Lance Cpl. Derek Hopkins, a mortarman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, carries a mortar tube while walking through a flooded field during a patrol, Aug. 3. Marines with Company K carry their mortar systems on patrols for support during firefights. Photo by Cpl. Ned Johnson

When the Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, set out on patrol, Aug. 3, a simple civil affairs mission turned into an on-going firefight.

The task was to provide security during transport of a civil affairs team to talk to the locals about how Marines could help them, said Staff Sgt. Jesus Suarez, a platoon sergeant with Company K, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines.

Just a few minutes after the locals said there village had not seen fighting in a year, insurgents attacked with small arms and machine gun fire.

“We had a main effort push into the village and start conducting key leader engagements,” Suarez said. “That was when we got attacked by enemy forces.”

The Marines immediately found protection for nearby villagers and returned fire.

“The [insurgent] element was probably a squad size element,” said Derek Hopkins, a mortarman with Company K, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines.

After fighting continued for several minutes, Marines used fire superiority and movement to gain advantage over the enemy. Once the firing stopped, the Marines continued on the mission.

Although the mission was complete, the conflict was not over.

“As we were headed back, we continued to take contact,” said Suarez, a 34-year-old native of Corpus Christi, Texas.

This time, the snipers attached to Company K took control of the battle and helped defeat the enemy. The effective fire of the snipers immediately neutralized two of the enemy combatants.

The mission was designed to establish relationships with the villagers. Even though the village swarmed with civilians, insurgents attacked anyway.

“I think they are becoming desperate,” Suarez said. “They see the success we are having and they don’t want it to spread into other areas.”

“They are causing whatever violence they can to keep the local population from working with us,” Suarez continued.

The violence, however, will not prevent the Marines from continuing to help the locals, and Hopkins said they will continue to do security patrols throughout the Northern Green Zone and search for more avenues to help the locals via civil affairs projects.

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Story by Cpl. Ned Johnson

Afghan-international forces seized enemy weapons caches, captured or killed numerous insurgents, and reopened a long-closed school during recent operations conducted across Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In the July 22 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan National Directorate of Security force discovered a large quantity of improvised explosive device-making material in a rock quarry in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province last night. The cache contained about 1,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, more than 5,400 electronic fuses, about 3,200 meters of detonation cord and 275 kilograms of black powder. The ammonium nitrate and black powder alone could be used to make more than 100 IEDs. The Afghan force asked for International Security Assistance Force help in destroying the cache.

“This find demonstrates the ever-increasing capability of the Afghan National Security Forces to operate independently,” Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said. “It also takes a large number of potential IEDs out of the hands of the insurgents whose indiscriminate use of IEDs endangers innocent Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces.”

– Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province last night. The security force targeted a compound outside Jalalabad in pursuit of the facilitator and Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings. After the occupants were interviewed, one of them led the security force to a different compound where he thought the targeted individual was residing. Once the second compound was secure, the combined security force detained the facilitator who peacefully surrendered and identified himself to the security force. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected by the security force.

– An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban subcommander who facilitates weapons and provides operations support for the Taliban in the area. The security force went to a remote compound in Gelan district to search the area. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for the occupants to exit the buildings and then cleared the compound. After the compound was secure, the security force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected throughout the search.

– Afghan and coalition security forces last night struck at the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, capturing a senior Taliban commander and a member of the district military commission in Nad ‘Ali, Helmand province, who commands the movement of insurgent fighters and equipment through the Nad ‘Ali district. The joint security force also detained another suspected insurgent in the same operation. The joint security force targeted a compound in Daman district on the outskirts of Kandahar City. All of the residents complied with the instructions of the joint security force and peacefully exited the compound. After interviewing the residents, two suspected insurgents were detained for further questioning including a senior Taliban leader and one additional suspected insurgent.

In July 21 Afghanistan news:

– Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners officially reopened a school that had been closed for 12 months due to facilities falling into disrepair. Over the last two months, the combined force engaged local tradesmen to build a new wall and metal gates, a school yard, plant trees and bushes, repair the existing water pump, install new windows and build new chairs and benches for the students. The reconstruction work now allows students to attend classes four days a week. Prior to the official opening, Afghan officials and local elders distributed school supplies to the approximately 200 students who attend the school each day. Extra school supplies have been given to the school for the expected 500 students who will attend the school in the future.

A local Afghan leader said, “It is magnificent that we are here today at the reopened school. Much has improved with the security situation to allow the school to reopen, and we are thankful of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team and Lithuanians for rebuilding the school.” Combined forces are committed to assisting the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in rebuilding and repairing education infrastructure to educate Afghanistan’s children.

In July 20 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and captured an improvised explosive device maker along with additional suspected insurgents in Kunduz province. The security force went to the first of a series of targeted compounds in the village of Qareh Khani in the Chahar Darah district in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and orders IED and rocket attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the targeted compounds.

One heavily armed individual ran outside the compound and engaged the security force. The combined force returned fire, killing the insurgent. The combined force then moved to clear and secure the building. While clearing the area, the security force was engaged by an insurgent barricaded within one of the buildings and another insurgent in the courtyard. Returning fire, the assault force killed the insurgents. After the compound was cleared and secured, the assault force detained the IED maker and an additional suspected insurgent for further questioning.

Evidence collected at the scene directly linked the IED maker to a pressure plate IED attack that occurred less than three kilometers from the targeted compound on April 14. Additionally, several other IED related incidents have occurred in the immediate area over the last two years. IED materials including blasting caps and wire were found at the compound.

“This is another key capture toward ensuring the safety of the innocent Afghan civilians residing in Chahar Darah district,” said Col. James Dawkins, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “The Taliban’s indiscriminate use of such tactics has killed hundreds of innocent civilians just this year.”

At the second compound, two armed males ran from the buildings into some thick vegetation. Afghan forces called for the individuals to peacefully surrender however, they engaged the combined force and were subsequently killed. After the compound was cleared and secured, the security force questioned the remaining residents. One suspected insurgent was detained by the security force for further questioning. The women and children present were protected throughout the searches.

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A combined force of more than 600 Afghan and International Security Assistance Forces are conducting operations against al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents in Kunar province June 27.

At present, a number of insurgents have been killed in the attack against al-Qaida and Taliban leadership in the area.

ISAF and Afghan authorities confirm three of their forces have died in the battle, including two U.S. service members.

“We will continue to take the fight to the enemy alongside our Afghan partners,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general of Regional Command-East. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones in the fight against our common enemies, the Taliban and al-Qaida”.

The combined force has taken precautions to prevent collateral damage, and ISAF has no reports of injuries to civilians.

The fighting is ongoing.

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Afghan National Police seized 76 kilograms of heroin Thursday at a checkpoint on Highway 1 in Zabul province.

The heroin was discovered when the narcotics section of the Zabul ANP stopped an overloaded bus at a checkpoint. The inspection uncovered four burlap sacks containing bundles of books. Further inspection revealed the books had been hollowed out and were being used to disguise the heroin. Copies of the Quran were placed on top of the bundles in what is believed to be an effort to deter inspection.

“This is a great example of police work and counter narcotics operations. The Narcotics section is highly experienced in disrupting drug trafficking as well as drug seizure. This week the ANP seized over 740Kgs of Heroin,” stated Capt. Michael Tumlin, ISAF partner for the Zabul Provincial Chief of Police.

“These drugs are paying for the Taliban to emplace IEDs in the area that have killed or wounded over 41 civilians over the last 60 days.” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, commander of 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, which is partnered with Afghan National Security Forces throughout Zabul province.

“This is becoming a real problem for the Taliban to answer to. There just isn’t any justification to these kinds of actions that are causing so many Afghan casualties,” said Oclander.

“The actions of these criminals violates the most holy principles of Islam,” said Col. Ghulam Jalani Khan, acting Zabul ANP chief of police. “To defile the Holy Quran by hiding illegal drugs in them shows that the selling and use of drugs is destroying our society and Islam. These criminals are not true Muslims.”

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An Afghan-international security force used precision air strikes to kill the Taliban shadow governor of Baghlan province and several of his fighters last night.

Aircraft were called to a rural area in Baghlan-e Jadid district after human intelligence sources confirmed two vehicles were transporting insurgents and weapons through the area. Before engaging, coalition forces waited until the vehicles were well clear of any structures to minimize the possibility of civilian casualties. When the armed passengers left the vehicles they were engaged and killed by aircraft.

A ground security force then entered the area and came under fire from insurgents in a nearby cave. The assault force returned fire, killing several insurgents who were heavily armed with a heavy machine gun, multiple rocket propelled grenades, automatic rifles, hand-grenades, ammunition and communications equipment.

The Taliban shadow governor was responsible for organizing and directing attacks against coalition forces. He was in constant contact with Kunduz and Pakistani Taliban senior leaders, providing updates and receiving guidance. Sources told coalition forces the Taliban forces had been planning an attack on a nearby Afghan National Police outpost.

An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents and captured several others in Kandahar province this morning.

The combined force moved to a compound and surrounding areas south of Kudeza’I, in the Zharay district, after intelligence information verified insurgent activity. As the assault force approached, several armed individuals took up fighting positions in a nearby wood line and orchard. The combined force called for the individuals to surrender, but the individuals began firing machine guns and rocket propelled grenades at the security force. The assault force returned fire and began clearing the compound and immediate area.

Several insurgents were killed and captured after the lengthy firefight. The combined force found several planted IEDs in the area, as well as rocket propelled grenades, heavy machine guns, multiple automatic rifles, hand-grenades, ammunition and communications equipment.

Another Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Khost province this morning.

The combined force went to a building in the village of Shegay, Musa Khel district, after intelligence information found insurgent activity. The men suspected of insurgent involvement were detained during a search of the building and the surrounding area.

The joint force found rocket propelled grenades and automatic rifles at the site.

No shots were fired and no one was harmed in the operation.

A different Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban weapons facilitator and another militant in Wardak province this morning.

The combined force went to a compound east of Soltan Kheyl, Sayyidabad district, after intelligence information confirmed insurgent activity. The assault force detained a suspected Taliban facilitator believed to be responsible for buying and distributing weapons to Taliban networks, and another suspected insurgent, while searching the buildings.

The security force came under fire from a sniper and returned fire, killing him.

The search team found multiple automatic rifles and ammunition.

A separate Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban commander and several individuals suspected of militant activity in Kandahar province yesterday.

The Taliban commander was captured after the security team interdicted a vehicle in the Panjwa’i district after intelligence information confirmed militant activity. He is responsible for planning and executing attacks against coalition forces and was also involved in kidnappings and weapons facilitation.

The suspects were captured without incident.

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An Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activity in Helmand province this morning.

The suspected insurgents were detained during a search of a compound in Bar Nowzad-e Gharbi, Now Zad district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

Another Afghan-international security force detained several individuals suspected of insurgent activities in Kandahar province last night.

The combined force detained the suspected insurgents in a compound near Gondigan, west of Kandahar City, after intelligence information discovered militant activity. The search team found weapons and communications equipment in the compound.

No shots were fired and no Afghans were harmed in the above operations.

An insurgent mortar team was killed by a precision air strike in Paktiya province yesterday.

The mortar team fired on coalition forces from a rural area in the Zormat district. As the mortar team attempted to drive away after the attack, coalition aircraft engaged the vehicle with a precision air strike, killing the insurgents.

A ground search team found a mortar system and mortar propellant in the vehicle.

Afghan and ISAF partners conducted a combined operation early Saturday morning near Sangbor, Helmand province, to disrupt a criminal Taliban group responsible for supplying roadside bomb components.

As the combined force approached the compound of interest, several men were observed fleeing from the compound. One of the men presented a threat to the force and was killed, while the other men were detained. Several women and children were protected in this operation.

An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device expert and several other militants in Kandahar province this morning.

The security force searched a compound just west of Kandahar City after intelligence determined militant activity. During the search the security force captured the IED expert heavily involved in IED manufacturing, emplacements and attacks throughout the Kandahar area. Several other militants were also captured.

This capture may degrade the Taliban’s IED capabilities in the Kandahar area. Because of his links to other militant networks coalition forces believe this IED expert could also provide information on other Taliban leaders.

Also in Kandahar this morning, a joint force searched a compound in the town of Bazar-e Pannivai, in the Kandahar district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the joint force detained several suspected militants for further questioning.

In the Zharay district of Kandahar this morning, an Afghan-international security patrol found a booby-trapped cache containing two suicide vests, six grenades and eight AK-47′s. The cache will be destroyed.

In Wardak last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound west of Yusof Kheyl, in the Sayed Abad district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the security force captured a Haqqani heavy weapons facilitator, responsible for the sale and distribution of weapons ranging from heavy machine guns to sniper rifles. The Haqqani have used indiscriminate bombings, small-arms attacks, murder, kidnappings, and intimidation to achieve their aims.

Another militant was also captured during the search.

The combined force also found several automatic rifles and Taliban propaganda. This capture is likely to hinder weapons procurement by militant networks in the area.

No shots were fired and no one was injured during any of these operations.

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ISAF and Afghan forces have recently observed militants using infants as human shields during hostile acts against Afghan and international forces operating throughout Afghanistan.

During an operation Feb. 12 in Farah province, a combined Afghan-international force attempted to arrest a Taliban commander. During the operation, the militant commander exited a compound surrounded by women and children and was carrying an infant. Repeated demands by Afghan members of the combined force to put the infant down were ignored and his response to repeated warnings was to hold the infant between him and members of the combined force. The man was eventually arrested and the infant returned unharmed to its mother.

In a separate Feb. 12 operation also in Farah, an individual was observed on top of a nearby compound using a radio to report on the combined force’s movement and activity. After spotting the joint force closing in, he went into the compound and returned to the roof carrying an infant. He continued to use the radio to report on the force’s movement for the rest of the operation with the infant at his side.

On Feb. 17 in Helmand’s Washir district, two suspected militants fled from a vehicle into a nearby compound. After the compound was surrounded, one of the men emerged holding an infant in front of him. He repeatedly moved the child so that it was between him and the combined force. The man was eventually arrested and the child returned unharmed to its mother.

“The Taliban’s actions that endanger civilians, especially children, show complete disregard for the people of Afghanistan,” said ISAF Joint Command Deputy Chief of Staff for Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Michael Regner.

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A combined Afghan and international force interdicted three vehicles in three separate engagements, resulting in more than 10 militants killed while pursuing a Taliban commander in Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday [Feb. 15 2010].

The force was sent to a rural area in the Washir district after intelligence reports revealed militants were in several vehicles.

One of the vehicles drove away and attempted to elude the assault force. As the force attempted to stop it, weapons were pointed at them through the open car windows. The coalition force engaged and killed the militants who were in the car.

After the fire fight the ammunition inside the vehicle continued to detonate, causing the force to pull back to a safe distance.

Another associated vehicle, with one occupant, drove out of the village, with the coalition force in pursuit. The car stopped and the occupant drew an automatic rifle and attempted to fire on the force, which then killed the militant.

A third vehicle was located, and armed militants got out of both sides of the vehicle and engaged the pursuing force. The joint force returned fire killing several militants.

As the force engaged the third car, it received machine gun and rocket-propelled-grenade fire from the nearby village. As the fire fight continued, militants from the village tried to approach the burning vehicle several times, but were driven off as explosives and ammunition inside the vehicle continued to detonate.

To reduce the possibility of civilian casualties in the village the combined force then broke off the fight and returned to base.

DoD

The ISAF Joint Command (IJC) is aware of protests that took place earlier today in Garmsir District. Protestors gathered over an allegation of desecration to the holy Koran.

“While denying these allegations, we take them very seriously and support a combined investigation with local Afghan authorities,” said Major Gen. Michael Regner, IJC deputy chief of staff for operations. “ISAF is an international force that includes Muslim soldiers, and we deplore such an action under any circumstances.”

This allegation comes in reference to an operation against the Taliban in Garmsir district. On Sunday, January 10 Afghan forces conducted the operation, supported by coalition forces. No shots were fired, no property was damaged and no one was detained. The joint force protected the dignity of all innocent civilians during the operation.

During today’s protest an insurgent sniper shot an Afghan official who was within FOB Delhi in Garmsir District. ISAF service members identified the insurgent sniper, shot and killed him. There were no other injuries or shots fired.

“As partners with the Afghan people, we will thoroughly investigate allegations to determine the facts,” Regner said. “IJC remains committed to our Afghan partners and we will continue our efforts in support of a free and prosperous Afghanistan.”

Local ISAF task force leadership in Garmsir have been invited to participate with the District Governor and Chief of Police in a shura tomorrow.

ISAF

Within minutes of leaving the protective barriers of Observation Post Khers for a security patrol Dec. 21, a squad of Marines and Afghan national army soldiers heard the sharp pops of small arms fire nearby.

“They always shoot at us,” said Sgt. Mike L. Osburn, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, who led the patrol. “It wasn’t very close. They don’t really want to fight today.”

For Marines operating from the joint Marine and ANA outpost, referred to by Marines simply as “ManBearPig,” getting shot at by Taliban insurgents from a distance is a daily occurrence in this remote northwestern area of Nawa district. ManBearPig is argued to be one of the most dangerous and isolated posts Marines maintain in Nawa.

“Sometimes the shots come close, but usually they’re not very accurate,” said Osburn, a 25-year-old from Raleigh, N.C., who has completed previous combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with 1/3. “A few days ago we took machine gun fire that hit our guard tower and around the barricades. You always have to keep an eye over your shoulder.

“It’s kind of like the ‘Wild West’ out here,” said Osburn, who leads his Marines on security patrols through what he describes as very muddy, flat and unforgiving terrain where Afghans farm the desert landscape using irrigation canals. “It’s not gun slinging every day, but it’s not very friendly. When our patrol walks by, kids run into homes, people stop farming and just kind of disappear. It’s like an old western where everyone in town knows the bad guys are about to show their face around the corner.”

Another danger for Marines and ANA soldiers at ManBearPig is the threat of improvised explosive devices, both on and off of roads. One nearby road is so scarred by blasts and visibly peppered with waiting bombs that Marines, civilians and insurgents alike know to keep well clear of it. Not long ago, Marines discovered an unlucky insurgent who tried planting a bomb and was killed when he accidentally stepped on another bomb’s pressure activation plate, said Osburn.

Bravo Company Marines say conducing counterinsurgency operations and working with the population at Nawa’s northwestern edge is challenging due to the Taliban’s undermining influence and intimidation of local citizens who are afraid to come forward. Sometimes the only way Afghan citizens will speak with Marines is behind a wall or building, where they know insurgents can’t see.

“We embed ANA soldiers in each of our patrols,” said 2nd Lt. Victor P. Barnes, Jr., platoon commander, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company. “They notice a lot of the little things in town faster than we do. They can tell when something’s out of the norm.”

Typically, ANA soldiers enlist from Afghan provinces other than Helmand and speak mostly Dari, but an advantage of serving alongside this unit of ANA soldiers is nearly all of them speak Pashto, the primary language in Nawa. This allows the ANA to take the lead in interacting with local citizens if an interpreter is not around, said Osburn.

“Living here with the ANA is very interesting, and we all get along great,” said Barnes. “Thankfully, we have an interpreter, but we’ve learned some Pashtu, they’ve learned some English, and we’re teaching them some of our tactics.”

Last week, Marines also included ANA soldiers in their Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training to further enhance the soldiers’ combat effectiveness.

When not on patrol in the often knee-deep mud which can stop vehicles in their tracks, Marines spend time at ManBearPig standing guard posts or enjoying precious hours of rest.
Some Marines pursue personal interests in their off time, like Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Jensen, a machine gunner with Scout Sniper Platoon, Bravo Company. Jensen said he has goals of developing his creative skills in many different ways over the months he expects to spend at the small camp.

At night Jensen often plays his harmonica, guitar, drumsticks, reads and writes, or draws in his sketchbook. Recently, he has begun writing rap lyrics for a satirical music video in which he and his platoon mates will star.

“I think we got the lucky card and will be at ManBearPig the whole deployment,” said Jensen, a 24-year-old from Sonoma, Calif. “When you’re not getting bullets flying over your head, this is a peaceful place. There’s a lot to see here for inspiration you can write about. I really want to leave here having bettered myself.”

But ManBearPig is certainly not all quiet or fun and games, Jensen warned.

“We’ve trained hard and we want to be where the action is,” he said of his platoon. “We took a [rocket-propelled grenade] attack the first day we were out here and it was a real wakeup call. Right now, this is the place for fighting bad guys.”

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Story by Sgt. Brian Tuthill

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Daniel A. Strelkauskas, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Mission Commander, Marine Special Operations Company H, Second Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 26 June 2008.

While conducting a time-sensitive mission, the dismounted patrol Captain Strelkauskas was leading came under heavy machine gun and sniper fire from entrenched positions. He began immediate actions to move his team to cover as the patrol began taking casualties. With complete disregard for his own life, and under heavy fire from more than a dozen positions, Captain Strelkauskas ran deeper into the kill zone to drag a wounded Marine across open terrain to a covered position.

With multiple fragmentation wounds to his hands and rounds ricocheting near his position, and with the enemy machine guns delivering devastating fire and preventing the movement of casualties, he ordered a critical Close Air Support deployment of 2,000-pound bombs well within danger close parameters. This provided enough suppression of the enemy force to allow the relocation of the wounded to a consolidation point where five friendly Wounded-in-Action and one friendly Killed-in-Action were evacuated.

Upon completion of the evacuation, Captain Strelkauskas coordinated follow on air strikes resulting in an estimated 40 enemy killed in action, including several mid-level Taliban leaders. Through his tremendous courage and extraordinary battlefield leadership, he guided his team out of a complex and well-orchestrated ambush executed by an entrenched enemy.

By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Captain Strelkauskas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Military Times

In practice, the July 2008 mission in western Afghanistan was a deadly, grueling, four-hour firefight as a large number of Taliban fighters rained automatic weapons fire onto a group of U.S. Marine and Army Special Forces troops.

When it was over, an estimated 40 anti-government fighters were dead, including the primary target. But so was one American. And an additional nine U.S. Marines and soldiers were wounded, five seriously.

In the intervening 240 minutes from the start of the firefight, then-Capt. Daniel Strelkauskas suffered shrapnel wounds to his hands and ran through the “kill zone” to drag a critically injured staff sergeant to safety.

Strelkauskas continued to rally his troops. He also directed a 2,000-pound bomb strike that allowed the Americans to maneuver to safety.

For those actions, the 32-year-old Marine major was awarded the Silver Star on Wednesday, the third-highest award a Marine can receive for bravery in battle.

“It’s a very humbling day,” the unassuming Strelkauskas said before the ceremony at Camp Pendleton. “There were a very small amount of us who found ourselves in a very bad place that day. It was how the men on the team responded, which was unbelievable.”

Strelkauskas’ award is the first of several being awarded to troops who displayed extreme courage and valor that day. One is receiving a Navy Cross, another will receive a Silver Star, and several are being awarded a Bronze Star.

North Country Times

NARRATIVE:

Captain Daniel A. Strelkauskas is enthusiastically recommended for the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in connection with combat operations involving an opposing force while serving as Team Leader, Marine Special Operations Team 1 (MSOT 1), Marine Special Operations Company Hotel (MSOC H), 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion (2d MSOB), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC) on 26 June 2008 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM XII. Captain Strelkauskas was in receipt of imminent danger pay during this period.

On 25 June 2008, MSOC H was tasked by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) to execute a Time Sensitive Target (TST) mission in order to clear a known High Value Individual (HVI) location followed by an Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) mission of a suspected enemy weapons cache in the mountains north of Khusf, Herat Province, Afghanistan. Upon receipt of the mission from CJSOTF-A, Captain Strelkauskas, with the assistance of his Team Chief, Staff Sergeant Mosser, quickly developed and briefed a course of action and prepared MSOT 1, MSOT 2, and an element of 24 Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers to depart at 2000L.

On 26 June 2008, after an overnight movement of 12 hours, the patrol arrived at the target area. After conducting final inspections and back briefs, Captain Strelkauskas lead the clearing element as they pushed into the objective area in order to clear and conduct SSE of the suspected weapons cache, while MSOT 2 provided over watch security.

The weapons cache was located deep inside a canyon with a one lane un-improved road providing the only entrance. Maneuver in the canyon was very restrictive, leaving little to no room for vehicles to turn around. Once observation of the site was complete and no threat appeared present, MSOT 1, led by Captain Strelkauskas, dismounted and maneuvered into the canyon floor to exploit the suspected weapons cache site. Upon reaching the target area, two vehicles were found, one parked to the side of the road and another parked in the middle of the road, impeding the movement of the team. Captain Strelkauskas ordered the team to search, render safe, and push the impeding vehicle out of the way with a Ground Mobility Vehicle while the rest of the team began to search the target area.

As the search and movement of the inoperable vehicle began, an unknown number of Taliban forces initiated a coordinated and determined ambush utilizing accurate sniper and machine gun fire on MSOT 1 and MSOT 2 from approximately 200 to 300 meters away. Captain Strelkauskas immediately began exchanging fire and orchestrated an immediate action drill to move the search team, who were completely exposed in the kill zone, back to the GMVs as other members provided covering fire. One GMV became stuck in the harsh terrain of the canyon as the team began to back their vehicles out of the kill zone. Almost immediately, accurate sniper fire zeroed in on several key locations and resulted in two team members, Staff Sergeant Heredia and Staff Sergeant Guendner, sustaining severe gun shot wounds. Because of the extremely accurate sniper and machine gun fire, the foot mobile team maneuvered to a position that provided cover from the barrage of incoming fire. Once in their new position, they found themselves completely pinned down and unable to assist the Marines wounded from initial contact. Captain Strelkauskas continued to engage the enemy, providing accurate covering and suppressive fires for his Marines from his defensive location, despite receiving painful wounds to both hands as bullet fragments sprayed all around him. Staff Sergeant Heredia, an Element Leader, had initially received a gunshot wound to the leg and lay exposed to enemy fire. While applying his own tourniquet, Staff Sergeant Heredia received a catastrophic gun shot wound to the chest, above his body armor, and was now in desperate need of medical attention. It was clearly evident by the enemy sniper’s actions that his intention was to lure first responders into the kill zone and engage them as they attempted to help the wounded Marines. With complete disregard for his own life, Captain Strelkauskas ran across 20 meters of open terrain under heavy sniper and machine gun fire, grabbed Staff Sergeant Heredia and dragged him to safety. This heroic and selfless act immediately motivated and inspired Staff Sergeant Mosser to rescue the other wounded men who were still fully exposed to enemy fire. Captain Strelkauskas immediately began administering first aid to Staff Sergeant Heredia’s wounds while a U. S. Army Special Forces Medic began to maneuver into position in order to assist him. Due to the severe nature of the gunshot wound to his chest, Staff Sergeant Heredia succumbed to his wounds within minutes. After ensuring he had done all he could for his fallen comrade, Captain Strelkauskas began providing cover fire for the Army medic so he could cross the kill zone to care for the mounting casualties.

For the next four hours, Captain Strelkauskas continued to direct his men with the assistance of his Team Chief, provided guidance to MSOT 2 for Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) and directed adjustments for the much needed Close Air Support (CAS) that had arrived on station. Unfortunately, all CAS efforts proved ineffective as the insurgents were deep within caves where the CAS ordnance had little to no effect. By this time, casualties had mounted to four urgent surgical; Staff Sergeant Guendner who had been shot in the upper thigh, Chief Petty Officer Shattuck who had received a gun shot wound though the chest, Sergeant Cagney who had been shot in the shoulder, and Sergeant Schoenhiet who received a gunshot wound to the head. Sergeants Cagney and Shoenheit had been CASEVAC’d to the Casualty Collection Point (CCP) located out of the kill zone with MSOT 2. At this point, the CASEVAC Aircraft, which had been loitering in the area and could not land due to the landing zone being unsecure, reported they were running low on fuel and could only remain on station for an additional 10 minutes. With another two critically wounded men still pinned down in the kill zone, the U. S. Special Forces medic advised Captain Strelkauskas that the wounded could only survive 10 more minutes without further medical aid and MEDEVAC. Captain Strelkauskas then issued the order for everyone to prepare to move the remaining two critically wounded casualties in the kill zone, despite the very active fire fight. These ultimately life-saving actions were carried out by Staff Sergeant Mosser, the MSOT 1 Team Chief. Captain Strelkauskas then directed the MSOT 2 Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC), through Staff Sergeant Mosser, who is also a certified JTAC, to employ CAS assets to drop a series of 500lb and 2000lb bombs within danger close as a last ditch effort to suppress the insurgents so the remaining two casualties and the body of Staff Sergeant Heredia could be retrieved from the kill zone. This tactical decision was the turning point of the fire fight and allowed the team to execute this plan of action. With ordnance at danger close distances and still under heavy fire, Captain Strelkauskas and Staff Sergeant Mosser coordinated teams of personnel to extract the remaining two casualties to vehicles and then move them to safety. While directing the rescue of the last two casualties, Captain Strelkauskas remained in position with Staff Sergeant Heredia’s body, despite a constant hail of rounds impacting all around his position. His “No Marine Left Behind” sense of dedication was contagious and would continue to inspire all those in the Task Force. The heavy barrage of CAS was finally effective enough to provide a slight lull in the enemy fire, which allowed all casualties and Staff Sergeant Heredia’s body to be removed to safety.

Once all personnel had been successfully extracted, Captain Strelkauskas ordered all forces to push outside of small arms range. He again directed the JTAC to resume surgical bombing onto enemy positions. At conclusion of the battle, there were estimates of 40 enemy killed in action (7 confirmed), including several mid-level targets. His heroic actions and continuous dedication to duty both inspired and guided his team out of a complex, well orchestrated, and determined ambush by a well entrenched enemy. His selfless courage saved the lives of the men he led and turned the engagement into a Coalition victory, rendering him exceptionally well-deserving of recognition with the Silver Star Medal.

San Diego Tribune

“It was well planned,” said Estonian 1st Lt. Alar Karileet, following an insurgent attack near Patrol Base Masood in late October. “The Taliban were in three positions of four to five men each.”

Taliban insurgents fired on the Estonian patrol of soldiers with Company C, Expeditionary Estonian Task Force, in an open field less than a half mile from the patrol base.

Marine Capt. Ryan Petersen, an artillery officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller with 2nd Brigade Platoon, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, sat in the Estonian Combat Operations Center at Masood as the firefight took place, receiving coordinates where enemy fighters were located. Shortly after, one high explosive artillery round landed on the insurgent position.

“The rounds were effective and suppressed the Taliban attack,” said Petersen, of Mishawaka, Ind.

A second firefight broke out less than 10 minutes later from a different enemy position as the Estonian patrol moved to assess the damage caused by the artillery round. Petersen, still in the COC, performed the same actions. A second artillery round, the same kind as before, landed on the second position.

“Artillery we asked for made a direct hit on one position, and no one shot at us from there again,” Karileet said.

There was never a time, in more than two months of combat operations, where Estonian soldiers left the protective wire of Patrol Base Masood or Patrol Base Shamshad, located less than four kilometers away from each other, without the presence of a force multiplier. That force multiplier came in the form of five Marines from 2nd ANGLICO, MEB-Afghanistan.

The team of Marines, led by Petersen, gave the Estonian soldiers the ability to fully integrate themselves into Marine battle spaces in the Helmand River Valley. The Marines provided the liaison capability with nearby 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, as well as the ability to call for indirect fire and aircraft support in the forms of fire missions, over watch and surveillance.

Estonia, which is located along the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, is one of NATO’s newest and smallest members. Estonian soldiers spent the past couple months working to maintain security in Masood and Shamshad. October’s firefight was the first in the Masood District in many weeks.

“[The Estonians] are good infantrymen,” said Maj. Matthew Maz, platoon commander, 2nd Brigade Platoon, 2nd ANGLICO. “We provide the necessary enablers to allow them to do what they are good at.

DVIDS
Story by Cpl. Aaron Rooks

An Afghan-international security force killed a group of enemy militants and detained two suspected militants today in eastern Paktika province while pursuing a Haqqani commander with ties to the local Haqqani leadership and who was responsible for several attacks in the area.

The joint task force targeted the buildings in the hills of Sarobi district after intelligence indicated militant activity.

During the assault on one building, the joint force received enemy fire and returned fire. Following no response from calls to exit the building, the joint force cleared the building. During the operation, a group of militants was killed in and outside the building.

A security element of the joint force searched the enemy positions and recovered blasting caps, IED-making materials, a number of RPGs, AK-47 rifles, chest racks and communications equipment.

Afghan-International Security Force Interdicts Militant in Wardak

A separate Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant in Wardak province today while pursuing a Taliban commander and facilitator responsible for planning and executing several attacks in the area.

The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Tokarak in Nerkh district after intelligence indicated militant activity.

During the operation, the joint force received hostile fire and returned fire, killing one enemy militant. A security element of the joint force searched the enemy position and recovered an AK-47 rifle, multiple hand grenades, and AK-47 magazines. The joint force searched the compounds without further incident.

Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Militants in Kandahar and Kunduz

In an operation in Kandahar province today, an Afghan-international security force detained more than a dozen suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban commander operating in the area who is linked to the local Taliban shadow governor.

The joint security force targeted compounds in a remote stretch of the Daman district after intelligence indicated militant activity. Security elements from the joint force pursued individuals seen departing from one of the compounds and detained several suspected militants.

The joint force searched the compounds without incident, recovered one artillery round and detained the other suspected militants. The artillery round was destroyed at a safe distance from the compounds.

No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

In a separate operation, an Afghan-international security force detained two suspected militants in Kunduz province while pursuing a deputy to an area Taliban shadow governor. The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Chem Tappeh in Kunduz district after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident.

No civilians were harmed during the operations in Paktika, Wardak, Kunduz or Kandahar provinces.

ISAF Casualties
No ISAF service members were killed during the past 24 hours.

ISAF

A view of the two main buildings at Patrol Base Sullivan, Nawa District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 11. 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3, whose mission is to conduct counter insurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces in southern Afghanistan. Photo by Lance Cpl. John McCall

Marines possess an uncanny ability to call any place “home,” whether it’s a mixture of sand and gravel, or in this instance, a Taliban compound.

Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, have been operating out of what Marines refer to as “the mansion” here, since Aug. 1.

According to what local Afghans have told Marines, the compound belonged to a drug lord who was having it built to house his entire family. However, the construction was never completed because he was arrested and taken to prison.

Marines were sent to the compound to clear it out, believing it was a Taliban stronghold. They expected resistance when taking over the compound, but were met with an empty home in need of some landscaping.

“It was a real mess when we first got here,” said Cpl. Jacob Mikesell, 22, a mortarman from Papillion, Neb. “There was grass growing up to our chests, the buildings had mounds of dust covering everything and trash was thrown all over the place.”

A view of the front gate at Patrol Base Sullivan, Nawa District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 11. 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3, whose mission is to conduct counter insurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces in southern Afghanistan. Photo by Lance Cpl. John McCall

The compound consists of two, three-story buildings, which Marines and Afghan national army soldiers inhabit.

The two main buildings are made out of mostly marble and concrete, wooden window frames and doors with designs carved into them. Colored tiles cover the outside. The compound is surrounded by gigantic walls, giving it the look of a castle from outside. Marines can’t help but call their home a mansion.

“After we moved in, locals told us that most of the Taliban in the area had run away,” said Sgt. Nicholas Hine, a squad leader with Weapons Co., 1/5. “But we know there are still some here who are trying to coerce the population to go against us.”

Marines conduct foot patrols and vehicle mounted patrols daily to keep the surrounding area safe.

Other Weapons Company forward operating positions rely on being supplied with food and water from the mansion. During local village visits, Marines promise to provide security and help them the best that they can with their issues and concerns.

“We collect a lot of census information and atmospherics too. We try to get to know people by talking to them, learning where they live and understand what problems they have,” said Hine, a 24-year-old from Mohnton, Pa.

DVIDS
Story by Lance Cpl. John McCall