Last two weeks in Iraq - a recap of our military's outstanding security efforts

CENTCOM ^ | Aug. 16, 2003 | CENTCOM + commentary

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Last two weeks in Iraq - a recap of our military's outstanding security efforts:

 

Sacrifices made by our brave troops on behalf of our freedom - U.S casualties week of Aug. 1 - Aug. 7:

 

July 31-Aug.1: BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier died Aug 1 - gunshot wound received on July 31. The soldier was standing outside when a bullet, fired from a celebrating Iraqi, struck him.
Aug. 1: BAGHDAD, Iraq - One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and three injured - convoy came under rocket-propelled grenade attack south of Shumayt.

Aug. 5: CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – A US soldier assigned to Coalition Forces Land Component Command died earlier today from an apparent heart attack. The soldier complained of having chest pains while performing convoy duties between Camp Arifjan and Camp Arlington west of Camp Wolf.

Aug. 5: BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) was killed when he fell from the roof of a fixed site at approximately 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 in Mosul.

Aug. 6: MOSUL, Iraq- A 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldier died at approximately 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6 after developing a seizure while performing duties here.
Aug. 6: BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two 1st Armored Division soldiers were killed and one wounded in a small arms fire fight in the Al Rashid district. One soldier died on scene, the other died later from wounds received in the incident.
Aug. 7: BAGHDAD, Iraq – An 82nd Airborne Division soldier died of a gunshot wound - while on guard duty in the Al Mansor District of Baghdad.

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Total US casualties week of August 1 - August 7:

8 killed (3 NH) 4 wounded:  12 total casualties (3 NH)

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What OUR troops did to the bad guys Aug. 1 - 7, with the help of the Iraqi people - and other security SUCCESSES:

 

August 1, 2003:

ATTACKS AVOIDED, WEAPONS CONFISCATED IN NORTHERN IRAQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Possible attacks were foiled and prevented as Coalition forces disrupted a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a fuel convoy and located a large weapons cache in northern Iraq.

A rocket-propelled grenade ambush attack in northwest Iraq was foiled by soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at approximately 5 p.m. on July 31 by engaging and wounding an individual before he could fire the RPG accurately. The individual was captured and received medical care for leg wounds at a Coalition medical facility.

A large amount of ammunition and weapons were found and confiscated at a refugee camp located approximately 80 km northwest of Kirkuk by the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st AAD on July 29. The 101st AAD declared an amnesty period, when weapons could be turned in without fear of punishment, on July 30.

The total confiscated weapons cache included 745 RPGs, more than 3,730 rounds of ammunition, 41 fragmentary grenades, 11 air defense artillery missiles and a number of various other weapons.

The confiscated ammunition is systematically destroyed by EOD as caches are brought in. The small arms weapons are checked and usable weapons are reissued to Iraqi Policemen, the New Iraqi Army and members of the Coalition Provisional Authority security force.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 27 raids, 692 day patrols and 618 night patrols and conducted 112 day patrols and 169 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

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August 3, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Former regime loyalist and weapons were seized in numerous successful raids and patrols conducted by Coalition forces throughout Iraq on August 2.

Raids conducted by the 4th Infantry Division resulted in 26 detainees including two suspected key mid-level former regime loyalists. Additionally, 162 hand grenades, 9 rocket-propelled grenades, 10 AK-47’s, four blocks of dynamite one heavy machine gun, various ammunition and explosives, and 200 million Iraqi Dinar were seized.

Twenty former regime loyalists, including a targeted leader, were captured in a series of raids conducted by the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment on August 3.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 22 raids, 836 day patrols and 605 night patrols and conducted 154 day patrols and 164 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

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August 5, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 25 raids, 885 day patrols and 709 night patrols and conducted 176 day patrols and 165 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

Acting on a tip from a local Iraqi that a religious man was firing his weapon at other Iraqis in a Baghdad mosque, 1st Armored Division soldiers along with Iraqi Police officers conducted a raid at the mosque. Two Iraqis were detained and two AK-47s, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one rifle were confiscated.

A gun battle observed between two Iraqis was defeated by a 1st AD military police patrol. The patrol gunner fired rounds at the men’s location when one of the men turned toward the patrol causing both men to flee.

An improvised explosive device consisting of a fuel can connected to batteries was discovered in Baghdad by a 1st AD patrol. An explosive ordnance detonation team defused the IED without incident.

Acting on a tip received from a local Iraqi citizen, a raid was conducted by 4th Infantry Division soldiers against individuals suspected in mortar attacks on Coalition forces in Ba’qubah resulting in significant finds. Weapons confiscated in the raid included five 60 mm mortar rounds, three AK-47s, a number of loaded AK-47 magazines, a crate of 7.62 ammunition, one mortar sight, and grenade fuses. Five individuals were detained.

A weapons cache consisting of 50 120 mm mortar rounds was discovered in the Mosul area by 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers. An EOD team was called to dispose of the cache.

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August 6, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI PEOPLE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Support and cooperation from Iraqi citizens is enabling Coalition forces to seize weapons and detain former regime loyalists.

Acting on a tip from a source about an extensive weapons cache stored at a former regime loyalist house in Baghdad, 1st Armored Division soldiers seized the weapons in a raid conducted on Aug. 4. Confiscated weapons and military gear included 31 protective mask canisters, 11 bayonets, 33 7.62 mm magazines, more than 550 rounds of ammunition, two protective masks, three swords, two AK-47s, two axes, and various documents. Four individuals were detained.

Based on a tip from another source of a weapons cache location, 1st AD conducted a raid in Baghdad on Aug. 5 resulting in 500 ammunition rounds, 10 loaded AK-47 magazines, and one rocket-propelled grenade being confiscated.

An Iraqi turned himself into the police in the 4th Infantry Division area of operation claiming that local former regime loyalists were forcing him to conceal weapons for them. Three AK-47s, one 60 mm mortar, five 60 mm mortar rounds, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, six rocket-propelled grenade rounds and 250 rounds of 7.62 ammunition were turned in.

In a separate incident, an Iraqi citizen turned in a rocket-propelled grenade and an assortment of materials used to make improvised explosive devices to the 4th ID. The Iraqi citizen also provided information on a man who teaches people how to construct IEDs.

A large cache of weapons was reported by a local Iraqi to the 4th ID on Aug. 3. An inventory of the cache completed on Aug. 5 revealed more than 1,700 rounds of various ammunition, more than 900 mortar rounds, more than 37,000 anti-aircraft rounds as well as various other weapons and explosives.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 18 raids, 965 day patrols and 722 night patrols and conducted 164 day patrols and 181 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

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August 7, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI PEOPLE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Weapons and information turned over to Coalition forces enabled the successful detaining of former regime loyalists and confiscation of weapons on August 6.

Iraqi police confiscated a weapons cache consisting of three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, six rocket-propelled rounds, three AK-47s with ammunition, one 60 mm mortar tube with five mortar rounds. The police turned the cache over to 4th Infantry Division troops at a base in the Ba’qubah area. An Iraqi who was afraid to turn them into Coalition forces directly for fear of arrest turned the weapons into the Iraqi Police. The Iraqi claimed the weapons belonged to former regime loyalists who no longer wished to participate in anti-Coalition activities.

1st Armored Division soldiers conducted a raid in Baghdad based on information from Iraqi citizens. Three individuals were detained and 32 fuses, six grenades and one rocket-propelled grenade were confiscated.

A former Iraqi Army general suspected as a leader of an anti-Coalition cell, along with nine other individuals were detained in a 1st AD raid on a house in Baghdad.

An Iraqi guard at a power station in Baghdad observed three individuals placing a burlap bag along the side of a road. 1st AD soldiers investigated and determined the bag contained an improvised explosive device. The IED exploded before the explosive ordnance team could detonate it.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 18 raids, 965 day patrols and 722 night patrols. Of those, 164 day patrols and 181 night patrols were conducted with Iraqi police.

Since June 15, raids and patrols have resulted in 127 arrests for homicide, 26 for rape, 181 for robbery, 269 for aggravated assault, 43 for burglary, 292 for auto theft, 47 for kidnapping and 1,042 for weapons violations.

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And for the good guys:

 

August 3, 2003:

COALITION EFFORTS AID IRAQ'S RECOVERY

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A school has been reconstructed virtually from the ground up in a small village near Ar Ramadi. Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment helped rebuild the school in a move to put it together the right way when it had been built originally in the wrong way.

The villagers’ school in the town of Abutiban now has a new roof, a bathroom, water tanks, fans, windows and chalkboards thanks to engineers from the 3rd ACR and soldiers from the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion from Abilene, Tex. The school was originally constructed three years ago when Saddam Hussein ordered it to be built in three days. Since the people lacked the money with which to purchase the proper building materials the school was built haphazardly. As a result, its roof sagged badly, it had no electricity and no toilet facilities. Through their efforts Coalition forces have provided the people of Abutiban with what amounts to a whole new school.

Also near Ar Ramadi, Coalition forces and members of the new Interim Governate Council of Al Anbar met Aug. 1 for the first time to discuss issues related to security, employment, water and electricity. The Interim Governate Council represents all seven districts in Al Anbar province. The council’s formation represents a milestone toward democracy and self government for the people of Al Anbar.

Near Tikrit, 4th Infantry Division engineers and civil affairs soldiers this week finished repairs to two water pumps in Shayke Gassim Eldori, a village five kilometers south of Ad Dawr. As a result of the efforts of soldiers from the 4th ID, the water treatment facility can now provide the normal water supply to the Ad Dawr populace and its surrounding communities.

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August 7, 2003:

TASK FORCE IRONHORSE ENGINEERS HELP IRAQI TOWN

TIKRIT, Iraq – The lives of Iraqi living in Al Asriya have improved thanks to the efforts of the 5th Engineers of Task Force Ironhorse.

The engineers adopted the poor rural village located approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Baghdad in early July and have completed a variety of projects to enhance living conditions.

After meeting with local leaders and elders, the soldiers brought in heavy equipment to tackle the massive amounts of trash and waste strewn throughout the village. All the debris was moved into impromptu landfills and a burn pit making the Al Asriya a cleaner place and also preventing serious health risks.

After touring three rundown schools, the engineers drew up a contract to begin repairs to the water and electrical systems. Projects are also underway to modernize utilities, since raw sewage currently flows out of homes into shallow trenches lining the roads and courtyards posing a severe health risk to villagers.

The improvements will also provide employment for residents due to the hiring of local contractors to assist with projects. The town of Al Asriya, meaning “model town,” during Saddam’s regime was called Al Faris, translated as “of the family of Saddam.” Village leaders restored the original name and Task Force Ironhorse soldiers helped erect new city signs along the highway into the village.

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Sacrifices made by our brave troops on behalf of our freedom - U.S casualties week of Aug. 8 - Aug. 14:

 

Aug. 8: BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 4th Infantry Division soldier died while sleeping at a base camp in the town of Kirkush on Aug. 8.
Aug. 9: BAGHDAD, Iraq– A soldier with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment was found dead in troop living quarters at approximately.The soldier was taken to the unit medical facilities, but could not be resuscitated. The cause of the soldier's death is unknown. The incident is currently under investigation
Aug. 9: BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 3rd Corps Support Command soldier died from apparent heat stress on Aug. 9, while riding in a convoy north of Ad Diwaniyah.
Aug.10: TIKRIT, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded in an improvised explosive attack near the Ba’qubah police station Aug. 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Aug.12: AR RAMADI, Iraq – One 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment soldier was killed and two others were wounded - when their convoy hit three improvised explosive devices - north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi. One of the soldiers has since returned to duty.
Aug. 12: AR RAMADI, Iraq – A soldier attached to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment died while sleeping at a base camp in Ar Ramadi on Aug. 12.
Aug. 12: MOSUL, Iraq – A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division was killed and a civilian interpreter was injured August 12 when their vehicle was hit by a taxi.
Aug. 12: BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded - when their convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Al Taji.

Aug. 13: TIKRIT, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and one wounded when the M-113 armored personnel carrier they were riding in struck an explosive device near the town of Ad Dwar.

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Total US casualties week of August 8 - August 14:

9 killed (4 NH) 8 wounded:  17 total casualties (4 NH)

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What OUR troops did to the bad guys and for the good guys Aug. 8 - 14, with the help of the Iraqi people -  SUCCESSES:

 

August 9, 2003:

MISSILES, WEAPONS CONFISCATED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Weapons were confiscated and improvised explosive devices were found and detonated by Coalition forces over the last 24 hours in support of the effort to create a safer and more secure environment in Iraq.

Twenty-four rocket-propelled grenade launchers, four rocket-propelled grenade missiles, 97 rifle grenades, 110 rocket-propelled grenade boosters and 200 rounds of ammunition were confiscated in a 1st Armored Division raid, acting on a tip from a local source, in Baghdad.

In another incident, three ROLAND surface-to-air missiles were found wrapped in clear plastic by a 1st AD patrol in Baghdad. An explosive ordnance detachment removed the missiles for future disposal.

Meanwhile, 11 mortar tubes and one surface-to-air missile were seized in a 4th Infantry Division raid, acting on a tip from a local source, at a former regime loyalist mortar systems location in the Ba’qubah area. In another 4th ID raid, 13 former regime loyalists were captured and 47 AK-47s were confiscated.

Local Iraqi citizens also turned in two rocket-propelled grenade launchers and one 60 mm complete mortar system to the 4th ID in the Ba’qubah area.

Two improvised explosive devices consisting of 155-mm rounds that were primed and ready to fire in the Mosul area were disarmed without incident by soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) due to information received from a local source.

In the last 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 18 raids, 949 day patrols and 728 night patrols and conducted 175 day patrols and 158 night patrols jointly with Iraqi police.

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August 10, 2003:

COALITION EFFORTS AID IN REBUILDING IRAQ

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition forces improved Iraqis’ lives by renovating an Olympic swimming pool in Mosul and refurbishing the Agriculture Ministry Building in Tikrit.

With the help of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) the Olympic Pool in Mosul opened to the public on Aug. 8. Prior to the war, the two-million gallon pool was a training facility for the Mosul Dive and Swim team.

When engineers attached to the 101st AAD first saw the pool it was surrounded by piles of trash and debris and had only four feet of water in it. A heavy equipment platoon and a construction platoon worked with local contractors to level the ground and make the needed renovations to the pool and its main pool house. Soldiers from the 101st AAD brought in close to 100 truckloads of dirt to level off the ground around the pool. The crews also fixed the pipes, filters and tanks.

In Tikrit, soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division working together with local Iraqis completed renovation of the Agriculture Ministry Building. On Aug. 8 workers returned to work in their new office space. The facility was run down after years of neglect and was looted during the war. Repairs included cleaning and painting of the building’s exterior, replacement of window glass and rewiring of old electrical systems. In addition, the soldiers and contractors worked together to install desks, copy machines, computers and fans. Approximately 50 Iraqis work in the Agriculture Ministry Building.

The renovation project cost approximately $85,000, which was provided by commander’s discretionary funds. An additional $10,000 of those funds went to purchase office furniture for the building. The project employed 100 local Iraqi workers.

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August 12, 2003:

OPERATION IVY LIGHTNING

Tikrit, Iraq– The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse has launched two precision raids which are the fifth in a series of operations focused on neutralizing paramilitary, former regime loyalists and other subversive elements within Iraq.

Operation Ivy Lightning is a surgical strike in the remote towns of Ain Lalin and Quara Tapa, located along the Jabal Hamrin Ridge, to isolate and capture non-compliant forces and former regime loyalists who are planning attacks against Coalition forces.

The lightning raids were conducted with the combined-arms power of attack aviation, armor, mechanized infantry and air assault operations to rapidly deploy dismounted infantry to secure their objectives. This is the first time Coalition forces have deployed a sizable presence in the isolated area, and operations will not cease until these hostiles are located and destroyed.

Intelligence reports gathered from a variety of sources indicate former regime leaders may have fled to the remote area after aggressive operations surrounding Tikrit, Ba’quba and Balad have disrupted their capability to plan attacks against Coalition targets. Coalition members encourage local Iraqi leadership to take initiative and aid in the capture of subversive elements attempting to hinder the rebuilding of Iraq.

Ivy Lightning, like previous operations Peninsula Strike, Desert Scorpion, Sidewinder, and Ivy Serpent, will sweep the task force’s area of operations to remove elements attempting to undermine Coalition efforts to restore stability in the region.

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August 12, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI PEOPLE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq– A local community voluntarily organized a weapons turn-in day August 11 to help create a safe and secure Iraq as Coalition forces continue the mission for peace.

A local village, Tal Alseer, coordinated a weapons turn-in recently with the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. The turn-in collected an 82mm mortar tube, hundreds of mortar rounds and one 14.5 mm anti-aircraft gun with 16 cases of ammunition. Due to the success of the event, the battalion is working to reward the Tal Alseer village to encourage this type of activity in other areas.

In a 1st Armored Division raid, soldiers detained a suspected weapons dealer and confiscated more than 1,440 rounds of small arms ammunition, 17 AK-47s, 19 20mm flares, four grenades, one 9mm pistol and one rifle.

In a separate incident, acting on a tip from a local source, 1st AD found a weapons cache of eight mortars and one rocket-propelled grenade. An explosive ordnance team will dispose of the weapons.

Meanwhile, Task Force Iron Horse soldiers working in support of the 4th Infantry Division conducted an operation, which resulted in one individual detained and confiscation of 178 rounds of 155mm ammunition, five 90mm tank rounds, and three 120 mm mortar rounds.

In the last 24 hours, Coalition forces conducted 32 raids, 824 day patrols and 638 night patrols. The units also conducted 122 day patrols and 83 night patrols with Iraqi police.

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August 14, 2003:

COALITION AND IRAQI PEOPLE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE

BAGHDAD, Iraq-Iraqi citizens continue to cooperate with Coalition forces, preventing attacks and breaking up a counterfeit operation.

Local citizens prevented two possible attacks by informing 1st Armored Division soldiers of the location of improvised explosive devices. In the first incident, a taxi driver reported the location of a possible IED to soldiers on patrol. An explosive ordnance team determined the IED was a 155 mm shell with a circuit board and wires. The EOD team disabled the device. The other IED location tip came from a walk in source. Upon arrival, the unit found a 105 mm round with wiring set to detonate in a white bag with two rocket-propelled grenade rounds beside it.

The 1st AD, acting on a tip from a local source regarding a possible counterfeit money operation raided a house in Baghdad on Aug 12. In the raid, 1st AD confiscated millions of uncut counterfeit Dinar, pictures of Saddam, copiers, computers and various weapons. In another house search, 1st AD seized more than 4 million Iraqi Dinar; an assortment of weapons and more than 500 hundred rounds of small arms ammunition.

In other operations, the 4th Infantry Division and elements from their task force, detained four suspected former regime loyalists, in a raid conducted near Tikrit on Aug. 12. In other operations, 4th ID detained four additional individuals. Confiscated weapons include 98 rocket-propelled grenades rounds, 33 rounds of 82 mm mortars, 12 AK-47s, one 60 mm mortar tube, 43 rounds of 60 mm mortar. Additionally, 4.6 million Iraqi Dinar and military uniforms and helmets were confiscated.

In the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force area of operation, Iraqi police turned in two SA-7 missiles, six anti-tank rockets, four 82 mm mortar tubes and two cans of .50 caliber ammunition they discovered in a warehouse in Al Hillah. In another weapons find, a local source turned in more than 50 rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

In the past 24 hours, coalition forces conducted 13 raids, 843 day patrols and 639 night patrols. The units also conducted 143 day patrols and 100 night patrols with Iraqi police.

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August 16, 2003:

FORMER REGIME LOYALIST DETAINED

Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division detained Said Ali Al Karim, a cleric in Ba’qubah Aug 11, pending charges of distributing materials to incite violence against Coalition forces, funding attacks against Coalition forces, and possession of illegal weapons.

Fourth Infantry Division soldiers conducted a raid on his home August 10. The Division conducted a previous raid on his home July 3. As a result of the information found during the second raid, Said Ali Al Karim was taken into custody.

Documents asking the Iraqi people to fight against U.S. forces and one letter supporting the September 11th attacks against the United States were retrieved from Said Ali Al Karim’s home. Additional documents found were checks to other suspected former regime loyalists, as well as a one billion Iraqi Dinar stock receipt from Saddam’s bank issued to an individual in the former regime.

In April 2003 he issued a Fatwa to wage a holy war against U.S. Forces. Karim is also suspected of placing a 50 million Iraqi Dinar bounty on a U.S. commander. Weapons seized during the raids included AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenade equipment.

Said Ali Al Karim, known as “The Prophet,” is a former regime loyalist leader, a member of the former Ba’athist party and a counselor to Saddam Hussein.

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*****

The rest of the story, once again, for the press:

Iraq is about the size of California.

Iraq has a population of over 24 million. Baghdad, a population of over 5 million.

 

We have over 150,000 U.S. troops stationed in and around Iraq.

 

Saddam - and other enemies of America - poured weapons into Iraq before the war - filling schools and warehouses and hospitals across the country - within easy reach of even the children. The vast majority of Iraqi people chose not to fight.

 

A small percentage of Saddam loyalists and terrorist wannabes remain - tens of thousands of some of the nastiest low-lifes in history. They have no future in Iraq. OUR press and policiticians give these bad guys false hope daily - every time they hype casualties and ignore the successes of our troops.

 

CLUE for the press and the DEMS - the troops KNOW why they are in Iraq. They aren't risking their lives because of 16 words or 28 pages or because Clinton bombed the Sudan aspirin factory after Monica's grand jury testimony and incited the Taliban jihad against America.

When OUR press and politicians exaggerate the dwindling enemy's strength and call five months of outstanding work in Iraq a 'failure of the peace', THEY - and not the troops, the military leaders or the President - threaten the peace.

 

During the two weeks of August 1 - August 14:  17 soldiers died (10 due to hostile action), 29 soldiers were wounded serving their country in Iraq.

 

Over 149,954 U.S. troops responded, as always, with focus, determination, and honor - on behalf of their comrades and country.

 

Quagmire, guerilla warfare, mass US casualties?  No.

 

Not now, not yesterday....in spite of the deliberate efforts of the press, the UN, international socialist NGOs and the Democratic Party of America to undermine the President, the troops, the country, and the will of the people by misrepresenting the situation on the ground to the watching world daily for four months and 28 days - and counting.

 

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

See also:

 

8 Analysis of US Casualties in Iraq by Week and Month - post Baghdad Liberation Day

 

8 Unapologetically Pro-Coalition News Links and Articles

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Last two weeks in Iraq - a recap of our military's outstanding security efforts, CENTCOM ping!

If you want on or off my pro-Coalition/anti-wanker ping list, just ping.

[vbmoneyspender]

Thanks for the posts. Ever notice that every time there seems to be a lull in actual bad news from Iraq, we start getting stories out of Reuters and the Guardian and AP along the lines that there is going to be a nationwide revolt if Iraqi per capita GDP doesn't ramp up to $30,000 per person within 2 weeks.

[smoothsailing]

Thank You .

You are better than sliced white bread.

As a Veteran, I choose to be an anti-wanker.

Your posts should be read by all.

FRegards...

[mdittmar]

Thanks for this post.

Thanks to the men and women who have served, and are serving now, to keep us free.

Honor Them.

[LS]

Forgive me, but I did not wade through casualty by casualty, but if one takes out the "bad day" which was about a week ago when four guys died, haven't we gone about 3-4 days without any deaths and about 2 weeks with less than one death every two days? It seems to me that the attacks are gradually thinning out, and especially if you take out that one firefight, are thinning out fairly rapidly.

[PhilDragoo]

FANCY MOVES

Three A-10 Thunderbolts from the 118th Fighter Squadron of the Connecticut Air National Guard return from a training mission at Desert Rescue IX, a search-and-rescue training exercise, Aug. 12. The joint-service training mission was hosted by the Naval Strike and Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott Reed

Officials: No intention of lowering pay for troops in Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2003 – Pentagon officials have no intention of lowering total compensation for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Defense Department's top personnel officer said Aug. 14.

David S.C. Chu, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, took questions from the media on the topic in response to published media reports suggesting DoD would cut the pay of forces serving overseas in the war on terrorism.

At issue are temporary increases Congress approved in April for two forms of compensation: imminent danger pay and family separation allowance.

Imminent danger pay went from $150 per month to $225, while family separation pay increased from $100 to $250 per month. The two increases are set to expire Sept. 30, and defense officials have urged Congress not to extend them, saying they are unfunded.

But, Chu stressed, this doesn't mean troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will see a cut in take-home pay. "We are not going to reduce their compensation," Chu said. Another senior official called the notion that the Pentagon would cut pay to combat troops "absurd."

Full Story by Kathleen T. Rhem, American Forces Press Service

Full Transcript of remarks by Undersecretary Chu

Time to imbed more reporters.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Actually, the casualty rate has remained rather steady, so low each week that one grenade tossed at a children's hospital, or one nasty RPG hit on a convoy, or one accident with unexploded ordnance skews the totals each month.

The fact that our troops conduct so many major operations, remove masses of weapons, $$$ and bad guys every week with so few casualties in a very agitated land after over 24 years of brutality under Saddam Hussein proves not only the awesome skill of our military, but the WELCOME from the vast majority of the Iraqi people.

Our worst month in Iraq was July - the month our troops took out the bad 'boys' - and the revenge of the 'big bad Baathists' (grenade at the children's hospital the biggest) - a total for the whole worst month of July: 39 troops lost - 28 to hostile acts. You can read about what they and their 149,972 comrades in arms did to the bad guys at the link above - or at www.centcom.mil.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

They are busy sowing dissent. We need to help the troops get word out about their successes. They shouldn't have to save civilization and fight the press.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

As a Veteran, I choose to be an anti-wanker.

Thank you.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks to the men and women who have served, and are serving now, to keep us free.

HONORING A FALLEN COMRADE
This memorial in Mosul, Iraq, was dedicated Aug. 10 to Army Sgt. Leonard Simmons, 33, of New Bern, N.C., a 101st Airborne Division soldier who died in Mosul Aug. 6 of  a non-combat-related cause. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Wastler

 

[vbmoneyspender]

It seems to me that the attacks are gradually thinning out, and especially if you take out that one firefight, are thinning out fairly rapidly.

I am sure the media will attribute that to the Baathists being momentarily distracted by Schwarzenegger running for governor.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Officials: No intention of lowering pay for troops in Iraq, Afghanistan

Another senior official called the notion that the Pentagon would cut pay to combat troops "absurd."

Thank you, Phil! Deserves repeating.

Fancy moves, indeed. (^:

[facedown]

A U.S. army woman Sergeant from 233 Military Police or M.P. takes down the names of people including a little Iraqi boy, who had witnessed stealing of a car, after her team arrested the thief after a little chase, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday Aug.16, 2003.

An Iraqi man hugs relatives as he returns to Iraq during the second wave of repatriating refugees at the shipping port, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003, in Umm Qasr, Iraq. Iraqis have been returning to Iraq from the Rafah refugee camp in Saudi Arabia which was built in 1991 after the first gulf war.

U.S. soldiers stand guard as they detain two Iraqis for questioning after a civilian car collided with a U.S. armored vehicle in a convoy at 60 kilometers (37.5 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq , Saturday Aug.16, 2003. One Iraqi was injured, and was flown to Ballad U.S. air base for treatment.

[ishmac]

Thanks so much for posting this. I was in Desert Storm in the 2nd ACR. We lost seven guys -- 3 to friendly fire during the ground during the ground campaign, 2 to enemy fire, and 2 in dumb accidents after end of hostilities. There has been a marked decrease in the frequency of the attacks since we took out Uday and Quasay. People don't realize that this stuff happens both during and after combat -- war is Hell. Our troops are doing an outstanding job.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

What an excellent post!!! Thank you for taking the time to send it!

BUMPIN' for the anti-wankers!!!

[alwaysconservative]

Bumped, bookmarked, and thanks for all that you do!!!

[xzins]

Great post, Cowgirl; it deserves a ping from all. This will provide sincere comfort to those families who have lost loved ones and conviction to those families who have loved ones deployed overseas.

It is a comfort to know that your loved one was involved in a great endeavor bringing freedom and new hope to millions. How terrible to be led to believe that on behalf of politicians our troops sit there twiddling their thumbs with some of them occasionally being picked off.

Xzins
Chaplain (Retired) US Army

[xzins]

ping

[HISSKGB]

I am thrilled to see you didn't take the weekend off. When I checked for my morning fix on your real news from Iraq, I figured wrongly you were on sporadically.

Your updates have really been moral building for those of us who can't bear to watch the nasties on TV anymore.

Thank you.