Combat Camera: Clearing Al-Qaida Strongholds West of Baqubah, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, a platoon sergeant with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides security for fellow members of his platoon while moving though a field before conducting a clearing operation in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. The clearing operation involved 1-38 Inf. and 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, also with 4-2 SBCT. The two units cleared an area north west of Baqubah known as the "Iron Triangle", a suspected al-Qaida hot spot. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, a platoon sergeant with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, looks for al-Qaida in Iraq operatives while moving though a palm grove during clearing operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Soldiers from Bayonet Company attached straw, leaves and other items lying on the ground to their helmets and body armor to provide camouflage during the clearance of the palm groves and fields surrounding Hadid. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Capt. Joshua Wiles, a platoon leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, confirms his location on a map before entering a "target house" during clearing Operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Target houses are buildings that house individuals wanted for questioning by coalition forces. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Sgt. Johnny Wallace, a squad leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, shakes hands with an Iraqi child during clearing operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Spc. Robin Bautista, a machine gunner in Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, waves to a child from a rooftop during clearing operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Most citizens in Hadid greeted the Soldiers with smiles and waves during the three-day operation that cleared the town of weapons, improvised explosive device making materials and individuals wanted for questioning by coalition forces. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Pfc. Robert Jones, a radio operator in Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, negotiates his way across an irrigation ditch during clearing Operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Spc. Donald Surber, an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, binds the hands of detainees captured during clearing operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Soldiers from Company B and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division negotiate their way over a wall during clearing operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. The Soldiers clearing the town had to negotiate their way though deep canals and over high walls to reach their objectives. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Spc. William Bolt, an infantryman in Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, leads a detainee wanted for questioning down a street during clearing Operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Bayonet Company took dozens of detainees during the three-day operation. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Spc. William Bolt, an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, helps a fellow Soldier over a gate during clearing Operation Rock Reaper in Hadid, Iraq, just west of Baqubah, Dec. 14. Soldiers of Bayonet Company checked more than 150 houses for contraband during the three-day operation. Photographer: Pfc. Kirby Rider, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

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Battle of the Bulge Lives on in Memories, Emotions

December 1944, Somewhere in "The Bulge." Down but not out: 101st Airborne Troops moving during attack near Bastogne, December 1944. Photo by USAMHI

GIs slog it out during the harsh winter weather. Photo by USAMHI

Tanks and Infantrymen of the 82nd Airborne Division, Company G, 740th Tank Battalion, 504th Regiment, push through the snow towards their objective in Belgium. (Image and description courtesy of the Truman Presidential Museum and Library)"

(CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE) - The General's Christmas message to his troops. Photo by USAMHI

The General said " NUTS!" Brigadier General, Anthony C. McAuliffe, the Division Artillery commander ,101st Division. Photo by USAMHI

Carl Dalke, who served with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment during the Battle of the Bulge, called the first days of the campaign "gut wrenching." Photo by Ken White

The U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Honor Guard prepares for a parade in Bastogne, Belgium, as part of Battle of the Bulge commemorations held Dec. 15, 2007. Photo by Ray Johnson

A reenactor chows down while playing the role of an American soldier during Battle of the Bulge remembrances held Dec. 15-17, 2007, in Belgium. Photo by Ken White

Belgian children play on a Sherman tank display during Battle of Bulge ceremonies in Bastogne, Belgium. Photo by Ken White

Parachutists drop from a World War II C-47 Dakota during Battle of the Bulge ceremonies held in Bastogne, Belgium, Dec. 15, 2007. Photo by Ken White

Emotions begin to overcome Malmedy massacre survivor Ted Paluch after he presented a wreath to remember 84 U.S. soldiers executed in World War II. To Paluch’s right is Fabien Steffese, curator of the Baugneze 44 Historical Center, which recounts the tragedy. Photo by Ray Johnson

Army Col. James Drago, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, and Marcel D’Haese, a veteran of the Belgian 5th Fusiliers, participate at a wreath-laying ceremony at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne, Belgium, Dec. 16, 2007. Photo by J.D. Hardesty

Ted Paluch (left), a survivor of the 1944 Malmedy massacre of 84 U.S. soldiers in Belgium, compares a photo taken of the scene then and how the area looks now. Photo by Ken White

Malmédy Massacre survivor Ted Paluch glances down an embankment where he fled following the execution of 84 of his comrades on December 17, 1944. Photo by Ken White

Ted Paluch, one of five remaining survivors of the Malmédy Massacre in December, 1944, relates his story during his visit to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the massacre, and dedicate a new museum to the occupation and defense of Malmédy, Belgium. Photo by Ken White

Face of Defense:

Marking the 63rd Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

BASTOGNE, Belgium, Dec. 21, 2007 (AFPS) -- Standing next to the killing field where he once found himself face-down in the snow surrounded by the dead and dying, Ted Paluch said his return wasn’t as emotional as it once was, especially having visited three other times.

His resiliency and composure quickly crumbled, though, when asked to honor 84 U.S. soldiers murdered near Malmedy, Belgium, in World War II.

As the 85-year-old from Philadelphia gingerly stepped on the frozen turf -- the ground as hard as it was 63 years ago when he served with 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion -- Paluch’s eyes brimmed with tears. Clutching a wreath and almost whispering to himself, he said: “One of my guys was found here, in this exact spot. I wish he was standing next to me now instead.”

Similar sentiments were heard 50 miles away in Bastogne, a Belgian city forever linked with the massive World War II campaign officially tagged Battle of Ardennes, but better known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Invited to the dedication of the Baugnex 44 Historical Center, a museum that recounts American prisoners of war being executed in 1944 by a German SS Panzer unit, Paluch was one of several hundred veterans and current soldiers who commemorated Battle of the Bulge ceremonies Dec. 15-17.

The 30th Bastogne Historic Walk, which paid tribute to 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, kicked off three days of remembrance. Roughly 3,000 participants, including 900 U.S. servicemembers, marched along the outskirts of Bastogne and through the villages of Hemroulle, Champs and Longchamps, where the “Five-Oh-Deuce” fought and bled.

Following a narrow road reduced to muck in places, marchers went past grasslands and thick forests. It is here where great tank battles took place in the open, while hand-to-hand combat spilled from one foxhole to another.

Carl Dalke, 82, who served with the 101st Airborne Division’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, recalls the first 24 hours of the fight as being the toughest, with his unit surrounded and trapped in arctic-like conditions. He labeled it “gut wrenching,” especially when his best friend died -- one of 19,000 Americans killed, along with another almost 60,000 injured.

“But at no time did we ever think that we would lose, … even though we were outnumbered seven to one,” said Dalke, outfitted in 1940s-era military clothing and sporting several rows of medals, including a Bronze Star.

At a small memorial hugging the road, Dalke, like Paluch, laid a wreath to personally recognize those who didn’t survive the costly monthlong struggle.

Along the walk, marchers passed by several such memorials and realistic scenes of uniformed reenactors digging foxholes, stealing through the woods, manning crossroads and driving authentic vehicles of that era. Adding to the setting were 22 parachutists jumping from a C-47 Dakota transporter.

Later in the day, a formal wreath-laying ceremony was held in Bastogne’s McAuliffe Square, named after Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe, who famously replied “Nuts!” when asked to surrender by the Germans. Prior to the ceremony, the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Honor Guard led a parade formed by dignitaries, beret-wearing veterans, Belgian troops, and soldiers from USAG Benelux and USAG Brussels. Also included in the mix were school-age children carrying flags of every U.S. state.

The procession, with a sidewalk-lined crowd tagging along, made its way from downtown to a small park and monument dedicated to Gen. George S. Patton, commander of the 3rd Army, which relieved besieged 101st Airborne Division forces. Afterward, the parade returned to McAuliffe Square, where U.S. and Belgian officials, military leaders and Battle of the Bulge survivors remembered those who fell.

Army Col. James Drago, commander of USAG Benelux, joined Marcel D’Haese, of the Belgian 5th Fusiliers, which fought alongside the Allies, in presenting a wreath. Drago, a veteran of operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, called the moment “truly amazing.”

“The amount of energy that the Bastogne community expends to show their heartfelt appreciation each year reminds us all of the awesome sacrifices our soldiers made in that cold winter of 1944-1945,” the colonel said. “Knowing that people from around the world participate in such large numbers annually confirms just how important these sacrifices were.”

(Story by Ray Johnson, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Europe Region, Public Affairs Office.)

Related: Army Leaders Retrace Battle of the Bulge on 63rd Anniversary

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Brighten Residents' Lives

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2007 (AFPS) -- Afghan and coalition forces brightened the lives of Afghan adults and children alike with a wave of humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan this week.

Villagers from Familia village, in the Shindad district of Herat province, enjoyed the security of well-lit homes and streets after Afghan national security forces and coalition forces repaired the village's generator Dec. 18, just in time for Eid al-Adha celebrations.

"We brought a mechanic to fix the generator. The village had no electricity for more than a month," an Afghan soldier said. "The children smiled as the lights came on."

But the lights do more than just brighten the faces of Afghan children. The well-lit streets also provide security for village residents.

Electricity was not the only Eid gift villagers received. During previous visits to the area, the combined forces met with village elders to determine residents' other needs. In addition to repairing the village generator, troops brought five bundles of humanitarian aid materials at the elders' request, including blankets, clothes and gloves.

Dozens of children swarmed village elders, the district subgovernor, and Afghan and coalition forces as they handed out the winter items. Prior to Eid celebrations and the onset of bitter winter weather, the supplies were a much-welcomed gift.

"The people are happy with the security we provide the area," an Afghan National Army soldier said. "The schools and mosque in the village enjoy a large attendance due to the presence of the [Afghan National Army]."

Villages in the area have been the site of recent insurgent activity, underscoring the need to maintain stability in an area where suspected Taliban insurgents recently set off two bombs in a school, causing heavy damage.

"The [Afghan national security force] is committed to providing security in the region," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will continue to increase the quality of life for villagers all around Afghanistan."

Days earlier, Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, delivered tons of much-needed humanitarian assistance to hundreds of villagers in Sra Kala, in the Achin district, and Shabl, in the Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province Dec. 16 and 17.

Afghan national security forces, including Afghan National Police members, delivered more than two tons of blankets, toys, soccer balls, flour, rice, prayer rugs, storage bags and other items to the more than 350 adults and 650 children who showed up to receive the goods.

The children, some covered with colorful scarves, smiled and thanked the Afghan National Police members who provided toys, stuffed animals, crayons and coloring books.

The provincial subgovernor, responsible for the districts, specifically requested assistance from the Afghan National Police at the request of area chiefs and village elders. Distributing supplies among local citizens was a way to reward villagers who have helped combined forces create safe environments in the districts by making the area inhospitable to insurgents.

"The villagers were very happy to receive the much-needed items. The goods will help villagers endure the onset of freezing winter temperatures," a coalition soldier said. "The people of Sra Kala and Shabl recognize that the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan truly cares for the general welfare of the population.

"Afghan national security forces and the Afghan National Police are trying to improve their quality of life," the soldier added.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

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Troops Kill One, Capture 24 in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2007 (AFPS) -- Iraqi and coalition forces killed one suspected terrorist and detained 24 others in Iraq over the past two days, military officials said.

During operations to disrupt criminal networks this morning, coalition forces captured two suspected “special groups” leaders and detained three other suspects near Baghdad in the Mashru and Kadhimiya areas. Intelligence led ground forces to the target area south of Baghdad in Mashru, where they captured one criminal group leader and detained another suspected criminal.

The targeted individual reportedly trained criminal splinter group members to attack coalition and Iraqi forces with explosively formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices, military officials said. He reportedly associated with several other senior criminal leaders responsible for attacks on troops.

In an operation west of Baghdad in Kadhimiya, ground forces captured a senior criminal group leader and detained two other suspected criminals. The alleged senior special groups leader is believed to be responsible for supplying materials for use in explosively formed penetrator attacks. He reportedly controlled a group of criminal cells operating in Baghdad and is linked to several other senior-level criminal leaders involved in attacks on coalition forces, military officials said.

“Coalition forces continue to conduct operations designed to diminish the facilitation of terrorist activities Iraq,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

During coordinated operations in Baghdad yesterday and today, troops detained two wanted individuals in al Qaeda’s media and propaganda network. The suspects also reportedly are associates of a suspected terrorist who was detained by coalition forces Dec. 9 for his role in the same network. At the targeted site, the ground force discovered caches of media and propaganda materials. Ground forces also detained four suspected terrorists.

During an operation in Tarmiyah today, coalition forces detained a wanted individual believed to be closely associated with a leader in the northern Baghdad al Qaeda network. The wanted individual reportedly is associated with senior terrorists in the network, which is responsible for car-bomb and IED attacks, as well as extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and facilitating foreign terrorists. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one suspected terrorist.

Coalition forces in Kirkuk conducted an operation targeting an alleged al Qaeda cell leader today. The targeted individual reportedly is involved in planning and executing terrorist operations in the province and was associated with Abu Harith, the former leader of the Kirkuk terrorist network who was killed during a coalition operation Nov. 21.

During the operation, an armed man emerged from the targeted building and displayed hostile behavior. Coalition forces engaged and killed him. During the engagement, an explosion occurred, indicating the individual may have been armed with explosive material. Troops detained one suspected terrorist on site.

In Mosul, coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists today while targeting an individual believed to be involved in an illegal terrorist court system. The suspect also is responsible for facilitating the storage and maintenance of weapons caches in the area, military officials said.

During an operation south of Hawijah yesterday, coalition troops detained three suspects while targeting associates of the terrorist network in Kirkuk.

“Al Qaeda in Iraq remains a threat to the Iraqi people,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Iraqi and coalition forces are working together to dismantle their terrorist networks and bring stability to Iraq.”

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

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Troops Seize Ground, Build Base in Former Al-Qaida in Iraq Stronghold

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, patrol near Khidr in north Babil. The unit is the main effort in an operation to establish a patrol base in an area where AQI is believed to have operated recently. (U.S. Army photo/ Spc. Adam Prickel, Date Taken: December 21st, 2007.)

Dispatches from the Front:

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq, Dec. 21, 2007 -- Iraqi security forces and coalition forces recently took ground in North Babil previously occupied by al-Qaida in Iraq and began establishing a new patrol base there, Dec. 16.

Before dawn broke, soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division staged their vehicles and equipment for the start of the assault phase of Operation Marne Roundup, a Multi-National Division – Center operation designed to clear AQI near Iskandariyah in North Babil.

The serial of vehicles departed for Khidr that day, which would be the home of the new patrol base. There were many stops along the way for the clearance team, which departed first to check and clear the road of improvised explosive devices. By afternoon, lead elements seized the main objective, establishing possession of the ground that would house the patrol base.

Many different sources of intelligence and many months of monitoring the Khidr area prior to the operation confirmed that it was a safe haven for AQI. The area has weapon caches, buildings used to store IED-making material and newly discovered underground tunnel networks. Insurgents hid in these networks following attacks and would resupply and plan further attacks there.

The purpose of the new patrol base in Khidr is to improve security in the area and to build trust with residents. The ISF and CF hope to receive additional intelligence from the local populace based on increased trust.

With increased presence of ISF and CF in the Khidr area, AQI’s support network will suffer.

“There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide,” said 1st Lt. John Buckner, executive officer for Company B, 3-7th Inf. Regt. “At this point they are hungry, and they have no communication with their support. The ones that do have communication – no one will come to help them.”

Once security is stable in Khidr, ISF and CF plan is to establish projects that will improve the local economy. Projects needed in the area range from school refurbishment to improvement of water and sewage systems. Local policing will also have a stronger foothold.

“With the insurgents out of the area, Iraqi police can now have a stronger impact on the local populace by holding recruiting drives and patrolling the area as a part of crime prevention,” said Maj. Scott Taylor, operations officer for the 3-7th Inf. Regt.

With insurgents pushed out of the area, displaced residents will also be able to return home and begin their lives again.

According to Taylor, the local populace is aiding ISF and CF in helping to build a community where fear of terrorism can be a thing of the past.

“This operation now allows us to work alongside ISF in the ongoing fight to prevent accelerants into Baghdad,” Taylor said. “This operation is successful so far, large in part due to the empowerment of the citizens through the Concerned Local Citizens. With the help of this program, local citizens are able to stand up against al-Qaida and defend their own communities.”

(Story by 2nd Lt. William Perdue, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.)

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Combat Camera: Troops Find Atrocity Site, Torture Complex, Weapons Caches in Iraq

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

In Diyala province, citizen tips again led to the discovery of a cache containing large stockpiles of home-made explosives, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, weapons, ammunition, a mass grave and torture chambers, Dec. 9. Photographer: Multi-National Division North East.

Dispatches from the Front:

TIKRIT, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2007 -- During Operation Iron Reaper, Multi-National Division – North Soldiers killed 24 extremists, detained 37 suspects, and discovered an atrocity site, torture complex and nine weapons caches north of Muqdadiyah Dec. 8-11.

Intelligence provided by Iraqi tips led U.S. troops to a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven and operating bases. Evidence of murder, torture, and intimidation against local villagers was found throughout the area.

During the operation, U.S. Forces and Iraqi Security Forces were involved in multiple engagements with groups of armed men. They discovered what appeared to be a detention facility. As they continued to clear the area, they found several bodies and eventually uncovered 26 human remains in multiple mass graves next to execution sites.

In the same area a torture complex was found, consisting of three detention facilities with one doubling as both a headquarters building and torture facility. The buildings contained chains on the walls and ceilings, a bed still hooked up to an electrical system, and several blood-stained items.

U.S. Forces also located and destroyed nine weapons caches anti-aircraft weapons, sniper rifles, more than 65 machine guns and pistols, 50 grenades, a surface-to-air missile launcher and platform, 98 personnel mines, 170 pipe bombs, 130 pounds of homemade explosives, 21 rocket propelled grenades, numerous mortar tubes and rounds.

Operation Iron Reaper has been ongoing over the last few weeks across northern Iraq.

“Operation Iron Reaper has been successful. We will continue to pursue al-Qaeda across our area, and they will find no safe haven in the north of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general, Multi-National Division - North.

(Compiled from a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)

Note: This is an imagery update of an earlier post.

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Army Set to Tap Troops Not Yet Deployed for Combat Assignments

Bloggers' Roundtable:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2007 (AFPS) -- The Army’s assignments branch is reaching out to soldiers who have not deployed to combat in an effort to take some of the strain off of those who have deployed more than once.

More than half of the current 522,000-plus active-duty Army force has deployed to combat, said Army Maj. Gen. Sean J. Byrne, commander of U.S. Army Human Resources Command, in Alexandria, Va. Nearly a third are pending deployment, are in a deployable unit or still going through their initial training, he said.

Only 7 percent, or about 37,000 soldiers, have not deployed and are not scheduled to deploy, Byrne said during a teleconference with Internet journalists and “bloggers.” Those soldiers hold “institutional” slots in the Army at training posts, such as drill sergeants, or in recruiting commands.

Now, the assignments branch is tracking and monitoring those soldiers and, when it is practical, will swap them out with other soldiers due for second or third deployments.

“We are working to identify those soldiers who have not deployed and deploy them when it makes sense,” Byrne said. “As we move these soldiers into deploying units, those who have deployed can subsequently move out. They can take a break.”

Byrne emphasized that managers will not slot soldiers for combat simply because the soldier has not deployed, but that assignments managers will match skills, experience and training with deploying positions.

“Deploying a soldier is much more complex than simply deciding that he or she is to deploy. So we’re reaching out to those who have not deployed, but we’re trying to do it as smartly as possible,” Byrne said. “We don’t place people in jobs they’re not trained for. It does the soldier no good, and it clearly does the Army no good.”

Rank plays a factor in assignments, as there is a greater need for lower-ranking officers and enlisted soldiers. As soldiers are promoted, fewer slots are available. Soldiers’ military specialty also makes a difference. Some specialties are needed stateside more than overseas. Others are in higher demand in combat than in the United States.

“This is a tough issue. We’re doing everything we can to have equity throughout the force. We’re doing everything we can to move people out of formations that have deployed more than once, give them a chance to take and break and move the folks into the formations,” Byrne said. “We just want to do it right.”

Byrne said there is no specific percentage that Army officials want to get down to as far as those who have not deployed. It’s more an effort to make combat deployments equitable across the force. In fact, some soldiers may never deploy simply because their job is more critical in the United States rather than overseas, he said, citing specifically intelligence and some medical assignments.

He said those soldiers still are supporting the global war on terror, but are “doing it where their skills and experiences are needed the most.”

“Quite often the impact on the battlefield is not always commensurate to the proximity of the battlefield,” Byrne said.

The commander said he didn’t believe those who have not deployed are avoiding the assignments. Instead, he said many times it is a matter of timing training, assignments and deployments.

“I hear far many more stories about those soldiers who want to go back a second time or a third time and be part of the team. And I hear very little about those who don’t want to deploy,” he said. “There are a lot of soldiers who have deployed and they are fighting to get back into the fight. We try to do the right thing for the individual and the institution.”

Infantry, aviation, engineer, transportation and field artillery jobs are the most frequently deployed to combat, Byrne said.

Soldiers wanting combat tours should contact their assignments branch, Byrne said. They also can state their preference on the Army’s Web-based assignments program.

(Story by Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service.)

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Troops Capture 'Special Groups' Leader, Release Detainees in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces captured a suspected “special groups” leader during operations yesterday in the northern Baghdad area, military officials reported.

The targeted individual was the special groups criminal element leader for Diyala province and oversaw logistics and operations in the area. He reportedly was responsible for storing weapons and procuring lethal aid, including explosively formed penetrators, to support attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces.

The man reportedly also is an associate of several other senior-level special groups members from Diyala to Baghdad who were involved in attacks on coalition forces.

In other Iraq news, coalition forces held a release ceremony for 100 detainees yesterday at Camp Cropper in a gesture of goodwill and reconciliation during the holiday of Eid al Adha.

"On this joyful occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you back to the new, peaceful Iraq," Army Maj. Gen. Doug Stone, commander of Multinational Force Iraq detainee operations, said in Arabic upon releasing the detainees. "I hope and believe that you will be the role models for the generations to come and contributors to Iraq's glory and prosperity."

The ceremony honored the joint effort by the government of Iraq and coalition forces to increase the average number of detainee releases per month. Individuals are released only after they are deemed to no longer be an imperative threat to the security of Iraq.

The majority of the detainees were released through a review board process, where they had the opportunity to address their cases personally. They also made a pledge to an Iraqi judge, swearing to maintain peace and good conduct.

"We pledge to Allah, the almighty, to be faithful servants in safeguarding and building Iraq," said one released detainee on behalf of the group. "And we ask of him to fill our hearts with love and compassion to the Iraqi people and reject all aspects of violence and hatred."

While in detention, the detainees had the opportunity to volunteer for a number of programs, including basic education courses, religious discussions, vocational training, and work programs designed to help them reintegrate and function as productive members of the community.

All 100 detainees were released yesterday. About 850 detainees have been released so far during the Hajj and Eid al Adha holiday season.

(From Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

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Combat Camera Video: Forces Discover Suspected Torture Facility

Video: Coalition Forces Discover a Suspected Torture Facility
B-roll of coalition forces discovering a suspected torture facility in an abandoned house in the village of Khan Bani Sa'ad. Scenes include a search of the house room to room while describing to the camera what the evidence suggests.
Video: Coalition Forces Uncover and Destroy a Cache of Weapons
B-roll of coalition forces uncovering and destroying a large weapons cache in the village of Khan Bani Sa'ad. Scenes include soldiers removing the weapons, stacking them, taking inventory, and detonating the weapons cache.
Video: Coalition Forces Discover a Small Weapons Cache
B-roll of coalition forces discovering a small weapons cache in the village of Khan Bani Sa'ad. Scenes include a soldier describing how troops found the cache, soldiers stacking the weapons while taking an inventory, then troops destroying the cache from a distance.
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