R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza, 28, of El Paso, Texas, died May 25 in Charkh, Logar province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

            For more information please contact 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office at 915-203-3769.

---

from kfoxtv.com:

FORT BLISS, Texas — The Department of Defense announced the death of a Fort Bliss soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza, 28, of El Paso, died May 25 in Charkh, Logar province, Afghanistan. The department said enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire. 

Loeza was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. 

“1st Armored Division and Team Bliss lost an outstanding Soldier this past weekend; we are keeping Staff Sgt. Loeza’s Family, friends and fellow Soldiers in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," stated Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, commanding general, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss.  "Keep all of our Servicemembers in your prayers and remember freedom is definitely not free," he added.

Loeza, was an Infantryman (MOS 11B) who entered the Army in June 2002.  He was previously stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Bragg, NC, and Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion.  His military education includes Airborne, Combat Lifesaver’s Course, Warrior Leader Course, Army Recruiter, Advance Leader Course, Combatives Level II, Airload Planners, Unit Movement Officers Course, and the Air Assault Course.

Eden’s awards and decorations include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal with two Awards, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, six Certificates of Achievement, US Army Basic Recruiter Badge-Silver with three Gold Achievement Stars, US Army Basic Recruiter Badge-Gold with three Sapphire Achievement Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge-Driver for Wheeled Vehicles, and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Expert with Rifle.

 He is survived by his wife and two children.

A memorial ceremony in honor of this fallen Soldier will be coordinated and announced at a later date.

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At least 12 killed, 29 wounded, in Iraq bomb blasts on Thursday

A series of bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has killed at least 12 people and wounded 29 others, police and medical sources said.

from BBC and guardian (video)

The biggest blast, a car bomb, left at least eight dead near a busy restaurant in the Shia district of Shula in the north of the city.

At least four other bombings were reported in other areas of Baghdad.

Violence in Iraq has declined in recent years, but bomb attacks are still a regular occurrence.



In western Baghdad, a passer-by was killed when a car bomb blew up near the home of an adviser to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in the Yarmuk area of the city; two people died in attacks on the homes of two policemen in the Amiriya district. One of the policemen was killed and the other wounded, AP news agency reported.

Attacks were also reported in Ghazaliya in the west of the city and Dora and Saidiya in the south.

Baghdad is currently hosting a major auction inviting international firms to explore oil and gas across Iraq.

Thursday's attacks follow two bombings targeting security forces in the city on 13 May in which killed six people died.

In April, a series of blasts struck a number of Iraqi cities, killing at least 35 people and injuring 100 more.

Shootings and bombings killed 45 people in the run-up to an Arab League summit on 20 March.

US forces withdrew from Iraq in December last year, nine years after invading the country to topple Saddam Hussein.

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Somalia forces capture key al-Shabab town of Afmadow

African Union and Somali government forces have captured the town of Afmadow, a strategic militant base in the south of the country.

from BBC

Commanders say the Islamist al-Shabab group abandoned the town without a fight as their troops approached.

Afmadow is the second largest town in the south and only 115km (71 miles) from Kismayo, al-Shabab's headquarters.

Despite facing pressure on a number of military fronts, the al-Qaeda group still controls much of the country.

"Hopefully the next target will be Kismayo and then we will proceed to other towns and cities," interim Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.

"Surely but slowly we're getting our country back from al-Shabab," he said.
'No military muscle'

Afmadow has been a key target for the Kenya troops, who make up the African Union contingent in the south of the country, since they entered Somalia last October.

Somalia analyst Mohammed Abdulahi Hassan told the BBC its importance lies in that fact that a network of roads from the town leads all over the country.

He said the militants were unlikely to have the "military muscle to retake the town from the Kenya defence forces".

A spokesman for the Kenya army, Col Cyrus Oguna, told the BBC he hoped the African Union troops would be able to take the port of Kismayo, on the main road south of Afmadow, before 20 August.

This is the date agreed by disparate Somali factions to elect a new president, ending a transitional period and the mandate of the UN-backed interim government.

Mr Hassan says if Kismayo does fall, al-Shabab will be in "a desperate position both politically and financially".

The interim prime minister was speaking to the BBC from Istanbul where world leaders and Somali politicians have gathered for talks hosted by the Turkish government.

It is the second major international conference this year about how to end Somalia's two decades of anarchy.

The Horn of Africa country has had no effective central government since 1991, and has been racked by fighting ever since - a situation that has allowed piracy and lawlessness to flourish.

"The London conference focused more on unity, piracy and terrorism; Istanbul is more about development and ending the transition," Prime Minster Ali said.

Earlier this year the UN agreed to boost the AU force from 12,000 troops to nearly 18,000 to incorporate Kenyan troops which entered Somalia last October in pursuit of al-Shabab militants.

They accuse the fighters of being behind various kidnappings on Kenyan soil and of destabilising the border region.

Related articles

• Somalia: Al Shabab loses Afgoye and Afmadow. Is Kismayo next? (csmonitor.com)
• Somalia: Al Shabab Loses Afgoye and Afmadow, Kismayo Next? (sahelblog.wordpress.com)
• Kenyan, Somali Forces Seize Key Town from Al-Shabab (blogs.voanews.com)
• Kenya Military Says It Captures Somali Town (abcnews.go.com)

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Egypt confirms release of 2 kidnapped American tourists: U.S. official

Shaded relief map of the Sinai Peninsula, 1992, produced by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has confirmed to the United States the release of two American tourists who were kidnapped in the country's Sinai Peninsula, the U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Thursday.

"Egyptian officials have confirmed to the U.S. Embassy in Cairo that the two U.S. citizens kidnapped on the Sinai Peninsula on May 30 have been released unharmed," Toner said in a statement.

"The U.S. Embassy has been in touch with the victims' families and is providing appropriate consular assistance," he added.

The two Americans were kidnapped Thursday morning by some local Bedouins on the Sinai Peninsula. The kidnappers demanded the release of a tribesman arrested in a drug case Wednesday.

This was the fourth kidnapping case in the area since February. Two Americans and three South Korean tourists were abducted by Bedouins in the area on Feb. 3 and Feb. 10 respectively.

Related articles

• 2 Americans kidnapped in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula (cbsnews.com)
• Egypt officials: Kidnapped American tourists free (cbsnews.com)
• 2 American tourists kidnapped in Egypt (foxnews.com)
• Sinai Bedouins kidnap 2 American tourists in Egypt (miamiherald.com)
• Officials: Bedouins in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula kidnap 2 American tourists (foxnews.com)

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R.I.P. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

            Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, N.C., died May 30 while conducting combat operations in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to Naval Base Kitsap Security Detachment in Bremerton, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact the Naval Base Kitsap public affairs office at 360- 627-4030 or 360-627-4031.

---

from myfox8.com (more photos here):

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Navy K-9 handler from Greensboro was killed in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, died while conducting combat operations in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to Naval Base Kitsap Security Detachment in Bremerton, Wash.



Brazas, 26, leaves behind a wife and a 13-month-old daughter. He was originally from Greensboro and graduated from Western Guilford High School.

Sean’s father Ed Brazas told the News and Record the family learned Thursday his son was shot while trying to help someone get into a helicopter.

Brazas’ K-9 partner — Sicario — was with him at the time of his death, but survived.  Sicario was treated for heat stress and is expected to be OK.

Ben Gleason, who has been friends with Brazas since high school, said Brazas recently moved to Seattle where he had planned to marry his fiancé.

Gleason described Brazas as a person who was known to lift the spirits of those around him.
“Which is why it’s such a shock to hear that he’s gone… I still can’t believe it. As the day goes on, it sinks deeper and deeper,” Gleason said.

Gleason, who owns a gym in Greensboro, said he plans dedicate a workout in Brazas’ honor.
“I always thanked him for being brave and doing what he does for our country,” Gleason said.

In an official statement from the Navy, Capt Pete Dawson, Naval Base Kitsap commanding officer, said “Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment.  The news of the untimely death of Petty Officer Sean Brazas has resounded through the entire Naval Base Kitsap command.  My sincerest sympathies go forward to the entire Brazas family and friends. It is difficult indeed to find words to express our regret at the death of this splendid young man”.

“I want to thank everyone for their support and we ask that our family privacy be respected.  My husband died serving his country.  He loved his job.  We will all miss him and we will never forget him.  He is my hero.”  Mrs. Allie Brazas, wife of the deceased.

The funeral arrangements are incomplete, but Ed Brazas told the paper his son will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his grandfather, a World War II veteran.

The family said they are also planning a memorial in Greensboro.

The death raised the number of coalition troops who have died in Afghanistan this year to 176.

Related articles

• RIP PO2 Sean E. Brazas (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

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3 Afghan soldiers injured following explosion in Kapisa

According to local authorities in eastern Kapisa province at least 3 Afghan national army soldiers were injured following a roadside bomb explosion in this province.

Provincial security chief spokesman Asadullah Hamidi said, the incident took place on Friday morning at Ghazi Khel area.

Taliban group claimed respnsibility behind the incident and said at least 5 Afghan national army soldies were killed following the incident.

In the meantime at least 8 militants were killed and 4 others were injured following clashes between Afghan police forces and armed militants at southern Kandahar province, provincial governor media office said.

The incident took place on Thursday night at Shahwali Kot district in this province. Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.

from KHAAMA

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June 01., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today.

The leader coordinates roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district.

During the operation, the security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

East

In Sarobi district, Paktika province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani leader during an operation today. The leader controlled a large group of insurgents and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the district. During the operation, the security force also detained multiple additional insurgents and seized several AK-47s, grenades and magazines of ammunition.

West

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Murghab district, Badghis province, today. The leader is responsible for supplying weapons and improvised explosive devices to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Murghab district. During the operation, insurgents attacked the Afghan and coalition security force. The security force returned fire killing one insurgent and destroying a weapons cache.

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Nigeria: Kidnapped German, Six Gunmen Killed as JTF Invades Boko Haram's Den

Kano — A German Engineer, Edgar Fritz Raupach, who was held hostage by gunmen since January 26 this year was killed by his captors yesterday when Nigerian security forces stormed their hideout, a bungalow apartment located at Danbare surburb, along Gwarzo highway, in Kano.

from allAfrica.com

It was gathered that members of the security forces who conducted a raid on the building were unaware that the German was being held there but attacked the building based on intelligence report that sect members were hiding there.

A reliable source who witnessed the incident related how it happened. Said he: "Members of the Sura Council were holding their meeting in a secluded place in Kano. The Sura Council is the highest decision making organ of Boko Haram comprising their operation commanders, thinkers, planners and strategists. Somehow, the security forces including the Joint Task Force got hint that Boko Haram members were meeting there and stormed the place in full force unknown to them that the kidnapped German national was being kept there. There was heavy exchange of fire and when the sect members realised that there was no escape for them they killed the German. In the course of the gun battle, the security forces killed all the members of the Sura Council at the meeting, no single one escaped. It was only their leader, Shekau who was not at the meeting that escaped being killed".

The German's death came on the heel of a similar incident on March 8th in Sokoto when a Briton and two Italians died in a failed rescue attempt by security

A counter terrorism officer who participated in yesterday's operation told Vanguard on condition of anonymity that seven people died in the operation while one AK 47 was recovered including129 rounds of ammunition and a hand grenade

Security sources however explained that six people died during the encounter including the five sect members, a woman, while three soldiers were believed to have sustained injury from a blast that rocked the building during the operations.

Vanguard learnt that the sect members detonated a primed Improvised Explosive Device when the Special Forces stormed their residence.

In a statement issued by JTF spokesman in Kano, Lt Ikediche Iweha he confirmed the death of the German saying that he was killed by his captors who held him hostage.

Lt Iweha stated that the security forces stormed the enclave where he was being held near BUK, adding that "Upon search of the premises the security forces, found the hand cuffed gruesomely murdered corpse of an expatriate, later identified as the German national, Mr Egdar, who was kidnapped since January 26rd 2012 along Zaria bye pass Kano. The German was apparently killed by the terrorists on noticing the security forces".

Iweha added that "During a further search of the terrorists' hideout, the security forces recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, huge quantity of ammunition. 36 hand grenade and Improvised Explosive Devices stored by the terrorists for possible attack against innocent persons and security personnel".

Giving a graphic details of the operation, the Army Spokesman explained that "At the early hours of this morning (31/5/2012) precisely at about 0635 hours, based on intelligence of an ongoing meeting of senior commanders of the terrorists elements, the JTF raided an enclave near Bayero University Kano new site, where the terrorists senior commanders were meeting". On sighting the security forces, the terrorist elements opened fire and threw Improvised Explosive Devises on the security forces. The security forces responded immediately resulting in a gun duel that lasted for about thirty minutes. During the encounter five of the terrorists were killed". A military source in the city confirmed that the body of the German engineer and the six other casualties have been deposited at the Armed Forces military Hospital in Kano.

Residents reported hearing explosions and gunfire in the neighbourhood of Danbare for more than half an hour at around 6:00 am, and said it appeared several hundred soldiers were involved along with trucks and armoured vehicles.

"Following intelligence reports, men of [a military task force] raided a hideout where he was being held by his abductors."

A shootout occurred and the abductors also detonated explosives, said the official.

"They were subdued, but realising that it was the end for them, they killed the hostage," the official added.

Another military source and a police source confirmed Raupach's death. He was said to have been shot and stabbed by his captors.

The sources also said a number of the abductors had been killed in the raid, with differing accounts putting the figure between two and five.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) said in March it was holding the German and that it wanted to swap him for Filiz Gelowicz, the jailed wife of Fritz Gelowicz, the leader of a Sauerland-based group of Islamists. He is serving 12 years in prison for a bomb attack, while she is serving two-and-a-half.

They released a video which showed Raupach flanked by two armed men, begging for his life.

Speaking first in German and then English, he asks the German government to do something. "I beg my government to save my life," he said. "My life is in your hands now, I beg you, or these people will kill me here."

AQIM has not been known to operate directly in Nigeria, though Islamist group Boko Haram and other extremists in the country are believed to have links to the group.

Related articles

• Nigeria: Kidnapped German Killed in JTF Raid (allafrica.com)

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R.I.P. - Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

             Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio, died May 30 in Zharay, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information the media may contact 82nd Airborne Division public affairs at 910-432-0661/0662 or 910-587-0217.

---

from fairfeld-echo.com:

FAIRFIELD — Three months after arriving in Afghanistan for his first deployment, Hamilton native Nicholas Olivas was killed while on a patrol Wednesday morning.

His father, former Hamilton mayor and vice mayor Adolfo Olivas told this newspaper that his son was killed by an improvised explosive device in the Kharay area of Afghanistan.

Adolfo Olivas said he and Nicholas’ mother and stepmother went to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Thursday to see his remains transferred from the plane that brought him back to the U.S. He said the family watched the dignified transfer on the tarmac from a distance.

Adolfo Olivas said his 20-year-old son was a corporal with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. and had been deployed in Afghanistan since February. His son enlisted in the Army after graduating from Fairfield High School in 2010.



The Department of Defense has not confirmed Nicholas Olivas death and no official release has been issued as of early Thursday evening.

Olivas was the youngest and only son of four children to Adolfo Olivas, who served as Hamilton’s mayor and vice mayor from 1984 to 2002, and Marian Olivas, a Butler County Sheriff’s deputy.
“He was in the last wave of soldiers who were trained as interpreters,” Adolfo Olivas said. “He was up for that job and he excelled at that job.”
“Deep inside he viewed himself as a protector,” Adolfo Olivas said.

Last year, Nicholas Olivas married fellow Fairfield graduate, Faith, and the couple welcomed baby Connor in January, his father said.
Adolfo Olivas said his daughter in law did not make the trip to Delaware. “She’s a trooper,” he said. “ She’s taking care of her child. She’s holding up well and is surrounded by family and friends.”
As for himself and the rest of the family, Adolfo Olivas said they are holding up as well and “we’re supporting each other the best we can.”

Mr. Olivas said funeral arrangements were still pending but that his son indicated to him and his mother that he wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Adolfo Olivas said his son was an avid fisherman and loved hunting.
“It was his quiet time; he liked doing it on his own and with friends,” Adolfo Olivas said.

At Fairfield High School, Nicholas Olivas was on the wrestling team. Ronald Masanek, the longtime wrestling coach at Fairfield, described Olivas as an “unselfish wrestler” with better than average skill.
“He was very responsible, dependable and accountable,” Masanek said, who added Olivas moved between the varsity and reserve squads.
Masanek said the news of his death was a shock.
Fairfield High School Principal Billy Smith said Olivas was known to his teachers for having a positive attitude.
“He was the type of student who would stay after class just to talk,” Smith said. “He consistently talked about his excitement to serve the country.”

Adolfo Olivas said his son enlisted in the military in part because of having family members who also served.
“We’re all very proud of his dedication to his country and family,” Adolfo Olivas said. “He was quiet about it, but he was trained to be an interpreter and translate.”

Over the past decade, Butler County has lost 17 service members in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. In early May, Marine Sgt. John P. “JP” Huling, 25, of West Chester Twp., was killed in Afghanistan.
In 2011, Army Spc. Michael B. Cook, 27, of Middletown, was killed in Iraq; Marine Cpls. Adam D. Jones, 29, of Germantown, and Lucas T. Pyeatt, 24, of West Chester Twp., were killed in Afghanistan.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the death has hit the department hard.
“We are a family here,” Jones said. “Marian is a wonderful employee and a perfect mother.”
Jones said he knew Nicholas in his youth when he attended department events with his mother. Marian Olivas has been with the sheriff’s office from more than 20 years and has also been a Hamilton police officer, Jones said. She is currently the sheriff’s office training specialist.

The sheriff and others were with Marian Olivas Wednesday just after she received the news from soldiers at her Butler Tech office.
“It just tears you up,” Jones said. “I’m still choked up talking about it.”
Jones noted his son also served in Afghanistan and Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer’s son is currently stationed there.
“It scares you to death when it hits close to home,” Jones said. “Just a terrible tragedy.”

Former Hamilton police Chief Neil Ferdelman has known the Olivas family for many years and said his daughters went to school with Olivas’ sisters. He recalls seeing Nicholas and the rest of his family at sporting and other school events.
“He had a typical all-American upbringing and it wasn’t surprising to me that he wanted to serve his country,” Ferdelman said. “It’s a terrible loss to our community.”
Ferdelman said he worked with Marian Olivas during her time with Hamilton police before she joined the sheriff’s office.

Read more:  http://www.fairfield-echo.com/news/fairfield-news/butler-county-soldier-dies-in-afghanistan-1384090.html

Related articles

• Butler County soldier killed in Afghanistan (daytondailynews.com)

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Afghan and coalition forces detain Haqqani leader in Paktika

Districts of Paktika Province (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Afghan and coalition security forces detained a Haqqani Network leader following a joint military operation at eastern Paktika province.

NATO-led International Security Assistance Force following a statement on Friday announced, In Sarobi district, Paktika province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani leader during an operation today.

The source further added, the leader controlled a large group of insurgents and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the district.

During the operation, the security force also detained multiple additional insurgents and seized several AK-47s, grenades and magazines of ammunition, ISAF said following the statement.

Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the report.

from KHAAMA

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Suicide attacks target police in Afghanistan

Districts of Kandahar. Panjwai is shown in dark green (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

KABUL, Afghanistan — A series of Taliban bombings targeted police officers across Afghanistan on Thursday, killing nine officers and a civilian, local officials said.

 By Ali Safi | McClatchy Newspapers

The deadliest attack took place in southern Kandahar province when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle at the entrance to the Arghistan district police headquarters at 9:45 a.m. Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said four police officers and one civilian were killed and another 12 people – including five schoolchildren – were wounded. Arghistan is near the border with Pakistan.

In another incident, a blast at a police checkpoint in the eastern province of Nangarhar, on the outskirts of the capital, Jalalabad, killed two officers, said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the spokesman for the provincial governor.

In northern Kunduz province, a vehicle carrying the local anti-terrorism chief struck a roadside bomb in the Dashte Archi district, killing the official, Malem Qamar, and two other police officers, said Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, a spokesman for the Kunduz police chief. Two police officers and a civilian were wounded in the blast.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks on their website, calling it part of their spring offensive, which they’ve dubbed “al Farooq.” That’s the surname of the second man to succeed the Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Islamic faith.

The attacks came a day after the United Nations released new figures showing that civilian casualties in Afghanistan dropped by 21 percent in the first four months of this year, compared with a year ago.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan recorded 579 civilian deaths and 1,216 wounded from January through April, said the ranking U.N. official in Afghanistan, Jan Kubis. He attributed 79 percent of the civilian casualties to Taliban-led insurgents and 9 percent to U.S.-led coalition and Afghan forces. Twelve percent remained unattributed.

The Taliban’s usual tactics in targeting Afghan and coalition forces – planting homemade bombs and carrying out suicide bombings – kill “indiscriminately everyone who is around,” Kubis said.

On Thursday, the U.S.-led NATO coalition in Afghanistan confirmed that a homemade bomb had killed one of its soldiers in southern Afghanistan, but it wouldn’t provide further details.

In a separate incident in southern Helmand province, security forces stopped a suicide attacker, who was wearing a police uniform and carrying an employment application, when he tried to enter the district governor’s compound in Nawa district. The bomber blew himself up outside the entrance, killing himself but causing no other casualties, provincial officials said.

On May 13, the Afghan government announced the launch of the third stage in its transfer of security responsibilities from international troops to Afghan forces. This phase covers all the provincial centers throughout the country, but Faisal, the spokesman in Kandahar province, said security in the districts close to the volatile Pakistani border – such as Arghistan – wouldn’t be transferred to Afghan control until the next phase.

Kandahar province, the birthplace of the Taliban, has long has been a center of the insurgency. Coalition and Afghan troops poured into the area beginning in 2010 in an effort to force out the insurgents, but sporadic violence continues.



Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/05/31/150641/suicide-attacks-target-police.html#storylink=cpy

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R.I.P. - Lance Cpl. Steven G. Sutton

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

             Lance Cpl. Steven G. Sutton, 24, of Leesburg, Ga., died May 26 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

             For more information media may contact the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at 910-450-6575.

---
from ajc.com:

A Marine from southwest Georgia was killed in Afghanistan over the weekend, the Department of Defense said Wednesday.

Lance Cpl. Steven G. Sutton, 24, of Leesburg, died Saturday while conducting combat operations in Helmand province.
Sutton was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors in Albany.
Mr. and Mrs. Joey Harris Sr. of Leesburg, whose son played football with Sutton, wrote on the funeral home's website that the Marine was "always respectful in saying hello and giving that big smile to us. We enjoyed knowing him and will never forget the light he illuminated whenever you saw him."

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• Fallen But Not Forgotten - Lance Cpl. STEVEN G. SUTTON, 24, of Leesburg, Ga., died May 26 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan (thecommunicatorwv.wordpress.com)
• Georgia Marine killed in Afghanistan (jacksonville.com)
• Marine from Georgia killed in Afghanistan (ajc.com)

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R.I.P. - Sgt. Julian C. Chase

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

                 Sgt. Julian C. Chase, 22, of Edgewater, Md., died May 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

                 For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Consolidated Public Affairs Office, Camp Butler, Okinawa at 011-81-611-745-0790 or okinawapao@usmc.mil.

---

from wbaltv.com:

BALTIMORE - A Marine from Anne Arundel County has died while serving in Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense announcement Wednesday.

Marine Sgt. Julian C. Chase, 22, of Edgewater, who was serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, died on Memorial Day.
Chase was conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
"Sergeant Chase was a great example of a sergeant of Marines and a mentor to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed," said Sgt. Maj. Kevin M. Conboy, Sergeant Major of 5th ANGLICO Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
Chase was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Co. III, Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Chase, a fire support noncommissioned officer, joined the Marine Corps on Sept. 22, 2008, and he started in Okinawa in August 2009 before deploying to Afghanistan from May to December 2010 and again in November.
Chase graduated first overall from the Joint Fires Observer Course at Expeditionary Warfare Training Center Pacific.
His service awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
A base representative who answered the phone in Okinawa said Chase's death remained under investigation, and no further information was immediately available.

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/Marine-dies-on-Memorial-Day-while-serving-in-Afghanistan/-/9379376/14362200/-/mg005tz/-/index.html#ixzz1wWuVTNYe

Related articles

• Julian C. Chase killed in Afghanistan (wjla.com)
• DOD identifies Okinawa-based Marine killed in Afghanistan (stripes.com)
• Fallen But Not Forgotten - Sgt. JULIAN C. CHASE, 22, of Edgewater, Md., died May 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan (thecommunicatorwv.wordpress.com)
• Marine dies on Memorial Day while serving in Afghanistan (wbaltv.com)

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Mali: Briefing - Tuareg Separatists, Salafists Forge Alliance

Dakar — Two months after taking the northern strongholds of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal, Mali's rival rebel movements have supposedly put aside ideological, religious and cultural differences to agree on the creation of a joint Council of the Islamic State of Azawad, independent of the rest of Mali.

The agreement signed in the northeastern city of Gao on 26 May, came after three weeks of talks between the Tuareg-dominated National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), which launched its insurgency against the government of Mali in mid-January, and Ansar Dine, which has championed the promotion of Sharia Law in the north of Mali.

Breakaway rejected by Bamako

Reaction from Bamako to the "self-dissolution" of the two rebel entities was swift and hostile. Government spokesman Hamadoun Touré said the government "categorically rejects any idea of the creation of a state of Azawad, even more so the creation of an Islamic state".

Speaking to IRIN, the parliamentary representative for Timbuktu, El Hadji Baba Haidara, said the new protocol proved the MNLA had used a "double identity", concealing its real intentions and alliances. "The MNLA tried to woo Western governments by preaching moderation and distancing itself from radical Islam," Haidara argued. "The agreement shows that the MNLA and Ansar Dine are one and the same. For how many centuries has Mali been a Muslim country? People in the north have never asked to be 'liberated' in this way."

Different movements, different goals?

The rebels' string of easy victories in the north in late March and early April came against a background of political breakdown and confusion in the south. The coup staged in Bamako by mutinous soldiers on 22 March removed outgoing President Amadou Toumani Touré weeks before elections were to have been held. But the junta which replaced Touré, headed by Capt Amadou Sanogo, quickly faced regional islolation and international condemnation. With the Malian military distracted, the rebels moved quickly to occupy poorly-defended towns and their surroundings.

It was the MNLA which confidently declared a ceasefire on 5 April, confirming that its military objectives had been attained. The following day, the MNLA formally declared the founding of the Republic of Azawad. But Ansar Dine combatants were much in evidence, particularly in Timbuktu. The MNLA had dismissed the rival movements as an irritant more than an ally, entering the conflict weeks after the MNLA had initiated hostilities and espousing a Salafist version of Islam that had little popular support in Mali.

Senior MNLA figures, including senior commander Mohamed Ag Najim, were openly disparaging of Ansar Dine. There was concern that Ansar Dine's leader, Iyad Ag Ghali, while a prominent figure in past struggles, was now a distraction, more concerned with Sharia Law than forming a new state. Ghali also had reported links to Al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM) and its long-established smuggling and kidnapping networks. The MNLA's platform included a commitment to purging the new Azawad of these elements, with senior figures accusing the government in Bamako of having actively connived with AQIM.

Islamists take the upper hand

But as the state crumbled in the north, Ansar Dine's profile increased. Its fighters rapdily outmanoeuvred their MNLA counterparts in Timbuktu, and their leaders took a stronger lead in imposing their authority while also carrying out recruitment drives targeting the youth. The allegations of strong ties between Ansar Dine and AQIM grew stronger with reports of meetings between senior figures from the two movements. Adding extra fuel were unconfirmed reports of Nigerian militants from Boko Haram in northern Mali and even fighters from Pakistan.

In a recent interview, AQIM's Emir, Abdelmalek Droukdel, looked to be addressing Ansar Dine directly when he talked of a gradual approach in the imposition of Sharia law, arguing that "it would be a mistake to impose all the rules of Islam in one fell swoop".

The desecration by Ansar Dine supporters of the tomb of one of Timbuktu's most revered spiritual leaders, Sidi Mahmoud Ben Amar, on 4 May generated fierce reaction both locally and internationally, with UNESCO warning of the need to protect Mali's cultural heritage. Ansar Dine's critics say the movement continues to disrespect local sensitivities. They say the Salafist agenda goes well beyond tackling crime and banning alcohol, arguing that Ansar Dine's supporters have also transformed schools into 'madrassas', devoted to Koranic study, compelled women to wear the veil, and tried to ban both playing football and listening to the radio. Demonstrations in Gao on 14 May are reported to have been triggered in part by hostility to such moves.

MNLA ready to unite?

An MNLA-organized meeting of tribal elders and community leaders in Gao in late April restated many of the movement's main objectives and included a strong defence of the role of women in the creation of a new Azawad, but made no reference to Ansar Dine or Sharia Law.

But speaking to IRIN from Paris after the signing of the entente in Gao, MNLA spokesman Moussa Ag Acharatomane said reported differences between the two movements had been exaggerated: "Ansar Dine is a Tuareg movement, from our own soil, not foreigners ... We have always shared the same objectives, even if our methods were different. We are a revolutionary movement, but we never said we were without religion."

Ag Acharatomane strongly denied any links between Ansar Dine and AQIM, saying the new authorities in Azawad would ensure the prompt expulsion of foreign elements engaged in violence. He also rejected reports of the rapid implementation of Sharia. "I have just returned from Gao and I can confirm these stories about radios and football being outlawed are without foundation. A moderate, tolerant form of Islam is being practiced."

Both Ansar Dine and the MNLA have faced strong criticism in reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW). In its 30 April report entitled Mali: War Crimes by Northern Rebels, HRW noted persistent complaints from civilians of looting, rape, wrecking of medical facilities and even summary executions, with the MNLA implicated in many of the accusations.

The movement hit back strongly, arguing that MNLA combatants had been "confused with other groups", but promised its own investigations into human rights violations throughout Azawad.

Despite the show of unity between Ansar Dine and the MNLA, there are hints of fresh tensions ahead. In its 14 May edition, Algerian daily newspaper El Watan reported the existence of a newly formed Mouvement républicain pour la restauration de l'Azawad (MRRA) - Republican Movement for the Restoration of Azawad, intent on mobilizing Tuaregs to expel AQIM from the north and push for a reintegration of Azawad into Malian national territory. The MNLA has frequently accused El Watan of idle speculation and fabrication.

Whatever happens in the north, the authorities in the south look ill-equipped to resolve the crisis. The departure of Mali's interim President Dioncounda Traoré to Paris to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained in an assault by demonstrators in Bamako has left Sanogo and an uneasy coalition of soldiers and civilians steering national policy. Hopes that a Traoré-led interim administration could pacify the country and leave the way clear for elections in 2013 look increasingly fragile.

Meanwhile, the USA and France have signalled fresh concern about the direction Mali appears to be heading in; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed its readiness to deploy troops; and President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso remains the mediator-in-chief.

Sources: Radio France Internationale (RFI), El Watan, Jeune Afrique, Tamurt.info

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]



from allAfrica

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Al-Qaida says it releases 29 captured Yemeni soldiers

ADEN, Yemen, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The Yemen-based al-Qaida branch on Thursday freed 29 Yemeni soldiers it captured during previous battles with government troops in the southern province of Abyan, an al-Qaida source told Xinhua.

Senior leaders of the Ansar al-Sharia group of the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Jaar city ordered the release of 29 soldiers following mediation efforts by high-profile tribal chiefs on behalf of the soldiers' families, the al-Qaida source said on condition of anonymity.

The soldiers were freed after they pledged not to resume fighting with al-Qaida, the source said.

However, local military officials told Xinhua anonymously that "we have no information about the al-Qaida reports."

On April 29, the al-Qaida group freed 73 Yemeni soldiers it captured during an offensive against an army base in Abyan province after mediation by tribal elders and senior clerics.

Hundreds of militants from the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, locally known as Ansar al-Sharia (Partisans of Islamic Law), are attempting to expand their foothold and take control over the county's southern regions where the central authority has almost no presence.

The Yemeni armed forces with support of U.S. military advisers have recently increased attacks against al-Qaida bastions in southern regions, as part of an offensive to uproot the terrorists from areas they overran during the one-year political turmoil in Yemen.

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Suicide bomber shot dead in southern Helmand province

According to local authorities in southern Helmand province, Afghan security forces on Thursday shot dead a suicide bomber in this province.

The officials further added the, a suicide bomber who had disguised himself in Afghan police uniform was shot dead by Afghan security forces around 10:00 am local time at Nawa district.

The suicide bomber was looking to enter a session of the local council and was recognized by Afghan police forces before he reaches his target to carry out suicide attack, officials said.

In the meantime Taliban militants ambushed Afghan police forces at Nawzad district where two militants were killed and one Afghan police officer was injured following the clashes.

In a separate incident a suspected militant was killed while he was trying to set up a roadside bomb at Mosa Qala district on Wednesday.

Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.

from KHAAMA

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Haqqani Network leader arrested in eastern Khost province

file photo

Afghan and coalition security forces detained a Haqqani network leader along with two Taliban leaders following joint military operations at eastern and southern Afghanistan.

According to a statement released by International Security Assistance Force, Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani facilitator during an operation in Sabari district of eastern Khost province. The facilitator supplied weapons, ammunition, rockets and explosives to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the district. The security force detained two additional insurgents as a result of this operation.

The source further added, Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today.

The leader recently returned to Panjwa’i with numerous insurgent fighters for the Taliban spring offensive.

He was also the senior Taliban insurgent operating in the district and directed roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition security forces.

The security force detained multiple additional insurgents and seized more than 700 rounds of ammunition as a result of this operation.

In a separate operation in Murghab district, Badghis province, Afghan and coalition security forces detained a Taliban leader and two additional insurgents yesterday. The leader, who was an explosives expert, constructed and directed the use of improvised explosive devices in attacks against coalition forces. He also supervised Taliban informants throughout the region. When the leader was detained, he was in the process of acquiring more powerful explosives for large-scale IED attacks throughout Badghis province.

Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.

from KHAAMA

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3 policemen killed in Kuduz blast

The location of Kunduz Province within Afghanistan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

KUNDUZ (PAN): Two police officers and a constable were killed and two others, including a civilian, were injured in a roadside bombing in northern Kunduz province on Thursday, an official said.

The explosion that happened in the Eidgah area of Dasht-i-Archi district in the noon ripped through a police vehicle, police spokesman Syed Sarwar Husaini told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The injured were shifted to a health facility and their condition is reported to be stable, he said.

Resident Noorullah said it was powerful blast that shook their house.

A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said three policemen were killed and two others were injured in the attack that destroyed the police vehicle.

from Pajhwok
by Wahidullah

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May 30., 2012. - RC Southwest Operational Update

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Two local children were wounded today, one of which received a double foot amputation, when an improvised explosive device exploded in the Kajaki district of Helmand province. The children were taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment.

*The below information has been provided by the Afghan National Army 215th Maiwand Corps Public Affairs Office.

In Sangin district, Helmand province, the 1st Brigade Heavy Weapons and the 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion of the 4th Brigade, 215th Maiwand Corps, conducted a joint clearing operation yesterday as part of Operation Omid. As a result, 25 Taliban insurgents were killed and 5 more were wounded. Fifteen different types of weapons and 30 IEDs were captured. The IEDs were then destroyed at a secured location. The 215th Corps did not suffer any casualties.

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May 31., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today.

The leader recently returned to Panjwa’i with numerous insurgent fighters for the Taliban spring offensive.

He was also the senior Taliban insurgent operating in the district and directed roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition security forces.

The security force detained multiple additional insurgents and seized more than 700 rounds of ammunition as a result of this operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
In Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader today. The leader directs attacks against Afghan and coalition bases throughout Marjeh and coordinates his operations directly with the senior Taliban insurgent in the district. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained as a result of this operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Arghandab district, Kandahar province, today. The leader conducts roadside bombings, assassinations and other attacks against Afghan officials, Afghan security forces and coalition troops. He also provides weapons and ammunition to the insurgents under his control. The security force detained two suspected insurgents as a result of this operation.

East

In Sabari district, Khost province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani facilitator during an operation today. The facilitator supplied weapons, ammunition, rockets and explosives to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the district. The security force detained two additional insurgents as a result of this operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district, Ghazni province, today. The leader conducts roadside bombings, indirect fire attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the district. He is also suspected in ordering the kidnapping of Afghan troops earlier this month. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained as a result of this operation.

West

Finally, in Murghab district, Badghis province, Afghan and coalition security forces detained a Taliban leader and two additional insurgents yesterday. The leader, who was an explosives expert, constructed and directed the use of improvised explosive devices in attacks against coalition forces. He also supervised Taliban informants throughout the region. When the leader was detained, he was in the process of acquiring more powerful explosives for large-scale IED attacks throughout Badghis province.

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