16 November 2008 Military News

Nov. 15 airpower summary: C-17s move tons of cargo AFNS 16 Nov 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
PRESS CONFERENCE: MNF-I Update: Maj. Gen. Zamzow, Maj. Gen. al-Mawla, Nov. 16, 2008 MNF-I 16 Nov 2008 -- Maj. Gen. Mark R. Zamzow and Maj. Gen. Mudhar al-Mawla provide an update
Troops in Iraq Kill Two Suspected Terrorists, Capture 14, Seize Weapons AFPS 16 Nov 2008 -- Coalition and Iraqi forces killed two suspected terrorists, captured 14 others and seized dozens of weapons In Iraq the past three days, military officials said.
CTF 55 Helps Provide Security in the Gulf Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2008 -- Men and women of Destroyer Squadron 50 are helping secure the Persian Gulf as Commander Task Force (CTF) 55, directing Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOO).
Marines Maintain Vigilance on Syrian Border USMC News 16 Nov 2008 -- Reserve Marines from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here drove more than 200 miles Nov. 9 to conduct a security patrol and inspect construction of new Iraqi forts along the country’s border with Syria

Afghan President Guarantees Taliban Leader's Safety for Peace Talks VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai says he will ensure Mullah Omar's safety should the fugitive Taliban leader want to come out of hiding for peace talks.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Concludes Operations in 7th Fleet AOR Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2008 -- The six ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group concluded military operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) Nov. 14.
USS Constitution Celebrates More than Two Centuries of Service Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2008 -- The crew of USS Constitution - the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world - celebrated the ship's 211th birthday and recognized the performance of her Sailors Oct. 21.
Submarine Crew Accomplishes Mission, Earns Quals During Extended Patrol Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2008 -- The crew of the USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Blue) reached several milestones during its 40th strategic patrol, which ended in October.

Israeli Air Strike Kills More Palestinians in Gaza VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- Four Palestinian militants have been killed in an upsurge of violence in and around the Gaza Strip. Robert Berger reports from the VOA bureau in Jerusalem.
UN Envoy Meets Rebels as New Fighting Flares in DRC VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- The U.N.'s special envoy on Congo began talks Sunday with the Democratic Republic of Congo's main rebel leader, as heavy fighting erupted in the eastern part of the country.
Somali President Says Government Near Collapse VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- Somalia's president says insurgents now control most of the country, and that the government is close to collapse.
Islamists Taking Over Somalia VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- Somalia’s hardline Shebab Group took over the southern port of Merka, giving Islamist militants control of most of Somalia.

Somali Pirates Free Ship, Seize Another VOA 16 Nov 2008 -- Somali pirates have hijacked a chemical tanker with 23 crew members on board, soon after releasing another ship for which they received a ransom.