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Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and various sources around the world. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.Refresh for updates.
Taliban 'forced from strongholds' -- [BBC]
A joint Nato and Afghan military operation is succeeding in pushing Taliban fighters from their strongholds in Helmand province, officials say.
On day three of Operation Moshtarak, senior Afghan officers said areas around Marjah and Nad Ali were being cleared of insurgents.
U.S., Afghan Forces Face Bombs, Booby Traps in Push to Take Taliban Stronghold -- [AP/FOX News]
...In Marjah, Marines and Afghan troops faced little armed resistance. But their advance through the town was impeded by countless land mines, homemade bombs and booby-traps littering the area. Marine ordnance teams blew up several dozen bombs, setting off huge explosions that reverberated through the dusty streets.
On Sunday, most of the Marines said they would have preferred a straight-up gunbattle to the "death at every corner" crawl they faced, though they continued to advance slowly through the town.
Taliban Fighters Said to Flee Under Coalition Pressure -- [New York Times]
KABUL, Afghanistan -- A large number of Taliban fighters have fled the city of Marja, their former stronghold in Helmand Province under pressure from United States and Afghan forces and may have crossed the border into Pakistan, the Afghan interior minister said on Monday.
Taliban soldiers use rules of engagement against U.S. troops-- [The Daily Caller] HT: Soldiers Angels Germany
The patrol began in the early afternoon, heading off a canal road and into farmland to the west. Fifty men: an American platoon, up to 30 Afghan soldiers and 10 Canadian troops who advise the Afghans. They moved slowly, in two columns. Two Afghan soldiers with metal detectors, searching for mines, led the way.
An Associated Press reporter and photographer accompanied the patrol.
Snipers harass US, Afghan troops moving in Marjah -- [AJC] HT: Soldiers Angels Germany
Sniper teams attacked U.S. Marines and Afghan troops across the Taliban haven of Marjah, as several gun battles erupted Monday on the third day of a major offensive to seize the extremists' southern heartland.
Multiple firefights in different locations taxed the ability of coalition forces to provide enough air support as NATO forces forged deeper into the town, moving through suspected insurgent neighborhoods, the U.S. Marines said.
The Battle for Marjah -- [Free Range International - in Afghanistan]
Operation Moshtarak, the assault on the Marjah District in the Helmand Province started today. The press has been looking at it for months from various angles with stories stressing that secrecy has been lost, or that civilians will be killed, or with speculation on why the military is publicizing Operation Moshtarak in the first place. These stories all contain grains of truth but none of them is even close to telling the real story. Here it is: when the Marines crossed the line of departure today, the battle for Marjah had already been won.
The inevitable dead -- [Greyhawk]
Afghan Civilians Killed in Offensive on Taliban
That headline could have been written before the operation started.
...But ISAF accepted responsibility, and admitted two rockets were launched at insurgents firing upon Afghan and ISAF forces, but impacted approximately 300 meters off their intended target, killing 12 civilians. In the aftermath, "the use of the HIMARS [High Mobility Artillery Rocket System] has been suspended until a thorough review of this incident has been conducted."
Caught in the chaos: Under fire in ambush by Taliban -- [NY Post]
BADULA QULP, Afghanistan -- "Medic!" Bullets cracked through the dry grass. "Medic!"
"Who's hit?" someone yelled. The American soldiers were pinned down in a ditch yesterday, bodies prone in the mud.
"I don't know!" another voice shouted in the din of gunfire.
A US soldier was down, shot in the chest by an insurgent near the besieged Taliban stronghold of Marjah. A Canadian soldier in the same patrol took a bullet in the front of his helmet, right where the center of his forehead was, like a bull's-eye. He was stunned, but unhurt.
MICHAEL YON SENDS THIS DISPATCH TO INSTAPUNDIT READERS -- [Instapundit/Michael Yon - in Afghanistan]
Last night a soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division was killed. The attack occurred just hours before the 82nd was to relieve 1-17th Infantry from duties in portions of the Arghandab River Valley near Kandahar.
Earlier that morning, soldiers from 1st Platoon, B-company (1-17th) had taken me on a short, easy mission out to a micro-base called "Brick 1." The Platoon leader was 1st Lieutenant Ryan Fadden, while SFC Dimico was the platoon sergeant. The platoon was ready. Despite the filthy environment, weapons were clean, the gear was sorted and the men were in good spirits and a businesslike frame of mind. They seemed confident. It looked like Lieutenant Fadden and SFC Dimico were on their jobs. The battalion had lost 21 men KIA during the first several months of combat--the Brigade lost 31. An article was about to be published in the Army Times which might lead one to believe that the 1-17th is not combat-ready. The author, Sean Naylor, is as highly respected as he is experienced, and so his words are taken seriously. Yet during my first week, despite serious stresses in some places, the men seemed ready.
And so ...
People, not politics -- [30 Days thru Afghanistan- in Afghanistan]
Kandahar | Day 7 - When I face a challenge, I have no choice but to stand up, face it, acknowledge it and talk about it.
There's no denying the fact there is a lot of politics surrounding Afghanistan. At the ground level, we are not a political entity; we are simply military service members from a bunch of different countries. With that said, it would be extremely easy to take our views and opinions and then attribute them, inappropriately, to the political will of an entire country.
I hope, over the course of these 30 Days, people across the world will understand that I and the people I'm talking to, have no desire to influence political opinions. I simply want to share the lives and perspective of the everyday service member.
Obama getting briefed on Afghanistan operation -- [AP]
A White House spokesman says President Barack Obama is keeping a close watch on combat operations in Afghanistan, getting multiple updates as thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers storm a Taliban stronghold, AP reported.
Afghanistan offensive is key test of Obama's strategy -- [Washington Post]
...In an acknowledgment of past mistakes, administration officials have emphasized that for the first time, U.S. and NATO forces are outnumbered by thousands of Afghan soldiers fighting alongside them. Unlike previous offensives, in which territory won from insurgents was later abandoned, the troops plan to clear the Taliban stronghold of Marja and hold it for as long as it takes to install a functioning local security system and government.
Taliban's mastermind of suicide attacks is alive -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
Qari Hussain Mehsud spoke to the media to take credit for last week's suicide attacks that killed policemen in Bannu. The Pakistani government had claimed that Qari Hussain was killed along with Hakeemullah Mehsud.
Winter in Kabul -- [Afghanistan My Last Tour - in Afghanistan]
...The side streets and sidewalks were filled with a lot of pedestrians. The vendors were taking advantage of the warm temperatures and set up their display carts. One man was balancing fresh Naan bread on his head, while others were struggling to push and pull their overloaded carts. The market area was extremely congested today and we had to
inch our way through it dodging people, bicycles, carts, motorcycles, and cars. It has been quite awhile since I last seen the market area so populated. The city dwellers moved about conducting their shopping and bargaining for the best prices. What really stands out is how many of them are dressed. Some still wear the traditional garb and blue burqas, while others were dressed smartly in suits, sports coats and shoes. Yes, most everyone is wearing shoes and giving their flip-flops a break.
Round Table Discussion -- [Afghanistan My Last Tour - in Afghanistan]
...In my attempt to understand the current state of affairs, I am trying to analyze the events of the past leading up to the present environment. But it's difficult to find historical testimony of what really transpired after the Soviets left and the vacuum of power that was eventually filled by the Taliban. Most people are reluctant to discuss the civil war that took place between the factions. Even in Khaled Hosseini's, The Kite Runner, he subtly refers to blood money without explanation. When I try to discuss this period with my ANA counterparts, they generally change the topic or offer little of value. It's almost like this is an issue of shame and perhaps only to be discussed and debated among their own people. Their nonverbal gestures speak volumes too. It's quite common when this topic is brought up, their eyes drift to the ground or they nervously clasp their hands together.
Taliban release video of 2 French hostages -- [AP]
The Taliban released a video Sunday of two French journalists kidnapped in Afghanistan in December pleading for their government to negotiate with their captors.
The video was posted on a Web site and the link was provided by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. On it, the two journalists plead for their release and urge French President Nicolas Sarkozy to negotiate quickly with their captors.
14 Feb 10 -- [Military Consciousness - in Afghanistan]
HAPPY VD to everyone! today we got some work done ... we swapped out a transmission on one of the ATVs, put all the other parts and pieces back together and got that bad boy up and running ...of course we had to take it for a test spin- runs like a champ...then I worked on the air brake system on one of our MRAPs-seems to be getting some moisture back in the brake chambers causing them to stick...since there is no preventive measure for this, I took off some of the air lines and sprayed some denatured alcohol in there -hopefully the alcohol will circulate around to prevent the moisture from freezing...after that I had a frozen ass-I was sitting under the truck where ice was melting and running down the concrete to my working space...all we have as a "garage" are is a roof about 20 feet high on top of some poles and a concrete pad...so all around the parking area is piles of snow...wet pants in the freezing cold is not a desired condition ...then, of course, we had to take the MRAP for a test drive...
No flight due to Georgia Snow Storm -- [Living In Harm's Way - heading to Afghanistan]
Yesterday they transferred our flight from Fort Benning Airfield to another airport in Atlanta, Georgia due to severely bad weather. Its reported that the snowstorm dumped 2 to 4 inches of snow leaving the area covered in icy roads. We boarded the aircraft only to find out that our flight will be delayed and then was instructed to depart from the aircraft, due to limited de-icing crews. Once off the aircraft, they transported all 251 of us, to the nearest Holiday Inn hotel, in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. We all got a good night's sleep and some hot breakfast before heading back to the airport for another try at departing the USA.
Winding Down -- [In the NARMY - in Iraq]
Well, our replacements finally arrived two days ago. About 10 days short, but better late than never, right? ...10 days is hardly enough time to train these guys. It's kind of like trying to drink from a fire hose. You'll get some of it, but most of it will blow right by. I'm sure these guys are anxious for us to get out of here so they can start doing there own thing. I just hope they use this week to listen to what we have to say and don't act like know-it-alls. If I here one guy say "I know", that will instantly conclude my training session. "You already know?", "Great, here's the keys good luck".
Clinton says U.S. fears Iran is becoming a military dictatorship -- [Washington Post]
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that the United States fears Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has gained enough power to potentially supplant the Tehran government.
Ahmadinejad: Give Us a Nuclear Status Equal to that of the Superpowers -- [MEMRI Blog]
In an interview for a Russian TV channel, Ahmadinejad demanded that the West grant his country a nuclear status equal to that of the superpowers, saying that Iran plays a crucial role in the running of the region and the world. He rejected the idea of enriching Iran's uranium outside the country, and added that the era of the nuclear bomb was over. After all, he explained, America's nuclear arsenal is of no use to it in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the NATO forces are close to defeat.
Obama's New OIC Envoy Defended Activist Who Aided Terrorist Group -- [CNS News]
President Obama's newly appointed envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference was quoted in 2004 as saying an American who aided a Palestinian terrorist group was the victim of "politically motivated persecutions" who was being used "to squash dissent."
Rashad Hussain was quoted as telling a Muslim students' event in Chicago that if U.S. Muslims did not speak out against the injustices taking place in America, then everyone's rights would be in jeopardy.
Australia's jihad attack plotters jailed up to 28 years -- [AFP]
Five Muslims who plotted an attack using guns and explosives to protest against Australia's part in the "war on terror" were jailed for up to 28 years Monday, after the country's longest extremism trial.
The men, who cannot be named, were convicted in October of gathering firearms, chemicals and bomb-making instructions, along with a mass of Islamist propaganda, for the attack on an unknown target.
A joint Arab force against Terror is needed -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
In a discussion with American and European legislators as well as with counter terrorism experts from the Arab world I suggested the formation of an "Anti-Terror Joint Force" as appropriate response to the expansion of Terror organizations both al Qaeda and Iranian backed, throughout the region. Over the past few years I gave briefings to the Anti-Terror Caucus of the US House of Representatives as well as to several defense agencies on how can such an initiative start among Arab Governments and expand later to Muslim countries. These countries in the Arab world are already fighting Terrorism in general and al Qaeda in particular. Yemen, Saudi, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, and several Gulf states. They are already confronting al Qaeda and Jihadi Takfiris in their homelands and in some cases they are fighting networks backed by the Iranian regime, as is the case in Yemen, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Hence an Arab leadership on counter terrorism is the best idea to put all these resources together. The creation of an Arab special forces corps would benefit all countries involved and would be backed by many Western countries.
1345 Heroes Waiting for Adoption -- [Soldiers' Angels]
Signing up to adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine is simple and takes only a few minutes. It is a commitment to send at least a letter each week and a care package each month throughout the service member's deployment.
Study Suggests More Veterans May Be Helped by Talking About Killing -- [NY Times]
...The study, published last week in The Journal of Traumatic Stress, found that soldiers who reported having killed in combat, or who gave orders that led to killing, were more likely to report the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, anger and relationship problems. The study was based on data from health assessments conducted on about 2,800 soldiers who returned from Iraq in 2005 and 2006.
Should Iraqis go to polls? -- [The News]
Seven years after the US-led invasion ushered in democracy, Iraqis making do with a few hours of power a day and living amid mounds of rubbish and pools of sewage wonder if they should vote in a March election.
"We don't trust the election or the candidates," Samir Salahuddin, a mechanic in the northern city of Kirkuk, said. "I am now searching for kerosene to warm my family during the night, yet we live in a country rich with oil." Election campaigning started on Friday with party workers putting up election advertisements across Baghdad. As in last year's provincial election, fierce competition is likely to turn cities into forests of banners and posters.
Ask America's 1st Sgt: Edition 2 -- [Castra Praetoria]
Tankerbabe asks: I've always been confused about Navy Corpsmen being so widely utilized by the Marines as medics. Please explain any reasons/history behind how this came about. Do Marines have medics or only utilize the Corpsmen?
Additionally, it is my understanding that Navy Corpsmen are widely considered Marines by the Marines. HELP!
The Marine Corps is a component of the Department of the Navy. When asked
741st EOD returns from Afghanistan -- [FOB Tacoma]
The citizen-soldiers of the 741st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion have returned from Afghanistan.
The 25 Washington National Guardsmen of the battalion's headquarters detachment were mobilized for a year and provided command and control for Task Force Paladin, the main counter-IED effort throughout the country. Bombs are by far the top killer of American and coalition troops throughout the country.
"My Last War" Wins 2009 DIY Book Festival -- [American Ranger]
I am proud to announce that my book, "My Last War: A Vietnam Veteran's Tour in Iraq," has won the 2009 DIY Book Festival.
The Book Festival news release follows:...
Biden Bickers with Cheney Across TV Airwaves - [USA Today]
Vice President Biden said his predecessor, Dick Cheney, is either "misinformed or ... misinforming" as the two sparred on separate Sunday news shows about Cheney's continued criticism of the Obama administration's handling of terror threats.
Cheney: Obama Team Should Say, 'Thank You, George Bush' -- [ABC News]
"If [the administration is] going to take credit for [Iraq's success], fair enough ... but it ought to come with a healthy dose of 'Thank you, George Bush' up front and a recognition that some of their early recommendations with respect to prosecuting that war were just dead wrong," Cheney told ABC News' Jonathan Karl.
Earlier Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that Cheney "either is misinformed or he is misinforming" about what policies have been most effective in combating terrorists.
In Middle East, Clinton asks for patience with U.S. strategy -- [Washington Post]
The secretary of state ventured to the Middle East this weekend to assuage doubts that have arisen over the Obama administration after an initial bout of euphoria that the new president could quickly break the stalemates within the region, and between Islam and the West.
Missile Defense Agency goes Hopey-Changey -- [CDR Salamander]
Can we agree that there is at least 1 thing that is 100% right and 100% wrong for the armed forces of a Representative Republic; the armed forces should never adopt in whole or in an obviously derivative manner any symbol of a domestic political party, organization, or movement?
...I know that seems harsh, even for me - but I do not care if you have the Obama for President logo tattooed on the tip of your John Thomas; you have to agree that the US military should not be even close to this. This habit has a very bad history and of all nations, ours should be the last where a military adjusts its heraldic items to reflect something involving political parties.
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