July 12, 2011

Al-Qaida Can Be Dismantled, Petraeus Says

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, July 9, 2011 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force said here today he agrees with Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta that al-Qaida can be strategically defeated.

July 12, 2011

Panetta Vows to Continue Fighting Taliban, al-Qaida

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan (July 10, 2011) — Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen based here today that the “most important thing to do now is to continue this fight” against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

July 7, 2011

Operation Lion showcases ISF ability to protect citizens, defend Iraq

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq (July 1, 2011) — Following months of collective training with 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, members of the Iraqi Security Forces conducted Operation Iron Lion at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center and Ghuzlani Eagle Training Site, Iraq, June 2

July 5, 2011

Afghan National Security Forces step up presence throughout Gizab

URUZGAN, Afghanistan (June 30, 2011) — Afghan National Police, partnered with Afghan Local Police and the Afghan National Army, stepped up security patrols throughout Gizab district, June 27, after receiving tips from local villagers about the Taliban staging weapons and creating impromptu checkpoints on local commerce routes.

July 4, 2011

Lieutenant General Keith M. Huber

Lieutenant General Keith M. Huber assumed command of Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 (CJIATF 435) in July 2011. CJIATF 435 exercises oversight and control of U. S. detention operations in Afghanistan. With policy guidance from the United States Embassy and in cooperation with Afghan, interagency, coalition and international partners, CJIATF 435 assists the government of Afghanistan to enable conditions- based transition of U.S. detention operations to Afghan control, and to advance the development of rule of law in Afghanistan.

July 1, 2011

CENTCOM Command Sgt. Maj. takes part in “Eager Lion 2011” exercise

AMMAN, Jordan (June 29, 2011) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, U.S. Army, recently visited with troops while observing and taking part in exercise “Eager Lion 2011” in Jordan 11-30 June.

June 29, 2011

100 Cache Finds in Two Weeks with Increased Security, Villages’ Help

KABUL, Afghanistan (June 29, 2011) — Many insurgent activities are being thwarted by increased security presence in Afghan villages and increased weapon caches found by Afghan National Security Forces.

June 27, 2011

Kandahar PRT begins team transition

KANDAHAR (June 27, 2011) — The Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team began the transition to a new team of Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen with a mounted combat patrol to Sub-District 2 in Kandahar City June 25.

June 27, 2011

Afghan forces expand security near Helmand capital during Operation Qala Sharqay

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (June 27, 2011) — Afghan soldiers backed by British and American troops pushed to a position northeast of the Helmand provincial capitol of Lashkar Gah to build a new patrol base and improve security in the city as part of Operation Qala Sharqay, June 19.

June 23, 2011

Obama announces troop reductions, way forward in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2011) – Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said here tonight.