Saturday, December 27, 2008

US State Department: Situation in Gaza

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2008 -- The following news release made available Saturday by the U.S. State Department is the text of a statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice regarding the situation in Gaza:
The United States strongly condemns the repeated rocket and mortar attacks against Israel and holds Hamas responsible for breaking the ceasefire and for the renewal of violence in Gaza. The ceasefire should be restored immediately. The United States calls on all concerned to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the innocent people of Gaza.
(Report from U.S. State Department news releases.)

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US Airpower Summary; Dec. 27, 2008: A-10s Conduct Shows of Force

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies a combat support mission over Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom. A-10s conduct shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 27, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations on Dec. 26, according to combined air and space operations center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds against anti-Afghan forces who where firing rocket propelled grenades against a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Nangalam. In addition, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the same area. The missions were confirmed a success by the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

Near Ghazni, an F-15E performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy traveling along a known enemy route. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

A-10s conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition convoys in the vicinity of Bari Kowt and near Bagram. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, 54 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Sixteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 39 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force, Navy and coalition surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 680 tons of cargo were delivered; and nearly 2,600 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 25, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Combat Camera: When the Sun Goes Down, Balad Heats Up

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An F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off on a combat mission just after sunset Dec. 18 from Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and its heritage is tied to the famous 332nd Fighter Group "Tuskegee Airmen" of World War II. The jet is deployed from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson.)

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The setting sun silhouettes the air traffic control tower at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Dec. 18. The 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron controls aircraft from this tower. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and its heritage is tied to the famous 332nd Fighter Group "Tuskegee Airmen" of World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson.)

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flies over Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Dec. 18. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and its heritage is tied to the famous 332nd Fighter Group "Tuskegee Airmen" of World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Friday, December 26, 2008

OEF Summary; Dec. 26, 2008: Troops in Afghanistan Kill 11 Taliban During Firefight

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 2008 -- Coalition forces in Afghanistan killed 11 Taliban militants and detained two suspects during a firefight with members of a major roadside-bomb emplacing network in Kandahar province yesterday.

In Maiwand district, west of the city of Kandahar, coalition forces targeted a Taliban network responsible for local roadside bomb attacks, including recent assaults that killed several International Security Assistance Force soldiers. Militants barricaded inside the compounds refused to surrender and opened fire on the coalition forces with machine guns and AK-47 rifles.

Coalition forces first held their fire to allow women and children to exit the compounds, after which they were moved to a safer location. Coalition forces then engaged the militants with small-arms fire and hand grenades.

Eleven militants were killed during the firefight. Coalition medical personnel tended to a wounded female bystander and evacuated her to a hospital for further care.

Coalition forces found dozens of land mines, at least 15 rocket-propelled grenades, several machine guns and AK-47 rifles, as well as bomb-making materials hidden in the compounds. Coalition forces destroyed the weaponry.

“No martyrs here, just militants who put down roadside bombs that kill innocent Afghans and then hide among civilians putting them at even greater risk,” said Army Col Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. “Coalition forces take on extraordinary steps, even giving up the element of surprise to ensure only militants were engaged.”

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)

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OIF Summary; Dec. 26, 2008: Troops Seize Rocket-Delivery System in Baghdad Raid

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 2008 -- American and Iraqi security forces found and seized a rocket-rail system during a combined operation conducted in Baghdad’s Rashid district Dec. 25.

U.S. 4th Infantry Division soldiers and Iraqi police discovered the rocket-delivery system while performing a security sweep in the district’s Abu T’shir community, a U.S. military official said.

“Combined operations account for many significant finds in the Rashid district,” said Army Maj. Dave Olson, a spokesman for the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team. “The 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade continues to teach, coach and mentor the ISF as they provide a safe and secure environment for the people.”

In Dec. 22 operations:
  • Iraqi soldiers arrested two suspected terrorists in Baghdad. One of the detainees is a former major general who’d served in Saddam Hussein’s regime. He is linked to the financing of several terrorist and criminal groups.

  • An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team arrested three alleged terrorists during an operation in Hit.

In other news, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team from Mosul arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation conducted in Hay Hathel Village Dec. 21. The detainee is accused of making improvised explosive devices and facilitating their placement in and around Mosul.

Iraqi Special Operations soldiers captured two men in Salman Pak Dec. 20. These men allegedly facilitated the movement of weapons into Abu Ghraib and were involved in house bombings in the area. During another operation conducted in Hashimiya that day, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team from Hillah arrested three suspected criminals.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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US Airpower Summary; Dec. 26, 2008: F-15s Protect Convoys

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An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flies over Afghanistan in support of Operation Mountain Lion April 12, 2006. F-15s continue to serve an important role in operations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, flying overwatch missions and protecting U.S. and coalition personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lance Cheung.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 26, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and general purpose 500-pound bombs onto anti-Afghan locations where indirect fire had originated against a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Orgun E. In addition, an A-10 performed a show of force to deter anti-coalition activities in the vicinity of Mata Khan. The missions were confirmed a success by the joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Musa Qal Eh, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces. An F-15E also performed a show of force and provided aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Qalat. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition quick reaction force that was egressing back to a nearby convoy in the vicinity of Jalalabad. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Bagram, an A-10 performed a show of force and provided aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seventeen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 41 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 620 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 2,000 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 24, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately two million pounds of fuel to 150 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Troops Destroy Taliban Roadside Bomb Cell in Kandahar

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Rocket-propelled grenades (inside the tubes). (Photographer: U.S. Forces Afghanistan.)

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Hand grenades, spools of wire used for making improvised explosive devices. (Photographer: U.S. Forces Afghanistan.)

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 26, 2008 -- Coalition forces killed eleven armed Taliban militants, including a key improvised explosive device cell leader, and detained two suspected militants during an operation targeting a major roadside bomb network in Kandahar province, Dec. 25.

In Maiwand District, approximately 75 km west of Kandahar City, coalition forces targeted a Taliban network responsible for multiple roadside bomb attacks including recent attacks which killed multiple International Security Assistance Forces soldiers.

During the operation, coalition forces called for all individuals inside the compounds to surrender and exit peacefully. Disregarding these instructions, militants barricaded inside the compounds opened fire on the force using PKM machine guns and AK-47s. Despite taking heavy enemy fire, coalition forces held their fire to allow the women and children to exit the compounds unharmed, and then moved them safely to another location.

Moving under enemy fire, coalition forces engaged the barricaded militants with small-arms fire and hand grenades. After neutralizing the threat, the force searched the buildings discovering eleven militants were killed. One female who remained inside the building, sustained fragmentation wounds to her leg.

Medical personnel on site provided immediate care to the wounded female and evacuated her to a coalition forces’ hospital for further care. Respecting cultural sensitivities, the force allowed a male from the village to accompany her to the hospital. She is in stable condition and expected to fully recover.

During the search, coalition forces found dozens of landmines, grenades (at least 15 rocket-propelled grenades), several PKM machine guns, multiple AK-47s, and bomb making materials hidden in the compounds. Coalition forces destroyed these items to prevent their future use. The building was destroyed by secondary blasts from the landmines.

“No martyrs here, just militants who put down roadside bombs that kill innocent Afghans and then hide among civilians putting them at even greater risk,” said Col Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. “Coalition forces take on extraordinary steps, even giving up the element of surprise to ensure only militants were engaged.”

(Report from a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release.)

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Combat Camera: US Marines Patrol Helmand Province, Afghanistan; Dec. 26, 2008

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2nd Lt. John Langer, a platoon commander with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, walks down an alley in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Harrison Bruining, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, turns around during a census patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Sean Kunis, a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security during a patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Kyle Bower, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security during a patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Marines and an interpreter with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a census patrol in order to speak to the local populace in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Jesse Raper, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a security patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Cpl. Josh Reasbeck, a patrol leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security on the rooftop of an abandoned house in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Kyle Bower, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, patrols through a village in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Sean Kunis, a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security during a patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2008. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. Harrison Bruining, a rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, patrols in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 22. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

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Lance Cpl. James Welch, a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, looks through binoculars on the rooftop of an abandoned house in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. (Photographer: Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Troops in Iraq Uncover Smuggled Ancient Treasure

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Iraqi Col. Ali Sabah, commander of the Basra Emergency Battalion, displays ancient artifacts Iraqi Security Forces discovered Dec. 16, 2008, during two raids in northern Basra. (U.S. Army photo by Multi-National Division South East PAO.)

Dispatches from the Front:

BASRA, Iraq, Dec. 26, 2008 -- Iraqi Security Forces recently uncovered hundreds of historical artifacts during two raids in northern Basra.

The 228 ancient artifacts included Sumerian and Babylonian sculpture, gold jewelry and other items from ancient Mesopotamia.

“This is my favorite item,” said Iraqi Col. Ali Sabah, commander of the Basra Emergency Battalion that led the operation, holding a piece of gold jewelry. “It’s gold from the Babylon ages and about 6,000 years old. It doesn’t have a price.”

“I’m very happy because this is my civilization’s heritage,” he said.

The Basra Emergency Battalion led raid operated from tips that smugglers intended to remove the treasure from the country.

“We got information that there were important Iraqi monuments that were going to be smuggled outside of Iraq,” Sabah said.

After verifying a tip, the operation kicked off with a house raid that recovered 160 pieces of Iraqi monuments that were found in the yard. “We arrested five of the guys and they admitted to the crime,” he said.

These arrests led to a second raid on in al-Ayaqub in northern Basra.

The monuments were found in a box in a corner of the yard covered with blocks. “We knew what we were looking for because we had pictures,” Sabah said

“We will send it back to Baghdad via the Ministry of Defense to action moving it to the Iraqi Museum,” he said.

Sabah said he hopes Iraqi authorities will get more information of this kind. “The soldiers are very, very proud to conduct this operation,” he said. “I can’t describe how happy we were when the soldiers found it.

“Each of the soldiers will be very proud when they visit the museum with their families and their wives and they can say ‘I brought it back’.”

(Report from a Multi-National Division South East PAO news release.)

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Thursday, December 25, 2008

US Airpower Summary; Dec. 25, 2008: Strike Eagles Show Force

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An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, refuels Dec. 12 during a combat mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 25, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force over a village where an anti-Afghan forces vehicle was trying to hide in the vicinity of Qarah Bagh. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition foot patrol following an improvised explosive device emplacement team in the vicinity of Orgun E and Mata Khan. The JTACs declared the missions were successful.

In the vicinity of Konduz and near Ghazni, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed multi flight shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting counter-IED operations. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition foot patrol in the in the vicinity of Bagram. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Sixteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 34 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, a coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 500 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 2,000 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 23, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 211 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas

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The 'panzer' Santa, with well-filled sack of radios, books, cookies, and other gifts dear to soldiers hearts, glides up to the door of the barracks in Camp Lee's Quartermaster Corps and it isn't hampered by lack of snow in Virginia. Camp Lee, Virginia, Quartermaster Replacement Center. December 1941. (U.S. Army photo.)

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Combat Christmas

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Soldiers from Task Force 34 on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, gather at the Freedom Chapel on Dec. 24, for a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. (Photographer: Sgt. Lynette Hoke, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.)

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Soldiers from Task Force 34 on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, gather at the Freedom Chapel on Dec. 24, for a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. (Photographer: Sgt. Lynette Hoke, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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NORAD Tracks Santa, Christmas Eve 2008

Click to visit the NORAD Tracks Santa Ops Center
Click to visit the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2008 -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command is again tracking Santa! On Christmas Eve, NORAD will begin tracking Santa Claus' journey via live video feeds that begin at the following times:
  • 3 a.m. Pacific Standard Time
  • 4 a.m. Mountain Standard Time
  • 5 a.m. Central Standard Time
  • 6 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
  • 11 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time

The NORAD Web site, designed by Booz Allen Hamilton, allows fans of all ages to get up-to-the-minute reports and streaming videos from key stops on Santa's trip around the world. Google software will output live images from NORAD's high-speed digital “Santa Cams," and Google Maps and Google Earth will follow Santa as he travels around the world. All of this information is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and new this year, Chinese. In addition, for the first time, Canada Post will partner with NORAD to ensure children around the world can send an email to Santa through the NTS Web site. The NTS program is carried out with the assistance of many corporate partners

The NORAD Tracks Santa (NTS) program began on Dec. 24, 1955, after an errant phone call was made to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The call was from a local youngster who dialed a misprinted telephone number in a local newspaper advertisement. The commander who answered the phone that night gave the youngster the information requested – the whereabouts of Santa Claus. This began the tradition of tracking Santa Claus, a tradition that was carried on by NORAD when it was formed in 1958. This Christmas marks the 50th anniversary of NORAD tracking Santa Claus as he goes around the world delivering presents.

The NTS program has grown immensely since first presented on the Internet in 1998. In 2007, the Web site received 10.6 plus million unique visitors from 212 countries and territories. In addition, the NTS Operations Center, occupied by 1,012 volunteers on Christmas Eve, answered nearly 95,000 phone calls and received 140,000 emails from families around the world.

(Report from a NORAD press release.)

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US Airpower Summary; Dec. 24, 2008: A-10s Provide Top Cover

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II provides top cover over Afghanistan in support of coalition ground forces. A-10s conduct shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 24, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces that were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces patrolling the area in the vicinity of Shurakian. Furthermore, an F-15E and a coalition aircraft conducted shows of force in the same area and near Lashkar Gah. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Kajaki Dam, coalition aircraft dropped a GBU-38, GBU-12s and Enhanced Paveway II munitions and fired rockets onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing RPGs and mortar shells against a coalition convoy. In addition, a coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for the same coalition convoy. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a general purpose 500-pound bomb and GBU 38s and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces embedded in a cave in the vicinity of Nangalam. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Bagram, an F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition foot patrol in the area. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force, dispensing flares to deter anti-Afghan forces from attacking a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Moqor, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that was disabled when they were hit by RPGs during their operation. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 44 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 110 airlift sorties were flown, more than 350 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 1,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 40,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 22, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 260 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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OIF Summary; Dec. 24, 2008: Troops in Iraq Seize Criminals, Weapons

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2008 -- Iraqi and U.S. soldiers apprehended suspected criminals and seized weapons caches in operations in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported.

The soldiers nabbed five suspected criminals with outstanding warrants during a combined operation in Baghdad’s Rashid district. They also seized 153 AK-47 assault rifles, two submachine guns, two rifles and two pistols in the Saydiyah community.

In other operations:
  • Iraqi and U.S. soldiers seized and destroyed a weapons cache north of Baghdad that included 99 37 mm high-explosive projectiles, 400 empty rocket tubes and two 155 mm illumination rounds.

  • A local resident’s tip led U.S. soldiers to a cache west of Baghdad consisting of five 82 mm mortars, a mortar tube and a tripod.

  • Iraqi soldiers seized two rocket-propelled grenades in northwestern Baghdad’s Ameriyah district. They gave the weapons to U.S. soldiers for disposal.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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