Weapons cache discovered in Nangarhar province

Saturday, December 24, 2011 –
Officials in the ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan following an statement on Saturday said, Afghan security forces discovered a weapons cache in eastern Afghanistan.

T

he source further added, the cache was discovered in eastern Nangarhar province following an operation by Afghan border protection forces.

The statement also said, the weapons cache includes various types of weapons and ammunition.

However officials in the ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan did not disclose further information if any suspect was detained in connection to the weapons cache.

Related articles

• Weapons cache discovered in Nangarhar province (khaama.com)

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Dec. 24., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – Combined Afghan and coalition security forces discovered two drug caches during routine operations in Kandahar province today.

The first drug cache was found in Spin Boldak district and consisted of 11 tons (10,000 kilograms) of hashish. All of the drugs were destroyed on site and one person was detained for further questioning in connection to the drugs.

The second cache was discovered in Panjwa’i district and consisted of approximately 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of marijuana. The force destroyed the drugs at the scene without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during routine operations in Tarin Kot district, Uruzgan province, today. The cache consisted of four rocket-propelled grenades and various small arms ammunition. Security forces confiscated all items to be destroyed at a later date.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during routine operations in Daman district, Kandahar province, Thursday. The cache consisted of 910 pounds (455 kilograms) of marijuana. The force destroyed the drugs at the scene without incident.

East

In Zurmat district, Paktiya province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a munitions cache during a routine patrol Thursday. The cache consisted of 20 anti-personnel mines and 60 six-inch by three-inch blocks of explosives. Security forces confiscated all items to be destroyed at a later date.

Also in Zurmat, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a munitions cache during a routine patrol Thursday. The cache consisted of five RPGs, three 82 mm rockets, 440 rounds of small arms ammunition and one radio-controlled receiver. Security forces destroyed all items in place without incident.

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Obamas give holiday tribute to the troops (+video)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is wishing a Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all Americans in his weekly radio and Internet address, with a special message of thanks to the troops.
“Let’s take a moment to give thanks for their service; for their families’ service; for our veterans’ service,” the president said Saturday. “And let’s say a prayer for all our troops standing post all over the world, especially our brave men and women in Afghanistan who are serving, even as we speak, in harm’s way to protect the freedoms and security we hold dear.”
The president was joined by his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, in recording the weekly address. Mrs. Obama added her own word of thanks, saying “let’s make sure that all of them know just how much we appreciate everything they do.”

The president noted that with the Iraq war over, the last troops from that conflict are home for the holidays. And the Obamas urged people to find a way to give back to the military, directing listeners to Joining Forces, the first lady’s initiative to help military families.
Republicans also set aside talk of legislative and partisan battles in their weekly address, recorded by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.
Pence urged Americans to remember the troops and also to think of those who are less fortunate, struggling to make ends meet in the tough economy or unable to find work.
“This holiday season, let’s all make a special effort to come alongside these families in their time of need and support local charities as they provide for the needs across our communities,” Pence said. “Let’s also make a point to personally reach out to that neighbor or friend who needs a helping hand, a kind greeting or an invitation — it might be just the gift someone needed most.”

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Merry Christmas to the Troops From the Semper Fi Fund

from youtube by Freedomautosport:

Since 1775, over 1.3 million American troops have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you and please visit SemperFiFund.org to help give back to those who protect our freedom.

A Big Thank you to everyone who voted and helped us win the Good Morning America Contest.

Now on iTunes! All Profits go to the Semper Fi Fund.
The America Patriots- God Bless The Usa and Armed Forces Medley
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/god-bless-the-usa-armed-forces/id489731812?i...

Thanks to Ford at Ford@fordproductions.com for doing all the music work and his wonderful wife for doing the voiceover.

This house can be seen on Mossy Creek Lane in Southwood, Tallahassee, FL from 6-10 on weeknights and until 11 Friday and Saturday night. Christmas night will be the last night.

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4,500 kilograms of Hashish seized in Paktia province

Image via Wikipedia

Saturday, December 24, 2011 –
 Local authorities in eastern Paktia province on Saturday announced, Afghan security forces seized around 4,500 kilograms of Hashish in this province.

According to a press release by the media department of eastern Paktiya provincial governor office, Afghan security forces seized around 4,500 kilograms of Hashish in Ahmadabad district of eastern Paktia province.

In the meantime, officials in the ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan said, at least 15 kilograms of 

Hashish was discovered and seized in a separate operation in western Farah province.

The officials further added, the mentioned amount of Hashish was seized during an operation in Bala Bolok district of western Farah province.

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4 militants killed in southern Kandahar province

Saturday, December 24, 2011 –
 Officials in ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan on Saturday following a press release said, at least four militants were killed in southern Kandahar province.

The source further added, The operations were conducted by Afghan national police forces in conjunction with the other Afghan security forces and NATO-led coalition forces at Arghandab district of southern Kandahar province.

The statement also said, at least two other militants were detained during the military operations.

Anti-government militants group in Afghanistan yet to comment regarding the Afghan security officials claims.

Related articles

• 4 militants killed in southern Kandahar province (khaama.com)

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Joint Security Forces Bike Patrol (+video)

While soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines came together with members from
the surrounding communities of Soto Cano Airbase in Honduras to celebrate the
holiday season, members of the Joint Security Forces kept a watchful eye to
ensure everyone remained safe.


The bike patrols are prepared to handle any task, to keep service members, their families and the community safe during this festive season of the year.
Army Sgt. Donnie Martin has the details.

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Taliban suicide bomber kills 7 Pakistani troops

A Taliban suicide bomber killed seven Frontier Corps soldiers today in an attack on a base in northwestern Pakistan. The attack, the second against the Frontier Corps in two days, was carried out to avenge a senior Taliban commander killed in a drone strike two months ago.
The Taliban suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laded car into a building at a Frontier Corps base in the settled district of Bannu and detonated the bomb, killing at least seven soldiers and wounding dozens more. Officials said the death toll may rise as several of the paramilitary soldiers may be trapped under the rubble.
A Taliban spokesman said the attack was designed to punish the Pakistani military for allowing the US to conduct an airstrike that killed a senior commander.
"We claim responsibility for the attack, which was launched to avenge the killing of one of our commanders Taj Gul in a US drone strike in South Waziristan tribal region last month," Ihsanullah Ihsan, a spokesman for the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan told AFP. "Our attacks will continue against the security forces."
The attack is the second against the Frontier Corps in 24 hours. Yesterday, a platoon-sized Taliban assault team killed one Frontier Corps soldier and captured 15 more after overrunning a fort in the nearby district of Tank. That attack was led by Asmatullah Shaheen, or Asmatullah Bhittani, the Taliban's commander for Tank who is on the list of 20 most-wanted Taliban leaders.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/taliban_suicide_bomb_33.php#ixzz1hS8vuunW

Related articles

• Taliban suicide bomber kills 7 Pakistani troops (longwarjournal.org)
• Taliban avenge death of commander killed in October drone strike (longwarjournal.org)
• Pakistani Taliban attack fort, kidnap 15 (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)

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R.I.P. - Spc. Mikayla A. Bragg

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
            Spc. Mikayla A. Bragg, 21, of Longview, Wash., died Dec. 21 in Khowst province, Afghanistan.  She was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.
            For more information please contact Fort Knox public affairs office at 502-613-3051 or patrick.k.hodges@us.army.mil .

---------------

A female Mark Morris High School graduate was shot and killed Wednesday in a guard tower in Afghanistan, according to the soldier's stepmother. U.S. Army Specialist Mikayla Anne Bragg is Cowlitz County's first casualty in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, according to Daily News archives.
Bragg, 21, was scheduled to leave Afghanistan around Christmas and return to the United States on Jan. 6, stepmother Amber Bragg of Longview said Thursday.
Army officials have not yet confirmed the death or released any information about the incident. Bragg's father, Steve Bragg, flew to the U.S. Air Force base in Dover, Del., to identify her remains, her stepmother said, adding that the Army is planning to conduct an autopsy.
Bragg enlisted right after she graduated high school in 2008, Amber Bragg said.
Family members said Bragg was deployed from Fort Knox in Kentucky to Afghanistan in August. She graduated basic training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., and she was classified as a sharpshooter because of her accuracy with a rifle.
According to her Facebook page, Bragg's primary duties were as a motor transport operator for the Third Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division.
Bragg will be buried in Longview but the family has not set a date for the funeral.
About 1,700 U.S. military personnel have been killed in the war in Afghanistan since it started in 2001.
Survivors include mother Sheyanne Baker of Shelton, Wash., sister Kandyce Bragg of Shelton, half-brother Allen Davids, currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army, and half-siblings Joseph Bragg and Ariel, Darien and Julian DeForge.
Mikayla Bragg joined the Army to earn money to pay for college and she hoped to go into a field helping people or animals, Amber Bragg said, adding "She's always been a kind-hearted person. She's always gone out of her way to help out other people in whatever way she could."
Best friend Tiffany Holst, 21, remembers Bragg, who loved "goofy kid movies" like "Finding Nemo" and "The Spongebob SquarePants Movie," would always cry when Bambi's mother died when watching the Disney film.
"She was always like that," Holst said. "She loved animals."

Read more: http://tdn.com/news/local/u-s-army-specialist-from-longview-killed-in-afghanistan/article_d9c6a87c-2d02-11e1-aa42-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1hPOiMC1T

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AQAP leader's brother reported killed in US drone strike

Abdul Rahman al Wuhayshi, the brother of Nasir al Wuhayshi, the emir of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, may have been killed in a US airstrike in southern Yemen. The strike is the first reported to have been carried out by the US since Anwar al Awlaki's son was killed in a drone strike in Yemen in October.

By Bill Roggio / LWJ / December 23, 2011
Abdul Rahman al Wuhayshi, the brother of Nasir al Wuhayshi, the emir of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, may have been killed in a US airstrike in southern Yemen. The strike is the first reported to have been carried out by the US since Anwar al Awlaki's son was killed in a drone strike in Yemen in October.
Abdul Rahman is said to have been killed yesterday by unmanned US Predator or Reaper drones in a strike in Zinjibar, the provincial capital of Abyan, which is currently under the control of AQAP, according to The Associated Press. Today, Yemeni officials and local tribesmen in Zinjibar told Reuters that Abdul Rahman was killed in a US drone strike.
The death of Abdul Rahman, whose role in AQAP is unknown, has not been confirmed. AQAP has not announced his death. Yemeni officials have declared his brother Nasir dead several times in the past, but the reports have been false.
Nasir al Wuhayshi was rumored to have been killed during fighting in late August with the 201st Brigade of the Yemeni Army in the Dofas area just outside of Zinjibar, the provincial capital of Abyan [see LWJ report, AQAP chief Nasir al Wuhayshi reported killed in southern Yemen]. In late October, AQAP issued an official denial of his death, and included a previously unseen photo of him [see LWJ report, AQAP denies emir Nasir al Wuhayshi killed in US airstrike].
AQAP describes Dofas as a major battlefront in its war against the Yemeni state. Zinjibar and the southern Yemeni cities of Sharqa and Azzan, as well as vast regions in the south, are under the control of AQAP.
Government forces and AQAP fighters, under the aegis of Ansar al Shariah, have been battling for months on the outskirts of Zinjibar. AQAP forces have held off three Yemeni Army brigades to maintain control of Zinjibar.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/aqap_leaders_brother.php#ixzz1hPGPXUNa

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Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan

12/23/2011  By Cpl. Justin M. Boling  , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) 

  CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan  — Unmanned systems have revolutionized combat aviation, providing a colossal advantage in the fight against terror with surveillance and close-air support. Recently, a detachment of Marines from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 in Afghanistan added aerial resupply to the list of UAV capabilities.
The detachment completed its first unmanned aerial system cargo delivery in a combat zone using a helicopter in Afghanistan, Dec. 17.
“We delivered cargo today that was supposed to be delivered by convoy, now that convoy has three pallets that it does not have to carry, “explained Maj. Kyle O’Connor, the officer-in-charge of the squadron’s cargo resupply unmanned aerial system detachment.
The unmanned helicopter moved about 3,500 pounds of food and supplies to troops at Combat Outpost Payne. The helicopter, an unmanned variant of a K-MAX, completed the delivery in about an hour and a half.
“It is a milestone, certainly. We have delivered a lot of loads in the States during training, testing and evaluation,” said Steven Athanas, a representative from Lockheed Martin. “Now that we have integrated it into the battlespace, we have gone from what you think can happen -- to what can happen.”
A human-piloted variant of the K-MAX helicopter was first developed in the 1990s. The manned version is used for heavy-lifting in corporate industry, including logging.
“This is a demonstration phase to test the true capabilities of this aircraft and how well it can perform its job in a combat environment,” said O’Connor. “With every flight in theater we are collecting data, and at the end of the day we are going to look at all of that data and decide whether or not to make it a program of record.”
“During this phase we will be making some adjustments to make it easier to use, but mostly I think the biggest adjustments will be seeing how many different ways we can use the unmanned aerial system,” said Athanas.
At the end of a six month assessment in Afghanistan, the Marine Corps will have the option to fully implement the platform. 

Read more: www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/111220-M-JU941-CARGO1.aspx 

Video: http://www.apacheclips.com/media/37231/K-max_unmanned_cargo_heli_deployed_to_A-stan/  (registered account(free) needed)

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