January 2011 - Iraq Special Weapons News

Iraqi Army drives into future with M1A1 Abrams tanks Army News 31 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers with C/1-18th Infantry worked with Iraqi Army 9th Armored Division soldiers during M1A1 Abrams tank drivers training.
7th Sustainment Brigade case colors for deployment to Afghanistan, Iraq Army News 31 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers of the 7th Sustainment Brigade stood shoulder to shoulder for a deployment ceremony.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 31 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Fort Riley troops ready to get home after year in Iraq Army News 29 Jan 2011 -- About 3,000 Soldiers deployed with the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division last year have worked nearly every weekday and weekend alike.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 28 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Vatican Urges Action To Keep Iraq's Christians From Leaving RFE/RL 27 Jan 2011 -- The Vatican's ambassador to Iraq, Archbishop Georgio Lingua, has called for action to be taken to help Christians stay in the Middle East, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports.
Iraqi Central Bank, Election Body Slam Court Ruling RFE/RL 27 Jan 2011 -- Officials of the Iraqi Central Bank and the independent electoral commission have criticized a Supreme Court ruling that links the two bodies to the cabinet, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraqi (RFI) reports.
UN reparations panel for invasion of Kuwait pays out $680 million UN News Centre 27 Jan 2011 -- The United Nations commission that settles damage claims in connection to Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait today made $680 million available to nine successful claimants.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 27 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Iraqi Air Force College trains pilots and ground support officers AFNS 26 Jan 2011 -- For future pilots and ground support officers, the gateway to Iraqi air power opened Sept. 1, 2010, at the Iraqi Air Force College here.
Iraqi Army Chemical Defense Regiment proves capable Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- The Iraqi Army's Chemical Defense Regiment conducted capability exercises at Camp Taji late November through early December 2010.
Iraqi Army Signal School provides tactical capability Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- As the Iraqi Army works to lessen its reliance on commercial radios and increase usage of tactical systems, the Iraqi Army Signal School at Camp Taji trains Soldiers to man those tactical radios in its 90-day Basic Communications Course.
School enhances Iraqi Armor officers communications capabilities Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- A wing within the Iraqi Armor School at Camp Taji is not training its officers how to shoot or move. Its focus instead is on teaching them how to communicate.
Cadre prepare to assume M1A1 program instruction Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi Army M1A1 Tank Familiarization Course cadre are preparing to instruct and operate their own M1A1 program at the Besmaya Combat Training Center with assistance from United States Forces-Iraq.
Iraq Infantry School conducts mortar live-fire at BCTC Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- Iraq Infantry School instructors led a two-day Basic 81mm Mortar Course live-fire exercise at the Besmaya Combat Training Center as part of the culminating exercise to a 21-day course in late November 2010.
Iraqi IED technicians expand knowledge in EOD procedures Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- In mid 2010, the Baghdad Hawk Counter Explosive Team, or CET, uncovered an indirect fire launch site in Karada, a city neighborhood known for its ethnic diversity and consumerism, and where extremists had already launched two rockets targeting the International Zone.
Iraqi Army Commandos hone skills Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- As the Iraqi Army continues to train while fighting an insurgency, battle tested Soldiers are relocated away from the fight in order to perfect their skills and ensure success in battle.
Iraqi Army officers build digital exercises, operations Army News 26 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi Army officers are studying how to create interactive, digital worlds within software that United States Forces-Iraq instructors and advisors refer to as "the game."
Iraq Drafts Plan To Help IDPs, Refugees RFE/RL 26 Jan 2011 -- A senior Iraqi official for migration issues says the government plans to resolve the problem of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within a year and create conditions to encourage the return of refugees from neighboring countries, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq (RFI) reports.
Iraqi Prison Official Denies Abuse At Baghdad Detention Center RFE/RL 26 Jan 2011 -- A senior official in charge of Iraqi prisons has denied a report that special forces linked to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki run a detention center where detainees are subject to abuse, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports.
UN refugee chief appeals for $280 million to assist vulnerable Iraqis UN News Centre 26 Jan 2011 -- The United Nations refugee chief today announced an inter-agency appeal for $280 million to support over 190,000 Iraqi refugees living in the region, the majority in Syria and Jordan.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 26 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Airmen keep COB Speicher connected to the world AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Airmen are an integral part of Operation New Dawn and joint operations throughout Iraq. The communications site, or Task Force Palmetto, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher is no exception.
III Corps commander discusses drawdown of American troops in Iraq Army News 25 Jan 2011 -- As the III Corps mission in Iraq winds down and the Soldiers prepare to return to Central Texas, Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, USF-I deputy commanding general for operations and III Corps commander, highlighted the positive impact the unit has had during its year-long deployment, and the challenges still facing Iraq as they prepare to depart.
Iraq inquiry compromised by ‘insider’ appointment, says Welsh MP IRNA 25 Jan 2011 -- The appointment of a Cabinet Office insider to a senior position at the Iraq inquiry has left it 'flawed and compromised', according to Elfyn Llwyd, the parliamentary leader of the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 25 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Assistant Secretary of Air Force visits Baghdad AFNS 24 Jan 2011 -- Airmen deployed to Iraq in 2011 will play a historic role as U.S. military forces drawdown under the 2008 bilateral security agreement, said a senior Pentagon official.
Iraq: UN refugee chief proposes government-led plan to end displacement UN News Centre 24 Jan 2011 -- The UN’s top refugee official has proposed a government-led plan of action to enable thousands of displaced Iraqis to return to their homes in the Middle Eastern country.
IAAC adds four Mi-171E helicopters to inventory Army News 24 Jan 2011 -- The Iraq Army Aviation Command accepted delivery of four new Mi-171E helicopters at its headquarters in Taji, as two were delivered Jan. 16 followed two more Jan. 23.
Car Bombs Kill 18 People in Iraq's Shi’ite Holy City VOA 24 Jan 2011 -- At least 18 people were killed and dozens wounded after two car bombs exploded in the Shi’ite holy city of Karbala, Iraq. The blasts appeared to target Shi’ite pilgrims during a major religious celebration.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 24 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Bombings Around Baghdad Kill 8 VOA 23 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a series of bombings in and near Baghdad has killed eight people and wounded about 30 others.
Iraqi Cleric Muqtada Sadr Leaves for Iran Again VOA 22 Jan 2011 -- After his triumphant return to Iraq on January 5, an aide to firebrand anti-U.S. cleric Moqtada al-Sadr says Sadr has gone back to Iran, where he has spent more than three and a half years studying in the Shi’ite theological center of Qom. Analysts are debating the implications of Sadr’s latest move.
Former British PM Testifies Before Iraq Inquiry VOA 21 Jan 2011 -- Former BM Blair pledged his country's support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq despite being told by his gov's top lawyer that attacking would be illegal.
Blair Returns For Second Round in Iraq Inquiry VOA 21 Jan 2011 -- Britain's former PM Blair has told an inquiry into the Iraq war that he pledged Britain’s support for the U.S.-led invasion a year before the war in Iraq began.
Blair Tells Panel He Disregarded Legal Advice On Iraq RFE/RL 21 Jan 2011 -- Former British PM Blair has revealed that he pledged support for a military operation against Iraq's Saddam Hussein despite legal concerns.
Blair arrives early at Iraq inquiry to avoid protests IRNA 21 Jan 2011 -- For the second time, former prime minister Tony Blair arrived over two hours early to avoid the ferocity of protests when being recalled to give evidence to the Iraq war inquiry on Friday.
Iraq: UN envoy condemns deadly attack on pilgrims in Karbala UN News Centre 20 Jan 2011 -- The UN envoy to Iraq strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack against Shi'ite pilgrims near the holy city of Karbala.
Iraqi Security Forces Respond to Bomb Attacks AFPS 20 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi security forces are handling the country’s response to a spate of terrorist bombing attacks.
Dozens Killed in Karbala Bombings VOA 20 Jan 2011 -- At least 50 people have been killed in two suicide car bombings outside the Shi'ite holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq.
Officials: 50 Dead In Twin Bombings In Iraq RFE/RL 20 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say two car bombs have killed at least 50 people on the outskirts of the Shi'ite shrine city of Karbala.
1st Infantry Division uncases colors at Fort Riley Army News 20 Jan 2011 -- The colors of the 1st Infantry Division were uncased Jan. 20 at a ceremony on Fort Riley, signifying the return of the unit's headquarters to Fort Riley.
Cameron Pressures Blair to Release Secret Letters to Bush VOA 20 Jan 2011 -- British PM Cameron is appealing to Tony Blair, to release secret documents from the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
M113, M88 work begins for ANAD Foreign Military Sales to Iraq Army News 20 Jan 2011 -- Vehicle production began here Jan. 12 on a Foreign Military Sales case facilitated recently by the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 20 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Iraq: UN envoy condemns deadly attack against police recruits UN News Centre 19 Jan 2011 -- The United Nations envoy in Iraq has strongly condemned a terrorist attack against police recruits in the town of Tikrit.
Suicide Attack on Iraqi Security Forces Kills 12 VOA 19 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber driving an ambulance killed at least 12 people in an attack on a security service center in Diyala province.
Iraq inquiry prevented from publishing Blair's notes to Bush IRNA 19 Jan 2011 -- The Iraq inquiry has expressed its disappointment at the refusal by the British government to allow the publication.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 19 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Suicide Bomber Kills In Iraq at Least 50, Wounds 150 VOA 18 Jan 2011 -- A suicide-bomber blew himself up in the midst of a crowd of aspiring police recruits in the Sunni-Arab town of Tikrit.
Suicide Bomber Kills 50 Outside Iraqi Police Recruiting Center VOA 18 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowd of police recruits, killing 50 people and wounding at least 150 others.
Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 50 In Iraq RFE/RL 18 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least 50 people and wounded some 150 others in a crowd of people seeking jobs with Iraq's security forces.
Blair faces more questioning on legality of Iraq war IRNA 18 Jan 2011 -- Former PM Blair is to be further challenged about the legality of the Iraq invasion when he is recalled for a second time at the inquiry into 2003 war.
Drawdown brings non-standard equipment mission to Sierra Army News 18 Jan 2011 -- As the stage was set for the Iraq War effort to be drawn down, the creation of the non-standard-equipment mission began.
UN refugee agency concerned over Sweden's reported plan to deport Iraqis UN News Centre 18 Jan 2011 -- The UN refugee agency voiced concern over reports that Sweden planned to send about 25 Iraqis back to Baghdad.
UNHCR Urges Sweden Not to Deport Iraqis VOA 18 Jan 2011 -- The UN refugee agency is concerned by reports Sweden plans to forcibly deport 25 Iraqis to Baghdad on Wednesday.
Suicide Bomber Wounds At Least Six Iraqis, Misses Governor RFE/RL 17 Jan 2011 -- A suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden car in a convoy carrying the governor of Iraq's western Anbar Province.
'Lightning' battalion Soldiers train Iraqi Army personal security detachment Army News 17 Jan 2011 -- Many different training scenarios conducted by 3/A/1-7th Field Artillery during a tactics, techniques and procedures class taught to their Iraqi Army counterparts.
Deployed aviation troops man state of art operations center Army News 17 Jan 2011 -- The walls of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division's tactical operations center are covered mostly in maps.
Black Hawk crews keep VIPs safe, mobile around Iraq Army News 17 Jan 2011 -- An Army Black Hawk helicopter company flying out of Camp Taji, Iraq, is charged with moving military and civilian VIPs between U.S. bases.
Background Briefing by Senior Administration Official on the Vice President's Trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq The White House 14 Jan 2011
Trip Enabled Biden to Spotlight Troops, Official Says AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Vice President Joe Biden’s trip this week to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan gave him a chance to spotlight deployed U.S. forces.
Al-Qaeda Suspects Escape Iraqi Prison RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials were quoted today as saying a dozen suspected Al-Qaeda militants have escaped from a prison in the southern city of Al-Basrah.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 14 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Biden Promises Responsible Drawdown in Iraq AFPS 13 Jan 2011 -- After meeting in Iraq today with its new governmental leaders and with U.S. officials, Vice President Joe Biden promised deployed U.S. service members the United States will draw down its forces in a way that preserves their achievements and honors the sacrifices made there.
IRAQ: Enforced disappearances - "a long-term challenge" IRIN 13 Jan 2011 -- Asma Al-Haidari, an Amman-based Iraqi human rights analyst and advocate, says the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in Iraq touches the whole population, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or religious belief.
Biden In Baghdad, With Troop Talks On Agenda RFE/RL 13 Jan 2011 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Iraq for talks with Iraqi leaders about the future of U.S. troops in the country as they prepare to leave the country at the end of 2011.
Biden, Iraqi Leaders Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties VOA 13 Jan 2011 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad Thursday, just hours after arriving in the Iraqi capital.
Airmen build foundation of Iraqi air force AFNS 12 Jan 2011 -- In an effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between Iraq and U.S., Airmen assigned to the 821st Expeditionary Training Squadron here are helping the Iraqi government and its people develop a stable and self-reliant air force for their nation.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 12 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Civil engineers restore electricity to village AFNS 11 Jan 2011 -- For the past three months, inhabitants of Bakir village, Iraq, were without power, but members of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, contractors and local Iraqi electricians worked together to install new high-voltage cable to restore electricity.
US Soldiers teach Iraqi Army proper ambush reaction techniques Army News 11 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trained Iraqi soldiers to react to an enemy ambush at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center (GWTC), here, Jan. 5.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 11 Jan 2011 [PDF]
'Dragon' battalion Soldiers train IA on combat life saving Army News 10 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi Army soldiers completed training in combat life-saving techniques during a two-day course taught by Soldiers from the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
Airmen develop Iraqi documentation and media exploitation capacity AFNS 10 Jan 2011 -- Forty joint expeditionary tasking Airmen, along with other members of the Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Tactical Documentation and Media Exploitation Team in Iraq, are helping Iraqi government officials to establish their own documentation and media exploitation mission.
Iraqi airmen fly record number of aircraft AFNS 10 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi air force pilots flew a record number of aircraft during the annual Iraqi Army Day Parade Jan. 6 at the International Zone here.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 10 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Clinton in Gulf for Talks on Iran, Iraq VOA 09 Jan 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has begun a five-day visit to the Gulf region aimed at persuading Arab allies to tighten nuclear sanctions on Iran, and to enhance their ties with Iraq’s newly formed government. She says Arab allies should stay focused on Iran despite reports its nuclear weapons drive may have slowed.
Iraq to buy $26 billion worth of armaments from United States RIA Novosti 09 Jan 2011 -- Iraq will buy armaments worth $13 billion from the United States by 2013 and will spend another $13 bn on weapons later, a Baghdad newspaper reported citing an Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman.
Al-Sadr Urges Iraqis To Support New Government RFE/RL 08 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on Iraqis to give the country's new government a chance in his first public speech since returning home from exile.
Moqtada al-Sadr Tells Followers He Supports New Iraqi Government VOA 08 Jan 2011 -- Anti-U.S. cleric Moqtada al-Sadr addressed his followers in the Iraqi city of Najaf Saturday after returning from a nearly four-year stint studying Shi’ite theology in Iran.
'Torch' element departs for Iraq Army News 07 Jan 2011 -- Early morning Sunday, 25 Sky Dragon troopers mustered for the manifest that will carry them from Fort Bragg to duty stations in Kuwait and Iraq as the command group's first boots forward in its deployment to Operation New Dawn.
TMC keeps Soldiers mission ready while deployed Army News 07 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, operate the troop medical clinic; providing for the physical and behavioral health care needs of Soldiers at Contingency Operating Site Marez.
Cougars return home after year in Kuwait Army News 07 Jan 2011 -- The ETA changed throughout the day, but the plane with 107 Soldiers of the 62nd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Company arrived the evening of Dec. 16 in plenty of time for the holidays.
Return Of Iraq's Prodigal Son? RFE/RL 07 Jan 2011 -- As Muqtada al-Sadr traveled to the sacred Shi'ite shrine of Imam Ali on January 5, he was greeted by ecstatic shouts of "Long live the leader!"
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 07 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Firebrand Iraqi Cleric Tells Followers To Curb Enthusiasm RFE/RL 06 Jan 2011 -- Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, returning to Iraq after four years of Iran-based exile, has urged his followers to remain calm.
Iraq's al-Sadr Urges Calm From Supporters VOA 06 Jan 2011 -- Anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has urged his supporters to "exercise discipline" while celebrating his return to Iraq.
Cavalry Soldiers help train Iraqi Army Army News 06 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, began training Iraqi soldiers at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Jan. 3.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 06 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Anti-American Shi'ite Cleric Al-Sadr Returns to Iraq VOA 05 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has returned to Iraq, after a nearly three-year absence.
Iran advocates withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, Salehi says IRNA 05 Jan 2011 -- Caretaker of Foreign Ministry Salehi said that Iran advocates withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq at the earliest.
Iran's New Foreign Minister Visits Iraq to Shore Up Ties VOA 05 Jan 2011 -- Iran's new acting foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, is visiting Iraq on his first trip to an Arab state since taking the job last month.
New IA training site opens in Iraq Army News 05 Jan 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to 1-9th Cavalry began training Iraqi Soldiers at al-Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center Jan. 3.
Security forces advisers provide advanced training for Iraqi airmen AFNS 05 Jan 2011 -- Airmen deployed in support of Operation New Dawn recently trained Iraqi security forces airmen several advanced techniques for one-on-one confrontations.
Iraqi emergency units complete EMT training Army News 05 Jan 2011 -- Iraqis with the Iraqi Emergency Security Unit completed emergency medical technician training, Dec. 28, after five weeks of coursework with U.S. Army medics.
IRAQ: New government plans to tackle population displacements IRIN 05 Jan 2011 -- Iraq’s new government plans to tackle internal displacement and closely monitor and assist Iraqi refugees abroad.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 05 Jan 2011 [PDF]
New helicopters help build IA aviation skills Army News 04 Jan 2011 -- Arrival of three Bell T-407 training helicopters at Camp Taji will help train qualified Iraqi Army pilots to operate and maintain the helicopters.
Iraq loses $1bln through corruption in 2010 RIA Novosti 04 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi economy lost about $1 billion in 2010 due to high level of corruption among state officials, the country's chief corruption fighter said Monday.
Spanish Court Opens Probe Into Iraq Killings RFE/RL 04 Jan 2011 -- A Spanish judge has opened a probe into Iraqi security forces accused of killing 11 members of an Iranian exile group in 2009.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 04 Jan 2011 [PDF]
'Lightning' battalion senior enlisted leaders forge partnership with Iraqi Federal Police Army News 03 Jan 2011 -- One of the major efforts of the U.S. advise and assist mission in Iraq has been the development of a strong and capable noncommissioned officer corps.
'Dragon' battalion teaches Iraqi Army Soldiers map reading, land navigation skills Army News 03 Jan 2011 -- December has been a busy month for Soldiers with Company B, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division - Center. The first week of the month was a flurry of activity, as the company transitioned into its new role in Iraq while training, advising and assisting their Iraqi Security Forces partners.
Iraqi soldiers complete commando training Army News 03 Jan 2011 -- Pvt. Salah Kahdumm, a 25-year-old soldier assigned to the 11th Iraqi Army Division, recently finished a nearly three-week-long commando school. He's ready for the challenge it will bring.
Iraqi commandos trained, ready Army News 03 Jan 2011
Suicide Bomber Kills 1, Wounds 28 in Iraq VOA 03 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber has attacked a police intelligence office northeast of Baghdad, killing one person and wounding at least 28 others.
OIF/OEF Casualty Update 03 Jan 2011 [PDF]
Combined Forces Air Component Commander 2007-2010 Airpower Statistics as of 31 December 2010 USAFCENT Public Affairs Directorate January 2010

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2011 - Iraq Special Weapons News