Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-17
Dear Interested Reader,
Forces conduct Operation Wake Forest. Police Mentor Team provides aid and training. Kentucky ADT assists with agricultural improvements. Militants killed/detained.
Iraq: Stable security allows market to re-open in Mosul. New bridge open in Ninewa prov. Dragon Bde Soldiers receive piece of history. Pursuit of ISI Mosul extortion network continues. Micro-grants make a big difference in Basrah.
Joanna
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October 17, 2009
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
ANA, U.S. Forces conduct Operation Wake Forest
By Spc. Matthew Thompson
Spc. Travis Owen, a scout with 3rd Sqdrn, scans the iris of a local villager.
LOGAR PROVINCE - ANA and U.S. forces cordoned off the village of Baraki Rajan in Logar prov., as they searched for high-value targets, Oct. 2. Working in concert, an ANA plt and units from 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div blocked roads and questioned locals who were passing through the town.
"We saw good inter-unit ops on all levels," Babington said. "We were able to come together and operate cohesively on the battlefield in order to affect a positive result on the village." The Soldiers stopped and questioned the residents as they patrolled through the streets, as to who they were, where they were going, and where they had come from.
"In Afghanistan, there is no centralized system of ID," said Babington. "There's no way to prove these people are who they are say they are except for the process we're about to go through." U.S. forces have a tool at their disposal to combat this issue called the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment. It's a small computer that captures biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans and a front facial picture, which is consolidated in a large database.
"We enrolled as many people as we can into the HIIDE," said Spc. Travis Owen, a scout with 3-71 CAV who operates the HIIDE. "It gets a database of the local population. The ANA Soldiers are the ones who talk to the people and go into the houses first," said Owen. "Not only do they speak the language, but they are also familiar with the culture," Babington added. "They really are our best liaison with the people."
According to Babington, the mentorship and partnership with the ANA and ANP helped enhance the mission. "This op was an example of how our ongoing mentoring with the ANA and ANP is developing them as a highly effective and positive military influence in our area of op," Babington said. "The mission was a complete success due to our partnership with our local national forces and ability to operate multiple units in the same area at the same time."
Spc. Owen checks HIIDE, after entering a local's info.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
U.S. Army police mentor team, provides aid, training to ANP
By Spc. Matthew Thompson
Pfc. Sylvia Lopez, a medic assigned to the Police Mentor Team, demonstrates how to apply a tourniquet.
LOGAR PROVINCE - "Stop the bright-red bleeding," instructed a Soldier from HHC, 3rd BSTB, 10th Mtn Div. Placing a tourniquet around an ANP officer's upper arm, the Soldier from HHC's Police Mentor Team (PMT), was able to quickly stop the bleeding. The officer's life was not in danger though. This was a part of the first-aid training the ANP at Baraki Rajan received, Oct. 1.
"My main focus was to control bleeding, stop the bleeding and other basic first-aid techniques," said Pfc Sylvia Lopez, a medic with the unit. For Lopez, this was the first time she had trained with the Afghans, and her initial concerns were quickly erased when she noticed their proficiency. "I expected to walk them through each step and actually show them what I'm talking about. They surprised me with how knowledgeable they were."
The lesson progressed from the simple self-aid to buddy-aid as the ANP learned how to splint broken bones and how to transport a casualty. According to Spc. Elijah Rodriguez, a MP officer with HHC, the PMT's main role is to train the ANP on police tactics, administrative maintenance, and accountability of themselves and their equipment. "We have to help teach them to be cops," said Rodriguez. "We're training them to be police, but at the same time we're also training them to be Soldiers."
Rodriguez like other Soldiers relies on past experiences to enhance the training he and his team give to the ANP. "They need this help, because they're in a combat environment, and they're also trying to protect themselves," said Rodriguez.
According to Spc. Desmond Vaughn, an MP officer with HHC, the Afghan's mentality when it comes to training is no different than a new Soldier. "We have to go over the training every other day so they can grasp it," Vaughn said. "We're continually going over explanation, demonstration, and practice phases for training."
While at the ANP station on top of the hill overlooking Baraki Rajan, the PMT also helped with inventorying equipment, updating the roster of available ANP officers and ensuring the officers were registered in the Army's database. "I think now they're beginning to see that we're trying to build a foundation for them," said 2nd Lt. Gregory Avant, the PMT plt leader. "It's a slow process, but it's going to change."
An ANP officer applies a tourniquet to a U.S. Soldier, while interpreter relays instructions from the medic.
An ANP officer demonstrates his knowledge of how to apply a tourniquet on his partner.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Agri-business development team assists with agricultural improvements
(Photos by Army Maj. John Holmes Jr.)
KAPISA PROVINCE - Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Moyer, Kentucky ADT, greets a local child while providing security for his team, Oct. 6. The Kentucky ADT meets with Afghan officials to develop programs that meet strategic goals for improving Afghanistan's agricultural needs.
Sgt. 1st Class Moyer, provides security while his team visits the Director of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock.
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Blackanthem Military News
Afghan-ISAF Kill, Detain Militants
By International Security Assistance Force
BAGRAM - Oct. 12, a joint SECFOR killed more than a dozen militants and detained a suspected militant after searching a mountainside compound in Kunar prov., known to be used by an al-Qaida cmdr and his element, believed responsible for the facilitation of foreign fighters and numerous attacks in Pech Valley. During the search of the compound located near Tantil village, NE of Jalalabad, the force received hostile enemy fire on 2 occasions and returned fire, killing the enemy militants. The joint force also found a number of RPGs, machine guns, multiple AK-47 rifles and other grenades.
In another op in Ziruk district, Paktika prov., a joint SECFOR detained several suspected militants today after searching a compound known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element, believed to be responsible for financing and supplying weapons to other militants in the region. The joint force also found several grenades and a cache of small arms ammo.
In a 3rd op that marked one of the largest drug and weapons discoveries this year, a joint force found about 100 kilograms of heroin, 1,800 kilograms of opium, nearly 50 metric tons of opium seeds along with a morphine processing lab during a search in Kajaki district, Helmand prov., Oct. 6. The joint force killed multiple enemy fighters and detained several suspected militants.
In another op in Ziruk district, Paktika prov., a joint SECFOR detained several suspected militants today after searching a compound known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element, believed to be responsible for financing and supplying weapons to other militants in the region. The joint force also found several grenades and a cache of small arms ammo.
In a 3rd op that marked one of the largest drug and weapons discoveries this year, a joint force found about 100 kilograms of heroin, 1,800 kilograms of opium, nearly 50 metric tons of opium seeds along with a morphine processing lab during a search in Kajaki district, Helmand prov., Oct. 6. The joint force killed multiple enemy fighters and detained several suspected militants.
The joint force, assisted by the Afghanistan Narcotics Interdiction Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. FBI, coordinated and conducted the search to disrupt Anti-Afghan forces, and to set conditions for effective future security ops in central Helmand prov.
The force also found a weapons cache that included: 35 RPGs, 5 hand grenades, an 82mm recoilless rifle, 600 links of 7.62mm ammo, 4 sniper rifles, an RPG launcher, 15 blocks of C-4 explosives, 2 blocks of Semtex plastic explosives, 50 detonation cords, 2 landmines, a passive infrared initiator, 350 rounds of various ammo and 35 tons of ammonium nitrate—a chemical used to make roadside bombs. All drugs were destroyed on site, and weapons were either positioned for safe disposal or destroyed on location.
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Multi-National Division - North PAO Iraq
Stable security allows market to re-open in Mosul
MOSUL - Local vendors and key leaders from the Mosul city council, Ninawa PRT, and 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, gathered on FOB Diamondback, Oct. 3 to announce the reopening of Al Baraka Market in east Mosul.
The Ninawa PRT leader, Patrick Murphy, provided opening remarks at the celebration and recognized the agencies that helped revitalize the market.
"The IA and 3rd BCT, in particular the 2nd Bn, 82 FAR under the leadership of Lt. Col. Benjamin Matthews, were responsible for engaging vendors, assisting them in the economic revitalization of the neighborhood, and taking on the role of being responsible community leaders," said Murphy.
"With nearly 50 individual businesses encompassed in this market, this project is a huge win that provides enduring employment for over 100 individuals and returns a sense of normalcy to the community," said Capt. Joe Himpelmann, cmdr for B Btry, 2-82 FA.
Lt. Col. Hussein, said he was very glad to see this market reopen. He and his Soldiers partnered with 2-82 FA to help make the market opening possible. "God willing, the market opens; the people can reopen their business and make a living," said Hussein. "They haven't had this in many years, and it will make many people in the neighborhood very happy."
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
New bridge south of Mosul open for civilian traffic
U.S. Forces constructing the Munirah bridge to span the gap between the east and west bank of the Tigris River, allowing free flowing traffic for the local populous in Ninawa Prov.
MOSUL - ISF, U.S. and local provincial leaders came together to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oct. 4 to commemorate the opening of the Munirah Bridge for civilian use. The ceremony began with opening remarks by Lt. Col. Michael Fadden, cmdr,1st Bn, 12th Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, who is responsible for the construction and security of the bridge. His remarks were followed by speeches from the mayors of Ash Shura and Nimrud.
The completion of the Munirah Bridge provides a crossing-point across the Tigris River that will allow local citizens of Nimrud and Ash Shura sub-districts to travel shorter distance between both sides of the river, instead of having to travel south to the Qayyarah Bridge, or north to Mosul to cross the river. Local leaders stated that they planned to have the road on the bridges' eastern end paved so that it will support increased traffic in the future.
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Blackanthem Military News
Dragon Brigade Soldiers receive piece of history
By Spc. Shantelle Campbell
Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Moser, 701st BSB, 4th IBCT, puts the Big Red One combat patch on his color bearer during the patch ceremony at COB Speicher, Oct. 3.
"With all the heritage and lineage that goes with the Big Red One, being the first - that's the key," said McCoy. "If you can't take pride in that then, what else can you take pride in?"
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Blackanthem Military News
ISF continue pursuit of ISI Mosul extortion network
By Multi-National Force - Iraq
BAGHDAD - ISF continued their search today for members of an Islamic State of Iraq extortion network based in Mosul. Accurate intel resulted in the arrest of 31 suspected terrorists Oct. 12, including the Mosul extortion emir and the southern Nineveh extortion emir. The first half of the security op began shortly after midnight yesterday and continued into the early morning hours. Eighteen suspects were arrested during this phase. The 2nd half of the op took place Oct. 12, bringing the total number of suspected Mosul-extortion network members arrested to 49.
The IA, IFP and U.S. forces advisors stopped 2 vehicles and searched several buildings throughout Mosul for warranted extortion-network members. The suspects are part of an ISI-led terrorist group that extorts money from innocent people by threatening violence against them. People typically targeted by the extortion network include those who own or work at construction sites and local businesses, although individuals at their private residences have been victims as well. ISI extortionists then use the stolen money to fund terrorist attacks. During one of the first ops of the day, the security team stopped a vehicle in eastern Mosul based on intel tips, indicating that high-ranking extortion leaders may be in the vehicle. Three suspects were arrested, 2 of them warranted extortion emirs in the Mosul area. In the same vicinity, another security team arrested 3 additional suspects in a 2nd vehicle stop, which was conducted based on credible intel tips as well. Additional security teams subsequently conducted searches of several buildings for other warranted criminals related to the Mosul extortion network, netting 25 more arrests. All suspects were arrested without incident.
The IA, IFP and U.S. forces advisors stopped 2 vehicles and searched several buildings throughout Mosul for warranted extortion-network members. The suspects are part of an ISI-led terrorist group that extorts money from innocent people by threatening violence against them. People typically targeted by the extortion network include those who own or work at construction sites and local businesses, although individuals at their private residences have been victims as well. ISI extortionists then use the stolen money to fund terrorist attacks. During one of the first ops of the day, the security team stopped a vehicle in eastern Mosul based on intel tips, indicating that high-ranking extortion leaders may be in the vehicle. Three suspects were arrested, 2 of them warranted extortion emirs in the Mosul area. In the same vicinity, another security team arrested 3 additional suspects in a 2nd vehicle stop, which was conducted based on credible intel tips as well. Additional security teams subsequently conducted searches of several buildings for other warranted criminals related to the Mosul extortion network, netting 25 more arrests. All suspects were arrested without incident.
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MNF-I
Micro-grants make a big difference
Walter Koenig, PRT economic team leader, shakes hands with Nore, a member of the PRT's mentorship program and recipient of a U.S. micro-grant, in Basrah, October 2009.
(Photo by Spc. Maurice Galloway)
"I'm so grateful for not only the money, but for the opportunity to improve my business with the knowledge I've gained from this program," said Novri Aeamish, a micro-grant recipient. "I'll use this grant money to buy tools, paint supplies, and a generator for my auto repair shop."
"This program's initiative is to cultivate an immediate impact for rapid business development," said E. Walter Koenig, economic team leader for the PRT. "It's going to take business developments like these, as well as the eventual development of a democratic system of open trade, to push Iraq on to the stage of global commerce."
The 17th FB has been evaluating areas in Basrah prov. that could benefit from assistance provided by the Cmdr's Emergency Response Program (CERP). Created as a financial resource for deployed U.S. military cmdrs, CERP is used to generate short-duration projects designed to alleviate urgent humanitarian need.
"We conducted several evaluations to determine the credibility of each and every business proposal," said Koenig. "We're investing a substantial amount of interest in the development of these entrepreneurs that doesn't just end with them receiving the funding to open these businesses. We're prepared to continue the necessary training and mentorship to make sure that these businesses succeed."
"We're proud of what we've accomplished with this program so far," Koenig said. "We hope to have more success in the future. The need is there, but more importantly, the desire and enthusiasm is there within the people of Basrah who want to be the leaders of tomorrow in the community and throughout the business world. "All we're doing is offering a hand up," he said. "How far 'up' depends on the men and women in this great city to decide for themselves."
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MNF-I
Euphrates Crossing and Surveillance
(Photos by Spc. Michael MacLeod)
Paratroopers with the 82nd Abn Div, Advise and Assist Brigade (AAB), return from a joint patrol across the Euphrates River with IP, Al Taqaddum, Oct. 5.
Sgt. Kevin Mikionis, 82nd Abn Div, AAB, launches a Raven UAV for surveillance over a bridge project along the Euphrates River, north of Al Taqqadum, Oct. 5, 2009.
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MNF-I
Sweet Tooth
(Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kirk Worley)
Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Mills, 2nd ID, gives a child a piece of candy during a joint patrol with Iraqi Soldiers in Diayala Prov., Sept. 30.
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