ISAF cargo plane crashes in Bagram

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

CHARIKAR (PAN): An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cargo plane crashed in central Parwan province on Monday afternoon, officials said.
The aircraft went soon after takeoff from the US main military base in Bagram at about 4pm, the district police chief, Col Zmarai Nasiri, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He linked the incident to a technical fault, saying further details were awaited.

In response to an emailed query from Pajhwok, the ISAF media office confirmed the crash. “At 15:30 hours, a civilian cargo aircraft crashed on Bagram Airfield immediately after takeoff.”

Emergency responders were currently on the scene, it said, adding there was no sign of any insurgent activity in the area.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed shooting down the plane. The group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said all those on board the plane were killed.

from Pajhwok
By Farid Tanha Apr 29, 2013 - 17:00

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In Several Joint Clearance Operations, 37 Armed Taliban Killed (Apr.29.2013)

Publish Date: Apr 29, 2013

 
Counterterrorism:
In past 24 hours, Afghan National Police conducted several joint clearance operations with the cooperation of Afghan National Army, NDS and Coalition Forces to clean some of the areas from terrorists and enemies of peace and stability of Afghanistan.

The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Baghlan, Kandahar, Zabul, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni and Paktika provinces, as a result 37 armed Taliban were killed, 13 wounded and 11 other armed Taliban were arrested by Afghan National Security Forces.                                                                                     

Also, during these operations, Afghan National Police discovered and confiscated some amount of light and heavy round ammunitions and IEDs.

Counter Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained four suspects accused of theft in the 7th and 10th Districts of Kabul-City.

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Apr. 29., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, today.

The leader has operational control over a group of insurgent fighters responsible for ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Nadir Shah Kot district. He has engaged in assassinations against Afghans who work with the local government, and is in charge of acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout the region.

The security force also seized an AK-47 and a pistol as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the death of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader, Haji Hafiz, during an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province, April 9. Hafiz was in charge of a cell of insurgent fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He and his subordinates engaged in improvised explosive device operations and facilitated the movement of weapons to other insurgent groups in the region.

ANA Special Forces of the 5th Special Operations Kandak and Afghan Local Police detained three insurgents and destroyed an IED in the vicinity of Tash Guzar village, Imam Sahib district, Kunduz province, yesterday. After the Afghan force safely disposed of the IED, they noticed four suspicious men near where the IED was emplaced. ALP detained three of the men while one man fled the area. All three detainees tested positive for homemade explosive residue.

South

Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed four insurgents during a cordon and search operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Daychopan district, Zabul Province, yesterday. Following the operation security forces seized one AK-47, one Markarov pistol and several IED making components. All seized items were destroyed on site.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a number of insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Bati Kot district, Nangarhar province, Sunday. The leader has operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the acquisition and distribution of weapons to insurgents throughout Nangarhar province. The security force also seized IED-making material as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested one insurgent during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, Sunday. The leader has operational control over a number of insurgent fighters responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also served as an intelligence operative for the Taliban, monitoring coalition force movements and reporting on their activities to Taliban leaders, and has facilitated the movement of weapons to his fellow fighters.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested two insurgents during an operation in search of a high-profile attack facilitator for the Taj Mir Jawad insurgent network in Gardez district, Paktiya province, Sunday. The TMJ facilitator is responsible for providing weapons and funding for his fellow insurgent fighters. He is currently gathering supplies and fighters for a future attack against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized one rifle and ammunition as a result of the operation.

West

Afghan Provincial Response Company Farah, enabled by coalition forces, arrested four men and seized 40 kg of opium at a vehicle search checkpoint near Qarya-i-Kalata village, Anar Darah district, Farah province, yesterday. During the search the security force also discovered one AK-47, four magazines with 100 rounds of ammunition, and one combat vest. All evidence collected and the four detainees are in the custody of the Afghan government.

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Apr. 29., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 28.

Nangarhar province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Shinwar district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Rowzah district.

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Al-Qaida gunmen assassinate military intelligence official in Yemen

ADEN, Yemen, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Masked gunmen of the Yemen- based al-Qaida offshoot shot dead a high-ranking military intelligence official in the southeastern province of Hadramout on Saturday, a government official told Xinhua.
About two masked gunmen riding a motorbike fired at Colonel Ahmed Abdul-Razzak, director of the military intelligence department in Hadramout province, the local government official said on condition of anonymity.

"Criminals of the al-Qaida terrorist group committed a criminal act and assassinated Col. Abdul-Razzak on a main road near his home in the coastal town of Mukalla," the government source said.

Yemeni security services have repeatedly blamed militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot for a series of assassination attacks, mostly in the country's southern regions.

The Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which emerged in January 2009, is considered the most strategic threat to the Yemeni government and its neighboring oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

The AQAP underscores the challenges faced by Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who came to power after winning support from major Yemeni political forces in February 2012.

Hadi is tasked with restoring security and stability to Yemen and putting an end to the growing influence of al-Qaida that also threatens daily oil shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

from XINHUA
Editor: Mu Xuequan
2013-04-28 00:41:20

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Senior police officer killed in Taliban assault

GHAZNI CITY (PAN): The deputy police chief of southern Ghazni province, Mohammad Hussain, was killed on Sunday in a bomb attack claimed by Taliban insurgents.

Two guards of the senior police officer were also killed and as many wounded in the roadside bombing that took place at 8am, the governor’s spokesman said.

Nabi Jan told Pajhwok Afghan News Hussain was on his way to Zankhan district, which came under rebel attack earlier in the morning. Security personnel have been sent to the scene.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed Hussain was killed along with four senior government officials. The bomb attack marked the Taliban’s spring offensive codenamed “Khalid bin Waleed”, he said.

At least 11 policemen were killed as the militants stormed the Zankhan district headquarters, Mujahid said, but local authorities rejected his assertion as baseless.

from Pajhwok
By Saifullah Maftoon Apr 28, 2013 - 10:58

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Apr. 28., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Kandahar City, Kandahar province, April 28.

The leader is believed to be responsible for coordinating assassinations, sniper ambushes and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Kandahar City. He is known to direct the killing of Afghan National Army soldiers, recruits fighters for the insurgency, and uses his residence as a safe house for fighters operating in the region.

The facilitator is alleged to be responsible for housing and directing suicide bombers throughout Kandahar province. He also has a history of acquiring and distributing weapons to insurgent fighters, and planning RPG and small arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

During an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province April 28, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator. The facilitator is believed to be instrumental in procuring and distributing weapons and military equipment to IMU fighters in northern Afghanistan. He is also involved in assassination operations and attack planning, and has served as a bodyguard for senior IMU leadership.

An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent during an operation in Archi district, Kunduz province, April 27. While conducting a presence patrol in the vicinity of a Afghan Local Police checkpoint that had been recently attacked, the security force was ambushed by a number of insurgents. Following the engagement security forces recovered one RPG launcher and one AK-47 with a mounted 40mm grenade launcher.

South

During an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province April 28, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents. The leader is believed to be in charge of a cell of fighters responsible for planning and executing attacks against government officials in Helmand province. He has also facilitated the production and distribution of home-made explosive material for use in insurgent operations, and possesses experience working with improvised explosive devices. The security force also seized 10 pounds of opium as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, April 27. The leader is believed to have operational control over a cell of fighters responsible for IED and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. At the time of his arrest, he was planning an attack utilizing IEDs. He has also facilitated the acquisition and distribution of weapons and money used to support insurgent operations.

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed April 28 the arrest of a Taliban leader during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, April 26. The leader is alleged to have operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province. He has also served as a tactical advisor to senior Taliban leadership in the area, and coordinated insurgent logistics operations between different cells of fighters.

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Apr. 28., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained four suspected insurgents, discovered two weapons caches and found and safely cleared six improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 27.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces discovered one weapons cache and found and safely cleared three IEDs during operations during operations in the Ghazni district. The cache contained 22 small arms rifles.

Afghan National Security and coalition forces discovered one weapons cache, killed one insurgent and recovered IED making materiel, one rifle and one tactical vest during operations in the Qarah Bagh district. The cache contained five pounds of homemade explosive, three rocket-propelled grenades, multiple rounds of large caliber ammunition and one tactical vest.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Khowst district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Tanai district.

Nagarhar province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED and detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Bati Kot district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents during operations in the Heserak district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Rowzah district.

Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents during operations in the Sharan District.

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4 ISAF personnel killed in Zabul plane crash

Districts of Zabul. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

QALAT (PAN): Four International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) personnel were killed in a plane crash in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said.

The cause of the crash was under investigation, the NATO-led force said, adding initial reporting indicated there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the incident.

In line with policy, ISAF neither revealed the victims’ nationalities nor the exact location but Afghan officials said the crash occurred in the Shahjoi district of Zabul province.

The chopper went down in Baghgi area in the afternoon due to some technical fault, the district’s administrative head, Mohammad Siddique, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Brig. Gen. Rogh Lewanay, the provincial police chief, verified the crash. However, he had no information about casualties.

Last week, a fierce hailstorm damaged dozens of US military helicopters in southern Afghanistan. "A storm moved through southern Afghanistan April 23, causing damage to a number of coalition aircraft at Kandahar Airfield,” ISAF said.

The multinational force said: “ISAF had already implemented actions to mitigate the effects of the storm and our forces continue to receive all necessary support."

Although ISAF did not give a specific number, a US news channel reported 50 helicopters had been harmed by the storm. “The damage was severe enough that the helicopters are grounded until they can be repaired,” Fox News said.

from Pajhwok
By Nasim Hotak Apr 27, 2013 - 18:11

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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four International Security Assistance Force service members died today as a result of a plane crash in southern Afghanistan.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash.

It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.

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R.I.P. - Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 1st Lt. Robert J. Hess

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

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

            They died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire.  The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

            Killed were:

            Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash., and

            1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Fairfax, Va.

            For more information please contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-772-8286 or 315-523-4546.

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from https://www.facebook.com/FIF.HOH

Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash. died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Blanchard, an Apache pilot, joined the Marine Corps in January 2000, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January to September 2003. After separating from the Marine Corps and completing an ROTC program Blanchard was commissioned into the Army in June 2009. He completed pilot training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and arrived at Fort Drum in September 2011. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2013.

Blanchard's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, the Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and two Rifle Expert Badges.

He also completed Marine Combat Training, Aviation Machinist Mate Courses, the Apache Aviator Qualification Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course and the Aviation Officer Basic Course.

Blanchard is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father and two brothers.

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1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Fairfax, Va. died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Hess, a Blackhawk pilot, was commissioned into the Army in November, 2010. After completing pilot training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he arrived at Fort Drum in November 2012. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2013.

Hess's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Aviator Badge. He completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course, the Blackhawk Aviator Qualification Course, the Blackhawk M-Model Aviator Qualification Course, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course.

Hess is survived by his mother, father and brother.

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• RIP CPT Aaron R Blanchard, 1LT Robert J Hess (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

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