Four Military Articles

These articles have been brought to my attention, and I would like to share them with you. The first one deals with Iranian weapons found in Iraq 12/13/07; the second is a joint statement about the car bombing on 12/12/07; the third is another joint statement concerning the transfer of security responsibilities in Basra province-12/16/2007; and lastly, this article is about the terrorists we killed at Helmand-12/18/07.

All of these are press releases from CentCom, and they can be reached at:

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101

Now for the articles (emphasis added is mine).

Iranian Rockets Found, Turned Over To Coalition Forces.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – A cache of Iranian-manufactured rockets was turned over to Coalition Forces based at FOB Delta Dec. 4, 2007. Iraqi Civil Defense Corps personnel delivered 14 107mm Iranian rockets and fuses to Kazakhstani Soldiers, said 1st Lt. Almaz Mukashev, the Kazakhstani liaison officer. The rockets were manufactured in 2006.

ICDC personnel have turned over munitions to Coalition Forces before, but this was the first time Iranian weapons were turned over from the force to Coalition Forces, said Col. Peter Baker, the 214th Fires Brigade commander. The ICDC specializes in explosive ordnance disposal. Its head is Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abdul Rasul. “This is another indication of the cooperation of Iraqi officials who in all earnestness want to have a better society,” Baker said. “They know these rockets are here illegally and that they are here to maim and kill Iraqi and Coalition Security Forces and innocent civilians.”

Baker said this is a sign that Iraqis are taking ownership of their area to bring about better security. “Iraqis have to be part of the security and reconstruction effort,” Baker said. “The more stable and secure the area is, the more projects we will be able to undertake and the more capacity building we will be able to accomplish, whether it is in health, education or fuel, all of which are benefiting the Iraqis.”

The Kazakhstani unit gave the munitions to Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three Battalion for analysis. The Kazakhstani battalion provides EOD support to FOB Delta.

Source: MNF-I.

This is awesome. Unfortunately, this happens everyday over there, but the dinosaur press fails to report it. Is it not news when there is a tidal wave of change in a country, be it bad or good?

Joint Statement by Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker and General David H. Petraeus on the Car Bomb Attacks in Maysan Province.

We join the people of Iraq in strongly condemning yesterday’s barbaric attack targeting the citizens of al Amarah in the Maysan Province. The United States extends its deepest condolences, support and prayers to the people of Maysan Province. The Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team [PRT] and Multi-National Division South East [MND-SE] are working closely with Iraqi authorities to ensure they have sufficient medical supplies and humanitarian assistance for the citizens of al Amarah. We stand ready to provide additional support as needed.

Such senseless acts of violence against innocent citizens only serve to strengthen our resolve to stand against their perpetrators. We will work closely with the government of Iraq and with Iraqi Security Forces [ISF] to help bring those responsible to justice.

Source: MNF-I.

This was a horrible attack by cowards who hide behind women and cannot show their faces. To me, this is not bravery. Mohammed raises cowards? This is what I am to surmise, because that's all I see from these animals. If you don't like it, SPEAK UP AGAINST IT. Take back your religion. Only you can do that.

By CHARGÉ D'Affaires Patricia A. Butenis and General David H. Petraeus on the Transfer of Security Responsibility for Basra Province.

The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq welcome the transfer of security in Basra Province to Iraqi responsibility as a positive step on the path to Iraq’s self-reliance.

Basra is the ninth province to be transferred to Iraqi security responsibility as the Government of Iraq and its security forces continue to develop and assume greater responsibility for governing and providing security for the citizens of Iraq. The first province transferred to Government of Iraqi security control was Muthanna in July 2006, followed by Dhi Qar, An Najaf, Maysan, Irbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk and most recently in October 2007, Karbala.

The transfer of provincial security responsibility is particularly significant because it includes the city of Basra, the second largest city in Iraq. Basra played an important role in early Islamic history and was founded in the first century of Hijra. The country’s main port is located in Basra province and has been an integral part in the reconstruction and advancement of logistical efforts for the rest of the country.

Iraqi Security Forces in Basra have been successfully operating independently, maintaining their own security for the past four months. Working with local government and military officials, they have demonstrated their readiness to assume responsibility for the provincial security. Today this responsibility is theirs.

The transition of responsibility for security in Basra Province represents the most recent step toward a future of improved security, self-reliance and increasing prosperity that will benefit all Iraqi citizens. In order to attain sustainable security, the provincial and military leadership in Basra still have work to do and we will assist as requested. The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq congratulate the Government of Iraq on this important milestone.

Source: BlackAnthem.com.

I am not as optimistic about this withdrawal as some may appear to be. Actually, I think they are doing more praying than anything else. al Qaida and Iranian National Guard (ING) are moving more of their troops into this vacuum. This is a time for action on our behalf to help the Iraqis in this area. They have been bombed in the past few days by al Qaida. One bomb, wait two minutes for civillians to come, another bomb. PLEASE TAKE THE CUFFS OFF OUR MEN!

Several Militants Killed During Afghan, Coalition Forces Operations in Helmand.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed during a precision-guided munitions strike Monday in Helmand Province targeting a Taliban command and control network. Coalition forces conducted a precision-guided munitions strike in the Kajaki District of Helmand Province targeting a Taliban commander believed to be facilitating the movement of foreign fighters and suicide bombers throughout the area.

During the course of operations, CF targeted several militants outside a compound and employed precision-guided munitions, which killed the militants, including one militant reported to be a Taliban commander. In a follow-on operation, Afghan and CF conducted a search of compounds in the Kajaki District of Helmand Province for individuals reported to be associated with the militants targeted during the strike. While conducting the operation, Afghan and CF, using small-arms, killed several armed militants who posed a credible threat to the combined force. During a subsequent engagement on the compound, the combined force was fired upon by a group of militants barricaded in a building. The combined force employed grenades, killing the militants barricaded inside.

There were no immediate indications of injuries or deaths to civilians not taking part in hostilities. Continuing their search of the compounds, the combined force recovered several weapons and explosives, which were destroyed in-place to prevent further use by extremist forces. “Afghan and Coalition forces are having significant success in degrading the Taliban’s ability to conduct militant operations,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.

Source: CENTCOM.

May I make an observation here? If you are close enough to the a**holes firing at us, you are involved in their activity. Have they forgotten that the driver of the get-away car is just as guilty as the bank robber who murders the guard? When are we going to start seriously fighting this war? Digg!