January 2008

January 2008 Archives

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Jan. 31, 2008) — Students attending the Special Forces Qualification Course here will conduct a two-week training exercise across a 15-county area in central North Carolina beginning Feb. 8.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Terrorist Facilitator

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 31, 2008) – An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics Team, with U.S. Special Forces advising, detained a suspected terrorist facilitator during a Jan. 29 raid in Mosul.

Hundreds honor fallen Special Forces Soldier

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJSOTF-A Public Affairs, Jan. 29, 2008) – Hundreds of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coalition partners lined Bagram Airfield’s main roadway and tarmac Jan. 27, to pay their last respects to a fallen comrade.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Extremist Leader, Terrorist Financier in Separate Operations

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 29, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers detained an extremist leader and a terrorist financier in separate operations Jan. 27.

Iraqi and U.S. Special Operations Forces Detain Terrorist Leader

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 29, 2008) – Iraqi Special Forces, with U.S. Special Operations Forces advising, detained an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader during a Jan. 28 raid south of Tal Afar.

Iraqi citizens’ tips lead Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces to 2 weapons caches

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 26, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, uncovered two weapons caches during separate patrols Jan. 24.

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier killed in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, January 26, 2008) — An Army Special Forces Soldier was killed Jan. 25 as a result of wounds sustained from enemy contact while conducting a combat operation near Barikowt, Afghanistan.

Iraqi Citizen Tips Lead Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces to Uncover Two Weapons Caches

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 25, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, uncovered two weapons caches during separate patrols Jan. 24.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Terrorist Leader, Facilitator, and Terror Suspects in Separate Raids

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 23, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a terrorist leader, a terrorist facilitator and three suspects in raids on Jan. 20 and Jan. 22.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain 5 terror suspects

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 21, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, detained five terror suspects and destroyed a suspected terrorist safe house in separate operations in Iraq Jan. 18 and 19.

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier killed in Iraq

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, January 21, 2008) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died Jan. 19 as a result of wounds sustained during a combat operation 16 kilometers south of Mosul, Iraq.

Iraqi and U.S. Forces target extremist networks in Baghdad, killing extremist commander

BALAD, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 21, 2008) – An extremist brigade commander was killed Jan 21st in the Aamel area during an Iraqi Special Operations Forces operation to disrupt extremist networks operating in Baghdad.

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in training accident
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, January 19, 2008) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died Jan. 16 after a parachute accident at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport in Laurinburg, N.C.

Iraqi Security Forces Detain Ten in Separate Operations

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 19, 2007) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained an improvised explosive device cell leader and six other suspects Jan. 15 in Mosul.

USASOC CSM Retires

By Tracy A. Bailey
75th Ranger Regiment Public Affairs

FORT BENNING, Ga. (UNS News Service, Jan. 17, 2007) – Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hall, US Army Special Operations Command command sergeant major, retired Jan. 17 at Fort Benning, Ga., with the same unit where it all began 32 years ago—with the men of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served as the Army Special Operations Forces senior enlisted Soldier at Fort Bragg since November 2001.

U.S. Special Operations Forces train Iraqi Security Forces
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. M. Erick Reynolds

BAGHDAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 17, 2007) – 25 Iraqi Security Force students graduate from a U.S. Special Operations Forces led Special Security Training course Jan. 10.

PRESS RELEASE: Fort Bragg Special Forces Soldier dies in training accident

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Jan. 16, 2008) — A Fort Bragg Special Forces Soldier died Jan. 16 after a parachute accident during high altitude-low opening (HALO) training at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport.

MEDIA ADVISORY: 75th Rangers hold Change of Responsibility ceremony

FORT BENNING, Ga. (UNS-News Service, Jan. 15, 2007) —After 29 years of combined service to the 75th Ranger Regiment, retired Col. Ralph Puckett, Honorary Colonel of the Regiment and retired Sgt. Maj. Warren E. Evans Honorary Command Sergeant Major of the Regiment are retiring again from service to their country.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Terrorist Cell Leader

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 14, 2007) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected terrorist cell leader during a Jan. 14 raid in Mosul.

Air controller awarded Bronze Star with Valor

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJSOTF-A Public Affairs, Jan. 14, 2008) – Tech. Sgt. Jose C. Valentin, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan, received the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during an insurgent attack last year.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Uncover Weapons Cache

BALAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 14, 2008) – A Ninewah Special Weapons and Tactics Team, advised by U.S. Special Forces uncovered a weapons cache during a Jan. 12 operation in Mosul.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain IED Specialists in Hillah and Balad

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 10, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected improvised explosive device specialists in separate raids Dec. 28.

ANSF, Coalition forces visit remote village

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Jan. 10, 2008) – Afghan National Security Forces advised, by Coalition forces, provided medical checkups and humanitarian aid to more than 100 villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province Jan. 6.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain extremist cell leader, 3 suspected extremists

BALAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP, Jan. 8, 2008) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a known extremist cell leader and three additional suspected extremists Jan. 7 in the Zafaraniyah and Diyala areas of Baghdad.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Eight Suspected Terrorists

BALAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 8, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained six alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and two additional suspects in two separate operations Jan. 6.

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces Detain Four Suspects in Separate Operations

Balad (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 7, 2008) – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained an Al Qaeda in Iraq terror cell leader, a suspected criminal weapons supplier and two suspected terrorists in separate operations Jan. 4th and 5th.

ANSF, Coalition provide health care to Paktya villagers

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Jan. 7, 2008) – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, provided medical and dental care Jan. 3 at a make-shift clinic in Gardez District, Paktya Province.

Iraqi Army Detains Nine Extremists in Najaf

BALAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 4, 2008) – 8th Iraqi Army Division forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained nine suspected militants during an operation in Najaf Jan. 3rd targeting their criminal activities.

ANSF render safe two IEDs, saving civilian, Coalition lives

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Jan. 3, 2008)– Afghan National Security Forces saved the lives of Afghan civilians and Coalition forces when they found two improvised explosive devices placed on commonly used routes in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Dec. 29.

ANSF delivers medical aid to villagers in Oruzgan
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Jan. 3, 2007) – Afghan National Security Forces and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health personnel, assisted by Coalition forces, treated 56 Afghan citizens at the Khas Village clinic, Oruzgan District, Oruzgan Province, Dec. 30.

ANSF render safe two IEDs, saving civilian, Coalition lives
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Jan. 3, 2008)– Afghan National Security Forces saved the lives of Afghan civilians and Coalition forces when they found two improvised explosive devices placed on commonly used routes in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Dec. 29.

U.S. Special Operations Forces graduates Iraq’s future ISWAT
HADITHA, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 2, 2008) – A new band of heroes emerged from the Iraqi Police Force, when the newest class of the distinguished Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics course, taught by U.S. Special Operations Forces, graduated Dec. 15.

Local Leaders, U.S. Forces Bring Medical Assistance to the People of Ramadi
RAMADI, Iraq (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 2, 2008) – The citizens of Ramadi reaped the benefits of an improved security environment when local leaders teamed with Iraqi Police and the U.S. Military to sponsor a combined medical engagement Dec. 15.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces Detain Three Suspected Terrorists in Baghdad
BALAD (Courtesy of CJSOTF-AP Public Affairs, Jan. 2, 2008) – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained three suspected terrorists and killed a known terrorist weapons supplier Jan. 1st during operations in southeastern Baghdad.

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers move alongside a new training facility during urban combat training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 31. (Photo by Sgt. Daniel Love, 7th Special Forces Group PAO)

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers practice door breaching during urban combat training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 31.(Photo by Sgt. Daniel Love, 7th Special Forces Group PAO)

U.S. Congressmen greet members of Operational Detachment Alpha 7225, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) before a House Armed Services Committee briefing in Washington, D.C. January 17. The Soldiers described their challenges and successes while fielding questions from more than 18 congressmen and 25 professional staff members. (Photo by Sgt. Daniel Love, 7th Special Forces Group PAO)

Sgt. Maj. Robert Sinko, B. Company, 2nd Battalion sergeant major, and Capt. Todd Sunday, a team leader in 7th SFG (A) discuss life and operations in Afghanistan with Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-Penn). (Photo by Sgt. Daniel Love, 7th Special Forces Group PAO)

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Romero, a 7th SFG (A) communications sergeant, discusses operations in Afghanistan with Congressman Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) (Photo by Sgt. Daniel Love, 7th Special Forces Group PAO)

Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team members patrol on a hilltop, in search of illegal weapons Jan. 10. The ISWAT team and U.S. Special Forces conducted a patrol on the Muhallabiyah Ridge to investigate three reported cache sites and disrupt insurgent activity in western Ninewah. (Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom)

An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team and U.S. Special Forces find a cave with material to make improvised explosive devises Jan. 10 during a patrol on the Muhallabiyah Ridge in western Ninewah province. The ISWAT team and U.S. Special Forces were investigating three reported cache sites. (Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom)

Two Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team members inventory pressure plates used in the making of improvised explosive devices Jan. 10 during a patrol on the Muhallabiyah Ridge in western Ninewah province. An ISWAT team and U.S. Special Forces were investigating three reported cache sites. (Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom)

An Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics team along with U.S. Special Forces, conduct a patrol on the Muhallabiyah Ridge Jan. 10 to investigate three reported cache sites used by extremists in western Ninewah. (Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom)