R.I.P. - Spc. Benjamin C. Pleitez

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Spc. Benjamin C. Pleitez, 25, of Turlock, Calif., died July 27, in Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan.

            Pleitez was assigned to 1072nd Transportation Company, 746th Combat Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, Van Nuys, Calif.

            For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the California National Guard public affairs office at 916-99-9525.

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from turlockcitynews:
Written by Cara Hallam
Monday, 30 July 2012 16:30 

The United States Department of Defense released tragic information today that California National Guard soldier Spc. Benjamin C. Pleitez, 25 of Turlock, has been killed in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

“At present, we do not have further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, funeral services or other details at this time,” stated Public Affairs Officer 1st Lt. Will Martin. “We will try to provide all pertinent information once we've had an opportunity to engage his family and secure further details from the U.S. Army.”

Pleitez was deployed to Afghanistan, in the region of Mazar E Sharif, in March of this year. He has been reported as being in service for a little over 5 years. Pleitez worked as a combat medic. This was his first deployment overseas.

Pleitez was assigned to 1072nd Transportation Company, 746th Combat Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, Van Nuys, California.

He is survived by his two parents, Diana and Salvador Pleitez, and two siblings.

More information regarding the incident surrounding the death of Spc. Benjamin Pleitez will be available once the U.S. Army and Department of Defense releases further details.

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R.I.P. - 1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs, Sgt. John E. Hansen

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

                 The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

                 They died July 26 in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when they encountered an enemy improvised explosive device.  These soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

                 Killed were:

                                 1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs, 23, of Redding, Calif., and

                                Sgt. John E. Hansen, 41, of Austin, Texas.

                 For more information pertaining to this release, please contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

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from universityplace.patch.com / Joint Base Lewis-McChord :

1st Lt. Sean R. Jacobs

According to unit records, 1st Lt. Jacobs entered the active Army in May 2010 after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. 1st Lt. Jacobs’ military branch was 13A, Field Artillery. Follow USMA graduation he received is artillery officer training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February 2011. Upon arrival he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his first deployment.

1st Lt. Jacob’s education includes U.S. Military Academy, West Point (2010) and 13A: Field Artillery Officer training (2011).

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Air Assault Badge.



Sgt. John E. Hansen

Sgt. Hansen entered the U.S. Air Force in October 1999 (no further information). In September 2006 he joined the U.S. Army and reported to Fort Sill, Okla., for Initial Army Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist). Sgt. Hansen had assignments at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Bragg, N.C., before reporting to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Dec. 2011, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

He deployed with this unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his second deployment. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Dec. 2007 to Feb. 2009.

Sgt. Hansen’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (1989) and Military Occupational Specialty 13D (Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist), Warrior Leader Course (2007), Combat Lifesaver Course (2008), and U.S. Army Airborne School (2010).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation, Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Basic Supply-Fuels Qualification Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of 1st Lt. Jacobs and Sgt. Hansen.

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R.I.P. - Sgt. 1st Class Bobby L. Estle, Pfc. Jose Oscar Belmontes

Sergeant First Class Bobby L. Estle and Private First Class Jose O. Belmontes

DOD Identifies Army Casualties
            The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died July 28 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy, small arms fire.  These soldiers were assigned to the 630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Drum, N.Y.

            Killed were:

            Sgt. 1st Class Bobby L. Estle, 38, of Lebanon, Ohio, and

            Pfc. Jose Oscar Belmontes, 28, of La Verne, Calif.

            For more information pertaining to this release, please contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-772-7267.

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from 9wsyr:

Fort Drum (WSYR-TV) - Two Fort Drum soldiers serving in Afghanistan were killed on Saturday when their unit was attacked by small arms fire.

Sergeant First Class Bobby L. Estle, 38, of Lebanon, Ohio, a combat engineer and Private First Class Jose O. Belmontes, 28, of La Verne, California, a construction engineer, were killed.

Both men were serving with the 630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade were killed in Wardak Province.

Fort Drum provided the following profiles of the soldiers:

Estle joined the Army in March 1993.  After training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Fort Jackson, South Carolina and arrived at Fort Drum in January 2010. Estle deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 to June 2004 and November 2005 to November 2006. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in February 2010 to July 2010. Estle deployed with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2011.

Estle's awards and decorations include: the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, five Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and the Sapper Tab. He also completed the Route Reconnaissance Clearance Leadership course, the Master Fitness Trainer Course, the Senior Leadership course, the Combatives Level 1 course, the Drill Sergeant School, the Pathfinder course, the Battle Staff course, the Rappel Master course, the Advance Leadership course, the Defense Hazardous Materials course, the Manager Development course, the Supervisor Development program, the Warrior Leadership course, the Air Assault course, the Sapper Leader course, and the Combat Life Savers course.

Estle is survived by his wife, three children, mother and stepfather.

Belmontes joined the Army in February 2011. After training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he arrived at Fort Drum in July 2011.  He deployed with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2011.

Belmontes' awards and decorations include: the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

Belmontes is survived by his wife, mother and father.

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Nigeria: Multiple Explosions Hit Sokoto Police Stations

Sokoto State Nigeria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Four  persons, a police corporal, two suspected suicide bombers and a hair dressing saloon operator died on Monday in Sokoto as a result of two suspected suicide bomb attacks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged attackers were said to have simultaneously struck at the office of the AIG Zone 10  and a POWA shop adjacent the Marina police station in Sokoto State .

The AIG Zone 10, Sokoto Muhtari Ibrahim, who confirmed the story, said the corporal and the suspected suicide bomber died during the attack on his office.

He said that five offices and other parts of the one-storey building, the gate, the nearby Marina police station and some neighbouring houses were shattered.

According to him, the suicide bomber, who attacked his office, drove a Honda Accord car and forced his way into the premises after he was denied entry.

bombed AIG office

Ibrahim said that only the dead suicide bomber was in the vehicle, adding that, investigations would continue on the development.

The AIG added that eight policemen and a civilian were injured as a result of the attack.

He solicited the support of the members of the public to check the trend by providing the security agencies with useful information .

NAN also observed that the official vehicle of the AIG zone 10 was damaged.

Confirming the Unguwar Rogo police station attack , DCP Kudu Nma  said the alleged attacker could not gain access into the police station .

According to Nma, only the alleged attacker died at the Unguwar Rogo police station after he struck a nearby Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA) shop.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the state police command , DSP Sani Salisu has confirmed the death of the fourth person, a woman who ran a hair dressing salon, as a result of the attack at the POWA shop near Unguwar rogo police station. (NAN)

from LEADERSHIP
Mon, 30/07/2012 - 12:46pm

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Mosque explosion kill 5 people in Uruzgan province

According to local authorities in southern Uruzgan province of Afghanistan, at least five people including an Afghan judge was killed following an explosion in this province.

The officials further added the incident took place early Monday morning in Tarinkot district after an explosive device went off in a mosque, killing the Afghan judge Taj Mohammad and four civilians.

No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

Local officials blame Taliban group for such incidents as the Taliban fighters frequently use explosive devices as the weapon of their choice to target Afghan and coalition security forces and Afghan government officials.

This comes as the district chief for Chak was asssassinated by unknown gunmen in Maidan Wardak province on Sunday.

from KHAAMA
By Sadaf Shinwari - Mon Jul 30, 12:36 pm

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R.I.P. - Corporal Givi Pantsulaia (Georgia)

The Ministry of Defence of Georgia expresses deep regret for the death of the Corporal Givi Pantsulaia (born in 1984) and extends condolences to the family of the deceased soldier.

Corporal Givi Pantsuala received injuries as a result of mortar shell explosion in Afghanistan, in January 2012. The US side immediately rendered medical assistance to Corporal Pantsulaia. He had been transferred to Germany, in the US military hospital. He had been in a comatose state with neurological disorder.

After March 3 Corporal Givi Pantsulaia was transferred to Gori Military Hospital in Georgia. For 6 months highly qualified doctors had not spared their efforts to save the life of Corporal Givi Pantsulaia. Despite their hard work the doctors could not keep his life.  

The Ministry of Defence of Georgia once more extends deepest condolences to the family members of Corporal Pantsulaia and is ready to cover all costs related to his funeral.

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17 insurgents killed in Afghanistan within 24 hours

KABUL, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 17 Taliban insurgents have been killed and 18 others detained in five cleanup operations carried out by the Afghan police, army and the NATO-led coalition forces in deferent provinces within the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

"The joint force also found and defused five different mines besides seizing four RPG-7 or rocket propelled grenades, five PK machine guns, eight pistols, 25 rounds of shells and a hand grenade in the above operations," the ministry said in a statement providing morning operational updates.

Separately, Afghan police found and defused an anti-vehicle mine in western Farah province on Saturday, it said.

In another development, up to 12 Taliban insurgents were killed during a cleanup operation in Gilan district of eastern Ghazni province late Saturday; provincial police chief Zarawar Zahid told Xinhua Sunday, adding two local Taliban commanders named Mullah Aghajan and Mullah Abdul Haleem were among the killed.

The Taliban insurgents, who launched in May this year spring offensive against Afghan and NATO forces, have yet to make comment.

Afghan forces and some 130,000 NATO-led coalition troops have intensified cleanup operations against insurgents recently. More than 432 insurgents have been killed and over 280 others detained since July 1 by the joint forces.

from XINHUA
2012-07-29 13:20:24

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July 30., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force conducted a counter-narcotics operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, today.

During the operation, an armed insurgent threatened the combined security force. The Afghan and coalition troops positively identified the attacker then engaged and killed him.

After the engagement, the security force detained two suspected drug dealers and seized multiple weapons, several kilograms of heroin and half a million Pakistani rupees ($5,285).

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

In Archi district, Kunduz province, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) explosives expert, Saturday. The arrested explosives expert managed the construction and placement of explosive devices and directed improvised explosive device attacks in northern Kunduz.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to seek out a cache of homemade explosives in Andar district, Ghazni province, yesterday. During the operation, the security force discovered 1500 pounds of explosives in an abandoned compound. The security force seized and destroyed the explosives on site.

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July 29., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, located two weapons caches and cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, July 29.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Andar district. The cache contained 15 bags of homemade explosives, totaling 1,500 pounds and 137 55-gallon drums of tar.

Kapisa province
Afghan Local Police and coalition forces killed an insurgent during a small arms engagement in Tagab district.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Khowst district. The cache contained grenades, TNT and fuses being used for IEDs.

Kunar province
Afghan Local Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Khas Kunar district.

Paktiya province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Dzadran district.

Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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Car bombing kills 5, injures 15 in eastern Iraqi province

BAGHDAD, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A car bomb killed at least five people and injured 15 others in eastern Iraq's Diyala province on Sunday, the local police said.

A source with the provincial police, on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua via telephone that the blast took place at a popular market in Muqdadiya area, some 40 km northeast of Baquba city, the provincial capital.

The official said a number of civilian vehicles and nearby buildings were damaged in the explosion and security forces sealed off the scene.

No one has so far claimed responsibility of the attack and investigations are underway, said the source.

Violence is escalating in war-ravaged Iraq as al-Qaida's Iraqi affiliate has announced to launch more attacks in the nation.


from XINHUA
2012-07-30 00:27:23

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