Saturday, July 7, 2007

Combat Camera: Troops Find, Destroy Al-Qaida Safe Houses

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A paratrooper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, prepares to board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter following the completion of Operation Geronimo Strike. Photographer: Sgt. Ernest Henry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

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A paratrooper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, searches the area outside one of the al-Qaida safe houses discovered during Operation Geronimo Strike. Photographer: Sgt. Ernest Henry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Video: Blackfoot Air Assault
B-roll of paratroopers conducting an air assault mission into a fish farm area. Scenes include clearing houses, AH-64 Apaches firing Hellfire missiles and destroying terrorists' safe houses. Also see "Operation Bastogne Interviews" in the Interview section. Produced by Sgt. Ernest Henry. Watch it.

Operation Geronimo Strike Finds Al-Qaida Safe Houses
07.03.2007
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division


KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers discovered, then destroyed, three al-Qaida safe houses during an early-morning raid near Jurf As Sukhr today.

Operation Geronimo Strike, conducted to prevent anti-Iraqi operations and attacks, was an air assault raid on Kalsu’s Fish Farms area. Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division Paratroopers discovered several houses used by al-Qaida to meet, train and hide weapons.

“Tonight we did an air assault raid into an area used by the insurgency. Basically, we did a search on what we thought were safe houses for terrorists,” said Capt. Charles Canon, Company B commander.

While the paratroopers were searching the area, they discovered two houses filled with weapons and explosives. A third house was booby trapped.

“In one of the buildings, we found an IED in the process of being made, we found a terrorist safe house, and in a third building, we found a bunch of propaganda and materials, CDs, and some cameras and things like that,” continued the Orlando, Fla., native. “It definitely seemed like a propaganda publishing house, or something of that sort.”

Because one of the houses was also booby trapped, the commander called in AH-64 Apache helicopters to destroy the three buildings. Paratroopers found two anti-aircraft rounds in a fourth house, which was not destroyed.

With the area searched and the safe houses destroyed, the paratroopers returned to Forward Operating Base Kalsu.

“This was our first company air assault in this sector. I think we did a very good job,” Canon said. “The aviation, both the (tactical operations center) and the men of Blackfoot did a great job and the mission went very well.”
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Thursday, July 5, 2007

Combat Camera: U.S. Army Training in the 'Land Down Under'

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Pvt. Eric Riddle searches for role-playing insurgents through the scope of his M240B machine gun. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Spc. Ruben Casiano Jr. uses his Stryker vehicle's remote weapon system to scan the area for "enemy" contact. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Soldiers roll to their next objective in their Stryker vehicles. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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1st Lt. Luke Booth monitors communications. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Staff Sgt. George Adams (left) and Spc. Brenton Steckel monitor the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade-and-Below and Remote Weapons System screens in their Stryker vehicle, while looking for "enemy contacts." Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Sgt. Richard Boone maintains a security perimeter around a Stryker vehicle. The Soldiers are bundled up because it is winter in Australia this time of year. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Spc. Ruben Casiano Jr. acquires targets and maintains communications while maneuvering a Stryker vehicle. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Soldiers prepare to clear a building. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Soldiers extract a role-playing wounded comrade. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Soldiers evacuate another role-playing casualty. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Soldiers guard captured role-playing insurgents. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo, July 02, 2007

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Combat Camera: Haifa Street Project Concert

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1st Lt. J.P. Hare (foreground), Capt. Jason Lewis and Spc. Zak Deckard, members of the Haifa Street Project, perform for Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division during a Fourth of July concert at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad. Photographer: Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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A crowd of Soldiers watch the Haifa Street Project perform during their Fourth of July concert at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Baghdad, July 4. Photographer: Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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The Haifa Street Project, a rock band of Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, makes their debut during a concert for brigade members at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad July 4. Photographer: Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Capt. Patrick Miller, the lead singer for the Haifa Street Project, performs during a Fourth of July concert for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad. Photographer: Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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The Haifa Street Project, a band made up of Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, performs during their Fourth of July Concert at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad. Photographer: Spc. Robert Yde, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

ALSO SEE
"Haifa Street Project” Rocks FOB Prosperity

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Let Freedom Ring: Spending the Fourth of July in Iraq

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The U.S. and Iraqi flags fly side-by-side at Forward Operating Base Loyalty in eastern Baghdad where members of the Fort Carson, Colo.-based 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division serve during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photographer: Spc. Courtney Marulli, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Open thread:

Let Freedom Ring: Spending the Fourth of July in Iraq
Story by Spc. Courtney Marulli
07.05.2007


FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq -- The Fourth of July is the celebration of American independence, but it’s also a reminder for those deployed to Iraq about just how important freedom is. Being away from loved ones, Soldiers find ways to celebrate America and take pride in what they are doing for another country.

Sgt. Stewart D. Tignor, a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division’s personal security detachment, said the Fourth of July is a time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the independence they have, the choices they can make.

Tignor, a native of Huntington, Indiana, is on his third deployment, his second to Iraq, and has missed several Fourth of July’s at home. But that is what makes him even more appreciative of what he’s missing.

“I’d say the best word to describe it is probably humbling,” he said. “You take a lot of stuff for granted, like just to be able to sit on the back of a truck and watch fireworks.”

It’s those small things in life that Soldier’s really miss, especially around the holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those small things are exactly what Tignor said he plans on enjoying when he’s home.

Being away from home on the Fourth of July while fighting for the independence of another country is something that causes conflicting feelings inside.

“It makes me a little bit torn,” he said. “One side makes me want to say, ‘Do something to get these guys their independence and then we can go home.’ But, the other part is proud to be trying to help these people gain independence like what we have and to help them gain rights to live how they want to live.”

Tignor said despite the drawbacks of being deployed, he takes great pride in knowing that he’s part of a cause trying to bring people a better way of life.

Celebrating the Fourth of July isn’t going to stop just because he’s deployed, so Tignor said he’s going to celebrate in his own way.

“I’m going to sit in my room, drink a ‘near beer,’ play guitar with Sgt. (Mark) Zimmerman, tell a whole lot of stories about back home until we have to roll out on a mission,” he said.

Sgt. David L. Williams, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (currently attached to Company C), is on his second deployment and will be missing another Fourth of July.

The Fourth of July and Veteran’s Day have been very important holiday’s in Williams’ family as his mother takes great pride in being an American, he said.

Williams, who is a native of Boston, said his mother always told him and his siblings about the history of America’s independence and made sure they understood what they were celebrating.

“My mother got me into it,” he said of his American pride and value of Independence Day.

Spending time with disabled veterans is something else Williams said was important as both his mother and grandmother work for Disabled American Veterans.

Williams said he has seen some of the best fireworks shows and attended some of the best barbeques. It also served as one of the only times his entire family, which is quite large, would come together no matter what they were doing.

“Veteran’s Day and the Fourth of July are the only time, along with major holidays, that we all get together,” he said.

Williams said his mother told him that the Fourth of July was a pure holiday as it celebrated independence and wasn’t commercialized like Christmas had become.

“It’s one of the holidays that makes me miss home the most,” he said

Overall, Williams said the Fourth of July means five things to him: the official beginning of freedom, supporting Soldiers, getting family together, barbeques and fireworks.

Being in Iraq changed Williams. He said he always saw advertisements for donating money to help the poor or to help fund the education of children in foreign countries, but he didn’t really understand the need until he came to Iraq.

“Here, you really see it,” he said.

In order to celebrate the Fourth of July, Williams said he will be calling his family and spending a lot of time on the phone. He will also eat dinner and watch the fireworks on television.

Growing up with American pride and pride in the Soldiers defending the freedoms he enjoys, Williams said joining the military didn’t change him, but he sees the change in others.

“It makes me happy to see the change of heart in the other guys,” he said.

Spc. Cody J. Heath, a deployed theater accountability system specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT, 2nd ID, is currently on his first deployment and is missing all the major holidays with family and friends for the first time.

Heath, a native of Tampa, Fla., said it’s hard to be away from his family. I’d like to be home with my family.”

Heath said he loves to cook out and celebrate the holidays with family and friends, but that excitement fades when he knows all he’ll have to celebrate the Fourth of July is food from the dining facility and a few friends to eat with.

Heath is quick to mention that he has it better than most.

“I’ve got nothing to complain about compared to those guys who go outside the wire everyday and sometimes stay outside the wire,” he said.

Being in a combat zone while trying to secure the independence of another country, doesn’t affect Heath. The sacrifice it took to cement America’s independence is something Heath feels he can relate to more now that he’s been in a combat zone.

“People died to gain that independence and now it’s like a replay but for another country,” he said. “I kind of know what they’re talking about.”
ALSO SEE
588 U.S. Troops Reenlist in Baghdad on Independence Day

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Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Dragons on the Street: 4th of July in a Combat Zone

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Staff Sgt. Nathan Tabor, from Dickinson, N.D., a joint network node site supervisor with Company C, 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I feel honored to be part of an Army fighting for the freedom being celebrated back in the United States."

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Sgt. 1st Class Delmar Reed, from McIntosh, Ala., personnel non-commissioned officer in charge with 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I'm serving my country as a Soldier doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Being the 4th of July, being patriotic, you're patriotic anyway on the 4th of July. Being over here on the 4th of July ain't like I'm missing out on something. I can't say like I feel like I'm missing out. I feel like our independence still, no matter what part of the world we're in, our independence means everything, no matter where you're at. At least, that's what it means to me."

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Sgt. Jonathan Oaks, from Virginia Beach, Va., a brigade targeting non-commissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I feel honored to be part of an Army fighting for the freedom being celebrated back in the United States."

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1st Lt. Mario Millender, from Pensacola, Fla., a liaison officer with 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "Of course it bears some significance. I can't pinpoint it right now, but I'm sure I'll feel it when I come home."

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Sgt. James Menzies, from Austin, Texas, a paralegal with 610th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "Wish I was home back with my wife and kids, obviously, going out for the picnic and going to church, but since I'm here, it's hot, it's dusty, I'm working in an office."

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Spc. Beckie McCumbers, from Front Royal, Va., an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "It's just something I'll remember forever. It's going to be one of the most memorable Fourth of July's ever."

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Spc. David Marino, from Pittsburgh, Pa., a satellite communications specialist with Company C, 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "It reminds me of how, over 200 years ago, patriots like ourselves fought to secure our own freedom. It reminds me that we are here to help a country and a people come together in a newfound freedom."

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Sgt. Joshua Cookson, from Holyoke, Mass., a topographic sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "It's showing that we're still fighting for freedom no matter where we are, but we can still celebrate it as well."

Photographer: Multi-National Division Baghdad

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Combat Camera: USS Rushmore Celebrates the 4th in UAE

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JEBEL ALI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (July 4, 2007) Seaman Sheila Castaneda and Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Smith raise the Ensign during morning colors aboard USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on Independence Day. The Rushmore is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is in Jebel Ali for a scheduled port visit. Bonhomme Richard ESG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations and will be conducting maritime operations. U.S. and coalition forces conduct maritime operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Williams)

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USS Rushmore (LSD 47) raises flags and pennants in preparation for "dress ship" as part of a 4th of July celebration. The Rushmore is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is in Jebel Ali for a scheduled port visit. Bonhomme Richard ESG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations and will be conducting maritime operations. U.S. and coalition forces conduct maritime operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Williams)

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Seaman Sheila Castaneda and Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Smith raise the Ensign during morning colors aboard USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on Independence Day. The Rushmore is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is in Jebel Ali for a scheduled port visit. Bonhomme Richard ESG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations and will be conducting maritime operations. U.S. and coalition forces conduct maritime operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Williams)

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Quartermasters aboard the USS Rushmore raise flags and pennants in preparation for "dress ship" as part of a 4th of July celebration. The Rushmore is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is in Jebel Ali for a scheduled port visit. Bonhomme Richard ESG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations and will be conducting maritime operations. U.S. and coalition forces conduct maritime operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Williams)

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U.S. Troops Reenlist in Baghdad on Independence Day

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During the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq, today 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jess Kent

Nearly 600 U.S. Troops Reenlist in Baghdad on Independence Day
By Marine Sgt. Jess Kent
American Forces Press Service


BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 4, 2007 -- Hundreds of troops gathered at Al Faw Palace for the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony today at Camp Victory. During the ceremony, 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens.

Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, MNF-I, gave opening remarks before administering the Oath of Enlistment."This morning we pay tribute to the American ideals we all hold so dear in several significant ways," he said.

"First, by conducting what surely is the largest reenlistment event ever held in Iraq and perhaps in our Armed Forces' history, then by celebrating the granting of American citizenship to a group of troopers who have already pledged their loyalty to our nation by putting their lives on the line for it, and finally by observing the 231st birthday of our great country," he said.

Petraeus said the troops who reenlisted on Independence Day, most while serving on a second or third deployment to a combat zone, have made a decision based on far more than any bonus they may receive.

"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses," he said. "Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers."

Petraeus then dedicated the Independence Day ceremony in honor of two soldiers who died fighting for America before they could be sworn in as citizens.

"Sgt. Kimel Watt and Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, who would have been in your ranks here this morning, were lost in recent combat action, giving the last full measure of devotion for a country that would have become fully theirs today," Petraeus said. "Words can not express the admiration I feel for these two men or the sadness I feel for our nation's loss and their families' sacrifice."

Petraeus said the deaths are reminders that freedom comes at a very high cost, which must never be forgotten. Like these two soldiers, who fought and died with the American flag on their shoulders, he said the troops being naturalized as U.S. citizens were most deserving.

"When you enlisted into the Armed Forces you swore to support and defend a Constitution that did not yet fully apply to you," Petraeus said. "You chose to endure the same sacrifices as your fellow comrades in arms to preserve the freedom of a land that was not yet fully yours. You accepted that you might have to pay the ultimate price on behalf of a nation to which you did not fully belong. Now, you will officially become citizens of the United States, a country to which each of you has already borne true faith and allegiance in your hearts and your deeds."

Army Pfc. Yaremi Boza, a human resources specialist with the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, is one of those citizens. She migrated from Cuba to Florida as a child in 1995 and believes the Independence Day ceremony opened a lot of doors for her as an American citizen.

"I'm glad that I can be here to get my citizenship," she said. "It means being able to take care of myself and my family and having lots of opportunities and windows open. It's a great feeling to know at the end of the day that you're a part of the country you're fighting for."
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Independence Day 2007

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Soldiers wave American flags as they are recognized at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, July 03, 2007

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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Combat Camera: Helicopter Rescue Video

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This image made from video and released by the US Department of Defense shows an Apache helicopter as it comes to the aid of two U.S. helicopter pilots after their aircraft went down amid insurgent fire on Monday, July 2, 2007 south of Baghdad. The military said the Kiowa helicopter was forced down by insurgents south of Baghdad on Monday and two pilots in an Apache helicopter ferried the men to safety. The two downed pilots were slightly injured. (Photo: US Department of Defense)

Video: Helicopter Rescue
B-roll of a helicopter rescue from Task Force Marne. Scenes include aerial footage of the Apache helicopter in flight with Soldiers strapped to a wing of the craft, the crash site and the landing of the helicopter.

Media Coverage
Video Shows Dramatic Rescue in Iraq
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Pentagon video released Tuesday showed the dramatic rescue of two U.S. helicopter pilots after their aircraft went down amid insurgent fire. Read it, AP Video.

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 (AFPS) -- An AH-64 Apache helicopter crew rescued two U.S. pilots after enemy fire brought down their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter south of Baghdad yesterday.

The OH-58 pilots suffered minor injuries. An Air Force Thunderbolt II destroyed the downed helicopter with two 500-pound laser-guided bombs after the pilots were evacuated from the area.

In operations today, coalition forces killed three terrorists, detained 29 suspects and destroyed a cache of bomb-making materials, U.S. officials said.

A senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader was killed today by U.S. troops during a raid conducted west of Tarmiyah. The U.S. soldiers also detained seven suspected terrorists for alleged involvement with al Qaeda and their association with the deceased terrorist leader.

During an operation in western Baghdad, U.S. troops captured an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq operative suspected of conducting illegal checkpoints and numerous killings. Five suspected terrorists were detained during the operation, including the alleged al Qaeda agent.

Near Asad, U.S. troops captured a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq agent with alleged ties to foreign terrorists and a car-bomb network. This detainee also is suspected of involvement in a chlorine suicide-bomb attack in Fallujah in March. Three other suspected terrorists also were detained.

During a series of other raids in and around Asad, U.S. troops detained eight more suspects allegedly tied to the bomb-building network and destroyed three vehicles had used to transport insurgents and their weapons.

During another raid in Taji, U.S. forces netted five suspected terrorists allegedly linked to bomb-making activities. A cache of chemicals and bomb-making materials also were discovered. An explosives team destroyed the cache.

“We're continuing to target the (vehicle bomb) and homemade explosives networks to reduce the operations of the terrorists who indiscriminately attack Iraqi civilians,” said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We remain committed to stopping those who would use violence to reignite the cycle of reciprocity of sectarian violence.”

In operations yesterday, U.S. troops killed two terrorists, detained eight suspected terrorists, including a senior al Qaeda leader, and uncovered several bomb caches during operations targeting terrorist bombing networks in Baghdad.

U.S. troops killed a suspected terrorist who’d maneuvered upon their position and detained two more suspects for their alleged involvement with the deceased al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. The U.S. soldiers also destroyed two vehicles used in the transport of enemy personnel and weapons.

As U.S. forces approached another targeted building, an armed man began firing on them from the back yard. U.S. troops returned fire and killed the man. Another suspect was detained at the location.

When U.S. troops raided two nearby buildings they found multiple caches of bomb-making material along with a vehicle used in terrorist activities. Six suspected terrorists were detained for their alleged involvement in the Baghdad bombing network.

“Dismantling the suicide bombing network in Baghdad is a top priority for us,” Garver said. “We will continue to target al Qaeda and any groups that use vehicle-borne bombs to attack the Iraqi people.”

In other Iraq news, a U.S. helicopter used its missiles to destroy a ZPU-1 anti-aircraft gun and a 120 mm mortar system located about 10 kilometers west of Iskandariyah on July 1.

Meanwhile, Iraqi police in Mahawil, about 50 miles south of Baghdad, detained the alleged brigade commander of a rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia July 1. The detainee is directly responsible for directing bombing attacks against Iraqi police, soldiers and coalition forces, U.S. officials said. One such attack killed five U.S. soldiers. Iraqi police also detained three other individuals and confiscated cell phones, computer hard drives, and passports and other documents.

And, U.S. troops destroyed a homemade bomb factory in the Diyala River Valley during a July 1 operation. The erstwhile factory was a single-story brick structure set near the village of Mikbisa, northeast of Baqubah. It was discovered during a routine patrol.

After entering the house U.S. troops found large amounts of fertilizer, ammonium nitrate and nitric acid, all key ingredients used in making explosives. The house also contained a drying room in which the entire floor was covered with over 500 lbs. of explosive material. Also, a number of chemical suits and boots, goggles, vapor masks and a large number of chemical gloves were found inside the house.

“This is a significant find and confirms that al Qaeda is working against the good people of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of Multinational Division North and Task Force Lightning.

In addition, at least 23 insurgents were killed in fighting 4 kilometers south of Ramadi on Jazzera al Humar (Donkey Island) along the Nassar Canal between June 30 and July 1. Coalition and Iraqi forces were in the area because they had received reports that a significant number of anti-Iraqi forces had gathered on the outskirts of Ramadi to stage a series of large-scale attacks.

The al Qaeda in Iraq-affiliated terror group planned to regain a base of operations in Anbar province by mounting suicide car- and vest-bomb attacks. The battle began June 30 when U.S. troops were attacked with small-arms fire from two trucks. The Americans returned fire and pursued the fleeing attackers with the help of Army AH-64A Apache helicopter gunships and Marine F-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier fighter jets. The U.S. helicopters killed at least one insurgent and wounded another and destroyed the two trucks, later determined to be loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives.

A search of the area on July 1 discovered 22 deceased insurgents, including seven who wore suicide vests, as well as 24 homemade grenades, 20 pressure-plate improvised explosive devices, assault rifles and machine guns, military uniforms, suicide vests and backpacks with first aid kits. Most of the enemy dead wore white clothing with white running shoes, an outfit often associated with extremist fighters prepared to kill themselves.

As the operation progressed, U.S. troops continued a search for enemy troops or weapons caches. Extremists again attacked with machine gun fire, grenades and a suicide vest. The U.S. soldiers responded with small-arms fire and grenades, killing at least one enemy fighter. Helicopter gun ships and fighter jets provided aerial surveillance and used missiles to destroy an enemy bunker complex. Two enemy fighters were detained and taken to a military detention facility for questioning. (Story from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Combat Camera: 505th Paratroopers Patrol Samarra

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter stirs up dust from a burned field while getting ready to land. The helicopter was there to pick up Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq on June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter stirs up dust from a burned field while getting ready to land. The helicopter was there to pick up Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Coalition forces are conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq on June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter stirs up dust while approaching to land. The helicopter was there to pick up Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq on June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, provide security while taking a quick break from walking during a patrol to find anti-Iraqi forces. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq, June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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Iraqi children from a small village near Samarra, watch the U.S. Army Soldiers patrolling the area. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq, June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Castioni, of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, sorts through documents found in a home during a raid. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq, June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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U.S. Army Capt. Adisa King, commander, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, speaks with a woman about anti-Iraqi forces in the area. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq, June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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U.S. Army Soldiers, of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, speak with a man in his home about recent insurgent activity in the area. Coalition forces were conducting raids on anti-Iraqi forces near the city of Samarra, Iraq, June 11. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Brogan, Joint Combat Camera Center

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