12 armed insurgents killed and 5 arrested by ANP (Jul.24.2012.)

Publish Date: Jul 24, 2012

12 armed insurgents killed and five arrested by Afghan National Police

Counterterrorism:

During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army, NDS and Coalition Forces launched five joint clearance operations in Kabul, Baghlan, Kunduz, Zabul and Paktika provinces.

As a result of these operations, 12 armed insurgents were killed and five others were arrested by Afghan National Police.

Also, during these operations, Afghan National Police discovered and confiscated five different types of weapons, two radio handsets, six heavy rounds, 600 light rounds, nine different types of mines, six hand grenades, 136 kilograms of explosive materials and one motorcycle.

During the same 24 hour period, Afghan National Police discovered and defused eight anti-vehicle mines as a result of security operations in Nangarhar and Helmand provinces.

Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained two individuals accused of bribery and theft in the 9th and 13th Districts of Kabul-City.

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American engineer shot dead in northern Afghanistan

Districts of Parwan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to local officials in northern Afghanistan, unknown gunmen assassinated an an American civilian who reportedly worked as an electrical engineer in Afghanistan.

US embassy in Kabul confirmed the report on Tuesday however no further details were provided regarding the death of the American civilian in Afghanistan because of privacy laws.

In the meantime local security officials in northern Afghanistan confirmed the man, an electrical engineer working in Afghanistan for about 30 years, was shot Monday by gunmen as he rode in a mini-bus in northern Parwan province.

The officials further added at least two Afghans including the driver and colleague of the American engineer were also shot dead by gunmen.

Siagerd district police chief Shirin Agha said the American had been dressed in Afghan clothes and had a long beard.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the killings.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Tue Jul 24, 1:22 pm

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US drone strikes kill suspected militants in Pakistan

U.S. drones fired eight missiles at a compound owned by a powerful militant commander in northwest Pakistan on Monday, killing nine suspected insurgents, Pakistani intelligence officials said.

The targeted compound was in Dray Nashtar village, some 65 kilometres west of Miranshah, known as a hotbed of Taliban militants. Shawal is a remote area of forested ridges and valleys that spreads out on both sides of the border and has long been known as a haven for militants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond.

The controversial drone programme, a key element in U.S. counter-terrorism efforts, is highly unpopular in Pakistan where it is considered a violation of sovereignty which causes unacceptable civilian casualties.

Pakistani officials regularly denounce the attacks as a violation of the country’s sovereignty, but the government has supported some of the strikes in the past. That cooperation has come under strain as the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan has deteriorated.

This comes as in a separate drone attack at the start of July, six militants were also killed and 15 other militants were killed including senior al Qaeda figure Abu Yahya al-Libi in an attack on June 4.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Tue Jul 24, 12:08 pm


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US drone strike kills 12 'militants' in North Waziristan
By Bill Roggio - July 23, 2012 - LWJ

The US launched a drone strike in the Shawal Valley in Pakistan's tribal agency of Pakistan today, killing 12 "militants," including a local Taliban commander. The strike is the first in Pakistan in more than two weeks.

The remotely piloted Predators or the more advanced Reapers fired eight missiles at a compound in the village of Dre Nishtar in the Shawal Valley in North Waziristan, according to Dawn. Pakistani officials said 12 "militants" were killed in the strike, according to Reuters. A Taliban commander loyal to Hafiz Gul Bahadar is reported to be among the dead.

No senior al Qaeda or allied jihadist commanders from foreign terrorist groups are reported to have been killed in the strike.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/07/us_drone_strike_kill_9.php#ixzz21XZF0fqd

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July 24., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force conducted a security operation to arrest Khadim, also known as Qari Hamza, an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior leader, in Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province, yesterday.

As the security force approached Khadim’s location, he attacked the combined security force. The security force engaged Khadim and killed him.

Khadim was an explosives expert responsible for recruiting and training insurgents for suicide attacks. He was also responsible for planning and leading multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

East

An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The Taliban leader is responsible for transporting insurgents throughout the region and directs improvised explosive device and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district.

In Muhammad Aghah district, Logar province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban financier today. The Taliban financier provides money and explosives to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region.

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July 23., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (July 24, 2012) – Afghan and coalition forces detained one insurgent, located two weapons caches and cleared seven improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, July 23.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices in Ab Band district.

Kapisa province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Sarobi district. The cache contained homemade explosives and other items being used for improvised explosive devices.

Khowst province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces detained an insurgent in Sabari district. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.

Laghman province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Mehtar Lam district.

Logar province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered an insurgent cache in Pul-E Alam district. The cache contained military personnel items.

Nangarhar province
Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices, one in Jalalabad district and one in Bati Kot district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices, one in Yahya Khel district and one in Sar Rowzah.

Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Brandon R. Pepper

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

            Staff Sgt. Brandon R. Pepper, 31, of York, Pa., died July 21, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan.

            Pepper was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

            For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-689-6187.

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from York Daily Record:

Soldier with York County ties dies in Afghanistan
By ED MAHON
Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated:   07/24/2012 12:18:13 AM EDT
  

Staff Sgt. Brandon R. Pepper, 31, of the York area died Saturday in the Ghazni province, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Derek Pepper described his late brother as a person who was great to be around, who lived by the warrior ethos, and who joined the military because he wanted to serve his country.

"He wanted to do something for a better cause," Derek Pepper, 25, said in a phone interview Monday evening.

His brother, Staff Sgt. Brandon Robert Pepper, 31, was killed Saturday, in an insurgent attack while on patrol in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, according to news releases from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Brandon Pepper is the second soldier with York County ties to die in Afghanistan this month. Army Spc. Cameron Stambaugh, a 2010 Spring Grove Area High School graduate, died July 8 when a bomb exploded and killed him and five other U.S. troops, his family said.

Brandon Pepper was from the Baltimore area, but he lived in the York area for a few years, according to family. He was assigned to Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. He was a Special Forces communications sergeant.

This was Brandon Pepper's first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, according to a U.S. Army news release. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His mother, Geraldine, said her son gave his life "for our freedom."

Brandon Pepper graduated from Kenwood High School in Maryland in 1999 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in January 2000, according to the news release.

Upon completion of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he was assigned to the 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Meade, Md. where he served as an Intelligence Analyst and was deployed in March 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the news release states.

The Department of Defense said Brandon Pepper entered active duty in 2008 and attended Infantry Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Ga. He was then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry Squad Leader, the news release states.

In October 2009, Brandon Pepper graduated from the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. He then completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2011 and was assigned to 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg as an SF Communications Sergeant (18E), according to the news release.

He received numerous awards for his service. He will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, NATO medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, according to the news release.

Others in his family served in the military.

Derek Pepper said their late grandfathers served in the military. So did their father, John, who retired from the Army as a captain. Derek Pepper also serves in the Army with a Special Forces group.

Brandon Pepper's two other brothers are 34-year-old Nick Pepper and 28-year-old John Robert Pepper. Nick Pepper said his brother was always there when they needed him. He also loved karate and lacrosse, according to his family.

In an email Monday evening, John Robert Pepper said his brother made friends easily and was simply known as "Pepper" to many people he knew. He said his brother never had a problem sharing his views and was a very outgoing person.

"He always tried to have a good time and him not having a smile on his face was a rare occasion," John Robert Pepper said in an email. "...My brother was a unique individual and will be missed greatly by his family and friends."

In addition to his brothers and his parents, the U.S. Army said Brandon Pepper is survived by his spouse.

Awards and decorations for fallen soldier

The awards and decorations for Staff Sgt. Brandon Robert Pepper, 31, include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one oak-leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2 device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2 device, Special Forces Tab, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.

He also will receive numerous awards posthumously.

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July 22., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed 10 insurgents, detained seven, located two weapons caches and cleared six improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, July 22.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Ghazni district. The cache contained artillery shells and grenades.

Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces detained six insurgents in Andar district. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Andar district.

Kapisa province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces killed 10 insurgents during a small arms engagement in Alah Say district.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache in Terezayi district. The cache contained small arms and ammunition.

Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces detained an insurgent during an engagement in Sabari district. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan Border Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Khowst district.

Laghman province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Mehtar Lam district.

Logar province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Pul-E Alam district.

Nangarhar province
Afghan Uniformed Police and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Mohmand Darah district.

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

Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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Koh-i-Safi Taliban chief nabbed

Map of Afghanistan with Kapisa highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CHARIKAR/MAHMOODRAQI (PAN): Two militants were killed and a Taliban-designated district chief, along with his associate, detained in central Parwan and Kapisa provinces, the spy service said on Sunday.

The National Directorate of Security in a statement said the Taliban-designated district chief for Koh-i-Safi, Mullah Rohullah and his associate were detained based on an intelligence report in the town on Sunday.

The statement said Rohullah was involved in various insurgent activities and his arrest would help improve security in the district.

Elsewhere in Kapisa, 10 heavy bullets, seven rockets and some ammunition were seized in Syed Khil and Koh-i-Safi districts and Charikar city, added the statement.

Separately, two Taliban militants were killed during an airstrike by foreign troops in the Alasai district in Kapisa on Saturday night, said Mullah Mohammad Omari, the town's administrative head.

He said the operation was jointly conducted by Afghan and foreign troops.

Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.

from Pajhwok
by Farid Tanha on Jul 22, 2012 - 19:03

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R.I.P. - Spc. Darrion T. Hicks

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Spc. Darrion T. Hicks, 21, of Raleigh, N.C., died July 19 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained from an enemy improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Bamberg, Germany.

            For more information, the media may contact the 21st Theater Sustainment Command public affairs office, Germany, at 011-49-631-413-7608.

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from wral:

Raleigh, N.C. — Spc. Darrion T. Hicks, 21, of Raleigh, died Thursday in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the Department of Defense announced Sunday.

Hicks, who was serving in the Ghanzi, Afghanistan, died of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device, officials said.

He was assigned to the 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Bamberg, Germany.

No other information was released.

    Web Editor: Derek Medlin

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At least 4 killed, 15 wounded in 3 motorcycle bombs in Iraq's Diyala

English: Diyala map (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BAQUBA, Iraq, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 15 wounded Monday in three motorcycle bomb explosions in a city in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, a provincial official told Xinhua.

"The attacks occurred in the morning when the three explosives-laden motorcycles went off almost simultaneously at three main streets in the city of Muqdadiyah, some 100 km northeast of Baghdad," Zaid Ibrahim, the mayor of the city, told Xinhua.

The toll could rise as ambulances and police vehicles evacuated the victims to different hospitals and medical centers in the city, Ibrahim said.

Diyala province has long been a stronghold for al-Qaida militants and other insurgent groups since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

from XINHUA
2012-07-23 15:46:47

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