News Articles

Aug. 31, 2009

Troops capture key Taliban leaders

BAGRAM AIR FIELD (Aug. 31, 2009) – Afghan forces and NATO-led International Security Assistance troops captured two key Taliban leaders, including a commander, during a joint operation in the Kanday village of Chapa Dara district in Afghanistan’s Kunar province Aug. 29.

Aug. 27, 2009

Former insurgents gain employment in Iraq

WASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2009) – Several years ago, tens of thousands of Sunni fighters considered themselves enemies of the Iraqi government and its U.S. conspirators, but after switching allegiances, these former insurgents now are filling the ranks of Iraq’s ministries and armed forces.

Aug. 26, 2009

Petraeus: 'Tough fighting' ahead in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2009 – The commander of U.S. Central Command said tough fighting lies ahead in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other extremists have expanded their strength and influence, but he cautioned that success there demands more than battlefield victories.

Aug. 25, 2009

Troops disrupt insurgent communications

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2009 – U.S. forces conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication and an Afghan civilian thwarted a bomb attack in operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.

Aug. 23, 2009

Obama congratulates Afghans on election

WASHINGTON (Aug. 21, 2009) – President Barack Obama praised the courage of the Afghan people for participating in yesterday’s national election despite threats by the Taliban to disrupt the process.

Aug. 20, 2009

President pledges to increase pressure in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Aug. 20, 2009) – President Barack Obama pledged Thursday to keep ramping up pressure on insurgents in Afghanistan, citing developments aimed at “squeezing them from both sides” to ultimately “flush them out.”

Aug. 18, 2009

Afghans will vote despite violence, general says

WASHINGTON (Aug. 18, 2009) – Despite the wave of violence this week in Afghanistan’s capital, military officials there believe Afghans will turn out to vote in their national election Aug. 20, a spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force said Tuesday.

Aug. 18, 2009

Gates, Mullen use new media to hear from troops, public

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2009 – Got questions you’d like to pose directly to the defense secretary or chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Now is your chance!

Aug. 17, 2009

Petraeus visits Kyrgyzstan-based troops

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan — Making a brief stop here, the U.S. Central Command Commander visited the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, Aug. 16.

Aug. 13, 2009

Gates: U.S. must strengthen ties with Pakistan

WASHINGTON (Aug. 13, 2009) — The United States must maintain relationships with Pakistan for the long term to build trust between the nations, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Thursday.