War News for Monday, April 30, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, April 28th.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, April 28th.

 

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an insurgent attack in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Monday, April 30th.

 

Carbondale Area grad wounded in Afghanistan heads for Warrior Games

British Red Cross worker killed in Pakistan

Devoted dad-of-two dies on Iraq business trip

Iraq to get first F-16 jets in early 2014-official

Philippines Role May Expand as U.S. Adjusts Asia Strategy

Joseph Kony hunt is proving difficult for U.S. troops


Reported security incidents
#1: Afghan officials say a buried bomb has killed two children in the east of the country. The Paktika provincial governor's office said in a statement Monday that the children triggered the explosion while playing outside Sunday in Surobi district. The statement says the two dead children were about 12 years old, without giving their gender. Another child was seriously wounded.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/04/30/2256222/bomb-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills.html#storylink=cpy

#2: suspected U.S. drone strike killed three people Sunday at a high school in northern Pakistan where militants were hiding, intelligence officials said. The drone fired two missiles at the school in the city of Miranshah, killing three suspected militants, the Pakistani intelligence officials said.

#3: Fourteen Taliban militants have been killed and 16 others detained during military operations conducted by Afghan forces and NATO-led coalition troops within the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said Monday morning. "Afghan police, Army and NATO-led Coalition Forces launched five joint cleanup operations in Kabul, Nangarhar, Zabul, Logar and Ghazni provinces over the last 24 hours, killing 14 armed Taliban insurgents and detaining 16 other armed insurgents," the ministry said in a statement.

According to a statement released by International Security Assistance Force, Afghan and coalition forces killed four insurgents, detained four suspects and discovered a weapons cache in eastern Afghanistan during operations throughout the past 24 hours.


DoD: Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Brittonmihalo


MoD: Guardsman Michael Roland

News of the Day for Sunday, April 29, 2012

NATO reports three coalition deaths on Saturday. Two service members killed by separate bomb attacks in the south and east, one death of non-combat causes. No further information at this time.

Suicide attack on a convoy in Nimroz said to injure 2 NATO troops 2 Afghan police.  No further details at this time, ISAF has not confirmed the account.

Afghan Taliban reject a proposal to create "safe passage" for insurgents who want to participate in peace talks. A group of Afghan, Pakistani and U.S. diplomats, meeting in Islamabad, had agreed to explore the concept. However, a Taliban statement says in response “The enemy is trying to create schisms in our ranks. They will fail the way their strategies have failed over the past 10 years. This offer reflects the weaknesses, frustration and state of panic of the inimical forces.”

This is not new news but hasn't gotten much attention. Four of the usual suspects in the U.S. Senate, including (of course) Joe Lieberman, sign a letter decrying the plans to reduce U.S. forces in Afghanistan. (As a resident of Connecticut, I am counting the hours to Lieberman's departure from public life in January, when I will once again breathe the sweet air of freedom. -- C)

This happened on Friday but apparently is just being reported. Roadside bomb kills 10 Afghan police in Wardak province. Taliban take credit.

MoD identifies Guardsman Michael Roland, 22, a father of twins, of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, as the 410th British soldier to die in Afghanistan during the 11 years of the current conflict.

Interior Ministry claims 5 militants killed, 21 detained in past 24 hours. Note that they have been doing these body counts for a while now. That is a habit the U.S. has consciously renounced. -- C

Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul will visit India for three days, for the first meeting of the the first session of the India-Afghanistan Partnership Council. Note that Pakistan's unease over the closeness between India and Afghanistan is said to account for Pakistan's involvement with the Afghan Taliban, as a means of retaining influence. -- C

War News for Saturday, April 28, 2012

The DoD is reporting a new death previously unreported by the military. Spc. Jason K. Edens died at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday, April 26th. He was wounded from a small arms fire attack in Laghman province, Afghanistan on Sunday, April 15th. News reports that he was shot in the head.

The British MoD is reporting the death of a British ISAF soldier from small arms fire in Nahr-e Saraj (North), Helmand province, Afghanistan on Friday, April 27th.  Here's the ISAF release.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from a non-combat related injury in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, April 28th.

22 Somalis Killed in US Drone Attack

United States Talks Fail as Pakistanis Seek Apology

Reported security incidents
#1: Two Taliban militants hiding small guns in their shoes slipped into a provincial governor's compound in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, setting off a fierce gunbattle that left two security guards and both attackers dead. Kandahar Gov. Tooryalai Wesa said the two men made it through a pair of security checks without their weapons being detected. A guard at the last check — at the reception room for the governor's office — noticed something suspicious and stopped them. The attackers then pulled out the guns, shot the guards and took their weapons, Wesa said. The ensuing gunbattle with security forces lasted about 30 minutes, said Parwiz Najib, a spokesman for the governor. One other guard was wounded in the attack. Najib had initially said the two attackers were wearing suicide vests. Wesa later said the men had explosives but not suicide vests. Police also discovered two cars parked outside the compound that had been rigged with explosives, apparently ready to be set off if there was a surge of people out into the street, Wesa said. The police diffused those bombs, he said.

#2: A local soldier, Christopher Walker, was injured in an improvised explosive device attack on Wednesday in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Walker, a native of Altavista, is an explosive ordinance disposal specialist with 706 EOD Unit based in Hawaii. The family said his injuries included limb loss, eye injuries, injuries to his arms as well as brain injuries. He was placed in a medically induced coma, said Hammack.

#3: According to local western Herat province, Taliban militants assassinated the attorney general of the Farsi district on Friday. Provincial governor spokesman Mohiuddin Noori confirming the report said Taliban militants abducted Abdul Manan, the attorney general of the Farsi district on Friday and assassinated him afterwards. Mr. Noori further added he kidnapped by Taliban militants while he was on his way towards Herat city

 

DoD:  Spc. Jason K. Edens

DoD: Spc. Moises J. Gonzalez

DoD: Lt. Christopher E. Mosko

DoD: Staff Sgt. Brandon F. Eggleston

DoD: Sgt. Dick A. Lee Jr.

War News for Friday, April 27, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an ANA soldier in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, April 26th. News reports than an Afghan soldier killed a U.S. soldier and an Afghan interpreter from small arms fire/machine gun fire somewhere in Kandahar province. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the attack and the afghan soldier was also killed.

NATO is reporting the deaths of three ISAF soldiers from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, April 26th. News reports that at least one additional soldier was wounded in the attack.

Taliban Website Hacked As Afghan Cyberwar Heats Up

A cost of war: Soaring disability benefits for veterans

Afghanistan, Iran agree to prisoner swap

OBL’s Family Finally Deported

US-Pak talks fail to break the stalemate

The Economist: Mission crumble

Afghan, Pakistani, U.S. diplomats open trilateral talks on peace process

Reduction of 500 Service personnel from Afghanistan explained


Reported security incidents


DoD: Spc. Manuel J. Vasquez

DoD: Spc. Benjamin H. Neal

War News for Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Marine Two-Star: Why Afghanistan Is Like Vietnam


Reported security incidents
#1:  A provincial official says a group of Taliban fighters have attacked a police post in northeast Afghanistan, killing four officers and abducting 16. Badakhshan province Deputy Gov. Shams ul-Rahman said on Thursday that police reinforcements have been sent to secure the post, which sits on a key highway passing through Fayz Abad district. Ul-Rahman says the Taliban carried out the attack on Wednesday night and that they were helped by militants from other Central Asian countries. Ul-Rahman says that two police officers were also wounded in the hourslong attack.

#2: An Altavista woman received devastating news Wednesday morning about her soldier son in Afghanistan. Donna Hammock got news her son suffered life-threatening injuries from a bombing attack on his unit. That attack killed four soldiers. Chris Walker, 28, has been deployed since November. He was serving his third tour in the Middle East. He suffered injuries to his left eye, his left leg, and both arms. Details on the injuries have been few and far between.

#3: Three civilians were killed and four other women injured Thursday when a mortar hit a house following a clash between Taliban and NATO-led forces in Afghan Wardak province, 35 km west of capital Kabul, the provincial government said. "A military unit of NATO-led forces was on a regular patrol in Dawran Khil area of Chak-i-Wardak district at about 12:00 p.m. local time today but an unknown number of armed anti-government militants attacked the unit triggering a clash lasting for a while, " the provincial government said in a press release. The release said that during the clash a mortar round hit a civilian house in the area leaving three women dead and four others injured.

#4:  Eight Taliban militants were killed during an operation in southern Afghan province of Kandahar, provincial police chief said on Thursday. "Based on intelligence, a special unit of Afghan Border Police raided a Taliban hideout in Hadah area of Spin Boldak district Wednesday night killing eight militants," General Abdul Raziq told Xinhua.

#5: According to local authorities in southern Kandahar province at least 3 NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members were wounded in this province. The officials further added the incident took place around 7:30 am local time at Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province after a convoy of the International coalition security forces struck with an improvised explosive device. Panjwai district chief Haji Fazal Mohammad confirming the report said at least 3 NATO troops were injured following the incident. In the meantime Taliban militants group claimed responsibility behind the incident and said at least 5 NATO troops were killed following the explosion.

#6: According to local authorities in southern Helmand province, unknown gunmen on Tuesday night assassinated a local tribal elder along with his son in this province. The officials further added Haji Mohammad Shah Khan, resident of Kochnai Darwishan in Garser district was shot dead by unknown gunmen in his own house on Tuesday night. The gunmen also shot dead an eight year old son of Haji Mohammad Shah Khan, officials said.

War News for Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Georgian MoD is reporting the death of a Georgian ISAF soldier from an IED blast in Helmand province, Afghanistan presumably on Wednesday, April 25th. Here's the ISAF release.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 24th.

 

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from a non-combat related injury in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 24th.

 

Asia Times: A technical knockout in Afghanistan

Canada asked to keep Afghan special ops

Robert Fisk: The Children of Fallujah - Sayef's story

Pakistan tests missile days after India's launch 


Reported security incidents
#1: At least 20 Taliban militants have been killed and four others wounded in military operations across Afghanistan, Press TV reports. The Afghan Interior Ministry announced in a statement on Wednesday that 11 militants were also wounded during the operations in the provinces of Kabul, Kapisa, Helmand, Logar, Kandahar, Ghazni and Paktia within the past 24 hours.

#2: Afghan defense ministry following a statement on Wednesday announced at least 8 Afghan national army soldiers were killed and injured in eastern Ghazni and Herat provinces of Afghanistan. The statement further added, 7 Afghan national army soldiers were killed and injured in eastern Ghazni province and 1 Afghan national army soldier was injured in western Herat province. At least 5 of the Afghan army soldiers were killed and 2 others were injured following an improvised explosive device explosion at Shah Ghasi village in central Ghazni city, officials said. In a separate incident at an Afghan army soldier was injured after militants opened on Afghan soldiers at Shindand district in western Herat province.


#3: A bomb exploded near a luxury train waiting lounge at the main railway station in the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore on Tuesday, killing at least two people, police said. "It was a bomb blast, two people have been killed and 10 injured," senior police officer Abdul Razzaque Cheema told AFP. Rescue official Kiramat Ali described it as a "huge blast" and said 35 wounded had been taken to hospital.

#4: According to local officials in southern Helmand province at least 20 militants were killed following a joint military operation which was launched a week back in Helmand’s Washir district. Provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said, at least four Taliban leaders including Taliban’s district chief for Washir was also killed during the operations. He also added Taliban’s military representative Mullah Abdullah, Taliban district chief for Washir Mullah Sur Gul, Mawlai Abdul Haq, Mullah Asadullah and Mullah Abdul Khaliq were among those killed during the operations. Local officials also said at least 10 militants were also injured following the military operations in this district. He also said the militants were killed on Monday at Fulad area in Washir district.

 

DoD: 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh

DoD: Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf

DoD:  Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson

DoD: Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray

DoD: Sgt. Chris J. Workman

DoD: Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer

GEO/MoD: Sergeant Valerian Khujadze

War News for Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The DoD is reporting the death of a Marine previously unreported by the military. Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser died in combat operations somewhere in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Sunday, April 22nd.

Gagetown soldiers in Afghanistan may return early

NATO Shows Confidence in Afghan Security Forces


Reported security incidents
#1: Eight Taliban militants have been killed and 15 suspects arrested during cleanup operations in different Afghan provinces within the past 24 hours, the country's Interior Ministry said Tuesday morning. "Afghan National Police (ANP), army, NDS or intelligence agency and Coalition Forces launched six joint cleanup operations in Kabul, Nangarhar, Parwan, Kunduz, Helmand and Logar provinces over the past 24 hours, killing eight armed Taliban insurgents and detaining 15 other suspects,"the ministry said in a statement.
#2: Afghan defense ministry officials following a statement on Tuesday announced at least 4 Afghan national army soldiers were killed and injured in southern Kandahar province. The source further added the incident took place in Shahwalikot district of southern Kandahar province after armed militants opened on Afghan national soldiers killing, at least 1 service member and injuring 3 others.

DoD:  Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser

War News for Monday, April 23, 2012

NATO is reporting the deaths of two ISAF soldiers from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, April 22nd.

Opiates Killed 8 Americans In Afghanistan, Army Records Show

Afghan interpreters claim they will be killed when NZ withdraws

U.S., Afghan officials initial proposal on future ties

Rainy weather lingers in NW Pakistan

Heavy floods kill and injured 12 in Baghlan province

Reported security incidents
#1: Separately, two people were killed in a landmine explosion in RD 109, a bordering area between Sindh and Balochistan. Sources said the two villagers were on their way to Khand Khot when they hit a landmine, planted by unidentified people. They both died in the ensuing explosion.

#2: In another incident of violence in Balochistan, two people from the Amn Force were killed and two other injured in a landmine explosion in Dera Bugti. The force personnel were patrolling Za Mardan village in the Loti gas field area when their vehicle hit a landmine. Two force members were killed and as many injured in the explosion.

#3: In a shoot out between the police and some unknown armed persons two persons were killed, while a policeman was injured on Monday, Geo News reported. Police said that the encounter with the unknown armed persons at Akhtarabad in the outskirt Western By-pass here occurred at a time when the police signaled to a suspected vehicle to stop instead the vehicle riders opened fire on the police and leaving the vehicle attempted to escape. Their firing injured one policeman, while both the armed persons were killed in retaliatory firing.

#4: A huge fire erupted in capital Kabul on Monday afternoon, with thick black smoke arising out of the incident area. According to reports the fire erupted as a result of a fire incident at a fuel pump station in Deh-Mazan area west of capital Kabul. The main reason behind the incident and casualties are still unclear. Officials yet to comment regarding the incident.

News of the Day for Sunday, April 22, 2012

Former British military chaplain reveals e-mails from troops revealing despair over the futility of the Afghan conflict. The Daily Mail publishes some of them. Excerpt:

The correspondence includes two emails sent by a major on the brink of a fresh deployment to the region. He likens the prospect to ‘being put on for the last two minutes of a lost game’ of rugby. . . .The emails follow the news that Sapper Connor Ray from 33 Engineer Regiment became the 409th British military fatality since the conflict began in 2001 when he died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in an explosion in Helmand.Polls have shown that a majority of British people are confused about the purpose of our mission and want the troops to be pulled out immediately. Barely one in ten think the conflict is winnable.

Report finds increasing use of opiates by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Eight died of overdoses and 56 were investigated for use or distribution in 2010-2011.

Afghanistan's carpet industry is devastated by competition from Iranian machine-made products.

Tons of explosives recently seized in Kabul came from Pakistan, according to National Director for Security spokesman Shafiqullah Tahiry. He says the plotters, three of whom were Pakistani nationals, were acting on orders from militants with ties to Pakistan's Directorate of Interservices Intelligence.

Afghan political analyst says Karzai must confront Pakistan over its support for Afghan insurgents. Khalil Nouri writes, "Pakistan must be held liable for directing and coordinating these attacks. Mr. Karzai needs to tell his Pakistani friends to stop their attacks or he needs to step down for being an ineffective and weak leader."

Floods devastate communities in Baghlan and Nangarhar, many people are killed.

TOLO reports U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership agreement has been finalized, will be signed at upcoming NATO summit.

War News for Saturday, April 21, 2012

NATO is reporting the deaths of four ISAF soldiers from a helicopter crash in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, April 19th.

Militants arrested in Afghanistan with ten tons of explosives

TAPI pipeline: gas transit fee to be 49.5 cents per MMBTU

Navy investigates sailor's death on carrier in Va.


Afghanistan: " DoD:


Capt. Michael C. Braden

War News for Friday, April 20, 2012

NATO trucks caused Rs 100 billion damage to roads: Pak

Afghan insurgents post propaganda videos on latest attacks

Russia criticises NATO's pullout from Afghanistan

M-8 helicopter crashes in Kazakhstan


Reported security incidents
#1: A United States helicopter crashed in bad weather in southern Afghanistan on Thursday after it responded to evacuate Afghan police officers wounded in a suicide attack on a police checkpoint, an Afghan official said. Two Afghan officials said the crash killed four Americans. Late on Thursday, however, NATO confirmed only that one of its helicopters had crashed in southern Afghanistan. It said on Friday that its investigation was ongoing, and would not say whether those on board had been killed nor confirm their nationality. Other news organizations reported that the helicopter was an American Black Hawk. The helicopter went down around 9 p.m. in the Garmsir district in southern Helmand Province, according to Mohammad Fahim Gorbati, the district governor. Both Mr. Gorbati and a provincial Afghan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said four Americans had died in the crash.

A Black Hawk helicopter crashed Thursday in southern Afghanistan, killing all four of its crew members, all of them Americans, a U.S. military official said. The crash occurred in bad weather, though the official said, "We cannot yet rule out enemy action."

The Taliban claimed responsibility Friday for downing a Black Hawk helicopter in southern Afghanistan. "Yesterday (Thursday) evening Taliban fighters shot down a helicopter and killed all its passengers in Khanashen Dewalak area near Garmsir, southern Helmand province," a Taliban spokesman wrote to CNN.

#2: Local security officials in southern Helmand province on Thursday announced at least 10 militants were killed following military operations by Afghan national army soldiers. According to a statement released by 215 Maiwand Afghan National Army Brigade media office the militants were killed following a joint military operation by Afghan national army and Afghan national police forces at Washir district of southern Helmand province.

#3: In a separate incident a militant was injured and was detained along with a motorcycle after he ambushed a convoy of the Afghan security forces patrol in Garmsir district.

#4: At least 19 insurgents were killed and detained following joint military operations by Afghan and coalition security forces in eastern Nangarhar and Paktia provinces, ISAF said. According to a press release issued by the International Security Assistance Force Afghan and coalition forces killed 13 insurgent and captured six suspects in eastern Afghanistan during operations throughout the past 24 hours.

MoD: Sapper Connor Ray

War News for Thursday, April 19, 2012

The British MoD is reporting the death of a British ISAF soldier at the at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK, on Wednesday, April 18th. The soldier was wounded from an IED blast in in Nad 'Ali, Helmand province, Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 11th.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from a non-hostile injury in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 11th.


CIA seeks new authority to expand Yemen drone campaign


Reported security incidents
#1: Pakistani security forces Tuesday killed at least six militants in Kurram Agency, tribal region bordering Afghanistan, officials said. Security officials said that the Pakistan army fighter jets pounded hideouts of the militants in mountain area of the agency, killing six militants and destroyed three hideouts.

#2: Afghan police backed by national army and the NATO-led forces have killed 25 Taliban militants and wounded nine other over the past 24 hours, Interior Ministry said in a statement released here on Thursday. "During the past 24 hours, Afghan Police backed by National Army and the NATO-led Coalition Forces launched 15 joint clean up operations in Kabul, Nangahar, Baghlan, Kunduz, Balkh, Helmand, Zabul, Logar, Ghazni, and Farah provinces during which 25 armed insurgents were killed, nine wounded and another one arrested," the statement added. However, it did not say if there were any casualties on the security forces.

War News for Wednesday, April 18, 2012

US, NATO ready plan to hand off Afghanistan combat

IDSA: The Battle for Kabul has Begun

Afghan Taliban appeal for donations -- This isn’t as much of a joke as it may appear glancing over it at first look. For the Taliban to resume control over Afghanistan after NATO leaves they will need big investment to reinstitute the infrastructure which they had emplaced before the war. – whisker

After nine years of detention: Iraq orders Saddam-era officials to be freed

Bin Laden widows, daughters face deportation from Pakistan



Reported security incidents
#1: International Security Assistance Force following a press release announced Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and captured five suspects in eastern Afghanistan during operations throughout the past 24 hours, April 17. The source further added, Afghan Uniformed Police killed one insurgent armed with an AK-47 as he attempted to charge the police on his motorcycle in Auins district. The body was searched afterward and found to have an AK-47, filled magazines and a communication radio. Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained four insurgents found emplacing improvised explosive devises in Khugyani district, ISAF added. The detainees were enrolled in identification systems and are under custody of AUP.

#2: Afghan defense ministry following a press release on Tuesday announced at least 4 Afghan national army soldiers were injured while conducting operations during the past 24 hours. The source further added, the soldiers were injured at Zherai district of southern Kandahar province however the statement did not disclose the cause of the incident.


DoD: Cpl. Aaron M. Faust

War News for Tuesday, April 17, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from a non-combat related injury in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Monday, April 16th.


Aussie troops to exit Afghanistan early: PM

U.S. readies for last major Afghan offensive

‘NATO fails’ as 18-hour Kabul attack ends

Afghan Assaults Signal Evolution of a Militant Foe

7 al-Qaida militants killed in U.S. drone strike in Yemen


Reported security incidents
#1: Two Afghan army soldiers were killed and four people injured Tuesday morning in a roadside bombing in southwestern Nimroz province, police said. "A bomb planted along a road near Dilaram District bazaar was detonated at around 8 a.m. local time when a vehicle of Afghan National Army (ANA) passed by, killing two ANA soldiers," deputy provincial police chief General Abdul Rahim Chakhansoori told Xinhua. The injured included two army soldiers and two civilians, he said, adding the injured have been admitted to a hospital in the district.

#2: Afghan defense ministry following a press release on Tuesday announced at least 4 Afghan national army soldiers were injured while conducting operations during the past 24 hours. The source further added, the soldiers were injured at Zherai district of southern Kandahar province however the statement did not disclose the cause of the incident.

#3: In a separate incident at least 2 Afghan police forces were injured following clashes with the armed militants at Khogyani district of eastern Nangarhar province. The incident took place after a number of armed insurgents ambushed members of the anti-drugs campaig at Memali area in Khogyani district.

#4: According to local authorities in eastern Khost province, an explosion took place inside a hospital belongint to Medecins Sans Frontieres in this province. Reports suggest at least 2 kids and 4 other have been injured following the incident. In the meantime provincial security chief Gen. Yaqoub Mandozi said, the incident took place after a mine which was planted inside the hosptial went off.


DoD: Staff Sgt. David P. Nowaczyk

War News for Monday, April 16, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, April 15th.


Afghanistan claims control of Kabul after Taliban attacks

Complex Attack by Taliban Sends Message to the West


Reported security incidents
#1: AN Afghan soldier was shot dead today after firing at allied NATO troops inside a military base near Kandahar, southern Afghanistan, officials said. "An army soldier has opened fire on ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] vehicle to kill troops," General Abdul Hameed Hameed, Afghan army commander for southern Afghanistan, told AFP. NATO troops at the Atal Army Corps base, just outside Kandahar, then returned fire and killed the attacker. ISAF said it was aware of the incident and confirmed there were no ISAF casualties in a statement on Twitter. It added that an investigation was underway but gave no more details.

#2: Dozens of Islamist militants stormed a prison in northwest Pakistan early on Sunday and freed nearly 400 inmates. Pakistan's Taliban movement, which is close to al-Qaida, said it was behind the brazen assault by militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 assault rifles. The attackers fired rocket propelled grenades at the black, metal gates of the prison, blowing them open. Debris was strewn on the ground inside, including locks that had been shot off doors. Walls were pockmarked with bullet holes.

#3: An explosion rocked Kapisa's provincial capital Mahmoud Raqi 65 km north of Kabul on Sunday killing three people, a local official said. "The gruesome incident appeared to be a bomb blast, happened at around 10:30 a.m. local time leaving three policemen dead," the official told Xinhua but declined to give his name saying authorized officials would brief the media after investigation.


DoD: Sgt. Tanner S. Higgins

News of the Day for Sunday, April 15, 2012

Gunmen launch coordinated attack on multiple sites in Kabul, Taliban claim responsibility, saying their main targets are British and German embassies and NATO headquarters. RPG hits British diplomatic housing, two rockets hit a British embassy guard tower, and three rockets hit a supermarket near the German embassy popular with foreigners. Smoke is seen billowing from the German embassy. Rockets are also fired at parliament and the Russian embassy.

AP has various additional details, including a mortar attack on NATO base Camp Warehouse on the edge of the city. Attackers are said to have occupied a tall building from which they are launching rockets at the British embassy.

U.S. embassy declares a lockdown, tells people to shelter in place.

KUNA,quoting Pajhwok Afghan News, reports gunmen stormed the Kabul Star hotel near the Iranian embassy, and that the hotel is on fire.

Suicide bombers attack Jalalabad airport, blow themselves up at the gate, causing an unspecified number of injuries.

Taliban attack a police training facility in Gardez. Four people are said to be injured as fighting continues.

Insurgents occupy a building near a police HQ in Paktia. A NATO helicopter is seen firing into the building.

Khaama is reporting explosions and gunfire in the Behsud district of Nangarhar, including an attack on the U.S Provincial Reconstruction Team and the airport.

Note: As of this writing, news is still emerging. TOLO is offline and Khaama is nearly inaccessible, perhaps due to excessive demand. I will do an update later in the day as the situation becomes clearer.-- C

Iraq Update

Attackers blow up a modest house in Taji, killing three members of the family including a five year old boy.

Head of Iraq's electoral commission, Faraj al-Haidari, and another member, are arrested on corruption charges and freed on bail. "Haidari’s arrest sparked condemnation from a number of leading politicians, who accused Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of orchestrating a slide away from the electoral process and towards dictatorship."

AFP reports denunciation of the arrests by Muqtada al Sadr and the Iraqiya bloc. Al Sadr says "Maybe the arrest is to the benefit of the brother prime minister, because in my opinion, he is working on postponing or cancelling the elections." "Brother prime minister" is sarcastic - C

Iran and world powers will continue talks on Iran's nuclear program in Baghdad in May.

War News for Saturday, April 014, 2012

Turkish air raids kill 35 on Iraq border


Reported security incidents
#1: Fourteen Taliban militants have been killed and 34 others injured during clean-up operations within the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Saturday. "Afghan police and army, backed by NATO-led coalition forces, launched nine clean-up operations in Nangarhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Kandahar, Ghazni, Wardak, Khost and Paktia provinces, killing 14 armed Taliban insurgents and injuring 34 others over the past 24 hours," China's Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.

#2: In a separate development, a district chief was seriously injured when a roadside bomb went off in the northwestern province of Badghis, a spokesman for the provincial government said. "Bala Murghab administration chief Mohammad Hashim Habibi and four of his guards were seriously injured when their vehicle ran over a roadside bomb along a road in the district late on Friday," spokesman Sharafuddin Majidi told Xinhua on Saturday.

#3: According to local security authorities in eastern Nuristan province, an extensive operation has been launched and is in progress by Afghan security forces in this province. The officials further added, the operation was launched in Kamdish district of eastern Nuristan province last Wednesday to clear the area from the presence of Taliban militants. Mohammad Zarin Head of the provincial governor media office said, around 400 Afghan security forces including Afghan police, Afghan army and Afghan commandos have participated in the operation and are also being supported by NATO air force. Mr. Zarin further added, at least 5 villages have been cleared from the presence of Taliban militants so far and this is the first major operation launched by Afghan security forces in this district. According to Mohammad Zarin at least 29 Taliban militants have been killed and 30 others have been injured during the military operations so far. He also said, at least 1 Afghan army soldier was killed and 3 Afghan police forces were injured during the operations who were taken to capital Kabul for treatment purposes. At least 1 Afghan woman was killed and another was injured during the operations, Mohammad Zarin said.

#4: According to local security officials in eastern Ghazni province, a NATO drone crashed in this province on Friday night. Provincial intelligence, National Directorate for security chief Syed Amirshah Sadat said, the drone crashed in eastern Ghazni city on Friday night due to technical problems.

#5: According to local officials in southern Helmand province, at least 11 people were injured following a explosion in this province. The officials further added the incident took place on Friday morning at Sangin district after a motorcycle packed with explosives went off in a market.


DoD: Spc. Philip C. S. Schiller

DoD: Lance Cpl. Abraham Tarwoe

War News for Friday, April 13, 2012

Angry Afghans chop off ears of roadside bomb suspect

Pakistan Parliament Allows non-Lethal Supplies to NATO

Pakistan Gives U.S. a List of Demands, Including an End to C.I.A. Drone Strikes


Reported security incidents
#1: Gunship helicopters on Thursday heavily pounded militants’ positions near Afghan border, killing 15 militants and destroyed four hideouts in central Kurram Agency.Official sources in the local administration said that the choppers targeted the militants’ hideouts in Joki Zaranna areas, killing fifteen extremists. The dead included militants from Waziristan, Kurram, Orakzai, and Khyber tribal agencies, Kohat division and some foreigners. The forces initiated the operation in the area after frequents attacks on the security forces by the extremists.

#2: At least five people, including three civilians, were killed late on Thursday when a suicide bomber struck in northern Afghanistan, police said. The attack in Kunduz city was the latest in a wave of violence recently that has left dozens of Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and foreign security forces dead or injured.

#3: A motorbike bomb rocked Sangin town in the southern Helmand province 555 km south of capital Kabul on Friday, injuring 11 people, an official said. "The terrorists planted explosive in the cavities of a motorcycle and detonated it by remote control in the bazaar of Sangin district at around 08:00 a.m. local time as a result 11 people were injured," spokesman for provincial administration Daud Ahmadi told Xinhua.


DoD: Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat

War News for Thursday, April 12, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 11th.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an insurgent attack in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 11th.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, April 12th.


NATO Dismisses 'Russian Base' Talk

Marines Killed in Exercise Involving Camp Lejeune (MV-22 Osprey)

No Saudi pressure on Iran pipeline: Pakistan

NATO Chief Pledges To Meet Afghan Handover Goal

2 Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with PKK rebels in SE Turkey

In Poppy War, Taliban Aim to Protect a Cash Crop


Reported security incidents

#1: Two children were killed and six other civilians injured Thursday when a roadside bomb went off in the country's southern province of Helmand, a spokesman for the provincial government said. "Two innocent children were killed and six other civilians injured when a vehicle touched off a roadside bomb on a road at about 9 a.m. local time in Safar area of Garmasir district," spokesman Daud Ahmadi told Xinhua.

#2: A helicopter with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) made a hard landing in eastern Afghan region on Thursday with no reported casualties, the military alliance said in a press release. "An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a hard landing in eastern Afghanistan today," the ISAF said in the release. "All crew members have been recovered with no reported fatalities and the site of the incident is secure," the press release said.

#3: According to local security officials in southern Kandahar province, an Afghan civilian was shot dead by International Security Assistance Force. The officials further added, the incident took place at Daman district of southern Kandahar province on Wednesday. Provincial security chief for southern Kandahar province Gen. Rahmatullah Atrafi confirming the report said, the incident took place at Mond-Eisar area after NATO troops shot dead an Afghan civilian presuming he was an insurgent. Gen. Atrafi further added, the deceased individual was an ordinary civilian and was not armed. He also said, an Afghan kid was also accompanying the man who was shot dead but the kid did not suffer any casualty.

#4: According to Afghan defense officials, at least 4 Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and injured following an improvised explosive device explosion in southern Helmand province. The officials further added, the incident took place in Greshk district of southern Helmand province killing at least 2 Afghan army soldiers and injuring 2 others.

#5: Afghan Defense Ministry officials following a press release on Wednesday announced at least 11 Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and injured in various incidents across the country. The source further added, at least 1 Afghan soldier was killed in southern Kandahar city, 3 Afghan soldiers were killed at Sarkano district in eastern Kunar province, 1 Afghan soldier was killed in Syedabad district of central Maidan Wardak province and 6 other Afghan soldiers were injured at Zherai district of southern Kandahar province. In a separate incident at Delaram district of western Nimroz province at least 3 Afghan soldiers were killed and 3 others were injured after an Afghan army vehicle struck with another car, the officials added.

War News for Wednesday, April 011, 2012

Injured aid worker on road to recovery

Supply route closure impedes Afghan withdrawal

Attacks Attest to Afghan Insurgents’ Spring Offensive


Reported security incidents
#1: Sarhadi Zewak, a spokesman for Laghman province, said the head of Dawlat Shahi district, died Wednesday when his motorcycle hit a roadside bomb. He was on his way to his office with a school headmaster, who was injured in the explosion, Zewak said.

#2: Separately, the Helmand provincial governor's office said three local Afghan policemen were killed in Musa Qala district on Tuesday when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up near their vehicle. The three were responding to an earlier attack that killed four policemen at the district police headquarters building.

#3: Five Taliban militants have been killed and 18 others detained in different Afghan provinces within the past 24 hours, the country's Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. "Five armed Taliban insurgents killed and 18 other suspects captured during eight cleanup operations launched by police, army and international coalition forces in Kabul, Nangarhar, Baghlan, Helmand, Wardak, and Badakhshan provinces over the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

War News for Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The DoD is reporting the death of a U.S. sailor. Constructionman Trevor J. Stanley died from unreported causes in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Saturday, April 7th. He was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.


No sign of spring offensive by Taliban, NATO says

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: What the End of U.S. Night Raids Means for Afghanistan

Pakistan likely to get around 20% more gas from TAPI pipeline project


Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2111561,00.html#ixzz1rdPXN6Jz


Reported security incidents
#1: Police fired at the attackers, killing one. Two others blew themselves up inside the compound, Ahmadi said. He initially reported that eight policemen died but later revised the toll, saying that four policemen were killed and five, including the district commander, were wounded.

#2: Earlier in the day, a group of suicide bombers blew up their truck outside the Guzara district office in Herat province. Two men and a woman wearing a burqa were found dead inside the vehicle that exploded at the gate of the district building where people were waiting to go inside to see government officials about various business matters. Raouf Ahmedi, a spokesman for the police commander of the western region of Afghanistan, said police in the area had received a tip that the black four-wheel-drive vehicle was loaded with explosives. "They were chasing the car and tried to stop it," Ahmedi said. "The vehicle then turned toward the district headquarters building and tried to pass the checkpoint, but police stopped them to be searched and asked where they were going." Moments later the vehicle exploded, causing a loud boom that could be heard a few miles away. "The explosion was so strong - there are casualties among police and civilians," said Nasar Ahmad Popul, the chief of the province's Guzara district who was inside the headquarters at the time of the blast. Ahmedi said 11 people were killed - three policemen who were guarding the district building and seven civilians. Twenty-two others were wounded,


DoD: Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith

DoD: Constructionman Trevor J. Stanley

MoD: Corporal Jack Leslie Stanley

War News for Monday, April 09, 2012

The British MoD is reporting the death of a British ISAF soldier at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, U.K. on Saturday, April 8th. The soldier was wounded in an IED blast somewhere in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Friday, February 3rd.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an insurgent attack in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, April 6th.


US gives Afghans control in deal on night raids

US-Israel War On Iran: The Myth Of Limited Warfare – OpEd - Here's a very much off topic article - whisker

French election throws Afghan exit into disarray

U.S. policy on Iraq questioned as influence wanes, Maliki consolidates power


Reported security incidents
#1: Military Helicopter gunships attacked terrorist hideouts in a tribal area near the border with Afghanistan on Sunday, killing 14 suspected terrorists, military sources said. Ten suspected terrorists were attacked in the operations in two areas of Orakzai Agency. The casualty figures provided by military could not be independently verified.

#2: Seven Taliban militants have been killed and 11 others detained during military operations in the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Monday. "Afghan National Police (ANP), army and NATO-led coalition forces launched seven joint operations in Kunduz, Faryab, Helmand, Zabul, Wardak, Logar and Paktia provinces, killing seven Taliban insurgents and detaining 11 other armed suspects over the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

#3: Five people were injured Monday when a bicycle bomb went off in northern Afghan province of Baghlan, a police source said. "A bomb attached to a bicycle was detonated when a vehicle with the National Directorate of Security (NDS) was passing by a road in Nahrin District's bazaar at about 11:45 a.m. local time," police chief of the district Noor Gul told Xinhua. The injured include four civilians and a security member of NDS or intelligence agency, the police chief said.


DoD: Spc. Antonio C. Burnside

News of the Day for Sunday, April 8, 2012

U.S. and Afghan governments sign a deal on night raids by U.S. troops, which have been a long-standing source of tension that has blocked progress toward a larger strategic agreement. However, this agreement does not end the practice, as Hamid Karzai has publicly demanded on many occasions. Rather, it requires approval by a panel of Afghan officials. Even so, it covers only "ordinary patrols," or operations to capture territory. And there are suggestions, although it has not been fully explained publicly, that the U.S. has some role in the approval process. -- C

Afghan military says two top Taliban commanders and 10 others have been killed in a joint Afghan-NATO operation in Ghazni.

Two Taliban leaders also said to be detained in Baghlan.

People in Ghor province claim the governor, Abdullah Haiwad, has stolen their land, and has also given government land to his relatives. The headline on this story is that he denies it. No surprise there.

Public Health minister Suraya Dalil says that despite progress, many Afghans still have no access to basic health care services.

Iraq Update

Videos have surfaced that appear to show fugitive Baath Party official Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri criticizing the Shiite-led government. Al-Douri is said to have moved money to Syria just prior to the U.S. invasion, which has been used to fund the Sunni insurgency.

Roadside bomb kills three policemen in Khan Badi Saad, south of Baquba.

A bomb hidden in a plastic bag on a minibus kills two people and injures nine in the Karaada district of Baghdad.

War News for Saturday, April 07, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an insurgent attack in an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, April 6th.


Taliban claim holding five US, Nato officers, over 100 soldiers

Nato supplies can be restored if drone strikes end: Nawaz

Young vets' joblessness hits 10.3 percent

Pakistani troops buried by avalanche on Siachen Glacier in Kashmir - More than 100 Pakistani troops have been buried by an avalanche that struck an army base on a Himalayan glacier along the country's border with India.


Reported security incidents
#1: Four Afghan policemen were killed on Friday as the Taliban have stepped up their attacks against government and NATO troops to undermine the U.S.-led coalition's effort to build up Afghan forces so they can take the lead in the next few years. The policemen died in three incidents in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, according to police officials. One was killed when the Taliban attacked in Marjah district. A second died when a roadside bomb he was searching for exploded in Washer district. Two others were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside mine in Gereskh district.

Afghan Defense Ministry officials following a statement announced, at least 3 Afghan National Army soldiers were injured in southern Helmand province. The source further added, the Afghan army service members were injured while conducting their duties at Marjah and Delaram district of southern Helmand province.

#2: A NATO drone crashed Friday in northern Afghanistan, the NATO-led forces said in a press release. "An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in northern Afghanistan today," the NATO-led ISAF said in the release. However, a Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in talks with local media claimed that the insurgent fighters shot down a NATO helicopter in northern Baghlan province.

#3: Afghan police in conjunction with national army and the NATO-led forces have eliminated 10 Taliban militants and captured over a dozen other over the past 24 hours, a press release of the Interior Ministry said on Saturday. "During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Police backed by national army and the Coalition Forces launched eight joint operations in Nangarhar, Badakhshan, Kandahar, Helmand and Paktiya provinces during which 10 armed insurgents have been killed, one wounded and 14 others were arrested," the press release added. However, it did not say if there were any casualties to the security personnel. Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.

#4: According to local authorities in north-eastern Badakhshan province, a prominent Taliban leader, Qari Shamsuddin was killed following a NATO air raid in this province. Local security officials in Badakhshan province said, the death of the Qari Shamsuddin was an enormous achievement and said Afghan security forces will be able to easily clean up insurgents from the Wardoj district. Gen. Tamkin further added, Qari Shamsuddin was killed on Friday morning around 11:00 am local time following a NATO air raid. Wardoj district is one of the volatile regions in north-eastern Badakhshan province where Taliban militants have increased to their activities in this province during the recent months.


DoD: Cpl. Alex Martinez

DoD: Spc. Jeffrey L. White, Jr.

War News for Friday, April 06, 2012

The DoD is reporting a new death unreported by the military. Cpl. Christopher D. Bordoni died from combat related wounds at the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio Texas on Tuesday, April 3rd. He was wounded Wednesday, January 18th 2012.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed location in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, April 5th.


Bin Laden’s Personal Debt to Bush

Heavy clashes predicted in eastern regions of Afghanistan


Reported security incidents
#1: A suicide attack killed an Afghan peace envoy and his son Friday in an eastern part of the country bordering Pakistan, AFP reported. Provincial Police Chief Ewaz Mohammad Nazari told AFP that “Head of the High Peace Council in Kunar province, Maulavi Mohammad Hashem Munib was the target.” “He was on his way home from Friday prayers when he was attacked by a suicide attacker," he added.

#2: Seven civilians have died after a fuel tanker overturned and caught fire in southern Afghanistan. Kandahar provincial police chief General Abdul Razaq said three other civilians were seriously wounded in the incident in the Panjwai district. The Taliban claimed they fired a rocket at the fuel tanker, causing it to explode. But Gen Razaq said no rockets were fired. He said the tanker caught fire after it overturned and that a passing car also was set ablaze.

#3: An explosion rocked north-eastern Badakhshan province on Thursday afternoon, local security officials said. According to provincial security chief Gen. Sakhidad Haidary, the incident took place in Keshm district after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in a local market. Gen. Haidary further added, at least 2 people were killed and 6 others were injured following the incident. He also added, a former Jihadi commander Nazok Mir was killed along with one of his member following the explosion and 16 other civilians including children were injured.


DoD: Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Brown

DoD: Cpl. Christopher D. Bordoni

DoD: Capt. Nicholas J. Rozanski

DoD: Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey J. Rieck

DoD: Sgt. 1st Class Shawn T. Hannon

War News for Thursday, April 05, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of a third ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed area in northern Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 4th.


Blast on Iraq Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline shuts oil flows

Iran’s Efforts to Stir Afghan Violence Worry U.S.

In Iraq, concern over shrinking rights


Reported security incidents
#1: Gunmen attacked an outpost of a government-sponsored militia in western Afghanistan and killed 10 members of the security force, officials said Thursday. Militants armed with assault rifles stormed the outpost of the militia known as the Afghan Local Police late Wednesday in Farah province's Khaki Safed district, said provincial police chief Shamsul Rahman Zahid. They shot a guard who was posted outside, then pushed into the compound and opened fire on those inside, said Abdul Khaliq Noorzai, the district administrator. Another two militia members were dragged outside and shot dead, said Zahid. Four militiamen survived the attack, he said.

#2: A suicide bomber killed two people and injured six others in Kisham district in northern Afghan province of Badakhshan on Thursday, district chief Abdul Salam Paiman said. "A suicide bombing happened next to a girls' school in Kisham district today, killing two people including a civilian and a commander of local police and injuring six others, all civilians," Paiman told Xinhua. He added that the attacker walked towards the police commander namely Nazik Mir, and blew himself up. Meanwhile, Faizul Rahman Ahmadi, the head of health department in Kisham district, said that 17 wounded civilians had been taken to hospital for medical treatment.

#3: At least three security personnel were killed and two others injured in a bomb blast in Pakistan's southwest province of Balochistan on Thursday, reported local Urdu TV channel DAWN. The blast took place at noon in Basht area of Turbet, a city in the southwestern tip of Balochistan.

#4: Afghan defense ministry officials following a press release on Thursday announced, at least 9 Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and injured in various incidents across the country. The source further added, at least 3 Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and 6 others were injured while performing their duties. The statement did not disclose further information regarding the exact location where Afghan National Army soldiers were killed and injured.

#5: In the meantime local security officials in eastern Ghazni province announced at least 6 Taliban militants were killed and injured during military operations in this province. Gen. Wafadar commander of the Afghan National Army for 203 Thunder Battalion said, at least 5 Taliban militants were killed and 1 Taliban militant was injured during the military operation at Khogyani district.

#6: According to local authorities in southern Kandahar province, armed militants shot dead security control chief for 404 Maiwand police commandment in this province. The officials further added, the incident took place around 12:00 pm local time. In the meantime Provincial governor spokesman Jawid Faisal confirming the incident said, unknown militants shot dead a police officer but denied reports suggesting security chief for 404 Maiwand police commandment was killed. But a provincial security official speaking on the condition of anonymity said, the deceased police officer was Yar Mohammad Amiri security control chief for 404 Maiwand police commandment.

War News for Wednesday, April 04, 2012

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed area in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 3rd.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an insurgent attack in an undisclosed area in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 3rd.

NATO is reporting the death of an ISAF soldier from an IED blast in an undisclosed area in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 3rd.

NATO is reporting the deaths of two ISAF soldiers from an IED blast in an undisclosed area in northern Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 4th.


Afghanistan to be cleared of mines within the next 10 years

Deal Close on Night Raids, U.S. and Afghan Officials Say



Reported security incidents
#1: A suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed at least 10 people and wounded 26 on Wednesday in a northern Afghan province, officials and police said. Lal Mohammad Ahmad Zai, a police spokesman for northern Afghanistan, said the bomber blew himself up in Maimanah, the capital of Faryab province. It was not clear what the target was. Zai said of the 10 people killed, four were police officers and the rest were civilians — including two women and two children. Earlier, NATO said two of its service members were also killed in a bomb explosion on Wednesday in northern Afghanistan. It provided no other details about the attack or the nationalities of the two. It was unclear if the two incidents were related. So far this year, 96 NATO service members have been killed in Afghanistan, including at least 52 Americans.

#2: A Pakistani government official says a bomb has ripped through a passenger van, killing six people in a violent region near the Afghan border. Iqbal Khan says Wednesday's blast occurred in Jamrud town in Khyber tribal region. Khan says the bomb was planted inside the van, and that it was unclear whether it was a remote controlled or a timed device.

#3: A series of Taliban attacks over the past two days have left 9 Afghan police officers dead and 14 missing, in the latest sign that insurgents are pressing their fight against security forces as the annual fighting season gets under way with the spring thaw.


NZDF: Corporal Douglas Hughes

DoD: Cpl. Michael J. Palacio