Aug. 11, 2008

Weekly paper up and running in Asad Abad

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (August 12, 2008) — A ceremony marked the opening of a new printing press facility in downtown Asad Abad, Afghanistan. Prior to this facility all print material including Asad Abad’s weekly newspaper was printed in Jalalabad, Kabul or in Pakistan. The Konar PRT funded this facility to provide a locally-produced, independent print media capacity in Konar. The printing press is co-located with the Konar Radio and Television Station inside the media culture and information complex.

Aug. 10, 2008

Iraqi forces improve as violence drops

BAGHDAD (Aug. 8, 2008) — Despite the recent drawdown of Coalition troops in Iraq, violence levels continue to drop as Iraqi Security Forces grow in competency and size, a senior coalition spokesman said Aug. 7. Throughout the past few weeks, Coalition forces have drawn down troop numbers in Iraq. The last of the five original surge brigades, two Marine battalions and an Australian battle group have redeployed without the need for replacements, said Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll.

Aug. 7, 2008

Sheik addresses state of Fallujah

Sheik Hamid Ahmed Al-Hashim, city council chairman, delivered his speech to the people of Fallujah through the local media. He addressed the progress the city has made in the past year, and focused on various quality of life projects and security improvements.

Aug. 6, 2008

Marines target oil smugglers, protect citizens

UM AL WAZZ, Iraq (Aug. 6, 2008) – Western al-Anbar province was one of the most dangerous areas in Iraq in recent years, and Marine units operating there have encountered threats ranging from improvised explosive devices to small-arms firefights. Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance, 2nd LAR Bn., Regimental Combat Team 5 has come across a different threat, however: oil smuggling.

Aug. 4, 2008

Brigade commander: Rashid progress 'phenomenal'

WASHINGTON — Iraqi troops have improved so much that Coalition forces in Baghdad’s Rashid district are able to turn their attention to rebuilding the area.

Aug. 3, 2008

General: Several factors contribute to Iraq improvement

WASHINGTON (Aug. 3, 2008) — A combination of factors is responsible for the improved conditions in Iraq, the commander of coalition forces in the northern part of the country said Aug. 3. Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Multi-National Division - North, appeared on CNN’s “Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer.”

July 31, 2008

South Baghdad ready for transition

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (July 31, 2008) — U.S. Soldiers are preparing to hand over their area of operations in Southern Baghdad.

July 31, 2008

Iraq improving; conditions 'mixed' in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (July 31, 2008) – While some troops will deploy to Afghanistan, large units must wait until an assessment of Iraq.

July 29, 2008

Iraqi troops show increased self-sufficiency

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (July 30, 2008) — Iraqi troops are showing signs that they can take care of themselves in a growing number of areas.

July 28, 2008

Sheikhs discuss upcoming elections in Samawa

SAMAWA, Iraq (July 28, 2008) – More than 500 tribal leaders gathered in Samawa to discuss upcoming Iraqi elections and issues affecting their tribes, July 16.