OIF Summary, Jan. 21, 2009: Forces Nab al-Qaida Financier

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested two men affiliated with al-Qaida and detained two suspects in operations over the past two days in Iraq.

Forces arrested a suspected weapons and explosives operator in addition to two suspected criminal accomplices during a security operation yesterday north of Baghdad.

Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected al-Qaida member believed to have acquired weapons for the terrorist group in addition to facilitating explosive attacks within the region.

After preliminary questioning and assessing the evidence at the scene, forces identified and arrested the wanted man and two suspects without incident.

In a Jan. 19 operation, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors arrested a suspected terrorist financier during an operation in Ninevah province.

The force arrested the warranted man on suspicion of financing al-Qaida. Forces believe the suspect is responsible for multiple attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the province.

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

Pentagon: US Forces in Haiti to Grow to 20,000

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 -- Roughly 20,000 U.S. troops will be supporting relief efforts in Haiti by Jan. 24, military officials said, adding to the 13,000-strong American force currently there.

Comprising the force will be the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade and thousands of other troops operating afloat off the Haitian coast and on shore, distributing provisions, assisting in medical operations and helping to maintain security. Some 2,200 Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are slated to arrive within 48 hours, military officials said.

“The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a huge part of enabling us to extend our reach to places around the country that may need our assistance but we just haven’t been there yet,” Army Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen, the top U.S. commander in Haiti, said on The Pentagon Channel today.

The additional forces come as international aid continues pouring into Haiti following a magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Jan. 12, creating what an official called one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas.

About 2,000 Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit that came ashore earlier this week have zeroed in on an area west of Port-au-Prince where much of the larger destruction occurred, according to Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, the commander of U.S. Southern Command.

In the meantime, some 1,400 flights are waiting to land at the congested Toussaint Louverture International Airport in the capital of Port-au-Prince, where the United States is overseeing upwards of 140 flights daily as officials look to open additional airfields, Fraser told Pentagon reporters today. Reports of bottle-necking at the airport have emerged as its capacity has swelled from an average of 13 commercial aircraft daily arrivals before the quake.

As of yesterday, an airport about 30 miles southeast of the Haitian capital in the city of Jacmel became operational in addition to the San Isidro airport in neighboring Dominican Republic, where officials are looking to open a third airport in Maria Montez.

Officials say the disaster has killed between 100,000 to 200,000 people and the Red Cross estimates some 3 million people have been affected. To date, the United States has delivered 1.4 million bottles of water, 700,000 meals and 22,000 pounds of medical equipment, which are being disbursed among some 100 distribution sites, Fraser said.

While the cost of relief efforts is difficult to estimate given its scope, Fraser placed the figure at $100 million. The Defense Department pledged up to $20 million in emergency relief funds in days for Haiti, and sprang troops into action following the quake.

Off the Haitian coast are 20 U.S. ships, with the floating hospital vessel USNS Comfort among them, adding medical capabilities and supplying about 600 medical personnel and 1,000 desperately needed hospital beds. As of yesterday, roughly 270 U.S. medical personnel on the ground had treated more than 5,100 people in Haiti.

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

OEF Summary, Jan. 21, 2010: Forces Target Taliban Commander

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 -- An Afghan-led security force killed four insurgents during an operation in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province last night.

The combined Afghan and international force engaged the insurgents during an operation targeting a high-level Taliban commander known to direct attacks against Afghan and international forces, train Taliban members and facilitate the movement of foreign fighters as well as weapons in the area. One insurgent was detained in the process.

Eleven women and 24 children were protected during the operation. However, a young man, estimated to be 15 years old, displayed hostile intent by grabbing one of the soldier’s weapons. He was shot and killed.

In another operation today, a combined security force came across several damaged Holy Korans while investigating a building after an explosive strike in Helmand province.

"This deplorable tactic of destroying the Holy Koran demonstrates a lack of respect for the religion and the people of Afghanistan," said U.S. Navy Captain Jane Campbell, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command spokesperson.

The security force documented and reported the incident to district leadership immediately.

International forces are trained on the sanctity of the holy book and go to significant steps to protect it. ISAF is an international force that includes Muslim soldiers.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 20, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 20, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Jan. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Chahar Bagh
An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operator provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly ground forces. The pilot observed suspicious activity in the vicinity of friendly forces and requested confirmation of position coordinates. Ground forces confirmed the coordinates and identified the personnel as an enemy with a weapon. After receiving permission to eliminate the threat to friendly forces, the operator engaged using a missile. The weapon was successfully destroyed.

Shurakian
An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operator provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. The pilot was tasked to follow a suspicious person in the vicinity of a recent improvised explosive device detonation. When friendly forces attempted to apprehend the person for questioning, he hid in a mosque and then ran from friendly forces. The Reaper pilot observed the person enter a field and attempt to arm an IED before friendly ground forces arrived. Ground forces confirmed the coordinates and after receiving permission to eliminate the threat to friendly forces, the operators engaged using a missile. The target was successfully eliminated.

Morghab
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Friendly forces reported a large group of enemy personnel gathered in close proximity to their position. Once coordinates for the enemy position and the suspicious personnel were received, the aircrew released precision-guided munitions and made numerous strafing runs against the target, which eliminated the threat. No further enemy action was noted.

Lashkar Gah
Pilots flying U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft provided armed reconnaissance for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares expended, over an area as a reminder that airpower was overhead. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force as directed by ground forces. The show of force, with flares released, was declared successful y ground control.

Kandahar
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy. The pilots were also tasked to perform surveillance to dectect insurgents preparing for an indirect-fire attack. Coalition pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy action in the area. The show of force was declared successful and the pilots resumed convoy-escort duties.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 80
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 14

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 32
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2(NAVY)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On January 18
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 7 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 209

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 135
Short tons of delivered cargo: 621
Passengers: nearly 2,600
Airdropped cargo: nearly 145,000 pounds

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

Pentagon: Limited Airport Hampers Haiti Relief

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2010 -- Limited runway space at the Port-au-Prince airport is hampering humanitarian relief operations in Haiti, the chief of U.S. Central Command said today.

“This is a single runway; there’s not even a taxi-way,” Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said during a Pentagon Channel interview.

The magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12 severely damaged much of Port-au-Prince, the capital city, including its airport and seaport.

Though relief aid now is pouring into Haiti, Petraeus said, the limited airport ramp space is making it difficult to off load supplies.

Coordinating aircraft to land and take off at Port-au-Prince airport also is difficult, Petraeus said, noting satellite-enabled command-and-control systems need to be established.

“Everything has been knocked out” by the earthquake, Petraeus said of Haiti’s already-sparse infrastructure.

Nonetheless, the humanitarian aid mission continues to make progress, Petraeus said, as food, water and medical care are distributed among the stricken Haitian people.

The situation in Haiti, he said, requires an “industrial-strength” response effort.

“And, that is what we are doing,” Petraeus said.

(Report by Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service.)

OEF Summary, Jan. 20, 2010: Afghan Forces Recover Drugs from Runaway Vehicle

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2010 -- Afghan soldiers confiscated heroin and opium from a vehicle trying to bypass a checkpoint in Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.

When Afghan soldiers tried to detain the driver, he accelerated the vehicle dragging a soldier along. Fellow soldiers fired warning shots and attempted to fire vehicle-disabling shots. When that didn't work, the soldiers fired lethal shots into the vehicle wounding the driver, who later died of his wounds.

More than 130 pounds of processed heroin and a small quantity of opium were recovered. The soldier was not seriously injured in the incident.

Also yesterday, a joint patrol discovered 540 pounds of ammonium nitrate and a weapon in Kandahar province. The ammonium nitrate was in containers typically used in homemade bombs.

Military officials said this could have been turned into nearly 1,000 pounds of explosives.

In other operations yesterday:

• A combined Afghan and international security force stopped a vehicle in Kandahar province. During the stop, the force detained several insurgents and killed a Taliban explosives operator responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

• A force searched a compound, and detained a pair of suspected militants in Kandahar province.

• While searching a compound in Kunduz province, a force faced an imminent threat and then took hostile gunfire. They returned fire, killing three militants. Multiple weapons were found on site, including rocket-propelled grenade rounds.
  
  While flying back to the base, the assault force helicopters received hostile fire from rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. The aircraft immediately returned fire, killing two militants. The helicopters were not damaged and returned to the base without incident.

• A security force searched a compound in Logar province last night and detained a suspected militant.

• In Helmand yesterday, a combined force discovered a weapons cache after coming under fire by insurgents. The cache contained 10 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, two grenade launchers, 16 circuit boards, 11 bomb initiators, nine pressure plates, six time-delay devices, three hand-held radios, two assault rifles and other bomb-making materials.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)

OIF Summary, Jan. 19, 2009: Forces in Iraq Target, Arrest Terrorists

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested more than 20 suspects during multiple combined security operations today targeting suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members around Baghdad and Mosul.

In northeastern Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested seven men during an operation targeting a wanted terrorism suspect. With U.S. troops advising, the Iraqi soldiers searched two homes for the suspect, who is believed to be involved in kidnappings, assassinations and bomb attacks against security forces in Baghdad.

In one of the buildings, the team discovered a large bundle of electrical wiring, several handguns, ammunition and blasting caps hidden in a compartment. Preliminary questioning and evidence led to the arrest of seven suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual. One of the suspects was arrested after attempting to run away.

In southeastern Baghdad, Iraq forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for a suspected member of a terrorist cell that conducts kidnappings and attacks against security forces in Iraq. Preliminary questioning and evidence collected led forces to arrest two suspected criminal associates of the warranted terrorist member.

During a separate operation northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched several homes for three terrorists wanted on warrants. The security team found two handguns and a silencer in one of the buildings. Evidence collected at the scene resulted in the arrest of nine suspected criminal associates of the wanted individuals.

In an operation northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police with U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected terrorist believed to be responsible for car bomb attacks throughout the area. Iraqi police arrested two suspected criminal associates of the wanted terrorist.

Also today, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected explosive cell leader in northern Mosul believed to be responsible for attacks throughout the region. After preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, forces arrested three suspected criminal associates of the wanted individual without incident.

In other recent operations:

• Iraqi security forces arrested three suspected terrorists Jan. 17 during an operation in northeastern Mosul targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of being heavily involved in an extortion network.

• Iraqi soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader and three suspected accomplices Jan. 17 in northeastern Baghdad. The man is suspected to have close ties to senior leaders of a terrorist group. During the search of the suspect's home, the team discovered an assault rifle and two handguns.

• Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected terrorist member believed to be involved in planning car bomb attacks in the Mosul and Beiji areas. Troops arrested two associates of the targeted man following questioning and the discovery of weapons on the premises.

• Iraqi troops with U.S. advisors searched a home for a suspected terrorist cell member south of Mosul on Jan. 16. The team discovered an assault rifle and propaganda material in a hidden compartment in the home. Evidence led troops to identify and arrest the wanted individual and two suspected criminal accomplices.

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

OEF Summary, Jan. 19, 2010: Forces in Afghanistan Nab Taliban Commander, Cell Leader

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 -- Security forces detained several suspects, including a Taliban commander and terrorist bombing cell leader, during operations over the past several days in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In an operation reported today, a combined Afghan and international security force detained two suspected insurgents after stopping a vehicle during the pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander responsible for bombing attacks in Zabul province.

In operations yesterday:

• A force operating in Helmand province encountered an undisclosed number of insurgents and requested close-air support. Supporting aircraft dropped a 2,400-pound bomb on the area and suppressed the insurgent gunfire.

• A force searched a compound and detained a pair of suspected militants while searching for a Taliban bombing cell leader in Zabul province.

• A combined force had a grenade thrown at them as they searched a compound in Ghazni province. The force returned fire, killing the insurgent. During the operation, Afghan members of the team searched a local mosque and found a pair of insurgents. The force also captured a Taliban commander responsible for planning and conducting attacks against coalition forces and found multiple grenades.

• A security force searched a compound and captured a Taliban operator who is responsible for planning suicide and convoy attacks against coalition forces in Logar province.

• A patrol discovered 1,400 pounds of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in homemade bombs, after searching a building in Helmand province. The combined force detained the building owner, and destroyed the fertilizer.

• A security force searched a compound in a rural area in Kandahar province while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander and detained a pair of suspected militants.

• A combined force searched a compound in Khost province where they captured an undisclosed number of insurgents. The force also pursued a group of militants who fled from the compound. After the insurgents engaged the force with small-arms fire, the force returned fire and killed three of them. The force found a large cache of weapons, including multiple automatic rifles, hand grenades, mortar charges, rocket-propelled grenades and plastic explosives.

• Two suspects were detained after a combined force searched a compound in Nangarhar province.

• A security force searched a compound in Wardak province where they captured a Taliban operator suspected of buying and placing explosives.

• A force searched a compound in Kandahar and captured a Taliban operator believed to buy and distribute weapons and ammunition for militant networks. The joint force detained other insurgents during the search. The force also found a large inventory of foreign military equipment, including uniforms.

• An Afghan civilian delivered 87 mortar rounds to a provincial reconstruction team in Herat province. Since Oct. 1, more than 150 Afghans have received cash rewards for turning in weapons or for providing tips leading to the recovery of weapons.

In operations Jan. 16:

• An operation in Kandahar province uncovered 3,500 pounds of marijuana and opium, as well as about $48,000 worth of Pakistani rupees and $4,000 in Afghan currency. In the course of the operation, a combined air assault and direct-fire engagement, 10 insurgents were killed.

• A security force detained a suspected militant while searching for a Taliban operator in Ghazni province.

• A combined force detained an undisclosed number of suspected militants while searching for a Taliban weapons operator in a series of buildings in Wardak province.

• A force detained a suspected militant while searching for a Taliban commander in Zabul province.

• A patrol discovered bomb-making materials and illegal narcotics while searching a series of compounds in Helmand province. The discovery netted numerous bomb-making materials including pressure plates, blasting caps, ball bearings, small-arms ammunition and a chemistry set. The force also discovered more than 2 pounds of marijuana and opium paraphernalia. Six men were detained.

• Forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of seven mines and three bombs in Kunduz province.

• An insurgent group was observed planting bombs in Paktika province. A joint security force called in an air strike and killed three militants, including a terrorist cell commander. The force then moved to the site and captured other insurgents. One militant was wounded by the strike and was medically evacuated. Multiple weapons, including bombs, rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles and hand grenades were recovered.

• A security force discovered a cache containing a small quantity of rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms ammunition and five anti-tank mines in Ghazni province. The weapons were destroyed.

In operations Jan. 15:

• Forces raided three compounds of a senior explosives operator and Taliban commander in Helmand province. While Afghan forces were clearing the first compound, three insurgents were positively identified outside of the compound. Afghan forces engaged the group of insurgents, killing one and detaining two. The force protected the nine women and 18 children in the compounds.

• Combined forces conducted an overnight operation in Helmand province. An initial assessment of the operation showed 11 insurgents killed. A sizable amount of black tar opium and a small cache of weapons and bomb-making materials were among the group.

• Forces operating in Helmand province engaged a number of insurgents from two firing positions. The joint operation called in air support and a missile was fired at the insurgents' position.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)

Pentagon: Security Incidents in Haiti Impede Relief Efforts

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2010 -- While violence in Haiti has dropped to pre-earthquake levels, security incidents in the devastated country impede efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance, the top U.S. commander in Haiti said today.

Army Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen characterized the security situation as “calm,” sounding a positive note a day after he cited increasing incidents of violence in Haiti in the midst of one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas.

In an operational update with reporters today, Keen said official U.S. sources and Haitian residents report that the number of violent incidents have declined to levels not seen since before a 7-magnitude earthquake rocked the Caribbean nation Jan. 12.

“Nevertheless, any incidents of violence impede our ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, and we have to address those, as [U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti] is doing in the best of their ability,” he said.

Haiti has been the focus of an expansive relief effort in the wake of the disaster, which officials believe has killed between 100,000 to 200,000 people and which the Red Cross estimates has affected some three million people.

For its part, the Defense Department has pledged up to $20 million in emergency relief funds for Haiti, and sprang troops into action following the quake, with the U.S. military footprint there expected to grow in the coming days.

About 1,700 troops, mostly from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, are on the ground in Haiti and that number is likely to grow to 4,000-5,000 in the coming days, with roughly the same number of Marines and other forces operating from sea-based platforms, officials said.

“We need as many troops on the ground as we can, and we've identified those numbers based upon our assessment [of the situation],” Keen said. Speaking of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, he added, “There's over 3-1/2 million people here. It's a very congested area. In order to get to all the points that are needed, in order to address the situation, we need a number of troops to do that.”

Military efforts are in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is orchestrating U.S. government contributions to the relief mission. Operations are focused on working with the United Nations in Haiti, international relief organizations and local responders to provide search and rescue, distribute aid and assess damage to key infrastructure, officials said.

As of 3 p.m. today, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C., was arriving off the coast of Haiti. The Navy-Marine Corps team on the USS Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group had begun operations meanwhile to bring water, food and medicine to those in need.

The amphibious ships are loaded with helicopters, amphibious vehicles, trucks, generators and water-purification units, said Marine Maj. Gen. Cornell Wilson, commander of U.S. Marine forces operating in Haiti. He added that Marine forces bring additional flexibility to U.S. efforts.

“Marines are well known for their capabilities in combat operations,” he said. “However, they're equally capable of conducting humanitarian assistance operations. Together with our Navy counterparts, we're bringing a robust sea-based capability to this mission.”

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

OEF Update, Jan. 18, 2010: Forces Counter Insurgent Attack in Kabul

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Jan. 18, 2010 -- Afghan National Security Forces countered an insurgent attack here in the capital city today, and with help from international forces, are securing the area where several explosions and small arms fire were reported this morning.

"Today's attack by the Taliban in Kabul is yet another example of their brutality and contempt for the Afghan people," said U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of International Security Assistance Forces, said. "Afghan National Security Forces effectively dealt with the situation and should be commended. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the innocent victims of this cowardly attack."

Near the Feroshga e Afghan Shopping Center and Serena Hotel in the downtown area, Afghan and Kabul Security Forces fiercely engaged insurgents who were using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, killing at least six of the insurgents. The Afghan army and national police reported two casualties each in today's engagement. Officials did not yet know the number of civilian casualties.

The coordination by the various security forces highlighted their improved effectiveness in protecting Afghan civilians, military officials said.

The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack.

"We are aware that the Taliban have claimed responsibility for this attack," said Aleem Siddique, a spokesman for the mission. "We condemn this attack unreservedly. It is of particular concern that this took place in an area with so many civilians present."

Further information will be released as it becomes available, officials said.

(From a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

Combat Camera Video: US Troops, Afghans Patrol Kandahar City

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2010 -- Embedded above is a b-roll video of soldiers on patrol in Kandahar City. Scenes include soldiers on a crowded road with military vehicles, Afghan National Army soldiers and soldiers talking to community officials. (Courtesy Video, American Forces Network Afghanistan. Length: 00:03:08.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

OEF Update, Jan. 18, 2010: Afghan-ISAF Forces Discover Large Cache of Weapons

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010 -- An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in a rural area in Kandahar's Daman district near Kshattah Marsenjey while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander and detained a pair of suspected militants.

In Khost last night, a joint security force searched a compound south of the village of Goldar, in the Sabari district and captured
insurgents.

The Afghan-international security force also pursued a group of militants who fled from the compound. After the insurgents engaged the assault force with small arms fire, the force returned fire and killed three of them.

The joint force found a large cache of weapons, including multiple automatic rifles, hand grenades, mortar charges, rocket-propelled grenades and plastic explosives.

In Nangarhar last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound northeast of the village of Vazir, in the Khuguyani district and detained two suspected insurgents.

In Wardak last night, joint security force searched a compound in the village of Mirakikhel, in the Maidan Shahr district and captured a Taliban facilitator, responsible for buying and placing IEDs.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)

Pentagon: US Forces to Occupy Security Role in Haiti

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2010 -- The security side of U.S. humanitarian relief operations in Haiti will take on a larger role as violence increases in the aftermath of the 7-magnitude earthquake that struck five days ago, the top U.S. commander in Haiti said today.

In the midst of the massive international relief effort there, Army Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen said some incidents of violence have impeded the U.S. military's ability to support the government of Haiti.

"Our principal mission [is] humanitarian assistance, but the security component is going to be an increasing part of that," he said today on ABC's This Week. "And we're going to have to address that along with the United Nations, and we are going to have to do it quickly."

Keen said they are looking at the incidents of violence "very closely." "We do need, obviously, a safe and secure environment to continue and do the best we can with the humanitarian assistance," he said on Fox News.

Haiti has been the focus of an expansive relief effort in the wake of what one official has called one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas. Original estimates by the Red Cross were that upwards of 50,000 people were killed in the quake, but other reports elevate the figure to between 100,000 to 200,000.

Despite reports of violence in the quake's aftermath, troops from the 82nd Airborne Division yesterday delivered 70,000 bottles of water and 130,000 packages of food, said Keen, the commander of the joint task force for the Haiti relief effort that has been dubbed Operation Unified Response.

"We're going to be able to increase that every day, but that's only what we are doing," Keen, speaking on Fox News Sunday, said of the distribution of provisions. "The United Nations forces are doing likewise, as well as the international community."

The food packages, which contain some 2,300 calories designed to maintain a person's basic nutrition needs, are a fraction of the 600,000 total rations the Defense Department will provide in addition to other support made possible through funding from the up to $20 million emergency relief the department pledged to the operation in Haiti.

Implementing these efforts for the U.S. military currently are roughly 1,000 82nd Airborne Division soldiers and some 3,000 other troops working from ships docked off the Haitian coast. Two additional companies of the 82nd are due to arrive today, in addition to Marines aboard the USS Bataan and a Marine landing battalion expected in country in coming days. Officials have estimated that some 10,000 U.S. military troops would be operating in Haiti by tomorrow.

Military efforts, which are in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development that is orchestrating U.S. government contributions to the relief mission, are focused on working with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, international relief organizations and local responders to provide search and rescue, distribute aid and assess damage to key infrastructure, officials said.

Keen noted that domestic police forces in the Haitian capital were among those affected by the quake, which he said adds to security concerns there.

"The police that was providing security at various locations around the city of Port-au-Prince was devastated by the hurricane as well," he said on CNN's State of the Union. "So security is a concern. We're paying very close attention to it."

Keen called the earthquake a "disaster of epic proportions," adding that the military would be available for as long as it's needed, and underscoring the speed of its response.

"Our nation can be proud, because our Navy immediately turned a aircraft carrier south right after the earthquake," he said of the USS Carl Vinson, which is serving as a platform for the helicopter capabilities that currently provide the military's principal support. "And as we move other equipment in here, we'll be able to get more ground transportation to increase our tentacles out into the countryside."

As relief provisions continue being distributed in the devastated country, former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have agreed to President Barack Obama's request to lead a major fundraising push, lending their stature to the effort in hopes of sustaining international focus on the dire situation.

The addition of the two former presidents elevates the prominence of the U.S. effort, a symbol that Obama said he hopes will carry international reverberations. The official Web site of the fund, http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org, accepts donations and contains more information on the effort.

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)