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North Korea Releases South Korean Boat, Requests Flood Aid

VOA News 07 September 2010

North Korea released a South Korean fishing boat and its seven-man crew Tuesday, after asking South Korea for a shipment of rice, cement and heavy equipment to help it recover from recent flooding.

Pyongyang announced on Monday that it would free the squid-fishing boat and its crew of four South Koreans and three Chinese seized a month ago for alleged illegal fishing.  North Korea called the release a "humanitarian" gesture.  

South Korean media said Tuesday that freeing the ship and its crew was

Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete

ISAF Joint Command

09.06.2010  KABUL – A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province Wednesday. The team has determined the civilian casualties were inadvertently caused by ISAF strikes on the target.

“It is regrettable that insurgents continue to place civilians in harm’s way,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, ISAF Joint Command director of plans and projects and team lead. “We regret the loss of life and injuries to our civilian partners. Our first objective is to protect the people of Afghanistan, and in this case we failed."

During a dismounted patrol, partnered forces from

Marines gather to remember fallen EOD technican

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik

09.07.2010  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) gathered to pay final respects to their fallen comrade, Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, who died, Aug. 27, while conducting counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province. He was 34 years old.

Fedder, an EOD technincan with 1st EOD Company, 1st MLG (FWD), loved his job as an EOD technician and as a Marine.

“Fedder was the ultimate jarhead” said Master Sgt. Alonza I. MendozaValencia, EOD chief for 1st EOD Co., 1st MLG (FWD). “He was always squared away. He was the model Marine, and he took care of his men.”

Fedder, from

Amnesty International Asks Britain to Repeal Terror Laws

VOA News  Selah Hennessy | London 06 September 2010

Human rights in Britain have been eroded during the past 10 years in a badly judged bid to limit the terror threat, that is according to the international body Amnesty International.

Amnesty told the government a number of counter-terror measures need to be dropped if civil rights in Britain are to be protected.

Amnesty highlighted four measures it says have seriously undermined human rights: police powers to stop and search people without suspicion; the state's right to hold suspected terrorists for 28 days without charge; extradition of foreign nationals despite the risk of torture; and restrictive control orders.

"All of these powers came into place over the last 10 years, mostly since

Afghan from America sees Changes in Homeland

Afghan-American Interpreter Works from the heart in the heart of Afghanistan by Lt.j.g. Jennifer Franco 1 MEF

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Few people aspire to “be the change you want to see in the world” as the iconic Mahatma Gandhi said, encouraging ordinary people to do extraordinary things. But Afghan-American Atiqualla Rahin, is making a difference by sharing his knowledge of the Afghan culture and his language expertise with NATO-led Coalition Forces working to improve the legal system in Southern Afghanistan.

“You’ve got to think from your heart, not from your brain,” said Atiqualla.

Atiqullah is assigned to work for Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team and works with the Rule of Law section to help further solidify a civil legal system that detains those waiting to be tried for alleged crimes in Afghan courts.

Iraq District council meeting sends ‘message of hope’

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs

09.06.2010  KIRKUK, Iraq - To assess how well the local government in Dibis near Kirkuk, Iraq, is running, U.S. Forces along with members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team attend the weekly district council meetings.

According to Capt. Benjamin Hart, who is the U.S. Forces representative at the Dibis district council meetings, the meeting he attended Aug. 18, sends a message of encouragement the people of Dibis.

Laghman: 32 Day, $45k Road Project Finished

Road improvement project completed in Mehtar Lam
by Capt. Tristan Hinderliter CJTF101

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Provincial officials, including Laghman governor Mohammed Iqbal Azizi, recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Chardi Road Rehabilitation, a U.S. government-funded road improvement project in Mehtar Lam District, Aug. 25.

“The road will provide improved transportation and opportunities for work for more than 3,000 people in the area,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Sean Stapler of Narragansett, R.I., Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team lead engineer. “Residents will have greater access to medical and educational facilities, as well as government services. The project will also enhance security by allowing Afghan National Security Forces better access to the region.”

Petraeus: Planned Koran Burning Endangers Troops

VOA News 07 September 2010

The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan says an American church's plan to burn Korans on September 11 could endanger U.S. troops and damage the overall war effort in that country.

General David Petraeus warned Tuesday that the planned burning of the Muslim holy book "is precisely the kind of action the Taliban would exploit for propaganda purposes." He said it could stoke anti-U.S. sentiment not only in Afghanistan, but across the Muslim world.

Air Force’s Only Line Haul Unit Hits the Road in Support of OIF, New Dawn

1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Public Affairs
Story by Natalie Cole

09.06.2010  CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Jets, planes, pilots, blue sky. These are all images people associate with the Air Force. Yet, Airmen with the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait break the mold.

The more than 300 vehicle operators and mechanics with the 387th make up the only ground transportation unit in the Air Force. Since 2004, the combat truckers have been transporting supplies and equipment back and forth between Iraq and Kuwait, a mission known as line haul. The combat truckers drive 915's, which are over-sized tan tractor trailers with waist-high tires and roaring engines.

The 387th truckers supply troops in forward operating areas, and they have played an important role in

Farmer-Soldiers Bring DoA up to speed on Afghanistan

Warfighters, civilians come together on agriculture
by Capt. Peter Shinn CJTF101

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan -- About 50 civilian and military officials gathered to share “best practices” and coordinate their efforts to boost eastern Afghanistan’s agri-business sector at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Sept. 6.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development and their various implementing organizations met with military leaders from the three National Guard Agri-Business Development Teams serving the eastern Afghanistan provinces of Nangahar, Laghman and Kunar, which are all in the Task Force Bastogne area of operations.

IAEA Says Iran Hampering Nuclear Monitoring

IAEA report says Iran continues to refuse to answer questions

VOA News 07 September 2010

The U.N. atomic energy watchdog says Iran is hampering surveillance of its nuclear program, refusing to provide inspectors with the information and access they need to determine whether Tehran is trying to build weapons.

In a report Monday, the International Atomic Energy Agency said for the past two years Tehran has refused to answer questions about possible undisclosed nuclear activities, including those related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile.

The IAEA also said Iran has failed to

Coalition Plan for Afghan Elections

ANSF, TF Bayonet leaders prepare for upcoming Afghan elections by Pfc. Michael Sword CJTF101

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Senior leaders from the Afghan National Security Forces across Wardak and Logar provinces and commanders from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, gathered at Forward Operating Base Shank, Sept. 1, to prepare for the upcoming Afghan elections.

The meeting was the first to bring together the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, provincial National Directorate of Security chiefs, Operational Coordination Center, Provincial commanders, as well as representatives from Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission and the 173rd’s leadership to discuss the upcoming elections and the combined effort of securing both polling sites and voters.

War in Afghanistan News 7 Sep 2010

News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command regarding operations conducted in the following provinces:  Paktika, Kunar, Parwan, Uruzgan, Baghlan, Zabul, Khost, Helmand and Kandahar.

In the Sangin District of Helmand.......

The 7th Commando Kandak, assisted by members of two Marine special operations teams, found and destroyed a large drug and weapons cache in Sangin district, Helmand province Thursday.

Piracy in SE Asia up 400%

Spike in Pirate Attacks in Indonesian Waters Raises Warnings

Sara Schonhardt | Jakarta VoA News: In the latest of a series of attacks in Southeast Asian waters, armed pirates attacked a Japanese chemical tanker off the Indonesian island of Mangkai in the South China Sea. Indonesia and its neighbors are coordinating efforts to fight the pirates.

Pirates armed with guns and knives are increasing their attacks on ships passing by three Indonesian islands off the east coast of Malaysia.

The International Maritime Bureau says 27 pirate attacks have been reported in the South China Sea since January, up from only seven in all of 2009. A spate of attacks since mid-August has deepened concerns at the maritime crime monitor, which warns ships to remain vigilant in the area.

Taliban Murder 19 Pakistani Muslims, including Children

19 Killed in Pakistan Suicide Attack

Ayaz Gul | Islamabad, VoA News: Pakistani police say a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-filled vehicle into a police station early in the day in the northwestern town of Lakki Marwat.The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility the attack.

The powerful blast destroyed the building housing as many as 50 policemen at the time of the attack.  Officials say children are among the victims because the bomber struck a school van before hitting the police station.  Television pictures also showed books and school bags in the wreckage.

Samarra: Enemy Guns Down Construction Workers

Gunmen Kill 5 North of Baghdad

Police say gunmen have killed five Iraqi construction workers who were building a police station north of Baghdad.

Authorities say Monday’s attack occurred in Samarra, about 100 kilometers from the Iraqi capital.

On Sunday, heavily armed suicide bombers attacked an Iraqi army compound in Baghdad, killing 12 and wounding 36 others.

War In Afghanistan News - 6 Sep 2010

As Coalition Forces continue targeting, capturing, and killing enemy leaders, the bad guys continue to target, kill and injure Afghan Civilians, including children.  To counter the atrocities of the enemy, the Good Guys continue to treat wounded civilians, whether young, old, or in between.  In Brief:

In Wardak, a bombmaker was targeted and his assistant caught, despite several Talib running at the sight of Coalition Forces.  Once cornered, their will to fight was destroyed by use of full metal jacket.  Three of their buddies were more cowardly and surrendered themselves and their weapons at the targeted compound.

101st Makes Their Presence Known in a New Neighborhood

Task Force Iron Soldiers relocate to Ghazni Province; kill insurgents, recover weapons by Sgt. Brent Powell  CJTF101

For the past several months, Task Force Iron soldiers have worked tirelessly throughout Paktika province, conducting numerous combat patrols, clearing miles of roadway and building relationships with local village leaders and elders to pave the way ahead.

Recently the soldiers moved their new area of responsibility in the Andar District of Ghazni province to join Task Force White Eagle. Although the battalion does not assume official responsibility of the area until mid-September, several platoons are already patrolling the district to prepare for the battalion’s arrival.

Helmand: Civilian Deaths Resulted from Taliban Occupation of Compound

Assessment of civilian casualties in Helmand complete

ISAF Joint Command, KABUL – A joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, completed an assessment of possible civilian casualties in an operation in the Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province Wednesday. The team has determined the civilian casualties were inadvertently caused by ISAF strikes on the target.

“It is regrettable that insurgents continue to place civilians in harm’s way,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, ISAF Joint Command director of plans and projects and team lead. “We regret the loss of life and injuries to our civilian partners. Our first objective is to protect the people of Afghanistan, and in this case we failed."

USAF Captain Preps for Paki Relief Effort

Officer charges into first contingency response deployment by Staff Sgt. Kali Gradishar 

CHAKLALA AIR FORCE BASE, Pakistan – As a group of more than 30 Airmen landed at Chaklala Air Base, Pakistan, and began set-up for a contingency response element, one Air Force captain arrived with eyes wide open and ready to learn the ways of the unit.

Capt. J.D. Foy, a 31-year-old Air Force Academy graduate stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is in Pakistan on his first mission with the contingency response element, or CRE. While the CRE operates out of Chaklala Air Base in support of flood relief efforts in the country, Foy will observe the members of his outfit and gain the knowledge it takes to become a CRE director of operations.

“Up until a year ago, I didn’t know what any of this stuff was. It’s way outside my career field,” said the captain. “What better way to learn than in the real world?”

Alaskan Helos Arrive in Pakistan

  Army helo assets to aid in northern flood relief by Staff Sgt. Kali Gradishar

CHAKLALA AIR FORCE BASE, Pakistan – Two UH-60 Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook arrived at Chaklala Air Force Base to aid the Pakistan government and military flood relief efforts. The aircraft are the first wave of a total 10 Chinooks and eight Black Hawks expected to arrive in country in the next week.

The aircraft will arrive at Chaklala AFB via Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy aircraft from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Pilots, maintainers, fuel technicians and various other support-function personnel will arrive along with the aircraft to get them up and running as quick as possible.

Iowa Farmer-Soldiers Fight Rabies, Save Dogs

Iowa ADT helps Nuristan PRT fight deadly rabies outbreak
by Capt. Peter Shinn 

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team is fighting an outbreak of rabies in the province’s Titin Valley that has claimed the lives of four Afghan citizens, but they are not going at it alone.

The PRT is getting help from the Iowa National Guard’s 734th Agri-Business Development Team, which provided 300 doses of rabies vaccine. The vaccine will be used to innoculate dogs in the area and will help avoid the slaughter of Titon Valley’s canines.

“We were going to have to go to the villages in the valley, and if we saw any suspicious animals, we were basically going to have to put them down,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Kyle N. Burditt, a physician’s assistant with the PRT from Dodge City, Kan. “We were going to end up killing a lot of animals that wouldn’t have to die if we didn’t have this vaccine.”

Spin Buldak Shura Council Focuses on Security

Security shura in southern Afghanistan
by Sgt. Jes Smith, 16th Mobile PAD

Afghan Border Police commanders in southern Afghanistan, together with coalition forces hosted a security shura in the border town of Spin Boldak, Aug. 31.

The shura is a weekly meeting held by the local Afghan Security Forces where leaders get together to share ideas and resources.

The Shura was hosted by ABP Lt. Sadullah Asad, and attended by ABP Commander Sultan Muhammad and Afghan Highway Patrol Commander Sahib Jan.

Col. James D. Edwards, commander of in the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, and Lt Col. Andy Green, commander of the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, also attended from the coalition forces.

Protecting The Afghan Force

Afghan forces receive improved protection
by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte CJTF101

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan– One might say U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Timothy N. Easton is in the home improvement business for eastern Afghanistan.

Easton, who is from Buffalo, N.Y., uses his 12 years of experience as a combat engineer to assess and recommend ways to increase protective measures for Afghan National Security Forces throughout the area covered by Task Force Bastogne.

Shopping for Hearts & Minds

No Ordinary Trip to the Store 
by Staff Sgt. John Wollaston RCSouth

 TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan – For most people, a trip to the store to buy a few needed items falls into one of two categories. It’s a routine act that requires little thought because such an event is so commonplace in our everyday lives. Or it falls under the “why did she wait till the middle of the football game to need these things doesn’t she know it’s the playoffs” point of view.

Now imagine that trip to the corner store for a few items on your list were in Afghanistan. Suddenly the oh-so-routine trip is a major operation.

Taliban Again Threaten Free Elections

Taliban Vows to Disrupt Afghan Elections

VOA News: The Taliban on Sunday announced plans to disrupt Afghanistan's parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 18.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told reporters that the balloting is just for the benefit of the foreigners who he says are occupying the country. And he urged the Afghan people to boycott the election.

Some 2,500 candidates are competing for 249 seats in Afghanistan's lower house of parliament.

The Taliban's threat to derail the election follows plans by the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to open peace talks.

6 September 2010 Moments of Silence #HonorTheFallen 1PM EDT - 1:30 PM EDT

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1PM to 1:02 EDT: PFC #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: MSgt Daniel L. Fedder, Pine City MN 08/27/10 Helmand AFG 7th ESB, 1st MLG

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: PFC Chad D. Coleman, Moreland GA 08/27/10 Paktiya AFG 33rd Cavalry, 3rd BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: PVT Adam J. Novak, Prairie du Sac WI 08/27/10 Paktiya AFG 33rd Cavalry, 3rd BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: SPC James C. Robinson, Lebanon OH 08/28/10 Paktika AFG 187th IR, 3D BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: CPT Ellery R. Wallace, Utah 08/28/10 Nangahar AFG 61st Cavalry, 4th BCT, 101st AA 

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: PFC Bryn T. Raver, Harrison AR 08/28/10 Nangahar AFG 61st Cavalry, 4th BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: SGT Patrick K. Durham, Chattanooga TN 08/28/10 Babur AFG 320th FAR, 2nd BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: SPC Andrew J. Castro, Westlake Village CA 08/28/10 Babur AFG 2nd BCT, 101st AA

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: SSG James R. Ide, Festus MO 08/29/10 Hyderabad AFG  230th MP CO, 95th MP BN, 18th MP BDE

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: GySgt Floyd E. C. Holley, Casselberry FL 08/29/10 Helmand AFG 7th ESB, 1st MLG

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: Cpl Brian Pinksen, Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador 08/30/10 Panjwa'i District AFG Royal Newfoundland RGT

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:13-1:14 EDT: CPT Dale A. Goetz, White SD 08/30/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 66th Armor, 1st BCT, 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:14-1:15 EDT: SSG Jesse Infante, Cypress TX 08/30/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 4th BSB, 1st BCT, 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:15-1:16 EDT: SSG Kevin J. Kessler, Canton OH 08/30/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 4th BSB, 1st BCT, 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:16-1:17 EDT: SSG Matthew J. West, Conover WI 08/30/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 71st EOD

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:17-1:18 EDT: PFC Chad D. Clements, Huntington IN 08/30/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 4th BSB, 1st BCT, 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:18-1:19 EDT: Sergeant Enaux Herve, France 08/30/10 Kabul AFG French Army

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:19-1:20 EDT: Sergeant Herdis Sikka, Estonia 08/30/10 Helmand AFG Estonian Army

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:20-1:21 EDT: Sgt Joseph A. Bovia, Kenner LA 08/31/10 Helmand AFG 3rd CAB, 3D MarDiv

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:21-1:22 EDT: LCpl Cody A. Roberts, Boise ID 08/31/10 Helmand AFG 2/6, 2D MarDiv

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:22-1:23 EDT: LCpl Christopher B. Rodgers, Griffin, GA 9/1/10 Helmand AFG 1/2, 2d MarDiv

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:23-1:24 EDT: 1LT Mark A Noziska, Papillon, NE 8/30/10 Malajat, AFG 1/22 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:24-1:25 EDT: SSG Casey J Grochowiak, Lompoc, CA 8/30/10 Malajat AFG 1/22 4th ID

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:25-1:26 EDT: LCpl Joshua T Twigg, Indiana, PA 9/2/10 Helmand AFG 2/9, 2nd MarDiv

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:26-1:27 EDT: SSG Vinson B Adkinson III, Harper, KS 8/31/10 Logar, AFG 173rd ABN Bde

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:27-1:28 EDT: SGT Raymond C Alcaraz, Redlands, CA 8/31/10 Logar, AFG 173rd ABN Bde

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:28-1:29 EDT: PFC Matthew E George, Gransboro, NC 8/31/10 Logar, AFG 173rd ABN Bde

#MoS #MilitaryMon 1:29-1:30 EDT: PFC James A Page, Titusville, FL 8/31/10 Logar, AFG 173rd ABN Bde

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

Colombian President Santos Pledges Escalation Against Narco-Terrorists

 

Colombia's President Pledges Tough Action Against Rebels

VOA News: The new Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, is vowing to step up his predecessor's military crackdown against leftist rebels, following an attack this week that left 14 police officers dead.

President Santos met Friday with top generals in the southern state of Caqueta, where the officers were killed in a roadside bomb attack blamed on the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

DoD Searching For Stop Loss Veterans

US Troops Leave Millions in Unclaimed Back Pay

VOA News: The U.S. military is having trouble giving bonus payments to troops who were involuntarily kept on duty after September 11, 2001.

The Defense Department say an estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries are entitled to the retroactive pay of $500 for each month of involuntary service beyond original discharge dates - a policy known as "stop-loss."

Those eligible to receive the payments must apply by October 21. The Defense Department says the average payout is between $3,000 to $4,000.

Basque Terrorists Promise Cease-Fire, Again

Spain's Basque Separatists Declare Cease-Fire

VOA News: The Basque separatist group ETA has issued a video declaring a cease-fire.

The video, posted Sunday on the website of the Basque newspaper Gara, shows three masked militants making a statement in the Basque language saying they were ending armed operations.

One of the rebels said ETA decided several months ago to lay down its arms to achieve its goals through a democratic process. It was not clear if the ceasefire is permanent or temporary.

Russians Bloodied in Dagestan Bombing

5 Russian Soldiers Killed in Dagestan Suicide Bombing

VOA News: A suicide bomber plowed his explosive-filled car into a military base in the Russian republic of Dagestan, but was stopped before he could reach an area where many soldiers were sleeping.

A Defense Ministry spokesman in Moscow says Sunday's attack killed three soldiers and wounded more than 30.  Earlier, officials in Dagestan said at least five soldiers had been killed.

Both accounts said several of the wounded were in critical condition.  Officials in Moscow said some of the injured soldiers were being flown to a military hospital in Rostov-on-Don to receive specialized treatment.

Lance Strikes Heart of Wounded

Little White Dog Brightens Day for Troops in Kuwait
by Natalie Cole 1stSusCmd

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - If people who are good with dogs get the title dog whisperer, then it’s safe to say that the reverse is true of Lance, an 8-year-old West Highland Terrier who is good with people. Every Saturday, the canine human whisperer shares his affection and general cuteness with troops in hospital wards on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Lance is part of the American Red Cross Kuwait Pet Visitation Program, which also operates at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Afghan Police Step Up in Nawa

A glimpse of things to come: Afghan police take charge of security at Nawa bazaar
by Sgt. Mark Fayloga RCT-7 1st MarDiv

NAWA, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Sooner, rather than later, the Marine presence in Nawa will dwindle down as Afghan police and soldiers take over complete responsibility for the security and stability of the region.

At the Nawa District bazaar Sept. 3, a scene from Afghanistan’s possible future unfolds.

Marine Rotorheads: Aggressive Hunters

Gunfighters contribute to counterinsurgency operations in more ways than one by Cpl. Ryan Rholes 3rd MAW

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Protecting the Afghan people is one of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369’s primary missions here, and despite being a heavily-armed attack squadron, the unit often accomplishes this without firing a shot.

HMLA-369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) is a shining example of the International Security Assistance Forces’ efforts to win the counter insurgency war in Afghanistan.

“Before we came out here our leaders told us that they would rather us let a bad guy go, than take the chance of hurting an innocent person,” said Capt. Matt Palumbo, an AH-1W Cobra pilot with HMLA-369. “We haven’t had any civilian casualties since we have been here.”

The same sentiment was passed to troops serving in Afghanistan by Gen. David Petraeus, commander of ISAF, in guidance he released after assuming his new command.

“Hunt the enemy aggressively, but use only the firepower needed to win a fight,” he wrote. “We can’t win without fighting, but we also cannot kill or capture our way to victory. Moreover, if we kill civilians or damage their property in the course of our operations, we will create more enemies than our operations eliminate.”

Marines Mentor Afghan Army in Helmand

Marines mentor Afghan National Army on command, control skills by Cpl. Skyler Tooker RCT7 1st MarDiv

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - The Regimental Combat Team 7 Advisory Training Teams opened a Joint Tactical Operation Center, Sept. 3, at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, allowing Marines to mentor the Afghan National Army in conducting command and control operations.

The JTOC is a command center where Marines oversee ANA soldiers as they plan operations, conduct missions and communicate with three Kandaks throughout southern Afghanistan.

The Afghan National Army and Marines are working alongside each other in the JTOC. They are feeding off each other learning how to work with what they have.

Army Tries to Persuade Kurd Refugees "Combat" is Over

USD-N assists Iraqi government with displaced civilians by Pvt. Jennifer Montagna 135th Mobile PAD

MAREZ, Iraq – Task Force Marne Deputy Commanding General Support, Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal, has made several visits to internally displaced persons camps in Kurdistan and has met with government officials to assist the families who reside in those camps.

Hundreds of families along Iraq’s borders have taken refuge in internally displaced persons camps throughout the past eight years of conflict. The government of Iraq and the Kurdish regional government are looking for long-term solutions, but currently humanitarian support is being provided by non-military organizations and the KRG.

Camp Sangasar, in Sullymania province, is home to approximately 500 displaced families. Most of the individuals fled their Qandhil Mountain homes due to artillery fire. While their current camp is safe from artillery fire, there is another problem caused by the location of the village; it is located on a flood plain.

War In Afghanistan News 5 Sep 2010

The enemy continued their offensive against civilians with attacks in Jalabad, Khandahar, Konduz, and Paktika, killing at least 8 and wounding at least 11 Afghan Muslims.  In Marjah, civilians led the counter attack, when the enemy attacked their mosque.  While less deadly than the Taliban slaughter of neighboring Pakistan's Flood victims, it continues to demonstrate their deadly intent.

In a rare act of bravado, the enemy attacked and was easily repelled in Chapa Dara, Kunar.

However, in typical fashion, the bad guys surrendered without a fight in Khowst and in Paktia.  In Khandahar, the good guys destroyed a weapons cache.

Navy "Warfare" Pin Stirs Debate

Wasp Sailors React to New Warfare Pins Rules
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Kobobel, USS Wasp

USS WASP, At Sea – Now that all sailors must acquire initial enlisted warfare pins as per the release of NAVADMIN 268-10, many onboard USS Wasp said that this new policy will both benefit junior sailors in helping to advance their careers yet also lead to new difficulties and challenges for them.

Under the policy change, all enlisted sailors who have not attained their initial warfare pin will be automatically enrolled in the program once they check onboard. E-5s will have 18 months to complete the qualification, E-1 to E-4 will have 30 months, and those re-qualifying will have 12 months.

Yemen: 7 Dead in Al-Qaeda Clash

7 Killed in Yemen’s South

VoA News: Security officials in southern Yemen say overnight clashes with separatists have killed four soldiers and two attackers.

Authorities say the fighting started late Saturday in the southern province of Lahij.

Meanwhile, officials say suspected al-Qaida gunmen ambushed and killed a tribal chief in the southern province of Abyan.

Violence has plagued southern Yemen, where authorities are struggling with two different battles against separatists and a resurgent al-Qaida.

Yemen also faces unrest from Shi’ite rebels in the north.

SGT Braddock Rides Again

Soldier overcomes amputation to return to Iraq with his unit
By Pfc. Philip Steiner, 115th Mobile PAD

Sgt. Matthew Braddock brings the Soldier's Creed to life. He is a part of the Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Combined Arms, Oregon Army National Guard. Braddock is a soldier first and a civilian second. He chose to always be a soldier even after losing his left leg to a roadside bomb in Kirkuk, Iraq, five years ago on his last deployment with the 116th Cavalry Brigade.

Now he is back again… for another deployment. The 3rd Battalion will deploy to Iraq this fall with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard.

Braddock lives in Vancouver, Wash., and spends most of his time there or with his family in Texas.