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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Jan 2005 [PDF]
• TWO SOLDIERS KILLED IN AL ANBAR PROVINCE
• IMEF SOLDIER DIES IN AL ANBAR PROVINCE
• DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
• DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
• DoD Identifies Army Casualties
• SOLDIER KILLED BY IED BLAST

• Transcript: Special Defense Department on MEF Operations in Iraq 18 Jan 2005 -- Lieutenant General John Sattler, Commander, Marine Expeditionary Force
• DoD Announces OEF/OIF Rotational Units 18 Jan 2005 --The Department of Defense announced today that the 1st and 2d Brigades of the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany, will deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom rotations scheduled to begin in mid-2005.
• Crackdown Continues on Insurgents AFPS 18 Jan 2005 -- Coalition and Iraqi forces continue their pre- election crackdown on insurgents, with military officials in Baghdad today reporting more suspects taken into custody and more illegal weapons seized.
• Defense Dept. Report, January 18: Operations in Fallujah, Iraq Washington File 18 Jan 2005 -- The commander of the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq says more than 140,000 Fallujans have returned to the city, and that attacks in the region are down very sharply.
• Insurgents in Iraq Show Video of Eight Chinese Hostages VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- Insurgents in Iraq have released a videotape of eight Chinese men allegedly being held as hostages.
• Shi'a Party Headquarters Bombed In Baghdad RFE/RL 18 Jan 2005 -- An attack by a car bomber outside the offices of Iraq's largest Shi'a political party killed two other people today.
• Multi-National Force-Iraq update: January 12, 2005 MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 200
• Task Force Danger Soldiers Detain Two at Checkpoint MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Task Force Danger Soldiers detained two individuals after finding a gunner's quadrant sight mine hidden in the engine compartment of their vehicle behind a cushion.
• One Insurgent Killed and One Wounded Near Tikrit MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- One insurgent was killed and another wounded after they fired on a vehicle and tower at a Multi-National Force base gate in Tikrit at 7:00 p.m., January 17.
• Task Force Danger Soldiers detain 11 MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Task Force Danger Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, detained 11 people during a series of raids near Hawija on Jan. 18.
• 201st Iraqi Army Battalion Discovers Weapon's Cache MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- An Iraqi Army Soldier identified a munitions round buried in the ground while conducting a joint patrol in Kadasia with Alpha Company, 1-112th Infantry, on Jan. 12. Members of the 201st Iraqi Army and Task Force 1-18 Infantry, secured the area and continued to investigate the area.
• ISF, JCC Defuse Situation, Detain AIF MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Iraqi Police from Khanaqin became engaged by six anti-Iraqi forces in two vehicles on Jan. 7. Bullets were shot at the Iraqi Police, who fled to a nearby Iraqi Army checkpoint.
• Multi-National Forces Thwart Insurgent Attacks MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Multi-National Forces killed five anti-Iraqi insurgents in northern Iraq on Jan. 17.
• Multi-National Forces, Iraqi Security Forces Detain Nine MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), and Iraqi Security Forces confiscated weapons and ammunition, and detained nine people during operations in northern Iraq on Jan. 18.
• Multi-National Forces Detain Four and Seize Bomb Equipment MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division confiscated bomb equipment and detained four individuals during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
• Search, seizures Continue to Increase as Elections Near MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), detained 12 people during operations in northern Iraq on Jan. 18.
• Soldiers Discover Partial Remains of Iraqi Police Officer in Khalis MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- First Infantry Division Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, discovered the remains of an Iraqi police officer at the bus station in Khalis about 10:00 a.m on Jan. 18.
• Search, Seizures Continue to Increase as Elections Near MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), detained 12 individuals during operations in northern Iraq on Jan. 18.
• Iraqi Soldiers Defeat & Capture Attacking AIF MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Soldiers from the Iraqi army's 3rd Division captured 10 anti-Iraq forces during a security patrol southeast of Rabia Jan. 17.
• Iraqi Security Forces Find TNT and Weapons MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Iraqi Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 8th Battalion of the Iraqi Intervention Force working with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force near Fallujah found a 55-gallon drum filled with flaked TNT, a 152mm artillery round, two 120mm mortar rounds and one sniper rifle Jan. 18.
• Car Bomb Wounds Six in Central Baghdad MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers responded to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonation about 8:50 a.m. on Jan. 18.
• Iraqi civilian Killed Trying to Drive Through a Checkpoint MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- An Iraqi civilian was killed and two others were wounded when they tried speeding their truck through a Multi-National Force checkpoint on Jan. 17 in northern Iraq.
• One IP Officer Killed, Three Wounded in Mortar Attack MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- One Iraqi police officer was killed and three others were wounded when anti-Iraqi forces attacked the Mufrek police station near Baqubah with mortars at about 11:14 a.m. Seven mortar rounds exploded in the vicinity of the police station.
• More Troops Arrive to Bolster Security MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Hundreds of Soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived in Mosul Jan. 16.
• Early Morning Raid Nets Large Cache of Munitions and Explosives South of Baghdad MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- A cordon and search operation in the north Babil region south of the Iraqi capital uncovered a wide array of weapons, explosives and munitions Jan. 18.
• Two IEDs uncovered by Task Force Baghdad Soldiers MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers uncovered two improvised explosive devices (IED) Jan.18, one in eastern Baghdad and another on the west side.
• Iraqi Forces Discover Weapons Cache in Fallujah MNF-I/MNC-I 18 Jan 2005 -- Soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi Intervention Force discovered a weapons cache in northern Fallujah today.
• Fighting Bengals deploy to Iraq USMC News 18 Jan 2005 -- The Marines and Sailors of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 departed the Air Station for the Bengal's first deployment to Iraq.
• Helmly hears concerns of Reserve troops in Kuwait Army News 18 Jan 2005 -- Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. James Helmly visited Camp Doha, Kuwait, Jan. 17 to hold a town-hall style meeting with troops from several Reserve units deployed to the region.

• AFGHANISTAN: Review of 2004 IRIN 18 Jan 2005 -- There was some progress in Afghanistan in 2004, the highlight being the presidential election on 9 October but a vicious circle of extreme poverty, warlordism, opium production and insecurity continued in most parts of the country. The poll passed off largely peacefully and marked an important milestone in the country's transition from decades of war and internal conflict to a stable, democratic country where human rights are respected.

• BHR's Combat Cargo Keeps Humanitarian Assistance Moving Navy NewsStand 18 Jan 2005 -- Combat Cargo division aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) has moved on average almost 100 tons daily of badly needed supplies on and off the multipurpose amphibious assault ship since the beginning of Operation Unified Assistance.
• BHR, 15th MEU Moves More Than 102 Tons of Aid Ashore in Sumatra Navy NewsStand 18 Jan 2005 -- In support of Operation Unified Assistance, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit delivered 102 tons of badly needed humanitarian aid to tsunami victims on the Indonesian island of Sumatra Jan. 14.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Saipan ESG To Deploy To Caribbean For Humanitarian Assistance Exercise Navy NewsStand 18 Jan 2005 -- USS Saipan (LHA 2) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) will deploy Jan. 19 for approximately two months to the Caribbean. During the deployment, Saipan ESG will support a humanitarian assistance exercise in Haiti entitled New Horizons.
• Marine Corps to increase manpower by 3,000 USMC News 18 Jan 2005 -- The Marine Corps is expanding its end strength by 3,000 Marines. The increase from 175,000 Marines to 178,000 Marines is directed in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act Fiscal Year 2005, passed Oct. 8, 2004.
• Lejeune Marines urged to not waste money on upcoming deployments USMC News 18 Jan 2005 -- When Marines hear they will be deploying to Iraq, some begin preparing for their upcoming deployment, months in advance, by purchasing what they view as gear needed to effectively complete the mission.
• Disaster Could Mean Closer U.S.-Indonesia Military Ties AFPS 18 Jan 2005 -- U.S. officials are looking at ways to help Indonesia deal with the effects of the Dec. 26 tsunami without violating sanctions imposed on the country over human rights abuses in East Timor from 1999 to 2001.
• United States Converting Military Ship to Science Vessel Washington File 18 Jan 2005 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is turning a former Navy ship into the only U.S. government ship dedicated to exploring Earth's oceans.

• Colombian Defendant Pleads Guilty on Attempting to Export Arms Washington File 18 Jan 2005 -- A Colombian arms trafficker has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Florida to charges that he attempted to export arms to a Colombian paramilitary group, announced the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agency (ICE).

• White House Daily Briefing, January 18 Washington File 18 Jan 2005 -- President's schedule, Clear mandate for second term, Advancing freedom in the world, Vote in Iraq, Role of Middle East leaders in Iraq election, Dr. Rice confirmation hearings, Inaugural pageantry, Latin American policy, Inaugural speech, Government involvement in people's lives, Constitutional amendment on marriage, President's agenda/Democratic support, Social Security, Chinese workers abducted in Iraq, Iran nuclear capability

• CONGRESS - RICE VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- President Bush's nominee to head the U.S. State Department, Condoleezza Rice, faced tough questions from Democrats about the Bush administration's Iraq policy during confirmation hearings before a Senate panel Tuesday.
• RICE-VENEZUELA-LATAM VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice, at her Senate confirmation hearings Tuesday, accused the Venezuelan government of President Hugo Chavez of meddling in the affairs of its neighbors. She said a thrust of her tenure as Secretary of State will be to hold accountable Latin American leaders who fail to uphold democracy.
• Rice-Syria-Mideast VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice warned Syria Tuesday it faces a long-term rift with the United States with its links to terrorism and alleged support for the Iraq insurgency. In Senate confirmation hearings, Ms. Rice also urged Arab states to boost aid to the new Palestinian Authority leadership of Mahmoud Abbas.
• Rice-Iran-North Korea VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice Tuesday urged international unity in insisting that Iran and North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. She said if the current European initiative with Iran falters, the matter should go to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.
• Senate Confirmation Hearings Open for Secretary of State Nominee Condoleezza Rice VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has opened confirmation hearings for President Bush's nominee to head the State Department, Condoleezza Rice.

Defense Industry

• DEEPWATER'S SECOND MARITIME SECURITY CUTTER UNDER CONTRACT AND FIRST VESSEL AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Lockheed Martin 18 Jan 2005 -- As part of its sweeping modernization program, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) a contract to begin production and delivery of the Deepwatersecond Maritime Security Cutter, Large (WMSL, formerly called the National Security Cutter). The Deepwater program is the U.S. Coast Guard’s modernization program that will replace aging equipment with advanced technology and increased capability. Progress on this latest program award is well underway as long lead material has already been ordered to facilitate start of fabrication.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 18 Jan 2005
• PRESS CONFERENCE BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 18 Jan 2005
• SUDAN: Cairo deal to help consolidate peace IRIN 18 Jan 2005 -- The agreement signed by the Sudanese government and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday will further consolidate the peace accord signed with the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) on 9 January, sources said.
• SUDAN: Fragile peace despite southern agreement IRIN 18 Jan 2005 -- The recent signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) has raised hopes that war in the south could end soon, but prospects for lasting peace across the country remain fragile, analysts said.
  
  
• France Scales Back Ivory Coast Troops VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- The head of France's rapid-reaction force in divided Ivory Coast says French troops will begin scaling back its presence now that U.N. peacekeepers are fully operational.
• Maoist Rebels Halt Peace Talks in Southern India VOA News 18 Jan 2005 -- In the southern India state of Andhra Pradesh, Maoist rebels have called off peace talks with the government. The rebel announcement has ended hopes of ending one of the country's long-running conflicts.

News Reports

• Press BRIEFING ON TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORT United Nations 18 Jan 2005
• Tsunami devastation in Indonesia 'truly staggering', UN teams find UN News Centre 18 Jan 2005 -- As the United Nations General Assembly held a plenary session in New York today on the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, teams in the field painted a "truly staggering" picture of "enormous devastation" and the "enormous extent of human suffering" in Sumatra, Indonesia, the area the most ravaged by last month's disaster.
• UN / TSUNAMI RELIEF VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- The United Nations has received nearly 200-million dollars cash in response to its appeal for immediate aid to countries hit by the Asian tsunami. Another 550-million dollars in quick cash assistance has been pledged and is said to be on the way. The campaign to raise nearly one billion dollars in emergency aid has reached the three-quarters point.

• UKRAINE RESULTS VOA 18 Jan 2005 -- Ukraine's Supreme Court has lifted a ban on the official publication of election results from the December 26th re-run presidential election. The decision clears the way for the inauguration of a new president.
• PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENCY OF EUROPEAN UNION United Nations 18 Jan 2005
• BAE SYSTEMS RAD750 Microprocessor To Help NASA Study Comet BAE Systems 18 Jan 2005 -- BAE Systems radiation-hardened microprocessors have begun a six-month, 83-million mile journey on NASAs Deep Impact mission to study the nucleus of comet Tempel 1. The mission was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on January 12.