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Mumbai Afterword Part One

It is still too early to be certain which of the many reports in the media over the last few days were correct and which were not. More witness statements will be printed and more quotes from security troops, commanders and politicians. This attack suggest al Qaeda to me. Why? The tactics resemble the most recent attacks in Saudi Arabia where apartment buildings housing foreigners were assaulted by teams of gunmen. The attackers’ knowledge of the city was impressive if they were foreigners. It is very unlikely that they would have stumbled upon the small Jewish community of Mumbai by accident. I also believe those reports that suggest that the gunmen had some familiarity with the non-public areas of the Taj and Oberoi hotels. The main targets were the two hotels and the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Analysis, Crime and Punishment, Original writing, War on Terror

PRT Lights Bazaar With Solar Power

ISAF’s Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team recently finished the installation of 90 solar-powered lights in communities across Zabul province. The light installation is part of a project to use alternative energy whilst also providing a much needed service to the people of Zabul. The citizens of Shajoy city originally identified the lighting problem. They wanted lights to illuminate their bazaar, which is the largest in the province, so it can stay open safely after sunset. The lighting would also allow the Afghan National Security Forces to safely conduct security patrols in the area. “We work very hard at developing and maintaining strong relationships with the local community and local leaders” said Major Gregory Ulma, Zabul PRT civil affairs team leader. “The community is hungry for development, and local leaders asked for lighting for the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Afghanistan, Green, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Afghan Terrorist Death Watch

38 terrorists killed this week. Coalition forces killed six armed militants and detained 12 suspected militants during operations Monday [November 24 2008] to disrupt the Hizb-e-Islami Gulbuddin, or HIG, and Haqqani terrorist networks in Kapisa and Paktika provinces. An operation in Tagab District, Kapisa province, targeted an HIG commander known to traffic large-scale weapons used to conduct attacks in the region against civilians, Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces. Intelligence also indicated the commander planned and coordinated recent attacks in the area that have killed and injured civilians, ANSF and Coalition forces. During the operation in Tagab, Coalition forces received small-arms fire from multiple armed militants attempting to maneuver on Coalition forces. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing five militants. A search of the compound found AK-47s and other … Read entire article »

Filed under: Afghanistan, Terrorist Death Watch, War on Terror

NATO Forces Shell Pakistan

ISAF countered three attempts by insurgent forces to attack ISAF bases in Bermel district, Paktika, Nov. 27. ISAF soldiers first saw two insurgents positioning rockets in preparation for an attack. The ISAF troops fired six artillery rounds at the location. Within an hour, eight rockets were fired at the ISAF base. In response, ISAF fired four artillery rounds at the insurgents inside of Pakistan. Military observers watching the impact of the rounds reported secondary explosions. In a third event, insurgents fired three rockets at the ISAF base. ISAF soldiers returned fire with 12 artillery rounds in response. Observers confirmed three secondary explosions and several killed insurgents. ISAF closely coordinates its actions with the Pakistani Military. One Afghan security guard received minor wounds from the insurgents’ attacks. There were no ISAF or civilian casualties. ISAF … Read entire article »

Filed under: Afghanistan, Terrorist Death Watch, War on Terror

Female Iraqi Police Recruits

In the distance, behind the small clouds of dust rolling behind a formation of marching Iraqi Police recruits, is a small group receiving information from their instructor Nov. 25. The 19 female recruits, who have come to train with other former Sons of Iraq, have again made the decision to continue to further serve their country by registering at the al Furat Iraqi Police Training Center, where now they are only a week from graduating as the first SoI graduating class of IP recruits. “It was my dream to be an IP since I was 12,” said Ammal, an Iraqi Police recruit and former SoI, through an interpreter. “I like to watch American movies. I watched Charlie’s Angels and it gave me motivation to see other females doing stuff and I thought … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Mumbai Attacks Day 2

UPDATE: On scene pics by an Indian blogger, Arun Shanbhag Repeated reports that Taj Hotel is clear then reports of additional shooting. Nariman house – Orthodox Jews – may now be hostage free. Still reports many held hostage at Oberoi Hotel. Not much change from the prior report. Action now confined to the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels. Both on fire. Shooting still being hear. Reports that 125 dead. Oberoi Hotel is said to have 100 plus hostages still being held by terrorists. Speculation: Op played out like this. Local cell of 3-6 men conducted recon and gathered intel for several weeks. Arms and explosives may have entered city at this time, as well. Assault group lands from sea. Local guides provide maps, directions. It’s possible that CST station and hospital attacks were accident. Group … Read entire article »

Filed under: Crime and Punishment, War on Terror

Mumbai India Attacks

I’m writing this about 13 hours after the attacks in Mumbai, India began. Mumbai is a city of about 13 million people. We should recall the chaos on 9/11 in the news media as we watch the coverage of this event. Much of what has been reported in the last hours is just plain incorrect, just as it was on 9/11, in Hurrican Katrina and on 7/7 in London. About 11 sites in the seaside city of Mumbai, India were attacked. Automatic weapons were used and grenades or explosives may also have been used. Targets include a hospital, the railway station, a popular restaurant, and several hotels. It also appears that the local Orthodox Jewish community may also have been targeted. Reports are that the gunmen arrived by sea and stole cars to … Read entire article »

Filed under: Crime and Punishment, War on Terror

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Nein Returns to Iraq

Distinguished Service Cross He served in Iraq twice before. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions as a squad leader here. He didn’t have to come back. But Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Nein is back, on his third deployment in Iraq, his fourth overseas this decade. The first was in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2001. Only the Medal of Honor trumps the DSC among awards for valor in battle. Nein was the first Guard member to receive the award and only the fourth service member during the Operation Iraqi Freedom. The DSC was an upgrade from the Silver Star Medal that Nein was originally awarded for his actions as a squad leader with the Kentucky National Guard’s 617th Military Police Company during a March 20, 2005, ambush. Nein and the National Guard’s … Read entire article »

Filed under: Heroes, Iraq, Military, Raven 42, War on Terror, WOT Heroes

She Can Be a Real Pain

It’s that time of year again, mandatory flu shots for everyone. There are many things that are unique to military service, and one of them is that anyone wearing the uniform is going to get shots—lots of them. Master Sgt. Christi Soileau is an Aerospace Medical Services Technician who is one of the Air Force medics responsible for making sure people receive their immunizations. She is just finishing her deployment to the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron at Sather Air Base in Iraq, and she understands how important timely immunizations are to maintain good health and to keep the force “fit to fight.” “It seems like every time you turn around, it’s time to roll up your sleeve again,” she said. “There are some people who step-right-up and ‘take it like a man,’ but … Read entire article »

Filed under: Influenza, Military, Our Best: Military Women