion 4 assists realigning Marine Corps forces in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.16.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Service members attached to 1st MLG (Fwd) provide tactical logistics support to adjacent units in Regional Command (Southwest) and assist in the Marine Corps’ reset and reconstitution effort. Whether it is engineering operations, maintaining vehicles, supplying units or identifying excess gear, 1st MLG (Fwd) Marines and sailors get the mission accomplished.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 4 assists realigning Marine Corps forces in Afghanistan" »

May 15, 2012

Marines capture 20 during operation in northern Musa Qa’leh

Story by Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.15.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment disrupted insurgent activity in northern Musa Qa’leh district during Operation Ox Bow, May 8-12.

Continue reading "Marines capture 20 during operation in northern Musa Qa’leh" »

Future of Garmsir in Afghan hands, ‘America’s Battalion’ completes final Helmand tour

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.15.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — In the fall of 2004, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment began a challenging journey that took them to the Middle East and central Asia.

Continue reading "Future of Garmsir in Afghan hands, ‘America’s Battalion’ completes final Helmand tour" »

May 14, 2012

AP Exclusive: Moderate Taliban speaks of divisions

Published May 14, 2012
Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan – One of the most powerful men on the Taliban council, Agha Jan Motasim, nearly lost his life in a hail of bullets for advocating a negotiated settlement that would bring a broad-based government to his beleaguered homeland of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "AP Exclusive: Moderate Taliban speaks of divisions" »

May 13, 2012

RCT-6 Weekly Message

Courtesy Video | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.13.2012

RCT-6 sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Jamie Deets updates families on their deployed Marines and Sailors and what is happening within the unit.

Continue reading "RCT-6 Weekly Message" »

Ready or not, Afghan forces taking control

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 13, 2012 10:18:18 EDT

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Sgt. Johnathan Cook leads his squad of Marines through the narrow alleys and dusty compounds in this district’s dangerous “Fish Tank” region, facing insurgents armed with grenades, machine guns and improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Ready or not, Afghan forces taking control" »

May 12, 2012

Marines in Afghanistan thinking about mom at home

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.12.2012

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines serving in Marjah, Afghanistan, say when they have the time, they often think about the luxuries and comforts they miss at home. Naturally, there’s always one lady missed very much by a deployed Marine – his mother.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan thinking about mom at home" »

May 8, 2012

Marines reduce footprint in Marjah

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.08.2012

Marines here are making big moves for the future of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines reduce footprint in Marjah" »

May 7, 2012

Junior Marines ready for more responsibilities in rifle platoon

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.07.2012

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan - Lance Cpl. Taylor Adkins has been a Marine for nearly a year and a half and is already taking advantage of leadership opportunities.

Continue reading "Junior Marines ready for more responsibilities in rifle platoon" »

A Marine’s perspective on progress in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.07.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Over the past seven months, I’ve seen and experienced progress in Afghanistan most Americans will never hear about from mainstream media.

Continue reading "A Marine’s perspective on progress in Helmand province" »

Sighting in on the big picture, Afghans see independence

5/7/2012 By Cpl. Timothy Lenzo , 1st Marine Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — The unmistakable sound of gunfire breaks the mid-morning calm. The Afghan instructor paces behind several Afghan National Army soldiers, who are lying in the prone position. The sun is rising to their backs, casting long shadows, stretching before the green targets in front of them.

Continue reading "Sighting in on the big picture, Afghans see independence " »

May 6, 2012

V-mail and Gmail

Story by Isaac Lamberth | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 05.06.2012

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan - On April 28, 1941 – 71 years ago today as I write this – Leo Morgenstern, my great grandfather, wrote a letter from Nazi-occupied France to his son in America, asking for bribe money to facilitate his escape. The letter arrived in January, 1944, having been held up by a British censor due to concerns over its origins behind enemy lines. If only he could have sent an e-mail, he might not have perished at Auschwitz.

Continue reading "V-mail and Gmail" »

Taliban test Afghans as Kajaki handoff looms

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 6, 2012 13:59:07 EDT

KAJAKI, Afghanistan — It was an eerie mission: The Afghan police wanted to crash a Taliban funeral, and they needed Marines to help.

Continue reading "Taliban test Afghans as Kajaki handoff looms" »

May 5, 2012

Another year, another country for Clifton native

Story by Spc. Chelsea Russell | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.05.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - When Cpl. Erica Adams decided to join the Marine Corps Feb. 7, 2010, she knew she wanted to be a motor transportation mechanic. Although it’s a choice most people might question, especially for a female, Adams is passionate about her job.

Continue reading "Another year, another country for Clifton native" »

Female Marines bond with Afghan women, children

Story by Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.05.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – It’s common in Afghan culture for men to refrain from talking to women they aren’t related to.

Continue reading "Female Marines bond with Afghan women, children" »

Pendleton Marines prepare to transfer patrol base to Afghans

Story by Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.05.2012

PATROL BASE HABIB, Afghanistan – Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, are leaving the place they’ve called home for the past two months to head to Camp Leatherneck, the main base of operations for Marines in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines prepare to transfer patrol base to Afghans" »

Marines, Afghan police patrol in Musa Qa’leh

Story by Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.05.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marines with Police Advisor Team 2, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, conducted a partnered patrol with the Afghan National Police, May 2.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan police patrol in Musa Qa’leh" »

May 4, 2012

CLB-4 expands patrols to new supply route

5/4/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

Afghanistan — Marines with Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, conducted a combat logistics patrol along Route Red-West for the first time recently.

Continue reading "CLB-4 expands patrols to new supply route " »

May 3, 2012

Wisconsin native leads Marines through firefights during deployment

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.03.2012

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan – Leadership is a fundamental part of the Marine Corps. Leaders train new leaders: from a fire team of four, to Marines at the highest levels.

Continue reading "Wisconsin native leads Marines through firefights during deployment" »

Lejeune Marines and Afghan forces unleash Operation Reservoir Dogs

Story by Sgt. James Mercure | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 05.03.2012

SABZIKAR, Afghanistan -- After the sun came up, all hell broke loose.

Continue reading "Lejeune Marines and Afghan forces unleash Operation Reservoir Dogs" »

Breaking bread key to building trust between Afghans, Marines

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.03.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – “Shana ba shana” is a Dari saying that Sgt. Christopher Scott has heard since he arrived here in December 2011. The saying translates to shoulder-to-shoulder. Afghan forces say it’s a way to describe someone’s work ethic and shows the effort they put in with others.

Continue reading "Breaking bread key to building trust between Afghans, Marines" »

May 2, 2012

The Last Patrol: ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines near completion of Helmand tour

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.02.2012

On the final patrol of their seven-month deployment, the Marines toured the Durzay region of Helmand province's Garmsir district to disrupt possible insurgent activity. After arriving in Garmsir in October 2011, the Marines aided Afghan National Security Forces in assuming lead security responsibility of the district, developing and expanding legitimate Afghan governance by defeating insurgent forces and securing the people of Garmsir.

Continue reading "The Last Patrol: ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines near completion of Helmand tour" »

2D Battalion 5th Marine Regiment Interior Guard

Photos by Lance Cpl. Ismael Ortega | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.26.2012
Date Posted: 05:02:2012

Marines with Fox Company, 2D Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, man various machine guns at a guard post on Combat out Post (COP) 7171, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 26, 2012. They are responsible for the interior guard of the COP.

Continue reading "2D Battalion 5th Marine Regiment Interior Guard" »

Georgia native goes above and beyond for man’s best friend

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.02.2012

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan – Many children beg their parents for a dog. The floppy ears and wagging tail seems to attract children to man’s best friend. But many parents know that caring for a dog means a lot of responsibility, training and effort.

Continue reading "Georgia native goes above and beyond for man’s best friend" »

May 1, 2012

'America's Battalion' Marines patrol Garmsir as district prepares for transition

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.28.2012
Date Posted:05.01.2012

The 3/3 India Marines gave a battlefield tour of the Safar region to their replacements with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. After arriving in Helmand province's Garmsir district in October 2011, the 'America's Battalion' Marines are nearing the end of their seven-month deployment. During the deployment, they aided Afghan National Security Forces in assuming lead security responsibility of Garmsir, developing and expanding legitimate Afghan governance by defeating insurgent forces and securing the people of Garmsir.

Continue reading "'America's Battalion' Marines patrol Garmsir as district prepares for transition" »

The complete IED detection team

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.01.2012

KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – A team of two jumped out of the vehicle as it came to a stop at a chokepoint on the road.

Continue reading "The complete IED detection team" »

Afghanistan: April 2012

May 1, 2012
Alan Taylor

Gathered here are images of those involved in this conflict over the past month, as part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: April 2012" »

For instant morale – just add water

5/1/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan — After a 12-hour foot patrol in the baking heat of the Afghan desert, a shower to wash away the grime and the grit could be the one oasis the Marines and sailors here look forward to upon completing their arduous task.

Continue reading "For instant morale – just add water " »

April 30, 2012

Dam has hosted Soviets, Brits and U.S. Marines

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 30, 2012 17:26:03 EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan — Up on this cliffside base, Marines protect the landmark Kajaki Dam while surrounded by the remnants of another bloody war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Dam has hosted Soviets, Brits and U.S. Marines" »

April 29, 2012

Marines hunt Taliban hiding in tunnels

By Dan Lamothe - [email protected]
Posted : Sunday Apr 29, 2012 15:54:10 EDT

OBSERVATION POST SHRINE, Afghanistan — Under cover of darkness, the Marines stalked their enemy, looking to pick a fight.

Continue reading "Marines hunt Taliban hiding in tunnels" »

April 28, 2012

Marine welder keeps heavy-duty trailers operable in Afghanistan, saves Corps thousands

4/28/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Adapt and overcome is a common phrase in the Marine Corps, and Cpl. Sean Castillo, a welder with Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), is embodying those words everyday in Afghanistan and saving the Marine Corps millions of dollars while doing so.

Continue reading "Marine welder keeps heavy-duty trailers operable in Afghanistan, saves Corps thousands " »

Marine truck convoys begin base closures

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.28.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – Although the timeline for the complete withdrawal of combat troops in Afghanistan is still nearly two years away, Marines in southwest Afghanistan are already starting to close bases and consolidate people and equipment.

Continue reading "Marine truck convoys begin base closures" »

A day on patrol with the Marines of Dog Company 1/7

April 28th, 2012 | Afghanistan Embedded journalism Infantry Sangin | Posted by Dan Lamothe

SANGIN, Afghanistan – For a minute, it seemed like a manhunt in the hills of the Upper Sangin Valley was possible.

Continue reading "A day on patrol with the Marines of Dog Company 1/7" »

April 27, 2012

2/5 Marines search suspicious compounds in Musa Qa’leh

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.27.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – During Operation Lariat, Marines and sailors patrolled the Musa Qaleh district to an area previously untouched by coalition forces, April 14-18.

Continue reading "2/5 Marines search suspicious compounds in Musa Qa’leh" »

April 25, 2012

Carlisle native witnesses Afghan progress

Story by Master Sgt. Brenda Varnadore | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.25.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST JAKER, Afghanistan – “Post One, Post One,” said an Afghan boy about 8 years old. “Do you need anything? Some water, anything from bazaar?”

Continue reading "Carlisle native witnesses Afghan progress" »

‘Here to protect’: Marines stay involved in Kajaki

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.25.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan - As coalition forces continue to transfer security responsibilities to Afghan National Army and police in Afghanistan, the Marines here continue to patrol to keep the people of Kajaki safe.

Continue reading "‘Here to protect’: Marines stay involved in Kajaki" »

Nebraska Marine bears big burden on deployment

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.25.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan - When a big job calls for a big machine, the Marines call on the expertise of a heavy equipment operator to get the job done.

Continue reading " Nebraska Marine bears big burden on deployment" »

April 24, 2012

Marine unit new to Afghanistan conducts first large-scale operation

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.24.2012

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – As insurgents begin preparations for Afghanistan’s poppy harvest season, Marines, coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces participated in Operation Jaws April 5-8.

Continue reading "Marine unit new to Afghanistan conducts first large-scale operation" »

April 20, 2012

The new tradition of E-18

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.20.2012

NAWA DISTRICT, Afghanistan— Throughout the Marine Corps, the bulk of combat operations are conducted at a non commissioned officer level and below.

Continue reading "The new tradition of E-18" »

Combat Logistics Battalions conduct “left seat, right seat” operations in Afghanistan

4/20/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan — The war in Afghanistan is continuous, and while units may come and go, the mission never pauses.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalions conduct “left seat, right seat” operations in Afghanistan " »

April 17, 2012

From high school to Afghanistan, these Marines stick together

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.17.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines describe their relationships with fellow Marines with words like brotherhood and sisterhood. Many view the Corps as a family, with brothers and sisters, mother and father figures. The way Marines take care of each other, look after each other and even bicker with each other is reminiscent of many families in America today.

Continue reading "From high school to Afghanistan, these Marines stick together" »

Marine electrician keeps power on in southern Helmand province

4/17/2012 By Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes , Regimental Combat Team 5

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Sometimes little luxuries like air conditioning, heat and power go unnoticed… just not in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine electrician keeps power on in southern Helmand province " »

Postal Marines provide morale boost in Afghanistan

4/17/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Whether it is Girl Scout cookies sent by patriotic Americans or photographs of your child’s first day at school, mail is the number one source of morale for Marines in a combat zone.

Continue reading "Postal Marines provide morale boost in Afghanistan " »

April 16, 2012

Raids, helo ops hit Afghan drug smugglers

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 16, 2012 8:19:44 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines are running heliborne operations and other raids this spring to stem the flow of stored poppy out of the country ahead of the next harvest, said the two-star general overseeing ground operations here.

Continue reading "Raids, helo ops hit Afghan drug smugglers" »

Toledo Marine drives across hundreds of miles in Afghanistan

4/16/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — In America, all branches of the military are voluntary, and for those who choose to join, a certain level of respect is earned. There are some who believe that the highest honor comes from serving one’s country.

Continue reading "Toledo Marine drives across hundreds of miles in Afghanistan " »

April 15, 2012

Afghanistan’s Kajaki Dam offers landmines, breathtaking scenery

April 15th, 2012 | Posted by Dan Lamothe

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan — After three nights visiting Marines at Observation Post Shrine, photographer James Lee and I have returned to this base overlooking the scenic Kajaki Dam.

Continue reading "Afghanistan’s Kajaki Dam offers landmines, breathtaking scenery" »

Taliban attack Afghan capital, 3 other cities

The Taliban launched a series of coordinated attacks on at least seven sites across the Afghan capital on Sunday, targeting NATO headquarters, the parliament and diplomatic residences. Militants also launched near-simultaneous assaults in three other eastern cities.

From the Associated Press

April 15, 2012, 6:30 a.m.
Kabul, Afghanistan—
The Taliban launched a series of coordinated attacks on at least seven sites across the Afghan capital on Sunday, targeting NATO headquarters, the parliament and diplomatic residences. Militants also launched near-simultaneous assaults in three other eastern cities.

Continue reading "Taliban attack Afghan capital, 3 other cities" »

April 14, 2012

Marines continue infrastructure growth in Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.14.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) worked tirelessly toward the completion of a 12 kilometer stretch of road.

Continue reading "Marines continue infrastructure growth in Afghanistan" »

April 13, 2012

The Unknown Soldiers: A Marine Named Fancy

By Tom Sileo
Published 04/13/12

Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri is just old enough to legally buy a beer in the United States. Yet the Marine, 21, is already on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "The Unknown Soldiers: A Marine Named Fancy" »

Mass casualty drill becomes reality for sailors, Marines

4/13/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan — Doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and corpsmen began April 10 like every other Tuesday – by conducting medical drills to prepare for the worst.

Continue reading "Mass casualty drill becomes reality for sailors, Marines " »

April 12, 2012

Comstock Marine drives forward

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.12.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When he is on his family farm, Dana Brakke can be found driving a John Deere through the green fields of Comstock, Minn. These days, he can be found driving an armored truck through the sand of southwest Afghanistan

Continue reading "Comstock Marine drives forward" »

Marines defend Kajaki at “The Shrine”

April 12th, 2012 | Posted by Dan Lamothe

OBSERVATION POST SHRINE, Afghanistan – Somewhere on the edge of Taliban country, we’ll be spending the night amidst the sound of coyotes, crickets and Afghan music.

Continue reading "Marines defend Kajaki at “The Shrine”" »

Task Force Leatherneck commanding general visits Afghan, Marine forces in Garmsir

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.12.2012

During their visit to Helmand province’s Garmsir district, U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. David Berger and members of his staff surveyed positions manned by ‘America’s Battalion’ and Afghan National Security Forces. They discussed the progress made in Garmsir by the partnered forces, upcoming district community council elections and the nearing transition of lead security responsibility to Afghan forces.

Continue reading "Task Force Leatherneck commanding general visits Afghan, Marine forces in Garmsir" »

April 11, 2012

From start to finish, Marine battalion leaves mark on Sangin

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.11.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, came to Helmand province six months ago, cracking down on insurgents and extending a helping hand to locals.

Continue reading "From start to finish, Marine battalion leaves mark on Sangin" »

Setting the Conditions: Motor Transport Marines prepare Garmsir for transition

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.11.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Over the past four years, seven U.S. Marine battalions have rotated through Helmand province’s Garmsir district.

Continue reading "Setting the Conditions: Motor Transport Marines prepare Garmsir for transition" »

April 9, 2012

Engineers pave way for progress

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.09.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - “When I was here last, we had a 12-year-old boy turn his father in for making [improvised explosive devices],” said Capt. Aaron Fisher, Support Company commander, 9th Engineer Support Battalion. “We asked him why he’d do that. He said he learned in school that IEDs are bad and that bad people make them.”

Continue reading "Engineers pave way for progress" »

April 8, 2012

Sailors save Afghan stab victim in mobile ER

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.06.2012
Date Posted:04.08.2012 12:55

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – Sailors with shock trauma platoon, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provided life-saving care to an Afghan man who was stabbed in the abdomen by a thief, April 6.

Continue reading "Sailors save Afghan stab victim in mobile ER" »

Poppy farming days are numbered in southern Helmand

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.08.2012

KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – A patrol leader with the Afghan Uniformed Police here said his message against growing poppy is reaching farmers. In return, farmers are sealing their compliance with handshakes and understanding.

Continue reading "Poppy farming days are numbered in southern Helmand" »

April 7, 2012

Marine engineers improve road for local village

Story by Anthony Ward | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.07.2012

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan -- As Afghanistan continues to transition into a stronger, Afghan-led country, Marines continue to do their part by leaving things better than they found them.

Continue reading "Marine engineers improve road for local village" »

Forward deployed Marine sings national anthem for Cleveland Indians’ home opener

Story by Sgt. John Jackson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.07.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Joe DiMaggio once said, “You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

Continue reading "Forward deployed Marine sings national anthem for Cleveland Indians’ home opener" »

Supply Management Unit supports operational needs across Helmand Province

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.07.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The Supply Management Unit aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, acts as the intermediary between units across Regional Command Southwest and the sources of supply for Marine Corps organizations.

Continue reading "Supply Management Unit supports operational needs across Helmand Province" »

Marines at Leatherneck concussion center heal, return to combat

April 7th, 2012 | Posted by Dan Lamothe

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Scott Anderson had been in Afghanistan about a month when he was “blown up.”

Continue reading "Marines at Leatherneck concussion center heal, return to combat" »

Corpsmen teach over chai, connect with Afghan students

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.07.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – A medic places the last bandage on an Afghan soldier. He shouts commands to the soldiers next to him, and they respond, gripping the four corners of the stretcher. Together they carry their injured brother to cover behind a truck.

Continue reading "Corpsmen teach over chai, connect with Afghan students" »

April 6, 2012

To Ramadi and back

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.06.2012

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan — The men and women who have earned the title of Marine share a unique history and tradition only found in the Corps. In some cases, this history and tradition is shared by generations of Marines from the same family.

Continue reading "To Ramadi and back" »

Marine store in Afghanistan clears $4.5M in monthly sales

April 6th, 2012 | Afghanistan Camp Leatherneck Embedded journalism Marines | Posted by Dan Lamothe

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – When it comes to morale on a forward operating base, creature comforts are no small thing.

Continue reading "Marine store in Afghanistan clears $4.5M in monthly sales" »

Doc with “million dollar wound” still helping Marines on second deployment

Story by Sgt. James Mercure | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.06.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan – Petty Officer Third Class Chase Speed still has the blood-soaked belt he was wearing when an insurgent put a bullet through it last year.

Continue reading "Doc with “million dollar wound” still helping Marines on second deployment" »

Bravo Co. Marines take on new mission, demilitarize base

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

PATROL BASE MIRMANDAB, Afghanistan — Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), assisted in demilitarizing Patrol Base Mirmandab, March 23-31.

Continue reading "Bravo Co. Marines take on new mission, demilitarize base " »

Corpsmen save crash victims

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan — Two corpsmen were recognized for saving the lives of mass-casualty victims during a ceremony here March 28.

Continue reading "Corpsmen save crash victims " »

For Marines on the battlefield, urgent care is just a call away

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Isaac Lamberth , 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A four-vehicle convoy travels along the barren desert when the first vehicle is suddenly struck by an improvised explosive device. A Marine in the first vehicle is hit in the face by shrapnel. A Navy Corpsman riding in the third vehicle jumps out and pulls the injured Marine from the vehicle and rushes to assess his injuries. The convoy commander immediately radios for a medical evacuation.

Continue reading "For Marines on the battlefield, urgent care is just a call away " »

April 5, 2012

Dog handlers train canines, save Marine lives in Afghanistan

Courtesy Story | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.24.2012
Date Posted:04.05.2012 07:31

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – The Improvised Detection Dog Program has spent years training Labrador retrievers to detect IEDs.

Continue reading "Dog handlers train canines, save Marine lives in Afghanistan" »

Two Marines feed a battalion, fuel the mission

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.05.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – The tent looks like all the others around here: tan canvas, zipper doors and Velcro all around. Marines pass by without giving it a second glance, heading to work, the gym or guard duty.

Continue reading "Two Marines feed a battalion, fuel the mission" »

April 4, 2012

CLB-4 Marines innovate, clean vehicles efficiently

4/4/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), completed construction of a vehicle washrack at the battalion motor pool, March 27.

Continue reading "CLB-4 Marines innovate, clean vehicles efficiently " »

ANA engineers repair bridge, help people of southern Helmand

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.04.2012

MARJAH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – As Marine forces in Helmand province shift into an advisory role and the capabilities and responsibilities of Afghan National Security Forces continue to grow, the people of southern Helmand are reaping the benefits.

Continue reading "ANA engineers repair bridge, help people of southern Helmand" »

April 3, 2012

Support Marines, sailors help EOD Company accomplish the mission

Story by Sgt. John Jackson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.03.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Operational tempo in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, continues at a high pace. Service members continue to conduct foot patrols, mounted patrols, resupply convoys and construction projects on a daily basis. Throughout these missions, the number one hostile threat to coalition forces continues to be improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Support Marines, sailors help EOD Company accomplish the mission" »

April 2, 2012

Blue Knights give 2/6 a lift

4/2/2012 By Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The rotor blades are spinning and low chatter is drifting in over the internal communication system. The flight crews of the two MV-22B Ospreys awaiting takeoff – again – have been flying since before 5 a.m., March 28. It’s late morning now and their day is far from over.

Continue reading "Blue Knights give 2/6 a lift " »

April 1, 2012

Dogs of war: Friends and saviors of Marines in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.29.2012
Date Posted:04.01.2012 14:14

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Without the Marine’s watchful eyes and his dog’s trained nose, the round metal container packed with 40 pounds of homemade explosives could have wreaked destruction on their patrol.

Continue reading "Dogs of war: Friends and saviors of Marines in Afghanistan" »

March 31, 2012

Maintenance Marines repair equipment, save millions of dollars

Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.30.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines with Maintenance Company, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Support Battalion11.2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are wrapping up their last few days of deployment in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Maintenance Marines repair equipment, save millions of dollars" »

March 30, 2012

Marines look to extend unmanned helo program in Afghanistan

By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 30, 2012

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — A trial of unmanned cargo helicopters in Afghanistan has been so successful the Marine Corps wants to extend the mission.

Continue reading "Marines look to extend unmanned helo program in Afghanistan" »

Company hits stride, completes largest patrol to date

3/30/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, completed the largest combat logistics patrol to-date through Helmand province March 12-14.

Continue reading "Company hits stride, completes largest patrol to date " »

March 29, 2012

U.S. troops get new protections in Afghanistan

By Lolita C. Baldor and Pauline Jelinek - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Mar 29, 2012 9:19:10 EDT

WASHINGTON — U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned “guardian angels” — troops that watch over their comrades even as they sleep — and have ordered a series of other increased security measures to protect troops against possible attacks by rogue Afghans.

Continue reading "U.S. troops get new protections in Afghanistan" »

Leveraging technology adds force multiplier, saves lives in combat

Story by Chief Petty Officer Leslie Shively | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.29.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Although Marines are not the transformers seen in films on the silver screen, they are equipped with some of the latest technologies available today.

Continue reading "Leveraging technology adds force multiplier, saves lives in combat" »

March 28, 2012

Make it happen: Weapons Platoon adapts, overcomes in southern Helmand

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.28.2012

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines are well versed in adapting to the ever changing environment inherent to counterinsurgency operations in southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Make it happen: Weapons Platoon adapts, overcomes in southern Helmand" »

March 27, 2012

Killing Time: Bragging Rights

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.27.2012

This is the seventh installment in a series on U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. After laboring through training in the California desert in 2011, they are now supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Grueling days and the absence of home’s amenities here make their work exhausting and their down time precious. They labor with little and appreciate the simple. This is their deployment grind.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Afghanistan — The ragged dartboard nestled between camouflage uniform items and a giant American flag has seen better days.

Continue reading "Killing Time: Bragging Rights" »

March 26, 2012

Afghan police show respect to villagers, receive cooperation in return

Story by Sgt. Michael Cifuentes | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.26.2012

KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – A patrol leader with the Afghan Uniformed Police said he’s made substantial progress building rapport with the locals during his three months of service in Khan Neshin district.

Continue reading "Afghan police show respect to villagers, receive cooperation in return" »

No short days, just short nights

Story by Spc. Chelsea Russell | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.26.2012

ZARANJ, Afghanistan - Despite all the bad things that can happen during a deployment, Marine Corps Col. Michael Gann, the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) operations officer for Afghan National Security Forces Development stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., said his experiences in Afghanistan have taught him to never forget the simple things in life.

Continue reading "No short days, just short nights" »

March 25, 2012

Afghan forces, ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines keep Garmsir safe during Afghan New Year

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.21.2012
Date Posted:03.25.2012 11:43

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — The celebration of the Afghan New Year was outlawed while Helmand province’s Garmsir district was under insurgent rule prior to the arrival of coalition forces in 2005.

Continue reading "Afghan forces, ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines keep Garmsir safe during Afghan New Year" »

March 24, 2012

Reserve Marines come together, accomplish mission in Afghanistan

3/24/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Of the more than 200 Marines that make up General Support Motor Transport Company, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Support Battalion 11.2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), all but six are Reserve Component Marines.

Continue reading "Reserve Marines come together, accomplish mission in Afghanistan " »

March 23, 2012

Combat Logistics Battalion 4 supports operations in Afghanistan

3/23/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 conducted a combat logistics patrol supporting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 4-7.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 4 supports operations in Afghanistan " »

March 22, 2012

‘Goliath’ Battery holds the front line at Kajaki

Story by Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.22.2012

OBSERVATION POST SHRINE, Afghanistan – The Marines here guard the northeastern frontier in Helmand province. Beyond the boundary of the observation post lies known enemy territory, where insurgent fighters have taken refuge. Farmland and abandoned compounds surround the post. Insurgents sporadically shoot machine gun bursts and launch attacks against the Marines from many different positions, and when the Marines fight back, the enemy forces flee into dry riverbeds deep enough to conceal most movement. For the past four months, the Marines of Golf Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment repelled dozens of attacks and kept enemy forces from moving forward.

Continue reading "‘Goliath’ Battery holds the front line at Kajaki" »

Renewed bazaar a sign of progress in Kajaki

Story by Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.22.2012

TANGYE BAZAAR, Afghanistan – When Maj. Joseph R. Jackson arrived here in October 2011, the bazaar was almost completely abandoned. More than 400 stalls lay empty except for a lone bakery supplying bread to the Afghan Uniformed Police and local nationals. Since then, businesses have began opening in the bazaar as Kajaki residents felt safe and optimistic enough to return for the first time since 2006.

Continue reading "Renewed bazaar a sign of progress in Kajaki" »

Marine police advisors learn culture to work with Afghan police

Story by Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.22.2012

KAJAKI DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marine advisors with Police Advisory Team 1, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, frequently visit the Afghan Uniformed Police district headquarters here. Before entering the compound, the Marines leave their body armor and helmets in the vehicles outside as a gesture of trust that the Afghan police secured the area, and the Marines would not need their body armor around their counterparts.

Continue reading "Marine police advisors learn culture to work with Afghan police" »

Marines escort Afghan drivers, get fuel to the fight

3/22/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Thirty five civilian trucks carrying approximately 340,000 gallons of fuel left the outskirts of Camp Leatherneck to deliver fuel to forward operating bases in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 13.

Continue reading "Marines escort Afghan drivers, get fuel to the fight " »

March 20, 2012

Logistics Marines save Corps millions

3/20/2012 By Cpl. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan — As military operations in Afghanistan begin to shift from a combat role to an advisory role, the Marine Corps has started the process of redistributing gear throughout Afghanistan and shipping supplies back to the U.S.

Continue reading "Logistics Marines save Corps millions " »

March 18, 2012

Cash is out, the eagle is in

Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.18.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Anyone who has ever used cash to buy something at the exchange in Afghanistan is familiar with the pogs that serve as change for a purchase.

Continue reading "Cash is out, the eagle is in" »

Colorado Marine teaches discipline through martial arts in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.17.2012
Date Posted:03.18.2012 06:36

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Black, brown, green, gray and tan. Those are the colors of the belt levels of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that a ‘user’ can earn.

Continue reading "Colorado Marine teaches discipline through martial arts in Afghanistan" »

Marines find downtime while deployed

Story by Lance Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.17.2012
Date Posted:03.18.2012 04:01

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan —Deployed Marines work grueling hours to accomplish their individual missions; however, the Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 found time in their busy schedules to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a barbeque, March 17.

Continue reading "Marines find downtime while deployed" »

March 17, 2012

I am not a hero

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.17.2012

PATROL BASE LAMBADAND, Afghanistan — Marines across the globe perform admirably in high stress, difficult situations on a daily basis.

Continue reading "I am not a hero" »

March 16, 2012

Arizona Marine takes responsibility to heart, saves lives

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.16.2012

PATROL BASE ATOLL, Afghanistan — Sergeant Darin Dains Jr., a combat engineer with Bravo Company, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion (Forward), relaxes on his cot, watching movies while joking with friends. Even when relaxed Dains took the time to ask Marines how they were doing, making sure everything was okay.

Continue reading "Arizona Marine takes responsibility to heart, saves lives" »

March 15, 2012

Tough first week on the job in Afghanistan

Tensions on war campaign mount amid series of incidents

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
8:24 p.m., March 15, 2012

Maj. Gen. Charles “Mark” Gurganus and the Camp Pendleton force that took command this week of U.S. and international troops in southwestern Afghanistan are beginning their yearlong tour under the shadow of pointed new strains on the war campaign.

Continue reading "Tough first week on the job in Afghanistan" »

Karzai: NATO should pull back to big bases

By Amir Shah and Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Mar 15, 2012 9:41:32 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan's president, angered by a U.S. soldier's alleged killings of 16 civilians, demanded Thursday that international troops pull out of villages and rural areas to main bases and let Afghan forces take the lead for countrywide security in 2013, a year ahead of schedule.

Continue reading "Karzai: NATO should pull back to big bases" »

March 13, 2012

1-star: Corps’ aircraft to back Afghan forces

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 13, 2012 9:33:13 EDT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. — Marine Corps aircraft will be used to support Afghan ground forces as sizeable numbers of U.S. and coalition infantry units withdraw from Helmand province throughout the coming year.

Continue reading "1-star: Corps’ aircraft to back Afghan forces" »

March 11, 2012

1st Battalion, 8th Marines demolishes insurgent fighting position

Story by Sgt. James Mercure | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.05.2012
Date Posted: 03.11.2012

COMBAT OUTPOST PENNSYLVANIA, Afghanistan - Historically, insurgents will fight with increased tenacity during the summer months, and during the winter and early spring they prepare.

Continue reading "1st Battalion, 8th Marines demolishes insurgent fighting position" »

CLB-4 supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations with combat logistics patrol

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.11.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines with Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), conducted a combat logistics patrol in support of counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 4–7.

Continue reading "CLB-4 supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations with combat logistics patrol" »

March 9, 2012

CLB-4 overcomes mud, flooding to deliver supplies

3/9/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — During entry-level training, Marines are taught the five stresses encountered during combat: extreme risk or fear, the fog of war, discomfort and fatigue, becoming or dealing with casualties and boredom.

Continue reading "CLB-4 overcomes mud, flooding to deliver supplies " »

RCT-6 Marines train for combat first aid

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 03.09.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan - Marines are known as warriors. They train with near religious zeal to confront, close with and engage the enemy. However, when someone is injured, the Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 aboard Camp Delaram II are prepared to help by taking the Combat Lifesavers Course.

Continue reading "RCT-6 Marines train for combat first aid" »

March 8, 2012

Afghans, Marines brighten horizons for young students

3/8/2012 By Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes , 1st Marine Division

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — If it’s one thing Cpl. Joshua Brooks likes most about his deployment to Afghanistan, it’s his visits to the school in Khan Neshin.

Continue reading "Afghans, Marines brighten horizons for young students " »

NCOs step up, serve as HIMARS chiefs in Afghanistan

3/8/2012 By Sgt. Jacob H. Harrer , 1st Marine Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan — The siren went off in the fire direction center, where Marines awaited the targeting data needed to launch rockets to targets. Seconds later, the trucks rolled into position, carrying rocket launcher pods ready to help troops who were receiving mortar fire. In less than five minutes, the rockets were ready to fire because of the work of junior noncommissioned officers serving as section chiefs with 3rd Platoon, Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. The soldiers on the ground lost sight of the enemy and called off the mission, and the Marines returned to their posts to await another call for fire.

Continue reading "NCOs step up, serve as HIMARS chiefs in Afghanistan " »

March 7, 2012

Making Strides Behind the Scenes: Afghan forces, Marines serve Garmsir from operational coordination center

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.07.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Afghanistan — Throughout Garmsir district’s developing city centers and sparsely populated desert areas, the familiar sight of Afghan National Security Forces is evidence of the growth in Afghan-led security operations.

Continue reading "Making Strides Behind the Scenes: Afghan forces, Marines serve Garmsir from operational coordination center" »

Optimism, thinking outside of the box, Mundy’s standard plan in Afghanistan

Story by Chief Petty Officer Leslie Shively | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.07.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Not long ago, Taliban ruled the roads of Musa Qala, a town in northern Helmand province. Bands of insurgents brandishing soviet-made AK-47s and lugging rocket launchers, crammed themselves into the backs of pickup trucks and paraded through the town, shouting oppressive slogans and terrorizing its residents.

Continue reading "Optimism, thinking outside of the box, Mundy’s standard plan in Afghanistan" »

Marines heed locals’ call, provide long term bridge solution

3/7/2012 By 2nd Lt. Tyler Morrison , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan — Combat Engineers with Bridge Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) completed construction on a non-standard bridge that will provide a long term solution for local traffic in the area here, Mar.6.

Continue reading "Marines heed locals’ call, provide long term bridge solution " »

March 5, 2012

Texas Marines a ‘jack-of-all-trades’

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.05.2012

AFGHANISTAN - Despite it being the hottest day in months, the Marine patrols with a constant smile, making jokes with his friends and smiling with the locals, Feb. 27.

Continue reading "Texas Marines a ‘jack-of-all-trades’" »

Precision Rocket Artillery changes the Battlefield

3/5/2012 By Sgt. Jacob H. Harrer , 1st Marine Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan — There was enough explosive material to construct hundreds of improvised explosive devices. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment lacked the power to destroy the huge IED cache. They called for fire, and eight rockets landed within seconds of being fired. According to the after action report from the artillery platoon, all rounds impacted on target, the site was destroyed, and there was no collateral damage.

Continue reading "Precision Rocket Artillery changes the Battlefield " »

March 4, 2012

CLB-1 motor transport provides supplies to multiple FOBs

Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.04.2012

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines with Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) made good use of their extra day this leap year providing needed supplies to patrol bases in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 29.

Continue reading "CLB-1 motor transport provides supplies to multiple FOBs" »

March 3, 2012

CLB-4 maintains physical edge

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.03.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The Combat Logistics Battalion 4 motor pool hums with activity throughout the day, its frenetic bustle slowing only slightly as the sun sets, and a night-crew replaces their daytime counterparts.

Continue reading "CLB-4 maintains physical edge" »

March 2, 2012

Combat Engineers tear down walls, reduce ANSF base

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.02.2012

AFGHANISTAN - The bulldozer, unceremoniously, rams into the wall of mud bricks and straw, causing the top half to collapse. With dust and debris forming a cloud around the machine, local Afghans children gather to see what the commotion is about. The bulldozer backs up and plows into the wall again, leaving a pile of rubble where the outer wall once stood. Marines with 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion spent three days leveling part of the patrol base, here, Feb. 23.

Continue reading "Combat Engineers tear down walls, reduce ANSF base" »

San Diego native uses humor to connect with people of Afghanistan

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.02.2012

AFGHANISTAN - First one Afghan appears, then another and another. Within minutes, Afghan children surround the patrolling Marine, Feb. 22. The sight is familiar to Lance Cpl. Edgar Lima, an assaultman, for 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Lima Company.

Continue reading "San Diego native uses humor to connect with people of Afghanistan" »

March 1, 2012

CLB-4 conducts convoy

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 03.02.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan - A Marine convoy delivered supplies to Forward Operating Bases Nolay and Whitehouse here during an operation Feb. 14-16.

Continue reading "CLB-4 conducts convoy" »

There's No Place Like A Patrol Base

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.25.2012
Date Posted:02.29.2012 20:15

PATROL BASE BURY, Afghanistan — Their humble home is exceptionally primitive, but it’s all the deployed infantrymen need.

Continue reading "There's No Place Like A Patrol Base" »

February 28, 2012

Marine with 3/7 mentor, train the Afghan National Army

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.28.2012

PATROL BASE HANGAR, Sangin, Afghanistan – The patrol had just stepped off the road when gunfire opened up. The Marines and sailors with India Company immediately crouched and raised their weapons. Second Lt. Theodore Hardy, a platoon commander with the company, called for his Marines to take cover by nearby ruins.

Continue reading "Marine with 3/7 mentor, train the Afghan National Army" »

February 26, 2012

9th ESB Marines defy challenges, complete construction mission

Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 02.26.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday night. The sky is pitch black, and it is starting to rain again. The gunner strains his eyes to look for any moving figures illuminated by the frequent flashes of lightning across the sky.

Continue reading "9th ESB Marines defy challenges, complete construction mission" »

February 23, 2012

Afghan police, Marines maintain security gains at Pinjadoo precinct

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.23.2012

PINJADOO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – As coalition forces continue their shift to an advisory role in Nawa and Afghan National Security Forces take the lead in counterinsurgency operations, some areas within the district are more than ready for the changeover to begin.

Continue reading "Afghan police, Marines maintain security gains at Pinjadoo precinct" »

February 22, 2012

Marines sweep uncharted areas of Khan-Neshin during Operation Highland Thunder

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.22.2012

SRE KALA, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A large plot of austere terrain in the southern portion of Khan-Neshin district is home to local farmers who make a living growing crops far from the more developed districts of southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marines sweep uncharted areas of Khan-Neshin during Operation Highland Thunder" »

Afghan Soldiers run Patrol Base, secure local area

2/22/2012 By Sgt. Jacob H. Harrer , 2nd Marine Division

HANJAR YAK, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — When Sgt. Zachary T. Harding and his squad of Marines arrived at the patrol base several weeks ago, they thought they would be training a squad of Afghan National Army soldiers.
However, the Marines discovered a highly proficient and hospitable group of ANA soldiers who were able to function independently, explained Harding, a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers run Patrol Base, secure local area " »

February 17, 2012

Afghan forces, Marines meet locals, drive back insurgency in Sangin

Story by Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 02.17.2012

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan- Afghan soldiers from the Afghan National Army 4th Tolai, 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps and Marines from Weapons Co., 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, met with villagers and searched for insurgent assets in Reygion and De Kahkesh Karez during Operation Southern Disrupt, here, recently.

Continue reading "Afghan forces, Marines meet locals, drive back insurgency in Sangin" »

February 16, 2012

Working dogs are Marine's best friend

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 02.16.2012

PATROL BASE HABIB, Helmand province, Afghanistan - A rifle may be a Marine’s best friend in combat, but a close second goes to the military working dogs that go out with the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines every day.

Continue reading "Working dogs are Marine's best friend" »

Operation Shahem Tofan: Afghan Border Police, Marines extend reach toward Helmand border

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.16.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The thunderous clap of low-flying helicopters reverberates off an endless desert landscape. Inside the mechanical fortress, rows of Afghan Border Police and U.S. Marines stare out the open back hatch, calmly watching the wilderness rapidly retract beneath them.

Continue reading "Operation Shahem Tofan: Afghan Border Police, Marines extend reach toward Helmand border" »

2nd Battalion, 4th Marines charge Alekhine’s Gun

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 02.16.2012

PATROL BASE HABIB, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Together with their Afghan National Army partners, the Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines conducted operation Alekhine’s Gun in Musa Qal’eh District, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2nd Battalion, 4th Marines charge Alekhine’s Gun" »

February 14, 2012

Never a Bridge Too Far: Combat Engineers increase mobility in Garmsir

Story by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.14.2012

GARMSIR, Afghanistan - During the last week of January, fifty-five Marines of Bridge Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) traveled nearly 80 miles through the central portion of Helmand province in order to reach Combat Outpost Rankel, a small base located in the district of Garmsir, Helmand province. Their mission consisted of removing a medium girder bridge and replacing it with a more permanent and cost-efficient structure that would increase the mobility of the Marines and Afghans in the area.

Continue reading "Never a Bridge Too Far: Combat Engineers increase mobility in Garmsir" »

February 10, 2012

Illinois Corpsman works with Combat Engineers, proves his worth in Garmsir

2/10/2012 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

GARMSIR, Afghanistan — During the late afternoon hours of Jan. 30, Marines with Bridge Platoon, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), were working hard to take apart a medium girder bridge in the rural district of Garmsir, Helmand province. During the disassembly, part of the bridge inadvertently gave way and landed on a Marine’s leg, sending him to the ground, writhing in pain.

Continue reading "Illinois Corpsman works with Combat Engineers, proves his worth in Garmsir " »

February 9, 2012

Nawa: the essence of progress

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 02.09.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Extensive improvements in Nawa district and exceptional Afghan leadership has transformed the once improvised explosive device-laden area into a peaceful paragon of progress during the last year. Residents walk casually along roads and waterways, confident in local Afghan security forces to keep them safe. The growth of illegal drugs has been nearly eradicated as citizens have begun to see the benefits of growing legal crops. Interest in education is on the rise, ensuring a brighter future for the people of Nawa. The people are happy, healthy and hopeful.

Continue reading "Nawa: the essence of progress" »

Marines in Helmand partner, mentor in Now Zad

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 02.09.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE NOW ZAD, Afghanistan - As Afghanistan’s leadership seeks to take increasing control of its own country, Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines find themselves conducting more training and advisory positions to Afghan National Security Forces.

Continue reading "Marines in Helmand partner, mentor in Now Zad" »

February 7, 2012

Afghans, Marines clear illegal drugs, insurgent activity in southern Garmsir

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.06.2012
Date Posted:02.07.2012 09:51

"America's Battalion" is aiding the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming security responsibilities over Helmand province's Garmsir district. This interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Afghans, Marines clear illegal drugs, insurgent activity in southern Garmsir" »

Gen. Amos visits Afghanistan

Photos by Sgt. Charles Mabry | Task Force Leatherneck | Date: 02.05.2012
Date Posted:02.07.2012 01:02

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, sergeant of the Marine Corps, visit with Marines from HMH-363 aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Feb. 5, 2012.

Continue reading "Gen. Amos visits Afghanistan" »

February 6, 2012

Marine ‘Bastards’ do a magnificent job

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 02.06.2012

MUSA QAL'EH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The “Magnificent Bastards” of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines have been proving their motto “second to none” while deployed to the Musa Qal’eh District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine ‘Bastards’ do a magnificent job" »

February 5, 2012

Ohio native’s initiative changes face of Afghan communications

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 02.05.2012

CAMP SHORABAK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Something spoke to 1st Lt. Joseph M. Russell’s heart as he watched the Twin Towers fall to rubble on that infamous day in September 2001. The Richmond Heights, Ohio, native heard a voice inside of him telling him to stand up against the wrongs done that day and fight for his country … so he did, not knowing his contributions would change how an entire Afghan National Army unit operates.

Continue reading "Ohio native’s initiative changes face of Afghan communications" »

February 3, 2012

Afghan Border Police, Marine partnership furthers governance in southern Helman

2/3/2012 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Regimental Combat Team 5

BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Situated in the southern portion of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Garmsir district has historically been a highway for insurgent movement from Pakistan.

Continue reading "Afghan Border Police, Marine partnership furthers governance in southern Helman " »

Through the Eyes of Infantrymen

February 3rd, 2012 // By Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde

PATROL BASE 7171, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Infantry Marines deployed to Afghanistan endure trials that Americans unfamiliar with military life cannot begin to fathom. Inclement weather, insatiable hunger, perpetual fatigue and direct combat with enemy forces are challenges frequently confronting the infantryman because he regularly operates in austere, hostile conditions. The infantry Marine in Afghanistan, commonly 18 years old and fresh out of high school, is often significantly more mature than others his age because of his unique experiences.

Continue reading "Through the Eyes of Infantrymen" »

February 2, 2012

Marines rescue Afghan Policemen from collapsed building

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 02.02.2012

SANGIN TUFAAN, Afghanistan - During a routine key leader engagement, Jan. 22, in Sangin Tufaan, Afghanistan, Marines with Afghan National Civil Order Police Mentorship Team Two, with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, found themselves in a situation that was anything but routine.

Continue reading "Marines rescue Afghan Policemen from collapsed building" »

February 1, 2012

Afghanistan chapel dedicated to fallen Marines

2/1/2012 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — A newly constructed chapel at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, was dedicated in a ceremony, Jan. 31, to Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Continue reading "Afghanistan chapel dedicated to fallen Marines " »

January 27, 2012

Fox mobile Marines stay flexible during Operation Double Check

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.27.2012

ATROL BASE 7171, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Armored trucks provide unique capabilities in a combat environment and mobile sections are often among the most utilized assets for a line company during an Afghanistan deployment. Missions tasked out to mobile sections can be highly variable – flexibility is a must for its Marines, especially during formal operations. The high-stress, sometimes tedious life of a mobile Marine in Afghanistan takes some getting used to as personal comfort gives way to mission accomplishment.

Continue reading "Fox mobile Marines stay flexible during Operation Double Check" »

ANA soldiers complete designated marksman course with Marine scout snipers

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.25.2012
Date Posted:01.27.2012 13:37

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps participated in a designated marksman course here, Jan. 21-25.

Continue reading "ANA soldiers complete designated marksman course with Marine scout snipers" »

January 26, 2012

Combat engineers build posts during Operation Double Check to improve Musa Qal’eh’s security

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.26.2012

PATROL BASE 7171, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines from 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, spent the opening days of Operation Double Check building elevated security posts for Afghan National Security Force and Afghan National Police personnel. The posts, now complete, were placed in areas of southern Musa Qal’eh district, Helmand province, that lacked a coalition presence prior to the operation’s start, Jan. 3 – areas that have been plagued by an active insurgency in recent years.

Continue reading "Combat engineers build posts during Operation Double Check to improve Musa Qal’eh’s security" »

Marine’s best friend, insurgent’s worst enemy

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.24.2012
Date Posted: 01:26:2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – When Cpl. Ross T. Gundlach enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2008, the last thing he expected to do was rely on a dog for survival while patrolling the rugged terrain of southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine’s best friend, insurgent’s worst enemy" »

January 25, 2012

3/7 and FET help educate local children

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 01.25.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan — The Female Engagement Team and 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment has been conducting shuras which are community gatherings or consultations in order to help the local population outside of Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "3/7 and FET help educate local children" »

Afghan forces, Echo Company oust insurgency, establish new security posts in Musa Qal’eh

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.25.2012

MUSA QAL’EH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines with Echo Company and members of the Afghan National Security Forces are participating in Operation Double Check, an operation to promote legitimate governance within the Musa Qal’eh district. This operation further spread the influence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to untouched areas and provided an opportunity for Afghan forces to take on a greater role in security efforts.

Continue reading "Afghan forces, Echo Company oust insurgency, establish new security posts in Musa Qal’eh" »

January 24, 2012

Marines, Afghan police secure southern Musa Qal’eh, work toward long-term stability during Operation Double Check

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.24.2012

PATROL BASE 7171, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Force and Afghan National Police personnel are working with Marines and sailors from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, to secure areas of southern Musa Qal’eh district, Helmand province, during Operation Double Check, which kicked off Jan. 3 when the Marines helicopter-inserted into the area.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan police secure southern Musa Qal’eh, work toward long-term stability during Operation Double Check" »

January 23, 2012

Operation Tageer Shamal: ANA conducts clearing operation through Shorshorak

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.18.2012
Date posted: 01:23:2012

SHORSHORAK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Brigade, 215th Corps conducted a clearing operation as part of the ongoing Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) here Jan. 12-14.

Continue reading "Operation Tageer Shamal: ANA conducts clearing operation through Shorshorak" »

January 22, 2012

Musa Qal’eh: walking the path of progress

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.22.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Musa Qal’eh, once terrorized by insurgents, now shines as a symbol of progress in the province, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, Afghan security forces, Marines and sailors of the 2nd Marine Division (Forward), and other coalition partners.

Continue reading "Musa Qal’eh: walking the path of progress" »

January 19, 2012

Garmsir district eyes growth through ongoing school construction

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.19.2012

Twelve permanent schools are currently under construction by local contractors in Garmsir district. U.S. Marines with the civil affairs team in support of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, visited several sites to inspect the structures and ensure compliance with the quality assurance standards of the Afghan government. The buildings are projected for mid-year completion.

Continue reading "Garmsir district eyes growth through ongoing school construction " »

Marine Infantrymen Mentor Afghan Police force in Garmsir

Video by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.13.2012
Date posted: 01:19:2012

Afghan National Police patrolmen and U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, stand post at Patrol Base Amir Agha and conduct a partnered vehicle checkpoint here, Jan. 13. Produced by Cpl. Reece Lodder

Continue reading "Marine Infantrymen Mentor Afghan Police force in Garmsir" »

3/7 I Co. Marines maintain local relationships

Story by Cpl. Ed Galo | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 01.19.2012

SANGIN, Afghanistan - The Marines of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment maintain a great relationship with the locals in the village outside their patrol base near Sangin.

Continue reading "3/7 I Co. Marines maintain local relationships" »

Poulsbo, Wash., native answers call as chaplain

1/19/2012 By Cpl. Meredith Brown , 2nd Marine Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — It is Saturday night. The moon is visible through the sandy haze. The sounds of Guitar Hero are heard outside a small tent. A group of Marines are gathered inside rocking out to the various bands. Lt. Bryan Davenport, the chaplain for 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), watches the Marines give their best shot before piping up from the back row and asking to get the next turn.

Continue reading "Poulsbo, Wash., native answers call as chaplain" »

January 18, 2012

Atlanta Marine follows in father’s footsteps, powers Marines in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.18.2012

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Each Marine has a unique reason for joining the Corps: some enlist out of pride, some want to see a foreign land, and some do it simply to serve their country.

Continue reading "Atlanta Marine follows in father’s footsteps, powers Marines in Afghanistan" »

Combat engineers improve ‘Old Silk Road’

Story by Master Gunnery Sgt. Phil Mehringer | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.18.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Nearly 150 Marines from 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward)’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion converged in the open Helmand desert on a dry river bed known as a wadi. They needed to quickly build a land bridge through the wadi, rushing to complete the project before the seasonal, heavy monsoon rains began.

Continue reading "Combat engineers improve ‘Old Silk Road’" »

January 17, 2012

Cpl. Karl Winar

Video by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.17.2012

U.S Marine Cpl. Karl Winar, a 20-year-old motor transport operator with Trucks Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a native of Flemington, N.J., sends a shout out to his family. Produced by Cpl. Reece Lodder. Also available in high definition.

Continue reading "Cpl. Karl Winar" »

Mission accomplished: Marine Osprey squadron flies last mission of Afghanistan deployment

Story by Cpl. Justin Boling | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 01.17.2012

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey squadron flew its final combat mission, Jan. 17, to complete its deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Mission accomplished: Marine Osprey squadron flies last mission of Afghanistan deployment" »

Marine helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan saves lives with maintenance discovery

Story by Cpl. Brian Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 01.17.2012

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A Marine Corps sergeant in Afghanistan who unearthed a never-before-seen maintenance issue in a UH-1Y Huey was recently awarded by the Marine Corps for his potentially lifesaving find.

Continue reading "Marine helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan saves lives with maintenance discovery" »

January 16, 2012

Marine infantrymen mentor Afghan police force in Garmsir

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.13.2012
Date posted: 01:16:2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, arrived here in early November, they met an Afghan National Police force primed for development.

Continue reading "Marine infantrymen mentor Afghan police force in Garmsir" »

January 14, 2012

Women’s center provides new opportunities for Afghan women

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.14.2012

NOW ZAD DISTRICT, Afghanistan - The Now Zad District Women’s Center in Helmand province, Afghanistan officially opened for business during a ceremony at the facility, Jan. 11. More than 100 local women and children attended. The center offers a safe place for the local women to congregate and work.

Continue reading "Women’s center provides new opportunities for Afghan women" »

January 13, 2012

9th ESB combat engineers demilitarize Afghanistan firebase

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 01.13.2012
By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard
2ND MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP (FWD)

FIREBASE SAENZ, Afghanistan Firebase Saenz has been destroyed. Its defenses have been torn down, and its walls have been completely leveled. This destruction was not caused by insurgents – it was the handiwork of Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion.

Continue reading "9th ESB combat engineers demilitarize Afghanistan firebase" »

Norwich, Conn., native accepts new challenge with Female Engagement Team

1/13/2012 By Cpl. Meredith Brown , 2nd Marine Division

SANGIN, Afghanistan — When Kimberly Ryan stepped into the Navy recruiter’s office at age 18, she had no idea what she wanted to do. All she knew was she wanted to get out of Connecticut and broaden her horizon.

Continue reading "Norwich, Conn., native accepts new challenge with Female Engagement Team " »

January 12, 2012

Atlanta Marine sees truth through war

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.12.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Modern cinema often portrays human life in a manner that seems too surreal, with large explosions and quick timelines that turn hours into a matter of minutes. Sergeant Mamadee Toure recalled growing up in Monrovia, Liberia, seemed like an over-dramatized movie in slow motion, but it was a childhood that led him to what he is doing today.

Continue reading "Atlanta Marine sees truth through war" »

January 10, 2012

Operation Tageer Shamal: Afghans, Marines extend presence west of Helmand River

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.10.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The heart of Garmsir district is safe.

Continue reading "Operation Tageer Shamal: Afghans, Marines extend presence west of Helmand River" »

Marines pursue Taliban into Helmand’s outer reaches

January 10th, 2012 | Battle Rattle | Posted by James Sanborn

Third Battalion, 3rd Marines, is shifting the fight in Helmand province to the countryside in pursuit of fighters who have been driven to the region’s remote outer reaches over the past two years.

Continue reading "Marines pursue Taliban into Helmand’s outer reaches" »

Major route construction projects near completion in Helmand

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.10.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine engineers with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) have nearly completed two major route construction and improvement projects in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Major route construction projects near completion in Helmand" »

January 9, 2012

Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand

Story by 2nd Lt. Chris Harper | Regimental Combat Team-5Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.08.2012
Date Posted:01.09.2012 15:02

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces with Regimental Combat Team 5 have launched Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds), a clearing operation focused on removing the final strains of the insurgency in southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand" »

Great grandfather earns the French Fourragere, great grandson wears it

Story by Cpl. Jonathan Merkley | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.08.2012
Date Posted:01.09.2012 13:10

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A person would be hard pressed to find an organization with the history and traditions as rich as those of the United States Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Great grandfather earns the French Fourragere, great grandson wears it" »

Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand

By Chris Harper, Regimental Combat Team 5

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan, (January 9th, 2012) — Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces with Regimental Combat Team 5 have launched Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds), a clearing operation focused on removing the final strains of the insurgency in southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand" »

January 6, 2012

Combat engineers perform route recon mission, paving the way for road improvements in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.06.2012

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan - Two Marines carefully stepped out of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and extended their metal detectors to full length during a route reconnaissance mission on Route Red, Jan. 1-3. The quick checks were conducted to calibrate the detectors and the Marines began the meticulous sweeping process, ensuring that the area was clear of improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Combat engineers perform route recon mission, paving the way for road improvements in Afghanistan" »

January 2, 2012

“A day in the life…" The division chaplain makes his way around Task Force Leatherneck, one FOB at a time.

Story by Maj. Bradley Gordon | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.02.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - “This is what it’s all about,” said Cmdr. Christopher Fronk, chaplain for 2nd Marine Division (Forward). “There’s nothing better than getting out to the Marines, to share their time and their devotion.”

Continue reading "“A day in the life…" The division chaplain makes his way around Task Force Leatherneck, one FOB at a time." »

Marines save Afghans in daring canal rescue

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 2, 2012 10:26:48 EST

A routine Afghan-Marine foot patrol was thrown into chaos Dec. 2 when a car traveling more than 40 mph struck the point man, plunging both car and soldier violently into a nearby canal.

Continue reading "Marines save Afghans in daring canal rescue" »

January 1, 2012

Postal Marines awarded for holiday season work ethic

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.01.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - When skimming through the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal citations for Lance Cpls. Caitlin E. Johnson and Markevis J. Seth, it was evident as to why they were standing tall and proud before a general officer, Dec. 30, 2011.

Continue reading "Postal Marines awarded for holiday season work ethic" »

Doc West: A corpsman dedicated to his Marines

Story by Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.01.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – Throughout the history of the Marine Corps, the navy corpsman has played a vital role alongside Marines, cauterizing wounds on ships as far back as the Revolutionary War and the days of the Continental Navy. Even in the iconic photo for the flag-raising on Iwo Jima, Petty Officer 2nd Class John Bradley, a pharmacist's mate (a previous hospital corpsman rate), can be seen alongside Marines on Mt. Suribachi.

Continue reading "Doc West: A corpsman dedicated to his Marines" »

2nd MLG (FWD) continues Operation Clean Sweep, Accounting for millions of dollars worth of gear and equipment

Story by 2nd Lt. James Stenger | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.01.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Over the last three months, Marine and sailors of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) have accounted for, sorted, cleaned and processed several millions of dollars worth of gear and equipment in support of Operation Clean Sweep aboard Camp Leatherneck and Camp Dwyer.

Continue reading "2nd MLG (FWD) continues Operation Clean Sweep, Accounting for millions of dollars worth of gear and equipment" »

December 31, 2011

UAV delivers cargo in first warzone run

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 31, 2011 9:22:05 EST

Resupply missions just got safer for Marines in Afghanistan with the first delivery of goods by unmanned helicopter.

Continue reading "UAV delivers cargo in first warzone run" »

Afghan soldiers, Marines join forces to patrol southern Garmsir district

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.30.2011
Date Posted:12.31.2011 07:34

. 'America's Battalion' is aiding the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming security responsibilities over Helmand province's Garmsir district. This interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers, Marines join forces to patrol southern Garmsir district" »

From insurgent hotbed to commercial hub: Afghans, Marines clear Safar Bazaar of remnants of illegal activity during Operation Sandman

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2011
Date Posted:12.31.2011 07:20

SAFAR BAZAAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Safar Bazaar was once a hotbed for insurgents, its shops teeming with illegal drugs and streets laden with improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "From insurgent hotbed to commercial hub: Afghans, Marines clear Safar Bazaar of remnants of illegal activity during Operation Sandman" »

December 29, 2011

Mississippi native kicks, punches his way to Corps

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.29.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan - His childhood was spent moving all over the Unites States. Time and again the boy had to learn to start over in a new city with his mother. Fortunately the Meridian, Miss., native didn’t let the constant relocating deter him from his love of flying kicks and fast strikes.

Continue reading "Mississippi native kicks, punches his way to Corps" »

Alabama Marine uses gift of encouragement in Helmand

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.29.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Those who work with Mario T. Handley on a daily basis clearly see there is something different about him. Being a Marine is not about doing a job for this Birmingham, Ala., native, but rather an opportunity to fulfill his purpose in life.

Continue reading "Alabama Marine uses gift of encouragement in Helmand" »

December 28, 2011

Female Engagement Team 8, Afghan members host children’s shura

Courtesy Story | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – With 53 little, smiling faces in attendance, members of Female Engagement Team 8 joined Afghan National Security Force troops recently to host a children’s shura aboard the base in Sangin district, Helmand province.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team 8, Afghan members host children’s shura" »

Norwich, Conn., native accepts new challenge with Female Engagement Team

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan - When Kimberly Ryan stepped into the Navy recruiter’s office at age 18, she had no idea what she wanted to do. All she knew was she wanted to get out of Connecticut and broaden her horizon.

Continue reading "Norwich, Conn., native accepts new challenge with Female Engagement Team" »

December 27, 2011

Operation Eagle Hunt Gets off the Ground

December 27, 2011
Marine Corps News|by Cpl. Marco Mancha

Helmand province, Afghanistan -- United States Marines and Afghan National Security Forces filled the air with dust recently as dozens of their vehicles rolled into the desert. Afghan camouflage-painted humvees and small, green trucks with gun turrets led the way into the lower region of the province in search of insurgents.

Continue reading "Operation Eagle Hunt Gets off the Ground" »

Long live the King: Marine returns to Corps after 21 years, shares wisdom with juniors

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.27.2011

KAJAKI SOFLA, Afghanistan - He can be found in the early mornings, rousing exhausted twenty year-olds from the rack with a mug of steaming coffee in hand, or come evening, shrouded in a veil of cigar smoke, reclining in a leather armchair within a plank and plywood shack of his own construction.

Continue reading "Long live the King: Marine returns to Corps after 21 years, shares wisdom with juniors" »

December 25, 2011

... And another day on the job in Afghanistan

By O’Ryan Johnson
Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas will be another work day for local U.S. Marines deployed in Afghanistan — driving supplies, standing watch or patrolling the deadly Helmund province that has been their home since May.

Continue reading "... And another day on the job in Afghanistan" »

Operation Noel: Marine helicopters spread Christmas spirit in Afghanistan

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 12.25.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Capt. Jeff Barnes isn’t really Santa Claus, but don’t tell that to the Marines in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Operation Noel: Marine helicopters spread Christmas spirit in Afghanistan" »

Marines, sailors of ‘America’s Battalion’ celebrate Christmas in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.25.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — At work a world away from home, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment celebrated Christmas in Afghanistan, Dec. 25.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors of ‘America’s Battalion’ celebrate Christmas in Afghanistan" »

December 24, 2011

Killing Time: Channeling boredom into board games

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.21.2011
Date Posted:12.24.2011 02:31

COMBAT OUTPOST KOSHTAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A group of infantry Marines huddle around a Scrabble board, barely visible beneath filthy camouflage utilities and a mishmash of warming layers. Sheltered in the meager warmth of an unheated concrete room, they fill their down time by channeling boredom into a board game.

Continue reading "Killing Time: Channeling boredom into board games" »

December 23, 2011

‘You always wish you could do more:’ Chaplain brings cheer to Marines in Helmand province during holiday season

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 12.23.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - For many Marines, missing holidays due to deployments is often a fact of life. It can be prepared and planned for, but when these festive occasions arrive, and the Marine is continents away, there is not much that makes the separation any easier.

Continue reading "‘You always wish you could do more:’ Chaplain brings cheer to Marines in Helmand province during holiday season" »

What is Task Force Belleau Wood

Story by Cpl. Timothy Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.23.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Maintaining an area of operations comparable to the size of New York City and neighboring boroughs is a full time job for the service members of Task Force Belleau Wood, who have held down Camp Leatherneck and its surrounding area since the unit arrived in early 2011.

Continue reading "What is Task Force Belleau Wood" »

Combat engineers provide support for Operation Eagle Hunt

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.23.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - These Marines are trained to lead patrols as point men and sweep for any improvised explosive devices, the enemy’s favored weapon. They are also trained in construction and demolitions, making them a versatile force multiplier on the battlefield.

Continue reading "Combat engineers provide support for Operation Eagle Hunt" »

Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Justin Boling | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 12.23.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Unmanned systems have revolutionized combat aviation, providing a colossal advantage in the fight against terror with surveillance and close-air support.

Continue reading "Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan" »

December 22, 2011

Combat engineers tear down patrol bases throughout Helmand province, paving way for Afghan pullout

12/22/2011 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , 9th Engineer Support Battalion

FIREBASE SAENZ, Afghanistan — Firebase Saenz has been destroyed. Its defenses have been torn down and its walls have been completely leveled. This destruction was not caused by insurgents – it was the handiwork of Marines from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward).

Continue reading "Combat engineers tear down patrol bases throughout Helmand province, paving way for Afghan pullout " »

December 20, 2011

'Walking Dead' passes torch to 'The Ready Battalion' in Nawa

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.18.2011
Date Posted:12.20.2011 08:43

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The people of Nawa have seen a clear difference since the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, first arrived in their district.

Continue reading "'Walking Dead' passes torch to 'The Ready Battalion' in Nawa" »

The road less travelled; Marines push COIN along Route 611

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.20.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - The dirt along Route 611 has been pulverized to dust, turned to a trail of fine powder dotted with boot prints belonging to the Marines of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. The footprints cover the landscape, blown away by wind, convoys of armored transports and civilian caravans, only to be replaced the following morning by another series of exhausting patrols.

Continue reading "The road less travelled; Marines push COIN along Route 611" »

December 19, 2011

With transition in sight, Afghan soldiers lead Marines in patrolling Garmsir district

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.19.2011

On the patrol, the ANA and Marines interacted with local citizens and conducted a vehicle checkpoint. The Marines of "America's Battalion" are aiding the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming security responsibilities over Helmand province's Garmsir district. Their interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "With transition in sight, Afghan soldiers lead Marines in patrolling Garmsir district" »

December 18, 2011

Combat cooks feed 'America’s Battalion' in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011
Date Posted:12.18.2011 07:15

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The clock has barely passed 4 a.m., and the base is asleep. Few souls aboard Forward Operating Base Delhi have stirred to brave the morning cold, a bitter chill that lingers until it’s been chased away by the mid-day sun.

Continue reading "Combat cooks feed 'America’s Battalion' in Afghanistan" »

December 16, 2011

Getting the word out in the Upper Sangin Valley

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.16.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Nestled along Route 611, one of the few improved roads in Northern Helmand province, sits Patrol Base Florida, a home away from home for the Marines of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Getting the word out in the Upper Sangin Valley" »

Getting the word out in the Upper Sangin Valley

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.16.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Nestled along Route 611, one of the few improved roads in Northern Helmand province, sits Patrol Base Florida, a home away from home for the Marines of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Getting the word out in the Upper Sangin Valley" »

December 15, 2011

Motor transport platoon keeps Marines, Afghans supplied

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.13.2011
Date Posted:12.15.2011 09:45

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Marine Corps is an American machine. This machine fights battles, participates in humanitarian relief efforts and executes counter-insurgency operations around the world on a daily basis.

Continue reading "Motor transport platoon keeps Marines, Afghans supplied" »

Iowa Marine sets security, keeps morale high on Afghan deployment

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLER’S GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Having peace of mind means each service member with Headquarters Battery can concentrate on his specific job to accomplish the mission. Being able to laugh eases the tensions jobs bring while in a combat zone. These Marines and sailors have a brother-in-arms who provides them with both peace of mind and laughter, keeping morale high as they serve a seven-month tour in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Iowa Marine sets security, keeps morale high on Afghan deployment" »

Florida native creates ties with sea-service brothers on Afghan deployment

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLER’S GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — While closing in on high school graduation, Lance Cpl. Mitchell L. Young, a Tampa, Fla., native, made the decision to take life into his own hands and chose a path no one in his family had pursued before.

Continue reading "Florida native creates ties with sea-service brothers on Afghan deployment" »

New York Marine follows father’s footsteps, wears many hats on deployment

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLER’S GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – It is not uncommon for Marines to spend birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays away from family, and some children may not understand why their parents cannot be home for these significant days. One North Tonawanda, N.Y., native wondered the same thing for years, but it wasn’t until becoming a Marine he began to understand why his father couldn’t always be around.

Continue reading "New York Marine follows father’s footsteps, wears many hats on deployment" »

Female Engagement Team builds trust, rapport with women in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kimberly Ryan stands in an open crop field surrounded by children. Greetings of “salaam alaikum,” which translates to peace be unto you, are said as she high-fives the local residents. Smiles spread across the faces of the children and laughter rings out through the brisk morning air as the sailor attempts Pashtu, the language spoken in the area.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team builds trust, rapport with women in Sangin" »

Mobile Marines reflect on epic summer

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

PATROL BASE BEATLEY, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The mobile section of 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, has provided reliable support for the platoon throughout its deployment by conducting a myriad of logistical missions and frequently supporting dismounted patrols. The section’s Marines have worked tirelessly since arriving in Afghanistan and continue to provide support as needed as the battalion nears its return to the United States.

Continue reading "Mobile Marines reflect on epic summer" »

Medical initiative brings hope to isolated communities

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Nearly 100 civilians crowded the small dusty road outside of Patrol Base Florida, in the Sangin District, Dec. 2. Some had traveled by taxi from far off villages, having heard through word of mouth that the Marines and Afghan forces with 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, would be holding a medical initiative, or temporary clinic, that day.

Continue reading "Medical initiative brings hope to isolated communities" »

December 14, 2011

Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine Afghans

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.14.2011

KUCHINEY DARVISHAN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dimly illuminated by a sliver of moonlight, eight shadowy figures quietly patrolled a gravel road set against a swiftly flowing canal.

Continue reading "Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine Afghans" »

December 11, 2011

Repetitive yet reliable, vehicle checkpoints protect Afghans and Marines

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.11.2011

SAR BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A short distance off a dusty Afghan road, two U.S. Marines brave the chill of an early winter morning as they await a flood of local traffic.

Continue reading "Repetitive yet reliable, vehicle checkpoints protect Afghans and Marines" »

December 10, 2011

Operation Western Gambit clears insurgents in Now Zad

Story by Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.10.2011

NOW ZAD DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Marines and sailors wait in the cold, dark, desolate Afghan desert. The air is heavy with moisture, teasing the troops with a potential downpour.

Continue reading "Operation Western Gambit clears insurgents in Now Zad" »

Wadi crossing opens for Musa Qal’eh

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.10.2011

MUSA QAL'EH, Afghanistan - Commerce and travel through the District of Musa Qal’eh just became easier with the completion and grand opening of the Musa Qal’eh Wadi Crossing, Dec. 9.

Continue reading "Wadi crossing opens for Musa Qal’eh" »

December 9, 2011

A beacon of progress: new bridge highlights development in Helmand

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.09.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – An opening ceremony for the newly constructed wadi crossing in Musa Qal’eh, Helmand province, today serves as a shining beacon of the progress evident throughout Helmand province. The wadi crossing is a bridge across a riverbed that is often impassible in the rainy season, and it connects the district center with neighboring communities, opening access to local markets and towns, improving commerce and facilitating travel year-round.

Continue reading "A beacon of progress: new bridge highlights development in Helmand" »

December 8, 2011

NATO fuel tankers set ablaze in Pakistan

By ABDUL SATTAR
Associated Press
Dec 8, 12:04 PM EST

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) -- Assailants torched more than 20 tankers in Pakistan carrying fuel for U.S. and NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan on Thursday, in the first reported attack since Islamabad closed the border to protest coalition airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani troops last month.

Continue reading "NATO fuel tankers set ablaze in Pakistan" »

December 5, 2011

US Marines save, heal Afghan IED victim

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.02.2011
Date Posted:12.05.2011 11:51

SAR BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Nine months ago, a quiet 15-year-old Afghan boy had the last normal morning of his life.

Continue reading "US Marines save, heal Afghan IED victim" »

December 4, 2011

On post or patrol, Guard Force Platoon maintains security in Garmsir

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.28.2011
Date Posted:12.04.2011 15:20

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Against the backdrop of a piercing mid-day sun, a squad of U.S. Marines quietly patrols along a Garmsir road. A slew of guests walk evenly within their ranks, following their escorts through the bazaar.

Continue reading "On post or patrol, Guard Force Platoon maintains security in Garmsir" »

CLC-6 engineers bolster Route 611 security forces during ‘Eastern Storm’

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 12.04.2011

PATROL BASE NEW JERSEY, Afghanistan - Fresh off a foot patrol, an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, stepped out of an expeditionary field shower facility only to traipse through a courtyard blanketed by the region’s fine talcum powder-like sand where he was once again dusted with grime.

Continue reading "CLC-6 engineers bolster Route 611 security forces during ‘Eastern Storm’" »

December 1, 2011

New Border Advisor Team up to bat in Helmand

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- A new Border Advisor Team recently stepped up to the plate in the war on terror. While nearly half a dozen teams have come before them to train the Afghan policemen guarding the borders of Afghanistan, this group is unlike those before them.

Continue reading "New Border Advisor Team up to bat in Helmand" »

Nebraska ‘Kidd’ matures for family, love of Corps

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Life in Beaver Lake, Neb., was a fun ride for the small-town boy. He spent most of his time riding four-wheelers, playing sports, and spending time with his girlfriend. Life was good. He never expected for it to be cut short at such a young age.

Continue reading "Nebraska ‘Kidd’ matures for family, love of Corps" »

Mess hall Marines maintain 3rd Recon morale

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2011

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Most people do not think twice about the food they eat each day and come to assume three hot meals will be available. The Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion quickly realized the value of a hot meal after eating pre-packaged Meals-Ready-to-Eat for the first six weeks of their deployment. Fortunately for them, that has all changed.

Continue reading "Mess hall Marines maintain 3rd Recon morale" »

Illinois Marine returns to Marjah district, reflects on progress

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2011

PATROL BASE BEATLEY, Helmand province, Afghanistan – In February 2010, Des Plaines, Ill., native Cpl. Jeffery Rice pushed into Marjah, Helmand province, with other Marines and sailors from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, to rid the area of a thriving insurgency during Operation Moshtarak.

Continue reading "Illinois Marine returns to Marjah district, reflects on progress" »

November 30, 2011

Local police train with the “Walking Dead”

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.30.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Marines of the “Walking Dead”, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, have brought a new kind of police training program to the citizens of Nawa.

Continue reading "Local police train with the “Walking Dead”" »

Open for Business: CLB-1 builds route, brings growth to Helmand

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.30.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - The Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are currently in the midst of a first-time operation. They are constructing a route between the Nowa and Marjah districts in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Open for Business: CLB-1 builds route, brings growth to Helmand" »

Elite Marines crucial to 2014 Afghanistan exit

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 30, 2011 17:33:50 EST

PUZEH, Afghanistan — In this dusty village in southern Afghanistan a small team of elite U.S. Marines is nudging Afghans toward rejection of the Taliban insurgency, a mission that is emerging as central to the U.S. and NATO exit strategy but is little known beyond the rugged brown hills of the upper Helmand River Valley.

Continue reading "Elite Marines crucial to 2014 Afghanistan exit" »

November 26, 2011

SURVIVAL

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.26.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The Upper Sangin Valley has been a hot bed of insurgent activity in the Sangin District with constant threats of improvised explosive devices and fire fights against Afghan National Army members and coalition forces. For the past five months, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been working hard to secure the tiny villages north of Sangin as well as secure their portion of Route 611, a north-south highway running parallel to the Helmand River, and a major transportation route used for commerce in the area.

Continue reading "SURVIVAL" »

New England’s Own delivers Thanksgiving dinner to Patrol Base Boldak

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.26.2011

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan – In the barren desert of Helmand province, Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, thought their Thanksgiving was going to be just another day. It was not.

Continue reading "New England’s Own delivers Thanksgiving dinner to Patrol Base Boldak" »

November 24, 2011

Top Marine spends Thanksgiving in Afghanistan

By ROBERT BURNS
The Associated Press
Thursday, November 24, 2011

COMBAT OUTPOST HANSON, Afghanistan — A turkey trot it was not.

Continue reading "Top Marine spends Thanksgiving in Afghanistan" »

Faith on the ‘front lines’: service members find strength in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.24.2011

MUSA QAL’EH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – For many, faith provides a foundation of core values and an inner strength required to accomplish any mission and weather any hardship. It is a difficult word to define, however, as it means many things to different people.

Continue reading "Faith on the ‘front lines’: service members find strength in Afghanistan" »

November 23, 2011

Victory in Nawa: the final chapter

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.23.2011

Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Sailors and Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, slipped from the relative warmth of their sleeping bags, braving the morning chill, and began to prepare for the day. The final day of the Nawa Victory Walk was upon them, and the Marines were excited to finish the four-day, 30-mile patrol. The trek brought together Mercer Island, Wash., native Lt. Col. Tyler Zagurski, the battalion commander, and Afghan Lt. Col. Gul Ahmad, the kandak commander of 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, in a patrol across the district to promote confidence in Afghan security forces and talk to residents.

Continue reading "Victory in Nawa: the final chapter" »

Coming of age through war: Lance Cpl. Damien Mathis

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.23.2011

KAJAKI SOFLA, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - The walls are thick with furtively scratched lines and the roads exist only as hollowed lanes. Distinctive villagers earn a place on the landscape with detailed memories. Each patrol is inspiration and recorded in vast detail.

Continue reading "Coming of age through war: Lance Cpl. Damien Mathis" »

November 22, 2011

Bringing governance to ungoverned places: District governor, Marine leaders interact with citizens of southern Garmsir

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.22.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In the furthest reaches of Garmsir district, nearly 70 kilometers from the district center, a mixture of local elders and farmers sat quietly around a collection of ornately woven Afghan rugs, awaiting discussion with their district governor and Marine leaders.

Continue reading "Bringing governance to ungoverned places: District governor, Marine leaders interact with citizens of southern Garmsir" »

Marine squadron in Afghanistan wins Pentagon’s top maintenance award

Story by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 11.22.2011

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Just days into their second deployment to Afghanistan in two years, the Marines of Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 1, an EA-6B Prowler squadron deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., learned they received the Pentagon’s top maintenance award for their efforts in 2010.

Continue reading "Marine squadron in Afghanistan wins Pentagon’s top maintenance award" »

November 21, 2011

Marine brothers meet in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.21.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — When Cpl. Axel Benitez joined the Marine Corps more than three years ago, he never thought his younger brother would follow in his footsteps.

Continue reading "Marine brothers meet in Afghanistan" »

November 20, 2011

Recon COIN ops create change in Upper Sangin Valley

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.19.2011
Date Posted:11.20.2011 13:27

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Since the early days of their deployment to the Upper Sangin Valley of Afghanistan, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been relentless in their pursuit of insurgents, often fighting a battle not traditionally suited for their expertise.

Continue reading "Recon COIN ops create change in Upper Sangin Valley" »

More Marines survive war-zone wounds

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 20, 2011 9:49:10 EST

Fresher blood, sharper training and more rehab in theater have meant higher survival rates for wounded Marines and allowed thousands more to stay with their units longer after suffering an injury downrange.

Continue reading "More Marines survive war-zone wounds" »

Operation North Pole ramps up for holiday mail rush

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.20.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The Marines with the Postal Detachment, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are accustomed to moving upward of 10,000 pounds of mail per day, but with the holiday season approaching, that amount will nearly double.

Continue reading "Operation North Pole ramps up for holiday mail rush" »

Transition in Garmsir: ‘America’s Battalion’ replaces ‘Lava Dogs’ in southern Helmand

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder
Date Posted:11.20.2011 02:27

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Following the completion of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s successful seven-month deployment here, Lt. Col. Matthew J. Palma, 3/3 commanding officer, accepted responsibility of the district from Lt. Col. Sean Riordan, 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment commanding officer, during a relief in place and transfer of authority ceremony here, Nov. 17.

Continue reading "Transition in Garmsir: ‘America’s Battalion’ replaces ‘Lava Dogs’ in southern Helmand" »

November 18, 2011

Marines ready Garmsir for transition of authority

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.18.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, nick-named the Lava Dogs, arrived here mid-April, expectations were of a deployment filled with improvised explosive devices and sporadic firefights.

Continue reading "Marines ready Garmsir for transition of authority" »

November 17, 2011

Garmsir citizens, Marines honor fallen police chief

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.13.2011
Date Posted:11.17.2011 11:57

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Spread out within a maze of concertina wire and concrete barriers at Garmsir’s district center, Afghan National Police members partnered with Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to provide security for the funeral of District Chief of Police Lt. Col. Sayfullah Khan Rashidi here, Nov. 13.

Continue reading "Garmsir citizens, Marines honor fallen police chief" »

New girls in town: FET resets

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.17.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province – A surge of over 40 Marines with the Female Engagement Team came to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Nov. 11-15, where they were able to kick up their boots and talk about their experiences in Afghanistan since they began their deployment.

Continue reading "New girls in town: FET resets" »

November 16, 2011

Victory in Nawa: voice of progress

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.16.2011

Editor’s note: This is the third installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The third day of the Nawa Victory Walk began early. Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, woke as the sun rose, then filled up on energy bars for breakfast. They checked their equipment, refilled water containers, met up with their Afghan National Army counterparts, and headed for the front gate.

Continue reading "Victory in Nawa: voice of progress" »

CLB-1 Engineers, locals improve critical intersection in Marjah

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.16.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Combat engineers with Alpha Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1 and local workers improved road conditions by repairing a key bridge here, Nov. 12.

Continue reading "CLB-1 Engineers, locals improve critical intersection in Marjah" »

Marines upgrade digital communications in Afghanistan

11/16/2011 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Coalition troops at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, now have better communications thanks to the nonstop efforts of a small detachment of Marines.

Continue reading "Marines upgrade digital communications in Afghanistan " »

November 15, 2011

Friendly faces: 3/3 Marines interact with Garmsir children

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.15.2011

Headquarters and Service Company Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, patrol. They interacted with children and spoke with local leaders. “America’s Battalion” recently arrived in Garmsir. They’ll partner with the Afghan National Security Forces to establish a secure environment and develop district government to better meet the needs of the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Friendly faces: 3/3 Marines interact with Garmsir children " »

November 13, 2011

‘Making a difference’ pushes one Arizona Marine to excel on fourth deployment

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.13.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Nine years in the Marine Corps, four deployments and less than four weeks until he steps foot on American soil once again, Staff Sgt. Davison Slivers has spent a collective two-and-a-half years defending his country in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A Marine with that sort of experience has a lot to offer to those he leads, evident by the profound respect his Marines express for him.

Continue reading "‘Making a difference’ pushes one Arizona Marine to excel on fourth deployment" »

November 12, 2011

Marine commander sends message from Afghanistan

Lt. Col. William Vivian, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines from Camp Pendleton, says the unit ‘adopted’ by San Clemente is making progress against the Taliban

Published: Nov. 12, 2011
By FRED SWEGLES / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps unit that San Clemente "adopted" in 1996 through the America Supporting Americans program says it is making strides toward restoring security and normality to towns in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine commander sends message from Afghanistan" »

7th ESB brings commerce, growth to Helmand province while supporting Operation Eastern Storm

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.12.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - As Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm) continues in the upper Sangin Valley of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Marines and sailors with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), conducted multiple route repairs throughout early November.

Continue reading "7th ESB brings commerce, growth to Helmand province while supporting Operation Eastern Storm" »

November 11, 2011

Poulsbo, Wash., native answers call as chaplain

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.11.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - It is Saturday night. The moon is visible through the sandy haze. The sounds of Guitar Hero are heard outside a small tent. A group of Marines are gathered inside rocking out to the various bands. Lt. Bryan Davenport, the chaplain for 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), watches the Marines give their best shot before piping up from the back row and asking to get the next turn.

Continue reading "Poulsbo, Wash., native answers call as chaplain" »

Lock Down: Afghan National Security Forces, Marines interdict insurgent movement

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — Afghan National Security Forces and Marines from 1st and 3rd Battalions, 3rd Marine Regiment are putting the lock down on roads in Garmsir during operation gridlock here, Nov. 1 and 5.

Continue reading "Lock Down: Afghan National Security Forces, Marines interdict insurgent movement" »

November 10, 2011

America’s Battalion’ celebrates 236th Marine Corps birthday in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — For the second year in a row, “America’s Battalion” celebrated the Marine Corps birthday in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "America’s Battalion’ celebrates 236th Marine Corps birthday in Afghanistan" »

Providing personal security in perilous places

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

PATROL BASE WHITE HOUSE, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Nestled in the rolling mountains of Afghanistan near the Helmand River are the fighting warriors of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. They battle the threat of a waning insurgent force and bring peace to the local residents of Afghanistan one patrol, convoy, and firefight at a time.

Continue reading "Providing personal security in perilous places" »

RCT-5 command delivers birthday tradition to southern Helmand

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Around this time of the year, most Marines are shining their shoes, taking their ‘Blues’ to the cleaners and making sure they have their ticket and date to the ball.

Continue reading "RCT-5 command delivers birthday tradition to southern Helmand" »

November 9, 2011

Victory in Nawa: building a better tomorrow

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.09.2011

Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Sunlight crept silently through the windows lining the walls of the Loy Kolay precinct, an Afghan National Army security outpost, as the Marines and sailors awoke, each nudging the soundly sleeping service member next to him. Their legs sore from the previous day’s hike more than 14 kilometers, their shoulders strained from the weight of their body armor, the service members of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, prepared for another day of patrolling across the district with their Afghan counterparts.

Continue reading "Victory in Nawa: building a better tomorrow" »

November 8, 2011

A Marine and His Dog

November 8, 2011

August 9th dawned scalding and dry across the Marjeh district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. In the blocks, a fertile swath of land watered by a canal network stretching dozens of square kilometers, farmers roused their mules early in order to complete ploughing before their relatives came visiting for Ramadan. A convoy of marines, accompanied by Afghan Local Police, rattled down a dusty strip between fields known as Panther road.

Continue reading "A Marine and His Dog" »

November 7, 2011

‘America’s Battalion’ arrives in Afghanistan

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.07.2011

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Over seven months of training, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have become hardened for war.

Continue reading "‘America’s Battalion’ arrives in Afghanistan" »

November 6, 2011

Nebraska Marine discovers Afghan experience

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.06.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The culture, landscape and austere conditions of Helmand province can be downright shocking to American troops deployed to the area for the first time. Life in Helmand is completely different than life in the United States, and one can only begin to understand this exotic land after experiencing it first-hand.

Continue reading "Nebraska Marine discovers Afghan experience" »

November 5, 2011

7th ESB partners with Jordan armed forces engineers

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Manual labor proved to be a universal language of sorts as Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion’s Charlie Company continued several projects along with their Jordan Armed Forces counterparts, Nov. 5.

Continue reading "7th ESB partners with Jordan armed forces engineers" »

U.S. troops may leave Afghanistan early

Nov. 5: NBC's Atia Abawi reports from Afghanistan where reports are swirling that U.S. troops may exit the country much earlier than the targeted date of 2014.

Continue reading "U.S. troops may leave Afghanistan early" »

November 4, 2011

From moon dust to city: Leatherneck grows to service war fighters

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.04.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Over the last two years, Camp Leatherneck, located in Helmand province, has dramatically evolved. When Marines and their Navy counterparts first started building the base it was a mere 400 acres. Now, at more than 1,600 acres, the base serves as the main hub for all units operating within Regional Command Southwest’s Helmand and Nimruz provinces.

Continue reading "From moon dust to city: Leatherneck grows to service war fighters" »

November 3, 2011

Bridging the way to Garmsir

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Two years ago, an improvised explosive device blew a hole in the Darvishan Bridge, a main bridge across the Helmand River here.

Continue reading "Bridging the way to Garmsir" »

Victory in Nawa: standing on the cusp of transition

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – They arrived early by vehicle convoy to the small Afghan National Army outpost named Dangar in the northern part of the district. Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stood beside their Afghan counterparts, ready to depart for the four-day trek that lay before them – approximately 30 miles in total.

Continue reading "Victory in Nawa: standing on the cusp of transition" »

Afghan Uniformed Police, Marine partnership makes progress in Musa Qal’eh

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan Uniformed Police patrolmen and Marines from 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, have been conducting partnered patrols in Musa Qal’eh district, Helmand province, in recent weeks to show a strong, partnered presence in the platoon’s area of responsibility.

Continue reading "Afghan Uniformed Police, Marine partnership makes progress in Musa Qal’eh" »

Victory in Nawa: standing on the cusp of transition

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a four-part series chronicling a trek across Nawa district called the Nawa Victory Walk, a four-day, 30-mile patrol by U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – They arrived early by vehicle convoy to the small Afghan National Army outpost named Dangar in the northern part of the district. Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stood beside their Afghan counterparts, ready to depart for the four-day trek that lay before them – approximately 30 miles in total.

Continue reading "Victory in Nawa: standing on the cusp of transition" »

November 2, 2011

2nd MLG moves north along 611, supports ‘Eastern Storm’

Story by 2nd Lt. James Stenger | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 11.02.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Battalion 6 and 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are pushing north on Route 611, building patrol bases, combat outposts and village stability platforms in support of Task Force Leatherneck and Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm).

Continue reading "2nd MLG moves north along 611, supports ‘Eastern Storm’" »

Marines maintain security 24/7

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.02.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, stand post along the base’s perimeter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, protecting those inside and allowing them to conduct business in relative safety within the base’s walls.

Continue reading "Marines maintain security 24/7" »

November 1, 2011

Operation Eastern Storm returns commerce, residents to Kajaki Sofla Bazaar

Story by Cpl. James Clark | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.01.2011

KAJAKI SOFLA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Columns of mopeds, caravans of pack animals, and an endless stream of trucks, tractors and trailers heralds the return of local residents to the Kajaki Sofla District.

Continue reading "Operation Eastern Storm returns commerce, residents to Kajaki Sofla Bazaar" »

October 29, 2011

US Official: 13 Americans Killed In Afghan Bombing

by The Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan October 29, 2011, 09:55 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban suicide bomber rammed a van into an armored NATO bus Saturday in Kabul, killing 13 American troops and four Afghans, U.S. and Afghan officials said, in the deadliest attack on coalition forces in more than two months.

Continue reading "US Official: 13 Americans Killed In Afghan Bombing" »

October 27, 2011

OPERATION EASTERN STORM: Marines push through Kajaki Sofla

10/27/2011 By Cpl. James Clark , 2nd Marine Division

KAJAKI SOFLA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, are engaged in Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm), a major offensive operation to root out the Taliban-led insurgency in the Upper Sangin Valley region of Kajaki.

Continue reading "OPERATION EASTERN STORM: Marines push through Kajaki Sofla " »

Patrol base hustle

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 10.27.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Home is where the heart is. In Afghanistan the heart of a Marine is usually a patrol base, an expeditionary camp made to house a no more than a squad-sized element of Marines.

Continue reading "Patrol base hustle" »

Winning hearts and minds: Shock Trauma Platoon brings relief, relationships to Afghan locals

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 10.27.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM III, Afghanistan - There is a battle of sorts being won in southern Helmand province. The Marines and sailors at Forward Operating Base Delaram II, and specifically the Shock Trauma Platoon there, take pride in ‘winning’ the hearts and minds of locals.

Continue reading "Winning hearts and minds: Shock Trauma Platoon brings relief, relationships to Afghan locals" »

October 26, 2011

Marine offensive to secure Afghan dam continues

Operation Eastern Storm includes more than 2,000 troops

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
5:48 p.m., Oct. 26, 2011

A major Marine-led offensive to seize Taliban-controlled territory surrounding a strategic hydroelectric dam in southwestern Afghanistan continued this week, as troops pushed out from the main road and dug in at a new patrol base, the Marines said.

Continue reading "Marine offensive to secure Afghan dam continues" »

Ammo movers keep coalition weapons locked and loaded

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.26.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - At a Camp Leatherneck firing range, M-4 rifles and SAW machine guns break the still afternoon air with the staccato of gunfire. At Forward Operating and Patrol Bases across Helmand province, Marines load their weapons and go condition one prior to going on patrol missions.

Continue reading "Ammo movers keep coalition weapons locked and loaded" »

October 25, 2011

War-zone Marines eating like cavemen

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 25, 2011 9:11:39 EDT

GARMSER, Afghanistan — Lt. Col. Sean Riordan used to consider himself chubby. It never kept him from meeting the Marine Corps’ height and weight standards or from scoring in the 280-plus echelon on his physical fitness test. He just chalked up his less-than-desirable physique to genetics.

Continue reading "War-zone Marines eating like cavemen" »

Detection team sharpens skills, protects Marines from IED threat

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 10.25.2011

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Maintaining a Marine’s warfighting skills requires rigorous practice and steadfast dedication. Training doesn’t stop, not even in a combat zone.

Continue reading "Detection team sharpens skills, protects Marines from IED threat" »

October 23, 2011

Life on Patrol Base Boldak: The routine of Weapons Co., 1st Bn., 25th Marines

Story by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.23.2011

PATROL BASE BOLDAK, Afghanistan – A horde of flies swarms above Cpl. James Baker’s head. They repeatedly swoop down and buzz around his face. He quickly swats one away, only to swat another moments later.

Continue reading "Life on Patrol Base Boldak: The routine of Weapons Co., 1st Bn., 25th Marines" »

Cannons help gain territory in Operation Eastern Storm

Story by Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.23.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- Howitzers recently fired over the mountains of Kajaki, striking targets they couldn't even see. United States Marines with Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, inserted themselves into an abandoned compound under the cover of night to establish Observation Post New York. The cannons rang out in support of the insertion, eliminating enemies holding positions against the Marines.

Continue reading "Cannons help gain territory in Operation Eastern Storm" »

October 22, 2011

US Marines continue Operation Eastern Storm

Story by 1st Lt. Timothy Irish | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Operation Eastern Storm continues to secure Route 611 from Sangin’s District Center to the Kajaki Dam.

Continue reading "US Marines continue Operation Eastern Storm" »

Should to shoulder: Ohio Reserve Marines support combat operations in Helmand

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 10.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE NOLAY, Afghanistan - Many of the familiar trappings of life are half a world away from the small base nestled atop a hill on the outskirts of the Sangin Valley, but a handful of the Buckeye State’s own who are based here have found echoes of home in each other.

Continue reading "Should to shoulder: Ohio Reserve Marines support combat operations in Helmand" »

October 21, 2011

Marines secure road to dam in long-awaited Afghan mission

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
6:57 p.m., Oct. 21, 2011

After a five-day operation in one of the most combative areas of Afghanistan, international forces have secured the main road from Sangin to the strategic Kajaki Dam in northern Helmand province, Marine commanders announced.

Continue reading "Marines secure road to dam in long-awaited Afghan mission" »

Engineers keep fellow Marines in fight

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.21.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Black grease stains cover his arms after working for hours in the hot weather. The young Marine takes a drink from a warm water bottle that sat beside him as he worked. He accidentally smudges his face with grease as he wipes the sweat away. Then he looks up to his corporal standing over him and says, “All done boss,” with a grin on his face.

Continue reading "Engineers keep fellow Marines in fight" »

Marines, Afghans enjoy pace of Nawa district’s unique countryside

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.21.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST JAKER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Cornfields, dirt paths, tree lines and canals dominate the backcountry of Nawa district, Helmand province. This rugged, fertile community is quite the sight to see, a place where residents wear traditional attire and live an agrarian lifestyle that may seem like a scene from the past.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghans enjoy pace of Nawa district’s unique countryside" »

October 18, 2011

Marine offensive near Afghanistan’s Kajaki Dam comes into focus

October 18th, 2011 | Posted by Dan Lamothe

The Marine Corps’ next significant push in Afghanistan is well underway, and starting to get attention in the mainstream media.

Continue reading "Marine offensive near Afghanistan’s Kajaki Dam comes into focus" »

Marines accompany Afghan district governor during meeting at Camp Leatherneck bazaar

10/18/2011 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , II MEF (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — On the northern end of Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, just outside of the perimeter, sits a shantytown by the name of “Soak City.” This hub of tents surrounding a gas station consists of several hundred Afghans who have moved there so they can sell various wares to Afghan contractors and civilians visiting Camp Leatherneck.

Continue reading "Marines accompany Afghan district governor during meeting at Camp Leatherneck bazaar " »

October 17, 2011

Chaplain of the Marine Corps meets with incoming Female Engagement Team

10/17/2011 By Cpl. Katherine Keleher , II MEF (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Chaplain of the Marine Corps Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben visited and talked with the Marines and sailors of Regional Command Southwest’s incoming Female Engagement Team aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Sept. 22.

Continue reading "Chaplain of the Marine Corps meets with incoming Female Engagement Team " »

October 16, 2011

Corps fields dispenser for 40mm grenades

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 16, 2011 8:44:12 EDT

Marine and Army units are beginning to field a new 40mm grenade dispenser designed to allow infantrymen to put rounds on target more quickly.

Continue reading "Corps fields dispenser for 40mm grenades" »

October 14, 2011

1/6 Comm Marines overcome adverse terrain, conditions

10/14/2011 By Cpl. James Clark , 1st Battalion (1/6)

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — For many, they began their first deployment just two months ago. Now, for the first time, they are seeing the landscape of Afghanistan as they have come to know it from story and rumor. The Marines of Communications Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, have made their way to Patrol Base Alcatraz, and their first order of business is rapidly establishing communications for the battalion.

Continue reading "1/6 Comm Marines overcome adverse terrain, conditions " »

October 13, 2011

A different fight in Helmand at Fiddlers Green

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.13.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Marines of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, are always on call. At any moment coalition units in the area could call for fire support, and the artillerymen must be ready day and night.

Continue reading "A different fight in Helmand at Fiddlers Green" »

Mahafiz Marines keep roads safe

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.13.2011

PATROL BASE MAHAFIZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The sparse encampment here consists of little more than sleeping tents, a meeting area and a bird’s nest sentry post standing as a defiant beacon to the insurgency.

Continue reading "Mahafiz Marines keep roads safe" »

Failure not an option for motor transport Marines in Helmand

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.13.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province - Marines from 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment’s, Motor Transport Platoon don’t accept failure. They have been heavily relied upon throughout 1/9’s deployment to provide motorized logistics and personnel support and have built a reputation within their battalion for consistently getting the job done.

Continue reading "Failure not an option for motor transport Marines in Helmand" »

October 12, 2011

Hurricane Katrina Survivor Takes on Afghanistan

October 12, 2011
Marine Corps News|by Cpl. Jeff Drew

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- When Hurricane Katrina blew through New Orleans decimating homes and changing lives, it also set into motion the fate of one young man and ensured his destiny to become a United States Marine.

Continue reading "Hurricane Katrina Survivor Takes on Afghanistan" »

October 9, 2011

Aviation support Marines fuel success in southwestern Afghanistan

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 10.09.2011

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - The Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 371’s fuel division are well acquainted with military aircraft.

Continue reading "Aviation support Marines fuel success in southwestern Afghanistan" »

Empathy & War: Fighting an enemy, fighting to understand the ‘enemy'

Story by Cpl. James W. Clark | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.09.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - In fairy tales, it’s the wicked witch who desperately wants a pair of shiny shoes or the brutish baron of some dark and spooky tower who really just needs a hug. In romantic comedies, it’s the stuck up frat boy who belittles the scrawny underdog and his goofy cadre of friends in front of the dream girl.

Continue reading "Empathy & War: Fighting an enemy, fighting to understand the ‘enemy'" »

October 7, 2011

Marjah district opens schools, develops future generations

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.07.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan opened several schools within the district recently, intent on educating tomorrow’s future for the nation.

The residents of Marjah celebrated more than six school openings in the past month. Government representatives, local residents, students and Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, gathered on several occasions to commemorate opening day ceremonies at various locations.

Continue reading "Marjah district opens schools, develops future generations" »

Virginia native dies three times, returns to Marjah

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.07.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Some Marines involved in the battle for Marjah in 2010 say they stared death in the face. One Manassas, Va., native involved in the intense fighting not only stared death in the face, but shook its hand as well.

Continue reading "Virginia native dies three times, returns to Marjah" »

October 6, 2011

Wheat seed distribution gives hope to Helmand Afghans

Story by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 10.06.2011

KAJAKI, Afghanistan - For decades now, Afghan locals have been relying on a crop cycle of poppy and cannabis to provide income and a stable livelihood for their families.

Continue reading "Wheat seed distribution gives hope to Helmand Afghans" »

October 5, 2011

West Coast Marines take over Afghanistan aviation support from East Coast Marines

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 10.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The gentle thump of helicopter blades wafts over a formation of Marines at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "West Coast Marines take over Afghanistan aviation support from East Coast Marines" »

1/5 and 3/2 Marines replaced in Afghanistan by 3/7 and 2/4

October 5th, 2011 | Afghanistan Infantry Sangin | Posted by Dan Lamothe

Marine units in two of the more volatile districts in Afghanistan’s Helmand province have been replaced in the last few weeks, Marine spokesmen confirmed to Marine Corps Times today.

Continue reading "1/5 and 3/2 Marines replaced in Afghanistan by 3/7 and 2/4" »

October 4, 2011

Marine brother serves with Air Force sister in Afghanistan

10/4/2011 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Allen Rader’s service to the Air Force took his family from their home in Charleston, W.Va., to Alaska, Arizona, and Florida. Even overseas.

Continue reading "Marine brother serves with Air Force sister in Afghanistan " »

October 1, 2011

Upper Gereshk: The Helmand plan meets tough reality

By John Cantlie Gereshk Valley, Helmand
1 October 2011
BBC News

After 10 years in Afghanistan, foreign troops can claim successes in the notorious province of Helmand - but a vicious guerrilla war still rages in the Upper Gereshk valley, which US marines are in the process of handing back to British forces.

Continue reading "Upper Gereshk: The Helmand plan meets tough reality" »

September 30, 2011

Supply relieves Maintenance as MAGTF Support Bn. in Helmand

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 09.30.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK - Second Maintenance Battalion concluded a seven-month deployment in support of International Security Assistance Force Operations as 2nd Supply Bn. took the reins as Marine Air Ground Task Force Support Bn. 11.2 during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Sept. 30.

Continue reading "Supply relieves Maintenance as MAGTF Support Bn. in Helmand" »

Virginia Marine preps for Marine Corps Marathon in Helmand

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.30.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – It began in recruit training nearly 29 years ago, but Arlington, Va., native Maj. Brian Mullery said his love for physical fitness and running has become an integral part of his life ever since.

Continue reading "Virginia Marine preps for Marine Corps Marathon in Helmand" »

September 29, 2011

Mississippi native revives drowned Afghan child

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.29.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A Petal, Miss., native used his medical training to revive a drowned Afghan toddler while conducting counterinsurgency operations Sept. 11.

Continue reading "Mississippi native revives drowned Afghan child" »

Nawa increases security as course graduates Afghan Local Police

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine
Division | Date: 09.29.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan Local Police recruits stand against a wall, preparing to enter a compound at the ALP Academy on base. They bang against the gate, but the Marine instructors waiting inside, posing as insurgents, quickly tell them to go away. They bang again and again, each time receiving the same response, and decide to enter.

Continue reading "Nawa increases security as course graduates Afghan Local Police" »

September 28, 2011

Drug find is largest in partnership’s history

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 09.28.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – Combined Afghan and coalition security forces conducted a major narcotics seizure in Baghran district, Helmand province, Monday. To continue reading:

Continue reading "Drug find is largest in partnership’s history" »

September 27, 2011

Life on a swivel

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 09.27.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Another clearing operation means another chance to pinpoint a different perspective on deployment through the eyes Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Life on a swivel" »

September 26, 2011

Marines find meaning, order in combat-zone life

By Christopher Torchia - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 26, 2011 12:59:20 EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan — An American in uniform stands near a landing zone at about 2 a.m., moonlight framing his features, and talks about dead and maimed men he knows. His flight out isn’t until next month, and he is counting the days.

Continue reading "Marines find meaning, order in combat-zone life" »

Corpus Christi, Texas, native mentors Afghan police

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 09.26.2011

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan – In preparation for the eventual drawdown of coalition security forces, coalition mentor teams are busy imparting their skills to the Afghan National Security Forces responsible for keeping law and order.

Continue reading "Corpus Christi, Texas, native mentors Afghan police" »

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Sept. 26, 2011

2011-09-S-061
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 26, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and confiscated multiple weapons during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nurgal district, Kunar province.

Continue reading "ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Sept. 26, 2011" »

September 25, 2011

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Sept. 25, 2011

2011-09-S- 057
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 25, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tangi Valley in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province.

Continue reading "ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Sept. 25, 2011 " »

September 24, 2011

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits 3/6 Marines and sailors in Marjah

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 09.24.2011

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett, visited the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment here, Sept. 22.

Continue reading "Commandant of the Marine Corps visits 3/6 Marines and sailors in Marjah" »

September 22, 2011

HIMARS battery adds long-range fire support to the battlefield

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.22.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province - Task Force Leatherneck provides plenty of artillery support for its ground units throughout its area of operations – M777 A2 howitzers do an excellent job of providing indirect fire in most cases. However, some targets may be out of reach for cannons, or a unit may want something more accurate to support its mission; they may want to go with rockets instead.

Continue reading "HIMARS battery adds long-range fire support to the battlefield" »

Coalition forces deny insurgency movement, money in Afghanistan

9/22/2011 By Cpl. Brian Adam Jones , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Military experts have long-deemed limiting the enemy’s movement as vital to an effective campaign.

Continue reading "Coalition forces deny insurgency movement, money in Afghanistan " »

September 21, 2011

The private worry of US Marines in Afghanistan

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
Associated Press
Sep 21, 3:25 AM EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan (AP) -- It is a conversation, the military surgeon says, that every U.S. Marine has with his corpsman, the buddy who is first to treat him if he is wounded by an insurgent's bomb.

Continue reading "The private worry of US Marines in Afghanistan" »

UAV operator guides peers toward better operation

9/21/2011 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Sgt. Chad John spends 12 hours a day with an aerial view of Afghanistan, but he rarely leaves the ground.

Continue reading "UAV operator guides peers toward better operation " »

September 20, 2011

Marines train police of Now Zad to independence

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.20.2011

NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Afghanistan - In the wild west, a sheriff and his deputies brought justice to an otherwise lawless land. Hollywood has depicted a small group of men with long rifles and badges fighting against gangs of unruly outlaws usually wanting something from the town and taking it by force.

Continue reading "Marines train police of Now Zad to independence" »

September 17, 2011

iPads now helping Marines communicate, mark targets in battle

Published: September 17, 2011

Last year the Marine Corps’ 3rd Aircraft Wing purchased 32 iPads in an effort to increase efficiency and gain an advance in aerial warfare. Now, iPads are being used in Afghanistan and save about 15 minutes of communication time during close-air missions, according to an article by DefenseNews.

Continue reading "iPads now helping Marines communicate, mark targets in battle" »

Towers and tours: Avionics Marine reflects on post-9/11 career

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 09.17.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When Douglas Acero was turning his M-16A2 rifle to the armory at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., the world changed.

Continue reading "Towers and tours: Avionics Marine reflects on post-9/11 career" »

Photo Essay: Marines fight on in south Afghanistan

Saturday, September 17, 2011
By BRENNAN LINSLEY
Associated Press

PATROL BASE 302, Afghanistan -- One small U.S. Marine base in southern Afghanistan is surrounded on three sides by bomb-infested farmland and ever-changing Taliban firing positions. The base is reachable only by foot, on the fourth side, by way of a path they call the Serpentine.

Continue reading "Photo Essay: Marines fight on in south Afghanistan " »

Lifeline: Marine KC-130Js resupply the fight in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Justin Boling | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 09.17.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - When supplies run thin at forward operating bases peppering the Helmand River valley, reassurance often comes with the strong hum of a Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules.

Continue reading "Lifeline: Marine KC-130Js resupply the fight in Afghanistan" »

September 16, 2011

If we rebuild school in Now Zad and give children a future, we can do it anywhere and there's hope for Afghanistan

quote from: Captain Brech Perry

VIRGINIA WHEELER,
Defence Editor in Now Zad, Afghanistan
Friday, 16 September 2011

IT'S the gateway to the most dangerous part of Afghanistan – a remote British-built outpost in the shadow of the mountainous Taliban badlands.

Continue reading "If we rebuild school in Now Zad and give children a future, we can do it anywhere and there's hope for Afghanistan " »

U.S. Now Relies On Alternate Afghan Supply Routes

by Tom Gjelten
September 16, 2011

Napoleon declared that "an army marches on its stomach." Gen. Omar Bradley said, "Amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics." Successful military commanders have long recognized that few requirements rank higher in wartime than the need to maintain reliable supply lines.

Continue reading "U.S. Now Relies On Alternate Afghan Supply Routes " »

September 15, 2011

Engineers provide purified water to remote outpost

9/15/2011 By Cpl. Katherine M. Solano , 2nd Marine Logistics Group

OPERATING POST ATHENS, Afghanistan — Up until last month, Marines operating from peaks thousands of feet high had to carry their drinking water over a two-mile round trip on a daily basis.

Continue reading "Engineers provide purified water to remote outpost " »

September 14, 2011

More Marines in Afghanistan shift north

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Sep 14, 2011 13:35:06 EDT

Improved security in Afghanistan’s Helmand province has allowed the Marine Corps to shift more units to the north, where they will hunt the Taliban and put pressure on remaining insurgents, the top general in the region told Marine Corps Times.

Continue reading "More Marines in Afghanistan shift north" »

Explaining Afghanistan: US Marines find it hard

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
Associated Press
Sep 14, 3:01 AM EDT

PATROL BASE FULOD, Afghanistan (AP) -- "Baby, I walked on a path today. Everything was clear. Nothing happened."

Continue reading "Explaining Afghanistan: US Marines find it hard" »

September 13, 2011

Mission to train Afghan security forces critical amid U.S. drawdown

Attrition, recruiting in south remain challenges as force swells

By Gretel C. Kovach, Reporter - Military
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 5:43 p.m.

The number of Afghan security forces is expected to swell by 47,000 in the next year to 352,000, even as the international coalition struggles to reduce attrition nationwide and boost recruiting among southern Pashtuns in traditional Taliban strongholds, according to Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, the U.S. Army general who heads the NATO mission to train Afghan security forces.

Continue reading "Mission to train Afghan security forces critical amid U.S. drawdown" »

'New England’s Own’ arrives in Afghanistan, prepares for operations

9/13/2011 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , II MEF (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province — During the first week of September, Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, a reserve infantry battalion based out of the New England area, conducted integration training aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "'New England’s Own’ arrives in Afghanistan, prepares for operations " »

September 12, 2011

Safar Bazaar's 'little mayor' a Marine on deadline

By Mandy Clark
September 12, 2011 8:32 PM

(CBS News)

SAFAR BAZAAR, Afghanistan - A year ago, Safaar Bazaar was so full of home-made bombs that U.S. forces used rocket propelled explosives to blast their way in.

Continue reading "Safar Bazaar's 'little mayor' a Marine on deadline" »

September 11, 2011

Generation goes from Sept. 11 classrooms to war

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA - Associated Press
September 11, 2011

PATROL BASE FULOD, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S. Marine swings his metal detector, scanning debris, rocks and swirls of soil for any hints of concealed bombs as he leads the single-file patrol. Alert, pausing often, the troops act like ambassadors too, lobbing smiles and candy at Afghan children in adobe-lined alleyways.

Continue reading "Generation goes from Sept. 11 classrooms to war" »

In rural Afghanistan, many don’t know 9/11

September 11th, 2011

Most Americans probably remember the moment they first saw images of airplanes flying into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Continue reading "In rural Afghanistan, many don’t know 9/11" »

September 10, 2011

Marines go hunting – Sangin style

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.10.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - They inspect the arsenal of weapons one last time and throw the last of the gear in the vehicles under the blanket of darkness still engulfing the sky above. The first signs of morning peek out over the horizon amidst the mountain peaks as anticipations for the day’s catch deepen.

Continue reading "Marines go hunting – Sangin style" »

10 years after 9/11: Marines, sailors honor victims, fallen brothers in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.10.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Aaron Denning always knew he wanted to become a Marine. He was just shy of a month into his freshman year at Royal High School and it was September of 2001. In a matter of days his life and the world changed forever.

Continue reading "10 years after 9/11: Marines, sailors honor victims, fallen brothers in Sangin" »

Ten years after initial invasion, Marine pilot returns to Afghanistan in command

Story by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 09.10.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - It’s Sept. 12, 2001. The wreckage from the attacks the day before still smolders. An aircraft carrier with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit lies off the eastern shore of the United States.

Continue reading "Ten years after initial invasion, Marine pilot returns to Afghanistan in command" »

September 9, 2011

Marines and Taliban fight battle of perceptions

By Christopher Torchia - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 9, 2011 14:22:17 EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan — The jarring blast near the American base sent up a cloud of smoke that drifted silently in the breeze. “Not good,” a Marine said. Minutes later, vehicles raced through the gates with the wounded, three Marines and half a dozen Afghans.

Continue reading "Marines and Taliban fight battle of perceptions" »

September 8, 2011

Afghan soldiers and Lava Dogs clear Garmsir roads

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 09.08.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — With every partnered patrol or operation the Afghan National Army conducts, their soldiers gain valuable military experience.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers and Lava Dogs clear Garmsir roads" »

Tennessee native finds adventure where the rubber meets the road

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.08.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The rolling hills and farmlands of Gallatin, Tenn., offered endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking and outdoor sports for a young Corey Collier as he grew up in the small town. The Cumberland River and its many connecting waterways served as a perfect fishing retreat during his youth.

Continue reading "Tennessee native finds adventure where the rubber meets the road" »

Back to work: hand amputee deploys to set example for wounded warriors

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.08.2011

PATROL BASE FIRES, Helmand province, Afghanistan - “The word came out that noncommissioned officers were needed as combat replacements,” said combat replacement for 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Sgt. Ricardo Ramirez. “Guys with experience who wanted to help out our brothers in Sangin.”

Continue reading "Back to work: hand amputee deploys to set example for wounded warriors" »

Newhall native trades Hollywood for Helmand

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.08.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – In 2008, a Newhall, Calif., native had a dream job in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. He worked as a color assistant, editing video footage for “Desperate Housewives” and was even able to meet the cast. He loved his job and saw it as something he could do long-term. Unfortunately, things change.

Continue reading "Newhall native trades Hollywood for Helmand" »

Christmas morning: When deployed Marines receive care packages

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.08.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A lot has changed since Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General in 1775. We no longer depend on the Pony Express to take mail from one side of the country to another. Social networking sites and e-mail have replaced hand-written letters offering an almost instant connection to service members deployed thousands of miles from home.

Continue reading "Christmas morning: When deployed Marines receive care packages" »

September 7, 2011

Casualties of war bolster Sangin brotherhood, resolve

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.07.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - If you had asked 1st Lt. Charles Poulton at the beginning of his deployment ‘Okay Lt. Poulton, you are going to lose your platoon sergeant, a total of five squad leaders and a lot of good men. Do you think your platoon would be stronger than you started with?’

Continue reading "Casualties of war bolster Sangin brotherhood, resolve" »

September 6, 2011

South Carolina corpsman supports ‘Bad Company’

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.06.2011

PATROL BASE PASERLAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marine Corps is quite frequently referred to as a brotherhood. Marines spend months on end training for and executing deployments. They form unforgettable memories during this time and forge relationships which can last a lifetime. The sailors attached to Marine units may not carry the eagle, globe and anchor, but one corpsman with Bravo Company said he feels just as much a part of his unit as the Marines he serves beside.

Continue reading "South Carolina corpsman supports ‘Bad Company’" »

Texas native survives head shot, continues mission

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.06.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, are all too familiar with the reality of war, but they can honestly say they have been fortunate in not taking any casualties during their deployment in Afghanistan. One Texas native with the platoon can attest to that good fortune first-hand.

Continue reading "Texas native survives head shot, continues mission" »

Trek Nawa gets new beginning with Patrol Base Jersey

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.06.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In the past several years, Nawa has become the hallmark of what the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is striving to achieve within Helmand province. The Afghan National Security Forces and the Marines of Bravo Company have moved into a new patrol base within the district to further promote peace and limit the movement of what is left of insurgent fighters operating in the area.

Continue reading "Trek Nawa gets new beginning with Patrol Base Jersey" »

September 5, 2011

Marines battle to educate Afghan children

Commanders say it's a cornerstone of their strategy to defeat the insurgency

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
4:27 p.m., Sept. 5, 2011

The end-of-summer, back-to-school ritual familiar to generations of American students is becoming a way of life for swelling numbers of children in the most war-torn corners of Afghanistan, thanks in large part to the U.S. military.

Continue reading "Marines battle to educate Afghan children" »

September 4, 2011

Houston Marine reflects on 9/11, his reason for serving

9/4/2011 By Cpl. Katherine Keleher , II MEF (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Many Americans remember where they were when they heard the news on September 11, 2001. They remember watching the planes crash into the World Trade Center towers and listening to the news about the plane crash at the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 crashing into a field in Shanksville, Pa. Some felt sorrow, anger or fear. Others felt a call to serve. First Lt. John McJunkin was one of the latter.

Continue reading "Houston Marine reflects on 9/11, his reason for serving " »

September 3, 2011

Seattle Marine trades desert uniform for scrubs

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.03.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The brown-eyed, caramel-skinned Marine works seemingly endless hours to ensure the Marines she supports have what they need to accomplish their mission. Her days spent in the Afghan heat, which can reach more than 110 degrees, consist of maintaining accountability for gear and equipment stored on the supply lot, issuing items to sections, mastering mechanical equipment, interacting with many different personalities, and hours of clerical work. The hard work and unstoppable drive she demonstrates daily are her investment toward a lifelong dream.

Continue reading "Seattle Marine trades desert uniform for scrubs" »

September 1, 2011

Marines push through scorching temps to provide security

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.01.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines patrol in full gear – a combat load of ammunition, flak jackets, helmets, rifles – and many must add communications radios, extra rounds or squad automatic weapons to their loads. These items get very heavy over the course of a three- or four-hour security patrol.

Continue reading "Marines push through scorching temps to provide security" »

Afghans execute first solo patrol in eastern Marjah

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.01.2011

MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 2nd platoon, 1st Tolai, 3rd Kandak, partnered with Afghan Local Police patrolmen to execute the first Afghan-only patrol in eastern Marjah.

Continue reading "Afghans execute first solo patrol in eastern Marjah" »

August 31, 2011

Marjah residents take stand against insurgents, rebuild community

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.31.2011

MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Before Afghan and coalition forces began security operations here last year, the insurgency cast an oppressive shadow over the city’s residents. Few local citizens stood up to the insurgents for fear of kidnapping or death. Times were dark, but one family decided enough was enough and stood up for what was right, knowing full well the risks

Continue reading "Marjah residents take stand against insurgents, rebuild community" »

August 30, 2011

Female Marines assist in delivery of local baby

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 08.30.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan —Sgt. LaJuanna Baker and Cpl. Andrea Moreira-Rios were in the right place at the right time on July 30.

Continue reading "Female Marines assist in delivery of local baby" »

Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Oh My!

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 08.30.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Across the room from a Kevlar helmet and body armor, near an M-16 rifle and night vision goggles, sits a jug of whey protein. Outside the doorless entryway, resting against the wall, are a minesweeper and electronic countermeasure gear entangled by a recently used jump rope. Sweat-stained uniforms hang from corners of a well-used pull-up bar.

Continue reading "Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Oh My!" »

August 29, 2011

CLB-6 resupplies Sangin-area Marines, assists with realignment and retrograde

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 08.28.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) convoyed to various bases in the vicinity of Helmand’s volatile Sangin district, Aug. 26.

Continue reading "CLB-6 resupplies Sangin-area Marines, assists with realignment and retrograde" »

Volunteers build pathway for heroes

8/29/2011 By Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz , II MEF (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Within the military, it is said that service members look out for their own. In combat, brothers and sisters in arms have given life and limb for one another countless times throughout the history of our nation’s military.

Continue reading "Volunteers build pathway for heroes " »

August 26, 2011

Marines train Afghan police to handle special tactics missions

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.26.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Corps instructors at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, are in the process of training an elite group of Afghan Uniformed Police in a first-of-its-kind training program.

Continue reading "Marines train Afghan police to handle special tactics missions" »

August 25, 2011

Sea Stallions’ first forward refueling takes fight farther south

Story by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 08.25.2011

PATROL BASE WOLFPACK, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- From this remote desert outpost just miles from the Pakistani border, two Marine Corps attack helicopters were heard before they were seen.

Continue reading "Sea Stallions’ first forward refueling takes fight farther south" »

August 24, 2011

Shaping the battle in Afghanistan: Marine general reflects on coalition air efforts

Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 08.24.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Since taking the helm of air combat operations in March, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) has supported more than 600 combat operations in southwestern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Shaping the battle in Afghanistan: Marine general reflects on coalition air efforts" »

August 23, 2011

Pushing through the shadow of the insurgency

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.23.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – “There are no [insurgents] here. He says they aren’t here.”

Continue reading "Pushing through the shadow of the insurgency" »

August 21, 2011

Alpha Battery has eyes on with overwatch

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.21.2011

FIREBASE SAENZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan—The Marines with Alpha Battery are keeping a watchful eye out for their brothers-in-arms in a more literal sense than one would expect from an artillery battery. The Marines in the battery’s Fire Direction Center monitor electronic chat systems and radios for any unit that needs support from the big guns, but they are not the only Marines in the Hawaii-based battery looking out for their fellow Marines.

Continue reading "Alpha Battery has eyes on with overwatch" »

Engineers enhance security along Route 606

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 08.21.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – One of the most trafficked roads in the country, Route 606, consists of 218 kilometers of paved road and connects Farah, Herat and Chaghcharan provinces, while winding its way into Iran.

Continue reading "Engineers enhance security along Route 606" »

August 12, 2011

Operation Black Sand blasts the insurgency to dust

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.12.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A blast of fire, triggered by 1,750 pounds of C4 explosive, erupted from the ground sending a shockwave ripping through the air. Secondary explosions suggested local improvised explosive devices sympathetically detonated as a massive mushroom cloud rose into the sky.

Continue reading "Operation Black Sand blasts the insurgency to dust" »

August 9, 2011

Coming of age through war: Cpl. Timothy Stark

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.09.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Cpl. Timothy Stark wrings his hands, unconsciously tapping the wedding band on his ring finger as he speaks about his wife and unborn daughter.

Continue reading "Coming of age through war: Cpl. Timothy Stark" »

Lone Star Marines guide Afghan soldiers to new battlespace

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.09.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines with the Houston-based 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, also known as the Lone Star Battalion, provided security and guidance to Afghan National Army soldiers traveling through Helmand province, Aug. 5

Continue reading "Lone Star Marines guide Afghan soldiers to new battlespace" »

August 8, 2011

Female Marines launch first Musa Qal’eh woman’s school

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe
Date Taken: 08.04.2011
Date Posted: 08.08.2011 05:25

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL'EH, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Afghanistan harbors a harsh environment where street smarts are more common than a formal education, especially for women. Many skills that are learned from experience can be the difference between life and death, but with limited formal education, the society can only advance so far.

Continue reading "Female Marines launch first Musa Qal’eh woman’s school " »

August 7, 2011

3/2 holds Route Landy Nawa, improves travel through Helmand province

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.07.2011

SHIR GHAZAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The road between Combat Outpost Shir Ghazay and Forward Operating Base Now Zad, known as Route Landy Nawa, is nothing more than tire tracks through powdery dirt. For miles in any direction there is nothing to be seen but the occasional dust devil and local citizens driving through.

Continue reading "3/2 holds Route Landy Nawa, improves travel through Helmand province" »

Marines, Seabees complete road in Helmand province

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.07.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 held a "golden spike" ceremony to celebrate the completion of route red west, in Now Zad District, Helmand province, Aug. 5.

Continue reading "Marines, Seabees complete road in Helmand province" »

'Shaving cream' effort helps save lives in Afghanistan

Low-tech tool is best way to mark location of bombs

By Jeff Gill [email protected]
POSTED: August 7, 2011 12:41 a.m.

Through a common, everyday household item, not a high-tech device with a big Pentagon price tag, area residents can help save military lives in one of Afghanistan's deadliest regions.

Continue reading "'Shaving cream' effort helps save lives in Afghanistan" »

Marine mechanic realizes role in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 08.07.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - To Cpl. Leonard R. Knudsen Jr., his job can feel the same whether he is at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., or Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine mechanic realizes role in Afghanistan" »

Saving lives on the battlefield: Air support begins with ordnance Marines

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 08.07.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Thousands of Marines, Afghan and coalition troops rely on 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) for close air support. At Kandahar Airfield, that responsibility is carried on the wings of Marine Attack Squadron 513’s AV-8B Harriers.

Continue reading "Saving lives on the battlefield: Air support begins with ordnance Marines" »

August 6, 2011

Coram, N.Y. native leads Marines in Afghan fight

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.06.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan - First impressions are usually lasting ones and one Coram, N.Y. Marine will always remember the first sights and sounds of his initial introduction to the real war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Coram, N.Y. native leads Marines in Afghan fight" »

August 4, 2011

Latin roots help ‘Carlos’ Company Marines succeed in Helmand

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 08.04.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Through the course of the recent Iraq wars, and now in Afghanistan, Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, has literally grown up together, using their experiences from back home to unite and strengthen them on the battlefield.

Continue reading "Latin roots help ‘Carlos’ Company Marines succeed in Helmand" »

1/6 Returns to Marjah

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.04.2011

MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – When Marines moved on the former insurgent stronghold of Marjah last year, they took the first step toward laying the foundation for the counterinsurgency strategy that turned the tide in Iraq but had yet to be proven in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "1/6 Returns to Marjah" »

‘Bazaar Day’ a weekly milestone for Helmand Marines

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.04.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST RANKEL, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Every Tuesday, Marines aboard Combat Outpost Rankel wake up at 4 a.m. to beat thousands of Afghans to Safar Bazaar.

Continue reading "‘Bazaar Day’ a weekly milestone for Helmand Marines" »

August 3, 2011

Moving on up: Garmsir sees infrastructural growth as counterinsurgency expands

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — It’s a 600-year-old holy place: a shrine where the local people come to pray, learn about the Quran and remember family members who passed away. The roof is missing, and parts of the outer walls have started to crumble into individual bricks scattered on the ground, but the local people revere it as one of the most holy places in the area.

Continue reading "Moving on up: Garmsir sees infrastructural growth as counterinsurgency expands" »

Marine's dream of an Afghan national water polo team advances

After hearing about Jeremy Piasecki's goal, commercial airline employees have offered to provide transportation for 10 athletes to the United States, including members of the Afghan army.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times

August 3, 2011
Reporting from San Diego -- For three years, Marine Warrant Officer Jeremy Piasecki has been trying to organize a national water polo team for Afghanistan.

His theory is simple: the people of such a war-torn land need sports heroes too.

Continue reading "Marine's dream of an Afghan national water polo team advances" »

August 2, 2011

Marine CO: ‘The sky isn’t falling in Sangin’

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Aug 2, 2011 12:16:39 EDT

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. John Farias parked himself in front of a video camera June 2 and fumbled his way through a seven-minute greeting to his family in Texas. A rifleman with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, he discussed the austere living conditions at his patrol base and his craving for sushi.

Continue reading "Marine CO: ‘The sky isn’t falling in Sangin’" »

Nawa celebrates opening of new justice center

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.02.2011

NAWA DISTRICT CENTER, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Marines with Civil Affairs Team 3 joined the local residents of Nawa to celebrate the grand opening of the new justice center, recently.

Continue reading "Nawa celebrates opening of new justice center" »

Marines increase water production, distribution in Musa Qala District

Story by Sgt. Rachael Moore | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 08.02.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QALA, Afghanistan – Water purification systems continue to take the place of bottled water, increasing the expeditionary capability of troops in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines increase water production, distribution in Musa Qala District" »

August 1, 2011

Afghan soldiers blaze ahead with support from US Marines

8/1/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan —

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 turned up the heat for new Afghan National Army firefighters during the final evaluation of a basic firefighting course at Forward Operating Base Delaram II, Afghanistan, July 26.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers blaze ahead with support from US Marines" »

Honolulu native helps build strong foundation for Afghan future

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.01.2011

SANGIN, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Men and women around the world love to pick up power tools and build. The project may be as small as a birdhouse or as large as a sky-scraper, but when completed, it will always award the craftsman with the feeling of accomplishment. Those who build can see a tangible difference from start to finish and have something to show for their time and effort.

Continue reading "Honolulu native helps build strong foundation for Afghan future" »

Marine, Mullah partnership contributes to counterinsurgency fight

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.01.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In hopes of countering insurgent dogma and improving local infrastructure, coalition forces have recently begun engaging local religious leaders to rally support for coalition forces and developmental projects in the district.

Continue reading "Marine, Mullah partnership contributes to counterinsurgency fight" »

July 31, 2011

Bonds of brotherhood help 3/4 Marines focus during deployment

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.31.2011

OBSERVATION POST 22, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Thoughts of those left home during a deployment can weigh on a young man’s mind when he enters a combat zone for the first time.

Continue reading "Bonds of brotherhood help 3/4 Marines focus during deployment" »

Afghan farmers trade poppy seeds for wheat seeds

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.31.2011

NAWA, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The change of agriculture in Afghanistan is steadily steering away from the illegal crops which fund insurgent forces year after year. Civil Affairs Team 3, which is supporting the Afghan government, plans to continue providing wheat as an alternative to growing poppy and cannabis in Afghanistan’s Nawa District to drive the country into future.

Continue reading "Afghan farmers trade poppy seeds for wheat seeds" »

Afghan police broaden horizons through local literacy program

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.31.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Among the biggest challenges the local government faces as the United States prepares to draw down thousands of troops from Afghanistan is its literacy rate. Only one in 10 recruits who sign up for Afghanistan's police and army can read and write according to a recent Reuters article. Many of the local residents find something as simple as spelling their own names a challenge.

Continue reading "Afghan police broaden horizons through local literacy program" »

Camp Pendleton Marines in Afghanistan warned of Taliban threat

July 31, 2011 |
Tony Perry in San Diego

During a surprise visit Saturday with Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton deployed in Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned against complacency and said Taliban fighters could be planning increased attacks.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marines in Afghanistan warned of Taliban threat" »

Coming of age through war: Lance Cpl. Ernest Prempeh

Story by Cpl. James Clark | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.31.2011

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Life, for the most part, is gray. The passing moments are not unpleasant, nor are they particularly remarkable -- just a colorless blur of regularity and routine.

Continue reading "Coming of age through war: Lance Cpl. Ernest Prempeh" »

July 30, 2011

As drawdown approaches, U.S. commanders in Afghanistan reluctant to leave

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran, Saturday, July 30, 7:23 PM

Garmser, Afghanistan — This farming district along the Helmand River, once one of the most Taliban-saturated corners of southern Afghanistan, has turned so quiet over the past three months that some U.S. Marines here quietly wish for a gunfight. “Just to get off a few rounds,” said one, “so we can feel like Marines.”

Continue reading "As drawdown approaches, U.S. commanders in Afghanistan reluctant to leave" »

3/4 Marines take, return fire near Gereshk, Afghanistan

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.30.2011

PATROL BASE KAKAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan - In the low lands of Gereshk, Afghanistan, the Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, know they are being watched by the insurgency.

Continue reading "3/4 Marines take, return fire near Gereshk, Afghanistan" »

July 28, 2011

U.S. forces target outskirts of Afghan cities

By Carmen Gentile - Special for USA Today
Posted : Thursday Jul 28, 2011 21:12:37 EDT

UPPER GERESHK VALLEY, Afghanistan — Smoking a cigarette after a long day at a tiny military outpost deep in Taliban territory, Sgt. David Sowell mulled over how many of his fellow Marines had lost limbs in this river valley.

Continue reading "U.S. forces target outskirts of Afghan cities" »

Corpsman From Kingwood Trains Medic To Save Lives In Afghanistan

2011-07-28
Story & Photos by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly

The Afghan National Army foot patrol came to a halt as a shock wave engulfed the patrol. When the smoke cleared, Sgt. Wahid Zula had absorbed the majority of the blast and lay on the ground bleeding from the injuries he sustained.

Continue reading "Corpsman From Kingwood Trains Medic To Save Lives In Afghanistan" »

Marine sergeant major, son serve together in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 07.28.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Upon hearing the news that his son would be deploying to Afghanistan, Sgt. Maj. Robert Allen of Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 began making the arrangements to join the fight.

Continue reading "Marine sergeant major, son serve together in Afghanistan" »

New school in Sangin shows progress, brings hope

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.28.2011

SANGIN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The summer is winding down and the school year is just weeks away in the United States. Children of all ages have nervous butterflies in anticipation of the first day of school, while parents purchase school supplies to prepare their sons and daughters for the coming months.

Continue reading "New school in Sangin shows progress, brings hope" »

July 27, 2011

An American hero: Georgia native loses leg, returns to combat zone

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.27.2011

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The pouring rain drenched the streets of Ramadi, Iraq, mixing with the rancid stench of backed-up sewage canals. The knee-deep concoction made the night patrol difficult for the Marines, but they had a mission to accomplish.

Continue reading "An American hero: Georgia native loses leg, returns to combat zone" »

Boys of Company G push insurgency from Trek Nawa

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.27.2011

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The sweltering, afternoon sun stretches across the cloudless, Afghan sky causing sweat to drip from the Marines’ faces. Living in mud compounds and sweltering tents, eating packaged meals-ready-to-eat three times a day, patrolling for hours on end with 100-pound packs – this is the life of a Marine with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Boys of Company G push insurgency from Trek Nawa" »

Combat innovations multiply Marine Corps Harriers’ punch

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 07.27.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Singled out by their red helmets, ordnance Marines can be seen as the muscle of a squadron, the ones who provide weaponry and ensure each aircraft is battle ready.

Continue reading "Combat innovations multiply Marine Corps Harriers’ punch" »

Pittsburgh native survives blast, returns to duty

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.27.2011

CAMP HANSON, Helmand province, Afghanistan – “My bell was rung,” said Pittsburgh native Zachary Beamer as he recounted his story of survival from an Improvised Explosive Device detonation.

Continue reading "Pittsburgh native survives blast, returns to duty" »

July 26, 2011

Marines, ANA give Garmsir Ramadan gift

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.26.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Ramadan is just a few days away and local Afghanistan National Army soldiers and Marines are joining in the holiday buzz.

Continue reading "Marines, ANA give Garmsir Ramadan gift" »

July 24, 2011

Attacks, poppy crop stall Marines’ Afghan goals

By Solomon Moore - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jul 24, 2011 12:20:12 EDT

SIRAQULA, Afghanistan — Shortly after the call to prayer resounded over the harvested poppy fields near Salaam Bazaar, two Taliban commanders were heard on their radios asking how their forces are doing.

Continue reading "Attacks, poppy crop stall Marines’ Afghan goals" »

Female Engagement Team supports 1/5, Afghan soldiers in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.24.2011

PATROL BASE FULOD, Afghanistan – The two service women of Female Engagement Team 15, Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Richeal and Lance Cpl. Chandra Francisco, have been supporting 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, and their Afghan partners in their counterinsurgency mission since arriving in Sangin District, Helmand province, in the late spring.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team supports 1/5, Afghan soldiers in Sangin" »

July 21, 2011

Through the Ranks: Sergeant

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.21.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A soft pink-hued glow highlights Sgt. Garrett Farris’ eyebrows, nose, cheeks and chin as he lies in his cot with a laptop resting on his stomach. On the screen, an animated horned beast falls in love with an innocent beauty.

Continue reading "Through the Ranks: Sergeant" »

July 20, 2011

IED strike brings father, son closer

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.20.2011

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- “By the time I had the radio to my mouth, the whole truck exploded.”

Continue reading "IED strike brings father, son closer" »

July 19, 2011

Afghan villagers join forces with U.S. coalition to bring peace to Marjah

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: July 19, 2011

NORTHERN MARJAH, Afghanistan — Ali Mohammad pleaded with the Taliban to stop putting improvised bombs around his compound, explaining that they were more likely to kill children or goats than they were to injure U.S. Marines, who stomped into Marjah district in March 2010.

Continue reading "Afghan villagers join forces with U.S. coalition to bring peace to Marjah" »

LA Marine learns more than local language

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.19.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — It looks like Sgt. Jose Hernandez is teaching an elementary level anatomy class, but he’s actually learning the local language. He points to a local boy’s arms, legs, ears and eyes -- naming each body part in Pashto.

Continue reading "LA Marine learns more than local language" »

July 18, 2011

Marine attack helicopters move north to aid air ambulances

7/18/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan — Until recently, if an injured Marine needed medical evacuation from the battlefield in the turbulent northeast of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, the air ambulance providing care might not be able to assist until Marine Corps attack helicopters were on scene.

Continue reading "Marine attack helicopters move north to aid air ambulances " »

July 17, 2011

Sangin FET Marines reach out to local women during 1/5 operation

7/17/2011 By Cpl. Katherine Keleher , II MEF (FWD)

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Service women with Female Engagement Team 13, in Sangin District, Helmand province, laced up their boots, filled up their water sources and set out on patrol in support of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and the Afghan National Army, July 14.

Continue reading "Sangin FET Marines reach out to local women during 1/5 operation" »

July 16, 2011

Baltimore Marine leads Kajaki in positive direction

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

ORWARD OPERATING BASE FOB ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The image of most wars portrayed in the history books is that of battles in which sweaty, dirt-covered men storm beachheads and battlefields, while all that is left to read about are captivating dialogs of victory. Rarely do these books reflect on the human experience of what happens in the depths of counterinsurgency operations, in which these same men fight with their minds, guts and glory. One Baltimore native, however, has experienced this first hand and must now use all three to accomplish his mission once again.

Continue reading "Baltimore Marine leads Kajaki in positive direction" »

Missouri Marine follows in parents’ footsteps

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The arrival of a new baby in any family inevitably causes parents and family members to huddle around the child, saying things like “Oh, he has your nose,” or “Those eyes are just like his mother’s,” or “I wonder what he’ll be when he grows up.” One Grandview, Mo., native never thought he’d grow up to be like his parents, but as fate would have it, he fell into formation right behind them

Continue reading "Missouri Marine follows in parents’ footsteps" »

West Virginia Marine, family man fosters pride, humility

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FOB ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Separation from family members is arguably the hardest part of deployments for service members and their loved ones. A Moundsville, W.Va., native and his family know the strain of being apart all too well, yet they have found a way to balance their challenging lifestyle through resilience and understanding

Continue reading "West Virginia Marine, family man fosters pride, humility" »

Marine mechanics work hard, train hard, fight for each other

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The high-pitched warning beeps of trucks backing up, wrenches turning, and popular American music of all genres echo throughout the mechanic shop. Tan combat vehicles sit on floor jacks while Marines work under the hoods, replacing damaged or dysfunctional parts.

Continue reading "Marine mechanics work hard, train hard, fight for each other" »

Lone Star Battalion probes for enemy during Operation Frank Jr.

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.16.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with the Houston-based Lone Star Battalion, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Task Force Belleau Wood, pushed through south Habib Abad in Nad’ Ali District, Helmand province, and linked up with troops from Task Force Helmand during Operation Frank Jr., July 13

Continue reading "Lone Star Battalion probes for enemy during Operation Frank Jr." »

July 15, 2011

Point man leads way for J Company, 42 Commando in Helmand province

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.15.2011

NAD’ALI DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Imagine how much courage it takes to be a point man in Helmand province, Afghanistan, where insurgent attacks and improvised explosive devices are a common occurrence. Now imagine your specific mission is to detect and locate IEDs as the point man for a patrol.

Continue reading "Point man leads way for J Company, 42 Commando in Helmand province" »

Marines make reality out of a ‘Mehraj’

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.15.2011

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Every drop of sweat from their foreheads cools their faces as Marines patrol through the Afghan heat. Every cautious step through the cratered terrain and dusty roads is a step closer to completing the mission. Every hour spent standing watch brings them closer to the sweet smell of home-cooked meals or catching the big game on a Monday night.

Continue reading "Marines make reality out of a ‘Mehraj’" »

July 14, 2011

Marines keep rolling through dangerous terrain

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.14.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Helmand province, Afghanistan - Engine roars burst under the sunny morning sky from the monstrous trucks and off they go outside their protected walls, where potential threats are constant and the terrain is unforgiving. From sunrise to sunset, these hard-working Marines are always on the move. It’s their mission to roll through the rough roads of Afghanistan from patrol base to patrol base, supplying their fellow warriors with the food, water and any other supplies they need.

Continue reading "Marines keep rolling through dangerous terrain" »

Pennsylvania native makes connections in Helmand

Courtesy Story | 2nd Marine Division (FWD) Combat Camera | Date: 07.14.2011

MUSA QAL’EH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Showers and cold drinks in the 120-degree heat of the Afghan summer exist only in a Marine’s memory at some of the smaller patrol bases in the area, but one Grove City, Pa., Marine is determined to keep the unforgiving temperatures and desert sand storms from degrading a vital asset Marines and sailors use daily.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania native makes connections in Helmand" »

Afghanistan War Diary: Weapons cache found in Sangin

More than 400 pounds of explosives seized

By Gretel C. Kovach
12:40 p.m., July 14, 2011

There hasn’t been a lot of good news coming out of Sangin lately. After a year of punishing losses among the insurgent ranks, the Taliban finally launched a counteroffensive to retake their former stronghold in the poppy fields of southwestern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghanistan War Diary: Weapons cache found in Sangin" »

Marines keep rolling through dangerous terrain

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.14.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- Engine roars burst under the sunny morning sky from the monstrous trucks and off they go outside their protected walls, where potential threats are constant and the terrain is unforgiving. From sunrise to sunset, these hard-working Marines are always on the move. It’s their mission to roll through the rough roads of Afghanistan from patrol base to patrol base, supplying their fellow warriors with the food, water and any other supplies they need.

Continue reading "Marines keep rolling through dangerous terrain" »

July 13, 2011

Logistics squadron keeps Marine aircraft flying in Afghanistan

7/13/2011 By By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 has one mission, to guarantee 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) squadrons are never left without ordnance, working equipment or the parts they need to keep aircraft in the fight in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Logistics squadron keeps Marine aircraft flying in Afghanistan" »

Behind the scenes: Aircraft maintainers help Marine jets keep pressure on insurgents

7/13/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Unsightly sweat stains mark another Afghan day for Lance Cpl. Joseph Gonzalez, but appearances are the farthest thing from his mind. Beneath the implacable sun, it’s his charge to ensure the AV-8B Harrier in front of him is ready for take-off.

Continue reading "Behind the scenes: Aircraft maintainers help Marine jets keep pressure on insurgents" »

July 10, 2011

Guardian of patrols: Afghan dog fights like Marine

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.10.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Helmand province, Afghanistan – He defends Marines and sailors with love and tenacity, protecting them as any Marine would protect a brother-in-arms. He is the epitome of man’s best friend, shielding service members from the enemy while providing companionship and camaraderie. His name is Willy Pete, and he’s a warrior, a protector, a friend. He’s also a dog.

Continue reading "Guardian of patrols: Afghan dog fights like Marine" »

July 9, 2011

2nd Maintainance Battalion: Fueling the fight

Story by Sgt. Rachael Moore | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 07.09.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force operations require fuel for every mission. Whether the fuel is used for vehicles or generators, it’s an important asset to mission accomplishment.

Continue reading "2nd Maintainance Battalion: Fueling the fight" »

July 8, 2011

Marine general says U.S. succeeding in Afghanistan but gains not yet 'irreversible'

-- Tony Perry in San Diego
July 8, 2011

The top Marine in Afghanistan says the Marines from Camp Pendleton and other bases, along with troops from coalition nations, are successfully thwarting a Taliban counter-offensive in Helmand province and also training Afghan forces to ultimately take responsibility for protecting the province.

Continue reading "Marine general says U.S. succeeding in Afghanistan but gains not yet 'irreversible'" »

July 6, 2011

Helmand Marines loosen reigns on local soldiers

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.06.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Punching bags and jump rope help, but you don’t really learn how to fight until you set foot in the ring.

Continue reading "Helmand Marines loosen reigns on local soldiers" »

Marines from Twentynine Palms to be among first to leave Afghanistan

-- Tony Perry in San Diego
July 6, 2011

A battalion of Marines from Twentynine Palms will be among the first units to leave Afghanistan under the drawdown ordered by President Obama, a top general told reporters today.

Continue reading "Marines from Twentynine Palms to be among first to leave Afghanistan" »

3/4 eyed as part of Afghanistan drawdown

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 6, 2011 14:31:24 EDT

A Marine infantry battalion out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., will leave Afghanistan before the end of the year as part of the early phases of a U.S. drawdown in the war-torn country.

Continue reading "3/4 eyed as part of Afghanistan drawdown" »

July 5, 2011

Yuma Marines celebrate Independence Day in Afghanistan

7/5/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — US Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 513, deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Airz., celebrated Independence Day at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, July 4

Continue reading "Yuma Marines celebrate Independence Day in Afghanistan" »

July 4, 2011

Bedford Marine getting job done quietly in Afghanistan

By GREG KWASNIK
Union Leader Correspondent
Published Jul 4, 2011 at 3:00 am

BEDFORD — Half a world away, in the deserts of Afghanistan, one New Hampshire Marine is proving that she doesn’t have to be on the front lines to help win a war.

Continue reading "Bedford Marine getting job done quietly in Afghanistan" »

Cherry Point Marines spends July 4 on frontlines

July 04, 2011 10:36 AM
By Sue Book
Freedom ENC

Independence Day is a holiday for most in the United States to celebrate the fight for freedom marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Continue reading "Cherry Point Marines spends July 4 on frontlines" »

July 3, 2011

Marines from Arkansas use background to succeed in Afghan training mission

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 07.03.2011

MOBILE OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan - Over the years, Arkansas has produced Marines who have had a lasting effect on the Corps.

Continue reading "Marines from Arkansas use background to succeed in Afghan training mission" »

July 2, 2011

Oregon Marine pursues photography passion in Afghanistan

7/2/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Capturing moments in time is a passion Sgt. Tristeza Castellanoz finds great pleasure in. What began as a casual interest in photography has grown into a long-term hobby, a method of expression and a potential career for the Nyssa, Ore., native.

Continue reading "Oregon Marine pursues photography passion in Afghanistan" »

June 28, 2011

Military intelligence Marines speak on recent accomplishments

6/28/2011 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The military intelligence community of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) said they are finding new ways to stay ahead of insurgents in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Military intelligence Marines speak on recent accomplishments" »

June 27, 2011

New living areas to bring aviation Marines closer to the flight

6/27/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan —

Marines and sailors in Afghanistan are nearing completion on a major land excavation project for new living areas for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) Marines who work on the flightline at Camp Bastion.

Continue reading "New living areas to bring aviation Marines closer to the flight" »

World War II to Afghanistan: Rocket scientist, third generation Marine serves in Helmand province

6/27/2011 By 1st Lt. Megan Greathouse , II MEF (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Every Marine has a story. For one Reservist currently serving in Helmand province the story is of a rocket scientist who answered the call to serve his country as a third generation Marine.

Continue reading "World War II to Afghanistan: Rocket scientist, third generation Marine serves in Helmand province" »

June 25, 2011

While US talks withdrawal, Afghan corruption soars

By BRADLEY KLAPPER
Associated Press
Jun 25, 4:05 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The farmer picking apples in the outskirts of Kabul must pay the Taliban $33 to ship out each truckload of fruit. The governor sends in armed men to chase workers off job sites if the official bribes aren't paid. Poor neighborhoods never get their U.N.-provided wheat, long since sold on the black market

Continue reading "While US talks withdrawal, Afghan corruption soars" »

June 24, 2011

Afghans fear U.S. drawdown will allow Taliban to regroup

Afghans don't have much confidence in the country's inexperienced security forces.

By Alex Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times
June 24, 2011

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan—
President Obama's planned drawdown of 33,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan has generated ripples of anxiety for Afghans who worry that the Taliban will overwhelm the country's inexperienced, ill-equipped security forces.

Continue reading "Afghans fear U.S. drawdown will allow Taliban to regroup" »

June 22, 2011

No Security Like Personal Security Detachment

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Picture yourself in a foreign country full of sand, hot weather, and insurgents who want nothing more than to take your life. Your job is to drive and patrol through this combat zone and protect a commanding officer as he conducts his daily duties.

Continue reading "No Security Like Personal Security Detachment" »

Ballistic Underwear Make Their Way to Marines in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.22.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Once you get past the humor of “ballistic underwear,” the threat it helps mitigate is real and the protection is necessary.

Continue reading "Ballistic Underwear Make Their Way to Marines in Afghanistan" »

June 21, 2011

Camp Pendelton Marines insert, clear Ghughori Baba

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.21.2011

PATROL BASE FIRES, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Six CH-53E Super Stallions chopped through the early morning air, June 5. Moving swiftly under the cover of darkness, they transported their passengers to an uncertain objective where Marines have rarely gone before.

Continue reading "Camp Pendelton Marines insert, clear Ghughori Baba" »

June 17, 2011

Chicago Native and Truck Company Keeps 1/5 Rolling in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.17.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Cpl. Rene Sotelo, the loadmaster for 2nd Platoon, Truck Company B, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, spends anywhere from six to eight hours preparing the trucks before each convoy. Eight stops later the Chicago native and his fellow motor transportation operators return to Forward Operating Base Nolay after driving through the night resupplying 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, in Sangin, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Chicago Native and Truck Company Keeps 1/5 Rolling in Sangin" »

June 16, 2011

The thin line between crazy, brave

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.15.2011
Date Posted: 06.16.2011 15:31

WASHIR, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan—Most people who I’ve talked to about the occupation field where the job description requires you to go into some of the world’s most dangerous places and look for homemade bombs generally give the impression that anyone who would perform this duty walks the fine line of crazy and brave.

Continue reading "The thin line between crazy, brave" »

June 15, 2011

Simi Marine teams with Afghan counterparts

Partnership cited in success of operation

* By Cpl. Benjamin Crilly, Special to The Star
* Ventura County Star
* Posted June 15, 2011 at 4:33 p.m.

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Afghan National Army soldiers conducted Operation Zapoonki Guzaroona in partnership with the Marines of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, in Sangin, Afghanistan, last month.

Continue reading "Simi Marine teams with Afghan counterparts" »

Operation Afghan Warrior continues

Story by 1st Lt. Timothy Irish | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.15.2011

WASHIR, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Afghan forces now stand guard over every street in the Washir marketplace and man observations posts on hilltops surrounding the villages.

Continue reading "Operation Afghan Warrior continues" »

Taliban reintegration hits wall in Afghan hotspot

June 15, 2011
AFP

SANGIN, Afghanistan: Multi-million dollar plans to reintegrate Taliban fighters into society to help end a decade of war have hit a stalemate in one of Afghanistan’s toughest battlegrounds.

Continue reading "Taliban reintegration hits wall in Afghan hotspot" »

June 14, 2011

Navy aerospace physiologist keeps pilots safe in Afghanistan

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 06.14.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Amber Biles’ mother is a doctor. Her father served as a U.S. Navy pilot for 23 years. So perhaps it was only natural she became an aerospace physiologist.

Continue reading "Navy aerospace physiologist keeps pilots safe in Afghanistan" »

Afghan Army Improves Defenses in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.14.2011

SANGIN DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Afghan National Army leadership have been improving their base defenses and their skill level with the help of Marine advisor teams in Sangin.

Continue reading "Afghan Army Improves Defenses in Sangin" »

Aircraft wing Marines augment NATO military police

6/14/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) deployed to southwestern Afghanistan with a primary mission: to provide support for Marines and their Afghan and coalition partners on the ground.

Continue reading "Aircraft wing Marines augment NATO military police" »

June 13, 2011

Afghans fearful of push to negotiate with Taliban

Many Afghans fear that the Karzai government's U.S.-backed effort to reconcile with the Taliban may result in too many concessions to the militants, eroding freedoms and undercutting gains in women's and minority rights.

By Laura King, Los Angeles Times

June 13, 2011, 9:02 p.m.
Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan—
It was a peaceful afternoon in a rose-fragrant Kabul park set aside for women. But when girls and women strolling its pathways were asked about the Afghan government's overtures to the Taliban movement, faces that had been alight with pleasure grew tight with apprehension.

Continue reading "Afghans fearful of push to negotiate with Taliban" »

June 12, 2011

Waterford Marine experiences improvements during second tour to Nad ‘Ali South

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.12.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Before every deployment, Marines are trained up on the area of operation they will perform their duties to prepare them for mission success.

Continue reading "Waterford Marine experiences improvements during second tour to Nad ‘Ali South" »

Marine light attack helicopter squadron answers call to duty

6/12/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan —

The commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 received a phone call from his higher headquarters in May. More attack helicopters were needed to support Marines and their coalition partners in southwestern Afghanistan in preparation of the fighting season.

Continue reading "Marine light attack helicopter squadron answers call to duty" »

June 11, 2011

Afghan Taliban Cede Ground in the South, but Fears Linger

By CARLOTTA GALL
Published: June 11, 2011

MARJA, Afghanistan — The poppy harvest is over and the fighting season has arrived in southern Afghanistan — except this year the Taliban have not returned in their usual numbers to intensify the war, Afghans across the region say.

Continue reading "Afghan Taliban Cede Ground in the South, but Fears Linger" »

June 10, 2011

Semper FiPad: Marine Corps aviators use popular tablet in Afghanistan

6/10/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

Marine Corps aviators in Afghanistan are using one of the hottest electronic devices on the market to help keep Afghan civilians and coalition ground troops safe. CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — “iPads allow close-air support aircrew several advantages,” said Maj. Marc Blankenbicker, the lead fire control officer for the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron Harvest Hawk detachment at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. “First is the ability to carry 500 large charts, known as gridded reference graphics, on one electronic tablet.”

Continue reading "Semper FiPad: Marine Corps aviators use popular tablet in Afghanistan" »

Knowledge is power: Marines train Afghan troops in generator maintenance

6/10/2011 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

They say knowledge is power, and in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, U.S. Marines are giving Afghan forces the knowledge of power. CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 are training Afghan soldiers and police in generator maintenance and basic electrician skills.

Continue reading "Knowledge is power: Marines train Afghan troops in generator maintenance" »

June 9, 2011

Bomb tech's quick eye saves reporter's life

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 9, 2011

KAJAKI, Afghanistan — Just about every GI who’s been on patrol experiences a close call.

Continue reading "Bomb tech's quick eye saves reporter's life" »

June 8, 2011

Fontana Marine Develops Troops in Combat Through Unique Leadership

Story by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.08.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Capt. Ramon Pattugalan, of Fontana, Calif., had two objectives before this deployment to Afghanistan began: bring all his Marines back home alive and make them better than they were before they left. It is safe to say he completed that mission

Continue reading "Fontana Marine Develops Troops in Combat Through Unique Leadership" »

BDAF Marines protect Leatherneck, declare 'Protect This House or Die Trying: Not on our Watch'

Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.08.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Thousands of people rely on the security parameters in place on Camp Leatherneck to keep them safe as they go about their daily business of running units, planning sustainment missions for Afghan communities, holding shuras with Afghan government figures and maintaining a sense of normalcy in a battle-ridden area of operation.

Continue reading "BDAF Marines protect Leatherneck, declare 'Protect This House or Die Trying: Not on our Watch'" »

June 7, 2011

Marines struggle to convince Afghans that they won't abandon them

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 7, 2011

MUSA QALA, Afghanistan — More than a year after U.S. Marines took responsibility from British forces for the northern reaches of Helmand’s Musa Qala district, they are struggling to convince skeptical locals that this time, Western forces are going to make sure the stability is lasting.

Continue reading "Marines struggle to convince Afghans that they won't abandon them" »

Accomplishing the Mission: Marines in Marjah Produce Results

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.07.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan -- When Marines of 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, came aboard Forward Operating Base Marjah, December 2010, Marine communication specialists tapped into insurgent intelligence.

Continue reading "Accomplishing the Mission: Marines in Marjah Produce Results" »

Marine Advisor Team Trains Afghans to Lead Themselves

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.07.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan -- Since November 2010, the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment advisor team has been guiding and teaching Afghan National Army soldiers here.

Continue reading "Marine Advisor Team Trains Afghans to Lead Themselves" »

June 6, 2011

Task Force Belleau Wood Marines Hone Shotgun Skills During Range Training

Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.06.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Training does not stop just because Marines are forward deployed. It is the goal of many companies to continue to hone their Marines’ skills on various weapons systems in between operational commitments and offensive missions.

Continue reading "Task Force Belleau Wood Marines Hone Shotgun Skills During Range Training" »

Ground-Breaking Ceremony Instills Hope for Growth in Marjah

6/6/2011 By Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano , II MEF (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — As much as 85 percent of Afghanistan’s economic activity is made up of agricultural enterprises in the Helmand and Nimroz provinces. This impressive economic stature makes these areas attractive opportunities for coalition forces to develop and promote independent agricultural growth.

Continue reading "Ground-Breaking Ceremony Instills Hope for Growth in Marjah" »

Corinth Marine Survives Two IEDs, Stays in Fight

6/6/2011 By Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , II MEF (FWD)

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Armstrong’s fellow Marines call him, “Rock.” The name fits him well. The Corinth, N.Y., native has survived not one, but two improvised explosive devices. He is still in the fight and shows no signs of stopping. However, the memory of the first IED will always be engraved in his mind.

Continue reading "Corinth Marine Survives Two IEDs, Stays in Fight" »

June 4, 2011

In Afghanistan, Gates bidding farewell to troops

By ROBERT BURNS
AP National Security Writer
Jun 4, 9:14 AM EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday during his farewell trip to Afghanistan that success of the U.S. mission is paramount and the "most costly thing of all would be to fail."

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Gates bidding farewell to troops" »

June 3, 2011

Marine from York injured by shrapnel in Afghanistan

Wounded Propst won't come home without unit

Andrew Dys - Columnist
Published: Friday, Jun. 03, 2011

YORK --

When you are the son of a guy who runs a sawmill in rural western York County - and your grandfather and great-grandfather that ran that mill - you grow up tough and hard-nosed.

Continue reading "Marine from York injured by shrapnel in Afghanistan" »

Radio Battalion Helps ANGLICO Intercept Insurgents

Story by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.03.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines see a man walking, he does not see them. He hunches down and starts to dig. The Marines believe he is planting an improvised explosive device, but they do not know for sure. There is nothing that identifies him as the enemy.

Continue reading "Radio Battalion Helps ANGLICO Intercept Insurgents" »

ANA Powered By ANGLICO

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 06.03.2011

Waiting behind trees, rocks, thick brush and sometimes behind their own people, the insurgents of Afghanistan are smart and sometimes difficult to locate and suppress.

Continue reading "ANA Powered By ANGLICO" »

Brother, sister in arms: Colorado Springs siblings reunite in Afghanistan

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 06.03.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When Sgt. Judy Hunziker, a maintenance administration clerk with Marine Attack Squadron 513, last saw her brother, she was on pre-deployment leave in the comfort of her hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Continue reading "Brother, sister in arms: Colorado Springs siblings reunite in Afghanistan" »

June 2, 2011

Troops find bombs more on foot than by vehicle

Experience and training credited for increased finds of explosive devices

By Gretel C. Kovach
4:19 p.m., June 2, 2011

The surge of troops sent to Afghanistan encountered soaring numbers of bombs hidden in paths and roads over the last year — and a corresponding jump in casualties. But as insurgents increased their use of these simple and inexpensive homemade weapons, international forces patrolling on foot became far better at finding them, the latest Pentagon figures show.

Continue reading "Troops find bombs more on foot than by vehicle" »

Safar Bazaar’s ‘little mayor’ reaches Afghans

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 06.02.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Lance Cpl. Robert Lemonte smiles as he patrols, at six in the morning, down the main street of the Safar Bazaar. He’s not smiling because someone told a joke; the Mansfield, Ind., native smiles because he recognizes the shop owners who are opening up for the day. He smiles because they smiled at him first.

Continue reading "Safar Bazaar’s ‘little mayor’ reaches Afghans" »

June 1, 2011

Louisiana Marine Survives IED Blast, Continues to Fight

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.01.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – “I thought it was just another day on the 45-minute drive to get to the location. My teammate and I were coming up with a plan of attack,” said Winnfield, La., native Staff Sgt. Tony Palomo. “I never thought I’d be the one to set off the (improvised explosive device).”

Continue reading "Louisiana Marine Survives IED Blast, Continues to Fight" »

Marines wrestle with exasperation in battle for hearts and minds

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 1, 2011

PATROL BASE MIRAGE, Afghanistan — First Lt. Tor Peery stood in front of a black and white map tacked to a piece of plywood in his command center, raised a massive arm and pointed to a pizza-slice-shaped bit of acreage south of the blue thumbtack representing his current position.

Continue reading "Marines wrestle with exasperation in battle for hearts and minds" »

May 31, 2011

Marine Corps Hornets, Harriers team up for tandem operations in Afghanistan

5/31/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — There was a different sort of roar across the southwestern Afghan skies, May 21. For the past year, Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets reigned over the airspace, providing much needed close-air support to coalition forces below.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Hornets, Harriers team up for tandem operations in Afghanistan" »

May 27, 2011

War 101: Don't bring a motorbike to a tank fight

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 27, 2011

MUSA QALA, Afghanistan — For the first five months of the deployment, insurgents were smart enough to stay out of Freak Show’s way.

Continue reading "War 101: Don't bring a motorbike to a tank fight" »

Marines move into tough neighborhood in Helmand

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 27, 2011

PATROL BASE SALAAM BAZAAR, Afghanistan — Company L Marines weren’t on the ground six hours when the welcome they’d expected came screaming in. A barrage of heavy rounds, possibly from a recoilless rifle or mortar, slammed into the ring of not-yet-filled Hesco barriers that made up their new desert base.

Continue reading "Marines move into tough neighborhood in Helmand" »

Company C, 1/5 Gets to Know Citizens of Sangin

Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division
Story by 1st Lt. Timothy Irish
Date: 05.22.2011
Date Posted: 05.27.2011 07:00

PATROL BASE BARIOLAI, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Counterinsurgency at the squad level is an exhausting task.

Continue reading "Company C, 1/5 Gets to Know Citizens of Sangin" »

May 26, 2011

Spring to test U.S. strategy in Afghanistan

By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
May 26, 2011

KAJAKI, Afghanistan — Marine Col. Eric Smith stood on the banks of the Helmand River and pointed across the swift-moving water to an abandoned market, its shop owners and customers scared off by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Spring to test U.S. strategy in Afghanistan" »

May 25, 2011

Time working against Taliban

By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
May 25, 2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines have devastated the Taliban leadership, disrupted poppy production and driven militants out of most major towns in the south, making it hard for militants to launch a spring offensive, according to commanders.

Continue reading "Time working against Taliban" »

2nd Recon Second to None in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.25.2011

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Swift, silent, deadly -- those three words rest on the spear of 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion’s insignia.

Continue reading "2nd Recon Second to None in Afghanistan" »

May 24, 2011

MCCS Marines inaugurate new MCX at FOB Edinburgh

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.24.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan – A small base home to many Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) recently received an upgrade to better serve those on the outer rim of Regional Command Southwest in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "MCCS Marines inaugurate new MCX at FOB Edinburgh" »

Marine Corps Harriers return to Afghanistan

5/24/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan —

One of the first Marine Corps Harrier squadrons to see action in Afghanistan has returned after nearly a decade.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Harriers return to Afghanistan" »

May 23, 2011

Buffalo Marine Leads Recon Through Danger Zone

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.23.2011

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Down by the “Mini Helmand River,” as local residents call it, Marines maneuver through the night to conduct surveillance. They are led by a Reconnaissance Marine who fearlessly clears a path for his fellow brothers in arms.

Continue reading "Buffalo Marine Leads Recon Through Danger Zone" »

May 19, 2011

Afghans trust ISAF with their children

Story by 1st Lt. Timothy Irish | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.19.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Nimroz province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - A 3-year-old Afghan boy and a 14-year-old girl were treated and medically evacuated from the district of Sangin by coalition forces Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghans trust ISAF with their children" »

2nd ANGLICO Watches Over Georgian Forces

Story by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.19.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan -- In a combat environment, the word liaison represents a means of communication for ensuring mission accomplishment, which is exactly the mission of 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company does.

Continue reading "2nd ANGLICO Watches Over Georgian Forces" »

From Hueys to Harvest Hawk: Ordnance Marine arms aircraft in Afghanistan

5/19/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — “I remember him starting to tear up and saying that when the aircraft were flying over head, the insurgents seemed to disappear,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian D. Cook. “That moment made me realize how much my job means.”

Continue reading "From Hueys to Harvest Hawk: Ordnance Marine arms aircraft in Afghanistan" »

May 17, 2011

Joint engineering effort builds bridges between US Army, Marines

5/17/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan — In early February, Marines from the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion found themselves in a difficult predicament with a vehicle stuck in the rising waters of Afghanistan’s Helmand River.

Continue reading "Joint engineering effort builds bridges between US Army, Marines" »

May 14, 2011

ANA Leads Marines on Sangin Patrol

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.14.2011

PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Afghan National Army soldiers from the 2nd Tolay, 2nd Kandak, led a presence patrol through Sangin, Afghanistan, May 11.

Continue reading "ANA Leads Marines on Sangin Patrol" »

Trauma surgeons fight to keep troops alive

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 6 p.m.

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — Flags for the international fighting force were flying at half-staff outside the military trauma hospital the morning of our visit, in remembrance of the latest troops killed in the war.

Continue reading "Trauma surgeons fight to keep troops alive" »

May 13, 2011

Afghanistan war diary: combat dogs

Four-legged commando on OBL raid sparks interest

By Gretel C. Kovach
Friday, May 13, 2011 at 1:01 p.m

I don’t think my editors were as interested in the dogs of war I encountered in Afghanistan as I was, though they indulged me when I was overseas and let me write a story about them. Now that the world knows a military dog accompanied Navy SEALs on the raid that killed terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, these four-legged war fighters are getting the online equivalent of a ticker tape parade. A photo essay that shows military dogs leaping from airplanes wearing oxygen masks and flinging themselves into the ocean during airborne amphibious assault training that was posted online by Foreign Policy magazine has attracted more than 6.5 million views.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: combat dogs" »

May 12, 2011

Civilian, military forces bulldoze insurgents out of Garmsir

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 05.12.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic Afghanistan — The insurgents are getting bulldozed out of Garmsir, and not just in a matter of speaking.

Continue reading "Civilian, military forces bulldoze insurgents out of Garmsir" »

May 11, 2011

Sniper Platoon Keeps Cool Under Fire

Story by Lance Cpl. Phillip Clark | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.11.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HANSON, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Stealthy, methodical and deadly -- these traits have come to symbolize the Marine sniper community and what scouts/snipers have come to survive by. These traits also enable the Marines to accomplish their mission proficiently, save Marines’ lives, and eliminate enemy threats.

Continue reading "Sniper Platoon Keeps Cool Under Fire" »

New concussion care center opens at Camp Leatherneck

Story by 2nd Lt. Joshua Smith | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.11.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Concussion Restoration Care Center opened a new, updated facility to continue treatment for the number one battle injury sustained in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "New concussion care center opens at Camp Leatherneck" »

May 10, 2011

Humboldt Park Marine strives to make better life for family

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.10.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Every Marine joins the Corps for their own reasons, and Sgt. Ivan Vega-Pacheco is no different.

Continue reading "Humboldt Park Marine strives to make better life for family" »

May 9, 2011

Project runway: Marines move 12 million pounds of matting in Afghanistan

5/9/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan —

Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, with the help of Marines from around 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), completed the removal of aluminum matting formerly used as the expeditionary runway at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, May 8

Continue reading "Project runway: Marines move 12 million pounds of matting in Afghanistan" »

California UAV squadron takes over in southwestern Afghanistan as Carolina Marines head home

5/9/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan —

A new Marine Corps unmanned aerial vehicle squadron took responsibility for supporting Marines and coalition troops in southwestern Afghanistan with aerial surveillance, May 7.

Continue reading "California UAV squadron takes over in southwestern Afghanistan as Carolina Marines head home" »

May 7, 2011

Thundering 3/4 Builds Rapport on Patrols

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.07.2011

PATROL BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The ranger file stretches across the farmlands. Marines stay vigilant, but take time to talk and get to know the local populace in the area.

Continue reading "Thundering 3/4 Builds Rapport on Patrols" »

May 6, 2011

Beloved leader, guitarist remembered for deft touch

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 05.06.2011

The world keeps turning
The sun keeps burning
For all to learn what
Heaven only knows
Why do some
Get taken too young
All these answers
That heaven only knows

- "I Couldn't Explain Why," The Rainwater LP (2010), Citizen Cope

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Whether plucking the strings of his guitar or expertly navigating the complex scales of authority to help his Marines, Sgt. Sean T. Callahan had a deft touch.

Continue reading "Beloved leader, guitarist remembered for deft touch" »

May 5, 2011

Cincinnati Marine stays motivated during second combat deployment

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - By the age of six, Cpl. Derrik M. Nixon, a fire team leader with 1st Platoon, Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), was telling anybody willing to listen that he was a future Marine.

Continue reading "Cincinnati Marine stays motivated during second combat deployment" »

Body of fallen Marine returns home

Updated: Thursday, 05 May 2011, 8:53 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 05 May 2011, 6:31 PM EDT

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - A local Marine killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan has been brought home.

Continue reading "Body of fallen Marine returns home" »

May 4, 2011

Marines escort new kandak to Helmand Province

5/4/2011 By Sgt. Rachael K. A. Moore , 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — US forces are continuously working with Afghan National Security Forces to help them become an independent military.

Continue reading "Marines escort new kandak to Helmand Province" »

Through the Ranks: Private First Class

5/4/2011 By Cpl. Colby Brown , Regimental Combat Team 1

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Quiet, muffled conversation leaks from a guard tower, but only one Marine can be seen inside. His mouth moves in sync with both sides of the discussion. He has stood in almost the same place for an hour, but his eyes have been on the move, intensely scanning. He shifts his weight to a different leg, bringing the conversation to a resolution, and pinches smokeless tobacco into his bottom lip. He’s been standing post for two hours. Pfc. Clark Kirkley has four more before he gets to “hit the rack.”

Continue reading "Through the Ranks: Private First Class" »

May 3, 2011

Anti-Armor Rolls, Patrols Through Helmand Province

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.03.2011

PATROL BASE SHARK , Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The team wasted no time getting to work. They’ve been rolling and patrolling through the unit’s area of operations providing fire support and delivering supplies.

Continue reading "Anti-Armor Rolls, Patrols Through Helmand Province" »

Re-supply Team Gone ‘Eagle Eye’ Team

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.03.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- They stand watch atop the high hills of Afghanistan, with fields of farm lands covering the area for miles. The local residents work peacefully under the guardian eyes of the Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers.

Continue reading "Re-supply Team Gone ‘Eagle Eye’ Team" »

Oklahoma Marine Serves as Role Model for Squad

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.03.2011

PATROL BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – He who leads Marines into battle must be able to inspire them to work toward a common goal or mission through the best and worst of times.

Continue reading "Oklahoma Marine Serves as Role Model for Squad" »

CLB 8 engineers expand COP Shukvani for Georgian Army

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.03.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Working under the sun’s ruthless heat, 36 Marines and one sailor with 1st Platoon, Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) worked to expand Combat Outpost Shukvani, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 18-30.

Continue reading "CLB 8 engineers expand COP Shukvani for Georgian Army" »

May 2, 2011

Gettin' Dirty with Company D Tankers

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.02.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The brown beads of sweat stream down their faces as they work on the largest mobile ground weapon in the Marine Corps. These Marines have no problem living up to Company D’s alias: “Dirty Delta.”

Continue reading "Gettin' Dirty with Company D Tankers" »

Marines: 'It Doesn't End The War For Us'

by Claire O'Neill
01:30 pm
May 2, 2011

The news of Osama bin Laden's killing was met with cautious excitement by many men from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines in Helmand River Valley — allegedly one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines: 'It Doesn't End The War For Us'" »

April 30, 2011

Marine weathermen crucial to Afghan fight

Staff report
Posted : Saturday Apr 30, 2011 9:36:22 EDT

The birds are chirping, the poppies are ready for harvesting and unrelenting sandstorms are on the way. It’s springtime in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine weathermen crucial to Afghan fight" »

April 29, 2011

Portland Marine engages enemy, leads team to safety

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.29.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – For much of their deployment, Marines of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion have found an insurgent force which was reluctant to fight them toe to toe. Rather, the enemy has relied more on improvised explosive devices and indirect fire.

Continue reading "Portland Marine engages enemy, leads team to safety" »

With improved vehicles comes advanced training, saved lives

Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.28.2011
Date Posted:04.29.2011 04:09

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Motor transport Marines trained on the Marine Corps’ newest Mine Resistant Ambush Protected recovery vehicle on Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 26.

Continue reading "With improved vehicles comes advanced training, saved lives" »

April 27, 2011

COC staff, the eyes and ears of the MLG

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.27.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan is comprised of Helmand and Nimruz provinces, which covers 39,000 square miles.

Continue reading "COC staff, the eyes and ears of the MLG" »

April 23, 2011

Marines turn the tide in the ‘Fallujah of Afghanistan’

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 8 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — It would be hard to forget that face, even if they hadn’t seen it just the day before.

Continue reading "Marines turn the tide in the ‘Fallujah of Afghanistan’" »

Lava Dogs bring Aloha to Afghanistan

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 04.23.2011

GARMSER DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment arrived here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom April 18 – 23. The Lava Dogs will be assuming responsibility of the Garmser District from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, which is scheduled to return to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in May.

Continue reading "Lava Dogs bring Aloha to Afghanistan" »

3/4 Relieves BLT 3/8 in Helmand Province

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper | 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs | Date: 04.20.2011
Date Posted:04.23.2011 02:04

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (April 20, 2011) – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, have relieved Battalion Landing Team 3/8 in place this week. BLT 3/8 detached from the deployed 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in January to establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province.

Continue reading "3/4 Relieves BLT 3/8 in Helmand Province" »

3/4 Marines replace BLT 3/8 in Afghanistan

April 23rd, 2011 | Afghanistan Infantry MEU operations Sangin | Posted by Dan Lamothe

Happy Saturday, everyone. Battle Rattle is typically pretty quiet on the weekend, but a news release just came through this morning that I didn’t want to leave until Monday.

Continue reading "3/4 Marines replace BLT 3/8 in Afghanistan" »

Marines become leaders at austere combat outpost

Story by Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 04.23.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Afghanistan - By the light of a full Afghan moon, a handful of young Marines are hard at work. They lay a thick plastic liner over a hollow square. When finished, they will have created a container for more than 40,000 gallons of jet fuel – extending the range for Marine helicopters supporting ground troops near Sangin, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines become leaders at austere combat outpost" »

April 22, 2011

Operation Rawhide II disrupts insurgent communication, supply lines

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – Southern Helmand province used to be a safe haven and stronghold for the insurgency in Afghanistan where the enemy could establish lines of communication and traffic drugs and weapons.

Continue reading "Operation Rawhide II disrupts insurgent communication, supply lines" »

Artillery Marines hold back insurgents in key Afghan district

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan - Kajaki District is usually dangerous, occasionally beautiful, always strategically important, and for the last six months its security has been lead by a single Marine Corps artillery battery.

Continue reading "Artillery Marines hold back insurgents in key Afghan district" »

Corpsmen step up for 3rd LAR

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.22.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – Marines from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion encountered multiple improvised explosive devices in Sangin District Jan. 19. Petty Officer 3rd Class Rogelio Saldana, combat corpsmen for E Company, 3rd LAR, and native of El Paso, Texas, immediately assessed a Marine who complained of severe back pain after an IED blast. He was later evacuated to safety.

Continue reading "Corpsmen step up for 3rd LAR" »

April 21, 2011

3/8 Marines continues battalion legacy at COP Ouellette

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.21.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – “I will never forget who I am or what I represent. I will challenge myself to the limit and be ever attentive to duty.”

Continue reading "3/8 Marines continues battalion legacy at COP Ouellette" »

April 20, 2011

Steak Team Mission Brings Taste of Texas to Helmand

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.21.2011
Date Posted:04.20.2011 16:43

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The 8-ounce fillets hit the grill in a sizzle and the juice dripped down on the red coals, causing a flow of white to billow from the smoker. The line of Marines rapidly grew longer as they waited anxiously for the metaphorical dinner bell to ring, where some would receive their first home-cooked meal in months.

Continue reading "Steak Team Mission Brings Taste of Texas to Helmand" »

3/4 Relieves BLT 3/8 in Helmand Province

4/20/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper , 26th MEU

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, have relieved Battalion Landing Team 3/8 in place this week. BLT 3/8 detached from the deployed 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in January to establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province.

Continue reading "3/4 Relieves BLT 3/8 in Helmand Province" »

Wounded platoon leader greets men who saved his life after Afghanistan blast

By MARK WALKER - [email protected] North County Times - The Californian | Posted: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 8:55 pm

Wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan just two weeks into his first combat assignment, Lt. Cameron West has waited for months to see the men who helped save his life after the explosion tore off his right leg.

Continue reading "Wounded platoon leader greets men who saved his life after Afghanistan blast" »

Fire and Forget: Lance corporal’s leadership stems from hard work, discipline

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.20.2011

PATROL BASE WOLFPACK, Afghanistan – ‘Fire and forget’ in military jargon refers to a weapon that doesn’t require further guidance to reach the intended target after launch.

Continue reading "Fire and Forget: Lance corporal’s leadership stems from hard work, discipline" »

April 19, 2011

2/3 Marines now operating in northern Marjah

Story Posted by Dan Lamothe
April 19th, 2011

It looks like the force laydown as we know it in Helmand province, Afghanistan, is evolving.

Continue reading "2/3 Marines now operating in northern Marjah" »

Tankers Take on Route Clearance

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.19.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Tank crewmen with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, had to learn another set of skills recently to succeed during their seven-month tour in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Tankers Take on Route Clearance" »

The Marine Corps’ turf war; paying for the ground we gain

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.19.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marine Corps’ mission in Afghanistan not only revolves around gaining ground and defeating the enemy, but also depends on gaining the trust of Afghans.

Continue reading "The Marine Corps’ turf war; paying for the ground we gain" »

Erie Company reflects on successful deployment

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.19.2011

PATROL BASE WOLFPACK, Afghanistan - Alone in the middle of the desert, Afghanistan winds pound Marines of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s Erie Company with its dust and sand. But not even the scorching heat or evening rain can bring down morale as the company’s troops approach the end of the unit’s inaugural deployment.

Continue reading "Erie Company reflects on successful deployment" »

April 17, 2011

New York Marine Helps Steer Unit Success

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.17.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Life as a motor transport operator in Afghanistan doesn’t just consist of driving around all day, transporting personnel and equipment.

Continue reading "New York Marine Helps Steer Unit Success" »

April 15, 2011

Florida Marine Makes History with Combat Promotion

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.15.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan - "Marines to be promoted, Center! March!" commanded Sgt. Maj. Octaviano Gallegos with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Florida Marine Makes History with Combat Promotion" »

April 14, 2011

Spring fighting season to test gains in Afghan war

By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press
Apr 14, 3:35 PM EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghanistan's fighting season will begin in full force by the end of this month as the trees bud and the last of the snows melt off the mountain tops - and with it, a chance to measure the success of NATO efforts to turn back the Taliban.

Continue reading "Spring fighting season to test gains in Afghan war" »

No suits, just combat boots

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.14.2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan - They might not wear the fancy black suits and matching ties like the secret service, but their mission to protect and serve remains the same.

Continue reading "No suits, just combat boots" »

April 12, 2011

FET works with Now Zad District governor to improve, rebuild area

Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.12.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The female engagement team in Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan, is pushing for the speedy development of a women’s center, new school and other community projects.

Continue reading "FET works with Now Zad District governor to improve, rebuild area" »

April 11, 2011

2/3 Police Advisory Team Hones AUP Skills

Story by Sgt. Earnest Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.11.2011

NAWA, Afghanistan -- Choosing a career path can be an agonizing process for some, with the most difficult questions being, “What do I want to do?” and “How do I get there?” Patrolmen with the Afghan Uniformed Police in Nawa know the answer to those questions: the AUP Academy here.

Continue reading "2/3 Police Advisory Team Hones AUP Skills" »

April 10, 2011

Marines teach more than combat to JSAS admin students

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Wulz | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.10.2011

CAMP LEATHERNCK, Afghanistan – A functioning police force and army require much more than troops trained to use weapons.

Continue reading "Marines teach more than combat to JSAS admin students" »

April 7, 2011

Sky no limit for 2nd MAW (Fwd) crew chief

Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs | Date: 04.07.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Cpl. Erin C. Pesti is afraid of heights, but she said that doesn’t keep her down.

Continue reading "Sky no limit for 2nd MAW (Fwd) crew chief" »

Taliban alters its deadly IED tactics

By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
Updated: 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011

Insurgents in Afghanistan have changed tactics in how they place deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs), prompting a war-veteran congressman to propose a relatively simple technique to find and detonate them.

Continue reading "Taliban alters its deadly IED tactics" »

April 6, 2011

U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffer more catastrophic injuries

Study shows 2010 saw at least 171 troops suffer battlefield injuries resulting in amputations; 65 of them lost two limbs or more.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
April 6, 2011

Reporting from Landstuhl, Germany, and Helmand— Grim combat statistics that one military doctor called "unbelievable" show U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffered an unprecedented number of catastrophic injuries last year, including a tripling of amputations of more than one limb.

Continue reading "U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffer more catastrophic injuries" »

Female US marines play role in Afghanistan

By afpenglish
April 6, 2011

They may be banned from fighting on the front line in Afghanistan, but teams of female troops are battling for the hearts and minds of Afghans.

Continue reading "Female US marines play role in Afghanistan" »

April 5, 2011

Sgt. survives sniper round to the head

By Brian Shane - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 5, 2011 5:08:53 EDT

Manning the top of a compound south of Sangin, Afghanistan, Sgt. Paul Boothroyd III took a sniper round to the head. He landed face down onto the muddy roof with a thud.

Continue reading "Sgt. survives sniper round to the head" »

April 4, 2011

Marine bases burst with bottled water

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 04.04.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - In the open desert outside the villages, Helmand province can be as dry as the desert Charlton Heston crawled through in "The Ten Commandments."

Continue reading "Marine bases burst with bottled water" »

Marjah district governor meets with female elected officials, Marines

Story by Cpl. Katherine Keleher | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.03.2011
Date Posted:04.04.2011 00:55

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The district governor of Marjah, Abdul Mutalib, met with three female members of Helmand’s Provincial Council and a member of the Department of Women’s Affairs, April 2, to discuss ways local government can help the women of Marjah.

Continue reading "Marjah district governor meets with female elected officials, Marines" »

April 2, 2011

PMO: keeping the ‘mean streets’ of Camp Leatherneck safe

Story by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.02.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – “Someone’s got to protect the mean streets of Leatherneck.”

Continue reading "PMO: keeping the ‘mean streets’ of Camp Leatherneck safe" »

April 1, 2011

1st ANGLICO Marines prepare to converse with ANA

Story by Sgt. Marcy Sanchez | I Marine Expeditionary Force | Date: 04.01.2011

Marines with Assault Charlie, 2nd Brigade Platoon, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, are learning Dari as part of a six-week long pre-deployment training evolution that concludes April 14.

Continue reading "1st ANGLICO Marines prepare to converse with ANA" »

KC-130J Harvest Hawk: Marine Corps teaches old plane new tricks in Afghanistan

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs | Date: 04.01.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - One of the U.S. military’s most seasoned aircraft has found a new purpose as a one-of- a- kind weapon for the Marine Corps in support of troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "KC-130J Harvest Hawk: Marine Corps teaches old plane new tricks in Afghanistan" »

March 31, 2011

Chicago-area Marines offer help to Afghan girl

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Paul Meincke

March 31, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A group of Marines, including several from the Chicago area, are reaching out to help a 10-year-old girl who has been wounded and scarred by the war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Chicago-area Marines offer help to Afghan girl" »

Operation Watchtower: Fox Company searches for insurgents, finds peace

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 03.31.2011

As night descended, the desert turned cold, and silhouettes gathered within the walls of Patrol Base Husker. The light of a near full moon revealed brambles of concertina wire atop the walls, and gave the bulky rows of combat packs a thin, nocturnal lining. The Marines - tucked into sleeping bags along the rows -murmured premonitions about the coming days.

Continue reading "Operation Watchtower: Fox Company searches for insurgents, finds peace" »

RCT-8 spreads goodwill to neighbors, recharges batteries

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.30.2011
Date Posted:03.31.2011 13:38

GAVMISHI, Afghanistan -- “They deserve the same rights we do,” said Lance Cpl. Jared Beard, a motor transportation operator with Regimental Combat Team 8. Beard was referring to Gavmishi’s residents and the Afghan population as a whole. He was gathering supplies to distribute to the underprivileged population of the small village.

Continue reading "RCT-8 spreads goodwill to neighbors, recharges batteries" »

March 29, 2011

Marines make friends while dodging bombs in Sangin

Camp Pendleton unit draws tough assignment in war-torn province

By Gretel C. Kovach
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 6 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — After a breakfast of packaged rations and chemically heated “nail polish ham,” the Marines gather outside their hooch to pull on flak jackets and check their gear.

Continue reading "Marines make friends while dodging bombs in Sangin" »

March 28, 2011

ABV Platoon Paves Way for 3rd LAR During Operation Rawhide

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.28.2011

BAHRAM CHAH, Afghanistan – In the early morning hours of March 14, elements from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion pushed into Bahram Chah, clearing a path for 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and began a three-day operation known as Rawhide.

Continue reading "ABV Platoon Paves Way for 3rd LAR During Operation Rawhide" »

High Maintenance Vehicles Run by High Performance Marines

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.28.2011

BAHRAM CHAH, Afghanistan - Adapting and overcoming obstacles is something every Marine faces at some point during his service, but the Assault Breacher Vehicle platoon, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, does this on a regular basis.

Continue reading "High Maintenance Vehicles Run by High Performance Marines" »

Relics of Defeat: Marines uncover insurgent caches

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 03.28.2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Like tomb raiders, the Marines unearth the deadly treasures of those who no longer rule Helmand province. Scouring dry creek beds and abandoned compounds, they collect caches of AK-47s, Soviet era grenades and homemade explosives buried by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Relics of Defeat: Marines uncover insurgent caches" »

March 27, 2011

Marines from Camp Pendleton relinquish command of key Afghan territory

A ceremony marks the turnover of responsibility for Helmand province to a force from Camp Lejeune, N.C. Since March 1, 2010, 61 Pendleton Marines have died in Helmand.

By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 27, 2011

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan—
Amid praise for a job well done, the Marines from Camp Pendleton on Saturday formally relinquished responsibility for leading the fight against the Taliban in the insurgency's longtime Afghanistan stronghold of Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marines from Camp Pendleton relinquish command of key Afghan territory" »

March 26, 2011

MWSS-373, Royal Air Force celebrate coalition partnership

Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs | Date: 03.26.2011

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - As part of Operation Rawhide II, an initiative intended to interdict and disrupt enemy activity along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 was tasked with building forward arming and refueling points near the city of Bahram Cha, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "MWSS-373, Royal Air Force celebrate coalition partnership" »

Troop surge brings progress to war-torn Afghan province

Camp Pendleton Marine general ends year in command

By Gretel C. Kovach • U-T
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 7:26 p.m.

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The first time that Maj. Gen. Richard Mills visited Marjah, the rural patchwork of canals and poppy fields was a shooting gallery.

Continue reading "Troop surge brings progress to war-torn Afghan province" »

Marine commander: Afghan border to be secured

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Mar 26, 2011 8:59:34 EDT

The top Marine commander in Afghanistan for the last year said his forces are bracing for more insurgent attacks this spring, but are prepared for them and already have degraded the Taliban’s ability to wage war in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine commander: Afghan border to be secured" »

II MEF takes the helm of Regional Command Southwest

Story by Master Sgt. Brian Jones | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.26.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), assumed command of Regional Command Southwest in a ceremony here, March 26.

Continue reading "II MEF takes the helm of Regional Command Southwest" »

March 24, 2011

Engineers thwart culvert attacks

Story by Staff Sgt. Theresa Seng | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.24.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghans residing in Regional Command Southwest’s area of operation, as well as coalition forces who work in the area, now can be less wary of improvised explosive devices hidden in culverts.

Continue reading "Engineers thwart culvert attacks" »

Marines conduct aerial resupply

Story by Staff Sgt. Theresa Seng | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.24.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Coalition forces with Marine Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) sent off nearly 57,000 pounds of supplies to Marines on the front lines March 22 aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Continue reading "Marines conduct aerial resupply" »

March 23, 2011

Injured girl helps Marines show compassionate side

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:27 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The Afghan girl and her family met with the Marines in an empty concrete building strewn with trash, where the Americans could set their guns against the wall and remove their helmets.

Continue reading "Injured girl helps Marines show compassionate side" »

Afghanistan war diary: the girls of Sangin

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 5:27 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Many Marines stationed in Sangin have a soft spot for the little girls who scamper after them on patrol. Knowing there is no chance that these bright-eyed little lasses will join the insurgency after they are grown and shoot at them is one reason, but the young Afghan girls are also simply adorable.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: the girls of Sangin" »

Karzai names first areas where Afghans will take over security duties

The provinces and cities to be transferred from coalition control in July are largely free of insurgent action or have many Western troops.

By Alex Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times
March 23, 2011

Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan—

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday named the initial cities and provinces expected to see local forces take over security from U.S.-led coalition troops, even as the country's military and police continue to face a lack of trainers and equipment.

Continue reading "Karzai names first areas where Afghans will take over security duties" »

March 22, 2011

The Road to Withdrawal: Afghanistan Starts Transition

First Areas to Transition to Afghan Control Include Lashkar Gah, Capital of Helmand

By NICK SCHIFRIN and ALEEM AGHA
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 22, 2011 --

More than nine years after the United States overthrew the Taliban, Afghanistan's government said for the first time today it can secure parts of the country with its own security forces.

Continue reading "The Road to Withdrawal: Afghanistan Starts Transition" »

March 21, 2011

With the Warriors

Bing West
From the March 7th edition of NR
March 21, 2011 4:00 A.M.

—Patrol Base Fires, Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

The view from this platoon outpost in southern Afghanistan is unobstructed, both visually and strategically. On all sides stretch flat, bare, winter farmlands dotted with walled compounds. The strategy is aggressive patrolling to kill and drive out the Taliban, who have acted as the rural government here for 15 years.

Continue reading "With the Warriors" »

Marines step onto Afghan soil with eyes on skies

3/21/2011 By Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marine Air Control Group 28 has arrived in Afghanistan and is ready to provide command and control for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and its coalition partners.

Continue reading "Marines step onto Afghan soil with eyes on skies" »

Mobile homes – 3rd LAR Marines cram comforts into life on the road

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.21.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – At first glance, the back of the light armored vehicle designated as the casualty evacuation vehicle for C Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, is nothing more than a mobile trauma bay on eight wheels. Stretchers sit stacked to one side of the already cramped 6-foot by 7-foot cargo area. Emergency medical supplies are crammed into bags hanging from almost every surface.

Continue reading "Mobile homes – 3rd LAR Marines cram comforts into life on the road" »

3rd LAR Bn. interdictions aim to squeeze insurgent supply lines

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.21.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – The rocky, rolling desert landscape of southern Helmand province sees little traffic other than the occasional farmer with a tractor load of firewood, late model pickups ferrying fuel to isolated villages, and shepherds with small flocks of sheep and goats, but through this austere environment trickles the lifeblood of the area’s insurgency – narcotics, weapons and bomb-making materials.

Continue reading "3rd LAR Bn. interdictions aim to squeeze insurgent supply lines" »

March 20, 2011

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) takes flight for Operation Rawhide II

3/20/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — Recently an operation bringing together five of the six functions of the aviation combat element began here in the Regional Command Southwest area of operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) takes flight for Operation Rawhide II" »

March 19, 2011

3/25 hands over widespread authority to 1/23

Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.19.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines of 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment officially took over a wide variety of operations throughout Helmand province from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment during a transfer of authority ceremony here, March 19.

Continue reading "3/25 hands over widespread authority to 1/23" »

Afghanistan war diary: the ace of spades

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Cpl. Zackery Wallis returned to base after a security patrol earlier in his tour and dropped his heavy body armor on the ground. Later when he picked up the gear he found a playing card underneath, an ace of spades. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines have been fighting since October in Sangin, a Taliban stronghold said to be the deadliest area of Afghanistan for NATO coalition troops. Wallis and the rest of the 1st squad from India Company’s 1st platoon were engaged in a firefight on that patrol, but no Marines were injured or killed. The ace of spades became their good luck charm. “I’ve had it ever since,” Wallis said.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: the ace of spades" »

3rd LAR strikes key insurgent border hub during Operation Raw Hide II

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 03.19.2011

PATROL BASE WOLFPACK, Afghanistan – A task force headed by 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion struck a key insurgent trafficking hub on the Pakistan border at the beginning of an operation designed to stem the flow of narcotics, weapons and fighters into, out of and around southern Afghanistan, March 14-17.

Continue reading "3rd LAR strikes key insurgent border hub during Operation Raw Hide II" »

March 18, 2011

Civil Affairs Group looks to alternative power in Now Zad

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 03.18.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – The civil affairs team, from 4th Civil Affairs Group attached to Regimental Combat Team 8, are investigating a way to produce green energy for the citizens of Now Zad District, Helmand province.

Continue reading "Civil Affairs Group looks to alternative power in Now Zad" »

Marines use destruction to succeed in Afghanistan

By SEBASTIAN ABBOT
Associated Press
Mar 18, 2:21 AM ED

SANGIN, Afghanistan (AP) -- In a war where winning the hearts and minds of Afghans is the ultimate goal, damaging homes with powerful explosives and bulldozing a mosque and scores of other buildings may not sound like a wise idea.

Continue reading "Marines use destruction to succeed in Afghanistan" »

March 17, 2011

Scottish soldiers and US Marines mark historic relationship

17 March 2011

Scottish soldiers and US Marines have spent the last six months working closely to improve the capability of the Afghan National Police.

Continue reading "Scottish soldiers and US Marines mark historic relationship" »

March 15, 2011

Marines bond during yearlong Afghanistan deployment

By JOSHUA SUDOCK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
[email protected]
Published: March 15, 2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The personal security detachment for the commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, completed its last mission in Afghanistan, Feb. 14, before heading home after a yearlong deployment.

Continue reading "Marines bond during yearlong Afghanistan deployment" »

From The Frontline: Mementos from home

By Chris Brown
Published: March 14, 2011
Updated: March 15, 2011 - 12:09 AM

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN - Just because they’re 7,000 miles away doesn't mean our Marines in Afghanistan aren’t thinking of their family and friends.

Continue reading "From The Frontline: Mementos from home" »

‘Marines do not bleed’: Military operations change Afghan perception in southern Helmand

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.15.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- “Marines do not bleed. They do not eat, they do not sleep. They are not human.”

Continue reading "‘Marines do not bleed’: Military operations change Afghan perception in southern Helmand" »

Task Force Leatherneck Changes Hands in Ceremony

Story by Lance Cpl. Phillip Clark | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.15.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – 1st Marine Division (Forward) transferred authority of Task Force Leatherneck to 2nd MarDiv (Fwd) during a ceremony, March 15.

Continue reading "Task Force Leatherneck Changes Hands in Ceremony" »

CLB-3 continues supporting, improving southern Helmand as redeployment draws near

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.15.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Nearly 30 days from redeploying, the Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) continue to conduct development projects and provide logistics support to various units operating in southwestern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "CLB-3 continues supporting, improving southern Helmand as redeployment draws near" »

March 13, 2011

The Pegasus has landed: HMH-463 arrives in southwestern Afghanistan

3/13/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — A pair of Hawaii-based heavy helicopter squadrons traded reins during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, March 10.

Continue reading "The Pegasus has landed: HMH-463 arrives in southwestern Afghanistan" »

March 11, 2011

Building Better Tomorrow in Afghanistan

Story by Lance Cpl. James Frazer | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.11.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The U.S. Marine Corps’ Civil-Military Operations, or CMO, plays a leading role in supporting Afghanistan’s efforts to provide a better quality of life for its people.

Continue reading "Building Better Tomorrow in Afghanistan" »

March 10, 2011

Marine company moves into ‘Green Zone'

March 10, 2011 7:14 PM
GUNNERY SGT. BRYCE PIPER
Special to the Sun Journal

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 8, moved into Helmand province’s “Green Zone” last week, where Taliban insurgents had previously roamed nearly uncontested.

Continue reading "Marine company moves into ‘Green Zone'" »

Marines, sailors win hearts and minds by healing

Posted: Thursday, March 10, 2011 12:00 am
Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit The Globe |

Helmand Province, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines and sailors conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, conducted a community health initiative in Kakar village, March 1, and a second one in Aminollah Kariz village, March 2.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors win hearts and minds by healing" »

2nd MAW (Fwd) assumes aviation combat responsibilities in Afghanistan from 3rd MAW (Fwd)

3/10/2011 By Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd.) accepted responsibility of coalition air combat efforts in the Regional Command Southwest area of operations from 3rd MAW (Fwd.) in a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 9.

Continue reading "2nd MAW (Fwd) assumes aviation combat responsibilities in Afghanistan from 3rd MAW (Fwd)" »

March 9, 2011

Pendleton Marines help Afghan governor meet his people

With security improved, Sangin leader can venture out from military compound

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 6 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Mohammad Sharif is the governor of this picturesque river valley in the heartland of the Taliban insurgency and Afghanistan’s killing fields of opium poppy. Until quite recently, however, he couldn’t see much of it. The threat of assassination and war zone violence made it too dangerous for him to travel his district to meet his constituents face to face, or even spend much time at his government offices in the Sangin town center.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines help Afghan governor meet his people" »

Secretary of Defense visits FOB Jackson

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.08.2011
Date Posted: 03.09.2011 11:19

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, during a tour of Forward Operating Base Jackson, March 8. The tour included a brief by Lt. Col. Jason Morris, commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 5th Marines, an address to the Marines of FOB Jackson, a question and answer period and a lunch with a few of the battalion non-commissioned officers.

Continue reading "Secretary of Defense visits FOB Jackson" »

Taliban fighters moving back into former Afghanistan stronghold

The return of Taliban leaders who had been driven from Sangin in southern Afghanistan raises concern that fragile security gains achieved by U.S. Marines could be reversed.

By David S. Cloud and Laura King, Los Angeles Times
March 9, 2011

Reporting from Sangin and Kabul, Afghanistan
Insurgents who were driven out of the Taliban stronghold of Sangin in southern Afghanistan are flowing back in as winter lifts, threatening fragile gains achieved by U.S. Marines over the last five months, according to American commanders.

Continue reading "Taliban fighters moving back into former Afghanistan stronghold" »

U.S. seeks surge success from lethal Afghan outpost

By Missy Ryan
SANGIN, Afghanistan | Wed Mar 9, 2011 8:27am EST

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Five months ago, when U.S. Marines took over this sandbagged outpost in Sangin, deep in southern Afghanistan's Taliban country, they were pounded by insurgent fire every time they stepped foot off base.

Continue reading "U.S. seeks surge success from lethal Afghan outpost" »

March 8, 2011

Putting Afghan Plan Into Action Proves Difficult

The New York Times
CJ Chivers
Published March 8, 2011

ALAM KHEL, Afghanistan — If the American-led fight against the Taliban was once a contest for influence in well-known and conventionally defined areas — the capital and large cities, main roads, the border with Pakistan, and a handful of prominent valleys and towns — today it has become something else.

Continue reading "Putting Afghan Plan Into Action Proves Difficult" »

US claims to have driven Taliban out of Sangin

US defence secretary Robert Gates praises marines for 'dramatic turnaround' after British forces pulled out

* Ewen MacAskill in Sangin
* guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 8 March 2011 17.01 GMT

The US claims its marines have managed to subdue the notoriously violent Sangin district in Afghanistan within five months of their arrival, a goal that eluded British forces for four years.

Continue reading "US claims to have driven Taliban out of Sangin" »

Engineers provide security for road improvements

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.07.2011
Date Posted: 03.08.2011 05:55

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Marines with Route Clearance Platoon 3, Mobility Assault Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were focused on freedom of mobility while they provided security on Route 611 Feb. 25 to March 3.

Continue reading "Engineers provide security for road improvements" »

March 7, 2011

From the Frontline: Spending the night with Marines of the 2/8

March 07, 2011
Eyewitness News 9, North Carolina

News video
MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN -- Reporter, Chris Brown, has made it to Mariah with the 2/8.

Continue reading "From the Frontline: Spending the night with Marines of the 2/8" »

March 6, 2011

In and Out, RCT-8 team expedites movement across battle space

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 03.05.2011
Date Posted: 03.06.2011 12:51

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Moving personnel and parts throughout the battle space can be a difficult task for any unit working on the front lines of the war on terror. Without the added support of a small section of Marines, tracking and facilitating the flow of worn out equipment and fresh troops would come to a near halt.

Continue reading "In and Out, RCT-8 team expedites movement across battle space" »

MWSS-373 convoys

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs | Date: 03.05.2011
Date Posted: 03.06.2011 05:23

More than 50 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 returned to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, after completing an independent convoy to Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, March 5.

Continue reading "MWSS-373 convoys" »

March 3, 2011

Marines clear multiple IEDs from Afghan village

March 03, 2011 5:45 PM
GUNNERY SGT. BRYCE PIPER
26th MEU Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Gunnery Sgt. Brad Rickabaugh and his team cleared improvised explosive devices from the village of Kakar near Combat Outpost Ouellette in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Saint Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Continue reading "Marines clear multiple IEDs from Afghan village" »

Commanders expect Taliban will try to regain lost ground

By Joshua Partlow
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, March 3, 2011; 8:33 AM

KABUL-American military officials in Afghanistan expect the Taliban will mount a fresh spring campaign to regain ground lost to U.S. troops last year and use suicide bombing teams to strike at those associated with the Afghan government or coalition forces.

Continue reading "Commanders expect Taliban will try to regain lost ground" »

March 2, 2011

Lt. Gen. John Kelly, who lost son to war, says U.S. largely unaware of sacrifice

By Greg Jaffe
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 2, 2011; 12:00 AM

Before he addressed the crowd that had assembled in the St. Louis Hyatt Regency ballroom last November, Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly had one request. "Please don't mention my son," he asked the Marine Corps officer introducing him.

Continue reading "Lt. Gen. John Kelly, who lost son to war, says U.S. largely unaware of sacrifice" »

March 1, 2011

New militia brings security, and worries, to Marjah, Afghanistan

By Saeed Shah | McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Tuesday, March 1, 2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Namatullah, a 19-year-old volunteer for a new armed "neighborhood watch" militia now patrolling alongside Marines in northeast Marjah, simply drew his finger across his throat when asked why he and other residents hadn't banded together to protect their districts until the arrival of the U.S. soldiers.

Continue reading "New militia brings security, and worries, to Marjah, Afghanistan" »

In rural Afghan village, local security takes root

By Josh Boak
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, March 1, 2011; 1:49 PM

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN - Surrounded by quiet tribesmen with AK-47s slung over their shoulders, Haji Asaf said he expects the Taliban will kill him if given the chance.

Continue reading "In rural Afghan village, local security takes root" »

Beyond Bullets: Female Marines Race To Win Over Afghan Women

March 2011

The Marine Corps deploys Female Engagement Teams to reach out to Afghan women to address their needs.

Continue reading "Beyond Bullets: Female Marines Race To Win Over Afghan Women" »

February 28, 2011

Now Zad wasn’t built in a day

2/28/2011 By Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe, Regimental Combat Team 8

NOW ZAD, AFGHANISTAN — Buildings lay in ruins. Vast stretches of the city are either destroyed or abandoned. Fields are bordered with rocks painted red and white, signifying if they are cleared of mines or if they are still unsafe to walk in. A destroyed Soviet tank lays to the wayside of the streets, clearly identifying the rough battles this area has seen.

Continue reading "Now Zad wasn’t built in a day" »

February 27, 2011

Not just mail, motivation

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno J. Bego
Date 02.27.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Approximately 40,000 pounds of mail arrive at Camp Leatherneck’s post office daily and more than 7.4 million pounds of mail in the last year alone. Forty-six Marines spread thin between Leatherneck, Dwyer and Delaram dig through the pallets and sort the mail, package by package, according to its address.

Continue reading "Not just mail, motivation" »

February 26, 2011

Pendleton Marines maintain uneasy calm in battle-scarred Afghan town

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 3 p.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The Afghan police and their Marine advisers walk out of the base where they live and work together and into the bazaar. Cold winter rain has given way to sunny skies, putting everyone in a good mood.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines maintain uneasy calm in battle-scarred Afghan town" »

Afghanistan war diary: The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment rides through history

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at midnight

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The motto “get some!” is a battle cry favored by all Marines. Depending on its application, the phrase can mean many different things: think notches on the belt on one end of the spectrum, or the New Testament on the other. In Sangin, for instance, Marines who visit the Get Some Chapel at Forward Operating Base Jackson get religion, in one of Afghanistan’s deadliest areas for NATO coalition troops.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment rides through history" »

3/2 Civil Affairs rolls in heavy

Story by 2nd Lt. Timothy Irish | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 02.25.2011
Date Posted: 02.26.2011 04:02

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan - When a new unit rotates into Afghanistan much of the turnover of information can be placed neatly into a book for easy reading. However, personal relationships forged by time cannot simply be signed over. This is the challenge a new civil affairs unit faces.

Continue reading "3/2 Civil Affairs rolls in heavy" »

February 24, 2011

1st platoon, Kilo Company, an essential piece of Operation Sulaiman

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.24.2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment were an essential part of Operation Sulaiman, Feb. 16-18.

Continue reading "1st platoon, Kilo Company, an essential piece of Operation Sulaiman" »

New mortar system fires first combat rounds

February 24, 2011 3:18 PM
Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper
26th MEU Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines fired the first rounds using the Expeditionary Fire Support System during combat operations recently.

Continue reading "New mortar system fires first combat rounds" »

Marines build relationships with Afghans in Marjah

Story by Lance Cpl. Mark A. Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.24.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan- Afghans and Marines from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment came together for a shura in Marjah, Feb. 12.

Continue reading "Marines build relationships with Afghans in Marjah" »

Operation Beckham kicks good will into action

Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2011 12:00 am
Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe, 2nd Marine Division

It can be a very humbling experience to share your abundance with those less fortunate. That is precisely what the Marines of the Police Advisory Team, Regimental Combat Team 8, did. On Feb. 15, the PAT Marines along with the Afghan Uniformed Police patrolled through the city of Delaram, Afghanistan, to deliver toys to the children of the Delaram Boys School.

Continue reading "Operation Beckham kicks good will into action" »

February 23, 2011

Afghan Army poised to fight roadside bombs

2/23/2011 By Sgt. Jesse Stence , Regimental Combat Team 1

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — The soldiers inched forward in carefully spaced columns, tracing crescents over the harrowed terrain with combat metal detectors.

Continue reading "Afghan Army poised to fight roadside bombs" »

Part 2 of 2: The Battle for Bomb Alley (Afghanistan War)

February 2011

For four years, thousands of British servicemen fought with the Taliban for the district of Sangin - the most violent part of Afghanistan. The British withdrew in the Fall of 2011 - handing the area over to the US Marines.
On Oct. 13, 2011 the 3/5 took control of Sangin. The extent of the resistance encountered in Sangin surprised many of the Marines. It was stronger than any Taliban resistance that Marines had witnessed previously in Afghanistan.

This Marines’ tour was one of the most brutal of the entire war. Ben Anderson, who was with the British forces in 2007, returned to see if the Americans were faring any better. His remarkable film follows Lima Company, a unit of the 3/5 US Marines, as they dodge improvised bombs and struggle to reclaim the same territory the British previously occupied.

There are two parts to the video.

Continue reading "Part 2 of 2: The Battle for Bomb Alley (Afghanistan War)" »

February 22, 2011

Afghanistan war diary: FOB Jackson

By Gretel C. Kovach
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at midnight

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Walking around Forward Operating Base Jackson, one is reminded now and then of the many British troops who served here over the years, before U.S. Marines took over this fall. A sign on a whitewashed wall points to “Ulster Way.” The stairwell of a half-constructed mansion dubbed the “haunted house” is painted with the battle shield of a long-gone unit that lived there. And metal shipping containers connected to local well water offer the first real “WC” (or water closet, as they call bathrooms in Great Britain) that we’ve seen on this trip to Helmand province military installations. I don’t know who built it, maybe the British, maybe the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines from Twentynine Palms who served here during the handover, but Camp Pendleton troops also fell in on a platform erected over the creek that rushes through the base. U.S. infantrymen and the Afghan police they mentor stand there shoulder to shoulder over the rapids, dipping their lines and comparing the daily catch. “We’re partnering!” one Marine quipped.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: FOB Jackson" »

CLB-3 generator mechanics ensure success on battlefield

2/22/2011 By Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall , Combat Logistics Battalion-3

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Whether deployed or in garrison, Marines require electrical power to maximize their operational efficiency. Lightweight, tactical generators provide Marines with a mobile power source that they can rely on.

Continue reading "CLB-3 generator mechanics ensure success on battlefield" »

Marine Cpl. Andrew Lozier

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.10.2011
Date Posted: 02.22.2011

Marine Cpl. Andrew Lozier, a combat engineer from Monmouth, Ill., talks to a military reporter about the operation in which he and his fellow engineers with 1st CEB, 1st Marine Division (Forward), participated in Operation Big Valley in support of 3rd LAR.

Continue reading "Marine Cpl. Andrew Lozier" »

B-Roll of 1st CEB Working with Bridge

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.16.2011
Date Posted: 02.22.2011

Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), unloading and preparing a bridge laying vehicle for an upcoming mission at Combat Outpost Ouellette.

Continue reading "B-Roll of 1st CEB Working with Bridge" »

Afghan Forces Eat Up Return of Fast Food

By MATTHEW ROSENBERG
* FEBRUARY 22, 2011, 2:41 A.M. ET

KABUL—U.S. forces may be planning a drawdown from Afghanistan in coming months, but in at least one area they're busy expanding their girth: junk food.

Continue reading "Afghan Forces Eat Up Return of Fast Food" »

Logistics 'heavy hitters' ensure success on battlefield

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 02.22.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Before a single truck rolls out on a mission anywhere within Regional Command (Southwest), a group of Marines here carefully calculate exactly what is needed for that particular mission. Everything from fuel and supplies to maintenance and medical personnel is coordinated well in advance to ensure Marines have everything they need for mission success.

Continue reading "Logistics 'heavy hitters' ensure success on battlefield" »

February 21, 2011

Afghanistan war diary: Arrival in Sangin

By Gretel C. Kovach
Monday, February 21, 2011 at midnight

SANGIN, Afghanistan — We flew into Forward Operating Base Jackson in central Sangin in an Osprey. The notorious MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft still gives many Marines the willies. “I don’t like them at all,” one told me last summer in Afghanistan, as the leatherneck waited to step into the loading bay for his first Osprey flight. Many grunts remain unnerved by the history behind the hybrid aircraft’s long and troubled development, including the deaths of 19 Marines killed in a 2000 crash. The Osprey, which flies like a plane and lands like a helicopter, has since been redesigned and has proven itself in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now this strange bird with its massive futuristic rotors is an increasingly common sight in the skies above San Diego: Miramar Marines have stood up several Osprey squadrons, and more are on the way as the Corps retires its Vietnam War-era CH-46 Battle Phrog helicopters. Flying along Interstate 15 with its rotors tipped upward, the Osprey reminds me of a man flexing his biceps.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: Arrival in Sangin" »

Marine earns award for combat valor in Afghanistan

Photos by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 02.20.2011
Date Posted: 02.21.2011 06:48

Photos of Sgt. Darren J. Mumm, team leader, Commanding General’s Personal Security Detachment, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device during an award ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Feb. 17.

Continue reading "Marine earns award for combat valor in Afghanistan" »

February 20, 2011

Under Marines' watch, Marjah makes strides

Legitimate businesses displace town's opium bazaar

By Saeed Shah - McClatchy Newspapers North County Times - The Californian | Posted: Sunday, February 20, 2011 12:05 am

MARJAH, Afghanistan ---- Nothing better illustrates the transformation of this southern Afghan town than the central Koru Chareh market, where an entire street functioned as a drug bazaar when the Taliban were in control. Today tailors have set up business at one end, and legitimate enterprises have started filling the empty shops.

Continue reading "Under Marines' watch, Marjah makes strides" »

Afghanistan war diary: Welcome back to Camp Leatherneck

By Gretel C. Kovach
Sunday, February 20, 2011 at midnight

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A lot has changed at Camp Leatherneck in the 4 1/2 months since our last visit. For starters, we landed on a new air strip under the gaze of a modern air traffic control tower. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Forward recently moved all its aircraft and squadron bays to the new location, though they will begin cycling home to Miramar soon along with all the other West Coast Marine commanders who have been running the show in Helmand province for almost a year. About 20,000 Marines will continue to serve in southwestern Afghanistan for the foreseeable future, roughly half from the force headquartered at Camp Pendleton, but East Coast Marines take charge this spring.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: Welcome back to Camp Leatherneck" »

February 19, 2011

Afghanistan war diary: The journey in

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, February 19, 2011 at midnight

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A familiar smell permeated the cabin on our last flight into the war zone. Our fellow passengers heading into Afghanistan had purchased huge bags of McDonald’s hamburgers at the airport and toted them on the plane. Marines and sailors stationed at Camp Leatherneck – the main base of U.S. and international military operations in Helmand province – are privy to a bountiful dining facility featuring a weekly steak and lobster night and ice cream at practically every meal, but no fast food franchises. (A steady supply of Pizza Hut might weaken the Marines’ hardcore warrior mentality, apparently.) Those living at remote patrol bases subsist on far more spartan rations of chemically heated MREs and protein bars sent in care packages. So it was easy to understand why American and Canadian contractors and troops returning from leave suffer from Big Mac attacks. When you are at war half-way around the world, even a cold cheeseburger is a comforting taste of home.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war diary: The journey in" »

IE-Doh! Taliban tactic fizzles in Garmsir, Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 02.19.2011

Cpl. Kerry Timms is from Shallow Water, Texas, and at times, he and the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment have skated on some pretty thin ice.

Continue reading "IE-Doh! Taliban tactic fizzles in Garmsir, Afghanistan" »

3 German soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:33AM

A gunman in an Afghan army uniform has opened fire on US-led soldiers in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province, killing three German soldiers and injuring six others, a report says.

Continue reading "3 German soldiers killed in Afghanistan" »

1st CEB Conducting Combat Marksmanship Training

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.11.2011
Date Posted: 02.19.2011

Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), BZO their weapons and conduct combat marksmanship training at Combat Outpost Payne, Feb. 11.

Continue reading "1st CEB Conducting Combat Marksmanship Training" »

February 17, 2011

Tailor shops displace opium bazaar in Afghan town

By Saeed Shah | McClatchy Newspaper
* Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Nothing better illustrates the transformation of this southern Afghan town than the central Koru Chareh market, where an entire street functioned as a drug bazaar when the Taliban were in control. Today tailors have set up business at one end, and legitimate enterprises have started filling the empty shops.

Continue reading "Tailor shops displace opium bazaar in Afghan town" »

Top general says Camp Pendleton Marines no longer in daily firefights in Afghanistan

February 17, 2011
-- Tony Perry at Camp Pendleton

Fighting has "dropped off to virtually nothing" in the Sangin district of Afghanistan, where two-dozen Marines from Camp Pendleton were killed and more than 140 wounded in the fall and early winter, the top Marine general in Afghanistan told reporters Thursday.

Continue reading "Top general says Camp Pendleton Marines no longer in daily firefights in Afghanistan" »

Marine tanks now assigned to 3/8 in Afghanistan

FEBRUARY 17TH, 2011
POSTED BY DAN LAMOTHE

When the Marine Corps acknowledged last month that it would begin using U.S. tanks in the war in Afghanistan for the first time, one of the most obvious questions was simple: Where?
We’re starting to clear that up.

Continue reading "Marine tanks now assigned to 3/8 in Afghanistan" »

Afghan village reaps success of surge

By SAEED SHAH
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Thu, Feb. 17, 2011 11:21 PM

MARJAH, Afghanistan | Schools that the Taliban closed have reopened in this southern Afghan town, and some girls are even back in the classrooms. The wheat and cotton crops are flourishing, and poppy cultivation is way down.

Continue reading "Afghan village reaps success of surge" »

February 15, 2011

CLB-3’s ‘Metal Man’: Marine uses welding skills to improve Helmand province

2/15/2011 By Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall , Combat Logistics Battalion-3

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — A generator’s hum followed by an intense flash of light means only one thing to the Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 3’s Engineer Company: Lance Cpl. Jesse G. Mudd is working.

Continue reading "CLB-3’s ‘Metal Man’: Marine uses welding skills to improve Helmand province" »

‘Medusa’ drives on despite IEDs

2/15/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — She sits about 15 feet tall and weighs about seven tons, and despite being blown up by several improvised explosive devices, she hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet.

Continue reading "‘Medusa’ drives on despite IEDs" »

February 14, 2011

One year after offensive, signs of progress in Marjah

By Nancy Montgomery
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 14, 2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan — A year ago, the farmers, opium poppy growers and insurgents in and around Marjah were under siege. Locals had fled; the bazaar had been shuttered.

Continue reading "One year after offensive, signs of progress in Marjah" »

Storage Marines: providing supplies to troops in Afghanistan

2/14/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik, 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Operating out of the largest storage lot in the Marine Corps, Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward)’s Supply Company have the enormous responsibility of supporting Marine units operating in Helmand and Nimruz provinces.

Continue reading "Storage Marines: providing supplies to troops in Afghanistan" »

February 13, 2011

After rains, Marines reach out to Afghans

2/13/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper , 26th MEU

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan —
After three days of heavy rain, U.S. Marines have reached out to residents in the Afghan villages of Turah Shah Ghundey and South Gavmishi to lend assistance. Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 8, visited the villages to offer medical and minor engineering help.

Continue reading "After rains, Marines reach out to Afghans" »

1st CEB pulling out MATV

Video by: Cpl. John McCall
Date Taken: 01.24.2011
Date Posted: 02.13.2011
Location: GARMSER, AF

Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion recover a vehicle after getting stuck in mud during a vehicle convoy.

Continue reading "1st CEB pulling out MATV" »

Engineers uncover 27 IEDs during sweep

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.01.2011
Posted: 02.13.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan - What began as a mission to sweep a ridgeline to watch over Marines operating below, quickly turned into much more. To their surprise, the engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, uncovered a total of 27 improvised explosive devices and one weapons cache during the three-day mission, ending Feb. 1.

Continue reading "Engineers uncover 27 IEDs during sweep" »

February 12, 2011

1st CEB Getting a Dump Truck Unstuck

Video by: Cpl. John McCall
Date Taken: 01.24.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011
Location: GARMSER, AF

B-roll of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Marines working to recover a dump truck after it was stuck in a ditch during a vehicle convoy in Garmser, Afghanistan. Scenes include the Marines trying twice to pull the dump truck out with another vehicle, once with a rope which breaks and once with a chain.

Continue reading "1st CEB Getting a Dump Truck Unstuck" »

1st CEB working with Sand Bags

Video by: Cpl. John McCall
Date Taken: 01.25.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011
Location: GARMSER, AF

B-roll of Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion filling sand bags to improve traction on a dirt road.

Continue reading "1st CEB working with Sand Bags" »

1st CEB pulling out TRAM

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.24.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011

B-roll of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Marines recovering a TRAM vehicle after it was stuck in a ditch during a vehicle convoy.

Continue reading "1st CEB pulling out TRAM" »

Garmser - Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Build a Wooden Guard Post at a Patrol Base

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.27.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011

B-roll of Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward) build a wooden guard post at a patrol base.

Continue reading "Garmser - Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Build a Wooden Guard Post at a Patrol Base" »

Garmser - Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion set up Hesco Barriers for a New Patrol Base

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.27.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011

B-roll of Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), set up Hesco barriers for a new patrol base.

Continue reading "Garmser - Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion set up Hesco Barriers for a New Patrol Base" »

1st CEB Building Wood Floors

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.19.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011

B-roll of Marines with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion building wood flooring at a patrol base in Garmser, Afghanistan. Scenes include the marines delivering, cutting and installing the floor.

Continue reading "1st CEB Building Wood Floors" »

1st CEB Pulling Out Tram

Video by: Cpl. John McCall
Date Taken: 01.24.2011
Date Posted: 02.12.2011
Location: GARMSER, AF

B-roll of Marines with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion recovering a TRAM vehicle after it was stuck in a ditch. Scenes include the Marines connecting chains between the stuck TRAM and another heavy vehicle and pulling it out of a ditch.

Continue reading "1st CEB Pulling Out Tram" »

February 11, 2011

Marine tanks head to northern Helmand

Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
1st Marine Logistics Group
Published: Feb. 11, 2011 3:13 p.m.

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), helped escort M1A1 Abrams tanks of 3rd Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), to northern Helmand province, Feb. 2.

Continue reading "Marine tanks head to northern Helmand" »

‘Battle for Marjah’ vividly portrays one unit’s experience

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 11, 2011 14:02:20 EST

One year ago on Feb. 13, thousands of Marines led a massive assault on the violent Taliban stronghold of Marjah, a collection of farming villages in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Continue reading "‘Battle for Marjah’ vividly portrays one unit’s experience" »

Marine engineers complete repairs to most heavily-trafficked route in Helmand province

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 02.11.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Approximately 40 combat engineers and engineer equipment operators with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), completed repairs to more than 10 miles of roadway in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Feb. 3.

Continue reading "Marine engineers complete repairs to most heavily-trafficked route in Helmand province" »

Engineer Marines begin civil development projects in Durzay

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 02.11.2011

DURZAY, Afghanistan - Following a recent, large-scale military operation in Durzay, Marines are beginning to conduct civil development projects in an effort to improve transportation and security for military units and Afghan civilians in the rural, southern Helmand village.

Continue reading "Engineer Marines begin civil development projects in Durzay" »

Deployed Marines go hands-on with foreign weapons

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.11.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Every Marine is expected to have at least a basic knowledge of the standard U.S. military arsenal, but after a hands-on session with foreign weapons at the Joint Security Academy Southwest, Feb. 11, about a dozen Marines from various units based here now know a little bit about AK-47 assault rifles, PKM machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, too.

Continue reading "Deployed Marines go hands-on with foreign weapons" »

EFSS goes to war, fires first combat rounds

2/11/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper , 26th MEU

Combat Outpost Ouellette, Helmand province, Afghanistan —
U.S. Marines fired the first rounds using the Expeditionary Fire Support System during combat operations, Jan. 29. In support of the International Security Assistance Force, Marines with F Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, fired the new 120mm mortar system from Combat Outpost Ouellette, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "EFSS goes to war, fires first combat rounds" »

February 10, 2011

Werewolves serve as guardians to ground forces in Afghanistan

Story by Pfc. Justin Boling | Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort | Date: 02.10.2011

Since arriving in Afghanistan in late November, Fightertown’s own Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 has provided air support for ground forces while deployed to Kandahar Air Field in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Werewolves serve as guardians to ground forces in Afghanistan" »

February 9, 2011

VMAQ-3 Marines maintain mission readiness in Afghanistan

2/9/2011 By Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Bolken , Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2011) — It’s been a little over three months since the Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 departed Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point en route to Afghanistan in October 2010.

Continue reading "VMAQ-3 Marines maintain mission readiness in Afghanistan" »

February 8, 2011

Marines, ANSF find weapons caches, secure southern river valley

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.04.2011
Date Posted: 02.08.2011 11:51

Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), search local farmers during Operation Big Valley, Feb. 1. The 3rd LAR Marines, who call themselves the Wolf pack, went on a five-day operation along with their Afghan partners to clear areas where the Taliban was believed to store weapons and bomb-making materials.

Continue reading "Marines, ANSF find weapons caches, secure southern river valley" »

February 6, 2011

Leap of faith: 9th Comm. Marine’s athletic obsession fuels chase of world record jump

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Ross | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.06.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. George Bryant is sore. On a recent afternoon here the 27-year-old data chief for Alpha Company, 9th Communications Battalion, walks into the makeshift fitness area at the battalion’s compound wearing compression tights. For the soreness, he says. Most Marines pride themselves on fitness, but not to the point of wearing ultra-tight clothing to alleviate the pain of the previous day’s workout. Then again, most Marines don’t work out like Bryant does.

Continue reading "Leap of faith: 9th Comm. Marine’s athletic obsession fuels chase of world record jump" »

Marines, USAID offer alternatives to farmers in Marjah

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.06.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan – With the planned delivery of 70,000 saplings, Marines from team 1, detachment 3, 3rd Civil Affairs Group, are offering farmers around Marjah, Afghanistan, an alternative to growing illegal crops.

Continue reading "Marines, USAID offer alternatives to farmers in Marjah" »

February 5, 2011

Marines Battle Afghanistan's Terrain

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.30.2011
Posted: 02.05.2011

GARMSER, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), conduct vehicle convoys throughout Afghanistan regularly, encountering improvised explosives and poorly maintained roads. During a recent convoy, Marines found themselves knee deep in mud, Jan. 24-Jan. 25.

Continue reading "Marines Battle Afghanistan's Terrain" »

Marjah CMOC making a difference in Afghan’s lives

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines working at the Civil Military Operations Center in Marjah have improved Afghan lives during the few short months they have been in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marjah CMOC making a difference in Afghan’s lives" »

February 3, 2011

The Big Picture: Afghanistan, January 2011

Paula Nelson
February 3, 2011

With this post, we continue the monthly look at the men and women who live and fight in the country and at the Afghan people themselves as they struggle for peace in their land. At the end of the regular post I've included 14 additional images by Associated Press photographer Kevin Frayer. The images are black and white aerials - a unique view - of Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "The Big Picture: Afghanistan, January 2011" »

February 2, 2011

Halfway Home: Motor transport Marines keep on truckin’

2/2/2011 By Cpl. Paul D. Zellner , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — As they reach the halfway point in their deployment, Marines with Motor Transport Companies A and B, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), continue to deliver supplies to units in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Continue reading "Halfway Home: Motor transport Marines keep on truckin’" »

February 1, 2011

'Payne Games' keeps Marines prepared, provides camaraderie

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Date: 01.30.2011
Date Posted: 02.01.2011
Location: Combat Outpost Payne, AF

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan— Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge are the five D’s of dodge ball. But Marines at Combat Outpost Payne have added a letter of their own to the popular playground game: Don—as in don and clear your gas mask.

Continue reading "'Payne Games' keeps Marines prepared, provides camaraderie" »

Not left empty handed

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 01.31.2011
Date Posted:02.01.2011 10:15

DELARAM, Afghanistan -- What do the children of Afghanistan want? For some it is no more than a pencil. Education is the foundation of civilization and an important building block in today’s modern societies.

Continue reading "Not left empty handed" »

2/8 Marines replace 2/9 in Afghanistan

February 1st, 2011 | Afghanistan Infantry Marjah Sangin | Posted by Dan Lamothe

America’s Battalion is taking over Northern Marjah.

Continue reading "2/8 Marines replace 2/9 in Afghanistan" »

Opium Wars

A key step to securing peace will be to wean Afghan farmers off growing poppies.

By Robert Draper
Photograph by David Guttenfelder

The chief of police has a memorable way of demonstrating that he's not afraid of the drug smugglers. He holds up his right hand, revealing the absence of his middle finger. Four years ago, Brig. Gen. Aqa Noor Kintuz was hired as provincial chief of police in the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan and charged with destroying its plentiful poppy fields. "After I finished one of the first eradications," he says, "my vehicle was blown up by a remote-control bomb." He rolls up his right shirtsleeve. His forearm is badly mangled. In the years since, he has received innumerable death threats. Women and children of poppy farmers have hurled stones at his policemen. One of his eradication tractors was torched.

Continue reading "Opium Wars" »

January 31, 2011

Return to Helmand's 'bomb alley' with the US marines

Monday, 31 January 2011

Three months after British forces in Afghanistan handed over control of Sangin to the Americans, reporter Ben Anderson went on patrol with the US 3rd Battalion 5th Marines "Lima Company" in the area still widely viewed as the country's most dangerous.

No-one knew it yet, but we were standing on a "daisy chain" of seven home-made bombs, buried inches beneath our feet and designed to wipe out the entire squad of US marines.

Continue reading "Return to Helmand's 'bomb alley' with the US marines" »

January 30, 2011

Marines training helps Afghan police prosper

1/30/2011 By Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci , I MEF

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Afghan National Police officers stationed near Forward Operating Base Jackson have been taking part in a four-day training cycles to build their skills.

Continue reading "Marines training helps Afghan police prosper" »

Afghan police provide increased security

1/30/2011 By Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci , I MEF

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Afghan National Police officers and Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment’s police mentor team, patrol the area surrounding forward operating base Jackson daily to provide security for the people of Sangin.

Continue reading "Afghan police provide increased security" »

January 29, 2011

Marines help Afghans build brighter future

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 01.29.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – In their fight against the Taliban, the Afghan government, alongside 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, have made an effort to win the people’s support by providing employment and skills-based education while improving the quality of life in Musa Qal’ah.

Continue reading "Marines help Afghans build brighter future" »

CFR gets fired-up for TRT training

Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 01.29.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Sometimes, the hardest line of work is the one where not doing your job is a good thing.

Continue reading "CFR gets fired-up for TRT training" »

Corps’ first armed tanker supports grunts

Weaponized Hercules trolls Afghan skies

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 29, 2011 8:52:47 EST

The Marine Corps now has a KC-130J Hercules tanker trolling the skies over southern Afghanistan — armed to the teeth. Just three months into its first deployment it is already credited with saving lives on the ground and providing invaluable intelligence.

Continue reading "Corps’ first armed tanker supports grunts" »

January 28, 2011

American interpreter takes a stand in Afghanistan

By Nancy Montgomery
Stars and Stripes
Published: January 28, 2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Maybe the last person you’d expect to see arguing with an Afghan soldier in a goat-filled bazaar is the former manager of a Los Angeles-area Victoria’s Secret.

Continue reading "American interpreter takes a stand in Afghanistan" »

Marines say Afghan Border Police becoming self-sufficient

1/28/2011 By Cpl. Ned Johnson , 1st Marine Division

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan — Much accolade is given to the Afghan National Army, but there is another unit of fellow countrymen that is providing security to their republic – the Afghan Border Police.

Continue reading "Marines say Afghan Border Police becoming self-sufficient" »

January 27, 2011

Marines in Afghanistan Test New Concussion Care

Courtesy Story | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs | Date: 01.27.2011

WASHINGTON - A new concussion care program being fielded by the Marine Corps in Afghanistan is giving psychiatrists, physicians and even chaplains and sergeants a better way to treat those with the No. 1 battle injury, military combat medicine experts said today.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan Test New Concussion Care" »

January 26, 2011

Sailor serves alongside Marine husband in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 01.26.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Most spouses of active duty military members have to endure the hardship of separation while their loved one is deployed, but one dual active-duty married couple here has the unique opportunity of serving together in the same unit.

Continue reading "Sailor serves alongside Marine husband in Afghanistan" »

Coalition forces build trust with marginalized Afghan clan during unprecedented negotiations

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 01.26.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - Coalition forces in Helmand province have made tentative progress in winning over a small but significant itinerant population that insurgents have exploited in recent years, say Regimental Combat Team 1 officials

Continue reading "Coalition forces build trust with marginalized Afghan clan during unprecedented negotiations" »

January 25, 2011

Fitness center expand hours, keep patrons in mind

Story by Lance Cpl. Damany Coleman | Camp LeJeune Base Public Affairs | Date: 01.25.2011

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- For avid athletes, routine visitors or base personnel who just want to hit the treadmill or pump some iron the old-fashioned way, the French Creek Fitness Center is open while work continues on the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Continue reading "Fitness center expand hours, keep patrons in mind" »

Warriors prepare for redeployment with transition brief

Photos by Sgt. Deanne Hurla | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 01.25.2011

Cmdr. Herbert Griffin, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) chaplain, talks to Marines and sailors of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, both part of 3rd MAW (Fwd), about the challenges they will face upon returning home from deployment during a Warrior Transition brief Jan. 25 aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Warriors prepare for redeployment with transition brief" »

January 24, 2011

Corpsmen teach Afghan children hygiene

1/24/2011 By Cpl. Ned Johnson , 1st Marine Division

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan — While Navy corpsmen and medical officers are attached to Marine units in Afghanistan for battlefield wounds and emergencies, one unit is using medical basics to better Afghanistan’s future.

Continue reading "Corpsmen teach Afghan children hygiene" »

Training a continuous process for Afghan Police in Sangin

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.24.2011

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police officers stationed near Forward Operating Base Jackson have been taking part in a four-day training cycles to build their skills.

Continue reading "Training a continuous process for Afghan Police in Sangin" »

January 22, 2011

Marines pay a price trying to secure an Afghan hot spot

What happened to them in Sangin district of Helmand province shows the sacrifices in a campaign aimed at crippling the Taliban in a stronghold and helping extricate the U.S. from a decadelong war.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
January 22, 2011, 8:33 p.m.

Reporting from Camp Pendleton —
Marines tell of snipers who fire from "murder holes" cut into mud-walled compounds. Fighters who lie in wait in trenches dug around rough farmhouses clustered together for protection. Farmers who seem to tip the Taliban to the outsiders' every movement , often with signals that sound like birdcalls.

Continue reading "Marines pay a price trying to secure an Afghan hot spot" »

Hercules rain supplies during aerial delivery

1/22/2011 By Sgt. Deanne Hurla , 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — When coalition forces on the ground can't afford to wait for a convoy or are out of reach for a helicopter resupply, the KC-130J provides the flexibility and capability of making a mass aerial delivery to the front lines.

Continue reading "Hercules rain supplies during aerial delivery" »

Weapon techs give coalition forces tactical advantages in southern Afghanistan

1/22/2011 By Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Since October, approximately 15 ordnance Marines with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) have repaired and returned more than 500 weapon systems to coalition units operating in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

Continue reading "Weapon techs give coalition forces tactical advantages in southern Afghanistan" »

CAG pushes for better relationships in Sangin

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.22.2011

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Members of the civil affairs group attached to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment performed a site survey on a flood defense wall project, one of the many projects planned to help build the infrastructure of Sangin and gain the trust of the people Jan. 17.

Continue reading "CAG pushes for better relationships in Sangin" »

'Battle buddies' increase safety while deployed

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 01.22.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Corps leaders continue to stress the importance of utilizing the “buddy system” in order to ensure the safety and accountability of every Marine.

Continue reading "'Battle buddies' increase safety while deployed" »

January 21, 2011

Camp Leatherneck Marines complete Bahraini baton training

Story by Master Sgt. Brian Jones | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.21.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Six Marines here completed a five-day baton course taught by members of Bahraini Special Security Forces Company 3, Jan. 20.

Continue reading "Camp Leatherneck Marines complete Bahraini baton training" »

January 20, 2011

1st CEB Building a Post for Base

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.21.2010
Date Posted: 01.20.2011

B-roll of engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), build a post while constructing a forward operating base.

Continue reading "1st CEB Building a Post for Base" »

1st CEB Marines Setting up Hesco Barriers

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.22.2010
Date Posted: 01.20.2011

B-roll of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward) Marines, setting up Hesco barriers.

Continue reading "1st CEB Marines Setting up Hesco Barriers" »

1st CEB Replacing Tire

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2010
Date Posted: 01.20.2011

B-roll of Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), replace tires on a vehicle trailer.

Continue reading "1st CEB Replacing Tire" »

CLR-15 Marines Transport Fuel with Afghan Local Nationals

Video by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 01.20.2011

B-roll of Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) escorting local nationals delivering fuel to Marines of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "CLR-15 Marines Transport Fuel with Afghan Local Nationals" »

Stream of life: livelihood to flow into Now Zad waterways

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.20.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFFARETTA, Afghanistan – Staring into a gaping hole in the earth, Marines walked along its edge, making notes of the project’s progress. Muddy Afghan workers deep in the holes laugh and wave for the Marines to join them. “No Thanks,” the Marines call back and slowly press on. This isn’t the only site they’ll need to visit today

Continue reading "Stream of life: livelihood to flow into Now Zad waterways" »

Sangin: US marines take fight to the Afghan Taliban

The US marines have pursued aggressive tactics in flashpoint town Sangin since replacing British forces in the southern Afghan town several months ago. The BBC's Paul Wood, embedded with US Marine Battalion 3/5, reports on the continuing fight against the Taliban.

20 January 2011

"Come on, come out come and play," said the marine sniper.

Continue reading "Sangin: US marines take fight to the Afghan Taliban" »

Marine tanks prepare for their first missions in Afghanistan

Army News — By US Marines on January 20, 2011 5:55 am

Afghanistan: Early versions of the tank shaped the battlefields of World War I, and more sophisticated versions helped quickly end the Gulf War for the U.S. Now tanks have landed in Afghanistan to help bring security to Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine tanks prepare for their first missions in Afghanistan" »

January 19, 2011

1st CEB Recovering a Stuck Vehicle

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.17.2010
Date Posted: 01.19.2011

Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division recovered a stuck vehicle.

Continue reading "1st CEB Recovering a Stuck Vehicle" »

1st CEB Using Demolition Charges

Video by Cpl. Daniel Blatter | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.07.2011
Date posted: 01.19.2011

B-roll of engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), use demolition charges in Now Zad, Afghanistan Jan. 7. Produced by Cpl. John McCall.

Continue reading "1st CEB Using Demolition Charges" »

Corpsmen teach Afghan children hygiene, hand out supplies

Photos by Cpl. Ned Johnson | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.19.2011

Five images of Marines and Sailors with Delta Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), handing out supplies to local children.

Continue reading "Corpsmen teach Afghan children hygiene, hand out supplies" »

Marines drive insurgents out of Afghan village

1/19/2011 By 1st Lt. Alex Lim , Regimental Combat Team 1

COMBAT OUTPOST RANKEL, Afghanistan — The CH-53 began a slow, downward loop, descending to a muddy field when the word was passed.

Continue reading "Marines drive insurgents out of Afghan village" »

January 18, 2011

1st CEB Taking Down Concertina Wire

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2010
Date Posted: 01.18.2011

Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division take down concertina wire in Musa Qal'eh.

Continue reading "1st CEB Taking Down Concertina Wire" »

B-Roll of 1st CEB helping recover an overturned truck

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.31.2010
Date Posted: 01.18.2011

Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division recover an overturned truck in Musa Qal'eh, Afghanistan. Produced by Cpl. John McCall.

Continue reading "B-Roll of 1st CEB helping recover an overturned truck" »

Marines of Operation Godfather see stark improvement in deadly Helmand province

By Josh Boak
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, January 18, 2011; 12:51 PM

GARMSIR, AFGHANISTAN - The Marines strode single-file across dusty farmland that the Taliban had controlled days earlier, facing little resistance beyond a boy who said, "Please don't step on the poppies."

Continue reading "Marines of Operation Godfather see stark improvement in deadly Helmand province" »

Marines look to sky for resupply

1/18/2011 By Cpl. Paul Zellner , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — When Marines deployed to remote forward operating bases are in need of immediate resupply, they look to the sky.

Continue reading "Marines look to sky for resupply" »

Marines say insurgency weakening in northern Marjah

1/18/2011 By Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston , Regimental Combat Team 1

MARJAH, Afghanistan — It was early morning and the moon still lit the sky. A frigid winter breeze lashed the Marines as they trudged across frost-covered farmland, quietly making their way to the landing zone. In the cover of darkness, they crouched in an empty canal and awaited their flight.

Continue reading "Marines say insurgency weakening in northern Marjah" »

January 17, 2011

1st CEB Loading Tram

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.18.2010
Date Posted: 01.17.2011

Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), load a TRAM vehicle in preparation for a construction mission.

Continue reading "1st CEB Loading Tram" »

In Afghanistan, Insurgents Let Bombs Do Fighting

By MICHAEL KAMBER
Published: January 17, 2011

PATROL BASE BARIOLAI, Afghanistan — If the battlegrounds of Afghanistan are the “tip of the spear,” as Marines like to say, then the remote district of Sangin in Helmand Province may be its very point: the deadliest spot in the hardest-fought province for Marines leading the American offensive in Taliban territory.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Insurgents Let Bombs Do Fighting" »

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit begins arriving in Helmand

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 01.17.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – An aviation detachment of Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit began arriving at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province this week in support of ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "26th Marine Expeditionary Unit begins arriving in Helmand" »

January 16, 2011

1st CEB corpsmen provide medical attention to local Afghans

Photo by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.20.2010
Date Posted: 01.16.2011

Eleven photos of 1st CEB Marines.

Continue reading "1st CEB corpsmen provide medical attention to local Afghans" »

Marines work through holidays, bring gift of security to Musa Qal’eh

Story by Cpl. John McCall
Date: 01.08.2011
Posted: 01.16.2011
Location: MUSA QAL’EH, AF

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), built and improved a series of defensive positions to support 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment’s mission of keeping Musa Qal’eh safe from enemy insurgents.

Continue reading "Marines work through holidays, bring gift of security to Musa Qal’eh" »

Engineers tighten security at Naw Zad base

Story by Cpl. John McCall
Date: 01.09.2011
Posted: 01.16.2011
Location: NAW ZAD, AF

NAW ZAD, Afghanistan – Usually, engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), are called in to expand a defensive position or build one from scratch. During their most recent project, engineers were asked to downsize a forward operating base in Naw Zad, Jan. 4-7.

Continue reading "Engineers tighten security at Naw Zad base" »

Welcome to Now Zad: New roads to bring better life to Afghan people

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFFARETTA, Afghanistan - Marines on patrol use little more than rocks and dirt to draw the plans for an upcoming project. For as far as the eye can see; rough roads stretch across the desert valley. Soon roads here will be paved and goods will pour into the villages of Now Zad.

Continue reading "Welcome to Now Zad: New roads to bring better life to Afghan people" »

January 15, 2011

Marine tanks prepare for their first missions in Afghanistan

Story by: Cpl. Ned Johnson
Date: 01.13.2011
Posted: 01.15.2011
Location: Camp Leatherneck, AF

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Early versions of the tank shaped the battlefields of World War I, and more sophisticated versions helped quickly end the Gulf War for the U.S. Now tanks have landed in Afghanistan to help bring security to Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine tanks prepare for their first missions in Afghanistan" »

January 14, 2011

Marjah continues to benefit from education advances

Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.14.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The education system in Marjah, Afghanistan, has seen substantial improvements since the previous school year, including a 100-percent increase in open schools and a 450-percent increase in enrolled students.

Continue reading "Marjah continues to benefit from education advances" »

Female engagement team refreshes their training

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.14.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with the Regional Command Southwest Female Engagement Team conducted reset training here Jan 11-12.

Continue reading "Female engagement team refreshes their training" »

Solar tactically used on the Afghan front

January 14, 2011 10:50 AM PST
by Candace Lombardi

A Marine experiment aimed at determining whether it's beneficial, or even feasible, to use solar energy in the theater of war has landed on the side of solar.


Continue reading "Solar tactically used on the Afghan front" »

West L.A. students forge relationship with Afghan school

Working with Marines, private school makes a friendship video and soon will send backpacks filled with school supplies with the help of the L.A.-based nonprofit Spirit of America.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
January 14, 2011

Danielle Katz has a limited Pashto vocabulary — limited but significant.

Continue reading "West L.A. students forge relationship with Afghan school" »

January 13, 2011

Camp Hanson Marines cozy up to improved living conditions

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 01.13.2011

CAMP HANSON - When Marines broke ground here in northern Marjah, the camp was little more than a barren desert. Aside from tiny farming compounds scattered throughout the area, the Marines were isolated. They lived out of their rucksacks and slept under the stars.

Continue reading "Camp Hanson Marines cozy up to improved living conditions" »

Clinton Rules Out American Combat Mission In Afghanistan

Beyond 2014

1/13/2011 6:24 AM ET

(RTTNews) - United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has dismissed reports that American troops could stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 in a combat capacity.

Continue reading "Clinton Rules Out American Combat Mission In Afghanistan" »

January 11, 2011

Now Zad school enrollment doubles, more renovations planned

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 01.11.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – When the Marines of the civil affairs team in support of 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, arrived to Now Zad district, Helmand province, an estimated 200 students were in attendance at the schools in the local area. Now nearly 500 children attend classes here daily.

Continue reading "Now Zad school enrollment doubles, more renovations planned" »

January 10, 2011

Afghan insurgents match surge with more IEDs

By Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY
01/10/11

Insurgents in Afghanistan have answered the Obama administration's troop surge with a surge of their own, planting thousands of roadside bombs that caused more U.S. troop casualties last year than the prior eight years of the war.

Continue reading "Afghan insurgents match surge with more IEDs" »

January 9, 2011

3rd MAW (Fwd) makes explosive impact in Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 01.08.2011
Date Posted:01.09.2011 04:10

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Coalition forces present in Afghanistan continuously patrol the country’s vast landscape and cities while conducting operations and gathering information from local citizens.

Continue reading "3rd MAW (Fwd) makes explosive impact in Afghanistan" »

January 8, 2011

3rd MAW (Fwd) develops new flightline aboard Camp Bastion

Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 01.08.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) is currently completing the final phases of an extensive three-year flightline project aboard Camp Bastion, which will allow the flightline to traffic larger aircraft, such as the C-5 Galaxy, Boeing 737 and Antonov AN-124 Condor on its 11,500-foot runway.

Continue reading "3rd MAW (Fwd) develops new flightline aboard Camp Bastion" »

January 7, 2011

Afghan police learn advance tactics

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 01.07.2011

KABUL, Afghanistan – Fifteen Afghan Uniformed Police recently participated in a 10-day advanced training course taught by the Police Advisory Team with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, in Musa Qal’ah, Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan police learn advance tactics" »

January 6, 2011

India Company, 3/5 Dark Horse Marines use solar power to brighten mission accomplishment

Story by Gunnery Sgt. William Price | 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.06.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan -The Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment have tapped into a vital renewable energy source – the sun – to help take the fight to the enemy in Sangin District.

Continue reading "India Company, 3/5 Dark Horse Marines use solar power to brighten mission accomplishment" »

CLB-3’s Embedded Partnering Team increases operability of Afghan soldiers

1/6/2011 By Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP GARM-SHER, Afghanistan — Personnel with Combat Logistics Battalion 3’s Embedded Partnering Team recently implemented plans to increase the Afghan National Army’s ability to conduct independent operations.

Continue reading "CLB-3’s Embedded Partnering Team increases operability of Afghan soldiers" »

Afghanistan: Land of War and Opportunity

Where most people see only deprivation and misery, Paul Brinkley sees potential. With luck, business will agree

By Jason Kelly
January 6, 2011, 5:00PM EST

The skyline of the city of Herat, in the westernmost corner of Afghanistan, is dominated by the Qala Ikhtyaruddin, a 700-year-old stone citadel. On a chilly December afternoon, as the sun begins to dip, the citadel's grounds are largely unoccupied. The general public isn't allowed in until renovations to the time-ravaged site are finished. Paid for in part by a $725,000 grant from the U.S. government, the project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2011.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Land of War and Opportunity" »

3/5 Marines Fight to Secure Sangin

Video by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.06.2011

In this video, 3/5 Marines are seen patrolling, scouting, searching for IEDs, shooting at Taliban fighters and searching compounds.

Continue reading "3/5 Marines Fight to Secure Sangin" »

January 5, 2011

Marines, Locals Prompt Partnership in Nimruz

Video by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.05.2011

Package about how Marines and Sailors of Regimental Combat Team 2 visited the village of Dhemazong, in Nimruz province, Afghanistan,.

Continue reading "Marines, Locals Prompt Partnership in Nimruz" »

Marine’s lifelong passion supports deployed operations

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – An energetic and upbeat Marine from the countryside of Dutton, Va., spends his time here doing a job he has always loved to do.

Continue reading "Marine’s lifelong passion supports deployed operations" »

Hope for peace arises in one Afghan district

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Nestled amid Afghanistan's southwestern foothills, the lush pomegranate orchards and dense poppy groves of Sangin have seen more combat fatalities than any other district in the country.

Continue reading "Hope for peace arises in one Afghan district" »

January 4, 2011

Camp Pendleton Marines wait for impact of Sangin peace deal

Elders pledged to quell violence in restive Afghan district

By Gretel C. Kovach
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 8 p.m.

A security deal brokered by leaders of an influential tribe is spurring hopes that the erosion of Taliban power and influence in southern Afghanistan will finally reach the violent Sangin river valley, where Camp Pendleton’s 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment has suffered heavy casualties in recent months.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marines wait for impact of Sangin peace deal" »

India Company, 3/5 Dark Horse Marines draw “lines in the sand”

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

01.03.2011 Story by GySgt William Price 1st MarDiv SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - The Marines of 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, with their Afghan National Army counterparts, set out on a patrol to “draw lines in the sand,” outside Patrol Base Fulod in Sangin District, Dec. 30.

Continue reading "India Company, 3/5 Dark Horse Marines draw “lines in the sand”" »

Marines ring in new year with 5k run in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 01.04.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 750 service members and civilian contractors took part in the New Year’s 5k race at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 1.

Continue reading "Marines ring in new year with 5k run in Afghanistan" »

January 3, 2011

US general: Deal with tribe in Taliban bastion

By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press
Jan 3, 11:29 AM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The leaders of the largest tribe in a Taliban stronghold in southern Helmand province have pledged to halt insurgent attacks and expel foreign fighters from one of the most violent spots in the country, the senior U.S. Marine general in Afghanistan said Monday

Continue reading "US general: Deal with tribe in Taliban bastion" »

Afghanistan hopes tribal uprising will bring peace

Insurgents in Sangin hand in weapons in attempt to join peace process as tribal elders agree to stand up to Taliban

Jon Boone in Kabul
Monday 3 January 2011 18.22 GMT

Afghan and western officials are pinning their hopes on a tribal uprising to bring peace to the notoriously violent district of Sangin just three months after the UK left a town that had become a death trap for British troops.


Continue reading "Afghanistan hopes tribal uprising will bring peace" »

Faces and Places - Afghanistan

Monday, January 03, 2011

The pictures speak for themselves......

Continue reading "Faces and Places - Afghanistan" »

US general: deal with tribe in Taliban bastion

Posted 01.03.11

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The senior U.S. Marine general in Afghanistan says the leaders of the largest tribe in a Taliban stronghold in the southern Helmand province have pledged to halt insurgent attacks and expel foreign fighters.

Continue reading "US general: deal with tribe in Taliban bastion" »

January 2, 2011

Postcards from Afghanistan

By Jeanette Steele
Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 3:31 p.m.

Marines from San Diego County are spending their holidays serving in Afghanistan, part of the American troop surge aimed at ending the nine-year-old war.

Continue reading "Postcards from Afghanistan" »

Kilo Co, 3/5 take fight to Taliban

Video by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.02.2011

Video

Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines have been meeting the Taliban daily in fire fights.

Continue reading "Kilo Co, 3/5 take fight to Taliban" »

January 1, 2011

Marines ring in new year with 5K run in Afghanistan

Photo by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 01.01.2011

Photos of service members and civilians during a 5 kilometer run at midnight to help celebrate the New Year at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines ring in new year with 5K run in Afghanistan" »

Local Afghans, Marines celebrate New Years Day together in Bareckzai

Photo by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 01.01.2011

Photos of Marines and sailors with the Civil Affairs and Female Engagement Teams, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.

Continue reading "Local Afghans, Marines celebrate New Years Day together in Bareckzai" »

Marines provide ammunition for warfighters in Afghanistan

1/1/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — When troops outside the wire need a resupply of ammunition, they count on the Marines who work at the Field Ammunition Supply Point to provide them with the rounds they need.

Continue reading "Marines provide ammunition for warfighters in Afghanistan" »

December 31, 2010

Secretary Napolitano Arrives in Afghanistan to Meet Troops, Discuss Security

Published December 31, 2010
| FoxNews.com

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday morning to kick off a weeklong trip in the Middle East and Europe that will address international and regional security.

Continue reading "Secretary Napolitano Arrives in Afghanistan to Meet Troops, Discuss Security" »

December 29, 2010

Deployed service members enjoy holiday season

Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 12.29.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Inevitably, many Marines and service members spend the holiday seasons overseas away from friends and family. Fortunately, they have an enormous support network, which continues to produce new ways to enhance holiday cheer during their deployment.

Continue reading "Deployed service members enjoy holiday season" »

Progress 'slow but steady' in Afghan flashpoint

By Claire Truscott (AFP) – 12.29.10

PATROL BASE GONZO, Afghanistan — US Marines fire mortars over the walls of their newest base in southern Afghanistan to defend ground freshly captured from the Taliban -- a sign of progress, they say, after years of stalemate.

Continue reading "Progress 'slow but steady' in Afghan flashpoint" »

Afghan, US forces lay stepping stone in Afghanistan’s path of progress

y by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 12.29.2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan - At first, it looks like a clinic. Afghan children and men mill about the tents with over-the-counter medicine and pamphlets. Coalition forces help distribute supplies to locals after Afghan soldiers teach classes. But this outreach program is about more than just free medicine.

Continue reading "Afghan, US forces lay stepping stone in Afghanistan’s path of progress" »

December 28, 2010

The Marines of "Crusher One"

December 28, 2010 4:31 PM

The nine-man Marine squad "Crusher One" has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "The Marines of "Crusher One"" »

Afghanistan War: Is child abuse a new Taliban gambit?

US medics in Afghanistan say they are facing a harrowing new Taliban tactic.

By Nichole Sobecki
Published: December 28, 2010 05:57 ET in Asia

This brutal strategy is beginning to tug at the U.S. military’s medical capacity. Under NATO regulations, any Afghan civilian wounded as a result of military activity is treated in the Western military’s medical system. But Afghans seek help for many other things: motorcycle accidents and burst appendices, problems in childbirth and severe burn cases like Razia’s.

Continue reading "Afghanistan War: Is child abuse a new Taliban gambit?" »

Coalition engineers build bridge for Afghans in Marjah

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 12.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition engineers fabricated a bridge at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, Dec. 21, which will later be installed in Marjah and serve as a permanent replacement for a medium-girder bridge.

Continue reading "Coalition engineers build bridge for Afghans in Marjah" »

December 27, 2010

Marines sort holiday mail at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

Photo by Sgt. Brian Lautenslager | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 12.27.2010

Photos

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) sort mail during the busy holiday season at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 27.

Continue reading "Marines sort holiday mail at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan" »

MWR opens on Camp Leatherneck

Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.27.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A new Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility opened for service members on Camp Leatherneck with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Dec. 27.

Continue reading "MWR opens on Camp Leatherneck" »

RCT-2 celebrates Christmas Eve with candlelight service

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 12.27.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan - Cmdr. Bill Appleton, Regimental Chaplain of Regimental Combat Team 2, hosted a Christmas Eve candlelight service at the Forward Operating Base Delaram II dining facility, Dec. 24, 2010.

Continue reading "RCT-2 celebrates Christmas Eve with candlelight service" »

Marines ‘on edge’ from suppressing Taliban activity

12/27/2010 By Cpl. Daniel Woodall , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

COMBAT OUTPOST RANKEL, Afghanistan — Combat engineers with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) continue to improve mobility for Afghan civilians and the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward), near Combat Outpost Rankel in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines ‘on edge’ from suppressing Taliban activity" »

Marine Leadership Visits Camp Geronimo, Afghanistan

Courtesy Video | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.24.2010
Date Posted: 12.27.2010 8:01AM

B-roll of Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps visit service members with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines aboard Camp Geronimo, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Leadership Visits Camp Geronimo, Afghanistan" »

Marine Corps top leaders visit Marines in Marjah Christmas Eve

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 12.24.2010
Date Posted:12.27.2010 03:50

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan— Gen. James Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, visited Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, at Camp Hanson in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 24.

Continue reading "Marine Corps top leaders visit Marines in Marjah Christmas Eve" »

December 26, 2010

A military hospital's all-encompassing mission

By David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, December 26, 2010

AT KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN Most of the time, this war-theater hospital crackles with danger and expertise, its staff members working to keep alive people who would be dead if they ended up almost anywhere else in the world.

Continue reading "A military hospital's all-encompassing mission" »

December 25, 2010

Top US general visits troops in Afghanistan

By ELENA BECATOROS
Associated Press
Dec 25, 7:57 AM EST

MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) -- The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan crisscrossed the country on Saturday, visiting coalition troops on Christmas at some of the main battle fronts in a show of appreciation and support in the tenth year of the war against the Taliban.

Continue reading "Top US general visits troops in Afghanistan" »

Christmas On The Battlefield

Troops Celebrate Christmas in Afghanistan

News video
December 25, 2010

Continue reading "Christmas On The Battlefield" »

Christmas cheer flows through Camp Leatherneck

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.25.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Singers from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps sang Christmas carols for recovering service members and those eating their Christmas meal at the dining facilities at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 25.

Continue reading "Christmas cheer flows through Camp Leatherneck" »

Commandant spends Christmas Eve with RCT-1

Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 12.24.2010
Date Posted: 12.25.2010 11:13


CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan— The commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps stopped in at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, for a Christmas Eve dinner with Regimental Combat Team 1, Dec. 24.

Continue reading "Commandant spends Christmas Eve with RCT-1" »

US Marine in Afghanistan sends ice sculpture to family in his place

* By Yoav Gonen of the New York Post
* From: NewsCore
* December 25, 2010 6:07PM

A WARM-hearted US Marine stationed Afghanistan couldn't come home for Christmas or his sister's birthday - so he stunned his family by sending them a towering ice block carved in his likeness instead.

Continue reading "US Marine in Afghanistan sends ice sculpture to family in his place" »

December 24, 2010

Signs of Progress in Afghanistan

Marine Corps commandant visits troops, thanks them for service

December 24, 2010

News video General Amos, Marine Corps Commandant, visiting Marines in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Signs of Progress in Afghanistan" »

December 23, 2010

Christmas cheer, Afghan-style, for US troops

By Claire Truscott (AFP) – 12.23.10

FOB TALIBJAN, Afghanistan — There will be no Christmas turkey and trimmings for US marines at Patrol Base Talibjan this year -- a chemically heated meal of preserved meat is all the infantry men expect.

Continue reading "Christmas cheer, Afghan-style, for US troops" »

Marine Corps top leadership visits Camp Leatherneck

Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.23.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Gen. James Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps visited Marines aboard Camp Leatherneck, Dec. 23.

Continue reading "Marine Corps top leadership visits Camp Leatherneck" »

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits troops in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 12.23.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, accompanied by the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, visited service members of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 23.

Continue reading "Commandant of the Marine Corps visits troops in Afghanistan" »

RCT-1 celebrates Christmas

Photo by Cpl. Skyler Tooker | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 12.23.2010

The Regimental Combat Team 1 Christmas party started out with a hot meal followed by Christmas presents for all the Marines, while at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 22, 2010.

Continue reading "RCT-1 celebrates Christmas" »

December 21, 2010

I MEF receives ‘tons’ of mail during holiday season

Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.21.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Spending the holidays away from family is a routine occurrence for many service members, but during the holiday season, receiving a package from a loved one is a welcomed distraction.

Continue reading "I MEF receives ‘tons’ of mail during holiday season" »

Marines celebrate Christmas with their second family

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.21.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – In a combat zone it is hard for Marines to spend Christmas away from their families, but this year Marines at Camp Leatherneck are celebrating Christmas with their second family: each other

Continue reading "Marines celebrate Christmas with their second family" »

Mark Wahlberg visits Helmand province

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.21.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Service members at Camp Leatherneck, Camp Dwyer and combat outpost Azadi had met with actor Mark Wahlberg during a holiday visit to Afghanistan, Dec. 19 and 20.

Continue reading "Mark Wahlberg visits Helmand province" »

December 19, 2010

Afghan War Just a Slice of U.S. Coverage

By BRIAN STELTER
Published: December 19, 2010
The New York Times

As the Obama administration conducted an Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy review this month, the news media did too, and the coverage came peppered with question marks.

Continue reading "Afghan War Just a Slice of U.S. Coverage" »

December 17, 2010

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors in Afghanistan

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines.

Continue reading " Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors in Afghanistan" »

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks to Marines and Sailors" »

Marines patrol the streets of Marjah, Afghanistan.

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, patrol the streets of Marjah, Afghanistan. (US Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin O'Brien)

Continue reading "Marines patrol the streets of Marjah, Afghanistan." »

December 16, 2010

Afghanistan's Real-Life 'Hurt Locker'

An Up-Close Look at How the Marines Hunt for Bombs to Save Lives

SAFAR BAZAAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2010

(CBS) As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Matthew Jackson, a bomb disposal expert, maneuvers a robot up to a car he suspects may be booby trapped.

Continue reading "Afghanistan's Real-Life 'Hurt Locker'" »

Mullen Gets Unvarnished Look at Afghanistan Mission

Story by Jim Garamone | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs | Date: 12.16.2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen got the clear and unvarnished truth about conditions in some of the toughest areas in Afghanistan when he stopped at forward operating bases in Helmand and Kandahar provinces Dec. 16.

Continue reading "Mullen Gets Unvarnished Look at Afghanistan Mission" »

Frontline photos 12/16/2010

Sgt. Artur Shvartsberg / Marine Corps

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines evacuate an Afghan National Army soldier out of Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin, Afghanistan, on Dec. 6.

Continue reading "Frontline photos 12/16/2010" »

A quarter-million Americans respond to Marine’s call to keep children warm in Marjah

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date 12.08.2010
Date Posted: 12.16.2010 00:36

MARJAH, Afghanistan— It all started with a click of a button. One strike of the keyboard and the email was sent. Like a wild fire, the message quickly spread.

Continue reading "A quarter-million Americans respond to Marine’s call to keep children warm in Marjah" »

'Secret Santa’ brings Christmas cheer to deployed troops in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 12.11.2010
Date Posted:12.16.2010 08:03

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – ‘Twas the month of December and all through desert lands, service members were prepared for the missions at hand. Though they would not be home for the holiday season, there was laughter and joy that came with great reason.

Continue reading "'Secret Santa’ brings Christmas cheer to deployed troops in Afghanistan" »

Coalition engineers improve road in Sangin

Courtesy Story | Navy Visual News Service | Date: 12.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition engineers recently conducted route improvement operations in the Sangin district, Helmand proivnce.

Continue reading "Coalition engineers improve road in Sangin" »

December 15, 2010

Are Marines Giving Up too Much in Afghanistan?

Four Marines Who Lost Limbs in Afghanistan Talk About the Afghan People, Their Time in Afghanistan and the Price They Paid

Dec. 15, 2010
By David Martin

(CBS) If ever Marines earned the right to speak their minds about the war, it is a group of four men who were all gravely wounded by roadside bombs in Afghanistan, reports CBS News National Security correspondent David Martin

Continue reading "Are Marines Giving Up too Much in Afghanistan?" »

Highly educated Marine values role on front line

By Jon Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 15, 2010

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Marine Capt. Nicholas Schmitz uses a plastic bag for a toilet, showers in foul-smelling well water and often leads his platoon on patrol on the front line in the war against the Taliban.

Continue reading "Highly educated Marine values role on front line" »

NATO Push Deals Taliban a Setback in Kandahar

By CARLOTTA GALL and RUHULLAH KHAPALWAK
Published: December 15, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — As the Obama administration reviews its strategy in Afghanistan, residents and even a Taliban commander say the surge of American troops this year has begun to set back the Taliban in parts of their southern heartland and to turn people against the insurgency — at least for now.

Continue reading "NATO Push Deals Taliban a Setback in Kandahar" »

Red Cross warns of rise in armed groups in Afghanistan as bombs kill 3 kids, NATO soldier

By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press
Dec 15, 6:03 AM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The international Red Cross warned Wednesday of an increase in the number of Afghan armed groups operating in the country as bombings killed three children and a NATO soldier in separate attacks in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Red Cross warns of rise in armed groups in Afghanistan as bombs kill 3 kids, NATO soldier" »

December 13, 2010

No decisive victory one year into Afghan surge

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press
Dec 13, 7:08 PM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- One year after President Barack Obama ordered a troop buildup to halt the Taliban's momentum, the war in Afghanistan has not broken decisively in favor of U.S.-led forces - at least not yet.

Continue reading "No decisive victory one year into Afghan surge" »

US, Iraqi Marines conduct logistical operations

Story by Sgt. David Scott | United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training) | Date: 12.13.2010

UMM QASR, Iraq - A contingent of U.S. Marine Corps trainers and advisors recently assisted their Iraqi counterparts with the completion of a fundamental sustainment mission near Umm Qasr.

Continue reading "US, Iraqi Marines conduct logistical operations" »

December 12, 2010

1st CEB, Coalition forces complete Outlaw Wrath, destroy more than 50 IEDs

Story by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.07.2010
Date Posted:12.12.2010 05:51

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), conducted an 8-day deliberate breaching operation, known as Outlaw Wrath, in the Sangin District, Nov. 29-Dec. 6.

Continue reading "1st CEB, Coalition forces complete Outlaw Wrath, destroy more than 50 IEDs" »

ANA platoons learn new tactics in Musa Qal’eh

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 12.12.2010

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 3rd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps undertook a platoon tactics course, taught by the Marine Advisor Team with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, at the Afghan National Army compound in Musa Qal’eh, Dec. 8.

Continue reading "ANA platoons learn new tactics in Musa Qal’eh" »

Dwyer Cobra Detachment Provides close-air tactical advantage

Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 12.11.2010
Date Posted:12.12.2010 09:51

FORWARD OPERATIING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – A small detachment of AH-1W Super Cobra pilots and enlisted Marines stationed here, distanced from the main body of their squadron aboard Camp Leatherneck, work around the clock with few aircraft and limited manpower to provide immediate close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area.

Continue reading "Dwyer Cobra Detachment Provides close-air tactical advantage" »

Survival Struggle in Sangin

Local Marines are locked in a bloody battle for the last Taliban stronghold

By ALICIA DEAN
Updated 10:35 PM PST, Sun, Dec 12, 2010

It’s one of the most critical operations in the nine-year war in Afghanistan. 20 Members of Camp Pendleton’s 3rd Battalion 5th Marine regiment have been killed in Helmand province’s Sangin district since the beginning of October. Three of those deaths occurred this past week.

Continue reading "Survival Struggle in Sangin" »

Nawa turns into proving ground for U.S. strategy in Afghan war

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Sunday, December 12, 2010; 12:00 AM

IN NAWA, AFGHANISTAN When Gen. David H. Petraeus makes his case that the military's strategy in Afghanistan is succeeding, he cites the evolution of this community of mud-walled homes and wheat fields:

Continue reading "Nawa turns into proving ground for U.S. strategy in Afghan war" »

December 11, 2010

Bases going to the dogs - and cats

By Jon Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 11, 2010

ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, Afghanistan — U.S. soldiers and Marines are smuggling them onto bases across the country.

Continue reading "Bases going to the dogs - and cats" »

December 10, 2010

Camp Pendleton Marines beat back insurgents

As casualties taper, commanders send in tanks in Sangin river valley in Afghanistan

By Gretel C. Kovach
Friday, December 10, 2010 at 6:34 p.m.

Camp Pendleton Marines made advances in recent weeks in their campaign to beat back insurgents in the hard-fought Sangin river valley — the Taliban’s last major stronghold in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, their commanding general said.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marines beat back insurgents" »

5th ANGLICO prepares to return home

12/10/2010 By Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland , Marine Corps Bases Japan

Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marines of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, are nearing the end of their seven-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "5th ANGLICO prepares to return home" »

December 9, 2010

All-female U.S. Marine team in Afghanistan

12.09.10

Here is a selection from the photo essay by Getty Images photojournalist Paula Bronstein that Getty moved this morning. Photographed last month, the images depict the women deployed as the second Female Engagement team in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "All-female U.S. Marine team in Afghanistan" »

December 8, 2010

Gates Visits Marines on Camp Leatherneck

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today noted the value of the work the 1st Marine Logistics Group does here for the war effort, and extended his personal thanks.

Continue reading "Gates Visits Marines on Camp Leatherneck" »

Marines fear toy guns could bring real problems in Afghanistan

By Jon Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 8, 2010

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Toys can now be added to the list of complications in the already complicated war here.

Continue reading "Marines fear toy guns could bring real problems in Afghanistan" »

1/8 Marines, ANSF foster relationships with local Afghans

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 12.08.2010

MUSA QAL’EH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Afghan people are the most important factor in the fight against the Taliban. A fact well known by the Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, who are battling the Taliban and protecting the people of Karimanda.

Continue reading "1/8 Marines, ANSF foster relationships with local Afghans" »

New Afghan instructors take reigns from Marine mentors

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 12.08.2010

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - With boundless motivation but limited experience, the grimacing novice soldiers attempted to muscle together machine gun parts in a fashion that geometry wouldn’t allow.

Continue reading "New Afghan instructors take reigns from Marine mentors" »

December 7, 2010

‘Aggressive winter campaign’ in Helmand

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 7, 2010 21:49:09 EST

Marine forces in Afghanistan have launched an “aggressive winter campaign” in Helmand province that will include special operations raids, conventional military operations and efforts to improve the economy by creating jobs, said the senior Marine commander in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "‘Aggressive winter campaign’ in Helmand" »

US general: Battle in Marjah is over

By ANNE FLAHERTY
Associated Press
Dec 7, 4:53 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A senior Marine general in Afghanistan on Tuesday declared the battle in the southern Taliban stronghold of Marjah "essentially over."

Continue reading "US general: Battle in Marjah is over" »

New Runway Offers New Capabilities for FOB Delram II

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Courtesy Video
Date Taken:12.7.2010
Category:Newscasts
Video ID:102220
Filename:DOD_100104306

Start of Description:
Package about the first KC-130J landing at Forward Operating Base Delram II.

Continue reading "New Runway Offers New Capabilities for FOB Delram II" »

Afghan TV police drama delivers message with zest

Partially funded by the U.S. and aided by Australian TV veterans, the series 'Eagle Four' follows an elite Afghan police squad. It has a political agenda but gets points for being entertaining.

By Laura King, Los Angeles Times
December 7, 2010, 6:20 p.m.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan —
A suicide bomber is loose in the city, and the clock is ticking. But an elite squad of Afghan cops is on the case, working street sources and mining databases, equally at ease with witty one-liners and fully loaded assault rifles, looking cool and soulful all the while.

Continue reading "Afghan TV police drama delivers message with zest" »

Afghanistan war: why IEDs are taking a mounting toll

As US troop levels have surged in the Afghanistan war, so has the number of IEDs – and their effectiveness. Their simplicity is making them hard to detect.

By Anna Mulrine, Staff writer / December 7, 2010
Washington

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is touring Afghanistan this week to gauge progress on the ground, but back in Washington, the Pentagon is already wrestling with what to do about the “significant” increase in the number and effectiveness of roadside bombs throughout the country.

Continue reading "Afghanistan war: why IEDs are taking a mounting toll" »

New school gets under way in Marjah

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 12.07.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Days after the ribbon cutting of the Balakino School in Southern Marjah, local workers ground out the dirty side of the job in another pocket of the district.

Continue reading "New school gets under way in Marjah" »

Medical personnel join forces to save lives in Sangin

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 12.07.2010

FORWARD OPERATING SABIT QADAM , Afghanistan – Sailors with the Shock Trauma Platoon, Surgical Company A, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group and the sailors with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Battalion Aid Station have the same mission in mind: save lives in Sangin, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Medical personnel join forces to save lives in Sangin" »

Gates Visits Afghanistan Bases

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Afghanistan today for troop visits and meetings with key U.S. leaders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Continue reading "Gates Visits Afghanistan Bases" »

December 6, 2010

Marjah school opening gives hope to Afghans' future

RCT-1
Courtesy Story
Date12.01.2010
Date Posted:12.06.2010 01:46

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - Marines and Afghan National Security Forces reached a historic milestone in the District of Marjah, with the opening of the Balakino School, Dec. 1.

Continue reading "Marjah school opening gives hope to Afghans' future" »

US commander inherits tough fight for Taliban state

By Claire Truscott (AFP) – 12.06.10

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — US Marines are facing heavy losses, but their commander in Helmand says "steady" progress has been made since replacing British troops in the Taliban's most notorious flashpoint.

Continue reading "US commander inherits tough fight for Taliban state" »

American Marines pay heavy price in fight for Sangin

Monday, December 6th, 2010 at 10:06 pm

American forces have suffered some of their worst casualties in the Afghan war since taking over the notorious town of Sangin from British troops.

Continue reading "American Marines pay heavy price in fight for Sangin" »

December 5, 2010

US Fights to Open School in Taliban Area

by Todd Pitman
The Associated Press
Sunday, December 5, 2010; 12:05 AM

SENJERAY, Afghanistan -- Over the last six months, U.S. troops have wrested the school away from insurgents. They've hired Afghan contractors to rebuild it, and lost blood defending it.

Continue reading "US Fights to Open School in Taliban Area" »

Afghanistan's Propaganda War Takes New Twist

Critics say that pictures of an Afghan girl disfigured by the Taliban are being used to justify the occupation. But can we just abandon women like Bibi Aisha to their fate?

by Andrew Anthony
The Observer
Sunday, December 5, 2010

In 1985, at the height of the Soviet suppression of Afghanistan, National Geographic ran a cover photograph of a stunning Afghan girl. She had no name, but her haunted, mesmerising green eyes and her dramatic features framed by a crimson head shawl, seemed to capture a story of suffering, lost innocence and unrealised potential that went far deeper than the experience of just one girl.

Continue reading "Afghanistan's Propaganda War Takes New Twist" »

Medevac Team Saves Lives in Southern Afghanistan

By Brennan Linsley
The Associated Press
Sunday, December 5, 2010; 8:08 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- It was pushing dusk when the call came: "One Category Alpha." The voice crackled over the radio, urgent but matter-of-fact. Translation: One man badly wounded, medical care needed right away.

Continue reading "Medevac Team Saves Lives in Southern Afghanistan" »

'We move it all': Heavy equipment operators transport supplies to troops on frontlines

12/5/2010 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ROBINSON, Afghanistan — It takes a lot of heavy lifting to transport the tons of food, water, ammunition and other supplies needed to sustain warfighters on the frontlines, which is why heavy equipment operators are so vital to the counterinsurgency mission in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "'We move it all': Heavy equipment operators transport supplies to troops on frontlines" »

Paving the Way: CLB-3 Engineers improve road in southern Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 11.28.2010
Date Posted:12.05.2010 09:24

PATROL BASE AMIR, Afghanistan – Approximately 50 Marine combat engineers with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3,1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), completed repairs to a well-traveled roadway near Patrol Base Amir in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Nov. 28.

Continue reading "Paving the Way: CLB-3 Engineers improve road in southern Afghanistan" »

A motley crew

Patchwork team steps up to plug training gaps

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 5, 2010

ADRASKAN NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Afghanistan — What do you get when you throw together a Marine Corps cook, a radio operator, an ordnance specialist, two grunts and an assortment of Marines in other occupations?

Continue reading "A motley crew" »

‘The longer I’m in Afghanistan, the better'

Four months after leaving Helmand, Marine returns to Afghanistan

Stars and Stripes
Published: December 5, 2010

Things didn’t feel right for John White when he got home from Afghanistan’s Helmand province this year.

Continue reading "‘The longer I’m in Afghanistan, the better'" »

December 4, 2010

Senior Official Details Success, Challenges in Afghanistan

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2010 – Enemy sanctuaries throughout southern Afghanistan are being cleared, and the results are encouraging, a senior military official said on background recently.

Continue reading "Senior Official Details Success, Challenges in Afghanistan" »

Winning Afghanistan... one cow at a time

4 December 2010 Last updated at 19:43 ET

Ten months ago, foreign forces in south-west Afghanistan launched a major operation to clear Taliban insurgents from the district of Marjah, in Helmand province. As the BBC's Michael Buchanan found on a visit to Marjah, recent months have seen signs of progress for local people.

It was an unusual school opening. Wandering among the smiling student faces were about two dozen heavily armed US marines as well as armed guards provided by the local community.

Continue reading "Winning Afghanistan... one cow at a time" »

December 3, 2010

US troops take hard line to tame rebels of Sangin

By Julius Cavendish in Sangin
Friday, 3 December 2010

There was so much high explosive raining down it was hard to believe anyone could have survived beneath the two-hour salvo of guided artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles and strafing runs by F/A-18 warplanes and helicopter gunships.

Continue reading "US troops take hard line to tame rebels of Sangin" »

U.S. 'Connects The Dots' To Catch Roadside Bombers

by Tom Gjelten
December 3, 2010

With his doctorate from Princeton, Army Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has become the prime example of a special breed of soldier: the warrior-scholar, trained in history and politics as well as how to fight wars.

Continue reading "U.S. 'Connects The Dots' To Catch Roadside Bombers" »

December 2, 2010

In Afghan cauldron, realism can trump the rulebook

By SEBASTIAN ABBOT
Associated Press
Dec 2, 3:47 PM EST

SANGIN, Afghanistan (AP) -- "Clear, hold and build" is the official formula for fighting the Taliban, but in this southern river valley, the most dangerous place in Afghanistan, the experts say you have to be a realist to succeed.

Continue reading "In Afghan cauldron, realism can trump the rulebook" »

U.S. cracks down on IED chemical in Afghanistan

By Giulia Lasagni - Medill News Service
Posted : Thursday Dec 2, 2010 15:42:00 EST

While improvised explosive devices are killing an increasing number of U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, American officials are trying to limit the flow of one the key ingredients in the bombs.

Continue reading "U.S. cracks down on IED chemical in Afghanistan" »

'Progress Made' In Afghanistan's Helmand Province

December 2, 2010
Radio news broadcast

One year ago, President Obama announced he would send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan to launch a new offensive, aimed at regaining the momentum in the war.

Continue reading "'Progress Made' In Afghanistan's Helmand Province" »

December 1, 2010

The Wolfpack Makes its Inaugural Deployment to Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2010

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan -- The Marines and sailors of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), unfurled their unit’s colors for the first time during a transfer of authority ceremony with 1st LAR Bn. at Combat Outpost Payne, Nov. 20.

Continue reading "The Wolfpack Makes its Inaugural Deployment to Afghanistan" »

Marines prepare to stand watch over Camp Leatherneck

Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 12.01.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – No matter what time of the day or night, a Marine is always standing watch – he is the first line of defense against attacks and protects those under his charge.

Continue reading "Marines prepare to stand watch over Camp Leatherneck" »

November 30, 2010

More Marine tanks arrive in Afghanistan

11/30/2010 By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marine Corps M1A1 Abrams tanks continue to roll into Afghanistan and are being staged here for inspection before being assigned elsewhere in Helmand province as another tool in waging counterinsurgency operations.

Continue reading "More Marine tanks arrive in Afghanistan" »

Chilling ‘night letters’ from Taliban intimidate Afghans

By Jon Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 30, 2010

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — The message addressed to the teacher and posted on the door of the new school was direct: “If you keep teaching here, you are going to die and we won’t be responsible for your death.”

Continue reading "Chilling ‘night letters’ from Taliban intimidate Afghans" »

Assault Breacher Vehicle platoon clears the way

Story by Cpl. John McCall
Date: 11.28.10
Posted: 11.30.10
Location: Forward Operating Base Jackson, AF

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – For ammunition and supplies to be transported to Marines, the roads in Afghanistan need to be cleared of improvised explosive devices. With the assistance of the Marines of the Assault Breaching Vehicle platoon, safe travel on the roads is being made possible.

Continue reading "Assault Breacher Vehicle platoon clears the way" »

November 27, 2010

The Taliban Call a Time-Out

by Ron Moreau
November 27, 2010

For months, NEWSWEEK has reported emphatic denials by senior Afghan Taliban officials that they were engaged in secret peace talks with the government in Kabul. Those denials received further weight last week when The New York Times exposed a purported top-level Taliban negotiator as an impostor who made off with large sums of U.S. cash.

Continue reading "The Taliban Call a Time-Out" »

Number of Afghans pursuing asylum spikes, hinting at loss of hope for peaceful homeland

By David Nakamura
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, November 27, 2010; 7:03 PM

KABUL -- The number of Afghans who are fleeing their country and seeking political asylum abroad has spiked dramatically during the past two years, a sign that people here are giving up the dream of a peaceful homeland to seek security and employment elsewhere.

Continue reading "Number of Afghans pursuing asylum spikes, hinting at loss of hope for peaceful homeland" »

1/8 Marines celebrate, give thanks

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.25.2010
Date Posted:11.27.2010 06:15

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, gathered at a festively decorated chow hall to celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional dinner, Nov. 25.

Continue reading "1/8 Marines celebrate, give thanks" »

November 26, 2010

Marines instruct ANA IED course

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 11.25.2010
Date Posted:11.26.2010 10:41
Location:CAMP DWYER, AF

Afghan National Army soldiers from Garmsir, Helmand province, Afghanistan, completed a four-day improvised explosive device course at Camp Garmsir, here, Nov. 25

Continue reading "Marines instruct ANA IED course" »

Marine engineers leave 'long term impact' during Afghanistan deployment

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 11.25.2010
Date Posted:11.26.2010 08:17

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines of 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) transferred authority to the North Carolina-based 8th Engineer Support Battalion in a ceremony here, Nov. 25, officially marking the completion of their seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Marine engineers leave 'long term impact' during Afghanistan deployment" »

ScanEagle keeps eyes in sky across Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 11.26.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan - Edinburgh is a small forward operating base, which lies surrounded by mountains and conflict in the northern region of Helmand province.

Continue reading "ScanEagle keeps eyes in sky across Afghanistan" »

Deeds of Afghan, US partnership save Marines’ lives

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.26.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – When bullets begin to impact all around, a split-second decision can make the difference between life and death for a fellow comrade. For some, what happens next will make them heroes.

Continue reading "Deeds of Afghan, US partnership save Marines’ lives" »

US presence in Afghanistan as long as Soviet slog

By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press
Nov 26, 2:29 AM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The Soviet Union couldn't win in Afghanistan, and now the United States is about to have something in common with that futile campaign: nine years, 50 days.

Continue reading "US presence in Afghanistan as long as Soviet slog" »

Villagers claim deaths, complicating Afghan push

By SEBASTIAN ABBOT
Associated Press
Nov 26, 1:27 PM EST

SANGIN, Afghanistan (AP) -- Locals in this southern Afghan valley have accused U.S. Marines of regularly killing civilians since they launched an aggressive campaign against the Taliban here over a month ago - claims the Marines say are untrue and fueled by insurgent propaganda.

Continue reading "Villagers claim deaths, complicating Afghan push" »

Combat engineers enhance security at Forward Operating

Photos by Cpl. John McCall
Date Taken: 11.18.2010
Date Posted: 11.26.2010
Photo ID:343564
VIRIN:101118-M-5160M-550
Location:FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL’EH, AF

Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), place razor wire along the outside of Hesco barriers to ensure security at Forward Operating Base Musa Qal’eh,

Continue reading "Combat engineers enhance security at Forward Operating" »

November 25, 2010

Marines in Helmand Seek Out and Destroy 8 Talib

India Company Marines seek and destroy Taliban hold on Afghan locals

by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Thursday, November 25, 2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Marines know that one of the most important things to Afghan locals is the security of their village, and sometimes providing them with that security means putting the mission of the Marine Corps rifle squad to use: “Locate, close with and destroy the enemy.”

Continue reading "Marines in Helmand Seek Out and Destroy 8 Talib" »

Thanksgiving with the Marines of 3/5

Photo by Ned Johnson
Date Taken:11.25.2010
Date Posted:11.25.2010 12:20
Photo ID:343450
VIRIN:101125-M-7110J-030
Location:AF

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, pass through the chow line during Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 25.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving with the Marines of 3/5" »

Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 25, 2010

ADRASKAN NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Afghanistan — If he were back home Thursday, Marine Lance Cpl. Chad Berry would have eaten turkey and ham at the home of one of his sets of grandparents in Tennessee. If it was his father’s side of the family, they’d go deer hunting after dinner, then come home and eat some more.

Continue reading "Marines try to make the most of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan" »

November 24, 2010

Three Marines, two IEDs and a lot of luck

By Jon Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 24, 2010

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Cpl. Kenneth Bowles stepped on an IED late last month patrolling near a mosque.

Continue reading "Three Marines, two IEDs and a lot of luck" »

CLB-3 provides logistics support to coalition forces

11/24/2010 By Cpl. Paul D. Zellner , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines and sailors from Motor Transport Company B (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 3, provided tactical logistics support to the Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force, during Operation Steel Dawn II Oct. 26 - Nov. 1.

Continue reading "CLB-3 provides logistics support to coalition forces" »

'Final' Afghan election results announced

But quarrels over the outcome of the vote for parliament are likely to remain a chief feature of the country's political landscape in the weeks or months to come, further blurring a clouded picture.

By Laura King, Los Angeles Times
November 24, 2010|2:29 p.m.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan —
Afghanistan's main electoral body Wednesday released what were billed as the final results of September's trouble-plagued parliamentary election. But as is so often the case here, "final" does not mean "finished."

Continue reading "'Final' Afghan election results announced" »

November 23, 2010

Pentagon offers grim status report on Afghanistan

The Taliban's foothold has grown and violence has reached new highs, it says, although some areas in the south have seen modest security gains.

By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
November 23, 2010|6:19 p.m.

Reporting from Washington —
The Taliban insurgency has spread to more of Afghanistan in recent months and violence has reached new highs, though there have been "slow and incremental" security gains in areas of the south where tens of thousands of additional U.S. troops have deployed, according to a Pentagon report released Tuesday.

Continue reading "Pentagon offers grim status report on Afghanistan" »

81 Millimeter Mortars Platoon battles Taliban through counter insurgency

11.23.10, Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Counter-insurgency is the weapon of choice for the Marines of 1st Lt. Robert E. Rain’s platoon, the 81 Millimeter Mortars Platoon, attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, who aim to provide security, support and friendship to the Afghan people.

Continue reading "81 Millimeter Mortars Platoon battles Taliban through counter insurgency" »

IED training helps Marines identify threats

Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 11.23.2010

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – While driving down the dusty roads of Afghanistan, Marines watch out the windows of their vehicles. The lead driver halts the convoy and calls for a search team to dismount. A possible improvised explosive device has been spotted

Continue reading "IED training helps Marines identify threats" »

November 22, 2010

Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), function check their weapons

Video by Cpl. John McCall | 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.22.2010

B-roll of Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), function check their weapons before a patrol at Forward Operating Base Musa Qal'eh, Afghanistan. Marines. Produced by Cpl. John McCall. Also available in High Definition.

Continue reading "Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), function check their weapons" »

November 21, 2010

3/5 PMT works hand-in-hand with AUP

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.21.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Newer police forces can benefit from training and discipline, but a good example is one of the best ways to learn

Continue reading "3/5 PMT works hand-in-hand with AUP" »

Afghans losing patience in war

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press
Nov 21, 12:21 PM EST

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. and NATO forces will stay in Afghanistan for at least another four years, yet there are growing signs that the West has worn out its welcome.

Continue reading "Afghans losing patience in war" »

November 20, 2010

Marines, sailors train Afghan soldiers to operate independently

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 11.20.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – For the past two months, 20 Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), have been mentoring approximately 330 soldiers with the Afghan National Army.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors train Afghan soldiers to operate independently" »

November 19, 2010

US sending tanks to southern Afghan fight

By PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press
Nov 19, 12:27 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ratcheting up U.S. combat power in Afghanistan, the Pentagon is sending Abrams tanks into the battle against insurgents at a time when the U.S. and European publics are anxious to see progress in the 9-year-old war.

Continue reading "US sending tanks to southern Afghan fight" »

Kings of the Road, Jacks of all Trades: For Jump Platoon No Mission Is Too Small

Story by Sgt. Mark Fayloga | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 11.19.2010

NAWA, Afghansistan - The Jump Platoon, though the members of it would never say so themselves, is special.

Continue reading "Kings of the Road, Jacks of all Trades: For Jump Platoon No Mission Is Too Small" »

Operation Feeding Freedom VIII brings a delicious taste of home to troops in Afghanistan

Story by Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date11.18.2010
Date Posted:11.19.2010 03:58

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen of Regional Command Southwest recently got "a delicious taste of home" courtesy of Outback Steakhouse Inc. Restaurant Partners LLC, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine

Continue reading "Operation Feeding Freedom VIII brings a delicious taste of home to troops in Afghanistan" »

Marine Corps sending tanks to Helmand for the first time

By Mark Walker - [email protected] - North County Times - Californian | Posted: Friday, November 19, 2010 10:45 am |

Vowing to keep the pressure on the Taliban insurgency, the U.S. Marine Corps said Friday it is sending tanks to Afghanistan for the first time in the war, which is now in its 10th year.

Continue reading "Marine Corps sending tanks to Helmand for the first time" »

Marines honor ancestors, ties to Navajo Code Talkers

11/19/2010 By By Sgt. Dean Davis , Regimental Combat Team 2

FOB DELARAM II, Afghanistan — Many triumphs and sacrifices distinguish the military service of the Navajo people. Perhaps most famous, is the story of the Navajo Code Talkers. During WWII these men ciphered thousands of battlefield messages in the Pacific theatre, saving countless lives and helping end the war. Few of these men are still here today to tell their account, but as Lance Cpl. Devin Bidtah, a Navajo Code Talker descendant explains, their legacy still thrives, and their story that inspired so many, will be honored.

Continue reading "Marines honor ancestors, ties to Navajo Code Talkers" »

November 17, 2010

Congressman calls for roadside bomb point man in Afghanistan

Rep. Duncan Hunter pushes Pentagon to put more effort on No. 1 killer of troops

By MARK WALKER - [email protected] North County Times - Californian |
Posted: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 6:22 pm |

The Pentagon is falling short in its efforts to combat roadside bombs in Afghanistan by failing to appoint a single authority to put resources where they're needed most, Rep. Duncan Hunter said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Congressman calls for roadside bomb point man in Afghanistan" »

Unveiling of Afghan plan will tout transition, not conclusion

By Dianna Cahn and Kevin Baron
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 17, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — NATO leaders gathering for a summit in Portugal this weekend will announce plans for the gradual handover of Afghanistan to fledgling Afghan forces by 2014 and a partnership that will endure for far longer.

Continue reading "Unveiling of Afghan plan will tout transition, not conclusion" »

Marines, Afghan soldiers launch clearing operation to inspire confidence

11/17/2010 By Cpl. Ned Johnson , Regimental Combat Team 2

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Marines are always prepared for a gun battle, but their capabilities are broader than “kill or be killed.”

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan soldiers launch clearing operation to inspire confidence" »

Marines, ANA play volleyball, strengthen relationships

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.17.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Marines and Afghan soldiers have fought many battles together in Sangin District, but today they faced off against each other in a different battle.

Continue reading "Marines, ANA play volleyball, strengthen relationships" »

US Marines want tribesmen to fight Taliban in deadly Afghan river valley

SEBASTIAN ABBOT
Associated Press
November 17, 2010|8:55 a.m.

SANGIN, Afghanistan (AP) — When members of the Alikozai tribe rose up against the Taliban in this critical insurgent stronghold, neither coalition forces nor the government in Kabul lifted a finger to help them.

Continue reading "US Marines want tribesmen to fight Taliban in deadly Afghan river valley" »

Marine engineers build outpost after clearing insurgents from town

11/17/2010 By Cpl. John McCall , 1st Marine Division

MUSA QAL'EH, Afghanistan — After an operation led by Afghan forces to eliminate the enemy threat in a local town, engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were sent to build a new guard post to maintain security in the area, Nov. 13-14.

Continue reading "Marine engineers build outpost after clearing insurgents from town" »

U.S. appears ready to acknowledge a long haul in Afghanistan

As NATO leaders meet in Lisbon this weekend, the U.S. is expected to endorse a plan for slow withdrawal and gradually handing over security responsibility by 2014.

By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
November 17, 2010|7:34 p.m.

Reporting from Washington —
President Obama built his Afghanistan strategy around the bet that he could quickly turn around a "must win" war by narrowing his goals and sending more troops. This weekend he will make his clearest acknowledgment yet that doing so will actually take years.

Continue reading "U.S. appears ready to acknowledge a long haul in Afghanistan" »

November 16, 2010

Hard-won progress seen in key Afghan battleground

16 Nov 2010 12:06:35 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Finbarr O'Reilly

KUNJAK, Afghanistan, Nov 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Marines were exchanging heavy fire with insurgents during a recent battle in the southern Afghan town of Nabuk when a woman and child suddenly appeared from a Taliban gunner's position.

Continue reading "Hard-won progress seen in key Afghan battleground" »

ANA, Marines disrupt enemy, inspire confidence

Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 11.16.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan – Marines are always prepared for a gun battle, but their capabilities are broader than “kill or be killed.”

Continue reading "ANA, Marines disrupt enemy, inspire confidence" »

Afghan Uniformed Police stand up commando unit

11/16/2010 By LCpl. Joshua Hines , Regimental Combat Team 2

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan — There is a new force emerging in the Afghan Uniformed Police ready to take the fight to the enemy in a brand new way: The Musa Qal’eh Commando Police. This elite unit is trained to deal with high-priority targets and act as a quick-reaction force here in Musa Qal’eh.

Continue reading "Afghan Uniformed Police stand up commando unit" »

Taliban deploy human shields against U.S. Marines

Despite challenges, commanders boast progress in key Afghan province

By Finbarr O'Reilly
Reuters
updated 11/16/2010 8:21:42 PM ET

KUNJAK, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines were exchanging heavy fire with insurgents during a recent battle in the southern Afghan town of Nabuk when a woman and child suddenly appeared from a Taliban gunner's position.

Continue reading "Taliban deploy human shields against U.S. Marines" »

November 15, 2010

U.S. Plan Envisions Path to Ending Afghan Combat

By PETER BAKER and ROD NORDLAND
Published: November 14, 2010

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has developed a plan to begin transferring security duties in select areas of Afghanistan to that country’s forces over the next 18 to 24 months, with an eye toward ending the American combat mission there by 2014, officials said Sunday.

Continue reading "U.S. Plan Envisions Path to Ending Afghan Combat" »

November 14, 2010

Embedded: Life outside of the wire

By Kelly Koopmans / KVAL News
Story Published: Nov 14, 2010 at 6:00 PM PST

EUGENE, Ore. -- It’s a rare moment, but when the battlefield goes quiet, Marines in Marjah, Afghanistan wonder when the enemy will strike.

Continue reading "Embedded: Life outside of the wire" »

Communications Marines keep service members connected in Afghanistan

11/14/2010 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Without the sophisticated communications systems necessary for messages to securely travel long distances, many Marines and sailors would simply be lost in the fog of war. These systems need to be assembled and maintained though, which is where communications Marines come in.

Continue reading "Communications Marines keep service members connected in Afghanistan" »

CLB-3 minimizes risk to maximize support

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 11.13.2010
Date Posted:11.14.2010 10:32

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – On the morning of Nov. 8, a convoy of vehicles belonging to Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), departed here to deliver supplies to units aboard Forward Operating Bases Fiddlers Green and Geronimo. With limited visibility due to an incoming dust storm, Staff Sgt. Jesus Velasquez’s Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected All-Terrain Vehicle took a left turn and rolled into a ditch.

Continue reading "CLB-3 minimizes risk to maximize support" »

November 12, 2010

Embedded: 'I did the best I could to show you what is going on there'

By Kelly Koopmans KVAL News
Story Published: Nov 12, 2010 at 10:49 PM PST

EUGENE, Ore. -- When a mission ends and the sun sets, Marines 7,000 miles from the Unites States call Camp Marjah in Marjah, Afghanistan, home.

Continue reading "Embedded: 'I did the best I could to show you what is going on there'" »

Marines learn lessons from tragedy in Afghanistan

By SEBASTIAN ABBOT
The Associated Press
Friday, November 12, 2010; 2:56 PM

PATROL BASE FULOD, Afghanistan -- The first time U.S. Marines went on patrol from this base in southern Afghanistan, the Taliban were ready. The militants shot and killed a 21-year-old lance corporal just 150 feet from the perimeter.

Continue reading "Marines learn lessons from tragedy in Afghanistan" »

Marines take over for British in Afghan province, get aggressive

08:56 AM CST on Friday, November 12, 2010
Sebastian Abbot, The Associated Press

SANGIN, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines, who recently inherited this lush but violent river valley in Helmand province from British forces, have tossed aside their predecessors' playbook in favor of a more aggressive strategy.

Continue reading "Marines take over for British in Afghan province, get aggressive" »

November 11, 2010

Engineers improve 1/8's defense in Musa Qal'eh

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. John McCall
Date: 11.05.2010
Date Posted: 11.11.2010
Location: Musa Qal'eh, AF

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – With just sandbags and the mud walls surrounding the compound, Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, were vulnerable to enemy fire. Engineers with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were called in to fortify the position, Nov. 2-5.

Continue reading "Engineers improve 1/8's defense in Musa Qal'eh" »

Georgian soldiers hand over mission, help secure Afghanistan

Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. Dean Davis
Date:11.11.2010

FOWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – For the last six months, Georgian soldiers of the 31st Battalion have worked alongside Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. Marines in southern Afghanistan to eliminate the Taliban and bring security to the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Georgian soldiers hand over mission, help secure Afghanistan" »

Embedded in 'the bleeding ulcer of Afghanistan'

By Kelly Koopmans
KVAL News
Nov 11, 2010

EUGENE, Ore. -- After three long months, both Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison are home in Eugene. They’re in one piece - but reminders of Marjah, Afghanistan, are not far behind.

Continue reading "Embedded in 'the bleeding ulcer of Afghanistan'" »

November 10, 2010

1st MLG FWD celebrates Marine Corps' 235th birthday

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs

Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan
Date11.10.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) commemorated the United States Marine Corps’ 235th Birthday with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Nov. 10.

Continue reading "1st MLG FWD celebrates Marine Corps' 235th birthday" »

Fighting gets intense in key Afghan town

Camp Pendleton battalion has lost 14 Marines in a little more than a month of fighting

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 8:35 p.m.

CAMP PENDLETON — Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in southwestern Afghanistan, said Wednesday that Camp Pendleton’s 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment drew one of the toughest assignments in Marine Corps history when it was sent in October to Sangin, a strategic crossroads town in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Fighting gets intense in key Afghan town" »

November 9, 2010

U.S. Marines take on Afghan valley that bled Brits

More aggressive strategy aims to finally rout Taliban from crossroads of gun running, drug trade

By SEBASTIAN ABBOT
The Associated Press
11/9/2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines who recently inherited this lush river valley in southern Helmand province from British forces have tossed aside their predecessor's playbook in favor of a more aggressive strategy to tame one of the most violent places in Afghanistan.


Continue reading "U.S. Marines take on Afghan valley that bled Brits" »

Engineers fortify a Musa Qal'eh outpost [Image 1 of 15]

1st Marine Division
Photo by John McCall
Date Taken: 11.04.2010
Date Posted: 11.09.2010 10:24
Photo ID: 338155
VIRIN: 101104-M-5160M-942
Location: MUSA QAL'EH, AF

A tram vehicle scoops up a load of dirt to fill a Hesco barrier at a small combat outpost in Musa Qal’eh, Nov. 4.

Continue reading "Engineers fortify a Musa Qal'eh outpost [Image 1 of 15]" »

3/1 leads I MEF re-enlistment surge

Regimental Combat Team 1

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence
11.09.2010 06:58

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- He has conducted re-enlistment interviews in just about every imaginable setting in the Garmsir district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Joseph Janez, the career planner with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, has hopped on convoys and hunkered down behind the protection of hesco walls to talk to Marines about their career options. Once, at Combat Operation Post Rankel in Southern Garmsir, an improvised explosive device blew up about 150 yards away from where he was conducting an interview.

Continue reading "3/1 leads I MEF re-enlistment surge" »

November 8, 2010

Afghan, coalition forces kill insurgents; seize drugs, weapons during raid

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs

Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson
Date Posted:11.08.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan –Thunder roared and lightning ripped through the sky while ordinance burst across an insurgent logistics trafficking hub as coalition forces conducted one of the largest raid operations since the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces kill insurgents; seize drugs, weapons during raid" »

November 7, 2010

Afghan Solider Suspected in Attack on Marines

Two Camp Pendleton Marines were killed in the attack

By ALICIA DEAN
Sun, Nov 7, 2010

Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm of Flagstaff, Ariz and Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson of Arvada, Colo. were providing security at an outpost in Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan when someone started shooting at them.

Continue reading "Afghan Solider Suspected in Attack on Marines" »

Wing Marines fly through convoy operations

Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs | Date: 11.07.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Convoys provide vital lifelines of troops, supplies and vehicles across Afghanistan; however, it requires an immense amount of teamwork, dedication and proficiency to keep these assets moving across the vast desert terrain.

Continue reading "Wing Marines fly through convoy operations" »

Two Marines from Camp Pendleton may have been killed by Afghan soldier

Associated Press
November 7, 2010

The two Marines from Camp Pendleton whose deaths in Afghanistan were announced Saturday may have been killed by an Afghan soldier, the Marine Corps said Sunday.

Continue reading "Two Marines from Camp Pendleton may have been killed by Afghan soldier" »

November 6, 2010

Motor Transport keeps Marines in the fight

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 11.06.2010

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan –The Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) arrived here last month in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) and to provide combat logistics support to units within Regimental Combat Team 1.

Continue reading "Motor Transport keeps Marines in the fight" »

Home is where the heart is: Mexico-born Marine gives back to U.S. during Afghanistan Deployment

11/6/2010 By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Born in Mexico, a motor transport operator from 2nd Platoon, General Support Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), did not grow up with much, but when he moved to the United States his life took a turn to the brighter side; and now he is happy to have a chance to give back to the country he now calls home.

Continue reading "Home is where the heart is: Mexico-born Marine gives back to U.S. during Afghanistan Deployment" »

I MEF (Forward) career planners retain service

Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.06.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The job of a career planner is neither glamorous nor envied, but is essential in the retention of qualified Marines.

Continue reading "I MEF (Forward) career planners retain service" »

November 5, 2010

CLB-3 begins operations in Afghanistan

11/5/2010 By Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II , Marine Corps Bases Japan

Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan — Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 3 began conducting independent operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after an official transfer of authority Oct. 18 on Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "CLB-3 begins operations in Afghanistan" »

November 4, 2010

Business Growth, Jobs, Infrastructure Highlight Progress

ISAF HQ Public Affairs
2010-11-CA-001

KABUL, Afghanistan (November 4) – Enabled by security progress, Afghan-Coalition partnership and actions taken by the Government of Afghanistan, significant achievements in governance and development across Afghanistan in October created new educational and economic opportunities.

Continue reading "Business Growth, Jobs, Infrastructure Highlight Progress" »

Spokesman Explains Significance of July 2011 in Afghanistan

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2010 – The July 2011 target to begin handing over territory in Afghanistan to Afghan security forces is a marker for the Afghan government, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.

Continue reading "Spokesman Explains Significance of July 2011 in Afghanistan" »

New generation of troops inherit Afghan war

By TODD PITMAN - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 4, 2010 15:21:53 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Jacob Adams was in 5th grade math class when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. His parents took him out of school early that day.

Continue reading "New generation of troops inherit Afghan war" »

Afghani villagers get stronger against Taliban

Nov. 4, 2010
By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY

Military commanders in southern Afghanistan say successful coalition offensives have slashed the Taliban's ability to fund operations and have boosted the confidence of Afghan villagers to form defense groups against the insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghani villagers get stronger against Taliban" »

Corps’ plan for clean water downrange

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Nov 4, 2010 9:04:16 EDT

New smaller, company-sized water purification systems are en route to Afghanistan, where larger-scale systems also are getting more use on remote battlefields.

Continue reading "Corps’ plan for clean water downrange" »

November 3, 2010

‘Gunfighters’ ready for quick draw during troops in contact response

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date11.02.2010
Date Posted:11.03.2010 10:40

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – “TIC, TIC, TIC” is the radio call that commands Marines to sprint to waiting aircraft on the flightline for an immediate takeoff. It can happen at any time of day, and two attack helicopters from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 are always ready for tasking when the call is received.

Continue reading "‘Gunfighters’ ready for quick draw during troops in contact response" »

Helmand governor: US improving security in Sangin

By DAVID STRINGER
The Associated Press
Wednesday, November 3, 2010; 2:10 PM

LONDON -- Security has improved since U.S. Marines replaced British troops in a volatile area of southern Afghanistan that has seen some of the most intense combat of the war, a key Afghan official said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Helmand governor: US improving security in Sangin" »

Key Afghan official says security improving in troubled district since US troops replaced UK

November 03, 2010
The Associated Press
The Canadian Press, 2010

LONDON - The governor of Afghanistan's southern Helmand province says security has improved since U.S. Marines replaced British troops in towns that have seen the most intense combat.

Continue reading "Key Afghan official says security improving in troubled district since US troops replaced UK" »

Dental Detachment performs root canal on K-9s

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Burgess
Date: 11.03.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The sailors with Charlie Surgical Company’s Dental Detachment here went above and beyond their mission by opening up their doors to less traditional patients, Military Working Dogs.

Continue reading "Dental Detachment performs root canal on K-9s" »

Coalition forces repair road for Helmand village

Courtesy Story | ISAF Joint Command | Date: 11.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces completed road improvements near the village of Shir Ghazay in Helmand province, Oct. 21, improving traffic ability for local villagers as well as Afghan National Security Forces and coalition troops.

Continue reading "Coalition forces repair road for Helmand village" »

November 2, 2010

MCCS brings morale to Kajaki Marines

Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date 10.20.2010
Date Posted: 11.02.2010 01:47

KAJAKI DAM, Afghanistan – Members of the Warrior Express Services Team, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) brought a little piece of home to the Marines of India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, when the team visited them here, Oct. 17-27.

Continue reading "MCCS brings morale to Kajaki Marines" »

U.S. Marines begin to hand over small bases to Afghan army in southwest

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 2, 2010; 12:06 AM

NAWA, AFGHANISTAN - U.S. Marines have begun handing over some of their small bases to the Afghan army in this once-volatile district in the country's southwest, a transition that top military commanders intend to cite as proof that the Obama administration's troop escalation and counterinsurgency strategy are succeeding.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines begin to hand over small bases to Afghan army in southwest" »

November 1, 2010

International force seizes explosives, weapons

Materials for more than 2,000 bombs destroyed in Afghanistan

By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published November 1, 2010 at 6:02 p.m., updated November 1, 2010 at 10:30 p.m.

International forces under the command of Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward raided a Taliban logistics hub near the Afghan border with Pakistan over the weekend, where they killed at least 15 insurgents and seized enough explosive material to make more than 2,000 bombs, the International Security Assistance Force announced Monday

Continue reading "International force seizes explosives, weapons" »

CLB-3 constructs bridge, aids Afghan community

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall

Date: 10.27.2010
Date Posted: 11.01.2010 06:47

TRAKH NAWA, Afghanistan – Since the removal of the Taliban as Afghanistan’s governing body nine years ago, coalition forces have helped rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, providing stability and peace to an otherwise turbulent region. Their humanitarian and peace-keeping efforts seek to bridge the divide between traditional and progressive values in an ever-changing world. For combat engineers, the aforementioned objective can be accomplished quite literally.

Continue reading "CLB-3 constructs bridge, aids Afghan community" »

US Marines conduct full-fledge clearing operation boosting security in Northern Marjah

Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date Posted: 11.01.2010 04:51

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Engines roaring, a massive convoy charged toward Sistani, a region in Marjah notorious for remnant Taliban fighters who harass the local population.

Continue reading "US Marines conduct full-fledge clearing operation boosting security in Northern Marjah" »

Marines Train the Afghan Trainers

Monday, November 01, 2010
by Sgt. Jesse Stence RCT-1

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – They’re young, but they don’t have the luxury of claiming inexperience; they have to make life-and-death decisions in the blink of an eye. Equipped with modern technology and senses sharpened to detect the tiniest irregularities, they’re poised to act. They are the small unit leaders – modern warriors.

Continue reading "Marines Train the Afghan Trainers" »

October 30, 2010

US Marines launch operation against Taliban stronghold near the Pakistani border

By Bill Roggio
October 30, 2010

US Marines and Afghan security forces launched an operation today against the Taliban stronghold of Baramcha in southern Helmand province.


Continue reading "US Marines launch operation against Taliban stronghold near the Pakistani border" »

Marjah leaders rally locals for peace as US Marines see signs of stability in the region

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 10.30.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - When 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment arrived in Marjah, parts of the region were unstable from months of fighting with Taliban forces. Many locals fled.

Continue reading "Marjah leaders rally locals for peace as US Marines see signs of stability in the region" »

October 29, 2010

Injured Marine returns to the fight

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date: 10.24.2010
Date Posted: 10.29.2010 11:53

DEMAZONG, Afghanistan – Slightly more than a month ago, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) suffered a grade-three concussion in a blast from an improvised explosive device. Today, he is back on top of his game as a combat engineer who just completed a mission helping build Patrol Base Demazong.

Continue reading "Injured Marine returns to the fight" »

October 28, 2010

Lynn Sees Counterinsurgency Success in Afghan Village

Story by Jim Garamone | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs | Date: 10.28.2010

NAWA, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeff Holt was showing Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III the lay of the land of this village in Helmand province from atop the district government center.

Continue reading "Lynn Sees Counterinsurgency Success in Afghan Village" »

Engineers practice sweep techniques

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. John McCall
Date10.27.2010
Date Posted:10.28.2010 13:06
Location:CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGlobe

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QALEH, Afghanistan – The importance of countering improvised explosive devices is constantly on the minds of the Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion as they refreshed their skills during IED detection training at Forward Operating Base Musa Qaleh, Afghanistan, Oct. 27.

Continue reading "Engineers practice sweep techniques" »

Afghan district holds lessons as US makes gains

By TODD PITMAN, Associated Press Todd Pitman, Associated Press – Wed Oct 27, 5:14 pm ET

MARJAH, Afghanistan – With bandoliers of bullets wrapped over both shoulders, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Seth Little knelt in a trench, his machine gun pointing toward a clutch of farmers in a field who stared silently back.

Continue reading "Afghan district holds lessons as US makes gains" »

October 27, 2010

Engineers working behind the scenes in Afghanistan

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 10.27.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – I Marine Headquarters Group (Forward) engineers make the way of life better for service members at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Engineers working behind the scenes in Afghanistan" »

ANP distribute alfalfa seed to local villagers in Kajaki.

Story by 1st Lt. Barry Morris | Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 10.27.2010

KAJAKI, Afghanistan - Seasonal change brings with it a shift in weather as well as climate. For the Afghans living around the Kajaki Dam, every opportunity to prepare for the winter months ahead is essential for their continued success and survival.

Continue reading "ANP distribute alfalfa seed to local villagers in Kajaki." »

Neighborhood watch gaining foothold in Marjah

By Megan McCloskey
Published: October 27, 2010

ARLINGTON, Va. — Neighborhood watch programs, typically the domain of riled-up, would-be crime stoppers in community associations across America, are apparently catching on in the Marjah district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Neighborhood watch gaining foothold in Marjah" »

Afghan ban on security firms delayed

By Katharine Houreld - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 27, 2010 9:55:15 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan president said Wednesday that he will extend a Dec. 17 deadline for private security firms to disband by at least two extra months.

Continue reading "Afghan ban on security firms delayed" »

October 26, 2010

Camp Pendleton Marines see heavy combat in Sangin

General says clear, hold, build strategy progressing

By Gretel C. Kovach
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 6:21 p.m.

It is a familiar pattern for Marines serving in Helmand province, a stronghold of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Their initial pushes into areas controlled by insurgents have been met with heavy resistance, including small arms fire, ambushes, and lethal improvised bomb attacks.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marines see heavy combat in Sangin" »

Afghanistan: Life on the front line

October 26, 2010
Todd Pitman

INTERACTIVE: To get a sense of what life is like on the front lines in Afghanistan, take a look at Todd's audio slideshow.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Life on the front line" »

No clear replacements for Afghan security guards

By KATHARINE HOURELD, Associated Press Writer,

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 11:13 a.m.

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai's order to replace private security companies with Afghan policemen and soldiers leaves two big unanswered questions - What policemen? What soldiers?

Continue reading "No clear replacements for Afghan security guards" »

October 25, 2010

Oregon Marines hit by IEDs in Taliban hotspot

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Oct 25, 2010 at 5:13 PM PDT

EN ROUTE TO COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan - “Everyone make sure their helmets and seatbelts are on," says Cpt Ryan Bumgardner, 29, of Hood River, Ore., "and the doors are locked.”

Continue reading "Oregon Marines hit by IEDs in Taliban hotspot" »

Afghan president will disband private guards

By KATHARINE HOURELD, Associated Press Writer,
Monday, October 25, 2010 at 12:06 p.m.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan's president on Monday brushed aside appeals from international officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, to reverse plans to close private security companies.

Continue reading "Afghan president will disband private guards" »

October 24, 2010

8 enemy deaths, 46 shootings: War by the numbers

By TODD PITMAN
The Associated Press
Sunday, October 24, 2010; 12:44 PM

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- In the first two months of a seven-month tour, U.S. Marine Cpl. Chuck Martin has been in 16 firefights.

Continue reading "8 enemy deaths, 46 shootings: War by the numbers" »

Marines, Afghans come together for way forward in Marjah

Story by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 10.24.2010

COMBAT OUTPOST TURBETT, Afghanistan – Few would argue that in recent months Marjah has become a safer place, and if you ask 1st Lt. Taylor Williams, platoon commander for Weapons Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, he’ll tell you there has been tremendous success. However, these Marines aren’t done yet.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghans come together for way forward in Marjah" »

CLR-15 (FWD) Marines augment CLB-3 during Afghanistan deployment

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 10.24.2010

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Only a few days after accepting sole logistical responsibility in a large area of operations, and less than one month into their deployment in support of the International Security Assistance Force, the Marines and sailors of Hawaii-based Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) have already conducted several operations throughout Helmand province.

Continue reading "CLR-15 (FWD) Marines augment CLB-3 during Afghanistan deployment" »

October 23, 2010

Seabees help Devil Dogs in Marjah

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 10.23.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Their historic track record of building and bulldozing dates back to World War II. Around the world, they erect entire bases out of nothing, in the harshest of conditions. Their unit logo is a bee charging full speed ahead, hauling a variety construction tools. They’re not just busy-bees; they’re “Seabees.”

Continue reading "Seabees help Devil Dogs in Marjah" »

Female Engagement Team builds bridges into Afghan society

Story by Sgt. Dean Davis | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 10.23.2010

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - As the Female Engagement Team of Regimental Combat Team 1 patrols the fields, canals and villages of Helmand, they are bridging the cultural gap that is sometimes at the forefront of the counterinsurgency here.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team builds bridges into Afghan society" »

NATO squeezing Taliban, but no claims of victory

By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press
Saturday October 23, 2010 09:19 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan – Taliban commanders dead or captured. Insurgents routed from strongholds. Stopping short of claiming it has broken the back of the insurgency, NATO is touting progress ahead of Washington's year-end review of the war — and hoping that this time, the alliance has the force and experience to keep militants from regaining momentum.

Continue reading "NATO squeezing Taliban, but no claims of victory" »

October 22, 2010

Afghan insurgents dismiss peace talks, NATO upbeat

22 Oct 2010 14:47:36 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Mid-level Taliban insurgency commanders do not believe their leaders have begun tentative peace talks with the Afghan government, with many vowing on Friday not to give up the fight after nearly 10 years of war.

Continue reading "Afghan insurgents dismiss peace talks, NATO upbeat" »

Graphic novel as an Afghanistan war primer

The military is distributing about 5,000 copies of the book, which is meant to prepare Navy medical corpsmen for deployment.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
October 22, 2010

Reporting from San Diego — —

To help prepare Navy medical corpsmen for the stress and danger of Afghanistan deployments, the Navy has turned to a modern form of popular culture: the graphic novel.

Continue reading "Graphic novel as an Afghanistan war primer" »

October 21, 2010

Oregon Marines in Afghanistan cheer Ducks, Beavers

By KVAL.com staff
Story Published: Oct 21, 2010 at 1:57 PM PDT

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Blame the delay in the video reaching KVAL.com's offices in Eugene for the lowered expectations of Cpl. Paul Spies.

Continue reading "Oregon Marines in Afghanistan cheer Ducks, Beavers" »

Want to know how the war in Afghanistan is going? Watch Kandahar.

Progress on firming up security in Afghanistan depends on how US and Afghan troops secure Kandahar province – the nucleus of Taliban resistance.

By David Francis, Correspondent / October 21, 2010

Kandahar City, Afghanistan
For the past decade, the Taliban has held firm control over the small farming village of Malajat, located on the green flatland along the eastern outskirts of Kandahar City. NATO forces and Afghan police refused to enter the area, knowing any attempt to clear the town of military threats would be met with fierce resistance.

Continue reading "Want to know how the war in Afghanistan is going? Watch Kandahar." »

Marines keep crafty enemy off balance in Afghanistan

Sgt. Mark Fayloga
RCT-1 PAO

NAWA, Afghanistan (Oct. 21, 2010) — The men of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have spent enough time in Afghanistan to understand some of the workings of the Taliban presence there.

Continue reading "Marines keep crafty enemy off balance in Afghanistan" »

October 20, 2010

Female Afghan general visits hospital in Paktya

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Spencer Case
Date 10.20.2010

Courtesy Photo PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Rahimi Razia, chief nurse of the ANA, visited Paktya Regional Medical Hospital Oct. 17 - 20 to examine the facility and speak with patients and medical practitioners there.

Continue reading "Female Afghan general visits hospital in Paktya" »

Nine Afghan civilians killed, 10 wounded by insurgent IED

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A school bus carrying female students hit an insurgent-planted improvised explosive device, killing nine and wounding 10, in the Khash Rod district of Nimroz province Wednesday, according to initial reports.

Continue reading "Nine Afghan civilians killed, 10 wounded by insurgent IED" »

Senior Taliban leader killed in Helmand

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Afghan forces, with assistance from coalition forces, killed a senior Taliban leader during an engagement in Helmand province, Oct. 14.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban leader killed in Helmand" »

Polish, US soldiers assist school after rocket attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Polish and U.S. soldiers from the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered school supplies and furniture to the Touheed Abud School, Oct. 13.

Continue reading "Polish, US soldiers assist school after rocket attack" »

Afghan-led force kills more than 20 insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan-led forces under the guidance of Afghan border police commander Brig. Gen. Abdul Raziq Achekzai killed more than 20 insurgents during a clearing operation Thursday - Saturday in the Zangabad villages of the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force kills more than 20 insurgents" »

Report: Taliban Leaders Meet Karzai to Talk Peace

Posted by CBSNews.com staff
October 19, 2010 9:29 PM

Taliban leaders are leaving their safe havens in Pakistan with the assistance of NATO troops to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other government officials to discuss ending the nine-year conflict, according to a New York Times report.

Continue reading "Report: Taliban Leaders Meet Karzai to Talk Peace" »

Afghan leader sees hope for peace, reconciliation

20 Oct 2010 10:42:01 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Hamid Shalizi

KABUL, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The hope for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan after almost 10 years of war has increased, President Hamid Karzai said on Wednesday, reinforcing his wish for a political settlement to the intractable conflict.

Continue reading "Afghan leader sees hope for peace, reconciliation" »

Afghan, coalition force kill armed insurgents during Paktika operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010
Date Posted: 10.19.2010 23:35

KABUL, Afghanistan –– An Afghan and coalition security force targeting a Haqqani Network facilitator responsible for handling logistical requirements in Ziruk district of Paktika province, killed more than 10 armed insurgents during an overnight operation in the province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force kill armed insurgents during Paktika operation" »

Afghan, coalition force targets senior-level Taliban leader in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010
Date Posted: 10.19.2010 23:31

KABUL, Afghanistan –– An Afghan and coalition security force targeted a Taliban senior leader and key financier operating in Marjah district, detaining several suspected insurgents during an overnight operation in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force targets senior-level Taliban leader in Helmand" »

October 19, 2010

Pentagon sends second aircraft carrier to help with troop surge in Afghanistan

By PAULINE JELINEK , Associated Press
Last update: October 19, 2010 - 7:35 AM

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has sent a second aircraft carrier to support the troop buildup in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Pentagon sends second aircraft carrier to help with troop surge in Afghanistan" »

Navy goes postal at FOB Gardez

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Courtesy Story
Date 10.20.2010
Date Posted: 10.19.2010 17:10

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Navy postal clerks for the 1st Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment’s area of operations provide service to 18 Task Force Avalanche units.

Continue reading "Navy goes postal at FOB Gardez" »

Official: Afghanistan to void some 1 million votes

By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press Writer
Posted on Tuesday, 10.19.10

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan election officials plan to throw out about 1 million ballots from last month's parliamentary election - eliminating about 23 percent of the votes due to fraud, a Western official said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Official: Afghanistan to void some 1 million votes" »

Working instead of school, the boy mechanics of Kabul

By Barbara Starr, CNN
October 19, 2010 12:25 p.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The grease-covered orange overalls can't hide 14-year-old Nazer Ahmad's frail frame. As he leans under the hood of a wrecked car, torn plastic sandals on his feet, I know I cannot possibly understand the life this young boy is forced to lead in war-torn Afghanistan -- where jobs are few, pay is appalling, and young children must work rather than go to school and play with their friends.

Continue reading "Working instead of school, the boy mechanics of Kabul" »

Weaning Afghan Farmers off Opium Will Take Time

October 19, 2010 3:31 PM
Posted by Terry McCarthy

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

When we first came to Garmsir in southern Helmand with the 3/1 Marines in April, there were poppy fields everywhere. Each patrol we went out on, we tramped through fields of the recently harvested plant, the bulbs scored diagonally to allow the resin to ooze out. After a couple of weeks the farmers returned to gather seeds from the dried-out pods and set them aside for the next planting season. That starts next month if they go ahead and plant poppy again.

Continue reading "Weaning Afghan Farmers off Opium Will Take Time" »

Afghanistan orders audits of all private banks

By Hamid Shalizi Hamid Shalizi – Tue Oct 19, 10:14 am ET

KABUL (Reuters) – The Afghan government on Tuesday said it had ordered an audit of all private banks following a corruption scandal that threatened to bring down the country's top lender.

Continue reading "Afghanistan orders audits of all private banks" »

Afghan Detainee Killed in Kandahar

By ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: October 19, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — An American soldier shot and killed an Afghan detainee in a district jail in Kandahar Province on Sunday, according to a statement from President Hamid Karzai that appeared to portray the shooting as unprovoked.

Continue reading "Afghan Detainee Killed in Kandahar" »

Iran offers to 'help stabilise Afghanistan'

19 October 2010 - 16H22

AFP - Iran can help stabilise Afghanistan with US support, a top Iranian diplomat said Tuesday, after taking part in talks on Afghanistan among world powers for the first time, ANSA news agency reported.

Continue reading "Iran offers to 'help stabilise Afghanistan'" »

Taliban shadow mayor targeted in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010
Date Posted: 10.19.2010 08:57

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed several insurgents in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Oct. 18.

Continue reading "Taliban shadow mayor targeted in Helmand" »

Fairchild airmen refuel fighters high above Afghanistan

David Wasson The Spokesman-Review
October 19, 2010

SOMEWHERE OVER AFGHANISTAN – Staff Sgt. Aaron McLaughlin eased the KC-135’s fuel boom toward the fully armed fighter jet pushing up beneath the tanker’s tail.

Continue reading "Fairchild airmen refuel fighters high above Afghanistan" »

Peace deal with Taliban required: experts

AFP
October 19, 2010 - 1:54PM

A Taliban return to government is inevitable if Afghanistan is to have any hope of peace, but the cost is likely to be erosion of rights and a rollback from democracy, a growing number of experts believe.

Continue reading "Peace deal with Taliban required: experts" »

UPDATE Precision air strikes kills senior Taliban leader in Baghlan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan –– The International Security Assistance Force confirmed that precision air strikes in Baghlan province Sunday killed Abdul Jamil, the senior Taliban military leader for Dahanah-ye Ghori and Pul-e Khumri districts.

Continue reading "UPDATE Precision air strikes kills senior Taliban leader in Baghlan" »

Numerous insurgents killed during combined patrol

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed numerous insurgents in Shah Wali Kot, northern Kandahar province, Monday.

Continue reading "Numerous insurgents killed during combined patrol" »

Marjah governor tells citizens 'stand up to Taliban' during shura

Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date 10.06.2010
Date Posted: 10.19.2010 02:01

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan - As the local government begins to take the lead role in counterinsurgency efforts, the Marines occasionally find themselves following the Afghan people’s example. So Oct. 6, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment personnel found themselves sitting in a circle, shoeless, alongside Marjah District Gov. Abdul Mutalib Majbor and local village elders. Gathered at Camp Hanson, Afghanistan, this motley crew held a shura to discuss issues related to Marjah’s progress in security, development and governance.

Continue reading " Marjah governor tells citizens 'stand up to Taliban' during shura" »

AFGHANISTAN: Pomegranate farmers rue Kandahar fighting

19 Oct 2010 06:22:25 GMT
Source: IRIN

Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.

KABUL, 19 October 2010 (IRIN) - It is the season for harvesting pomegranates - a major fruit crop in Kandahar Province, southern Afghanistan - but some farmers say fighting there has badly affected their farms and livelihoods.

Continue reading "AFGHANISTAN: Pomegranate farmers rue Kandahar fighting" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Afghanistan overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan –– Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspected insurgents during four operations aimed at capturing Taliban and Haqqani Network leadership.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Afghanistan overnight" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of senior Taliban leader in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan –– The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a senior Taliban leader during an operation in Kandahar province Sunday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of senior Taliban leader in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition forces capture IED cell leader in Helmand overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan –– An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device cell leader operating in Nawa-ye Barakzai during an operation in Helmand province overnight.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces capture IED cell leader in Helmand overnight" »

Transportation Support Company B contributes to big picture missions

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan
Date 10.19.2010

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Standing in the crisp air of the Afghanistan morning, service members with Transportation Support Company B awaited their brief, in which the details of their convoy would be addressed.

Continue reading "Transportation Support Company B contributes to big picture missions" »

Troops chafe at restrictive rules of engagement, talks with Taliban

By: Sara A. Carter
National Security Correspondent
October 19, 2010

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN -- To the U.S. Army soldiers and Marines serving here, some things seem so obviously true that they are beyond debate. Among those perceived truths: Tthe restrictive rules of engagement that they have to fight under have made serving in combat far more dangerous for them, while allowing the Taliban to return to a position of strength.

Continue reading "Troops chafe at restrictive rules of engagement, talks with Taliban" »

October 18, 2010

'More grunts are going home alive because of what you are doing'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Oct 18, 2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - “It’s like 'Field of Dreams' - build it and they will come,” says LtCol Ted Adams to Oregon Marines as they sit on benches - and in the dirt - of Afghanistan.

Continue reading " 'More grunts are going home alive because of what you are doing'" »

Taliban attack girl in eastern Kandahar, Afghans call for medical evacuation

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- A seven-year-old girl was struck down by a Taliban member on a motorcycle as she was walking down the street in her village in the Maruf District of Kandahar province, Oct. 12.

Continue reading "Taliban attack girl in eastern Kandahar, Afghans call for medical evacuation" »

NATO Claims It Is Choking Off Insurgents' Supplies

NATO Blocking Insurgents' Supply Routes, Leading Militants To Extort Money From Afghans

(AP)
Oct. 18, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The NATO coalition said Monday that Afghan and international forces have choked insurgent supply routes in some parts of Afghanistan, prompting militants to extort money from citizens to keep their operations sufficiently supplied.

Continue reading "NATO Claims It Is Choking Off Insurgents' Supplies" »

Combined Afghan force secures the Arghandab River Valley

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

A combined Afghan National Security Force consisting of Afghan Border Police, Afghan Uniformed Police and members of the National Directorate of Security cleared the Arghandab River Valley of insurgent activity and safe havens, Oct. 8.

Continue reading "Combined Afghan force secures the Arghandab River Valley" »

A Birthday Party in Helmand Province

Posted by Terry McCarthy
October 18, 2010 2:35 PM

It was the most unlikely place for a birthday party: Observation Post Harris, a Marine observation post beside a dirt road, backing onto a canal, in the middle of the countryside, in the middle of a war.

Continue reading "A Birthday Party in Helmand Province" »

In Afghan town, insurgents vanish after battles

By TODD PITMAN, Associated Press Writer,
Monday, October 18, 2010 at 10:58 a.m.

MARJAH, Afghanistan — The Marines have found bloody clothes and spent bullet casings and bombs meant to kill them. They've heard bullets flying overhead and seen muzzle flashes in tree lines.

Continue reading "In Afghan town, insurgents vanish after battles" »

Gunmen Kill 8 Private Security Guards in Afghanistan

VOA News
18 October 2010

Officials in Afghanistan say eight Afghan security guards were killed when Taliban insurgents attacked a security post in the southern province of Helmand.

Continue reading "Gunmen Kill 8 Private Security Guards in Afghanistan" »

Afghan, coalition forces discover insurgent weapon factory

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition force conducting a dismounted patrol discovered an insurgent weapon factory in Sangin District, Helmand province, Monday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces discover insurgent weapon factory" »

Journalist Embeds Canceled In Afghanistan

by Ben Gilbert
October 18, 2010

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A major military operation involving hundreds of American troops, U.S. Special Forces and heavy bombers dropping 2,000-pound bombs on Taliban command and control centers wrapped up last week, concluding a critical phase in the campaign to oust the Taliban from Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Journalist Embeds Canceled In Afghanistan" »

‘Ugly Angels’ support ANA, coalition forces during Operation Stargey

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 10.17.2010
Date Posted: 10.18.2010 23:54
Location:JAHAZI, AF

JAHAZI, Afghanistan – Two CH-53D Sea Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), landed here early in the morning Oct.17 with approximately 30 Afghan National Army troops and Marines from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, on board for Operation Stargey.

Continue reading "‘Ugly Angels’ support ANA, coalition forces during Operation Stargey" »

IED threat relevant to all of 1st CEB

1st Marine Division
Story by Lance Cpl. John McCall
Date 10.15.2010
Date Posted: 10.18.2010 07:43

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were shown basic route clearance techniques and procedures by 3rd CEB engineers during counter improvised explosive device training here, Oct. 15.

Continue reading "IED threat relevant to all of 1st CEB" »

76 Marines killed in Afghanistan since May 1

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 18, 2010 18:25:26 EDT

Last November, President Obama announced that 30,000 additional U.S. troops, including 8,500 Marines, would deploy to Afghanistan. The troops would push the Corps’ footprint in hostile Helmand province to more than 20,000.

Continue reading "76 Marines killed in Afghanistan since May 1" »

'Dad, I've been hit'

By Mike LaBella
The Eagle Tribune
Mon Oct 18, 2010, 02:30 AM EDT

HAVERHILL — Ron Powell, a three-time Purple Heart decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, has had many sleepless nights since his three sons followed in his footsteps.

Continue reading "'Dad, I've been hit'" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 18

18 Oct 2010 08:37:16 GMT
Source: Reuters

Oct 18 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0830 GMT on Monday:

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 18" »

Marines, sailors help 1,000 students register for school

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, alongside Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army, took part in a joint school supply distribution and school registration at the local school house in Musa Qal’eh, Oct. 11.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors help 1,000 students register for school" »

UPDATE Kidnapped child freed, head of kidnapping ring detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the leaders of a Kabul-based kidnapped ring were detained by Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF, Saturday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Kidnapped child freed, head of kidnapping ring detained" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani Network IED facilitator

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator who coordinated improvised explosive device supplies and conducted IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, during an operation in Khost province overnight.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani Network IED facilitator" »

Forces conduct precision air strikes against Taliban IED operative

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted precision air strikes in Baghlan province Sunday targeting the senior Taliban military leader for Dahanah-ye Ghori and Pul-e Khumri districts.

Continue reading "Forces conduct precision air strikes against Taliban IED operative" »

Afghan, coalition force targets Taliban deputy leader for Nawa district

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force targeted the Taliban deputy leader for Nawah-ye Barakzai district who coordinates the activities of Taliban fighters in the district, detaining two suspected insurgents during an operation in Helmand province overnight.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force targets Taliban deputy leader for Nawa district" »

October 17, 2010

Combined force discovers weapons stockpile

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition force conducting a dismounted patrol discovered a large stockpile of insurgent weapons, drugs and explosives in southern Afghanistan Oct. 17.

Continue reading "Combined force discovers weapons stockpile" »

Afghanistan clarifies rules for private security companies

By the CNN Wire Staff
October 17, 2010 1:44 p.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The Afghan government on Sunday clarified the exceptions to a ban on private security contractors, stating that those firms offering protection to embassies and foreign diplomats will be allowed to continue to operate.

Continue reading "Afghanistan clarifies rules for private security companies" »

'Red Devils' clear path for 'Werewolves'

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 10.17.2010

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), is down to the last 30 days of their deployment while still maintaining and upholding the standards with which they arrived.

Continue reading "'Red Devils' clear path for 'Werewolves'" »

Kidnapped child freed, captors detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol freed a kidnapped child and detained several suspected kidnappers in Kabul, Saturday.

Continue reading "Kidnapped child freed, captors detained" »

Afghan, coalition forces discover IED cache in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces discovered a large improvised explosive device cache during a patrol Saturday in the Zharay District of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces discover IED cache in Kandahar" »

Several suspected insurgents detained in Afghanistan overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspected insurgents in three overnight operations in northern and eastern Afghanistan aimed at capturing Taliban and Haqqani Network leadership.

Continue reading "Several suspected insurgents detained in Afghanistan overnight" »

Coalition forces conduct precision air strikes against Haqqani leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted precision air strikes in Paktiya province Saturday targeting a Haqqani Network senior leader who facilitates weapons and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in neighboring Musa Khel district of Khost province.

Continue reading "Coalition forces conduct precision air strikes against Haqqani leader" »

Taliban leader captured by Afghan-led force in Paktika overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader who led improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks, in Paktika province, Saturday.

Continue reading "Taliban leader captured by Afghan-led force in Paktika overnight" »

Taliban facilitator captured in Zabul overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator who led an improvised explosive device attack cell in Qalat and Shah Joy Districts, during an operation in Zabul province overnight.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitator captured in Zabul overnight" »

Taliban narcotics, IED facilitator targeted in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force targeted a Taliban improvised explosive device and narcotics facilitator for Maiwand and Lashkar Gah Districts, detaining two suspected insurgents in Helmand province overnight.

Continue reading "Taliban narcotics, IED facilitator targeted in Helmand" »

Marine sergeant improves information security

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar
Date 10.17.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Sgt. Jeremy Furtney heads home with a Navy Achievement Medal after spending five months in Afghanistan successfully implementing the Host Base Security System to all sites in the Regional Command Southwest area of responsibility.

Continue reading "Marine sergeant improves information security" »

Taliban senior leader captured by Afghan-led force in Marjah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban senior leader who leads up to 20 fighters in the Sistani area of Marjah district, along with two of his associates, during an overnight operation in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Taliban senior leader captured by Afghan-led force in Marjah" »

Detainee found dead in southern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.18.2010
Date Posted: 10.17.2010 23:34

KABUL, Afghanistan – A detainee in International Security Assistance Force custody was found dead in his holding cell in southern Afghanistan Sunday.

Continue reading "Detainee found dead in southern Afghanistan" »

October 16, 2010

'Time. It will take some time’

Camp Pendleton-based Marines said it could take years, even decades, to achieve long-term stability in the impoverished and insurgent-filled country

By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 10:21 p.m.

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN — Halfway around the world on U.S. bases planted in the lush river valleys and barren deserts of southern Afghanistan, there is no escaping the headlines.

Continue reading "'Time. It will take some time’" »

Taliban facilitator captured in Kandahar overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator for weapons, ammunition and suicide bombers in Kandahar City during an overnight operation in the city.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitator captured in Kandahar overnight" »

Large IED storage and facilitation facility destroyed in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol located and destroyed an improvised explosive facilitation and storage compound during an operation in the Sangin district of Helmand province, Saturday.

Continue reading "Large IED storage and facilitation facility destroyed in Helmand" »

Taliban weapons facilitator captured in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban weapons facilitator who played a key role in the facilitation of weapons and improvised explosive devices in Now Zad District of Helmand province, during an overnight operation in the province.

Continue reading "Taliban weapons facilitator captured in Helmand" »

Haqqani Network leader capture in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani Network leader who maintained weapons caches and planned attacks, during an overnight operation in Paktika province.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network leader capture in Paktika" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 16

16 Oct 2010 10:43:31 GMT
Source: Reuters

Oct 16 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1030 GMT on Saturday:

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 16" »

Local builders risk losing out in Afghanistan's Helmand province

Afghanistan | 16.10.2010

US Marines and local businessmen are laying down the foundations for reconstruction in one of the Taliban's biggest strongholds in Afghanistan. But Helmand is likely to remain a place where many die and a few get rich.

Continue reading "Local builders risk losing out in Afghanistan's Helmand province" »

Tiny fly spreading disfiguring disease in Afghanistan

By Robert Kennedy
The Associated Press
Posted: 10/16/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

KABUL — An outbreak of a tropical disease caused by sand-fly bites that leaves disfiguring skin sores has hit Afghanistan, with tens of thousands of people infected, health officials said Friday.

Continue reading "Tiny fly spreading disfiguring disease in Afghanistan" »

'Taliban' kill woman accused of murdering mother-in-law

By Bilal Sarwary
16 October 2010 Last updated at 07:17 ET
BBC News, Kabul

A woman accused of murdering her mother-in-law has been killed by Taliban in the eastern Afghan province of Ghazni, local officials say.

Continue reading "'Taliban' kill woman accused of murdering mother-in-law" »

Pakistan ‘frees’ Mullah Baradar

Saturday, 16 Oct, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has freed the supreme commander of Taliban in Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, to enable him to play a pivotal role in back-channel talks with the US, through the Pakistani army, Asia Times Online reported on Friday.

Continue reading "Pakistan ‘frees’ Mullah Baradar" »

Critical Assault By Allies Begins Near Kandahar

By CARLOTTA GALL, The New York Times
Published: October 16, 2010

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Hundreds of Afghan and American troops on Saturday made an air assault into the horn of Panjwai, a wide area that has served as the main base for the Taliban threatening Kandahar city, Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, the commander of coalition forces in southern Afghanistan, said.

Continue reading "Critical Assault By Allies Begins Near Kandahar" »

In Afghanistan, the Exit Plan Starts With ‘If’

By DEXTER FILKINS
Published: October 16, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — After nine years of war, the endgame here has finally begun.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, the Exit Plan Starts With ‘If’" »

October 15, 2010

Afghan civilians killed, wounded in IED strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several Afghan civilians were killed in an improvised explosive device blast in the Qalat District of Zabul province Friday.

Continue reading "Afghan civilians killed, wounded in IED strike" »

Suspected insurgent detained during routine patrol

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol killed an insurgent and detained another during a routine interdiction operation in Shinkai District, Zabul province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgent detained during routine patrol" »

Homemade explosive cache discovered, destroyed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol secured and destroyed approximately 1,000 kilograms of homemade explosives during an operation in Ghazni province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Homemade explosive cache discovered, destroyed" »

Pakistan says willing to assist Afghan talks

15 Oct 2010 09:03:31 GMT
Source: Reuters

By David Brunnstrom

BRUSSELS, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Pakistan said on Friday it was willing to assist talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban because stability and peace in Afghanistan were in its own interests.

Continue reading "Pakistan says willing to assist Afghan talks" »

Security forces begin operations in the Pech River Valley

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010
From Task Force Bastogne Public Affairs Office

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces, with support from International Security Assistance Force members, began operations today in the Pech River Valley aimed at denying safe havens for insurgents and bolstering the Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s influence in local villages.

Continue reading "Security forces begin operations in the Pech River Valley" »

Marines Deploy ‘Green’ Forward Operating Base to AfghanistanMarines Deploy ‘Green’ Forward Operating Base to Afghanistan

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2010 – The Marine Corps has deployed an experimental forward operating base to Afghanistan to assess how it stands up to rugged operational conditions while relying solely on renewable technology and energy-saving techniques.

Continue reading "Marines Deploy ‘Green’ Forward Operating Base to AfghanistanMarines Deploy ‘Green’ Forward Operating Base to Afghanistan" »

Narcotics, weapons found, 1 person detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol located two narcotics laboratories, drugs and detained one man during an operation in southern Helmand province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Narcotics, weapons found, 1 person detained" »

Taliban suicide attack facilitator captured in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban suicide attack facilitator who was involved in the construction of suicide vests and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, during an operation in Kandahar province Thursday.

Continue reading "Taliban suicide attack facilitator captured in Kandahar" »

Homemade explosives destroyed by coalition forces

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces discovered more than 3,000 pounds of homemade explosives in approximately 70 barrels hidden in an abandoned building in eastern Afghanistan Thursday.

Continue reading "Homemade explosives destroyed by coalition forces" »

October 14, 2010

Afghan, coalition forces discover 7,000kgs of ammonium nitrate

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces discovered 7,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and 20 improvised explosive devices during three recent operations in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces discover 7,000kgs of ammonium nitrate" »

Insurgents killed, several detained in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance forces patrol killed several insurgents and detained numerous others during an operation in Nahr-E Saraj District, Helmand province, Wednesday.

Continue reading "Insurgents killed, several detained in Helmand " »

Afghan peace council chief: Taliban ready to talk

By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press Writer Deb Riechmann, Associated Press Writer
Thu Oct 14, 6:31 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – A former Afghan president who heads a new peace council said Thursday that he's convinced the Taliban are ready to negotiate peace.

Continue reading "Afghan peace council chief: Taliban ready to talk" »

St. Charles Marine Killed in Afghanistan

By Teresa Woodard
FOX2now.com
9:35 p.m. CDT, October 14, 2010

ST. CHARLES, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) — There is somber news from Afghanistan. A local marine has died in combat. 19 year old Lance Corporal Phillip Vinnedge of St. Charles is one of four marines killed Wednesday. The Department of Defense says the four men, all stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, died in the Helmand province in Afghanistan. The Marine Times reports they were killed in an IED blast.

Continue reading "St. Charles Marine Killed in Afghanistan" »

Security Council Votes to Continue Military Effort in Afghanistan

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 14, 2010

The Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to extend for a year the United Nations’ authorization for the NATO-led military force in Afghanistan, expressing concern about the increase in terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other extremist groups. The resolution adopted by the Security Council emphasized the need for sustained efforts by the 143,000-member force, known as the International Security Assistance Force, to assist the Afghan government in improving security and confronting threats by militants.

Continue reading "Security Council Votes to Continue Military Effort in Afghanistan" »

ANALYSIS-Afghan peace talk reports help NATO fight

14 Oct 2010 13:13:50 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Media reports of high-level talks between the Taliban and Afghan government may serve Western military aims by sowing confusion and undermining trust among insurgents, analysts and diplomats say.

Continue reading "ANALYSIS-Afghan peace talk reports help NATO fight" »

Drill instructor, former recruit serve together as ‘Red Devils’

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 10.14.2010

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Many new Marines are thankful for their drill instructor’s guidance upon graduation from recruit training, but hope to never see them again. However, for some this just isn’t in their cards.

Continue reading "Drill instructor, former recruit serve together as ‘Red Devils’" »

Report alleges abuse of Afghan detainees at secret US detention center

By HEIDI VOGT , Associated Press
Last update: October 14, 2010 - 8:57 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan - A new report from a U.S. foundation details allegations of detainee abuse as recently as this year from Afghans who say they were held at a secret jail inside the main American military base in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Report alleges abuse of Afghan detainees at secret US detention center" »

Marines Train Bomb Disposal Teams with Hidden (Fake) IEDs

Posted by Terry McCarthy
October 14, 2010 2:34 PM

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

It is scary to see how easy it is to bury an IED - the improvised explosive devices that are responsible for two-thirds of U.S. fatalities in Afghanistan - and then to cover up all traces of where it is hidden. We got a demonstration on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Marines Train Bomb Disposal Teams with Hidden (Fake) IEDs" »

Afghan, coalition force kills Taliban senior leaders in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed Mohammad Ali, a Taliban senior leader and improvised explosive device expert in Ghazni province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force kills Taliban senior leaders in Ghazni" »

Taliban senior facilitator, deputy shadow governor captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban senior facilitator, who planned and facilitated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, along with several of his associates, during an operation in Nimroz province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Taliban senior facilitator, deputy shadow governor captured" »

Mountain Soldier Capture Insurgent Responsible for IEDs

586th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN)
Story by Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes
Date 10.14.2010

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers from C Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, captured an insurgent Oct. 7 near Yazeen Village in the Zormat District of Paktya Province. According to Staff Sgt. Robert Brown of Henniker, N.H., C Co., 3rd Bn., 172 Inf. Regt., the suspect, who is known to have emplaced several Improvised Explosive Devices in the vicinity of Combat Outpost Zormat, was captured during a village search.

Continue reading "Mountain Soldier Capture Insurgent Responsible for IEDs" »

October 13, 2010

Concrete Results for Marines in Safar Bazaar

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

October 13, 2010 1:59 AM

SAFAR BAZAAR, Afghanistan.

The Marines captured Safar Bazaar (at left) in southern Helmand from the Taliban in two days at the beginning of August. Then began the long process of clearing the area of IEDs (improvised explosive devices.) It was a painstaking process that involved many weeks of probing in the dirt on roads and pathways, under trees and in the walls and doorways of buildings. The majority of the locals were delighted the Taliban had been driven out, as they ruled the population by fear, restricting their movements severely. But they were unable to help the Marines to find many of the IEDs in the market area - even if many would have liked to help.

Continue reading "Concrete Results for Marines in Safar Bazaar" »

Landing support detachment, Kandahar

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date 10.13.2010

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – When a Marine flight lands in Kandahar, landing support Marines from Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are responsible for making sure all personnel and equipment get to their final destination.

Continue reading "Landing support detachment, Kandahar" »

2nd Battalion, 6th Marines honors Marines, hardens resolve

Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence
Date 10.13.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - If only Lance Cpl. Scott A. Lynch and Sgt. Matthew D. Matteoni could have heard what their brothers said. Or maybe Lynch, the clever rifleman, and Matteoni, the gregarious machine gunner, were gazing down on their memorial ceremony -- possibly saying a prayer for their brothers in 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "2nd Battalion, 6th Marines honors Marines, hardens resolve" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban senior leader captured in Wardak

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban senior leader, who used suicide bombers and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices to conduct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, during an overnight operation in Wardak province Monday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban senior leader captured in Wardak" »

Several suspected insurgents detained in southern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in two overnight operations in southern Afghanistan aimed at capturing Taliban leadership.

Continue reading "Several suspected insurgents detained in southern Afghanistan" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban leader killed in precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Shirin Agha, a Taliban senior military leader, was killed in a coalition force precision air strike in Kunduz province Monday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban leader killed in precision air strike" »

Afghan, coalition force destroys house-borne IEDs in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted a deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s freedom of movement outside Kandahar City, Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force destroys house-borne IEDs in Kandahar" »

Senior Taliban IED leader captured in Kandahar City

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device senior leader operating in Kandahar City Tuesday, along with one of his associates, during an operation in the city.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban IED leader captured in Kandahar City" »

Force targets Taliban senior leader in Herat, kills several insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban senior leader for Qal’ah-ye Now, Murghab and Muqor districts of Badghis province yesterday, killing several insurgents in a joint operation in western Herat province.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban senior leader in Herat, kills several insurgents" »

Force kills Haqqani Network leader in Khost overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed Ansari Khan, a Haqqani Network leader who coordinated and conducted attacks against coalition forces operating in Sabari district, during an overnight operation in Khost province.

Continue reading "Force kills Haqqani Network leader in Khost overnight" »

Weapons turned in, found in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – A large number of explosive devices were discovered by International Security Assistance Forces in Kandahar province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Weapons turned in, found in Kandahar" »

Drug labs, narcotics discovered in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol seized 600 kilograms of wet opium and discovered two drug labs in Maiwand district, Helmand province, Tuesday.

Continue reading "Drug labs, narcotics discovered in Helmand" »

Afghan Forces Build Bridges along Dangerous Roads

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Denise Alford
Date 10.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan- Members of the Afghan Border Police and the Ministry of Interior have begun a partnership allowing critical movement of materials all over Afghanistan. MOI has a Transportation Security Brigade but until recently, they have been unable to move the people and equipment that they needed.

Continue reading "Afghan Forces Build Bridges along Dangerous Roads" »

Northern Distribution Network European route proves successful

Defense Logistics Agency
Story by Sara Moore
Date 10.13.2010

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - As another example of the Northern Distribution Network’s value as an efficient, effective route for supplies into Central Asia, U.S. European Command has successfully tested a truck route from Germany to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Northern Distribution Network European route proves successful" »

Afghan firms said to pay off Taliban with foreign cash

6:57am By Hamid Shalizi
KABUL | Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:39am EDT

KABUL (Reuters) - Cash from the U.S. military and international donors destined for construction and welfare projects in restive parts of Afghanistan is ending up in the hands of insurgents, a contractor and village elders said.

Continue reading "Afghan firms said to pay off Taliban with foreign cash" »

Forward Operating Base Farah Celebrates Navy Birthday

Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team
Story by 2nd Lt. Christine Darius
Date 10.13.2010
Location:Forward Operating Base Farah, AF

Sailors assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah celebrated the United States Navy’s 235th birthday by cooking and serving a feast to their fellow service members on Forward Operating Base Farah in Afghanistan, Oct. 13.

Continue reading "Forward Operating Base Farah Celebrates Navy Birthday" »

NATO facilitating Taliban contacts with Afghan govt

13 Oct 2010 23:14:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Phil Stewart

BRUSSELS, Oct 13 (Reuters) - NATO-led forces in Afghanistan are facilitating contacts between senior Taliban officials and the Afghan government, including allowing them safe passage for talks in Kabul, a senior NATO official said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "NATO facilitating Taliban contacts with Afghan govt" »

'Happy Birthday, Navy,' from Leatherneck

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan
Date 10.13.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – In honor of the United States Navy’s 235th birthday, more than two hundred service members from Regional Command – Southwest gathered to celebrate the rich Navy history during a ceremony held on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct. 13.

Continue reading "'Happy Birthday, Navy,' from Leatherneck" »

INTERVIEW-Tough terms stymie Afghan talks: Ex-Taliban envoy

13 Oct 2010 10:55:46 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Patrick Markey KABUL, Oct 13

(Reuters) - Attempts to bring Afghanistan's Taliban to the negotiating table will struggle if parties stick to tough prior terms, including Western sanctions and blacklists imposed on insurgent commanders, a former Taliban envoy said.

Continue reading "INTERVIEW-Tough terms stymie Afghan talks: Ex-Taliban envoy" »

October 12, 2010

Laura W. Bush: Decision time for Afghanistan on women

LAURA W. BUSH | former first lady
madison.com
Posted: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 4:30 am

The haunting portrait of a young, disfigured Afghan woman on Time magazine’s cover this summer issued a stark reminder that the stakes in Afghanistan are high -- and that the consequences of failure are brutal, especially for women.

Continue reading "Laura W. Bush: Decision time for Afghanistan on women" »

Afghan, coalition forces conducting search and rescue mission for civilian plane crash

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force service members are conducting a search and rescue mission on an airplane that crashed in the mountains near Kabul Oct. 12.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces conducting search and rescue mission for civilian plane crash" »

Tangled Tale of American Found in Afghanistan

By ALISSA J. RUBIN, The New York Times
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan -- As an American military patrol walked through a rural, Taliban-dominated district of Kandahar Province recently, a man wearing local clothes came toward them shouting, "Don't shoot, I am an American!"

Continue reading "Tangled Tale of American Found in Afghanistan" »

Al-Qaida in Yemen threatens to topple president

By AHMED AL-HAJ, Associated Press Writer
Tue Oct 12, 8:11 am ET

SAN'A, Yemen – Al-Qaida's offshoot in Yemen warned Tuesday it is setting up a "new army" to overthrow the country's president in response to his U.S.-backed counterterrorism campaign and said it would fill its ranks with snipers and bomb makers.

Continue reading "Al-Qaida in Yemen threatens to topple president" »

UPDATE: ISAF helicopter incident in eastern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Eight people were wounded and one killed after a rocket-propelled-grenade was fired at an International Security Assistance Force helicopter in Kunar province, Oct. 12.

Continue reading "UPDATE: ISAF helicopter incident in eastern Afghanistan" »

Afghans report, turn in explosives, weapons

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A weapons cache and explosive material were taken out of enemy hands after locals reported and turned in the items in eastern and southern Afghanistan in the last two days.

Continue reading "Afghans report, turn in explosives, weapons" »

Female lieutenants join Afghan Air Force for English immersion, pilot training

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

Courtesy Story
Date10.12.2010
Date Posted:10.12.2010 10:56
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan – Five recent graduates from the first Afghan National Army female officer candidate school reported to the Afghan Air Force for further training, Oct. 12.

Continue reading "Female lieutenants join Afghan Air Force for English immersion, pilot training" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 12

12 Oct 2010 09:48:03 GMT
Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan reported on Tuesday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct 12" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of Taliban facilitator in Nimroz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban facilitator who planned and facilitated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces during an overnight operation in Nimroz province Sunday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of Taliban facilitator in Nimroz" »

Several suspects detained in 3 provinces overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in five overnight operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan targeting Taliban and Haqqani Network leadership.

Continue reading "Several suspects detained in 3 provinces overnight" »

Forces conduct precision air strike targeting Taliban leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike in Kunduz province Monday targeting a Taliban senior leader in the Gor Tappa area of Kunduz.

Continue reading "Forces conduct precision air strike targeting Taliban leader" »

Italy says could start Afghan troop pullout in 2011

12 Oct 2010 10:53:29 GMT
Source: Reuters

* Govt under pressure after four deaths

* Italy eyes equipping aircraft with bombs

* Public funeral for dead soldiers

(Adds details from funeral)

By Deepa Babington

ROME, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Italy could begin pulling out troops from Afghanistan next summer, the foreign minister said on Tuesday, as the nation mourned four soldiers killed in an insurgent ambush at the weekend.

Continue reading "Italy says could start Afghan troop pullout in 2011" »

INTERVIEW-Mediator sees Karzai softening on Afghan talks

12 Oct 2010 06:11:13 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai is backing away from his preconditions for peace talks with the Taliban by giving full autonomy to a newly formed council tasked with opening negotiations, one of its members said.

Continue reading "INTERVIEW-Mediator sees Karzai softening on Afghan talks" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of Taliban senior leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of an Uruzgan-based Taliban senior leader during an Afghan and coalition force operation in Kandahar province Friday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms capture of Taliban senior leader" »

ICRC: Kandahar casualties reflect worsening security

By the CNN Wire Staff
October 12, 2010 7:01 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- War casualties in a Kandahar hospital are "hitting record highs," figures that illustrate the "deteriorating security situation" in southern Afghanistan, the International Committee for the Red Cross said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "ICRC: Kandahar casualties reflect worsening security" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban leader in Paktiya overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader involved in ambush operations against coalition force convoys and checkpoints, along with two of his associates, during an overnight operation in Paktiya province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban leader in Paktiya overnight" »

October 11, 2010

Afghan Warlords, a Larger Stability Threat Than Taliban

US operations in Afghanistan undermined by corrupt warlords and their militias

By Joshua Philipp
Epoch Times Staff
Oct 11, 2010

A similar study found that networks of corruption involving warlords, strongmen, commanders, and Afghan officials, “appears to risk undermining the U.S. strategy for achieving its goals in Afghanistan,” says a June report from the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Continue reading "Afghan Warlords, a Larger Stability Threat Than Taliban" »

Search for Marine lieutenant's killer meets Afghan obstacles

By: Sara A. Carter
National Security Correspondent
October 11, 2010

HELMAND, AFGHANISTAN -- Jason Armas, a U.S. Marine Corps captain, scrolled through the photographs of four bearded Afghan men believed to be responsible for the assassination of Marine 1st Lt. Scott J. Fleming.

Continue reading "Search for Marine lieutenant's killer meets Afghan obstacles" »

Afghans frustrate Marines: 'We need your help - to help you'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Oct 11, 2010 at 4:25 PM PDT

With 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Echo Company

MARJAH, Afghanistan - As the Marines run across a main road, there are no men on mopeds or children hanging out in crowds.

Continue reading "Afghans frustrate Marines: 'We need your help - to help you'" »

Afghan, coalition forces find 1,500kgs of hashish, large weapons caches

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces made three large weapons cache and drug finds in Laghman and Kandahar provinces Oct. 11.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces find 1,500kgs of hashish, large weapons caches" »

U.S. rescuers may have killed Afghanistan aid worker

By Heidi Vogt and Robert Kennedy - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Oct 11, 2010 11:08 PM

KABUL, Afghanistan — At first, NATO blamed a Taliban bomb for the death of a captive British aid worker during an American rescue attempt in eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "U.S. rescuers may have killed Afghanistan aid worker" »

Insurgent IED kills civilians in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An insurgent-placed improvised explosive device killed three Afghan civilians and seriously wounded a child in Zabul province Monday, Oct. 11.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED kills civilians in Zabul" »

Cash Reward

101st Combat Aviation Brigade
Story by Spc. Tracy Weeden
Date10.11.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WOLVERINE, Afghanistan –Two Task Force Eagle Assault UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots made a vital submission to the Army Suggestion Program while deployed to Iraq in 2006, which was worth a $10,000 reward.

Continue reading "Cash Reward" »

Gen. Petraeus requests investigation into death of Linda Norgrove

U.S. Forces Afghanistan
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, has requested an investigation into the circumstances which led to the death of U.K. aid worker Linda Norgrove. The investigation was requested immediately following additional information developed by the military commander in charge of the rescue operation conducted by U.S. forces in consultation with the British government.

Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus requests investigation into death of Linda Norgrove" »

ISAF looks into civilian casualties following failed insurgent attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and wounded another in southern Afghanistan, Sunday, after their patrol came under insurgent fire.

Continue reading "ISAF looks into civilian casualties following failed insurgent attack" »

ISAF condemns insurgent attack on civilian

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An insurgent-placed improvised explosive device killed one Afghan civilian when the vehicle he was traveling in struck the device in Khost province, Monday.

Continue reading "ISAF condemns insurgent attack on civilian" »

Rescuers may have killed UK Afghan aid worker-Cameron

11 Oct 2010
11:06:43 GMT
Source: Reuters

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A British hostage who died in Afghanistan on Friday during a rescue mission may have been accidentally killed by coalition forces trying to save her, British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Monday.

Continue reading "Rescuers may have killed UK Afghan aid worker-Cameron" »

Force detains suspected insurgents, kills 2 in Ghazni, Nimroz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents and killed two in overnight operations in Ghazni and Nimroz provinces Sunday.

Continue reading "Force detains suspected insurgents, kills 2 in Ghazni, Nimroz" »

Payoff seen in Afghan surge

Taliban demoralized and changing sides, military says

By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
8:32 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2010

The U.S. military is starting to see signs that the troop surge in Afghanistan is working on a timetable similar to the Iraq reinforcement campaign in 2007, according to an outside adviser and military sources.

Continue reading "Payoff seen in Afghan surge" »

Cornfields tie county to Afghanistan

By Cathy Salter
Monday, October 11, 2010

It is barely October, and already there’s talk of possible frost on the pumpkins. Fields of soybeans have been reduced from mounds of leafy green to brown beanstalks drying in the sun. Field corn and soybeans will soon be deemed ready for the fall harvest. A world away in Marjah, Afghanistan, a profoundly different scene takes place in a farmer’s field.

Continue reading "Cornfields tie county to Afghanistan" »

Marines Help Afghan Kids go to School

Posted by Terry McCarthy
October 11, 2010 3:32 PM

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

The last time we were in Safar Bazaar in southern Helmand province in August, the main street with its stores was strewn with improvised explosive devices - IEDs - and deserted. The 3/1 Marines had just attacked the town from the desert and driven the Taliban out, but the locals were scared to come back until all the bombs had been cleared.

Continue reading "Marines Help Afghan Kids go to School" »

October 10, 2010

1st Marine Division (Forward) honors brothers

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Date10.10.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Marines of 1st Marine Division (Forward) paid tribute to the lives and service of their fallen brothers during a Colors and Memorial ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Oct. 10.

Continue reading "1st Marine Division (Forward) honors brothers" »

Karzai: 'Unofficial personal contacts' taking place with Taliban

By the CNN Wire Staff
October 10, 2010
4:06 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- Attempting to advance his nation's peace progress with insurgents, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said unofficial negotiations with the Taliban have been taking place and hopes the formation of a peace council will further those efforts.

Continue reading "Karzai: 'Unofficial personal contacts' taking place with Taliban" »

Combined force repels failed insurgent attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan national security and International Security Assistance Forces came under fire by insurgents while conducting a dismounted patrol in Sangin district of Helmand province Oct. 10.

Continue reading "Combined force repels failed insurgent attack" »

Maintenance Marines keep vehicles in the fight.

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date10.10.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – When the wear and tear from driving through southwestern Afghanistan or a blast from an improvised explosive device damages a tactical vehicle, it could mean the end of the line. However, the Maintenance Company Marines of Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are able to restore it to it’s operational capability.

Continue reading "Maintenance Marines keep vehicles in the fight." »

Ex-Afghan president to lead peace council - officials

10 Oct 2010 08:56:00 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's former President, Burhanuddin Rabbani, was chosen on Sunday to lead a council tasked with starting peace talks with Taliban-led insurgents, officials said.

Continue reading "Ex-Afghan president to lead peace council - officials" »

ISAF condemns insurgent killing and wounding children in Khost

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device exploded near an International Security Assistance Force mounted patrol in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in one Afghan child killed and two wounded, Sunday.

Continue reading "ISAF condemns insurgent killing and wounding children in Khost" »

Pakistan reopens Afghan border for NATO supplies

10 Oct 2010 11:58:26 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Ibrahim Shinwari

LANDIKOTAL, Pakistan, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Pakistani authorities on Sunday reopened a border crossing with Afghanistan, allowing NATO supplies to be trucked to coalition troops, a Pakistani government official said.

Continue reading "Pakistan reopens Afghan border for NATO supplies" »

Joint force raids suspected Taliban headquarters

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance forces raided a suspected Taliban headquarters compound in Maiwand District, Helmand province, Saturday.

Continue reading "Joint force raids suspected Taliban headquarters" »

Afghan, coalition force kills Taliban senior leader in Badghis

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed Mullah Jamaluddin Saturday, reportedly one of the possible candidates to become the new shadow governor for Badghis province after the former, Mullah Ismail, was killed Wednesday in a joint operation.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force kills Taliban senior leader in Badghis" »

Taliban senior leader killed, another captured in Helmand

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed Ajmal Agha Jan, a Taliban senior leader highly skilled in the construction of improvised explosive devices and who was responsible for the emplacement of IEDs throughout Helmand province, during an overnight operation in the province.

Continue reading "Taliban senior leader killed, another captured in Helmand" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Kunduz, Khost

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in overnight operations in Kunduz and Khost provinces, targeting Haqqani and Taliban leaders Saturday.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Kunduz, Khost" »

Taliban IED operative captured in Paktiya

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.10.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban mid-level leader, who conducted improvised explosive device attacks and facilitated IED materials, during an operation in Paktiya province Saturday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED operative captured in Paktiya" »

October 9, 2010

‘Raiders’ keep aerial fighters airborne longer

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 10.06.2010
Date Posted: 10.09.2010 07:48

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets provide constant support to Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces on the ground over the Regional Command (Southwest) battle space.

Continue reading "‘Raiders’ keep aerial fighters airborne longer" »

Marines, UK forces partner ATC in Afghanistan

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson
Date10.05.2010
Date Posted:10.09.2010 07:21

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Two U.S. Marines were recognized by a senior U.K. official Oct. 5 for accomplishments they achieved while working at the Air Traffic Control tower here.

Continue reading "Marines, UK forces partner ATC in Afghanistan" »

Coalition forces make weapons cache finds in eastern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.09.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces made three large weapons cache finds in the Paktika and Khost provinces of eastern Afghanistan Friday.

Continue reading "Coalition forces make weapons cache finds in eastern Afghanistan" »

More than 3,000kgs of narcotics seized, destroyed in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.09.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 3,000 kilograms of narcotics were seized when Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces conducted a series of vehicle stops in southern Afghanistan Friday.

Continue reading "More than 3,000kgs of narcotics seized, destroyed in Helmand" »

Four Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

09 Oct 2010 10:53:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch and Catherine Hornby

KABUL/ROME, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Four Italian soldiers were killed and one seriously wounded in an insurgent attack in western Afghanistan on Saturday, Italy's Foreign Ministry said, the latest foreign casualties in a war now in its 10th year.

Continue reading "Four Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan" »

Abducted British aid worker killed in Afghanistan

09 Oct 2010 11:09:00 GMT
Source: Reuters

LONDON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - A British aid worker abducted by gunmen in Afghanistan last month was killed by her captors during a rescue attempt, Britain's foreign minister said on Saturday.

Continue reading "Abducted British aid worker killed in Afghanistan" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Zabul, Kandahar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.09.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in overnight operations in Zabul and Kandahar provinces targeting Taliban leaders.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Zabul, Kandahar" »

1st Marine Division (Fwd) Marines set up training operation for corporals

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Date 10.08.2010
Date Posted: 10.09.2010 14:02

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Marines with 1st Marine Division (Forward) Afghan National Security Force cell organized a convoy training course, Oct. 8, at Camp Leatherneck.

Continue reading "1st Marine Division (Fwd) Marines set up training operation for corporals" »

October 8, 2010

VMGR-352, 1st Recon reunite for aerial insert

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 10.05.2010
Date Posted: 10.08.2010 09:07

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), teamed up with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), to hone their aerial insertion skills here Oct. 5.

Continue reading "VMGR-352, 1st Recon reunite for aerial insert" »

Force clears insurgent safe house, destroys weapons cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to target an insurgent safe house in Helmand province Friday.

Continue reading "Force clears insurgent safe house, destroys weapons cache" »

Almost 1,000kg of narcotics destroyed in southern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force recovered and destroyed almost 1,000 kilograms of narcotics during two operations Thursday.

Continue reading "Almost 1,000kg of narcotics destroyed in southern Afghanistan" »

FACTBOX-Security threats and Pakistan: illustrated in graphics

08 Oct 2010 11:05:41 GMT
Source: Reuters

SINGAPORE, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Ties between the United States and Pakistan are under renewed strain following a series of cross-border strikes by NATO helicopters, prompting Islamabad to close down a vital supply line for the troops in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security threats and Pakistan: illustrated in graphics" »

Bomb kills Afghan governor, 15 others-official

08 Oct 2010 11:32:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Fraidoon Elham

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct 8 (Reuters) - A bomb attack inside a mosque killed the governor of Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province and 15 others as they attended Friday prayers, the local police chief said.

Continue reading "Bomb kills Afghan governor, 15 others-official" »

Several suspected insurgents detained in Zabul, Khost

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in overnight operations in Zabul and Khost provinces targeting Taliban and Haqqani leaders.

Continue reading "Several suspected insurgents detained in Zabul, Khost" »

ISAF air weapons team kills armed men in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force air weapons team engaged and killed five men armed with weapons Friday.

Continue reading "ISAF air weapons team kills armed men in Khost" »

Force kills 4 insurgents during search for Wardak deputy district leader

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces targeted the deputy Taliban district leader for Chak-e Wardak of Wardak province overnight, detaining one suspected insurgent and killing four.

Continue reading "Force kills 4 insurgents during search for Wardak deputy district leader" »

UPDATE: ISAF confirms Taliban senior leader captured in Kandahar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban senior leader based in Dand District during an operation Tuesday in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "UPDATE: ISAF confirms Taliban senior leader captured in Kandahar" »

UPDATE: ISAF confirms capture of Taliban IED facilitator in Marjah

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Marjah District, during an overnight operation in Helmand province Tuesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE: ISAF confirms capture of Taliban IED facilitator in Marjah" »

Helmand-based Taliban leader captured overnight

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces captured the Taliban military and civil commissioner for Nahr-e Saraj District, who was responsible for providing finances and weapons to Taliban fighters, in Helmand province Thursday.

Continue reading "Helmand-based Taliban leader captured overnight" »

Taliban assassination cell leader, weapons facilitator captured

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban weapons facilitator for Kandahar City and Dand District, and a Taliban senior leader who may be linked to the assassination of the deputy mayor of Kandahar City this week, during an overnight operation in the city.

Continue reading "Taliban assassination cell leader, weapons facilitator captured" »

Rocket Artillery Marines fire precision missiles

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Date 10.06.2010
Date Posted: 10.08.2010 06:20

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – A pillar of counterinsurgency operations is protecting local civilians and one specialized artillery battery is proving their weapon system does just that.

Continue reading "Rocket Artillery Marines fire precision missiles" »

October 7, 2010

Marines In Marjah Face Full-blown Insurgency

8 Months After Clearing Operation, Marines In Marjah Face Full-blown Insurgency

Oct. 07, 2010

(AP) MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) - The young Marine had a simple question for the farmer with the white beard: Have you seen any Taliban today?

Continue reading "Marines In Marjah Face Full-blown Insurgency" »

Drone strikes in Pakistan could backfire in long-term

07 Oct 2010 12:14:55 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Michael Georgy

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Escalated drone attacks in northwest Pakistan, where a suspected al Qaeda plot to attack European targets may have originated, could hurt the U.S. war on militancy by alienating residents and hardline army officers.

Continue reading "Drone strikes in Pakistan could backfire in long-term" »

Wounded local nationals treated at Bagram

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Two Afghan males were treated, Oct. 6, after approaching a Bagram Air Field gate with injuries sustained from a detonated landmine.

Continue reading "Wounded local nationals treated at Bagram" »

Army officer recommends trial in Afghan killings

Posted: Oct 07, 2010 6:11 AM PDT

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) - An investigating officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has recommended a court martial for one of the soldiers accused of killing three civilians in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Army officer recommends trial in Afghan killings" »

U.S. civilians donate radios to Afghans

Thursday, October 7, 2010
12:00 AM CDT on
By JIM LANDERS / The Dallas Morning News

The U.S. military's mission in Afghanistan is more often about helping farmers and teachers than firefights with the Taliban. That gives people at home, like Royse City plastics maker John Stettler, a way to support the war by helping the military help the Afghans.

Continue reading "U.S. civilians donate radios to Afghans" »

Commandos recover weapons cache in Oruzgan

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

ORUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The 8th Commando Kandak partnered with coalition forces recovered a large weapons cache Oct. 3 in Oruzgan province.

Continue reading "Commandos recover weapons cache in Oruzgan" »

Unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Paktika province

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in Paktika province Thursday.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Paktika province" »

Afghanistan starts peace council

From Ivan Watson, CNN
October 7, 2010 6:34 a.m. EDT

(CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday launched a council to help negotiate with the Taliban and find a way for peace.

Karzai told the group, made up of about 68 Afghan clerics and elders, that it can help establish peace in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghanistan starts peace council" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct. 7

07 Oct 2010 05:49:13 GMT
Source: Reuters

Oct 7 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0545 GMT on Thursday:

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Oct. 7" »

NATO says Afghan war not hurt by supply route woes

07 Oct 2010 07:28:43 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Pakistan's closure of a key supply line for NATO troops in Afghanistan, and militant attacks on tankers plying second route have "not impeded" the military effort in Afghanistan, a NATO spokesman said on Thursday.

Continue reading "NATO says Afghan war not hurt by supply route woes" »

Combined clearing operations in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed three suspected insurgents and detained several more in southern Afghanistan Wednesday.

Continue reading "Combined clearing operations in Kandahar" »

Second shadow governor killed in 2 days in northern Afghanistan

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed Mullah Ismail, the Taliban shadow governor of Badghis province, and Abdul Hakim, a Taliban senior leader in Badghis, during an operation in the province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Second shadow governor killed in 2 days in northern Afghanistan" »

Takhar district Taliban leader killed in precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike and follow-on operation in Takhar Wednesday, killing Maulawi Jawadullah, the Taliban district leader for Yangi Qalah of Takhar, along with seven of his associates.

Continue reading "Takhar district Taliban leader killed in precision air strike" »

Taliban safe havens, explosives caches cleared in Arghandab

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted precision strikes on known homemade explosives factories and followed with a joint-force deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement in Kandahar province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Taliban safe havens, explosives caches cleared in Arghandab" »

October 6, 2010

Petraeus lets fast food back into Afghanistan

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 6, 2010 18:50:39 EDT

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has given the green light to bring fast food and other concessions back to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Petraeus lets fast food back into Afghanistan" »

Marines to Afghan youth: 'Go to school, not to firefights'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Oct 6, 2010 at 12:12 PM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST NAREA, Marjah, Afghanistan - Shots fire off in the near distance as 1st Squad of Weapons Company and the Afghan National Army gather to discuss the day’s patrol.

Continue reading "Marines to Afghan youth: 'Go to school, not to firefights'" »

Security increases as another class of recruits graduates

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci
Date 10.06.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Police recruits graduated the basic training course today increasing the already growing security posture in rural Helmand province.

Continue reading "Security increases as another class of recruits graduates" »

Combined patrol targets insurgent, seizes narcotics

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to the location of an insurgent courier vehicle in Kandahar province Tuesday.

Continue reading "Combined patrol targets insurgent, seizes narcotics" »

Insurgent arrested in joint operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from citizens led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to the location of an insurgent in Muhammad Aghah District, Logar province, Tuesday.

Continue reading "Insurgent arrested in joint operation" »

Mullah Omar backs Taliban talks with Karzai: report

Wed Oct 6, 3:15 pm ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Taliban leader Mullah Omar has, for the first time, backed secret high-level talks with the Afghan government to negotiate an end to the nine-year war, the Washington Post said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Mullah Omar backs Taliban talks with Karzai: report" »

Joint Pakistan Military-ISAF Team Completes Review

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Pakistan military-International Security Assistance Force team has completed their initial assessment into a border incident in which two Pakistan border forces were killed and four were wounded Oct. 6.

Continue reading "Joint Pakistan Military-ISAF Team Completes Review" »

Afghan nomads confined to palace ruins after clashes

06 Oct 2010 10:08:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Behind a razor wire fence, in the shadow of ruined balustrades, a few goats graze while children from around 500 families mob a police truck arriving with the day's second and last handout of rice and beans.

Continue reading "Afghan nomads confined to palace ruins after clashes" »

Gunmen attack NATO supply trucks in Pakistan

06 Oct 2010 11:36:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Gul Yusufzai

QUETTA, Pakistan, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Gunmen in Pakistan set fire to 20 trucks carrying supplies to NATO troops in Afghanistan on Wednesday, police said, the latest in a series of assaults on the logistical backbone of the war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Gunmen attack NATO supply trucks in Pakistan" »

Afghan Border policemen practice CPR at JSAS

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr.
Date 10.05.2010
Date Posted: 10.06.2010 06:52

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghan Border Patrol officers added a new tool to their repertoire of life-saving skills with the help of Navy corpsmen.

Continue reading "Afghan Border policemen practice CPR at JSAS" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms Haqqani facilitator killed in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Sainullah, a Haqqani Network facilitator who supplied weapons used for attacks throughout Musa Khel district, was killed during a joint security force operation in Khost province Monday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms Haqqani facilitator killed in Khost" »

Taliban leader for Jaghato district targeted overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Taliban senior leader operating who facilitates weapons, conducts attacks and leads an improvised explosive device cell in Jaghato district of Wardak province, during an overnight operation in neighboring Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Taliban leader for Jaghato district targeted overnight" »

Taliban shadow governor for Faryab province killed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Faryab province Tuesday, killing Qari Ziauddin, the Taliban shadow governor in Faryab province.

Continue reading "Taliban shadow governor for Faryab province killed" »

Afghan, coalition force conducts clearing operation in Kunar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents and killed two during a deliberate clearing operation in Kunar overnight.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force conducts clearing operation in Kunar" »

Rescue of police hostage confirmed, pursuit of captors continues

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed claims that a man discovered shackled and locked in a room during an Afghan and coalition force operation Monday was being held by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Rescue of police hostage confirmed, pursuit of captors continues" »

Haqqani Network weapons facilitator captured in Khost overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network facilitator who endangered the Afghan population by supplying weapons, ammunition and reportedly suicide bombers for attacks throughout Sabari district, during an overnight operation in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network weapons facilitator captured in Khost overnight" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Kandahar province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan-led security forces targeted a Taliban senior leader based in Dand district, who coordinates improvised explosive device attacks and commands a kidnapping cell targeting Afghan government officials and local nationals supportive of coalition forces, in Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Kandahar province" »

Taliban IED operative captured by Afghan-led force in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device operative, who also facilitated and conducted heavy machine gun and small arms fire attacks against coalition force convoys, Tuesday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED operative captured by Afghan-led force in Ghazni" »

October 5, 2010

Afghan offensive fails to reassure residents

As NATO steps up its operation around Kandahar city, vowing that the Taliban will have nowhere to hide, residents remain fearful, saying militants simply bide their time and return.

Laura King
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 5, 2010

Reporting from Kandahar, Afghanistan — On a recent bell-clear autumn afternoon a few miles outside Afghanistan's second-largest city, villagers listened courteously as a U.S. military officer, speaking through an interpreter whose grasp of the local language seemed shaky, exhorted them to let Afghan police or American soldiers know if the Taliban came to town.

Continue reading "Afghan offensive fails to reassure residents" »

Taliban step up attacks in Kandahar with blasts

By Mirwais Khan
Associated Press
2:33 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) — Two explosions rocked Kandahar on Tuesday, the second day of deadly blasts in the southern Afghan city where Taliban insurgents are fighting back against U.S. and Afghan forces pushing into areas long held by the insurgents.

Continue reading "Taliban step up attacks in Kandahar with blasts" »

Taliban in high-level talks with Karzai government, sources say

By Karen DeYoung, Peter Finn and Craig Whitlock
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, October 5, 2010; 9:34 PM

Taliban representatives and the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai have begun secret, high-level talks over a negotiated end to the war, according to Afghan and Arab sources.

Continue reading "Taliban in high-level talks with Karzai government, sources say" »

Karzai's relatives use ties to gain power in Afghanistan

By James Risen
The New York Times
Published: October 5, 2010

WASHINGTON — Until recently, Taj Ayubi’s specialty was retail. Mr. Ayubi, an Afghan immigrant, ran a furniture store in Leesburg, Va., and before that, a thrift shop in Washington.

Continue reading "Karzai's relatives use ties to gain power in Afghanistan" »

Forces Capture Taliban Kidnapping Suspect

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition and Afghan forces apprehended several insurgent leaders in Afghanistan overnight, including a Taliban district leader suspected in the kidnapping of a British news reporter last year, military officials said.

Continue reading "Forces Capture Taliban Kidnapping Suspect" »

Military Working Dogs, supporting Special Forces

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Sgt. Brian Kester
Date 10.05.2010
Location:AF

Fur and teeth are the first things a bad guy might see when encountering a Military Working Dog; the other side of that coin is a loyal, eager to please and hard working animal that can identify and locate drugs and explosives.

Continue reading "Military Working Dogs, supporting Special Forces" »

Kandahar deputy mayor dies after shooting attack

From Matiullah Mati
CNN
October 5, 2010 4:31 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A deputy mayor of Kandahar died Tuesday after he was shot a day earlier, a provincial spokesman said.

Continue reading "Kandahar deputy mayor dies after shooting attack" »

The Kandahar City Beat

ISAF Regional Command South
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010
Date Posted: 10.05.2010 01:29
Story by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte

FOB WALTON, Afghanistan - In the still of the helicopter landing zone at Forward Operating Base Walton a convoy of military policemen prepare to depart to a police substation in Kandahar City, Sept. 30. Leading them is Sgt. Skye Ortiz from Dos Palos, Calif., on his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "The Kandahar City Beat" »

Taliban district leader for Chahar Darah captured in Takhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured the Taliban district leader for Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province during an overnight operation in neighboring Takhar province.

Continue reading "Taliban district leader for Chahar Darah captured in Takhar" »

Taliban IED leader captured overnight in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader who facilitated improvised explosive devices and provided guidance to his subordinates conducting attacks in Yosuf Khel district.

Continue reading "Taliban IED leader captured overnight in Paktika" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban IED facilitator capture in Qalat

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban facilitator for an improvised explosive device attack network operating in Qalat district, during an overnight operation in Zabul province Sunday.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban IED facilitator capture in Qalat" »

Afghan, coalition force conducts operation in Wardak

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban senior leader operating in northern Sayed Abad district who worked directly for leadership in Pakistan, during an overnight operation in Wardak.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force conducts operation in Wardak" »

Dand-based Taliban leader captured in Kandahar overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader operating in Dand district, who conducts and coordinates attacks and arms Taliban fighters, during an overnight operation in Kandahar

Continue reading "Dand-based Taliban leader captured in Kandahar overnight" »

Haqqani Network facilitator targeted in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Haqqani Network facilitator who supplies weapons used for attacks throughout Musa Khel district during an overnight operation in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network facilitator targeted in Khost" »

Commandos, Coalition forces kill 7 insurgents, destroy IED factory

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Elements of the 4th Afghan Commando Kandak, along with Soldiers from Special Operations Task Force – South, killed seven insurgents and destroyed an improvised-explosive-device-making factory Oct. 4 in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Commandos, Coalition forces kill 7 insurgents, destroy IED factory" »

Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Taliban leadership

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Monday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader who commands up to 20 fighters in the Sistani area of Marjah district.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Taliban leadership" »

October 4, 2010

Helmand province deputy governor condemns poppy trade

Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by 1st Lt. Alex Lim
Date 10.03.2010
Date Posted: 10.04.2010 11:21

MARJAH, Afghanistan - The deputy governor of Helmand province tackled the region’s problem of narcotics during a shura, including more than 100 local elders, at the district center here, Oct. 3.

Continue reading "Helmand province deputy governor condemns poppy trade" »

Ground Soldiers learn to fly

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Albert Kelley
Date 10.04.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It can spot the enemy and record their activity from more than 500 feet away with video or photography.

Continue reading "Ground Soldiers learn to fly" »

U.S. Military Orders Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
Published: October 4, 2010

With insurgents increasingly attacking the American fuel supply convoys that lumber across the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan, the military is pushing aggressively to develop, test and deploy renewable energy to decrease its need to transport fossil fuels.

Continue reading "U.S. Military Orders Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels" »

Pakistan-U.S. Border Spat: Crippling the Afghanistan Campaign?

By Jason Motlagh / Kandahar Monday, Oct. 04, 2010

It's no secret that for all its full-throated protests, the Pakistani government tolerates CIA drone attacks against Afghan insurgents and al-Qaeda targets based on its side of the border. But NATO helicopter attacks are another matter, especially when Pakistani troops die, as was the case last week when a coalition strike mistakenly killed three Pakistani soldiers.

Continue reading "Pakistan-U.S. Border Spat: Crippling the Afghanistan Campaign?" »

'I serve for Afghanistan'

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Elizabeth Burke
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan -- On Oct. 5, eight young Afghan eagles from the Afghan Air Force Thunder Lab will depart for 18 months of training in the United States. They will return as pilots.

Continue reading "'I serve for Afghanistan'" »

U.S. troops now working with local militia groups

By: Sara A. Carter
National Security Correspondent
October 4, 2010

SHA JOY, Afghanistan - Sitting in the darkness, automatic rifles by their sides, five local tribe members have taken on the role of their forefathers to protect the shops of the local bazaar from bandits or foreigners. They sipped tea while keeping an eye out for insurgent fighters who were reportedly trying to use the shrouding darkness of a moonless night to infiltrate the town.

Continue reading "U.S. troops now working with local militia groups" »

Photos: Afghanistan: Nation at a crossroads - Afghanistan struggles

Ho / AFP - Getty Images

An aerial image shows the backup on Oct. 4 created by the closure near the Torkham crossing at the Khyber Pass between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Photos: Afghanistan: Nation at a crossroads - Afghanistan struggles" »

Ex-UN official says Taliban infiltrating Afghan forces

4 October 2010 Last updated at 02:55 ET

The Taliban have infiltrated the Afghan army and police, a recently-retired United Nations official has warned.

Continue reading "Ex-UN official says Taliban infiltrating Afghan forces" »

NATO chief apologises, Pakistani Taliban vow revenge

04 Oct 2010 10:50:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Kamran Haider and David Brunnstrom

ISLAMABAD/BRUSSELS, Oct 4 (Reuters) - NATO's chief expressed regret on Monday for the deaths of Pakistani soldiers last week and said he hoped Pakistan's border would reopen for NATO supplies to Afghanistan as soon as possible.

Continue reading "NATO chief apologises, Pakistani Taliban vow revenge" »

Taliban Claim Attack on NATO Tankers That Killed Three

October 04, 2010, 4:04 AM EDT
By Khurrum Anis and James Rupert

Oct. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Taliban guerrillas claimed responsibility for an attack near the Pakistani capital that destroyed 15 tankers carrying fuel for NATO troops and killed three people, and said more convoys will be targeted.

Continue reading "Taliban Claim Attack on NATO Tankers That Killed Three" »

Brother duo reunited in country

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Shannon McMillan
Date 09.30.2010
Date Posted: 10.04.2010 02:17

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – For many, deployments mean being apart from loved ones, but for one brother duo it means a reunion.

Continue reading "Brother duo reunited in country" »

C Surg. Company saves baby’s life

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Burgess
Date 10.02.2010
Date Posted: 10.04.2010 02:21

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM, Afghanistan—A helo rapidly approached the tent where a team of medical professionals from Charlie Surgical Company, 1st Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD) waited for the controlled chaos to begin.

Continue reading "C Surg. Company saves baby’s life" »

Haqqani senior leader captured in Khost overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network senior leader who operated out of Pakistan, and coordinated and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Terayzai district Sunday.

Continue reading "Haqqani senior leader captured in Khost overnight" »

Taliban IED network targeted overnight, several detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained four suspected Taliban insurgents in Zabul province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator for an improvised explosive device attack network operating in Qalat district.

Continue reading "Taliban IED network targeted overnight, several detained" »

2 Taliban senior leaders captured during operation in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured two Taliban senior leaders operating in the city of Kandahar Sunday. The Taliban leaders commanded fighters in attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "2 Taliban senior leaders captured during operation in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition force detains one suspected insurgent in Faryab

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent in Faryab province yesterday while in pursuit of a senior Taliban leader operating in Ghormach district.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains one suspected insurgent in Faryab" »

Force continues pursuit of Taliban deputy district leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force pursued the Taliban deputy district leader for Musa Qal’ah district in Helmand province Sunday, detaining several suspected insurgents.

Continue reading "Force continues pursuit of Taliban deputy district leader" »

UPDATE Afghan, coalition force confirms capture of Taliban leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance force confirmed the capture of a Taliban leader in Ghazni Saturday who regularly endangered the local Afghan populace by conducting improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks. He was also involved in a recent IED strike against two vehicles.

Continue reading "UPDATE Afghan, coalition force confirms capture of Taliban leader" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani Network leader in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date10.04.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator operating in Sabari district, who conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, in Khost province Sunday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani Network leader in Khost" »

October 3, 2010

Afghan Army, Marines Conduct Clearing Mission in Trek Nawa during Operation Mako

10/3/10 | Regimental Combat Team 1
Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by Sgt. Mark Fayloga

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan - The men of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, were looking for a fight, but it wasn’t a single battle they were interested in; they were hoping to affect future conflicts by upsetting the enemy’s operations and removing weapons caches.

Continue reading "Afghan Army, Marines Conduct Clearing Mission in Trek Nawa during Operation Mako" »

Afghanistan: 'the most beautiful ugly place'

The Virginian-Pilot © October 3, 2010
Photography by Hyunsoo Leo Kim
Words by Joanne Kimberlin

This country has been described as “the most beautiful ugly place.” Soldiers have seen too much of it; travelers haven’t seen enough. The Virginian-Pilot had the chance to go to Afghanistan this summer, and photographer Hyunsoo Leo Kim came home with thousands of war images. In the backdrop is a land that remains a mystery to outsiders – harsh, shrouded in secrets, frozen in time.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: 'the most beautiful ugly place'" »

Marines in Afghanistan flex military and municipal might

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Sunday, October 3, 2010

COMBAT OUTPOST NAREA, Marjah, Afghanistan - First Squad of Weapons Company and the Afghan National Army (ANA) based out of Combat Outpost Narea go on patrol to secure the area and check on a few projects.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan flex military and municipal might" »

76 Marines killed in Afghanistan since May 1

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 3, 2010 11:07:20 EDT

Last November, President Obama announced that 30,000 additional U.S. troops, including 8,500 Marines, would deploy to Afghanistan. The troops would push the Corps’ footprint in hostile Helmand province to more than 20,000.

Continue reading "76 Marines killed in Afghanistan since May 1" »

ISAF investigates inadvertent civilian casualty in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were accidentally killed by coalition forces after insurgents attacked an International Security Assistance Force's base near Baraki Barak District, Logar province, eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 3.

Continue reading "ISAF investigates inadvertent civilian casualty in Logar" »

Civilians among dead in Afghanistan strike -police

03 Oct 2010 15:19:20 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Ismail Sameem

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct 3 (Reuters) - At least three Afghan civilians were killed along with 17 insurgents in a NATO air strike targeting senior Taliban commanders in southern Helmand province, the provincial police chief said on Sunday.

Continue reading "Civilians among dead in Afghanistan strike -police" »

Colorado corrections experts bring modern prison programs to Afghanistan

By Kirk Mitchell
The Denver Post
Posted: 10/03/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

In Afghanistan, Colorado's Bill Zalman is leading a team of U.S. corrections experts who are training wardens of that nation's 33 regional prisons how to solve ancient problems with new tools and strategies.

Continue reading "Colorado corrections experts bring modern prison programs to Afghanistan" »

Taliban shoot three men dead for spying

October 3, 2010 - 5:29PM
AP

The bullet-riddled bodies of three men have been found at the side of a road in North Waziristan, killed by suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in apparent retaliation for recent US drone strikes in the area, officials say.

Continue reading "Taliban shoot three men dead for spying" »

Chamkani sets example for Afghan NCOs

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Spencer Case
Date 10.03.2010

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Standing about six feet tall and sporting a short dark beard that makes him look older than his 31 years, Afghan National Army Command Sgt. Maj. Habiibullah Chamkani, command sergeant major of the ANA’s 203rd Thunder Corps, is a hard figure to miss.

Continue reading "Chamkani sets example for Afghan NCOs" »

Angry villagers force Taliban to free 3 men

Islamabad, Oct 3

Taliban guerrillas set free three labourers of the six they had abducted in Pakistan a month ago after villagers, incensed over the killing of three of the men, captured relatives and supporters of the militants to avenge the murders.

Continue reading "Angry villagers force Taliban to free 3 men" »

Commandos, Coalition forces kill insurgents in Zharay clearing operation

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with 3rd Commando Kandak, along with coalition forces including elements of Special Operations Task Force – South, killed three enemy combatants during a clearing operation Sept. 28 in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Commandos, Coalition forces kill insurgents in Zharay clearing operation" »

Afghanistan National Police identify and remove IEDs; one Afghan killed, one wounded

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

URUZGAN, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police identified and removed four improvised explosive devices emplaced by insurgents in the Senjed Pass in Uruzgan province Sept. 25.

Continue reading "Afghanistan National Police identify and remove IEDs; one Afghan killed, one wounded" »

Coalition forces investigating civilian death in Kandahar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined Afghan and coalition patrol engaged a suspected insurgent in the Shah Wali Kot District of Kandahar province Saturday, and killed an Afghan adult male and inadvertently killed a child and wounded another adult.

Continue reading "Coalition forces investigating civilian death in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition forces eliminate Taliban senior leaders in Badghis

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed Maulawi Gul Muhammad the deputy shadow governor for Ghormach District, and Mullah Wahed, a Taliban military leader who conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, during two separate operations in Badghis province Saturday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces eliminate Taliban senior leaders in Badghis" »

Coalition forces destroy insurgent explosives stockpile

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces destroyed an insurgent compound believed to contain more than 1,200 kilograms of home-made explosives in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province Saturday.

Continue reading "Coalition forces destroy insurgent explosives stockpile" »

Afghan, coalition force detains several suspected insurgents in Ghazni

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Ghazni province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader active in improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks, who regularly endangers the local Afghan populace. He was also involved in a recent IED strike against two vehicles.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains several suspected insurgents in Ghazni" »

Taliban deputy district leader targeted in Helmand

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Saturday in their continued pursuit of the Taliban deputy district leader for Musa Qal'ah District.

Continue reading "Taliban deputy district leader targeted in Helmand" »

Senior Taliban leader captured in Kandahar by Afghan-led force

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban senior leader and improvised explosive device expert Saturday who was active throughout the city of Kandahar as well as Panjwa'i and Dand Districts.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban leader captured in Kandahar by Afghan-led force" »

Targeting continues for Kandahar-based insurgent networks, several detained

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday while in their ongoing pursuit of a Taliban senior leader operating in Kandahar and Panjwa'i Districts. He commands fighters in their attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Targeting continues for Kandahar-based insurgent networks, several detained" »

Taliban leader targeted during Afghan, coalition force operation in Logar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces killed one insurgent in Logar Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader who directs complex indirect fire, improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. He also commands Hezb-E Gulbuddin fighters in Logar.

Continue reading "Taliban leader targeted during Afghan, coalition force operation in Logar" »

Afghan, coalition force targets Logar-based Taliban senior leader

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Logar province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban senior leader who carries out improvised explosive device, direct fire and indirect fire attacks mainly in Baraki Barak District.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force targets Logar-based Taliban senior leader" »

Afghan and coalition force detains several suspected insurgents in Zabul

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban senior leader involved in the production, planning and execution of improvised explosive device attacks along Highway 1.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition force detains several suspected insurgents in Zabul" »

Officers pass their rank down the promotion line

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Date 10.03.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Promotion to the next rank is a memorable event for any Marine, but for Marines of the Afghanistan National Security Forces Development Cell, 1st Marine Division (Forward), it was an especially significant event as they promoted three Marine officers to the next rank, Oct. 1.

Continue reading "Officers pass their rank down the promotion line" »

UPDATE: Coalition troops target Taliban commander

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force confirms the capture of a mid-level Taliban leader who was planning an attack on the Presidential Palace in Kabul and also planned and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Coalition troops target Taliban commander" »

Afghanistan begins disbanding private security firms

03 Oct 2010 10:53:07 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Afghanistan has begun disbanding private security companies operating in the country, shutting down eight firms and seizing over 400 weapons, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

Continue reading "Afghanistan begins disbanding private security firms" »

October 2, 2010

For Female Marines, Tea Comes With Bullets

By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: October 2, 2010

MARJA, Afghanistan — They expected tea, not firefights.

Continue reading "For Female Marines, Tea Comes With Bullets" »

Afghan children killed, wounded in IED strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan child was killed and one wounded in an improvised explosive device blast in the Now Zad District of Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Afghan children killed, wounded in IED strike" »

Senior Taliban leader targeted in airstrike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led to the location and a subsequent airstrike targeting a senior Taliban leader in the Nad 'Ali District of Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban leader targeted in airstrike" »

Afghan boy injured by insurgent mortar round

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A 10-year-old Afghan boy with shrapnel wounds caused by an insurgent mortar was medically evacuated by Afghan and coalition forces in the Qadis District of Badghis province Oct. 1.

Continue reading "Afghan boy injured by insurgent mortar round" »

First Female U.S. 4-Star General Meets with Female Afghan Troops

10/2/10 | ISAF Public Affairs Office
Internation Security Assistance Force Headquarters
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
ISAF Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Gen. Ann Dunwoody, the commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, met with her female Afghan counterparts during a women’s roundtable event hosted at the U.S. Embassy here Sept. 29.

Continue reading "First Female U.S. 4-Star General Meets with Female Afghan Troops" »

Kyrgyzstan tense as parliamentary vote nears - OSCE

02 Oct 2010 14:18:47 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Dmitry Solovyov

ALMATY, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan is highly volatile after June's ethnic clashes and there are widespread fears an election next weekend could trigger new violence, Europe's leading vote monitoring group has said.

Continue reading "Kyrgyzstan tense as parliamentary vote nears - OSCE" »

Insurgent engaged during joint patrol

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - During a routine Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol in Sangin District, Helmand province, the group engaged one insurgent and detained several suspected insurgents, Friday.

Continue reading "Insurgent engaged during joint patrol" »

Karzai gives pep speech to Afghan security forces

By RAHIM FAIEZ, Associated Press Writer
Sat Oct 2, 8:00 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – Preparing for the eventual exit of international forces, Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Saturday on his own police and army to get ready to take charge of protecting and defending the nation.

Continue reading "Karzai gives pep speech to Afghan security forces" »

U.S. drone strikes kill 18 militants in Pakistan

02 Oct 2010 10:55:16 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Haji Mujtaba

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Two U.S. drone attacks killed 18 militants in Pakistan on Saturday, intelligence officials said, after recent NATO incursions raised tensions with an ally Washington needs in efforts to stabilise Afghanistan.

Continue reading "U.S. drone strikes kill 18 militants in Pakistan" »

Marjah Officials Note Progress, Weakening Insurgency

Regimental Combat Team 1
Story by 1st Lt. Alex Lim
10/2/10

MARJAH, Afghanistan - As dawn approached, locals cleared the roads to the District Center, not because they were in any kind of danger, but to make way for the two leaders responsible for the reconstruction taking place here.

Continue reading "Marjah Officials Note Progress, Weakening Insurgency" »

Joint force clears enemy safe havens in Musa Qal'ah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces conducted another multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement in southern Afghanistan. The operation started, Sept. 30, and ended Friday night.

Continue reading "Joint force clears enemy safe havens in Musa Qal'ah" »

Is the Taliban on the Run in Kandahar?

ABC NEWS
02:04 | 10/01/2010

Miguel Marquez reports on the first phase in a critical battle.

Continue reading "Is the Taliban on the Run in Kandahar?" »

Afghan, coalition force dispatch Taliban leader in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed Farman, a Taliban senior leader who terrorized the local population by participating in attacks, kidnappings, interrogations and executions of Afghan civilians. He was killed along with two of his associates during an overnight operation in Paktiya province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force dispatch Taliban leader in Paktiya" »

Coalition force finds large cache of ammonium nitrate

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date10.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces discovered more than 460 kilograms of ammonium nitrate in a village in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province Friday.

Continue reading "Coalition force finds large cache of ammonium nitrate" »

Using Drones To Counter IEDs

A military task force tries a new method against bombers in Afghanistan.

by Yochi J. Dreazen
Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010

American commanders in Afghanistan are for the first time systematically using aerial drones to kill militants planting roadside bombs, the low-tech, low-cost weapon that has emerged as the biggest threat to U.S. and coalition forces throughout the country. The shift, the details of which have not been reported previously, represents a sharp escalation in the military's ongoing fight against improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, which account for nearly 60 percent of coalition battle deaths in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Using Drones To Counter IEDs" »

October 1, 2010

David Rohde: 'What I Saw in Captivity' With the Taliban

Oct 1 2010, 9:18 AM ET

Watch the full video of this session

David Rohde, the New York Times reporter who spent seven months in captivity with the Taliban before escaping in June 2009, said that while history will judge our approach to the Taliban unfavorably, withdrawing from the region is "not an option."

Continue reading "David Rohde: 'What I Saw in Captivity' With the Taliban" »

Blue Knights’ welcome new commanding officer

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 09.30.2010
Date Posted:10.01.2010 10:48

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, the “Blue Knights,” serving under 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), welcomed a new commanding officer as Lt. Col. Richard F. Fuerst relinquished his command to Lt. Col. Craig C. LeFlore during a change of command ceremony here Sept. 30.

Continue reading "Blue Knights’ welcome new commanding officer" »

Combined force discovers narcotics in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces found and secured a large amount of narcotics during a combined operation in the Achin District of Nangarhar province Oct. 1.

Continue reading "Combined force discovers narcotics in Nangarhar" »

Taliban IED facilitator targeted in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local civilians led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to a compound associated with an insurgent leader and improvised explosive device expert during an operation in Helmand province yesterday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED facilitator targeted in Helmand" »

Two Romanian soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan

By Joe Sterling, CNN
October 1, 2010 8:53 a.m. EDT

(CNN) -- Two Romanian troops were killed in southern Afghanistan Friday in a bombing, the Romanian Defense Ministry confirmed.

Continue reading "Two Romanian soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan" »

Rice gives upbeat review of Afghanistan

Published: Oct. 1, 2010 at 1:39 PM

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Parts of Afghanistan are ready to take responsibility for security operations, the U.S. representative to the United Nations said.

Continue reading "Rice gives upbeat review of Afghanistan" »

1/8 Corpsmen train ANA soldiers as Combat Life Savers

Date09.28.2010
Date Posted:10.01.2010 04:23
Courtesy Story

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan - The Combat Life Savers course is a training program designed to bridge the gap between basic first aid taught to Marines and the advanced training a corpsman receives. In an effort to help the Afghan National Army become self-reliant, the corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, began training ANA soldiers to become Combat Life Savers, Sep. 28, 2010.

Continue reading "1/8 Corpsmen train ANA soldiers as Combat Life Savers" »

Firefight with Taliban 'all in a day’s work'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Oct 1, 2010 at 4:04 PM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST NAREA, Marjah, Afghanistan — Squad leader LCpl Gil Frazier patrols on a regular basis, interacting will locals, either helping with wells and employment or questioning them about the Taliban in the area.

Continue reading "Firefight with Taliban 'all in a day’s work'" »

Afghan Police Leaders Graduate; Promotions Based On Literacy

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte
Date 10.01.2010

FOB WALTON, Afghanistan - At the Afghan National Police Non-commissioned Officer Academy in Forward Operations Base Walton near Kandahar city, 122 ANP patrolmen graduated from a pilot leadership seminar Sept. 29.

Continue reading "Afghan Police Leaders Graduate; Promotions Based On Literacy" »

Afghan police learn leadership, flexibility from Special Forces

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Sgt. Benjamin Watson
Date 10.01.2010

Kandahar, AFGHANISTAN - Jawad Yazdani knows a thing or two about training Afghan policemen. As a sergeant and instructor to other Afghan National Civil Order Police, he is aware of the emphasis and expectations placed on leaders and trainers.

Continue reading "Afghan police learn leadership, flexibility from Special Forces" »

People’s Development Fund helps build eastern provinces

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbledick
Date 10.01.2010

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The People’s Development Fund, a program created to build government capacity in Wardak and Logar provinces, is providing funding for projects that benefit the citizens in the area.

Continue reading "People’s Development Fund helps build eastern provinces" »

U.S. struggles to counter Taliban propaganda

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 1, 2010; 7:32 PM

KABUL - The Taliban in recent months has developed increasingly sophisticated and nimble propaganda tactics that have alarmed U.S. officials struggling to curb the militant group's growing influence across Afghanistan.

Continue reading "U.S. struggles to counter Taliban propaganda" »

Door to NATO still open for Georgia -Rasmussen

01 Oct 2010 17:11:16 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Margarita Antidze

TBILISI, Oct 1 (Reuters) - The door to NATO membership remains open for Georgia despite the alliance's efforts to mend relations with its regional rival Russia, Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Friday.

Continue reading "Door to NATO still open for Georgia -Rasmussen" »

FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Kyrgyzstan

01 Oct 2010 10:46:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Dmitry Solovyov

ALMATY, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan plans an election on Oct. 10 that would create the first parliamentary democracy in Central Asia in a year that has seen the president overthrown and the worst ethnic violence in the country's modern history.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Kyrgyzstan" »

JSC-A Hosts Naturalization Service at KAF

108th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Cashion
Date 10.01.2010

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many and for approximately 90 Servicemembers serving on the battlefields of Afghanistan, that dream was realized in a naturalization ceremony here Oct. 1.

Continue reading "JSC-A Hosts Naturalization Service at KAF" »

Soldier returns to duty after suicide attack

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.
Date 10.01.2010
Location:NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AF

“We were doing a traffic control point when a female walked up and detonated herself 10 meters from me,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Derek L. Ashman.

Continue reading "Soldier returns to duty after suicide attack" »

NATO reassures Georgia after Afghan deaths

By Michael Mainville (AFP) – Oct. 1, 2010

TBILISI — NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Friday the alliance remained committed to granting membership to Georgia, as the ex-Soviet republic mourned its worst losses to date in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "NATO reassures Georgia after Afghan deaths" »

NATO reassures Georgia after Afghan deaths

By Michael Mainville (AFP) – Oct. 1, 2010

TBILISI — NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Friday the alliance remained committed to granting membership to Georgia, as the ex-Soviet republic mourned its worst losses to date in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "NATO reassures Georgia after Afghan deaths" »

Canadians gaining momentum in fight against Taliban

The Canadian Press
Date: Friday Oct. 1, 2010 12:16 PM ET

SPERWAN GHAR, Afghanistan — The Canadian military believes it is on the verge of boxing out the Taliban from an area of Kandahar that has long been the site of a deadly game of tug-of-war between coalition forces and insurgents.

Continue reading "Canadians gaining momentum in fight against Taliban" »

Cotton gin reopens to Afghan farmers

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar
Date 10.01.2010

LASKAR GAH, Afghanistan – More than 170 local Afghans went back to work when the Lashkar Gah cotton factory reopened, Sept. 28. The announcement was made by Mr. Al. Haj. M. Sheerin, the manager of the factory, after receiving permission from Afghanistan president, Hamid Karzi.

Continue reading "Cotton gin reopens to Afghan farmers" »

Coalition force finds large cache of IED-making material

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces discovered more than 1,100 kilograms of ammonium nitrate in the courtyard of a compound in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province Thursday.

Continue reading "Coalition force finds large cache of IED-making material" »

Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Kunar province

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed at least 15 insurgents in a firefight after insurgents attempted to set up an attack position in the Tsowkey district of Kunar province today.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Kunar province" »

Afghan, coalition force remove Haqqani Network senior leader from battlefield

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Haqqani Network senior leader who supplied and coordinated attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces along with six insurgents in Khost province Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force remove Haqqani Network senior leader from battlefield" »

Clearing operations in Zharay

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with 3rd Commando Kandak, along with coalition forces including elements of Special Operations Task Force - South, killed three enemy combatants during a clearing operation Tuesday in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Clearing operations in Zharay" »

Afghan, coalition forces tally another successful month in Afghanistan

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces spent the month of September continuing to capture and kill key Taliban and Haqqani insurgent leaders, ensuring civilians were able to cast their vote in the Parliamentary election and clearing traditional insurgent strong holds.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces tally another successful month in Afghanistan" »

One suspected insurgent detained in pursuit of Taliban leadership in Zabul

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent in Zabul province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader who facilitates and conducts improvised explosive device attacks along Highway 1, a heavily travelled highway used by Afghan civilians.

Continue reading "One suspected insurgent detained in pursuit of Taliban leadership in Zabul" »

Afghan-led force captures Chaman-based senior leader in Kandahar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban senior leader based in the Panjwa'i District of Kandahar province Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force captures Chaman-based senior leader in Kandahar" »

Haqqani Network facilitator captured in Khost province overnight

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 10.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator, known to endanger the Afghan populace through his indiscriminate improvised explosive device attacks, Thursday in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network facilitator captured in Khost province overnight" »

September 30, 2010

Canadian fatality rate in Afghanistan drops

By Matthew Fisher, Postmedia News September 30, 2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — While NATO has already suffered its worst year for deaths in Afghanistan, Canada's fatality rate has dropped more than 40 per cent, according to calculations by Postmedia News.

Continue reading "Canadian fatality rate in Afghanistan drops" »

NATO sees Afghan city of Herat ready for transition

30 Sep 2010 16:54:19 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Phil Stewart and David Alexander

WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's third-largest city, Herat, is a prime candidate for NATO to start an eagerly awaited transition of security responsibility to Afghan forces, a regional NATO commander said on Thursday.

Continue reading "NATO sees Afghan city of Herat ready for transition" »

School supplies given to Helmand Districts

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar
Date 09.30.2010

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan – As the school year begins in Afghanistan, students across Helmand province will get a head start with each one receiving new textbooks and a backpack full of school supplies.

Continue reading "School supplies given to Helmand Districts" »

Helmand farmers offered alternative crops

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman
Date 09.30.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — More than 48,000 Afghan farmers can benefit from Gov. Gulab Mangal’s Food Zone Program by growing alternative crops and abandoning the cultivation of poppies.

Continue reading "Helmand farmers offered alternative crops" »

ISAF confirms civilians inadvertently killed during operation in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force Joint Command combined incident assessment team has determined that four Afghan civilians were killed and three were wounded during an ISAF operation in Andar District of Ghazni province, Wednesday.

Continue reading "ISAF confirms civilians inadvertently killed during operation in Ghazni" »

Taliban reject Karzai's peace council as "failed"

30 Sep 2010 11:48:28 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The Taliban have rejected Afghan President Hamid Karzai's latest bid to move towards peace talks, dubbing a High Peace Council "failed and impractical" and denying that senior Taliban leaders were in contact with Kabul.

Continue reading "Taliban reject Karzai's peace council as "failed"" »

NATO says aircraft entered Pakistan, killed "armed individuals"

30 Sep 2010 13:21:07 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 30 (Reuters) - NATO aircraft crossed the border into Pakistan on Thursday morning and killed "several armed individuals", the alliance said in a statement, after Pakistan said a cross-border airstrike killed three border guards.

Continue reading "NATO says aircraft entered Pakistan, killed "armed individuals"" »

Coalition troops detain wanted insurgent leader

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local civilians led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to detain an insurgent leader during a combined operation in Uruzgan province today.

Continue reading "Coalition troops detain wanted insurgent leader" »

Coalition troops target Taliban leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces targeted a Taliban leader during a combined operation in Kabul today by working off intelligence and tips from local civilians.

Continue reading "Coalition troops target Taliban leader" »

Suicide attack on NATO convoy kills 3 civilians

30 Sep 2010 07:27:25 GMT
Source: Reuters

KANDAHAR, Sept 30 (Reuters) - A suicide bomber in a Toyota Corolla blew himself up beside a convoy of NATO troops in Kandahar on Thursday morning, killing three civilians and wounding 9 others, the provincial governor's spokesman said.

Continue reading "Suicide attack on NATO convoy kills 3 civilians" »

Blight cuts 2010 Afghan opium crop, but earnings up

30 Sep 2010 08:07:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Disease cut the amount of opium produced in Afghanistan in 2010 by almost half from a year earlier, but there was no fall in the number of poppy fields under cultivation, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Continue reading "Blight cuts 2010 Afghan opium crop, but earnings up" »

NATO Convoys Attacked In Pakistan

Attacks Come Day After Pakistani Government Shuts Down Border Crossing

CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer
POSTED: 9:33 pm PDT September 30, 2010
UPDATED: 1:53 pm PDT October 1, 2010

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Assailants launched two separate attacks on tankers carrying fuel for foreign troops in Afghanistan on Friday, showing the vulnerability of NATO supply lines a day after the Pakistani government itself shut one down.

Continue reading "NATO Convoys Attacked In Pakistan" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 30

30 Sep 2010 09:22:54 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 30 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0830 GMT on Thursday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 30" »

UPDATE Senior Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban leader captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Nawa-ye Barakzai Taliban senior leader with influence throughout the Nawa and Lashkar Gah Districts.

Continue reading "UPDATE Senior Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban leader captured" »

Afghan, coalition force detain suspected insurgents in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator who purchases and distributes improvised explosive device materials while leading Taliban forces within the province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detain suspected insurgents in Zabul" »

Kunduz clearing operation results in 3 insurgents killed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted a deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s freedom of movement in Kunduz province Wednesday, killing three insurgents.

Continue reading "Kunduz clearing operation results in 3 insurgents killed" »

Pursuit continues for Taliban district leadership in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained one suspected insurgent in Kandahar province Wednesday while in their continued pursuit of the Taliban deputy district leader for Dand.

Continue reading "Pursuit continues for Taliban district leadership in Kandahar" »

Kandahar-based insurgent networks targeted, several detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Wednesday while in their continued pursuit of a Taliban senior leader operating in Kandahar City and Panjwa’i districts.

Continue reading "Kandahar-based insurgent networks targeted, several detained" »

Afghan-led force pursues Taliban senior IED operative in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Wednesday while in pursuit of a senior Taliban leader operating in Now Zad district.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force pursues Taliban senior IED operative in Helmand" »

Force detains suspected insurgent in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected Taliban leader in Badghis province yesterday while in pursuit of the Taliban shadow governor of Bala Murghab district.

Continue reading "Force detains suspected insurgent in Badghis" »

September 29, 2010

UN envoy to Afghanistan says elections show the country starting to assume control

By ANITA SNOW , Associated Press
Last update: September 29, 2010 - 6:01 PM

UNITED NATIONS - Afghanistan's ability to even hold recent legislative elections shows it is starting to take control of its own future, a U.N. special envoy said Wednesday as Security Council members took stock of the war-ravaged country's most recent attempt at democracy.

Continue reading "UN envoy to Afghanistan says elections show the country starting to assume control" »

School Reporters in Afghanistan take to the streets

Page last updated at 15:57 GMT, Wednesday, 29 September 2010 16:57 UK

During 30 years of war and instability in their country, thousands of Afghan children have missed out on going to school.

Continue reading "School Reporters in Afghanistan take to the streets" »

U.S.-born al Qaeda spokesman slams Pakistan, Afghanistan in video

By the CNN Wire Staff
September 29, 2010 2:33 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- The governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan serve only the interests of the United States and its allies and not of the local Muslim populations, an American-born al Qaeda spokesman said in a new video purportedly from the organization.

Continue reading "U.S.-born al Qaeda spokesman slams Pakistan, Afghanistan in video" »

Taliban deny high-level contact with Afghan government

By Ivan Watson, CNNSeptember 29, 2010 10:12 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The Taliban rejected Wednesday claims made by the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan that high level militant leaders have been in contact with the Afghan government.

Continue reading "Taliban deny high-level contact with Afghan government" »

Afghanistan Elections: A look behind the scenes

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson
Date 09.29.2010

CAMP MOREHEAD, Aghanistan - Afghan Commandos and U.S. Special Forces conducted a joint mission to help conventional Afghan National Security Forces retrieve election ballots boxes and resupply Afghan National Police at a district center Sept. 24 in Chak district, Wardak Province.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Elections: A look behind the scenes" »

Pakistan Taliban commander vows to expand fight

29 Sep 2010 10:49:47 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Chris Allbritton

ISLAMABAD, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A top Pakistan Taliban commander has reaffirmed his group's ties to al Qaeda, vowing to fight for imposition of Islamic law across the world, according to a video interview made available to Reuters.

Continue reading "Pakistan Taliban commander vows to expand fight" »

Afghan children discover unexploded ordnance

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A group of Afghan children found an unexploded ordnance and took it to an International Security Assistance Force operating base in western Afghanistan Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan children discover unexploded ordnance" »

Coalition troops engage insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces engaged several insurgents during a combined operation in Ghazni province today.

Continue reading "Coalition troops engage insurgents" »

Poland would stay the course in Afghanistan

29th September 2010

Poland's armed forces will stay in Afghanistan until 2014 at the latest, Polish Foreign Minister Rados Sikorski said on Wednesday during a meeting with Musa Khan, the governor of Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Poland would stay the course in Afghanistan" »

Part 2: American muscle proves futile in land of extremes

By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Bill "Mac" McCullough tugs one side of his iPod headphones free from his ear. The dangling earbud emits a tinny sound of classic rock as he slides his pistol from its holster and quietly cocks it.

Continue reading "Part 2: American muscle proves futile in land of extremes" »

Part 3: Building trust amid fear, one mission at a time

By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, AFGHANISTAN

Amy Bursell climbs out of a bulletproof car in front of an Afghan police station. Strapped to the back of her flak vest: the Mission Monkey, a stuffed animal she brings along for nearly every meeting with the locals.

Continue reading "Part 3: Building trust amid fear, one mission at a time" »

Part 4: In the enemy's lair, fighting for Afghanistan's future

By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

This part of the country is about as tough as it gets: a sun-scorched poppy belt in Helmand province, the heart of Taliban territory.

Continue reading "Part 4: In the enemy's lair, fighting for Afghanistan's future" »

In Afghanistan, Midwives 'Are Like Guardian Angels For Infants And Mothers'

September 29, 2010
04:00 am
by Jim Wildman

Midwife Farangis Sultani tells the story of a woman who was in a great deal of pain last winter. The woman was in labor — and her family had brought her to the Shatak village clinic after a three-hour walk on the back of a donkey.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Midwives 'Are Like Guardian Angels For Infants And Mothers'" »

Part 1: New weapon in an old war

By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010

Boom! Heads snap toward the blast. Feet detect the shock wave, rolling beneath the hot sand like a writhing snake. In its wake, there's a hush, a silence suspended between heartbeats.

Continue reading "Part 1: New weapon in an old war" »

Combined force engages insurgents in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An air weapons team engaged insurgents who fired on Afghan and coalition forces conducting a patrol in eastern Afghanistan today.

Continue reading "Combined force engages insurgents in Ghazni" »

Taliban leader captured in Paktiya province last night

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader heavily involved in improvised explosive device attacks, in Paktiya province Tuesday.

Continue reading "Taliban leader captured in Paktiya province last night" »

UPDATE Force confirms Al Qaeda senior commander killed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed a precision air strike in Kunar province Saturday killed Abdallah Umar al-Qurayshi, an Al Qaeda senior commander who coordinated the attacks of a group of Arab fighters in Kunar and Nuristan provinces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Force confirms Al Qaeda senior commander killed" »

Taliban IED leader captured in Kandahar City overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kandahar province last night including a Taliban leader who conducted improvised explosive device attacks in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Taliban IED leader captured in Kandahar City overnight" »

Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban Shura member targeted overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province overnight while in pursuit of a Nawa-ye Barakzai Taliban Shura member and Taliban leader with influence throughout the Nawa and Lashkar Gah districts.

Continue reading "Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban Shura member targeted overnight" »

Kandahar insurgent networks targeted, insurgents detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban senior leader operating in Kandahar City and Panjwa’i districts.

Continue reading "Kandahar insurgent networks targeted, insurgents detained" »

Haqqani Network leader captured by Afghan-led force

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Khost province overnight, including a Haqqani Network leader responsible for attacks against coalition forces.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network leader captured by Afghan-led force" »

September 28, 2010

Afghanistan unveils list of peace council members

From Samson Desta and Matiullah Mati, CNN
September 28, 2010 9:51 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Former warlords, village elders and women are among the members of an Afghan peace council designed to spearhead "serious, substantive dialogue" efforts with the Taliban opposition.

Continue reading "Afghanistan unveils list of peace council members" »

Petraeus Discusses Future of Afghan Detainees

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010
By U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Maria Yager

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan toured the U.S. Detention Facility here yesterday, Sept. 27, and discussed his vision for detention operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Petraeus Discusses Future of Afghan Detainees" »

Taliban Missile Strikes Up Close

September 28, 2010 4:07 PM

Following her report on "60 Minutes," CBS News' Lara Logan continues her coverage of Taliban missile strikes against U.S. forces along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Continue reading "Taliban Missile Strikes Up Close" »

Pakistan warns against more NATO raids

Chris Brummitt and Kimberly Dozier - The Associated Press
Tuesday Sep 28, 2010

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan has told NATO leaders it will stop protecting U.S. and NATO supply lines to Afghanistan if foreign aircraft stage further cross-border attacks against fleeing militants, security officials said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Pakistan warns against more NATO raids" »

Afghans want 'a bright future using the pen instead of the weapon'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 28, 2010 at 8:00 AM PDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan - As important figures from the community cut the red ribbon, men and children lay down bricks tied with bows.

Continue reading "Afghans want 'a bright future using the pen instead of the weapon'" »

Petraeus fights time, enemy in Afghanistan

By KIMBERLY DOZIER
Associated Press Writer
Sep 28, 2:36 PM EDT

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (AP) -- Gen. David Petraeus trudges across a gravel helicopter landing area with his aides, looking purposeful but a bit grim, as he reaches a village outpost in the violent Afghan province of Helmand. He's here to chart progress, or lack thereof, in a war that's running at the pace of a horse cart, in a world that runs at the speed of a text message.

Continue reading "Petraeus fights time, enemy in Afghanistan" »

RCT-7 concludes historic deployment in Helmand province

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Date09.28.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Last year, Now Zad was a ghost town. Helicopters and vehicle convoys purposely avoided the Taliban safe haven of Marjah. Nobody ventured as far south into Helmand province’s village of Safaar.

Continue reading "RCT-7 concludes historic deployment in Helmand province" »

Afghan team probes reports of NATO strike deaths

28 Sep 2010 12:59:04 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has sent a delegation to the country's eastern Laghman province to investigate reports that an airstrike by NATO forces there caused civilian deaths, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan team probes reports of NATO strike deaths" »

Women owned businesses succeeding, support ANSF

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by G. A. Volb
Date 09.28.2010

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – Women-owned and operated businesses supporting Afghan National Security Forces here have signaled gender empowerment, social progress and improved industrial infrastructure.

Continue reading "Women owned businesses succeeding, support ANSF" »

Afghan First initiatives paying off for ANSF

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by G. A. Volb
Date 09.28.2010

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force initiative of going Afghan First regarding contracts is paying off with newly established local factories turning out goods in support of security forces, while employing hundreds.

Continue reading "Afghan First initiatives paying off for ANSF" »

Afghan National Army: Taking the lead as trainers, educators

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by G. A. Volb
Date 09.28.2010

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – Three years ago it would have been hard to find basic warrior training lead by Afghan soldiers here.

Continue reading "Afghan National Army: Taking the lead as trainers, educators" »

NATO arrests six over Afghanistan killings: Spain

– Tue Sep 28, 11:31 am ET

MADRID (AFP) – NATO-led forces have arrested six people in Afghanistan over the killing of two Spanish policemen and an interpreter last month, Spain's government said Tuesday.

Continue reading "NATO arrests six over Afghanistan killings: Spain" »

US-led forces, Pakistan discuss cross-border attack

28 Sep 2010 19:53:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 28 (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan tried but failed to notify Pakistan before launching rare cross-border air strikes last week that killed some 30 insurgents on Pakistani soil, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "US-led forces, Pakistan discuss cross-border attack" »

NATO general warns on Afghan handover target

28 Sep 2010 16:42:25 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Brunnstrom

BRUSSELS, Sept 28 (Reuters) - NATO will not meet targets for transferring security responsibility to Afghan forces unless allies provide hundreds more specialist instructors, the head of its training mission said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "NATO general warns on Afghan handover target" »

Afghan Government Appoints 70-member Peace Council

Afghanistan Sets Up 70-member Peace Council, Formalizing Efforts To Reconcile With Taliban

Sep. 28, 2010

(AP) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The Afghan government on Tuesday announced who will sit on a 70-member peace council, formalizing efforts already underway to reconcile with top Taliban leaders and lure insurgent foot soldiers off the battlefield.

Continue reading "Afghan Government Appoints 70-member Peace Council" »

Senior al Qaeda leader said killed in Pakistan

28 Sep 2010 14:52:06 GMT
Source: Reuters

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Sept 28 (Reuters) - A senior al Qaeda leader, Shaikh al-Fateh, is believed to have been killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike in a Pakistani tribal region on the Afghan border this week, intelligence officials said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Senior al Qaeda leader said killed in Pakistan" »

Karzai weeps as he urges faster Afghan peace effort

28 Sep 2010 10:43:27 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai wept on Tuesday as he called on Afghans to "come to their senses" and move faster towards peace, or risk seeing the next generation flee abroad and lose their Afghan identity.

Continue reading "Karzai weeps as he urges faster Afghan peace effort" »

The Future of Afghanistan Gets a Boost from the Past

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Quillen
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Lt. Col. John C. McCurdy, commander, 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan relinquished his command to Lt. Col. Ryan B. Nichols on Sept. 28, 2010, during a change of command ceremony held at the Afghan air force’s “Pohantoon-e-Hawayee,” training academy in Kabul. McCurdy is departing after a year spent developing the PeH School.

Continue reading "The Future of Afghanistan Gets a Boost from the Past" »

Suicide bomb kills Afghan vice-governor, five others

28 Sep 2010 09:15:56 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Mustafa Andalib

GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Sept 28 (Reuters) - A suicide bomber on a motorised rickshaw killed the deputy governor of Afghanistan's Ghazni province and five others on Tuesday, the area's police chief said, the latest assassination of a government official.

Continue reading "Suicide bomb kills Afghan vice-governor, five others" »

Afghan, coalition forces make weapons cache finds

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces found and destroyed large weapons caches in Nangarhar and Zabul provinces yesterday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces make weapons cache finds" »

Force continues pursuit of Helmand-based Taliban commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province Monday in their continued pursuit of a dual-hatted Taliban civil and military commander for Lashkar Gah and Nahr-e Saraj districts.

Continue reading "Force continues pursuit of Helmand-based Taliban commander" »

Force pursues Taliban commander in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected insurgents in Paktika province Monday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander linked to improvised explosive device and suicide.

Continue reading "Force pursues Taliban commander in Paktika" »

Tapes describe U.S. servicemen killing for sport in Afghanistan

From Drew Griffin, CNN Correspondent
September 28, 2010 6:17 a.m. EDT

Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Tapes obtained by CNN of interrogations of a group of U.S. servicemen charged with unprovoked killings of Afghan civilians describe gruesome scenes of cold-blooded murder.

Continue reading "Tapes describe U.S. servicemen killing for sport in Afghanistan" »

Spin Boldak insurgent network targeted overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kandahar province Monday, including a Taliban facilitator responsible for moving improvised explosive device supplies from Pakistan to Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Spin Boldak insurgent network targeted overnight" »

Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.28.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network facilitator known to make and distribute improvised explosive device materials throughout the province, during an overnight operation in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost overnight" »

September 27, 2010

NATO launches airstrikes into Pakistan, 50 dead

Eric Talmadge And Sebastian Abbot, Associated Press Writer
Mon Sep 27, 6:59 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO helicopters in eastern Afghanistan launched rare airstrikes into Pakistan, reportedly killing more than 50 militants after an outpost near the border came under attack from insurgents, officials said Monday.

Continue reading "NATO launches airstrikes into Pakistan, 50 dead" »

Petraeus Says Taliban Have Reached Out to Karzai

By ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: September 27, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — The top American commander in Afghanistan said Monday that senior Taliban leaders had reached out to President Hamid Karzai in the context of early efforts to start reconciliation discussions that could pave the way to end the fighting in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Petraeus Says Taliban Have Reached Out to Karzai" »

Petraeus: Taliban have reached out to reconcile

By HEIDI VOGT
The Associated Press
Monday, September 27, 2010; 2:21 PM

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- The top commander in Afghanistan says Taliban leaders have reached out to the Afghan government seeking reconciliation.

Continue reading "Petraeus: Taliban have reached out to reconcile" »

U.S. to Taliban: Leave or be killed

Published: Sept. 27, 2010 at 12:10 PM

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Western military officials say they have launched a new push into Taliban strongholds on the outskirts of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "U.S. to Taliban: Leave or be killed" »

Forces engage Taliban in key operation in south

By Eric Talmadge, Associated Press Writer
Mon Sep 27, 4:44 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – International and Afghan troops have begun a key combat phase against insurgents in southern Afghanistan and expect heavy fighting, officials said Monday, in an operation that is crucial to the U.S. strategy to turn around the nine-year war against the Taliban.

Continue reading "Forces engage Taliban in key operation in south" »

Pakistan Say NATO Airstrikes Breach Its Air Space

Pakistan protests NATO airstrikes violated its sovereignty; NATO says it acted in self-defense

The Associated Press
By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press Writer
KABUL, Afghanistan September 27, 2010 (AP)

Pakistan vehemently protested NATO helicopter strikes that killed more than 70 militants, saying Monday that U.N. rules do not allow the choppers to cross into its air space even in hot pursuit of insurgents.

Continue reading "Pakistan Say NATO Airstrikes Breach Its Air Space" »

US forces join search for British woman kidnapped in Afghanistan

US steps up effort to find British aid worker snatched on Sunday along with her Afghan co-workers

James Meikle and Richard Norton-Taylor guardian.co.uk
Monday 27 September 2010 20.56 BST

US special forces are understood to have joined the hunt for a British aid worker who was kidnapped with three colleagues in north-eastern Afghanistan on Sunday.

Continue reading "US forces join search for British woman kidnapped in Afghanistan" »

Vietnam vet volunteers for Afghanistan deployment

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Sgt. Katryn McCalment
Date 09.27.2010

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – William Pegler is on his second deployment. He is spending seven months in the dry, dusty climate of Bagram, a mission tens of thousands of enlisted soldiers have completed. What sets Pegler apart from those deployed with him: his first deployment was 38 years ago and was spent in the jungles of Vietnam.

Continue reading "Vietnam vet volunteers for Afghanistan deployment" »

Taliban 'want to swap kidnapped British aid worker for Pakistani scientist jailed in the U.S.'

Massive hunt on for woman believed to be in her 30s

By Andrew Levy and Daniel Bates
Last updated at 12:53 PM on 27th September 2010

Militants claiming to have kidnapped a female British aid worker are believed to be demanding an exchange for the jailed Pakistani scientist Aafia Siddiqui.

Continue reading "Taliban 'want to swap kidnapped British aid worker for Pakistani scientist jailed in the U.S.'" »

Karzai's brother says he will amend US tax returns

By Deb Riechmann And Brett Blackledge, Associated Press Writers – Mon Sep 27, 6:20 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – The eldest brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai is preparing to amend his earnings on his U.S. tax returns and says he will freely disclose financial details of his life to American federal prosecutors.

Continue reading "Karzai's brother says he will amend US tax returns" »

Force targets Taliban commander, detain suspected insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Logar province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, including indirect fire attacks against Forward Operating Base Shank

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban commander, detain suspected insurgents" »

Force targets Taliban commander, detain suspected insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Logar province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, including indirect fire attacks against Forward Operating Base Shank

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban commander, detain suspected insurgents" »

Afghan, coalition force captures another Taliban commander in Nawa

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Helmand province Sunday, including a Taliban commander operating in Nawah-ye Barakzai district.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures another Taliban commander in Nawa" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban commander in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Badghis province Sunday, including a Taliban sub-commander operating in Qal’ah-ye Now district, who is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban commander in Badghis" »

Taliban commander killed, IED manufacturer detained in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed Azizullah, a Taliban sub-commander who operated mainly in Logar province, during an overnight operation in Paktika province.

Continue reading "Taliban commander killed, IED manufacturer detained in Paktika" »

Taliban IED commander captured during Kandahar operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Sunday, including a Taliban improvised explosive device commander who carried out attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Taliban IED commander captured during Kandahar operation" »

Military thwarted president seeking choice in Afghanistan

By Bob Woodward
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 27, 2010; 12:34 AM

The first of three articles adapted from "Obama's Wars" by Bob Woodward.

President Obama was on edge.

Continue reading "Military thwarted president seeking choice in Afghanistan" »

Marines are changed by Afghan mission

By: Sara A. Carter
National Security Correspondent
September 27, 2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Matt Garst earned the nickname "The Unbreakable Marine" during the campaign to pacify the area around the town of Marja.

Continue reading "Marines are changed by Afghan mission" »

September 26, 2010

REFILE-NATO helicopters entered Pakistan to kill insurgents

26 Sep 2010 22:22:30 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Two NATO helicopters killed 30 insurgents on Pakistani soil after a rare manned pursuit across the border from Afghanistan, NATO forces said on Sunday.

Continue reading "REFILE-NATO helicopters entered Pakistan to kill insurgents" »

4 Aid Workers Held in Afghanistan

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 26, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — Four aid workers for the United States Agency for International Development were kidnapped by gunmen on one of the country’s major highways on Sunday, according to embassy and police officials.

Continue reading "4 Aid Workers Held in Afghanistan" »

IEDs show troop surge working, U.S. officers say

By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
September 26, 2010

MUSA QALA DISTRICT, Afghanistan — From Marine headquarters here, Maj. Robert "Barney" Barnhart ticks off names of comrades killed by roadside bombs, pausing at the mention of a sergeant Barnhart had persuaded to re-enlist for the fight.

Continue reading "IEDs show troop surge working, U.S. officers say" »

RCT-7 surgeon plays harmonica to pass time in Afghanistan

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Date 09.26.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Whenever Cmdr. Rodney Pray, the Regimental Combat Team 7 surgeon, has a little down time, and isn’t working with the Marines and focusing on the mission, he reaches into his pocket and pulls his harmonica out, plays a few of his favorite songs from the “Rolling Stones,” and relaxes.

Continue reading "RCT-7 surgeon plays harmonica to pass time in Afghanistan" »

OFFICIAL-NATO helicopters chase fighters into Pakistan

30 Sep 2010 13:41:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

(ISAF corrects day of border crossing by helicopters to Saturday, not Friday, paragraph 2)

By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Two NATO helicopters killed 30 insurgents on Pakistani soil after a rare manned pursuit across the border from Afghanistan, NATO forces said on Sunday.

Continue reading "OFFICIAL-NATO helicopters chase fighters into Pakistan" »

VMU-1 makes enemy afraid of “Shadow”

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson
Date 09.22.2010
Date Posted: 09.26.2010 02:48

AFGHANISTAN - As a shockwave rumbled across the flight line here Sept. 22, it was met with an even larger roar of cheering from the Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

Continue reading "VMU-1 makes enemy afraid of “Shadow”" »

Afghan Police Operating at International Level

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Lt. Joseph Holstead
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL - The Afghan National Police’s capabilities continue to grow and meet international standards in significant areas, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan’s Deputy Commanding General for Police said today at the Ministry of Interior.

Continue reading "Afghan Police Operating at International Level" »

First C-17 lands at FOB Dwyer, breaks critical logistical barrier

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson
Date 09.23.2010
Date Posted:09.26.2010 02:35

AFGHANISTAN – September 23 marked a historical moment here when a C-17 “Globemaster III” touched down on the flight line carrying more than a dozen pallets of supplies.

Continue reading "First C-17 lands at FOB Dwyer, breaks critical logistical barrier" »

Suspected US missile attacks kill 7 in NW Pakistan

By ISHTIAQ MAHSUD
The Associated Press
Sunday, September 26, 2010; 10:18 AM

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan -- Suspected U.S. drone aircraft carried out two missile strikes against a house and a vehicle near the Afghan border in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing seven alleged militants, Pakistani intelligence officials said.

Continue reading "Suspected US missile attacks kill 7 in NW Pakistan" »

Escalation of force incident in Musa Qal'ah

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians riding a motorcycle were killed after failing to adhere to several warnings to stop while approaching a security perimeter in southern Afghanistan Saturday.

Continue reading "Escalation of force incident in Musa Qal'ah" »

Attacks kill more than 70 Taliban insurgents, NATO reports

Denver Post Wire Report
Posted: 09/26/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

KABUL — Two attacks killed more than 70 Taliban insurgents Saturday, NATO officials said, but some local residents said those killed included civilians.

Continue reading "Attacks kill more than 70 Taliban insurgents, NATO reports" »

Taliban, a cold war legacy

Sun Sep 26, 2010 1:3PM

27 September is the anniversary of fall of Kabul The capital of Afghanistan to extremist Taliban militia in 1996.

Taliban forces consolidated their grip on Kabul on this day, after storming the presidential palace. Inspired by the Saudi Wahabi scholars, the Taliban wanted to make Afghanistan the world's purest Islamic state. A bloody wave of killings and amputations were introduced by the extremist group. only 3 countries recognised the hardliners as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan Pakistan , Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates .

Continue reading "Taliban, a cold war legacy" »

Kandahar diary: Caught up in the battle

Sajeed (not his real name), a development worker in Kandahar city, describes the challenges of daily life in the Taliban stronghold. The security situation has changed for the worse in the past few months.

26 September 2010 Last updated at 07:05 ET

"People were expecting a massive military operation in Kandahar and the surrounding areas but there seems to have been a change of mind on behalf of the government and the foreign forces.

Continue reading "Kandahar diary: Caught up in the battle" »

US seeks Bangladesh troops for Afghanistan: Dhaka

(updated on: 2010-09-26 12:03:28 PST):
AFP

The United States has urged Bangladesh to send combat troops to Afghanistan to help the multinational effort bring stability to the war-torn country, Dhaka's foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Continue reading "US seeks Bangladesh troops for Afghanistan: Dhaka" »

Massive Afghan iron ore deposit up for tender again

25 Sep 2010 14:52:18 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

HAJIGAK, Afghanistan, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Afghanistan put its Hajigak iron ore deposit back up for tender on Saturday, after taking it off the market last year, promising security for investors despite a worsening insurgency.

Continue reading "Massive Afghan iron ore deposit up for tender again" »

Pendleton Marines take fight to insurgents

The message: We are watching

By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published September 25, 2010 at 11:03 p.m., updated September 26, 2010 at 12:02 a.m.

YAKCHAL, Afghanistan — In the deserts of southern Afghanistan, Marines from Camp Pendleton’s 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion are sending a message to insurgents: We are watching.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines take fight to insurgents" »

Combined forces clear Masamute Bala

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Tech. Sgt. Stacy Simon
Date 09.24.2010
Date Posted: 09.25.2010 15:52

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers, with support from the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Task Force Iron Gray, conducted an air assault operation on the town of Masamute Bala, located in the Alishang District of the Laghman province late Sept. 24.

Continue reading "Combined forces clear Masamute Bala" »

Force conducts deliberate clearing operation in Kandahar

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces conducted another multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement outside Kandahar City, Friday and Saturday.

Continue reading "Force conducts deliberate clearing operation in Kandahar" »

IED facilitator captured during operation in Khost

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Khost province Saturday, including a Haqqani remote-controlled improvised explosive device facilitator responsible for the movement of weapons and IED-making materials.

Continue reading "IED facilitator captured during operation in Khost" »

Taliban sub-commander captured during overnight Paktika operation

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Paktika province Saturday, including a Taliban sub-commander involved in improvised explosive device attacks in Mata Khan District.

Continue reading "Taliban sub-commander captured during overnight Paktika operation" »

Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Taliban commander

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Saturday while in pursuit of a mid-level Taliban commander operating in Tarnek wa Jaldak District.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Taliban commander" »

U.S., Afghan forces 'destroying Taliban fighting positions'

By Laura King, Los Angeles Times
September 26, 2010|7:51 p.m.

Kabul, Afghanistan ( Los Angeles Times) - Afghan and Western troops have launched a new push into Taliban strongholds on the outskirts of Kandahar, Western military officials said Sunday, intensifying a months-long effort to dislodge insurgents from the southern city they regard as their spiritual home.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan forces 'destroying Taliban fighting positions'" »

Newly-appointed Helmand-based Taliban commander targeted

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Saturday while in pursuit of a dual-hatted Taliban civil and military commander for Lashkar Gah and Nahr-e Saraj Districts.

Continue reading "Newly-appointed Helmand-based Taliban commander targeted" »

Afghan, coalition force continues targeting Baghlan insurgent networks

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents and killed four in Takhar province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator involved in attack planning.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force continues targeting Baghlan insurgent networks" »

September 25, 2010

Eye in sky provides overwatch for ground forces

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 09.24.2010
Date Posted: 09.25.2010 11:45

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces on the ground depend on a variety of aircraft to support their various missions here in Helmand province, but one type of aircraft is providing a unique capability no other can match.

Continue reading "Eye in sky provides overwatch for ground forces" »

Recon Marine Who Survived Sniper Attack earns Purple Heart

1st Marine Division
Story by Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date 09.25.2010
Location:CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF

Sgt. David Fresenius was lying on a rooftop in Helmand province’s Trek Nawa on the morning of June 21. His machine gunner and radio operator, Cpl. Greg Harris, was by his side, providing over-watch security for their unit, 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

Continue reading "Recon Marine Who Survived Sniper Attack earns Purple Heart" »

Coalition forces target Al Qaida senior commander with precision air strike last night

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kunar province last night targeting an Al Qaida senior commander who coordinates the attacks of a group of Arab fighters in Kunar and Nuristan province. The Al Qaida facilitators and extremists he works with throughout the Middle East directly threaten the safety and security of Afghan government officials and civilians. He routinely facilitates the travel of foreign fighters into the region.

Continue reading "Coalition forces target Al Qaida senior commander with precision air strike last night" »

Afghanistan requests Aussie boost

Updated: 06:36, Saturday September 25, 2010

Australia will consider boosting its contribution in Afghanistan after a request from senior Coalition commanders.6, Saturday September 25, 2010

Continue reading "Afghanistan requests Aussie boost" »

Narcotics found, suspected insurgents detained

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Approximately 30 kilograms of narcotics were found by a combined Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force in Helmand province Friday.

Continue reading "Narcotics found, suspected insurgents detained" »

Family pride: Brothers-in-law serve together in Marine Corps

By Melanie Tucker
Originally published: September 25. 2010

On Aug. 26 and then again on Sept. 3, an exit was made from Blount County that left two families with aching hearts but also huge pride.

Continue reading "Family pride: Brothers-in-law serve together in Marine Corps" »

Police training boost for Afghanistan

Updated: 19:53, Saturday September 25, 2010

Defence Minister Stephen Smith has foreshadowed a boost in Australia's commitment to Afghanistan during a visit to the war-torn country.

Continue reading "Police training boost for Afghanistan" »

Afghan, coalition force confirms Taliban commander capture

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban sub-commander operating in Mata Khan District during an overnight operation in Paktiya province Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force confirms Taliban commander capture" »

For new ways to tackle corruption and undercut Taliban, US turns to out-of-the-box thinkers

Published September 25, 2010 Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — On a NATO base in Kabul, a five-member team is rethinking the war in Afghanistan and questioning some of the basic assumptions behind the effort to clean up corruption and gain the upper hand over the Taliban.

Continue reading "For new ways to tackle corruption and undercut Taliban, US turns to out-of-the-box thinkers" »

US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan

Posted: 25 September 2010 1939 hrs

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan : A missile strike by a US drone on Saturday killed four militants in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt, near the Afghan border, officials said.

Continue reading "US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan" »

Haqqani commander captured, IED material destroyed in Khost.

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Khost province Friday including a Haqqani commander linked to attacks against Afghan officials.

Continue reading "Haqqani commander captured, IED material destroyed in Khost." »

Coalition forces eliminate more than 30 insurgents in Laghman

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined force of more than 250 Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and coalition soldiers conducted an air assault into eastern Afghanistan today to clear insurgent activity in the area.

Continue reading "Coalition forces eliminate more than 30 insurgents in Laghman" »

Taliban deputy military commander captured in Helmand

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed a Taliban military commission member for the Babaji area of Nad 'Ali District was captured during an overnight operation in Helmand province Thursday.

Continue reading "Taliban deputy military commander captured in Helmand" »

Coalition forces kill Taliban sub-commander with precision air strike

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Courtesy Story
Date 09.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktika province Friday killing Halel, a Taliban sub-commander directly linked to last week's election attacks.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill Taliban sub-commander with precision air strike" »

The Surge Moves Into High Gear in Kandahar

By MIGUEL MARQUEZ
Sept. 25, 2010

In the early morning hours Saturday approximately 8,000 US troops, most of them soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division along with Afghan and International forces launched three simultaneous attacks along the Arghendab River Valley to take and hold territory in places where the US nor Afghan government has ever had a presence.

Continue reading "The Surge Moves Into High Gear in Kandahar" »

September 24, 2010

U.S., Afghan service members respond during attack

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Spencer Case
Date 09.24.2010

One Afghan security contractor and five insurgents were killed when a squad-sized element of insurgents attacked three bases near Gardez, Paktya Province, Sept. 24. At least two others were injured.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan service members respond during attack" »

U.S. project flies democracy message on Afghan kites

24 Sep 2010 14:19:36 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Hundreds of kites danced over the Afghan capital on Friday emblazoned with messages championing justice, transparency and equal rights for women in an unusual U.S.-backed effort to boost democracy.

Continue reading "U.S. project flies democracy message on Afghan kites" »

Afghan education system sees marked improvement

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman
Date 09.24.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Afghanistan faces many challenges as it continues to develop into a self-sufficient country.

Continue reading "Afghan education system sees marked improvement" »

Historic fort provides protection for base

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte
Date 09.24.2010
Location:KUNAR PROVINCE, AF

Most people would expect fortifications at military bases in Afghanistan, but they probably wouldn’t expect an actual fort.

Continue reading "Historic fort provides protection for base" »

ANA, coalition forces detain Taliban leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army and coalition forces detained a Taliban deputy shadow governor in Kandahar province recently.

Continue reading "ANA, coalition forces detain Taliban leader" »

Devil dogs help sniff out IED’s

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
09.24.2010

COMBAT OUTPOST SHABU, Afghanistan – Leading patrols and sniffing out improvised explosive devices may seem like a game for Cpl. Twister, but what she doesn’t know, is that this "game" is saving the lives of many Marines.

Continue reading "Devil dogs help sniff out IED’s" »

Coalition forces kill insurgents in failed attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - At least five insurgents were killed and one captured during a failed attack on Forward Operating Base Gardez in Patkya province today.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill insurgents in failed attack" »

Detainee leads troops to IED cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A confessed insurgent improvised explosive device-facilitator detained this week led Afghan Security and coalition forces to a storage site of IED materials in Kabul today.

Continue reading "Detainee leads troops to IED cache" »

Several detained during targeted operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Acting on tips from local citizens and intelligence sources, a combined Afghan Security Force and coalition patrol detained several men with suspected insurgent links in Uruzgan province Thursday.

Continue reading "Several detained during targeted operation" »

Civilian killed, several wounded in suicide attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A suicide bomber attack killed one civilian and wounded approximately 15 more in northern Afghanistan today, according to initial reports.

Continue reading "Civilian killed, several wounded in suicide attack" »

Coalition forces kill senior Haqqani facilitator with precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kabul province Thursday killing Qari Mansur, a senior Haqqani Network facilitator, after he and five of his associates conducted an attack against an Afghan National Police unit Wednesday.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill senior Haqqani facilitator with precision air strike" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 24

24 Sep 2010 08:30:40 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 24 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0830 GMT on Friday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 24" »

Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Haqqani facilitator

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Thursday while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator operating in Sabari District.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Haqqani facilitator" »

Taliban deputy district commander targeted in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Thursday while in pursuit of the Taliban deputy district commander for Dand.

Continue reading "Taliban deputy district commander targeted in Kandahar" »

Taliban deputy military commander targeted in Helmand overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province overnight while in pursuit of a Taliban military commission member for the Babaji area of Nad 'Ali District.

Continue reading "Taliban deputy military commander targeted in Helmand overnight" »

Security force continues to target election attackers

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces conducted seven operations in five Afghan provinces in the past week against insurgents who actively planned to disrupt Saturday's parliamentary elections.

Continue reading "Security force continues to target election attackers" »

Afghan, coalition forces medically evacuate local boy

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A 9-year-old Afghan boy was medically evacuated by Afghan and coalition forces Thursday in Badghis province, Bala Murghab District, due to blast wounds as a result of an unexploded rocket initially launched by insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces medically evacuate local boy" »

Afghanistan: Copies of a War Memoir Are Destroyed

By SCOTT SHANE
Published: September 24, 2010

The Defense Department confirmed on Friday that it had destroyed 9,500 copies of an Afghan war memoir by a former intelligence officer to prevent the disclosure of what it considered to be classified information, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Copies of a War Memoir Are Destroyed" »

Afghanistan: Copies of a War Memoir Are Destroyed

By SCOTT SHANE
Published: September 24, 2010

The Defense Department confirmed on Friday that it had destroyed 9,500 copies of an Afghan war memoir by a former intelligence officer to prevent the disclosure of what it considered to be classified information, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Copies of a War Memoir Are Destroyed" »

Rare Video Shows Taliban Allegedly Stoning Woman to Death in Pakistan

By MEGAN CHUCHMACH
Sept. 24, 2010

A rare video reportedly smuggled out of northwest Pakistan allegedly shows a woman being stoned to death by Taliban militants in the upper region of Orakzai.

Continue reading "Rare Video Shows Taliban Allegedly Stoning Woman to Death in Pakistan" »

Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in pursuit of commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Paktiya province, Thursday, while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander operating in Mata Khan District.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in pursuit of commander" »

Anti-aircraft gun found, several detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - During a vehicle checkpoint operation in Helmand province, a combined Afghan National Security and coalition force discovered an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun and detained several men connected with its discovery Thursday.

Continue reading "Anti-aircraft gun found, several detained" »

NATO: 3 detained Afghan journalists released after outcry

Published September 24, 2010
| Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Three journalists detained by coalition forces and Afghanistan's intelligence service for allegedly spreading Taliban propaganda have been freed, NATO said Friday, following an outcry from media workers and a call from President Hamid Karzai for their quick release.

Continue reading "NATO: 3 detained Afghan journalists released after outcry" »

September 23, 2010

Afghan, coalition patrol finds narcotics during operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - About 1,500 kilograms of dried opium was found by an Afghan and coalition security patrol in Helmand province Sept. 22.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition patrol finds narcotics during operation" »

Suspected Taliban commander detained in Kabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence reports and tips from local citizens led to the detainment of a wanted Taliban commander by Afghan and coalition security forces in Kabul Sept. 22.

Continue reading "Suspected Taliban commander detained in Kabul" »

Insurgents Target, Harm Afghan People in Jalalabad

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two insurgent-planted improvised explosive devices injured at least 15 Afghan civilians in Jalalabad last night.

Continue reading "Insurgents Target, Harm Afghan People in Jalalabad" »

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,200

The Associated Press
Thursday, Sep. 23, 2010

As of Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at least 1,200 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S. invasion in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.

Continue reading "US military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,200" »

Female Afghan Officer Candidates Usher New Era

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins
Date 09.22.2010
Date Posted: 09.23.2010 00:25

KABUL, Afghanistan – Much like the United States in the mid-20th Century, Afghanistan is experiencing changes in the rights afforded to women. Afghan women can now hold jobs previously unavailable to them, such as serving in a position of authority as an officer in the Afghan National Army.

Continue reading "Female Afghan Officer Candidates Usher New Era" »

Afghan insurgents packing more objects into bombs

Sept. 23, 2010
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Doctors at the NATO hospital here were shocked by what they saw on the brain image of an Afghan soldier flown in following a roadside bomb explosion.

Continue reading "Afghan insurgents packing more objects into bombs" »

Afghan farmer uses Marine program in hopes of becoming teacher

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Mark Fayloga
Date 09.23.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In the morning sunlight, Mohamed Nadar was building his house in Nawa, Afghanistan. The work was slow going. It was Ramadan, and the farmer didn’t exert himself as he was observing the tradition of fasting during daylight.

Continue reading "Afghan farmer uses Marine program in hopes of becoming teacher" »

UPDATE Marjah-based Taliban commander captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander operating in Marjah. The Taliban commander, who also facilitated supplies for area fighters, was captured during an Afghan and coalition operation in Helmand province Tuesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Marjah-based Taliban commander captured" »

Afghan, coalition force continues targeting Nawah Taliban network

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander operating in Nawah-ye Barakzai district.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force continues targeting Nawah Taliban network" »

Suspected insurgents detained by Afghan, coalition force in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected insurgents in Zabul province Wednesday during their continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Qalat district.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained by Afghan, coalition force in Zabul" »

Force detains suspected insurgents during overnight operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Wednesday while in pursuit of a senior Haqqani facilitator responsible for procuring improvised explosive device material, including mines, remotes and blasting caps.

Continue reading "Force detains suspected insurgents during overnight operation" »

September 22, 2010

Al-Jazeera protests NATO detention of 2 cameramen in Afghanistan

By Ernesto Londono
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, September 22, 2010; 3:40 PM

The al-Jazeera satellite television network on Wednesday protested the recent detention by NATO of two of its cameramen in Afghanistan and accused the U.S.-led international force of "attempting to suppress its comprehensive coverage of the Afghan war."

Continue reading "Al-Jazeera protests NATO detention of 2 cameramen in Afghanistan" »

Eagle shot, rescued in Afghanistan to get NY home

The Associated Press
Posted on Wed, Sep. 22, 2010 03:22 PM

An eagle wounded on a firing range in Afghanistan and rescued by Navy SEALs is getting a new home at a bird sanctuary in upstate New York.

Continue reading "Eagle shot, rescued in Afghanistan to get NY home" »

Marine dogs have noses for explosives

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 6:43 p.m.

LAKI, Afghanistan — A corporal walked point ahead of the other troops headed back to base, checking the dusty road for bombs. The four-legged Marine in the lead — a black Labrador dog named Boone — has a good nose for explosives. So far on his first war-zone tour, he has found at least two bombs.

Continue reading "Marine dogs have noses for explosives" »

Sailor recounts ambush in Afghanistan

By Dan Jaehnig
Published: September 22, 2010

CRANSTON, R.I. --
A Pawtucket sailor who was shot fives times during an ambush in Afghanistan is back home, and he told his story Wednesday to NBC 10.

Continue reading "Sailor recounts ambush in Afghanistan" »

Reuters Summit-Karzai OKs some private security firms-Petraeus

22 Sep 2010 21:45:30 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has clarified his decision to ban private security firms in Afghanistan, allowing those that operate from some fixed sites including power plants while still prohibiting roving convoy escorts, General David Petraeus said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Reuters Summit-Karzai OKs some private security firms-Petraeus" »

Combat Medics Fight Insurgents, Save Afghans

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan -- With the hearts of warriors and the skills of medical technicians, Afghan combat medics are prepared to fight for the lives of their comrades in arms. Since 2003, more than 5,500 have graduated from the Combat Medic School on the campus of the National Military Hospital in Kabul.

Continue reading "Combat Medics Fight Insurgents, Save Afghans" »

Afghanistan surge: Mobility airdrops quickly bring material wherever needed

Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
Story by Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol
Date 09.22.2010

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- From December 2009 to August 2010, more than 40 million pounds of cargo was airdropped for Operation Enduring Freedom. At an average of just over 4.4 million pounds a month - that's like airdropping more than 970 Ford F-150 pickup trucks every month.

Continue reading "Afghanistan surge: Mobility airdrops quickly bring material wherever needed" »

IED facilitators captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several known insurgents during an operation in Khost province, eastern Afghanistan, today.

Continue reading "IED facilitators captured in Khost" »

Roadside Bombs in Kandahar: Images From an Afghan War Zone

Sep 22 2010, 8:00 AM ET

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Walking up a winding dirt path, the smell of rotting flesh hits me. Then I see it, face frozen, eyes black, its gaping belly full of maggots. The horse's head is connected to the remains of its body by a long strand of flesh. The leg that set off the buried bomb is gone. I notice some of its intestines splattered in the mud behind me. The U.S. patrol I'm with has stopped here to wait for an explosives team that's clearing another bomb just up the road. I stuff leaves up my nose to block the smell.

Continue reading "Roadside Bombs in Kandahar: Images From an Afghan War Zone" »

Taliban Terrorize Streets Of Kandahar

NPR
by Renee Montage
September 22, 2010

Kandahar is the power base from which the Taliban took over the country in the 1990's. And it remains the largest city in Afghanistan's south, where the insurgency has been the strongest.

Continue reading "Taliban Terrorize Streets Of Kandahar" »

UPDATE Combined force kills suicide IED planner during raid

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed an Afghan and coalition security force killed Abdul Ahad, a suicide IED attack-planner in central Helmand, Tuesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Combined force kills suicide IED planner during raid" »

Air strike targets insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several insurgents were targeted when they were observed arming improvised explosive devices and then firing mortars at Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Air strike targets insurgents" »

Taliban commander captured during operation in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban commander in Logar province Tuesday who directed complex indirect fire, improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured during operation in Logar" »

Precision air strike conducted in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance Force patrol conducted a precision air strike in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, killing six insurgents who had fired mortars on their position during dismounted operations.

Continue reading "Precision air strike conducted in Kandahar" »

Taliban network in Helmand targeted, suspected insurgents detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces apprehended several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander operating in Marjah.

Continue reading "Taliban network in Helmand targeted, suspected insurgents detained" »

Taliban facilitators captured in Kandahar overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured two Taliban facilitators operating in Kandahar City during an overnight operation in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitators captured in Kandahar overnight" »

Taliban facilitator linked to election attacks captured in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a high-level Taliban facilitator, who planned and coordinated attacks targeting recent elections.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitator linked to election attacks captured in Ghazni" »

Insurgents attack Afghan, coalition force in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.22.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents attacked a combined Afghan and coalition patrol with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire near a combat outpost in the Sperah district of Khost province yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgents attack Afghan, coalition force in Khost" »

25 militants killed in attack on Afghan-NATO camp

Amir Shah, Associated Press Writer – Wed Sep 22, 5:27 pm ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents attacked a NATO and Afghan army outpost in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border and at least 25 of the militants were killed in the resulting skirmish, officials said Wednesday.

Continue reading "25 militants killed in attack on Afghan-NATO camp" »

Afghanistan says confident can secure TAPI gas pipeline

22 Sep 2010 13:22:35 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Emma Graham-Harrison

KABUL, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Afghanistan will secure a planned international gas pipeline through the Taliban heartland by burying sections underground and paying local communities to guard it, the mining minister said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghanistan says confident can secure TAPI gas pipeline" »

September 21, 2010

Afghan reporter held in Taliban propaganda probe

September 21, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint NATO and Afghan force arrested an Afghan journalist in the eastern region of Ghazni and is investigating suspicions he may have been too close to Taliban militants.

Continue reading "Afghan reporter held in Taliban propaganda probe" »

Senior Taliban commander detained in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Acting on multiple intelligence reports and tips from Afghan civilians, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a senior Taliban commander in Kunduz province Sept. 21.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban commander detained in Kunduz" »

Combined force finds, clears IED from Kandahar mosque

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Acting on a tip, an Afghan and coalition security force found and cleared nearly seven kilograms of explosives from a mosque in downtown Kandahar City Sept. 21.

Continue reading "Combined force finds, clears IED from Kandahar mosque" »

Insurgents Destroy Cell Phone Tower in Uruzgan

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An unknown number of insurgents destroyed a critical cell phone tower in Chorah District, Uruzgan province yesterday evening. This unprovoked act of violence destroyed the Chorah cell tower eliminating all local cell phone service.

Continue reading "Insurgents Destroy Cell Phone Tower in Uruzgan" »

Coping with stress downrange

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Scott Davis
Date 09.21.2010

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – A service member is having trouble sleeping and when he does sleep he has nightmares. He’s anxious all the time and doesn’t really want to talk to anyone.

Continue reading "Coping with stress downrange" »

Election Day in Afghanistan: Ballots, bullets and bombs

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Created: Sep 21, 2010 at 11:23 AM PDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — “Look sharp, it’s a big day for you guys,” LtCol Kyle Ellison tells the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) on the morning of parliamentary elections in Marjah. “No one gets in here without a detailed inspection.”

Continue reading "Election Day in Afghanistan: Ballots, bullets and bombs" »

U.S. Marine major flies with British Army Air Corps

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date 09.21.2010
Location:AF

The integration of U.S. and U.K. forces has proven to be a powerful new asset for the coalition forces in Afghanistan. One U.S. Marine Corps pilot who is serving here as a U.K. pilot, knew this was going to be a strong partnership long ago.

Continue reading "U.S. Marine major flies with British Army Air Corps" »

Bomb technician re-enlists in war-torn Sangin

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer
Date 09.18.2010
Date Posted: 09.21.2010 05:57

SANGIN, Afghanistan – In the morning on a quiet rooftop aboard Forward Operating Base Jackson in the volatile Sangin District, Sgt. Joshua A. Shoda, 26, from Columbia City, Ind., raised his right hand to re-enlist for another four years in the Marine Corps, Sept. 18.

Continue reading "Bomb technician re-enlists in war-torn Sangin" »

Coalition forces capture Taliban commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces detained a Taliban commander responsible for improvised explosive device emplacements, illegal checkpoints and attacks on Combat Outpost Terezayi, in the Terezayi district, Khost province, Friday.

Continue reading "Coalition forces capture Taliban commander" »

IED factory, materials destroyed in Southern Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – A coalition airstrike destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device factory, along with 4,500 lbs of explosive material in Baram Chah, Helmand province on Sept. 19.

Continue reading "IED factory, materials destroyed in Southern Helmand" »

Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Monday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device and homemade explosive cell leader.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

UPDATE Afghan, coalition force destroy IEDs in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted a multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s freedom of movement outside Kandahar City, killing at least 11 insurgents and destroying several house-borne improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "UPDATE Afghan, coalition force destroy IEDs in Kandahar" »

UPDATE Taliban commander killed in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed an Afghan and coalition security force killed Nasruddin, a Taliban sub-commander who operated in Aliabad district, Sunday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban commander killed in Kunduz" »

Force targets Taliban commander, kills three insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents and detained several in Nangarhar province Monday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for ambush and remote-controlled improvised explosive device attacks.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban commander, kills three insurgents" »

Several suspected insurgents detained in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Monday during their continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Qalat district.

Continue reading "Several suspected insurgents detained in Zabul" »

Haqqani commander linked to election attacks captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
09.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani Network sub-commander and several additional suspects in Khost province Monday.

Continue reading "Haqqani commander linked to election attacks captured" »

September 20, 2010

Combined force captures Taliban district commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.21.2010
Date Posted:09.20.2010 22:55

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured the Taliban district commander for Baghlan-e Jadid district and killed two Taliban insurgents – including Mullah Mahboob Elahi, a senior Taliban leader and weapons facilitator in Baghlan province, Monday.

Continue reading "Combined force captures Taliban district commander" »

New Task Force Kandahar commander optimistic about upcoming year

16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Staff Sgt. Lasonya Morales
Date 09.20.2010

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Canadian Brig. Gen. Jonathan Vance, outgoing commander of Joint Task Force Kandahar, handed over command of JTFK to Canadian Brig. Gen. Dean Milner at a change of command ceremony on Kandahar Air field, Sept. 9.

Continue reading "New Task Force Kandahar commander optimistic about upcoming year" »

9th ESB brings safety, comfort to front lines

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date 09.16.2010
Date Posted: 09.20.2010 03:27

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan – Along the front lines of the war in Afghanistan, Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are working hard to improve the quality of life and bulk up the security of one of the most remote forward operating bases in Helmand Province, FOB Zeebrugge, Sept. 16.

Continue reading "9th ESB brings safety, comfort to front lines" »

A Marine's a Marine

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date 09.16.2010
Date Posted: 09.20.2010 04:39

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGEE, Afghanistan – Female Marines represent just six percent of the entire Marine Corps, and for one combat engineer from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) that small ratio is a large reality.

Continue reading "A Marine's a Marine" »

Afghan Boys Are Prized, So Girls Live the Part

By JENNY NORDBERG
Published: September 20, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — Six-year-old Mehran Rafaat is like many girls her age. She likes to be the center of attention. She is often frustrated when things do not go her way. Like her three older sisters, she is eager to discover the world outside the family’s apartment in their middle-class neighborhood of Kabul.

Continue reading "Afghan Boys Are Prized, So Girls Live the Part" »

Coalition forces conduct precision air strike in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike on a compound rigged with explosives in Kandahar province this morning.

Continue reading "Coalition forces conduct precision air strike in Kandahar" »

Bullets Trump Ballots in Deciding Afghanistan's Future

By Tony Karon Monday, Sep. 20, 2010

Sure, Afghanistan's fourth democratic election since the 2001 overthrow of the Taliban was blighted by low turnout thanks to Taliban violence, and by familiar allegations of widespread ballot fraud, but none of that will have much impact on Afghanistan's future.

Continue reading "Bullets Trump Ballots in Deciding Afghanistan's Future" »

Inside Afghanistan: soliders speak about Sangin

Published: 1:28PM BST 20 Sep 2010

Servicemen talk about their experiences in Sangin as UK forces hand over responsibility to the US in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Inside Afghanistan: soliders speak about Sangin" »

Coalition Forces Eliminate 14 Insurgents in Paktika

Bagram Media Support Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2010-09-RCE-PR-118

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 20, 2010) – Coalition forces eliminated 14 insurgents following an armed engagement in the Bermal District, Paktika Province Sept. 19.

Continue reading "Coalition Forces Eliminate 14 Insurgents in Paktika" »

Coalition forces kill 5 insurgents in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Forces air weapons team killed five insurgent fighters who were planning on detonating an improvised explosive device in Ghazni district, Ghazni province, Sept. 20.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill 5 insurgents in Ghazni" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 20

20 Sep 2010 10:17:14 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 20 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0940 GMT on Monday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 20" »

Air strike kills Haqqani Network commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktiya province Sunday, killing Abdul Jabar, Haqqani Network sub-commander, who reportedly conducted improvised explosive device attacks against the Afghan people during Saturday's election.

Continue reading "Air strike kills Haqqani Network commander" »

Afghanistan: 'Job Is Not Yet Done In Sangin'

Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent, in Afghanistan
10:41am UK, Monday September 20, 2010

For British forces in Afghanistan, the name Sangin is synonymous with death, injury and Taliban insurgency.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: 'Job Is Not Yet Done In Sangin'" »

British troops hand Afghan district to Americans

By the CNN Wire Staff
September 20, 2010 -- Updated 0947 GMT (1747 HKT)

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- British forces in southern Afghanistan have handed responsibility for security in Sangin district to American troops, the British and American militaries said Monday.

Continue reading "British troops hand Afghan district to Americans" »

Pain and reflection for Sangin troops

By Ian Pannell
20 September 2010 Last updated at 07:11 ET
BBC News, Helmand

"There've been really bad days, especially when one of our lads got killed. That was hard to carry on."

Continue reading "Pain and reflection for Sangin troops" »

UPDATE Taliban IED facilitator captured by Afghan-led force

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Yosuf Khel district

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban IED facilitator captured by Afghan-led force" »

Taliban commander captured by Afghan-led force

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban sub-commander, who facilitated and planned improvised explosive device attacks, during an operation in Logar province Sunday.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured by Afghan-led force" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.20.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device manufacturer whose rare specialty includes building IED detonators and initiators.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand" »

Insurgents killed in Kunduz operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.20.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two Taliban insurgents and killed five in Kunduz province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander operating in Aliabad district.

Continue reading "Insurgents killed in Kunduz operation" »

Force continues targeting Haqqani leadership

ISAF Joint Command
Force continues targeting Haqqani leadership
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgents, including a Haqqani Network sub-commander operating in Khost province, Sunday.

Continue reading "Force continues targeting Haqqani leadership" »

Rebalancing of forces in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.19.2010
Date Posted: 09.20.2010 01:55

KABUL – U.K. forces today transferred responsibility for security in Sangin District to U.S. forces. This tactical realignment and rebalancing of International Security Assistance Forces in Helmand province has been possible due to the increase in U.S. Marines and will allow U.K. forces to be reinvested throughout central Helmand.

Continue reading "Rebalancing of forces in Helmand" »

Suspected Taliban propaganda expert captured in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.20.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a suspected Taliban media and propaganda facilitator, who participated in filming election attacks, during an overnight operation in Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Suspected Taliban propaganda expert captured in Ghazni" »

September 19, 2010

FACTBOX-Security developments in Pakistan, Sept 19

19 Sep 2010 15:06:00 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 19 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Pakistan at 1500 GMT on Sunday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Pakistan, Sept 19" »

Powell unsure whether U.S. is winning in Afghanistan

By Anne Gearan
Associated Press
1:57 p.m., Sunday, September 19, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Colin Powell, once the nation's highest-ranking military officer and later a secretary of state, said Sunday he doesn't know whether the United States is winning in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Powell unsure whether U.S. is winning in Afghanistan" »

Hamid Karzai abandons plans to visit Kandahar after disappointing election

Karzai was expected at a shura meeting with elders and pro-government forces in the Arghandab district on the outskirts of the city

Dene Moore and A.R. Khan
Kandahar, Afghanistan — The Canadian Press
Published on Sunday, Sep. 19, 2010 12:24PM EDT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai abandoned plans to meet with elders during a rare visit to his home province of Kandahar on Sunday, the day after a disappointing parliamentary election that saw millions of Afghans forego their right to cast ballots.

Continue reading "Hamid Karzai abandons plans to visit Kandahar after disappointing election" »

Twins reunited at Bagram

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Courtesy Story
By U.S. Army Capt. Marie Orlando
Date 09.19.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Congratulations on your promotion, sir,” the soldier said as he approached on open truck window and greeted a face he recognized. The captain had been hearing a lot of that since his arrival to Bagram Air Field about 48 hours ago.

Continue reading "Twins reunited at Bagram" »

UN chief praises Afghanistan election

Posted: 19 September 2010 0459 hrs

KABUL: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Saturday commended Afghanistan's parliamentary election Saturday, praising the country's voters for their "courage and determination."

Continue reading "UN chief praises Afghanistan election" »

Marjah marketplace reopening marks economic progress

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.19.2010

KABUL - The Marjah marketplace reopening Sept. 11 during a festival known as Mela marked economic development and infrastructure growth not seen for more than five years in this agricultural region of Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marjah marketplace reopening marks economic progress" »

Female Marines a new weapon in Afghanistan

By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published September 19, 2010 at 3 p.m., updated September 18, 2010 at 7:32 p.m.

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Sgt. Vanessa Jones and her teammates filed through the countryside with a squad of U.S. infantrymen and Afghan troops. They pushed through tall grass and leaped over canals, spilling into fields of sunflowers and the emerald spikes of marijuana plants rustling above their helmets. Then they waited, tucked into a ridge of dirt, while fellow Marines checked on a bomb dug into the road.

Continue reading "Female Marines a new weapon in Afghanistan" »

IED trafficker arrested

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.18.2010
Date Posted:09.19.2010 10:30

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Afghan national security and coalition forces to the arrest of a suspected improvised explosive device trafficker in Kabul Sept. 18.

Continue reading "IED trafficker arrested" »

General: Insurgents in Marjah cash-strapped

Destruction of poppy robs fighters of resources

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Sep 19, 2010 9:07:43 EDT

U.S. efforts to disrupt heroin production in Helmand province, Afghanistan, have put a dent in the insurgency’s pocketbook, the top Marine commander in Afghanistan said.

Continue reading "General: Insurgents in Marjah cash-strapped" »

Patrol finds explosive, IED materials, destroys heavy weapons

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010
Date Posted: 09.19.2010 10:32

KABUL -Afghan national security and coalition forces found and destroyed explosives, numerous improvised explosive device-making materials and two heavy machine guns during a targeted operation in Helmand province Sept. 18.

Continue reading "Patrol finds explosive, IED materials, destroys heavy weapons" »

Interview with ISAF Commander Petraeus

We're Not 'Going to Turn Afghanistan into Switzerland'

09/19/2010

Troops, money and a plan were long lacking in the battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. In a SPIEGEL interview, ISAF Commander David Petraeus, discusses these failures with unusual frankness. The general says he is concerned about the increasingly symbiotic relationship between terror groups in the region.

SPIEGEL: General, we are meeting on the day of the Afghan parliamentary elections. A recent poll conducted by Kabul University and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German political think tank, found that 70 percent of the Afghan population have no confidence in their national parliament at all. Sixty-five percent aren't satisfied with the government's performance. What does that mean for your work?

Continue reading "Interview with ISAF Commander Petraeus" »

U.N. says premature to call Afghan poll a success

19 Sep 2010 12:53:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 19 (Reuters) - The top United Nations diplomat in Afghanistan said on Sunday it was too early to describe the country's parliamentary election as a success until final turnout figures are established and all complaints are heard.

Continue reading "U.N. says premature to call Afghan poll a success" »

Q+A-What's next in Afghanistan's parliamentary election

19 Sep 2010 11:52:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By C. Bryson Hull

KABUL, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Afghan officials on Sunday were tallying the results of the country's parliamentary election, conducted the previous day against a backdrop of Taliban violence, reports of rampant fraud and an unclear turnout.

Continue reading "Q+A-What's next in Afghanistan's parliamentary election" »

Blast kills eight Afghan children in north - official

19 Sep 2010 09:05:19 GMT
Source: Reuters

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Eight Afghan children were killed while playing with a rocket round left in a village on Sunday in northern Kunduz province, an official said.

Continue reading "Blast kills eight Afghan children in north - official" »

Afghan woman killed in ISAF incident

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.19.2010

KABUL- An International Security Assistance Force vehicle struck and killed a local Afghan woman today while conducting a security patrol in the Alishang District, Laghman province.

Continue reading "Afghan woman killed in ISAF incident" »

Forces target Haqqani commander planning election attacks

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.19.2010

KABUL - Coalition aircraft targeted a Haqqani Network sub-commander who was preparing to conduct improvised explosive device attacks against the Afghan people during Saturday's election in Paktiya province.

Continue reading "Forces target Haqqani commander planning election attacks" »

UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator killed during air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.19.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Janut Gul, a Haqqani Network facilitator who was actively planning vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks for the Afghan parliamentary elections, was killed by a precision air strike Saturday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator killed during air strike" »

IED facilitator targeted, suspected insurgents detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.19.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Yosuf Khel District.

Continue reading "IED facilitator targeted, suspected insurgents detained" »

Haqqani Network facilitator captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.19.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network facilitator who planned and conducted attacks on Afghan and coalition forces during an operation in Khost province Saturday.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network facilitator captured in Khost" »

Several insurgents killed during operation in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.19.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents, including Sayed Karim, a Taliban sub-commander operating in Khugyani District in Nangarhar province, Saturday.

Continue reading "Several insurgents killed during operation in Nangarhar" »

September 18, 2010

Slide show: What Marines take to war

September 18, 2010 7:57 a.m.

An audio slide show by U-T photographer Nelvin C. Cepeda, who is on assignment in Afghanistan with reporter Gretel C. Kovach.

Continue reading "Slide show: What Marines take to war" »

Regulators Ignored Warnings About Afghan Bank

By ALISSA J. RUBIN, CHARLIE SAVAGE and ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 18, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s Central Bank did not act on repeated, longstanding warnings from Afghan lawmakers and American advisers about irregularities at the politically connected Kabul Bank, according to Afghan lawmakers and an American government official.

Continue reading "Regulators Ignored Warnings About Afghan Bank" »

Afghan Vote Marked by Light Turnout and Violence

By ELISABETH BUMILLER and ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 18, 2010

MARJA, Afghanistan — The first voter here was Muhammad Akbar, 22, who dipped his finger in the indelible purple ink, collected his ballot and had just stepped into the cardboard box that serves as a voting booth when gunfire broke out.

Continue reading "Afghan Vote Marked by Light Turnout and Violence" »

Afghan Elections Show Courage and Vision of Afghan Citizens, Public Servants, Security Forces

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL - The commander of international forces in Afghanistan and the NATO Senior Civilian Representative today praised those who participated in, organized and secured the nation's parliamentary elections.

Continue reading "Afghan Elections Show Courage and Vision of Afghan Citizens, Public Servants, Security Forces" »

Early figures show Afghans cast 3.6 million votes

18 Sep 2010 15:56:31 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Preliminary figures showed 3.6 million votes were cast in Afghanistan's parliamentary poll on Saturday, election officials said, after polls closed on a day clouded by security and fraud concerns.

Continue reading "Early figures show Afghans cast 3.6 million votes" »

Key insurgent leader killed in Kunar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.18.2010

KABUL - Haji Mohammad, a key insurgent leader in the Kunar Province and Taliban shadow governor of the Shigal District, was killed in a precision airstrike conducted by coalition forces today.

Continue reading "Key insurgent leader killed in Kunar" »

U.S. law plays important role in Afghanistan COIN strategy

196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Story by Capt. Anthony Deiss
Date 09.18.2010

CAMP PHOEINX, Afghanistan – When it comes to winning the hearts and minds of the people of Afghanistan, the U.S. military’s counterinsurgency strategy, or COIN, is not just about demonstrating security for the Afghans, it’s also about demonstrating the role of U.S. law in protecting them.

Continue reading "U.S. law plays important role in Afghanistan COIN strategy" »

Marja Turnout Low, but No Injuries in Attack on Marine Base

By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: September 18, 2010

MARJA, Afghanistan — Voter turnout for Saturday’s Parliamentary elections was extremely low in Marja, a Helmand Province battleground, as bullets flew over the polling station near the district center, firefights erupted in the fields lining the network of canals and insurgents launched a rocket-propelled grenade into the main United States Marine base here.

Continue reading "Marja Turnout Low, but No Injuries in Attack on Marine Base" »

Polls close in Afghan elections

18/09 14:16 CET

The polls have closed in Afghanistan’s parliamentary elections, with unofficial eyewitness reports suggesting a lower than hoped for turnout.

Continue reading "Polls close in Afghan elections" »

Afghan Soldiers Trained by Tens of Thousands

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL- At any given time, up to 20,000 Afghan soldiers are honing their warrior skills to augment the Afghan National Army. The bulk of them—about 10,000 to 12,000—learn their trade at Kabul Military Training Center.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers Trained by Tens of Thousands" »

Civilians wounded in IED strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL- Four Afghans were wounded when they were struck by an insurgent-planted improvised explosive device in Dara Noor District, Nangarhar province today.

Continue reading "Civilians wounded in IED strike" »

Graft, poverty keep many Afghans away from polls

18 Sep 2010 10:56:20 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Dirt poor and wearied by corruption, many Afghans put the daily battle for bread ahead of voting in parliamentary elections on Saturday, ignoring official pleas for people to come out and choose new representatives.

Continue reading "Graft, poverty keep many Afghans away from polls" »

Afghans vote amid rocket attacks, violence

18 Sep 2010 11:58:12 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Hamid Shalizi and Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 18 (Reuters) - A string of attacks hit Afghanistan's parliamentary election on Saturday, killing at least 10 people as the Taliban tried to disrupt a poll that is testing the credibility of the government and security forces.

Continue reading "Afghans vote amid rocket attacks, violence" »

Taliban kill 7 Afghan security forces in north-police

18 Sep 2010 08:03:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Sept 18 (Reuters) - A Taliban attack near a polling station in Afghanistan's north killed one Afghan soldier and six pro-government militiamen on Saturday, police said.

Continue reading "Taliban kill 7 Afghan security forces in north-police" »

UPDATE Military commission member capture confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban military commission member and Nawah elder who participated in small arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks.

Continue reading "UPDATE Military commission member capture confirmed" »

Insurgent killed while forces pursue Haqqani facilitator

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition security forces killed an insurgent and detained several more in Khost province Friday while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator and his cell members.

Continue reading "Insurgent killed while forces pursue Haqqani facilitator" »

Precision air strike conducted against Haqqani facilitator

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktiya province today, targeting a Haqqani Network facilitator who was actively planning attacks during the Afghan parliamentary elections today.

Continue reading "Precision air strike conducted against Haqqani facilitator " »

Insurgents killed during operation in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.18.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force killed at least four insurgents and detained one during an operation in Kunduz province Friday.

Continue reading "Insurgents killed during operation in Kunduz" »

Blast rattles Kabul before Afghan poll begins

18 Sep 2010 02:27:27 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Afghanistan braced for a day of violence on Saturday as voters headed to the polls for a parliamentary election that is a crucial test of government credibility and the strength of its security forces.

Continue reading "Blast rattles Kabul before Afghan poll begins" »

Army monitored Stryker brigade, hit hard in Afghanistan, for signs of stress

By Craig Whitlock
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 18, 2010; 10:07 PM

AT JOINT BASE Army officials, concerned about the aftereffects of combat, were keeping a close eye on the 5th Stryker Combat Brigade long before soldiers from the unit were charged with atrocities committed in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Army monitored Stryker brigade, hit hard in Afghanistan, for signs of stress" »

Members of U.S. platoon in Afghanistan accused of killing civilians for sport

By Craig Whitlock
Saturday, September 18, 2010; 9:39 PM

AT JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASH. The U.S. soldiers hatched a plan as simple as it was savage: to randomly target and kill an Afghan civilian, and to get away with it.

Continue reading "Members of U.S. platoon in Afghanistan accused of killing civilians for sport" »

September 17, 2010

ISAF reports no damage from earthquake

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - International Security Assistance Force officials report no injuries to ISAF personnel nor damages to ISAF facilities resulting from the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the Hindu Kush mountain region of northeast Afghanistan late Sept. 17.

Continue reading "ISAF reports no damage from earthquake" »

Combined force tracks insurgents planting IEDs

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - While on routine aerial patrol, Afghan and coalition forces spotted insurgents emplacing improvised explosive devices along Route 515 near Soltan e Bakwah in the Bakwah District of Farah province Sept. 17.

Continue reading "Combined force tracks insurgents planting IEDs" »

Combined force detains suspected IED trigger man in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a suspected insurgent believed to be planning a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack near a polling center in the village of Bala Murghab in Badghis province Sept. 17.

Continue reading "Combined force detains suspected IED trigger man in Badghis" »

A wounded warrior goes back to work

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 17, 2010 at 4:17 PM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST SEMINOLE, Afghanistan - The Marines prepare for today’s mission slated for 1300, the most miserable part of the day.

Continue reading "A wounded warrior goes back to work" »

Donkeys carry ballots to remotest Afghan villages

17 Sep 2010 17:03:55 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Hamid Shalizi

SHOTUL, Afghanistan, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Trains of donkeys and teenage boys loaded high with ballot boxes snaked along narrow mountain trails on Friday to reach some of Afghanistan's remotest voters in a crucial parliamentary election.

Continue reading "Donkeys carry ballots to remotest Afghan villages" »

Insurgent bomb maker arrested

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led a joint Afghan National Security and coalition force patrol to the location of a known insurgent bomb maker, who was arrested in Mohammad Agha District, Logar province today.

Continue reading "Insurgent bomb maker arrested" »

Unmanned aerial system goes down in Takhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - An International Security Assistance Force unmanned aerial system went down in Takhar province today.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial system goes down in Takhar" »

Insurgents detained, cache site found

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led a joint Afghan National Security and coalition force patrol to the location of a known improvised explosive device facilitator near Kakarak, Uruzgan province Thursday.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained, cache site found" »

Rash of kidnappings hit on eve of Afghan vote

17 Sep 2010 11:13:24 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor and Hamid Shalizi

KABUL, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Two candidates were among more than 20 people kidnapped in Afghanistan, officials said on Friday on the eve of a parliamentary election the Taliban has vowed to disrupt, a grim start to the poll despite tightened security.

Continue reading "Rash of kidnappings hit on eve of Afghan vote" »

Karzai urges Afghans to vote, ignore Taliban

AMIR SHAHHEIDI VOGT Associated Press
September 17, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Police set up extra checkpoints across Afghanistan on Friday to search for suicide bombers and insurgents a day ahead of parliamentary polling that will test the government's ability to hold legitimate elections after last year's disastrous presidential vote.

Continue reading "Karzai urges Afghans to vote, ignore Taliban" »

Afghan-led partnered force finds insurgents’ weapons stockpile

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by 1st Lt. Neil Samson
Date 09.17.2010

An Afghan-led force, advised by members of Special Operations Task Force – South, was tipped off by locals to a large weapons cache and recovered a number of improvised explosive devices and IED-making material, Sept. 16, in the Arghandab River Valley.

Continue reading "Afghan-led partnered force finds insurgents’ weapons stockpile" »

Quake rocks northeast Afghanistan

By the CNN Wire Staff
September 17, 2010 4:48 p.m. EDT

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush mountain region of northeast Afghanistan near Pakistan late Friday night, the chief of Pakistan's Meteorological Department told CNN.

Continue reading "Quake rocks northeast Afghanistan" »

Afghan-led partnered force finds insurgents’ weapons stockpile

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by 1st Lt. Neil Samson
Date 09.17.2010

An Afghan-led force, advised by members of Special Operations Task Force – South, was tipped off by locals to a large weapons cache and recovered a number of improvised explosive devices and IED-making material, Sept. 16, in the Arghandab River Valley.

Continue reading "Afghan-led partnered force finds insurgents’ weapons stockpile" »

US radio takes on Taliban in Afghan propaganda war

By DUSAN STOJANOVIC
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Sep 17, 2010 8:11 AM PDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A U.S.-funded radio station is hoping a small hand-cranked radio can help turn the tide in a propaganda war against the Taliban, handing out thousands of the devices in the hopes of winning over ordinary Afghans.

Continue reading "US radio takes on Taliban in Afghan propaganda war" »

Insurgents detained, explosives secured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led a joint Afghan National Security and coalition force patrol to the location of a wanted insurgent, who then led the force to two other targets, in Kabul Thursday.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained, explosives secured" »

Intelligence, Tips Drive Operations in Afghanistan

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date09.17.2010
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON - Intelligence information and tips from local Afghans have driven several recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Intelligence, Tips Drive Operations in Afghanistan" »

ISI not stroking ‘insurgency’ in Afghanistan, Karzai told

Friday September 17, 2010 (0055 PST)

ISLAMABAD: The top leadership of Pakistan including military and political high ups on Thursday have totally rejected the allegations levelled by Afghan President Hamid Karzai concerning ISI’s involvement in Afghanistan and supporting extremists.

Continue reading "ISI not stroking ‘insurgency’ in Afghanistan, Karzai told" »

Haqqani Network commander captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Khost province overnight including a Haqqani Network commander who was actively planning attacks for the upcoming elections.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network commander captured in Khost" »

UPDATE Coalition force kills Taliban district commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Juma Gul, the Taliban district commander for Aliabad District of Kunduz province, was among eight insurgents killed during an Afghan and coalition force operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Coalition force kills Taliban district commander" »

Afghan-led force clears enemy safe haven in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted a multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement outside Kandahar City, killing three insurgents and detaining several more.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force clears enemy safe haven in Kandahar" »

Insurgent killed when IED explodes

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - An insurgent died when an improvised explosive device he was emplacing exploded in eastern Afghanistan today.

Continue reading "Insurgent killed when IED explodes" »

Route recon keeps enemy guessing

III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date09.17.2010
Date Posted:09.16.2010 20:26
By Lance Cpl. Khoa N. Pelczar

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marine engineers with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, currently deployed with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducted a route reconnaissance mission to find alternate routes to travel when conducting resupply missions in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 1.

Continue reading "Route recon keeps enemy guessing" »

3rd LAAD transfers authority to 3/25

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman
Date09.16.2010
Date Posted:09.17.2010 04:27

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Third Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion turned over responsibilities to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, in a transfer of authority ceremony here, Sept. 16.

Continue reading "3rd LAAD transfers authority to 3/25" »

Election Eve in Marja

By ELISABETH BUMILLER
September 17, 2010, 5:24 pm

MARJA, Afghanistan—Marines here in this Helmand Province battleground say they expect the Taliban to try to attack polling sites for Saturday’s Parliamentary elections with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades and so have spent much of the week devising security plans.

Continue reading "Election Eve in Marja" »

ANSF, coalition force delivers ballots despite IED strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.17.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces recovered election ballots from an Independent Election Commission vehicle damaged by an improvised explosive device in the Shindand District of Herat province Sept. 17.

Continue reading "ANSF, coalition force delivers ballots despite IED strike" »

September 16, 2010

Karzai calls on Pakistan to help destroy militant bases

Posted: 16 September 2010 0125 hrs

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai met Pakistan's leaders in Islamabad on Wednesday for talks on stepping up the fight against militants waging an insurgency against his government.

Continue reading "Karzai calls on Pakistan to help destroy militant bases" »

Aviation Marines are back to basics in airfield operations

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Ryan Rholes
Date 09.16.2010
Date Posted:09.15.2010 23:58
Location:AF

World War II and Operation Enduring Freedom are very different wars fought by different generations; but today’s aviation Marines in Afghanistan are facing some similar conditions that their predecessors did nearly seven decades ago. The Marine Corps prides itself on being expeditionary, going to every clime and place and dominating its enemies despite adverse conditions Marines may face.

Continue reading "Aviation Marines are back to basics in airfield operations" »

British, U.S. Marines forge bond playing cricket

Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Date 09.16.2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan - Sometimes an explosion breaks the silence of an afternoon in Sangin, but today the silence was broken with cheers.

Continue reading "British, U.S. Marines forge bond playing cricket" »

Deployed officers meet face-to-face with assignments monitors

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Ryan Rholes
Date 09.16.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Eleven monitors with the 2010 Manpower Management Officer Assignments ‘road show’ are in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 12-18, giving deployed officers the opportunity to shape their careers by meeting face-to-face with their monitors.

Continue reading "Deployed officers meet face-to-face with assignments monitors" »

Q+A-How does Afghanistan's parliamentary election work?

16 Sep 2010 13:34:34 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Afghans vote in parliamentary elections on Saturday for 249 seats in the country's wolesi jirga, or lower house of parliament.

Continue reading "Q+A-How does Afghanistan's parliamentary election work?" »

Afghan electoral workers slain by Taliban

By the CNN Wire Staff
September 16, 2010 1:11 p.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Taliban fighters killed two workers from Afghanistan's main election body, in another attack that highlighted the threat of a violence-marred parliamentary election Saturday.

Continue reading "Afghan electoral workers slain by Taliban" »

Taliban commander detained in north Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Afghan and coalition forces to the location of a Taliban safe house east of Sangin in Helmand province, where they detained a key Taliban commander and one associate today.

Continue reading "Taliban commander detained in north Helmand" »

Taliban urges Afghan vote boycott, warns of violence

16 Sep 2010 12:09:00 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch and Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The Taliban warned on Thursday it would try to disrupt Afghanistan's parliamentary poll and urged a voting boycott, while poll monitors said the electoral watchdog had not acted forcefully enough against fraud.

Continue reading "Taliban urges Afghan vote boycott, warns of violence" »

Update: Armed protester shot after aiming weapon at ISAF personnel

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL- Initial reports indicate a protest of approximately 100 Afghan civilians turned violent when protesters began throwing rocks at coalition forces guarding Forward Operating Base Mirwais in the Chorah District of Uruzgan province today.

Continue reading "Update: Armed protester shot after aiming weapon at ISAF personnel" »

Afghan Border Police Capture Insurgents, Major Weapons Supply

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan Border Police patrol, following up on a local tip, captured a large group of insurgents, and seized a significant cache of weapons and improvised explosive devices in Arghandab District, Kandahar province earlier this week.

Continue reading "Afghan Border Police Capture Insurgents, Major Weapons Supply" »

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,178

By The Associated Press
September 16, 2010

As of Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at least 1,178 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.

Continue reading "US military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,178" »

Precision strike on Taliban district commander kills 8 insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike and a follow-on ground operation against the Taliban district commander for Aliabad district of Kunduz province Wednesday, killing eight insurgents.

Continue reading "Precision strike on Taliban district commander kills 8 insurgents" »

Marine First Sergeant Wades in Blue

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date09.16.2010

SHINDAND, Afghanistan – Amidst the sea of green and blue at this austere deployed location you’ll notice a solitary Marine.

Continue reading "Marine First Sergeant Wades in Blue" »

Armed protestor shot after attempting to access ISAF base

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL - Initial reports indicate a protest of approximately 100 Afghan civilians turned violent when protestors began throwing rocks at coalition forces guarding Forward Operating Base Mirwais in the Chorah District of Uruzgan province today.

Continue reading "Armed protestor shot after attempting to access ISAF base" »

Afghan-led force captures Taliban commander, facilitator in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained three insurgents in Paktika province Wednesday, including a Taliban sub-commander and a Taliban facilitator active within the province.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force captures Taliban commander, facilitator in Paktika" »

Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents in Kunduz province last night in their continued pursuit of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander operating in Chahar Darah district.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz" »

Suspected Haqqani Network insurgents detained in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained four suspected insurgents in Khost province overnight while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator operating in Bak district.

Continue reading "Suspected Haqqani Network insurgents detained in Khost" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator operating in Qalat district.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Zabul" »

Taliban commander captured in Kandahar by Afghan-led force

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kandahar province Wednesday including a Taliban commander operating in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured in Kandahar by Afghan-led force" »

Taliban commander found hiding in floor oven in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Logar Tuesday, including a Taliban sub-commander responsible for attacks in Baraki Barak, Charkh and Pul-e Alam districts.

Continue reading "Taliban commander found hiding in floor oven in Logar" »

Coalition forces kill Taliban commander with precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktika province Sept. 15, killing Abdul Rahman, a key Taliban cell leader active in the province.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill Taliban commander with precision air strike" »

Taliban logistics hub targeted, suspected insurgents detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.16.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province overnight while in pursuit of a senior Taliban facilitator for insurgents operating in the Musa Qal’ah area

Continue reading "Taliban logistics hub targeted, suspected insurgents detained" »

September 15, 2010

Afghan, coalition force detain IED facilitator in Farah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force operation resulted in the detention of a suspected improvised explosive device facilitator in Farah province Sept. 15.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detain IED facilitator in Farah" »

Pakistan offers intel to Afghans in talks over allegations Islamabad supports militants

CHRIS BRUMMITT
Associated Press Writer
12:12 p.m. CDT, September 15, 2010

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's intelligence services are willing to work more closely with Afghanistan to fight Taliban militants, the president said Wednesday after talks with the Afghan leader focussed on allegations Islamabad is harboring Afghan insurgents.

Continue reading "Pakistan offers intel to Afghans in talks over allegations Islamabad supports militants" »

Officials: Taliban stoking Afghan rallies

Published: Sept. 15, 2010 at 6:24 PM

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Protests in Kabul Wednesday against Koran burning left dozens injured and Afghan authorities said the Taliban may be fomenting the unrest for its own purposes.

Continue reading "Officials: Taliban stoking Afghan rallies" »

Campaign ends as Afghanistan readies for vote

Published on 15 September 2010 - 4:43pm

Campaigning for Afghanistan's parliamentary elections formally ends at midnight Wednesday, when thousands of candidates must take a break from hustling ahead of Saturday's poll.

Continue reading "Campaign ends as Afghanistan readies for vote" »

US-led troops advance in Taliban green belt stronghold

Published September 15, 2010
| Associated Press

ASHOQEH, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Army Capt. Brant Auge swept his hand across a satellite map of southern Afghanistan and pointed to a dark band of river-fed vineyards, pomegranate groves and marijuana fields arcing through an otherwise barren valley.

Continue reading "US-led troops advance in Taliban green belt stronghold" »

OCC-P leads security efforts in Nangarhar during elections

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Albert Kelley
Date 09.15.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces are coordinating all security efforts for the Sept. 18 parliamentary elections.

Continue reading "OCC-P leads security efforts in Nangarhar during elections" »

US-led troops advance in Taliban stronghold

By TODD PITMAN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Sep 15, 1:19 pm ET

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – U.S. and Afghan forces began advancing slowly Wednesday through the insurgent-filled district in southern Afghanistan that gave birth to the Taliban movement, treading ground where guerrilla fighters have operated freely for years, the British general in charge of NATO troops here said.

Continue reading "US-led troops advance in Taliban stronghold" »

U.S. strikes kill 15 militants in Pakistan northwest

15 Sep 2010 16:13:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Haji Mujtaba

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Missiles fired by suspected U.S. drones killed at least 15 militants in two strikes in Pakistan's northwest region on Wednesday, security officials said, part of a surge in such attacks near the Afghan border.

Continue reading "U.S. strikes kill 15 militants in Pakistan northwest" »

Successful partnership seen between Afghan Police, U.S. Special Forces

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan
Media Operations Center
Story by Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp
Date 09.15.2010

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan – “We are going to stay here and fight with our ANCOP comrades,” said a U.S. Special Forces team leader, yelling across a compound during a lull in a firefight with insurgents.

Continue reading "Successful partnership seen between Afghan Police, U.S. Special Forces" »

Afghan partition a recipe for civil war, NATO says

15 Sep 2010 14:58:03 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Brunnstrom

BRUSSELS, Sept 15 (Reuters) - NATO on Wednesday dismissed suggestions the conflict in Afghanistan could be resolved by partitioning the country and handing over the Pashtun south to Taliban insurgents, saying this was a recipe for civil war.

Continue reading "Afghan partition a recipe for civil war, NATO says" »

Marines focus on building new Afghan nation

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:17 p.m.

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Capt. Stan Lee patrols his corner of Helmand Province with a loaded rifle like every other Marine. But he has never had to use it. Here in one of the most combative areas of southern Afghanistan, Lee has another weapon — U.S. dollars.

Continue reading "Marines focus on building new Afghan nation" »

Conway says Marines exercising patience in Afghanistan

Commandant says living Marine may be in line for Medal of Honor

By MARK WALKER
North County Times
Posted: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 6:56 pm

Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand province are showing restraint as insurgents increasingly use children and teenagers as human shields and to plant roadside bombs, the commandant of the Marine Corps said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Conway says Marines exercising patience in Afghanistan" »

Insurgents Continue to Wage Violence Against Afghan People

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL – In stark contrast to Taliban proclamations that they are committed to protecting the Afghan population, reality continues to show that the prevailing threat to the Afghan people remains indiscriminant insurgent violence.

Continue reading "Insurgents Continue to Wage Violence Against Afghan People" »

Force targets Taliban district commander in Kunduz overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained one suspected insurgent in Kunduz province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban district commander for Chahar Darah District.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban district commander in Kunduz overnight" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 15

Sep 2010 10:40:08 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 15 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1030 GMT on Wednesday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 15" »

Thousands of Afghans stage anti-US protest in Kabul

15 Sep 2010 08:03:21 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Hamid Shalizi

KABUL, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Police fired into the air to disperse thousands of anti-American protesters in Afghanistan's capital on Wednesday, witnesses and police said, with one person killed and at least five wounded.

Continue reading "Thousands of Afghans stage anti-US protest in Kabul" »

U.S. strike kills 12 militants in Pakistan northwest

15 Sep 2010 12:18:34 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Haji Mujtaba

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Sept 15 (Reuters) - U.S. drone planes fired missiles at a compound in Pakistan's northwest region, killing a dozen insurgents on Wednesday, security officials said, the 12th such strike this month.

Continue reading "U.S. strike kills 12 militants in Pakistan northwest" »

U.S., Afghan forces launch assault in southern Afghanistan

The push into insurgent strongholds west of Kandahar, the Taliban heartland, aims to cut off the militants' supply routes into the city. The troops will gradually expand their presence.

By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
September 15, 2010

Reporting from Howz-e-Madad, Afghanistan — Hundreds of U.S. and Afghan troops pushed into insurgent-dominated areas west of Kandahar city early Wednesday, hoping to establish a foothold not far from the area where the Taliban movement was born.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan forces launch assault in southern Afghanistan" »

IMU facilitator captured in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Kunduz province Tuesday, including an Uzbek Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan foreign fighter facilitator operating in Chahar Darah District.

Continue reading "IMU facilitator captured in Kunduz" »

Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost province overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Khost Tuesday, including a Haqqani Network facilitator involved in gathering improvised explosive device materials and carrying out attacks.

Continue reading "Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost province overnight" »

Insurgents Continue to Wage Violence Against Afghan People

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL – In stark contrast to Taliban proclamations that they are committed to protecting the Afghan population, reality continues to show that the prevailing threat to the Afghan people remains indiscriminant insurgent violence.

Continue reading "Insurgents Continue to Wage Violence Against Afghan People" »

Insurgent cell arrested in Kabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.15.2010

KABUL – Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led a joint Afghan National Security and coalition force patrol to the location of an insurgent cell that was planning an attack in Kabul, today.

Continue reading "Insurgent cell arrested in Kabul" »

Taliban district commander removed from battlefield

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.15.2010

KABUL – Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led coalition forces to the location of a known Taliban district commander who was targeted in a coalition airstrike in Wardak province Tuesday.

Continue reading "Taliban district commander removed from battlefield" »

Afghan, coalition force pursues IED expert in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.15.2010
Date Posted:09.14.2010 23:36

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents in Nangarhar province last night during the force’s continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device expert who specializes in advanced IED devices.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force pursues IED expert in Nangarhar" »

Escalation of force incident in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.15.2010
Date Posted:09.14.2010 23:38

KABUL – An Afghan civilian was killed after failing to adhere to several warnings to stop approaching a security perimeter in the Sharan district, Paktika province Tuesday.

Continue reading "Escalation of force incident in Paktika" »

September 14, 2010

Canada probes commando conduct in Afghanistan

14 Sep 2010 19:51:08 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA, Sept 14 (Reuters) - In yet another blow to Canada's troubled military mission in Afghanistan, the Defence Department has launched two probes into possible misconduct by its elite commando force, officials said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Canada probes commando conduct in Afghanistan" »

Record level of U.S. airstrikes hit militants

By Asif Shahzad and Kimberly Dozier
The Associated Press
Posted Sep 14, 2010 @ 06:36 PM

ISLAMBAD — Drone aircraft unleashed two missile attacks in a lawless tribal region on the Afghan border Tuesday, making September the most intense period of U.S. strikes in Pakistan since they began in 2004, intelligence officials said.

Continue reading "Record level of U.S. airstrikes hit militants" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 23 in Helmand Engagements

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 09.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Twenty-three enemy fighters are dead after insurgents attacked Afghan and coalition forces conducting a combined dismounted patrol on three separate occasions in the Sangin District of Afghanistan's Helmand province Sept. 13, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 23 in Helmand Engagements" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan

Sept 14 14 Sep 2010 10:10:22 GMT
Source: Reuters

Sept 14 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1000 GMT on Tuesday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan" »

Task Force Panther welcomed to Nangarhar

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.
Date 09.14.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Bastogne in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province welcomed 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Panther to their area of operations Sept. 14.

Continue reading "Task Force Panther welcomed to Nangarhar" »

Afghan, coalition forces attacked in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents attacked Afghan and coalition forces conducting a combined dismounted patrol on three separate occasions in the Sangin district of Helmand province Monday, Sept 13.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces attacked in Helmand" »

Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Wardak

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed three known insurgents during an operation in Wardak province, eastern Afghanistan, Sept. 14.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Wardak" »

Afghan central bank takes over Kabulbank

14 Sep 2010 13:28:19 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's central bank has stepped in to take control of the troubled Kabulbank, its governor said on Tuesday, after suspected irregularities raised concerns over the country's top private financial institution.

Continue reading "Afghan central bank takes over Kabulbank" »

Haqqani Network commander captured in Khost province overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.14.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network sub-commander during an overnight operation in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network commander captured in Khost province overnight" »

September 13, 2010

US post in Afghan hamlet a 'bullet magnet'

AFP
by Patrick Baz – Monday, 13 September 2010

CHAHAR QOLBAH, Afghanistan (AFP) – In Chahar Qolbah, a deserted hamlet on the edge of the village of Jelawar in southern Afghanistan, US paratroopers have taken over an old Taliban base and turned it into a forward combat post.

Continue reading "US post in Afghan hamlet a 'bullet magnet'" »

Karzai rift prompts U.S. to reevaluate anti-corruption strategy in Afghanistan

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 13, 2010; 3:18 AM

Senior Obama administration officials have concluded they need to step back from promoting American-style law enforcement as the main means of fighting corruption in Afghanistan because of the rift it has caused with President Hamid Karzai.

Continue reading "Karzai rift prompts U.S. to reevaluate anti-corruption strategy in Afghanistan" »

Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost province overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani Network facilitator, along with several insurgents, during overnight operations in Khost province.

Continue reading "Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost province overnight" »

Afghan Residents In The North Keep Taliban At Bay

NPR
September 13, 2010

Afghan President Karzai is expected to take the boldest move yet towards a negotiated settlement with the Taliban by naming a new Peace Council that would include militants. Renee Montagne travels north to Mazar-e-Sharif the capital of Balkh Province. Presumably, Afghans in this area would resist bringing Taliban members, who are willing to stop fighting, back in to the government.

Continue reading "Afghan Residents In The North Keep Taliban At Bay" »

450 Afghan police graduate in Herat

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Recruits representing a cross section of Afghanistan graduated from the Adraskan NATO training center in Heart, Friday.

Continue reading "450 Afghan police graduate in Herat" »

Afghans say ready to secure parliamentary poll

13 Sep 2010 14:00:56 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Afghan security forces, backed by foreign troops, are "completely prepared" to secure elections this week, the president's office said on Monday, despite soaring violence and a Taliban threat to disrupt the vote.

Continue reading "Afghans say ready to secure parliamentary poll" »

Afghans say ready to secure parliamentary poll

13 Sep 2010 14:00:56 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Afghan security forces, backed by foreign troops, are "completely prepared" to secure elections this week, the president's office said on Monday, despite soaring violence and a Taliban threat to disrupt the vote.

Continue reading "Afghans say ready to secure parliamentary poll" »

Afghan and coalition forces celebrate Eid al Fitr with Afghan children

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by 2nd Lt. Neil Samson
Date09.13.2010

BADGHIS, Afghanistan — An Afghan-led team participated in a celebration with children in Badghis province, Sept. 10.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition forces celebrate Eid al Fitr with Afghan children" »

Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Oruzgan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.13.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces killed 14 insurgents after coming under fire while conducting a security patrol in Oruzgan province Sunday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces engage insurgents in Oruzgan" »

Afghan, ISAF detain insurgents in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.13.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban district shura member and two of his associates in Paktika province Sunday during continued efforts to reduce the insurgent threat prior to this week’s elections.

Continue reading "Afghan, ISAF detain insurgents in Paktika" »

UPDATE Capture of Taliban facilitator in Kandahar confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010
Date Posted:09.13.2010 04:52

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed one of the several insurgents detained during an Afghan and coalition force operation Saturday was a Taliban facilitator for Arghandab district.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Taliban facilitator in Kandahar confirmed" »

Afghan gov't disputes NATO finding on attack

By RAHIM FAIEZ
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Sep 13, 2010 04:12 AM PDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The Afghan government Monday disputed NATO findings that a top insurgent was killed in an airstrike this month, maintaining that the victims were civilians working for a candidate in next weekend's parliament elections.

Continue reading "Afghan gov't disputes NATO finding on attack" »

2 dead, 10 family members injured in Afghanistan violence

From Matiullah Mati, CNN
September 13, 2010 7:14 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Ten family members were injured in a rocket attack in eastern Nangarhar province, a spokesman for the governor of the province said. In a separate attack, two people were killed in a western province.

Continue reading "2 dead, 10 family members injured in Afghanistan violence" »

U.S. Takes Over Fight in Helmand

As British Soldiers Leave Bloody Afghan Province, American Troops Try Out More-Mobile Strategy

By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
* SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan—After four bloody and frustrating years trying to secure the most dangerous town in Helmand Province, the British are pulling out with, at best, a draw.

Continue reading "U.S. Takes Over Fight in Helmand" »

Civil Affairs Marines bring hope to Shabu

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
Date09.10.2010
Date Posted:09.13.2010 20:39

COMBAT OUTPOST SHABU, Afghanistan – In an effort to make the village of Shabu a better place to live, armored reconnaissance Marines patrolled to find new civil affair’s projects, Sept. 10.

Continue reading "Civil Affairs Marines bring hope to Shabu" »

Taliban increasingly eyeing its role in politics

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 13, 2010; 1:59 PM

KABUL - Although Taliban leaders have denounced Afghanistan's parliamentary election and threatened violence at the polls on Saturday, some are discreetly making overtures to candidates, apparently in hopes of building political clout in Kabul, according to the top United Nations envoy here and some Afghan politicians.

Continue reading "Taliban increasingly eyeing its role in politics" »

'We know firsthand the nature of war'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 13, 2010 at 12:06 PM PDT

PATROL BASE KHERSE, Afghanistan - First Sgt. Jeff Craig calls out the names of the Marines in Echo Company, and one by one they answer.

Continue reading "'We know firsthand the nature of war'" »

Gadgets Give Soldiers in Afghanistan a Slice of Home

By Victor J. Blue
September 13, 2010 | 6:00 am

The heat and the dust and the diesel fumes. The constant drone of the generators, of vehicles, of radio static. The same food everyday, the same meal in the same brown plastic bag. The constant danger and uncertainty. The confusion, wonder and consequences waiting for you outside the wire.

Continue reading "Gadgets Give Soldiers in Afghanistan a Slice of Home" »

September 12, 2010

Combined force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Acting on intelligence reports and tips from local citizens, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted a joint operation which led to the detention of 18 suspected insurgents in Helmand province Sept. 12.

Continue reading "Combined force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

Petraeus issues guidance for Afghan contracting

By DEB RIECHMANN
The Associated Press
Sunday, September 12, 2010; 1:11 PM

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The NATO command has issued new guidelines for awarding billions of dollars worth of international contracts in Afghanistan, saying that without proper oversight the money could end up in the hands of insurgents and criminals, deepen corruption and undermine efforts to win the loyalty of the Afghan people at a critical juncture in the war.

Continue reading "Petraeus issues guidance for Afghan contracting" »

Pakistani Insurgent Group Expands in Afghanistan

By JASON MOTLAGH/KABUL
Sun Sep 12, 12:10 pm ET

There was nothing unfamiliar about last month's hours-long gun battle between Afghan security forces and insurgents in Nuristan province - except the identity of some of the militants. Of the 40 or so fighters killed, Gen. Mohammad Zaman Mahmoodzai, head of Afghanistan's border security force, says about a quarter had carried documents implicating them as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based outfit better known for its role in the Kashmir insurgency and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Continue reading "Pakistani Insurgent Group Expands in Afghanistan" »

Assessment of civilian casualties in Takhar complete

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Takhar province Sept 2.

Continue reading "Assessment of civilian casualties in Takhar complete" »

Safety in Afghanistan getting worse

Published: Sept. 12, 2010 at 7:59 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Taliban insurgents are active in 33 of 34 provinces in Afghanistan and the country is more dangerous than it has been in nearly a decade, an official says.

Continue reading "Safety in Afghanistan getting worse" »

A new face comes forward in Afghanistan

David Nakamura
September 13, 2010

KABUL: Amid the warlords, ex-mujahideen fighters, hardline clerics and shady businessmen running for a seat in the Afghan parliament, is 25-year-old Robina Jalali from Kabul.

Continue reading "A new face comes forward in Afghanistan" »

Nato chief says forces to stay in Afghanistan to finish job

September 12, 2010 07:57 a.m.

MADRID: Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen vowed to keep the alliance's troops in Afghanistan for the time needed to finish its mission, in an interview with a Spanish newspaper published on Sunday.

Continue reading "Nato chief says forces to stay in Afghanistan to finish job" »

US govt watchdog: Deep problems plague Afghan vote

By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press Writer
Sep 12, 10:32 AM EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghanistan's electoral process is plagued by deep-rooted problems that will take years to fix, according to a report issued by a U.S. government watchdog agency as the country prepares for its first vote since last year's flawed presidential election.

Continue reading "US govt watchdog: Deep problems plague Afghan vote" »

US govt watchdog: Deep problems plague Afghan vote

By HEIDI VOGT
Associated Press Writer
Sep 12, 10:32 AM EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghanistan's electoral process is plagued by deep-rooted problems that will take years to fix, according to a report issued by a U.S. government watchdog agency as the country prepares for its first vote since last year's flawed presidential election.

Continue reading "US govt watchdog: Deep problems plague Afghan vote" »

Afghan-led forces seize weapons cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL - An Afghan-led security force retrieved a large cache of homemade explosives and improvised explosive device material in the Shawkhel village of Zabul province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led forces seize weapons cache" »

U.S. military: Taliban turns to child soldiers in Afghan fight

September 12, 2010
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

MUSA QALA, Afghanistan — From 3- and 4-year-olds used as human shields or to gather spent cartridges, to teenagers offered motorcycles for planting roadside bombs, children are being used more and more to fight Americans here, U.S. Marines say.

Continue reading "U.S. military: Taliban turns to child soldiers in Afghan fight" »

Two Afghan protesters killed as Koran tensions simmer

12 Sep 2010 12:33:19 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait

KABUL, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Afghans protested violently for the third straight day on Sunday despite a U.S. pastor giving up plans to burn copies of the Koran, although there were three other cases of desecration of the Muslim holy book.

Continue reading "Two Afghan protesters killed as Koran tensions simmer" »

U.S. tensions over Koran spark isolated incidents

12 Sep 2010 01:24:31 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Basil Katz and Edith Honan

NEW YORK, Sept 11 (Reuters) - The United States marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on Saturday with commemorative ceremonies and although a pastor had canceled plans for a high-profile protest burning of the Koran, the Muslim holy book was abused in at least three separate incidents.

Continue reading "U.S. tensions over Koran spark isolated incidents" »

UPDATE Status of Taliban commander in Paktika confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Salim, a Taliban commander in Paktika province, was killed during an Afghan and coalition force operation Sept. 1.

Continue reading "UPDATE Status of Taliban commander in Paktika confirmed" »

Taliban commander among detainees in Uruzgan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Uruzgan Saturday, including the Taliban regional commander responsible for western Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Taliban commander among detainees in Uruzgan" »

Nawah Taliban military commission member targeted

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand overnight while in pursuit of a Taliban military commission member and Nawah elder who participates in small arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks.

Continue reading "Nawah Taliban military commission member targeted" »

Suspected insurgents detained in ongoing clearing operations

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator for Arghandab District. The facilitator coordinates the movement of weapons and supplies for Taliban commanders operating in the province.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in ongoing clearing operations" »

Force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

Navy Visual News Service
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province Saturday in their continued pursuit of a Taliban commander

Continue reading "Force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

Force conducts operation targeting Taliban commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.12.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents in Nangarhar province overnight, including Qari Wali, a Taliban operational commander who participated in intimidation campaigns and assassinations.

Continue reading "Force conducts operation targeting Taliban commander" »

3rd MAW (Fwd) Marines augment Leatherneck defenses

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla
Date09.11.2010
Date Posted:09.12.2010 23:59

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) support coalition forces every day here in Southern Afghanistan, but 33 of them are performing a unique duty.

Continue reading "3rd MAW (Fwd) Marines augment Leatherneck defenses" »

September 11, 2010

Marines put training to use in Afghanistan

By Gretel C. Kovach, UNION-TRIBUNE
Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 6 p.m.

This is the fourth installment in a continuing series about three Camp Pendleton Marines who deployed this spring to Afghanistan.

THE INFANTRY OFFICER: "Is everybody OK?"

SAFAR, Afghanistan — 1st Lt. Michael K. Chand Jr. and the infantry patrol trudged through the heat and dust of the bazaar, spilling eventually into green fields surrounding their hilltop outpost.

Continue reading "Marines put training to use in Afghanistan" »

IED blast devastates Afghan family in Kandahar IED blast devastates Afghan family in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An insurgent-planted improvised explosive device detonated in the Zharay District of Kandahar province Sept. 11.

Continue reading "IED blast devastates Afghan family in Kandahar IED blast devastates Afghan family in Kandahar" »

Tajikistan forces kill 20 Taliban fighters at border

11 Sep 2010 15:03:50 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Roman Kozhevnikov

DUSHANBE, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Tajikistan's security authorities said on Saturday they had killed at least 20 Taliban fighters and lost one officer in a clash along the border with Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Tajikistan forces kill 20 Taliban fighters at border" »

Tajikistan forces kill 20 Taliban fighters at border

11 Sep 2010 15:03:50 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Roman Kozhevnikov

DUSHANBE, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Tajikistan's security authorities said on Saturday they had killed at least 20 Taliban fighters and lost one officer in a clash along the border with Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Tajikistan forces kill 20 Taliban fighters at border" »

NCO training develops ANA backbone

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Spencer Case
Date09.11.2010

While the Afghan National Army’s efforts to boost troop levels have been well publicized, the story of the ANA’s non-commissioned officer corps is unfolding quietly in the background.

Continue reading "NCO training develops ANA backbone" »

Politics are local, even in Afghanistan

By Dan Morrison and Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 11, 2010 at 8:10 AM PDT

BALIKINI, Afghanistan - Governor Abdul Motalib has come to meet the people.

It was Tip O’Neil who said that all politics are local, and that holds just as true in Afghanistan now as it did in Boston then.

Continue reading "Politics are local, even in Afghanistan" »

Pullout deadline likely to slip for Marines in Afghan province

Sep 11, 2010

USA TODAY's Gregg Zoroya, reporting from Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, says none of the nearly 20,000 U.S. Marines fighting in Helmand province are likely to be pulled out when President Obama's deadline for troop withdrawal is reached next summer.

Continue reading "Pullout deadline likely to slip for Marines in Afghan province" »

Karzai marks 9-11 saying don't kill civilians

AP
– Sat Sep 11, 10:08 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai is marking the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the U.S. by saying the origins of the continued Taliban insurgency are not in Afghanistan

Continue reading "Karzai marks 9-11 saying don't kill civilians" »

Afghans protest Koran burning for second day

11 Sep 2010 11:18:33 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Obaid Ormor

PUL-E-ALAM, Afghanistan, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Protestors clashed with Afghan security forces on Saturday, as thousands of Afghans demonstrated for a second day, despite a U.S. pastor suspending plans to burn copies of the Koran, officials sai

Continue reading "Afghans protest Koran burning for second day" »

US losing in Afghanistan: Taliban

Lynne O'Donnell
September 11, 2010 - 9:44PM
AFP

The Taliban marked the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the US on Saturday by calling on American forces to withdraw unconditionally and end the "illegal occupation" of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "US losing in Afghanistan: Taliban" »

Afghan, coalition forces degrade insurgent network in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces came under sustained small-arms fire during a presence patrol in Helmand province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces degrade insurgent network in Helmand" »

Facilitator for suicide bombers pursued in Logar overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent in Logar province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator for suicide bombers used against Afghan government officials in Logar and Kabul City.

Continue reading "Facilitator for suicide bombers pursued in Logar overnight" »

Force captures another Taliban facilitator in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Paktiya province Friday, including another Taliban facilitator.

Continue reading "Force captures another Taliban facilitator in Paktiya" »

Force detains suspected insurgents in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander involved in the production and planning of improvised explosive device attacks.

Continue reading "Force detains suspected insurgents in Zabul" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani facilitator in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Khost province Friday, including a Haqqani Network facilitation cell leader responsible for the coordination and execution of attacks against coalition forces operating in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Haqqani facilitator in Khost" »

Taliban commander targeted in Helmand operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander operating in Nawa-ye Barakzai and Marjah districts.

Continue reading "Taliban commander targeted in Helmand operation" »

Afghan-led force pursues IED expert in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents and Nangarhar province Friday during their continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device expert who specializes in advanced IED devices.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force pursues IED expert in Nangarhar" »

Clearing operation of Kandahar enemy safe haven conducted

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.11.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force conducted a multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement in Zharay District.

Continue reading "Clearing operation of Kandahar enemy safe haven conducted" »

September 10, 2010

Obama says some progress seen on Afghan corruption

10 Sep 2010 16:33:02 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Adds quotes, background)

WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday he has seen some progress in fighting corruption in Afghanistan but there was still much to be done.

Continue reading "Obama says some progress seen on Afghan corruption" »

Afghan president calls on Taliban leader to join peace talks

Karzai last week announced that he had set up a council to pursue peace talks with the Taliban

AFP
Published: 10:26 September 10, 2010
by Sardar Ahmad Sardar Ahmad

KABUL (AFP) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai Friday used his traditional message marking the Eid Muslim holiday to call on the leader of the Taliban to join his peace plans and speed an end to Afghanistan's long war.

Continue reading "Afghan president calls on Taliban leader to join peace talks" »

As Afghans protest, Jones says he won’t burn Quran

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ
Associated Press Fri Sep 10, 2010, 07:18 AM CDT

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As thousands of Afghans protested a tiny Florida church’s plan to burn the Muslim holy book, the church’s pastor said he won’t follow through on the plan if he’s able to meet Saturday with the organizers behind a mosque planned near ground zero in New York.

Continue reading "As Afghans protest, Jones says he won’t burn Quran" »

IED blasts Marines: 'I thought we got hit by a rocket'

By Dan Morrison and Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 10, 2010 at 6:36 AM PDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan - The IED blew up the second vehicle just before midday.

Continue reading "IED blasts Marines: 'I thought we got hit by a rocket'" »

Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Haqqani facilitator

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.10.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Thursday while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator responsible for planning and executing multiple indirect fire and improvised explosive device attacks in Sabari and Musa Khel districts.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in pursuit of Haqqani facilitator" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban facilitator in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.10.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forcesn detained several insurgents in Paktiya province Thursday, including a Taliban facilitator for small and medium weapons and improvised explosive device materials.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban facilitator in Paktiya" »

Taliban commander captured in Kandahar overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.10.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Thursday, including a Taliban commander operating in Arghandab District and Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured in Kandahar overnight" »

Afghan, coalition troops conduct operations throughout Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.10.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces conducted more than 40 operations in 12 Afghan provinces in the past week, leading to the capture of dozens of commanders, facilitators and commissioners for the Taliban and Haqqani networks.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition troops conduct operations throughout Afghanistan" »

Afghan-led force targets Taliban commander in Zabul overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.10.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander operating in Qalat and Shah Joy
districts.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force targets Taliban commander in Zabul overnight" »

Marines Secure Kajaki Dam

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Daniel Blatter
Date09.09.2010
Date Posted:09.10.2010 06:21

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – Surrounded by enemy forces, the Marines of India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, work to keep the Kajaki Dam secure.

Continue reading "Marines Secure Kajaki Dam" »

Marine lays down wrench for sniper rifle

1st Marine Division
Date09.10.2010
By Cpl. Daniel A. Blatter

KAJAKI, Afghanistan – From a small town kid hunting deer, to a Marine Corps Sniper engaging the enemy at 1600 meters, one Marine has found himself holding a Barrett .50 caliber Sniper Rifle.

Continue reading "Marine lays down wrench for sniper rifle" »

September 9, 2010

Badghis governor condemns murder of Spanish troops

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL - The Badghis provincial governor condemned the Aug. 25, slaying of two Spanish military instructors and one interpreter during a shura held with provincial elders and an International Security Assistance Force provincial reconstruction team commander in the village of Qal' ah-ye Now in Badghis province Saturday.

Continue reading "Badghis governor condemns murder of Spanish troops" »

Interpol warns Koran-burning may trigger attacks

09 Sep 2010 16:34:39 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Daniel Flynn

PARIS, Sept 9 (Reuters) - The international police agency Interpol warned governments worldwide on Thursday of an increased risk of attacks on innocent people if the planned burning of the Koran by an obscure U.S. clergyman went ahead.

Continue reading "Interpol warns Koran-burning may trigger attacks" »

INTERVIEW-Koran-burning protests could delay Afghan poll-UN

09 Sep 2010 17:35:20 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait

KABUL, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Violent protests in reaction to a plan by a small U.S. church to burn copies of the Koran have the potential to delay this month's Afghan parliamentary election, the head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan said on Thursday.

Continue reading "INTERVIEW-Koran-burning protests could delay Afghan poll-UN" »

Coalition forces kill Taliban senior commander planning Kabul attacks

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - With the parliamentary elections a little more than a week away, coalition forces killed Nur Mohammad, a senior commander involved in improvised explosive device and suicide attacks in Kabul city, with a precision air strike in Kabul province Sept. 9.

Continue reading "Coalition forces kill Taliban senior commander planning Kabul attacks" »

Karzai aims to limit foreign role in probes-report

09 Sep 2010 04:49:50 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai intends to impose rules restricting international involvement in anti-corruption investigations, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.

Continue reading "Karzai aims to limit foreign role in probes-report" »

UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator capture in Khost confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani facilitator who operates in the Musa Khel District of Khost province. Afghan and coalition forces captured the commander during an overnight operation in Khost province Tuesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator capture in Khost confirmed" »

Force pursues Taliban facilitator in Paktiya overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents in Paktiya province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator for small and medium weapons and improvised explosive device materials.

Continue reading "Force pursues Taliban facilitator in Paktiya overnight" »

UPDATE Force confirms captures of Taliban leadership

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban deputy district commander for Dand, and another Taliban commander in charge of a kidnapping cell that targets Afghan government officials.

Continue reading "UPDATE Force confirms captures of Taliban leadership" »

Afghan-led force captures Taliban weapons facilitator in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban weapons facilitator responsible for the coordination and acquisition of weapons distributed to Taliban commanders operating in Kandahar province during an operation in the province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force captures Taliban weapons facilitator in Kandahar" »

UPDATE Capture of key Taliban commander in Helmand confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander who is a key facilitator of weapons and supplies for other Taliban commanders operating in northern Helmand.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of key Taliban commander in Helmand confirmed" »

Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.09.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kunduz province Wednesday while in pursuit of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander operating in Chahar Darah District.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz" »

September 8, 2010

Eugene-based Marines say 'Go Ducks!' from Afghanistan

By Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 8, 2010 at 5:44 PM PD

MARJAH, Afghanistan - We spoke with the Marines from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, a Marine Reserve unit based in Eugene, Ore.

Continue reading "Eugene-based Marines say 'Go Ducks!' from Afghanistan" »

IED kills father, wounds child in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan father was killed and his son injured in an improvised explosive device blast in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province Sept. 8.

Continue reading "IED kills father, wounds child in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition force detains 11 suspected insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL - Acting on intelligence reports, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted a combined operation resulting in the detainment of several suspected insurgents in Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force detains 11 suspected insurgents" »

Forces in Afghanistan Detain Suspected Insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Partnered Afghan and coalition security forces detained numerous suspected insurgents in recent operations, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Forces in Afghanistan Detain Suspected Insurgents" »

Taliban chief says victory in Afghanistan "close"

08 Sep 2010 14:56:19 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar said on Wednesday his fighters were close to victory in driving foreign forces out of Afghanistan, flouting claims of progress against the militants by the top military commander there.

Continue reading "Taliban chief says victory in Afghanistan "close"" »

Summer Security Operations Keep Pressure on Afghan Insurgent Networks

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Despite increased insurgent violence and intimidation traditionally associated with the summer ‘fighting season,’ ISAF and Afghan security forces continue to make steady progress in expanding security zones throughout Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Summer Security Operations Keep Pressure on Afghan Insurgent Networks" »

Afghan Army Kandaks to Deploy from Kabul with Fully Trained Mortar Teams

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon
Date09.08.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan National Army kandaks (battalions) preparing to deploy from the Kabul Military Training Center Consolidated Fielding Center will now have fully trained mortar teams to support them in battle.

Continue reading "Afghan Army Kandaks to Deploy from Kabul with Fully Trained Mortar Teams" »

Mixed Results as NATO Drive on Kandahar Begins

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 8, 2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The white flags of the Taliban no longer fly from neighborhoods in Kandahar City, as they did in some areas only two weeks ago, replaced instead by the red, black and green Afghan colors.

Continue reading "Mixed Results as NATO Drive on Kandahar Begins" »

Good food equals high morale for Marines in Marjah

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date 09.08.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan – According to the United States Census Bureau, this year the average American will consume 73 pounds of poultry, 110 pounds of red meat, 196 pounds of flour and cereal products, 249 pounds of eggs and 606 pounds of dairy products.

Continue reading "Good food equals high morale for Marines in Marjah" »

Afghan police beat back mob of government workers at Kabul Bank branch

By David Nakamura and Javed Hamdard
Wednesday, September 8, 2010; 3:59 AM

KABUL -- Fears over the future of ailing Kabul Bank grew violent Wednesday as state police beat back crowds of frustrated Afghan government workers attempting to withdraw their salaries on the final day before a four-day national holiday.

Continue reading "Afghan police beat back mob of government workers at Kabul Bank branch" »

Police Station Opens in Disputed Afghan District

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 8, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — The first police station has been opened in Marja, seven months after United States Marines started operations to take control of that Taliban stronghold in southern Helmand Province, military officials said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Police Station Opens in Disputed Afghan District" »

Several suspected insurgents detained in Paktiya overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Paktiya province Tuesday while in pursuit of an insurgent commander with ties to both Taliban and Haqqani senior leadership located in Pakistan.

Continue reading "Several suspected insurgents detained in Paktiya overnight" »

Taliban commander targeted in Wardak overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents in Wardak province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander operating mainly in the northern part of the province.

Continue reading "Taliban commander targeted in Wardak overnight" »

IED cell leader captured in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured an improvised explosive device cell leader operating in Qalat District Tuesday.

Continue reading "IED cell leader captured in Zabul" »

Key Taliban commander targeted in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who is a key facilitator of weapons and supplies for other Taliban commanders operating in northern Helmand.

Continue reading "Key Taliban commander targeted in Helmand" »

Force continues operations in Khost, disrupts Haqqani Network

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.08.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator responsible for coordinating the movement of Haqqani operatives and supplies.

Continue reading "Force continues operations in Khost, disrupts Haqqani Network" »

Taliban attack Marines in 'Wild West' of Afghanistan

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Sep 8, 2010 at 5:09 PM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST SEMINOLE, Marjah, Afghanistan — Something explodes through the air, followed by rounds of gunfire.

Continue reading "Taliban attack Marines in 'Wild West' of Afghanistan" »

September 7, 2010

Promoting truth with Commando Radio

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson
Date09.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan -- If information is power then the commandos just became more powerful as their radio station here at Camp Morehead celebrated the opening of their new facility and increased coverage area with a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 1.

Continue reading "Promoting truth with Commando Radio" »

American child donates toy collection to Afghans

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. Amy Abbott
Date09.07.2010
Location:AF

“Hi. This is my collection. I am happy to give it to the children. I am 11-years-old and tell them to enjoy,” read the hand-written note sent by a Michigan youth. The letter came with three boxes of stuffed animals sent to the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team at Forward Operating Base Wright in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, to be donated to local children.

Continue reading "American child donates toy collection to Afghans" »

Marines gather to remember fallen EOD technican

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs

Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Date 09.07.2010
Date Posted: 09.07.2010 08:43
Location:CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) gathered to pay final respects to their fallen comrade, Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, who died, Aug. 27, while conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province. He was 34 years old.

Continue reading "Marines gather to remember fallen EOD technican" »

Insurgents detained, narcotics confiscated in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence reports and local tips led to a combined Afghan and coalition force operation resulting in the detention of two insurgents in Helmand province, Sept 6.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained, narcotics confiscated in Helmand" »

Armored trucks cut IED deaths among allied troops

By Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY
September 7, 2010

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military's new armored trucks in Afghanistan are significantly reducing troop deaths in roadside attacks at a time when insurgent bombings are at record levels, according to statistics provided to USA TODAY.

Continue reading "Armored trucks cut IED deaths among allied troops" »

Why Are So Many Politicians Running in Kabul?

By Jason Motlagh
Kabul Tuesday, Sep. 07, 2010

Take a walk around the Afghan capital and the faces on posters are everywhere: proud, defiant, smiling — or shredded into slivers. With the country's parliamentary elections just two weeks away, campaigning has intensified, and nowhere more than in Kabul, where a whopping 664 candidates — more than a quarter of the total nationwide — will be on a ballot that might resemble a book. At face value, the outsize figure would suggest a democracy that's burgeoning despite the advances made by the Taliban-led insurgency. In reality, that number is huge in part because an increasing number of candidates have chosen to live in the capital, finding refuge in Kabul from the lawlessness of the provinces.

Continue reading "Why Are So Many Politicians Running in Kabul?" »

NATO: Taliban outnumbered around key Afghan town

Posted: Sep 07, 2010 7:30 AM PDT
Updated: Sep 07, 2010 7:30 AM PDT

BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO's top commander for southern Afghanistan says the coalition troops will clear the area around the key southern city of Kandahar by December.

Continue reading "NATO: Taliban outnumbered around key Afghan town" »

In Afghanistan, The Civil Service 'Surge' That Isn't

by Tom Bowman
September 7, 2010

As U.S. troops flood into southern Afghanistan, the same can't be said for Afghan government workers. There are critical shortages of government bureaucrats in regions such as Helmand and Kandahar. U.S. military officers are particularly frustrated by the lack of a civilian "surge."

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, The Civil Service 'Surge' That Isn't" »

Suspected insurgents captured in Farah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force operation resulted in the detention of two suspected insurgents in Farah province Monday.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents captured in Farah" »

Combined force finds, destroys drugs, weapons cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010

KABUL – The 7th Commando Kandak, assisted by members of two Marine special operations teams, found and destroyed a large drug and weapons cache in Sangin district, Helmand province Thursday.

Continue reading "Combined force finds, destroys drugs, weapons cache" »

Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010

KABUL – Several suspected insurgents were detained Monday in Kandahar during an Afghan-led operation in pursuit of the Taliban district commander for Dand.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Kandahar" »

Security force pursues of Haqqani facilitator in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Monday in their continued pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator of improvised explosive device material and weapons used in indirect fire attacks.

Continue reading "Security force pursues of Haqqani facilitator in Khost" »

Force continues pursuit of Taliban shadow governor for Musa Qal’ah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010
Date Posted:09.06.2010 23:56

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained more than 10 suspected insurgents in Helmand province Monday while in pursuit of the Taliban shadow governor of Musa Qal’ah district.

Continue reading "Force continues pursuit of Taliban shadow governor for Musa Qal’ah" »

UPDATE Haqqani Network sub commander capture confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010
Date Posted:09.06.2010 23:49

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani Network sub-commander responsible for coordinating improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Haqqani Network sub commander capture confirmed" »

UPDATE Capture of Taliban commander in Zabul confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.07.2010
Date Posted:09.06.2010 23:45

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitated and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks on Highway 1.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Taliban commander in Zabul confirmed" »

September 6, 2010

US Afghanistan commanders condemn Koran-burning plan

06 Sep 2010 23:44:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Pascal Fletcher

MIAMI, Sept 6 (Reuters) - U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan warned on Monday that a small Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks could endanger the lives of American troops.

Continue reading "US Afghanistan commanders condemn Koran-burning plan" »

District governor killed in Baghlan province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - According to reports, the district governor for the Nahrin district of Baghlan province and his driver were killed by unknown gunmen, Sept 6.

Continue reading "District governor killed in Baghlan province" »

Kandahar boardwalk is a world away from war

By TODD PITMAN
The Associated Press
Monday, September 6, 2010; 1:15 PM

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- It was a broiling fall evening in this southern Afghan battlezone, and U.S. Army Sgt. Charles Reed wanted to celebrate his birthday in style - at T.G.I. Friday's on the boardwalk.

Continue reading "Kandahar boardwalk is a world away from war" »

13 detained in joint operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined Afghan National Security and coalition force operation resulted in the detention of several Taliban insurgents in Uruzgan province, Sept. 5.

Continue reading "13 detained in joint operation" »

13 detained in joint operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined Afghan National Security and coalition force operation resulted in the detention of several Taliban insurgents in Uruzgan province, Sept. 5.

Continue reading "13 detained in joint operation" »

Afghans protest U.S. church's plans to torch Koran

06 Sep 2010 13:42:34 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Several hundred Afghans chanting "Death to America" rallied outside a mosque in the Afghan capital on Monday to protest against an American church's plan to burn a copy of the Koran on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Continue reading "Afghans protest U.S. church's plans to torch Koran" »

Joint operation disrupts Taliban group in Kohe Safi

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Coalition forces conducted a joint mission to disrupt a Taliban group that was operating in the Kohe Safi District of Parwan province, Sept. 5.

Continue reading "Joint operation disrupts Taliban group in Kohe Safi" »

Insurgent attack kills 3 children, wounds 5 more

ISAF Joint Command

Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three Afghan children were killed and five more wounded by insurgents in an attack on a coalition combat outpost in the Yahya Khel district of Paktika province, Sept. 6.

Continue reading "Insurgent attack kills 3 children, wounds 5 more" »

Plan to Woo Taliban Foot Soldiers Stalls

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 6, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — A quarter-billion dollar program to lure low-level Taliban fighters away from the insurgency has foundered, with Afghans bickering over who should run it, and international donors slow to put up the money they had promised.

Continue reading "Plan to Woo Taliban Foot Soldiers Stalls" »

General Petraeus vs Koran-Burning Church

By Max Fisher
September 06, 2010 11:26am

General David Petraeus, the architect of the war-turning Iraq strategy, current chief of the Afghanistan effort, and four-star hero of the American right, says the planned Koran-burning at a Florida church will put American lives in danger.

Continue reading "General Petraeus vs Koran-Burning Church" »

Afghan-American Interpreter Works from the heart in the heart of Afghanistan

I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)
Story by Lt.j.g. Jennifer Franco
Date09.06.2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Few people aspire to “be the change you want to see in the world” as the iconic Mahatma Gandhi said, encouraging ordinary people to do extraordinary things. But Afghan-American Atiqualla Rahin, is making a difference by sharing his knowledge of the Afghan culture and his language expertise with NATO-led Coalition Forces working to improve the legal system in Southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan-American Interpreter Works from the heart in the heart of Afghanistan" »

Taliban leader targeted, insurgents detained during joint operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from locals led to a combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition operation that resulted in the detention of several insurgents in central Helmand province, Sept. 6.

Continue reading "Taliban leader targeted, insurgents detained during joint operation" »

Afghan, coalition forces find IEDs in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Civil Order Police with the 2nd Battalion, 1st ANCOP Brigade, partnered with soldiers from Special Operations Task Force - South, to find three improvised explosive devices Wednesday, Sept. 1, in the Panjwa'I district, Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces find IEDs in Kandahar" »

Helmand dam a monument to U.S. challenges

The Kajaki Dam in southern Afghanistan was built in the 1950s with U.S. aid but fell into disrepair in the late 1970s. Efforts to repair it have faltered as the Taliban controls an access road.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
September 6, 2010

Reporting from Forward Operating Base Zeebrugge, —
There may be no better symbol of American involvement in southern Afghanistan — initial success, current frustration and an uncertain future — than the giant Kajaki Dam.

Continue reading "Helmand dam a monument to U.S. challenges" »

Graft and threats of violence cloud hopes for Afghan vote

06 Sep 2010 11:53:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Taliban threats, shuttered polling centres and warnings of widespread fraud are clouding hopes for Afghanistan's Sept. 18 parliamentary election, a key test of an already fragile democracy, observers have warned.

Continue reading "Graft and threats of violence cloud hopes for Afghan vote" »

Russia wants to rebuild Afghan facilities

06 Sep 2010 11:45:15 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Andreas Rinke

MOSCOW, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Russia wants to cooperate with the West and help Afghanistan by rebuilding power plants and other Soviet-era facilities in the central Asian state racked by insurgency, a senior government official said on Monday.

Continue reading "Russia wants to rebuild Afghan facilities" »

Afghan TV anchor murdered in Kabul

(AFP) – Sept. 6, 2010

KABUL — A prominent Afghan television news journalist and political activist has been murdered near his Kabul home, police and media rights groups said Monday, describing the killing as a "brutal beheading."

Continue reading "Afghan TV anchor murdered in Kabul" »

Children injured in bazaar explosion treated at FOB Farah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – Two children were brought to Forward Operating Base Farah for treatment after a improvised explosive device detonated in a bazaar in the Bala Boluk district of Farah province Sunday.

Continue reading "Children injured in bazaar explosion treated at FOB Farah" »

Several detained in Zabul in pursuit of IED cell leader

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 09.06.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Sunday while in pursuit of an improvised explosive device cell leader operating in Qalat district.

Continue reading "Several detained in Zabul in pursuit of IED cell leader" »

Taliban IED operative captured by security force in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Paktika province Sunday, including a Taliban improvised explosive device operative.

Continue reading "Taliban IED operative captured by security force in Paktika" »

Taliban IED operative captured by security force in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Paktika province Sunday, including a Taliban improvised explosive device operative.

Continue reading "Taliban IED operative captured by security force in Paktika" »

UPDATE Taliban attack facilitator capture confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban weapons facilitator for attacks in Kandahar City, as well as attacks against coalition force aircraft.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban attack facilitator capture confirmed" »

Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province Wednesday. The team has determined the civilian casualties were inadvertently caused by ISAF strikes on the target.

Continue reading "Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete" »

UPDATE Logar-based Taliban leaders captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed another key capture during an Afghan and coalition security force operation in Paktiya province Saturday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Logar-based Taliban leaders captured" »

Afghan-led force targets Taliban military commander in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.06.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition force targeted a Taliban military commander for Khugyani district during an overnight operation in Nangarhar province Sunday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force targets Taliban military commander in Nangarhar" »

September 5, 2010

Afghan civilians wounded following insurgent attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Approximately 13 Afghan civilians were wounded after insurgents attacked a coalition force convoy Sept. 5.

Continue reading "Afghan civilians wounded following insurgent attack" »

Taliban bomb maker detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force operation resulted in the detention of several suspected Taliban in Wardak province Sept. 5.

Continue reading "Taliban bomb maker detained" »

School, future built for Marjah children

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci
Date09.05.2010

MARJAH DISTRICT, Afghanistan -- Four new schools opened in Marjah District, Afghanistan, just in time for the beginning of the school year, Sept. 5.

Continue reading "School, future built for Marjah children" »

Two Afghan civilians killed, 1 wounded in Nimroz IED attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were killed and another wounded in an improvised explosive device attack in the Khash Rod District of Nimroz province Sept. 5.

Continue reading "Two Afghan civilians killed, 1 wounded in Nimroz IED attack" »

Property of Afghan bank bosses frozen, but not Karzai's brother's

By Andrew Higgins
Sunday, September 5, 2010; 4:04 PM

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Struggling to contain asset-stripping at Afghanistan's biggest bank, Afghan authorities have barred the sale of Kabul properties held by the troubled bank's principal owners. But the freeze excludes President Hamid Karzai's brother, who is the third largest Kabul Bank shareholder.

Continue reading "Property of Afghan bank bosses frozen, but not Karzai's brother's" »

2 French hostages in Afghanistan 'in good health'

– Sun Sep 5, 6:42 am ET

PARIS – President Nicolas Sarkozy's chief of staff says two French journalists held hostage in Afghanistan are "in good health" and that negotiations toward their release will resume.

Continue reading "2 French hostages in Afghanistan 'in good health'" »

Afghan forces receive improved protection

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte
Date09.05.2010

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan– One might say U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Timothy N. Easton is in the home improvement business for eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan forces receive improved protection" »

Civilians wounded in fuel truck explosion

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL- Four local Afghans were wounded by a fuel truck explosion in Jalalabad today.

Continue reading "Civilians wounded in fuel truck explosion" »

First Georgian soldier killed in Afghanistan

05 Sep 2010 16:40:21 GMT
Source: Reuters

TBILISI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Georgia has suffered its first soldier killed in Afghanistan since joining the NATO-led force fighting there, the Georgian Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

Continue reading "First Georgian soldier killed in Afghanistan" »

Reports: Afghan captors release Japanese reporter

The Associated Press
Date: Sunday Sep. 5, 2010 7:27 AM ET

TOKYO — A Japanese journalist who was abducted by apparent Taliban militants in Afghanistan five months ago has been freed by his captors, reports said Sunday.

Continue reading "Reports: Afghan captors release Japanese reporter" »

Afghan calls grow for answers on Kabulbank crisisAfghan calls grow for answers on Kabulbank crisis

05 Sep 2010 15:31:16 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Tim Gaynor

KABUL, Sept 5 (Reuters) - A senior opposition leader on Sunday urged Afghanistan's government and central bank to give clear answers about troubles at the country's top private bank after its top two directors resigned.

Continue reading "Afghan calls grow for answers on Kabulbank crisisAfghan calls grow for answers on Kabulbank crisis" »

No Ordinary Trip to the Store

Regional Command South
Story by Staff Sgt. John Wollaston
Date09.05.2010

TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan – For most people, a trip to the store to buy a few needed items falls into one of two categories. It’s a routine act that requires little thought because such an event is so commonplace in our everyday lives. Or it falls under the “why did she wait till the middle of the football game to need these things doesn’t she know it’s the playoffs” point of view.

Continue reading "No Ordinary Trip to the Store" »

Afghan commandos find explosives, extend security to outer Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL- Afghan commandos with the 3rd Commando Kandak, advised and assisted by coalition forces, found and destroyed multiple bomb-making materials in a remote region of Shah Wali Kot District, Kandahar province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan commandos find explosives, extend security to outer Kandahar" »

Taliban vow to disrupt Afghan parliamentary poll

05 Sep 2010 11:00:16 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Adds details, quotes throughout)
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Taliban said on Sunday they would attempt to derail elections this month and warned Afghans to boycott the vote, the first explicit threat against the poll by the hardline Islamists.

Continue reading "Taliban vow to disrupt Afghan parliamentary poll" »

UPDATE Taliban district commander confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the Taliban district commander for Darquad District was one of the insurgents targeted during an Afghan and coalition force operation in Takhar Friday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban district commander confirmed" »

Taliban commander, IED facilitator captured in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander and facilitator in Paktiya province Saturday.

Continue reading "Taliban commander, IED facilitator captured in Paktiya" »

Haqqani Network sub-commander captured in Khost overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.05.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani sub-commander in Khost province Saturday.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network sub-commander captured in Khost overnight" »

September 4, 2010

A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War

By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan—They say there are no atheists in foxholes. There's one on the front lines here, though, and the chaplain isn't thrilled about it.

Continue reading "A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War" »

With outposts growing, Marines are spread thin

By Gretel C. Kovach, UNION-TRIBUNE
Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 6 p.m.

LAKI, Afghanistan — They named it “the yellow brick road.” The half-mile stretch of dirt lane between the Marines and the high ground they intended to seize for a new observation post was pocked with 19 bombs, their brick batteries wrapped in mustard-colored tape.

Continue reading "With outposts growing, Marines are spread thin" »

General Says Foresight on Marja Was Flawed

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: September 4, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — NATO commanders were overly optimistic when they predicted quick success last winter in taking the town of Marja from the Taliban, the outgoing deputy commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan said Saturday.

Continue reading "General Says Foresight on Marja Was Flawed" »

IED injures two Afghan teenagers

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL - Two Afghan civilians were wounded by an improvised explosive device in the Sharan District of Paktika province today.

Continue reading "IED injures two Afghan teenagers" »

16 Taliban Killed in NATO Operations

Saturday, 04 September 2010 12:28
Written by TOLOnews.com

In the first attack that was conducted in Sangin district of the southern Helmand province, 12 insurgents were killed, a Press Release by the office of Helmand governor says.

Mullah Abdul Aziz, a local Taliban commander was also killed in the attack, the Press Release adds.

Continue reading "16 Taliban Killed in NATO Operations" »

Karzai Council To Pursue Taliban Peace Talks

Published : Saturday, 04 Sep 2010, 7:50 AM MDT

(NewsCore) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced Saturday that he had set up a council to pursue peace talks with the Taliban.

Continue reading "Karzai Council To Pursue Taliban Peace Talks" »

A year of protecting the boss: RCT-7 PSD escorts commander throughout Helmand

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Date09.04.2010

Marines of the Regimental Combat Team 7 Personal Security Detachment are finishing the final lap as they wrap up a year of conducting operations throughout Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading " A year of protecting the boss: RCT-7 PSD escorts commander throughout Helmand" »

Blast kills Afghan policemen, civilians-governor

04 Sep 2010 10:01:41 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Sept 4 (Reuters) - A bomb blast killed four Afghan police officers and three civilians in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province on Saturday, a provincial official said.

Continue reading "Blast kills Afghan policemen, civilians-governor" »

German held by US troops planned Europe attacks-report

04 Sep 2010 11:06:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

BERLIN, Sept 4 (Reuters) - A German Islamist held by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and interrogated since July has revealed details of planned attacks on targets in Germany and Europe, a news weekly reported on Saturday.

Continue reading "German held by US troops planned Europe attacks-report" »

UPDATE Taliban commander capture in Kandahar City confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the assessed Nawah-ye Barakzai (Helmand province) Taliban acting district commander during an Afghan and coalition force security operation in Kandahar City Thursday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban commander capture in Kandahar City confirmed" »

Taliban commander captured outside Kandahar City

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander Friday, who coordinated and participated in attacks in Kandahar City and Arghandab District.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured outside Kandahar City" »

Taliban IED facilitator pursued in Paktiya operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator of explosives and improvised explosive devices for an attack cell operating in Gardez District, in Paktiya province Friday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED facilitator pursued in Paktiya operation" »

Security force continues pursuit of Haqqani leadership in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Khost province last night in their pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator of improvised explosive device material and weapons.

Continue reading "Security force continues pursuit of Haqqani leadership in Khost" »

Senior Taliban military commissioner captured in Takhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.04.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured the Taliban military commissioner for six Takhar districts in the province Friday.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban military commissioner captured in Takhar" »

Mongolians train Afghan soldiers during live-fire weapons demonstration

Date09.04.2010
196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Story by Capt. Anthony Deiss

KABUL – Members of the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force (METF) trained Afghan National Army soldiers on several different weapons systems during a live-fire weapons demonstration Sept. 2 at the new Darulaman Infantry School to better prepare the soldiers for security operations.

Continue reading "Mongolians train Afghan soldiers during live-fire weapons demonstration" »

Glimpse of Things to Come: ANP Take Security Lead at Nawa Bazaar

Story by Sgt. Mark Fayloga
Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010

NAWA, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Sooner, rather than later, the Marine presence in Nawa will dwindle down as Afghan police and soldiers take over complete responsibility for the security and stability of the region.

Continue reading "Glimpse of Things to Come: ANP Take Security Lead at Nawa Bazaar" »

September 3, 2010

U.S. Marines, British advisers at odds in Helmand

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, September 3, 2010; 10:08 PM

MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN -U.S. Marines and British civilian advisers are waging two wars in the hilly northern half of Helmand province: They're fighting the Taliban, and they're quarreling with each other.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines, British advisers at odds in Helmand" »

Taliban tries to stop the music in Afghanistan _ again

By Hashim Shukoor, Mcclatchy Newspapers – Fri Sep 3, 4:15 pm ET

JALALABAD, Afghanistan — Mohammed Tariq was looking after his uncle's music shop one recent afternoon when two bearded men with turbans pulled up on a motorcycle to deliver an ominous warning.

Continue reading "Taliban tries to stop the music in Afghanistan _ again" »

U.S. to temper stance on Afghan corruption

By Greg Jaffe
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 3, 2010; 8:31 PM

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan are developing a strategy that would tolerate some corruption in the country but target the most corrosive abuses by more tightly regulating U.S. contracting procedures, according to senior defense officials.

Continue reading "U.S. to temper stance on Afghan corruption" »

Guardians of Freedom

46th Military Police Command
Story by Spc. Jason Boyd and Staff Sgt. Helen Miller
Date09.03.2010
Location:Bagram Airfield, AF

“This is probably the most stressful job I’ve had in my life,” said Sgt. Jeffery Golden.

Continue reading "Guardians of Freedom" »

Female Afghan PC member sees America, details her visit

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. Katherine Roling
Date09.03.2010
Location:GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF

An elected female Provincial Council member from Qarah Bagh District, Ghazni province, spoke to Department of State and Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team members at Forward Operating Base Ghazni Aug. 31 about her trip to the U.S.A.

Continue reading "Female Afghan PC member sees America, details her visit" »

'Due to the Afghan culture, our male Marines can’t talk to them'

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com Story Published: Sep 3, 2010 at 11:44 AM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST SEMINOLE, Afghanistan - Cultural sensitivity poses challenges for Marines in Afghanistan - challenges that insurgents try to exploit.

Continue reading "'Due to the Afghan culture, our male Marines can’t talk to them'" »

Suspected insurgent drug trafficker detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several individuals in Helmand province Sept. 3.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgent drug trafficker detained" »

FACTBOX-Some issues in Afghanistan's parliamentary election

03 Sep 2010 12:51:33 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Afghans go to the polls on Sept. 18 to elect a total of 249 members to the country's lower house of parliament, or Wolesi Jirga.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Some issues in Afghanistan's parliamentary election" »

Afghan poll fears grow after another candidate hurt

03 Sep 2010 12:50:42 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Hamid Shalizi

KABUL, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Concerns over security and transparency in Afghanistan's parliamentary election grew on Friday after another candidate was attacked and a German observer sought to temper expectations of the poll.

Continue reading "Afghan poll fears grow after another candidate hurt" »

Gates says Pakistan havens still threaten Afghanistan

03 Sep 2010 09:51:02 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Phil Stewart

KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Militants operating out of safe havens in Pakistan remain a major threat to Afghanistan but cooperation between NATO-led forces and the Pakistani military is increasing, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday.

Continue reading "Gates says Pakistan havens still threaten Afghanistan" »

Gates sees progress in tour of Afghan war zone

By ANNE GEARAN, AP National Security Writer
Fri Sep 3, 9:02 am ET

COMBAT OUTPOST SENJERAY, Afghanistan – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he saw and heard evidence that the U.S. counterinsurgency strategy is taking hold in critical Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Gates sees progress in tour of Afghan war zone" »

Mullen Gets Afghanistan Updates in Kabul

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by John Banusiewicz
Date09.03.2010

KABUL - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed progress and challenges in Afghanistan with top military and diplomatic officials during a three-hour visit here today.

Continue reading "Mullen Gets Afghanistan Updates in Kabul" »

Citizens fight back against insurgent attack at mosque

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several Afghan civilians fought back against insurgents who attacked fellow citizens while they prayed in a mosque Monday in the area of Marjah in Helmand province. The attack resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of one other.

Continue reading "Citizens fight back against insurgent attack at mosque" »

Navy Individual Augmentees arrive

46th Military Police Command
Story by Spc. Jason Boyd
Date09.03.2010

Since arriving at the Detention Facility in Parwan the IA staff has been fighting an uphill battle to establish rhythm. There have been many tasks that need to be accomplished and the medical staff has been able to take them on and accomplish them one by one. Whether it was establishing protocol for suicide prevention, or setting up a course of medical instruction for Afghan National Army medics the staff here has been up to the task.

Continue reading "Navy Individual Augmentees arrive" »

Gates meets US troops in Afghan Taliban heartland

by Daphne Benoit Daphne Benoit – September 3, 2010

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFP) – US Defense Secretary Robert Gates Friday met US soldiers at the "tip of the spear" in the Taliban's Afghan heartland as a pivotal surge of 30,000 extra troops neared completion.

Continue reading "Gates meets US troops in Afghan Taliban heartland" »

Operation frees prisoners, targets Taliban

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL - A combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition force operation targeting a senior Taliban leader in Helmand province discovered a number of imprisoned Afghan citizens yesterday.

Continue reading "Operation frees prisoners, targets Taliban" »

Security force pursues Taliban commander in Kandahar City

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Thursday of a Taliban acting district commander.

Continue reading "Security force pursues Taliban commander in Kandahar City" »

Taliban sub-commander captured in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban sub-commander in Ghazni province Thursday.

Continue reading "Taliban sub-commander captured in Ghazni" »

Taliban commander targeted in Logar operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Qalat District, Zabul province Thursday, while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates and coordinates improvised explosive device attacks on Highway 1.

Continue reading " Taliban commander targeted in Logar operation " »

Partnered force captures Helmand-based commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Helmand province Thursday, including a Taliban military commander with direct ties to Taliban senior leadership based in Pakistan.

Continue reading "Partnered force captures Helmand-based commander" »

Haqqani Network sub-commander sought in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.03.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Khost province Thursday, while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network sub-commander responsible for coordinating improvised explosive device attacks which often harm innocent civilians.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network sub-commander sought in Khost" »

September 2, 2010

Marines work to win over hearts and minds in Afghanistan

By Gretel C. Kovach, UNION-TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 6 p.m.

LAKI, Afghanistan — Sgt. David McFadden was on patrol, wading slowly across the Helmand River. Cool water gurgled peacefully underfoot. But the squad leader knew that things are not always as they seem in southern Afghanistan, and a Marine must be vigilant.

Continue reading "Marines work to win over hearts and minds in Afghanistan" »

ANSF, TF Iron Soldiers hunt down, capture elusive Taliban commander

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. R.j. Peek
Date09.02.2010

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After months of relentless pursuit and numerous combat operations, security forces in Ghazni province finally tracked down and captured an elusive insurgent commander, responsible for dozens of attacks on coalition forces and local Afghans.

Continue reading "ANSF, TF Iron Soldiers hunt down, capture elusive Taliban commander" »

Afghanistan assures bank customers amid graft fears

02 Sep 2010 20:20:28 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Adds comments by U.S. official in Washington, paragraphs 5-6)
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's government sought to avert a run on the country's top private bank by nervous investors after directors at Kabulbank resigned, ostensibly to meet new rules but also amid media allegations of graft.

Continue reading "Afghanistan assures bank customers amid graft fears" »

Afghan parliamentary candidate wounded in grenade attack

ISAF Joint Command

Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan parliamentary candidate and one other Afghan civilian were wounded following a grenade attack at the governor's compound in Ghazni City Sept. 2.

Continue reading "Afghan parliamentary candidate wounded in grenade attack" »

Unusual calm: 2/6 Marines remain vigilant, optimistic

By Staff Sgt. Luis Agostini, 1st Marine Division
02 SEP 2010

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, recently patrolled the Marjah area surrounding Combat Outpost Angry, and returned without receiving one round of enemy fire.

Continue reading "Unusual calm: 2/6 Marines remain vigilant, optimistic" »

Gates, Karzai Discuss Way Ahead in Afghanistan

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Jim Garamone
Date09.02.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - There are now enough resources in Afghanistan to deliver "tangible and lasting results," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here Sept. 2.

Continue reading "Gates, Karzai Discuss Way Ahead in Afghanistan" »

US to start NATO talks on Afghan transition-Petraeus

02 Sep 2010 17:40:24 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Phil Stewart

KABUL, Sept 2 (Reuters) - The United States will start preliminary talks with its allies in Afghanistan soon on next year's planned "transition", expected to include withdrawal of some U.S. forces, the top NATO commander in the country said on Thursday.

Continue reading "US to start NATO talks on Afghan transition-Petraeus" »

Civilian casualty allegation in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL - An allegation that the International Security Assistance Force caused civilian casualties was made in Kandahar province yesterday. The allegation is currently being investigated.

Continue reading "Civilian casualty allegation in Kandahar" »

Two large weapons caches secured, destroyed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces to two large weapons caches - which were secured and destroyed - in the Sarobi District of Kabul province today.

Continue reading "Two large weapons caches secured, destroyed" »

Afghanistan Now Has Forces, Resources, Petraeus Says

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Jim Garamone
Date09.02.2010

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan - The forces are now in place to make major strides in Afghanistan, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said here today.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Now Has Forces, Resources, Petraeus Says" »

Petraeus calls relationship with Karzai sound

By Anne Gearan
Associated Press
10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said Thursday that the sometimes strained relationship between the United States and Afghan President Hamid Karzai is solid.

Continue reading "Petraeus calls relationship with Karzai sound" »

Gates Says U.S. Forces in Afghanistan for 'Years' to Come

By James Rosen
Published September 02, 2010
FoxNews.com

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates touched down in Kabul Thursday, in a surprise visit to Afghanistan for a lightning round of strategy sessions with top commanders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Continue reading "Gates Says U.S. Forces in Afghanistan for 'Years' to Come" »

US defence chief Gates on surprise Afghan visit

by Daphne Benoit Daphne Benoit – September 2, 2010

KABUL (AFP) – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Kabul Thursday on a surprise visit following a trip to Iraq, where he attended ceremonies to mark the formal end of the American combat mission there.

Continue reading "US defence chief Gates on surprise Afghan visit" »

NATO checks claim strike kills 10 Afghan campaigners

02 Sep 2010 10:40:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

(Updates possible toll to 10 killed, adds attack in southeast)

TALOOQAN, Afghanistan, Sept 2 (Reuters) - An apparent air strike by foreign forces killed 10 election campaign workers in Afghanistan's north on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and NATO-led forces said they were investigating the incident.

Continue reading "NATO checks claim strike kills 10 Afghan campaigners" »

Coalition forces conduct precision strike against senior IMU member in Takhar province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

Kabul, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike targeting an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior member assessed to be the deputy shadow governor for Takhar province this morning.

Continue reading "Coalition forces conduct precision strike against senior IMU member in Takhar province" »

IED attacks not going well for Taliban fighters: Six die in 24 hours while attempting to emplace, detonate IEDs

Regional Command East
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

GHAZNI, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force Soldiers from Task Force White Eagle and Brawler killed five Taliban improvised explosive device emplacers, Sept. 2, during combat operations in the Andar District of Ghazni province.

Continue reading "IED attacks not going well for Taliban fighters: Six die in 24 hours while attempting to emplace, detonate IEDs" »

Forces repel attack at combat outpost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces repelled an insurgent attack in the Bermel district of Paktika province after a failed attack on Combat Outpost Margah today.

Continue reading "Forces repel attack at combat outpost" »

Local residents tip off ANA concerning weapons cache

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command
North
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010
Location:GHORMACH DISTRICT, AF

Live mortar rounds are commonly used in manufacturing improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, and in the hands of insurgents or Taliban fighters these weapons could be used to attack local civilians as well as Afghan National Security Forces who patrol the area in unarmored vehicles.

Continue reading "Local residents tip off ANA concerning weapons cache" »

Force continues pursuit of Taliban commander in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgents in Logar province last night in their continued pursuit of a Taliban commander, who leads 40 fighters in attacks against Afghan officials and coalition forces operating in Logar.

Continue reading "Force continues pursuit of Taliban commander in Logar" »

Insurgents detained in Paktika clearing operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents, during the latest deliberate clearing operation against Haqqani Network safe havens in Orgun district over the past two nights.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained in Paktika clearing operation" »

Shadow governor for Musa Qal'ah District captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents including the Taliban shadow governor of Musa Qal'ah District in Helmand province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Shadow governor for Musa Qal'ah District captured" »

Precision strike conducted on Taliban commander in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.02.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike against a Taliban commander in Paktika province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Precision strike conducted on Taliban commander in Paktika" »

September 1, 2010

German held by American troops in Afghanistan

01 Sep 2010 17:20:30 GMT
Source: Reuters

BERLIN, Sept 1 (Reuters) - A German citizen has been arrested by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, the German foreign ministry said on Wednesday, after a newspaper reported he was being held on suspicion of involvement with a terrorist group.

Continue reading "German held by American troops in Afghanistan" »

Senior Taliban commander targeted in Uruzgan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led coalition forces to a meeting held by a senior Taliban commander in Uruzgan province Sept 1.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban commander targeted in Uruzgan" »

Near Kandahar, the Prize Is an Empty Town

By TAIMOOR SHAH and ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 1, 2010

MEHLAJAT, Afghanistan — When the governor of Kandahar Province came to this town, freshly liberated on Sunday from the Taliban, his armed entourage appeared to outnumber what was left of the population.

Continue reading "Near Kandahar, the Prize Is an Empty Town" »

Four insurgents arrested in combined operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL - A combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition force operation led to the detainment of several insurgent in Ghazni province today.

Continue reading "Four insurgents arrested in combined operation" »

UPDATE: Suicide bomber detained during Kunduz operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces assessed one of the insurgents detained in Kunduz province Tuesday was planning to carry out a suicide attack in the near future.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Suicide bomber detained during Kunduz operation" »

Sweden reopens WikiLeaks founder rape investigation

01 Sep 2010 10:53:22 GMT
Source: Reuters

STOCKHOLM, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Sweden's chief prosecutor said on Wednesday she was reopening a preliminary investigation into rape charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange that a lower official had withdrawn two weeks ago.

Continue reading "Sweden reopens WikiLeaks founder rape investigation" »

Afghan National Army graduates first EOD class

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL - Members of the 2nd Brigade 205th Afghan National Army and their partners from Combined Team Zabul gathered at Forward Operating Base Eagle Sunday to celebrate the graduation of 24 ANA soldiers from the first explosives search and recognition course.

Continue reading "Afghan National Army graduates first EOD class" »

Kandahar hajj killed in IED attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL - A motorcycle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in Kandahar today, killing Kandahar's hajj and pilgrimage chief and his body guard.

Continue reading "Kandahar hajj killed in IED attack" »

Afghan, coalition forces round up hundreds in August

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces spent the month of August continuing to capture and kill key Taliban and Haqqani Network insurgent leaders.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces round up hundreds in August" »

Force targets Taliban commander involved in recent IED attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Logar province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads 40 fighters in attacks against Afghan officials and coalition forces operating in Logar.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban commander involved in recent IED attack" »

Afghan, coalition force pursue shadow governor

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Nangarhar province Tuesday while in pursuit of the Taliban shadow governor for Rodat district who is responsible for the direction and facilitation of foreign fighters and suicide bombers.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force pursue shadow governor" »

UPDATE Precision air strike in Kandahar successful

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed that a coalition force precision air strike in Kandahar province Monday, killed Zulmai, a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Precision air strike in Kandahar successful" »

Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban commander in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date09.01.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgents in Ghazni province Tuesday, including a Taliban sub-commander heavily involved in the facilitation of coordinated attacks, which threaten the security and safety of the local population.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force captures Taliban commander in Ghazni" »

August 31, 2010

Army officer comes home to the Marines

1st Marine Division
Story by Sgt. Dean Davis
Date08.31.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – When Cpl. Jeff Van Cleave left the Marine Corps in 1990 in hopes of becoming an officer, he wasn’t sure he would ever come back to the Marine Corps. Now, the U.S. Army major, who proudly wears the 1st Marine Division patch on his uniform, has returned and is responsible for all artillery in Helmand province, but the journey back to the “Blue Diamond” has taken him farther than he ever expected.

Continue reading "Army officer comes home to the Marines" »

Birthplace of the Taliban: The next battleground

By Denis D. Gray
Associated Press Writer
August 31, 2010

HOWZ-E-MADAD, Afghanistan—As some 400 U.S. and Afghan soldiers gather to honor their first fallen comrade, mournful Muslim prayers mingle with the stutter of machine gun fire and the thud of exploding grenades just beyond their heavily fortified camp.

Continue reading "Birthplace of the Taliban: The next battleground" »

Afghan civilians killed, wounded in Marjah

ISAF Joint Command

Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010
Date Posted:08.31.2010 20:30
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition force conducting a medical evacuation mission were forced to fire on two Afghan civilians who displayed hostile intent to the combined force in the area of Marjah in Helmand province Aug. 31.

Continue reading "Afghan civilians killed, wounded in Marjah" »

Joint team to assess civilian casualties in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces came under heavy small-arms fire in the Musa Qal'ah District of Helmand province Aug. 31.

Continue reading "Joint team to assess civilian casualties in Helmand" »

Afghan authorities take over biggest bank to avoid meltdown

By Joshua Partlow and Andrew Higgins
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, August 31, 2010; 5:00 PM

KABUL - Afghanistan's Central Bank has taken control of Kabul Bank, a politically potent financial institution partly owned by President Hamid Karzai's brother, and ordered its chairman to hand over $160 million worth of luxury villas and other property purchased in Dubai for well-connected insiders, according to Afghan bankers and officials.

Continue reading "Afghan authorities take over biggest bank to avoid meltdown" »

Petraeus: Afghan concern about Pakistan is legit

By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press Writer
Tue Aug 31, 8:42 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai's recent complaints that international forces should focus on militant leaders hiding in neighboring Pakistan instead of Afghan villages doesn't mean the government no longer supports the U.S. war strategy, the top NATO commander said Tuesday

Continue reading "Petraeus: Afghan concern about Pakistan is legit" »

Petraeus: Taliban retain momentum in some areas

Associated Press
Tue Aug 31, 4:36 am ET

BRUSSELS – Taliban guerrillas still retain the initiative in some parts of Afghanistan despite recent successes by coalition forces, the top U.S. and NATO commander in the country said Tuesday

Continue reading "Petraeus: Taliban retain momentum in some areas" »

Gunman kills Afghan Supreme Court employees

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Gunman killed three and wounded several more employees of the Afghan Supreme Court travelling on a mini bus in Kabul, Aug. 31.

Continue reading "Gunman kills Afghan Supreme Court employees" »

Afghan Airmen Learn How to Take Offensive

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte
Date08.31.2010

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan airmen of the Kandahar Air Wing are learning how to take the offensive from advisors assigned to the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group.

Continue reading "Afghan Airmen Learn How to Take Offensive" »

Taliban footprint 'spreading': Petraeus

Lynne O'Donnell
August 31, 2010 - 9:14PM
AFP

The US commander of the Afghan war has acknowledged that the Taliban were expanding their footprint across the country even as foreign forces close in on their traditional southern strongholds.

Continue reading "Taliban footprint 'spreading': Petraeus" »

Afghan withdrawal won't be a "hand-off" - Petraeus

31 Aug 2010 09:52:58 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait

KABUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) - The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan from next July will begin with a general "thinning out" of forces rather than any large-scale drawdown, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan withdrawal won't be a "hand-off" - Petraeus" »

Afghan, coalition forces conduct air assault in Kunar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – Afghan National Security Forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai District of Kunar province Monday.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces conduct air assault in Kunar" »

UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator capture confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani Network facilitator whose primary role is coordinating the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Haqqani Network facilitator capture confirmed" »

Taliban commander targeted in Kandahar with precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province Monday, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban commander targeted in Kandahar with precision air strike" »

Haqqani commander captured by Afghan-led security force in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network sub-commander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province Monday.

Continue reading "Haqqani commander captured by Afghan-led security force in Khost" »

Security force continues pursuit of Al Qaeda operative

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010


KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province Monday in their continued pursuit of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist connected to several insurgent groups in the area including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban.

Continue reading "Security force continues pursuit of Al Qaeda operative" »

Taliban commander captured in Kandahar, several insurgents detained

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Monday, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured in Kandahar, several insurgents detained" »

Security force captures Taliban IED cell leader in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province Monday, including a Taliban sub-commander who led an improvised explosive device attack cell.

Continue reading "Security force captures Taliban IED cell leader in Ghazni" »

August 30, 2010

Insurgent attacks kill, wound 8 Afghan civilians

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Four Afghan civilians were killed, including two children, and four more civilians were wounded in insurgent attacks in eastern and southern Afghanistan Aug. 30.

Continue reading "Insurgent attacks kill, wound 8 Afghan civilians" »

Sub-governor killed outside governor's palace in Jalalabad

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A district sub-governor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad District of Nangarhar province Aug. 30.

Continue reading "Sub-governor killed outside governor's palace in Jalalabad" »

Taliban leader targeted

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence reports and tips from local citizens led a combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition force to target a senior Taliban leader in Helmand province, Aug. 30.

Continue reading "Taliban leader targeted" »

Successful airstrike against senior Taliban commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces carried out an air strike on a senior Taliban commander south of Sangin, Helmand province Sunday, Aug. 29.

Continue reading "Successful airstrike against senior Taliban commander" »

Investigation ordered into Baghlan civilian casualty claims

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command has ordered an investigation into the allegations of civilian casualties in Baghlan province during an operation, Aug. 22.

Continue reading "Investigation ordered into Baghlan civilian casualty claims" »

Afghan poll candidate rages against graft, Karzai

30 Aug 2010 11:25:58 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Andrew Hammond

KABUL, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Graft is destroying Afghanistan and next month's parliamentary poll will be little more than a dark comedy run by political elites unless there is real change, one of President Hamid Karzai's fiercest critics has said.

Continue reading "Afghan poll candidate rages against graft, Karzai" »

Karzai Attacks Afghan War Strategy as 'Ineffective'

VOA News 30 August 2010

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has again harshly criticized coalition strategy for fighting Afghanistan's stubborn insurgency.

Continue reading "Karzai Attacks Afghan War Strategy as 'Ineffective'" »

Car bomb kills Afghan official in east

30 Aug 2010 09:05:06 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Updates with official saying car bomb, not suicide attack)
By Rafiq Sherzad

JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Aug 30 (Reuters) - A car bomb killed a district chief in eastern Afghanistan on Monday as he entered a provincial headquarters, but the governor escaped unhurt, officials said.

Continue reading "Car bomb kills Afghan official in east" »

Weapons cache secured, destroyed in Wardak province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces uncovered and secured a large weapons cache in the Jalriz District, Maydan Wardak province today.

Continue reading "Weapons cache secured, destroyed in Wardak province" »

Force captures more insurgents linked to coalition base attacks

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani Network commander and several of his associates during an overnight operation in Khost province. The commander and his fighters were involved in the complex attack on Forward Operating Bases Salerno and Chapman Saturday.

Continue reading "Force captures more insurgents linked to coalition base attacks" »

Forces continue their pursuit of Haqqani Network leaders

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Khost province Sunday while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator whose primary role is coordinating the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces.

Continue reading "Forces continue their pursuit of Haqqani Network leaders" »

Force captures Taliban IED facilitator in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator reportedly linked to the movement of a large ammonium nitrate shipment, which was interdicted by the Afghan National Army Aug. 9, in Kandahar Sunday.

Continue reading "Force captures Taliban IED facilitator in Kandahar" »

Security force targets insurgents in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Paktiya province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who coordinates suicide bombings throughout Paktiya.

Continue reading "Security force targets insurgents in Paktiya" »

Taliban leadership targeted by Afghan, coalition forces in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – An Afghan-led force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban leadership targeted by Afghan, coalition forces in Kandahar" »

Another Taliban judge captured by Afghan-led force in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban judge with influence in Nad ‘Ali and Marjah districts of Helmand province Sunday.

Continue reading "Another Taliban judge captured by Afghan-led force in Helmand" »

August 29, 2010

Afghan president condemns CIA payment reports

STAFF WRITER 29 Aug 2010

Kabul, Aug 28 (AP) Afghanistan's presidential office today condemned US media reports that Afghan government officials have received payments from the CIA in return for information.

Continue reading "Afghan president condemns CIA payment reports" »

Insurgents die in Farah blast

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.30.2010
Date Posted:08.29.2010 22:11

KABUL – Two insurgents wearing suicide improvised explosive device vests were killed in an explosion in Farah city yesterday.

Continue reading " Insurgents die in Farah blast" »

Afghan Woman Defies Repression

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte
Date08.29.2010

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In few countries do women face as many challenges as they do in Afghanistan—a country which not only holds the record for the worst place to be a mother, according to Save the Children’s “State of the World’s Mothers Report 2010,” but is also home to the fundamentalist Taliban, one of the world’s most repressive anti-women’s rights regimes.

Continue reading "Afghan Woman Defies Repression" »

Amid bloody Afghan battle, name-calling on the rise

29 Aug 2010 16:41:13 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jonathon Burch

KABUL, Aug 29 (Reuters) - The Afghan Taliban are angry that the man whose job it is to kill their fighters has claimed to be making progress; so angry that they want to hold an unprecedented news conference to talk about it.

Continue reading "Amid bloody Afghan battle, name-calling on the rise" »

IED wounds 2 in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were wounded from in improvised explosive device blast in the Panjwaii District of Kandahar province Aug. 29.

Continue reading "IED wounds 2 in Kandahar" »

ANSF instructors train Afghanistan’s future

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr.
Date08.29.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Security throughout Helmand province has steadily increased due to the constant push of formally-trained Afghan National Police officers out to cities. These police officers are receiving their training from coalition forces-run academies, like the Joint Security Academy Southwest located at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "ANSF instructors train Afghanistan’s future" »

Marjah police officer willing to sacrifice anything for country

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci
Date08.29.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Allawadin, a 24-year-old Afghan police recruit is lacking one very important feature necessary to being a cop here. Mainly, he doesn’t have a trigger finger.

Continue reading "Marjah police officer willing to sacrifice anything for country" »

Key Taliban commander in Helmand targeted

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who is a key facilitator of weapons and supplies for other Taliban commanders operating in northern Helmand.

Continue reading "Key Taliban commander in Helmand targeted" »

Afghan Police making mark in Arghandab

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp
Date08.29.2010

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan – It was only a year ago that the Afghan national civil order police had a 60 to 80 percent attrition rate among its policemen due to low morale, equipment issues, lack of basic resources and corruption.

Continue reading "Afghan Police making mark in Arghandab" »

Security force targets Taliban district commander in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent in Kunduz province last night while in pursuit of the Taliban district commander for Aliabad, who is directly involved in the planning of attacks against coalition forces.

Continue reading "Security force targets Taliban district commander in Kunduz" »

Afghan troops receive award for first combat operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Soldiers from the Afghan National Army's 2nd Company, 8th Commando Kandak, received the Combat Action Badge Tuesday for their actions in the unit's first combat operation since completing their extensive training.

Continue reading "Afghan troops receive award for first combat operation" »

Team completes assessment of Jowzjan incident

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - A joint incident assessment team recently found no evidence to conclude coalition force helicopters were responsible for the deaths of three Afghan National Police members, Aug.
21.

Continue reading "Team completes assessment of Jowzjan incident" »

Joint assessment team confirms possibility of civilian casualties in Baghlan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - In response to Baghlan provincial governor's concerns about civilian casualties, a joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, conducted a full assessment of an operation on Aug. 22 in Talah wa Barfak District, Baghlan province.

Continue reading "Joint assessment team confirms possibility of civilian casualties in Baghlan" »

UPDATE Capture of Taliban commander in Paktika confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban facilitator involved in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices during an Afghan-led operation in Paktika Wednesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Taliban commander in Paktika confirmed" »

Insurgent networks remain the focus for Afghan, coalition forces

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - An Afghan-led force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator involved in the acquisition of military materials.

Continue reading "Insurgent networks remain the focus for Afghan, coalition forces" »

Force detains several suspected insurgents in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - More than 10 suspected insurgents were detained Saturday in Kandahar during an Afghan-led operation in pursuit of a Taliban commander.

Continue reading "Force detains several suspected insurgents in Kandahar" »

Gunmen kill five in latest Afghan poll violence

29 Aug 2010 10:07:53 GMT
Source: Reuters

HERAT, Afghanistan, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Armed men have killed five campaigners working for a female candidate in next month's parliamentary election in Afghanistan, an official said on Sunday, the latest attack amid growing security fears.

Continue reading "Gunmen kill five in latest Afghan poll violence" »

Taliban 'judge is out' in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained more than 10 suspected insurgents during a combined operation to detain a senior Taliban commander Aug. 20.

Continue reading "Taliban 'judge is out' in Helmand" »

Taliban commanders captured in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured Zia Ul-Haq, a senior Taliban commander operating in Logar province and responsible for the facilitation of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Kabul City, during an operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "Taliban commanders captured in Logar" »

ANSF, ISAF Defeat Another Haqqani Attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - Afghan and Coalition forces killed more than 30 Haqqani Network insurgents, including 13 wearing suicide vests as they attempted to storm Forward Operating Bases Salerno and Chapman and government buildings in Khost Saturday morning. Mudasir, a Haqqani suicide bomber and improvised explosive device facilitator, was killed as he attempted to flee as the attack was smashed by ANSF and ISAF forces.

Continue reading "ANSF, ISAF Defeat Another Haqqani Attack" »

5 kidnapped Afghan campaign workers found dead

Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:48 AM PDT

By RAHIM FAIEZ
Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghan officials said they found the bodies Sunday of five kidnapped campaign workers for a female parliamentary candidate in the western province of Herat.

Continue reading "5 kidnapped Afghan campaign workers found dead" »

Coalition forces conduct air strike against senior commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL - A coalition force air strike was conducted against a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander who facilitates foreign fighters and leads attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Kunduz Saturday.

Continue reading "Coalition forces conduct air strike against senior commander" »

Forces capture Haqqani Network commander involved in attacks

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani Network commander involved in Saturday's attacks on Forward Operating Bases Salerno and Chapman in Khost province.

Continue reading "Forces capture Haqqani Network commander involved in attacks" »

Afghan, coalition forces conduct operations in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.29.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces conducted operations in Paktiya province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander for coordinating and conducting indirect fire and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces conduct operations in Paktiya" »

Wilkie wants troops out of Afghanistan

By Sarah Collerton
Updated Sun Aug 29, 2010 10:12am AEST

Incoming independent MP Andrew Wilkie has described the justification for the war in Afghanistan as "one of the great lies of the election campaign"

Mr Wilkie has claimed victory in the Tasmanian seat of Denison, but he will wait a few more days before declaring who he will support in a hung parliament.

Continue reading "Wilkie wants troops out of Afghanistan" »

August 28, 2010

Force targets Taliban judge in Helmand overnight

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Taliban judge with influence in Nad 'Ali and Marjah Districts of Helmand province Friday.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban judge in Helmand overnight" »

Taliban commanders are top priority in ongoing Kandahar operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Friday searching for a Taliban commander and weapons expert.

Continue reading "Taliban commanders are top priority in ongoing Kandahar operation" »

Afghan Security Guard member shot by Taliban after attempted kidnapping

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010
Date Posted:08.28.2010 03:55
Story by: Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – An Afghan Security Guard member was shot by a member of the Taliban after an attempted kidnapping in Deh Rawod Aug. 27.

Continue reading "Afghan Security Guard member shot by Taliban after attempted kidnapping" »

US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan

Saturday, 28 Aug, 2010

PESHAWAR: A US drone strike Saturday killed four militants in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt near the Afghan border, security officials said.
The strike hit Shahidano village in the violence-wracked Kurram tribal district, 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of Peshawar.

Continue reading "US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan" »

Taliban attack U.S. base in Afghanistan's east

28 Aug 2010 02:35:30 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Up to 30 Taliban insurgents, including suicide bombers, attacked a U.S. base in Afghanistan's east on Saturday, officials said, but there were no details available about possible casualties or damage.

Continue reading "Taliban attack U.S. base in Afghanistan's east" »

Taliban suicide attacker kills, injures Afghan civilians

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - One Afghan civilian was killed and seven others were wounded when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated himself in a local store in the Bermal District of Paktika province today.

Continue reading "Taliban suicide attacker kills, injures Afghan civilians" »

Assessment team finds terrorist link to ANP shooter in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - A joint incident assessment team returned to Kabul today following a trip to Badghis province where two Spanish military instructors, a Spanish interpreter, and an Afghan National Police member were killed following a gun fight on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Assessment team finds terrorist link to ANP shooter in Badghis" »

Graft-Fighting Prosecutor Is Dismissed in Afghanistan

By DEXTER FILKINS and ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: August 28, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — One of the country’s most senior prosecutors said Saturday that President Hamid Karzai fired him this week after he repeatedly refused to block corruption investigations at the highest levels of Mr. Karzai’s government.

Continue reading "Graft-Fighting Prosecutor Is Dismissed in Afghanistan" »

Band provides security for Leatherneck

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Daniel Blatter
Date08.28.2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The 1st Marine Division Band is known for performing hundreds of ceremonies each year. In 2007, they were awarded the "Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands,” however, here in Afghanistan, many of them can be found providing security for the thousands of service members and contractors deployed to Helmand province’s Camp Leatherneck in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Band provides security for Leatherneck" »

Water the key to Afghanistan's future

Canada has pushed ahead with a rehabilitation project to re-establish the valley and other areas surrounding Kandahar city as Afghanistan's breadbasket.

By David Zucchino
Los Angeles Times
Originally published Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 6:15 AM

ARGHANDAB RIVER VALLEY, Afghanistan — When the Canadian government's international assistance agency looked into rebuilding a massive irrigation dam here in early 2007, the initial prospects weren't encouraging. The site appraisal team couldn't even get to the dam, 20 miles north of Kandahar in the Arghandab River Valley.

Continue reading "Water the key to Afghanistan's future" »

Munitions cache discovered, destroyed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, supported by members from the International Security Assistance Force, discovered a munitions cache in the Ghormach District of Faryab province, Thursday.

Continue reading "Munitions cache discovered, destroyed" »

Real, fake IEDs put Afghans at risk

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Coalition forces found and removed an improvised explosive device that insurgents planted in the wall of a mosque in Arghandab District, Kandahar province, Monday.

Continue reading "Real, fake IEDs put Afghans at risk" »

Marine follows heritage, strives for best

8/28/2010
By Cpl. Ned Johnson, Regimental Combat Team 2
SANGIN, Afghanistan

After serving in the Marine Corps Security Forces, one infantryman came to the line companies with something to teach the young Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and their reception of his unique training methods are evident.

Continue reading "Marine follows heritage, strives for best" »

UPDATE: Capture of Taliban commander in Paktiya confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander in Paktiya province during an Afghan and coalition security force operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Capture of Taliban commander in Paktiya confirmed" »

Several insurgents detained in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Khost province Friday while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator of improvised explosive device material and weapons used in indirect fire attacks.

Continue reading "Several insurgents detained in Khost" »

Taliban facilitator, insurgents captured in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban attack coordinator and facilitator who moved improvised explosive devices and weapons into Kabul City.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitator, insurgents captured in Logar" »

UPDATE ISAF, Afghan forces repel attack at two bases

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL - Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force soldiers repelled two attacks at bases in Khost province today.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF, Afghan forces repel attack at two bases" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 28

28 Aug 2010 10:42:52 GMT
Source: Reuters

Aug 28 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1030 GMT on Saturday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 28" »

NATO forces say Taliban base attacks repelled

28 Aug 2010 10:46:04 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Elyas Wahdat

KHOST, Afghanistan, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Foreign and Afghan troops repelled pre-dawn attacks on two bases in Afghanistan's east on Saturday, officials said, with the Taliban saying suicide bombers were among 30 of its fighters who launched the raids.

Continue reading "NATO forces say Taliban base attacks repelled" »

Insurgents detained in Zabul by Afghan-led security force

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force continued their pursuit of a cross-district Taliban commander and facilitator in Zabul province Friday, detaining several suspected insurgents.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained in Zabul by Afghan-led security force" »

Precision air strike conducted after attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.28.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike on a truck occupied by three Haqqani Network fighters after they attempted to attack Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khost province today.

Continue reading "Precision air strike conducted after attack" »

August 27, 2010

Marines in Afghanistan prepared for a long haul

A year since the U.S. troop buildup began with battalions descending on the Helmand River Valley, optimism about a quick defeat of the Taliban has given way to more sober assessments.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
August 27, 2010|1:15 p.m.

Reporting from Forward Operating Base Dwyer, — If Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin Oratowski was intimidated about briefing three visiting generals as he headed out on another overnight patrol chasing the Taliban, he didn't show it.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan prepared for a long haul" »

Update: Taliban 'attack NATO base' in eastern Afghanistan

Fri Aug 27

KABUL (AFP) – A NATO base in volatile eastern Afghanistan came under attack early Saturday from possible Taliban militants, police in the region said.

Continue reading "Update: Taliban 'attack NATO base' in eastern Afghanistan" »

Incident in Wardak results in death of contractors

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A coalition patrol travelling on Highway 2 in the Maidan Shahr District of Wardak province Aug. 27 fired on a vehicle perceived to be a threat to the patrol.

Continue reading "Incident in Wardak results in death of contractors" »

Afghans demonstrate against Taliban in Ghazni

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Nearly 300 Afghans peacefully demonstrated against the Taliban Aug. 27 near the village of Rahimkhel in the Andar District of Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Afghans demonstrate against Taliban in Ghazni" »

A Soldier’s promise fulfilled

Through a reporter named Michael Jordan, who was filming a documentary on 3rd ID, Olcott was able to secure two large green tough boxes full of supplies from the Matthew Freeman Foundation, named for U.S. Marine Capt. Mathew Freeman, of Richmond, Ga. Freeman was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. He also shared a passion to provide school supplies to the children of Afghanistan.

Combined Joint Task Force 101

Story by Spc. Albert Kelley
Date08.27.2010
Date Posted:08.27.2010 14:50
Location:NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – , AF

With tears forming in her eyes and voice shaking, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Olcott stood before a crowd of homeless Afghan children, Aug. 14, prepared to fulfill a seven-month endeavor.

Continue reading "A Soldier’s promise fulfilled" »

Afghan Army completes mission to account for missing soldiers

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - The Afghan National Army repatriated eight of its soldiers today who were listed as missing from an earlier operation to rid the area of insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghan Army completes mission to account for missing soldiers" »

Colonel Kicked Out of Afghanistan for Anti-PowerPoint Rant

* By Spencer Ackerman
* August 27, 2010

Consider it a new version of death by PowerPoint. The NATO command in Afghanistan has fired a staff officer who publicly criticized its interminable briefings, its over-reliance on Microsoft’s slide-show program, and what he considered its crushing bureaucracy.

Continue reading "Colonel Kicked Out of Afghanistan for Anti-PowerPoint Rant" »

Afghan security forces plan for election

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. Holly Hess
Date08.27.2010

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Representatives from the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and National Directorate of Security held a meeting in coordination with the International Election Commission to discuss election security with Panjshiri parliamentary candidates, Aug. 22.

Continue reading "Afghan security forces plan for election" »

FOB Ghazni supports tri-governor’s conference in Ghazni City

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. Katherine Roling
Date08.27.2010

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Governors from Wardak and Paktika provinces, including the deputy governor from Logar province, met Aug. 26, with Ghazni’s provincial governor, Musa Khan, at the governor’s compound in Ghazni City.

Continue reading "FOB Ghazni supports tri-governor’s conference in Ghazni City" »

UPDATE Capture of Haqqani senior commander in Khost confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a senior Haqqani Network commander during an Afghan and coalition security force operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Haqqani senior commander in Khost confirmed" »

Joint ANSF, ISAF operation concludes with security gains

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - Afghan National Security Forces, partnering with International Security Assistance Forces, concluded their combined security sweep of the Uzbeen valley area Wednesday.

Continue reading "Joint ANSF, ISAF operation concludes with security gains" »

Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani network facilitator and two additional insurgents during their continued pursuit of Haqqani Network leadership in Khost province Thursday.

Continue reading "Haqqani facilitator captured in Khost" »

Afghan and coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kunduz province Thursday while in pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz" »

Security force detains insurgents in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces continued their pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander responsible for leading attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces in Paktiya province Thursday.

Continue reading "Security force detains insurgents in Paktiya" »

Taliban IED facilitator targeted in Afghan, coalition operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.27.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces detained one insurgent in Paktika province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator involved in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Taliban IED facilitator targeted in Afghan, coalition operation" »

U.S., French troops in 'very successful' security sweep

By the CNN Wire Staff
August 27, 2010 7:24 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghan, French and U.S. troops have completed a security sweep in eastern Afghanistan, a five-day push that led to the deaths of about 40 Taliban fighters, military officials said Friday

Continue reading "U.S., French troops in 'very successful' security sweep" »

Homemade Bombs Kill 3 US Troops In Afghanistan

3 US Troops Killed In Afghanistan, While Market Bombing Kills 3 Police, 2 Civilians

Aug. 27, 2010
AP) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Homemade bombs killed three U.S. troops in southern and eastern Afghanistan on Friday, and a roadside blast tore through a crowded market in the increasingly volatile north, killing three police and two civilians.

Continue reading "Homemade Bombs Kill 3 US Troops In Afghanistan" »

Number of voluntary returns to Afghanistan this year tops 100,000

27 Aug 2010 12:49:12 GMT
Source: UNHCR

Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.

KABUL, Afghanistan, August 27 (UNHCR) – The number of people returning voluntarily to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran so far this year has exceeded 100,000, almost twice as many as last year. Some 95,000 of these are from Pakistan.

Continue reading "Number of voluntary returns to Afghanistan this year tops 100,000" »

August 26, 2010

Insurgents struck during operation in Kunar; civilian casualty allegations

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A coalition force combat outpost came under insurgent fire Aug. 26 in the Darah-ye Pech District of Kunar province. The coalition force responded with mortar fire and called for air support.

Continue reading "Insurgents struck during operation in Kunar; civilian casualty allegations" »

My other car is an ox cart

Teaching young Afghan soldiers to drive is a key challenge facing U.S. Marines. More than half of Afghan army injuries result from vehicular accidents.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
August 26, 2010|2:08 p.m.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan — Afghan Sgt. Maj. Barakatullah Kolistani, who trains army recruits, is confident his fledgling soldiers are learning the discipline, strategic skills and marksmanship needed to defeat the Taliban.

Continue reading "My other car is an ox cart" »

Afghan Commandos, US forces destroy weapons cache in Badakhshan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-led force discovered a large weapons cache in a remote village in Badakhshan province Aug. 25.

Continue reading "Afghan Commandos, US forces destroy weapons cache in Badakhshan" »

Afghan Commandos, US forces destroy weapons cache in Badakhshan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-led force discovered a large weapons cache in a remote village in Badakhshan province Aug. 25.

Continue reading "Afghan Commandos, US forces destroy weapons cache in Badakhshan" »

Afghan Army, Marines Disrupt Enemy Supply Routes

8/26/10 | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Mark Fayloga

KHANAGAWR, Afghanistan — Marines and sailors from Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, partnered with the Afghan National Army to complete Operation Big Wave, a two-part operation in Khanagawr and Southern Lashkar Gah taking place from Aug. 15-20.

Continue reading "Afghan Army, Marines Disrupt Enemy Supply Routes" »

Toyota's Corolla is the people's car in Afghanistan

By David Nakamura
Thursday, August 26, 2010; 2:13 PM

KABUL - Afghanistan, graveyard of empires - and Toyota Corollas.

Continue reading "Toyota's Corolla is the people's car in Afghanistan" »

Afghan civilian killed by suspected insurgents in Oruzgan

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.25.2010
Date Posted:08.26.2010 14:02

ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – An Afghan civilian, employed at a local coalition force base, was killed in Deh Rawod district, Oruzgan province, Aug. 25.

Continue reading "Afghan civilian killed by suspected insurgents in Oruzgan" »

Mechanics maintain mission capabilities

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
Date08.26.2010

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan – To accomplish any mission, light armored reconnaissance Marines need vehicles prepared for the task at hand. The Motor Transport Maintenance section makes sure the vehicles are ready to travel Afghanistan’s rugged terrain.

Continue reading "Mechanics maintain mission capabilities" »

Course Brings Standardized Instruction to Afghan Army

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon
Date08.26.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

A new cadre graduated Aug. 25 from an innovative course at Kabul Military Training Center designed to ensure consistent, sustainable training for the Afghan National Army.

Continue reading "Course Brings Standardized Instruction to Afghan Army" »

Afghan Female Candidate’s Campaign Workers Abducted

By ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: August 26, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — Ten campaign workers for a female parliamentary candidate in western Afghanistan were abducted by gunmen Thursday and the Taliban claimed responsibility for two deadly attacks, one that killed eight Afghan police officers and another that killed two Spanish police trainers and a Spanish-Afghan translator a day earlier.

Continue reading "Afghan Female Candidate’s Campaign Workers Abducted" »

Fears Taliban expanding in Afghan north, west

By Robert H. Reid, Associated Press Writer – August 26, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Eight Afghan police gunned down at a checkpoint. Campaign workers kidnapped. Spanish trainers shot dead on their base.

Continue reading "Fears Taliban expanding in Afghan north, west" »

Afghan leader criticizes US withdrawal timeline

Posted: Aug 25, 2010 11:07 PM PDT
Updated: Aug 26, 2010 7:08 AM PDT
By AMIR SHAH
Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - President Hamid Karzai said that U.S. plans to start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan next year had boosted the Taliban's spirits, while an insurgent attack killed eight Afghan police in the country's increasingly volatile north Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan leader criticizes US withdrawal timeline" »

Waza Kwah teachers receive back wages

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. R.j. Peek
Date08.26.2010

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When theft and corruption involving more than $1.1 million surfaced last year in Paktika province, it brought educators’ pay to a grinding halt and nearly caused a massive walkout by the teachers of the Waza Kwah School District.

Continue reading "Waza Kwah teachers receive back wages" »

GIRoA, ISAF assessing shooting incident

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint team of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force officials departed Kabul today to perform an initial assessment of the shooting incident in western Afghanistan Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Continue reading "GIRoA, ISAF assessing shooting incident" »

Afghanistan drills oil for first time in north

By Sayed Salahuddin Sayed Salahuddin – August 26, 2010

KABUL (Reuters) – Afghanistan, believed to be sitting on top of billions of dollars worth of minerals and energy sources, has extracted oil for the first time and plans to pump a modest 800 barrels a day, officials said on Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghanistan drills oil for first time in north" »

Unmanned aerial system recovered in Wardak

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL - International Security Assistance Forces recovered an unmanned aerial system after it crashed in Wardak province today.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial system recovered in Wardak" »

Taliban wage threats against aid workers in Pakistan as flood damage spreads across country

BY Sean Alfano
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Thursday, August 26th 2010, 7:52 AM

The Pakistani Taliban has issued a new round of threats against any foreigners in the country who provide aid for flood victims.

Continue reading "Taliban wage threats against aid workers in Pakistan as flood damage spreads across country" »

Taliban kill eight police in Afghan north: governor

By Mohammad Hamed
Thu Aug 26, 2:00 am ET

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Taliban rebels killed eight Afghan police officers on Thursday in northern Kunduz, an official said, stepping up strikes in what was once a relatively secure part of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Taliban kill eight police in Afghan north: governor" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 26

26 Aug 2010 08:14:55 GMT
Source: Reuters

Aug 26 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 0800 GMT on Thursday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 26" »

Unmanned aerial system recovered in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL - International Security Assistance Force members recovered an unmanned aerial system after it crashed in Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial system recovered in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition force foils suicide bomber attack in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition security forces continued their pursuit of Haqqani Network leadership Wednesday - detaining several insurgents in Khost province while in pursuit of a senior Haqqani Network commander.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition force foils suicide bomber attack in Khost" »

Forces roll-up Taliban, Haqqani, Islamic fundamentalists

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition security forces captured two Haqqani Network and several Taliban leaders during 35 separate operations this week.

Continue reading "Forces roll-up Taliban, Haqqani, Islamic fundamentalists" »

August 25, 2010

Marines training Afghans to take over

By Gretel C. Kovach, UNION-TRIBUNE
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 7:19 p.m.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The lesson of the day for the Afghan police recruits was a cordial “cordon and knock.” Sometimes a more aggressive approach is required. But often it is better to rap politely at the door and ask for information, instead of breaking it down, their U.S Marine Corps instructor explained.

Continue reading "Marines training Afghans to take over" »

Pakistan floods slow supply shipments to U.S. troops in Afghanistan

12:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The New York Times, The Associated Press

SUKKUR, Pakistan – Floods that have inundated sections of Pakistan and cut off roads and railways have also disrupted the main supply lines for U.S. and NATO military forces in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Pakistan floods slow supply shipments to U.S. troops in Afghanistan" »

Insurgents repelled in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.26.2010
Date Posted:08.25.2010 19:26

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police and coalition forces repelled insurgent attacks at several locations in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province Aug. 26.

Continue reading "Insurgents repelled in Helmand" »

India and Afghanistan vow to fight terrorism together

Wed Aug 25, 1:28 PM

NEW DELHI (AFP) - India and Afghanistan on Wednesday wound up two days of talks during a visit to New Delhi by Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, saying they would work together to combat terrorism in the region.

Continue reading "India and Afghanistan vow to fight terrorism together" »

Transcript: Gen. David Petraeus Interviewed by Fox News' Jennifer Griffin

Published August 25, 2010

JENNIFER GRIFFIN, FOX NEWS CORRESPONDENT: General, why should the American people give you more time here? It's been nine years. The casualties are rising. Every six months or so we hear that the White House and the Pentagon have a new strategy and that this time it's the right strategy for Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Transcript: Gen. David Petraeus Interviewed by Fox News' Jennifer Griffin" »

Insurgent IED claims 3 civilian lives in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three Afghan civilians were killed in an improvised explosive device blast in southern Afghanistan, Aug. 25.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED claims 3 civilian lives in Kandahar" »

Petraeus: Reconciliation With Taliban is Ultimate Goal for Afghanistan's Future

Published August 25, 2010
FoxNews.com

Reconciliation with the Taliban will ultimately be a goal for Afghanistan once U.S. and Afghan forces create conditions to allow it, Gen. David Petraeus said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Petraeus: Reconciliation With Taliban is Ultimate Goal for Afghanistan's Future" »

'Let’s go, we’re gonna blow an IED'

By Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison
Story Published: Aug 25, 2010 at 6:00 AM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST TURBETT, Afghanistan - “Let’s go, we’re gonna blow an IED,” said Staff Sargeant Michael Sickles, Fox Company's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.

Continue reading "'Let’s go, we’re gonna blow an IED'" »

Scanners help U.S. troops ID insurgents in Afghanistan

August 25, 2010
By Carmen Gentile, Special for USA TODAY

SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan — The bombmaking material was discovered in a neatly wrapped package under a pile of bricks, just as the intelligence report said it would be.
After carefully removing the contents — a couple of mortar rounds, a grenade and a small amount of gun powder — Army Spc. Joshua Dowling gets to work examining what has all the makings of an improvised explosive device.

Continue reading "Scanners help U.S. troops ID insurgents in Afghanistan" »

Key Karzai Aide in Corruption Inquiry Is Linked to C.I.A.

By DEXTER FILKINS and MARK MAZZETTI
Published: August 25, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — The aide to President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan at the center of a politically sensitive corruption investigation is being paid by the Central Intelligence Agency, according to Afghan and American officials.

Continue reading "Key Karzai Aide in Corruption Inquiry Is Linked to C.I.A." »

Afghan girls fall ill after apparent gas poisoning

25 Aug 2010 10:04:44 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 25 (Reuters) - About 40 schoolgirls became ill and were taken to hospital after a suspected gas poisoning in the Afghan capital on Wednesday, another apparent attack by hardline Islamists opposed to female education.

Continue reading "Afghan girls fall ill after apparent gas poisoning" »

Rogue Afghan policeman kills three Spaniards

25 Aug 2010 09:15:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sharafuddin Sharafyar

HERAT, Afghanistan, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Two Spanish police and an interpreter were killed when an Afghan policeman they were training turned on them before he was shot dead, officials said, as protests against the killing turned violent on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Rogue Afghan policeman kills three Spaniards" »

AUP, USSF increase security in Paktiya province

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Sgt. Katryn McCalment
Date08.23.2010
Date Posted:08.25.2010 03:29

PAKTIYA, Afghanistan – Afghan Uniformed Police, assisted by U.S. Special Forces, discovered and reduced three improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Lwarre village, Paktiya province Aug. 23.

Continue reading "AUP, USSF increase security in Paktiya province" »

Afghan Commandos disrupt insurgent activity in Tarin Kowt

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010
Date Posted:08.25.2010 03:15
By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos partnered with Coalition forces conducted a security patrol to disrupt a known insurgent safe haven in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan province Aug. 23.

Continue reading "Afghan Commandos disrupt insurgent activity in Tarin Kowt" »

ISAF and ANSF Gain Strength, Quash Taliban Momentum

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.25.2010

KABUL – Intelligence reports indicate some pockets of low insurgent morale, with some insurgent fighters reluctant to keep fighting and some refusing to assume district commands when commanders are captured or killed. The low morale among fighters and insurgent leaders can be linked to ANSF and ISAF successful security operations. Coalition and ANSF forces conducted more than 2,800 counter-terrorist operations over the past 90 days, killing or capturing more than 365 insurgent leaders and 2,386 fighters. These counter-insurgency successes have also led to a growing sense of distrust among insurgent fighters, their heightened fear of spies, and increased suspicion between rival tribes.

Continue reading "ISAF and ANSF Gain Strength, Quash Taliban Momentum" »

Combined force finds large weapons cache in Uruzgan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.25.2010

KABUL – A combined Afghan National Police and International Security Assistance Force patrol discovered a large weapons cache in the Deh Rawud district of Uruzgan province yesterday.

Continue reading "Combined force finds large weapons cache in Uruzgan" »

Squad leaders conquer IED threat on Route Conan

8/25/2010 By Cpl. Ned Johnson , Regimental Combat Team 2

SANGIN, Afghanistan —
In Afghanistan, the most common threat to Coalition forces is not an insurgent wielding a weapon, but a pressure-plate explosive buried just below the surface of a road, waiting on a passing military patrol to fulfill its purpose; kill as many as possible.

Continue reading " Squad leaders conquer IED threat on Route Conan" »

August 24, 2010

Afghan poll a chance for change, or more of the same

24 Aug 2010 02:41:27 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Imagine an election where candidates are unable to campaign in their own electorates, too scared even to hang their pictures outside campaign offices.

Continue reading "Afghan poll a chance for change, or more of the same" »

Afghan Taliban say Petraeus's progress "baffling"

Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:58am EDT

KABUL (Reuters) – The Afghan Taliban on Tuesday rejected comments by the commander of NATO and U.S. forces that their progress had been reversed, saying attacks were increasing around the capital as well as in their heartland in the south.

Continue reading "Afghan Taliban say Petraeus's progress "baffling"" »

CIA man has key role with Karzai

August 24, 2010 - 11:14PM
AFP

The Central Intelligence Agency's station chief in Afghanistan has assumed a key troubleshooting role in dealings with President Hamid Karzai, including tasks normally reserved for diplomatic and military officials, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

Continue reading "CIA man has key role with Karzai" »

Q+A: How does Afghanistan's parliamentary election work?

KABUL | Tue Aug 24, 2010 2:57am EDT

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghans vote in parliamentary elections on September 18 for 249 seats in the country's Wolesi Jirga, or lower house of parliament.

Continue reading "Q+A: How does Afghanistan's parliamentary election work?" »

US Treasury targets al Qaeda finance official

24 Aug 2010 19:21:25 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department, seeking to cut into the finances of al Qaeda, said on Tuesday it was freezing the assets of Osama bin Laden's son-in-law Muhammad Abdallah Hasan Abu-al-Khayr, who it called a key leader of the group's finance section.

Continue reading "US Treasury targets al Qaeda finance official" »

NATO-led forces say kill 35 Afghan Taliban this week

24 Aug 2010 11:22:17 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Afghan and NATO-led troops have killed some 35 Taliban insurgents in offensives in east Afghanistan this week as part of efforts to secure next month's parliamentary elections, coalition forces said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "NATO-led forces say kill 35 Afghan Taliban this week" »

Insurgents kill one Afghan Security Group member and wound another

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010
Date Posted:08.24.2010 07:27
By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

ORUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – One Afghan Security Group member was killed and another wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near a check point in the Oruzgan province Aug. 21.

Continue reading "Insurgents kill one Afghan Security Group member and wound another" »

Afghan National Police apprehend 15-year-old insurgent with suicide bomber vest

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010
Date Posted:08.24.2010 07:10
By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

ORUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghanistan National Police while on patrol in Oruzgan apprehended one insurgent and recovered three suicide bomber vests Aug. 20.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police apprehend 15-year-old insurgent with suicide bomber vest" »

IED blast wounds 7 civilians in eastern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.24.2010

KABUL - An improvised explosion device in the Zarghun Shar district of Paktika province wounded seven civilians Monday.

Continue reading "IED blast wounds 7 civilians in eastern Afghanistan" »

Joint ANSF, ISAF operation off to successful start

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.24.2010

KABUL - Afghan National Security Forces, partnering with International Security Assistance Forces, continued to conduct offensive maneuvers today aimed at setting security conditions for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Continue reading "Joint ANSF, ISAF operation off to successful start" »

UPDATE Capture of Taliban facilitator in Helmand confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.24.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban facilitator for weapons, money, equipment and improvised explosive device materials, during an Afghan and coalition security force operation Friday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Taliban facilitator in Helmand confirmed" »

UPDATE Taliban IED commander for Arghandab district captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 08.24.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of an improvised explosive device commander in Arghandab district during an Afghan and coalition security force operation Sunday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban IED commander for Arghandab district captured" »

Haqqani Network facilitator detained in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.24.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Monday, including a Haqqani Network facilitator directly responsible for the movement of weapons and money from Pakistan into Sabari district.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network facilitator detained in Khost" »

August 23, 2010

Coalition patrol disperses crowd in Parwan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The arrest of a villager by Afghan authorities reportedly sparked a large demonstration in the Bagram district of Parwan province, Aug. 23.

Continue reading "Coalition patrol disperses crowd in Parwan" »

Afghanistan security force more than a year away

By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer Anne Flaherty, Associated Press Writer – Mon Aug 23

WASHINGTON – A senior U.S. commander says Afghanistan is still more than a year away from building a security force with enough soldiers and police to protect the country.

Continue reading "Afghanistan security force more than a year away" »

FACTBOX-Military deaths in Afghanistan

23 Aug 2010 12:20:37 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Updates with 2 French soldiers killed)

Aug 23 (Reuters) - Two French soldiers and a British soldier have been killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan, the French and British governments said on Monday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Military deaths in Afghanistan" »

US looks to Iraq strategy for Afghanistan

by Karim Talbi Karim Talbi
Mon Aug 23, 6:20 am ET

KABUL (AFP) – With the withdrawal of the final American combat brigade from Iraq, US commanders in Afghanistan are hoping to emulate a strategy used there as they step up the war against insurgents.

Continue reading "US looks to Iraq strategy for Afghanistan" »

Afghan capital removing its protective blast walls

Posted: Aug 23, 2010 5:27 AM PDT
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Associated Press Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Even as conflict rages in Afghanistan, authorities are trying to make life in the capital a little more normal by removing or repositioning Kabul's ubiquitous concrete blast walls.

Continue reading "Afghan capital removing its protective blast walls" »

Numerous insurgents killed and weapons recovered

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces conducted a combined operations in the Baghlan province Sunday resulting in 12 dead insurgents and weapons.

Continue reading "Numerous insurgents killed and weapons recovered" »

UPDATE Taliban leaders capture in Paktika confirmed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of two Taliban improvised explosive device facilitators.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban leaders capture in Paktika confirmed" »

Afghan Commando’s elite force multiplies

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson
Date08.23.2010

CAMP MOREHEAD, Afghanistan – Commandos—one can tell who they are by the distinctive patch and red beret they wear, but even when not in uniform there’s a way they carry themselves that sets them apart. They are professionals and are proud to be part of a force that’s respected by the people, and feared by the enemy.

Continue reading "Afghan Commando’s elite force multiplies" »

Petraeus Says Taliban Momentum 'Reversed'

FoxNews.com
Published August 23, 2010

Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said in an interview Monday that a surge in coalition troops has turned the tide on the Taliban's "momentum" there, but warned tough battles still lie ahead.

Continue reading "Petraeus Says Taliban Momentum 'Reversed'" »

Afghan and coalition security force targets Taliban commander in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent in Logar province last night while in pursuit of the Taliban deputy district commander for Pul-e 'Alam district.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition security force targets Taliban commander in Logar" »

Several detained in pursuit of Taliban IED facilitator, trainer in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL – Clearing operations continue as an Afghan and coalition security force detain several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander in charge of improvised explosive device attacks and training in Arghandab district.

Continue reading "Several detained in pursuit of Taliban IED facilitator, trainer in Kandahar" »

Security force pursues Haqqani facilitator in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktiya province Sunday while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator for foreign fighter and Haqqani camps located in Sperah district of neighboring Khost province.

Continue reading "Security force pursues Haqqani facilitator in Paktiya" »

Taliban commander targeted in precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktiya province Sunday, targeting a Taliban sub-commander.

Continue reading "Taliban commander targeted in precision air strike" »

Forces conduct precision air strike against Taliban insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Nangarhar province Saturday, targeting a Taliban sub-commander in charge of approximately 10 fighters and facilitation of foreign fighters from Pakistan to Nangarhar.

Continue reading "Forces conduct precision air strike against Taliban insurgents" »

August 22, 2010

Al-Qaida fighters taking a limited role in Afghan insurgency

By Craig Whitlock
Washington Post
Posted: 08/22/2010 06:35:34 PM PDT
Updated: 08/22/2010 06:35:35 PM PDT

On Aug. 14, a U.S. airstrike in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed a Taliban commander known as Abu Baqir. In a country where insurgents are killed daily, this attack was notable for one unusual detail:
Abu Baqir, the military said afterward, also was a member of al-Qaida.

Continue reading "Al-Qaida fighters taking a limited role in Afghan insurgency" »

Taliban claim captured U.S. solider has converted to Islam and is teaching its fighters bomb-making skills

By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 2:39 PM on 22nd August 2010

A captured American soldier is training Taliban fighters bomb-making and ambush skills, according to one of his captors and Afghan intelligence officials.

Continue reading "Taliban claim captured U.S. solider has converted to Islam and is teaching its fighters bomb-making skills" »

Taliban snipers who killed ten British soldiers die in air strike

By Christopher Leake
Last updated at 2:42 PM on 22nd August 2010

Four deadly foreign mercenary snipers hired by the Taliban have been killed after being tracked down by British Special Forces in Afghanistan.
They were among at least three pairs of crackshots recruited by the Taliban from Pakistan, Egypt and Chechnya.

Continue reading "Taliban snipers who killed ten British soldiers die in air strike" »

Why Marines in Afghanistan want the Taliban to open fire

By Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 22, 2010 at 1:00 PM MDT

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - 1st Platoon, off to our west, made contact with the Taliban before we did.

Continue reading "Why Marines in Afghanistan want the Taliban to open fire" »

Afghan pres: Women's rights will not be sacrificed

By ROBERT H. REID, Associated Press Writer
Sun Aug 22, 11:54 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai gave assurances Sunday that the rights of Afghan women will not be sacrificed in pursuit of a peace deal with the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghan pres: Women's rights will not be sacrificed" »

United States, Afghan forces prepare for major assault on the birthplace of the Taliban

Published August 22, 2010
Associated Press

HOWZ-E-MADAD, Afghanistan (AP) — As Lt. Col. Peter N. Benchoff prepares for an assault next month into the birthplace of the Taliban, he doesn't sugarcoat the hurdles his troops face in this crucial swath of southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "United States, Afghan forces prepare for major assault on the birthplace of the Taliban" »

U.S. troops take root in former Canadian base

The Canadian Press
Date: Sunday Aug. 22, 2010 10:46 AM ET

HOWZ-E-MADAD, Afghanistan — The smell of fresh-cut wood permeates the air at this former Canadian strongpoint on the western edge of the troublesome Zhari district of Kandahar province.

Continue reading "U.S. troops take root in former Canadian base" »

Karzai Says Corrupt Firms Undermine Afghan War

By Alan Bjerga - Aug 22, 2010 11:45 AM CT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai renewed his demand that private security firms in Afghanistan disband by year’s end, saying they are a source of corruption that’s undermining support for the war against the Taliban insurgency.

Continue reading "Karzai Says Corrupt Firms Undermine Afghan War" »

Security force captures Taliban commander in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.22.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday, including a Taliban commander involved in ambushes, improvised explosive device attacks and the acquisition of weapons and munitions.

Continue reading "Security force captures Taliban commander in Kandahar" »

Security force targets Taliban commander in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.22.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in Zabul Saturday in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads improvised explosive device and small arms fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Security force targets Taliban commander in Zabul" »

August 21, 2010

Taliban Intensify Attacks Against Afghan Police

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: August 21, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — A Taliban campaign focusing on the Afghan police appears to have intensified in recent days, with five attacks reported Saturday in which at least 15 policemen were killed throughout the country. Three of the policemen died in a NATO airstrike.

Continue reading "Taliban Intensify Attacks Against Afghan Police" »

Afghanistan orders dissolution of security firms to begin

Sat Aug 21, 2010

KABUL (AFP) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai Saturday ordered the process of disbanding all private security companies to begin in the country, his office said.

Continue reading "Afghanistan orders dissolution of security firms to begin" »

On patrol in Afghanistan: 'It was a good firefight'

By Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 21, 2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - 2nd Platoon, 4th Squad, Fox Company, 2/6 Marine Infantry pushed out of Combat Outpost Turbett before sunrise.

Continue reading "On patrol in Afghanistan: 'It was a good firefight'" »

Taliban commander detained during combined operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition members on a combined mission detained a Taliban commander and two additional suspected commanders in Baghlan province Friday.

Continue reading "Taliban commander detained during combined operation" »

Marines open renovated mosque for Afghans in Marjah

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date08.20.2010
Date Posted:08.21.2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Marines and sailors with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, gathered with a group of local Afghans to celebrate the grand opening of a newly renovated mosque, Aug 20, in Marjah.

Continue reading "Marines open renovated mosque for Afghans in Marjah" »

ANP repel insurgent attack, protect Afghan elder in Kandahar province

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010
Date Posted:08.21.2010 04:45
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affaris

MARUF, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, thwarted an insurgent attack Aug. 19 resulting in the protection of a village elder and destruction of an improvised explosive device near the district of Maruf in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "ANP repel insurgent attack, protect Afghan elder in Kandahar province" »

NATO strikes kill Afghan police, civilians

21 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait

KABUL, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Air strikes by the NATO-led force in Afghanistan accidentally killed at least three Afghan police in the country's north and a woman and two children in the west, officials said on Saturday.

Continue reading "NATO strikes kill Afghan police, civilians" »

IED blast causes civilian casualties

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL- An improvised explosive device detonated in northern Afghanistan today, causing several civilian casualties.

Continue reading "IED blast causes civilian casualties" »

Insurgents attack village in Jowzjan province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL- Afghan National Security Forces were conducting operations in northern Afghanistan Friday when they received small-arms and indirect insurgent fire from an unknown number of insurgents in multiple locations.

Continue reading "Insurgents attack village in Jowzjan province" »

Force targets Taliban safe haven in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in a Helmand province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces in an area heavy with constant Taliban attacks.

Continue reading "Force targets Taliban safe haven in Helmand" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator for weapons, money, equipment and improvised explosive device materials.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand" »

Security force targets Taliban foreign fighter facilitator in Farah

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition force conducted operations in Farah province Aug. 20 while in pursuit of a Taliban foreign fighter facilitator. The facilitator is known to traffic foreign fighters and weapons from Iran and associate with senior Taliban and Al Qaida leadership.

Continue reading "Security force targets Taliban foreign fighter facilitator in Farah" »

Remote camp is Marines' key toehold in Afghanistan

Marines offer Afghans what the Taliban cannot, but security is top priority

By Gretel C. Kovach, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 21, 2010 at 6:23 p.m

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Dust billows from the roads of this military base at all hours, during sun-baked desert days and hot windy nights.

Continue reading " Remote camp is Marines' key toehold in Afghanistan" »

Afghan and coalition force targets Taliban commander in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.21.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force conducted operations in Kunduz province Friday in pursuit of the Taliban district commander for Aliabad, who is directly involved in the planning of attacks against coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition force targets Taliban commander in Kunduz" »

August 20, 2010

Taliban kill 30 security guards

by Nasrat Shoaib
Fri Aug 20

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFP) – Afghan police said Friday that 30 security guards had been killed in a day-long clash with Taliban fighters in one of the most volatile regions of the war-ravaged country.

Continue reading "Taliban kill 30 security guards" »

Taliban kill 30 security guards

by Nasrat Shoaib
Fri Aug 20

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFP) – Afghan police said Friday that 30 security guards had been killed in a day-long clash with Taliban fighters in one of the most volatile regions of the war-ravaged country.

Continue reading "Taliban kill 30 security guards" »

Bodies of Afghan officials turned over after insurgent kidnapping

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - The bodies of two people who were kidnapped Sunday were turned over to the Afghan National Police Thursday in the Azrah District of Logar province.

Continue reading "Bodies of Afghan officials turned over after insurgent kidnapping" »

Afghan Mi-35's Begin Operations with NATO Forces

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Quillen
Date08.20.2010
Location:Ghazni Province, AF

“The reason we are working together is to combine the capabilities of the Mi-35 with the capabilities of the Apache. We have trained together in the past, and it was time to start operating together” explains Maj. Caleb Nimmo, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, Combined Air Power Transition Force.

Continue reading "Afghan Mi-35's Begin Operations with NATO Forces" »

Afghan civilian shot, tied up between IEDs

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - An Afghan civilian was found dead and tied to a sign between two improvised explosion devices in Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "Afghan civilian shot, tied up between IEDs" »

Insurgents unsuccessfully attack ISAF base

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - Insurgents launched an unsuccessful attack on International Security Assistance Forces at Forward Operating Base Bostick, located in the Nari District, at approximately 9 a.m. today.

Continue reading "Insurgents unsuccessfully attack ISAF base" »

Deeper down the foxhole in Afghanistan

By Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 20, 2010

COMBAT OUTPOST TURBET, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - When Cali Bagby and I began this trip, we were originally slotted to embed with a unit near the Pakistan border.

Continue reading "Deeper down the foxhole in Afghanistan" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces conducted a combined operation resulting in the detention of more than 10 individuals with suspected insurgent links in Sangin, Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand province" »

National Police Graduate on Afghan Independence Day

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte
Date08.20.2010
Location:Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak, AF

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Ready to complete the transformation they began more than a month earlier, Afghan National Police recruits packed into a small building at Training Support Site Costell near Spin Boldak on the Afghan/Pakistan border. Entering the building as recruits, they exited as Afghan Uniform Patrolmen after receiving their certificates.

Continue reading "National Police Graduate on Afghan Independence Day" »

Afghanistan vows to redouble anti-graft drive - Kerry

20 Aug 2010 12:01:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Andrew Hammond

KABUL, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has vowed renewed efforts to combat corruption, a major bone of contention with Washington as its troops battle Taliban insurgents, U.S. Senator John Kerry said on Friday.

Continue reading "Afghanistan vows to redouble anti-graft drive - Kerry" »

Afghan man shot by Taliban

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Sgt. Katryn McCalment
Date08.19.2010
Date Posted:08.20.2010

PAKTIA, Afghanistan – An Afghan local national was shot by insurgents in the village of Rabat, Paktia province Aug. 19.

Continue reading "Afghan man shot by Taliban" »

Afghan and coalition force captures Taliban commander in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province Thursday, including a Taliban commander.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition force captures Taliban commander in Paktika" »

Partnered security force targets Helmand Taliban military commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander with direct ties to Taliban senior leadership based in Pakistan.

Continue reading "Partnered security force targets Helmand Taliban military commander" »

Team breaks up IED emplacement operation

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - A U.S. special operation forces team discovered insurgents in the act of planting a roadside improvised explosive device Tuesday in northern Zabul province.

Continue reading "Team breaks up IED emplacement operation" »

UPDATE ISAF confirms Jama'at ul Dawa al-Qu'ran commander

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force pursued several Jama'at ul Dawa al-Qu'ran commanders Wednesday, who are responsible for planning and conducting attacks and propaganda campaigns in Kunar province.

Continue reading "UPDATE ISAF confirms Jama'at ul Dawa al-Qu'ran commander" »

Pul-e 'Alam Taliban network commander captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force continued capturing the Taliban leadership of the Pul-e 'Alam District network in Logar province, detaining the Taliban deputy district commander Thursday.

Continue reading "Pul-e 'Alam Taliban network commander captured" »

Haqqani sub-commander captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Haqqani Network sub-commander who facilitates weapons into the province and reports directly to Haqqani senior leadership based in Pakistan during an overnight operation in Khost.

Continue reading "Haqqani sub-commander captured in Khost" »

Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces conducted a combined operation resulting in the detention of more than 10 individuals with suspected insurgent links in Sangin, Helmand province today.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents detained in Helmand province" »

August 19, 2010

Cargo management team sends millions of pounds of supplies across Afghan skies

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Brent Powell
Date 08.19.2010

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan– Like busy bees buzzing in and out of a hive full of honey, a swarm of helicopters are constantly swooping in and out of the landing zone here.

Continue reading "Cargo management team sends millions of pounds of supplies across Afghan skies" »

Taliban attack road crew in south Afghanistan

By AMIR SHAH and MIRWAIS KHAN, Associated Press Writers
Thu Aug 19, 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Taliban fighters attacked a road construction crew Thursday in southern Afghanistan and several people were killed and wounded, officials and witnesses said.

Continue reading "Taliban attack road crew in south Afghanistan" »

War doesn't break for Islam's holiest month

By Denis D. Gray, Associated Press Writer
Thu Aug 19

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WILSON, Afghanistan – "May you have a blessed Ramadan," reads a poster greeting U.S. troops outside a base mess tent. It refers to Islam's holiest month, a time of good deeds, prayer and purification of the spirit through sunrise-to-sunset fasting.

Continue reading "War doesn't break for Islam's holiest month" »

Sniper in Afghan Town Puts Marines on Edge

By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
AUGUST 19, 2010

SANGIN, Afghanistan—Somewhere in this dusty town, concealed among the cornfields, irrigation canals and mud-walled compounds, is a man the Marines particularly want to kill.

Continue reading "Sniper in Afghan Town Puts Marines on Edge" »

Security force targets RPG attack network in Kunar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date 08.19.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force pursued several Jama’at ul Dawa al-Qu’ran commanders responsible for planning and conducting attacks and propaganda campaigns in Kunar province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Security force targets RPG attack network in Kunar" »

Security force targets Taliban commander in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force conducted operations in Logar province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander associated with the Kabul Attack Network.

Continue reading "Security force targets Taliban commander in Logar" »

Taliban IED cell commander targeted in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads one of the primary improvised explosive device attack cells in Mizan district.

Continue reading "Taliban IED cell commander targeted in Zabul" »

Security forces nab Taliban, Haqqani, Al Qaeda insurgent leaders

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces captured several Haqqani Network and several Talban leaders to include a dual-hatted Taliban sub-commander and Al Qaeda group leader in Afghanistan during 36 separate operations this week.

Continue reading "Security forces nab Taliban, Haqqani, Al Qaeda insurgent leaders" »

Afghan engineers reopen Behsood bridge

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Albert Kelley
Date08.19.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- The Behsood Bridge in downtown Jalalabad reopened for traffic only three weeks after insurgents attempted to destroy it and injure coalition forces, Aug. 18.

Continue reading "Afghan engineers reopen Behsood bridge" »

Fuel tanker explosion kills two, wounds several Afghan civilians

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were killed and at least 10 civilians were wounded when a fuel truck exploded near a bazaar in the Bati Kot District of Nangarhar province Aug. 19. The blast also destroyed three civilian vehicles and caused damage to nearby shops.

Continue reading "Fuel tanker explosion kills two, wounds several Afghan civilians" »

The Most Dangerous Job in Afghanistan - Clearing IED's

August 19, 2010 11:48 AM
Posted by Terry McCarthy

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

It is the most dangerous job in Afghanistan - clearing improvised explosive devices, or IED's, to make roads, paths and buildings safe for Afghans and for the U.S. military.

Continue reading "The Most Dangerous Job in Afghanistan - Clearing IED's" »

On the Afghan Frontlines with Gen. Petraeus

Katie Couric Gets an Aerial View of the Battlefied in Afghanistan

By Katie Couric
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2010

(CBS) CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric reports from Kabul as we continue our special series, Afghanistan: the Road Ahead.

As the war in Iraq is winding down, the war in Afghanistan is heating up. With the surge ordered by President Obama, there are now nearly 100,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan. The military reported another death today, bringing the U.S. toll for August to at least 16. As casualties mount, the American public is growing more skeptical. Forty-three percent now say the war was a mistake.

Continue reading "On the Afghan Frontlines with Gen. Petraeus" »

UAV makes emergency landing in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL – An International Security Assistance Force unmanned aerial vehicle made an emergency landing in Kunduz province Wednesday.

Continue reading "UAV makes emergency landing in Kunduz" »

Coalition helicopter makes hard landing in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL- An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a hard landing Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "Coalition helicopter makes hard landing in Kandahar" »

Course teaches soldiers how to use ground penetrating radar system to defeat IED threats

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Brent Powell
Date08.19.2010

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan– Improvised explosive devices, most commonly referred to as IEDs, have been, and continue to be one of the most deadly threats on today’s modern battlefield.

Continue reading "Course teaches soldiers how to use ground penetrating radar system to defeat IED threats" »

Arbaki Fighters Provide Security in Isa Khan Village

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

Two soldiers of a Low-Level Voice Intercept team from Bravo Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion recently conducted a four day mission in support of Afghan National Security Forces and the International Security Assistance Force in the villages of Isa Khan and Gor Teppah in Northern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Arbaki Fighters Provide Security in Isa Khan Village" »

Provincial reconstruction team to build schools in Injil, Kaokh, Shindand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.19.2010

KABUL - Groundbreaking ceremonies were held recently for three schools scheduled to be built by an International Security Assistance Force provincial reconstruction team in the districts of Injil, Karokh and Shindand in Herat province.

Continue reading "Provincial reconstruction team to build schools in Injil, Kaokh, Shindand" »

August 18, 2010

Taliban commander killed with precision air strike

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province Tuesday killing a Taliban commander who planned and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban commander killed with precision air strike" »

UPDATE Security force captures Taliban senior commander in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a senior Taliban commander and member of the Nawa Military Commission.

Continue reading "UPDATE Security force captures Taliban senior commander in Helmand" »

Security force kills 10 insurgents, destroys weapons

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces killed 10 Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for arranging weapons deliveries and settling allocation disputes.

Continue reading "Security force kills 10 insurgents, destroys weapons" »

Security force kills 2 insurgents in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained several more Nangarhar province Tuesday during their continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device expert who specializes in dual-tone multi-frequency devices and is linked to at least two IED attacks.

Continue reading "Security force kills 2 insurgents in Nangarhar" »

Unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Paktika province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date:08.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in the Sharan District of Paktika province Aug. 18.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Paktika province" »

Marines protect Afghans during firefight in Marjah

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston
Date: 08.16.2010
Date Posted: 08.18.2010 10:58

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, engaged enemy insurgents in a firefight while conducting a census patrol in Marjah, Aug. 16.

Continue reading "Marines protect Afghans during firefight in Marjah" »

Weapons cache discovered in Kabul province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL - Coalition forces located and seized a weapons cache in the Shakar Darah District of Kabul province today.

Continue reading "Weapons cache discovered in Kabul province" »

Afghan Army Grows by More Than 900 Commandos

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Courtesy Story
Date 08.18.2010
By Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Standing in tight formation on the parade grounds of Morehead Commando Training Center, more than 900 Afghan soldiers solemnly removed their camouflage boonie caps and donned the red berets of Afghan Commando Corps.

Continue reading "Afghan Army Grows by More Than 900 Commandos" »

Afghan Army Grows by More Than 900 Commandos

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Courtesy Story
Date 08.18.2010
By Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Standing in tight formation on the parade grounds of Morehead Commando Training Center, more than 900 Afghan soldiers solemnly removed their camouflage boonie caps and donned the red berets of Afghan Commando Corps.

Continue reading "Afghan Army Grows by More Than 900 Commandos" »

'The enemy, they love to hit the Marines'

By Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 18, 2010 at 6:00 AM PDT

COMBAT OUTPOST TURBETT, Marjah district, Afghanistan with 4th Squad, 2nd Platoon, Fox Company -

“Should I kick it down?” one of the Marines asks when they reach the first compound.

Continue reading "'The enemy, they love to hit the Marines'" »

Security firm ban could affect Afghan aid

18 Aug 2010 16:12:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait

KABUL, Aug 18 (Reuters) - A ban on private security companies in Afghanistan could affect development and aid work as many of the firms guard Western projects in the country, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Security firm ban could affect Afghan aid" »

Afghans to shut 900 polling centres on security fears

18 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 18 (Reuters) - More than 900 polling centres for Afghanistan's parliamentary elections next month will not open because of security fears, an official said on Wednesday, adding to concerns after a fraud-marred presidential vote last year.

Continue reading "Afghans to shut 900 polling centres on security fears" »

Insurgent IED attack kills police chief, wounds civilians

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The chief of police for the Daman District of Kandahar province was among 13 Afghan National Police and Afghan civilians killed and wounded in an insurgent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack Aug. 17 in Daman.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED attack kills police chief, wounds civilians" »

In Afghanistan, bomb attacks hit high in July

August 18, 2010
By Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Makeshift-bomb attacks in July wounded a record number of U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan, and experts say even more would have died without widespread use of armored vehicles.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, bomb attacks hit high in July" »

6 civilians, not 52, killed in July airstrike on Afghan house, ISAF probe finds

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 18, 2010

Please go to this link to read about the discrepancy found in the ISAF probe:

Continue reading "6 civilians, not 52, killed in July airstrike on Afghan house, ISAF probe finds" »

Unmanned aerial vehicle goes down in Khost province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force unmanned aerial vehicle went down in Khost province, Aug. 18.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial vehicle goes down in Khost province" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 18

18 Aug 2010 10:21:19 GMT
Source: Reuters

Aug 18 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 18" »

Afghan protesters say dead insurgents were civilians

18 Aug 2010 10:01:20 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Rafiq Sherzad

JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Hundreds of people protested outside a key town in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday over the deaths of two men branded insurgents and killed by coalition forces but who local Afghans said were civilians.

Continue reading "Afghan protesters say dead insurgents were civilians" »

Medical professionals train with sexual assault kits

196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Story by Sgt. Rebecca Linder
Date: 08.18.2010

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – It doesn’t occur often, but when a service member is sexually assaulted in a combat zone, physical evidence needs to be collected quickly and carefully. Military medical professionals stationed here took a class Aug. 15 to better understand how to perform a sexual assault forensic exam to help provide accurate information to the court system for the victim and the suspect.

Continue reading "Medical professionals train with sexual assault kits" »

Two civilians killed, one injured in Zerekoh Valley by IED

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Courtesy Story
Date:08.16.2010
Date Posted:08.18.2010 03:05

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

HERAT, Afghanistan – A vehicle carrying five Afghan civilians struck an improvised explosive device in Herat province Aug. 16 killing an adult male, a 4-year-old boy and wounding an adult female.

Continue reading "Two civilians killed, one injured in Zerekoh Valley by IED" »

Anti-US protest blocks highway in east Afghanistan

By RAHIM FAIEZ, Associated Press Writer
Wed Aug 18, 3:23 am ET

KABUL, Afghanistan – Hundreds of demonstrators blocked a main highway between Kabul and the eastern city of Jalalabad on Wednesday to protest two deaths in a night raid. The protesters said the two men killed were innocent civilians, while NATO said its forces killed two insurgents.

Continue reading "Anti-US protest blocks highway in east Afghanistan" »

If Afghanistan dissolves security firms, guards will join Taliban, some predict

By David Nakamura
Wednesday, August 18, 2010

KABUL -- The Watan Group's trained fighting force of 2,000 men, armed with rifles and rockets, battles daily to secure the most dangerous roads in Afghanistan so that critical supply convoys can reach U.S. and NATO troops.

Continue reading "If Afghanistan dissolves security firms, guards will join Taliban, some predict" »

Karzai says Afghanistan needs Russia's support

By Denis Dyomkin Denis Dyomkin – Wed Aug 18, 6:40 am ET

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai sought President Dmitry Medvedev's help for his nation on Wednesday, two decades after Moscow ended a disastrous conflict there that cost the lives of about 15,000 Soviet troops.

Continue reading "Karzai says Afghanistan needs Russia's support" »

ISAF service members attacked from mosque

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL - Four International Security Assistance Force service members were wounded by a grenade in eastern Afghanistan Tuesday.

Continue reading "ISAF service members attacked from mosque" »

Combined operation breaks up illegal Taliban detention compound

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from Afghan citizens led to a combined Afghan and coalition force operation Tuesday that found 27 Afghan men who were held prisoner illegally by the Taliban in a makeshift prison compound near Musa Qaleh, Helmand province.

Continue reading "Combined operation breaks up illegal Taliban detention compound" »

Security force targets Taliban IED expert in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Paktiya province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander and highly active improvised explosive device expert.

Continue reading "Security force targets Taliban IED expert in Paktiya" »

Security force captures Haqqani Network facilitator in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Khost province Tuesday including a Haqqani Network facilitator responsible for the coordination of the movement of munitions and supplies into his area.

Continue reading "Security force captures Haqqani Network facilitator in Khost" »

Insurgents detained in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Tuesday while in pursuit of a cross-district Taliban commander and facilitator operating in both Shah Joy district and Gelan district in neighboring Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Insurgents detained in Zabul" »

Forces pursue Taliban commander in Nawah-ye Barakzai

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province Tuesday in their deliberate pursuit of the Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban leadership.

Continue reading "Forces pursue Taliban commander in Nawah-ye Barakzai" »

Insurgent killed, several detained in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban insurgent and detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander.

Continue reading "Insurgent killed, several detained in Helmand" »

August 17, 2010

ISAF distributes goods to Afghan families

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF service members recently delivered supplies such as flour, cooking oil and tea to more than 100 families in the Now Zad district of Helmand province for the holy month of Ramadan.

Continue reading "ISAF distributes goods to Afghan families" »

Pentagon, Karzai Work to Disband Security Companies

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
Date08.17.2010

WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials are working with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to disband private security contractors in Afghanistan, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said, Aug. 17.

Continue reading "Pentagon, Karzai Work to Disband Security Companies" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed or detained numerous insurgents in various recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents" »

Work harder on governance, Kerry tells Afghan leader

By Paul Tait
17 Aug 2010 17:32:08 GMT
Source: Reuters

* Afghan parliamentary election due on Sept. 18

* Obama plans strategy review in December

KABUL, Aug 17 (Reuters) - The United States does not have limitless patience to support an Afghan government that does not work harder to stamp out corruption and improve governance, influential Democratic Senator John Kerry said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Work harder on governance, Kerry tells Afghan leader" »

Afghan archaeologists find Buddhist site as war rages

17 Aug 2010 08:09:06 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Archaeologists in Afghanistan, where Taliban Islamists are fighting the Western-backed government, have uncovered Buddhist-era remains in an area south of Kabul, an official said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan archaeologists find Buddhist site as war rages" »

Command Sergeant Major Wraps Up Tour

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta

KANADAHAR, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force's senior enlisted leader completed his 100th and final battlefield circulation, Aug. 13.

Continue reading "Command Sergeant Major Wraps Up Tour" »

Militant tied to marines' death killed

August 17, 2010 - 10:09PM
AFP

The US-led force in Afghanistan said on Tuesday it had killed a militant leader who was linked to the kidnapping and killing of two American sailors late last month.

Continue reading "Militant tied to marines' death killed" »

Insurgents pose as civilian casualties, as Afghan, U.S. forces inflict heavy toll on insurgents in Western Afghanistan

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010
Date Posted:08.17.2010 01:27

BADGHIS, Afghanistan – Two insurgents posed as civilian casualties and presented themselves to Afghan and coalition forces in Badghis province following an engagement where insurgents had attacked the partnered government force Aug 15.

Continue reading "Insurgents pose as civilian casualties, as Afghan, U.S. forces inflict heavy toll on insurgents in Western Afghanistan" »

Georgian Bn begins mission rehearsal exercise, preps for Afghanistan deployment

8/17/2010 By Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana , Marine Forces Europe

HOHENFELS, Germany — The Republic of Georgia’s 32nd Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) recently arrived from Georgia and began a month long training evolution here at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) that will culminate in a Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE), which will serve as a final mission evaluation before their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) there.

Continue reading " Georgian Bn begins mission rehearsal exercise, preps for Afghanistan deployment" »

Karzai condemns stoning of Afghan couple for adultery

17 Aug 2010 11:52:56 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned on Tuesday the stoning to death of a man and woman for adultery, apparently at the hands of the Taliban, saying it was an extrajudicial act against a couple engaged to be married.

Continue reading "Karzai condemns stoning of Afghan couple for adultery" »

Afghanistan orders ban on private security firms

17 Aug 2010 11:41:38 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a decree on Tuesday setting a deadline of four months to disband private security firms to avoid the misuse of weapons which had caused "horrific and tragic incidents".

Continue reading "Afghanistan orders ban on private security firms" »

Suspected insurgents captured in Nangarhar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Nangarhar province last night while pursuing an improvised explosive device expert who specializes in dual-tone, multi-frequency devices. He is linked to at least two IED attacks.

Continue reading "Suspected insurgents captured in Nangarhar" »

Taliban IED facilitator killed in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force killed Bilal, a highly active Taliban facilitator responsible for improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces in Logar province Monday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED facilitator killed in Logar" »

Haqqani sub-commander captured in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Paktiya province Monday, including a Haqqani sub-commander directly involved in improvised explosive device attacks. The commander also procured weapons and ammunition for fighters under his command.

Continue reading "Haqqani sub-commander captured in Paktiya" »

Security force kills 6 insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force killed six insurgents and detained several more suspected insurgents in Kunduz province Monday while in pursuit of a former Taliban commander who is currently a senior foreign fighter and weapons facilitator.

Continue reading "Security force kills 6 insurgents in Kunduz" »

Security force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010
Date Posted:08.17.2010 08:36

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Monday, Aug. 17, in their continued pursuit of a senior Taliban commander and member of the Nawa Military Commission.

Continue reading "Security force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

Unusual calm keeps Marjah Marines vigilant, optimistic

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs

Story by Staff Sgt. Luis Agostini
Date08.16.2010
Date Posted:08.17.2010 04:33

MARJAH, Afghanistan – The Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, recently patrolled the Marjah area surrounding Combat Outpost Angry, and returned without receiving one round of enemy fire.

Continue reading "Unusual calm keeps Marjah Marines vigilant, optimistic" »

Afghan civilian killed during firefight in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.17.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces operating near the village of Charqolba Olya in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province were attacked with small-arms fire by insurgents Aug. 17.

Continue reading "Afghan civilian killed during firefight in Kandahar" »

For Marines in Afghanistan, Ramadan demands respect

By Cali Bagby for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 17, 2010 at 1:36 PM MDT
Story Updated: Aug 17, 2010 at 3:47 PM MDT

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Dan Morrison and I leave the Marjah District Center the day Ramadan begins.

Continue reading "For Marines in Afghanistan, Ramadan demands respect" »

August 16, 2010

RSC-E team strives to build capable and sustainable ANSF

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Sgt. Andrew Reagan
Date08.16.2010

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The Regional Support Command-East team, comprised of 254 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, provides direct support and operational coordination for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police in all 14 provinces in Regional Command-East. RSC-E is committed to creating capable and sustainable ANA and ANP forces in eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "RSC-E team strives to build capable and sustainable ANSF" »

Unmanned aerial vehicle crashed

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in Khas Kunar District, Kunar province Monday, Aug. 16.

Continue reading "Unmanned aerial vehicle crashed" »

Afghan government official among 2 dead in attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan government official and a member of the Afghan National Police were killed by insurgents in the village bazaar of Qala I Khuna in the Gulistan district of Farah province, Aug. 16.

Continue reading "Afghan government official among 2 dead in attack" »

Afghanistan Command Provides Details of Recent Operations

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

WASHINGTON - International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials have provided details of numerous operations around Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Command Provides Details of Recent Operations" »

Marines pursue Taliban forces

1st Marine Division

Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
Date08.16.2010

DURZAY, Afghanistan – Light armored reconnaissance Marines monitored traffic in and out of Durzay, where they found several weapons and improvised explosive device caches.

Continue reading "Marines pursue Taliban forces" »

Afghan couple stoned by Taliban for adultery

16 Aug 2010 10:27:26 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Mohammad Hamed

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Aug 16 (Reuters) - A man and woman were publicly stoned to death by the Taliban in Afghanistan's once-peaceful north over an alleged love affair, a provincial government official said on Monday.

Continue reading "Afghan couple stoned by Taliban for adultery" »

900kg of narcotics seized, destroyed in Helmand province

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces destroyed close to 900 kg (2,000 pounds) of narcotics during operations in Helmand province Sunday, Aug. 15.

Continue reading "900kg of narcotics seized, destroyed in Helmand province" »

Insurgent IED strike kills 1, wounds 3 children in northern Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- One Afghan child was killed and three others were wounded in an improvised explosive device attack in Qal-Ah-Ye-Zal District, Kunduz province today. According to reports, the IED was placed on a bike lying in a ditch when it exploded.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED strike kills 1, wounds 3 children in northern Afghanistan" »

Taliban leadership captured in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Paktika province Sunday including a Taliban commander and a facilitator.

Continue reading "Taliban leadership captured in Paktika" »

Two suspected insurgents detained in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Sunday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device manufacturer who specializes in building IED detonators and initiators.

Continue reading "Two suspected insurgents detained in Helmand" »

Taliban weapons distributor captured in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a key Taliban weapons distributor for insurgents operating within Kandahar City and detained several additional suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Sunday.

Continue reading "Taliban weapons distributor captured in Kandahar" »

Security force detains suspected Haqqani insurgents in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Haqqani insurgents in Khost province Sunday while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network weapons and ammunition facilitator responsible for multiple improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks throughout Sabari and Musa Khel districts.

Continue reading "Security force detains suspected Haqqani insurgents in Khost" »

UPDATE Capture of Taliban of commander confirmed

ISAF Joint Comman
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander in Helmand province, who was responsible for ordering small-arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Capture of Taliban of commander confirmed" »

UPDATE al-Qaida leader killed after attack on Afghan police station

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the death of Abu Baqir, a dual-hatted Taliban sub-commander and al-Qaida group leader, after a coalition force air weapons team engaged his truck in Kunduz province Sunday.

Continue reading " UPDATE al-Qaida leader killed after attack on Afghan police station " »

UPDATE Taliban sub commander captured in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.16.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban sub-commander who conducts improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban sub commander captured in Paktika" »

Marines develop relationships with Afghans following Safaar clearing

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Date08.16.2010

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan— The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment are making the Safaar area of Garmsir District a safer place for Afghans.

Continue reading "Marines develop relationships with Afghans following Safaar clearing" »

August 15, 2010

Military deaths pass 2,000 as Afghan war review looms

15 Aug 2010 16:50:34 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sayed Salahuddin and Paul Tait

KABUL, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Total foreign military deaths in Afghanistan have passed 2,000 since the war began in late 2001, unofficial tallies showed on Sunday, in the approach to U.S. and Afghan elections and a U.S. strategy review.

Continue reading "Military deaths pass 2,000 as Afghan war review looms" »

Combined forces detain IED facilitator and destroy weapons cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan national security forces and coalition forces conducted a combined operation Saturday resulting in the detention of a key improvised explosive device facilitator and the destruction of a large weapons cache in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Combined forces detain IED facilitator and destroy weapons cache" »

Rags to Riches: How a Bronx youth transformed into a U.S. Marine

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
08.15.2010
Location:AF

Cpl. Randy Rivera’s story reads like a movie script. It is a tale of poverty, sacrifice, drugs, violence and danger. From the crime-infested streets of Bronx, N.Y., to the archaic Puerto Rican countryside, Rivera has seen and lived what most couldn’t imagine.

Continue reading "Rags to Riches: How a Bronx youth transformed into a U.S. Marine" »

Afghanistan says finds 1.8 bln barrel oilfield

15 Aug 2010 07:30:45 GMT
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Afghanistan said on Sunday it had discovered an oilfield with an estimated 1.8 billion barrels in the north of the war-ravaged country, where U.S. and other foreign forces are trying to tame a Taliban-led insurgency.

Continue reading "Afghanistan says finds 1.8 bln barrel oilfield" »

Afghan and coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who is responsible for small -arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition security forces.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

Taliban commander captured in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday, including a Taliban commander operating in the Panjwa'i District.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured in Kandahar" »

Afghan, coalition forces roll up IED operatives

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL- The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of several lower-level insurgents involved in the manufacture and emplacement of improvised explosion devices used against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan, coalition forces roll up IED operatives" »

Security force detains suspected IED operatives in Paktika

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who conducts improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Security force detains suspected IED operatives in Paktika" »

Afghan and coalition forces disrupt Haqqani operations in K-G Pass

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces have captured several Haqqani Network commanders and facilitators and killed or detained more than 50 suspected Haqqani insurgents during offensive security operations since Aug. 1.

Continue reading "Afghan and coalition forces disrupt Haqqani operations in K-G Pass" »

Taliban facilitator captured in Logar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.15.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Logar province Saturday, including a Taliban facilitator well connected to an improvised explosive device and indirect fire attack network.

Continue reading "Taliban facilitator captured in Logar" »

August 14, 2010

Karzai asks Obama for review of Afghanistan war

14 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters
By Andrew Hammond

KABUL, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has asked U.S. President Barack Obama to review how the war in Afghanistan is being conducted as civilian deaths continue to rise, Karzai's office said on Saturday.

Continue reading "Karzai asks Obama for review of Afghanistan war" »

Afghan Forces Prepare to Take Over COIN

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte
Date08.14.2010

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - ISAF is increasing investment in its counterinsurgency strategy as the July 2011 withdrawal date approaches. Part of that strategy is to pass on COIN lessons to Afghan National Security Forces.

Continue reading "Afghan Forces Prepare to Take Over COIN" »

Afghan, U.S. forces disrupt insurgent activity in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.14.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan-led force disrupted insurgent fighters along with their weapons and financing network in the Bokan Bala area of the greater Morghab River Valley in Badghis province Aug. 10 during a presence and security patrol.

Continue reading "Afghan, U.S. forces disrupt insurgent activity in Badghis" »

3 Children Killed, 1 Adult Wounded in Insurgent Rocket Attack

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.14.2010

KABUL- Three children were killed today when insurgents attacked a base operated by coalition forces in Khost province.

Continue reading "3 Children Killed, 1 Adult Wounded in Insurgent Rocket Attack" »

Afghans learning to fight without deadly force

Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir
Date08.14.2010
Story by 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police officers began learning U.S. Army Combatives techniques Aug. 14, so they can teach the skill to other ANP officers in each of the seven districts in the Panjshir Province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghans learning to fight without deadly force" »

ISAF forces come under fire in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.14.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces conducting operations in northern Afghanistan killed two insurgents today after coming under attack from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

Continue reading "ISAF forces come under fire in Kunduz" »

UPDATE Taliban deputy commander for Lashkar Gah District captured

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.14.2010

KABUL -The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban deputy commander of Lashkar Gah District, who commanded more than 100 fighters, during an Afghan-led security force operation in Helmand province Aug. 4.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban deputy commander for Lashkar Gah District captured" »

Engineers seek out IEDs for locals’ safety

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
08.14.2010

DURZAY, Afghanistan – In an area riddled with improvised explosive devices, engineers took the lead during patrols to ensure the safety of the riflemen behind them and local Afghans nearby over a 10-day operation here.

Continue reading "Engineers seek out IEDs for locals’ safety" »

Marines hunt smugglers in southern Afghanistan

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Eugenio Montanez
08.14.2010

COMBAT OUTPOST PAYNE, Afghanistan – The long-reaching arm of light armored reconnaissance has choked off the supply of drugs and weapons for Taliban fighters, and Marines here said it won’t be letting up anytime soon.

Continue reading "Marines hunt smugglers in southern Afghanistan" »

Insurgents killed after attack on Afghan police station in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.14.2010

KABUL - A coalition force air weapons team engaged a truck in Kunduz province yesterday, killing two insurgents and wounding several others after they witnessed the insurgents attacking an Aliabad police station.

Continue reading "Insurgents killed after attack on Afghan police station in Kunduz" »

August 13, 2010

Afghan Uniformed Police rescue kidnapped men; kill, capture insurgents

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by 1st Lt. R.j. Peek
Date08.13.2010

The Afghan Uniformed Police in Sharana District demonstrated their abilities and dedication to protect the Afghan people by rescuing two hostages taken by insurgents Aug. 11.

Continue reading "Afghan Uniformed Police rescue kidnapped men; kill, capture insurgents" »

Former detainees released during Parwan shura

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010
By Spc. Jason Boyd

KABUL - Three former detainees were released to the custody of their families and tribal elders during a release shura in Parwan province Monday.

Continue reading "Former detainees released during Parwan shura" »

ANSF disrupt drug trafficking system

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces conducted a combined operation Aug. 12 resulting in the detention of several individuals in the Registan desert, Kandahar province.

Continue reading "ANSF disrupt drug trafficking system" »

Afghan court tries, convicts 2 men

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 13) - Two Afghan men who are currently detained at the Detention Facility in Parwan were sentenced to serve time in an Afghan prison after an Afghan court found them guilty of crimes under Afghan law during trials held Tuesday at the Justice Center in Parwan.

Continue reading "Afghan court tries, convicts 2 men" »

Wardak legal system improves, suspected insurgent detained as result

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - The Afghan National Police-Provincial Response Company and coalition forces detained a suspected insurgent discovered during a warranted search in the Mayden Shar District of Wardak province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Wardak legal system improves, suspected insurgent detained as result" »

Tribal leadership key to security in Nangarhar

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Spc. Albert Kelley
Date08.13.2010

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The tribe has always been the most powerful structure in Pashtun society; now the tribe is being called upon to help increase security in Nangarhar.

Continue reading "Tribal leadership key to security in Nangarhar" »

Afghan leaders partner with special forces to improve route security

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL- Afghan government officials, Afghan National Army Special Forces and U.S. Special Forces joined together in an operation Sunday to assess the security of the main route leading from Kandahar City to the Khakrez District Center.

Continue reading "Afghan leaders partner with special forces to improve route security" »

Afghan-led forces detain several insurgents in past week

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured several Haqqani Network and Taliban leaders in Afghanistan this week during 48 separate operations.

Continue reading "Afghan-led forces detain several insurgents in past week" »

Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander and member of the Nawa Military Commission.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Helmand" »

Insurgent attacks kill, wound 4 civilians in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three Afghan civilians were killed and one wounded by insurgents in three separate incidents in Kandahar province Aug. 13.

Continue reading "Insurgent attacks kill, wound 4 civilians in Kandahar" »

Afghan-led force captures Haqqani facilitator in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator in Paktiya province Thursday who moved weapons, ammunition, munitions and improvised explosive device materials from Pakistan to fighters operating in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force captures Haqqani facilitator in Paktiya" »

Combined force kills, detains insurgents, destroys drug cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two insurgents were killed and several others detained in a combined Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces operation, at a compound northwest of Kajaki in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Combined force kills, detains insurgents, destroys drug cache" »

Afghan-led force captures Haqqani Network sub commander in Khost

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Thursday, including a Haqqani Network sub commander who supplies weapons to other Haqqani commanders operating in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force captures Haqqani Network sub commander in Khost" »

Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents and recovered an automatic grenade launcher in Kunduz province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban deputy commander for Chahar Darah district.

Continue reading "Afghan-led force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz" »

UPDATE Afghan-led force captures Taliban sub commander in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban sub-commander involved in the facilitation, planning and execution of improvised explosive device attacks during an Afghan and coalition force operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Afghan-led force captures Taliban sub commander in Paktiya" »

Afghan soldiers, Company K Marines patrol through Sangin

Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs
Date08.13.2010
Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson

SANGIN, Afghanistan – The morning started with a huge explosion as a platoon crossed a creek into unexplored territory.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers, Company K Marines patrol through Sangin" »

August 12, 2010

Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
08.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kunduz province Aug. 11 while in pursuit of a Taliban and Haqqani Network sub-commander who facilitates weapons, improvised explosive device and rocket materials.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Kunduz" »

ANSF detain 18 suspected insurgents, rescue 2 civilian hostages in Kandahar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces captured 18 suspected insurgents, rescued two civilian hostages and seized weapons and bomb making material in the Malajat District of Kandahar City Aug. 9.

Continue reading "ANSF detain 18 suspected insurgents, rescue 2 civilian hostages in Kandahar" »

Glad you aren't here: Welcome to Afghanistan

By Cali Bagby and Dan Morrison for KVAL.com
Story Published: Aug 12, 2010

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Soldiers in Camp Leatherneck refer to Khandahar and Kabul bases as shopping malls.

Continue reading "Glad you aren't here: Welcome to Afghanistan" »

Taliban rejects U.N. report on Afghan casualties

From Jill Dougherty and Mati Matiullah, CNN
August 12, 2010 6:37 a.m. EDT

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The Taliban on Thursday rejected a United Nations report that blamed it and other insurgent groups for 76 percent of all civilian casualties in Afghanistan

Continue reading "Taliban rejects U.N. report on Afghan casualties" »

Afghan-led security force detains Taliban commander in Wardak

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force killed several suspected insurgents and detained many more, including a Taliban commander, in Wardak province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force detains Taliban commander in Wardak" »

Afghan-led clearing operation kills more than 20 insurgents in Paktiya

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force killed more than 20 armed insurgents during an on-going clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Haqqani Network's freedom of movement in Dzadran District of Paktiya province. This area is known Haqqani Network safe haven and used to stage attacks into Kabul and the Khost-Gardez pass.

Continue reading "Afghan-led clearing operation kills more than 20 insurgents in Paktiya" »

Afghan woman killed during fire fight in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces operating in the Musa Qal' ah District of Helmand province Wednesday were attacked by insurgents with small-arms.

Continue reading "Afghan woman killed during fire fight in Helmand" »

Claims of Afghan civilian deaths spark protest

By AMIR SHAH
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan — A crowd of about 300 villagers yelled "Death to the United States" and blocked a main road in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday as they swore that U.S. forces had killed three innocent villagers, officials said.

Continue reading "Claims of Afghan civilian deaths spark protest" »

Photos: In Afghanistan, stillness among the chaos

By Associated Press
Story Published: Aug 12, 2010

ARGHANDAB VALLEY, Afghanistan (AP) - Metal containers. Tables laid for a meal in a hut. Endless lines of tents, and Black Hawk helicopters parked in the dust.

Continue reading "Photos: In Afghanistan, stillness among the chaos" »

ISAF weapon malfunction wounds 2 Afghan civilians in Kunar

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF helicopter engaged several insurgents who posed an imminent threat to an Afghan National Police patrol in the Nari District of Kunar province Aug. 11.

Continue reading "ISAF weapon malfunction wounds 2 Afghan civilians in Kunar" »

NATO force investigates new Afghan civilian deaths

12 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters

KABUL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - NATO-led forces in Afghanistan said on Thursday they were investigating whether their troops had inadvertently killed up to seven civilians in the south, two days after a U.N. report noted a sharp rise in civilian deaths.

Continue reading "NATO force investigates new Afghan civilian deaths" »

August 11, 2010

Marines, Afghan Army begin clearing IEDs and insurgents from Safaar

SAFAAR, Afghanistan— Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, began clearing operations in Safaar, Afghanistan, Aug. 5, to rid the area of improvised explosive devices and Taliban presence.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan Army begin clearing IEDs and insurgents from Safaar" »

Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Nangarhar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Nangarhar province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander involved in attack planning against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the eastern province.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Nangarhar" »

Security force captures IED cell commander, suspected insurgents

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Tuesday, including an improvised explosive device cell commander who directed and facilitated suicide bomber attacks within Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Security force captures IED cell commander, suspected insurgents" »

UPDATE Taliban District commander captured in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban District commander in charge of Nawah-ye Barakzai District during an Afghan and coalition force operation Saturday.

Continue reading "UPDATE Taliban District commander captured in Helmand" »

Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Zabul

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL , AF

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition force detained more than 20 suspected insurgents in Zabul province Tuesday while in pursuit of an al-Qaida foreign fighter facilitator.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force detains suspected insurgents in Zabul" »

Gen. Petraeus Congratulates MoD for Reaching ANA Force Level Goals Ahead of Schedule

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL , AF

KABUL - ISAF Commander Gen. David Petraeus today praised the Afghan Ministry of Defense for reaching its goal of 134,000 trained Afghan National Army soldiers two months ahead of schedule.

Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus Congratulates MoD for Reaching ANA Force Level Goals Ahead of Schedule" »

Taliban attack mosque on first day of Ramadan

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan - An insurgent-fired rocket-propelled grenade struck a mosque near Asadabad at approximately 8 a.m., Aug. 11.

Continue reading "Taliban attack mosque on first day of Ramadan" »

Marjah-bound policemen graduate from JSAS

Regional Command Southwest
Date08.11.2010
Location:Camp Leatherneck
Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr.

Marjah residents can expect increased security in their local community thanks to the newly-graduated Afghan policemen of Joint Security Academy Southwest.

Continue reading "Marjah-bound policemen graduate from JSAS" »

Insurgents kill two Afghan civilians

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL - Two Afghan children were killed and one was injured when insurgents fired at coalition forces in Logar province in Baraki Barak district with small arms and rocket propelled grenades Tuesday.

Continue reading "Insurgents kill two Afghan civilians" »

Security force kills 9 insurgents

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed nine insurgents during operations in Chak-e Wardak province, Aug. 11.

Continue reading "Security force kills 9 insurgents" »

Marines, sailor save severely burned Afghan boy

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:AF

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – An Afghan gentleman begged a squad of Marines, out for a routine visit to a village in southern Afghanistan, to come to his nephew’s rescue. They entered the man’s compound and found a 10-year-old boy curled up in pain from severe burns over his back. This was a whole new mission for a group of warriors who normally spend their days training Afghanistan national security forces across the region.

Continue reading "Marines, sailor save severely burned Afghan boy" »

Afghan citizen reports munitions cache

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.11.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan citizen uncovered a large munitions cache in the Bagram District of Parwan province and reported it to coalition forces Aug. 10.

Continue reading "Afghan citizen reports munitions cache" »

August 10, 2010

ANA soldiers learn basic driving skills

KABUL, Afghanistan - Soldiers from the Afghan National Army's 215th Corps recently completed a course at Camp Leatherneck where they learned light tactical vehicle operations.

Continue reading "ANA soldiers learn basic driving skills" »

MCCS Marines shatter sales record in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marine Corps Community Services specialists with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), surpassed the record for sales during a Warrior Express Services Team mission in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 16-30.

Continue reading "MCCS Marines shatter sales record in Afghanistan" »

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 10

Aug 10 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Afghanistan at 1430 GMT on Tuesday:

Continue reading "FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 10" »

Insurgent IED strikes kill 3 civilians, injure 3 more

Joint Command
Courtesy Story
Date08.10.2010
Location:KABUL, AF

KABUL - Three Afghan civilians were killed and two more wounded when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Waghaz District of Ghazni province yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED strikes kill 3 civilians, injure 3 more" »

Insurgent IED kills 2 civilians, injures 1

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were killed and one wounded by an insurgent-planted improvised explosive device in the Bak district of Khost province Aug. 9.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED kills 2 civilians, injures 1" »

Afghan Army Reaches Targeted Strength Early

In a positive development for the country's rapidly expanding security capability, the Afghan National Army announced today at the ministry of defense that it reached the benchmark strength of 134,000 soldiers two months ahead of schedule.

Continue reading "Afghan Army Reaches Targeted Strength Early" »

Afghanistan says time running out for security firms

KABUL, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai will set a deadline for disbanding all private security firms, his office said on Tuesday, but the U.S. military played down the announcement and said no decision had yet been reached.

Continue reading "Afghanistan says time running out for security firms" »

Escaped detainee was under Afghan control

A detainee who killed two Marines on Saturday escaped from a room at an Afghan-controlled detention center and obtained a rifle before opening fire on Marines and Afghan security forces who gave chase, a Marine spokesman said.

Continue reading "Escaped detainee was under Afghan control" »

Weapons cache recovery in Farah province

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces located and seized a weapons cache in the Bala Boluk district, Farah province, Monday, Aug. 9.

Continue reading "Weapons cache recovery in Farah province" »

Operations, Enemy Attacks on Civilians Continue in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - As military operations continue across Afghanistan, enemy actions continue to kill or injure Afghan civilians, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Operations, Enemy Attacks on Civilians Continue in Afghanistan" »

ANSF conduct readiness exercise in Kandahar City

KABUL - Afghan National Security Forces conducted a training exercise at Sarpoza Prison Aug. 2 in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "ANSF conduct readiness exercise in Kandahar City" »

Khowst Governor Hosts Release Shura for Seven Former Detainees

KABUL - Seven detainees were released from the Detention Facility in Parwan and welcomed back to their communities during a shura in Khowst province Saturday.

Continue reading "Khowst Governor Hosts Release Shura for Seven Former Detainees" »

Suicide bombers attack in Afghan capital - police

KABUL, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Two suicide bombers staged an attack in a central Kabul street often frequented by foreigners, three police sources said on Tuesday, but there was no immediate word on casualties.

Continue reading "Suicide bombers attack in Afghan capital - police" »

Update: Afghan-led force captures Taliban suicide bomber in Paktiya

KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban suicide bomber facilitator during an Afghan-led security force operation in Paktiya province Saturday.

Continue reading "Update: Afghan-led force captures Taliban suicide bomber in Paktiya" »

Suspected Taliban insurgents detained in Helmand by Afghan-led force

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Monday in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks against civilians and Afghan and coalition security forces.

Continue reading "Suspected Taliban insurgents detained in Helmand by Afghan-led force" »

Afghan-led security force detains two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Monday in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks against civilians and Afghan and coalition security forces.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force detains two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar" »

Sergeant Major's Bark, and Bite

Posted by Terry McCarthy
August 10, 2010 8:58 PM

One recent evening we were sitting around the 3/1 battalion commander's armored truck when Sergeant Major Scott Samuels, (left) the top enlisted man in the battalion, dropped a gem.

Continue reading "Sergeant Major's Bark, and Bite" »

Sergeant Major's Bark, and Bite

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

One recent evening we were sitting around the 3/1 battalion commander's armored truck when Sergeant Major Scott Samuels, (left) the top enlisted man in the battalion, dropped a gem.

Continue reading "Sergeant Major's Bark, and Bite" »

Afghan-led security force captures senior facilitator in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Paktika province Monday, including a Taliban District-level shura member and facilitator for Zurmat and Gardez Districts of neighbouring Paktiya province.

Continue reading "Afghan-led security force captures senior facilitator in Paktika" »

Afghan-led security force pursues senior Taliban commander, detains several insurgents, kills one in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province last night while in pursuit of the Taliban district commander for Arghandab, who leads violent kidnapping and assassination operations that have involved explosives.

Continue reading " Afghan-led security force pursues senior Taliban commander, detains several insurgents, kills one in Kandahar" »

Marines battle Taliban, protect locals

SANGIN, Afghanistan – When the Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, set out on patrol, Aug. 3, a simple civil affairs mission turned into an on-going firefight.

Continue reading "Marines battle Taliban, protect locals" »

Afghan soldiers, Marines repair canals in Sangin

SANGIN, Afghanistan – As Marines with Company K continue to stabilize Sangin through regular patrols and frequent interaction with the public, a few Marines and Afghan soldiers lent a hand to help local villagers repair a few canals, July 30.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers, Marines repair canals in Sangin" »

August 9, 2010

Insurgent attacks wound 8, including 6 children

KABUL, Afghanistan - Eight Afghan civilians, including six children, were wounded during insurgent attacks on a coalition outpost and the Kandahar governor's palace in the past two days.

Continue reading "Insurgent attacks wound 8, including 6 children" »

Insurgents kill, injure two civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan - Improvised explosive devices planted by insurgents killed one Afghan civilian and injured another in southern Afghanistan, Aug. 8.

Continue reading "Insurgents kill, injure two civilians" »

Aid group doubts Afghan Taliban killed medical team

KABUL, Aug 9 (Reuters) - An international Christian aid group on Monday played down claims by the Taliban they had killed 10 members from one of the group's medical teams, saying it was still unclear who was responsible.

Continue reading "Aid group doubts Afghan Taliban killed medical team" »

ISAF condemns Taliban's killing of pregnant widow

KABUL, Afghanistan - A pregnant widow was whipped and shot by the Taliban for alleged adultery in the Qadis district of Badghis province Monday, Aug. 9.

Continue reading "ISAF condemns Taliban's killing of pregnant widow" »

Afghan, Marine leadership discuss Afghan Uniformed Police recruitment numbers

Afghan and Marine leadership met to discuss the progress being made in increasing the number of Afghan policemen throughout Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine leadership discuss Afghan Uniformed Police recruitment numbers" »

Insurgent IED attack kills two civilians in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An improvised explosive device attack in Helmand province killed two civilians and injured five others Saturday, Aug. 7.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED attack kills two civilians in Helmand" »

Taliban launch attacks on U.S., Afghan military posts

KABUL, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Taliban insurgents staged attacks on three combat posts of Afghan and U.S. forces on Monday in a southeastern Afghan province, an official for the U.S. military said.

Continue reading "Taliban launch attacks on U.S., Afghan military posts" »

ANA Commandos, U.S. special forces repel insurgent attack, protect Afghan family

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army commandos from the 3rd Kandak, assisted by U.S. special forces, came under attack in Kandahar province Wednesday while conducting a security patrol to degrade and disrupt insurgents.

Continue reading "ANA Commandos, U.S. special forces repel insurgent attack, protect Afghan family" »

Marjah Secures Brighter Future During School Groundbreaking Ceremony

MARJAH, Afghanistan – One plant of a shovel symbolically transformed a sprawling patch of Marjah farmland into a future primary school site during a groundbreaking ceremony in Marjah, Afghanistan, Aug. 9.

Continue reading "Marjah Secures Brighter Future During School Groundbreaking Ceremony" »

2/9 Assumes Control of Northern Marjah From 3/6

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan -- Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, officially took over all operations from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Aug. 8, at Forward Operating Base Sher Wali, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2/9 Assumes Control of Northern Marjah From 3/6" »

ISAF Unmanned Air Vehicle Lost

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force unmanned aerial vehicle went down in Kunduz province today.

Continue reading "ISAF Unmanned Air Vehicle Lost" »

Two Suspicious Men Detained

KABUL - Two men were detained in Kandahar City when they attempted to pass through a checkpoint without identification by bribing Afghan National Civil Order Police.

Continue reading "Two Suspicious Men Detained" »

ANP and Coalition Forces Locate and Destroy Rockets Poised at Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Police and coalition forces located and destroyed two rockets that were poised for an attack on Kabul.

Continue reading "ANP and Coalition Forces Locate and Destroy Rockets Poised at Kabul" »

fghan-led Security Force Captures Taliban Facilitator in Paktiya

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani Network remote-controlled improvised explosive device cell leader during an Afghan-led security force operation Friday.

Continue reading "fghan-led Security Force Captures Taliban Facilitator in Paktiya" »

Insurgents Attack Governor Convoy

KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents attacked a convoy that was returning from escorting Governor Mohammad Omar back to Kunduz City Saturday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Attack Governor Convoy" »

ISAF Medics Rescue Five Wounded Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan - Five Afghans were injured as a result of a vehicle borne improvised explosive device attack near Herat City, Sunday.

Continue reading "ISAF Medics Rescue Five Wounded Afghans" »

Coalition Forces Conduct Precision Strike Against Taliban Insurgents in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar Sunday targeting a Taliban facilitator, who equipped Taliban fighters for improvised explosive devices and complex attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan as well as coalition forces in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Coalition Forces Conduct Precision Strike Against Taliban Insurgents in Kandahar" »

Haqqani Network IED Facilitator, Several Suspected Insurgents Detained in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Haqqani Network insurgents in Khost province Sunday, including a Haqqani facilitator who provided weapons and improvised explosive device materials to fighters in order to conduct attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Haqqani Network IED Facilitator, Several Suspected Insurgents Detained in Khost" »

Afghan-led Force Captures Haqqani Network IED Cell Leader in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani Network remote-controlled improvised explosive device cell leader during an Afghan-led security force operation Friday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Captures Haqqani Network IED Cell Leader in Khost" »

UPDATE: Afghan-led Security Force Captures Senior Taliban Commander in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a senior Taliban commander operating in the Charbaugh area of Arghandab District during an Afghan-led security force operation in Kandahar province Friday.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Afghan-led Security Force Captures Senior Taliban Commander in Kandahar" »

August 8, 2010

Insurgents Kill, Wound Children in Kunar

KABUL, Afghanistan - One Afghan child was killed and one child wounded when insurgents attacked a coalition outpost in the Watahpur district of Kunar province Aug. 8.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill, Wound Children in Kunar" »

Afghan commission: Civilian deaths up in 2010

KABUL, Afghanistan — Civilian war deaths in the first seven months of 2010 rose by 6 percent over the same period last year, Afghanistan’s human rights commission said Sunday. The modest increase suggested that U.S. and NATO efforts to hold down civilian casualties were having some success.

Continue reading "Afghan commission: Civilian deaths up in 2010" »

Paktika PRT Implements Digital Firing Systems

Members of the Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team recently completed test-fires and final training on their newest tool to help ensure safety outside the wire.

Continue reading "Paktika PRT Implements Digital Firing Systems" »

Afghan Soldiers Advance to Next Phase of Corrections Training at DFIP

KABUL, Afghanistan – The second cohort of Afghan National Army Military Police graduated from the Detention Operations Training Center Parwan province Thursday. The group of 187 soldiers completed two weeks of language training and eight weeks of detention operations training.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers Advance to Next Phase of Corrections Training at DFIP" »

SAW replacement set for real world testing

5 units to use Infantry Automatic Rifle during pre-deployment workups

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 9, 2010 8:24:31 EDT

This fall, Marine units will finally get their hands on the experimental M27 infantry automatic rifle as several units employ the 5.56mm weapon during pre-deployment training. It will likely be another year before the weapon is sent down range, however.

Continue reading "SAW replacement set for real world testing" »

Afghanistan says to "deal with" security firms

KABUL, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Afghan security forces will be more than capable of safeguarding the country, the government said on Sunday, repeating in some of its strongest criticism yet that troublesome Western private security units should be disbanded.

Continue reading "Afghanistan says to "deal with" security firms" »

Group denies Afghan Taliban claims over dead workers

KABUL, Aug 8 (Reuters) - An international Christian aid group denied on Sunday Taliban accusations that eight of its foreign medical workers among 10 killed in Afghanistan's remote northeast had been proselytising.

Continue reading "Group denies Afghan Taliban claims over dead workers" »

ANA Commandos Train for Future Missions, Demonstrate Capabilities on the Battlefield

KABUL, Afghanistan – From the mountains surrounding this remote training outpost, echoes of enthusiasm ring from below as columns of Afghan National Army commando recruits scream out a cadence before they begin a close quarters drill.

Continue reading "ANA Commandos Train for Future Missions, Demonstrate Capabilities on the Battlefield" »

ANP Put New Skills Into Action, Discover IEDs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Members of Wardak’ Afghan National Police – Provincial Response Company put the skills recently acquired during a Police Speciality Training into practical use at a traffic control point.

Continue reading "ANP Put New Skills Into Action, Discover IEDs" »

Insurgents Continue to Wound Civilians

KABUL - Three afghan civilians were wounded by an insurgent improvised explosive device in eastern Afghanistan today.

Continue reading "Insurgents Continue to Wound Civilians" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Senior Commander in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Logar province last night, including a Taliban senior commander who planned and conducted attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Senior Commander in Logar" »

Update: Afghan-led Force Capture Taliban District Commander for Garm Ser

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF confirmed the capture of the Taliban district commander in charge of Garm Ser district of Helmand province during an Afghan and coalition force operation Thursday.

Continue reading "Update: Afghan-led Force Capture Taliban District Commander for Garm Ser" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Taliban Insurgents in Kandahar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday, while in pursuit of a Taliban facilitator who provides weapons and improvised explosive device (IED) materials to key leaders operating in Kandahar City and Arghandab District.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Taliban Insurgents in Kandahar" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Taliban Insurgents in Paktiya

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Paktiya province Saturday, while in pursuit of a Taliban suicide bomber facilitator responsible for the movement of weapons and ammunition.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Taliban Insurgents in Paktiya" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Haqqani Network Insurgents in Paktiya

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Haqqqni Network insurgents in Paktiya province Saturday, while in pursuit of a Haqqani Network facilitator who also acts as a senior-level interrogator of the network's prisoners.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Haqqani Network Insurgents in Paktiya" »

Female Engagement Team Visits Afghan Students, Delivers School Supplies

HERAT, Afghanistan — A school in Herat province recently received a much needed delivery of school supplies for its more than 30 female Afghan students during a Marine Corps Female Engagement Team visit.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team Visits Afghan Students, Delivers School Supplies" »

August 7, 2010

Eight foreign medical workers killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Gunmen killed 10 medical workers, including eight foreigners, in Afghanistan's remote northeast, police and officials said on Saturday, and the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Continue reading "Eight foreign medical workers killed in Afghanistan" »

Fourteen Insurgents Killed and Large Weapons Cache Found in Helmand Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces uncovered a large stockpile of weapons and communications equipment during an operation in Helmand province Aug. 7.

Continue reading "Fourteen Insurgents Killed and Large Weapons Cache Found in Helmand Province" »

Two Civilians Killed and Five Wounded in Insurgent Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan - An insurgent improvised explosive device attack on Afghan and coalition forces killed two civilians and wounded five more near Heyderabad in Helmand province Aug. 7.

Continue reading "Two Civilians Killed and Five Wounded in Insurgent Attack" »

Afghan, U.S. Forces Find, Destroy Weapons Cache in Baghlan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Soldiers from the 5th Commando Kandak, assisted by U.S. Special Operation Forces, found and destroyed a weapons cache in the village of Bagh-e Shormal, Baghlan province, Aug. 4.

Continue reading "Afghan, U.S. Forces Find, Destroy Weapons Cache in Baghlan" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Ambushed in Uruzgan, Unknown Number of Insurgents Killed

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces came under sustained small-arms fire during a presence patrol in Uruzgan province Aug. 6, resulting in a number of insurgents being killed.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Ambushed in Uruzgan, Unknown Number of Insurgents Killed" »

Insurgent IED Kills Child, Wounds Another

KABUL, Afghanistan – A child died from wounds suffered in an improvised explosive device blast in Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "Insurgent IED Kills Child, Wounds Another" »

Two Suspected Taliban Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Friday

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Friday while in pursuit of a senior Taliban commander operating in the Charbaugh area of Arghandab district.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Taliban Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Friday" »

UPDATE: Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Taliban Commander in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force confirmed the death of Shahin, a Taliban commander responsible for ordering attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the Maka Khan and Sharana area, during a combined security force operation in Paktika province July 20.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Taliban Commander in Paktika" »

Taliban IED Facilitator Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Logar

KABUL - ISAF confirmed the capture of a Taliban improvised explosive device and weapons facilitator during an Afghan-led security force operation Wednesday.

Continue reading "Taliban IED Facilitator Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Logar" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Haqqani Network Insurgents in Khost

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Haqqani Network insurgents in Khost province last night while in pursuit of a remote-controlled improvised explosive device cell leader.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Haqqani Network Insurgents in Khost" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force continued their pursuit of a Taliban district commander in charge of Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Helmand province, detaining two suspected insurgents during an operation Friday.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Helmand" »

2/9 Steps Up IED Awareness in Northern Marjah

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan - Step by step, a group of Marines moved slowly down the road, their eyes scanning delicately the ground that lay ahead.

Continue reading "2/9 Steps Up IED Awareness in Northern Marjah" »

August 6, 2010

Shooting Forward - CLB-3 wraps up EMV training, prepares for Afghanistan

MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — After putting thousands of rounds down range, moving countless pounds of cargo, supporting several units and conducting more than 60 days of pre-deployment training, the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 3 are ready for Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Shooting Forward - CLB-3 wraps up EMV training, prepares for Afghanistan" »

Afghanistan through the lens

HESPERIA • As a combat correspondent in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Mark Fayloga has instant access to military moments around the world that most civilian photojournalists never have the chance to capture.

Continue reading "Afghanistan through the lens" »

Coalition Forces Collect Ammunitions in Uzbeen Valley

Coalition forces collected more than 400 various ammunitions belonging to insurgents in the area from Aug. 4 through 6 in the Uzbeen Valley, eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Coalition Forces Collect Ammunitions in Uzbeen Valley" »

Police Specialty Skills Training Conducted in Wardak, Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Selected members of Wardak’s Afghan National Police-Provincial Response Company attended Police Specialty Skills Training to prepare for future operations.

Continue reading "Police Specialty Skills Training Conducted in Wardak, Afghanistan" »

Afghan and Combined Forces Recover Weapons Cache in Ghazni

KABUL, Afghanistan – Thursday, the Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners conducted an operation to recover a suspected weapons cache in Ghazni District, Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Combined Forces Recover Weapons Cache in Ghazni" »

Logistics Marines Train Afghan Soldiers

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines with Platoon A, Embedded Partnering Team, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) trained and mentored Afghan soldiers with the 5th Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army to provide logistics capabilities in support of International Security Assistance Forces, July 26-30.

Continue reading "Logistics Marines Train Afghan Soldiers" »

12 Afghan Workers Killed by IEDs

KABUL, Afghanistan – A total of 12 Afghan civilians were killed in two separate incidents in eastern Afghanistan Thursday involving insurgent-planted improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "12 Afghan Workers Killed by IEDs" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand Operations

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan and coalition security forces targeted two Taliban district commanders in charge of Garm Ser and Nawah-ye Barakzai districts of Helmand province Thursday, detaining several suspected insurgents during the operations.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand Operations" »

Two Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Logar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device and weapons facilitator.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Logar" »

August 5, 2010

Suicide bomber kills 7 Afghan police in north

KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide car bomber struck a convoy of NATO troops and Afghan police Thursday in northern Afghanistan, killing seven police officers and wounding at least 11 people.

Continue reading "Suicide bomber kills 7 Afghan police in north" »

ISAF Discusses Insurgent Propaganda Messaging

KABUL, Afghanistan - A senior ISAF intelligence official conducted a press conference here today to discuss propaganda and contradictory messaging employed by Taliban leadership.

Continue reading "ISAF Discusses Insurgent Propaganda Messaging" »

Afghan Policewomen Brave Threats to Complete Course

KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan – Despite threats from the Taliban intended to bully them into quitting, a group of 12 female Afghan National Police officers graduated from an innovative law enforcement training course on Aug. 5 at Camp Nathan Smith.

Continue reading "Afghan Policewomen Brave Threats to Complete Course" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Destroy Narcotics and Explosives

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with International Security and Assistance Force partners conducted an operation Aug. 5 in the Sangin District of Helmand province, killing four insurgents and destroying narcotics and explosives.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Destroy Narcotics and Explosives" »

ISAF Confirms Civilians Killed During Operation That Removed Large Number of Taliban From Nangarhar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Following information received from provincial and local Nangarhar officials, it appears that between four and a dozen or more civilians were killed during a joint coalition and Afghan security force operation in Nangarhar province Aug. 5.

Continue reading "ISAF Confirms Civilians Killed During Operation That Removed Large Number of Taliban From Nangarhar" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Engage Enemy in Nangarhar

WASHINGTON - Combined Afghan and coalition security forces conducted operations across Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, , military officials reported.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Engage Enemy in Nangarhar" »

Company K Penetrates Green Zone

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Many military strategists have said the Northern Green Zone in Sangin could not be penetrated, but time and again, Marines have proven their worth and accomplished the impossible.

Continue reading "Company K Penetrates Green Zone" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator directly responsible for distributing weapons and improvised explosive device material to foreign fighters and Haqqani-affiliated networks.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Khost" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Wednesday during their continued pursuit of the assessed Taliban deputy commander of the Lashkar Gah District, who commands more than 100 fighters.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Helmand" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Taliban Facilitator, Additional Insurgent in Farah

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents, including Sabayar Saheb, a Taliban logistics and foreign fighter facilitator, and detained several suspected insurgents in Farah province Wednesday.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Taliban Facilitator, Additional Insurgent in Farah" »

August 4, 2010

ISAF confirms Taliban commander and facilitator deaths

KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed a combined security force killed Malauwi Ghulam Haideri, a senior Taliban commander, and Mulauwi Sher Agha, a Taliban facilitator, during an Afghan and coalition force operation, Aug. 4.

Continue reading "ISAF confirms Taliban commander and facilitator deaths" »

How U.S. reshaped Afghan prison's image

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — In an outdoor field, inmates at the Detention Facility in Parwan play soccer in the shadow of the transport planes, shipping containers and thousands of troops that cram this major hub of the Afghanistan war.

Continue reading "How U.S. reshaped Afghan prison's image" »

New Taliban Code of Conduct … Not Matching Reality on the Ground

KABUL, Afghanistan – Despite Mullah Omar’s latest attempts to shape perceptions by releasing a revised code of conduct, insurgent violence continues to harm innocent civilians.

Continue reading "New Taliban Code of Conduct … Not Matching Reality on the Ground" »

Afghan woman on Time cover shows war stakes

By Jennifer Peltz - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Aug 4, 2010 16:37:40 EDT

NEW YORK — The face on the cover of Time magazine is graceful, composed and unthinkably maimed. The heart-shaped hole where 18-year-old Aisha's nose should be is a mark of Taliban justice — a visceral illustration, the headline suggests, of "what happens if we leave Afghanistan."

Continue reading "Afghan woman on Time cover shows war stakes" »

Insurgents Kill, Wound 3 Civilians in IED Strikes

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians, including a child, were killed and one wounded in improvised explosive device attacks in Helmand and Uruzgan provinces today, Aug. 4.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill, Wound 3 Civilians in IED Strikes" »

Silver Star hero Jeremy Torrisi came to defense of wounded in Afghanistan after taking bullet in leg

CAMP MOREHEAD, Afghanistan - Jeremy Torrisi's scuffed-up canvas medic's bag still has bloodstains from the day he saved four Marines' lives in a fearsome firefight.

Continue reading "Silver Star hero Jeremy Torrisi came to defense of wounded in Afghanistan after taking bullet in leg" »

Update: Afghan-led Force Detained Taliban IED Facilitator in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF confirmed today the capture of a major Taliban facilitator involved in the transportation of narcotics and munitions, including suicide improvised explosive device material, between Iran and southern Afghanistan, during an Afghan and coalition force operation in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Update: Afghan-led Force Detained Taliban IED Facilitator in Kandahar" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Baghlan

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Baghlan province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander in charge of a large number of insurgent fighters.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Baghlan" »

Afghan-led Security Forces Roll Up Several Insurgent Leaders in Afghanistan This Week

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces continue to aggressively target Haqqani Network and Taliban commanders responsible for the planning of indiscriminate improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and candidates of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Several Haqqani Network leaders and other Talban leaders were captured during offensive operations this week.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Security Forces Roll Up Several Insurgent Leaders in Afghanistan This Week" »

ISAF Commander Issues Updated Tactical Directive

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force Commander, Gen. David Petraeus has issued his updated Tactical Directive to all units within Afghanistan.

Continue reading "ISAF Commander Issues Updated Tactical Directive" »

August 3, 2010

Bagram Customs: Keeping America Protected

Many service members throughout Afghanistan dream of the day when their unit will get on the plane to take them home. However, before they can get on that plane, there are a lot of things they have to do to ensure themselves and their cargo enters the United States properly.

Continue reading "Bagram Customs: Keeping America Protected" »

France to keep Afghan mission despite defence cuts

PARIS, Aug 3 (Reuters) - France will not withdraw from Afghanistan despite an annual cost of half a billion euros because the NATO mission there is preventing Afghanistan's collapse, France's defence minister said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "France to keep Afghan mission despite defence cuts" »

Afghan court hands down breakthrough drugs jail term

KABUL, Aug 3 (Reuters) - An Afghan court on Tuesday jailed a senior police officer with links with to the illegal drugs trade for 10 years, the first punishment of its kind involving a top government official.

Continue reading "Afghan court hands down breakthrough drugs jail term" »

Afghan court hands down breakthrough drugs jail term

KABUL, Aug 3 (Reuters) - An Afghan court on Tuesday jailed a senior police officer with links with to the illegal drugs trade for 10 years, the first punishment of its kind involving a top government official.

Continue reading "Afghan court hands down breakthrough drugs jail term" »

Insurgents attack Kandahar Air Field

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Aug 3, 2010 13:09:57 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Insurgents launched a ground attack on NATO's largest base in the south, but did not breach its defenses, officials said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Insurgents attack Kandahar Air Field" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Force in Kandahar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar last night while in pursuit of a major Taliban facilitator involved in the transportation of narcotics and munitions, including suicide improvised explosive device material between Iran and southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Force in Kandahar" »

Taliban Commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Helmand

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained three suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night including a Taliban sub-commander who facilitated weapons and logistics for the Taliban fighters operating in Lashkar Gah District.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Helmand" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detain Suspected Insurgent in Zabul

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a suspected insurgent in Zabul province last night in their continued search for the Taliban deputy commander for Shah Joy District.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detain Suspected Insurgent in Zabul" »

Several IEDs Destroyed, Several Insurgents Killed in Clearing Operation in Kandahar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device and killed several insurgents in Kandahar province in an on-going deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement in Zharay District.

Continue reading "Several IEDs Destroyed, Several Insurgents Killed in Clearing Operation in Kandahar" »

August 2, 2010

Afghan Children Killed by Insurgent IED

KABUL, Afghanistan - Five Afghan children were killed and one Afghan National Police member was injured when a suicide bomber using a vehicle borne improvised explosive device attempted to attack the governor of the Dand district in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Afghan Children Killed by Insurgent IED" »

IED Strike Kills 4, Wounds 3 Civilians in Faryab

KABUL, Afghanistan - Four Afghan civilians were killed and three wounded in an improvised explosive device attack in Faryab province, Aug. 2.

Continue reading "IED Strike Kills 4, Wounds 3 Civilians in Faryab" »

British Forces Launch Helmand Province Operation

KABUL, Afghanistan - British forces launched an operation to further squeeze insurgents in the central part of Afghanistan's Helmand province July 31, military officials reported.

Continue reading "British Forces Launch Helmand Province Operation" »

16 Former Detainees Released During Parwan Shura

546th Military Police Command
Story by Spc. Jason Boyd
Date07.29.2010
Date Posted:08.02.2010 03:09

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After confirming their commitment to a peaceful way of life, 16 former detainees were released from the Detention Facility in Parwan July 29 and welcomed back into the community by their families and tribal elders during a detainee release shura.

Continue reading "16 Former Detainees Released During Parwan Shura" »

16 Former Detainees Released During Parwan Shura

546th Military Police Command
Story by Spc. Jason Boyd
Date07.29.2010
Date Posted:08.02.2010 03:09

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After confirming their commitment to a peaceful way of life, 16 former detainees were released from the Detention Facility in Parwan July 29 and welcomed back into the community by their families and tribal elders during a detainee release shura.

Continue reading "16 Former Detainees Released During Parwan Shura" »

Seven Civilians Wounded After a Targeted Attack in Nangahar Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - Seven local nationals were wounded when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device struck their convoy in the Behsud district, Nangahar province.

Continue reading "Seven Civilians Wounded After a Targeted Attack in Nangahar Province" »

Team Effort Saves Lives of Local Afghans After IED Blast

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan – After the initial call reported one man with lacerations to his leg, a laceration turned out to be an amputation and one patient grew to nine.

Continue reading "Team Effort Saves Lives of Local Afghans After IED Blast" »

Haqqani Commander Captured, Several Insurgents Killed in Paktiya Yesterday

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and captured a Haqqani Network commander in Paktiya yesterday. The commander was in charge of two insurgent cells, which regularly carried out ambushes and mortar attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Haqqani Commander Captured, Several Insurgents Killed in Paktiya Yesterday" »

Afghan-led Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Commander in Khost

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force continued to target Haqqani Network insurgents operating in the Khost-Gardez (K-G) Pass last night, this time focusing on a senior Haqqani commander who reportedly received approximately 120 improvised explosive devices for planned attacks during the upcoming elections.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Commander in Khost" »

Several Insurgents Killed, Two Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Kunar

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained two suspected insurgents in Kunar province last night while in pursuit of a top Taliban commander with ties to senior al-Qaida leaders in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Continue reading "Several Insurgents Killed, Two Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Kunar" »

Taliban Commander, Several Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Force in Kandahar

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province last night including a Taliban commander involved in improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander, Several Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Force in Kandahar" »

Combined Operation Secures Nuristan Villages

KABUL- Afghan National Army soldiers, with support from their coalition force partners, executed ground attacks on the towns of Bachancha and Badmuk Monday, clearing them of Taliban fighters and disrupting insurgent operations throughout the region.

Continue reading "Combined Operation Secures Nuristan Villages" »

Afghan and Combined Forces Recover Weapons Cache in Ghazni

KABUL- Sunday, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) with International Security Assistance Force partners conducted an operation to recover a suspected weapons cache in Jaghatu district, Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Combined Forces Recover Weapons Cache in Ghazni" »

Taliban Use Mosque to Hide Weapons Cache

KABUL - Afghan National Army soldiers, partnered with U.S. Special Operations Forces, uncovered multiple weapons caches in eastern Zabul province Saturday.

Continue reading "Taliban Use Mosque to Hide Weapons Cache" »

August 1, 2010

2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Unphased by First IED Attack

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, walked away from one of their first roadside bomb attacks unharmed, when a mine-resistant, ambush-protective vehicle was hit during a routine personnel convoy July 27, in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Unphased by First IED Attack" »

Regional Stability Shura Allows Leadership Throughout Helmand to Address Challenges Together

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — Afghan, coalition, military and civilian leadership from throughout the Helmand province gathered together for a regional stability shura at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Afghanistan, July 26.

Continue reading "Regional Stability Shura Allows Leadership Throughout Helmand to Address Challenges Together" »

Obama says war goals modest in Afghanistan

By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Aug 1, 2010 14:45:32 EDT

WASHINGTON — As the war in Afghanistan faces a loss of public and congressional support and U.S. casualties rise sharply, the Obama administration is painting its goals for the war as humble and achievable while warning there is no quick fix.

Continue reading "Obama says war goals modest in Afghanistan" »

Taliban in Laghman Province Plan to Increase Attacks on Civilians to Disrupt Elections

KABUL, Afghanistan –Taliban plan to increase voter intimidation in the eastern Afghanistan district of Alishang in Laghman province in an attempt to suppress and disrupt the Afghan national assembly parliamentary elections scheduled for September, according to an intelligence report.

Continue reading "Taliban in Laghman Province Plan to Increase Attacks on Civilians to Disrupt Elections" »

Afghanistan: In Marjah, US forces battle for hearts and minds

Months after the invasion of Marjah, few signs of progress.

COMBAT OUTPOST COUTU, Afghanistan — The stomach turning “thud” of an exploding homemade bomb on a recent hot July afternoon blew into the small villages and across the wheat fields that make up Lima Company’s area of operations in northern Marjah.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: In Marjah, US forces battle for hearts and minds" »

'Wounded Warrior’ Facility Helps Injured Marines Get Back to the Fight

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Frank Martin had only been in Afghanistan a few days when a 60-pound improvised explosive device detonated while he and his squad were on their first foot patrol in northern Marjah, hurling him into the air.

Continue reading "'Wounded Warrior’ Facility Helps Injured Marines Get Back to the Fight" »

Afghan Casualties in Maiwand IED Incident

KABUL, Afghanistan – At least two civilians were killed and eleven others wounded today in Maiwand district from an improvised explosive device strike.

Continue reading "Afghan Casualties in Maiwand IED Incident" »

ISAF Condemns Attack on Civilians Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide attack killed an Arbaki leader, as well as a member of the Afghan National Police and wounded four more civilians at a sports field in Kunduz City in northern Afghanistan yesterday.

Continue reading "ISAF Condemns Attack on Civilians Kunduz" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Kills One Insurgent in Kabul

KABUL - An Afghan-led security force killed one insurgent during a deliberate clearing operation conducted after intelligence indicated the Kabul Attack Network was planning a double suicide bombing attack in Kabul City.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Kills One Insurgent in Kabul" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Tallies Another Successful Month in Afghanistan

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces spent the month of July continuing to capture and kill key Taliban and Haqqani insurgent leaders associated with the facilitation of improvised explosives device and suicide attacks, as well as the facilitation of foreign fighters against coalition and Afghan troops.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Tallies Another Successful Month in Afghanistan" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Detains One Suspected Insurgent in Khost

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent in Khost province last night in the continued search for a Haqqani improvised explosive device material and an attack facilitator within the province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Detains One Suspected Insurgent in Khost" »

Family Members of Killed Afghan Police Thanked for Sacrifices

NAWA, Afghanistan — During a brief meeting at the Nawa District Center Police Station, Afghanistan, Marine representatives thanked and offered condolence payments July 17, to family members of three Afghanistan National Police officers killed in the past two weeks.

Continue reading "Family Members of Killed Afghan Police Thanked for Sacrifices" »

Marines, Corpsmen Provide Medical Support So Afghans Can Help Afghans

AYNAK SCHOOL, Afghanistan — As squads of Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers marched their way past the line of small Afghan stores, shopkeeper Mohammad Wali wondered what was happening.

Continue reading "Marines, Corpsmen Provide Medical Support So Afghans Can Help Afghans" »

U.S. trying to shield Afghans named in leak

By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Aug 1, 2010 12:13:28 EDT

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. military officer says the Pentagon is trying to protect Afghans who may be at risk from Taliban retaliation following the publication of tens of thousands of secret war documents.

Continue reading "U.S. trying to shield Afghans named in leak" »

July 31, 2010

Afghan National Border Police Improve Marksmen Skills

CAMP MIKE SPANN, Afghanistan -- The Afghan National Border Police recently took the opportunity to train with Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, on Camp Shaheen in Northern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan National Border Police Improve Marksmen Skills" »

A Time for Sergeants

COIN Success at the Company and Platoon Level in Afghanistan

“How do you eat an elephant?”
The answer: “One bite at a time.”
Afghan Proverb


Continue reading "A Time for Sergeants" »

Afghan Community Turning on Taliban, Assisting Afghan and Coalition Forces

ZABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition officials said citizens and storeowners in Zabul province are tired of the Taliban’s presence and are taking necessary steps to disrupt their activities.

Continue reading "Afghan Community Turning on Taliban, Assisting Afghan and Coalition Forces" »

Afghan National Security Forces Renew Commitment to Stabilizing Logar Province

KABUL, Afghanistan – Nestled in the mountainous and rough terrain of eastern Afghanistan’s Logar province is the Charkh district. With an elevation of more than 6,900 feet above sea level, the district is known for its severe winters that cause villagers to be isolated for long periods. But according to Afghan officials, it’s quickly becoming a haven for the Taliban and other insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghan National Security Forces Renew Commitment to Stabilizing Logar Province" »

Afghan Civilian Killed During ISAF Operations

KABUL - Coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan Wednesday were attacked by insurgents with small arms fire. After identifying the source of the attack, they returned fire causing the insurgents to flee from the area.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilian Killed During ISAF Operations" »

Targeted Killing Is New U.S. Focus in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — When President Obama announced his new war plan for Afghanistan last year, the centerpiece of the strategy — and a big part of the rationale for sending 30,000 additional troops — was to safeguard the Afghan people, provide them with a competent government and win their allegiance.

Continue reading "Targeted Killing Is New U.S. Focus in Afghanistan" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Facilitator in Khost

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force continued to target Haqqani Network insurgents in Khost province last night, this time focusing on a Haqqani weapons and improvised explosive device material facilitator in the village of Warghah.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Facilitator in Khost" »

Two Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Zabul province overnight while in pursuit of the Taliban deputy commander for restive Shah Joy district.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Zabul" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Detain Several Suspected Insurgents in Kandahar

KABUL - An Afghan-led security force detained several suspected insurgents and destroyed an active improvised explosive device and three mortar rounds during a two-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the enemy in what was historically a Taliban safe haven used to stage attacks into Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Detain Several Suspected Insurgents in Kandahar" »

July 30, 2010

UN sanctions dropped against 5 senior Taliban

UNITED NATIONS, July 30 (Reuters) - Five Taliban have been struck off a U.N. Security Council list of militants subject to sanctions -- a move sought by Kabul to ease reconciliation talks with insurgents, the United Nations said on Friday.

Continue reading "UN sanctions dropped against 5 senior Taliban" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue More Than 2,000 Civilians Affected by Flooding

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition members from the Combined Air Power Transition Force teamed up Wednesday and Thursday to rescue more than 2,000 Afghan citizens from flooding in the Nangahar and Kunar provinces.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue More Than 2,000 Civilians Affected by Flooding" »

Panjshir ANP Hosts Local Media Event

The Shutol District Afghan National Police Station in Panjshir hosted their first media event showcasing Afghan police conducting training here July 21.

Continue reading "Panjshir ANP Hosts Local Media Event" »

Official Rejects Claim WikiLeaks Offered Document Review

WASHINGTON - A claim by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange that the U.S. government had an opportunity to review stolen military documents published on the group's website is untrue, a Pentagon spokesman said July 30.

Continue reading "Official Rejects Claim WikiLeaks Offered Document Review" »

Citizens Report Weapons Caches in Charikar

Afghan National Police, with assistance from Coalition Forces, recovered two weapons caches in the town of Charikar July 26.

Continue reading "Citizens Report Weapons Caches in Charikar" »

Forces in Afghanistan Capture Suspected Insurgents

WASHINGTON - Afghan and coalition forces captured numerous suspected insurgents in recent operations in Afghanistan, and insurgents have continued killing civilians as they seek to intimidate the population, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Forces in Afghanistan Capture Suspected Insurgents" »

Afghan Leaders One Step Closer to Peace With 'Voice of East Paktika' Jirga

KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 1,500 Afghan nationals attended the Voice of East Paktika Jirga July 29 to discuss peace and tribal security in the seven northern districts of Paktika province.

Continue reading "Afghan Leaders One Step Closer to Peace With 'Voice of East Paktika' Jirga" »

British troops launch biggest offensive of summer in Afghanistan

Hundreds of British troops on Friday launched their biggest offensive of the summer to wrest a Taliban stronghold in Helmand from insurgent control.

Operation Tor Shezada, or Black Prince, began in the early hours of Friday with helicopters carrying soldiers deep into rebel-held territory in the southern tip of Nad-e-Ali district in Helmand.

Continue reading "British troops launch biggest offensive of summer in Afghanistan" »

Aghan Women Killed Indiscriminately in Explosion

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan civilian woman and girl were killed and another girl wounded in an explosion in Kandahar, July 30.

Continue reading "Aghan Women Killed Indiscriminately in Explosion" »

Insurgent Killing of Civilians With Election Ties Continue

KABUL, Afghanistan -- On July 29, the son of an election campaign chief for a parliamentary candidate and another civilian will killed in an insurgent ambush as they travelled between Nazdara District and Koh-e Safi District.

Continue reading "Insurgent Killing of Civilians With Election Ties Continue" »

Insurgent Killing of Civilians With Election Ties Continue

KABUL, Afghanistan -- On July 29, the son of an election campaign chief for a parliamentary candidate and another civilian will killed in an insurgent ambush as they travelled between Nazdara District and Koh-e Safi District.

Continue reading "Insurgent Killing of Civilians With Election Ties Continue" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Captures Haqqani Commander in Paktiya

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained four suspected insurgents in Paktiya province last night including a Haqqani Network sub-commander who facilitates the movement of weapons into Gardez district.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Captures Haqqani Commander in Paktiya" »

Three Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Security Force in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained three suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a senior Taliban tactical commander who regularly conducts kidnappings and intimidation campaigns against innocent Afghan civilians.

Continue reading "Three Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan-led Security Force in Helmand" »

Taliban Helpless Against Floods While Afghan Air Force Saves Thousands

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Crouched low against the beating winds, Afghan civilians trudge quickly through knee deep muddy fields to the relative safety of a waiting Mi-17 transport helicopter, courtesy of the Afghan Air Force. Bringing only what they could carry, villagers from the Laghman, Nangahar and Kunar provinces sought refuge from the severe flooding that had struck the region, almost overnight. The Taliban maintain a strong presence in the Kunar region and routinely use surface-to-air fire against low flying helicopters, yet heedless of this threat Brig. Gen. Muhammad Barat Kabul Air Wing Commander --assisted by NATO allies-- launched two Mi-17 helicopters, solely tasked to help as many as they could.

Continue reading "Taliban Helpless Against Floods While Afghan Air Force Saves Thousands" »

Hearts and mind hard to reach in Afghan valley

SAIDON KALACHEH, Afghanistan, July 30 (Reuters) - Defeating insurgents in Afghanistan's volatile Arghandab Valley would take time, but there were now enough U.S. and Afghan troops to defeat the Taliban, the area's U.S. commander says.

Continue reading "Hearts and mind hard to reach in Afghan valley" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Detains Three Suspected Insurgents in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained three suspected insurgents in Khost province last night while in pursuit of a Haqqani improvised explosive device material and attack facilitator within the province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Detains Three Suspected Insurgents in Khost" »

Insurgents Kill 13 Civilians, Wound 4 in Attacks Throughout Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents killed 13 Afghan civilians and wounded four more in attacks throughout Afghanistan yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill 13 Civilians, Wound 4 in Attacks Throughout Afghanistan" »

July 29, 2010

Mystery deepens over why sailors left base

By Amir Shah and Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jul 29, 2010 21:49:19 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The discovery of the body of a second sailor who vanished in Afghanistan last week only deepened the mystery of the men's disappearance nearly 60 miles from their base in a dangerous area controlled by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Mystery deepens over why sailors left base" »

Witness Says Leaked Reports Don't Tell Full Story

As an embedded reporter, Noah Shachtman witnessed one of the battles described in classified documents released on WikiLeaks. While he was patrol with the Marines of Echo company in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, a firefight broke out.

Continue reading "Witness Says Leaked Reports Don't Tell Full Story" »

Landmark Public Trial Successfully Held in Khost Province; Two Kidnappers Sentenced to 16-years

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- A public trial for two-accused Afghan kidnappers was held in the Khost Provincial Court, marking a significant step forward in Afghanistan’s progression toward implementing the Rule-of-Law and solidifying a legal process for the accused.

Continue reading "Landmark Public Trial Successfully Held in Khost Province; Two Kidnappers Sentenced to 16-years" »

For GIs in Afghanistan, success comes slowly

By William M. Welch - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Jul 29, 2010 20:47:27 EDT

KUKARAN, Afghanistan — The soldiers of Bravo Company walk past windowless, mud-walled homes and mosques as children go by carrying cans filled with water.

Continue reading "For GIs in Afghanistan, success comes slowly" »

Afghan Man Killed in Crossfire

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces operating just outside Lashkar Gah in southern Afghanistan were attacked by insurgents with small arms, July 28. ISAF forces gained positive identification of the enemy and returned small arms fire.

Continue reading "Afghan Man Killed in Crossfire" »

Afghan and Combined Force Recover Weapons Cache in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (July 29) - On Wednesday, July 28, Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners conducted an operation to recover a suspected weapons cache in Ghazni district, in Ghazni province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Combined Force Recover Weapons Cache in Eastern Afghanistan" »

Allegations of Quran Desecration and Disrespect in Tarin Kot

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF task force looked into allegations of Quran desecration in Tarin Kot, Uruzgan province following allegations in the media.

Continue reading "Allegations of Quran Desecration and Disrespect in Tarin Kot" »

Afghan president asks why allies won't act on Pakistan

KABUL, July 29 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai questioned on Thursday the willingness of his Western allies to strike insurgent bases in Pakistan given the strong evidence of Islamabad's support for the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghan president asks why allies won't act on Pakistan" »

ISAF JOINS PRESIDENT KARZAI, CONDEMNS ROADSIDE BOMB ATTACK

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning a roadside bomb attack which resulted in the deaths of 25 Afghans in Southern Afghanistan yesterday.

Continue reading "ISAF JOINS PRESIDENT KARZAI, CONDEMNS ROADSIDE BOMB ATTACK" »

Insurgents Kill 6 More Civilians, Wound 3 More in IED Strikes

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents killed six more Afghan civilians and wounded three more in improvised explosive device attacks in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill 6 More Civilians, Wound 3 More in IED Strikes" »

Afghan Civilian Killed During ISAF Operations

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan yesterday were attacked by insurgents with small arms. After indentifying the point of origin, ISAF forces returned fire with small arms and mortar rounds.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilian Killed During ISAF Operations" »

Afghan-led Security Forces Roll Up Several Insurgent Leaders in Afghanistan This Week

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured several Haqqani Network leaders and numerous Talban leaders in Afghanistan this week including a member of the Kabul Attack Network, and many who were involved in improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Security Forces Roll Up Several Insurgent Leaders in Afghanistan This Week" »

July 28, 2010

A Day in the Life: Wardak, Afghanistan

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

Wardak outpost is a small camp for a dozen Marines from Kilo company's 1st Platoon, 3rd Squad. It is built in the corner of a field with an irrigation ditch running along one side, and trees that provide welcome shade in the summer heat.

Continue reading "A Day in the Life: Wardak, Afghanistan" »

Tajikistan sees decline in Afghan drug volumes

DUSHANBE, July 28 (Reuters) - Tajikistan expects a decline in the volume of drugs trafficked from neighbouring Afghanistan this year due to more effective policing and the fungus that has attacked the opium poppy crop, an official said on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Tajikistan sees decline in Afghan drug volumes" »

Tonga to send 275 troops to Afghanistan

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga — Tonga government has agreed to deploy 275 soldiers to Afghanistan over the next two years at the request of the British government.

Continue reading "Tonga to send 275 troops to Afghanistan" »

Roadside bomb kills 25 civilians in Afghan west

HERAT, July 28 (Reuters) - At least 25 civilians were killed when their bus was hit by a roadside bomb on Wednesday in western Afghanistan, the provincial governor said

Continue reading "Roadside bomb kills 25 civilians in Afghan west" »

Special forces relieve pressure in Afghan valley

OUTPOST NOLEN, Afghanistan, July 28 (Reuters) - Elite U.S. special forces soldiers are relieving insurgent pressure on American outposts in the volatile Arghandab Valley with a series of night attacks on suspected Taliban hideouts.

Continue reading "Special forces relieve pressure in Afghan valley" »

Judges at Public Trial Give 20 Years for Impersonating ANP, Robbery

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – At a public trial held in the Governor’s Compound in Asadabad here, July 27, Hafizullah Said Wali was convicted of impersonating an Afghan National Police officer, installing a false checkpoint along the main road from Asadabad to the Pech Valley, and robbing travelers.

Continue reading "Judges at Public Trial Give 20 Years for Impersonating ANP, Robbery" »

ISAF Unmanned Air Vehicle Lost

KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force unmanned aerial vehicle went down in Kunduz province, July 28.

Continue reading "ISAF Unmanned Air Vehicle Lost" »

Insurgents Kill 2 Civilians, Wound 15 in IED Strikes

KABUL - Insurgents killed two Afghan civilians and wounded 15 more in improvised explosive device attacks throughout Afghanistan yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill 2 Civilians, Wound 15 in IED Strikes" »

Insurgent IEDs Kill and Injure Numerous Civilians in Two Attacks

KABUL, Afghanistan - Numerous Afghan civilians were killed and injured today in two separate improvised explosive device attacks in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Insurgent IEDs Kill and Injure Numerous Civilians in Two Attacks" »

July 27, 2010

ANA, Coalition Forces Treat Three IED Victims in Badghis Province

BADGHIS, Afghanistan – Coalition officials said three Afghan civilian, including a 14-year-old boy, were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded in Darrah-I-Bum village in Badghis province today. The IED was emplaced in a wadi, a dry riverbed at the base of a valley, at a crossing point used by local citizens.

Continue reading "ANA, Coalition Forces Treat Three IED Victims in Badghis Province" »

Afghan Civilian Killed, Two Injured by IED in Zabul

ZABUL, Afghanistan – One Afghan civilian woman was killed and two others were injured, including a 4-year-old girl, when an improvised explosive device detonated near Shin Kai village, in Zabul province July 27.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilian Killed, Two Injured by IED in Zabul" »

Civilian Casualty Allegations in Logar, False

KABUL, Afghanistan - On July 26, International Security Assistance Force was made aware of allegations in the media regarding a civilian casualty incident in the vicinity of Charkh District, Logar province.

Continue reading "Civilian Casualty Allegations in Logar, False" »

Pentagon still seeking ID of document leaker

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 9:19:36 EDT

WASHINGTON — A Pentagon spokesman says the military has launched "a very robust investigation" into the leak of Afghanistan war secrets but doesn't know who's responsible.

Continue reading "Pentagon still seeking ID of document leaker" »

Hit list draws fire in wake of leaked papers

By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 9:20:26 EDT

WASHINGTON — When it comes to war, killing the enemy is an accepted fact. Even amid the sensation of the WikiLeaks.org revelations, that stark reality lies at the core of new charges that some American military commando operations may have amounted to war crimes.

Continue reading "Hit list draws fire in wake of leaked papers" »

U.S. braces for fallout from war disclosures

By Kimberly Dozier - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 11:02:00 EDT

WASHINGTON — Intelligence officials, past and present, are raising concerns that the WikiLeaks.org revelations could endanger U.S. counterterror networks in the Afghan region, and damage information sharing with U.S. allies.

Continue reading "U.S. braces for fallout from war disclosures" »

LAPD trains Marines, preps them for Taliban

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 17:11:49 EDT

A tough-talking, muscular Los Angeles police sergeant steadily rattled off tips to a young Marine officer riding shotgun as they raced in a patrol car to a drug bust: Be aware of your surroundings. Watch people’s body language. Build rapport.

Continue reading "LAPD trains Marines, preps them for Taliban" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Detained, One Killed by Afghan-led Forces in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents and killed one in Logar province during offensive clearing operations over the last 24 hours.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Detained, One Killed by Afghan-led Forces in Logar" »

Taliban Expands Intimidation Efforts

KABUL, Afghanistan - According to detailed ISAF records and intelligence reports, Taliban intimidation and brutality towards the Afghan population increased markedly in recent weeks. Partnered Afghan National Security Forces and international forces actions continue to deny the insurgents any significant operational successes.

Continue reading "Taliban Expands Intimidation Efforts" »

New Simulators Give Afghans the Edge

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Combined Air Power Transition Force, a joint force of NATO nations, charged with developing the Afghan Air Force has acquired new flight simulator equipment and software as part of the concentrated effort to develop viable Afghan pilot candidates to be sent overseas, primarily to the United States, for intensive military flight training. The simulator package will add a new level of excitement and proficiency to the preparatory training being conducted by CAPTF at the Afghan Air Force base in Kabul.

Continue reading "New Simulators Give Afghans the Edge" »

Afghan-led Force Captures Taliban Commander, Suspected Insurgents Dressed As Women

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and several additional suspected insurgents in Paktika province last night.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Captures Taliban Commander, Suspected Insurgents Dressed As Women" »

Insurgent’s IEDs Strike Civilians in Badghis Province

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four Afghan civilians were injured by two separate improvised explosive devices in Badghis province Saturday. ISAF medics responded to the incidents.

Continue reading "Insurgent’s IEDs Strike Civilians in Badghis Province" »

ANSF Continues to Secure Barg-e Matal

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with support from their coalition partners continued to secure Barg-e Matal on Tuesday.

Continue reading "ANSF Continues to Secure Barg-e Matal" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar by Afghan-led Force

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar last night while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander who targets Afghan civilians working with coalition forces. He is also linked to suicide attacks against Afghan civilians throughout Kandahar province.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar by Afghan-led Force" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Conducts Precision Strikes in Paktiya

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted multiple precision strikes in Paktiya province yesterday targeting the senior Haqqani Network commander for Khost-Gardez pass responsible for the overall command and control of all Haqqani and foreign fighter camps in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Conducts Precision Strikes in Paktiya" »

Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand last night while in pursuit of a senior Taliban commander and member of the Nawa Military Commission. He is responsible for decisions involving military operations and matters of governance within the Taliban-controlled areas of Nawah-ye Barakzai District.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand" »

Insurgents Kill 6 Civilians, Kidnap Government Official

KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents killed six Afghan civilians, wounded two more and kidnapped an Afghan government official in the Siahgird District of Parwan province yesterday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Kill 6 Civilians, Kidnap Government Official" »

July 26, 2010

Afghans and NATO Differ on Civilian Deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan officials said Monday that 52 people were killed in southern Afghanistan on Friday when a rocket fired by coalition forces slammed into a house where women and children had taken shelter from fighting between NATO troops and militants. But American officials disputed the account.

Continue reading "Afghans and NATO Differ on Civilian Deaths" »

Helicopter Lands Hard in Afghanistan; Operations Continue

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON - An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a hard landing along the perimeter of a coalition force camp in Kabul province, Afghanistan, today.

Continue reading "Helicopter Lands Hard in Afghanistan; Operations Continue" »

Joint Investigation Underway in Sangin

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint investigation by NATO International Security Assistance Force and the Afghan government into allegations of civilian casualties near the village of Rigi in Helmand province, July 23, has thus far revealed no evidence of civilians injured or killed.

Continue reading "Joint Investigation Underway in Sangin" »

WikiLeaks: More documents coming on Afghan war

By Deb Riechmann - Associated Press Writer
Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 12:27:47 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Clearly pointing a finger at Pakistan, the Afghan government said Monday that the 91,000 leaked U.S. military documents verify Afghanistan's long-held view that the war won't end until terrorist sanctuaries in neighboring nations are shut down.

Continue reading "WikiLeaks: More documents coming on Afghan war" »

Mullen Attends Kandahar Meeting, Visits Local Police

CAMP NATHAN SMITH, Afghanistan - "We have left [Afghanistan] before," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said to Kandahar community leaders here today. "It didn't work."

Continue reading "Mullen Attends Kandahar Meeting, Visits Local Police" »

Chairman of Joint Chiefs Discusses Afghan Development, Security

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the International Security Assistance Force’s mission of developing a secure and stable Afghanistan at a press conference held today at the New Government Media and Information Center.

Continue reading "Chairman of Joint Chiefs Discusses Afghan Development, Security" »

Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Ongoing Pursuit of Taliban Commander Accused of Atrocities in Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force continued their hunt for a Taliban commander who coordinates attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces in the village of Abdol Qadar Kalay in Qalat. Two suspected insurgents were detained in an operation in Zabul province, July 26.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Ongoing Pursuit of Taliban Commander Accused of Atrocities in Zabul" »

Afghan-led Force Kills One, Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and detained several other suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban bomb maker who profits from the trafficking of improvised explosive device materials, weapons and ammunition throughout the province.

Continue reading "Afghan-led Force Kills One, Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand" »

One Suspected Insurgent Captured, One Killed by Afghan-led Forces in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained one suspected insurgent and killed one in Logar province last night during offensive clearing operations.

Continue reading "One Suspected Insurgent Captured, One Killed by Afghan-led Forces in Logar" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Sub-commander in Nangarhar

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Nangarhar province yesterday including a Taliban sub-commander operating in Khugyani District who was linked to several attacks against coalition forces including a rocket attack on Jalalabad Airfield on Christmas day last year.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Sub-commander in Nangarhar" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Several Insurgents, Wounds Two in Ghazni

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces killed several insurgents and wounded two in Ghazni province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who operates mainly in the Mota Khan district of Paktika province. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Kills Several Insurgents, Wounds Two in Ghazni" »

First Person: Estancia grad, Marine describes life in Afghanistan

Editor's note: Lance Cpl. Christopher Robert Perkins, a 2003 graduate of Estancia High School in Costa Mesa, sent the Daily Pilot a brief account of his duties and experiences as a Marine helicopter maintenance worker currently in Afghanistan with the HMH-363 unit. Perkins says he misses the Orange County Fair and would rather be there now than in the "dirt" in Afghanistan. He joined the Marines in March 2008, and recently ran into a 2004 Estancia High graduate, Cpl. Ian Paul Morton, on base.

Continue reading "First Person: Estancia grad, Marine describes life in Afghanistan" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Find Burned-out Village in Nuristan

NURISTAN, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition officials said a partnered force found several buildings in the village of Barg-e Matal, Nuristan province, destroyed in the late evening hours of July 25.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Find Burned-out Village in Nuristan" »

Afghans Take First Step Toward Stabilizing Communities

FARAH, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition officials said villagers in Pusht-e Rod district, Farah province, have taken up arms against insurgent forces in their villages during the past month and forced Taliban fighters out of their areas.

Continue reading "Afghans Take First Step Toward Stabilizing Communities" »

Lejeune Marine dies in Afghanistan

Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 17:51:09 EDT

A North Carolina-based Marine died last Saturday in Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department.

Continue reading "Lejeune Marine dies in Afghanistan" »

3rd MAW helo pilots killed in Helmand province

Staff report
Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 18:58:57 EDT

Two Marine helicopter pilots were killed last Thursday during combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, the Defense Department announced Monday.

Continue reading "3rd MAW helo pilots killed in Helmand province" »

Afghan businesses accused of stealing fuel

KABUL, Afghanistan — Two ex-soldiers and two Afghan companies schemed to steal $1.6 million of fuel from a military base, the U.S. military disclosed Monday as an example of its efforts to root out shady dealings in the contracting business in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan businesses accused of stealing fuel" »

Pentagon attempts to assess WikiLeaks damage

By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 16:13:33 EDT

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon said Monday it was trying to assess the damage caused by the leak of some 91,000 classified documents on the Afghanistan war.

Continue reading "Pentagon attempts to assess WikiLeaks damage" »

Fast food may return to bases in Afghanistan

Petraeus ‘seriously considering’ reversing order

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 26, 2010 17:42:55 EDT

Burger King, Pizza Hut and Subway may be coming back to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Fast food may return to bases in Afghanistan" »

July 25, 2010

Fallen EOD Marine ‘laid Down His Life for Others’

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – A crowd of service members, civilians and friends gathered for a memorial service July 25 to honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28, of Moose Pass, Alaska, who died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Fallen EOD Marine ‘laid Down His Life for Others’" »

Mission Unchanged in Afghanistan, Mullen Says

KABUL, Afghanistan - The U.S. mission in Afghanistan has not changed, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said at a news conference at the Government Media Information Center here.

Continue reading "Mission Unchanged in Afghanistan, Mullen Says" »

New Command Headquarters Opened for Afghan Commandos

KABUL, Afghanistan - Leadership from both Afghan and U.S. forces celebrated the opening of the 1st Commando Brigade building annex with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Camp Morehead recently.

Continue reading "New Command Headquarters Opened for Afghan Commandos" »

ISAF Investigates Civilian Death in Kunar

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force officials are investigating an incident that occurred July 23 near the town of Khaki Bandeh in the Watapur District of Kunar province that resulted in the death of an Afghan civilian. Three other civilians were wounded.

Continue reading "ISAF Investigates Civilian Death in Kunar" »

Pittston native works magic in Afghanistan

Philip Russo is a civilian employee of the Marine Corps at Camp Leatherneck

For his next trick Philip Russo will turn 1,200 acres of Afghan desert into a city for 14,000 residents. Oh wait, he’s already done that one.

Continue reading "Pittston native works magic in Afghanistan" »

Little Outpost, Big Mission: Camp Bala Hissar Keeps Eyes on Kabul

BALA HISSAR, Afghanistan – What was once the site of a fifth century Afghan citadel overlooking Kabul, is now home to a small contingent of Afghan and U.S. military personnel who keep a modern-day eye on the capital.

Continue reading "Little Outpost, Big Mission: Camp Bala Hissar Keeps Eyes on Kabul" »

Afghan Commandos Clear Village, Kill Large Group of Insurgents in Nuristan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos, assisted by U.S. Special Operations Forces, killed a large group of insurgent fighters while pursuing a known Taliban network in Nuristan province July 23.

Continue reading "Afghan Commandos Clear Village, Kill Large Group of Insurgents in Nuristan" »

After Gains in Gizab, Afghan Villagers Seek Local Defense in Uruzgan

KABUL- Coalition officials in Uruzgan province said a group of local men visited a forward operating base Wednesday to discuss the need for better security in area villages.

Continue reading "After Gains in Gizab, Afghan Villagers Seek Local Defense in Uruzgan" »

Haqqani Sub-commander Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Khost

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Khost province last night including a Haqqani Network sub-commander responsible for coordinating and conducting improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces in the region.

Continue reading "Haqqani Sub-commander Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Khost" »

Two Suspected Insurgents Captured by Afghan and Coalition Forces in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained two suspected insurgents in Logar province last night during offensive clearing operations.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Insurgents Captured by Afghan and Coalition Forces in Logar" »

Taliban IED Cell Leader, Several Suspected Insurgents Captured in Kandahar

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night including a Taliban improvised explosive device cell leader operating in the Sanjeray area.

Continue reading "Taliban IED Cell Leader, Several Suspected Insurgents Captured in Kandahar" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander for Nad 'Ali district.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Helmand" »

Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander, who coordinates attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces. He also orchestrated kidnappings of Afghan government officials, Afghan National Security Forces and civilians in the Qalat district.

Continue reading "Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Zabul" »

ANP Officers Attacked at Illegal Checkpoint

KABUL - An Afghan National Police Special Response Team killed several insurgents at an illegal checkpoint along Highway 1 in Wardak province Friday.

Continue reading "ANP Officers Attacked at Illegal Checkpoint" »

July 24, 2010

ANA, Coalition Forces Establish GIRoA Presence in Herat Province

HERAT PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Improving Afghan governance, infrastructure and economy require a concerted effort and the Afghan and Coalition forces operating in Herat province are focused and determined to improve the quality of life for the people there.

Continue reading "ANA, Coalition Forces Establish GIRoA Presence in Herat Province" »

Afghan and Combined Force Recover Weapons Cache in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - On July 23, Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners conducted an operation to recover a suspected weapons cache in Surobi District in Kabul province.

Continue reading "Afghan and Combined Force Recover Weapons Cache in Kabul" »

Marines focusing on progress

Three from Camp Pendleton report from front lines

Much is lost in war even when you think you are winning it, the Marines serving duty in southwestern Afghanistan have found.

Continue reading "Marines focusing on progress" »

NATO: 2 American troops missing in Afghanistan

By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jul 24, 2010 11:30:56 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Two U.S. troops are missing in eastern Afghanistan, a military official said Saturday. An Afghan official said one may have been killed and the other taken hostage by the Taliban.

Continue reading "NATO: 2 American troops missing in Afghanistan" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents, Kills Two in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed two armed men and detained several suspected insurgents in Khost province last night while in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator for remote controlled improvised explosive devices who also plans and conducts attacks against coalition forces in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents, Kills Two in Khost" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander involved in improvised explosive device attacks against coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Paktika" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Baghlan

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Baghlan province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban district commander for Baghlan-e Jadid District and a Taliban military commander in charge of numerous insurgent fighters.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Baghlan" »

Civilian Casualty Allegations

KABUL - ISAF is aware of allegations in the media regarding a civilian casualty incident in the vicinity of Sangin, Helmand province.

Continue reading "Civilian Casualty Allegations" »

First Afghan Air Traffic Controllers on Duty at Kabul International Airport

KABUL - Sitting at their stations inside the control tower, Gh Masoom Masoomi and Milad Hazrati wait for an inbound flight to touchdown at Kabul International Airport. In nearly any other country this would not be significant -- but in Afghanistan it's a sign of progress. Masoomi and Hazrati are the first fully-qualified Afghan air traffic controllers in the country.

Continue reading "First Afghan Air Traffic Controllers on Duty at Kabul International Airport" »

Kandahar Regional Military Hospital Provides First Class Care

Kandahar province, Afghanistan – With highly trained medical personnel operating a 60-bed facility and intensive care unit, Kandahar Regional Military Hospital has set the standard for hospital care throughout Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Kandahar Regional Military Hospital Provides First Class Care" »

Afghan, U.S. Forces Locate, Destroy 14 IEDs in Badghis

KABUL- Afghan National Army soldiers, assisted by members of a Marine Corps Special Operations Team, found and destroyed 14 improvised explosive devices in Badghis province July 18.

Continue reading "Afghan, U.S. Forces Locate, Destroy 14 IEDs in Badghis" »

July 23, 2010

Commander Praises Afghan Forces' Efforts During Kabul Meetings

WASHINGTON - A senior U.S. military commander in Afghanistan praised the work performed by Afghan security forces during the international meetings held in Kabul July 20.

Continue reading "Commander Praises Afghan Forces' Efforts During Kabul Meetings" »

Mass. governor in Afghanistan amid war-zone trip

BOSTON—Gov. Deval Patrick and four of his fellow state leaders received a briefing Friday from Gen. David Petraeus as they stopped in Afghanistan amid a tour of the Middle East war zone.

Continue reading "Mass. governor in Afghanistan amid war-zone trip" »

Afghan Police Learn to Protect and Serve

WASHINGTON - Afghan Ministry of Interior officials recognize that their nation needs a professional, values-based police force, so they are working with NATO's training mission in Afghanistan to embed a code of ethics into the foundation of the country's police education system.

Continue reading "Afghan Police Learn to Protect and Serve" »

Marines Help Afghan Locals Build Better Life

Blackanthem Military News
COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan - In a small village in southern Afghanistan, locals are trying to find a better way of life. With help from Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Afghans are improving their area.

Continue reading "Marines Help Afghan Locals Build Better Life" »

Ex-Taliban spokesman captured in Afghanistan

By Amir Shah - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 23, 2010 8:42:25 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Several Taliban figures, including a former spokesman for the insurgents, have been captured in raids by coalition and Afghan forces across the country, military and government officials said Friday.

Continue reading "Ex-Taliban spokesman captured in Afghanistan" »

Afghan Forces Discover Large Quantity of IED-making Material

KABUL - An Afghan National Directorate of Security force discovered a large quantity of improvised explosive device making material in a rock quarry in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "Afghan Forces Discover Large Quantity of IED-making Material" »

Taliban Facilitator Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Nangarhar

KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province last night.

Continue reading "Taliban Facilitator Captured by Afghan and Coalition Force in Nangarhar" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Ghazni

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and provides operations support for the Taliban in the area.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Two Suspected Insurgents in Ghazni" »

Senior Taliban Commander Captured in Kandahar by Afghan and Coalition Force

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces struck at the Taliban leadership again in Kandahar overnight capturing a senior Taliban commander and member of the district Military Commission in Nad 'Ali, Helmand province who commands the movement of fighters and equipment through the Nad 'Ali District.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban Commander Captured in Kandahar by Afghan and Coalition Force" »

July 22, 2010

Friction among Afghans looms as challenge in south

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Lt. Col. Abdul Hadi, a police commander in Kandahar city, is a burly, bearded man who speaks quickly and bluntly. And he didn't mince words during a meeting with a young U.S. Army officer overseeing an infusion of elite Afghan security forces in his district.

Continue reading "Friction among Afghans looms as challenge in south" »

Afghan and Combined Force Reopens School in Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - On July 23 Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners officially reopened a school that had been closed for 12 months due to facilities falling into disrepair.

Continue reading "Afghan and Combined Force Reopens School in Zabul" »

Education Makes a Comeback in Helmand Province

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

HELMAND, AFGHANISTAN

"I used to regard kids as pests, when we were in Iraq," says Corporal Andrew Egan of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines.

Continue reading "Education Makes a Comeback in Helmand Province" »

Village Stability Leads to Security Gains and Development in Adirah

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition and Afghan forces operating in the Adirah region of Kandahar province are receiving broad levels of support from local citizens this month as a result of village stability operations and the associated new development projects in the region.

Continue reading "Village Stability Leads to Security Gains and Development in Adirah" »

Villagers Lead Commando and Coalition Troops to Weapons Cache

KABUL, Afghanistan - The 4th Kandak of Afghan commando troops, working with coalition special operations forces, acted on information from local villagers in Assis Abad village in the Shindand district of Herat province and discovered a large cache of insurgent weapons in the area.

Continue reading "Villagers Lead Commando and Coalition Troops to Weapons Cache" »

ISAF Provides Medical Assistance to Civilians Injured by IED

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF forces provided medical treatment to four injured Afghan civilians after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Gardez District, Paktiya province, yesterday.

Continue reading "ISAF Provides Medical Assistance to Civilians Injured by IED" »

Marine With Kitsap Ties Dies While Serving in Afghanistan

POULSBO — A Marine who grew up in Kitsap County and whose family still lives in the area died in Afghanistan on Sunday.

Continue reading "Marine With Kitsap Ties Dies While Serving in Afghanistan" »

Western Afghanistan Sees Reduction in Civilian Casualties

KABUL, Afghanistan - In western Afghanistan the incidence of civilian casualties due to combat operations is at an all time low. In every instance where a civilian casualty was caused by combat operations, it can be attributed to the violence of insurgents, according to statistics gathered by the U.S. Marine Special Operations Forces assigned to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. The numbers show fewer than 10 incidents of ISAF caused civilian casualties occurred in western Afghanistan since January 2010.

Continue reading "Western Afghanistan Sees Reduction in Civilian Casualties" »

Taliban Facilitator Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night including a Taliban logistics officer for the Taliban networks operating in Kandahar City last night.

Continue reading "Taliban Facilitator Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Kandahar" »

Kabul Attack Network-associated Attack Planner Captured in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces peacefully captured another Kabul Attack Network-associated facilitator in an overnight operation here last night.

Continue reading "Kabul Attack Network-associated Attack Planner Captured in Kabul" »

July 21, 2010

ANA 5th Kandak Graduation

Afghan National Army graduated an entire kandak of new soldiers from an intense 10-week training course conducted by the Consolidated Fielding Center during a ceremony at Pole-E Charki parade field July 21.

Continue reading "ANA 5th Kandak Graduation" »

Suspected Insurgent Detained in Helmand Overnight

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force detained a suspected insurgent in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a senior Taliban tactical commander who is known to direct Taliban fighters in improvised explosive device attacks. He also coordinates kidnappings and intimidation campaigns against Afghan civilians.

Continue reading "Suspected Insurgent Detained in Helmand Overnight" »

Face of Defense: Big Marine Unfazed by Enemy Bomb Blast

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Cpl. Matt Garst continues to do his job here, thanks to an enemy-emplaced roadside bomb that malfunctioned.

Continue reading "Face of Defense: Big Marine Unfazed by Enemy Bomb Blast" »

Afghan, International Force Kills Several Insurgents, Detain Several More in Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force killed several insurgents and detained several more in Kunduz province, July 20. The security force was in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and orders improvised explosive device and rocket attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Afghan, International Force Kills Several Insurgents, Detain Several More in Kunduz" »

Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Facilitator in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces continue to round up Taliban leaders who were considered a direct threat to the International Kabul Conference currently ongoing in the capital city.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Force Captures Taliban Facilitator in Kabul" »

Taliban say Kabul conference was a failure

By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 21, 2010 20:04:05 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban denounced this week’s international conference on Afghanistan’s future, saying the “vague and terrible agenda” shows that the U.S. and its allies intend to abandon the country and blame their ultimate defeat on the Afghan government.

Continue reading "Taliban say Kabul conference was a failure" »

Can Afghanistan be saved?

By William M. Welch and Jim Michaels - USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Jul 21, 2010 8:13:46 EDT

KALAKAN, Afghanistan — It was nearly nine years ago that Taliban fighters burned everything standing in this dusty village on the Shomali Plain as they fled for the mountains ahead of invading U.S. and allied troops.

Continue reading "Can Afghanistan be saved?" »

ISAF Condemns Beheading of Afghan Police by Insurgents

KABUL, Afghanistan - Six Afghan National Police were beheaded by insurgents in Dahanah-ye Ghori District, Baghlan province, yesterday.

Continue reading "ISAF Condemns Beheading of Afghan Police by Insurgents" »

ISAF Condemns Beheading of Afghan Police by Insurgents

KABUL, Afghanistan - Six Afghan National Police were beheaded by insurgents in Dahanah-ye Ghori District, Baghlan province, yesterday.

Continue reading "ISAF Condemns Beheading of Afghan Police by Insurgents" »

Marjah Shura Leads to Better Water Distribution

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan government officials and district elders held a community outreach shura Sunday in Marjah and came away more water for the district.

Continue reading "Marjah Shura Leads to Better Water Distribution" »

Marjah Shura Leads to Better Water Distribution

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan government officials and district elders held a community outreach shura Sunday in Marjah and came away more water for the district.

Continue reading "Marjah Shura Leads to Better Water Distribution" »

Shura Reveals Insurgent Abuse

KABUL, Afghanistan - A recent shura organized by Zabul provincial leadership and Shin Kay tribal elders revealed allegations of abuse and intimidation of local citizens by insurgent groups operating in the region.

Continue reading "Shura Reveals Insurgent Abuse" »

Insurgents Fire Mortar Rounds at Afghan Civilians in Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents fired a mortar round at a large group of Afghan men, women and children gathered in northern Zabul province, July 18, as they waited for regularly-scheduled medical outreach to begin.

Continue reading "Insurgents Fire Mortar Rounds at Afghan Civilians in Zabul" »

MWHS-3 Marines Train to Be the Best So They Can Respond to the Worst

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A thin screen of dust settles over a Marine as he stands like a statue in the road. A quick flick of the wrist directs an approaching vehicle into a mobile vehicle check point where five more Marines wait. The next thirty seconds are critical; will the driver and passengers follow the Marines' orders? Is there a switch wired into the dash that could trigger an improvised explosive device? Will the passengers be cooperative or will they resist?

Continue reading "MWHS-3 Marines Train to Be the Best So They Can Respond to the Worst" »

Afghan and International Forces Detain Insurgents and Recover a Weapons Cache in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with ISAF partners completed operations to disrupt insurgent activity in Kabul recently.

Continue reading "Afghan and International Forces Detain Insurgents and Recover a Weapons Cache in Kabul" »

July 20, 2010

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Kill and Detain Insurgents in Nangarhar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents and detained several more in Nangarhar province last night while in pursuit of the primary Taliban facilitator for foreign fighters and attacks against high interest targets within eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Kill and Detain Insurgents in Nangarhar" »

Karzai reaffirms 2014 goal for Afghan security

At donor conference, Clinton seeks to allay fears over U.S. drawdown

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. and its international partners agreed Tuesday on a roadmap for Afghan forces to take the lead in securing the nation by 2014 amid doubts that that they would meet the first goal — for the Afghans to assume control in certain areas by the end of the year.

Continue reading "Karzai reaffirms 2014 goal for Afghan security" »

Taliban Sub-commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Captured Outside Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and detained two suspected insurgents outside Kandahar City in Daman district last night.

Continue reading "Taliban Sub-commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Captured Outside Kandahar" »

Taliban Commander, Suspected Insurgents Detained Within Kandahar City

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force detained detained suspected insurgents including a Taliban commander inside Kandahar City last night.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander, Suspected Insurgents Detained Within Kandahar City" »

Taliban Commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Zabul

The security force targeted a compound near Daman in Shah Joy District in pursuit of the commander. After the combined security force cleared and secured the compound, they detained the commander and two suspected insurgents after questioning the residents. No shots were fired and women and children were protected throughout the search.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander, Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Zabul" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Kill and Detain Insurgents in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international forces killed several insurgents and detained several more in Paktika province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander responsible for ordering attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and international forces n the Maka Khan and Sharana area.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Kill and Detain Insurgents in Paktika" »

Insurgents Killed, Captured in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force killed several insurgents and detained two suspected insurgents near Kabul last night while pursuing a Taliban facilitator believed to be in final stages of preparation for attacks against the Kabul Conference.

Continue reading "Insurgents Killed, Captured in Kabul" »

July 19, 2010

Language Lab Helps Afghan Air Force Take Off

WASHINGTON - The global air community relies on English as the standard language in the cockpit, which poses a big challenge for getting the Afghan air force off the ground quickly.

Continue reading "Language Lab Helps Afghan Air Force Take Off" »

Afghan, ISAF Forces Battle Insurgents in Nimroz

KABUL - An Afghan-international security force killed and wounded several insurgents in Nimroz province yesterday while pursuing a Taliban sub-commander who is also a senior facilitator known to arrange safe havens for insurgent leaders.

Continue reading "Afghan, ISAF Forces Battle Insurgents in Nimroz" »

Kabul meeting to lay ground for 2014 transition

By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 19, 2010 18:46:06 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The strategy sits for now on a table in a locked-down Afghan capital: Hand over security in all 34 provinces to the government by the end of 2014 — more than three years after President Obama’s date for the start of an American troop drawdown.

Continue reading "Kabul meeting to lay ground for 2014 transition" »

Most Afghans still lack power

By Brett J. Blackledge, Deb Riechmann and Richard Lardner - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 19, 2010 9:08:25 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The goal is to transform Afghanistan into a modern nation, fueled by a U.S.-led effort pouring $60 billion into bringing electricity, clean water, jobs, roads and education to this crippled country. But the results so far — or lack of them — threaten to do more harm than good.

Continue reading "Most Afghans still lack power" »

Passing the Torch: Task Force Phoenix Gives Way to New Kabul Base Cluster Command

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – For years, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix has helped to provide operational and basic life-support services for servicemembers serving in the Regional Command – Capital area of responsibility. In April, CJTF-P was officially disbanded and has passed this torch onto the new Kabul Base Cluster Installation Command.

Continue reading "Passing the Torch: Task Force Phoenix Gives Way to New Kabul Base Cluster Command" »

Mongolians Provide Security, Training, Celebrate National Holiday in Kabul

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – The war in Afghanistan is one not only fought by the U.S. military, but rather by a coalition of forces from many countries. One partner nation that has been here since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom is the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force.

Continue reading "Mongolians Provide Security, Training, Celebrate National Holiday in Kabul" »

July 18, 2010

Bomb kills 3 in Kabul ahead of conference

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jul 18, 2010 12:02:31 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber slipped through the Afghan capital’s tight security ring Sunday, killing three civilians near a busy market two days ahead of an international conference hosting representatives from about 60 nations, officials said.

Continue reading "Bomb kills 3 in Kabul ahead of conference" »

ANP Graduate in Helmand Province

KABUL, Afghanistan – One hundred seventeen Afghan National Police graduated from training at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Wednesday.

Continue reading "ANP Graduate in Helmand Province" »

Afghan Civilian Killed by IED in Kandahar City

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan civilian was killed today when an ANP patrol struck an improvised explosive device in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilian Killed by IED in Kandahar City" »

Mullah Omar Orders Subordinates to Kill Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Forces intercepted orders from Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Omar at the beginning of June 2010 ordering his fighters kill Afghans.

Continue reading "Mullah Omar Orders Subordinates to Kill Afghans" »

Civilians Killed, Injured in Suicide Attack in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan – Several Afghan civilians were killed and injured by a suicide attack in a residential area in Kabul today.

Continue reading "Civilians Killed, Injured in Suicide Attack in Kabul" »

Insurgents Captured, Killed in Kabul, Kandahar and Zabul Provinces

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and international forces conducted operations in Kabul, Kandahar and Zabul provinces last night.

Continue reading "Insurgents Captured, Killed in Kabul, Kandahar and Zabul Provinces" »

July 17, 2010

Afghans Teach Afghans, Americans in Background

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police in the Rokha District of the Panjshir province are taking the lead in training much-needed skills to other members of the ANP.

Continue reading "Afghans Teach Afghans, Americans in Background" »

Banned by Taliban, Judo Instructor Teaches Troops

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Every night, among the hum of tread mills mixed with the tang of sweat in Forward Operating Base Wright’s small cardio room, Soldiers, Sailors and local nationals gather to practice Judo Karate with instructor Dr. Shams Kamalpuri, Speer clinic doctor.

Continue reading "Banned by Taliban, Judo Instructor Teaches Troops" »

Training Illiterate Afghan Soldiers to Read Maps, Police to Write Tickets

The NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan recognizes the impact of illiteracy on the development of the Afghan National Security Forces and is taking dramatic steps to improve the situation. Prior to the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghanistan had a growing educational base that included ten established universities.

Continue reading "Training Illiterate Afghan Soldiers to Read Maps, Police to Write Tickets" »

Tons of Drugs Destroyed During Joint Operation in Helmand Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force discovered approximately 1.9 tons of processed heroin, 1,800 pounds of raw opium, and 200 pounds of ammonium nitrate during a security operation in Now Zad district, Helmand province July 17.

Continue reading "Tons of Drugs Destroyed During Joint Operation in Helmand Province" »

Security Forces Strike Insurgent Leadership and Networks in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Between July 9-16, Afghan and ISAF forces conducted a series of precision operations, killing dozens of insurgents and detaining more than a hundred suspected insurgents in operations targeting key leadership and networks linked to attacks against the Afghan people and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Security Forces Strike Insurgent Leadership and Networks in Afghanistan" »

Afghan, International Forces Conduct Numerous Operations Across Southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with International Security and Assistance Force partners completed operations across Afghanistan to detain insurgents, disrupt suicide bomber networks, provide humanitarian assistance and hinder narcotics and lethal aid trafficking in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan, International Forces Conduct Numerous Operations Across Southern Afghanistan" »

ISAF Docs Struggle to Save Scores of Children in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – A call comes in to the Camp Bastion Hospital – medical evacuation helicopters are inbound. The staff scrambles to ensure they have enough medical personnel available. They also have to prepare special kits for this batch of patients they are about to receive – the pediatric kits.

Continue reading "ISAF Docs Struggle to Save Scores of Children in Afghanistan" »

Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Helmand Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while pursuing a Taliban military commander in charge of fighters in parts of Marjah and Nad 'Ali Districts.

Continue reading "Two Suspected Insurgents Detained in Helmand Province" »

Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night while pursuing a senior Taliban commander who operates from eastern Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Province" »

Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night while pursuing a senior Taliban commander who operates from eastern Kandahar City.

Continue reading "Suspected Insurgents Detained in Kandahar Province" »

Afghan-international Force Captures Taliban Facilitator Planning Attack in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in Kabul July 16 after intelligence indicated he was involved in coordinating an attack in Kabul during the upcoming Kabul Conference.

Continue reading "Afghan-international Force Captures Taliban Facilitator Planning Attack in Kabul" »

Prospects for stability in Musa Qala: challenges and possible solutions

Poppy cultivation and processing into opium is a way of life throughout Helmand, and Musa Qala is no exception. The drug is illegal in Afghanistan, and therefore its lucrative trade is irrevocably tied to government instability and corruption. According to the United Nations, opium cultivation has increased 663% in Musa Qala from 2005 to 2008, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

Continue reading "Prospects for stability in Musa Qala: challenges and possible solutions" »

1st LAR Bn Corpsmen Treat Afghan Children

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan – In late afternoon July 9, the sun setting when alarming news reached the corpsman at the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s Basic Aid Station.

Continue reading "1st LAR Bn Corpsmen Treat Afghan Children" »

July 16, 2010

400 Afghan National Army NCO Candidates Sworn in

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army non-commissioned officer candidates who were trained at the Ghazi Military Training Center swore in at Camp Ghazni in Kabul, July 15.

Continue reading "400 Afghan National Army NCO Candidates Sworn in" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Continue Operations

WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces killed or detained numerous enemy fighters and seized illegal drugs and weapons in recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Continue Operations" »

Taliban Commander, Insurgents Killed in Raid on Insurgent Training Camp

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed a Taliban commander and a number of insurgents in Farah province yesterday.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander, Insurgents Killed in Raid on Insurgent Training Camp" »

IJC Operational Update, July 16

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and international security forces conducted operations in Helmand, Kunduz, Kandahar and Kapisa provinces yesterday and last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 16" »

Munitions Turn-in Program Shows Promise in Kandahar

KABUL- In Afghanistan's Kandahar province, residents living in the districts to the north are taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Defense's Small Rewards Program, and as a result, countless lives are being saved.

Continue reading "Munitions Turn-in Program Shows Promise in Kandahar" »

July 15, 2010

Afghan Civilians Killed by Insurgent Fire in Musa Khel

KABUL, Afghanistan - Insurgents killed two Afghan civilians and wounded four others with indirect fire near the Musa Khel district center in Khost province July 15.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilians Killed by Insurgent Fire in Musa Khel" »

Coalition Makes Steady Progress in Helmand Province

WASHINGTON - Coalition and Afghan forces are making steady progress in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the commander of Regional Command Southwest said, July 15.

Continue reading "Coalition Makes Steady Progress in Helmand Province" »

Afghan and Coalition Security Force Conducts Precision Strike in Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force conducted a precision strike on a Taliban commander directly connected to the July 2 attack near the Ariana hotel in Kunduz province July 15.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Security Force Conducts Precision Strike in Kunduz" »

Sens. ask envoy: When can we leave Afghanistan?

By Sonja Elmquist - Medill News Service
Posted : Thursday Jul 15, 2010 12:20:19 EDT

The Afghan government is on schedule to take over some civil and security functions in time for a planned U.S. military withdrawal next July, but it is lagging in other areas, U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

Continue reading "Sens. ask envoy: When can we leave Afghanistan?" »

NATO Trainers Increase Literacy in Afghan Forces

WASHINGTON - A lot has been said about the importance of training Afghan forces in the NATO mission there. But with an illiteracy rate reaching in some test groups higher than 89 percent, how can one teach a large group of recruits to be engineers or logisticians?

Continue reading "NATO Trainers Increase Literacy in Afghan Forces" »

Can the Allies Trust Afghan Soldiers to Watch Their Backs?

Was the Taliban behind the actions of a rogue Afghan army soldier who allegedly shot dead three British servicemen overnight while they slept? The militants claimed that the incident, which included a shooting and a grenade assault, was a premeditated attack, part of a new strategy to push back against coalition forces spread out in record numbers across southern Afghanistan's battle zones. Although the inside-job claim remains unconfirmed, the killings cast a shadow on the quality and reliability of Afghan security forces deployed in a hostile region where they are being groomed to take the reins of the country's own security and wean themselves away from dependence on western troops.

Continue reading "Can the Allies Trust Afghan Soldiers to Watch Their Backs?" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Conduct Progressive Counterinsurgency

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces have documented an increase in insurgent groups abusing mosques, using them to recruit, train, fight, and hide their weapons and ammunition.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Conduct Progressive Counterinsurgency" »

IJC Operational Update, July 15

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international security forces conducted operations in Kabul City, Helmand, Nangarhar, and Zabul provinces, July 14.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 15" »

US Marines battle the Taliban for control of Musa Qala

Part 2 in a three part series on Musa Qala. For Part 1, see The checkered history of Musa Qala.

ISAF transferred official responsibility for Musa Qala from British forces to the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Marine Regiment in March 2010. The British had relatively stabilized the district center (DC) by the time the Marines arrived, though occasional small arms and bomb attacks persisted. The Taliban continued infiltrating back into significant areas surrounding the DC, intimidating civilians suspected of working with the government, and they outright held villages and compounds at or near the northern and southern edges of the district.

Continue reading "US Marines battle the Taliban for control of Musa Qala" »

Karzai says he will back locally based forces

By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 15, 2010 8:11:58 EDT

After months of deliberation, Afghan President Hamid Karzai gave his approval Wednesday to a U.S. special operations plan to establish locally recruited village protection forces across rural Afghanistan, on the condition that they be named the Local Police Force and fall under the Afghan Interior Ministry’s “authority and direct control.”

Continue reading "Karzai says he will back locally based forces" »

July 14, 2010

Afghan National Police Recruits Graduate From Security Academy in Helmand Province

One hundred seventeen Afghan National Police officers graduated from training at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province July 14.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police Recruits Graduate From Security Academy in Helmand Province" »

Karzai Approves Plan to Keep Taliban Out of Villages

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has approved a program that will set up local police forces in towns and villages where the Taliban are attempting to infiltrate and intimidate the population.

Continue reading "Karzai Approves Plan to Keep Taliban Out of Villages" »

Day Kundi Residents Push Out Insurgents Through Local Policing Initiatives

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police officials in Day Kundi said they are ramping up efforts to push insurgents out of their districts and towns by enlisting the help of local Afghan citizens. Village elders and the ANP are organizing local policing initiatives in communities throughout the province, as Talban fighters make attempts to retake areas that were once safe havens for insurgents.

Continue reading "Day Kundi Residents Push Out Insurgents Through Local Policing Initiatives" »

Zabul Citizens Say Enough

KABUL, Afghanistan - Reports by local citizens in the mountainous southern province of Zabul led to the discovery and destruction of weapons and bomb-making materials in two districts in the province July 10 and 11.

Continue reading "Zabul Citizens Say Enough" »

Better living planned for Camp Leatherneck

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 14, 2010 11:16:58 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Though this rugged base is unlikely to ever lose its austere nature, major improvements are underway as the Corps continues to utilize it as the main hub of operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Better living planned for Camp Leatherneck" »

Afghanistan replaces leader of Marjah district

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 14, 2010 17:13:07 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government has replaced its representative in the troubled southern district of Marjah, barely six months after a major military offensive retook it from the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghanistan replaces leader of Marjah district" »

Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Operations Across Southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with International Security and Assistance Force partners completed operations across Afghanistan to detain insurgents, disrupt improvised explosive device manufacture and hinder narcotics and lethal aid trafficking in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Operations Across Southern Afghanistan" »

ISAF Rejects Taleban Spokesman’s Misstatements

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF rejects the false statements Taleban spokesman Zabihollah Mojahed delivered to Pajhwok Afghan News, July 13, citing an IED attack in Helmand province as proof of the Taleban misstatements.

Continue reading "ISAF Rejects Taleban Spokesman’s Misstatements" »

Coalition eases up on Afghan airstrikes

By Tom Vanden Brook and Jim Michaels - USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Jul 14, 2010 8:45:28 EDT

WASHINGTON — Warplanes in Afghanistan are dropping bombs and missiles on insurgents at about 25 percent of the rate they did three years ago despite more widespread combat, reflecting commanders' emphasis on reducing civilian deaths.

Continue reading "Coalition eases up on Afghan airstrikes" »

Rogue Afghan soldier kills 3 British troops

By Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 14, 2010 8:07:40 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan soldier killed three British service members with gunfire and a rocket-propelled grenade in the dead of night, a betrayal that highlights the difficulties in rapidly building up Afghan security forces so that foreign troops can go home.

Continue reading "Rogue Afghan soldier kills 3 British troops" »

IJC Operational Update, July 14

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international security forces conducted operations in Kandahar and Helmand provinces last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 14" »

July 13, 2010

Key battle coming in Afghanistan, senators say

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 13, 2010 16:57:46 EDT

A looming campaign against Taliban forces in Kandahar and the surrounding area of Afghanistan could become a key stepping stone to the ultimate withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Key battle coming in Afghanistan, senators say" »

Afghan Border Police Seize More Than 50 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan Border Police seized more than 100,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate yesterday in the Dand-Patan District of Paktiya province after stopping a 12-truck convoy that was carrying fertilizer.

Continue reading "Afghan Border Police Seize More Than 50 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate" »

Afghan-ISAF Conducts Joint Investigation Into Attack in Southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan—Three ISAF service members were killed and several were injured at a combined ISAF/Afghan National Army patrol base in Southern Afghanistan early Tuesday morning.

Continue reading "Afghan-ISAF Conducts Joint Investigation Into Attack in Southern Afghanistan" »

ANA - ISAF Patrol Finds 8 IEDs Near Old School

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint ANSF and ISAF patrol found eight IEDs planted by insurgents in the vicinity of an old school in the Zharay District of Kandahar province yesterday.

Continue reading "ANA - ISAF Patrol Finds 8 IEDs Near Old School" »

IJC Operational Update, July 13

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international security forces conducted operations in Paktiya and Kapisa provinces last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 13" »

Afghan Ministry of Interior Drug Testing Police, Offering Rehab

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan, the world's leading producer of opium and hashish, has increasing numbers of citizens taking drugs, according to the recently released United Nations’ World Drug Report 2010.

Continue reading "Afghan Ministry of Interior Drug Testing Police, Offering Rehab" »

July 12, 2010

Afghans want aid funneled to their priorities

By Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 12, 2010 20:20:43 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government wants foreign donors to start focusing 80 percent of the billions of dollars flowing into the country on priority projects that it believes are key to pulling the country out of poverty and turmoil, Afghan officials said Monday.

Continue reading "Afghans want aid funneled to their priorities" »

NATO kills fewer, yet Afghan death toll rises

By Kay Johnson - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 12, 2010 14:33:18 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Escalating violence in Afghanistan is now the worst since the early months of the war, killing 1,074 civilians so far this year as international forces struggle to establish security, an Afghan rights group said Monday.

Continue reading "NATO kills fewer, yet Afghan death toll rises" »

Provincial Official Helps Thwart Insurgent Attack

WASHINGTON - Afghan National Police and the subgovernor of Ghazni province thwarted an insurgent attack in Gahzni's Khwajah Omari district, July 11, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Provincial Official Helps Thwart Insurgent Attack" »

Civilians Killed, Injured by IED in Lashkar Gah

KABUL - Six Afghan civilians were killed and four were injured when the vehicle they were riding in hit a remote controlled improvised explosive device in Lashkar Gar District, Helmand province, today.

Continue reading "Civilians Killed, Injured by IED in Lashkar Gah" »

General sees IED drop by year's end

By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Monday Jul 12, 2010 9:09:21 EDT

WASHINGTON — The tide of roadside bomb attacks against U.S. and allied troops will be turned by December, according to the Pentagon's top general charged with combating them.

Continue reading "General sees IED drop by year's end" »

IJC Operational Update, July 12

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international security forces conducted operations in Ghazni, Logar, Khost and Helmand provinces yesterday and last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 12" »

July 11, 2010

Britain's top general in Afghanistan admits 'courageous restraint' must change

Britain's most senior general in Afghanistan has admitted that rules for opening fire on Taliban insurgents must be "re-examined" following complaints from soldiers that they were too restrictive.

Soldiers and Royal Marines told The Daily Telegraph last week that their lives were being endangered by the policy of "courageous restraint" introduced by Gen Stanley McChrystal to cut down the number of civilian casualties.

Continue reading "Britain's top general in Afghanistan admits 'courageous restraint' must change" »

Helo crew recognized for daring rescue

By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 11, 2010 14:19:32 EDT

Staff Sgt. Tim Philpott could hear the firefight over the Pave Hawk’s radio. The soldiers sounded almost hysterical.

Continue reading "Helo crew recognized for daring rescue" »

US Supported Radio Network Connects Afghan Citizens, Leaders in Southern Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – International Security Forces are assisting Afghan district and provincial leaders throughout southern Afghanistan with communicating to their constituents and keeping them informed and entertained through radio broadcasts and live call-in radio shows.

Continue reading "US Supported Radio Network Connects Afghan Citizens, Leaders in Southern Afghanistan" »

Taliban Commander Killed in Zabul Province

ISAF Courtesy Release

KABUL- An Afghan-international security force killed Malauwi Shahbuddin, a Taliban commander and foreign-fighter facilitator, along with several armed insurgents in Shah Joy district, Zabul province yesterday.

Continue reading "Taliban Commander Killed in Zabul Province" »

Qal'ah-ye Zal District Governor Killed, July 10

KABUL- The murder of the Qal'ah-ye Zal District Governor Mohammad Malem Nazir claimed the life of a dedicated public servant. He was killed when an improvised explosive device destroyed his car yesterday.

Continue reading "Qal'ah-ye Zal District Governor Killed, July 10" »

IJC Operational Update, July 11

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force killed several insurgents and detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province yesterday while pursuing a Taliban commander in direct contact with Taliban leadership in Pakistan and associated with al Qaida and Commander Nazir Group.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 11" »

July 10, 2010

Months after Marjah offensive, success still elusive

MARJAH, Afghanistan — In the incongruous way of this nearly nine-year war, a 28-year-old from Raleigh, N.C., told an old man here how to improve his life and the life of his family. He was not convincing.

Continue reading "Months after Marjah offensive, success still elusive" »

Insurgent Gunfire Injures Afghan Woman in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-led force that was attacked while conducting a security patrol in the Nahr-E Saraj District, Helmand province, provided aid to an Afghan woman injured by insurgent fire July 10.

Continue reading "Insurgent Gunfire Injures Afghan Woman in Helmand" »

Long road for Afghanistan's security forces

Control of the most dangerous region of Afghanistan for foreign troops is being handed over from British to US forces, but at the same time Afghan soldiers are being trained to take on the same kind of challenges in the future.

"Check your arcs and look to your front. Stay sharp."

Continue reading "Long road for Afghanistan's security forces" »

Former DI Reunites With Legacy Recruits During Afghanistan Deployment

During the summer of 2002, Hattman and his team of dedicated drill instructors began to mold Hemenway into the Marine he is today and in the training cycles that followed, the legacy continued with Sgts. Jeremiah Rees and Jeffery Aaron.

Continue reading "Former DI Reunites With Legacy Recruits During Afghanistan Deployment" »

IJC Operational Update, July 10

KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan-international security forces conducted operations against insurgents in Ghazni and Paktiya provinces last night, discovered opium in Helmand province yesterday, and discovered a large weapons cache in Badghis province Thursday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 10" »

July 9, 2010

ISAF Investigating Civilian Casualties

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint ANSF and ISAF assessment team has determined that artillery fire from an ISAF unit killed six civilians and wounded several others in Jani Khel on Thursday. The initial report only identified the wounded since the bodies of the six killed had been removed from the accident site prior to the ISAF units arrival on the scene following the errant rounds.

Continue reading "ISAF Investigating Civilian Casualties" »

Statement on Killing of Prosecutor in Ghazni

KABUL, Afghanistan - The attack that killed the head prosecutor for Khwajai Omari District, Ghazni province, this morning is another example of the targeting of Afghan public servants and the developing rule of law in the country.

Continue reading "Statement on Killing of Prosecutor in Ghazni" »

Frustration Over War Rules of Engagement Grows

Petraeus will Review Policy to Limit Civilian Deaths That Some Troops Say Hinders Military Activity

To the U.S. soldiers getting pounded with thunderous mortar rounds in their combat outpost near Kandahar, it seemed like a legitimate request: allow them to launch retaliatory mortar shells or summon an airstrike against their attackers. The incoming fire was landing perilously close to a guard station, and the soldiers, using a high-powered camera, could clearly see the insurgents shooting.

Continue reading "Frustration Over War Rules of Engagement Grows" »

Counter-IED Efforts Try to Get ‘Left of the Boom’ in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan –The Pentagon expects to double its spending in an effort to reverse the deadly trend improvised explosive devices have had on military operations in Afghanistan and to get ‘left of the boom,’ Department of Defense officials said Thursday.

Continue reading "Counter-IED Efforts Try to Get ‘Left of the Boom’ in Afghanistan" »

Buildup for Afghan Security Forces Continues

WASHINGTON - The push to build Afghanistan's security forces to 305,000 members is ahead of schedule, but there are still some obstacles to overcome, a senior officer involved in the effort said, July 8.

Continue reading "Buildup for Afghan Security Forces Continues" »

IJC Operational Update, July 9

KABUL, Afghanistan – Joint Afghan-international security forces conducted operations in Helmand, Kapisa and Khost provinces last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 9" »

Dissecting the Mattis-to-CENTCOM reaction

It’s been about 24 hours since the Pentagon announced that Gen. James Mattis has been nominated to take over U.S. Central Command, and it has been met within the Marine Corps with the reaction most military observers expected.

Continue reading "Dissecting the Mattis-to-CENTCOM reaction" »

NATO says key Taliban commander captured

By Kay Johnson - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 9, 2010 12:00:46 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — International and Afghan troops captured a Taliban commander responsible for bringing Pakistani militants across the border to launch attacks, the alliance said Friday, as U.S.-led forces ratchet up their pursuit of insurgent leaders.

Continue reading "NATO says key Taliban commander captured" »

July 8, 2010

ISAF Investigating Civilian Casualties

KABUL, Afghanistan - On July 8, artillery fire from an ISAF unit was observed falling short of its intended target in Jani Khel district, Paktiya province. Shortly thereafter eight injured Afghan civilians were brought to a nearby ISAF outpost. The wounded were provided immediate care and transported to an ISAF medical facility for further treatment. One of the wounded later died as a result of wounds.

Continue reading "ISAF Investigating Civilian Casualties" »

Joint Team Determines Cause of Accidental Strike of ANA

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint ANSF and ISAF Joint Command assessment team has determined that the airstrike that killed six ANA soldiers and injured one early Tuesday, July 6, was the result of mis-communication between ISAF and ANA forces.

Continue reading "Joint Team Determines Cause of Accidental Strike of ANA" »

Afghan and International Forces Capture, Disrupt Insurgent Activity

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with ISAF partners completed operations across Afghanistan to capture insurgents, destroy narcotics, disrupt insurgent improvised explosive device construction and interrupt insurgent funding gained through the sale of illegal narcotics.

Continue reading "Afghan and International Forces Capture, Disrupt Insurgent Activity" »

ISAF Forces Provide Afghan Police With Lifesaving Techniques

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF forces including U.S. Marines and sailors from the, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment Police Mentor Team provided medical training to Afghan National Police in Garmsir District's Hazer Joft in Helmand province July 5.

Continue reading "ISAF Forces Provide Afghan Police With Lifesaving Techniques" »

Marines Proud of Dropping Critical Supplies

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF forces concluded a small-scale, rapid-response aerial delivery test last week, validating a new way to get mission-critical supplies to Afghan and ISAF forces on the ground.

Continue reading "Marines Proud of Dropping Critical Supplies" »

IJC Operational Update, July 8

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured a Haqqani network improvised explosive device material facilitator and several other suspected insurgents in Khost province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 8" »

July 7, 2010

‘Nothing Else Matters:’ Security detail provides safe passage throughout battlespace for CLB-6 commander

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A small group of heavily equipped tactical vehicles speed along Route 1, the only strip of paved road in the region, bound for a turn-off point somewhere in the distance where they will carve their own path to their final destination. The turret gunners constantly scan the landscape as it is revealed before them at 40 miles per hour and the crackle of the occasional radio message can be heard from the phone-like receiver clipped to the Modular Tactical Vest of the vehicle commander seated to the right of the driver.

Continue reading "‘Nothing Else Matters:’ Security detail provides safe passage throughout battlespace for CLB-6 commander" »

Rodriguez Describes Changes to Operations in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - The commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Afghanistan has made changes to improve command and control in the key province of Helmand.

Continue reading "Rodriguez Describes Changes to Operations in Afghanistan" »

Insurgent Attacks Target Elder, School, Security Providers

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several recent attacks indicate insurgent actions are targeting Afghan civilians.

Continue reading "Insurgent Attacks Target Elder, School, Security Providers" »

Coalition Makes Progress, Regains Momentum, General Says

WASHINGTON - Coalition forces are making steady progress in Afghanistan, and the coalition and government are regaining the momentum from the Taliban, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command said, July 7.

Continue reading "Coalition Makes Progress, Regains Momentum, General Says" »

Airstrike accidentally kills 5 Afghan troops

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 7, 2010 8:57:58 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — NATO mistakenly killed five of its Afghan army allies in an airstrike Wednesday while the Afghans were attacking insurgents in the country's east, officials said.

Continue reading "Airstrike accidentally kills 5 Afghan troops" »

No big change in Afghanistan, No. 2 gen. says

By Anne Gearan and Pauline Jelinek - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 7, 2010 11:33:05 EDT

WASHINGTON — The No. 2 general in Afghanistan says he doesn't expect significant changes in battlefield rules now that there has been a change of command for the war.

Continue reading "No big change in Afghanistan, No. 2 gen. says" »

Marines to replace British troops in Sangin

LONDON — British troops will withdraw from a volatile district in southern Afghanistan where they have sustained nearly 100 deaths, turning over responsibility to U.S. forces by the end of the year, the defense secretary said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Marines to replace British troops in Sangin" »

ISAF Reviewing Air Strike That Killed, Injured ANA Soldiers

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF Joint Command and Afghan National Security Forces have sent a joint team to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding an operation, July 7, in which Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and injured.

Continue reading "ISAF Reviewing Air Strike That Killed, Injured ANA Soldiers" »

ISAF Forces Respond to Insurgent Attack in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force came under small- arms and rocket propelled grenade fire yesterday evening in the Yahya Khel district of Paktika province. After positively identifying the insurgents, the combined force requested air support.

Continue reading "ISAF Forces Respond to Insurgent Attack in Paktika" »

Under Afghan Fire: Will Petraeus Change the Rules for Shooting Back?

When are U.S. forces in Afghanistan allowed to shoot back when they come under attack? An episode last month illustrates the quandary American troops face. In early June, on the southern edge of Kandahar city, a small Army convoy drove into a nighttime ambush. Within seconds, a turret gunner in one of the vehicles was hit in the arm. Muzzle flashes pierced the dark, alerting fellow troops to where the shots were coming from. But, thinking that they had to clearly identify the triggerman before firing back, they waited before retaliating, even as rounds of hostile fire poured in. Only after an officer radioed back with the go-ahead did the Americans return heavy fire. By then, the militants had melted away.

Continue reading "Under Afghan Fire: Will Petraeus Change the Rules for Shooting Back?" »

IJC Operational Update, July 7

KABUL, Afghanistan - Joint Afghan-international security forces conducted operations in Balkh, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 7" »

July 6, 2010

Marines Provide Afghan Police With Lifesaving Techniques

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from the police mentor team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, convoyed to each Afghan National Police checkpoint surrounding Hazer Joft, July 5, to provide the police with tourniquets, bandages and the combat lifesaving skills.

Continue reading "Marines Provide Afghan Police With Lifesaving Techniques" »

McCain: Kandahar is key to Afghan war

By Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 6, 2010 12:55:39 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said Monday that NATO and Afghan troops will prevail in the war if they can succeed in securing and bolstering governance in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.

Continue reading "McCain: Kandahar is key to Afghan war" »

Afghan, International Forces Find IED, Protect Children in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Police, assisted by international security forces, destroyed an improvised explosive device planted in a soccer field in Khakrez district in northern Kandahar province Saturday, July 3.

Continue reading "Afghan, International Forces Find IED, Protect Children in Kandahar" »

Hornet Pilots Get “arrested” in Afghanistan

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Two F/A-18 Hornets screamed onto the runway here, June 30, marking yet another “first,” in this historic deployment for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward): a safe landing thanks to newly-installed arresting gear to catch the fast-movers.

Continue reading "Hornet Pilots Get “arrested” in Afghanistan" »

Summer plan for the ’Stan

Main focus will be Marjah, but Corps targets other hot spots

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 6, 2010 6:37:31 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — With greater influence over NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, the Corps’ game plan for this summer is clear.

Continue reading "Summer plan for the ’Stan" »

IJC Operational Update, July 6

KABUL, Afghanistan - Joint Afghan-international security forces conducted operations in Ghazni, Helmand and Logar provinces last night, detaining a Taliban commander and several suspected insurgents.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 6" »

July 5, 2010

Reviving 'Little America' In An Afghan Province

A lot of the attention in the war in Afghanistan is focused on the southern Helmand province, where NATO forces are still fighting Taliban militants more than four months after a major U.S.-led offensive.

Continue reading "Reviving 'Little America' In An Afghan Province" »

IJC Operational Update, July 5

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained two suspected insurgents in Logar province last night while pursuing a Taliban commander suspected to be involved in a mortar attack on an ISAF forward operating base yesterday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 5" »

Statement on Recent Insurgent Attacks

KABUL- Recent reports continue to show the true nature of the insurgents and their total disregard for human life and the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Statement on Recent Insurgent Attacks" »

July 4, 2010

Hueys Take to Skies Supporting ANSF, NATO Troops

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Marine Corps aviation assets in Afghanistan bring a huge advantage for Afghan national security forces and NATO troops who are constantly ambushed by an enemy that rarely sticks around to fight. So, while the insurgents hide behind their surprise tactics, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 are bringing a little surprise of their own.

Continue reading "Hueys Take to Skies Supporting ANSF, NATO Troops" »

ISAF Condemns Insurgent Attack That Kills and Injures Afghan Civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents killed four children and one man, injuring eight others when they indiscriminately attacked a crowded bazaar in Musa Qal’ah District, Helmand province, July 4. Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police responded to the attack by insurgents who used an explosive laden motorcycle to attack innocent people shopping at the bazaar. Further havoc was averted when ISAF forces were successful in defusing a second explosive device discovered on a donkey in the area. Four Afghan civilians who were seriously injured were evacuated to Bastion Medical Facility; four others were treated at the site.

Continue reading "ISAF Condemns Insurgent Attack That Kills and Injures Afghan Civilians" »

Correction to the Record: ISAF Supply Convoys in Pakistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – A leading national daily newspaper published an article July 3, alleging that NATO International Security Assistance Force supply shipments transiting Pakistan bound for Afghanistan pose a significant security threat because of the pilferage and smuggling of weapons through this cargo. The article also alleges that trucks transporting NATO cargo cause significant damage to Pakistan's national highways

Continue reading "Correction to the Record: ISAF Supply Convoys in Pakistan" »

Marines keep Garmsir bazaar safe on busiest day of the week

GARMSIR DISTRICT, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Maneuvering through the bazaar crowd during the week’s busiest day, Marines from Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, patrolled the Hazer Joft bazaar in Garmsir, Afghanistan, June 2, to provide security and interact with bazaar patrons.

Continue reading "Marines keep Garmsir bazaar safe on busiest day of the week" »

Winning Is NATO's Mission in Afghanistan, Petraeus Says

KABUL, Afghanistan - The objective in Afghanistan is to win, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said today as he formally assumed command of the International Security Force in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Winning Is NATO's Mission in Afghanistan, Petraeus Says" »

Elementary, My Dear Marine: Operation New Dawn Patrols Lead to Cache Finds

It became the catchphrase of the day - "I might as well be God d---ed Sherlock Holmes."

Continue reading "Elementary, My Dear Marine: Operation New Dawn Patrols Lead to Cache Finds" »

Gen. Petraeus Assumes Command of ISAF

KABUL- U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus emphasized the continuity of the counterinsurgency strategy as he assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force in front of the ISAF headquarters building, here.

Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus Assumes Command of ISAF" »

Operations Across Afghanistan Discover Large Cache of Weapons, Drugs and Insurgents

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, along with ISAF partners recently completed several operations across Afghanistan. These operations were intended to protect the Afghan population by disrupting insurgents’ ability to fund and conduct operations against civilians, ANSF, and coalition forces.

Continue reading "Operations Across Afghanistan Discover Large Cache of Weapons, Drugs and Insurgents" »

IJC Operational Update, July 4

KABUL- An Afghan-international security force detained a number of suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for several improvised explosive device attacks, ambushes and kidnapping operations throughout the Aynak area of the province.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 4" »

July 3, 2010

A badge and a burqa

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN -- Each morning, the 23 female police officers in Kandahar walk into the city's bunkered police headquarters wearing burqas, the enveloping garments that shroud women from head to toe.

Continue reading "A badge and a burqa" »

Civilians Accidentally Killed During Operation to Capture Taliban Commander

KABUL- During the course of an operation conducted by an Afghan-international force searching for a Taliban sub-commander responsible for ambushes, suicide bombings and assassinations in the Kandahar area, a joint force accidentally killed two civilians, including a woman, and wounded another.

Continue reading "Civilians Accidentally Killed During Operation to Capture Taliban Commander" »

Gen. Petraeus to Assume Command of ISAF July 4

KABUL, Afghanistan – Gen. David H. Petraeus will assume command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during a July 4 ceremony at the command's headquarters in Kabul.

Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus to Assume Command of ISAF July 4" »

July 2, 2010

Operation New Dawn patrols lead to cache finds

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — It became the catchphrase of the day — “I might as well be God d---ed Sherlock Holmes.”

Continue reading "Operation New Dawn patrols lead to cache finds" »

Mortars light up Now Zad sky, suppress insurgents

NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan —

When it takes something more than the direct fire of machine guns to drive the enemy back, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, relies on a pair of mortarmen to get the job done.

Continue reading "Mortars light up Now Zad sky, suppress insurgents" »

Statement on Attack in Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan – The attack by insurgents in Kunduz was an attempt to intimidate Afghans and members of the international community trying to improve the lives of all Afghans.

Continue reading "Statement on Attack in Kunduz" »

NATO chief hopes for Afghan handover in Nov.

By Barry Hatton - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 2, 2010 10:43:49 EDT

LISBON, Portugal — NATO's secretary-general hopes the alliance can begin handing over control of some Afghan provinces to local authorities beginning in November.

Continue reading "NATO chief hopes for Afghan handover in Nov." »

Insurgents Attack Outpost in Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON - Insurgents conducted a vehicle-borne bombing attack on an International Security Assistance Force combat outpost west of Kandahar City in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "Insurgents Attack Outpost in Afghanistan" »

July 1, 2010

Time for Marines to hunt in Sistani?

As moments in Afghanistan went, they were some of the eeriest ones I experienced.

Continue reading "Time for Marines to hunt in Sistani?" »

On the Ground: The Taliban's Changing, and Deadly, Tactics

Marine Sergeant Landon McLilly squinted into his rifle scope at a group of suspected Taliban militants in the hazy near distance. The next time he looked, they were gone. "If we go that way, I have a feeling something bad is going to happen," he said, recalling how the last time his squad of Marines had walked down the same road, they had come under fierce attack. But orders required them to interdict all potential enemy fighters, and they could not leave the area without checking out whether the people he saw were in fact Taliban.

Continue reading "On the Ground: The Taliban's Changing, and Deadly, Tactics" »

Marines, Afghanistan National Army Address Local Water Concerns During Operation New Dawn

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, Afghanistan — The relationship between the Marines and Afghanistan National Army, and the Afghans in Southern Shorsurak, Afghanistan, reached a new level when more than a dozen men met with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and ANA leadership for a shura to discuss concerns, as well as determine what type of civil affairs projects the area would benefit most from as part of Operation New Dawn, June 26.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghanistan National Army Address Local Water Concerns During Operation New Dawn" »

GIRoA, ANSF, Marine Leaders Gather at Sher Wali to Discuss Permanent Police Force in Marjah

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan – Representatives from Regional Command Southwest, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Civil Order Police and the Afghan National Army packed into a tent at Forward Operating Base Sher Wali, in Marjah, June 29, to discuss the emergence of Marjah’s soon-to-be permanent police force.

Continue reading "GIRoA, ANSF, Marine Leaders Gather at Sher Wali to Discuss Permanent Police Force in Marjah" »

1st Recon launches new operation near Marjah

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 1, 2010 12:37:31 EDT

Reconnaissance Marines in Afghanistan have launched a new operation near the former Taliban stronghold of Marjah aimed at pushing insurgents out of nearby areas they have used to launch repeated attacks on Marine patrols.

Continue reading "1st Recon launches new operation near Marjah" »

In Afghanistan, No Direct Route to Success

On the Ground With Bravo Co. in Marja, Marines Struggle Amid Casualties, Mistrust

Since U.S. Marines launched a major coordinated assault on this agricultural community last February it has been called a "catastrophic success," a "failure," "doomed" and most memorably "a bleeding ulcer." Marja is all and none of these. Marja is a work in progress, the outcome of which is still in question.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, No Direct Route to Success" »

ISAF Forces Work to Improve Ring Road Freedom of Movement

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF forces conducted several operations during the last 24 hours aimed at improving civilian freedom of movement along the Ring Road (Highway 1) in eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "ISAF Forces Work to Improve Ring Road Freedom of Movement" »

IJC Operational Update, July 1

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force captured a senior Taliban weapons facilitator and a number of suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, July 1" »

NATO says district Afghan Taliban chief arrested

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and international troops captured a Taliban district chief in a four-hour gunbattle in the southern province of Helmand, NATO said Thursday.

Continue reading "NATO says district Afghan Taliban chief arrested" »

June 30, 2010

Petraeus says he will revisit Afghanistan ROE

By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 8:13:50 EDT

Gen. David Petraeus said Tuesday that revisiting the rules limiting live fires near civilian populations in Afghanistan will be one of his “highest priorities” upon assuming direct command of the war effort.

Continue reading "Petraeus says he will revisit Afghanistan ROE" »

8 militants slain in fight at Afghan airport

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 12:58:21 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Militants set off a car bomb and stormed the entrance to an airport in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday in a failed attempt to enter the air field used by Afghan and international forces, authorities said. Eight insurgents died in the ensuing gunbattle.

Continue reading "8 militants slain in fight at Afghan airport" »

Use of Humvees restricted in Afghanistan

By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 15:37:01 EDT

WASHINGTON — Top commanders in Afghanistan have further tightened restrictions on the use of vulnerable vehicles after roadside bomb attacks that have killed eight U.S. soldiers since late May.

Continue reading "Use of Humvees restricted in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 30

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force captured a Haqqani network improvised explosive device and weapons facilitator and another individual in Khost province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 30" »

Insurgent Attack Against Jalalabad Airport Repelled

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and ISAF forces repelled a number of insurgents when they attacked Jalalabad airfield this morning using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. The airfield's perimeter was not breached, and several insurgents were killed during the attack. Two combined security force members received minor injuries; there are no reports of civilian injuries.

Continue reading "Insurgent Attack Against Jalalabad Airport Repelled" »

Shura brings Afghans, Marines together to discuss future improvements throughout Garmsir

The local village elders and the Afghan National Army met with the Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, held a shura recently to discuss future civil affairs projects. GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — The projects discussed included bridge reconstruction, canal flood gates, swing sets for children and other reconstruction/development projects throughout Garmsir.

Continue reading "Shura brings Afghans, Marines together to discuss future improvements throughout Garmsir" »

Children, aged 5, used to plant Taliban bombs in Afghanistan

Children as young as five are being used by the Taliban to lay bombs and carry weapons in a deadly new tactic in Afghanistan, it can be disclosed.

In the past five months the number child insurgents has increased almost fivefold in the town of Sangin, to a band of 40, who are used to run weapons, plant bombs and carry out tasks for the Taliban, The Daily Telegraph has learnt.

Continue reading "Children, aged 5, used to plant Taliban bombs in Afghanistan" »

June 29, 2010

Petraeus Discusses Pros, Cons of July 2011 Deadline

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators questioned Army Gen. David H. Petraeus repeatedly on his understanding of the July 2011 target date to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Afghanistan during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee June 29.

Continue reading "Petraeus Discusses Pros, Cons of July 2011 Deadline" »

IJC Operational Update, June 29

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international force detained a number of suspected insurgents including a Taliban facilitator in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 29" »

U.S., Afghan Forces Launch Major Offensive

As many as 150 insurgent fighters have been killed since Sunday in a major offensive involving about 700 U.S. and Afghan troops along eastern Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, a senior military official confirmed to Fox News early Tuesday.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan Forces Launch Major Offensive" »

Petraeus faces queries by war-weary Congress

By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 29, 2010 11:09:51 EDT

WASHINGTON — Gen. David Petraeus cautiously endorsed President Barack Obama's exit plan for the Afghan war on Tuesday, leaving himself room to recommend changes or delays as he interviewed for the job of commander of the stalemated war.

Continue reading "Petraeus faces queries by war-weary Congress" »

Kunar Province Sees Second Full Day of Successful Combined Operations

KABUL, Afghanistan - Operations involving units from the Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force continued June 29 in Kunar province.

Continue reading "Kunar Province Sees Second Full Day of Successful Combined Operations" »

June 28, 2010

3 Marines die in Afghanistan

Staff report
Posted : Monday Jun 28, 2010 20:22:07 EDT

OCEANSIDE, Calif. - Two Camp Pendleton-based Marines and a Marine from Camp Lejeune, N.C., were killed during combat operations in separate incidents in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Defense Department officials announced Monday.

Continue reading "3 Marines die in Afghanistan" »

Officials Report on Numerous Afghanistan Operations

WASHINGTON - Precision air strikes, a pitched battle with insurgents in Kunar province and the killing or capture of key enemy fighters highlight recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Officials Report on Numerous Afghanistan Operations" »

U.S. Troops Face New Threat: Afghanistan’s Toxic Sand

U.S. troops already face plenty of threats in Afghanistan: AK-47–wielding insurgents, improvised bombs, an intransigent and incompetent government. Now add a less familiar challenge to that list of woes: Afghanistan’s toxic sand.

Continue reading "U.S. Troops Face New Threat: Afghanistan’s Toxic Sand" »

Reserve Engineer Hopes to ‘Spark Some Innovation’ Against IED Threat

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Waiting outside a conference room in the Regional Command Southwest headquarters building, Cpl. Paul A. Spies passes the time by glancing at the wall adorned with wood-framed pictures of fallen brethren, many of whom were killed by improvised explosive device blasts. A few moments later, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, commander of RC (SW), walks into the conference room already full of unit commanders. Spies waits patiently for his name to be called.

Continue reading "Reserve Engineer Hopes to ‘Spark Some Innovation’ Against IED Threat" »

Ospreys leave new belly gun in the dust

Left at bases, 7.62mm gun is seldom used

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 28, 2010 9:56:49 EDT

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — In answer to criticism calling the Osprey vulnerable to enemy attack and lacking fire power, the Marine Corps shipped a handful of 7.62mm belly guns to Afghanistan last winter.

Continue reading "Ospreys leave new belly gun in the dust" »

Afghan-international Force Kills Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed a Taliban commander and several armed individuals in Kandahar last night. The Taliban commander, Shyster Uhstad Khan, took over the duties of senior Taliban facilitator after his predecessor was detained by Afghan and coalition forces earlier this year. He was involved in the distribution and purchase of improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Afghan-international Force Kills Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar" »

IJC Operational Update, June 28

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents, including a Haqqani network improvised explosive device cell leader, with a precision airstrike while they placed an IED in Khost province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 28" »

June 27, 2010

Afghan and ISAF Units Strike Taliban Stronghold

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined force of more than 600 Afghan and International Security Assistance Forces are conducting operations against al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents in Kunar province June 27.

Continue reading "Afghan and ISAF Units Strike Taliban Stronghold" »

NATO says Afghan operations remain on track

By Heidi Vogt and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jun 27, 2010 8:30:38 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — A NATO spokesman stressed Sunday that military operations to secure vast areas of Afghanistan would not be delayed by the ouster of the top commander in the war and mounting casualties.

Continue reading "NATO says Afghan operations remain on track" »

Afghan-international Force Precision Airstrike Targets Insurgents in Kunduz

KABUL- An Afghan-international security force killed a number of insurgents with a precision airstrike in the Chahar Darah District of Kunduz province yesterday.

Continue reading "Afghan-international Force Precision Airstrike Targets Insurgents in Kunduz" »

Alpha Company Provides Medical Care to Now Zad Residents

KABUL- As the city of Now Zad grows, so does the need for medical aid, so the Marine medics of Alpha Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, on Combat Outpost Cafferetta, treat overflow patients both day and night.

Continue reading "Alpha Company Provides Medical Care to Now Zad Residents" »

Updates on Recent ISAF Operations

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF confirmed an Afghan-international security force killed Zia Ul Haq, a Taliban commander for Arghandab province who is also known as Zia Agha, during a precision airstrike against several insurgents Thursday.

Continue reading "Updates on Recent ISAF Operations" »

June 26, 2010

No changes to war plan, Mullen tells Karzai

By Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jun 26, 2010 16:18:48 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen assured Afghanistan’s president on Saturday that newly chosen NATO commander Army Gen. David Petraeus would pursue the policies of his ousted predecessor, whom the Afghan leader warmly praised for reducing civilian casualties.

Continue reading "No changes to war plan, Mullen tells Karzai" »

Insurgents bully bakeries in Marjah, Afghanistan, targeting U.S. strategy

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four months after a U.S.-led offensive in Marjah, the one-time Taliban stronghold was supposed to have been a showpiece of what Western military might and ramped-up Afghan government services could accomplish.

Continue reading "Insurgents bully bakeries in Marjah, Afghanistan, targeting U.S. strategy" »

MarSOC helps train elite Afghan police

Afghan units to aid in Marjah and Kandahar

By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 26, 2010 11:27:49 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command is helping prepare elite Afghan police units to support conventional Marine forces operating in Helmand province.

Continue reading "MarSOC helps train elite Afghan police" »

Afghan and Coalition Forces Conduct Operations in Western and Southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces with ISAF partners conducted multiple operations in the western and southern provinces of Afghanistan Friday. These operations were intended to provide increased security to the population.

Continue reading "Afghan and Coalition Forces Conduct Operations in Western and Southern Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 26

KABUL- An Afghan-international security force killed the senior Taliban commander in northern Logar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 26" »

Statement on Insurgent Attack on Civilians in Uruzgan

KABUL- The killing yesterday of several children by an insurgent suicide bomber in Tarin Kowt is the third recent example of the insurgents' total disregard for the future of Afghanistan in Uruzgan province.

Continue reading "Statement on Insurgent Attack on Civilians in Uruzgan" »

June 25, 2010

Anatomy of a Taliban Ambush

Taliban Ambush Teams Attack Marine Patrol as It Returns to Base Outside Marja

In Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province this morning, a Marine squad headed into one of the Marja district's many villages looking to make friends.

Continue reading "Anatomy of a Taliban Ambush" »

Gates: U.S. not stuck in neutral in Kandahar

By Jim Michaels - USA Today
Posted : Friday Jun 25, 2010 12:16:08 EDT

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday that the United States and its allies are not “bogged down” in Afghanistan despite the delay of a planned offensive in the southern city of Kandahar. The remarks come one day after President Obama relieved the commander of allied forces in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and nominated Army Gen. David Petraeus to replace him.

Continue reading "Gates: U.S. not stuck in neutral in Kandahar" »

IJC Operational Update, June 25

KABUL - An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents, including Faizullah, a Taliban sub-commander, as the insurgents were placing an improvised explosive device on a road near Kandahar City yesterday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 25" »

Small Projects Reap Large Gains

PATROL BASE MINDEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – An old saying goes, ‘good things come in small packages,’ but in the isolated, rural villages of Afghanistan the saying is, ‘good things come in small projects.’

Continue reading "Small Projects Reap Large Gains" »

Beheaded bodies found in Afghanistan

The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jun 25, 2010 9:27:54 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The bodies of 11 men, some beheaded, were found Friday in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan, police said.

Continue reading "Beheaded bodies found in Afghanistan" »

June 23, 2010

In Afghanistan, U.S. Troops Ponder the Possible Loss of a Commander

The commander of international forces in Afghanistan was scheduled to pay a surprise visit to Marines at Combat Outpost Hanson in Marjah this week, some four months after they waged a fierce offensive to break the Taliban's grip. Instead, General Stanley McChrystal headed back to Washington, his job in jeopardy over published remarks that criticize President Obama and senior staff members for hamstringing efforts to turn around the nine-year war.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, U.S. Troops Ponder the Possible Loss of a Commander" »

Education; the Key to the Future

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s improved security was earned by the men and women who put their lives on the line daily, but Afghans and Marines know that education is the key to Afghanistan’s future success.

Continue reading "Education; the Key to the Future" »

June 22, 2010

3/7 Welcomes Alpha Company Resupply, Recovery to Hilltop Security Position

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – After days in the field and dwindling supplies, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, welcomed the rumbling of more than a dozen gear and food laden tactical vehicles from CLB-6 headed toward their hilltop security position, May 22.

Continue reading "3/7 Welcomes Alpha Company Resupply, Recovery to Hilltop Security Position" »

As McChrystal Stumbles, the U.S. Campaign in Marjah Struggles

The squad of Marines walks an alternating route, first along rutted dirt roads and then on trails running along the edges of fields, often stopping to squint at farmers through the magnifying scopes of their M4 rifles. Sometimes they skip the trails and tree lines entirely, cutting straight through the fields, sinking in muddy furrows and jumping the irrigation canals in between. Other times, they plunge directly into the canals — better to get wet than risk the bridges where they've been before. The squad's leader, Sergeant Dennis Andersen, explains the strategy: When they first arrived, they walked on roads. Then they started hitting IEDs on the roads, so they walked in fields. Then they started hitting IEDs there too. Now they mix it up and bet on luck.

Continue reading "As McChrystal Stumbles, the U.S. Campaign in Marjah Struggles" »

Report: U.S. funds ending up in Taliban hands

By Aamer Madhani - USA TODAY
Posted : Tuesday Jun 22, 2010 10:34:34 EDT

WASHINGTON — Taliban and Afghan warlords are extorting some of the $2.16 billion the Defense Department has paid to local contractors who transport food, water, ammunition and fuel to U.S. military forces in Afghanistan, according to a House investigation to be released today.

Continue reading "Report: U.S. funds ending up in Taliban hands" »

More Violence Breaks out in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, gunfire broke out as President Obama's special envoy to the region and the U.S. Ambassador arrived in Marjah.

Continue reading "More Violence Breaks out in Afghanistan" »

Taliban finance chief captured in raid

KABUL, Afghanistan — NATO and Afghan forces captured a senior Taliban figure in an overnight raid, the international force said Tuesday in a statement.

Continue reading "Taliban finance chief captured in raid" »

IJC Operational Update, June 22

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained the Taliban's recently appointed chief of finance for Baghlan province, along with two other suspected insurgents, in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 22" »

June 21, 2010

Eau Claire Marine injured in firefight in Afghanistan

Eau Claire (WQOW) - A U.S. Marine from Eau Claire is recovering Monday in the hospital after being wounded in a firefight Monday morning in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Eau Claire Marine injured in firefight in Afghanistan" »

Third Elders' Shura Held at Marjah's Government Centre

KABUL, Afghanistan - The third elder shura took place at the government centre in Marjah, southern Afghanistan recently.

Continue reading "Third Elders' Shura Held at Marjah's Government Centre" »

‘Myles’ From Home: Twin Brother, Sister Reunite in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Two Marine corporals who are twin brother and sister are serving in Afghanistan, a long way from their hometown of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Continue reading "‘Myles’ From Home: Twin Brother, Sister Reunite in Afghanistan" »

Undisciplined Afghans endanger Marjah Marines

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 21, 2010 10:17:34 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Many Afghan National Army troops who work and patrol with U.S. Marines are considered a nuisance at best and a danger at worst.

Continue reading "Undisciplined Afghans endanger Marjah Marines" »

Marines Make Most of Life at Forward Operating Base Edinburgh

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan - Life here is austere and Spartan at best. Howling winds coat everything with a talcum-like dust, there are few escapes from the searing heat, electricity is scarce, hot are meals a rarity yet the morale is probably the highest I have seen in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Make Most of Life at Forward Operating Base Edinburgh" »

White House: Afghan pullout will start in 2011

By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 21, 2010 8:35:14 EDT

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration reaffirmed Sunday that it will begin pulling U.S. troops out of Afghanistan next summer, despite reservations among top generals that absolute deadlines are a mistake.

Continue reading "White House: Afghan pullout will start in 2011" »

Afghanistan-deployed Marines record messages, book readings from for families

Letters, phone calls and internet only tell so much of the story for many of the Marines living in the harsh desert conditions in Afghanistan. Being able to send a video home to their children and other loved ones using the United Through Reading program allows the Marines to put their families at rest about the dangerous situations they may be encountering.

Continue reading "Afghanistan-deployed Marines record messages, book readings from for families" »

Marines maintain presence in Marjah

MARJAH, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, stepped into the scorching heat of Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, June 18, to clear their area of weapons caches, improvised explosive device-making factories and any Taliban insurgents in the area.

Continue reading "Marines maintain presence in Marjah" »

June 20, 2010

U.N. report: Little progress in Afghan security

By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jun 20, 2010 9:30:54 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations reported Saturday that insurgent violence has risen sharply in Afghanistan over the last three months, with roadside bombings, complex suicide attacks and assassinations soaring over last year’s levels.

Continue reading "U.N. report: Little progress in Afghan security" »

3 U.S. troops die in southern Afghanistan

The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jun 20, 2010 8:37:18 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Five NATO troops, including three Americans, died in fighting Friday in Afghanistan, raising to 34 the number of U.S. troops killed in the war this month.

Continue reading "3 U.S. troops die in southern Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 20

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained a number of suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night while pursuing the Taliban commander responsible for insurgent activity in the western part of the province.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 20" »

June 19, 2010

Afghan, ISAF Operation Against Haqqani Network

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international forces conducted operations against the Haqqani network along the border of Khost and Paktiya provinces overnight and throughout the day June 19. Precision airstrikes were used in self defense against a large number of armed insurgents.

Continue reading "Afghan, ISAF Operation Against Haqqani Network" »

IJC Operational Update, June 19

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed a Taliban sub-commander along with a number of insurgents at a compound in Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 19" »

U.S. Hopes Afghan Councils Will Weaken Taliban

NADALI, Afghanistan — More than 600 men, most of them farmers with weathered faces and rough hands, sat on the ground under an awning, waiting all day to deposit their ballots in plastic boxes. They had braved Taliban threats and road mines to come here to select a district council, part of a plan to strengthen local government in the most unstable parts of Afghanistan

Continue reading "U.S. Hopes Afghan Councils Will Weaken Taliban" »

Routine Operation Meets Resistance

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, combined with Afghan National Security Forces, headed north to show face in an area not often visited by friendly forces, June 9.

Continue reading "Routine Operation Meets Resistance" »

Marines Establish New Contacts in Unchartered Territory West of Helmand River

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan— Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, inserted along the unchartered western portion of the Helmand River Valley to conduct patrols and key leader engagements as part of Operation Ozark Mountain, June 14.

Continue reading "Marines Establish New Contacts in Unchartered Territory West of Helmand River" »

June 18, 2010

"Thundering Third" Hunts Taliban's Bombs

CBS News Exclusive: Marine Battalion Tasked with Defusing Explosives Provides Inside Look at Afghanistan's Hidden Danger

(CBS) For nearly a decade, Americans have been fighting - and dying - in Afghanistan. Just on Friday, three service members were killed in combat in the south.

Continue reading ""Thundering Third" Hunts Taliban's Bombs" »

3/1 Marines enhance marksmanship skills at makeshift range in Garmsir

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, enhanced their marksmanship techniques at Patrol Base Koshtay, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 16, to help keep the Marines vigilant throughout their seven-month deployment.

Continue reading "3/1 Marines enhance marksmanship skills at makeshift range in Garmsir" »

Afghan National Civil Order Police Graduate in Herat

KABUL, Afghanistan – Nearly 300 Afghan National Civil Order Police recently graduated from a four-month course at a Regional Training Centre in Herat.

Continue reading "Afghan National Civil Order Police Graduate in Herat" »

IJC Operational Update, June 18

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international force captured a Taliban commander in Zabul province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 18" »

Marines Make Progress in One Afghan Valley

Taliban Retaliates With Assassinations and Threats

With Washington on the hunt for signs of progress here officials might look to Garmsir where improvements are easily measured, but still tempered by an adaptable Taliban insurgency.

Continue reading "Marines Make Progress in One Afghan Valley" »

June 17, 2010

IJC Operational Update, June 17

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force captured a Taliban sub-commander responsible for coordinating attacks and the movement of improvised explosive device material, and detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 17" »

Petraeus: Afghan withdrawal date not locked in

By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 17, 2010 17:01:47 EDT

President Obama’s announced date for the start of U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan has confused some friends, allies and enemies alike, according to lawmakers.

Continue reading "Petraeus: Afghan withdrawal date not locked in" »

Lejeune Marines deploying to Afghanistan

The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 17, 2010 8:44:45 EDT

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — More North Carolina-based Marines are headed to Afghanistan as U.S. and Afghan forces battle a resurgent Taliban.

Continue reading "Lejeune Marines deploying to Afghanistan" »

Gates Concerned About Pessimism on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is concerned about emerging public pessimism and cynicism regarding the outcome of U.S. operations in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here June 17.

Continue reading "Gates Concerned About Pessimism on Afghanistan" »

Afghan Children Discover IED

KABUL, Afghanistan - The recent discovery of an improvised explosive device by children on the Ring Road between Herat and Farah provinces helped ISAF service members safely destroy it.

Continue reading "Afghan Children Discover IED" »

America's Battalion, Afghan Army Complete First Task in Operation New Dawn

SOUTHERN SHORSHORK, Afghanistan - Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in partnership with the Afghanistan National Army, successfully completed their first task of establishing an observation post in support of Operation New Dawn in Southern Shorshork, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 17.

Continue reading "America's Battalion, Afghan Army Complete First Task in Operation New Dawn" »

June 16, 2010

Kandahar Journal: Returning to Afghanistan

This summer Canadian and American troops in Afghanistan will be engaged in one of the largest offensives since the start of the war. Former U.S. marine and war artist Michael Fay, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, will be embedded with American troops this summer. He will be filing illustrations and reports from the front for the National Post throughout the summer.

Continue reading "Kandahar Journal: Returning to Afghanistan" »

Afghanistan Timeline Not a Withdrawal Date, Officials Say

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's directive calling for the start of a conditions-based drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in July 2011 shouldn't be considered as an exit date, but rather the beginning of the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghans, the top U.S. military commander in the region told a Senate panel June 16.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Timeline Not a Withdrawal Date, Officials Say" »

Afghan Civilians Help Police Repel Taliban Attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Afghan civilians helped police to repel an attack by an estimated 50 Taliban fighters against a police checkpoint in Afghanistan's Daykundi province June 14, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilians Help Police Repel Taliban Attack" »

Recently Activated Afghan Army 215th Maiwand Corps Receives 100 Graduates

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Afghan National Army’s 215th Corps received 100 newly-trained soldiers after they graduated from the Joint Security Academy Shorabak here, June 16. Graduating class 2010-01 is the first group of soldiers trained since the 215th Corps’ activation, April 1.

Continue reading "Recently Activated Afghan Army 215th Maiwand Corps Receives 100 Graduates" »

Afghan, ISAF Forces Conduct Operation Against Major Insurgent Cell in Shah Wali Kot

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces with ISAF partners successfully conducted a large scale operation against Taliban insurgents in the district of Shah Wali Kot, north of Kandahar City recently. The intent of this operation was to disrupt a key insurgent haven from which attacks against Afghan communities and coalition forces were planned and executed.

Continue reading "Afghan, ISAF Forces Conduct Operation Against Major Insurgent Cell in Shah Wali Kot" »

3-star: Caution backfiring in Afghanistan

By Jim Michaels - USA TODAY
Posted : Wednesday Jun 16, 2010 17:40:16 EDT

Commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan have been reluctant to launch more secret operations because of an excess of caution about violating military rules and international law, a top Army officer says.

Continue reading "3-star: Caution backfiring in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 16

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province last night while pursuing a Taliban commander responsible for suicide attacks against Afghan and international forces in Kandahar City.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 16" »

June 15, 2010

Concern on Capitol Hill about Afghanistan war grows

A series of political and military setbacks in Afghanistan has fed anxiety over the war effort in the past few weeks, shaking supporters of President Obama's counterinsurgency strategy and confirming the pessimism of those who had doubts about it from the start.

Continue reading "Concern on Capitol Hill about Afghanistan war grows" »

The Real-Life Hurt Locker: Battling IEDs in Afghanistan

Gunnery Sergeant Matthew "Gunney" Small, 32, has a mustache, a thick Boston accent and a tendency to pepper his instructions with curse words. In a single day, Small investigated the site of an improvised explosive device (IED) blast, engaged in a 30-min. firefight with insurgents, blew up a bridge and then swept a road for more IEDs. On the way home, he paused for an intravenous drip — he was dehydrated — and then, after a 12-hour mission, called it a day.

Continue reading "The Real-Life Hurt Locker: Battling IEDs in Afghanistan" »

Statement on Death of Arghandab District Governor Statement on Death of Arghandab District Governor

KABUL, Afghanistan – The murder of the Arghandab District Governor Haji Abdul Jabar, his son and a member of the governor’s staff, June 15, claimed the life of a dedicated public servant.

Continue reading "Statement on Death of Arghandab District Governor Statement on Death of Arghandab District Governor" »

A Tale of Three Commanders – a Reintegration Parable

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three battalion level commanders in Afghanistan had very different views on their roles.

Continue reading "A Tale of Three Commanders – a Reintegration Parable" »

IJC Operational Update, June 15

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force killed several armed insurgents in Kapisa province while pursuing a Taliban commander last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 15" »

June 14, 2010

General: Artillery ops to become smaller

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 14, 2010 18:01:04 EDT

Large-scale operations requiring artillerymen to lay down blankets of fire across wide swaths of enemy-held territory are likely a thing of the past, according to a Marine three-star general.

Continue reading "General: Artillery ops to become smaller" »

From Concept to Reality: MV-22 "Osprey" Proves Itself in Combat, Takes Place As Corps' Premiere Medium-lift Asset

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The MV-22 Osprey, after more than 20 years of development, testing, failure and success, is wrapping up its first combat deployment in Afghanistan, with solid proof it is ready to replace the Corps’ aging fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters as the maritime forces’ go-to medium-lift aircraft.

Continue reading "From Concept to Reality: MV-22 "Osprey" Proves Itself in Combat, Takes Place As Corps' Premiere Medium-lift Asset" »

Regional Command Southwest Stands Up

KABUL- ISAF's new Regional Command Southwest took command of international forces in southwestern Afghanistan today.

Continue reading "Regional Command Southwest Stands Up" »

IJC Operational Update, June 14

KABUL- A joint Afghan-international force detained several suspected insurgents in Kunduz province last night while searching for a facilitator responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and international forces.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 14" »

Afghan, International Force Clears Haqqani Stronghold

KABUL- ISAF has confirmed a Haqqani network commander, Fazil Subhan, known to facilitate foreign fighters, was killed along with multiple insurgents by Afghan and international forces in a two-day offensive in Khost province last week.

Continue reading "Afghan, International Force Clears Haqqani Stronghold" »

‘Life Is Only As Good As the Road You Live On’: Marine Engineers Improve Roads in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marine engineers are hard at work in Afghanistan repairing roads in Marjah to make it easier and safer for Marines and Afghans to travel through Helmand province.

Continue reading "‘Life Is Only As Good As the Road You Live On’: Marine Engineers Improve Roads in Marjah" »

Aviation Marines engage Taliban in ground fight

By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 14, 2010 9:55:42 EDT

Every Marine is trained first and foremost as a rifleman, but many who work in fields like aviation will never find themselves locked in close-quarters combat with the enemy.

Continue reading "Aviation Marines engage Taliban in ground fight" »

A surge of problems in Afghanistan

Bad news from Afghanistan came in a steady stream last week, filling the back end of newscasts preoccupied with the gulf oil spill and primary elections. At least 23 NATO soldiers were killed; a U.S. helicopter was shot down; a suicide bomber killed dozens at a Kandahar wedding.

Continue reading "A surge of problems in Afghanistan" »

June 13, 2010

U.S. Identifies Vast Mineral Riches in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan, far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself, according to senior American government officials.

Continue reading "U.S. Identifies Vast Mineral Riches in Afghanistan" »

Karzai, McChrystal in Kandahar to sell military operation

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, say they've secured backing from local leaders for an upcoming military operation in the province.

Continue reading "Karzai, McChrystal in Kandahar to sell military operation" »

IJC Operational Update, June 13

KABUL- An Afghan and international security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul Province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 13" »

Karzai seeks local support for Kandahar mission

By Deb Riechmann - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jun 13, 2010 15:38:44 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Afghan President Hamid Karzai gave the green light to a major security crackdown in the Taliban birthplace of Kandahar on Sunday, assuring residents the operation was aimed at battling corruption and bad government as much as insurgents.

Continue reading "Karzai seeks local support for Kandahar mission" »

June 12, 2010

June 12: This Week's Operational Update on Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Tony White, spokesman, NATO Senior Civilian Representative, and German Army Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, spokesman, International Security Assistance Force, provided an update June 12 on recent partnering operations in Central Helmand River Valley and Kandahar.

Continue reading "June 12: This Week's Operational Update on Afghanistan" »

As Afghan Fighting Expands, U.S. Medics Plunge In

MARJA, Afghanistan — The Marine had been shot in the skull. He was up ahead, at the edge of a field, where the rest of his patrol was fighting. A Black Hawk medevac helicopter flew above treetops toward him, banked and hovered dangerously before landing nearby.

Continue reading "As Afghan Fighting Expands, U.S. Medics Plunge In" »

U.S. service member among dead in Afghan blasts

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jun 12, 2010 11:41:07 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Five Afghan police officers and two NATO service members died Saturday in separate roadside bomb blasts in Afghanistan, which has seen an uptick in violence in recent weeks.

Continue reading "U.S. service member among dead in Afghan blasts" »

IJC Operational Update, June 12

KABUL- An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and another individual suspected of insurgent activity in Ghazni province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 12" »

Gates: Countering IEDs top priority for NATO

By Julian Hale - Defense News
Posted : Saturday Jun 12, 2010 10:00:00 EDT

BRUSSELS — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that countering improvised explosive devices has become a high priority for NATO and that the United States has already begun to put training for IED detection high on its list.

Continue reading "Gates: Countering IEDs top priority for NATO" »

June 11, 2010

Family Members of "Thundering Third" Show Courage, Grace

The Vietnamese say that every bullet that kills a soldier first passes through his mother's heart.

Continue reading "Family Members of "Thundering Third" Show Courage, Grace" »

Gates: More Trainers Would Speed Afghanistan Transition

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Support for the mission in Afghanistan from allies and partners has increased steadily in the past year, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here June 11.

Continue reading "Gates: More Trainers Would Speed Afghanistan Transition" »

Afghan officials: insurgency growing in southwest

KABUL, Afghanistan - The governing council of a once peaceful province in southwestern Afghanistan has fled to Kabul after the Taliban killed one of their members and threatened the others with death. They fear U.S.-led offensives to the east may simply be pushing insurgents into new areas.

Continue reading "Afghan officials: insurgency growing in southwest" »

My week embedded with US Forces in Afghanistan

Photographer Gary Ramage has spent the past week embedded with US Forces. He has watched a man die; he has been present at the evacuations of several others. This is his extraordinary story.

This has been one of the deadliest weeks on record for coalition forces fighting in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "My week embedded with US Forces in Afghanistan" »

Kandahar offensive will take months longer than planned, U.S. says

When the Obama administration decided last fall to accept Hamid Karzai as the legitimate president of Afghanistan for the next five years, there were no illusions that working with him and his government would be easy. It has been even harder than many U.S. officials anticipated.

Continue reading "Kandahar offensive will take months longer than planned, U.S. says" »

IJC Operational Update, June 11

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Logar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 11" »

June 10, 2010

Better armor, helmets expected soon

By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 10, 2010 8:45:10 EDT

Marines downrange could be wearing tougher, better fitting helmets and body armor by Spring 2011, a top acquisitions officer told members of the defense industry outside Washington on May 25.

Continue reading "Better armor, helmets expected soon" »

Attack kills 40 at Afghan wedding party

NADAHAN VILLAGE, Afghanistan — A suicide bomb ripped through a wedding party for a family with ties to police in the Taliban's heartland in Afghanistan, killing at least 40 people and wounding dozens more, officials said Thursday.

Continue reading "Attack kills 40 at Afghan wedding party" »

IJC Operational Update, June 10

KABUL, Afghanistan- A Haqqani network weapons facilitator and several suspected insurgents were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Khost province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 10" »

June 9, 2010

Petraeus: Afghan mission will fail without UK

By Raphael G. Satter - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 9, 2010 16:55:07 EDT

LONDON — Gen. David Petraeus warned Wednesday that the effort to quash the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan would fail without British support, making his case to U.K. leaders facing painful choices over what kind of military commitments the country can afford.

Continue reading "Petraeus: Afghan mission will fail without UK" »

Gates: Afghan progress must come this year

By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 9, 2010 10:58:27 EDT

LONDON — Public support for the war in Afghanistan will evaporate unless the nations leading the fight against insurgents can show by the end of this year that the eight-year war is not locked in stalemate, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Gates: Afghan progress must come this year" »

Britain Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan

LONDON — Faced with what it sees as a crucial six months to show that its strategy in Afghanistan is working, the Obama administration has reached out in recent days to its closest military ally, Britain, in a bid to head off any weakening of allied resolve.

Continue reading "Britain Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan" »

Gates: Recruiting May Ease Afghan Forces' Attrition

LONDON - With recruiting on pace to exceed goals, the increased numbers may help to ease attrition problems that have plagued the Afghan army and police, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here, June 9.

Continue reading "Gates: Recruiting May Ease Afghan Forces' Attrition" »

Casualties Show Tough Week in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON - It has been a tough week in Afghanistan with 23 servicemembers killed in attacks since Monday, including four killed when their helicopter was shot down in Helmand province, June 9.

Continue reading "Casualties Show Tough Week in Afghanistan" »

Afghan Journal: Marines try to build trust

CAMP HANSEN, AFGHANISTAN

Far from the flagpole. That's what they say about places like this, a gritty compound of Marines bedded down in Marjah - the heart of Afghanistan's poppy fields in Helmand province and the hub of the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghan Journal: Marines try to build trust" »

NATO helicopter shot down in Afghanistan

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 9, 2010 8:12:32 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — A NATO helicopter was shot down in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing four troops, the alliance said.

Continue reading "NATO helicopter shot down in Afghanistan" »

Marines, Locals Celebrate New Government Center

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL'EH, Afghanistan – Every government needs a government building, a designated space to conduct business and enforce laws. Today, the construction for that building begins here.

Continue reading "Marines, Locals Celebrate New Government Center" »

Brothers Reunite in Afghanistan After Five-month Separation

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, Afghanistan – Like many twin brothers, Lance Cpls. Aaron and Adam Voelker do everything together.

Continue reading "Brothers Reunite in Afghanistan After Five-month Separation" »

IJC Operational Update, June 9

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF patrol discovered approximately 900 kilograms of marijuana in the Reg-e Khan Neshin District of Helmand province yesterday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 9" »

June 8, 2010

"Thundering Third" Sees Deadly Action

CBS News' Terry McCarthy Reports on Marines' Battle With Taliban

(CBS) June is off to a deadly start in Afghanistan. 15 Americans died in the first eight days, including two killed today by a roadside bomb in the south. CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy was embedded with the Third Battalion, First Marines and followed them into battle.

Continue reading ""Thundering Third" Sees Deadly Action" »

Marines face continued ambushes around Marjah

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 8, 2010 18:05:30 EDT

NAD ALI, Afghanistan — With the sun dropping lower on the baked horizon, two squads of Marines pushed north into the countryside here, uncertain what dangers were ahead.

Continue reading "Marines face continued ambushes around Marjah" »

Bloodshed rises in Afghanistan as bomb kills 2

By Rohan Sullivan - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 8, 2010 14:00:08 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — Two American troops were killed by a roadside bomb and a British soldier was shot dead on patrol Tuesday, raising the NATO death toll in Afghanistan to two dozen in little more than a week.

Continue reading "Bloodshed rises in Afghanistan as bomb kills 2" »

British troops to stay in Helmand

British troops are to stay in Helmand, the Defence Secretary has said, indicating that he had all but ruled out a move to Kandahar after so many lives had been lost.

Dr Liam Fox said he had discussed the issue with General Stanley McChrystal, the US commander of the Nato mission in Afghanistan, during a visit to the country two weeks ago.

Continue reading "British troops to stay in Helmand" »

Helping Now Zad Locals Help Themselves

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – The population of Now Zad is growing at a rapid rate. However, if the towns' medical facility doesn't grow with the population, the people won't be able to get the care they deserve.

Continue reading "Helping Now Zad Locals Help Themselves" »

Marines Near End of Deployment Continue to Patrol Amidst Taliban Attacks

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan – Waking up in the early morning, the Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, mark down one more day until they can return home to wives and children, their families and friends and perhaps most importantly, leave the past several months behind them.

Continue reading "Marines Near End of Deployment Continue to Patrol Amidst Taliban Attacks" »

Marine Mechanics Repair Life-saving Vehicles in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – In the blazing Afghanistan heat, Marine mechanics can be found turning wrenches, fixing the vehicles that help keep Marines alive.

Continue reading "Marine Mechanics Repair Life-saving Vehicles in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 8

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained a number of individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 8" »

June 7, 2010

12 foreign troops killed on deadly Afghan day

By ROHAN SULLIVAN
Associated Press Writer
Jun 7, 10:25 PM EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Twelve foreign soldiers, including seven Americans, were killed in separate attacks on the deadliest day of the year for Western forces in Afghanistan. A U.S. civilian contractor who trains Afghan police also died in a brazen suicide assault.

Continue reading "12 foreign troops killed on deadly Afghan day" »

Afghanistan: Looking for a Few Good Cops in Marjah

No one showed up for start of official recruitment for Marjah's first local police force. No one showed up until the third and last day at a U.S. Marines base in North Marjah, the Afghan district invaded by American and Afghan military forces in February. Locals told the 3rd Division 6th Marines that they had reservations about joining the force — they were too scared or too intimidated by the Taliban to risk allying themselves with foreign forces in a landscape that the Marines are still struggling to bring under control.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Looking for a Few Good Cops in Marjah" »

SECNAV Visits Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan

Helmand Province, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus spent a day touring forward operating bases (FOBs) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, June 3.

Continue reading "SECNAV Visits Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan " »

Suicide bombers attack Afghan police compound

By Matthew Pennington and Mirwais Khan - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 7, 2010 8:45:46 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — At least three suicide bombers attacked a police training center Monday in southern Afghanistan’s largest city, but the assailants were killed before they could inflict any casualties, officials said.

Continue reading "Suicide bombers attack Afghan police compound" »

IJC Operational Update, June 7

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained an individual suspected of insurgent activity in Kandahar province today.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 7" »

June 6, 2010

Birth of a Motto: in Helmand Province, 3/3 H&S; Marines Prove Their Versatility, Mettle

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The phrase, "every Marine a rifleman" is so overused it's gone from motto to cliché, but if Cpl. Eric Ramirez has his way, a new battle cry will emerge — every Marine an infantryman.

Continue reading "Birth of a Motto: in Helmand Province, 3/3 H&S; Marines Prove Their Versatility, Mettle" »

Russia urges NATO to fight Afghan drug trafficking

SINGAPORE — Russia urged NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday to crack down harder on drug production and smuggling, and offered to help put a security ring around the country.

Continue reading "Russia urges NATO to fight Afghan drug trafficking" »

IJC Operational Update, June 6

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban commander and multiple other insurgents were killed by coalition forces during an operation in Farah province yesterday and last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 6" »

Insurgents Plant Bomb Disguised As Candy in Afghan Neighborhood

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Last week U.S. Army combat engineers with the 20th Engineer Battalion took part in the clearance of a shrapnel-laden IED disguised as a bag of candy, located in a neighborhood crowded with children

Continue reading "Insurgents Plant Bomb Disguised As Candy in Afghan Neighborhood" »

June 5, 2010

1 dead, 14 wounded in Kandahar bombing

By Mirwais Khan - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jun 5, 2010 14:10:39 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A bomb exploded Saturday outside the provincial governor’s office in Kandahar, killing one police officer and wounding at least 14 civilians, officials said.

Continue reading "1 dead, 14 wounded in Kandahar bombing" »

Afghan conference calls for talks with Taliban

By Amir Shah and Kathy Gannon - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jun 5, 2010 9:43:54 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan national peace conference on Friday urged the government to take formal steps toward negotiating with insurgents, boosting President Hamid Karzai’s plans to open talks with the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghan conference calls for talks with Taliban" »

Tip Leads to Weapons Cache Find

KABUL – A tip from a resident led Afghan National Security Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces to a large weapons cache find in the Gizab district of Uruzgan province recently.

Continue reading "Tip Leads to Weapons Cache Find" »

IJC Operational Update, June 5

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force captured a Haqqani network facilitator and several other suspected insurgents in Khost province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 5" »

June 4, 2010

Camp Dwyer in Helmand, or 'Hell, man'

CAMP DWYER, AFGHANISTAN

The dog tags clink softly in the wind - empty necklaces draped on a sign, coated with the fine white dust that blows and clings to everything at this outpost.

Continue reading "Camp Dwyer in Helmand, or 'Hell, man'" »

1st MLG Corpsmen Team Up to Save Lives at British Hospital in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Once patients are medically evacuated from a forward operating base to receive more treatment on their injuries, they are brought to a facility like the United Kingdom Bastion Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "1st MLG Corpsmen Team Up to Save Lives at British Hospital in Afghanistan" »

'You Can't Beat the View:' Reserve Gunner Helps Resupply Forward Troops

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It was a bit of a bumpy ride for Cpl. Thomas Hornor when he sat atop the turret of his Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle during a nearly eight-hour combat logistics patrol across the unpredictable terrain of the scorching Afghanistan desert.

Continue reading "'You Can't Beat the View:' Reserve Gunner Helps Resupply Forward Troops" »

Charlie Company Marines Travel Far and Wide to Reach Afghan Locals

PARGHEE BAGAT, Afghanistan -- As the patrol trudged through waist-deep water, Cpl. Matt Davis called over to his point man.

Continue reading "Charlie Company Marines Travel Far and Wide to Reach Afghan Locals" »

Marines Mentor Helmand Provincial Police Forces

LASHKAR GAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Marines in Helmand province's British Forward Operating Base Lashkar Gah, have come to understand this ancient Chinese proverb all too well.

Continue reading "Marines Mentor Helmand Provincial Police Forces" »

Taliban fighters turn to deadlier IEDs

Militants adapting to Marines’ strategies, using various forms of bombs

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jun 4, 2010 18:25:13 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — A Marine convoy comprising several Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATVs, was traveling on one of Marjah’s many dirt roads May 15 when the lead vehicle set off a new type of IED, sending a plume of dust, smoke and twisted metal 50 feet in the air.

Continue reading "Taliban fighters turn to deadlier IEDs" »

Taliban Leader's Death Confirmed; Forces Seize Insurgent Sub-Commander

WASHINGTON - A Taliban sub-commander was captured and several other suspected insurgents were killed or captured June 3 by Afghan and international security forces, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Taliban Leader's Death Confirmed; Forces Seize Insurgent Sub-Commander" »

June 3, 2010

Militants attack Afghan peace conference

By Kathy Gannon and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 3, 2010 16:31:24 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The thump of rockets and the rattle of gunfire punctuated President Hamid Karzai’s speech opening a national conference Wednesday where delegates were divided over whether to negotiate peace with Taliban leaders to end nearly nine years of war.

Continue reading "Militants attack Afghan peace conference" »

'All Vics, We Are Oscar Mike': MWSS-274 Saves Money, Assets With Logistics Convoys

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – This ain't no Sunday joy ride – it's a trip through what is arguably the most dangerous province in the world on what barely constitutes a road under constant threat of ambush and improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "'All Vics, We Are Oscar Mike': MWSS-274 Saves Money, Assets With Logistics Convoys" »

June 2, 2010

Faces of War: The Battalion Commander

A Battalion Commander is responsible for more than 800 Marines. He plans missions, joins his troops on patrol, counsels them, disciplines them and promotes them. He also has to do paperwork.

Continue reading "Faces of War: The Battalion Commander" »

Marjah Marine Departs U.S. As a Photographer, Leaves As 'honorary Grunt'

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHER WALI, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When the infantry Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, were first told they were getting a combat camera Marine attached to their platoon for Operation Moshtarak's push into Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, they didn't know what to expect.

Continue reading "Marjah Marine Departs U.S. As a Photographer, Leaves As 'honorary Grunt'" »

Reaching Out To Afghan Women

Every time Marine Corporal Dana Drew goes out on patrol in Khanashin, Afghanistan she is armed with her gun… and some snapshots.

Continue reading "Reaching Out To Afghan Women" »

RCT-7 Over the Hump: Marines Reflect on Past Months, Anticipate Remaining Time in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Benjamin E. Palmer deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7 to Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan in October 2009, as part of the first full-sized RCT to stand up in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "RCT-7 Over the Hump: Marines Reflect on Past Months, Anticipate Remaining Time in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, June 2

KABUL, Afghanistan - The newly appointed Taliban shadow governor of Baghlan province was captured by an Afghan-international force as he prepared to leave for Pakistan Monday morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 2" »

June 1, 2010

Marines, DEA, Afghan police nab drug kingpin in early morning raid

MARJAH, Afghanistan — A swift and decisive pre-dawn raid on a known Taliban commander's compound snared the Drug Enforcement Administration's and the Afghan government's primary drug and terrorist target in Marjah, May 18.

Continue reading "Marines, DEA, Afghan police nab drug kingpin in early morning raid" »

No longer training for war, but living it

Summer is fighting season in southern Afghanistan and the heat is rising for Camp Pendleton Marines who took command this spring in Helmand province. The red desert flanking the river valley has begun to bake at 110 degrees, the poppy harvest is over and Taliban militants have returned to their guns and bombs.

Continue reading "No longer training for war, but living it" »

No. 3 al-Qaida official killed in U.S. strike

By Kimberly Dozier - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 1, 2010 9:01:10 EDT

WASHINGTON — Al-Qaida announced Monday that its No. 3 official, Mustafa al-Yazid, had been killed along with members of his family — perhaps one of the most severe blows to the terror movement since the U.S. campaign against al-Qaida began. A U.S. official said al-Yazid was thought to have died in a U.S. missile strike.

Continue reading "No. 3 al-Qaida official killed in U.S. strike" »

Afghan army improves, but still lacks leaders

By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 1, 2010 17:42:20 EDT

The much-maligned Afghan National Army has shown significant improvement in quality over the past six months and is on track to meet numeric goals, a top U.S. trainer in Afghanistan said Tuesday. But the Afghan army has a “critical shortfall” in enlisted and officer leadership, he said, and lacks the self-sustainment it needs to develop to become an independent and capable force.

Continue reading "Afghan army improves, but still lacks leaders" »

Engine, door-handle problems plague M-ATVs

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 1, 2010 7:08:57 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Problems persist with the Corps’ new mine-resistant vehicle involving its engine wiring and door latches.

Continue reading "Engine, door-handle problems plague M-ATVs" »

IJC Operational Update, June 1

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several Haqqani network commanders and other individuals were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Khost province last night and early this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, June 1" »

May 31, 2010

Marines Honor the Fallen on Memorial Day

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) held a Memorial Day ceremony at Camp Leatherneck to honor America's fallen.

Continue reading "Marines Honor the Fallen on Memorial Day" »

Insurgents Targeted With Precision Airstrikes in Barg-e Matal

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF supported Afghan National Security Force operations in Nuristan province by delivering precision-guided airstrikes on known insurgent locations near Barg-e Matal early Monday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Targeted With Precision Airstrikes in Barg-e Matal" »

Insurgents Targeted With Precision Airstrikes in Barg-e Matal

KABUL, Afghanistan - ISAF supported Afghan National Security Force operations in Nuristan province by delivering precision-guided airstrikes on known insurgent locations near Barg-e Matal early Monday.

Continue reading "Insurgents Targeted With Precision Airstrikes in Barg-e Matal" »

Marines See Benefits of 'Hunt and Help' in Helmand

Aid for Locals Seen as Key to Reduced Violence in Taliban Heartland in Afghanistan

Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan, is the opium capital of the world and the financial base of the Taliban. It is one of the most dangerous parts of country.

Continue reading "Marines See Benefits of 'Hunt and Help' in Helmand" »

IJC Operational Update, May 31

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international force used a precision air strike to kill Taliban commander Haji Amir, one of the two most senior Taliban leaders in Kandahar province, and several of his fighters Sunday morning in Panjwa'i District.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 31" »

The Afghan National Police

This responsibility falls on the Afghan National Police, a branch of the Afghan national security forces, which is now some 100,000 members strong and includes the Afghan uniformed police, the Afghan border police, the Afghan national civil order police, and a few other policing and paramilitary entities.

Continue reading "The Afghan National Police" »

Afghan National Security Forces Secure Barg-e Matal

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces, aided by international troops, secured the Barg-e Matal District center in Nuristan province last night. This operation is in response to the large amount of insurgent activity in the area during previous weeks.

Continue reading "Afghan National Security Forces Secure Barg-e Matal" »

May 30, 2010

Contract Helicopter Makes Hard Landing in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - An MI-8 contract helicopter made a hard landing in the Jaji district of Paktiya province May 30.

Continue reading "Contract Helicopter Makes Hard Landing in Eastern Afghanistan" »

Menifee soldier delivers cargo, care packages

The cargo Jesse Karr carries when he pilots helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan can vary.

Continue reading "Menifee soldier delivers cargo, care packages" »

Some Taliban training in Iran, McChrystal says

By Heidi Vogt and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday May 30, 2010 12:50:21 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said Sunday there is “clear evidence” that some Taliban fighters have trained in Iran.

Continue reading "Some Taliban training in Iran, McChrystal says" »

Female Marines bridging gender gap in Afghanistan

ABDUL GHAYAS, Afghanistan — Two young female Marines trudged along with an infantry patrol in the 102-degree heat, soaked through their camouflage uniforms under 60 pounds of gear. But only when they reached this speck of a village in the Taliban heartland on a recent afternoon did their hard work begin.

Continue reading "Female Marines bridging gender gap in Afghanistan" »

Firefights frequent for Marines in schoolhouse

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 30, 2010 8:49:00 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Shots snapped overhead angrily, and the Marines jumped into canals lining both sides of the dirt trail. Within seconds, the squad was trudging through knee-deep sludge, maneuvering to fire back against four gun-wielding insurgents.

Continue reading "Firefights frequent for Marines in schoolhouse" »

McChrystal: Civilian deaths endanger mission

By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 30, 2010 9:54:21 EDT

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Civilian casualties inflicted by coalition forces are on the rise in Afghanistan and threaten to undo the entire war effort, according to Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, senior U.S. and NATO commander here.

Continue reading "McChrystal: Civilian deaths endanger mission" »

IJC Operational Update, May 30

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Helmand province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 30" »

May 29, 2010

IJC Operational Update, May 29

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force used precision air strikes to kill the Taliban shadow governor of Baghlan province and several of his fighters last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 29" »

U.S. Releases Uruzgan Investigation Findings

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Forces-Afghanistan released its findings today from the investigation into the Feb. 21 civilian casualty incident that killed up to 23 Afghans and injured 12 others in Uruzgan province.

Continue reading "U.S. Releases Uruzgan Investigation Findings" »

Marine Mentors Afghan Soldiers

MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan -- No driver's license, no driver's education courses, no time behind the wheel of a vehicle ever … no problem for one Marine mentor responsible for teaching Afghan National Army soldiers how to drive.

Continue reading "Marine Mentors Afghan Soldiers" »

Lima Company, Snipers Scope Out Washir

WASHIR, Afghanistan – Clearing out compounds and winning the trust and confidence of the local population, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 conducted a 14-day operation in Washir, to rid the area of insurgent presence.

Continue reading "Lima Company, Snipers Scope Out Washir" »

May 28, 2010

Afghans refuse to destroy old, dangerous ammo

By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 28, 2010 15:31:15 EDT

Afghanistan’s defense ministry is refusing to destroy more than 6,300 metric tons of old ammunition that is taking up valuable, climate-controlled bunker space needed for new U.S.-funded Afghan security force ordnance, Army Col. Ronald Green said Friday.

Continue reading "Afghans refuse to destroy old, dangerous ammo" »

DEA, Marines and Afghan Police Nab Drug Kingpin in Early Morning Raid

PATROL BASE LITTLEFOOT, Helmand province, Afghanistan- A swift and decisive pre-dawn raid on a known Taliban commander's compound snared the Drug Enforcement Administration's and the Afghan government's primary drug and terrorist target in Marjah, May 18.

Continue reading "DEA, Marines and Afghan Police Nab Drug Kingpin in Early Morning Raid" »

Afghan and International Troops Find, Destroy IED Factories

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international partners discovered and destroyed two improvised explosive device factories in Kandahar province recently.

Continue reading "Afghan and International Troops Find, Destroy IED Factories" »

Marines Survey Garmsir for New Vocational School

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Civil-military operations officers from the I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) and 1st Marine Division (FWD) staff visited the Garmsir District Center, May 25, to survey a possible site for the construction of an agricultural vocational school in support of the ongoing effort to educate the local populace.

Continue reading "Marines Survey Garmsir for New Vocational School" »

When Afghans Seek Medical Aid, Tough Choice for U.S.

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — Five-year-old Sadiq was not a casualty of war. He was simply unlucky. The boy had opened a sack of grain at his home early on Wednesday morning, and a pit viper coiled inside lashed up and bit him above the lip.

Continue reading "When Afghans Seek Medical Aid, Tough Choice for U.S." »

Joint Operation Improves Security in Northern Badghis Province

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan soldiers, supported by ISAF troops have completed a clearing operation aimed at disrupting insurgent presence in and around Bala Murghab, Badghis province, north of Herat.

Continue reading "Joint Operation Improves Security in Northern Badghis Province" »

May 27, 2010

Marines Work to Gain Trust of Afghan Locals

When it Comes to Winning the Trust of Taliban-Fearing Residents, Hammers and Shovels areas Important as Guns

(CBS) For Marines in Marjah, counterinsurgency comes down to this: if you build it, they will come.

Continue reading "Marines Work to Gain Trust of Afghan Locals" »

Supreme Allied Commander Europe Visits Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Adm. James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, concluded a two day visit to Afghanistan, May 27.

Continue reading "Supreme Allied Commander Europe Visits Afghanistan" »

The Surge is On in Afghanistan

If you're wondering when the U.S. Military is beginning it's surge in Afghanistan, wonder no more. It's on.

Continue reading "The Surge is On in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, May 27

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Kandahar province last night. The security force detained the individuals while searching a series of buildings south of Kudeza'I, Zharay district. Some of the suspects ran from the security force, but they were quickly and safely apprehended.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 27" »

Faces of War: Capt. Jason Ford

Captain Jason Ford is on his fourth tour of duty with the U.S. Marines, his first in Afghanistan. I met him in 2003 during the buildup to the invasion of Iraq and again on the march towards Baghdad while he was serving with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, the same unit I embedded with.

Continue reading "Faces of War: Capt. Jason Ford" »

May 26, 2010

Marines brave sniper fire in Marjah

Enemy target patrols with precision fire

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday May 26, 2010 17:23:53 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — As they pushed through dusty farm compounds looking for insurgents, the members of this Marine fire team were wound tighter than a steel spring.

Continue reading "Marines brave sniper fire in Marjah" »

PMT Patrols Through Now Zad

NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines go on local patrols through villages and rural areas every day to ensure the security of Now Zad, but no patrol is identical to another.

Continue reading "PMT Patrols Through Now Zad" »

May 25, 2010

Kilo Company Squads Engage Insurgents After Ambush

COMBAT OUTPOST REILLY, Afghanistan – Last night, I went on my last foot patrol of this embed assignment.

Continue reading "Kilo Company Squads Engage Insurgents After Ambush" »

Faces of War: The Mechanic

Even the toughest military vehicles break down in the harsh conditions of Southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Faces of War: The Mechanic" »

IJC Operational Update, May 25

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed several individuals in a fierce gun battle in Paktiya province this morning. The targeted individual killed was an Afghanistan al-Qaeda leader, while the remaining individuals were engaging the security force with automatic rifles and hand grenades.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 25" »

May 24, 2010

Marines battle fire aboard Camp Leatherneck

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A large cloud of smoke rolled into the air as the Supply Management Unit lot erupted in flames, May 16, — a stomach-churning site, especially in a combat zone.

Continue reading "Marines battle fire aboard Camp Leatherneck" »

Always Walk in the Tracks

“Walk in the tracks,” 1st Sgt Stephen Cummings told me as we walked toward the Helmand River. I was shooting some video, and veered off a little. Then, not looking where I was going, I veered off again.

Continue reading "Always Walk in the Tracks" »

Marine Prowlers 'Jam' Afghan Skies

(Editor's Note: Military.com editor Ward Carroll and managing editor Christian Lowe are currently embedded with American troops in eastern Afghanistan.)

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – Although the bureau numbers on the fuselages of Marine Electronic Attack Squadron 2's EA-6B Prowlers tell of jets harkening from the Cold War, the venerable jammers have found a new and vital niche in the counterinsurgency of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Prowlers 'Jam' Afghan Skies" »

Counting the Close Calls

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan – I'm not an infantryman, far from it. I'm as much of a 'pog' (meaning person other than grunt) as one can be, but with the Marine Corps being what it is, even Pog's are afforded the opportunity to see combat. While in Helmand province, Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, I've nearly been shot several times. I've wound up pinned down in a muddy canal by sniper fire and have watched stunned as a rocket-propelled grenade spiraled through the air, bounce of a doorframe and skid to a halt, ten feet away.

Continue reading "Counting the Close Calls" »

IJC Operational Update, May 24

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban commander and several insurgents in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 24" »

Afghans: 7 arrests in deaths of Army colonels

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday May 24, 2010 21:25:17 EDT.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Seven Afghans have been arrested in connection with a suicide bombing last week that killed six NATO soldiers, including three U.S. Army colonels, officials said Monday. A senior official accused Pakistan’s intelligence service of a role in their training

Continue reading "Afghans: 7 arrests in deaths of Army colonels" »

McChrystal calls Marjah a bleeding ulcer' in Afghan campaign

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top allied military commander in Afghanistan, sat gazing at maps of Marjah as a Marine battalion commander asked him for more time to oust Taliban fighters from a longtime stronghold in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Continue reading "McChrystal calls Marjah a bleeding ulcer' in Afghan campaign" »

May 23, 2010

2nd LAR Brings Lasting Security to Helmand Province

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines of Alpha Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion wrapped up five months of security operations in Helmand province, turning their area of operations over to the Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Continue reading "2nd LAR Brings Lasting Security to Helmand Province" »

In the Face of Death: Marine Survives Firefight by 6 Inches

NAWA, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – All Marines endure some risk of serious injury or even death while deployed to combat, but for Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Gray, a few inches and a punctured rifle is all that separated him from a very bad day on the battlefield.

Continue reading "In the Face of Death: Marine Survives Firefight by 6 Inches" »

2nd LAR Marines Called Afghan Desert 'home'

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Cpl. Brandon T. Templeton, a team leader from Garden City, Mich., lived out of his vehicle for five months, conducting security operations in the deserts of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "2nd LAR Marines Called Afghan Desert 'home'" »

What's in a Name? Marines of 1/3 in Nawa Honor Fallen Brothers

NAWA, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – Since their deployment to Afghanistan began in November, the Marines of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have conducted counterinsurgency operations from dozens of positions throughout Nawa District.

Continue reading "What's in a Name? Marines of 1/3 in Nawa Honor Fallen Brothers" »

IJC Operational Update, May 23

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several individuals suspected of insurgent activity were detained by an Afghan-international security force in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 23" »

Insurgents attack Afghanistan base

By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 23, 2010 8:47:07 EDT

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Coalition forces repelled an insurgent attack on this airfield on Saturday evening that wounded a small number of personnel, a Coalition spokeswoman said.

Continue reading "Insurgents attack Afghanistan base" »

U.S. Tries to Reintegrate Taliban Soldiers

MIAN POSHTEH, Afghanistan — The young Taliban prisoner was led blindfolded to a sweltering military tent, seated among 17 village elders and then, eyes uncovered, faced a chief accuser brandishing a document with the elders’ signatures or thumbprints.

Continue reading "U.S. Tries to Reintegrate Taliban Soldiers" »

May 22, 2010

Insurgents attack main NATO base in south Afghanistan

Taliban insurgents launched a brazen, four-hour ground attack against the biggest NATO base in southern Afghanistan, following up a barrage of rockets and mortars fired at the Kandahar Airfield base, officials said Saturday.

Continue reading "Insurgents attack main NATO base in south Afghanistan" »

In Afghan Fields, a Challenge to Opium’s Luster

COMBAT OUTPOST HANSON, Afghanistan — The annual Afghan opium harvest finished this month with production sharply down from last year, Afghan farmers and American military officers say. Now, growers and smugglers who had long been unchallenged here face tough choices created by the poor crop and new government and military pressure.

Continue reading "In Afghan Fields, a Challenge to Opium’s Luster" »

Marines train more Afghan police recruits

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday May 22, 2010 15:14:16 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Mohammad Sarwar doesn’t look like your typical rookie police officer.

Continue reading "Marines train more Afghan police recruits" »

Taliban claim attack on NATO base

It's the third major assault on military base in six days

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Taliban claimed responsibility Sunday for a nighttime assault on NATO's biggest base in southern Afghanistan. Insurgents firing rockets, mortars and automatic weapons tried to storm Kandahar Air Field — the second such attack on a major military installation this week.

Continue reading "Taliban claim attack on NATO base" »

IJC Operational Update, May 22

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force destroyed an explosives factory with a precision air strike in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 22" »

May 21, 2010

M4 not suited to warfare in Afghan hills

By Slobodan Lekic - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 21, 2010 10:46:04 EDT

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. military’s workhorse rifle is proving less effective in Afghanistan against the Taliban’s more primitive but longer range weapons.

Continue reading "M4 not suited to warfare in Afghan hills" »

Officials Provide More Details on Bagram Attack

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Military officials provided more details May 21 on the May 19 attack here that killed a U.S. contractor and wounded several service members.

Continue reading "Officials Provide More Details on Bagram Attack" »

Upcoming battle in south Afghanistan 'our D-Day'

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard of Canada is to direct NATO's potentially decisive campaign in Kandahar City and four nearby districts this summer, including the volatile Panjwaii where troops from the Royal Canadian Regiment will take the lead as the battle unfolds.

Continue reading "Upcoming battle in south Afghanistan 'our D-Day'" »

ISAF Helicopter Struck by Insurgent Fire

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF helicopter was struck by an insurgent-fired rocket-propelled grenade today as it prepared to land at a checkpoint in Nad 'Ali.

Continue reading "ISAF Helicopter Struck by Insurgent Fire" »

NATO Agrees to Split of Regional Command South, Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN - On May 21, 2010, the North Atlantic Council in consultation with non-NATO International Security Assistance Force Troop Contributing Nations, gave final authorization for the reorganisation of ISAF's Regional Command South and the establishment of an additional Regional Command South-West – RC(SW) – in Afghanistan. This new organisation will be effective later this summer.

Continue reading "NATO Agrees to Split of Regional Command South, Afghanistan" »

Avoiding IED's in Garmsir, Afghanistan

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

PATROL BASE KARMA, AFGHANISTAN

Sergeant Jim Morse of 3/1's Weapons Company is a big bear of a man. He is from Austin, TX, likes country music, and manages to keep a good sense of humor - even when tension was high in his company as they took some significant contact around their patrol base from the Taliban in the past two weeks.

Continue reading "Avoiding IED's in Garmsir, Afghanistan" »

Supplying the MRAP Pipeline: a Constant Reconciliation

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- By air, land, and sea, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are moving into Iraq and Afghanistan through a network of DOD partners.

Continue reading "Supplying the MRAP Pipeline: a Constant Reconciliation" »

IJC Operational Update, May 21

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained two militants as they pursued a Taliban commander in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 21" »

May 20, 2010

Revisiting Combat Outpost Reilly

The summer fighting season has returned to southern Afghanistan, which means the Obama administration’s and Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal’s counterinsurgency effort here will face some of its most difficult tests. Temperatures are soaring over 100 degrees, the opium crop has been harvested and laborers are freed up for fighting in environmental conditions that strain equipment and challenge even the most fit Western soldiers and Marines.

Continue reading "Revisiting Combat Outpost Reilly" »

IJC Operational Update, May 20

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force captured a senior Taliban commander and another insurgent in Baghlan last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 20" »

Arriving in Afghanistan

We arrived in Kabul at 7am this morning. We went straight to our bureau, which is part of a house in a compound shared by other news agencies. There, correspondent Conor Powell briefed us and offered to show us around town a bit. We agreed, but then all three of us promptly fell asleep. I crashed on the floor on a mat covered in dirt from one of Conor's previous military embeds. I was woken up every so often by a man outside the window yelling "load!" and "unload!". He was running drills with a private security team. But I still slept hard. We didn't make it out of the Fox house until it was time to go to the military side of the airport to catch our first flight south.

Continue reading "Arriving in Afghanistan" »

May 19, 2010

Signs of Progress in Central Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - Three months after the launch of Operation Moshtarak, clear signs of progress are evident throughout central Helmand.

Continue reading "Signs of Progress in Central Helmand" »

IJC Operational Update, May 19

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several suspected militants were detained by an Afghan-international security force in Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 19" »

Village medical outreach provides care to Afghans

NAW ABAD, Afghanistan — Marines and medical officers from Brigade Headquarters Group and 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) and an Afghan national army medic from Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan, set up a village medical outreach, May 15, outside the village of Naw-Abad, to provide medical care to the people of that area.

Continue reading " Village medical outreach provides care to Afghans" »

In Ambush, a Glimpse of a Long Afghan Summer

BALUCH, Afghanistan — Minutes after surviving the first ambush, Cpl. John M. Boone, a Marine sniper, called over his radio. “We’ve got a civilian here who got shot in his gut,” he said.

Continue reading "In Ambush, a Glimpse of a Long Afghan Summer" »

May 18, 2010

IJC Operational Update, May 18

KABUL, Afghanistan - In the Tarin Kot District of Uruzgan province yesterday, an ISAF patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of three rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade fuel cell, two recoilless rifle rounds, a machine gun and a pair of binoculars. The items were confiscated for exploitation.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 18" »

Before Nation-Building Comes School-Building

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

AMIR AGHA, AFGHANISTAN — Staff Sergeant Adam Smith is in charge of a small outpost built under casuarinas trees in Amir Agha, which is about a mile's walk through wheat fields from the main operating base of Kilo Company in Hasanabad. He has been a Marine for 10 years, was in the invasion force of Iraq in 2003, and this is his fourth deployment.

Continue reading "Before Nation-Building Comes School-Building" »

May 17, 2010

In Mud Fort, Marines Handle "Dust Up" with Afghan Locals

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

BARCHA FORT, AFGHANISTAN--

It rises up above the Helmand River plains like some fantastic Salvador Dali creation - the mud fort of Barcha, or Castle Gray Skull as the Marines have renamed it. It looks like an enormous hazelnut ice cream cake that has half melted into grotesque curves and overhangs, and then been flash frozen again.

Continue reading "In Mud Fort, Marines Handle "Dust Up" with Afghan Locals" »

Helmand leaders strengthen bond through Regional Security Shura

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Key leaders representing coalition forces, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Afghan people participated in the first regional security shura throughout Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 12-13.

Continue reading "Helmand leaders strengthen bond through Regional Security Shura" »

Specially-Trained Dogs Help Marines Sniff Out IED's

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.
KOSHTAY, AFGHANISTAN--

Lance Corporal Jordan Ridder never owned a dog when he was a boy. But he always liked dogs, and there were plenty around the neighborhood.

Continue reading "Specially-Trained Dogs Help Marines Sniff Out IED's" »

IJC Operational Update, May 17

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained two suspected militants in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 17" »

Marines, Afghan National Army Clear Roadways of IEDs

PATROL BASE BUJI, Helmand province, Afghanistan- Marines with 3rd Route Clearance Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, have a unique and dangerous mission within the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan National Army Clear Roadways of IEDs" »

Corpsman Build on Knowledge of Others

CAMP DELARAM II, Helmand province, Afghanistan - In an ever-changing combat environment, doctors and corpsman are charged with saving lives.

Continue reading "Corpsman Build on Knowledge of Others" »

Q+A: Drugs and Afghanistan's growing insurgenc

(Reuters) - Afghan and United Nations officials say a natural pest has hit the key narcotics producing region of southern Afghanistan, which could result in a major reduction of poppy output, the raw material for heroin, this year.

Continue reading "Q+A: Drugs and Afghanistan's growing insurgenc" »

May 16, 2010

Returnees Find Home in Parwan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Not too far from here is a government-established returnee village for Afghan refugees who have returned from either Iran or Pakistan and used to call Parwan and Panjshir provinces home. The village is called Barikop, also known as Beni Warsak.

Continue reading "Returnees Find Home in Parwan" »

Fire Breaks Out at Base in Afghanistan

Crews are keeping an eye on hot spots left over from a fire that broke out in a supply area on Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand Province on Sunday.

Continue reading " Fire Breaks Out at Base in Afghanistan" »

Taliban Hold Sway in Area Taken by U.S., Farmers Say

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan — Farmers from the district of Marja, which since February has been the focus of the largest American-led military operation in Afghanistan, are fleeing the area, saying that the Taliban are terrorizing the population and that American troops cannot protect the civilians.

Continue reading "Taliban Hold Sway in Area Taken by U.S., Farmers Say" »

IJC Operational Update, May 16

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 16" »

May 15, 2010

30 militants dead in Afghan, NATO raids

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday May 15, 2010 10:07:11 EDT

KABUL — Afghan and coalition forces conducted sweeps across Afghanistan that left at least 30 militants dead, while insurgents in the east killed five security guards in an ambush on a convoy, officials said Saturday.

Continue reading "30 militants dead in Afghan, NATO raids" »

Afghan effort fruitful but fragile, commander says

Camp Pendleton Marines and other U.S. troops are making inroads against insurgents in southern Afghanistan — cutting poppy production, gleaning intelligence, training Afghan soldiers and repopulating former Taliban strongholds — but the next months are critical in the nearly nine-year war, the commander of Marine forces in Afghanistan said Friday.

Continue reading "Afghan effort fruitful but fragile, commander says" »

1,000 Hawaii Marines depart for Afghanistan deployment

Battalion back in the fight with 7-month tour in Afghanistan

KĀNE'OHE BAY — Marine Corps Gunner James Law was a tender-talking dad one minute and tough-as-nails Marine the next.

Continue reading "1,000 Hawaii Marines depart for Afghanistan deployment" »

IJC Operational Update, May 15

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international combined force killed several militants and captured several as they searched for a Taliban leader in Baghlan last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 15" »

May 14, 2010

Welcome to 'The Jungle': MALS-16 Marines Keep Warehouse Running, Squadrons Flying

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – Ever had to track a dozen things at once? How about a hundred? A thousand? Imagine being responsible for buying, receiving, organizing and issuing more than 16,000 different parts required to keep an entire Marine aircraft wing operational in a harsh combat zone.

Continue reading "Welcome to 'The Jungle': MALS-16 Marines Keep Warehouse Running, Squadrons Flying" »

IED Attack Kills Two Marines

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

Patrol Base Karma, Afghanistan

About 10 o'clock last Tuesday morning we heard an explosion to the north of Patrol Base Karma - minutes later we heard there were two Marines down - members of a patrol that had left the base at 6 am.

Continue reading "IED Attack Kills Two Marines" »

IJC Operational Update, May 14

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban sub-commander and other insurgents were killed, and two insurgents were captured, by an Afghan-international security force in Nangarhar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 14" »

'Red Cloud' Marines Rub Elbows With Afghan Locals During Latest Logistics Patrol

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- During their latest combat logistics patrol in the region May 7-11, Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), were able to spend time getting to know the native population on friendly terms.

Continue reading "'Red Cloud' Marines Rub Elbows With Afghan Locals During Latest Logistics Patrol" »

Hard Corps Pipes: Accomplished CLB-6 Bagpipe Player Laces Afghan Air With Musical Motivation

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Aside from the periodic hum of a hovering MV-22 Osprey in the distance or the muted chatter of the thousands of soldiers, sailors and Marines milling about in front of the stage, all else was silent.

Continue reading "Hard Corps Pipes: Accomplished CLB-6 Bagpipe Player Laces Afghan Air With Musical Motivation" »

Mills: Marines prepare for wider command

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 14, 2010 21:12:55 EDT


CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — One month into command in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills said Friday his force of nearly 20,000 Marines is well prepared to take over a wider area this summer.

Continue reading "Mills: Marines prepare for wider command" »

Big Afghan offensive must overcome deadly terrain

LAKO KHEL, Afghanistan — U.S. soldiers had just made it through a dense patch of vineyards to a cluster of abandoned mud compounds when the radio operator let out a shout: "Sir, we are about to be ambushed from three different locations!"

Continue reading "Big Afghan offensive must overcome deadly terrain" »

US Marine commanding general says his forces hurting Afghanistan's opium trade

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — U.S. forces are dealing a blow to the Taliban's multimillion-dollar opium business by securing deals with farmers to plant legal crops, the commanding general in charge of U.S. Marines in Afghanistan said Friday.

Continue reading "US Marine commanding general says his forces hurting Afghanistan's opium trade" »

May 13, 2010

From Protecting Obama, to Protecting Fellow Marines

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

Corporal Dan Rhodes (left) was sitting on the roof of the patrol base, looking out at a treeline from where the patrol base for Weapons Company had taken fire yesterday.

Continue reading "From Protecting Obama, to Protecting Fellow Marines" »

New Surveillance System to Enhance Security at Spin Boldak Border

KABUL, Afghanistan – To better protect the people of Afghanistan and enhance Afghan national security force security operations along the border, ISAF and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are installing a new security system near the Spin Boldak border crossing in Kandahar province.

Continue reading "New Surveillance System to Enhance Security at Spin Boldak Border" »

Marines Answer the Call at Any Hour: Heavy Guns Bring Security

NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Most Marines wake up knowing how long they will work and what their job will involve, but the Marines with the Quick Reaction Force for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, have learned to expect the unexpected.

Continue reading "Marines Answer the Call at Any Hour: Heavy Guns Bring Security" »

IJC Operational Update, May 13

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents and detained almost a dozen others as the patrol searched for a Pakistani-based Taliban commander in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 13" »

More Than Two Dozen Taliban Killed in Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed more than two dozen insurgents and captured several others while pursuing a senior Taliban commander in Kunduz last night.

Continue reading "More Than Two Dozen Taliban Killed in Kunduz" »

Marines, journalist caught under sniper fire

MARJAH, Afghanistan — The tension was obvious even before leaving the wire on a 6 a.m. patrol.

Continue reading "Marines, journalist caught under sniper fire" »

May 12, 2010

Marjah Bazaar Centerpiece for Civic Projects, Work Programs

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Just over two months ago, trash littered the streets and shops made of wood and aluminum stood uneasily, ready to collapse at any moment, at the Koru Chareh bazaar in Marjah, Afghanistan. Today crowds pass through the market place or wait near checkpoints manned by Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, to register for civic work programs, May 5.

Continue reading "Marjah Bazaar Centerpiece for Civic Projects, Work Programs" »

Five Fronts in the War in Afghanistan

American military leaders have had to devise multiple strategies to deal with Afghanistan’s complex terrain and an array of enemies. Here is a look at five areas of focus for the American military.

Continue reading "Five Fronts in the War in Afghanistan" »

Corpsmen Keep Marjah Marines in the Fight

MARJAH, Afghanistan— For corpsmen with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, a slow day is a good day.

Continue reading "Corpsmen Keep Marjah Marines in the Fight" »

Marines Maintain Fitness in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan —Capt. Robert Schotter doesn't want to hear any excuses about the inability to find time or equipment for a workout.

Continue reading "Marines Maintain Fitness in Marjah" »

Mysterious Blight Destroys Afghan Poppy Harvest

Up to one-third of Afghanistan’s poppy harvest this spring has been destroyed by a mysterious disease, according to estimates revealed Wednesday by United Nations officials, potentially complicating the American and NATO military offensives this summer in the country’s opium-producing heartland.

Continue reading "Mysterious Blight Destroys Afghan Poppy Harvest" »

Obama: Afghan War Will Worsen Before It Improves

President Admits To 'Setbacks'

WASHINGTON -- The war in Afghanistan will get worse before it gets better, President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday, but he declared his plan to begin withdrawing U.S. forces next year remains on track.

Continue reading "Obama: Afghan War Will Worsen Before It Improves" »

Total Force Airlift Delivering in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – At a place where Operation Moshtarek, a NATO-Afghan joint offensive involving 15,000 Afghan, Canadian, American and British troops is still in full swing, military aircraft come in like clockwork.

Continue reading "Total Force Airlift Delivering in Afghanistan" »

Marine's Fast Reaction Saves Life

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The blast hit just outside his patrol base – a small, concrete schoolhouse in northern Marjah, May 4. The impact, said Cpl. Jason Ducote, made him feel "like all the fillings had fallen out of his teeth."

Continue reading "Marine's Fast Reaction Saves Life" »

Marine's Fast Reaction Saves Life

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The blast hit just outside his patrol base – a small, concrete schoolhouse in northern Marjah, May 4. The impact, said Cpl. Jason Ducote, made him feel "like all the fillings had fallen out of his teeth."

Continue reading "Marine's Fast Reaction Saves Life" »

After 30-year Absence, Jirga Held in Moqur District

KABUL, Afghanistan - District elders held a Grand Jirga Thursday in Moqur, one of the districts most affected by the insurgency in Badghis province.

Continue reading "After 30-year Absence, Jirga Held in Moqur District" »

IJC Operational Update, May 12

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several suspected militants were detained by an Afghan-international security force as they searched for a Taliban commander in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 12" »

May 11, 2010

Hold fire, earn a medal

By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 11, 2010 19:27:58 EDT

U.S. troops in Afghanistan could soon be awarded a medal for not doing something, a precedent-setting award that would be given for “courageous restraint” for holding fire to save civilian lives.

Continue reading "Hold fire, earn a medal" »

Combat Tested: UH-1Y Huey Proves Its Effectiveness

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, "Scarface," arrived in Afghanistan seven months ago with one of the Marine Corps' newest aviation platforms, the UH-1Y Huey.

Continue reading "Combat Tested: UH-1Y Huey Proves Its Effectiveness" »

VMA-231 Wraps Up Deployment, Prepares to Head Home

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Almost 200 warriors from Marine Attack Squadron 231 are packing up and preparing to head home after spending six months supporting daily operations despite rocket attacks, extreme temperatures and sand storms.

Continue reading "VMA-231 Wraps Up Deployment, Prepares to Head Home" »

HMLA-369 Assumes Responsibilities From HMLA-367

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan — Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, "Scarface," transferred responsibilities as 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward)'s light attack aviation unit to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, the "Gunfighters," during a transfer of authority ceremony, May 10.

Continue reading "HMLA-369 Assumes Responsibilities From HMLA-367" »

IJC Operational Update, May 11

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international patrols successfully conducted operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan during the past 24 hours that targeted improvised explosive device facilitators and weapons used to attack security forces.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 11" »

May 10, 2010

Coalition Helicopter Downed in Helmand, Crew Safe

KABUL, Afghanistan - An MH-60 helicopter made a controlled landing after being hit by enemy fire in Helmand province this afternoon. All crewmembers have been safely returned to base.

Continue reading "Coalition Helicopter Downed in Helmand, Crew Safe" »

Marines Navigate Poppy Fields and the People in Afghanistan

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Paul Worley is a tall, deep-voiced Marine from tobacco-farming country in North Carolina.

Continue reading "Marines Navigate Poppy Fields and the People in Afghanistan" »

Afghan war allies want Iraq war-tested MRAPs

By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Monday May 10, 2010 21:36:34 EDT

Coalition forces in Afghanistan, in urgent need of protection from roadside bombs, have sought hundreds of the U.S.-produced armored trucks known as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, according to Pentagon officials and documents.

Continue reading "Afghan war allies want Iraq war-tested MRAPs" »

IJC Operational Update, May 10

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF patrol found a cache this morning in the Tarin Kot District of Uruzgan. The cache contained a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two rounds, two RPG fuel cells and multiple .50 caliber rounds. The cache was destroyed.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 10" »

May 9, 2010

Taliban gears up for Western offensive in Kandahar

In an apparent PR effort, a self-styled Taliban spokesman in Kandahar speaks to a reporter, declaring, 'The foreign occupiers have come to our city, and we will fight them.'

Astride a black motorbike, he moves freely about the dusty, chaotic city he boasts the Taliban owns. "Our house," he calls it. "Our home."

Continue reading "Taliban gears up for Western offensive in Kandahar" »

IJC Operational Update, May 9

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force discovered an IED factory and detained two suspected insurgents while pursuing a Taliban commander in Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 9" »

Villagers Defend Themselves Against Insurgents in Herat

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan citizens fought off an unprovoked insurgent attack in Parmakan village, Shindand District, Herat province May 8.

Continue reading "Villagers Defend Themselves Against Insurgents in Herat" »

Gun Battle Leaves 10 Militants Dead in W. Afghanistan

Afghan forces eliminated 10 Taliban insurgents after hours of gun battle in Shindand district of Herat province, a military officer in the western region Zinudin Sharifi said Sunday.

Continue reading " Gun Battle Leaves 10 Militants Dead in W. Afghanistan" »

Afghan drug traffickers face more resistance

Stepped up U.S. and Afghan military operations in southern Afghanistan have loosened the Taliban's grip on narcotics trafficking, a key funding source for the militant group, a top Marine commander said.

Continue reading "Afghan drug traffickers face more resistance" »

'Taliban killed after beheading Afghan guards'

HERAT, Afghanistan — US and Afghan forces killed 10 Taliban militants in a raid in western Afghanistan after the insurgents beheaded four guards working for the US military, the Afghan army said Sunday.

Continue reading "'Taliban killed after beheading Afghan guards'" »

May 8, 2010

Miracle Mothers Spend Special Day in Afghanistan Saving Other's Children

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Choicey Pellerin, from Lafayette, La., would give anything to hold her 1-year-old son Cardaye in her arms on Mother's Day, which is also her birthday. But as an executive officer and patient administrator for the 555th Forward Surgical Team, located at Forward Operating Base Wright in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar Province, that is not going to happen. Instead, for her birthday gift she received a picture of her son, who was born premature, taking his first steps – one more thing she had missed.

Continue reading "Miracle Mothers Spend Special Day in Afghanistan Saving Other's Children" »

Taliban vow new Afghan offensive with Karzai in US

KABUL — In an attempt to steal the spotlight from Afghan President Hamid Karzai's trip to Washington, the Taliban on Saturday threatened to launch a series of attacks across Afghanistan — a claim the defense minister quickly dismissed as insurgent propaganda.

Continue reading "Taliban vow new Afghan offensive with Karzai in US" »

Education Proves Key for Success in ANA

KABUL, Afghanistan -- As the Afghan national army continues to grow, the development of the corps of non-commissioned officers has become a priority in order to provide qualified leadership to train and mentor junior soldiers.

Continue reading "Education Proves Key for Success in ANA" »

ISAF JOINT COMMAND Operational Update, May 6

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban commander and a few other insurgents were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Kandahar. The combined force searched a compound in the village of Jazah, in the Khakrez district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security force captured the Taliban commander responsible for planning and executing attacks against coalition forces. He is also heavily involved in organizing suicide attacks, mortar attacks and buying IED components. A few other insurgents were also captured during the search.

Continue reading "ISAF JOINT COMMAND Operational Update, May 6" »

IJC Operational Update, May 8

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed two insurgents and captured another while pursuing a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in Zabul last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 8" »

May 7, 2010

Afghans wary as NATO rebrands Kandahar "process"

(Reuters) - While military commanders in Afghanistan try to play down an upcoming offensive in Kandahar, many residents in the southern province remain skeptical and fear they will bear the brunt of any assault.

Afghan leader Hamid Karzai is due to meet U.S. President Barack Obama next week and the Kandahar offensive will be high on the agenda after a spate of civilian deaths caused a rift between Kabul and Washington.

Continue reading "Afghans wary as NATO rebrands Kandahar "process"" »

IJC Operational Update, May 7

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Haqqani network improvised explosive device commander and two other militants were captured this morning by an Afghan-international security force in Khost.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 7" »

2 NATO troops, civilians die in Afghanistan

By Amir Shah - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 7, 2010 9:59:17 EDT

KABUL — Afghan civilians traveling south of the capital of Kabul died Friday when their vehicle hit a large roadside bomb, police said.

Continue reading "2 NATO troops, civilians die in Afghanistan" »

Commandos From the 'sun' Graduate

KABUL, Afghanistan – "The sky is dark over Afghanistan, but my hope is like the sun. I want to bring this darkness to brightness." With those words the Afghan Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Bismillah Khan officially announced the formation of the 8th Commando Kandak.

Continue reading "Commandos From the 'sun' Graduate" »

Marines Push Taliban Back from Base

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

The Marine CH 53 helicopter came in from the desert and landed in the middle of an opium poppy field, which was literally adjacent to the Marine base. The poppy harvest is just over, and the poppies we crunched through on our way into the base were brown and brittle - their pods scored with diagonal slashes from the farmers who passed through last week, collecting the resin.

Continue reading "Marines Push Taliban Back from Base" »

May 6, 2010

Marines Mentor Afghan Police

MARJAH, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The struggle for stability continues in Marjah, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Mentor Afghan Police" »

Gunny Glew: the Adhesive That Keeps India Company Together

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Gunnery Sgt. Jason Glew is a workhorse.

Continue reading "Gunny Glew: the Adhesive That Keeps India Company Together" »

Afghans Hopeful for Peaceful Future, U.S. Leaders Say

WASHINGTON - U.S. military and civilian leaders in Afghanistan say they are more optimistic than ever about success there, due not only to military and government advances, but also to the changing will of the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Afghans Hopeful for Peaceful Future, U.S. Leaders Say" »

Marines, Afghans Build Bonds Over Food, Music

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marine leaders from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, sat down to dine with Mir Hamza, the Garmsir Distirict National Directorate of Security chief, May 1 to celebrate the transition from 2/2 to 3/1.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghans Build Bonds Over Food, Music" »

IJC Operational Update, May 6

KABUL, Afghanistan - A Taliban commander and a few other insurgents were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 6" »

May 5, 2010

IEDs Test Marine Tactics

A U.S. Marine Corps sergeant jumped from a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle last summer to inspect a suspicious clump in the dirt along the side of the highway linking his operating base and the combat outpost the convoy was headed to. He inched his way to the patch of ground with a metal detector. The marine had good reason for caution. Helmand Province is infested with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), found along roadways and footpaths that Marines and Afghan security forces use during dismounted patrols.

Continue reading "IEDs Test Marine Tactics" »

‘Sandblasted’: Afghan storm takes Marine helicopter crew by surprise

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines are fond of saying, “Welcome to the suck.” I’m beginning to understand why.

Continue reading "‘Sandblasted’: Afghan storm takes Marine helicopter crew by surprise" »

ISAF Condemns Nimroz Suicide Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF condemns the suicide attack in the Zaranj District of Nimroz province on Wednesday killing and wounding Afghan citizens and police forces.

Continue reading "ISAF Condemns Nimroz Suicide Attack" »

U.S., Karzai seek common view on Taliban talks

The embassy does not give its view -- toeing the line that talks must be Afghan-led and not dictated by Washington -- but it is an issue President Hamid Karzai is expected to hammer out in meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama next week.

Continue reading "U.S., Karzai seek common view on Taliban talks" »

Suicide bombers, gunmen attack Afghan governor's compound

Thirteen people, including the nine assailants, are killed as security forces fend off the assault in Nimruz province, officials say.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan

A squad of suicide bombers and gunmen on Wednesday stormed a provincial governor's compound in southwestern Afghanistan, setting off a fierce gun battle. Security forces managed to fight off the attackers, but 13 people died, including all nine assailants, officials said.

Continue reading "Suicide bombers, gunmen attack Afghan governor's compound" »

Afghan Taliban hits government buildings in coordinated blasts

Taliban launched simultaneous attacks on three government buildings in southwestern Afghanistan.

Taliban launched simultaneous attacks on three government buildings in southwestern Afghanistan, killing three people, including a government official, police said.

Continue reading "Afghan Taliban hits government buildings in coordinated blasts" »

Five militants killed in Afghanistan

ABUL: A joint operation between Afghan and Nato forces killed five militants in central Afghanistan, the defense ministry said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Five militants killed in Afghanistan" »

Marines now filling in as NATO trainers

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday May 5, 2010 9:52:48 EDT

Marines are temporarily filling NATO training billets in Afghanistan, while the struggle to convince other countries to send trainers continues.

Continue reading "Marines now filling in as NATO trainers" »

"Thundering Third" Meet with Local Afghan Leaders

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

We were sitting in the shade of some mulberry trees on the edge of Koshtay village when I met a man who had never made a telephone call in his life, and didn't know how to use a telephone.

Continue reading ""Thundering Third" Meet with Local Afghan Leaders" »

May 4, 2010

IJC Operational Update, May 4

KABUL, Afghanistan - This morning in the Musa Qalah District of Helmand province, an Afghan civilian notified an Afghan-international security patrol of unexploded ordnance. The patrol responded and found two rocket-propelled grenades, a suicide vest with C-4 explosive, and detonation cord. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the cache.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 4" »

IJC Operational Update, May 4

KABUL, Afghanistan - This morning in the Musa Qalah District of Helmand province, an Afghan civilian notified an Afghan-international security patrol of unexploded ordnance. The patrol responded and found two rocket-propelled grenades, a suicide vest with C-4 explosive, and detonation cord. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the cache.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 4" »

New NATO idea to avoid killing innocent Afghans

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAMROD, Afghanistan — NATO commanders are weighing a new way to reduce civilian casualties in Afghanistan: recognizing soldiers for "courageous restraint" if they avoid using force that could endanger innocent lives.

Continue reading "New NATO idea to avoid killing innocent Afghans" »

Afghan Soldiers Learn to Read, Write

CAMP SHAHEEN, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army 209th Corps is taking steps to educate their soldiers and increase the literacy rates in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers Learn to Read, Write" »

May 3, 2010

Afghanistan Future Already Exists in Panjshir

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan– The mineral water-bottling plant, kabob restaurants along the river and construction site of the Massoud Tomb Complex don't necessarily reflect images of a war-torn nation; nor does the permissiveness that allows American military and civilian members of Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team to move relatively freely throughout this area of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Future Already Exists in Panjshir" »

Push for Afghan role slows military building

By Heidi Vogt - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday May 3, 2010 8:41:55 EDT

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — An effort to give construction projects to Afghan firms is leading to delays at a time when NATO is rushing to accommodate tens of thousands more international troops, U.S. officials say.

Continue reading "Push for Afghan role slows military building" »

Video shows Pakistan Taliban boss alive

By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday May 3, 2010 16:28:42 EDT

KABUL — The leader of Pakistan’s Taliban appeared in a video Monday threatening attacks against the U.S. three months after American and Pakistani officials believed he died in a U.S. missile strike.

Continue reading "Video shows Pakistan Taliban boss alive" »

IJC Operational Update, May 3

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan border patrol unit stopped a truck during a random check and discovered four tons of a substance believed to be ammonium nitrate. The material was confiscated. The unit sent a sample of the material for testing. If tests confirm that it is the banned substance, the material will be destroyed.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 3" »

Toggling Between Fighting and Outreach in Afghanistan

However the Afghan war is faring over all, across the wide and varied expanse of Afghanistan, with all of its political and cultural complexity, one thing is abundantly clear: toggling between fighting and outreach can create head-spinning scenes. Some of these scenes underline the difficulties inherent in a counterinsurgency doctrine that mixes lopsided violence with attempts to make nice. But they also simultaneously demonstrate that the efforts to follow the doctrine far from Kabul, out on remote ground, have become a central part of how the war is waged, even as the merits of the doctrine are quietly debated.

Continue reading "Toggling Between Fighting and Outreach in Afghanistan" »

"Thundering Third" Adapts to IED Threat

As part of our continuing coverage of "Afghanistan: the Road Ahead," - CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy follows the Third Battalion, First Marines at home, and abroad in Afghanistan.

We drove south today from the main 3/1 base to Koshtay where Lima company is based.

Continue reading ""Thundering Third" Adapts to IED Threat" »

U.S. to Send Trainers to Afghanistan as Stopgap

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has signed an order sending 850 more American military personnel to Afghanistan as a stopgap measure to fill vacancies in the high-priority effort to train local security forces, Pentagon officials said Monday.

Continue reading "U.S. to Send Trainers to Afghanistan as Stopgap" »

May 2, 2010

Afghan civilian deaths rise as troops pour in

By Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday May 2, 2010 11:48:42 EDT

KABUL — An Afghan official says a roadside bomb has torn through a minibus in eastern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan civilian deaths rise as troops pour in" »

IJC Operational Update, May 2

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator in Kabul province this morning, May 2.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, May 2" »

NATO Settles Afghan Losses

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Throughout history civilians have gotten caught in the cross-fires of war; an occurrence that has not fallen short as NATO forces continue to suppress the Taliban.

Continue reading "NATO Settles Afghan Losses" »

Sea Bees Build Up From the Ground Up: Sea Bees Swarm Delaram II With Construction

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan – As Camp Delaram II continues to grow, the sailors of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 continue to build. Nearly twice its size and supporting hundreds of new occupants, the camp's construction team hasn't slowed down yet.

Continue reading "Sea Bees Build Up From the Ground Up: Sea Bees Swarm Delaram II With Construction" »

ANSF/ISAF Partnership Stabilizing Southern Badghis Province

KABUL, Afghanistan – Since October 2009, Afghan National Security Forces have partnered with a team of 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division and U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Forces to establish security and support an Afghan government presence in Muqor district, Badghis province.

Continue reading "ANSF/ISAF Partnership Stabilizing Southern Badghis Province" »

May 1, 2010

Mobile Trauma Bay Brings Medical Care Closer to Battlefield

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – A group of medical professionals can treat wounded troops on the battlefield even faster than before.

Continue reading "Mobile Trauma Bay Brings Medical Care Closer to Battlefield" »

Care Packages to Afghanistan Boosts Deployed Troops Morale

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines located on large bases such as Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, have the option to visit the Marine Corps Exchange any day to purchase supplies, hygiene products and other items a Marine might want. However, Marines in outlying areas throughout Helmand province may rarely get the opportunity to obtain essential supplies and hygiene products because of scattered convoy schedules.

Continue reading "Care Packages to Afghanistan Boosts Deployed Troops Morale" »

Building Structures and Relationships Between ISAF and Afghans

MUSA QA'LAH DISTRICT CENTER, Afghanistan – Marines in Musa Qa'lah District Center, Helmand province, Afghanistan put in a substantial amount of time and effort interacting with local Afghans and continuing friendly relationships between themselves and the community.

Continue reading "Building Structures and Relationships Between ISAF and Afghans" »

New Garmsir District Governor Arrives at District Center

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Mohammad Fahim, the new district governor for Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, arrived at the district center near Forward Operating Base Delhi, April 29.

Continue reading "New Garmsir District Governor Arrives at District Center" »

April 30, 2010

Pakistan: Taliban chief survived U.S. strike

By Ishtiaq Mahsud and Munir Ahmed - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 29, 2010 11:44:51 EDT

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and U.S. intelligence wrongly reported the death of the head of the Pakistani Taliban in a CIA drone strike and the brash, ruthless commander is now believed to be alive, Pakistani spies said Thursday in an apparent propaganda coup for the insurgents.

Continue reading "Pakistan: Taliban chief survived U.S. strike" »

Afghan Soldier Holds Record for Finding IEDs

KABUL - An Afghan national army soldier in Helmand province holds the record for finding the most improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldier Holds Record for Finding IEDs" »

IJC Operational Update, April 30

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator and two other militants were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Kandahar province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 30" »

April 29, 2010

Joint Patrol Finds Nine IEDs in and Near Kandahar School

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force recently captured a Taliban cell leader who had emplaced improvised explosive devices in and around an Afghan children's school in Kandahar.

Continue reading "Joint Patrol Finds Nine IEDs in and Near Kandahar School" »

U.S. Must Help Pakistan Beat Insurgency, Officials Say

WASHINGTON - Calling relations with Pakistan vital to U.S. national security, senior Defense Department officials testified on Capitol Hill, April 29, in support of long-term funding for Pakistan's counterinsurgency operations.

Continue reading "U.S. Must Help Pakistan Beat Insurgency, Officials Say" »

Relative of Afghan lawmaker shot in night raid

By Amir Shah - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 29, 2010 8:23:22 EDT

KABUL — NATO and Afghan forces raided a lawmaker’s home and fatally shot the woman’s brother-in-law during a nighttime operation in eastern Afghanistan, sending hundreds of people into the streets shouting “Death to America!” in protest, the lawmaker said Thursday.

Continue reading "Relative of Afghan lawmaker shot in night raid" »

Afghan-international Force Kills Armed Individual in Nangarhar

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed one armed individual while pursuing a Taliban facilitator in Nangarhar last night.

Continue reading "Afghan-international Force Kills Armed Individual in Nangarhar" »

'Falconers' Keep Eyes on the Sky

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – A group of Marines helped safely land dozens of aircraft here today – they're neither pilots nor crew chiefs.

Continue reading "'Falconers' Keep Eyes on the Sky" »

IJC Operational Update, April 29

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two Haqqani facilitators and two other militants were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Khost province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 29" »

April 28, 2010

Afghan Air Corps Shows Off for Mujahedeen Victory Day

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan national army air corps demonstrated precision, capability, pride, and a bit of fun when they performed close formations in low level flying above the city of Kabul. The demonstration was conducted as part of the Mujahedeen Victory Day celebration and parade.

Continue reading "Afghan Air Corps Shows Off for Mujahedeen Victory Day" »

Joint Patrol Finds 2,090 Kg of Opium

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international patrol confiscated a large drug cache in the Reg-e Khan Heshin district of Helmand province April 28.

Continue reading "Joint Patrol Finds 2,090 Kg of Opium" »

Marines face challenge in unstable Helmand

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 28, 2010 15:59:57 EDT

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — U.S. forces face a tough summer in Afghanistan, and the former Taliban stronghold of Marjah and other parts of Helmand province will be among the most treacherous, said a top officer overseeing operations there from the Pentagon.

Continue reading "Marines face challenge in unstable Helmand" »

Report: Afghans skeptical of new government

By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Apr 28, 2010 19:55:28 EDT

WASHINGTON — A Pentagon report concludes that only about a quarter of Afghans living in densely populated areas and critical regions support or even sympathize with the Kabul government.

Continue reading "Report: Afghans skeptical of new government" »

Marines Man Isolated Patrol Base to Watch Over Known Taliban Hot Spot

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – From inside of a small compound, known as Patrol Base Khodi Rhom, the Marines of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, alongside a section of Afghan national army soldiers, patrol an area once known for large amounts of enemy activity in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Man Isolated Patrol Base to Watch Over Known Taliban Hot Spot" »

IJC Operational Update, April 28

KABUL, Afghanistan - Several suspected insurgents were detained by an Afghan-international security force while pursuing a Taliban commander in Helmand last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 28" »

April 27, 2010

Tourists in Afghanistan Have Place to Stay in Panjshir

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Panjshir province, Afghanistan, is known for its scenic terrain, fast-flowing river, permissive environment and mujahedeen resistance of both the Soviets and Taliban.

Continue reading "Tourists in Afghanistan Have Place to Stay in Panjshir" »

Marines Provide Marjah Farmers With Fertilizer, Seeds During Crucial Harvest Season

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, along with members of the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team, are helping Marjah farmers cope with one of the toughest harvesting seasons in southern Afghanistan in recent memory through a food zone distribution program.

Continue reading "Marines Provide Marjah Farmers With Fertilizer, Seeds During Crucial Harvest Season" »

Marines Stabilize Afghan Town Of Marjah

U.S. forces have been focused on southern Afghanistan in recent months. Earlier this year, the military drove the Taliban out of their stronghold in the town of Marjah. About 20,000 Marines are trying to make the town and surrounding areas more stable. Marine Major Gen Richard Mills gives Renee Montagne an update on how the operation is going.

Continue reading "Marines Stabilize Afghan Town Of Marjah" »

IJC Operational Update, April 27

KABUL, Afghanistan - In the Arghandab District of Kandahar this morning, an ISAF patrol found an improvised explosive device near the Kuhak school. An explosive ordnance disposal team was attempting to disarm the device when it exploded. No one was hurt.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 27" »

Key Afghan military operation moves slowly as Washington's political clock ticks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American-led effort to gain control of southern Afghanistan is off to a slow start and the political clock is ticking as U.S. troops head into what could be the bloodiest fight yet in the eight-year war.

Continue reading "Key Afghan military operation moves slowly as Washington's political clock ticks" »

Forces in Afghanistan Find 6 Roadside Bombs

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL - The discovery of six roadside bombs, including one that insurgents were in the process of planting, highlighted operations in Afghanistan yesterday and today, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Forces in Afghanistan Find 6 Roadside Bombs" »

Afghan Civilians, Government Join Forces to Defeat and Remove Taliban

KABUL, Afghanistan - Gizab District, locked centrally in the Hazarajet region of Afghanistan, recently was the scene of community resolve and determination when citizens took action to remove a Taliban threat from their village. The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with minimal involvement by coalition forces, is assisting Gizab residents in their effort to purge the Taliban from the area.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilians, Government Join Forces to Defeat and Remove Taliban" »

XO's Road Show Brings a Little of Everything to 3/6's Marines

MARJAH, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines and Sailors from a variety of military occupational specialties stepped out of their normal routines April 23-25, to contribute to the XO's Road Show. The mobile exhibition toured each of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment's, company operating bases in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "XO's Road Show Brings a Little of Everything to 3/6's Marines" »

April 26, 2010

Farmers Transition to Different Crops, Marines, Afghan Forces Provide Aid

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Afghanistan – Through a joint effort, the Afghan national army, non-governmental organizations and Marines are overseeing the Marjah Accelerated Agricultural Transition program, which has moved into its next stage, April 22.

Continue reading "Farmers Transition to Different Crops, Marines, Afghan Forces Provide Aid" »

3 explosions rock Kandahar, kill 2 civilians

By Noor Khan - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Apr 26, 2010 10:40:33 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A wave of violence that has swept the southern city of Kandahar has forced the United Nations to tell more than 200 of its Afghan employees there to stay home, a U.N. official said Monday. Several foreign U.N. employees have been temporarily moved to Kabul.

Continue reading "3 explosions rock Kandahar, kill 2 civilians" »

Ospreys Flying High, Fast Supporting War in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – "You guys ready to go fast?"

Continue reading "Ospreys Flying High, Fast Supporting War in Afghanistan" »

Taliban Reintegrated in Baghlan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Eight Taliban insurgents walked up to the gates of a forward operating base in Puza-i-Eshan Saturday to turn themselves in to Afghan national security forces.

Continue reading "Taliban Reintegrated in Baghlan" »

IJC Operational Update, April 26

KABUL, Afghanistan - A senior militant commander of Kunduz province and two senior advisors were killed in a precision air strike in northern Kunduz this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 26" »

April 25, 2010

Elite U.S. Units Step Up Drive in Kandahar Before Attack

Small bands of elite American Special Operations forces have been operating with increased intensity for several weeks in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan’s largest city, picking up or picking off insurgent leaders to weaken the Taliban in advance of major operations, senior administration and military officials say.

Continue reading "Elite U.S. Units Step Up Drive in Kandahar Before Attack" »

Local Projects Help to Better Infrastructure, Economy

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – As Marines of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, continue to push Taliban forces out of Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, certain areas have begun to rebuild.

Continue reading "Local Projects Help to Better Infrastructure, Economy" »

Afghan troops train for water polo while at war

By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Apr 25, 2010 10:53:15 EDT

Afghanistan may be landlocked, and pools may be scarce, but soldiers with the Afghan National Army aren’t letting these minor obstacles put a damper on their Olympic water polo dreams.

Continue reading "Afghan troops train for water polo while at war" »

Kandahar push depends on politics: Afghan official

KABUL — Afghanistan will not allow foreign troops to move against the Taliban in Kandahar unless they guarantee that civilians will be protected and governance pushed into target areas, an official said Sunday.

Continue reading "Kandahar push depends on politics: Afghan official" »

IJC Operational Update, April 25

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed one militant and detained a few others as they pursued a Taliban leader in Kunduz last night, April 24.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 25" »

Afghan-international Force Captures Taliban Commander, Kills Insurgents in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and killed several insurgents in Logar this morning.

Continue reading "Afghan-international Force Captures Taliban Commander, Kills Insurgents in Logar" »

April 24, 2010

Dakota, Improvised Explosive Device Detector Dog, Survives Firefight

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The black labrador retriever named Dakota, laid on the floor with a blood-seeped gauze taped to her hip, letting out a melancholic cry when her handler moved out of her sight.

Continue reading "Dakota, Improvised Explosive Device Detector Dog, Survives Firefight" »

IJC Operational Update, April 24

KABUL, Afghanistan – In Kunduz last night, an Afghan-international security force went to a compound near Aka Khel, in the Archi district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. The security force moved into the compound and made a call out. The individuals, who had barricaded themselves in the buildings, did not come out and engaged the combined force with small-arms fire. The joint security force returned fire killing several insurgents and detaining a few others.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 24" »

A Firsthand Look at Firefights in Marja

During the initial American-led assault earlier this year into Marja, the last large Taliban-dominated population center in Helmand Province, Marines in several companies encountered something unusual in the American experience of the Afghan war – insurgent snipers.

Continue reading "A Firsthand Look at Firefights in Marja" »

April 23, 2010

IJC Operational Update, April 23

KABUL, Afghanistan – One militant was killed and several others captured by an Afghan-international security force as they pursued a Taliban facilitator in Ghazni last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 23" »

NATO to begin Afghanistan power handover

NATO agreed to begin handing over control of Afghanistan to the Afghan government this year, a process that if successful would enable President Barack Obama to meet his target date of July 2011 for starting to bring U.S. troops home.

Continue reading "NATO to begin Afghanistan power handover" »

Afghan-International Force Kills Five Insurgents in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan – During a joint Afghan-International security force operation in Logar province last night, the combined force killed five insurgents after receiving heavy and sustained gunfire from a compound.

Continue reading "Afghan-International Force Kills Five Insurgents in Logar" »

Heavy Guns, Anti-Armor Platoon Crushes the Enemy's Will to Fight

SALAAM BAZAAR, Afghanistan – Rapidly trekking though the rugged terrain and mine laden country side of Salaam Bazaar, the Marines of 3rd Squad, Heavy Guns, Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, took the fight to the Taliban April 14, during Operation Rising Tide.

Continue reading "Heavy Guns, Anti-Armor Platoon Crushes the Enemy's Will to Fight" »

3/7 takes charge of battle space

COMBAT OUTPOST NOWZAD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment are going home after seven months of training and operating alongside Afghan national security force.

Continue reading "3/7 takes charge of battle space" »

April 22, 2010

Facing Danger, Overcoming Fear

SALAM BAZAAR, Afghanistan – Adrenalin was rushing the morning of April 14th, 2010 as Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 and members of the Afghan National Security Forces approached the Salam Bazaar in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Facing Danger, Overcoming Fear" »

IJC Operational Update, April 22

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents as they pursued a Taliban facilitator in Zabul province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 22" »

Building Up Afghan Capacity Seen as Key Challenge

QUANTICO, Virginia (Reuters) - When U.S. forces went in to clear the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in February, the hope was that local Afghan government could step in fast, but that has proved tough and underscores a countrywide challenge.

Continue reading "Building Up Afghan Capacity Seen as Key Challenge" »

Assassination Shows Taliban's Values, Petraeus Says

WASHINGTON - The assassination of the deputy mayor of Kandahar, Afghanistan, as he prayed in a mosque this week reflects the values of a barbaric enemy, the commander of U.S. Central Command said in a statement released, April 21.

Continue reading "Assassination Shows Taliban's Values, Petraeus Says" »

April 21, 2010

No Place to Run: HMLA-367 Marine Helps Locate, Close-with, Destroy Enemy

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When Marines kick in doors and begin to put rounds down range, some insurgents flee — a Huey pilot helped create a way to stop them before they slip through the cracks.

Continue reading "No Place to Run: HMLA-367 Marine Helps Locate, Close-with, Destroy Enemy" »

Forces Detain Suspected Insurgents, Find Weapons

WASHINGTON - Afghan and international forces detained numerous suspected insurgents and seized illegal weapons in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Forces Detain Suspected Insurgents, Find Weapons" »

Pipes Playing in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - From remembering people from the past to relaxation and even shaping the war atmosphere, one man has found a way to use bagpipes to fulfill many different needs

Continue reading "Pipes Playing in Afghanistan" »

29 militants die in fighting in north Afghanistan

At least 29 militants, including two commanders, have been killed over four days of intense fighting aimed at protecting supply routes through northern Afghanistan, the Interior Ministry said Sunday.

Continue reading "29 militants die in fighting in north Afghanistan" »

Taliban moves onto abandoned U.S. base

By Elizabeth A. Kennedy - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Apr 21, 2010 12:44:02 EDT

KABUL — Taliban fighters swarmed over a mountaintop base abandoned last week by the U.S. military following some of the toughest fighting of the Afghan war, according to footage aired Monday by a major satellite television station.

Continue reading "Taliban moves onto abandoned U.S. base" »

April 20, 2010

IJC Operational Update, April 20

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured a suspected Taliban commander and several other insurgents in Kandahar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 20" »

Sowing Seeds of Support; Marines Facilitate Crop Change Through Agriculture Transition Program

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — A little more than a week since it first began, the Marjah Accelerated Agricultural Transition program has begun to gain momentum in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 14. The program is one of several others, including programs provided by non-governmental organizations, which the Afghan government and coalition forces are conducting in order to foster agricultural growth.

Continue reading "Sowing Seeds of Support; Marines Facilitate Crop Change Through Agriculture Transition Program" »

Face of Defense: Father, Son Serve in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, April 20, 2010 – An Afghan National Army Air Corps C-27A Spartan cargo aircraft took off from Kabul International Airport to conduct an International Security Assistance Force mission transporting weapons and cargo for Afghan National Police.

Continue reading "Face of Defense: Father, Son Serve in Afghanistan" »

For troops, a happy meal is relative

(CNN) -- When Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hall of the International Security Assistance Force announced that fast-food offerings like Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen and Orange Julius were being shuttered in Afghanistan, he was blunt about it

Continue reading "For troops, a happy meal is relative" »

Gunmen kill Kandahar official praying in mosque

The deputy mayor is not the first area dignitary to be targeted. The assassination by suspected Taliban members comes as Western forces are poised to strike militants in the southern Afghan city.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan
Suspected Taliban gunmen burst into a mosque and gunned down the deputy mayor of Kandahar at his prayers, officials said Tuesday -- a brazen attack that underscored the immense challenges faced by Western forces as they push to restore law and order in the volatile southern city.

Continue reading "Gunmen kill Kandahar official praying in mosque" »

April 19, 2010

IJC Operational Update, April 19

KABUL, Afghanistan - Initial reports indicate that an Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents and captured one while the force was searching for a senior Taliban commander in Ghazni this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 19" »

Maintaining the Fight; 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Personnel Provide Much Needed Support

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MARJAH - What began with the tedious process of filling sandbags, laying concertina wire and constructing posts from strips of wood, hammered together by nails scrounged up from the sand, has developed into the large scale construction and upkeep of Forward Operating Base Marjah. Nearly two months have passed since the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment began the offensive to take the Taliban stronghold, and now, standing where coalition forces took rocket and assorted small-arms fire, is the battalion's new home.

Continue reading "Maintaining the Fight; 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Personnel Provide Much Needed Support" »

Taliban Prepping for Kandahar Battle

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The Taliban are moving fighters into Kandahar, planting bombs and plotting attacks as NATO and Afghan forces prepare for a summer showdown with insurgents, according to a Taliban commander with close ties to senior insurgent leaders.

Continue reading "Taliban Prepping for Kandahar Battle" »

April 18, 2010

IJC Operational Update, April 18

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-ISAF patrol discovered two trucks containing a significant amount of narcotics in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province yesterday. The patrol found a total of 926 kilograms (2,040 lbs) of raw opium, 851 kg (1,875 lbs) of processed opium and 279 kg (615 lbs) of hashish in the vehicles. The occupants of the trucks were taken into custody. The narcotics will be destroyed.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 18" »

"I Just Graduated Yesterday and Now I'm in the Middle of a War!"

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Upon graduation from recruit training and the School of Infantry, infantry Marines usually go to their permanent duty stations where most experience life in the Marine Corps operating forces for months or even years before deploying overseas. While in the operating forces, they are able to practice and improve at their military occupational specialties in a controlled environment. Very rarely will they get to their duty stations and deploy to a combat zone almost immediately after completing SOI.

Continue reading ""I Just Graduated Yesterday and Now I'm in the Middle of a War!"" »

April 17, 2010

Marines Establish New Patrol Base in Southern Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines and Sailors with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, established a new patrol base in the area of Laki, Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 30.

Continue reading "Marines Establish New Patrol Base in Southern Afghanistan" »

Postal Marines Keep Morale High

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Aghanistan -- The Marines at the postal warehouse persevere through extreme heat and vicious sand storms to ensure they complete their mission of delivering mail to the Marines and sailors of Regional Command South.

Continue reading "Postal Marines Keep Morale High" »

Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Marines, Sailors 'will Go Down in Marine Corps History,' General Says

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), transferred authority to Combat Logistics Battalion 5 in a ceremony here April 16.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Marines, Sailors 'will Go Down in Marine Corps History,' General Says" »

First Afghan National Army Recruiting Event Draws Dozens in Nawa

PATROL BASE JAKER, Afghanistan – More than 60 citizens from Nawa District gathered at Patrol Base Jaker, near the district center area, for Nawa's first-ever Afghan national army recruiting and information event April 12.

Continue reading "First Afghan National Army Recruiting Event Draws Dozens in Nawa" »

Keeping Marines in the Fight

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan. – Many have heard the phrase "every Marine is a rifleman," but, how would that long-standing creed hold up without armorers?

Continue reading "Keeping Marines in the Fight" »

IJC Operational Update, April 17

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device commander and other militants in Helmand province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 17" »

April 16, 2010

Flying in the Shadow of the 'valley of Death': Task Force Falcon Airlift U.S. Soldiers From Korengal Valley

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan– The sound of rotor blades broke the silence of night as air crews descended on a combat outpost blanketed in darkness. Staring through their night vision goggles crew chiefs guided Chinooks to their landing zones, ready to receive Soldiers and equipment as U.S. forces pulled out of the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Flying in the Shadow of the 'valley of Death': Task Force Falcon Airlift U.S. Soldiers From Korengal Valley" »

Regimental Combat Team-2 Puts Boots on Ground in Afghanistan

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan – While gentle winds blew through the rotors of a CH-53 D helicopter, the final group of Regimental Combat Team 2 Marines and Sailors dismounted, completing the unit's transition into Camp Delaram II, Feb. 27.

Continue reading "Regimental Combat Team-2 Puts Boots on Ground in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, April 16

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Helmand province this morning. The combined security force went to a farm area in northeast Marjah based on intelligence information and detained the suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 16" »

April 15, 2010

New Air Traffic Control Tower Opens at Afghanistan's Busiest Airport

KABUL, Afghanistan– The new air traffic control tower at Kandahar Air Field is significantly improving efficiency and safety for both military and commercial aircraft operating from the country's busiest airport.

Continue reading "New Air Traffic Control Tower Opens at Afghanistan's Busiest Airport" »

Marines in Nawa Pass Torch to Embedded Partnering Team to Train ANA Soldiers

NAWA, Afghanistan – Transforming a battalion of Afghan soldiers into an effective and independent combat unit is no easy task, and the three-man team from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, knows the recent arrival of an embedded partnering team here means a bright future for Afghan soldiers in Nawa.

Continue reading "Marines in Nawa Pass Torch to Embedded Partnering Team to Train ANA Soldiers" »

Suicide blast kills 3 foreigners, 3 Afghans

Attack is aimed at compound for workers in Kandahar

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Two powerful bombings rocked the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Thursday, killing three foreigners and three Afghan soldiers, according to President Hamid Karzai's half brother. Meanwhile, four German soldiers were killed in fighting in the north.

Continue reading "Suicide blast kills 3 foreigners, 3 Afghans" »

Karzai’s brother mends ties with U.S.

By Kathy Gannon - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 15, 2010 7:54:33 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — He’s the consummate symbol of Afghan cronyism — the president’s wheeler-dealer half brother and main power broker in the Taliban-ridden south. With the American military facing a showdown with insurgents here, Ahmad Wali Karzai said Wednesday that he’s mending fences with the U.S. and its international partners.

Continue reading "Karzai’s brother mends ties with U.S." »

Stranded troops at Manas return to U.S.

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 15, 2010 16:06:33 EDT

Hundreds of U.S. troops who had been stranded for days at a key air base in Kyrgyzstan following riots there last week boarded flights to return to the U.S. on Thursday, ending an uncertain wait for transportation.

Continue reading "Stranded troops at Manas return to U.S." »

MWSS-274 Tests Its Skills, Makes Leatherneck Safer for Fellow Marines

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Twenty one Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 finished a four-day, 24-hour operation to move an entire helicopter landing pad to a more remote location, April 15.

Continue reading "MWSS-274 Tests Its Skills, Makes Leatherneck Safer for Fellow Marines" »

IJC Operational Update, April 15

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban improvised explosive device expert and two other militants were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Nangarhar last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 15" »

3 Significant Weapons Caches Found in Southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - In three separate incidents yesterday, combined Afghan and international security patrols discovered significant insurgent weapon caches.

Continue reading "3 Significant Weapons Caches Found in Southern Afghanistan" »

Marines pay Afghan farmers to destroy opium

(Reuters) - With heavy fighting in the former Taliban stronghold of Marjah now largely reduced to sporadic gunfights, U.S. Marines in the area have turned their focus toward eliminating the insurgents' cash source: opium.

Continue reading "Marines pay Afghan farmers to destroy opium" »

U.S. doubles anti-Taliban special forces

Secretive buildup of elite teams reflects view that time is short to degrade Afghanistan opposition

Reporting from Washington
The Pentagon has increased its use of the military's most elite special operations teams in Afghanistan, more than doubling the number of the highly trained teams assigned to hunt down Taliban leaders, according to senior officials.

Continue reading "U.S. doubles anti-Taliban special forces" »

Obama reaffirms 2011 Afghan withdrawal plan

By Rohan Sullivan - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 15, 2010 16:34:43 EDT

SYDNEY — President Obama on Thursday reaffirmed his plans to start withdrawing U.S troops from Afghanistan in 2011, saying they “can’t be there in perpetuity.”

Continue reading "Obama reaffirms 2011 Afghan withdrawal plan" »

April 14, 2010

Afghan city fears greater Taliban presence

Kandahar residents have seen a surge in militant violence and fear a planned Western offensive to rout the Taliban will instead boost its presence in their city. Authorities get little cooperation.

Reporting from Kandahar, Afghanistan
Her children tell her they see her dead in their dreams. Friends are afraid to come to her home. She shows a visitor chilling text messages in neat Pashto-language script on her cellphone: Do you want to die? We will kill you for what you've said.

Continue reading "Afghan city fears greater Taliban presence" »

U.S. Forces Close Post in Afghan 'Valley of Death'

KORANGAL OUTPOST, Afghanistan — The last American soldier left the base here Wednesday, surrounded by tall cedar trees and high mountains, a place that came to be called the Valley of Death.

Continue reading "U.S. Forces Close Post in Afghan 'Valley of Death'" »

Kyrgyz unrest strands troops at Manas

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 14, 2010 12:50:10 EDT

Hundreds of U.S. troops are still stranded at a key air base in Kyrgyzstan following civil unrest there that resulted in personnel flights to Afghanistan being diverted through other countries, officials said.

Continue reading "Kyrgyz unrest strands troops at Manas" »

IJC Operational Update, April 14

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force in pursuit of a Haqqani facilitator in Ghazni detained two suspected militants this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 14" »

April 13, 2010

Marines try unorthodox tactics to disrupt Afghan opium harvest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN -- U.S. Marines are mounting an intensive effort to disrupt the opium harvest in the former Taliban enclave of Marja by confiscating tools from migrant workers, compensating poppy farmers who plow under their fields and collaborating with Drug Enforcement Administration personnel to raid collection sites.

Continue reading "Marines try unorthodox tactics to disrupt Afghan opium harvest" »

Interim Kyrgyzstan leader: Manas will stay

By Yuras Karmanau - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Apr 13, 2010 13:28:52 EDT

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday that her government will extend the lease of a U.S. air base key to the war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Interim Kyrgyzstan leader: Manas will stay" »

International Medics Treat Injured Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan - Four Afghan citizens received medical aid from international forces in Afghanistan recently.

Continue reading "International Medics Treat Injured Afghans" »

Afghanistan Uniform Police Graduate 84 New Recruits

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Afghan uniform police bolstered its force by 84 new officers following graduation from the Joint Security Academy Shorabak at Camp Leatherneck. This graduation illustrates the progress that Afghanistan is making toward gradually taking full responsibility for its own security.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Uniform Police Graduate 84 New Recruits" »

Rep.: Hold rules of engagement hearing now

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 13, 2010 9:39:03 EDT

A congressman whose district includes Camp Lejeune, N.C., wants fellow lawmakers to review the rules of engagement used by NATO forces in Afghanistan, saying “they have proved too often to be fatal” to U.S. troops.

Continue reading "Rep.: Hold rules of engagement hearing now" »

Officials Explain Afghanistan's Complexity

WASHINGTON - The hurdles to be overcome in Afghanistan are no simple matter, the director of communications for NATO and U.S. forces there told reporters traveling with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen when the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited earlier this month.
"Afghanistan is a complicated place," Navy Rear Adm. Greg Smith said.

Continue reading "Officials Explain Afghanistan's Complexity" »

8-year-old Afghan woman slain in campaign of fear

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A gunman lying in wait shot and killed an 18-year-old woman as she left her job at a U.S.-based development company Tuesday, casting a spotlight on a stepped-up campaign of Taliban intimidation against women in this southern city where U.S. troops plan a major operation in the coming weeks.

Continue reading "8-year-old Afghan woman slain in campaign of fear" »

IJC Operational Update, April 13

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants while pursuing a Haqqani facilitator in Khowst this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 13" »

April 12, 2010

The Way Ahead for Civilian and Military Efforts in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - On April 11 and 12, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, and the Office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan co-hosted an intense interagency review of U.S. civilian and military efforts in Afghanistan for the coming year.

Continue reading "The Way Ahead for Civilian and Military Efforts in Afghanistan" »

Key Afghan town still at risk, U.S. general says

Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson says the work to secure Marja, site of a massive February offensive against the Taliban, is far from over.

The safety situation for Afghan villagers remains precarious in Marja, where U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers mounted a massive assault in February to oust the Taliban from control, the Marine general who led the assault said late Sunday.

Continue reading "Key Afghan town still at risk, U.S. general says" »

2nd MEB Transfers Authority of Southern Afghanistan to I MEF (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) assumed command of all Marine operations throughout southern Afghanistan during a transfer of authority ceremony here, April 12, making it the largest Marine command in Afghanistan since the war began nearly a decade ago.

Continue reading "2nd MEB Transfers Authority of Southern Afghanistan to I MEF (FWD)" »

Former ‘Idol’ Contestant Serves in Khost

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan, April 12, 2010 – Join the Marines and see the world? Check. Enlist in the Army to serve with the famous Rakkasan Brigade from the 101st Airborne Division? Check. Sing on American Idol? Check. Have a mother who’s a movie star? Check.

Continue reading "Former ‘Idol’ Contestant Serves in Khost" »

Commander looks to maintain momentum

Mills wants to keep Taliban ‘on their heels’

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 12, 2010 8:59:49 EDT

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — As thousands of Marines continue flowing into Afghanistan, their eventual commander, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, is busy organizing a new Marine-led command to oversee coalition forces operating in the southwestern part of the country.

Continue reading "Commander looks to maintain momentum" »

Combat Docs: 'We Fix Them Up and Get Them Back to Duty'

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – When service members are injured in a combat zone, a group of medical professionals work tirelessly to keep them alive.

Continue reading "Combat Docs: 'We Fix Them Up and Get Them Back to Duty'" »

U.S. seeks to ease strained relations with Afghanistan

The Obama administration realizes it has little choice but to mend differences as there is no obvious leadership alternative aside from Karzai -- and it's a particularly bad time for a diplomatic spat

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan
Senior American officials on Sunday sought to smooth over a sharply quarrelsome interlude in U.S.-Afghan relations, with the special U.S. envoy to the region describing President Hamid Karzai's administration as "a government we can work with."

Continue reading "U.S. seeks to ease strained relations with Afghanistan" »

Park offers taste of freedom to women in Afghan capital

It’s a place for learning as well as play, with on-site classrooms teaching sewing and farming

KABUL — On a recent day when the sun was finally strong enough to dry the Afghan capital’s muddy streets, Habiba Sarwe sought her husband’s permission to visit a spot that her daughter and all the neighborhood wives were talking about: a park, with swings, benches, flowers and a gazebo. A park for women only.

Continue reading "Park offers taste of freedom to women in Afghan capital" »

IJC Operational Update, April 12

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured a Haqqani improvised explosive device facilitator and several other militants in Paktiya this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 12" »

April 11, 2010

Augments Depart Iraq Early to Mentor Afghan Army

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Ten Afghan national soldiers, armed with M-16's, lie in the prone position shooting downrange while their company commander barked orders for muzzle awareness.

Continue reading "Augments Depart Iraq Early to Mentor Afghan Army" »

Blue Diamond Marines Partner With Security Forces for Afghanistan's Future

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan –
The 1st Marine Division (Forward) recently arrived in southern Afghanistan and wasted no time gaining ground in operations here.

Continue reading "Blue Diamond Marines Partner With Security Forces for Afghanistan's Future" »

IJC Operational Update, April 11

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan national army detained a man with improvised explosive device materials and pictures of ISAF vehicles in the Sabari District of Khost province yesterday. An ISAF unit had seen the man emplacing an IED. An Afghan-international patrol responded and stopped him. The IED materials were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 11" »

MWSS-274 Keeps Critical Base Opertational

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - There are no gun shots, no explosions, no confusion or chaos – only a thick, enveloping dust that mixes with sweat on exposed skin leaving a thin film of mud, and settles in the lungs making it difficult to breathe. This is Camp Dwyer, where a vast expanse of nothingness stretches to the horizon. The only activities across this deserted landscape are aircraft buzzing in and out and the Marines who live on this patch of desert, supporting the base.

Continue reading "MWSS-274 Keeps Critical Base Opertational" »

April 10, 2010

Police Mentoring Team, Afghan National Police Conduct Joint Patrols

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan- It wasn't quite yet noon, but the sun was sweltering down on the Police Mentoring Team and Afghan national police here, as they set out for a presence patrol of the surrounding area.

Continue reading "Police Mentoring Team, Afghan National Police Conduct Joint Patrols" »

Afghan Students Getting Green Thumbs in Ghazni Province

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Approximately 5,000 Afghan students at Sanayee High School in Ghazni province, are learning not only about math, history and geography, but also about agriculture.

Continue reading "Afghan Students Getting Green Thumbs in Ghazni Province" »

Flying a Lifeline With the Silent Heroes of Aeromedical Evacuation

AGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan-- Effective medical care in a combat zone can be a challenge. Remote locations and unsafe driving conditions can become almost overwhelming difficulties when trying to get patients from a field hospital at one of the forward operating locations in Afghanistan to the medical care they need.

Continue reading "Flying a Lifeline With the Silent Heroes of Aeromedical Evacuation" »

Local Bazaar Stimulated by Marines

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan- The U.S. dollar is a powerful ally in improving the local Afghan economy and the Marines quality of life.

Continue reading "Local Bazaar Stimulated by Marines" »

President Karzai Visits ISAF Headquarters

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai visited the International Security Assistance Forceheadquarters April 10 to view the Commander's Update Brief, meet senior leaders and have lunch with officers from several collation partners.

Continue reading "President Karzai Visits ISAF Headquarters" »

IJC Operational Update, April 10

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator and several other militants in Kandahar April 9.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 10" »

April 9, 2010

U.S. military aims to save more civilian lives in Afghanistan

KABUL — Amid renewed outrage over the conduct of American forces overseas, the U.S. military is preparing to broaden the scope of battlefield rules in another attempt to better protect innocent Afghan lives.

Continue reading "U.S. military aims to save more civilian lives in Afghanistan" »

General Provides Update on Afghan Police Training

WASHINGTON - The importance of developing Afghan police forces is equal to that of raising a strong military there, a senior officer involved in that effort said, April 8.

Continue reading "General Provides Update on Afghan Police Training" »

Afghanistan: Live Explosives Removed From Soldier's Scalp

Explosive Device Lodged in Scalp of Soldier at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

Risking a deadly explosion in the operating room, doctors at the Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan surgically removed an explosive device from the head of an Afghan National Army Soldier last month, according to the Air Force News Service.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Live Explosives Removed From Soldier's Scalp" »

How Sweet It Is

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Anybody that has seen Afghan women caring for their families, trekking up and down mountainous roads, and toiling in the fields knows that they are not strangers to playing the role of worker bee.

Continue reading "How Sweet It Is" »

How Sweet It Is

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Anybody that has seen Afghan women caring for their families, trekking up and down mountainous roads, and toiling in the fields knows that they are not strangers to playing the role of worker bee.

Continue reading "How Sweet It Is" »

Afghan Air Corps Security Gets Stronger

KABUL, Afghanistan -- On April 8 the Afghan National Army Air Corps graduated their recent security forces class to minimum fanfare, even what could be considered subdued for such a momentous occasion. The reasoning could be explained perhaps by the simple fact that from the instructors to the last student they are all serious professionals who have dedicated themselves to one goal, the security of the Air Corps and their fellow soldiers; because of this they would rather proceed through the necessary ceremonies as quickly as possible so they can get back to work. Frankly, if something doesn't present them the opportunity to get better at their chosen profession, they aren't interested.

Continue reading "Afghan Air Corps Security Gets Stronger" »

Osprey crashes in Afghanistan, killing 4

By Noor Khan - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 9, 2010 9:04:55 EDT

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — An Air Force tilt-rotor aircraft crashed in southeastern Afghanistan, killing three service members and one government contractor, NATO said Friday.

Continue reading "Osprey crashes in Afghanistan, killing 4" »

Afghan National Police Teamwork Pays Off

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Nine members of the Afghan national police in eastern Afghanistan's Laghman province recently engaged in a six-day training program designed and conducted by the PRT Police Training and Assistance Team to mentor the leadership from the Narcotics Unit, Police Headquarters and Traffic Division, March 29 to April 4.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police Teamwork Pays Off" »

IJC Operational Update, April 9

KABUL, Afghanistan – An ISAF patrol found a large drug cache in the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Helmand province today. The cache consisted of 1,134 kilograms (2,500 pounds) of marijuana seeds. The cache was found in a compound neighbors said had been empty for four months. The cache will be destroyed.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 9" »

April 8, 2010

Threats, Bombs Sow Fear In Kandahar as Offensive Looms

KANDAHAR (Reuters) - For anyone in Kandahar who may have missed the Taliban's message, the giant scribbling on a wall alongside a busy market road drove the point home: "Down with those who speak the infidels' language".

Continue reading "Threats, Bombs Sow Fear In Kandahar as Offensive Looms" »

Support From Kyrgyz Air Base 'Temporarily Suspended'

The NATO-led force in Afghanistan said today that flights supporting NATO operations in Afghanistan from an air base in Kyrgyzstan have been temporarily suspended following violent political upheaval in Bishkek.

Continue reading "Support From Kyrgyz Air Base 'Temporarily Suspended'" »

Rule of Law

Kandahar, Afghanistan — This is the fourth in a series of reports from Afghanistan.

Much has been said and written this week about recent inflammatory comments made by President Hamid Karzai, head of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — an entity widely abbreviated out here as GIRoA. He has publicly railed against "interference" by the West, demanded that the U.N. cease complaining about corruption, even defiantly threatened to abandon GIRoA and join the Taliban. The fact is, GIRoA hardly exists outside of Kabul and where it is extant it is often corrupt.

Continue reading "Rule of Law" »

Romania to increase troops in Afghanistan to 1,800

BUCHAREST, Romania — President Traian Basescu says that Romania will increase its troop levels in Afghanistan to 1,800 from 1,073 by September.

Continue reading "Romania to increase troops in Afghanistan to 1,800" »

U.S. now focused on getting rid of Taliban instead of opium crops in Afghanistan

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- Thousands of Afghan migrant workers expected here in the next few weeks for the spring opium harvest will find at least as much work as last year.

Continue reading "U.S. now focused on getting rid of Taliban instead of opium crops in Afghanistan" »

Setting up new government in Marjah inches along

MARJAH, Afghanistan — The Afghan government's drive to set up a new administration in Marjah is moving slowly — some say too slowly — in a place ruled by the Taliban just eight weeks ago.

Continue reading "Setting up new government in Marjah inches along" »

Afghan Supply Mission Continues at Manas

WASHINGTON - Operations at the transit center at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, are delayed but have not been adversely affected the supply mission in Afghanistan, U.S. officials said April 8.

Continue reading "Afghan Supply Mission Continues at Manas" »

Karzai and confusion in Kabul

Over the last few days Afghan President Hamid Karzai has found it increasingly difficult to stop saying in public all the things that he has been saying in private for months: Who do these foreigners think they are, what are they playing at, and do they really think they can push me and my people around forever? Observers have sought to understand what this means in terms of his partnership with the international actors, his state of mind and his outlook for the future.

Continue reading "Karzai and confusion in Kabul" »

Female troops take on new role in Afghanistan

By Jessica Binsch - Medill News Service
Posted : Thursday Apr 8, 2010 12:55:46 EDT

Teams of female Marines are stepping off their bases in Afghanistan and entering villages to build relationships with an often overlooked sector of the Afghan population: women.

Continue reading "Female troops take on new role in Afghanistan" »

Georgia deploying 750 soldiers to Afghanistan

Georgia will deploy 750 soldiers to fight alongside U.S. Marines in Afghanistan this month as the ex-Soviet republic seeks to build closer ties with the West, the defense ministry said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Georgia deploying 750 soldiers to Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, April 8

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device expert and several other militants in Kandahar province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 8" »

ISAF Statement Regarding the Release of Footage of Captured U.S. Soldier

KABUL, Afghanistan – "The continuing use of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl as a means of propaganda is a deplorable act and only fuels our efforts to find him and bring him home.

Continue reading "ISAF Statement Regarding the Release of Footage of Captured U.S. Soldier" »

April 7, 2010

Marine Fights Fires and Terrorism

Deep in the sands of Afghanistan, a Marine reservist who is also a volunteer firefighter carries out the missions placed upon him.

Continue reading "Marine Fights Fires and Terrorism" »

Aide denies Karzai threatened to join Taliban

KABUL — Hamid Karzai's spokesman denied reports that the Afghan leader threatened to join the Taliban insurgency if he were pressured further by foreign backers, in an apparent attempt Wednesday to calm worsening tensions with Washington.

Continue reading "Aide denies Karzai threatened to join Taliban" »

NYPD Marine Serves in Afghanistan

He's a Marine reservist by day, a crime fighter by night, and he does everything he can to protect the people of New York City. And now he's doing the same in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "NYPD Marine Serves in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, April 7

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international patrol found a 107mm mortar round and a rifle today in the Chorah District of Uruzgan province. The round was destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 7" »

You won't find 'River City' on a map in Afghanistan

Northern Helmand Province – U.S. Marines stationed in Now Zad only have one link to home – a small wooden shack in the middle of their base. Inside, they crowd around five or six telephones and around eight computer stations. This is where troops connect with their families and friends, and find out what’s happening in the world beyond Camp Cafferetta.

Continue reading "You won't find 'River City' on a map in Afghanistan" »

Taliban kidnap gang chief released early

A Taliban commander who was jailed for kidnapping foreigners in Kabul was released early, the BBC has learnt.

Akbar Agha was sentenced to 16 years in prison for kidnapping three UN workers in the Afghan capital in 2004. He was released from prison late last year.

Continue reading "Taliban kidnap gang chief released early" »

Military Working Dogs Aid Marines, Find Explosives

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -When used, military working dogs and their trainers are an immense asset to troops on the ground.

Continue reading "Military Working Dogs Aid Marines, Find Explosives" »

School, Police Headquarters Dedicated in Herat

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and international officials dedicated a school and a police headquarters this week in Herat province.

Continue reading "School, Police Headquarters Dedicated in Herat" »

Civilians Wounded in Insurgent Strike in Jalalabad

KABUL, Afghanistan - According to initial reports, one civilian was killed and more than a dozen others were injured when an insurgent improvised explosive device detonated near an ISAF convoy in Nangarhar province today.

Continue reading "Civilians Wounded in Insurgent Strike in Jalalabad" »

April 6, 2010

US fight Taliban with heavy metal and rock music

MARJAH, Afghanistan — US special forces have a novel weapon in the fight to expel Taliban from a desolate and war-weary farming community in southern Afghanistan -- heavy metal music.

Continue reading "US fight Taliban with heavy metal and rock music" »

Manas Airmen Move Troops Into Afghanistan

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan, April 6, 2010 – Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here were busy in March, as they supported the surge of forces into Afghanistan, moving about 50,000 multinational, U.S. and coalition troops and issuing more than 12.5 million gallons of jet fuel.

Continue reading "Manas Airmen Move Troops Into Afghanistan" »

Marines Train to Be First Line of Defense for Camp Leatherneck

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - While laying down a hail of gunfire, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion trained a new batch of Marines from various units April 2 to assist in maintaining the first line of defense for Camp Leatherneck.

Continue reading "Marines Train to Be First Line of Defense for Camp Leatherneck" »

Commandos, Special Forces Patrol Attacked by Insurgents in Badghis

KABUL, Afghanistan - Commandos from the 4th Commando Kandak, assisted by Special Forces, were attacked while on patrol in Joy Koja village, Morghab district, Badghis province April 6.

Continue reading "Commandos, Special Forces Patrol Attacked by Insurgents in Badghis" »

IJC Operational Update, April 6

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a series of compounds east of Marjah, in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province last night, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the searches the security force detained several suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 6" »

April 5, 2010

Lawmakers: Afghan leader threatens to join Taliban

KABUL — Afghan President Hamid Karzai threatened over the weekend to quit the political process and join the Taliban if he continued to come under outside pressure to reform, several members of parliament said Monday.

Continue reading "Lawmakers: Afghan leader threatens to join Taliban" »

Afghanistan's women defy militants to learn to read

In the Taliban heartland, women are again going underground to get an education. Julius Cavendish reports from Kandahar

Unsuspected by their Taliban neighbours, hundreds of women in Afghanistan are attending secret literacy classes, defying the militants in some of their most redoubtable strongholds. In dozens of villages across Zabul province, the mountainous landscape where the insurgency first spluttered to life, underground programmes have sprung up in mud-walled houses under the guise of Koranic study-groups.

Continue reading "Afghanistan's women defy militants to learn to read" »

Kandahar Fight Begins With Drive For Local Support

In Afghanistan, officials are seeking the support of local leaders in Kandahar ahead of a U.S.-led offensive to clear the Taliban out of the southern province. But many locals lack confidence in Afghan officials and Western forces, whom they blame for the recent rise in violence.

Continue reading "Kandahar Fight Begins With Drive For Local Support" »

Marines Tap Social Sciences In Afghan War Effort

U.S. forces in Afghanistan are using a controversial tool in their efforts to hold the ground recently captured from the Taliban. It is the work of civilian anthropologists and other social science researchers, who advise military commanders on how to win the hearts and minds of local people.

Continue reading "Marines Tap Social Sciences In Afghan War Effort" »

IJC Operational Update, April 5

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a compound east of Marjah, in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province, last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security force detained two suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 5" »

April 4, 2010

IJC Operational Update April 4

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international joint patrol captured a Haqqani facilitator and another militant in Paktiya province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update April 4" »

Afghan president says NATO offensive may not go ahead

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday took another step away from the international coalition supporting him, suggesting NATO’s massive Kandahar province summer offensive may not go ahead.

Continue reading "Afghan president says NATO offensive may not go ahead" »

Karzai rallies tribes, distances self from West

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 4 (Reuters) - President Hamid Karzai, under fire for anti-Western remarks, distanced himself from his foreign backers in a speech on Sunday, telling tribal elders Afghans need to see their leaders are not "puppets".

Continue reading "Karzai rallies tribes, distances self from West" »

3rd MAW (Fwd.) Assumes Responsibilities From MAG-40

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Aircraft Group 40 transferred responsibilities as the aviation combat element of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) during a transfer of authority ceremony, April 4.

Continue reading "3rd MAW (Fwd.) Assumes Responsibilities From MAG-40" »

April 3, 2010

Not Your Average Automotive Shop: MWSS-274 Maintenance Platoon Keeps Mission-essential Vehicles Running

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – It takes many different types of vehicles to accomplish the Marine Corps mission here. From bulldozers that build berms to humvees that bring troops to combat, keeping them all going in this austere environment is quite a chore.

Continue reading "Not Your Average Automotive Shop: MWSS-274 Maintenance Platoon Keeps Mission-essential Vehicles Running" »

1st Marine Division Forward, Afghan Army Unite

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan– The Afghan national army's 215th Maiwand Corps was activated during an inauguration ceremony aboard Camp Shorabak here, April 1.

Continue reading "1st Marine Division Forward, Afghan Army Unite" »

Marines Teach Nawa Students Dodgeball; First Girl Attends School

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – "You're out!" Nine Afghan children shouted at Bayhodulla in Pashto March 31 after a soccer ball flew through the air and tagged him on his shoulder.

Continue reading "Marines Teach Nawa Students Dodgeball; First Girl Attends School" »

Hurting U.S. Efforts to Win Minds, Taliban Disrupt Pay

MARJA, Afghanistan — Since their offensive here in February, the Marines have flooded Marja with hundreds of thousands of dollars a week. The tactic aims to win over wary locals by paying them compensation for property damage or putting to work men who would otherwise look to the Taliban for support.

Continue reading "Hurting U.S. Efforts to Win Minds, Taliban Disrupt Pay" »

Regional Command East Boosts Security, With Afghan Participation in DoD's Reward Program

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - In order to develop a more secure environment for the people of eastern Afghanistan, Afghan national security forces and coalition forces encourages Afghans to participate in the Department of Defense's Rewards Program.

Continue reading "Regional Command East Boosts Security, With Afghan Participation in DoD's Reward Program" »

Karzai's anti-West comments criticized by Afghans

KABUL — President Hamid Karzai's scathing attack on the West for its role in Afghanistan drew criticism from Afghan politicians after the White House described his remarks as genuinely troubling.

Continue reading "Karzai's anti-West comments criticized by Afghans" »

ANCOP Chief Detains Suspicious Civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan national civil order police chief in the town of Gereshk, Helmand province, Haji Kaduz, identified and apprehended several people believed to be associated with the improvised explosive device cell responsible for wounding three Special Forces soldiers March 31.

Continue reading "ANCOP Chief Detains Suspicious Civilians" »

April 2, 2010

Test Case: Marjah

Kandahar, Afghanistan — This is the third in a series of reports from Afghanistan.

Springtime.
Back home, Congress is in recess, the kids are out of school and the redbuds, dogwoods and cherry trees are about to bloom. Here, south of the Hindu Kush, opium poppies are in full blossom, the harvest is about to come in and it's the start of what the locals call "fighting season." Though people in both countries have come to accept those conditions as "patterns of life," some here intend to change the archetype for the people of Afghanistan. If their plan succeeds, it could prove to be the undoing of the Taliban and mark the beginning of the end of this long war. And most of the so-called mainstream media will have missed the moment.

Continue reading "Test Case: Marjah" »

Transcom Keeps Support for Afghanistan Surge on Track

WASHINGTON - With 60 percent of the surge force, along with their equipment and supplies, yet to be delivered to Afghanistan by President Barack Obama's August deadline, the commander charged with making it happen said he has assured commanders that everything is on track.

Continue reading "Transcom Keeps Support for Afghanistan Surge on Track" »

Karzai Fraud Comments Are ‘Preposterous,’ U.S. Says (Update1)

April 2 (Bloomberg) -- Claims by Afghan President Hamid Karzai that foreigners were responsible for fraud in last year’s presidential election are “preposterous,” a U.S. official said today.

Continue reading "Karzai Fraud Comments Are ‘Preposterous,’ U.S. Says (Update1)" »

US Marines offer war or peace to Afghan elders

SISTANI, Afghanistan (AFP) - The tribal elders gathered in the desert outside Marjah, the frontline of the US-led battle in southern Afghanistan to provide services and security after years of Taliban control.

Continue reading "US Marines offer war or peace to Afghan elders" »

Medics Teach Afghans to Help Themselves

KABUL, Afghanistan –With snow-capped mountains and blue skies, northern Zabul province is picturesque. The early morning sunrise casts harsh shadows across the deep valley as light dances across irrigation ditches zigzagging the countryside. Though this scenery is striking, it contrasts harshly with the poverty-stricken and mostly uneducated population that makes up the city of Shinkay. It is a city that relies heavily on the Afghan national army and Afghan national police stationed there to provide security.

Continue reading "Medics Teach Afghans to Help Themselves" »

Persuading a wary people

MARJA, Afghanistan -- Mike Mullen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, was sitting cross-legged on a red carpet under a hastily erected tent in the dusty Afghan agricultural district of this town of 80,000, which had been "cleared" of Taliban by thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers over the previous seven weeks.

Continue reading "Persuading a wary people" »

Karzai Calls Clinton to Affirm Ties After U.S. Rejects Remarks

April 3 (Bloomberg) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday to express appreciation for international support given to his country after the U.S. rejected his claims of foreign interference.

Continue reading "Karzai Calls Clinton to Affirm Ties After U.S. Rejects Remarks" »

April 1, 2010

US ready to pursue senior Afghan officials on drugs

KABUL — The US government anti-drugs agency is prepared to act on any intelligence linking high-level Afghan officials to the country's illicit drugs industry, its acting head said Thursday.

Continue reading "US ready to pursue senior Afghan officials on drugs" »

For Marines, Marjah market is battleground for Afghans' trust

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Among the U.S. Marines at Combat Outpost Turbett, Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Dickinson is better known as "Gunny D."

Continue reading "For Marines, Marjah market is battleground for Afghans' trust" »

Police graduates pledge to serve

Afghan Uniform (Civilian) Police finished eight weeks of training led by AUP and U.S. Marine instructors at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Police graduates pledge to serve" »

ISAF Offers Condolences for Civilian Victims of Violent Attack in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF officials offers its condolences to the numerous Afghan civilians and their families who were killed and injured March 31 in the deliberate and violent act near a local market in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.

Continue reading "ISAF Offers Condolences for Civilian Victims of Violent Attack in Helmand" »

IJC Operational Update, April 1

KABUL, Afghanistan - Earlier today an Afghan-international security force searched an area near the village of Lowy Karizac, in the Kandahar District of Kandahar province, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. The security force was threatened during the search and killed an improvised explosive device facilitator known for distributing IED materials throughout the region.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, April 1" »

March 31, 2010

U.S. forces set sights on Taliban bastion of Kandahar

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN -- U.S. forces have begun the initial phases of a political-military offensive in this Taliban bastion and hope to control the city and surrounding areas by late summer, according to senior U.S. military officials.

Continue reading "U.S. forces set sights on Taliban bastion of Kandahar" »

Harvesting Democracy in Afghanistan

We flew into Marjah over a patchwork of poppy fields — not exactly a sea of poppies, but plenty of them. It was two weeks before the harvest, and the last blossoms were floating away in the dusty haze of Helmand province, leaving the prohibitively weird-looking, blue-gray bulbs bald and ready for processing, like an army of alien vegetative creatures. We landed in a wheat field just across the road from the district governor's pathetic headquarters. It was Day 45 after the operation to retrieve Marjah from the Taliban had begun, and the highest-ranking U.S. military official, Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was paying a congratulatory visit to the area.

Continue reading "Harvesting Democracy in Afghanistan" »

General: 'Finish the job' in Afghanistan

As he prepares to go to Afghanistan, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton says his goal is to build on coalition forces' successes against the Taliban, win over the populace and help Afghan troops develop their own security.

Continue reading "General: 'Finish the job' in Afghanistan" »

HMH-466 Provides Heavy Lift for Marines in Marjah

Since the start of operations in Marjah, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, has flown more than 275 hours, carried more than 1,500 passengers and transported more than 500,000 pounds of cargo in support of Operation Moshtarak.

Continue reading "HMH-466 Provides Heavy Lift for Marines in Marjah" »

Chairman Emphasizes Eliminating Civilian Casualties

KABUL - The coalition record on civilian casualties has improved significantly as a new strategy has gone into place in Afghanistan, but American leaders continue to hammer home how important it is to avoid killing civilians.

Continue reading "Chairman Emphasizes Eliminating Civilian Casualties" »

Challenges Clear to U.S.-Afghan Partnership, Mullen Says

KABUL - After visits to U.S., coalition and Afghan forces in Afghanistan's Helmand and Kandahar provinces, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today that "never has our partnership ... been stronger, or the challenges we face, clearer."

Continue reading "Challenges Clear to U.S.-Afghan Partnership, Mullen Says" »

IJC Operational Update, March 31

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound on the outskirts of Marjah, in the Nawah-ye Barakzai District of Helmand province, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security force detained a few suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 31" »

March 30, 2010

Pentagon: Operations Underway Against Taliban in Kandahar

The U.S. Defense Department says efforts to seize control of the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar are well underway in advance of what is expected to be a major military operation in June against militants in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Pentagon: Operations Underway Against Taliban in Kandahar" »

Chairman Meets With Kandahar Leaders

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen attended a meeting of community leaders in the governor's palace here March 30 – a building that used to be the headquarters for Mullah Omar, the leader of the Taliban.

Continue reading "Chairman Meets With Kandahar Leaders" »

Kandahar Offensive to Focus on Good Governance

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan—The American surge into Afghanistan, which kicked off in February with the capture of Marjah, is moving to Kandahar—a far more valuable prize.

Continue reading "Kandahar Offensive to Focus on Good Governance" »

Mullen Hears From Afghans, Marines

MARJAH, Afghanistan - The Marines who work at the governmental center here would feel right at home at an old cavalry post in the American West.

Continue reading "Mullen Hears From Afghans, Marines" »

Part II: Afghanistan's future is Now Zad

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – Cpl. Green radioed the Lima Company compound command post that our four-person patrol had moved "outside the wire."

Continue reading "Part II: Afghanistan's future is Now Zad" »

IJC Operational Update, March 30

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in north Kandahar City last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the joint force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 30" »

March 29, 2010

Afghan corruption: How to follow the money?

Hamed Wardak, the soft-spoken Georgetown University-educated son of an Afghan cabinet minister, has a Defense Department contract worth up to $360 million to transport U.S. military goods through some of the most insecure territory in Afghanistan. But his company has no trucks.

Continue reading "Afghan corruption: How to follow the money?" »

Troops Kill, Capture Militants, Seize Weapons

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. and Afghan forces killed and detained militants and discovered weapons in operations in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials said.

Continue reading "Troops Kill, Capture Militants, Seize Weapons" »

Marines Keep Vigilance High During Marjah Patrol

MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – It's been approximately 45 days since the Marines breached enemy lines into the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, and the Marines remain as vigilant as ever.

Continue reading "Marines Keep Vigilance High During Marjah Patrol" »

In Afghanistan, Soldiers Use Diplomacy to Win the Battle

In this week's "Unplugged Under 40," First Lt. Patrick Nevins shows us how Marines fighting in Afghanistan must use more than military tactics to accomplish their mission.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Soldiers Use Diplomacy to Win the Battle" »

In Afghanistan, Soldiers Use Diplomacy to Win the Battle

In this week's "Unplugged Under 40," First Lt. Patrick Nevins shows us how Marines fighting in Afghanistan must use more than military tactics to accomplish their mission.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Soldiers Use Diplomacy to Win the Battle" »

Part I: A historian heads to Afghanistan

DELARAM, Afghanistan – Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part installment of what will be an occasional series on New Hampshire’s troops in Afghanistan. Groveton native and Plymouth State graduate Lt. Col Michael Moffett is a professor at NHTI-Concord when not in uniform.

I was glad helmets were required when my head smashed against the roof in the back of the MRAP when we hit our first big off-road bump. The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles in our Marine Corps convoy were traveling cross-country to avoid the countless Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) the Taliban had placed throughout our areas of operations.

Continue reading "Part I: A historian heads to Afghanistan" »

Obama, in Kabul, Presses Karzai to Root Out Government Corruption

March 29 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan to press Afghan President Hamid Karzai on rooting out corruption and improving government functions so the U.S. can begin handing over security.

Continue reading "Obama, in Kabul, Presses Karzai to Root Out Government Corruption" »

March 28, 2010

NYPD Marine Serves in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – He's a Marine reservist by day, a crime fighter by night, and he does everything he can to protect the people of New York City. And now he's doing the same in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "NYPD Marine Serves in Afghanistan" »

First Corporals Course Kicks Off at Camp Leatherneck

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Becoming a noncommissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps consists of more than an additional stripe above the cross rifles and an increased paycheck. Corporals make up approximately 20 percent of the Marine Corps and are an essential link in the chain of command as small unit leaders.

Continue reading "First Corporals Course Kicks Off at Camp Leatherneck" »

British forces to withdraw from Helmand under new US plan for Afghanistan

British forces are to be withdrawn from Helmand and replaced by United States Marines under controversial new plans being drawn up by American commanders.

The proposal, which would have to be approved by a new British government, is facing stiff resistance. Whitehall officials fear that a pull-out from Helmand, where nearly 250 British troops have been killed since 2006, would be portrayed as an admission of defeat.

Continue reading "British forces to withdraw from Helmand under new US plan for Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update March 28

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two suspected militants were detained as an Afghan-international security force pursued a Taliban commander in Marjeh, Nad Ali district, Helmand province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update March 28" »

ANSF, ISAF Conduct Operation Against Suspected Taliban Commander in Kapisa

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan National Security Forces and ISAF partners conducted an operation to capture suspected Taliban fighters near Alasay Valley in the Tagab district of Kapisa province yesterday

Continue reading "ANSF, ISAF Conduct Operation Against Suspected Taliban Commander in Kapisa" »

March 27, 2010

CLR-2 Transfers Authority to 1st MLG (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Regiment 2 relinquished responsibilities to the 1st Marine Logistics Group Forward during a Transfer of Authority ceremony here, March 24.

Continue reading "CLR-2 Transfers Authority to 1st MLG (FWD)" »

Arrival at Camp Leatherneck

Some of the final groups of Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) landed aboard Camp Leatherneck's flight line in the cool morning hours March 27 to begin their one-year deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "Arrival at Camp Leatherneck" »

ANSF and ISAF Target Taliban Compound in Kajaki

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan National Security Forces and ISAF partners conducted an operation near Kariz Deh Baba, east of Musa Qal'eh Friday, in which several suspected insurgents were killed and detained.

Continue reading "ANSF and ISAF Target Taliban Compound in Kajaki" »

IJC Operational Update, March 27

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF partners captured two insurgents in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province yesterday. One of the insurgents is suspected of being a Taliban commander who has planned attacks in Marjah and Nad-e Ali.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 27" »

Mortarmen Bring 81s to the Fight

MARJAH, Afghanistan – The Marines and Soldiers were going about their daily business, setting up their new company operating base in Marjah, Afghanistan, March 21. There wasn't much going on at the time.

Continue reading "Mortarmen Bring 81s to the Fight" »

March 26, 2010

Afghanistan, Mid-War

Camp Delaram, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — This is the second in a series of reports from Afghanistan.

When our Fox News team was here over a year ago, this was a platoon patrol base. Then, this area was a Taliban free-fire zone and rarely did Marines venture "outside the wire" without some kind of engagement with the enemy — usually an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in the moon dust that passes for dirt here in this arid desert.

When we returned to Afghanistan last autumn, this dusty crossroads town had grown to become the headquarters for a battalion. Today, Delaram is "home" to Marine Regimental Combat Team 2 and thousands more Marines are on the way. The "Afghanistan Surge" — 30,000 additional U.S. troops ordered here last December by the president is well underway — and dramatically changing this region once known as "the heartland of the Taliban." By mid to late summer there will be 80,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, 30,000 more "boots on the ground" in the shadows of the Hindu Kush than in Iraq.

Continue reading "Afghanistan, Mid-War" »

Afghan Marksmen — Forget the Fables

he recent Marine operations in and near Marja brought into sharp relief a fact that contradicts much of what people think they know about the Afghan war. It is this: Forget the fables. The current ranks of Afghan fighters are crowded with poor marksmen.

Continue reading "Afghan Marksmen — Forget the Fables" »

Marines expand program to spot, evade roadside bombs

Troops to get field, classroom training

CAMP PENDLETON — Camp Pendleton officials yesterday unveiled an $8 million expansion of a program that trains troops on spotting and evading roadside bombs. The goal is to give service members more help in battling the deadliest threat they face in Afghanistan, Marine Corps officials said.

Continue reading "Marines expand program to spot, evade roadside bombs" »

IJC Operational Update, March 26

KABUL, Afghanistan - In Ghazni province last night, an ISAF patrol recovered a weapons cache after it was reported by an Afghan citizen. The cache contained a hand grenade, 62 mortar fuses and shotgun ammunition. The cache will be destroyed.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 26" »

March 25, 2010

New Afghan cops closely watched as fighting force

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Maj. Mubarak Shah strode confidently into the U.S. Marine combat center with important intelligence: Three Taliban fighters were preparing to attack a nearby checkpoint.

Continue reading "New Afghan cops closely watched as fighting force" »

Photo gallery: Fight in the field

Photos and text by Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Online Edition, Thursday, March 25, 2010

A platoon of Marines from Company L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, along with Afghan soldiers, had been on patrol for two days near a school in Marjah, Afghanistan, that Taliban fighters had been reportedly using as a base. Graffiti inside the school indicated that Taliban had been active in the area, and just the previous day, March 10, a Marine had been shot in the back after a running gunbattle with insurgents that had lasted most of the afternoon.

Continue reading "Photo gallery: Fight in the field" »

Afghans Assume Control of Kabul Airport

KABUL, Afghanistan - Control of key facilities at Afghanistan's largest civilian airport were handed over to the government of Afghanistan by the International Security Assistance Force, March 25.

Continue reading "Afghans Assume Control of Kabul Airport" »

IJC Operational Update, March 25

KABUL, Afghanistan – A Taliban commander and another militant were captured by an Afghan-international security force in Ghazni last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 25" »

Face of Defense: Health Care Provider Saves Lives

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - A U.S. military health care provider now serving with a reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Paktika province said the austere conditions that exist there fail to deter his commitment to help the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Face of Defense: Health Care Provider Saves Lives" »

March 24, 2010

Curbing Taliban opium trade risks loss of support

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Curbing the Taliban's multimillion dollar opium poppy business was a major goal of a military operation to seize this former insurgent stronghold. With the town in NATO hands, the Marines face a conundrum: If they destroy the crops and curb the trade, they lose the support of the population — a problem for which they have no easy solution.

Continue reading "Curbing Taliban opium trade risks loss of support" »

Afghanistan Troop Level to Eclipse Iraq by Midyear

WASHINGTON - This summer will mark the first time since 2003 that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan will overshadow the American presence in Iraq, the top U.S. military officer told Congress March 24.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Troop Level to Eclipse Iraq by Midyear" »

IJC Operational Update, March 24

KABUL, Afghanistan - In Nangarhar last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound in a rural area south of Ahmadkhel, in the Khogyani District, after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 24" »

Marines Conduct Census Patrols to Better Understand Surrounding Villages

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, along with soldiers from the 6th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205 Corps, Afghan National Army, conducted a census patrol in the vicinity of Mian Poshteh, Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 19.

Continue reading "Marines Conduct Census Patrols to Better Understand Surrounding Villages" »

Milton Marine hurt in blast

A Marine from Milton is recovering in a German hospital after being severely injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Saturday.

Continue reading "Milton Marine hurt in blast" »

Uphill task for US Marines on Afghan healthcare

MARJAH, Afghanistan, March 24, 2010 (AFP) - When US Major James Coffman presented a plan to restore healthcare to a southern Afghan town after years of Taliban rule and weeks of fighting, he thought it was a winner.

Continue reading "Uphill task for US Marines on Afghan healthcare" »

Nekqadama: a woman bridging cultures in Afghanistan

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Nekqadama was just a baby when she left Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. Thirty years on, she is back in the country in US Marine uniform, an interpreter on the insurgency's front line.

Continue reading "Nekqadama: a woman bridging cultures in Afghanistan" »

Afghan soldiers way below standard, exasperated Marines say

MARJAH, Afghanistan — If the U.S. Marines at Combat Outpost Turbett have any problems with their Afghan colleagues, they're with the Afghan soldiers who followed them into battle against Taliban fighters, not with the elite police officers who've stepped in to help fill the security vacuum.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers way below standard, exasperated Marines say" »

March 23, 2010

Mujahedeen Protect Provincial Reconstruction Team Base

ANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The fierceness of the fighters and the security of the valley have allowed Forward Operating Base Lion to be one of the few, if not only, bases in Afghanistan guarded solely by an Afghan security forces.

Continue reading "Mujahedeen Protect Provincial Reconstruction Team Base" »

Uneasy quiet, then a Taliban ambush

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, March 23, 2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Matthew W. McElhinney faded in and out of consciousness as the morphine kicked in.

Continue reading "Uneasy quiet, then a Taliban ambush" »

Taliban say not involved in Kabul peace talks

(Reuters) - The Taliban are not involved in peace talks between an insurgent faction and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and will not agree to talks until Western troops are withdrawn from the country, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Taliban say not involved in Kabul peace talks" »

IJC Operational Update, March 23

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound northeast of Divalak, in the Reg-e Khan Meshin District, near Marjah, Helmand province, after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 23" »

March 22, 2010

Marja Embed: Six Weeks in Helmand Province

After spending more than six weeks with the Marines and Afghan National Army in Helmand Province, Tyler Hicks and I left Afghanistan in early March. We plan to return a few times this year. Meanwhile, our colleagues will follow developments there, as Rod Nordland just did. But even as the conversation pitches forward, there are items from the opening of the Marja offensive that merit more attention. The limits of space in the newspaper, as well the shortages of electricity and time while on the ground, meant that material worth sharing at the outset never found an outlet.

Continue reading "Marja Embed: Six Weeks in Helmand Province" »

Officials Give Update on Afghanistan Operations

WASHINGTON - International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials in Afghanistan provided details on various operations conducted in Afghanistan in recent days:

Continue reading "Officials Give Update on Afghanistan Operations" »

IJC Operational Update, March 22

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF patrol found three 82mm mortar rounds in the Garm Ser District of Helmand province today. The mortars were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal team.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 22" »

Afghanistan: Who are Hezb-i-Islami?

(Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has met a senior delegation from the insurgent group Hezb-i-Islami, Karzai's office said Monday, a first step toward a possible separate peace with a militant faction that rivals the Taliban.

The meeting amounts to Karzai's first confirmed direct contact with the faction, one of the three main groups fighting his government and the U.S. and NATO troops that support it.

Continue reading " Afghanistan: Who are Hezb-i-Islami?" »

March 21, 2010

IJC Operational Update March 21

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international combined force killed two militants while pursuing a Taliban commander in Zabul province yesterday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update March 21" »

Reuters photographer and Marine meet again in Helmand

Almost two years ago, Reuters photographer Goran Tomasevic captured a dramatic shot of U.S. Marine Sergeant William Bee, from Wooster, Ohio, the moment a Taliban bullet hit a wall inches from this head.

Continue reading "Reuters photographer and Marine meet again in Helmand" »

Newest Taliban tactic in Marjah: IED blasts

By Heidi Vogt - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Mar 21, 2010 8:43:10 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Explosions rumble through this former Taliban stronghold three or four times a day — an ominous sign that the insurgents have not given up despite losing control of this town to U.S. and Afghan forces about two weeks ago.

Continue reading "Newest Taliban tactic in Marjah: IED blasts" »

Marines offer cash in fight against Afghan opium

(Reuters) - After weeks of intense fighting over the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, U.S. Marines are now taking cautious aim at the drugs trade, with a program designed to pay opium farmers to destroy their own crops without a fight.

Continue reading "Marines offer cash in fight against Afghan opium" »

March 20, 2010

Taliban adjust, wage bomb attacks in Afghan town

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- Explosions rumble through this former Taliban stronghold three or four times a day - an ominous sign that the insurgents have not given up despite losing control of this town to U.S. and Afghan forces about two weeks ago.

Continue reading "Taliban adjust, wage bomb attacks in Afghan town" »

IJC Operational Update, March 20

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a compound outside the village of Bar Nowzad-e Gharbi, in the Now Zad district of Helmand province, last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security force detained two suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 20" »

March 19, 2010

An up close look at the military life in Marjah

-- EDITOR'S NOTE - Associated Press photographer David Guttenfelder was embedded with U.S. forces during the offensive in Marjah, Afghanistan. Here is his account of some of the photos he made of the soldiers' daily lives.

---

MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) - For months, the U.S. military had been openly saying it was getting ready to crush the Taliban in its last stronghold in Afghanistan's Helmand province - the world's opium bazaar.

Continue reading "An up close look at the military life in Marjah" »

Marine patrols still meet snipers in Afghan town

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- The first shots came from the north, sending Marines ducking into the nearest ditch - some filled with putrid water. More shots rang out from the southwest: a possible ambush from two sides.

Continue reading "Marine patrols still meet snipers in Afghan town" »

Insurgents Killed in Badghis Operation

KABUL, Afghanistan - An ISAF patrol in the Murqur area of Badghis province was attacked by small-arms fire from insurgents, March 17.

Continue reading "Insurgents Killed in Badghis Operation" »

Corpsmen Teach Afghan Soldiers Basic Medical Skills

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Corpsmen with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, showed Afghan national army soldiers from the 6th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps, how to save lives on the battlefield on March 9-11.

Continue reading "Corpsmen Teach Afghan Soldiers Basic Medical Skills" »

Joint Force Discovers Large Cache in Zeerko Valley

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and ISAF forces conducted an operation Wednesday in the Zeerko Valley region of the Shindand district, Herat province, capturing a prominent Taliban leader and discovering a weapons cache.

Continue reading "Joint Force Discovers Large Cache in Zeerko Valley" »

IJC Operational Update, March 19

KABUL, Afghanistan – Earlier today an Afghan-international security force searched a compound near Molla Dust, in the Panjwayee district of Kandahar province, after intelligence information verified militant activity. During the search the joint force detained several suspected militants for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 19" »

March 18, 2010

Marines try to buy good will in Marjah

Goal is to persuade wavering Afghans to turn away from the Taliban

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Crouched on packed earth at a barricaded Marine encampment, the village elders issued their complaint: U.S. troops had killed an innocent 14-year-old boy. Secretly, the Marines didn't believe them. No matter. They apologized, called the death a tragedy and promised to offer a condolence payment to the boy's family.

Continue reading "Marines try to buy good will in Marjah" »

IJC Operational Update, March 18

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in the village of Pasab, in the Zharay District of Kandahar province, last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the joint force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 18" »

Bazaar flourishes after nine months of closure

Just outside of Combat Outpost Sharp, in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, there sits the Zan Zier bazaar. What was just months ago completely abandoned, is now home to 66 different shops that provide the Mian Poshteh area with goods.

Continue reading " Bazaar flourishes after nine months of closure" »

March 17, 2010

Taliban using fear campaign in Marjah

By Heidi Vogt - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Mar 17, 2010 20:22:02 EDT

MARJAH, Afghanistan — A month after losing control of their southern base in Marjah, the Taliban have begun to fight back, launching a campaign of assassination and intimidation to frighten people from supporting the U.S. and its Afghan allies.

Continue reading "Taliban using fear campaign in Marjah" »

Marines endure fleas, flies, filth in Marjah

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, March 17, 2010

KAREZ-E-SAYYIDI, Afghanistan — By any estimate, the living conditions at Combat Outpost Coutu can only be described as grim.

Continue reading "Marines endure fleas, flies, filth in Marjah" »

A Small Victory in Afghanistan

Last week Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited the district of Now Zad in Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand Province. To many, it probably didn’t seem like significant news. Gates reportedly went no farther than a 100 meters outside the forward operating base and there were fully armed Marines posted at short intervals not far from where he was walking. They had probably been in position for at least 24 hours before Gates arrived and the area was likely swept for explosives and insurgents multiple times in the days prior to his arrival.

Continue reading "A Small Victory in Afghanistan" »

New Building Number System Benefits Nawa Citizens, Afghan Government

NAWA, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Usually tagging a wall with spray paint is grounds for punishment, but for Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, it's all in a day's work in Afghanistan

Continue reading "New Building Number System Benefits Nawa Citizens, Afghan Government" »

Afghan poppy harvest is next challenge for U.S. Marines

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- U.S. Marine Sgt. Brad Vandehei stood on the edge of the small opium poppy field that serves as a central helicopter landing zone for the new military compound that's rising nearby.

Continue reading "Afghan poppy harvest is next challenge for U.S. Marines" »

JC Operational Update, March 17

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force conducted a search and detained one insurgent near Sar Banader in the Garmsir District of Helmand province today after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "JC Operational Update, March 17" »

March 16, 2010

Jump Platoon: Taking Knocks for the Colonel

This story was filed by CBS News correspondent Mandy Clark, who was embedded with the 3/6 Jump Platoon during the recent operation to rid the town of Marjah, in Afghanistan's Helmand province, of Taliban fighters.

Jump Platoon has one mission: Protect the Battalion Commander as he moves in his battle space. Where he goes, they go.

Continue reading "Jump Platoon: Taking Knocks for the Colonel" »

March 14, 2010

Senior Taliban Commander Killed in Lashkar Gar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan national security forces with International Security Assistance Force partners conducted an operation east of Gavragay, Lashkar Gar District, Helmand province, Friday afternoon. Muhammad Yah, a senior Taliban commander in the Lashkar Gar area, was killed during this operation.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban Commander Killed in Lashkar Gar" »

IJC Operational Update March 14

KABUL, Afghanistan - A Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator was captured by an Afghan-international combined force in Logar this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update March 14" »

At Afghan outpost, Marines gone rogue or leading the fight against counterinsurgency?

DELARAM, AFGHANISTAN -- Home to a dozen truck stops and a few hundred family farms bounded by miles of foreboding desert, this hamlet in southwestern Afghanistan is far from a strategic priority for senior officers at the international military headquarters in Kabul. One calls Delaram, a day's drive from the nearest city, "the end of the Earth." Another deems the area "unrelated to our core mission" of defeating the Taliban by protecting Afghans in their cities and towns.

Continue reading "At Afghan outpost, Marines gone rogue or leading the fight against counterinsurgency?" »

March 13, 2010

Joint Force Operation Targets Al-Qaida Leader

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force conducted an operation targeting militants while pursuing an al-Qaida commander in a rural area of the Asmar District of Kunar province early March 13.

Continue reading "Joint Force Operation Targets Al-Qaida Leader" »

IJC Operational Update, March 13

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force killed eight militants and captured a foreign fighter facilitator in Farah March 12. Three of the eight militants killed were identified as foreign fighters.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 13" »

March 12, 2010

A life more ordinary in Musa Qala

Musa Qala, in northern Helmand, will shortly become the first British base in Afghanistan to be handed on to US Marines.

BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt visited the town to see whether there are any lessons to be learned.

Back in 2006, it seemed unlikely that the Taliban's then stronghold of Musa Qala, a centre of the opium trade, would be persuaded to listen to the voice of the Nato coalition and the Afghan government.

Continue reading "A life more ordinary in Musa Qala" »

IJC Operational Update, March 12

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a compound near the town of Senjaray in the Zharmi district of Kandahar province today after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 12" »

Unfounded Allegations Against ISAF

KABUL, Afghanistan – On Wednesday an international security force unit patrolling in southern Afghanistan came under small arms fire from an insurgent position. The patrol returned fire and requested support from ISAF aircraft. Reports from the patrol, after they inspected the area, confirmed that one insurgent had been killed.

Continue reading "Unfounded Allegations Against ISAF" »

Marjah push: Ups and downs are lessons for future

EDITOR'S NOTE: Alfred de Montesquiou, an Associated Press correspondent embedded with U.S. Marines in the battle for the Afghan town of Marjah, was able to observe some of the lessons of the fighting and hear from the officers in command how they are being absorbed.

MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) — After a day spent pinned down in gunbattles or caught in a maze of roadside bombs, with little hope of air support and an erratic Afghan army to coax along, Lance Cpl. Travis Anderson reflected on the frustrations of the campaign U.S. forces were fighting.

Continue reading "Marjah push: Ups and downs are lessons for future" »

March 10, 2010

Armored Trucks Shield Marines From Taliban Bombs

The shooting is largely over in the Marjah area of southern Afghanistan that was recaptured by U.S. and Afghan forces last month. But a deadly threat remains: homemade bombs.

Continue reading "Armored Trucks Shield Marines From Taliban Bombs" »

March 9, 2010

Gates tours broken, abandoned market that has come to symbolize progress in Afghanistan

NOW ZAD, AFGHANISTAN -- This southern Afghan city has been touted as a symbol of the progress U.S. troops have made in recent weeks. But when Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates swung through the main market on Tuesday, it seemed mostly to be a symbol of the work that remains to be done.

Continue reading "Gates tours broken, abandoned market that has come to symbolize progress in Afghanistan" »

Afghanistan war: Fight for Kandahar won't be like fight for Marjah

In the next stage in the Afghanistan war, coalition forces are expected to build up gradually on the outskirts of the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, perhaps for months. That strategy departs from the one executed in the Marjah offensive, in which troops entered quickly.

Washington

The operation that American and coalition forces are planning for Kandahar in southern Afghanistan won’t look like D-Day, the top commander there said Tuesda

Continue reading "Afghanistan war: Fight for Kandahar won't be like fight for Marjah" »

IJC Operational Update, March 9

Afghanistan - In Khowst last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound outside the village of Galyan, in the Sabari District after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 9" »

March 8, 2010

From fighters to fixers: Marines woo villagers

Yesterday I wrote a piece for Afghanistan Crossroads touching on the main challenge facing the coalition now that the fighting in Marjah has come to an end: winning over the local population.

Continue reading "From fighters to fixers: Marines woo villagers" »

Training, Investment Create Sustainable Afghan Army

Training and financial investment are critical to helping Afghanistan's security forces become self-sufficient, a senior participant in the effort said.

Continue reading "Training, Investment Create Sustainable Afghan Army" »

Helmand Will Serve As Template, NATO Official Says

Operations in Helmand province will serve as a template for future operations elsewhere in Afghanistan, NATO's senior civilian representative here said today.

Continue reading "Helmand Will Serve As Template, NATO Official Says" »

McChrystal Details Lessons of Marjah Offensive

The Taliban flag no longer flies over Marja, and the operations in the central region of Helmand province have lessons for the rest of Afghanistan, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in the country said today.

Continue reading "McChrystal Details Lessons of Marjah Offensive" »

Gates Seeks 'Ground Truth' in Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is visiting Afghanistan to get what he called the "ground truth" from service members.

Continue reading "Gates Seeks 'Ground Truth' in Afghanistan" »

Operation Combats Insurgents, Uncovers Weapons

WASHINGTON - Afghan troops, assisted by coalition forces, cordoned and searched an insurgent supply route used to transport and harbor roadside bombs in Afghanistan's Helmand province late last week.

Continue reading "Operation Combats Insurgents, Uncovers Weapons" »

IJC Operational Update, March 8

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in a rural area northeast of Khowst City, in the Sabari District of Khowst province, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the joint force detained a few suspected insurgents for further questioning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 8" »

March 7, 2010

Signs of life return to an Afghan ghost town

A campaign has begun to lure residents back to war-ravaged Now Zad in Helmand province, with Marine and Afghan guards posted 24 hours a day to ward off Taliban attacks.

Reporting from Now Zad, Afghanistan — Under a late winter sky, surrounded by mountains left verdant by recent rain showers, is one of Afghanistan's spookiest-looking and most dangerous places: the once-vibrant but now war-ravaged and virtually empty city of Now Zad.

Continue reading "Signs of life return to an Afghan ghost town" »

Afghanistan’s President Receives a Mixed Reception in a Visit to Newly Won Marja

MARJA, Afghanistan — Once a Taliban refuge, Marja has come a long way since the Marines invaded four weeks ago, so much so that the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, arrived Sunday with top American and Afghan officials to speak to several hundred residents crammed inside a mosque.

Continue reading "Afghanistan’s President Receives a Mixed Reception in a Visit to Newly Won Marja" »

IJC Operational Update March 7

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international force captured a Taliban weapons facilitator in Ghazni province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update March 7" »

March 6, 2010

Afghan Drug Trade Complicates U.S. Task in Marjah

The impetus for the U.S.-led assault on Marjah began one moonless night last May when a squad of American and Afghan anti-narcotics agents, backed by U.S. Marines, slipped through the town's empty streets and raided the Lachoya opium bazaar.

Continue reading "Afghan Drug Trade Complicates U.S. Task in Marjah" »

Letting Women Reach Women In Afghan War

The Marines in a recent “cultural awareness” class scribbled careful notes as the instructor coached them on do’s and don’ts when talking to villagers in Afghanistan: Don’t start by firing off questions, do break the ice by playing with the children, don’t let your interpreter hijack the conversation.

Continue reading "Letting Women Reach Women In Afghan War" »

Right to Bear Arms: Ordnance Marines Arm MAG-40

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The ordnance technicians for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 "Scarface," Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, sat and waited for the troops-in-contact call, and when it came, without hesitation, they sprinted through the gravel toward the helicopter landing zones to arm aircraft and get them back into action for combat operations in Marjah.

Continue reading "Right to Bear Arms: Ordnance Marines Arm MAG-40" »

March 5, 2010

Command Issues New Rules for Night Raids in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - The commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan has issued new rules governing night raids, acknowledging that although they can have value militarily, they also can foster ill will toward international forces on the part of the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Command Issues New Rules for Night Raids in Afghanistan" »

Off to war again for 1st Marine Division

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Mar 5, 2010 7:37:57 EST

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — With its first groups of Marines leaving home Friday for the military surge into Afghanistan, the 1st Marine Division gathered this week to honor its combat heritage and march off again to war.

Continue reading "Off to war again for 1st Marine Division" »

IJC Operational Update, March 5

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a compound south of the village of Chalghowi, in the Panjwa'I district of Kandahar province last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 5" »

Leading Taliban Facilitator Killed in Afghan Operation

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan National Security Forces with International Security and Assistance Force partners killed a Taliban commander in Northern Helmand Feb. 20. He was involved with the facilitation of improvised explosive device components and the planning of Taliban attacks.

Continue reading "Leading Taliban Facilitator Killed in Afghan Operation" »

3/4 kick starts effort to hold the Buji Bhast Pass

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – There are many stories surrounding the area in southern Afghanistan known as the Buji Bhast Pass. The pass has proven to be a strategic military stronghold and allowed Afghans to delay the armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and the former Soviet Union.

Continue reading "3/4 kick starts effort to hold the Buji Bhast Pass" »

Taliban Seen Using Infants As Human Shields

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF and Afghan forces have recently observed militants using infants as human shields during hostile acts against Afghan and international forces operating throughout Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Taliban Seen Using Infants As Human Shields" »

March 4, 2010

IJC Operational Update, March 4

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a rural compound and detained two suspected insurgents outside of Marja, in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand province after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 4" »

March 3, 2010

U.S. Redraws Afghan Command

Coalition Prepares to Establish New Military Headquarters in South Before Major Surge Offensive

WASHINGTON—The U.S. and its allies are working to create a new American-led military command in southern Afghanistan, setting the stage for a large-scale offensive into the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.

Continue reading "U.S. Redraws Afghan Command" »

Pendleton Marines set to deploy to Afghanistan

OCEANSIDE - In a symbolic 30-minute Camp Pendleton ceremony on Wednesday, attended by 1st Marine Division veterans from various eras and marking the impending departure of some 7,000 Marines and sailors from the division to Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills said this and past deployments are not about commanding generals.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines set to deploy to Afghanistan" »

Even His Red Squeak Toy Can't Get First Sgt. Gunner, USMC, to Fight

Despite Rehab, the Yellow Lab Won't Sniff For Bombs in Combat; He's 'a Lover'

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan—When the Marines cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war, one remains in his kennel. Quivering.

Continue reading "Even His Red Squeak Toy Can't Get First Sgt. Gunner, USMC, to Fight" »

As Marjah offensive ends, a crucial test for peace in Afghanistan

The coalition's Marjah offensive against the Taliban in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, has made gains. But to succeed, Afghanistan, the US, and aid agencies must quickly move in to build up the area's security, government, and infrastructure, showing fence-sitters the benefits of peace.

As the US Marjah offensive in Afghanistan, winds down, the next challenge will be to maintain the newfound security of the area and to begin to reintegrate former Taliban fighters into Afghan society.

Continue reading "As Marjah offensive ends, a crucial test for peace in Afghanistan" »

IJC Operational Update, March 3

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international patrol found a weapons cache in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand province while supporting Operation Moshtarak yesterday.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 3" »

Taliban, not drugs, focus of US-Afghan offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Even by Afghan standards, it was a startling find: An opium packaging workshop, buried under donkey dung and old hay in a stable that U.S. Marines turned into a patrol base in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Taliban, not drugs, focus of US-Afghan offensive" »

RCT-2 Puts Boots on Ground in Afghanistan

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan — While gentle winds blew through the rotors of a CH-53 D helicopter, the final group of Regimental Combat Team 2 Marines and sailors dismounted, completing the unit's transition into Camp Delaram II, Feb. 27.

Continue reading "RCT-2 Puts Boots on Ground in Afghanistan" »

Nad-e-Ali Insurgent Commander Captured

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan national security force and International Security Assistance Force team captured the southern Nad-e-Ali Taliban commander during a joint operation in Nad-e-Ali, Helmand province, March 2.

Continue reading "Nad-e-Ali Insurgent Commander Captured" »

March 2, 2010

IJC Operational Update, March 2

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in a rural area of the Nawah-ye Barakzai District, Helmand province after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security forces detained a couple of suspected insurgents.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, March 2" »

McChrystal, others visit Marja, Afghanistan, as offensive enters governing phase

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- The initial phase of the military offensive in southern Afghanistan to wrest Marja from insurgent control has largely ended, but the more daunting task of building a credible government in the place of Taliban rule has just begun, according to senior U.S. and Afghan officials.

Continue reading "McChrystal, others visit Marja, Afghanistan, as offensive enters governing phase" »

Insurgent Attacks Continue to Take Toll on Civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan - While progress is taking place in southern Afghanistan following Operation Moshtarak, insurgent attacks have continued to harm civilians and impact their freedom of movement in Kandahar and Helmand.

Continue reading "Insurgent Attacks Continue to Take Toll on Civilians" »

Marjah Effort Shows Values, Flaws Of Afghan Forces

When the U.S. military began its counterinsurgency offensive in Afghanistan's Helmand River valley last summer, some 4,000 Marines took part in the operation aside about 300 Afghan forces.

Continue reading "Marjah Effort Shows Values, Flaws Of Afghan Forces" »

McChrystal, others visit Marja, Afghanistan, as offensive enters governing phase

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- The initial phase of the military offensive in southern Afghanistan to wrest Marja from insurgent control has largely ended, but the more daunting task of building a credible government in the place of Taliban rule has just begun, according to senior U.S. and Afghan officials.

Continue reading "McChrystal, others visit Marja, Afghanistan, as offensive enters governing phase" »

March 1, 2010

3/4 Preparing Afghan National Security Forces for Success

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Before coalition forces can leave Afghanistan, they must first make sure the government has a reliable and proficient fighting force. Without one, the country is vulnerable to invasion and insurrection.

Continue reading "3/4 Preparing Afghan National Security Forces for Success" »

Afghanistan Bound, MTACS Marines Train to Fight

Before Marines go overseas, they must learn skills beyond their primary job and be ready for deployment.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Bound, MTACS Marines Train to Fight" »

Combined Forces Net Drugs, Weapons in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Combined Afghan-international operations in Afghanistan have killed several insurgents in recent days and led to drug and weapons confiscations, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Combined Forces Net Drugs, Weapons in Afghanistan" »

Taliban Flees Marjah, Threat Remains For Marines

In southern Afghanistan, U.S. Marines and their Afghan counterparts are tightening their hold on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. Each day, troops are uncovering weapons caches left behind by Taliban fighters who ran away or are hiding among the local population.

Continue reading "Taliban Flees Marjah, Threat Remains For Marines" »

Improvised Explosive Device Detection Program for the Dogs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFERETTA, Nimruz province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – As improvised explosive devices continue to be a threat in the region as the Taliban's weapon of choice, coalition forces continue to adapt their ways of dealing with them.

Continue reading "Improvised Explosive Device Detection Program for the Dogs" »

Afghan soldiers show improvement in Marja assault

The top Marine commander says Afghan troops, overall, exceeded his expectations. But there is still a need for more training.

Reporting from Marja, Afghanistan - The Afghan troops who supported the U.S. Marines in the battle to end Taliban control of this town in Helmand province showed marked improvement over last summer's performance in a similar fight but still need much more training, Marine commanders say.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers show improvement in Marja assault" »

Residents of Marjah wary of U.S. after Taliban ouster

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- One by one, the men of Marjah tentatively approached the high-ranking Afghan official with their complaints.

Continue reading "Residents of Marjah wary of U.S. after Taliban ouster" »

'Gradual' campaign likely in Kandahar

KABUL — As U.S. and Afghan forces squeeze the last fighters from the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, the coalition is preparing to move against the next target: Kandahar, the country's second-largest city and birthplace of the jihadist movement, U.S. commanders say.

Continue reading "'Gradual' campaign likely in Kandahar" »

MEB in Afghanistan grows to 15,000

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 1, 2010 19:25:26 EST

The Marine Corps’ footprint in Afghanistan has expanded to include 15,000 Marines, the service’s top general said, and another battalion is expected to deploy soon.

Continue reading "MEB in Afghanistan grows to 15,000" »

February 28, 2010

With Marja Largely Won, Marines Try to Win Trust

SEMITAY BAZAAR, Afghanistan — After the declaration this weekend that the battle for the Taliban enclave of Marja had been won, for the Marines standing behind sandbags and walking patrols, the more complicated work has begun. With it will be a test of the strategy selected by President Obama and the generals now running the Afghan war.

Continue reading "With Marja Largely Won, Marines Try to Win Trust" »

Marines, Afghan troops to be stationed in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan — More than 2,000 U.S. Marines and about 1,000 Afghan troops who stormed the Taliban town of Marjah as part of a major NATO offensive against a resurgent Taliban will stay for the next several months to help ensure insurgents don't return, Marine commanders said Sunday.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan troops to be stationed in Marjah" »

February 27, 2010

In Afghanistan, U.S. plans major push into Kandahar

Even as Marines in Afghanistan continued to fight for control of the Taliban stronghold of Marja, senior Obama administration officials said Friday that the United States has begun initial planning for a bigger, more complex offensive in Kandahar later this year.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, U.S. plans major push into Kandahar" »

Insurgents disappear as US, Afghan forces clear last areas of former Taliban stronghold Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Marines and Afghan troops who fought through the centre of Marjah linked up Saturday with American soldiers on the northern edge of the former Taliban stronghold, clearing the town's last major pocket of resistance.

Continue reading "Insurgents disappear as US, Afghan forces clear last areas of former Taliban stronghold Marjah" »

US plan to seize Afghanistan town from Taliban

The United States plans to launch a new military operation later this year to seize Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan from Taliban control, a senior Obama administration official says.

Continue reading "US plan to seize Afghanistan town from Taliban" »

Normalcy takes root in Marjah after allied offensive

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
Stars and Stripes online edition, Saturday, February 27, 2010

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Just a few dozen yards from the bullet-riddled government building, Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson found more proof Saturday that the battle for Marjah was over.

Continue reading "Normalcy takes root in Marjah after allied offensive" »

US, Afghan forces clear last parts of Taliban area

MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. and Afghan forces say they have cleared the last major pocket of resistance from the former Taliban stronghold of Marjah.

Continue reading "US, Afghan forces clear last parts of Taliban area" »

February 26, 2010

Afghans give US soldiers a run for their money

BADULA QULP, Afghanistan – The battalion commander pondered the question: How much is a tree worth?

Continue reading "Afghans give US soldiers a run for their money" »

February 25, 2010

Afghan army improving, not ready to go it alone

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- When U.S. Marines find suspicious powder that could be made into a bomb, they probe it with sophisticated tests. Afghan soldiers have their own method - they taste it.

Continue reading "Afghan army improving, not ready to go it alone" »

Taking It to the Taliban

Two days before launching the most ambitious military campaign of the Obama Administration, General Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, convened a meeting in Kabul of 450 tribal elders and scholars from Helmand province. The general's objective: to build support for Operation Moshtarak, a massive offensive on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. McChrystal ran through the military phase of the plan, which would involve 6,000 U.S. Marines and British soldiers and 4,500 Afghan troops and police. Then he described how these troops would protect the town while a "government in a box" — a corps of Afghan officials who had been training for this moment for months — would start administering the town. The elders all signed off on the plan, but not before one of them warned the American general, "You have to understand that if you don't do what you say, we'll all be killed."

Continue reading "Taking It to the Taliban" »

Snipers are top threat in Marjah, Conway says

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 25, 2010 20:33:52 EST

The biggest threat to Marines assaulting the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, Afghanistan, isn’t improvised explosive devices, but sniper fire, the Marine Corps’ top officer said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Snipers are top threat in Marjah, Conway says" »

Afghan government claims Taliban stronghold

Flag-raising ceremony held as troops mop up last pockets of resistance

MARJAH, Afghanistan - The Afghan government took official control of the southern Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Thursday, installing an administrator and raising the national flag while U.S.-led troops worked to root out final pockets of militants.

Continue reading "Afghan government claims Taliban stronghold" »

US-led troops inch close to victory in Afghan assault

MARJAH, Afghanistan : US-led troops were inching closer to declaring victory over a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan as a senior commander said Wednesday militant resistance had fallen dramatically.

Continue reading "US-led troops inch close to victory in Afghan assault" »

Afghans displaced by Marja offensive fret in a cold limbo

At least 24,000 people have fled since the assault on the Taliban began. Each passing day is a countdown to ruin for farm families.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan - In wind-whipped tents, makeshift shelters and overcrowded family compounds, Afghans who fled the battleground town of Marja are asking themselves and one another: When will it be safe to go home?

Continue reading "Afghans displaced by Marja offensive fret in a cold limbo" »

Trash Talking the Taliban During Firefights

ABC News' Miguel Marquez Embedded With Marines in Marja, Afghanistan

It's a remarkable combination of psychological warfare, political roundtable and trash-talking. Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters taunt each other, debate each other and try to persuade each other almost daily over their radios, at times while even shooting at each other.

Continue reading "Trash Talking the Taliban During Firefights" »

Taliban lose control of stronghold

The Afghan government took official control of the southern Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Thursday as Nato troops worked to root out final pockets of militants.

Continue reading "Taliban lose control of stronghold" »

February 24, 2010

Marines Clearing Last Taliban Pockets In Marjah

More than 100 Marines and their Afghan counterparts are pushing into a neighborhood they say is the last significant stronghold of insurgents.

Marines are starting a push to clear the last pockets of Taliban insurgents from Marjah.

Continue reading "Marines Clearing Last Taliban Pockets In Marjah" »

Operation Moshtarak Update for Feb. 23

KABUL, Afghanistan - The last 24 hours have seen fewer engagements with insurgents. Despite this relative calm, IEDs and insurgent gunmen continue to pose a threat to civilians and security forces.

Continue reading "Operation Moshtarak Update for Feb. 23" »

Army, Marines, Afghan National Army Team Up to Clear Vital Route of Roadside Bombs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Route Clearance Platoon, 162nd Engineer Company, 105th Engineer Battalion, Oregon National Guard, worked to remove any IEDs on Route "Cowboys," in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 14-16.

Continue reading "Army, Marines, Afghan National Army Team Up to Clear Vital Route of Roadside Bombs" »

February 23, 2010

Afghan official who will govern Marja pays first visit, makes plea to residents

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- The Afghan official responsible for governing Marja paid his first visit to this strife-torn community Monday, imploring residents to forsake the Taliban and promising employment programs as an inducement for local men to put down their weapons.

Continue reading "Afghan official who will govern Marja pays first visit, makes plea to residents" »

Government Administrator Arrives in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan—The new Afghan government administrator of Marjah moved into town Tuesday, the most overt sign so far that the fierce military campaign to oust the Taliban is beginning to give way to the civilian campaign to win over the locals with economic aid and public services.

Continue reading "Government Administrator Arrives in Marjah" »

US offensive yet to persuade Afghans in key town

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- Bouwudin courteously greeted the Afghan and American officers who came to meet him, offering tea and eventually a meal as the meeting lingered on. No amount of invitations could get him to walk a few hundred yards to the Marines base.

Continue reading "US offensive yet to persuade Afghans in key town" »

1/2 to deploy from Lejeune to Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 23, 2010 17:14:49 EST

The Marine Corps will have another battalion in Afghanistan within the next 10 days, swelling Marine forces in southern Afghanistan to more than 12,000 Marines.

Continue reading "1/2 to deploy from Lejeune to Afghanistan" »

Taliban fighters hinder offensive

Snipers, bombs slow progress

Senior defense and military officials said Monday that the U.S. and allied military offensive in southern Afghanistan is making steady progress although it has been slowed by resistance from insurgents.

Continue reading "Taliban fighters hinder offensive" »

Scarface Detachment Offers Quicker Response for RCT-7

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, who reside at Camp Dwyer, know their detachment may be small, but that they provide the necessary air power for Marine Aircraft Group 40 and Regimental Combat Team 7, both with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Scarface Detachment Offers Quicker Response for RCT-7" »

February 22, 2010

Finally, a glimmer of hope for US in Afghan war

KABUL -- The arrests of key Taliban leaders in Pakistan and slow but steady progress on the battlefield of Helmand province have offered the first flicker of hope in years that the U.S. and its allies may be able to check the rise of an insurgency that seemed unstoppable only a few months ago.

Continue reading "Finally, a glimmer of hope for US in Afghan war" »

Taliban Resistance Strong In Southern Afghanistan

It's the second week of a major U.S.-led offensive in southern Afghanistan to expel the Taliban from a key stronghold in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Taliban Resistance Strong In Southern Afghanistan" »

Battle for Marja not only militarily significant

A year ago, the mention of Marja, a speck on the map in southern Afghanistan, would have drawn befuddled stares in the Pentagon.

Continue reading "Battle for Marja not only militarily significant" »

US-led troops make 'steady progress' in Marjah

US-led forces fighting to clear a Taliban stronghold in south Afghanistan are making "steady progress", the most senior US military commander says.

Adm Mike Mullen said the operation in the town of Marjah in Helmand province was "messy... but that doesn't mean that it's not worth the cost".

Continue reading "US-led troops make 'steady progress' in Marjah" »

Marjah offensive: New Afghan governor takes office as battle rages

Less than two weeks into the Marjah offensive in Afghanistan, an Afghan governor flew into town on Monday and began holding meetings.

Kabul, Afghanistan
The shots haven’t even died away in one of NATO’s biggest offensives of its nine-year war in Afghanistan, but US State Department officials are already rushing in Afghan government staff as part of the ambitious next phase of Operation Moshtarak.

Continue reading "Marjah offensive: New Afghan governor takes office as battle rages" »

Progress in Marjah, But Civilian Trust Elusive

MARJAH, Afghanistan—Ten days into the fight for Marjah, U.S. and Afghan troops continue to seize ground, often battling the Taliban from one mud-walled compound to the next. But progress has been slower in winning over local civilians, many of whom are unsure which side will make life safer for their families.

Continue reading "Progress in Marjah, But Civilian Trust Elusive" »

Reporter's diary: Inside Operation Moshtarak

For more than a week, CNN International Correspondent Atia Abawi has been embedded with U.S. Marines who are working alongside Afghan soldiers to rout out Taliban forces from the southern Afghan province of Marjah. Abawi filed this inside look at Operation Moshtarak:

It's been over a week now since Operation Moshtarak began here in southern Afghanistan. The city of Marjah shakes with the sound of improvised explosive devices, most of them set off by controlled explosions. Between IED blasts, the air is filled with the sounds of whizzing bullets, booming mortars, clacking helicopters, and other noises of war that I can't even express in writing.

Continue reading "Reporter's diary: Inside Operation Moshtarak" »

February 21, 2010

Next big combat mission in Afghanistan will target Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan — The current U.S.-led military operation in Helmand province is a trial run for what could be the decisive clash with the Taliban in Afghanistan this summer in the area that is its spiritual home — Kandahar .

Continue reading "Next big combat mission in Afghanistan will target Kandahar" »

Afghan leader urges coalition troops to curb civilian deaths

President Hamid Karzai's emotional appeal before lawmakers comes after a report that a man was mistakenly killed a day earlier in the operation to oust the Taliban from Marja.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan - Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday made an emotional appeal for coalition troops to strive to prevent civilian deaths as a major offensive in the south by U.S., British and Afghan troops entered its second week.

Continue reading "Afghan leader urges coalition troops to curb civilian deaths" »

As Marja assault progresses, coalition considers challenges in rebuilding area

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- On the satellite photographs of Marja that Marines scrutinized before launching a massive assault against the Taliban a week ago, what they assumed was the municipal government center appeared to be a large, rectangular building, cater-cornered from the main police station.

Continue reading "As Marja assault progresses, coalition considers challenges in rebuilding area" »

Afghans Voice Their Fears Amid Marja Campaign

MARJA, Afghanistan — Since the American-led offensive into the last large Taliban enclave in Helmand Province began nine days ago, local Afghans have faced a dangerous and uncertain world.

Continue reading "Afghans Voice Their Fears Amid Marja Campaign" »

Marines target Taliban holdouts in Marjah

Fighter jets, drone and attack helicopters focus on part of city

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Outnumbered and outgunned, Taliban fighters are mounting a tougher fight than expected in Marjah, Afghan officials said Sunday, as U.S.-led forces converged on a pocket of militants in a western section of the town.

Continue reading "Marines target Taliban holdouts in Marjah" »

Drone pilots have a front-row seat on war, from half a world away

In a low, tan building in Nevada, Air Force personnel sit in padded chairs and control aircraft over Iraq and Afghanistan. They are 7,500 miles away, yet feel more affected by war than ever.

Reporting from Creech Air Force Base, Nev. - From his apartment in Las Vegas, Sam Nelson drove to work through the desert along wind-whipped Highway 95 toward Indian Springs. Along the way, he tuned in to XM radio and tried to put aside the distractions of daily life -- bills, rent, laundry -- and get ready for work.

Continue reading "Drone pilots have a front-row seat on war, from half a world away" »

IJC Operational Update Feb. 21

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained a militant while pursuing a Taliban facilitator in the town of Alikhel, in the Muhammad Aghah district, Logar province this morning.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update Feb. 21" »

Military sweep of Marja focuses on pocket of 'determined resistance'

Marines and Afghan troops fight to clear holdout insurgents from one corner of the city in southern Afghanistan. NATO says there is another casualty among Western troops, bringing the total to 13.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan, and Nawa, Afghanistan -- Backed by fighter jets and attack helicopters, U.S. Marines and Afghan troops closed in on an insurgent-ridden sector of Marja on Sunday, the ninth day of a coalition bid to wrest control of the southern Afghan town from the Taliban.

Continue reading "Military sweep of Marja focuses on pocket of 'determined resistance'" »

Afghans frustrated in bid to remake Taliban-free towns

Nawa's district governor, upset by the unresponsive provincial government, pleads with residents not to become disenchanted and ally with insurgents.

Reporting from Nawa, Afghanistan — Haji Abdul Manaf, the district governor for this region of Helmand Province, was incensed.

Continue reading "Afghans frustrated in bid to remake Taliban-free towns" »

Marines Converge On Taliban Holdouts In Marjah

NATO Forces Face 'Determined Resistance'

MARJAH, Afghanistan -- Marines and Afghan units converged Sunday on a dangerous western quarter of the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, with NATO forces facing "determined resistance" as their assault on the southern town entered its second week.

Continue reading "Marines Converge On Taliban Holdouts In Marjah" »

February 20, 2010

Taliban Resistance Stalls New Rule in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan—The Taliban grenade that whizzed overhead was John Kael Weston's first indication that this town might not be ready for an influx of diplomats, agriculturalists and economic-development specialists.

Continue reading "Taliban Resistance Stalls New Rule in Marjah" »

Afghan Civilian Accidentally Killed in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – A civilian was killed in Nad-e Ali yesterday morning after an ISAF patrol believed he was carrying an IED toward them.

Continue reading "Afghan Civilian Accidentally Killed in Helmand" »

Taliban put up stiff resistance to U.S.-led offensive in Afghanistan

Marjah, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Foreign and Afghan forces encountered stiff resistance Saturday as their offensive in southern Afghanistan entered its second week, and a civilian was mistakenly shot dead.

Continue reading "Taliban put up stiff resistance to U.S.-led offensive in Afghanistan" »

Marines Do Heavy Lifting as Afghan Army Lags in Battle

ARJA, Afghanistan — As American Marines and Afghan soldiers have fought their way into this Taliban stronghold, the performance of the Afghan troops has tested a core premise of the American military effort here: in the not-too-distant future, the security of this country can be turned over to indigenous forces created at the cost of American money and blood.

Continue reading "Marines Do Heavy Lifting as Afghan Army Lags in Battle" »

Marines Near Marjah Hold First Meeting With Elders, Kill Taliban Attackers

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A patrol of Marines and Sailors of Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 and Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, held their first impromptu meeting with village elders in the "Five Points" area Feb. 14, and only moments later came under hostile fire from Taliban attackers.

Continue reading "Marines Near Marjah Hold First Meeting With Elders, Kill Taliban Attackers" »

Afghan police deployed in wake of NATO offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghan police were deployed on Saturday in an area recaptured from the Taliban by U.S. Marines this week, in the early phase of a plan to put the country firmly under the control of Afghan authorities.

Continue reading "Afghan police deployed in wake of NATO offensive" »

In Marja, it's war the old-fashioned way

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- They had slogged through knee-deep mud carrying 100 pounds of gear, fingers glued to the triggers of their M-4 carbines, all the while on the lookout for insurgents. Now, after five near-sleepless nights, trying to avoid hypothermia in freezing temperatures, the grunts of the 1st Battalion of the 6th Marine Regiment finally had a moment to relax.

Continue reading "In Marja, it's war the old-fashioned way" »

February 19, 2010

IJC Operational Update, Feb. 19

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international patrol found a weapons cache in the Nurgaram district of Nuristan province last night.

Continue reading "IJC Operational Update, Feb. 19" »

Troops Face Pockets of Resistance in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan—The Taliban grenade that whizzed overhead was John Kael Weston's first indication that this embattled town might not be ready for an influx of diplomats, agriculturalists and economic-development specialists.

Continue reading "Troops Face Pockets of Resistance in Marjah" »

US Marines seize Taliban headquarters, IDs, photos

MARJAH, Afghanistan – After a fierce gunfight, U.S. Marines seized a strongly defended compound Friday that appears to have been a Taliban headquarters — complete with photos of fighters posing with their weapons, dozens of Taliban-issued ID cards and graduation diplomas from a training camp in Pakistan.

Continue reading "US Marines seize Taliban headquarters, IDs, photos" »

Marines in Marja focus on sniper threat

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan — Following the deadliest day yet for coalition forces seeking to drive the Taliban from the town of Marja in southern Afghanistan, U.S. Marines took aim Friday at the threat posed by insurgent snipers.

Continue reading "Marines in Marja focus on sniper threat" »

In Afghanistan, Marines handling detainees by the book

The Marines have been ordered not to treat Afghans roughly. When making an arrest, they are instructed to ask their suspect to voluntarily go with them. Most do.

Reporting from Spin Ghar, Afghanistan - The three men were blindfolded, their hands bound in front of them with plastic flex cuffs, and each was in the firm grip of a Marine. Their loose-fitting clothes were faded and dusty, their thick beards beginning to show gray.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan, Marines handling detainees by the book" »

February 18, 2010

Marines dropped behind Taliban lines; NATO now controls key roads in Marjah but progress slow

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Two U.S. helicopters dropped elite Marine recon teams behind Taliban lines before dawn Friday as the U.S.-led force stepped up operations to break resistance on the seventh day of fighting in the besieged militant stronghold of Marjah.

Continue reading "Marines dropped behind Taliban lines; NATO now controls key roads in Marjah but progress slow" »

Joint Force Finds Large Cache in Now Zad

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security patrol found a large weapons cache in the Now Zad District of Helmand last night.

Continue reading "Joint Force Finds Large Cache in Now Zad" »

Local Marine in Afghanistan: 'I just have to stay alive'

KABUL, Afghanistan - For the U.S. Marines, including Justin Blancas of Mount Prospect, who are deployed to the battlefields of southern Afghanistan, life is fragile and thoughts focus on the day they see their families again. But something about this war is different.

Continue reading "Local Marine in Afghanistan: 'I just have to stay alive'" »

Marines still looking over shoulder for Taliban

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - It's only been six days since NATO launched a major assault against the Taliban and some Afghans are already asking Marines when they can reopen their shops.

Continue reading "Marines still looking over shoulder for Taliban" »

February 17, 2010

Snipers Imperil U.S.-Led Forces in Afghan Offensive

MARJA, Afghanistan — In five days of fighting, the Taliban have shown a side not often seen in nearly a decade of American military action in Afghanistan: the use of snipers, both working alone and integrated into guerrilla-style ambushes.

Continue reading "Snipers Imperil U.S.-Led Forces in Afghan Offensive" »

US forces move swiftly to take control of region north of Marjah

US Marines moving from the north of Marjah have joined up with US troops who were dropped into the area by helicopter four days ago, helping to increase their control over a crucial area known as the “Pork Chop”.

Continue reading "US forces move swiftly to take control of region north of Marjah" »

Afghan army raises flag on embattled Taliban town

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Military commanders raised the Afghan flag in the bullet-ridden main market of the Taliban's southern stronghold of Marjah on Wednesday as firefights continued to break out elsewhere in the town between holed-up militants and U.S. and Afghan troops.

Continue reading "Afghan army raises flag on embattled Taliban town" »

Afghanistan Operations Seize Suspects, Weapons

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Combined Afghan and international forces uncovered weapons caches and detained suspected insurgents during multiple operations in Afghanistan Feb. 17.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Operations Seize Suspects, Weapons" »

Embattled Afghan Taliban rely on human shields

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Taliban fighters holding out in Marjah are increasingly using civilians as human shields, firing from compounds where U.S. and Afghan forces can clearly see women and children on rooftops or in windows, Afghan and U.S. troops said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Embattled Afghan Taliban rely on human shields" »

Utah Marine played role in capture of Taliban leader

HOLLADAY -- American and Pakistani forces captured one of Osama Bin Ladin's right-hand men in Pakistan this week. The U.S. military is calling his capture a turning point in the war, and a Marine from Utah played a big role in the arrest.

Continue reading "Utah Marine played role in capture of Taliban leader" »

Marjah inroads slowed by new bombs

Lt Col Cal Worth, who commands one of two Marine battalions leading the offensive against Taliban fighters here, set off at 7am on Wednesday for the return journey to his battalion headquarters from a combat outpost less than four miles away.

Continue reading "Marjah inroads slowed by new bombs" »

February 16, 2010

Marines link up in Afghan Taliban stronghold

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines moving by land from the north linked up Tuesday with U.S. units that have faced nearly constant Taliban attack in the four days since they were dropped by helicopter into this insurgent stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines link up in Afghan Taliban stronghold" »

Site of Marjah Government Offices Seized

MARJAH, Afghanistan—U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers seized the site of Marjah's government offices, setting the stage for Kabul to attempt to resume its authority in a town long run by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Site of Marjah Government Offices Seized" »

Taliban commander captured in Pakistan: U.S. officials

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Taliban's top military commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has been captured in Pakistan in a joint raid by Pakistani and U.S. spy agencies, a U.S. official said on Monday, confirming a report of the capture in The New York Times.

Continue reading "Taliban commander captured in Pakistan: U.S. officials" »

NATO's Afghan war effort likely to soon shift to Kandahar

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — If everything runs true to current form, Canadian Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard will soon loudly announce a major combat operation in Kandahar that will look a lot like the one launched by NATO on Saturday in neighbouring Helmand — which came after weeks of very public propaganda about when and where it was going to take place.

Continue reading "NATO's Afghan war effort likely to soon shift to Kandahar" »

Marines: Taliban resistance more disorganized

MARJAH, Afghanistan — U.S. and Afghan forces traded gunfire with insurgents shooting from haystacks in poppy fields in the Taliban stronghold of Marjah as they pressed ahead in NATO's assault on the militants' heartland in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines: Taliban resistance more disorganized" »

February 15, 2010

The Marines move on Marja: A perilous slog against Afghanistan's Taliban

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- For the Marines of Charlie Company's 3rd Platoon, Sunday's mission was simple enough: Head west for a little more than a mile to link up with Alpha Company in preparation for a mission to secure the few ramshackle government buildings in this farming community.

Continue reading "The Marines move on Marja: A perilous slog against Afghanistan's Taliban" »

U.S., Afghan Troops Battle Snipers in Marjah Offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan—U.S. Marines sent reinforcements to a beleaguered outpost where insurgent fighters were using women and children to carry weapons and shield their attacks on coalition forces.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan Troops Battle Snipers in Marjah Offensive" »

U.S. Marine Walks Away From Shot to Helmet in Afghanistan

MARJAH, Afghanistan—It is hard to know whether Monday was a very bad day or a very good day for Lance Cpl. Andrew Koenig.

Continue reading "U.S. Marine Walks Away From Shot to Helmet in Afghanistan" »

Soldiers Keep Up Push in Taliban Stronghold

MARJA, Afghanistan — Ten minutes after walking out of the small outpost on Monday morning, the Marines of Company K were ambushed again.

Continue reading "Soldiers Keep Up Push in Taliban Stronghold" »

February 14, 2010

Navy Corpsmen Save Injured Afghan Girl in Marjah

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When a 4-year-old Afghan girl named Azerha was struck by shrapnel Feb. 10, her brother Quassiam did the only thing he could think of – approach a group of armed Marines miles away and ask for medical assistance.

Continue reading "Navy Corpsmen Save Injured Afghan Girl in Marjah" »

Battle for Marjah touches home

Readiness officers prepare the families of isle Marines to cope with wartime stress

With about 1,000 "Lava Dogs" from the Kaneohe Marine Corps base participating in the battle for Marjah, Afghanistan, base officials here are providing information and comfort to the Marines' worried loved ones back home.

Continue reading "Battle for Marjah touches home" »

Troops face gunfights and minefields in offensive against Taliban in Afghanistan

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers encountered pockets of stiff resistance and extensive minefields as they sought to press into this Taliban sanctuary in southern Afghanistan on Saturday.

Continue reading "Troops face gunfights and minefields in offensive against Taliban in Afghanistan" »

Errant U.S. Rocket Strike Kills Civilians in Afghanistan

MARJA, Afghanistan — An errant American rocket strike on Sunday hit a compound crowded with Afghan civilians in the last Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province, killing at least 10 people, including 5 children, military officials said.

Continue reading "Errant U.S. Rocket Strike Kills Civilians in Afghanistan" »

U.S. Troops Encounter Snipers, Bombs in Afghanistan Offensive

Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) -- U.S.-led forces encountered sniper fire and remote-controlled bombs as they fought for a second day to clear a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan, NATO and Afghan officials said.

Continue reading "U.S. Troops Encounter Snipers, Bombs in Afghanistan Offensive" »

U.S. and Afghan Troops Expand Control in Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan—Taliban insurgents tried to overrun a U.S. Marine outpost with a combination of rocket-propelled grenades and suicide bombers in a brazen attack just after sundown on Sunday.

Continue reading "U.S. and Afghan Troops Expand Control in Marjah" »

Marines, Afghan troops seek to secure their hold on Marja

On the offensive's second full day of fighting, Afghan officials say 27 insurgents have been killed. NATO reports 12 civilian deaths from a rocket strike and suspends use of the weapons involved.

Reporting from outside Marja and Kabul, Afghanistan — Insurgent holdouts in the town of Marja on Sunday aimed sporadic but sometimes intense fire at U.S. Marines and Afghan troops seeking to solidify their hold on the southern Afghan town.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan troops seek to secure their hold on Marja" »

Troops, Taliban battle for second day in Afghan offensive

Marjah, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The Taliban put up a stiff resistance Sunday, as a coalition assault against the militant group entered its second day in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Troops, Taliban battle for second day in Afghan offensive" »

Marine commander says it could take weeks to fully reclaim Taliban haven

MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) — It could take weeks to reclaim the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, a top Marine commander said Sunday as thousands of U.S. troops and Afghan soldiers fought for a second day in NATO's most ambitious effort yet to break the militants' grip on Afghanistan's dangerous south.

Continue reading "Marine commander says it could take weeks to fully reclaim Taliban haven" »

February 13, 2010

US, Afghan troops sweep into Taliban stronghold

MARJAH, Afghanistan — Thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers stormed the Taliban stronghold of Marjah before dawn Saturday, sweeping by air and ground against scattered resistance into the biggest southern town under militant control. The massive offensive was aimed at breaking the Taliban grip over a wide area of their southern heartland.

Continue reading "US, Afghan troops sweep into Taliban stronghold" »

Attack Gives Marines a Taste of War

MARJA, Afghanistan — The helicopters landed before dawn Saturday in a poppy field beside a row of mud-walled compounds. The Marines ran into the darkness and crouched through the rotor-whipped dust as their aircraft lifted away.

Continue reading "Attack Gives Marines a Taste of War" »

Surprise tactic in Afghanistan offensive befuddles Taliban

LASHKAR GAR, Afghanistan -- U.S. Marines and Afghan forces were airlifted over the Taliban-laid minefields into the center of town in Marjah Saturday, apparently surprising the insurgents and taking strategic positions from them, according to military officials.

Continue reading "Surprise tactic in Afghanistan offensive befuddles Taliban" »

Coalition troops find 'minimal interference' in assault on Taliban

Marjah, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The major coalition assault against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan claimed the lives of two coalition troops, but military officials regard the hours-old push in war-ravaged Helmand province as very promising.

Continue reading "Coalition troops find 'minimal interference' in assault on Taliban" »

Marines spearhead major Afghanistan offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - U.S. Marines spearheaded one of NATO's biggest offensives against the Taliban in Afghanistan on Saturday, in an early test of President Barack Obama's troop surge policy.

Continue reading "Marines spearhead major Afghanistan offensive" »

Marines take key positions in Marja

OUTSIDE MARJA and KABUL, Afghanistan _ Picking their way through a dense tangle of homemade bombs, U.S. Marines on Saturday seized key positions in the Taliban stronghold of Marja, as thousands of coalition troops consolidated their hold on a wide swath of desert and farm territory surrounding the southern Afghan town.

Continue reading "Marines take key positions in Marja" »

Bombs slow U.S. advance in Afghan town

2 NATO troops, at least 20 insurgents reported killed on first day of assault

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah — NATO's most ambitious effort yet to break the militants' grip over their southern heartland.

Continue reading "Bombs slow U.S. advance in Afghan town" »

Anti-Taliban Attack: 'Key Objectives Secured'

More than 1,000 British troops engaged in the launch of Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan have secured their "key objectives", the Ministry of Defence has said.

Continue reading "Anti-Taliban Attack: 'Key Objectives Secured'" »

February 12, 2010

Marines, Afghan Soldiers Take on Harsh Weather Conditions in Helmand Province

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The troops awoke from their tarp-covered fighting holes, Feb. 10, to find a blanket of frost, covering everything around them. Their boots, flak jackets, helmets and anything else exposed to the elements served as a frozen consequence of sleeping outside in the harsh desert of Helmand, province Afghanistan during the wintertime.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan Soldiers Take on Harsh Weather Conditions in Helmand Province" »

Marines' life-and-death decisions in the 'fighting hole'

For the assault on Marja in southern Afghanistan, Marines are drilled yet again about the inadvertent killing of civilians, which could undermine what they are trying to accomplish.

Reporting from The Outskirts Of Marja, Afghanistan - The Marines of Charlie Company had just landed outside Marja and were itching for the fight with the Taliban when they learned that a group of Afghans with shovels and wheelbarrows were digging holes in the road nearby.

Continue reading "Marines' life-and-death decisions in the 'fighting hole'" »

Marines launch offensive in southern Afghanistan town

The long-discussed operation against the Taliban in Marja is one of the biggest of the war. Along with targeting the insurgents' grip on Helmand province, it's a test of the Afghan army's abilities.

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan, and The Outskirts Of Marja, Afghanistan -- Thousands of U.S., British and Afghan troops moved to seize the Taliban stronghold of Marja early Saturday in what the Marine general leading the assault called a "big, strong and fast" offensive aimed at challenging the insurgency's grip on a key southern Afghan province.

Continue reading "Marines launch offensive in southern Afghanistan town" »

Coalition Troops Storm a Taliban Haven

MARJA, Afghanistan — Thousands of American, Afghan and British troops attacked the watery Taliban fortress of Marja early Saturday, moving by land and through the air to destroy the insurgency’s largest haven and begin a campaign to reassert the dominance of the Afghan government across a large arc of southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Coalition Troops Storm a Taliban Haven" »

U.S. Marines launch major offensive in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN -- Thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers traveling in helicopters and mine-resistant vehicles began punching into a key Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan early Saturday, as one of the largest operations to assert government control over this country got underway.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines launch major offensive in Afghanistan" »

In the Cold of Morning, Descending Into Conflict

MARJA, Afghanistan — The helicopter was filled with men and dark in its cabin when a voice cut over the whir of the rotors.

“Five minutes out!”

Continue reading "In the Cold of Morning, Descending Into Conflict" »

February 11, 2010

Marines roll out Assault Breacher Vehicles for Marjah Afghanistan offensive

When Marines rumble into the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in Helmand province for one of the largest offensives of the Afghanistan war, they'll be battle-testing a powerful new weapon, the Assault Breacher Vehicle

When the the Marines currently stacked up in Afghanistan's Helmand province waiting for a long-planned offensive against the Taliban finally make their move, they'll be coming with a powerful new weapon that looks like a cross between a tank and hell's own backhoe.

Continue reading "Marines roll out Assault Breacher Vehicles for Marjah Afghanistan offensive" »

US and Afghan troops ring Taliban stronghold

NEAR MARJAH, Afghanistan -
U.S. and Afghan forces ringed the Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Thursday, sealing off escape routes and setting the stage for what is being described as the biggest offensive of the nine-year war.

Continue reading "US and Afghan troops ring Taliban stronghold" »

U.S. Troops Close Taliban Escape Route Before Major Offensive

NEAR MARJAH, Afghanistan — U.S. and Afghan forces ringed the Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Thursday, sealing off escape routes and setting the stage for what is being described as the biggest offensive of the nine-year war.

Continue reading "U.S. Troops Close Taliban Escape Route Before Major Offensive" »

Taliban vow guerrilla warfare against NATO troops

KABUL — The Taliban vowed on Thursday to fight back with a "hit and run" guerrilla campaign against Western and Afghan forces preparing to storm one of their key strongholds in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Taliban vow guerrilla warfare against NATO troops" »

Marines push 'The Breacher' against Taliban lines

SISTANI, Afghanistan -- In comes "The Joker."

Continue reading "Marines push 'The Breacher' against Taliban lines" »

Taliban, Marines exchange fire as battle looms

NEAR MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Taliban insurgents exchanged gunfire Thursday on the outskirts of Marjah, a southern militant stronghold where American and Afghan forces are expected to launch a major attack in the coming days.

Continue reading "Taliban, Marines exchange fire as battle looms" »

Female engagement team: why one NCO reaches out

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – “Salam Alikum. Zama noom Stacy da.”
Sgt. Stacy A. Blackburn-Hoelscher, the female engagement team training non-commissioned officer, Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, offers her hand and flawlessly introduces herself in Pashtu to a young Afghan boy outside his home in a settlement outside Camp Leatherneck.

Continue reading "Female engagement team: why one NCO reaches out" »

MEB-Afghanistan corpsman leads by example

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Some people wonder why they should join the military. For others, it’s not a matter of “if” they should join, but when.

Continue reading "MEB-Afghanistan corpsman leads by example" »

February 10, 2010

U.S., Afghan Forces Poised to Seize Taliban Stronghold

NEAR MARJAH, Afghanistan — U.S. and Afghan forces pushed Tuesday to the edge of the southern Afghan town of Marjah, poised to seize the major Taliban supply and drug-smuggling stronghold in hopes of building public support by providing aid and services once the insurgents are gone.

Continue reading "U.S., Afghan Forces Poised to Seize Taliban Stronghold" »

U.S. Inches Closer to Major Afghan Assault

Marines Test Taliban Defenses Before Attack on Key Militant Stronghold

(CBS/ AP) U.S. Marines fired smoke rounds Wednesday and armored vehicles maneuvered close to Taliban positions to test insurgent defenses ahead of an anticipated attack on the biggest militant-controlled town in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "U.S. Inches Closer to Major Afghan Assault" »

Now Zad: A Comeback Complicated by Success

The town of Now Zad in Helmand Has Turned Around Faster Than Anyone Expected

Now Zad is a town again. In just two short months the small farming community Afghanistan's northern Helmand Province has turned around faster than anyone expected.

Continue reading "Now Zad: A Comeback Complicated by Success" »

US Marines under fire ahead of Afghan assault

OUTSKIRTS OF MARJAH, Afghanistan — US Marines came under attack from insurgents armed with sniper guns and rocket-propelled grenades as they geared up Wednesday to overwhelm a Taliban bastion in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "US Marines under fire ahead of Afghan assault" »

February 9, 2010

Marjah Marines Brace for Offensive

U.S. Marines Head up Force of 30,000 NATO and Afghan Troops Preparing to Attack Taliban Stronghold

(CBS) It is the eve of battle and today the Marines on the outskirts of Marjah got their marching orders from their commanding officer.

Continue reading "Marjah Marines Brace for Offensive" »

Central Helmand Residents Encouraged to Remain in Homes

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan - In anticipation of operations in central Helmand, a variety of organizations and individuals, including combined force commanders, have been paying close attention to civilian movements. Commanders in the area are reporting no significant increase in persons moving out of Nad-e Ali District in the last month.

Continue reading "Central Helmand Residents Encouraged to Remain in Homes" »

US Marines expectantly await battle in harsh Afghan desert winter

OUTPOST BELLEAU WOOD, Afghanistan — Take a desert of yellow-orange dust so flat it looks like Mars, with a freezing wind that blows so hard it can lift a large tent.

Continue reading "US Marines expectantly await battle in harsh Afghan desert winter" »

US Marines gear up for major Afghan assault

TOOR GHAR, Afghanistan — US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.

Continue reading "US Marines gear up for major Afghan assault" »

Marines Fight Insurgents, Secure Key Intersection on Road to Marjeh

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and sailors of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, battled Taliban insurgents, Feb. 9, after conducting a successful helicopter-borne assault to seize a key intersection east of the insurgent stronghold city of Marjeh.

Continue reading "Marines Fight Insurgents, Secure Key Intersection on Road to Marjeh" »

February 8, 2010

Marines focus on civilian safety in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Heading into battle to seize a Taliban stronghold, U.S. Marines are keenly aware of one factor that could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory: Afghan civilian casualties.

Continue reading "Marines focus on civilian safety in Afghanistan" »

February 7, 2010

Afghan assault to send 'strong signal': McChrystal

KABUL — The commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan said Sunday a major offensive will send a "strong signal" and clear insurgents from their southern stronghold, as residents fled ahead of the assault.

Continue reading "Afghan assault to send 'strong signal': McChrystal" »

Taliban dig in for big assault, say Afghan villagers

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Taliban militants are massing and preparing for a big fight ahead of a major NATO offensive in an insurgent stronghold in southern Afghanistan, villagers fleeing the area said on Sunday.

Continue reading "Taliban dig in for big assault, say Afghan villagers" »

Rules of engagement mean Marines see victory in holding fire

By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, February 7, 2010

COMBAT OUTPOST FIDDLER’S GREEN, Afghanistan

Sgt. Jefferson Haney is a rarity, and his fellow Marines look at him with just a little bit of envy.

Continue reading "Rules of engagement mean Marines see victory in holding fire" »

February 5, 2010

Marines poised for Marjeh offensive

By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, February 5, 2010

CHAPAWALA, Afghanistan — When 35-year-old Lance Cpl. Robert McGuinn enlisted four years ago, he knew what to expect.

Continue reading "Marines poised for Marjeh offensive" »

February 4, 2010

Marines Advertise Looming Offensive on Marja

Marines Hope Warning of Coming Attack Convinces Some Taliban to Leave

Marines have been advertising their intent to go into Marja and take it away from the Taliban for months. The beat of those drums has grown faster and stronger in recent days prompting many to ask, why tip one's hand to the enemy?

Continue reading "Marines Advertise Looming Offensive on Marja" »

Home Is Where the Pack Is: Marines Set Up Camp in Southern Afghan Desert

CAMP BELLEAU WOOD, Afghanistan – A desolate patch of Afghan desert has been transformed into the Marine Corps' newest installation in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, have been working night and day to establish Camp Belleau Wood, named after the famous World War I battle in which 3/6 valiantly fought many years ago.

Continue reading "Home Is Where the Pack Is: Marines Set Up Camp in Southern Afghan Desert" »

February 3, 2010

Marines, Afghan army plan massive assault on Taliban

The attack will be aimed at Marja, the last community held by the militia in Helmand province.

Reporting from Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - The U.S. Marines and Afghan army plan a massive assault on Taliban fighters in Marja, the last community under Taliban control in a sprawling, lawless region once dominated by the insurgency, a top Marine said Wednesday.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan army plan massive assault on Taliban" »

Afghanistan: Marines Gear Up for Biggest Fight Yet

The Biggest Test Yet for President Obama's Surge of Troops Into Afghanistan
The city of Marja will be the biggest test yet for President Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan. Thousands of U.S. Marines, soldiers, Afghan security forces and international forces are planning to oust hard-core insurgents from their last big refuge in Helmand Province.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Marines Gear Up for Biggest Fight Yet" »

February 2, 2010

Fighting a Thinking Enemy; Marines, Afghan Forces Engage Taliban With More Than Brute Force

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Beleaguered and tired, with combat boots half filled with water, Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and the Afghan national army soldiers attached to their unit, trudge through flooded canals in the Shorshurak region of Helmand province, Jan. 29.

Continue reading "Fighting a Thinking Enemy; Marines, Afghan Forces Engage Taliban With More Than Brute Force" »

Service Members Save Afghan Lives With Blood Drive

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When five injured Afghans needed medical attention, Marines and sailors from 1st Medical Battalion, Regimental Combat 7, came to their rescue.

Continue reading "Service Members Save Afghan Lives With Blood Drive" »

Marine deaths underline US struggle in Afghanistan

CAMP FIDDLER'S GREEN, Afghanistan — The incident, deadly and tragic as it was, rated only one short sentence on the official NATO website.

Continue reading "Marine deaths underline US struggle in Afghanistan" »

February 1, 2010

As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War

KARARDAR, Afghanistan — The Marine infantry company, accompanied by a squad of Afghan soldiers, set out long before dawn. It walked silently through the dark fields with plans of arriving at a group of mud-walled compounds in Helmand Province at sunrise.

Continue reading "As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War" »

Counterinsurgency, One Stuck Truck at a Time

Counterinsurgency, in some circles and by some descriptions, can sound like a glamorous military art. More than often it is not.

Continue reading "Counterinsurgency, One Stuck Truck at a Time" »

US casualties in Afghanistan sow seeds of anger, frustration

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan: Anger, frustration and a hunger for revenge are running high among US Marines as casualties mount on the frontline of the battle against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan

Continue reading "US casualties in Afghanistan sow seeds of anger, frustration" »

January 31, 2010

Marines prepare for Helmand campaign with shooting drills

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines from Headquarters and Service Company of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, arrived at the makeshift rifle range with large packs and complete sets of personal protective equipment under rain-threatening clouds the afternoon of Jan. 23, 2010, at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines prepare for Helmand campaign with shooting drills" »

US Marines facing a 'different war' in Afghanistan

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan — For the US Marines deployed to the battlefields of southern Afghanistan, life is fragile and thoughts focus on the day they see their families again, but something about this war is different

Continue reading "US Marines facing a 'different war' in Afghanistan" »

Marines pressing Afghan army to take larger security role

By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, January 31, 2010

NAWA, Afghanistan — Marine 1st Sgt. Fredrick Smith was eyeballing the strange-looking convoy of vehicles that had come to a halt near a remote patrol base in the desert wasteland of central Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marines pressing Afghan army to take larger security role" »

January 28, 2010

'Dogs of war' saving lives in Afghanistan

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan — For the US Marines patrolling the dusty footpaths of southern Afghanistan, a bomb-sniffing black Labrador can mean the difference between life and death.

Continue reading "'Dogs of war' saving lives in Afghanistan" »

U.S. Marines Make Fragile Progress in Helmand

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Marine Capt. Scott Cuomo of Fox company, 2nd battalion, 2nd Marine regiment, must have felt very confident. How else to explain his climbing into an armorless Afghan army truck -- a coffin on four wheels -- next to Haji Abdullah Jan, the Afghan district governor, with only a few Afghan army soldiers for protection, to speed down empty dirt roads almost certainly mined by the Taliban?

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Make Fragile Progress in Helmand" »

Marines Help Afghans Gather in Protest Aftermath

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Jan. 28, 2010 – Ironically, when protestors in the Garmsir district here set fire to a school Jan. 12 in a fervor over allegations that a Quran had been desecrated, about 300 copies of the Muslim holy book burned with the school.

Continue reading "Marines Help Afghans Gather in Protest Aftermath" »

Shave Every Day. Shower Every Two Months.

Patrols are a constant for the Marine infantry in Afghan outposts. The Marine Corps believes that little keeps a unit as safe, as effective or as informed as having a constant — and constantly changing — presence moving over the ground.

Continue reading "Shave Every Day. Shower Every Two Months." »

January 26, 2010

Marines in Nawa Honor Two Fallen Brothers, Civilian Journalist

NAWA, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Hundreds of Marines, sailors and civilians of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, gathered during a memorial service in Nawa to honor two fallen Marines and a civilian journalist.

Continue reading "Marines in Nawa Honor Two Fallen Brothers, Civilian Journalist" »

January 23, 2010

Foot on Bomb, Marine Defies a Taliban Trap

SHOSHARAK, Afghanistan — If luck is the battlefield’s final arbiter — the wild card that can trump fitness, training, teamwork, equipment, character and skill — then Lance Cpl. Ryan T. Mathison experienced its purest and most welcome form.

Continue reading "Foot on Bomb, Marine Defies a Taliban Trap" »

Bahrain military bringing security to Afghan bases

By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, January 23, 2010

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan #8722; To Lance Cpl. Antonio Kirby, the object found in the pocket of a delivery driver hardly looked like something to smoke.CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan #8722; To Lance Cpl. Antonio Kirby, the object found in the pocket of a delivery driver hardly looked like something to smoke.

Continue reading "Bahrain military bringing security to Afghan bases" »

January 22, 2010

One Dog, One Marine, One Mission

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Worse than turbulence, their truck sways side to side and bumps up and down along a path in Afghanistan. What would be an intolerable ride for most is just something Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist, a dog handler for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and his dog Max have accepted as part of the job.

Continue reading "One Dog, One Marine, One Mission" »

January 21, 2010

Welcome to ‘The Mansion’

Anyone who has spent much time in the Afghan war could guess the sights and the living-standard particulars of Combat Outpost Sullivan, the home in Helmand Province for much of Weapons Company, First Battalion, Third Marines.

Continue reading "Welcome to ‘The Mansion’" »

3/6 Arrives in Helmand Province, Prepare to Integrate With Afghan National Army

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Marines and Sailors from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment labored to get through the massive pile of gear in the center of the CH-53E Super Stallion and out into the burning sun of southern Afghanistan, Jan. 17, 2009. Almost instinctually, they hastily grabbed their bags and formed a neat pile of equipment several feet away from the flight line.

Continue reading "3/6 Arrives in Helmand Province, Prepare to Integrate With Afghan National Army" »

Bombs and ambushes as Marines inch into Taliban bastion

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan — The crisp crackling of AK-47s breaks the morning silence as US Marines inch towards the outskirts of a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand.

Continue reading "Bombs and ambushes as Marines inch into Taliban bastion" »

Marines Draw Out Taliban in Southern Helmand Province

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Stepping gingerly over rocks and uneven ground, Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and the Afghan national army soldiers attached to them, patrolled to the north of Observation Post Huskars, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010.

Continue reading "Marines Draw Out Taliban in Southern Helmand Province" »

January 20, 2010

US surge tightens noose round Taliban stronghold

CAMP FIDDLER'S GREEN, Afghanistan — US Marines participating in President Barack Obama's surge in Afghanistan are slowly tightening the noose around an opium-growing region described as the Taliban's last bastion.

Continue reading "US surge tightens noose round Taliban stronghold" »

January 17, 2010

Marines, ANSF Respond to Local Riot

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A riotous crowd gathered within the Garmsir District Center bazaar, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 12. The riot was believed to have been orchestrated by the Taliban, on false pretenses of the desecration of a Koran by coalition forces earlier in the week.

Continue reading "Marines, ANSF Respond to Local Riot" »

Boots Hit the Ground With Shovels in Hand; Marines Arrive, Fortify Observation Post Huskars

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A mounted patrol rolls up a mud path past spools of coiled concertina wire, which are uncurled as the column of vehicles passes and pulls into Observation Post Huskars, in Helmand province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Continue reading "Boots Hit the Ground With Shovels in Hand; Marines Arrive, Fortify Observation Post Huskars" »

January 16, 2010

Cut From the Same Stone: Marine, Afghan Platoon Sergeants Lead Troops on Joint Ops

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Two men don flak jackets and Kevlar helmets, one set coyote brown, the other forest green, each with an emblem of their nation. Stepping out of their tent and walking with their squad leaders in step, Staff Sgt. Galen P. Hafner, a Marine platoon sergeant with Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and Staff Sgt. Gulwazir Harin, an Afghan national army platoon sergeant, attached to Alpha Co., 1/6, prepare to set out on a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15.

Continue reading "Cut From the Same Stone: Marine, Afghan Platoon Sergeants Lead Troops on Joint Ops" »

January 15, 2010

Deployed Marines Learning Professionalism Through MCMAP

FORWARD OPERATING BASE CAFERETTA, NIMRUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In addition to fighting the Taliban, Marines in southern Afghanistan are fighting to win the confidence and trust of the Afghan populace.

Continue reading "Deployed Marines Learning Professionalism Through MCMAP" »

January 13, 2010

Marines defend troops after shots at Afghan protest

DELARAM, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A U.S. Marine commander in south Afghanistan blamed provocateurs for using religion to stir up a violent demonstration that has raised the political temperature in the country's most volatile region.

Continue reading "Marines defend troops after shots at Afghan protest" »

U.S. uses Predator drone to hit suspected insurgents in Afghanistan; 13 killed

DELARAM, AFGHANISTAN -- Using a Predator drone, the U.S. military this week fired a Hellfire missile into a crowd of suspected insurgents in Helmand province, killing 13 people and wounding three others, military officials said Tuesday. It was one of two such attacks by unmanned aircraft on the same day.

Continue reading "U.S. uses Predator drone to hit suspected insurgents in Afghanistan; 13 killed" »

January 12, 2010

U.S. Marines tell Afghans: we're not here forever

DELARAM, Afghanistan (Reuters) - The bearded Afghan men in traditional dress sat cross-legged on the floor listening to the U.S. colonel address them -- a common sight in Afghanistan in recent years, but now with a subtly changed message.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines tell Afghans: we're not here forever" »

January 10, 2010

No secret as U.S. Marines plan for Afghan assault

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Haji Zair, 45, has just been appointed the new district governor of Marjah, a Taliban stronghold in the center of Afghanistan's Helmand province. His first goal is just to be able to live there

Continue reading "No secret as U.S. Marines plan for Afghan assault" »

Marines Interact With Locals in New Territory

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Laki, a village in Afghanistan, located in the southern portion of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment's area of operation in the Garmsir District of Helmand province has never had a conventional coalition force visit or even walk down its streets.

Continue reading "Marines Interact With Locals in New Territory" »

Marines, ANA Clear Laki Compounds

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Throughout Jan. 4-7, the Marines and sailors of Jump Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, rose from their dew covered sleeping bags, grabbed a meal ready to eat and prepared for a patrol.

Continue reading "Marines, ANA Clear Laki Compounds" »

Afghan Government Leaders Join Nawa, Marjeh Citizens in Historic First Meeting

NAWA, Afghanistan – Dozens of elder men from Nawa District's Shorshorak area and the city of Marjeh took part in a historic first official meeting between Afghan people and their governmental leaders near Forward Operating Base Fiddler's Green Jan. 8.

Continue reading "Afghan Government Leaders Join Nawa, Marjeh Citizens in Historic First Meeting" »

January 9, 2010

All-female teams reach out to Afghan women

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 9, 2010 9:16:34 EST

Cpl. Sara Bryant is training like an infantry Marine about to hit the front lines.

Continue reading "All-female teams reach out to Afghan women" »

January 8, 2010

Afghan Soldiers Learn Infantry Basics From Marines

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The soldier's fingers gingerly curl around the hand guards of his brand new M-16A2 rifle, Jan. 5, at a Marine Corps range here in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Pushing the weapon into his shoulder and pressing his cheek against the buttstock he takes aim. The rows of wrinkles which span his haggard face seem to lengthen as he concentrates on the green target downrange. When he slowly, steadily squeezes the trigger, it marks the third time that he's fired his rifle.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers Learn Infantry Basics From Marines" »

January 6, 2010

Countering the Insurgency With Band-aids Instead of Bullets

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Recently during Operation Cobra's Anger, a multi-day operation led by Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, to rid the Now Zad area of Taliban control, members of the company's severe trauma platoon extended an invitation to members of the battalion's civil affairs group to take cover from the rain in their mobile severe trauma bay.

Continue reading "Countering the Insurgency With Band-aids Instead of Bullets" »

Afghan Soldiers Stand With Marine Counterparts

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – It's mid-afternoon on New Year's Day, and a sea of men in green, brown and black camouflage uniforms shuffle awkwardly inside the crowded beige tent. Men with thick black beards and hard faces sit next to clean shaven youths with full smiles. Each one wears the uniform of their nation's military, and each one carries a weapon. They comprise the full company of Afghan national army soldiers, fresh out of boot camp, that has arrived at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, and is being integrated directly into Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Afghan Soldiers Stand With Marine Counterparts" »

Afghan girls flourish in new school

Marines rebuild a chance to learn

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan | Zarmina and Sharifa have very big dreams for very little girls.

Continue reading "Afghan girls flourish in new school" »

January 5, 2010

VMGR-352 Raiders Transport Troops, Cargo for MEB-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan — For the Marines in Afghanistan, the need for ammunition, fuel, water and other supplies is constant. But unlike in Iraq, most supplies need to be airlifted throughout the country due to fewer secure ground transportation routes.

Continue reading "VMGR-352 Raiders Transport Troops, Cargo for MEB-Afghanistan" »

MACG-28 Marines Overcome Challenges, Provide Aerial Surveillance for MEB Commanders

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — More than a month ago, Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, took control of the airspace over the MEB's area of operations from their United Kingdom counterparts.

Continue reading "MACG-28 Marines Overcome Challenges, Provide Aerial Surveillance for MEB Commanders" »

January 4, 2010

Marines Help Develop Afghan Security Force Discipline

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The shooter, one of many Afghans who have joined the Afghan national security forces, prepares himself as he's been taught. He bends at the knees, torso square to his target, elbows squeezed tight against his body. The grimace on his face shows discomfort, a sign he's positioning himself correctly. He isn't supposed to feel comfortable.

Continue reading "Marines Help Develop Afghan Security Force Discipline" »

Marines coaxing residents back to Helmand ghost town

Now Zad was a bustling city, the second largest in Afghanistan's southern Helmand Province, before Taliban fighters moved in and made it a stronghold several years ago. Now it is largely abandoned.

Continue reading "Marines coaxing residents back to Helmand ghost town" »

Karzai, McChrystal visit citizens, Marines in Nawa

NAWA, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dozens of Nawa citizens lined the district center’s main street in the rain to see President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai during his visit here Jan. 2.

Continue reading "Karzai, McChrystal visit citizens, Marines in Nawa" »

Marines Help Develop Afghan Security Force Discipline

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The shooter, one of many Afghans who have joined the Afghan national security forces, prepares himself as he's been taught. He bends at the knees, torso square to his target, elbows squeezed tight against his body. The grimace on his face shows discomfort, a sign he's positioning himself correctly. He isn't supposed to feel comfortable.

Continue reading "Marines Help Develop Afghan Security Force Discipline" »

6 tons of illegal drugs seized in Afghanistan

Staff report
Posted : Monday Jan 4, 2010 17:02:04 EST

Marines and Afghan border police recently seized more than six tons of illegal drugs during operations in southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "6 tons of illegal drugs seized in Afghanistan" »

Deployed U.S. Marines Focus on Target Identification

20:17 GMT, January 4, 2010 CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan | Adjusting his body armor, a designated marksman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, tracked the progress of a patrol of Marines from his perch atop a rocky hillside. The marksman followed the line of tan figures as they plodded along toward the platoon attack course at Range 3 here Jan. 2.

Continue reading "Deployed U.S. Marines Focus on Target Identification" »

January 3, 2010

Marines grope with complex Afghan drug woes

By Sebastion Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jan 3, 2010 8:40:21 EST

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — The arrival of Marines has disrupted the illegal drug trade in opium-rich Helmand province — and that’s not necessarily a good thing.

Continue reading "Marines grope with complex Afghan drug woes" »

January 2, 2010

The Resurgence of Now Zad

NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – In early December, the Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, breached Now Zad and rid the second largest city in Helmand province of its Taliban presence during Operation Cobra's Anger.

Continue reading "The Resurgence of Now Zad" »

December 31, 2009

Air drops deliver precious supplies to 1/3 Marines in Afghanistan

NAWA, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — In the still winter night near Forward Operating Base Geronimo Dec. 27, a team of Marines from the logistics operations section of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, peered skyward through heat-sensitive thermal monoculars and waited.

Continue reading "Air drops deliver precious supplies to 1/3 Marines in Afghanistan" »

Marines, Sailors Undertake Deployment in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Walking off the loading ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane and into vibrant sunlight, members of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment arrived at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Dec. 15.

Continue reading "Marines, Sailors Undertake Deployment in Afghanistan" »

Assistant commandant pays ‘Warlords’ a visit on Christmas

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Gen. James F. Amos, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, visited the Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, known as the “Warlords,” on Forward Operating Base Delhi, in Garmsir, Afghanistan, Christmas day

Continue reading "Assistant commandant pays ‘Warlords’ a visit on Christmas" »

December 30, 2009

Marine engineers fortify observation posts in Afghanistan

Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan –What is known as Cowboy Road to Marines in southern Afghanistan is also known as a road notorious for IEDs. Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion set out to eradicate that problem by building two observation posts specifically between the most hit areas on the road, Dec. 16.

Continue reading "Marine engineers fortify observation posts in Afghanistan" »

Sailor finds unique way to improve Marine morale

In Afghanistan high morale can be as necessary, and useful as weapons. Morale is defined as the mental and emotional condition of an individual or group, with regard to the function or tasks at hand. Therefore, while one may have the capability to fight with low morale, one may not have the drive.

Continue reading "Sailor finds unique way to improve Marine morale" »

December 29, 2009

New Marine Tech Slams into Helmand

During Operation Cobra’s Anger earlier this month near the Afghan town of Now Zad in Helmand province, the Marine Corps rolled out a fearsome new weapon, the 62-ton Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), a tracked, armored vehicle that can clear a lane through minefields, expose and detonate IEDs and plow a path though obstacles.

Continue reading "New Marine Tech Slams into Helmand" »

December 28, 2009

Marines Serve in Afghanistan With Pride

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines of 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion are serving in southern Afghanistan with pride, despite the hardship of being away from their families during the holidays.

Continue reading "Marines Serve in Afghanistan With Pride" »

Eerie outpost unnerves US Marines with strange lights and whispers in the night

The Marines found the bone as they scraped a shallow trench. Long, dry and unmistakably once part of a human leg, it was followed by others. They reburied most of them but also found bodies. Three of the graves were close together; in another was a skeleton still wearing a pair of glasses. The Marines covered the grave and told their successors to stay away from it.

Continue reading "Eerie outpost unnerves US Marines with strange lights and whispers in the night" »

December 27, 2009

Marines Sacrifice Holidays to Fight for Country

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Last year the majority of Marines of 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion were enjoying Christmas with their families. This year 2nd CEB are spread all over southern Afghanistan working hard building observational posts, searching for IEDs, and providing route clearance.

Continue reading "Marines Sacrifice Holidays to Fight for Country" »

Marines Deliver Smiles, Beanie Babies to Afghan Children

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Beanie Babies.

Continue reading "Marines Deliver Smiles, Beanie Babies to Afghan Children" »

December 26, 2009

Female Engagement Team Helps Establish Connection Between Marines and Afghan Women

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Throughout the Garmsir District in Afghanistan, Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, interact with multiple key leaders and locals to learn what the village needs.

Continue reading "Female Engagement Team Helps Establish Connection Between Marines and Afghan Women" »

Marines Make the Most With the Least During Christmas in Now Zad

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan – Just three weeks removed from leading the assault into Now Zad during Operation Cobra's Anger, the Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, switched gears and embraced the holiday spirit.

Continue reading "Marines Make the Most With the Least During Christmas in Now Zad" »

December 24, 2009

Marines at 'ManBearPig' Patrol in Nawa's Wild West

NAWA, Afghanistan – Within minutes of leaving the protective barriers of Observation Post Khers for a security patrol Dec. 21, a squad of Marines and Afghan national army soldiers heard the sharp pops of small arms fire nearby.

Continue reading "Marines at 'ManBearPig' Patrol in Nawa's Wild West" »

1/3 Marines Rescue Car From Nawa Canal

NAWA, Afghanistan – When the unoccupied car of a Nawa citizen careened down a steep canal embankment and splashed into the swift, cold waters just outside Forward Operating Base Spin Ghar Dec. 22, Marines quickly came to the rescue.

Continue reading "1/3 Marines Rescue Car From Nawa Canal" »

Local Santa Spreads Cheer Without Favorite Helper

One local Santa is loved by many for his cheer and truly good deeds. But this year, Santa and his wife have a Christmas wish of their own. WFMZ's Dwayne Parker has their emotional story.

Continue reading "Local Santa Spreads Cheer Without Favorite Helper" »

December 23, 2009

Special Delivery: Marine spouses collect thousands of Beanie Babies to send to children in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON —
In October, members of the Marine Aviation Officer’s Spouses Club thought about what they could do from home to assist Marines and their mission in Afghanistan this holiday season. After corresponding with deployed Marines, they determined that sending gifts for Afghan children in the form of small, stuffed animals could portray warm greetings from America.

Continue reading "Special Delivery: Marine spouses collect thousands of Beanie Babies to send to children in Afghanistan" »

December 21, 2009

Troops, Taliban race to build up governments

By Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Dec 21, 2009 13:55:15 EST

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — The governor of this remote district in southern Afghanistan has employees he can't afford to pay, a school he struggles to staff with teachers, a clinic where doctors are scarce and a police force of mostly illiterate farmers.

Continue reading "Troops, Taliban race to build up governments" »

December 19, 2009

Kandahar builds ahead of troops surge

By Heath Druzin, Stars and stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, December 19, 2009

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Amid the model-plane buzz of unmanned aircraft and the roar of F-16 fighter jets, another sound can be heard at this expanding southern base: the knock of hammers on 2-by-4s.

Continue reading "Kandahar builds ahead of troops surge" »

December 18, 2009

Afghan Town's Progress Provides Encouragement

NAWA, Afghanistan - An irrigation ditch bisects the main thoroughfare of this town in Helmand province, and shops line each side of the street.

Continue reading "Afghan Town's Progress Provides Encouragement" »

Marines Protect Thousands Aboard Camp Leatherneck

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – For service members deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, security is a top priority. Although much of the area surrounding it is open desert, the camp must still be well armed along its edges. This is where a group of Marines come in, whose sole mission is to ensure the camp is protected.

Continue reading "Marines Protect Thousands Aboard Camp Leatherneck" »

December 17, 2009

Marines Hone Afghan Soldiers' Marksmanship

NAWA, Afghanistan — Sayed Alim stood on the firing line, a Marine by his side and M-16 service rifle in his hand. When the whistle blasted, the Afghan National Army soldier quickly spun to his left and delivered two rounds without hesitation nearly center into a 12-inch circle, drawn on a silhouette target.

Continue reading "Marines Hone Afghan Soldiers' Marksmanship" »

JCS Chairman Visits 1/3 Marines in Afghanistan

NAWA, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen visited Patrol Base Jaker Dec. 17 to tour the base and the Nawa district center, and spend time with Marines and sailors assigned here.

Continue reading "JCS Chairman Visits 1/3 Marines in Afghanistan" »

December 16, 2009

Stretched Marines largely ignore Afghan border

Surge troops will allow some to be stationed, but Taliban still may be able to move across freely

By Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 16, 2009 8:07:18 EST

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — Only a few hundred American troops are policing the southern border of one of Afghanistan’s major smuggling areas, leaving open a vast expanse of desert that the Taliban use to shuttle in weapons and fighters from Pakistan.

Continue reading "Stretched Marines largely ignore Afghan border" »

Christmas in Harm’s Way

Hey, I’m the guy you just about blasted out of his driver’s seat with your horn when we missed the green light at the mall entrance. Anyway, I’m not mad about it. We’re all under a lot of pressure this time of year. Before you know it, Christmas morning arrives, and so there’s not much time to get the right stuff for everyone. And not only did we miss that light because I was daydreaming, but we also would have surely sat through another one if you hadn’t honked, because I really wasn’t there. You couldn’t have known, but I was so very far away at the time, in a place that I’ve actually never been. I was in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Christmas in Harm’s Way" »

December 15, 2009

New Afghanistan deployments announced

Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Dec 15, 2009 21:20:31 EST

The military’s surge of forces deploying to Afghanistan by this spring will include about 8,500 Marines commanded by the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Continue reading "New Afghanistan deployments announced" »

Afghans Celebrate Beloved 'Colonel Bill'

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Five months ago, the Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, arrived in Nawa District to the sounds of gunfire, rockets and mortars.

Continue reading "Afghans Celebrate Beloved 'Colonel Bill'" »

Custom Kitchen, Home-cooked Meals Bring Marines Together in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – When Marines hear they must live at a small patrol base for a long period of time, many think of primitive facilities, dirty conditions and bland, prepackaged meals coming from brown bags.

Continue reading "Custom Kitchen, Home-cooked Meals Bring Marines Together in Afghanistan" »

Marines identify units ordered to Afghanistan

About 4,500 Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station are among the 30,000 troops President Barack Obama is ordering to Afghanistan, a Marine spokesman said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Marines identify units ordered to Afghanistan" »

December 13, 2009

Marines Clear Taliban Stronghold During Operation Cobra's Anger

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Once an urban district and home to thousands, "The Greens," an area within the Now Zad region of Afghanistan quickly became a ghost town, when Taliban fighters procured the area from which to launch combat operations.

Continue reading "Marines Clear Taliban Stronghold During Operation Cobra's Anger" »

Marines Storm Now Zad, Wipe Out Taliban Forces

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When the Marines and sailors of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment came to the Now Zad region in Afghanistan, the message they received from outgoing units was simple: Beware of the village of Changwalak.

Continue reading "Marines Storm Now Zad, Wipe Out Taliban Forces" »

December 12, 2009

Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan

As President Obama announced plans to send 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan to tackle the Taliban, Mark Urban spent time with some of the troops on the front line in Helmand province.

"I heard Kilo company lit up nine guys today," said Craig, a young US marine, his face illuminated by the flickering flames that separated us.

Continue reading "Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan" »

New sleeping bags lighter, more compact

By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 12, 2009 8:36:01 EST

Grunts in Afghanistan soon will have a smaller, lighter sleeping bag.

Continue reading "New sleeping bags lighter, more compact" »

December 11, 2009

Marine Offense Gives Afghan City Second Chance

WASHINGTON - A battalion of Marines in southern Afghanistan now has the upper hand in a city they believed to be a Taliban stronghold, a senior Marine Corps officer in Helmand province said today.

Continue reading "Marine Offense Gives Afghan City Second Chance" »

December 8, 2009

Bomb-sniffing dog helps Marines stay alive in Afghanistan

Reporting from Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Afghanistan -- It's a rare day when a Marine gladly depends on a dogface.

Continue reading "Bomb-sniffing dog helps Marines stay alive in Afghanistan" »

Gates arrives in Afghanistan ahead of first Marines

By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes online edition, Tuesday, December 8, 2009

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT — Defense Secretary Robert Gates landed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, determined to see firsthand if the U.S.-led military operation is ready to accept an influx of 30,000 troops within six months.

Continue reading "Gates arrives in Afghanistan ahead of first Marines" »

December 7, 2009

Jobs, Not Taliban, Are The Worry In Afghan Town

The dusty bazaar in this remote town in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province was once teeming with Taliban fighters and drug smugglers who used it as a central transit point in their journeys to and from nearby Pakistan.

Continue reading "Jobs, Not Taliban, Are The Worry In Afghan Town" »

‘Thundering Third’ faces two-front engagement

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan - At first glance, the area known as the Buji Bhast Pass in southern Afghanistan looks much like the rest of Farah Province. Mountain peaks tower over vast desert valleys spotted with small adobe villages, herds of grazing animals and local farmers tilling their fields.

Continue reading "‘Thundering Third’ faces two-front engagement" »

Afghan Villagers Embrace Marines, Afghan Forces After Months of Hiding

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A previous fear of the Taliban would have kept the people of Amir Agha hidden in their compounds, as Marines patrolled through their fields and town. Their willingness to talk increases with a growing since of security.

Continue reading "Afghan Villagers Embrace Marines, Afghan Forces After Months of Hiding" »

Col. Lejeune's 1/6 to Lead Afghan Surge

A North Carolina-based infantry battalion will be the first U.S. unit to deploy to Afghanistan as part of an additional 30,000 troops who will be sent into combat during the next six months, said a Marine official overseeing the unit

Continue reading "Col. Lejeune's 1/6 to Lead Afghan Surge" »

Numerous Lejeune units to deploy in surge

By Dan Lamothe and Trista Talton - Staff writers
Posted : Monday Dec 7, 2009 16:26:51 EST

The Pentagon announced Monday that 8,500 additional Marines will deploy to Afghanistan, including 1,500 by the end of the month as part of battalion task force headed by Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.

Continue reading "Numerous Lejeune units to deploy in surge" »

December 4, 2009

Marines Launch New Offensive in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Operation Cobra's Anger Is Intended to 'Cut Off Enemy Supply and Communications Lines'

Marines are trying to make good on President Obama's promise to "reverse Taliban momentum" in southern Afghanistan, launching with the first major offensive since the president spoke about his Afghanistan plans Tuesday night.

Continue reading "Marines Launch New Offensive in Afghanistan's Helmand Province" »

US Marines launch large offensive

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.

Continue reading "US Marines launch large offensive" »

Corps to add second RCT in Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 4, 2009 9:07:54 EST

The Marine Corps will add a second regimental combat team to supplement U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and it apparently has at least three infantry battalions ready to deploy.

Continue reading "Corps to add second RCT in Afghanistan" »

December 2, 2009

Afghan National Army welcomes newest soldiers at Marine patrol base

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The Taliban approached Afghan National Army Sgt. Nazir Mohammad with an offer he couldn't refuse. But he did.

Continue reading "Afghan National Army welcomes newest soldiers at Marine patrol base" »

Marines face two-front engagement during Operation North Star

At first glance, the area known as the Buji Bhast Pass in southern Afghanistan looks much like the rest of Farah Province. Mountain peaks tower over vast desert valleys spotted with small adobe villages, herds of grazing animals and local farmers tilling their fields.

Continue reading "Marines face two-front engagement during Operation North Star" »

Obama Bets Big on Troop Surge

Extra 30,000 U.S. Soldiers for 18 Months; Republicans Say Timetable Poses Risk

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- President Barack Obama announced Tuesday a surge of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, along with plans to begin withdrawing the reinforcements in 18 months -- a potentially high-risk political and military strategy.

Continue reading "Obama Bets Big on Troop Surge" »

December 1, 2009

Marines to be First in Afghan Surge

President Obama's Afghan surge of 30,000 additional U.S. troops will include an immediate infusion of California-based Marines, with the first elements set to be on the ground in southern Afghanistan around Christmas.

Continue reading "Marines to be First in Afghan Surge" »

November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving in Afghanistan

Mangulzai, Afghanistan -- As Americans turn off the lights in their homes Thursday after a day of celebration, a group of U.S. Marines and their families will just be starting theirs.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving in Afghanistan" »

November 25, 2009

Legal Services Support Team Makes a Difference for Deployed Service Members

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – After returning from a two-week mission in Iraq, a Marine makes a call to his wife, assuring her that he has returned safely. She is relieved, but panic creeks into her voice as she tells him that creditors have been calling their home asking about mortgage payments and threatening foreclosure. She anxiously asks her husband what went wrong and how to deal with it. The Marine is baffled, and he knows he needs legal assistance.

Continue reading "Legal Services Support Team Makes a Difference for Deployed Service Members" »

Cookin' Up a Dust Storm: Marine Puts TLC Back Into Chow

COMBAT OUTPOST NUKHAYB, Iraq – In a small corner of Iraq known as Combat Outpost Nukhayb, Marines fended for themselves in the chow hall for some time. When they got a hankering for some down-home cooking, someone whipped up a meal on the four-burner stove, but without much extra time in their busy schedules, many found solace in the microwave oven. Cpl. Ryan Schmidt, a cook with Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, intends to make a few changes to the menu.

Continue reading "Cookin' Up a Dust Storm: Marine Puts TLC Back Into Chow" »

3/4 Marines Face Two-front Engagement During Operation North Star

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – At first glance, the area known as the Buji Bhast Pass in southern Afghanistan looks much like the rest of Farah province. Mountain peaks tower over vast desert valleys spotted with small adobe villages, herds of grazing animals and local farmers tilling their fields.

Continue reading "3/4 Marines Face Two-front Engagement During Operation North Star" »

Keeping focus key for Marines on way home

COP JAKER, Afghanistan | Members of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines are heading home, with the first units due stateside just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Continue reading "Keeping focus key for Marines on way home" »

November 24, 2009

Obama to Give Afghan Strategy Decision on Dec. 1, Official Says

Nov. 24 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama will announce his decision on the next steps in the war in Afghanistan on or about Dec. 1, according to a U.S. official familiar with the issue.

Continue reading "Obama to Give Afghan Strategy Decision on Dec. 1, Official Says" »

No smoke machines or lasers, just a sandstorm as Lt. Dan plays Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- There was no rock star, just an actor who likes to play the bass guitar.

Continue reading "No smoke machines or lasers, just a sandstorm as Lt. Dan plays Afghanistan" »

November 21, 2009

In Golestan, changing mission could mean troops must move on

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, November 21, 2009

GOLESTAN DISTRICT, Afghanistan

When U.S. Marines first entered this stark, scenic valley nearly two years ago, their mission was to build up local security forces and eliminate the Taliban resistance.

Continue reading "In Golestan, changing mission could mean troops must move on" »

HMLA-367 'Scarface' Introduce Yankees

CAMP BASTION, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The sound of four blade rotors echoes across the Helmand sky, as the UH-1Y Huey helicopter made its first combat deployment with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 "Scarface."

Continue reading "HMLA-367 'Scarface' Introduce Yankees" »

ANGLICO Marines Ensure Estonian Success in NATO Effort

PATROL BASE MASOOD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan –"It was well planned," said Estonian 1st Lt. Alar Karileet, following an insurgent attack near Patrol Base Masood in late October. "The Taliban were in three positions of four to five men each."

Continue reading "ANGLICO Marines Ensure Estonian Success in NATO Effort" »

November 19, 2009

Nawa Leaders, Marines Discuss Security, Human Services During Shura

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghanistan's Nawa District Gov. Abdul Manaf and Lt. Col. William T. McCollough, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, met with local Afghans to discuss security and human service concerns during a shura at Patrol Base Fielder, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 10.

Continue reading "Nawa Leaders, Marines Discuss Security, Human Services During Shura" »

November 18, 2009

Medicine men: MEB-Afghanistan docs treat from the castle

KHAN NESHIN, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan –It would be hard to recognize the young boy bounding out of the medical tent nestled inside the castle walls. The boy was limping from scratches on his leg only moments before. An inflated surgical glove serves as a new play thing for him and his friend. Although this was only a flesh wound, Navy corpsmen spending a few moments to provide basic remedies shows the locals that U.S. forces are here to help in an area once poisoned by insurgent presence.

Continue reading "Medicine men: MEB-Afghanistan docs treat from the castle" »

November 17, 2009

Marines Welcome Replacements To The Afghan Fight

This month, the more than 800 Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment are finishing their deployment to Afghanistan. Some units of "America's Battalion," are returning this week to Camp Lejeune, N.C., after months fighting the Taliban. NPR reporters have been following these Marines since they left North Carolina in May.

Continue reading "Marines Welcome Replacements To The Afghan Fight" »

3/4 Marines Patrol Farah Village, Build Trust

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from India Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, made its way into the village of Kace Satar, Afghanistan, Nov. 11, with a mission: protect the locals, and gain their trust.

Continue reading "3/4 Marines Patrol Farah Village, Build Trust" »

November 16, 2009

School is in session at the castle

RIG DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – First-grade student Yaar Gul bats a fly from his eye-lash with one hand as the other follows along in his school book. He repeats after his instructor again and again, “Nomads live under the tent. Nomads have a tent. Nomads sleep in the tent.”

Continue reading "School is in session at the castle" »

November 14, 2009

Marine Finds Innovative Ways to Exercise in Combat Zone

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Suspended off the side of a towering vehicle by cargo netting, 1st Lt. William R. Goodwin, the executive officer for Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, pushes himself up for one more repetition. Goodwin built a fitness tool using duck tape, cargo netting and ratchet straps, to perform multiple exercises off the side of a vehicle, aboard Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Finds Innovative Ways to Exercise in Combat Zone" »

Despite Marines’ presence, fear of Taliban persists in Afghan town

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, November 14, 2009


DELARAM, Afghanistan — Marines have maintained a presence here for two years, but they say residents’ fear of the Taliban continues to underlie every facet of life.

Continue reading "Despite Marines’ presence, fear of Taliban persists in Afghan town" »

November 12, 2009

Marines, Afghan soldiers hunt Taliban

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Afghan National Army soldiers and Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, conducted an operation to clear out compounds in Norzai, Afghanistan, Nov. 6.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan soldiers hunt Taliban" »

U.S. Afghan Envoy Said to Advise Against More Troops

(Update1)
Nov. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Karl Eikenberry, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and a former top military commander there, has recommended that President Barack Obama not send more troops to the country for the time being, a U.S. official said.

Continue reading "U.S. Afghan Envoy Said to Advise Against More Troops" »

November 11, 2009

1/5 Marines Provide Clean Water to Afghans, Keep Area Safe

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, recently funded a well construction project to provide clean water for local Afghans.

Continue reading "1/5 Marines Provide Clean Water to Afghans, Keep Area Safe" »

Marines, Afghans, British Observe Remembrance Day

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, participated in a Remembrance Day ceremony aboard Forward Observation Base Delhi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghans, British Observe Remembrance Day" »

November 10, 2009

White House says no final decision yet on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The White House denied President Barack Obama had come to a decision on sending US reinforcements to Afghanistan amid mounting speculation he had made up his mind on a troop buildup.

Continue reading "White House says no final decision yet on Afghanistan" »

Marines Celebrate 234th Corps Birthday in Austere Conditions

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Approximately 300 Afghanistan-deployed Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 7 celebrated the 234th Marine Corps birthday here in more austere conditions than the lavish ceremonies to which many Marines stateside are accustomed.

Continue reading "Marines Celebrate 234th Corps Birthday in Austere Conditions" »

November 8, 2009

Marines Inhabit Taliban Fortress

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines possess an uncanny ability to call any place "home," whether it's a mixture of sand and gravel, or in this instance, a Taliban compound.

Continue reading "Marines Inhabit Taliban Fortress" »

Sources say Obama plans Afghan surge

More than 30,000 troops would be deployed next year

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is nearing a decision to send more than 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan next year, but he may not announce it until after he consults with key allies and completes a trip to Asia later this month, administration and military officials have told McClatchy Newspapers.

Continue reading "Sources say Obama plans Afghan surge" »

Afghanistan: Marines bring some calm in Helmand

But many residents in the insurgent heartland fear the U.S. troops may leave abruptly, leaving the area for the Taliban to retake.

Reporting from Nawa, Afghanistan - When 500 U.S. Marines descended on this Taliban stronghold overnight, Afghan civilians were immediately suspicious about the intentions of the heavily armed Americans.

Continue reading "Afghanistan: Marines bring some calm in Helmand" »

Fox NFL pregame show to be aired from Afghanistan

NEW YORK – The Fox NFL pregame show will be broadcast from a military installation in Afghanistan on Sunday.

Continue reading "Fox NFL pregame show to be aired from Afghanistan" »

November 7, 2009

Marines patrol, make friends in Helmand province

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The Now Zad region in Helmand Province has been the site of constant tension between coalition and Taliban forces. Both sides have realized the road to victory begins with winning the support of the region’s civilian population.

Continue reading "Marines patrol, make friends in Helmand province" »

Obama aide says no to troop surge in Afghanistan

A US presidential aide says the auxiliary troops, Washington is likely to deploy to Afghanistan, would be consumed by the volatile situation in the war-torn country.

Continue reading "Obama aide says no to troop surge in Afghanistan" »

November 6, 2009

Osprey Joins the Fight in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – In another history-making moment for Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, the first MV-22B Ospreys entered the Task Force Leatherneck area of operations today, alighting in three waves at Camp Bastion Airfield.

Continue reading "Osprey Joins the Fight in Afghanistan" »

300 Marines return home safely from Afghanistan

OKINAWA, Japan (November 6, 2009) -- Approximately 300 Okinawa-based Marines returned from an Afghanistan deployment Sunday.

Continue reading "300 Marines return home safely from Afghanistan" »

November 5, 2009

Marines save lives, assist Afghan National Army

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As Seaman Jared D. Wilson, a corpsman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, stepped into his humvee on the morning of Nov. 2, he knew he very well could find himself in the position of saving lives.

Continue reading "Marines save lives, assist Afghan National Army" »

November 3, 2009

Marines Seek To Tame Afghan 'Snake's Head'

The marketplace of Garmsir in Afghanistan's Helmand province is bustling. A long line of shops sells piles of pomegranates, oranges and okra. Consumer goods are trucked in from Pakistan, ranging from children's toys to motorcycle spare parts.

Continue reading "Marines Seek To Tame Afghan 'Snake's Head'" »

Marines Seek To Tame Afghan 'Snake's Head'

The marketplace of Garmsir in Afghanistan's Helmand province is bustling. A long line of shops sells piles of pomegranates, oranges and okra. Consumer goods are trucked in from Pakistan, ranging from children's toys to motorcycle spare parts.

Continue reading "Marines Seek To Tame Afghan 'Snake's Head'" »

October 30, 2009

Obama to meet military brass on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama Friday meets his top military chiefs to talk strategy in Pakistan and Afghanistan in one of the final steps before deciding whether to send thousands more US troops to war.

Continue reading "Obama to meet military brass on Afghanistan" »

October 25, 2009

Marine reserves from Detrick heading to Afghanistan

About 145 Marine reserves from Fort Detrick are preparing to deploy to Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine reserves from Detrick heading to Afghanistan" »

Women at war

This photograph from Afghanistan recently made rounds on the Facebook and e-mail accounts of folks whose work centers on military women's issues.

Continue reading "Women at war" »

October 24, 2009

RCT-7 Takes Over Counterinsurgency Operations in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Regimental Combat Team 7 took over counterinsurgency operations throughout southern Afghanistan from Regimental Combat Team 3 during a ceremony here Oct. 24.

Continue reading "RCT-7 Takes Over Counterinsurgency Operations in Afghanistan" »

First Marine RCT in Afghanistan Concludes Historic Deployment

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The most significant Marine Corps operation since the Battle of Fallujah in 2004 and the largest helicopter insertion since the Vietnam War took place July 2 as Marines spread out into the Helmand River valley to secure what was called one of the most violent provinces in all of Afghanistan at the time.

Continue reading "First Marine RCT in Afghanistan Concludes Historic Deployment" »

October 22, 2009

In Helmand, a model for success?

Before a battalion of U.S. Marines swooped into this dusty farming community along the Helmand River in early July, almost every stall in the bazaar had been padlocked, as had the school and the health clinic. Thousands of residents had fled. Government officials and municipal services were nonexistent. Taliban fighters swaggered about with impunity, setting up checkpoints and seeding the roads with bombs.

Continue reading "In Helmand, a model for success?" »

October 16, 2009

A Day in the Life on Forward Operating Base Geronimo

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – People have the ability to adapt to their surroundings. Proof of this can be observed in the habitat of the Marines here.

Continue reading "A Day in the Life on Forward Operating Base Geronimo" »

Marines Clear Taliban From Buji Bhast Pass

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM, Farah Province, Afghanistan – Marines from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment conducted Operation Germinate to clear Taliban insurgents out of a pass through the Buji Bhast Mountains near here Oct. 6-10, 2009. The pass is the most direct route from the southern plain here to the district center of Golestan District in the mountains, where part of 2/3's Company F is located.

Continue reading "Marines Clear Taliban From Buji Bhast Pass" »

Navy Corpsmen Teach Afghan Soldiers Lifesaving Techniques

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – In a combat zone, as in life, there are many different skills which are important to have. One of the most important is basic medical training. Without at least a basic knowledge of first aid, a person is limited in the amount of risk they are willing to undertake to accomplish their goals.

Continue reading "Navy Corpsmen Teach Afghan Soldiers Lifesaving Techniques" »

Civil Affairs Marines Turn Attention to Improving Local Schoolhouse

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Civil Affairs Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, visited a local school here, Oct. 8, to talk with teachers about refurbishing their schoolhouse.

Continue reading "Civil Affairs Marines Turn Attention to Improving Local Schoolhouse" »

October 14, 2009

Marines Spread Good Will With Vet Care

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 14, 2009 – Marines here have brought new meaning to the expression “goat rope” by helping local farmers with free veterinary care for their goats, sheep and cows.

Continue reading "Marines Spread Good Will With Vet Care" »

October 13, 2009

2/8 Marines Conduct Counter Insurgency Operations in Lakari Village

PATROL BASE LAKARI, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Winning Afghan trust has been the cornerstone of the success of Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan as combat operations take them farther south into Helmand province.

Continue reading "2/8 Marines Conduct Counter Insurgency Operations in Lakari Village" »

October 12, 2009

Advancing Marines test new Afghan war doctrine

BARCHA, Afghanistan, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Winning ground is one thing. Convincing Afghan villagers you will not leave, abandoning them to a vengeful Taliban, is a bigger challenge for U.S. Marines advancing deep into southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Advancing Marines test new Afghan war doctrine" »

Marines Return Home, Afghanistan Questions Linger

About 150 Marines and sailors will return to Camp Lejeune from Iraq Monday. While the mission in that country winds down, the future of U.S. troops in Afghanistan remains murky.

Continue reading "Marines Return Home, Afghanistan Questions Linger" »

Commander says Camp Pendleton's force is prevailing over Taliban

As President Barack Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan and debate over the course of an increasingly difficult war rages in Washington, the commander of a Camp Pendleton battalion says his troops have tamed one slice of the country's volatile Helmand province.

Continue reading "Commander says Camp Pendleton's force is prevailing over Taliban" »

October 11, 2009

Recon Marines revisit insurgents in Helmand

More than 130 Marines from Alpha Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, accompanied by soldiers from the Afghan National Army, conducted an operation to disrupt insurgent activity in northeastern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Recon Marines revisit insurgents in Helmand" »

October 8, 2009

Over 50 tons of drugs seized in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, October 8 (RIA Novosti) - Afghan soldiers and U.S. marines seized some 52 tons of drugs and dozens of tons of explosives in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, an Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Continue reading "Over 50 tons of drugs seized in southern Afghanistan" »

October 7, 2009

Marines Construct New Position Near Taliban Marketplace

PATROL BASE LAKARI, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – Since the first raid on Lakari Bazaar in mid July which turned up thousands of pounds of drugs and bomb-making materials, the Taliban has continued to use the market as a staging area for illegal activity – launching more than 20 attacks against coalition troops in the immediate vicinity from there.

Continue reading "Marines Construct New Position Near Taliban Marketplace" »

Estonian soldiers integrate with 2/8 Marines

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Many cultures throughout the world sustained themselves because they had men and women who had a warrior spirit and a willingness to fight for a common cause.

Continue reading "Estonian soldiers integrate with 2/8 Marines" »

October 6, 2009

Marines in Afghanistan: A Day in the Life

Unbearable Heat, Constant Mud, No Showers and Taliban Shooting At them, Marines Still Don't Complain

CBS) Wednesday will mark the 8-year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, and the situation for American troops there is not getting any better

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan: A Day in the Life" »

Al-Qaida Showing Smaller Presence In Afghanistan

KABUL — Al-Qaida's role in Afghanistan has faded after eight years of war.

Continue reading "Al-Qaida Showing Smaller Presence In Afghanistan" »

Obama Rules Out Drawdown In Afghanistan, But Mum On Troop Increase

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday ruled out shrinking the Afghanistan war to a counterterrorism campaign. Yet he did not signal whether he is prepared to send any more troops to the war zone – either the 40,000 his top commander wants or a smaller buildup, according to several officials.

Continue reading "Obama Rules Out Drawdown In Afghanistan, But Mum On Troop Increase" »

October 5, 2009

Taliban assault heats up US troop debate

A massive attack on US troops in a remote part of east Afghanistan has added more heat to the debate about the level of American engagement in the country.

Continue reading "Taliban assault heats up US troop debate" »

October 4, 2009

Marines increase readiness with Afghanistan in mind

As policymakers debate whether to deploy more troops, training at Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms is being tweaked to reflect a counterinsurgency mission in mountain terrain.

Reporting from Camp Pendleton - In the power corridors of Washington, there is debate about whether to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. But here at Camp Pendleton, the training and deploying of Marines, with a focus on Afghanistan, continue.

Continue reading "Marines increase readiness with Afghanistan in mind" »

Marines Multitask at Patrol Base Fielder

PATROL BASE FIELDER, Afghanistan – All service members are trained to do a specific job – their military occupational specialty. However, sometimes they are also asked to maintain their proficiency in another one, like the mortarmen and amphibious assault vehicle operators with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment here.

Continue reading "Marines Multitask at Patrol Base Fielder" »

October 2, 2009

Battling the Taliban at close quarters

US helicopter comes under Taliban fire in Afghanistan

Continue reading "Battling the Taliban at close quarters" »

September 30, 2009

Air-Ground team airlifts newest howitzers in historic first

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In a historic combat first, Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, Combat Logistics Battalion 8 and 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment worked together to air lift two M777A2 lightweight howitzers from Fire Base Fiddler’s Green in Helmand Province and set them up for action at Forward Operating Base Golestan Sept. 28. A third was convoyed here to be carried by CH-53E helicopter the following morning.

Continue reading "Air-Ground team airlifts newest howitzers in historic first" »

September 29, 2009

NATO chief says more troops needed in Afghanistan

'We have to do more now, if we want to do less later,' says Anders Fogh Rasmussen. He says additional help is needed in training Afghan security forces.

Reporting from Washington - Stepping into an intensifying debate in Washington, the new head of NATO said Monday that more allied troops are needed in Afghanistan to help train the country's security forces.

Continue reading "NATO chief says more troops needed in Afghanistan" »

September 28, 2009

Not Many ... but Much: ANGLICO Marines Help U.K. Hold Northern Post

LASHKAR GAH, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The evening began with a small group of U.S. Marines and U.K. soldiers gathered around a campfire of dimly-lit candles and a teapot boiling over a small fire.

Continue reading "Not Many ... but Much: ANGLICO Marines Help U.K. Hold Northern Post" »

40 Taliban killed in western Afghanistan: Afghan army

KABUL — US Marines and Afghan soldiers killed 40 Taliban fighters in a joint operation in Afghanistan's west on Monday, the Afghan army said.

Continue reading "40 Taliban killed in western Afghanistan: Afghan army" »

Air-Ground Team Airlifts Newest Howitzers in Historic First

CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – In a historic combat first, Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, Combat Logistics Battalion 8 and 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment worked together to air lift two M777A2 lightweight howitzers from Fire Base Fiddler's Green in Helmand province

Continue reading "Air-Ground Team Airlifts Newest Howitzers in Historic First" »

September 27, 2009

Marines Investigate Insurgents' Underground Highway

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM, Nimruz province, Afghanistan – Some people go cave exploring for fun, but when there is a possibility of stumbling on explosive materials, an armed enemy or a nasty surprise they've left to be triggered in the dark, it's about as far from fun as you can get.

Continue reading "Marines Investigate Insurgents' Underground Highway" »

Marines See Change in Bakwa

COMBAT OUTPOST BAKWA, Farah province, Afghanistan – The Marines here have found fighting insurgents alone won't bring peace in this region. Experience has shown that Marines must also develop strong relationships with the locals to bring about positive change.

Continue reading "Marines See Change in Bakwa" »

September 23, 2009

Marines go shopping to win Afghan hearts and minds

GOLESTAN, Afghanistan — Toting assault weapons while strolling among vegetable shops in combat gear may look strange, but US Marines believe buying groceries is key to winning Afghan hearts and minds.

Continue reading "Marines go shopping to win Afghan hearts and minds" »

September 21, 2009

Marines await word on deployment

Troop assignments not yet clear
In a little noticed development last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered 2,500 to 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan as soon as possible to meet imminent threats from roadside bombs.

Continue reading "Marines await word on deployment" »

2/8 draws enemy out to fight

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Around here, some Marines say a quiet day is a boring day, and a day they clash with the enemy, while unwelcome, is more personally satisfying.

Continue reading "2/8 draws enemy out to fight" »

September 14, 2009

2/8 Marine Regiment Mortars Shower Improvised Explosive Device Planters, Patrol Investigates Before Shura

COMBAT OUTPOST SHER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – With no regard for civilian life, the Taliban have been placing improvised explosive devices in roads, farmland and canals. The weapon has proved to be one of the most effective weapons in the Taliban arsenal

Continue reading "2/8 Marine Regiment Mortars Shower Improvised Explosive Device Planters, Patrol Investigates Before Shura" »

September 12, 2009

Mountain training prepares docs for Afghanistan

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Sep 12, 2009 9:09:46 EDT

PICKEL MEADOW, Calif. — With more Navy medical personnel on track to deploy to Afghanistan, officials at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center are injecting more reality into the center’s mountain medical courses.

Continue reading "Mountain training prepares docs for Afghanistan" »

54 Hours of Valor: female Marine awarded Combat V

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII —
First Lt. Rebecca M. Turpin received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device at Combat Logistics Battalion 3’s Warriors’ Field Sept. 4, for her actions under enemy fire during the battalion’s last deployment to Afghanistan from October 2008 to May 2009.

Continue reading "54 Hours of Valor: female Marine awarded Combat V" »

September 11, 2009

The children of 9/11 on the frontline

Eight years ago they were boys, now they're fighting in Afghanistan
Eight years ago today 2,974 people died in the September 11 attacks. It led the western world into a war on terror that British and American soldiers are still battling out today. Many of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, now stationed in the US Marines’ most remote outpost in Helmand, Afghanistan, were just children when the World Trade Center was attacked - but they still remember where they were.

Continue reading "The children of 9/11 on the frontline" »

September 9, 2009

Marines Scale Back Vests in Afghan Fight

DARVESHAN, Afghanistan -- Marine Corps command in Southern Afghanistan is scaling back protective body armor vest requirements in a move that trades less protection for improved mobility.

Continue reading "Marines Scale Back Vests in Afghan Fight" »

Kandahar World’s Busiest Single-Runway Airport

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan —
With the increase in forces in southern Afghanistan, Kandahar Airfield has become the busiest single-runway airport in the world.

Continue reading "Kandahar World’s Busiest Single-Runway Airport" »

September 7, 2009

MarSOC battalion to take joint command

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 7, 2009 10:58:20 EDT

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command is about to mark another first.

Continue reading "MarSOC battalion to take joint command" »

September 6, 2009

Corpsmen ship nearly $3 million worth of supplies to Afghanistan

CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq – As more U.S. troops are being sent to the fight in Afghanistan, the possibility of more troops being injured rises. To ensure those responsible for saving limbs and lives are equipped to handle such an enormous task, sailors with the 2nd Medical Logistics Company at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, have sent about $3 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to the region.

Continue reading "Corpsmen ship nearly $3 million worth of supplies to Afghanistan" »

September 4, 2009

100 Days in Helmand

They are not the first Marines in Afghanistan, nor are they the first Marines in Helmand province. Combined Task Force-58, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Task Force 2/7, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command … these Marine units have also trod the unforgiving ground of southern Afghanistan

Continue reading "100 Days in Helmand" »

September 3, 2009

AP IMPACT: Calm _ Then Sudden Death In Afghan War

DAHANEH, Afghanistan (AP) ― The pomegranate grove looked ominous.

The U.S. patrol had a tip that Taliban fighters were lying in ambush, and a Marine had his weapon trained on the trees 70 yards away. "If you see anything move from there, light it up," Cpl. Braxton Russell told him.

Continue reading "AP IMPACT: Calm _ Then Sudden Death In Afghan War" »

Journal Entries Of AP Photographer In Afghanistan

(AP) The operation started really early Wednesday morning on this town called Dahaneh. It's south of Now Zad a few miles. It is Taliban-controlled. Alfred (Associated Press writer Alfred de Montesquiou), and Ken (AP Television News Cameraman Ken Teh) were put on the assault helicopter which landed outside the compounds they intended to raid. I was stuck on a 7-ton truck with ANA (Afghan National Army) soldiers, an NPR reporter and another American guy, who is a civilian military adviser.

Continue reading "Journal Entries Of AP Photographer In Afghanistan" »

September 2, 2009

Marines operate out of enemy compound

KHOUSARI AHBAD, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, have been using formerly Taliban-owned real estate as a base of operations for nearly two months now.

Continue reading "Marines operate out of enemy compound" »

Hunting Taliban different than what they expected: Marines gain small victories without fighting

KHOUSARI AHBAD, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — For the Marines of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, hunting the Taliban takes patience and flexibility. Even on days when they don’t get what they expect, being seen and speaking with the locals is a small victory.

Continue reading "Hunting Taliban different than what they expected: Marines gain small victories without fighting" »

August 31, 2009

Report: Change strategy for fighting Taliban

Sources say McChrystal will ask for more troops within weeks

By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Aug 31, 2009 11:28:56 EDT

KABUL — The commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan said in an assessment of the war that a new strategy was needed to fight the Taliban, while NATO officials disclosed he is expected to separately request more troops

Continue reading "Report: Change strategy for fighting Taliban" »

August 30, 2009

New footbridge eases movement for locals, Marines in Helmand

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – “Building bridges,” as the expressions goes, is a vital task in connecting with the people in a counterinsurgency environment.

Continue reading "New footbridge eases movement for locals, Marines in Helmand" »

August 29, 2009

Marine officer receives Bronze Star for leading attacks in Afghanistan

A Marine officer at Camp Pendleton has received the Bronze Star for bravery for leading multiple assaults on Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine officer receives Bronze Star for leading attacks in Afghanistan" »

Man of the Cloth and Uniform

He looks like Sting," a Marine says about the man in the tan cammies wandering around Khan Neshin castle without the usual M-16 hanging on his shoulder and an unusual growth of beard.

Continue reading "Man of the Cloth and Uniform" »

August 28, 2009

Danger Room in Afghanistan: The Taliban Push Back

MIANPOSHTEH, AFGHANISTAN – Two months ago, the Marines of Echo company pushed into this farming community, set up a series of outposts, and launched a series of patrols and raids to put the Taliban on their heels. On Thursday, the militants struck back, attacking four different Marine units in seven hours and dealing Echo company its first casualty in more than three weeks. One Marine was shot through the chest and arm, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Continue reading "Danger Room in Afghanistan: The Taliban Push Back" »

The Great U.S. Airlift Over Afghanistan

OVER FARAH PROVINCE, Western Afghanistan -- At an unseen point in the dark, Lt. Col. Wil Baulkmon slams down the flaps and pitches up the nose of his lumbering C-130 airlift plane. On the sharply canted cargo bay floor behind him, six tons of cargo strains against its web straps toward the open ramp and the roaring emptiness outside. "Come a little to the right ... a bit more," the navigator says crisply on the intercom. "OK, on course and looking good.''

Continue reading "The Great U.S. Airlift Over Afghanistan" »

Drinking From Socks

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan– If the amount of water troops consume daily is one good indicator of the rigors of summer combat duty, then this isolated outpost in southern Helmand Province is surely one of the most arduous postings in the entire United States military.

Continue reading "Drinking From Socks" »

August 27, 2009

Battery R, 5/11 Ready to Put Rockets Down Range Anytime

CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – In the early morning desert heat, a squad of infantry Marines patrols through a seemingly empty field in the southern Helmand Province. Without warning, they start taking heavy fire from a distant compound. To overwhelm the enemy, the patrol leader calls for indirect fire support.

Continue reading "Battery R, 5/11 Ready to Put Rockets Down Range Anytime" »

August 25, 2009

Bronx Marine Responsible for Security in Afghanistan

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - While the Marines at Forward Operating Base Geronimo sleep soundly at night, the guard force stays vigilant and watchful

Continue reading "Bronx Marine Responsible for Security in Afghanistan" »

Spokane Marine Assists in Counter-Insurgency Operations

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan - Despite the many obstacles that motor transport operators face each day on the road, in the end, they always deliver the goods

Continue reading "Spokane Marine Assists in Counter-Insurgency Operations" »

August 24, 2009

Marines Find Afghan Mission Is A Matter Of Trust

In Afghanistan's Helmand province, one U.S. Marine captain says, militants are like the hairs on your head — pull them out and more grow back.

Continue reading "Marines Find Afghan Mission Is A Matter Of Trust" »

August 23, 2009

Marines Fight Taliban With Little Aid From Afghans

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — American Marines secured this desolate village in southern Afghanistan nearly two months ago, and last week they were fortifying bases, on duty at checkpoints and patrolling in full body armor in 120-degree heat. Despite those efforts, only a few hundred Afghans were persuaded to come out here and vote for president on Thursday.

Continue reading "Marines Fight Taliban With Little Aid From Afghans" »

August 22, 2009

Conway predicts ‘more combat support’ after Army general’s review

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq - The top U.S. Marine is checking on troops in one war zone as he gets ready to send more to the next.


Continue reading "Conway predicts ‘more combat support’ after Army general’s review" »

August 21, 2009

Marines Work and Live Hard in Afghanistan

No Beds, No Running Water and No Complaints from the Marines of Echo Company

(CBS) The U.S. Marines from Echo Company are in Afghanistan with a mission to hunt down the Taliban in dangerous Helmand Province so that voters could get to the polls yesterday. They weren't always successful and voter turnout was very low.

Continue reading "Marines Work and Live Hard in Afghanistan" »

Marine Engineers Construct Major Fortifications in Helmand's Hostile Territory

KOSHTAY, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The mission for Marines here is to seize ground controlled by Taliban insurgents, hold that ground and build on it. Building in this case means fortifying their exposed position on the very front lines of this conflict. However, Marine infantrymen are not known for their carpentry and construction skills. That responsibility falls on the engineers.

Continue reading "Marine Engineers Construct Major Fortifications in Helmand's Hostile Territory" »

High voter turnout in the heart of Taliban territory

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, August 21, 2009

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Defying Taliban threats and scattered attacks, voters in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province — the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban — turned out in large numbers to cast ballots in Thursday’s presidential election, local officials said.

Continue reading "High voter turnout in the heart of Taliban territory" »

August 19, 2009

3/11 provides security to locals around Fiddlers Green

Walking through an empty field in the early morning on Aug. 13, 2009, the temperatures are already in the high 90s and every Marine is thankful for the relative cool.

Continue reading "3/11 provides security to locals around Fiddlers Green" »

Afghans register to vote in former Taliban town

DAHANEH, Afghanistan – A week after Dahaneh was pried from Taliban control by U.S. Marines, and little more than 36 hours before Afghans select a president, election workers finally reached this Helmand province town and began to register voters.

Continue reading "Afghans register to vote in former Taliban town" »

August 18, 2009

Security tightens in Kandahar province ahead of Afghan election

By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, August 18, 2009

DAMAN DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Afghan police and NATO troops have tightened security in southern Kandahar province ahead of Thursday’s presidential election.

Continue reading "Security tightens in Kandahar province ahead of Afghan election" »

August 17, 2009

Marines find large opium cache near Delaram

NIMRUZ PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, and soldiers from the Afghan National Army retrieved about 1,300 pounds of opium during a raid of a suspected opium storage compound to the south of the city of Delaram, Nimruz Province, Afghanistan, Thursday, July 30, 2009.

Continue reading "Marines find large opium cache near Delaram" »

Marines Walk Afghan Tightrope of Death

We were crouched down in a field, the earth steaming with the heat of the sun and the air thick with humidity. Two Marines were kneeling down beside me.
"All we've done since we got here is get blown up," one of them said. And then they started to talk.

Continue reading "Marines Walk Afghan Tightrope of Death" »

2nd LAR Marines interact with locals in southern Helmand

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Marines from 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan face many obstacles as they strive to bring peace to the population in southern Helmand.

Continue reading "2nd LAR Marines interact with locals in southern Helmand" »

MEB-Afghanistan receives first of new MRAPs

CAMP BASTION, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle featuring upgraded suspension systems arrived here August 17.

Continue reading "MEB-Afghanistan receives first of new MRAPs" »

August 16, 2009

Afghans told they can vote _ as mortar shells fly

KHAWJA JAMAL, Afghanistan — The governor had good news for the Afghans who met him here Sunday: Residents in this southern village can finally register to vote in the upcoming election.

Continue reading "Afghans told they can vote _ as mortar shells fly" »

August 15, 2009

Female Marines key to reaching Afghan women

By Alfred de Montesquiou - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Aug 15, 2009 12:23:02 EDT

KHAWJA JAMAL, Afghanistan — Put on body armor, check weapons, cover head and shoulders with a scarf

Continue reading "Female Marines key to reaching Afghan women" »

Journalist Joined Marines After 9/11

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir, 40, a former Washington-based journalist and congressional staffer who joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 13, his unit and friends reported. He was an Alexandria resident.

Continue reading "Journalist Joined Marines After 9/11" »

Marines Exercise Alternative PT on 'any Given Sunday'

CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan – Though there was no stadium with thousands of screaming fans or a grassy playing field, the spirit of competition filled the searing air in the Desert of Death.

Continue reading "Marines Exercise Alternative PT on 'any Given Sunday'" »

US Marines battle Taliban

US Marines were locked in battle with Taliban fighters late on Friday, as they continued efforts to secure the strategic town of Dahaneh in the southern Afghan province of Helmand.

Continue reading "US Marines battle Taliban" »

August 14, 2009

Bill Cahir, Express-Times reporter-turned-Marine sergeant, killed in Afghanistan

Former Express-Times correspondent and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bill Cahir has been killed in combat in Afghanistan, family and friends said Thursday.

Continue reading "Bill Cahir, Express-Times reporter-turned-Marine sergeant, killed in Afghanistan" »

2nd MEB families rest assured after town hall meeting

Families of Marines and sailors deployed with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade had a chance to voice concerns to Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, at a town hall meeting aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 11, 2009.

Continue reading "2nd MEB families rest assured after town hall meeting" »

A day in the life of a Marine combat outpost

ANP HILL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Cpl. Justin Thompson crawled out of his rat hole dug deep into a wind-beaten, barren hilltop. Stepping over mounds of protective sand bags, he watched the sun rise over the Now Zad valley, a Taliban stronghold.

Continue reading "A day in the life of a Marine combat outpost" »

Marines go further into town on 2nd day of offensive

By Alfred de Montesquiou - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Aug 14, 2009 12:01:33 EDT

DAHANEH, Afghanistan — U.S. aircraft and missiles pounded Taliban mountainside positions around Dahaneh on Thursday as Marines pushed through mud-brick compounds searching for militants in the second day of fighting to seize this strategic southern town.

Continue reading "Marines go further into town on 2nd day of offensive" »

August 13, 2009

Restrictions limit ability to return fire

By Alfred de Montesquiou - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Aug 13, 2009 9:01:47 EDT

DAHANEH, Afghanistan — The British jet called in by U.S. Marines had the Taliban position in sight, but the pilot refused to fire, a decision that frustrated Marines on the ground but was in line with new orders by the top U.S. commander to protect civilians.

Continue reading "Restrictions limit ability to return fire" »

U.S. Marines Fight House-to-House in Afghan Taliban Stronghold

EXCLUSIVE: FOX News' Greg Palkot is the only reporter traveling with a combined force of 500 Marines and Afghan soldiers as they carry out day two of air and ground assault Operation Eastern Resolve. The operation is aimed at liberating a key town in Northern Helmand province of Taliban and to secure a strategic pass used by Taliban fighters. What follows is Palkot's latest report.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Fight House-to-House in Afghan Taliban Stronghold" »

August 12, 2009

Effort Aims to Secure Southern Afghanistan for Elections

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2009 – Hours into the new Operation Eastern Resolve II in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, defense officials report that U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers are confronting “some resistance” as they work to secure the area for the Aug. 20 elections.

Continue reading "Effort Aims to Secure Southern Afghanistan for Elections" »

Marines assault Taliban town in Afghanistan

DAHANEH, Afghanistan — Helicopter-borne U.S. Marines backed by Harrier jets stormed a Taliban-held town in southern Afghanistan before dawn Wednesday in an operation to secure the country ahead of presidential elections.

Continue reading "Marines assault Taliban town in Afghanistan" »

August 11, 2009

Afghanistan-bound Marines rehearse wide range of enemy encounters

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. —

Marines and sailors of the 7th Marine Regiment held small, training sessions during a pre-deployment exercise here July 27-Aug. 14 to prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan as part of Regimental Combat Team 7.

Continue reading "Afghanistan-bound Marines rehearse wide range of enemy encounters" »

August 9, 2009

Obama Moves Toward Troop Question at Crux of Afghan War Review

Oct. 8 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama and his advisers moved closer to the crux of their Afghanistan strategy review, whether to boost the number of U.S. troops in the war as they considered the role of Pakistan in fighting terrorists.

Continue reading "Obama Moves Toward Troop Question at Crux of Afghan War Review" »

August 4, 2009

Marines fighting Taliban strive to win Afghan locals' trust

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Garrett sprints through a cloud of smoke and dust raised by the blast from a buried bomb.

Continue reading "Marines fighting Taliban strive to win Afghan locals' trust" »

August 3, 2009

Patrol Base Jaker – Under Construction

When 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment's Headquarters and Services Co. arrived at this location in mid-June, 40 British soldiers were harassed daily by insurgent gunfire. It was nothing more than a "hot LZ" according to some of the Marines here. Within a few days of their arrival, the Marines increased their numbers with elements of the battalion's B and C Companies. With stronger numbers and more firepower, the insurgents slowly began to get the point. Now, there hasn't been a firefight in the vicinity of the base since June 21. That was one week prior to the July 2 kickoff of Operation Khanjar, a major in which Marines spread across the Helmand River valley to deny insurgents freedom of movement and provide security for the people in the region.

Continue reading "Patrol Base Jaker – Under Construction" »

July 30, 2009

A Day Like Any Other for Marine Truckers

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Marines showed up for work at 2 a.m. to make sure their vehicles and the cargo loaded on them were ready for the long day ahead, July 28.

Continue reading "A Day Like Any Other for Marine Truckers" »

Helmand Province governor visits local leaders, Marines in Nawa District

NAWA DISTRICT, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan —
More than 200 local Afghans gathered for a shura here with July 23, 2009. A shura serves as a meeting for locals to voice their opinions and concerns to leaders who have the power to change things.

Continue reading "Helmand Province governor visits local leaders, Marines in Nawa District" »

July 28, 2009

How We’ll Win in Afghanistan

Gen. Petraeus knows how to defeat an insurgency. But he will need congressional support.

More coalition soldiers have died in July than in any previous month in the nine-year war in Afghanistan. Last week, the soldier who slept on the cot next to me was killed. A rocket-propelled grenade fired from a snow-capped mountain in remote Nuristan Province killed Staff Sgt. Eric Lindstrom, a father of twin baby girls and the best squad leader in the platoon.

Continue reading "How We’ll Win in Afghanistan" »

July 26, 2009

Marines target Afghan drug dens, not farmers

By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jul 26, 2009 11:58:32 EDT

KABUL — Marines and Afghan forces have found and destroyed hundreds of tons of poppy seeds, opium and heroin in southern Afghanistan this month in raids that a top American official said show the new U.S. counter narcotics strategy in Afghanistan is working.

Continue reading "Marines target Afghan drug dens, not farmers" »

July 25, 2009

Local Marines holding ground in Helmand's Nawa District

No fatalities for Camp Pendleton's 1/5 during deadliest month in Afghanistan

"Shape, clear, hold and build."

Continue reading "Local Marines holding ground in Helmand's Nawa District" »

Iraq Veterans Find Afghan Enemy Even Bolder

NAWA, Afghanistan — In three combat tours in Anbar Province, Marine Sgt. Jacob Tambunga fought the deadliest insurgents in Iraq.

Continue reading "Iraq Veterans Find Afghan Enemy Even Bolder" »

July 24, 2009

Marines ready as they prepare for Afghanistan

CAMP WILLIAMS -- As the United States intensifies its military mission in Afghanistan, Utah Marines prepare to deploy. We caught up with Charlie Company at the crack of dawn as the Marines trained for their mission.

Continue reading "Marines ready as they prepare for Afghanistan" »

July 22, 2009

Marines, Afghan security forces meet with hundreds of village elders in Helmand

NAWA DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Key leaders with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, participated in a tribal shura July 19 at the Afghan police compound next to Patrol Base Jaker here.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan security forces meet with hundreds of village elders in Helmand" »

July 21, 2009

Families Send Basics To Marines In Afghanistan

July 21, 2009 · For Marines serving in Afghanistan, mail call can be a little bit like Christmas in July. A package from home can supply everything from basic needs to small luxuries.

Continue reading "Families Send Basics To Marines In Afghanistan" »

July 20, 2009

Marines Face Stiff Taliban Resistance

Logistical Difficulties Inhibit Troops During Clashes in Southern Afghan Province

GARMSIR, Afghanistan, July 19 -- Marines pushing deep into a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province battled insurgents in a day of firefights around a key bazaar Sunday, as an operation designed as a U.S. show of force confronted resistance from Taliban fighters as well as constraints on supplies and manpower.

Continue reading "Marines Face Stiff Taliban Resistance" »

July 16, 2009

Marines Waiting on Basic Supplies

U.S. Marines pushing deeper into Taliban territory in Afghanistan’s Helmand River Valley are short of basic equipment and supplies ranging from radios and vehicles to uniforms.

Continue reading "Marines Waiting on Basic Supplies" »

July 15, 2009

Expeditionary chaplain maintains battalion’s spiritual readiness

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Imagine having thousands of brothers and sisters. Imagine how worried you’d be about whether they’re comfortable, safe or taking care of themselves.

Continue reading "Expeditionary chaplain maintains battalion’s spiritual readiness" »

In the Heat of Afghanistan, Shades of Iraq

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Rising insurgency, rules of engagement, roadside bombs ... there’s something about Afghanistan that looks, sounds and feels like Iraq.

Continue reading "In the Heat of Afghanistan, Shades of Iraq" »

July 13, 2009

Afghans Unite to Maintain Lifeline

GARMSIR, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — The Helmand River is the one major source of water in this desert region, and when a portion of that supply is diverted, it causes problems for entire communities.

Continue reading "Afghans Unite to Maintain Lifeline" »

Crooked Afghan police challenge Marines

By David Guttenfelder and Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jul 13, 2009 17:00:10 EDT

AYNAK, Afghanistan — Afghan villagers had complained to the Marines for days: The police are the problem, not the Taliban. They steal from villagers and beat them. Days later, the Marines learned firsthand what the villagers meant.

Continue reading "Crooked Afghan police challenge Marines" »

July 12, 2009

A Fight for Ordinary Peace

U.S. Marines deployed across an Afghan river valley are waging war on insurgents not by targeting their bases but, rather, by protecting communities.

NAWA, Afghanistan -- Most of the mud-brick stalls that line the street in this sweltering town on the Helmand River closed down a year ago when Taliban fighters began swaggering through the bazaar, levying taxes on merchants and seeding the roads with homemade bombs. Shopkeepers placed their wares behind padlocked tin doors, teachers shuttered the school, the doctor abandoned the health clinic and residents with means fled to other parts of southern Afghanistan

Continue reading "A Fight for Ordinary Peace" »

Isolated US convoys in Afghanistan ambush targets

KOSHTAY, Afghanistan (AFP) — Stranded for three days on a single stretch of road in southern Afghanistan, the US Marines wondered why they had not been ambushed by the Taliban -- and then finally the attack came.

Continue reading "Isolated US convoys in Afghanistan ambush targets" »

July 11, 2009

US military offensive bogged by Afghan road mines

KOSHTAY, Afghanistan (AFP) – For the route clearance team of US Marines, another tense night crammed inside their armoured vehicles was proof that winning control of Afghanistan's roads would not be easy.

Continue reading "US military offensive bogged by Afghan road mines" »

July 10, 2009

2nd MEB makes gains, expects more fighting

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 10, 2009 18:02:51 EDT

After seven days of seizing poppy-rich areas of southern Afghanistan, the Marine Corps is planning a shift to gain the trust of Afghan civilians but expects the Taliban to return and fight for the land, the top Marine commander there said Wednesday.

Continue reading "2nd MEB makes gains, expects more fighting" »

Afghan flag raises above Khan Neshin

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan — The Afghan national flag was raised above Khan Neshin castle in the Rig District Center July 8 for the first time, signaling the arrival of Afghan governance in the southern reaches of Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan flag raises above Khan Neshin" »

July 9, 2009

As Death Toll Rises, Marines Stay Focused in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVICE, Afghanistan — It's the middle of the night at the east corner guard post of Fiddler's Green, a Marine fire base in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, along the border with Pakistan.

Continue reading "As Death Toll Rises, Marines Stay Focused in Afghanistan" »

July 8, 2009

3rd Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment Maintain Umbrella of Security

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When enemy insurgents fire mortars or rockets at U.S. and coalition troops, a long beep resonates and a small blip appears on the screen of counter battery radar Marines.

Continue reading "3rd Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment Maintain Umbrella of Security" »

Marines push militants out of Taliban region

By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 8, 2009 9:59:11 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines trapped Taliban fighters in a residential compound and persuaded the insurgents to allow women and children to leave. The troops then moved in — only to discover that the militants had slipped out, dressed in women’s burqas.

Continue reading "Marines push militants out of Taliban region" »

July 7, 2009

U.S. Marines Patrol Through Mine-littered Battlefield

During the day and night, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Company G bravely patrol through the mine-infested city of Now Zad.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Patrol Through Mine-littered Battlefield" »

Marines secure southernmost point of operations in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — After a 10 hour bumpy, dusty drive through the desert, the United States Marine Corps has now secured the southernmost point of operations in Helmand province and begun construction on what will be the largest combat outpost ever built by Combat Logistics Batallion-8 out of Camp Lejuene, N.C.

Continue reading "Marines secure southernmost point of operations in Afghanistan" »

U.S. Marines Tread Softly in Southern Afghanistan

Can U.S. Marines Fight the Taliban and Win Popular Support in Helmand?

River Liberty was described as an operation. But it had the feel of an invasion. U.S. Marines were moving, as an expeditionary force, into the homeland of their enemy, the Taliban.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Tread Softly in Southern Afghanistan" »

July 6, 2009

Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan Gauges Progress in Farah

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – "Everyone always looks forward to going outside the wire on missions," said Army Staff Sgt. John Smith, an infantryman who provides security for Provincial Reconstruction Team-Farah in Afghanistan's Farah province.
"They enjoy meeting the local population and watching the children play.
That's our motivation, to see how happy the children are and that they now have a future ahead of them."

Continue reading "Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan Gauges Progress in Farah" »

'The Enemy has Gone to Ground'

A scorching desert littered with bombs, little contact, an invisible enemy: the Marines who descended on Taliban bastions in southern Afghanistan will have to face guerrilla tactics proven against the Soviets, an analyst says.

Continue reading "'The Enemy has Gone to Ground'" »

July 5, 2009

Marines battle heat, small-arms fire in Afghanistan

NAWA, Afghanistan – Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as columns of U.S. Marines walked for a third day Saturday near this town in southern Afghanistan, but the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right.

Continue reading "Marines battle heat, small-arms fire in Afghanistan" »

Marines Cautiously Optimistic On Afghan Offensive


Four days into the Helmand operation, military officials in Afghanistan say the offensive to break the Taliban's grip on the region has exceeded their own optimistic expectations — in particular, the speed with which the Marines were able to move into the vast Helmand River valley region and clear areas of Taliban and other Islamist insurgents without widespread civilian casualties

Continue reading "Marines Cautiously Optimistic On Afghan Offensive" »

UK medics giving front-line help

A team of medics and nurses who usually treat injured soldiers flown back to the UK are in Afghanistan helping to save the lives of frontline troops.

Continue reading "UK medics giving front-line help" »

July 4, 2009

Marines march in grueling Afghan sun for July 4

NAWA, Afghanistan – Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as the columns of U.S. Marines walked a third straight day across southern Afghanistan. But the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right, with several troops falling victim Saturday to temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Continue reading "Marines march in grueling Afghan sun for July 4" »

Targets On Their Backs, Marines Enter Afghan Town

After final battle briefings, the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment walk for more than a mile across the shin-high sand in Afghanistan that they call "moon dust" to the edge of a helicopter landing pad.
They settle in to catch some sleep — or try to.

Continue reading "Targets On Their Backs, Marines Enter Afghan Town" »

Marines Seek to Cut Taliban Supplies

NAWA, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines pushed deeper into Taliban areas of southern Afghanistan on Friday, seeking to cut insurgent supply lines and win over local elders on the second day of the biggest U.S. military operation here since the American-led invasion of 2001.

Continue reading "Marines Seek to Cut Taliban Supplies" »

2 U.S. Troops Killed in Attack on Base in Afghanistan

KABUL — Taliban militants fired rockets and mortars at a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing two American troops and wounding several more in a two-hour battle, officials said.

Continue reading "2 U.S. Troops Killed in Attack on Base in Afghanistan" »

July 3, 2009

Little Taliban resistance early in operation

By Fisnik Abrashi and Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 3, 2009 11:37:34 EDT

NAWA, Afghanistan — Marines moved into villages in Taliban strongholds in southern Afghanistan on Friday, meeting little resistance as they tried to win over local chiefs on the second day of the biggest American military operation here since the fall of the Taliban government in 2001.

Continue reading "Little Taliban resistance early in operation" »

Marines, Afghan's Continue Operation Khanjar

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers and police are continuing clearing operations in key population centers along the Helmand River valley in an effort to secure the local population from the threat of Taliban and other insurgent intimidation and violence.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan's Continue Operation Khanjar" »

Personal Security From an Outside Perspective

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - The sun was high and the heat was at its peak. The sound of rocks crackling beneath service members' boots, the noise of construction work, and the voices were nowhere to be heard. It was as if time came to a sudden halt.

Continue reading "Personal Security From an Outside Perspective" »

July 2, 2009

Statement on Operation Khanjar From Larry D. Nicholson, Commanding General, Task Force Leatherneck

Today, nearly 4,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors of Task Force Leatherneck, partnered with Afghan national security forces and supported by Task Force Pegasus, the Combat Aviation Brigade of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, conducted a near-simultaneous heliborne and surface insert into the central and southern Helmand River valley. These efforts, combined with closely coordinated U.K. and Dutch operations to our immediate north, will dramatically change and positively impact the security of the Afghan people living in this long-held Taliban heartland.

Continue reading "Statement on Operation Khanjar From Larry D. Nicholson, Commanding General, Task Force Leatherneck" »

Marines Hit Insurgents Behind Lines

NAWA, Afghanistan – Marines took Afghan insurgents by surprise early Thursday morning when they dropped behind their lines to hit them as part of the just-launched major operation against Taliban fighters.

Continue reading "Marines Hit Insurgents Behind Lines" »

Marines Push Into Afghanistan Opium Region in Strike on Taliban

July 2 (Bloomberg) -- Thousands of U.S. Marines drove into a key Taliban opium-growing region in pursuit of the Obama administration’s new focus on securing Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Push Into Afghanistan Opium Region in Strike on Taliban" »

US Marines launch major offensive in Afghanistan

NAWA, AFGHANISTAN — Thousands of U.S. Marines poured from helicopters and armored vehicles into Taliban-controlled villages in southern Afghanistan on Thursday in the first major operation under President Barack Obama's strategy to stabilize the country.

Continue reading "US Marines launch major offensive in Afghanistan" »

Marines exchange fire with Taliban in searing heat

NAWA, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines hiked through searing heat and took fire from small pockets of militants Thursday after landing in this Taliban-controlled southern region of tree-lined fields, mud homes and crisscrossing waterways in the first major operation under President Barack Obama's strategy to stabilize Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines exchange fire with Taliban in searing heat" »

July 1, 2009

U.S. Marines Try to Retake Afghan Valley From Taliban

KABUL, Afghanistan — Almost 4,000 United States Marines, backed by helicopter gunships, pushed into the volatile Helmand River valley in southwestern Afghanistan early Thursday morning to try to take back the region from Taliban fighters whose control of poppy harvests and opium smuggling in Helmand provides major financing for the Afghan insurgency.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Try to Retake Afghan Valley From Taliban" »

First lighter MRAPs for Afghanistan to be fielded in October

By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Online Edition, Wednesday, July 1, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va. — The first lighter versions of MRAP vehicles for Afghanistan should be fielded beginning in October, said Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan, who is in charge of procuring the vehicles for all of the services.

Continue reading "First lighter MRAPs for Afghanistan to be fielded in October" »

June 30, 2009

Stalemate in Afghan town shows task ahead

By Chris Brummitt - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 30, 2009 19:17:11 EDT

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan — Marines patrol slowly along streets laced with land mines and lined with abandoned shops, clinics and homes. As night falls over this Afghan ghost town, the only sounds are the howling of coyotes and the creaking of tin roofs in the wind.


Continue reading "Stalemate in Afghan town shows task ahead" »

June 25, 2009

Kyrgyzstan Ratifies U.S. Base Accord

MOSCOW — Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament ratified an agreement on Thursday to allow the United States to maintain operations at an airport that has become a key support base and transit hub for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Kyrgyzstan Ratifies U.S. Base Accord" »

June 23, 2009

Military Moves High-Tech Tools to Afghanistan

On Saturday at 9:45 p.m., an American unmanned aerial vehicle, complete with streaming-video equipment, circled over an area in Afghanistan's Khost province and transmitted photographs of three people, including one who was digging in a roadway, apparently to plant an improvised explosive device.

Continue reading "Military Moves High-Tech Tools to Afghanistan" »

June 22, 2009

Marines Train To Conquer Taliban, Their Own Fears

All Things Considered
June 22, 2009 · The Marines known as "America's Battalion" are in Afghanistan as part of the 21,000 additional forces President Obama is deploying in the administration's strategy to counter the Taliban insurgency. NPR is following the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment over the months of their deployment, focusing on the efforts of these Marines in Afghanistan and the burden shared by their families back home.

Continue reading "Marines Train To Conquer Taliban, Their Own Fears" »

Firefight shows challenge for U.S.

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan — Missiles, machine guns and strafing runs from fighter jets destroyed much of a Taliban compound, but the insurgents had a final surprise for a pair of U.S. Marines who pushed into the smoldering building just before nightfall.

Continue reading "Firefight shows challenge for U.S." »

June 21, 2009

Afghan firefight shows challenge for US troops

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan -- The vehicles were heading to inspect a suspected tunnel when the Taliban struck, firing mortars that landed close by. Machine gunners atop the vehicles and troops in an open-sided truck scanned the scene for plumes from weapons fire.

Continue reading "Afghan firefight shows challenge for US troops" »

A Change in Mission

Lt. Arthur Karell and his Marine battalion were sent to Now Zad, Afghanistan, to train Afghan police. Instead, they had to fight the insurgents who had taken over the town.

By Kristin Henderson
Sunday, June 21, 2009

"Fix bayonets."

Continue reading "A Change in Mission" »

June 16, 2009

In Afghan Heat, Marines Prepare For The Storm

All Things Considered

The Marines known as "America's Battalion" are in Afghanistan as part of the 21,000 additional forces President Obama is deploying in the administration's strategy to counter the Taliban insurgency. NPR is following the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment over the months of their deployment, focusing on the efforts of these Marines in Afghanistan and the burden shared by their families back home.

Continue reading "In Afghan Heat, Marines Prepare For The Storm" »

June 9, 2009

Afghan surge changes game, commander says

By Chris Brummitt - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 9, 2009 17:32:56 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Newly arrived U.S. forces in southern Afghanistan will target insurgents crossing into the country from Pakistan and be a “game changer” in a region long dominated by the Taliban, a top commander said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Afghan surge changes game, commander says" »

Marines fan out across Afghan south

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Teams of builders worked through dust storms Monday to expand a base for a brigade of U.S. Marines now fanning out across southern Afghanistan to change the course of a war claiming American lives faster than ever before.

Continue reading "Marines fan out across Afghan south" »

June 8, 2009

2nd MEB Marines begin Afghanistan ops

7,000 Marines represent first wave of troops ordered Afghanistan by Obama

By Chris Brummitt - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 8, 2009 8:41:26 EDT

CAMP LEATHERHEAD, Afghanistan — Some 7,000 of the new U.S. troops ordered to Afghanistan are fanning out across the dangerous Afghan south on a mission to defeat the Taliban insurgency and to change the course of a war claiming American lives at a record pace.

Continue reading "2nd MEB Marines begin Afghanistan ops" »

June 1, 2009

Isle Marines join Afghan force

More than 1,000 Kaneohe Marines became part last week of the 10,000-member Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, which will beef up counterinsurgency operations with Afghan forces in the southwestern part of the country. They will also train local army and police officers.

Continue reading "Isle Marines join Afghan force" »

May 26, 2009

Kittanning grad offers insider's view on Afghanistan

John Brochetti was happy to hear his son's voice for the first time in two months Friday.

Continue reading "Kittanning grad offers insider's view on Afghanistan" »

May 25, 2009

Stalemate

A single company of U.S. Marines is slugging it out with the Taliban in Afghanistan’s toughest ghost town. The battle shows how limited troop numbers have hurt the war—and why the U.S. is changing its strategy.

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan

In a war over hearts and minds, Now Zad has neither.

Continue reading "Stalemate" »

May 18, 2009

Emotional Goodbye For Afghanistan-Bound Marines

The Marines known as "America's Battalion" are heading to Afghanistan. They are part of the 21,000 additional forces President Obama is deploying in the administration's new strategy for the war effort in Afghanistan. The mission of these Marines will take them to places American forces have rarely been in large numbers. Over the months of their deployment, NPR will focus on the people — the Marines and their families — who will carry the fight in Afghanistan and the burden of keeping life together at home.

Continue reading "Emotional Goodbye For Afghanistan-Bound Marines" »

May 12, 2009

Marines, Afghan National Police Stay Vigilant in Southern Afghanistan

BAKWA, Afghanistan – Through binoculars, a Marine spotted suspicious men in the distance. Over the radio, he passed the word. The security convoy circled around and pushed up to investigate. As they moved in closer, shots rang out from the ridge ahead, May 4.

Continue reading "Marines, Afghan National Police Stay Vigilant in Southern Afghanistan" »

May 9, 2009

Brigade buildup - 2nd MEB will have 8,000 Marines in Afghanistan by month’s end

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday May 9, 2009 9:12:40 EDT

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — When Lance Cpl. Ambar Clayton boarded a bus April 30 to begin her journey to Afghanistan, she was armed with an M16 and only a trace of anxiety.

Continue reading "Brigade buildup - 2nd MEB will have 8,000 Marines in Afghanistan by month’s end" »

May 8, 2009

Afghan-bound GIs Surge Ahead of Gear

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Thousands of U.S. troops are being rushed to Afghanistan without the equipment they will need to fight an emboldened Taliban, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and military officials said Thursday.

Continue reading "Afghan-bound GIs Surge Ahead of Gear" »

May 7, 2009

Taleban grip on Helmand remains strong after eight years of war

Eight years after the Taleban were toppled from power, with hundreds of millions of pounds spent and more than 150 British lives lost in trying to defeat them, they still have a pervasive influence in the heartlands of Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Taleban grip on Helmand remains strong after eight years of war" »

May 6, 2009

Construction Crews in Southern Afghanistan Prepare for Troop Increase

KABUL, Afghanistan – Expansion efforts are well under way as the majority of the 21,000 troops deploying to Afghanistan this summer will be concentrated in the southern region.

Continue reading "Construction Crews in Southern Afghanistan Prepare for Troop Increase" »

May 1, 2009

Marines Construct World's Largest Aircraft Combat Parking Expansion in Afghanistan

CAMP BASTION, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – From dawn until dusk, a unit of Marines works diligently preparing an aircraft parking expansion to support the scheduled increase of U.S. Marines and service members in the southern region of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, May 1.

Continue reading "Marines Construct World's Largest Aircraft Combat Parking Expansion in Afghanistan" »

April 30, 2009

A Young Marine’s Dream Job

FIREBASE VIMOTO, Afghanistan — Three stone houses and a cluster of sandbagged bunkers cling to a slope above the Korangal Valley, forming an oval perimeter roughly 75 yards long. The oval is reinforced with timber and ringed with concertina wire

Continue reading "A Young Marine’s Dream Job" »

April 28, 2009

Defense Secretary Gates visits Marines before Afghanistan deployment

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met with Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, April 23, as thousands of them prepare to deploy to Southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Defense Secretary Gates visits Marines before Afghanistan deployment" »

April 10, 2009

McKiernan, Afghans in Pre-surge Talks

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The top U.S. general in Afghanistan reached out to influential Afghan tribesmen in regions where U.S. troops will soon deploy, apologizing for past mistakes and saying he is now studying the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Continue reading "McKiernan, Afghans in Pre-surge Talks" »

April 9, 2009

Marines prep for possible second surge to Afghanistan

President Barack Obama is spending this holiday weekend weighing what to do in Afghanistan, the rugged Asian nation where the war against the hard-line Taliban and al-Qaida has raged for nearly a decade.

Continue reading "Marines prep for possible second surge to Afghanistan" »

April 6, 2009

Civil Affairs, Provincial Reconstruction Teams Assist 3/8, Improve Southern Afghanistan

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan

GOLESTAN, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ? The generosity of foreign aid has found its way to the isolated villages of one southern Afghan province through the hands of the provincial government with the help of Marines.

Continue reading "Civil Affairs, Provincial Reconstruction Teams Assist 3/8, Improve Southern Afghanistan" »

April 4, 2009

Female patrol finds unlikely new ‘sisters’

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Apr 4, 2009 8:19:28 EDT

Marines often speak of brotherhood, but in a remote Afghan village a sisterhood has been born.

Continue reading "Female patrol finds unlikely new ‘sisters’" »

March 30, 2009

Afghan strategy a matter of trust

BAKWA, Afghanistan — Haji Gran, a 70-year-old poppy and wheat farmer, wants a pump for his well.

Continue reading "Afghan strategy a matter of trust" »

March 23, 2009

Robots Take Center Stage in U.S. War in Afghanistan

The U.S. military is calling out the "BigDogs" in addition to its big guns as it deploys more troops to fight terrorists in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Robots Take Center Stage in U.S. War in Afghanistan" »

March 13, 2009

Lioness Program ‘pride’ of the Corps

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — When the focus of military operations in Iraq shifted from direct combat actions to stabilization and peacekeeping missions, Marines in combat units manning tactical control points throughout the country began using search and seizure methods to capture insurgents trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband through the checkpoints.

Continue reading "Lioness Program ‘pride’ of the Corps" »

March 12, 2009

Brigade needs more Afghan forces

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 12, 2009 18:36:08 EDT

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Among the biggest challenges the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade faces when it enters Afghanistan this spring will be the lack of Afghan security forces in its area of operations, the MEB’s new commander said Monday.

Continue reading "Brigade needs more Afghan forces" »

March 10, 2009

2,300 Marines, sailors to deploy to Afghanistan

CAMP PENDLETON — More than 2,300 Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms will deploy to Afghanistan in the coming weeks, Marine officials said yesterday.

Continue reading "2,300 Marines, sailors to deploy to Afghanistan" »

March 9, 2009

Camp Pendleton units get Afghanistan assignment

Marine force will be led by Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson

CAMP PENDLETON ---- About 1,400 Camp Pendleton Marines and sailors have been ordered to join the fight in Afghanistan this spring, the first large-scale deployment from this base to that country since the 2001 U.S. invasion.

Continue reading "Camp Pendleton units get Afghanistan assignment" »

A Few Good Women: All-female Marine Team Conducts First Mission in Southern Afghanistan

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, now have a special group of individuals to help them complete their mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "A Few Good Women: All-female Marine Team Conducts First Mission in Southern Afghanistan" »

March 8, 2009

'Accomplishing the mission' in Afghanistan

As 8,000 Marines and sailors prepare to deploy to southern Afghanistan as part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, the commander of the Camp Lejeune-based infantry unit that has been serving in southern Afghanistan since November says they have made important gains even while suffering difficult losses.

Continue reading "'Accomplishing the mission' in Afghanistan" »

Afghan National Police, Marines Execute Cordon and Search in Southern Afghanistan

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Members of the Afghan national police and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, successfully completed their first major mission in support of Operation Pathfinder, Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police, Marines Execute Cordon and Search in Southern Afghanistan" »

March 5, 2009

Afghan National Police, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment Conduct Operation Pathfinder in Southern Afghanistan

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The Afghan national police joined forces with the U.S. Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, to execute Operation Pathfinder, Jan. 28 - March 7, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment Conduct Operation Pathfinder in Southern Afghanistan" »

February 26, 2009

Where the Buffalo Roams - Bonecrusher Relentlessly Searches Out Improvised Explosive Devices

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – (February 26, 2009) He sat and pondered the question, “What is the best part of your job?”

Continue reading "Where the Buffalo Roams - Bonecrusher Relentlessly Searches Out Improvised Explosive Devices" »

February 18, 2009

More Troops Headed to Afghanistan

Obama Boosting U.S. Force by Nearly 50% to Address 'Deteriorating Situation'

President Obama has ordered the first combat deployments of his presidency, saying yesterday that he had authorized an additional 17,000 U.S. troops "to stabilize a deteriorating situation" in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "More Troops Headed to Afghanistan" »

February 17, 2009

Putting Stamp on Afghan War, Obama Will Send 17,000 Troops

WASHINGTON — President Obama said Tuesday that he would send an additional 17,000 American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, putting his stamp firmly on a war that he has long complained is going in the wrong direction.

Continue reading "Putting Stamp on Afghan War, Obama Will Send 17,000 Troops" »

DoD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment

Pursuant to President Obama’s decision today, Secretary Gates ordered the deployment of two additional combat units, totaling more than 12,000 troops, to Afghanistan. The 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), from Camp Lejeune, N.C., with approximately 8,000 Marines will deploy to Afghanistan in late Spring 2009.

Continue reading "DoD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment" »

February 3, 2009

Afghan National Police, Marines Show Presence in Delaram Marketplace

DELARAM, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Afghan national policemen and U.S. Marines patrolled together through the marketplace of the district center of Delaram, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in search of illegal activity and contraband Jan. 24.

Continue reading "Afghan National Police, Marines Show Presence in Delaram Marketplace" »

January 31, 2009

Marines build new outposts in Afghanistan

Staff report
Posted : Saturday Jan 31, 2009 9:50:39 EST

Marines in Afghanistan’s Farah province have built three new combat outposts along a 27-mile stretch of Route 515, according to a Marine news release.

Continue reading "Marines build new outposts in Afghanistan" »

January 27, 2009

Embedded with the Marines in Afghanistan

The crumbling wall of the parapet on the northwestern corner on the ancient caravanserai was built up with sandbags and topped with concertina wire. The long barrel of a .50 caliber machine gun (M2, or Ma Deuce as she is affectionately called) points north across the desert toward a very small mud-walled village 1000 yards out and a few smaller walled compounds more or less the same distance out. Sharply rising Afghan mountains here in Farah Province are about four miles beyond the village. This southern province touches Iran to the west and a corner of Helmand Province to the southeast, where abundant poppy farming produces 60 percent to 90 percent of the world’s heroin and where the Taliban flourish for an obvious reason, drug money.

Continue reading "Embedded with the Marines in Afghanistan" »

January 25, 2009

Marines of 3/8 Clear Southern Afghanistan’s Deadly Route 515

Marines and Sailors of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 3 successfully completed Operation Gateway III, Dec. 28, 2008, through Jan. 25, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and Sailors of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 3 successfully completed Operation Gateway III, Dec. 28, 2008, through Jan. 25, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines of 3/8 Clear Southern Afghanistan’s Deadly Route 515" »

January 2, 2009

U.S. readying Afghan surge against Taliban

By Jason Straziuso and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 2, 2009 6:57:44 EST

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The U.S. is preparing to pour at least 20,000 extra troops into southern Afghanistan to cope with a Taliban insurgency that is fiercer than NATO leaders expected.

Continue reading "U.S. readying Afghan surge against Taliban" »

December 24, 2008

Mullen Uses Trip to Assess Situation in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2008 – The highest-ranking U.S. military officer often says he learns as much from the troops as he does from commanders.

Continue reading "Mullen Uses Trip to Assess Situation in Afghanistan" »

December 22, 2008

Chairman of Joint Chiefs Visits Marines, Sailors in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen visited Marines and Sailors deployed to Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21.

Continue reading "Chairman of Joint Chiefs Visits Marines, Sailors in Afghanistan" »

‘We drove them from the battlefield’

Marines overcome 8-to-1 odds during an 8-hour battle

By Dan Lamothe
[email protected]

The platoon was in a remote area of southwestern Afghanistan when it happened — the kind of massive ambush and firefight that is the stuff of Marine legend.

Continue reading "‘We drove them from the battlefield’" »

December 17, 2008

Marine Unit Leading Afghan Troop Boost

It's a tough neighborhood for coalition forces in southern Afghanistan. While moving through the historical home of the Taliban and its putative leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, American and NATO troops have been increasingly bruised by fighters from the resurgent movement who attack, run and lay ambushes nearly at will.

Continue reading "Marine Unit Leading Afghan Troop Boost" »

December 11, 2008

Marines Shift Focus to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON - As the need for Marines in Iraq winds down, their top general says he would like to shift his troops to Afghanistan, perhaps in numbers small enough to allow a less punishing pace of combat tours.

Continue reading "Marines Shift Focus to Afghanistan" »

December 7, 2008

2/7 to complete return from Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 7, 2008 10:25:15 EST

Marines with the hardest hit battalion in the Corps this year are expected to return from southern Afghanistan late this week, Marine officials said.

Continue reading "2/7 to complete return from Afghanistan" »

For Marines, Mission Of Mentoring Turned Hot

The Marines of the Two-Seven were not even supposed to deploy to Afghanistan. Their original destination was Iraq, and when they were sent here in April as a stopgap measure to help an overwhelmed NATO force, the plan had been to spend the time mentoring Afghan national police.

Continue reading "For Marines, Mission Of Mentoring Turned Hot" »

December 3, 2008

Marines Prevailed in a Day of Battle

It started out just like any other patrol in a war-ravaged Afghan province.

Continue reading "Marines Prevailed in a Day of Battle" »

November 24, 2008

Corps mulls training for Afghanistan fight

By Gidget Fuentes
[email protected]

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The planned shift of combat forces from dusty Iraq to mountainous Afghanistan will reshape predeployment train­ing for many Marine battalions, according to the Corps’ top officer.

Continue reading "Corps mulls training for Afghanistan fight" »

November 22, 2008

Marines got more than they bargained for in Afghanistan

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment of the 1st Marine Division -- the Two-Seven -- never expected to deploy to Afghanistan, much less see heavy combat.

Reporting from Forward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan -- The Marines of the Two-Seven were not even supposed to deploy to Afghanistan. Their original destination was Iraq, and when they were sent here in April as a stopgap measure to help an overwhelmed NATO force, the plan had been to spend the time mentoring Afghan national police.

Continue reading "Marines got more than they bargained for in Afghanistan" »

November 19, 2008

MILITARY: 'Nothing won yet' in Afghanistan

As deployments ends, Marine colonel says much work remains

CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan ---- Lt. Col. Rick Hall says that after more than seven months in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps forces "haven't won anything yet."

Continue reading "MILITARY: 'Nothing won yet' in Afghanistan" »

November 16, 2008

Marines’ heroic actions at Shewan leave more than 50 insurgents dead, several wounded

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In the city of Shewan, approximately 250 insurgents ambushed 30 Marines and paid a heavy price for it.

Continue reading "Marines’ heroic actions at Shewan leave more than 50 insurgents dead, several wounded" »

November 7, 2008

What’s next in Afghanistan

Deploying Marines should expect more winter combat as they work to maintain stability

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 7, 2008 6:38:42 EST

It hasn’t been easy for 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines.

Continue reading "What’s next in Afghanistan" »

November 5, 2008

Hard-hit 2/7 begins return from Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Nov 5, 2008 9:41:23 EST

The Marine battalion that experienced more casualties than any other unit in the Corps this year has begun returning home from southern Afghanistan, a unit spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Hard-hit 2/7 begins return from Afghanistan" »

Marines, ANP fight side-by-side to combat terrorism

BALA BALUK, Farah Province, Afghanistan (November 5, 2008) — Bala Baluk, a place where insurgents frequently terrorized Afghan residents, is now much safer due to the cooperative efforts of U.S. Marines and the Afghan National Police (ANP).

Continue reading "Marines, ANP fight side-by-side to combat terrorism" »

October 28, 2008

Pleasant Valley native killed in Afghanistan

First Lt. Trevor Yurista, 31, died when an improvised explosive device exploded near him while he was on duty in a remote region of Afghanistan, his father, Ronald Yurista, said.

Continue reading "Pleasant Valley native killed in Afghanistan" »

October 27, 2008

Afghans residents improve community with Marines’ support

FARAH PROVINCE, Delaram, Afghanistan — Until just recently, local residents here in Delaram have been deprived of clean drinking water.

Continue reading "Afghans residents improve community with Marines’ support" »

October 25, 2008

Marine amputee returns to combat after near death experience

CAMP BARBER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — There was blood in the water. It was a grim addition to the Iraqi sewage canal usually littered with dead sheep and festering fish.
That’s where the Marines of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division found their comrade after the attack.

Continue reading "Marine amputee returns to combat after near death experience" »

October 21, 2008

Marching to the ‘sound of the guns’ – more Marines deploy to Afghanistan

CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan – When it was announced that more Marines were needed to support Task Force 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Afghanistan, close to 300 Marines raised their hands and volunteered.

Continue reading "Marching to the ‘sound of the guns’ – more Marines deploy to Afghanistan" »

October 18, 2008

24th MEU returns from the forgotten battlefield; completes Afghanistan combat tour

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. — It’s over for 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines. No more mid-day patrols in 150 degree heat or endless gusts of powder-like sand. No more sleeping on humvee hoods or in some Afghan villager’s bombed out compound. Marines began returning home following an eight-month deployment to southern Afghanistan today.

Continue reading "24th MEU returns from the forgotten battlefield; completes Afghanistan combat tour" »

October 17, 2008

Enemy Engagements Decrease for Marines in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2008 – As the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment continues to enhance security in Afghanistan, Marines there are experiencing decreased enemy engagements, the battalion’s commander said yesterday.

Continue reading "Enemy Engagements Decrease for Marines in Afghanistan" »

October 7, 2008

STP extends the ‘golden hour’ to keep Marines in the fight

HELMAND PROVINCE, Now Zad, Afghanistan -- Corpsman Up! It’s a simple phrase used by Marines in combat to let corpsmen fighting alongside them know they need help, and FAST.

Continue reading "STP extends the ‘golden hour’ to keep Marines in the fight" »

October 1, 2008

Marines aid in efforts to educate Afghan youths

FARAH PROVINCE, DELARAM, Afghanistan — School officials here were only hours away from reopening a boys’ school when Taliban members crept to the school site at night and etched death threats into the newly-constructed concrete walls.

Continue reading "Marines aid in efforts to educate Afghan youths" »

September 16, 2008

DoD announces new Afghanistan rotation

By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 16, 2008 9:57:26 EDT

Up to 2,000 Marines will deploy to Afghanistan in November to replace the 3,400 leathernecks scheduled to return home in the coming months, the Defense Department announced Monday.

Continue reading "DoD announces new Afghanistan rotation" »

September 15, 2008

Defense Department Announces New Forces for Afghanistan Mission

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2008 – The Defense Department announced today the deployment of two additional units to Afghanistan, following up on President Bush’s announcement last week that he will beef up the U.S. presence there while reducing it in Iraq.

Continue reading "Defense Department Announces New Forces for Afghanistan Mission" »

Petraeus: More than force needed in Afghanistan

By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 15, 2008 8:17:19 EDT

BAGHDAD — Gen. David Petraeus said Sunday that experience in Iraq shows it will take political and economic progress as well as military action to tackle increased violence in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Petraeus: More than force needed in Afghanistan" »

US to boost military presence in Afghanistan by 1,800

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US military presence in Afghanistan will grow by a maximum of 1,800 troops by the end of January, AFP has calculated, based on figures provided by the Pentagon Monday.

Continue reading "US to boost military presence in Afghanistan by 1,800" »

September 10, 2008

Marines Assault Taliban Stronghold

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines along with coalition forces carried out an assault on a Taliban-held compound in Now Zad, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Assault Taliban Stronghold" »

September 9, 2008

MARCENT commander praises TF 2/7 for making history in Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Lieutenant Gen. Samuel T. Helland is keeping a watchful eye on his Marines, particularly those currently fighting in the war against terrorism.

Continue reading "MARCENT commander praises TF 2/7 for making history in Afghanistan" »

Marines plan next moves after Anbar success

By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 9, 2008 19:44:48 EDT

With the Corps’ mission in Iraq’s Anbar province all but stamped with the seal of success, Commandant Gen. James Conway is again positioning his service to take on a larger role in fighting a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, where about 3,500 Marines have fought throughout much of 2008.

Continue reading "Marines plan next moves after Anbar success" »

September 8, 2008

Communication enables Marines to conduct successful Afghanistan operations

HELMAND PROVINCE, CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan — “Eighty ones, we are receiving small arms fire. Request air support!” the radioman shouts.

Continue reading "Communication enables Marines to conduct successful Afghanistan operations" »

2-star sees slow win in Afghanistan

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 8, 2008 12:33:38 EDT

WASHINGTON — U.S.-led forces are achieving a “slow win” in Afghanistan, but the less-than-decisive approach must be accelerated soon, a key American commander there said Friday.

Continue reading "2-star sees slow win in Afghanistan" »

Marines turn Afghan town over to British, Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines who took back a key town in southern Afghanistan from Taliban militants in an operation earlier this year turned over responsibility for the area to British and Afghan forces on Monday.

Continue reading "Marines turn Afghan town over to British, Afghans" »

September 6, 2008

U.S. needs more troops in Afghanistan, commander says

But with Petraeus set to recommend slowing the drawdown in Iraq, more forces are unlikely to be available soon to deal with rising bloodshed.

WASHINGTON -- A top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said Friday that he needed thousands of additional troops to combat violence along the border with Pakistan, a requirement that appears to be at odds with recommendations from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus on future troop levels in Iraq.

Continue reading "U.S. needs more troops in Afghanistan, commander says" »

Lighter body armor issued for Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Sep 6, 2008 7:23:09 EDT

The Corps has introduced a new alternative to the body armor Marines wear in combat.

Continue reading "Lighter body armor issued for Afghanistan" »

September 5, 2008

General: US forces to up Afghan winter ops

By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 5, 2008 8:37:21 EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALAGUSH, Afghanistan — American troops in Afghanistan will step up offensive operations this winter because insurgents are increasingly staying in the country to prepare for spring attacks, a U.S. commander told The Associated Press.

Continue reading "General: US forces to up Afghan winter ops" »

September 1, 2008

Marines Stay Focused on Afghan Mission

WASHINGTON – U.S. Marines in Afghanistan face daunting challenges in legitimizing the Afghan police and turning them into an effective counter-terrorist force, but perseverance and focus have served them well, a Marine officer said.

Continue reading "Marines Stay Focused on Afghan Mission" »

U.S. says 220 Taliban killed in Afghanistan's south

KABUL (Reuters) - U.S.-led coalition and Afghan troops killed more than 220 suspected Taliban militants in strikes in southern Afghanistan last week, the U.S. military said on Monday, the biggest insurgent toll reported in recent weeks.

Continue reading "U.S. says 220 Taliban killed in Afghanistan's south" »

August 31, 2008

Ongoing Operation in Afghan Province Kills 220 Enemy Fighters

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2008 – Afghan and coalition forces have killed more than 220 militants during operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province since Aug. 25, military officials reported.

Continue reading "Ongoing Operation in Afghan Province Kills 220 Enemy Fighters" »

August 27, 2008

Top U.S. Marine sees shift from Iraq to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. Marine officer said on Wednesday he could reduce his 25,000-strong force in the former al Qaeda stronghold of Iraq's Anbar province to reinforce military operations against a growing Taliban threat in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Top U.S. Marine sees shift from Iraq to Afghanistan" »

August 23, 2008

A Hairy Fight

As the military considers an Afghanistan 'surge', the head of the U.S. Marines pays a visit, and finds that far more troops are needed on the ground.

When Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway visited the dusty hinterlands of southern Afghanistan last week, probably the last thing he expected to find was U.S. Marines with full, bushy beards. But there they were, members of the Marines' Special Operations Command unit, known as MarSOC.

Continue reading "A Hairy Fight" »

He’s Chased Al Qaeda From Baghdad. Next: Kandahar.

Gen. David Petraeus has no intention of doing a victory lap on his way out of Iraq. As he heads off next month to take over the U.S. military's Central Command, in charge of Afghanistan as well as Iraq, he leaves a country on the rebound. People in Baghdad feel so safe they are out on the streets at midnight. The scourge of Al Qaeda in Iraq is a spent force. They've lost Anbar province and Baghdad, where at best they can mount a couple of mostly insignificant attacks a day. They've vacated the Sunni Triangle. Virtually the entire Sunni Arab population has turned against them, and nowadays not a single Sunni imam, politician or tribal leader of note inside the country supports them. So why then don't we just say it: Al Qaeda in Iraq has been defeated.

Continue reading "He’s Chased Al Qaeda From Baghdad. Next: Kandahar." »

August 22, 2008

Report From a Forgotten War: Third in a Series

Herat Province, Afghanistan — Our FOX News “War Stories” team has moved to a former Soviet military base in western Afghanistan, about 50 miles from the Iranian border. We’re now with the 207th Afghan Commando Battalion and their U.S. Special Operations Command, Army and Marine counterparts. This remarkable unit celebrated Afghanistan’s 89th Independence Day this week with a capture-kill mission on a Taliban stronghold.

In Khost, 400 miles east of here, near the border with Pakistan, Taliban terrorists observed the anniversary by killing 11 of their countrymen in a suicide car bomb attack against a U.S. base and followed up with a human wave of suicide bombers unsuccessfully storming Camp Salerno.

Continue reading "Report From a Forgotten War: Third in a Series" »

A record turnout

SUBYHAT, Iraq – Marines and Sailors with Task Force 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, conducted a cooperative medical engagement in the Karma and Subyhat areas to assist the local population in receiving medical care August 11th and 12th.

Continue reading "A record turnout" »

Water flows again in Lahib

LAHIB, Iraq – The desert environment can be harsh on crops and livestock without the steady flow of fresh water, and in a place like Iraq, a fresh flow of water is hard to come by.

Continue reading "Water flows again in Lahib" »

August 21, 2008

US general warns of security gap when Marines leave Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Security gains made in southern Afghanistan could suffer if US Marines are pulled out later this year without replacements, the head of the Marine Corps has warned.

Continue reading "US general warns of security gap when Marines leave Afghanistan" »

August 20, 2008

Changing of the guard; BLT 1/6 trains their replacements for success

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan —
As one of the countless patrols passes through the Garmsir city district, three children stare. They have spotted something unfamiliar in the passersby. Among the Marines are men in different uniforms, different and yet not foreign.

Continue reading "Changing of the guard; BLT 1/6 trains their replacements for success" »

August 19, 2008

Taliban Escalate Fighting With Assault on U.S. Base

BAMIYAN, Afghanistan — Taliban insurgents mounted their most serious attacks in six years of fighting in Afghanistan over the last two days, including a coordinated assault by at least 10 suicide bombers against one of the largest American military bases in the country, and another by about 100 insurgents who killed 10 elite French paratroopers.

Continue reading "Taliban Escalate Fighting With Assault on U.S. Base" »

Pentagon Plans to Send More Than 12,000 Additional Troops to Afghanistan

The U.S. commander there, in an exclusive interview, calls for a further buildup to counter the Taliban

The Pentagon will be sending 12,000 to 15,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, possibly as soon as the end of this year, with planning underway for a further force buildup in 2009.

Continue reading "Pentagon Plans to Send More Than 12,000 Additional Troops to Afghanistan" »

August 17, 2008

Garmsir's resurrection; with the district center secure, focus shifts to improving infrastructure

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan —
With Garmsir’s streets clear of insurgents the next steps in the counterinsurgency campaign, reconstruction and renovation, can begin with the district governor’s priorities including repairs to the irrigation system, and refurbishment of the hospital and schools.

Continue reading "Garmsir's resurrection; with the district center secure, focus shifts to improving infrastructure" »

August 16, 2008

HMM-365 (REIN) aces Afghanistan test

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A CH-53E Sea Stallion flies low over the vastness that is Afghanistan’s red desert. The tail-gunner squats over a machine gun, scanning the horizon as the helicopter pitches and sways. Below, trails of varying size appear with no discernible origin and a lone camel casts a shadow on a sand dune.

Continue reading "HMM-365 (REIN) aces Afghanistan test" »

August 14, 2008

Report From a Forgotten War: Second in a Series

Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — This British-built fortress, perched on a plateau in southwestern Afghanistan, is well named. Surrounded by miles of open desert, the citadel has its own concrete runway, water supply, sewage, electricity, Level 3 Trauma Hospital, even fire mains — all constructed in the last 30 months.

Continue reading "Report From a Forgotten War: Second in a Series" »

August 13, 2008

Task Force 2/7 hosts MEDCAP to aid local Afghans

FARAH PROVINCE, Delaram, Afghanistan (Aug. 8, 2008) – U.S. service members recently administered much-needed medical aid to local residents here during a Medical Capabilities (MEDCAP) event.

Continue reading "Task Force 2/7 hosts MEDCAP to aid local Afghans" »

Marine from Gig Harbor promoted in Afghanistan

Mom uses Web site to help ease worries of her son’s safety

Trish Doherty of Gig Harbor is a proud but worried mother of a U.S. Marine who is serving at the newly established Camp Barber in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine from Gig Harbor promoted in Afghanistan" »

US Marines turn to social, detective work after assault

Garmsir, Afghanistan - "We are going to get bombarded when we reach that compound," a US Marine sergeant warns the patrol. Seeing the puzzled look on a reporter's face - the fighting is supposed to have finished - another explains: "Not by the Taliban, by compensation claimants."We don't even reach the compound before they start to appear, emerging from the cornfields with claim papers in hand, speeding towards the patrol from all sides like hungry velociraptors closing in on Sam Neill's group of explorers in Jurassic Park.

Continue reading "US Marines turn to social, detective work after assault" »

August 7, 2008

Report From a Forgotten War

Helmand Province, Afghanistan — First in a series

Helmand Province, Afghanistan – To Americans of my generation and older, Korea is “The Forgotten War.” For this generation, it’s Afghanistan – or to be precise, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Continue reading "Report From a Forgotten War" »

August 5, 2008

Sailor's promotion is small step in a long road

TAMPA — Ivonne Thompson leaned over an ironing board Sunday night and unfurled her husband's fatigues, ready to press them neatly for his promotion ceremony the next day.

Continue reading "Sailor's promotion is small step in a long road" »

Marines ordered to stay longer in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has ordered roughly 1,250 Marines serving as trainers for the Afghan security forces to stay on the warfront almost a month longer to continue a mission that military leaders say is a top priority, according to a senior military official.

Continue reading "Marines ordered to stay longer in Afghanistan" »

Pentagon orders about 1,250 Marine trainers to stay in Afghanistan for an extra 30 days

The Pentagon has ordered roughly 1,250 Marines serving as trainers for the Afghan security forces to stay on the warfront almost a month longer to continue a mission that military leaders say is a top priority, according to a senior military official.

Continue reading "Pentagon orders about 1,250 Marine trainers to stay in Afghanistan for an extra 30 days" »

July 24, 2008

U.S. Marines Take On the Taliban in Afghanistan

GARMSIR, AFGHANISTAN—At this spartan combat outpost in the heart of Helmand province, U.S. marines are preparing for what may be their toughest fight yet. Under the cover of darkness, they will push out to take up positions for a battle that they hope will break up a key Taliban stronghold in what is currently one of the most dangerous regions in the country.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines Take On the Taliban in Afghanistan" »

July 23, 2008

Senior Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan

KABUL: British forces killed a Taliban leader, while another Taliban commander in the southern Afghanistan surrendered to the Pakistani authorities, the British Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Senior Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan" »

July 22, 2008

Taliban leader surrenders

THE Taliban has been dealt a crippling blow after their leader in Helmand province surrendered – fearing the SBS were about to kill him next.

Continue reading "Taliban leader surrenders" »

Taliban leader surrenders

THE Taliban has been dealt a crippling blow after their leader in Helmand province surrendered – fearing the SBS were about to kill him next.

Continue reading "Taliban leader surrenders" »

July 21, 2008

Operation Azada Wosa: Recounting the 24th MEU's progress in Garmsir

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Soon after changing deployment plans in mid-January and arriving in Afghanistan mid-March, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit began planning for counterinsurgency operations in southern Afghanistan, specifically focusing on the Garmsir District of Helmand Province.

Continue reading "Operation Azada Wosa: Recounting the 24th MEU's progress in Garmsir" »

Clearlake Marine dies in Afghanistan

CLEARLAKE – A young Clearlake Marine died Monday after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan, becoming Lake County's first military casualty of the war in the Middle East.

Continue reading "Clearlake Marine dies in Afghanistan" »

Lake County man dies in Afghanistan

CLEARLAKE -- Our nation's war on terrorism has struck home. A devastating call was received by a mother in the community early Monday morning informing her that her son was killed in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Lake County man dies in Afghanistan" »

Officer with 24th MEU dies in Afghanistan

WOODLYN, N.J. — When 1st Lt. Jason Mann joined the Marines 11 years ago, his mom, Alfina, was nervous.

Continue reading "Officer with 24th MEU dies in Afghanistan" »

July 13, 2008

Garmsir bazaar back in business

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The sound of children playing and merchants price haggling fills the bustling Garmsir district bazaar, a stark contrast from what was here two months ago.

Continue reading "Garmsir bazaar back in business" »

July 12, 2008

Afghan border police on patrol with U.S. Marines

GARMSIR, Afghanistan, July 12 (Reuters) - "Do you know who these men are?" a U.S. Marine asks residents, gesturing to Afghan border police near the recently captured town of Garmsir. But the answer is always "no", no one has ever seen the force before.

Continue reading "Afghan border police on patrol with U.S. Marines" »

July 11, 2008

Chairman Commends Marines for Impact, New Mission

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 11, 2008 – The U.S. military’s top-ranking officer met today with U.S. Marines based just northwest of here who are charged with the “critical, top-priority mission” of training the Afghan National Police.

Continue reading "Chairman Commends Marines for Impact, New Mission" »

July 7, 2008

Afghanistan tour extended for 24th MEU

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 7, 2008 10:29:29 EDT

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s deployment in Afghanistan has been extended an additional 30 days, despite repeated claims by Pentagon officials that the deployment would not extend beyond seven months.

Continue reading "Afghanistan tour extended for 24th MEU" »

July 5, 2008

Marines act as paymasters to Afghans

In the wake of their offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province, the U.S. troops reimburse civilians for property damage.

GARMSER, AFGHANISTAN -- Gola Akar, a black-bearded farmer, did not seem certain whether a monthlong Marine assault here had improved or retarded his business prospects.

Continue reading "Marines act as paymasters to Afghans" »

July 4, 2008

24th MEU tour extended a month

Mother of Lejeune corporal is disappointed by the news

As word spread throughout the community and country that the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's stay in Afghanistan will be extended, families of those deployed dealt with the heartache of not seeing their loved ones as soon as they'd hoped.

Continue reading "24th MEU tour extended a month" »

July 3, 2008

Pentagon extends tour of Marines in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon has extended the tour of 2,200 Marines in Afghanistan, after insisting for months the unit would come home on time.

Continue reading "Pentagon extends tour of Marines in Afghanistan" »

U.S. Grants NATO Request to Extend Marine Unit’s Afghanistan Tour

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved a NATO-led International Security Assistance Force request that the 2,200 Marines of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit remain in Afghanistan a month longer than planned.

Continue reading "U.S. Grants NATO Request to Extend Marine Unit’s Afghanistan Tour" »

June 26, 2008

Fallen DuPage Marine to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery

U.S. Marine Dawid Pietrek, who gave his life for a country that was not yet his own, will be buried with military honors alongside other American heroes.

Continue reading "Fallen DuPage Marine to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery" »

After Long Exile, Afghan Returns to Aid U.S. Marines

June 26, 2008 · At 53, Abdul Torabi is a soft-spoken man with gray hair, a short gray beard and a quiet chuckle. He was born in Afghanistan, but has lived most of his life in exile in America.

Continue reading "After Long Exile, Afghan Returns to Aid U.S. Marines" »

In the Province of Poppies and R.P.G.s

(6/26/2008) Every marine prepares for battle in his own way. These were the Marines of Alpha Company, Third Platoon, First Battalion of the Sixth Marines. They were preparing for a fight.

Continue reading "In the Province of Poppies and R.P.G.s" »

At least 7 deaths in one week for battalion

Staff and wire reports
Posted : Thursday Jun 26, 2008 8:06:15 EDT

A sergeant was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, bringing the number of confirmed casualties in 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, to at least seven in less than one week.

Continue reading "At least 7 deaths in one week for battalion" »

June 25, 2008

Marines in Afghanistan Weigh In on a Life at War

All Things Considered, June 25, 2008 · When compared to Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan is often described as the forgotten war.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan Weigh In on a Life at War" »

Marines Try to Improve Image in Taliban Stronghold

It has been a month and a half since a force of some 1,500 U.S. Marines attacked the Taliban stronghold of Garmsir district in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines Try to Improve Image in Taliban Stronghold" »

June 24, 2008

Marines make headway in southern Afghan town

By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 8:46:23 EDT

GARMSER, Afghanistan — Marines are trading gunfire and artillery shells with Taliban militants in the volatile southern province of Helmand, the world’s largest poppy growing region.

Continue reading "Marines make headway in southern Afghan town" »

June 21, 2008

Injured soldier: I need you to be strong

Family members of a 21-year-old U.S. Marine critically injured in Afghanistan late Thursday have talked with him as he awaits transfer to a hospital in Germany.

Continue reading "Injured soldier: I need you to be strong" »

June 19, 2008

Task Force 2⁄7 dedicates camp after MoH recipient

CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan — The Marines now have a place to call their own.

Continue reading "Task Force 2⁄7 dedicates camp after MoH recipient" »

June 17, 2008

Taliban Prepare for Battle Outside Kandahar as Thousands Flee Area

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan — Taliban militants destroyed bridges and planted mines in several villages they control outside southern Afghanistan's largest city in apparent preparation for battle, residents and officials said Tuesday.

Continue reading "Taliban Prepare for Battle Outside Kandahar as Thousands Flee Area" »

Afghanistan Readies for Battle?

Afghan Army on High Alert After Increased Activity by Taliban Militants

Afghanistan's army chief, Gen. Bismillah Khan, is in Kandahar preparing his men for a potentially major battle with the Taliban.

Continue reading "Afghanistan Readies for Battle?" »

June 14, 2008

Bomb Kills 4 US Troops in Afghanistan

Roadside bomb kills 4 US troops training police in Afghanistan

A roadside bomb exploded near a U.S. military vehicle on Saturday, killing four Marines in western Afghanistan in the deadliest attack against U.S. troops in the country this year, officials said.

Continue reading "Bomb Kills 4 US Troops in Afghanistan" »

June 12, 2008

Trip Illuminates Life on Bases Across Afghan Desert

In Afghanistan, tens of thousands of NATO-led U.S. and foreign troops are battling a Taliban insurgency across eastern and southern Afghanistan. NPR's Ivan Watson and David Gilkey spent the past four days traveling across the network of NATO bases in southern Afghanistan and sent this postcard about the journey.

Continue reading "Trip Illuminates Life on Bases Across Afghan Desert" »

June 6, 2008

Generals Visit Marines in Afghanistan

CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan - The Marine Corps' top commanders recently visited with Marines and Sailors of Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, serving here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

Continue reading "Generals Visit Marines in Afghanistan" »

June 3, 2008

U.S. Reports Gains Against Taliban Fighters

KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan are fleeing to the Pakistani border after being routed in recent operations by the United States Marines, the American commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan said on Monday.

Continue reading "U.S. Reports Gains Against Taliban Fighters" »

May 27, 2008

Optimism Grows as Marines Push Against Taliban

GARMSER, Afghanistan — For two years British troops staked out a presence in this small district center in southern Afghanistan and fended off attacks from the Taliban. The constant firefights left it a ghost town, its bazaar broken and empty but for one baker, its houses and orchards reduced to rubble and weeds.

Continue reading "Optimism Grows as Marines Push Against Taliban" »

Afghan Police Transform Into Professional, Equipped Force

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2008 – When Army Col. Thomas J. McGrath arrived in Kandahar, Afghanistan, last year as the commander of the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command, he stopped in on a police checkpoint.

Continue reading "Afghan Police Transform Into Professional, Equipped Force" »

May 19, 2008

MILITARY: Treating the wounded in the Middle East

Navy docs staff medical facilities in Iraq, Afghanistan

TAQADDUM AIR BASE, IRAQ ---- It wasn’t a roadside bomb or small-arms fire that put Marine Lance Cpl. Douglas Cox in a hospital bed here last week.

Continue reading "MILITARY: Treating the wounded in the Middle East" »

May 14, 2008

Marines stay in Afghan town after Taliban influx

GARMSER, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Marines who once planned to be in this southern Afghan town for just a few days are extending their mission by several weeks after facing an influx of Taliban fighters.

Continue reading "Marines stay in Afghan town after Taliban influx" »

May 7, 2008

British troops help US Marines tackle the Taliban in Garmsir

UK troops working as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southern Afghanistan have been taking part in a joint operation with US Marines aimed at disrupting Taliban activity in the volatile Garmsir area of Helmand province.

Troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade joined the Marines, from the US 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), as they pushed south of Garmsir where currently, but for a few border security police, neither ISAF nor the Afghan Security Forces have a presence. The purpose of the operation was to extend security authority further south towards the Pakistan border.

Continue reading "British troops help US Marines tackle the Taliban in Garmsir" »

May 6, 2008

Marines ignore Taliban cash crop to not upset Afghan locals

GARMSER, Afghanistan (AP) — The Marines of Bravo Company's 1st Platoon sleep beside a grove of poppies. Troops in the 2nd Platoon playfully swat at the heavy opium bulbs while walking through the fields. Afghan laborers scraping the plant's gooey resin smile and wave.

Continue reading "Marines ignore Taliban cash crop to not upset Afghan locals" »

May 5, 2008

In ghost town where Afghan war begins, UK fights losing battle

There is only silence in Garmser, a ghost town on the edge of the desert in southern Afghanistan. The bazaar is a lonely line of abandoned shops and debris-strewn streets. There is just one trader - a baker - whose sole customers are British soldiers and Afghan police.

Continue reading "In ghost town where Afghan war begins, UK fights losing battle" »

May 2, 2008

Sandwiched between Taliban and poppies, Marines face day of fire in southern Afghanistan

GARMSER, Afghanistan: Gunfire rang out at Sgt. Dan Linas' patrol, pinning his squad down against a dirt berm. The Marines looked across the field on their left, at three mud huts and a grove of trees, in search of the muzzle flash.

Continue reading "Sandwiched between Taliban and poppies, Marines face day of fire in southern Afghanistan" »

May 1, 2008

Marine colonel from Beverly leads strike against Taliban

BEVERLY — A U.S. Marine Corps colonel who grew up in Beverly is leading the first major military operation in years in a dangerous section of southern Afghanistan populated by Taliban fighters.

Continue reading "Marine colonel from Beverly leads strike against Taliban" »

Marines muscle in on Taliban

GARMSER, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines contended with 110-degree heat, rugged terrain and an increasingly savvy and war-hardened enemy as they pressed deeper into a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan on Thursday.

Continue reading "Marines muscle in on Taliban" »

Marines' new enemy: thirst

Heat, heavy loads, lack of water slow attack on Taliban

GARMSIR, Afghanistan - For the Marines fighting in southern Afghanistan, a shortage of drinking water turned out to be nearly as big a concern as Taliban insurgents.

Continue reading "Marines' new enemy: thirst" »

April 29, 2008

US Marines move into Taliban-held area of Afghanistan

OUTSIDE GARMSER, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Marines exchanged gunfire with militants Tuesday after pouring into a Taliban-held town in southern Afghanistan in the first major American operation in the region in years.

Continue reading "US Marines move into Taliban-held area of Afghanistan" »

Marines seize insurgent command center in southern Afghanistan

In first operations, U.S. forces also aim to intersect weapons and drug routes

GARMSIR, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines assaulted into this Taliban stronghold early today in a series of pre-dawn strikes, seizing a major insurgent command center and killing a number of insurgents.

Continue reading "Marines seize insurgent command center in southern Afghanistan" »

April 28, 2008

Marines launch massive assault in Afghanistan

Hundreds of U.S. forces backed by airpower enter Taliban-controlled South

OUTSIDE GARMSER, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines in helicopters and Humvees flooded into a Taliban-held town in southern Afghanistan's most violent province early Tuesday in the first major American operation in the region in years.

Continue reading "Marines launch massive assault in Afghanistan" »

March 30, 2008

24th MEU gets eyes in Afghan skies

Harrier jets arrive at base

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of an ongoing series of reports from Afghanistan by The Daily News writer Jennifer Hlad, who is embedded with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit there.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The dust, fine as powdered sugar, cast a fog in the air as Harriers cut through the sky. As the jets taxied to their spots on a newly built mat, each plane kicked up a small storm of sand in its wake.

Continue reading "24th MEU gets eyes in Afghan skies" »

March 14, 2008

Special Ops Marines deliver in southern Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Mar. 14, 2008) -- For Marines, “special forces” traditionally means Force Reconnaissance units.

Continue reading "Special Ops Marines deliver in southern Afghanistan" »

February 26, 2008

General Discusses Marine Deployment to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2008 – Nearly a third of the 3,200 Marines scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan next month will be stationed in NATO’s southern and western regional commands to train Afghan security forces to face upcoming threats, a top U.S. military official said today.
The bulk of the 1,000 outbound Marine trainers will be stationed at Regional Command South, part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, and a “little bit” of the unit will deploy to Regional Command West, said Army Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 82, based at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "General Discusses Marine Deployment to Afghanistan" »

January 15, 2008

Marine Deployment to Afghanistan ‘One-Time Deal,’ Official Says

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2008 – The deployment of 3,200 U.S. Marines to Afghanistan this spring represents a one-time troop movement that partially fulfills a long-time request by NATO commanders for additional forces, a senior Pentagon spokesman said here today.

Continue reading "Marine Deployment to Afghanistan ‘One-Time Deal,’ Official Says" »

December 26, 2007

Assistant CMC visits leathernecks in Afghanistan, delivers message from gold star mother

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 26, 2007) -- The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps made a quick stop at Camp Eggers today and passed a message from a modern day Marine Corps hero’s family to Kabul-area Marines.

Continue reading "Assistant CMC visits leathernecks in Afghanistan, delivers message from gold star mother" »

May 28, 2007

Mountain Viper readies troops for Afghanistan

By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 28, 2007 9:56:06 EDT

While Marines are getting pre-Iraq training at Mojave Viper in Twentynine Palms, Calif., what about leathernecks heading to the mountains of Afghanistan?

Continue reading "Mountain Viper readies troops for Afghanistan" »

March 24, 2007

Marine Unit Ordered Out of Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (March 24) -- Marines accused of shooting and killing civilians after a suicide bombing in Afghanistan are under U.S. investigation, and their entire unit has been ordered to leave the country, officials said Friday.

Continue reading "Marine Unit Ordered Out of Afghanistan" »

June 19, 2006

Concussions go undiagnosed in thousands of troops, doctors say

Thousands of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan may risk permanent brain damage by returning to combat with relatively minor but undiagnosed concussions, often caused by bomb blasts, military researchers say.

Continue reading "Concussions go undiagnosed in thousands of troops, doctors say" »

April 10, 2006

Popular clothing off-limits to Marines in Iraq

CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ (April 10, 2006) -- Under direction of Marine Corps commanders in Iraq, wearing synthetic athletic clothing containing polyester and nylon has been prohibited while conducting operations off of forward operating bases and camps.

Continue reading "Popular clothing off-limits to Marines in Iraq" »

March 28, 2006

Marines win villagers’ trust

RECHAH LAM, Afghanistan (March 28, 2006) -- The primary mission of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment is to track down insurgents and render their operations ineffective.

Continue reading "Marines win villagers’ trust" »

March 17, 2006

1,000 more sailors expected to join ground forces in Iraq


Three years after Baghdad fell, the Navy is poised to dramatically increase the number of sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan, filling gaps in Army and Marine Corps units.

The seamen, called "individual augmentees," support ground operations thousands of miles from the nearest port, in deployments that can be far different from the Navy's traditional role.

Continue reading "1,000 more sailors expected to join ground forces in Iraq" »

March 16, 2006

The Pentagon Reports On The Progress Of Operation Enduring Freedom

Bagram, Afghanistan (AHN) - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley briefs the Pentagon on the progress of Operation Enduring Freedom, five years into its inception.

Continue reading "The Pentagon Reports On The Progress Of Operation Enduring Freedom" »

March 13, 2006

After a year in Afghanistan, Kaiserslautern support unit comes home

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Tuesday, March 14, 2006

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Brig. Gen. Scott G. West, commander of the 21st Theater Support Command, briefly teased friends, family members and loved ones of the 70 soldiers with the 29th Support Group who had just arrived home after their yearlong Afghanistan deployment.

Continue reading "After a year in Afghanistan, Kaiserslautern support unit comes home" »

March 11, 2006

Bush visited Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) -- President Bush, on an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, said Wednesday he remains confident Osama bin Laden "will be brought to justice" despite a so-far futile five-year hunt. Bush also suggested that the United States and India, where he was headed yet, have still not reached a deal over U.S. help for India's civilian nuclear program.

Continue reading "Bush visited Afghanistan" »

January 24, 2006

Military Culture Must Change for 'Long War'


As the United States confronts terrorism, military personnel have to make a cultural shift as they fight what officials now call "the Long War," senior DoD officials said.

Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview that the generation of servicemembers entering the military today must focus on how the United States will deal with extremist networks that threaten America and its allies.

Continue reading "Military Culture Must Change for 'Long War'" »

January 23, 2006

U.S., Coalition Efforts Helping Improve Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Humanitarian efforts continue in Afghanistan as coalition forces helped remove snow from impassable roads and built "hygiene facilities" at a small school. In addition, international diplomats visited a provincial reconstruction team Jan. 21.

Continue reading "U.S., Coalition Efforts Helping Improve Afghanistan" »

January 7, 2006

Blessed at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan

ESCANABA - No snow or evergreen trees were anywhere in sight near Camp Blessing in December, but a Christmas stocking was hung there with care. Marine Cpl. Joseph Roy, Gladstone, and his fellow Marines at the camp in Afghanistan were blessed with some extra-special Christmas gifts and holiday greetings, compliments of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) staff at the CAA. The handmade Christmas stocking was crafted for Roy by Mae St. Juliana of Hermansville, an RSVP volunteer.

Continue reading "Blessed at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan" »

December 9, 2005

Marines, sailors search 'difficult' valleys

JALALABAD, Afghanistan - 1st Lt. Ryan B. Cohen, platoon commander, and a radio operator call in artillery support after being attacked by anti- coalition militia forces during Operation Sorkh Khar.
(2/3)

Continue reading "Marines, sailors search 'difficult' valleys" »

"Wishes from Home" Talking Holiday Card

Need a touching, personalized gift for that special loved one overseas?

Talking Holiday Cards is a GREAT idea!- Mail Call never Sounded so good!

Not only is it a great gift idea to send a touch of home to your hero, but it also support a GREAT cause- $1 from every card comes back to MarineParents.com, Inc. for the care package project and $.50 from each card goes to a wounded soldiers organization.

Continue reading ""Wishes from Home" Talking Holiday Card" »

December 8, 2005

Single Parents

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Dec. 8, 2005) -- Marines are trained to deploy: Married or single. This includes single parents.

Continue reading "Single Parents" »

December 4, 2005

Emergency Landings Injure Six in Afghanistan


WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2005 – Two U.S. CH-47 Chinook helicopters involved in combat operations made emergency landings today in separate locations in southern Afghanistan, injuring five U.S. soldiers and one Afghan National Army soldier.

Continue reading "Emergency Landings Injure Six in Afghanistan" »

November 9, 2005

Operation Pil Aids Security in Kunar Province

U.S. Marines and sailors embark on a mission to improve security in an Afghan
province, an endeavor requiring a hike to an elevation over 5,000 feet to reach the mountaintop. (2/3)

Continue reading "Operation Pil Aids Security in Kunar Province" »

November 7, 2005

Battle doesn't rattle this rugged gear

Today's typical battlefield is no place for sophisticated and sensitive electronic gear; yet that's where American troops are currently deployed — in places of extreme desert heat (Iraq) and extreme mountain cold (Afghanistan). Often, the sensitive equipment must be moved quickly over rutted excuses for roads.
DataPath (pic of DataPath at ext link)

Continue reading "Battle doesn't rattle this rugged gear" »

November 4, 2005

Dragon Eye Protects Troops, Improves Recon

The easily-transportable unmanned aerial vehicle gives troops up-to-date
reconnaissance over a wide area of terrain. (2/3)

Continue reading "Dragon Eye Protects Troops, Improves Recon" »

October 29, 2005

Marines learn how to win over Afghan town with aid, respect, sensitivity

By Steve Mraz
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 29, 2005

CAMP BLESSING, Afghanistan — Just steps outside the gate of this eastern Afghanistan fire base, camp commander 1st Lt. Matt Bartels is met with a warm smile, a hug and a handshake, followed by the Afghan villager respectfully placing his hand over his own heart.

Continue reading "Marines learn how to win over Afghan town with aid, respect, sensitivity" »

Marines learn how to win over Afghan town with aid, respect, sensitivity

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, October 29, 2005

CAMP BLESSING, Afghanistan — Just steps outside the gate of this eastern Afghanistan fire base, camp commander 1st Lt. Matt Bartels is met with a warm smile, a hug and a handshake, followed by the Afghan villager respectfully placing his hand over his own heart.

Continue reading "Marines learn how to win over Afghan town with aid, respect, sensitivity" »

October 27, 2005

Marines put on game face to ease rough ride

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, October 27, 2005

As a Marine Corps convoy headed out of Forward Operating Base Asadabad on its way to Camp Blessing in eastern Afghanistan late Monday night, Marines joked to each other about the spine-rattling ride that awaited them. (2/3 / pics at ext link)

Continue reading "Marines put on game face to ease rough ride" »

October 26, 2005

Shot twice in a week, Marine dubbed ‘Lucky’

2/3 Marine wounded in two separate Afghanistan firefights

By Steve Mraz
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 26, 2005

ASADABAD, Afghanistan — To the U.S. Marine Corps, he’s known as Lance Cpl. John McClellan of Company E’s combined anti-armor team, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Continue reading "Shot twice in a week, Marine dubbed ‘Lucky’" »

October 24, 2005

Medical outreach caps U.S. effort in Afghan operation

Mission instills in troops sense of ‘ultimate purpose’

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, October 25, 2005

WATAPOOR, Afghanistan — The shy, barefoot girl with the scraped toe shuffled up to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Johnson.

Continue reading "Medical outreach caps U.S. effort in Afghan operation" »

2/3 proves no mountain too tall

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Oct. 24, 2005) -- Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conducted Operation Pil in the Watapor Valley Oct. 16-23 in order to improve security and assist in stabilizing the government in the troubled region. (Pics at ext link)

Continue reading "2/3 proves no mountain too tall" »

October 23, 2005

Operation Pil targets Taliban in Kunar province

U.S., Afghan forces aim to disrupt enemy activities

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, October 24, 2005

WATAPOOR, Afghanistan — Bullets were tinging off the Humvees and rocket-propelled grenades were hitting so close to the Marines that they could see orange flecks as the grenades exploded. (2/3 / photos at ext. link)

Continue reading "Operation Pil targets Taliban in Kunar province" »

October 21, 2005

Marine minesweepers face 'constant threat'

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, October 22, 2005

ASADABAD, Afghanistan — Imagine leading a patrol into enemy territory, unarmed, exposed, with the chance you could trigger an explosion with every footstep. (2/3 and attachments)

Continue reading "Marine minesweepers face 'constant threat'" »

October 20, 2005

Afghanistan NATO's Top Mission, Commander Says

DOD RELEASE
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2005 – Afghanistan is NATO's No. 1 mission, the alliance's supreme allied commander for operations said during a Pentagon interview today.

Continue reading "Afghanistan NATO's Top Mission, Commander Says" »

October 19, 2005

Weather, logistics delay relief missions out of Bagram Air Base

Officials trying to make sure aid goes where needed most

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, October 19, 2005

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan — U.S. military airdrop missions out of Bagram to Pakistan, bound for victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake, have been canceled since Saturday because of weather and coordination issues with Pakistani government officials.

Continue reading "Weather, logistics delay relief missions out of Bagram Air Base" »

October 15, 2005

Afghan roads claim vehicles

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, October 15, 2005

Think back to the worst dirt road you’ve ever driven on in America. Add about 1,000 misplaced rocks, and cover it all in a quarter-inch of powder-fine dust. The result is your typical Afghan road.

Continue reading "Afghan roads claim vehicles" »

October 13, 2005

Marines looking for a few good mountain men

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, October 13, 2005

ASADABAD, Afghanistan — They’ve stormed beaches, planted the American flag at Iwo Jima and are best known for amphibious landings. (2/3)

Continue reading "Marines looking for a few good mountain men" »

New clothes, toys for Afghanistan ‘tots’

NANGALAM, Afghanistan (Oct. 4, 2005) -- Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment handed out over 600 school outfits Oct. 3 to local village children. The battalion recently began a campaign to bring clothing, toys and school supplies to the children in the neighboring village of Nangalam. (2/3)

Continue reading "New clothes, toys for Afghanistan ‘tots’" »

October 12, 2005

Marines, Sailors Guard Edge of Empire

NANGALAM, Afghanistan - Camp Blessing is arguably one of the most successful bases in Afghanistan. This is due to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment who patrol the base, one of the most remote and smallest Marine Corps post in Afghanistan. They have confiscated thousands of pounds of enemy munitions and captured numerous suspected anti-coalition militia personnel. (2/3)

Continue reading "Marines, Sailors Guard Edge of Empire" »

October 11, 2005

Marines, sailors guard edge of empire


NANGALAM, Afghanistan (Oct. 2, 2005) -- Camp Blessing is arguably one of the most successful bases in Afghanistan. This is due to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment who patrol the base, one of the most remote and smallest Marine Corps post in Afghanistan. They have confiscated thousands of pounds of enemy munitions and captured numerous suspected anti-coalition militia personnel. (2/3)

Continue reading "Marines, sailors guard edge of empire" »

October 10, 2005

In Afghanistan with an Ashland Marine

The Marines of the 2/3 walk around their camp at the Jalalabad Air Field in the pitch black on this moonless night. I accompany them through the camp — only a special green flashlight allowed. C130 transport planes and helicopters fly in and out, using night vision in the dark. The battalion has just returned from Afghanistan’s Kunar province, up north, providing security for the parliamentary elections last week. Its been a tedious process.

Continue reading "In Afghanistan with an Ashland Marine" »

October 9, 2005

Marines trudge up Afghan mountain to find insurgents

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, October 9, 2005

QATAR KALA, Afghanistan — Four Afghan men were spotted ascending a mountain trail Thursday in eastern Afghanistan’s Watapoor Valley. It looked as if they had tried to discreetly sling AK-47s around their backs. (2/3))

Continue reading "Marines trudge up Afghan mountain to find insurgents" »

October 5, 2005

Marine’s life ends in remote outpost

Lance Cpl. Steven Valdez, 20, of McRae was killed Monday at Camp Blessing in Afghanistan’s Pesch Valley, which is home to personnel from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, including Army Rangers, Marines and the Afghan Security Forces.
Valdez, a machine-gun operator, was running to his post when shrapnel from a mortar round struck him in the neck. (2/3)

Continue reading "Marine’s life ends in remote outpost" »

October 3, 2005

Marines take the fight up Afghan mountain

Troops pushed into high terrain to battle it out with the enemy

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, October 3, 2005

ALISHANG VALLEY, Afghanistan — Incoming.

Continue reading "Marines take the fight up Afghan mountain" »

September 28, 2005

Marine commandant awards 11 Purple Hearts in Afghanistan

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, September 28, 2005

MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan — Eleven U.S. Marines who were wounded during mid-August in eastern Afghanistan received Purple Hearts during a ceremony Monday. (2/3)

Continue reading "Marine commandant awards 11 Purple Hearts in Afghanistan" »

September 25, 2005

Patrolling with U.S. Marines builds Afghan troops' skills

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, September 25, 2005

ALINGAR, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army troops had just finished meeting Thursday afternoon with local police officials in the eastern Afghanistan town of Alingar and were getting ready to continue their combined patrol through Laghman province.

Continue reading "Patrolling with U.S. Marines builds Afghan troops' skills" »

September 22, 2005

President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation

Focus: National Security
Focus: Hurricane Relief

Continue reading "President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation" »

September 20, 2005

‘Geek squad’ is future of modern battlefield

The self-proclaimed cyber warriors demonstrate the Marine Corps future of the modern battlefield.

Continue reading "‘Geek squad’ is future of modern battlefield" »

September 19, 2005

Marines come under rocket attack on otherwise quiet election day

U.S. troops in Afghanistan stay far away from polling areas

By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, September 19, 2005

Afghanistan — For many of the U.S. servicemembers at bases east of Kabul, election day was spent in relative quiet and isolation inside the wire. They were largely sequestered on bases or patrolling areas away from polling places, in accordance with U.S. plans to keep a low profile during the historic vote.

Continue reading "Marines come under rocket attack on otherwise quiet election day" »

September 18, 2005

2/3 aids in Afghanistan elections

JALABAD, Afghanistan (Sept. 18, 20005) -- Marines and Sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, stood by in a security posture in order to provide a safe and stable environment for the Afghanistan elections on Sept. 18. In the elections, Afghans voted for a 249-seat lower house of Parliament and for 34 provincial councils.

Continue reading "2/3 aids in Afghanistan elections" »

Afghan Polls Close Without Much Violence

Afghans chose a legislature for the first time in decades Sunday, embracing their newly recovered democratic rights and braving threats of Taliban attacks to cast votes in schools, tents and mosques.

Continue reading "Afghan Polls Close Without Much Violence" »

September 16, 2005

Explosion wounds two soldiers, kills Afghan interpreter

KABUL, Afghanistan — A roadside bomb near a U.S. military convoy wounded two U.S. troops and killed their Afghan interpreter, the U.S. military said Friday.

Continue reading "Explosion wounds two soldiers, kills Afghan interpreter" »

Afghan pre-election violence unlikely to mimic Iraq

U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan expect Taliban insurgents to continue violent efforts to disrupt Sunday’s parliamentary elections, but they do not believe there will be a large, coordinated attack like those seen recently in Iraq, a U.S. commander said Friday.

Continue reading "Afghan pre-election violence unlikely to mimic Iraq" »