Pakistan cleared ISAF airstrikes that killed its own troops

While the investigation has only just begun into last weekend's ISAF airstrikes in Mohmand that resulted in the deaths of 24 Pakistani troops, the initial findings indicate that the attacks were cleared by the Pakistani military, which said none of its troops were operating in the area. The Wall Street Journal has the story:

According to the initial U.S. account from the field, the commandos requested airstrikes against the encampment, prompting the team to contact a joint border-control center to determine whether Pakistani forces were in the area, a U.S. official said. The border-control center is manned by U.S., Afghan and Pakistani representatives who are supposed to share information and head off conflicts. But the U.S. and Afghan forces conducting the Nov. 26 commando operation hadn't notified the center in advance that they planned to strike Taliban insurgents near that part of the border, the official said.
When called, the Pakistani representatives at the center said there were no Pakistani military forces in the area identified by the commandos, clearing the way for the Americans to conduct the airstrikes, the U.S. officials said.

The report completely shatters Pakistani military claims that the incident was "unprovoked" and a "deliberate act of aggression." As the Asia Times noted the other day, the Pakistani military is uninterested in conducting an investigation into the Mohmand strike. The Pakistani response to the attack was calculated from the very beginning to cast the US and NATO as the villains, and Pakistan as the victim of aggression.
And this behavior is par for the course for Pakistan. And yet, US policymakers still believe Pakistan can be relied upon to broker a peace in Afghanistan, while Pakistan provides the sanctuary and support for the very groups that are destabilizing that country. It is stunning that at this point in time, given years and years of such duplicitous behavior, anyone can still believe that Pakistan could broker a deal in good faith to end the fighting in Afghanistan. But there we are.

by Bill Roggio at Threat Matrix

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2011/12/pakistan_cleared_isaf_airstrik.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1fODo8v1J

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ISAF officially hands over Parwan to ANSF, Dec 2, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Parwan Province, Afghanistan (Dec. 2, 2011) –
 International Security Assistance Force commander Gen. John R. Allen and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan C. Crocker participated in a ceremony here in the provincial capitol of Charikar today, to officially transfer security responsibilities of Parwan Province to Afghan National Security Forces.

The transfer to the ANSF comes amidst Afghanistan’s second stage of security transition, known as Tranche 2, the second of four stages of transition announced at the Lisbon Summit last year. Parwan is just the first of many locations under Tranche 2 to enter the transition process as defined by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

        “Together, with the areas that have previously begun transition, half of Afghanistan’s population will be under the protection of their fellow countrymen: Afghan soldiers, Afghan policemen, and Afghan guardians and patrolmen who will take the lead in ensuring that transition is irreversible,” said Gen. Allen.

        The transition list of areas intended for the second tranche of transitions covers 18 provinces, with some including the entire province while others cover city or district areas. Across the country this month, ISAF and ANSF will partner to secure places that only two years ago would have been seen as far beyond the reach of Afghan security apparatus.

        “It is well that we should mark this occasion here in Parwan,” Gen. Allen said. “During the darkness of the Taliban, Parwan was a key avenue of approach to Kabul. Now, Parwan is part of Afghanistan’s approach to the future … This future will be brought forth by common effort between the province and the national-level ministries.”

        The ISAF commander pointed out future district projects and NATO training missions designed to facilitate a smooth transition toward 2014.

        “We will support the Afghan government as it strengthens governance and rule of law – two key pillars of sustainable transition, and together, we will look for opportunities to create the kind of positive change that those two pillars can bring to local communities,” Gen. Allen said. “We must remind ourselves that transition is a process, not an end state, and there will be further challenges as we move toward 2014.”
 
      Gen. Allen reiterated that the transition process, as in Parwan, is not an “exit strategy” for the International Community in Afghanistan, it is, instead, a “success strategy.”

        Throughout the week, most of Parwan Province, and six other provinces, 48 districts, and seven municipalities will also start the security transfer process. 

Related articles

• Second Phase of Security Transition Starts from Northern Province (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)

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Mississippi National Guard troops return from Afghanistan (+video)

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - A group of Mississippi National Guard members enjoyed a happy homecoming Thursday morning, just in time for the holidays.
The 231st survey and design team arrived home from Afghanistan.
And there were plenty of hugs and kisses and smiles when they arrived back in South Mississippi.
A band of brothers, fellow Guardsmen, were first to greet the returning troops with handshakes and high fives.
As spouses and sweethearts got lost in the moment, a toddler awaited Daddy.
"Here he comes! Look, there he is!" said Tara Kelly.
Commander Hugh Kelly was all smiles as he reunited with three-year-old Aiden, 14-year-old Taylor and his wife Tara.



Husband and daddy made it home for Christmas.
"Extremely important, outstanding trip! We had a great time making it here, and we're happy we got here," said a smiling Kelly.
"It's been kind of hard without him," said daughter Taylor. "But I'm happy he's home."
Months of separation seemed to melt away in the sea of smiles and welcome homes.
"It's tough, but it's worth it. This is what we wait for," said Tara Kelly.
Larry Ingram was quickly immersed in a family reunion.
"This is my son, Larry," said his proud mother.
"The travel has been the worst of it," said her happy son. "It's just good to be home."
Justin Grider said some days overseas passed more quickly thank others.
"We're going here and there, and we're staying busy. Sometimes it's a little slow. But we got it done. And we all came home, so that's all that matters," said the young Guardsman.
"You guys had a job to do. You went over there and did it. And you brought everybody back home, outstanding job," said Commander Ducksworth.
Family and friends hosted a reception at the USO for the returning troops. It's the happy homecoming they've been awaiting.

story by Steve Phillips
Read more at WLOX

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B-roll video of Otay Mesa Drug Tunnel (+video - full HD)

Federal officials revealed that a drug tunnel discovered Tuesday during a bust that netted 32 tons of marijuana was so sophisticated that it had a secret working elevator, electric lighting, rail cars and hydraulic doors -- but may have been found before smugglers could get the narcotics into the hands of American customers.
The tunnel, ending in San Diego, Calif., is easily the "most sophisticated that we have discovered perhaps ever, but definitely at least in the last five years," Lauren Mack, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told ABC News early Wednesday.

 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
B-roll video of elaborate cross border drug smuggling tunnel discovered inside a Warehouse in Otay Mesa, CA, near U.S. and Mexico border.
Video by Ron Rogers

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Royal Navy saves Spanish vessel from pirate attack

The Royal Navy has come to the aid of a Spanish fishing vessel under pirate attack in the Indian Ocean this week.

On Monday, 28 November 2011, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Fort Victoria was patrolling in an area approximately 420 nautical miles (780km) from the Seychelles and 350 nautical miles (650km) from the Somali coast as part of NATO's Combined Task Force 508.
Early that morning, she received information that a Spanish fishing vessel operating to the north of their position had come under attack from a group of pirate vessels. The ship's Lynx helicopter was quickly despatched to investigate.
Once at the scene, the helicopter identified two suspect vessels, a whaler and a skiff, in the vicinity of the fishing vessel. The faster of the two, a skiff, sped away at over 25 knots (46km/h) as the helicopter gave chase.
When the skiff ignored orders to stop, a specially trained sniper on board the Lynx helicopter fired warning shots ahead of the fleeing vessel which stopped and the suspected pirates on board were then taken to Fort Victoria via boat.
Fort Victoria's Royal Marines boarding team then boarded the whaler and another skiff in the vicinity. As a result of the day's action, a total of seven suspected pirates were held on board Fort Victoria along with their whaler as evidence, with no injuries being sustained by either side.

The pirate whaler being searched by the boarding team from RFA Fort Victoria, visible in the background
[Picture: LA(Phot) Dave Jenkins, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said:

"This latest operation demonstrates again the vital work we are undertaking to tackle piracy that threatens international shipping lanes. British forces are in the forefront in the fight against piracy.

"The resolute contribution of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, operating as part of an international coalition, is keeping up the pressure."

Lieutenant Alastair 'AJ' Thompson Royal Navy, Flight Commander 229 Flight, said:

"This operation was superbly well co-ordinated. We located the pirate vessels using the Lynx. We could see the fishing vessel was clearly in trouble and our actions were decisive in disrupting the pirates from further attacks on the fishermen and eventually stopping them."

The Royal Marines boarding team deals with the pirate skiff, with RFA Fort Victoria visible in the background
[Picture: LA(Phot) Dave Jenkins, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Having disrupted several pirate vessels and with both evidence and suspected pirates on board, permission was sought to take them to the Seychelles for prosecution.
With Seychelles authority granted, this will be the first case to be heard there under a memorandum of understanding signed between the UK and Seychelles governments in July 2009.
Captain Gerry Northwood Royal Navy, embarked on RFA Fort Victoria, said:

"It has been a long but rewarding operation with many complex aspects. Operating under NATO tasking and in consultation with our headquarters in the Middle East and in the UK, we utilised a range of national and international assets to bring these events to a satisfactory conclusion.

"The Royal Navy has once again demonstrated that multinational co-ordination can be successfully deployed to disrupt piracy in this area in order to protect international merchant shipping."

RFA Fort Victoria is a vital platform for command and control of counter-piracy operations. She is also a key element of the Royal Navy's Response Force Task Group and provides, under her core role, essential replenishment and logistical support to naval vessels worldwide.

source:
a Military Operations news article by: Ministry of Defence

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Homecoming video of Indiana’s 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade

Indiana’s 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade returns home from
Iraq deployment to Stout Field, Monday, Nov. 28, and Tuesday, 29th, 2011.
Video includes interviews with Staff Sgt. Taylor Wiseman
and Col. Ivan Denton.
Shot and produced by Sgt. Lorne Neff, Indiana National Guard.

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Last Vietnam veteran in North Dakota National Guard to retire

FARGO, N.D. — While most North Dakota Guardsmen are war veterans, one holds a special distinction: He’s the last serving combat Vietnam War veteran in the North Dakota National Guard.

When Master Sgt. Alan K. Peterson, of West Fargo, N.D., retired Nov. 30, he ended an era in both the Army and Air National Guard in the state. There’s believed to be only one remaining Vietnam vet nationwide in the Air Force, and while it’s unknown, there are presumably very few left in the Army.

“Throughout his decades-long military career, Master Sgt. Peterson served this state and nation with honor and distinction, whether assisting his fellow citizens here at home or defending this great country in foreign lands,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “His retirement marks the end of an era for the North Dakota National Guard, bringing to a close the exemplary service and leadership of a generation of patriots who served in the Vietnam War. We are grateful to Master Sgt. Peterson and all of our Vietnam veterans for their noble and courageous service.”

During the ceremony, Peterson received the federal Meritorious Service Medal and North Dakota Legion of Merit, as well as several certificates, a commemorative musket, plaques, a host of letters wishing him well and a cased U.S. flag. His wife, Christie, also received a framed certificate of appreciation in honor of her support during her husband’s decades-long military career.

“Thank you for sharing Al with us all of these years,” Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, said to Peterson’s family during today’s retirement ceremony at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center. “As I said to Christie, it’s the family that really has the tough job when our Soldiers are called to war and called to duty.”


Read the full story and more pictures on Apacheclips.com - click here

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VBIED attack against COP McClain in Logar province at friday morning

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jNfFXEMnGZRTuLs0eG4k19MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0December 02., Friday, 2011, Afghanistan -

 at friday morning talibans announced on their website:

"A 50-year old martyr-attacker of Islamic Emirate, Muhammad Idrees hailing from eastern Nangarhar province, in a large truck packed with some 14000 kg explosives struck a military base of the US invading cowardly troops on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m., killing several dozens of the US invaders."

there is no official reports yet, but others said the blows was powerful, "hits Mahmad Agha district destroyed the district center and the nearby NGO care international building as well"


ISAFmedia twitter - 35 mins ago:
"No reports of ISAF fatalities from VBIED attack against COP McClain in Logar province." 

ISAFmedia twitter - 3 mins ago:
"We can confirm a VBIED incident today in Logar. No ISAF fatalities reported."

update from AFP & tribune.com.pk:
"
Logar’s health director, Mohammad Zarif Nayebkhail, told AFP up to 70 people were taken to hospital with injuries from shrapnel or flying glass.
“Up to 70 wounded have been taken to the main hospital in the district — seven of them are (Afghan) security guards of Nato, the rest are civilians,” he said. “Several of the wounded were in a serious condition.” "

Related articles

• NATO base blast: up to 70 injured in Afghanistan (rt.com)
• Up to 70 injured in attack near Afghan NATO base (tribune.com.pk)

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NORAD tracking Santa - in this year too!

Image via Wikipedia

This year you can count down the days to Santa’s takeoff with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app. Enjoy playing “Elf Toss” throughout the month and then on December 24th, follow Santa on their website, or on your mobile with app
The app is available in AppStore and Android market too.

http://www.noradsanta.org

Related articles

• Want to track Santa? There's an app for that (seattlepi.com)
• NORAD Ready To Track Santa's Flight on Christmas Eve (ibtimes.com)
• Want to track Santa? There's an app for that (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• NORAD kicks off countdown to track Santa, with help from Google (cbsnews.com)
• Google and NORAD Track Santa Across Maps, Social Media and Mobile [VIDEO] (mashable.com)

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Anti-Taliban tribal leader killed in northwest Pakistan

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A leader of an anti-Taliban militia and head of the Darband Peace Committee,* Haji Hashim (Zaman) Khan, was killed in a roadside blast as he and his two colleagues were refueling their vehicle in the restive city of Hangu, officials reported yesterday. Haji Hashim led a faction of the 20,000-strong anti-Taliban lashkar (militia), the Aman Lashkar ("Peace Army"), which fiercely opposed the presence of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Islam in lower Arakzai and the Khyber Agency. In April, Hashim Khan and his militia helped Pakistani security forces clear most of lower Arakzai.

By Matt Dupee - LongWarJournal

December 2, 2011

A leader of an anti-Taliban militia and head of the Darband Peace Committee,* Haji Hashim (Zaman) Khan, was killed in a roadside blast as he and his two colleagues were refueling their vehicle in the restive city of Hangu, officials reported yesterday. Haji Hashim led a faction of the 20,000-strong anti-Taliban lashkar (militia), the Aman Lashkar ("Peace Army"), which fiercely opposed the presence of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Islam in lower Arakzai and the Khyber Agency. In April, Hashim Khan and his militia helped Pakistani security forces clear most of lower Arakzai.
Pakistani authorities and US-trained bomb disposal experts who investigated the blast determined that the bomb, consisting of the powerful explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), weighed approximately 400 grams. PETN is one of the most powerful military-grade plastic explosives available.
Officials speculate the assassins attached the explosive device to Hashim Khan's vehicle and then detonated it by remote control at a time of their choosing. Hashim Khan's vehicle exploded at a refueling station as he and his driver, Shah Habib, and a bodyguard, Shahnawa, were traveling to their headquarters in Babar Mela. Taliban fighters in Arakzai are key suspects in the attack.

...
Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/anti-taliban_tribal.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz1fMfhM500

Related articles

• Anti-Taliban tribal leader killed in northwest Pakistan (longwarjournal.org)
• Anti-Taliban leader killed in Pakistan car bombing (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)

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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
            Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell, 28, of Detroit, Mich., died Nov. 30 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at760-725-8766.

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Photo of the day

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 30, 2011) The son of Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Randall White, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), waves to his father’s ship as it transits San Diego Bay after departing Naval Air Station North Island on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Trevor Welsh/Released)

download hi-res

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Al Qaeda Leader Zawahiri Says He Has American Hostage

from ABCNEWS,

By RYM MOMTAZ

Dec. 1, 2011

In a newly released audio message, al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri claims that his organization is holding hostage Warren Weinstein, a 70-year-old American who went missing last August in Pakistan.
Zawahiri's statement is the first official claim of responsibility by any group in relation to the kidnapping, and a U.S. official said the statement buttressed earlier "indications" that al Qaeda might be holding the American.

The house of kidnapped American development expert Warren Weinstein in Lahore, Pakistan, is seen in the background, Aug. 15, 2011. (K.M. Chaudary/AP Photo)

"I tell the captive soldiers of Al Qaeda and the Taliban and our female prisoners held in the prisons of the crusaders and their collaborators, we have not forgotten you and in order to free you we have taken hostage the Jewish American Warren Weinstein," says Zawahiri in the 30-minute statement, which appeared on jihadi websites Thursday and otherwise focuses mainly on the situation in his native Egypt.

The leader of Al Qaeda addresses Weinstein's family, telling them that "your government tortures our prisoners, but we have not tortured your prisoner." He also warns them not to trust President Obama's assurances that everything is being done to secure Weinstein's release, accusing the president of wishing "[Weinstein] would be killed to get rid of his problem."
A U.S. official told ABC News that although there has been no "proof of life" offered by al Qaeda or its allies that proves they have Weinstein, there were already "indications" he may be held by al Qaeda.

"The documents from bin Laden's hideout show his frustrated deputies were considering kidnapping and other criminal enterprises as a means of striking for their weakened state," said the official. Zawahiri assumed the leadership of al Qaeda after Osama bin Laden was killed in a U.S. strike on his Pakistan hideout in May.
"It's entirely possible that al Qaeda or one of its militant allies may be holding Mr. Weinstein," said the official, "and the statement by Zawahiri supports this conclusion. The U.S. government is following every lead to help find Mr. Weinstein."

Related articles

• Al Qaeda Leader Zawahiri Says He Has U.S. Hostage (abcnews.go.com)
• Al Qaeda: We have US man kidnapped in Pakistan (cbsnews.com)
• Al Qaeda 'holding hostage U.S. aid expert kidnapped three months ago in Pakistan' - Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk)
• Al Qaeda announces death of Atiyah Abd al Rahman (LongWarJournal)

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Navy to Christen Submarine Mississippi

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 994-11
December 01, 2011
------------------------------------------------------

Navy to Christen Submarine Mississippi

The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine Mississippi, Saturday, Dec. 3, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. The Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Allison Stiller, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for ship programs, is the ship’s sponsor.

The naming of Mississippi, designated SSN 782, recognizes the state’s long-standing tradition of shipbuilding in support of our nation’s defense. It also honors the spirit of the people of Mississippi who have made great strides in recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Mississippi is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world’s shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Mississippi will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

There have been four previous ships named Mississippi. Most notable, the first, a side wheeler, served as Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship for his historic voyage to Japan and fought with Adm. David Farragut’s forces on the Mississippi River during the Civil War.

Capt. John McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., and a 1990 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, will be the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 142 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Mississippi is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. It is 377 feet long, has a 33-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet, and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Mississippi is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship -- reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

The christening will be carried live at http://www.gdeb.com and the link will become active on the morning of Dec. 3.

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more information, visit: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .

Related articles

• Navy to Christen Submarine Mississippi (defense.gov)

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Dutch General - Peter van Uhm - TEDxAmsterdam (+video HD)

"Today I want to tell you why i choose the gun to make a better world,
and I want to tell you how this gun can help"

He speaks 15 mins, without any paper/note or closecaption machine

what are Your thoughts about it?


so, just watch the video
no more words needed::::::::::

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