Saddam Hussein is captured. It is certainly a feather in President Bush's cap. Just this morning I was wondering what happened to the search for both Hussein and Osama bin Laden. One man down and another to go.

In the picture in the New York Times, he has a long beard and looks very tired. It appears he was able to keep some dignity, though he was found in a hole. It seems appropriate that Hussein be treated with dignity as a former head of state.

He was captured with $750,000 and a handgun in a hole beneath a walled compound in Ad Dwar, 10 miles from Tikrit. Two other Iraqis were captured at the same time with AK-47's. Hussein surrendered without a fight, apparently resigned to his capture. His identity was confirmed with a DNA test. It is not clear where they got the DNA to compare to, however.

At news of the announcement, Iraqis across the country celebrated by dancing in the streets.

What this means for violent resistance to US occupation is unclear. Hussein was not captured with any communications equipment, leading military observers to conclude he was not coordinating the insurgency. This means that the insurgency is decentralized and will likely continue for some time. He is apparently being talkative and cooperating with his captors, so much more information will probably come to light regarding coordination of the insurgency, other Baathists still at large, and, importantly for President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, WMD's.

He will likely be tried for his crimes, but it is unclear what powers will sit in judgment. Members of the Iraqi Governing Council expect him to be turned over to an Iraqi tribunal formed to try former Baathists for their crimes.

Life has been very hectic for me over the past month. I moved to a new city the day after my 40th birthday. I began a slightly new job for the same company in a new city, so there was a lot of setup for that as well as moving all my stuff into an apartment.

I have not really paid a lot of attention to current events, but this caught my eye.

It seems the Bush Administration screwed up again. The day after the Paul Wolfowitz at the Pentagon announced that France, Germany, Russia and Canada will be cut out of any contracts in Iraq, the President asked those countries to forgive Iraq's debt to them. Bush was described as "distinctly unhappy" that he had to deal with foreign leaders who had just found out about being excluded from contracts.

Bush's unhappiness is understandable, given that the pentagon just threw away the administration's bargaining chips for dealing with Iraq's debt. In addition, this is likely to set back further the improvement of already strained relations with the anti-Iraq coalition governments.

Wolfowitz claims that the policy is not punitive, but forward looking. According to the directive, "Limiting competition for prime contracts will encourage the expansion of international cooperation in Iraq and in future efforts." Also, limiting the competition will "encourage the continued cooperation of coalition members." Talking Points Memo, December 10, 2003

The conflicting directives coming out of the Bush administration are tearing the government apart, as well as hampering reconstruction in Iraq and trampling 50-plus-year-old alliances with France, Germany and Canada. Josua Marshall at Talking Points Memo put forth an idea, tongue firmly in cheek. That is that we need a new executive branch foreign policy coordinator to "ride herd" over interagency disputes. Marhsall also suggested a name for the position, something like National Security Advisor. He has a point. I have given Condoleeza Rice the benefit of the doubt for a long time, but the breakdown of cooperation between the State Department, CIA, Pentagon and the Vice-President's office should never have happened, especially when all of these agencies needed to be united to fight an overseas war. Rice just has not been able to keep them all in line. Perhaps it is time to start looking elsewhere for someone who can.

Here is a great article David Rieff in the New York Times Magazine that analyses the causes of the postwar mess in Iraq. The conclusion says it all:

Call it liberation or occupation, a dominating American presence in Iraq was probably destined to be more difficult, and more costly in money and in blood, than administration officials claimed in the months leading up to the war. But it need not have been this difficult. Had the military been as meticulous in planning its strategy and tactics for the postwar as it was in planning its actions on the battlefield, the looting of Baghdad, with all its disastrous material and institutional and psychological consequences, might have been stopped before it got out of control. Had the collective knowledge embedded in the Future of Iraq Project been seized upon, rather than repudiated by, the Pentagon after it gained effective control of the war and postwar planning a few months before the war began, a genuine collaboration between the American authorities and Iraqis, both within the country and from the exiles, might have evolved. And had the lessons of nation-building -- its practice but also its inevitability in the wars of the 21st century -- been embraced by the Bush administration, rather than dismissed out of hand, then the opportunities that did exist in postwar Iraq would not have been squandered as, in fact, they were.

The real lesson of the postwar mess is that while occupying and reconstructing Iraq was bound to be difficult, the fact that it may be turning into a quagmire is not a result of fate, but rather (as quagmires usually are) a result of poor planning and wishful thinking. Both have been in evidence to a troubling degree in American policy almost from the moment the decision was made to overthrow Saddam Hussein's bestial dictatorship.

Thomas Friedman has a new editorial in the New York Times with specific suggestions to bring stability to Iraq. He directs his remarks to Republicans because Democrats have no voice in the administration or in Congress. Read his editorial here. His specific recommendations are:

1. Do not accept Turkish troops as peacekeepers in Iraq. Iraqis remember them as rulers before WWI. They have even less legitimacy in Iraqi eyes than do the Americans. This alienates mainly the Kurds, who have the biggest interest in keeping the Turks out.

2. Republicans need to recognize that attacks on Americans are rising in Iraq. We are not just conducting mop-up operations, but waging a full-on guerilla war.

3. We need to accept former Baath party members into mid-level Iraqi government jobs. Most of them joined the party to get the better jobs and are vital to American interests as the technocrats who can run the country. They make up the majority of the secular middle class and come mainly from the Sunni community, which the US is alienating through de-Baathification. By taking them out of the running for government jobs, the Americans take away any incentive they have in reconstruction. If former Baath party members perceive that they have no stake in reconstruction, then the Sunni community will continue to be opposed to the American occupation and violent resistance will continue.

4. The most difficult objective for the American administration is to prevent the growing split in the Shiite community between the moderates who are willing to give the Americans a chance and the more militant clerics who challenge American rule.

The bottom line is that America needs to promote a moderate political center in Iraq. This is the strategy that succeeded in Germany and Japan. It was not enough to drop money on those countries and $87 billion alone won't be enough to make us succeed in Iraq. As Thomas Friedman says, we need a strategy that will help establish a moderate political center and a middle class that has an stake in Iraqi reconstruction.

Life has been quite busy for me in the past month. I have been getting ready to move out of town (into another state.) Here is the text of a letter I sent to my current and future Senators and Congressional Representatives.

Dear Senator,

I believe it is necessary to appropriate reconstruction money as well as money to support our troops in Iraq. I was against the war in Iraq and still think it was a bad idea. However, at this point, I feel the US has a responsibility to continue the job that we started. But I am not happy about it.

However, I think that $87 billion dollars is an outrageous amount. The Bush administration was not upfront about the costs of the war before beginning it. The administration undercut any international support for our actions by its arrogant go-it-alone attitude. Finally, the administration made it more difficult to pay for this war by drastically cutting taxes and putting the Federal government in deficit. I feel as if I was sold a car that I did not want and am now forced to take out a second mortgage on my house to pay for it. I am not happy about this.

I hope you bring this information to the rest of the Senate and hold the Bush administration accountable for its diplomatic and policy failures.

Is it time to give up on the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Thomas Friedman brings up this idea in the New York Times today. Friedman argues that it is only a matter of time before Palestinians in the West Bank start demanding a voice in the government that rules them. That is the government of Israel. He argues that it will be difficult for Israelis and their supporters to argue against the principle of one man, one vote.

I had never thought of the implications until he brought it up today. It would give Palestinians a stake in the government that actually rules them today. It would ease the problems of the right of return issue, since most Palestinians are already within the boundaries of the one state. It would make the West Bank settler problem irrelevant. The security barrier would be unnecessary. It would bring peace and prosperity to the whole country.

Why not a one-state solution? The only problem is that we would have to give up on the concept of a Jewish state in the Middle East. This means that there would be no country founded on the basis of providing a homeland for members of the Jewish religion. Is this so bad? America is founded on the concept of separation of church and state and the idea that government is a secular institution. But our policy in the Middle East is that of backing the state of Israel as a Jewish state. Of course, bringing up this idea opens one up to the charges of anti-semitism. But if US policy in Iraq and Afghanistan is to provide an environment in which a secular government, independent of Islamic clerical influences, can be created, why is our policy towards Israel different?

There are other problems, of course. If there were one state within the borders of Palestine, Arabs would outnumber Jews. It is uncertain whether a state with a predominance of Arabs would continue to allow Jews to immigrate. It is unlikely that Israel would even agree to bring the Palestinians into the state of Israel under these conditions. Issues such as the right of return for Palestinians outside of Palestine would still be unsettled. What about the claims of Palestinian refugees' lost lands? These are lost lands that they either left or were thrown out of in the partition of 1948. That is over 50 years ago and the Palestinian refugees still remember them.

Here is a fascinating article in the New York Times analysing the tax system in America. The main theme of the article is that the tax burden on the American middle class is lower than the rest of the industrialized world and has not been reduced over the past 30 years by either the Reagan or Bush I & II's tax cuts. In fact, the tax cuts were gifts mainly to the richest in America and have reduced the total amount of income taken in by the federal government with no appreciable impact in stimulating the economy.

It seems that tax cut advocates have convinced Americans that their taxes are too high so that American will accept a reduced government. The point of cutting taxes is to "starve the beast" or according to Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, ''I don't want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub.'' The point of reducing taxes is to create exactly the fiscal crisis that we are now facing in order to make it politically acceptable to reduce services.

But the benefits of tax cuts have not gone to the middle class. Any tax cuts for the middle class have been minimal and essentially a cover for radical cuts in taxes for the rich. The core of tax cutting plans have been cuts in dividend taxes, capital gains taxes, drastic reductions in tax rates on the highest incomes and repeal of estate taxes. The benefit of all of these tax cuts accrue disproportionally to the rich. According to this article, taxes were not cut for the middle class precisely in order to get the middle class angry that their taxes were too high. This way, the tax cut advocates could sell their plan of massive tax cuts for the rich by buying off the middle class with minimal tax cuts. So long as the middle class was getting something out of the deal, a tax cut package for the rich could sail through congress.

Essentially, "Tax Cuts" means "Cuts in Government Services." The question in the fiscal crisis we are now facing is whether we as middle class Americans want to cut services such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Police, Fire protection, and Schools or whether the minimal tax relief we receive is worth the loss of these services.

The conclusion of the New York Times article paints a frightening picture for middle-class Americans, especially those who are thinking about their retirement years or have already entered those years.

"If Grover Norquist is right -- and he has been right about a lot -- the coming crisis will allow conservatives to move the nation a long way back toward the kind of limited government we had before Franklin Roosevelt. Lack of revenue, he says, will make it possible for conservative politicians -- in the name of fiscal necessity -- to dismantle immensely popular government programs that would otherwise have been untouchable.

"In Norquist's vision, America a couple of decades from now will be a place in which elderly people make up a disproportionate share of the poor, as they did before Social Security. It will also be a country in which even middle-class elderly Americans are, in many cases, unable to afford expensive medical procedures or prescription drugs and in which poor Americans generally go without even basic health care. And it may well be a place in which only those who can afford expensive private schools can give their children a decent education.

"But as Governor Riley of Alabama reminds us, that's a choice, not a necessity. The tax-cut crusade has created a situation in which something must give. But what gives -- whether we decide that the New Deal and the Great Society must go or that taxes aren't such a bad thing after all -- is up to us. The American people must decide what kind of a country we want to be."

This editorial was in the New York Times today. I think it is a true assessment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"You cannot equate blowing up children on a bus with building on land someone else considers his. But you needn't do so to recognize that the one step Israel can and must take now is to freeze the construction of settlements and dismantle the newer settler outposts. This is the necessary course not only because the American-sponsored peace plan, or road map, requires it, and not only because such a move might drive the Palestinians to do something significant on their side, like arrest or disarm a few terrorists. Ending settlement in the occupied lands is central to the survival of the Jewish state." New York Times, Sept 12, 2003

The Bush administration has been pressuring the Palestinians to crack down on terror groups in Gaza and the West Bank, but where is the pressure on the Israelis? They have to do something to make cracking down on terror worthwhile for the moderates in the Palestinian government. The moderates are only now beginning to gain some leverage within Palestinian society.

Unfortunately, rather than making a gesture of conciliation, the Israelis have decided to exile Yassir Arafat. While Arafat might not win a political beauty contest in Palestine, promising to expel him from the West Bank would do exactly the opposite of what is needed. It would unite the moderates and radicals in Palestinian society behind Arafat and further delay any crackdown on terrorism within Palestinian society. In such a situation, the radicals will have the upper hand and the ascendancy of the moderates will be delayed.

It appears the Saudi Embassy is working overtime in its P.R. department. There was an advertisement in The New Republic describing the various Actions and Arrests made by the Saudi Government since September 11. Most the actions and arrests were made this year since May 12, when al Qaeda set off a series of bombs in Riyadh. The advertisement claimed that 500 individuals with suspected ties to terrorism were arrested since September 11, 2001, but it doesn’t say when those arrests were made. I suspect that most were made since the May 12, 2003.

As much as this advertisement shows that the Saudis are very concerned with American public opinion towards their country, it shows that they have gotten serious about terrorism in the wake of their own bombing earlier this year.

Among the specific arrests and actions:
Yousif Salih Fahad Al-Ayeeri, aka Swift Sword, was killed on May 31. He was a major al Qaeda operational planner and fundraiser.

Ali Abdulrahman Said Alfagsi Al-Ghamdi, aka Abu Bakr Al-Azdi surrendered. He is a top al Qaeda agent in Saudi Arabia and is suspected of being behind the May 12 bombings in Riyadh.

Turki Nasser Mishaal Aldandany was killed on July 3 with three other suspects. He was another mastermind of the May 12 bombings.

16 members of terrorist cells in Riyadh, Qasim and the Eastern Provinces were arrested on July 21.

Three men were arrested at a checkpoint in Makkah on July 25 for possessing a “religious edict” in support of terrorist acts against Western targets.

Six terrorist suspects were killed and 4 arrested on July 28 in Qasim Province north of Riyadh. The six killed were Ahmed Nasser Abdullah Al-Dakheel, Karim Olayan Al-Ramthan Al-Faridi Al-Harbi, Saud Aamer Suleiman Al-Qurashi, Mohammad Ghazi Salim Al-Wafi Al-Harbi, Isa Kamal Yousuf Khater, and Isa Saleh Ali Ahmed. The four arrested were Abdullah Hilal Al-Harbi, Mohammad Hilal Al-Harbi, Dhaifallah Hilal Al-Harbi, and Abdul-Elah Hilal Al-Harbi.

Three clerics, Ali Fahd Al-Khudair, Ahmed Hamoud Mufreh Al-Khaledi and Nasir Ahmed Al-Fuhaid, were arrested after calling for support for the Riyadh bombers.

I am curious about two of these actions. Those are the arrest of the three men at the checkpoint on July 25 and the arrest of the three clerics. Were these people arrested for anything more than carrying radical papers and speaking out publicly in support of terrorists? Did they do anything other than exercise freedom of speech and freedom of the press? I don’t know the details of any of these cases, but while we press Saudi Arabia for more in the war on terrorism, we must also encourage them to respect the basic freedoms we claim to enjoy in the United States as well. Security is important, but so are basic human rights and freedom.

Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan in the last two weeks, from Central Command Press releases:

August 28, 2003
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – A U.S. soldier with the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade died of undetermined causes at approximately 11 a.m. on Aug. 27 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The soldier was off duty and in the living quarters at the time. After the soldier appeared unresponsive, fellow soldiers administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Other attempts at reviving the soldier were made without success at a nearby medical clinic. The cause of death is under investigation.

August 27, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq-One 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment soldier was killed and three were wounded in an improvised explosive device attack in Al Fallujah at approximately 7:10 a.m. on Aug. 27. The soldiers were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment. One soldier later died of wounds received.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 205th Military Intelligence Brigade soldier was killed and two were wounded in an improvised explosive device attack on a military convoy in Baghdad at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 27. The soldiers were taken to a nearby combat support hospital.

August 26, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 3rd Corps Support Command soldier was killed and two wounded in an improvised explosive device attack on a military convoy near the town of Hamariyah at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 26. The soldiers were transported to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

TIKRIT AND BALAD, IRAQ - A 4th Infantry Division soldier died as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident between Tikrit and Forward Operating Base Anaconda in Balad at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Aug. 25. The vehicle the soldier was riding in had a flat tire causing the convoy to stop along side the road to replace the flat. While changing the tire, a passing Iraqi vehicle was involved in a traffic collision, which caused it to spin out of control and strike the soldier. The soldier was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment. The soldier died of injuries received at approximately 10 p.m.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A 130th Engineer Brigade Soldier died on August 25 from a non-hostile gunshot wound. The soldier was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital, where he later died. The incident is under investigation.

August 25, 2003
BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Coalition special operations forces and Afghan militia forces repelled an attack early this morning by anti-coalition forces leaving more than 14 enemy dead and no coalition casualties. The attack occurred in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt in the Kandahar Province with anti-coalition forces using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition forces used ground and air assets in response to enemy fire. Coalition aircraft engaged the enemy forces with laser guided munitions and 25mm ammunition.

August 24, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment soldier died on August 23 from a non-hostile gunshot wound. The soldier was evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital, where he later died.

AR RAMADI, Iraq – A soldier from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment drowned in the Euphrates River at approximately 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23 near the Hadithah Dam, west of Ar Ramadi. After a thorough search of the area the soldier’s body was found and positively identified at approximately 11 a.m. Aug. 24.

August 22, 2003
AL HILLAH, Iraq – A U.S. service member on duty with the I Marine Expeditionary Force died after being shot on Aug 21 in Al Hillah by an unidentified gunman. The service member was a passenger in a sport-utility vehicle that had been slowed by traffic congestion in a crowded area of the city. According to initial reports, a male approached the vehicle, shot the service member, and ran into a crowded market area nearby. The service member was taken to the Forward Resuscitation Surgical System at Camp Babylon, where he was pronounced dead.

BAGHDAD, Iraq– A 1st Armored Division soldier died, and six others were wounded in a small arms range fire. The fire broke out at a range in Baghdad’s Karadah district at 4:30 p.m. on August 21. The injured soldiers were medically evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital, the 407th Forward Support Battalion and an Air Force medical facility. One soldier was pronounced dead at approximately 4:50 p.m. as a result of burns and smoke inhalation. Nineteen other soldiers at the scene were medically checked at the Battalion Aid Station and returned to duty.

August 21, 2003
MACDILL AFB, Tampa – A special operations service member died as a result of injuries received during operations in the vicinity of Orgun, in Paktika Province, AFGHANISTAN yesterday.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division solider was killed and two were wounded by an improvised explosive device in the Karkah district of Baghdad at 11 p.m. on Aug. 20. The soldiers were evacuated to the 47th Forward Support Battalion for treatment. One soldier was pronounced dead at 11:50 p.m. The incident is under investigation.

August 20, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One U.S. citizen working as a contracted interpreter was killed and two U.S. soldiers were wounded in a small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade attack in Tikrit on Aug. 20. The victims were all evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment. The interpreter died of wounds received. The incident is under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 3rd Corps Support Command soldier was killed and another injured in a two-vehicle accident while driving south on the main supply route southeast of the town of Ad Diwaniyah. The soldiers were driving in a supply convoy of Palletized Loading System (PLS) vehicles when they received small arms fire and struck another vehicle. Both soldiers are attached to the 3rd COSCOM operating out of Kuwait. Security, medical and recovery assets were dispatched to the scene. One soldier died as a result of the accident. The other soldier was treated and returned to duty. The incident is under investigation.

August 18, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier was killed by an explosive device on August 18. The incident took place in the Karadah District at 2p.m. The soldier was medically evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m.

August 17, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces engaged an individual in the vicinity of the Abu Ghyriab prison Aug 17. The individual was later identified as a reporter. The individual was evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. The incident is currently under investigation.

August 14, 2003
BASRA, Iraq - One British soldier has been killed and two others injured in an explosives attack in southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The soldiers were caught in the blast of an "improvised explosive device" hidden next to a lamppost.

BASRA, Iraq - In an unrelated incident, the MoD confirmed a British soldier had been found dead in bed on Wednesday night. An investigation into the death of Private Jason Smith, 32, part of the 52nd Lowland Regiment Territorial Army Battalion and serving with the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borders, is under way. The MoD said there was no suggestion he had been attacked nor that his death was suspicious, and said it may have been related to a medical issue.

August 13, 2003
During the riots in Basra over the weekend, Twenty-one British soldiers were wounded by stab wounds or thrown bricks or rocks during the riots, Colonel Mendonca said. At least one Iraqi was killed, and on Sunday a security guard working for the civil authority here was shot and killed by unknown gunmen. New York Times

MOSUL, Iraq – A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division was killed and a civilian interpreter was injured August 12 when their vehicle was hit by a taxi. The soldier was evacuated to a nearby medical facility. The interpreter was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded at approximately 6:15 p.m. Aug. 12 when their convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Al Taji. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a nearby medical facility.

TIKRIT, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and one wounded when the M-113 armored personnel carrier they were riding in struck an explosive device near the town of Ad Dwar at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 13. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital. One soldier died of wounds received.

It seems that things have been heating up in Afghanistan lately. Perhaps the anti-American forces there think that the US is bogged down in Iraq and will make a better target in Afghanistan. Two weeks ago, up to 90 people were killed by guerilla and terrorist activity there. The Taliban was blamed for the attacks, but it is likely that things are more complex than that. The Afghan government normally blames the Taliban for many things they might not actually be involved in. There are three factions to watch in Afghanistan. First is the remnants of the Taliban. They probably have more support among the populace than most people think. Their support comes mainly from the Pashtun south where fundamentalist Islam runs strong. Second is al Qaeda and the foreign, mainly Arab and Pakistani fighters that have come to Afghanistan to fight the US. These people are closely allied with the Taliban and share their philosophy. The third is the forces of rebel warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a member of the Pashtun ethnic group who is also a former Afghan prime minister. His alliance with the Taliban is probably more out of convenience.

The US and the Afghan government have pushed back against the insurgents in the last two weeks. Heavy fighting has been reported in the area of Daichopan in Zabul province in the southeast of the country. Two fighters arrested in the area two days ago told investigators they were recruited by the Taliban and fighters loyal to Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Associated Press, reported in the Kansas City Star on August 28 Fighting has been going on since August 25. Afghan officials had already claimed 70 Taliban losses in the first three days of fighting and 40 more on the 28th. The U.S. military has confirmed only 14 dead in the clashes. Reuters, August 28

I just finished a book whose central theme was Compassion. It starts as a simple fantasy story set in a fantasy Orient. By the end, it is a wonderful story mainly about compassion. It has political intrigue and action, but also a spiritual aspect based on Buddhist teachings. The central event is that a monk offers to cure an invading army of the plague if they agree to lay down their weapons. This simple act of compassion save the heroes and the empire, causing the heroes to become the leaders of the Empire after the corrupt emperor is killed by his consort. It is a set of two books, Initiate Brother and Gatherer of Clouds by Sean Russell.

I felt guilty after reading it today because of my own small noncompassionate act. I have had a hive of yellowjackets growing near my front door. I let them grow there, creating their hive within the walls of my house. It has been growing to the point that there were always at least two, sometimes three or more yellowjackets present. Occasionally, they would buzz my head, forcing me to duck. This did not bother me, but I felt that it was dangerous to visitors and the postal service. I bought pesiticides to kill them. The pesticides smelled evil, like gasoline. So far, it seems to have been effective, but I feel guilty about having killed a living organism. My karma is not tranquil tonight.

There have been reports recently of soldiers dying of pneumonia in the Gulf region. It is not easy to tell from CentCom press releases how many have died in this manner. It is likely that the soldiers that have been dying in their sleep are succumbing to this illness. There was another soldier who died in his sleep yesterday and one who died in an attack in Ramadi north of Baghdad in the "Sunni Triangle". Temperatures remain high in the region, though they are cooler by a few degrees north of Baghdad. Forecasts for Baghdad show 118 fahrenheit and in Basra 120 fahrenheit.

August 12, 2003
AR RAMADI, Iraq – One 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment soldier was killed and another wounded at approximately 10:30 a.m. Aug. 12 when their convoy hit three improvised explosive devices as they were traveling north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital. One of the soldiers has since been returned to duty. The incident is under investigation.

AR RAMADI, Iraq – A soldier attached to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment died while sleeping at a base camp in Ar Ramadi on Aug. 12. The incident is under investigation.

It looks like there will be some issues to smooth over with Pakistan soon. Did American forces cross the border from Afghanistan into Pakistan when pursuing the enemy? It appears so. The anti-American parties in Pakistan will probably make some political hay with this.

American forces in Afghanistan are independent of the NATO forces that are acting as peacekeepers in Kabul.

August 11, 2003
MACDILL AFB, Tampa - Today at approximately 10:00am local, coalition forces on patrol in the vicinity of Orgun, in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan, were fired upon by several individuals. Coalition close air support was called in and responded to the enemy forces that were identified and fleeing towards the Pakistani border. The incident resulted in the unfortunate and unintended engagement of Pakistani security forces in the area. Initial reports indicate that two persons died and one was wounded as a result of the incident. The incident is currently under investigation.

Over the weekend (Friday through Sunday), five soldiers died in Iraq. Two died of gunshot wounds, but three died either of heat stress, or while sleeping. The temperature in Iraq has been as high as 119 fahrenheit. The temperature drops to a cool 84 fahrenheit at night.

Heat is also causing tensions to rise. Residents of Basra rioted over the weekend to protest fuel shortages. The British were forced to import fuel into Basra by ship. Continuing sabotage, looting and shortages of electricity are being blamed for the lack of adequate supplies of kerosene and gasoline. This situation has continued since the end April. Apparently, Iraqis are fed up with the situation and temperatures approaching 125 fahrenheit have increased the tension.

August 11, 2003
TIKRIT, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded in an improvised explosive attack near the Ba’qubah police station Aug. 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m. The soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment where one soldier subsequently died of wounds received.

August 10, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 3rd Corps Support Command soldier died from apparent heat stress on Aug. 9, while riding in a convoy north of Ad Diwaniyah. The soldier was evacuated to a nearby medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq– A soldier with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment was found dead in troop living quarters at approximately 5:00 pm. Aug. 9. The soldier was taken to the unit medical facilities, but could not be resuscitated.

August 8, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – An 82nd Airborne Division soldier died of a gunshot wound at approximately 9:45 pm on Aug. 7 while on guard duty in the Al Mansor District of Baghdad. The soldier was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment and subsequently died from wounds received. The incident is under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 4th Infantry Division soldier died while sleeping at a base camp in the town of Kirkush on Aug. 8. The incident is under investigation.

Here are the press releases from the latest deaths in Iraq this week. Two died in hostile actions in Baghdad. One died of a seizure and one of a heart attack in Kuwait and one fell off a roof. I wonder if the seizure and heart attack were caused by the heat? It was 112 degrees in Baghdad and 118 in Basra.

August 7, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two 1st Armored Division soldiers were killed and one wounded in a small arms fire fight in the Al Rashid district here at approximately 11 p.m. on Aug. 6. The soldiers were evacuated to the 407th Forward Support Battalion medical facility. One soldier died on scene, the other died later from wounds received in the incident. An interpreter was also wounded in the incident and received treatment at the medical facility.

MOSUL, Iraq- A 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldier died at approximately 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6 after developing a seizure while performing duties here. The soldier was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital.

August 6, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) was killed when he fell from the roof of a fixed site at approximately 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 in Mosul. The soldier was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital and was pronounced dead at approximately 8:15 p.m.

August 5, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – A US soldier assigned to Coalition Forces Land Component Command died earlier today from an apparent heart attack. The soldier complained of having chest pains while performing convoy duties between Camp Arifjan and Camp Arlington west of Camp Wolf. The soldier was taken to the Kuwaiti Defense base and transported to the 801st CSH.

Here is a list of all the press releases from Central Command regarding fatalities in Iraq since May 13, 2003. President Bush declared major combat operations over on May 1. An analysis of the numbers show that deaths were fewest in June. They increased in July, especially after the death of Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay. Simply showing the numbers of deaths hides the fact that, as time goes on, the percentage of deaths caused by hostile action is increasing as well.

August 2, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - An Iraqi woman was killed Aug. 1 when U.S. soldiers fired in self-defense during an attack in the Al Mansor district. Unknown assailants dropped an explosive device on a six-vehicle convoy from a highway overpass at approximately 6:45 p.m. The woman was near the location where the explosion occurred. Iraqi Police Services officers and soldiers from the 1st Armored Division secured the scene. Neighborhood residents brought the victim to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and three injured at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, when their convoy came under rocket-propelled grenade attack south of Shumayt. Soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital. The incident is under investigation.

August 1, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier died August 1 of a gunshot wound received at approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 31. The soldier was standing outside when a bullet, fired from a celebrating Iraqi, struck him. The soldier was evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital and subsequently died.

July 31, 2003
TIKRIT, Iraq – One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded in a small arms attack at a tactical operation center July 30 at approximately 11:45 p.m. about 40 km east of Ba’qubah. The soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 1st Armored Division soldier was killed and three were wounded when their M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier hit a landmine on a road in Baghdad at approximately 12:20 p.m. on July 31. The soldiers were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The incident is under investigation.

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan – U.S. military police fired into an Afghan taxi today wounding three Afghan males about 1:15 p.m. A two-vehicle MP convoy attempted to enter Gate 1 at Task Force Phoenix but the gate was closed due to previously discovered unexploded ordnance in the area. The MP vehicles continued on Jalalabad Road toward Gate 3 when they were approached from behind by a taxi driving aggressively. The MPs attempted to wave off the taxi, but the taxi continued to aggressively approach the convoy. An MP in the rear vehicle fired into the grill of the taxi with an M-16 rifle. When the taxi did not back off, the MP fired into the taxi. The taxi struck the rear of the MP vehicle when the MP vehicle stopped. Two Afghans were taken to the ISAF hospital and the third victim was treated at the scene. Earlier, a two vehicle CJTF180 Civil Affairs convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device about 10 a.m. The convoy was about 26 kilometers Southwest of Kabul en route to a school project when it was hit by the devices. Three separate explosive devices apparently activated by remote control struck both vehicles. One vehicle was disabled. No personnel were wounded in the IED attack. No enemy personnel were seen at the attack location. Unexploded ordnance was discovered by ISAF security at 7:15 a.m. near the front gate of the Task Force Phoenix compound East of Kabul. The gate was closed temporarily while the ISAF explosive ordnance disposal removed the ordnance. All of the incidents are under investigation.

July 28, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. Army soldier died and one was injured in a vehicle accident at approximately 2:30 p.m. on July 28, while traveling south along Highway 1 north of An Nasiriyah. The soldiers were evacuated to a nearby medical facility. The incident is under investigation.

On Monday, a U.S. patrol was attacked with a grenade in broad daylight in central Baghdad, according to Reuters, and two soldiers were badly wounded.

BAGHDAD, Iraq--One 1st Armored Division soldier died and three others were wounded at approximately 11:40 a.m. July 28 when an unknown number of individuals dropped an improvised explosive device from an overpass onto their convoy as it was traveling through the Al Rashid district of Baghdad. The soldiers were taken to a nearby medical facility. Two of the soldiers have been returned to duty. The incident is under investigation.

July 27, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One soldier was killed and one was wounded July 27 at approximately 2:30 a.m. when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the patrol they were on in the northern Babil province near the village of Al Haswah. The soldiers, attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, were evacuated to 28th Combat Support Hospital.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Press release 03-07-82 dated July 27, 2003 regarding a soldier killed in a rocket-propelled attack in the northern province of Babil near the village of Al Haswah described the soldier as being attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. This casualty was a soldier in the U.S. Army and therefore should not be described as a Marine, but as a soldier.

July 26, 2003
BA’QUBAH, Iraq – Three 4th Infantry Division soldiers guarding the Ba’qubah Children’s Hospital were killed and four were wounded in a grenade attack here at approximately 11 a.m. July 26. The soldiers were evacuated to a U.S. medical treatment facility.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One soldier was killed and two were wounded when their convoy was attacked with small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and possibly an improvised explosive device on Highway 10 near Abu Ghuraib on July 26 at approximately 1:05 p.m. The soldiers were with an engineer unit attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. Two soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for emergency treatment where one subsequently died and the other is in stable condition. A third soldier was treated on site and returned to duty. Three Iraqis were also wounded in the attack. An investigation is currently underway.

July 24, 2003
MOSUL, Iraq – Three 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers were killed when their convoy was ambushed by small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, while traveling to Qayarrah West outside of Mosul, at approximately 2:30 a.m. July 24. The ambush site was secured and the soldiers were evacuated to a nearby medical facility. The unit found two RPG’s and an AK-47 at the site.

Wed, Jul 23, 2003
MOSUL, Iraq– One 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldier was killed and seven 101st AD soldiers wounded when an improvised explosive device struck two military vehicles traveling on Highway 1 outside of Mosul July 23 at approximately 6 a.m. The soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment. Central Command News Release

AR RAMADI, Iraq – One 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment soldier was killed, and a soldier and a contractor were wounded when their convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device on Highway 1 in Ar Ramadi July 23 at approximately 7:45 a.m. The soldiers and contractor were evacuated to Life Support Area Dogwood at approximately 8:30 a.m. for treatment. Central Command News Release

American troops first surrounded the property at 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the general said. He said they attempted to enter but were repelled by small-arms fire, which was believed to be from AK-47's fired by the suspects, who had barricaded themselves on the second-floor of the house. Four American soldiers were wounded in that initial foray, the general said.
During the next two hours, the Americans fired grenades and rockets at the structure and riddled it with 50-caliber machine-gun fire. At noon, the Americans tried again to enter the house but received rifle fire and withdrew, General Sanchez said. After pelting the suspects with more 50-caliber machine gun fire, the American commander of the operation called in a strike of 10 TOW anti-tank missiles fired from Humvees. The assault appeared to have killed three of the four suspects. The battle ended when soldiers stormed up the stairs to the second floor and shot the remaining suspect. New York Times, “U.S. Reaffirms Identification of Hussein's 2 Dead Sons” July 23, 2003

USAT notes that "in the confusion of gunfire" in the city, a unit of the Florida Army National Guard, believing it was coming under fire, shot a man twice in the chest and shot a girl who looked between 6 and 8 years old once in the head. Slate, “Dead Heir”, July 23, 2003


Tue Jul 22, 2003
A U.S. soldier was killed and another injured in an ambush along a dangerous road north of Baghdad in the so-called "Sunni Triangle," a center of anti-American resistance. His death brought to 153 the number of U.S. troops killed in action since the March 20 start of war -- six more than during the 1991 Gulf War. U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla., said the attackers used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms in the assault staged along the road between Balad, 50 miles north of Baghdad, and Ramadi, 60 miles west of the capital. It gave no other details. New York Times

AR RAMADI, Iraq – A soldier attached to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was killed and one was wounded when their vehicle convoy was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire in an ambush at approximately 9 a.m. July 22 on the road between Balad and Ar Ramadi. The soldiers were evacuated to 28th Combat Support Hospital. Central Command News Release

The U.S.-led coalition's military occupation of Iraq has been met by constant armed Iraqi resistance, resulting in almost daily deaths of American troops. Many recent assaults have been staged with remote-controlled roadside explosions. While the military has not released figures on the number of attacks on American forces each day, a senior officer told reporters last week that the attacks were averaging 12 a day. New York Times

A firefight erupted when U.S. forces surrounded the home of a cousin of Saddam Hussein in the northern city of Mosul on Tuesday, killing four people. U.S. officials in Washington said they were trying to determine whether Saddam's sons Odai and Qusai were among the dead. New York Times, “4 High-Ranking Allies of Hussein Are Killed, U.S. Military Says” July 22, 2003

Four coalition soldiers were wounded in the operation. Briefing in Baghdad by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, July 22, 2003

The International Red Cross says one of its aid workers was shot dead and another wounded when their car came under fire south of Baghdad. BBC, “Saddam sons 'may be dead'”, July 20, 2003

July 22, 2003
NUMEROUS POTENTIAL SUBVERSIVE ATTACKS DETERRED
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces prevented several potential subversive attacks bringing the country of Iraq closer to a safe and secure environment.
A 1st Armored Division unit identified an improvised explosive device outside of their detention cell. The device consisted of three pounds of plastic explosives with an electronic timer in a black bag. An explosive ordnance detonation team disabled the device without incident.
Also at the 1st AD detention center, an unidentified Iraqi man dropped off a black bag containing a bomb with a timing device on it. An EOD team neutralized the bomb and removed it for further investigation.
A 1st AD unit conducted a raid at a house in a Baghdad neighborhood and confiscated one AK-47, one rocket-propelled grenade, one G3 assault rifle and two 69 mm tubes. Two individuals were detained. Additional raids on three other houses yielded two AK-47s, and one 9 mm pistol.
Military police from the 1st AD responded to small arms fire at the new Baghdad police station detaining one Iraqi in a vehicle with an AK-47. There was several brass cartridges found on the front and rear seats of the vehicle. The Iraqi was taken to the local brigade support area detention area for questioning.
A 1st AD infantry sniper team on patrol spotted two Iraqis with AK-47s in a library. The patrol searched the library and found 6-60 mm mortar rounds, one 82 mortar round, three rocket-propelled grenade-7 warheads, one 14.5 anti-aircraft gun and two AK-47s. The Iraqis escaped prior to the arrival of the search patrol team.
Another 1st AD patrol in Baghdad identified and neutralized an improvised explosive device. The device was a fragmentation grenade placed in a plastic container that was filled with gasoline.
An EOD team in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force area reported finding four 125 mm high explosive tank rounds evenly spaced and camouflaged by foliage. The devices were set for command detonation approximately 100 meters from the road using a small tractor battery. Only one of the four rounds detonated.
The 1st MEF responded to a reported looting at an agricultural factory in Iskandariayah. Six individuals were detained and three AK-47s, one 9 mm pistol and four grenades were confiscated. Additionally, 50 rocket-propelled grenades and one large bag of 7.62 mm link rounds were found in a closet at the factory.
Finally, in the 1st MEF area of operation, the Iraqi police along with military police conducted a joint raid in Ash Shafiiyah and confiscated 140 grenade fuses, 654 7.62 rounds, 43 hand grenades and four AK-47s. One individual was arrested.
First AD soldiers confiscated three million Iraqi dinars, counterfeiting equipment for fake license plates along with numerous fake license plates a typewriter, two printers and a key board. One individual was detained for questioning.
Elsewhere, Coalition forces continued aggressive patrols throughout the country over the last 24 hours conducting 23 raids, 1,126-day patrols and 928-night patrols. They also jointly patrolled with the Iraqi Police conducting 145-day patrols and 162-night patrols. Independently, the Iraqi Police conducted 11-day patrols and 10-night patrols.
The total raids and patrols resulted in 154 arrests for various criminal activities including two for murder, seven for car jacking, four for aggravated assault, eight for burglary and one for looting.

Mon, July 21, 2003
In the latest strike on Americans, a roadside bomb exploded today near a military convoy in northern Baghdad, killing one soldier and his Iraqi interpreter, The Associated Press reported. Three other members of the First Armored Division were wounded. New York Times, “Wolfowitz Sees Challenges, and Vindication, in Iraq” July 21, 2003

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 1st Armored Division soldier was killed and three others wounded at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 21 when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device and was subsequently engaged with small arms fire in the As Sulaykh district of Baghdad. An Iraqi interpreter working with Coalition soldiers was also killed in the incident. The three wounded soldiers were taken to a nearby medical facility. Central Command News Release

Kandahar Province, Afghanistan – Special Operations Forces killed approximately 22-24 enemy soldiers when an unknown element attacked a coalition convoy in the vicinity of the fire base at Spin Boldak Saturday. The coalition forces drove through the kill zone, requested close air support and engaged the enemy forces, killing approximately five enemy and pursuing the remaining forces into the surrounding hills. AH-64 Apaches provided the air support, making several passes on the hill, killing approximately 17-19 more enemy. Central Command News Release

Sun, July 20, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One soldier was killed and two were injured in a military vehicle rollover accident July 20 near Baghdad International Airport. One soldier died at the scene. The two injured soldiers were taken to the 47th Forward Support Battalion for treatment. Central Command News Release

MOSUL, Iraq — Two soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division were killed and one wounded when their unit was ambushed with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire near Tal Afar July 20. The soldiers were transported to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment. Two soldiers later died of their wounds. There were no reported enemy casualties. Central Command News Release

July 19, 2003
Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan – Two coalition soldiers and one Afghan Military Forces soldier were wounded when their patrol was ambushed north of Orgun-E about 11 a.m. today. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Forward Operating Base Salerno near Khowst. They are in stable condition and are being moved to the U.S. Army hospital at Bagram. Enemy forces that engaged the patrol were armed with AK-47 rifles and Rocket Propelled Grenades Central Command News Release

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier died from injuries received from a small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack that occurred in the Abu Ghuraib neighborhood July 19 at approximately 1:30 a.m. The soldier was providing fixed site security at a bank when the unit came under attack. The soldier was evacuated to a nearby aid station and subsequently died. Central Command News Release

July 18, 2003
FALLUJAH, Iraq – A 3rd Infantry Division soldier was killed today as his vehicle passed an Improvised Explosive Device west of Fallujah. The vehicle was traveling east near a traffic circle when a command-detonated IED exploded, causing a one-and-a-half foot crater in the road. The vehicle took the brunt of the impact. The vehicle crossed two lanes and went off the edge of the road. No other soldiers were wounded in the attack. Central Command News Release

AL HAMISHIYAH, Iraq -- A Navy sailor from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died yesterday from a non-hostile gunshot wound. The sailor was treated at the scene but died before arriving at a nearby medical facility. Central Command News Release

July 16, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier from the 3rd Corps Support Command was killed and three others wounded at approximately 9:55 a.m. today in a rocket-propelled grenade attack on their convoy as it was traveling near Abu Ghuraib prison in the western part of Baghdad. The soldiers were evacuated to the 447th Forward Support Battalion for treatment. Central Command News Release

AL HILLAH, Iraq - A 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Marine died here July 15, as a result of injuries received after falling from the top of a building where he was standing guard duty. The Marine was immediately evacuated to a nearby military surgical unit where he died. Central Command News Release

July 14, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier from 3rd Infantry Division was killed and 10 others were injured at approximately 7 a.m. July 13 when the convoy they were traveling in was attacked by multiple rocket-propelled grenades. The convoy was returning from a routine patrol mission when it began receiving fire. An RPG hit the two-and-a-half-ton truck in the convoy. The RPG passed through the driver’s cab into the engine causing the vehicle to catch on fire. A second RPG hit the high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle in the side and passed all the way through the vehicle. Ten soldiers were injured in the attack, three of them seriously. The soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment. Seven soldiers were returned to duty. Both vehicles were destroyed in the ambush.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 3rd Infantry Division soldier was killed and six others were wounded here in the Al Mansor district at approximately 6 a.m. July 14 when the convoy they were traveling in was ambushed in a multiple rocket-propelled grenade attack. The soldiers were evacuated to 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment. Central Command News Release

July 13, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One soldier was killed and two others injured at approximately 6:30 a.m. July 13 when a tractor trailer crashed into their military vehicle, which was parked at a check point outside of a base camp near the city of Ad Diwaniyah.

July 12, 2003
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan – One suspected rocket impacted in the vicinity of the perimeter fence at about 12:25 p.m. EST here today. There were no injuries or damage to equipment.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two 4th Infantry Division soldiers were wounded and one subsequently died from a non-hostile gunshot incident. Both soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment. The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

July 10, 2003
BALAD, Iraq – A 4th Infantry Division soldier died on July 9 from a non-hostile gunshot incident. The soldier was evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital and pronounced dead.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two soldiers were killed and one wounded in two separate hostile incidents on July 9. A 3rd Corps Support Command soldier was shot and killed when a convoy was ambushed by small arms fire near the city of Al Mahmudiyah at approximately 6:30 p.m. In a second incident, a 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and one wounded in a rocket-propelled grenade attack on their convoy at approximately 10:30 p.m. The soldiers were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan – A U.S. soldier died of a heart attack Wednesday night at Bagram Air Base.

July 8, 2003
BALAD, Iraq – A U.S. soldier attached to the 101st Airborne Division died of a gunshot wound in a non-combat incident on July 7.

July 7, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier died during a firefight July 6 at about 9:30 p.m. and a second was killed by an explosion shortly before 1 a.m. July 7. The first soldier was part of a platoon patrolling in the Ad Hamiyah neighborhood when two Iraqi gunmen ambushed the patrol. Soldiers pursued the attackers and during an ensuing firefight, the soldier was killed. One gunman was killed and the other wounded. Another soldier was killed when an explosive device struck his vehicle during a routine patrol in the Kadhimyah neighborhood at about 1 a.m. this morning.

July 6, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A U.S. soldier from the 1st Armored Division died as a result of a hostile gunshot wound received on July 6, while guarding the Baghdad University. The soldier was evacuated to 28th Combat Support Hospital, where he was medically retired. He subsequently died from his injuries.

July 5, 2003
AR RAMADI, Iraq – Seven Iraqi police recruits were killed and 13 were wounded in an explosion outside the city police department in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on July 5. The newly trained city police recruits were attending their graduation ceremony when the explosion occurred. Investigation by 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment explosive ordnance specialists state the cause of the explosion was a command detonated device usually set off by an electronic component like a garage door opener. No Coalition forces were present at the time of the explosion. The 3rd Armory Cavalry Regiment dispatched a Quick Reaction Force team to the site and a Coalition forces explosive ordnance detachment, which later investigated the scene, confirmed the cause of the explosion. The incident is currently under investigation by Iraqi Police and U.S. military authorities.

July 4, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An Iraqi civilian attempting to place a bomb near a center for humanitarian assistance in Ba’qubah died July 3 when the device detonated. The blast also injured three Iraqis, who were taken away by other Iraqi civilians. Iraqi police responded to the incident, but were chased from the scene by a crowd. The attack is evidence of opposition attempts to deny assistance to Iraqis and further stabilize the country. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade responded to the site and dispersed the crowd without incident. The Civil Military Operations Center acts as a central point for coordinating humanitarian assistance with governmental and nongovernmental organizations and suffered minor damage as windows were broken.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Two soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division area of operations are in stable condition following a mortar attack at approximately 10 p.m. July 3 at a logistics camp near Balad. Fourteen other soldiers were treated for minor injuries and returned to duty. The two wounded soldiers were evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

In a separate incident, a patrol from the 3/7 Cavalry defeated an ambush on Highway 1 near Balad early this morning killing all of the attackers. The attackers attempted to engage the patrol with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades but were all killed when the patrol returned fire. There were no injuries to U. S. forces or equipment.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier was shot and killed by small arms fire while protecting the Baghdad Museum at about 8:30 p.m. July 3. The soldier was in the gunner’s hatch of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle at a guard post in the Rushafa neighborhood when he was hit.

July 3, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Three soldiers from the 1st Armored Division were wounded when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their three-vehicle convoy in Baghdad’s Sheikh Marus neighborhood. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. (local) July 3. The soldiers were taken to a military hospital. In a separate incident, at approximately 11 a.m. (local) a red Mercedes approached a Coalition checkpoint at a high rate of speed. The soldiers manning the checkpoint signaled for the vehicle to stop. The driver failed to follow instructions and increased the car’s speed. In response, the soldiers fired at the vehicle, wounding three adult occupants. A young male passenger was not harmed. The wounded were taken to a local hospital. A search of the vehicle did not produce any weapons.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier attached to the 1st Armored Division died of a gunshot wound in a non-combat incident July 3 in Baghdad. The incident is under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier and a 6-year-old boy were wounded during a firefight in the Kadhimyah neighborhood at about 2:30 a.m. July 3. Soldiers were conducting a routine nighttime patrol in a rural part of Baghdad when an Iraqi man attacked the patrol, shooting one of the soldiers. The soldiers returned fire in self defense, killing the gunman and wounding a boy who was with the gunman. The soldier and boy have been evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital and are in stable condition.

July 2, 2003
KARBALA, Iraq – A Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died and three were injured here at approx. 2 p.m. July 2 while conducting mine-clearing operations. An Iraqi fire department technician accompanying the Marines was also injured. All individuals were taken to a nearby medical facility.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A U. S. Army 352nd Civil Affairs Command soldier died of wounds received July 1, when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. The soldier had been transported to the 28th Combat Support Hospital, where he was receiving treatment but died despite efforts to save him.

June 28, 2003
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan – A U.S. Army soldier assigned to Task Force Devil died this morning at approximately 6:15 a.m. at Bagram Air Base. The soldier was medically evacuated to Bagram after the vehicle he was riding in overturned in a ditch in the vicinity of the firebase at Orgun-E, in Paktika province. The soldier was the gunner in a 2 1/2 ton light mobility tactical vehicle. The soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1ST Armored Division soldier was killed and four wounded following a grenade attack on their convoy in Baghdad’s Thawra neighborhood June 27. A civilian Iraqi interpreter traveling with the convoy was also injured. All six people were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

Coalition forces today recovered the remains of two U.S. Army soldiers missing since June 25. The soldiers were recovered approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad and have been positively identified.

June 27, 2003
BAGRAM Air Base, Afghanistan - Three special operations forces members were wounded during operations in the vicinity of Gardez, in Paktya province Wednesday. One of the three service members subsequently died of wounds in the Bagram Air Base hospital.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. soldier attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force was killed in an ambush attack near An Najaf June 26 while investigating a car theft. Medical evacuation was immediately called but the soldier died prior to its arrival. The incident is currently under investigation.

June 26, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A search is currently underway to locate two U.S. soldiers, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Seven, who were reported missing June 25 from their post approximately 40 kilometers north of Baghdad. The soldiers were discovered missing when they failed to respond to a communications check. Upon arriving on location, a search patrol found no trace of the soldiers or their high mobility multi-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). Ground patrols along with aerial assets are actively searching the area and surrounding vicinity where the soldiers were last seen.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One special operations force service member was killed and eight injured in a hostile fire incident on the morning of June 26 in southwest Baghdad.

AL HILLAH, Iraq – A Marine died and two others were injured here June 25 when the light armored vehicle they were traveling in rolled over on a soft shoulder of the road. The Marines, part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, were part of a quick reaction force responding to Marines who were engaged by hostile forces. The vehicle accident occurred prior to arriving at the ambush site. Three Marines were also wounded as a result of the ambush. All six Marines were immediately evacuated to a nearby military surgical unit.

June 25, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A soldier in the 1st Armored Division died June 24 in a noncombat incident. The incident is under investigation

June 23, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq- One U.S. soldier was killed and one injured in a grenade attack on a military convoy south of Baghdad, in Khan Azad, Sunday. The two soldiers were medically evacuated by ground ambulance to the 28th Combat Support Hospital. The soldier was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The names of the soldiers, who were assigned to the 1st Armored Division, are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

June 22, 2003
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- One U.S. Marine was killed and eight other U.S. service members were injured this morning by an explosion that may have been caused by a bomb dropped from a B-52 Stratofortress that landed near forces at Godoria Range, along the northern coast of Djibouti. The names of the service members are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin. Two service members received minor injuries, were treated by medical personnel at Camp Lemonier and returned to their units. The other six injured service members were transported to Bouffard Hospital in Djibouti for treatment. Two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters supporting the exercise and parked near the range were damaged in the accident. Forces supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa were participating in a Supporting Arms Training Exercise (SATEX), part of routine training for personnel here. The accident is currently under investigation.

June 19, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – One 804th Medical Brigade soldier was killed and two injured in a rocket propelled grenade attack on a military ambulance June 19 in an area north of Camp Dogwood in the town of Al Iskandariyah. The ambulance was enroute to the 28th Combat Army Support Hospital transporting a patient injured in an unrelated incident.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC) in Samarra was hit by an 82mm mortar round June 18, killing one Iraqi and injuring 12 other Iraqis. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division reported hearing three explosions and contacted the Samarra police station to investigate the incident. Samarra police reported finding those injured and killed in the attack. Soldiers were unable to respond or find the perpetrators. This is one of numerous incidents recently where Iraqi resistors have attacked Coalition forces or Coalition Provisional Authority locations and injured or killed Iraqi citizens. The mission of the CMOC is to coordinate the military and civilian aspects of the humanitarian assistance effort by providing the linkage between the military commander and the other governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations in Iraq. No U.S. troops were injured during the attack. The incident is still under investigation.

June 18, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces from the 204th Military Police Company responded in self-defense to a demonstration outside of the Office of Coalition Provisional Authority compound this morning when it became violent. A military convoy was entering the compound when demonstrators began throwing rocks. One demonstrator pulled out a weapon and began shooting. U.S. Forces responded killing two of the demonstrators. The two Iraqis were evacuated to 1st Armored Division Battalion Aid Station and confirmed dead. The demonstration, at a site of regular gatherings, was being held to protest the lack of jobs.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 1st Armored Division soldier was killed and one wounded in an shooting attack this morning at a petroleum gas distribution plant in Baghdad. The soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Army Surgical Hospital.

June 17, 2003
Baghdad Iraq -- A soldier assigned to the First Armored Division died of a gunshot wound from enemy gunfire early this morning in the Northwest section of Baghdad. The soldier, taking part in a patrol, was sitting in a military vehicle, when he was struck in the back by a small caliber bullet at about 11:50pm (local). The patrol leader immediately secured the area and a combat medic began first aid to the wounded soldier. The patrol then transported the soldier to a nearby military compound where he was transferred to a ground ambulance and transported to the 501st forward support batallion aid station where he later died.

June 16, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. soldier died Sunday in an apparent non-hostile incident in the Taji area of Iraq. The soldier was evacuated to an Army medical facility for treatment, where he later died. The incident is currently under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A U.S. Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died at approximately 8:45 p.m. in An Najaf June 15 as a result of a non-hostile gunshot wound. The individual was evacuated to the combat support hospital at Ad Diwaniyah. The incident is currently under investigation.

June 13, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One V Corps soldier died and eight others were injured in an armored vehicle roll over accident 20 kilometers south of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq at approximately 8:00 a.m. today. The personnel were traveling in an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier on a mission when they encountered a four-foot drop off on the side of the road that caused the vehicle to throw a track and roll over. One soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were flown by MEDEVAC to Al Asad Air Base for treatment. One soldier was immediately returned to duty and the remaining five are expected to be returned to duty later today.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- A Coalition soldier was found dead in a lake contained within a military compound near Fallujah this afternoon. On Thursday at 5 p.m. (local Baghdad time) the soldier was reported missing and had been swimming. Fellow Coalition soldiers found some of the soldier's personal gear and clothing at the edge of the lake. These discoveries then led to a search of the lake and immediate area until it became too dark to continue. A thorough search of the lake and surrounding areas continued at first light this morning using of helicopters and Army divers.

June 12, 2003
MACDILL AFB, FL - Two prisoners being held by Coalition Forces at the Baghdad International Airport holding area tried to escape early today. One prisoner was subsequently transported to an Iraqi hospital where he died from gunshot wounds sustained in the incident. The other prisoner who tried to escape was re-captured.

DEPLOYED AIR BASE NEAR IRAQ — A U.S. Air Force F-16CG fighter aircraft crashed at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time today southwest of Baghdad. The aircraft was flying from a forward-deployed air base in Southwest Asia supporting operations in Iraq. The pilot ejected safely from the single-seat aircraft and was rescued at approximately 7:30 a.m. He was transported to the nearest facility for medical care. The cause of the incident is unknown at this time and will be investigated.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One AH-64 Apache was apparently shot down by hostile fire today in Western Iraq. Coalition ground forces were able to recover the uninjured two-member crew almost immediately and secure the crash site. Two additional Apache helicopters assisted in engaging irregular forces in the vicinity of the downed aircraft. All helicopters involved belong to the 101st Airborne Division.

June 11, 2003
MACDILL, AFB, FL-On June 6, an Iraqi detainee being held at a Coalition facility in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah was found deceased. The detainee had been in Coalition custody since May 3. A full and thorough investigation into the death is being conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the findings of the investigation will be released when the investigation is complete.

June 10, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team was killed and a second injured Tuesday afternoon in a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack while operating a trash collection point in southwest Baghdad. The soldiers were evacuated to a field medical facility for treatment, and one soldier later died of his injuries. The injured soldier is listed in critical condition. The soldiers were manning the trash collection point when a van with four passengers stopped in a nearby alleyway approximately 250 meters from their location. Two attackers exited the van, and each fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the squad. One RPG struck a vehicle and the other landed short of the soldiers’ location. Eyewitnesses at the scene of the attack said the attackers fled down the alleyway. U.S. Forces increased patrols and searches in an effort to find the assailants.

June 9, 2003
AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq -- An explosion at an Iraqi ammunition supply facility here killed three Iraqis and injured two others here Monday morning. Coalition forces sustained no casualties and evacuated the injured Iraqis to medical facilities for treatment of their injuries. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was directed to the scene to perform an assessment, and establish a protective buffer zone in the event of follow-on explosions. EOD personnel will assist in clearing the site Tuesday when it is declared safe. An investigation of the explosion is underway.

KARBALA, Iraq - A fire caused a series of explosions at a Coalition ammunition supply point here late Monday afternoon. There were no reported Iraqi or U.S. casualties and the fire was localized. The fire is not suspected to be a result of hostile action. Coalition forces evacuated the area and established a 4 kilometer buffer zone around the location. Explosive ordnance disposal experts will conduct an assessment to determine when the site is safe to be cleared of unexploded ordnance. The incident is under investigation.

AL QAIM, Iraq – One U.S. soldier was killed by small arms fire late Sunday evening while manning a traffic control point here. An undetermined number of assailants pulled up to the checkpoint in a vehicle and requested help for a "sick" person in the car. Two people armed with pistols then exited the vehicle and shot the soldier. Soldiers at the checkpoint returned fire, killing one assailant, and capturing a second. At least one other assailant fled in the vehicle. A search is currently underway to locate the vehicle and additional suspect(s) and bring them to justice. An investigation of the incident is underway.

June 8, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Task Force 3-15 was engaged by small arms fire from a Mosque today near Fallujah. Based from intelligence reports of plans to attack U.S. forces, Task Force 3-15 conducted aggressive patrols in the area to gain contact with enemy forces. However, the Task Force did not engage the attackers in the Mosque. The unit came into contact with an enemy force of an unknown size firing from the same mosque the unit had contact from yesterday. No Coalition forces were injured, but they did detain two individuals. Pockets of resistance remain in the region between Fallujah and Ar Ramadi and they appear to be coordinated at the local level. Coalition forces continue to conduct active patrols to locate these pockets and destroy or capture the remnants of the former regime.

June 7, 2003
BAGHDAD, IRAQ -- Task Force 3/15 soldiers received automatic weapons fire from unknown assailants near a mosque in Fallujah, Iraq, yesterday at approximately 11:30 p.m. Additionally, TF 3/15 soldiers received rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire from another location on the opposite side of the street. Task Force soldiers immediately returned fire, killing one individual, while the other attacker fled the scene. No Coalition forces were injured. The soldiers were patrolling on the northern edge of town when the ambush occurred. Pockets of resistance remain in the region between Fallujah and Ar Ramadi and they appear to be coordinated at the local level. Coalition forces continue to conduct active patrols to locate these pockets and destroy or capture the remnants of the former regime.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One soldier was killed and two injured yesterday, June 6, 2003, in a vehicle accident about 35 kilometers north of Baghdad. They were providing security escort to Coalition Provisional Authority personnel at the time of the accident. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One U.S. soldier was killed and four were wounded this morning near Tikrit, Iraq by rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. The injured soldiers were medically evacuated by helicopter and ground ambulance to military medical facilities in the area.

June 6, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - A U.S. Navy Seabee serving with the First Marine Expeditionary Force died early Friday morning in Al Kut after handling unexploded ordnance near a barracks. The sailor was killed instantly and three others were injured and are in stable condition.

June 5, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- A U.S. soldier injured four Iraqis when he unintentionally discharged several rounds (exact count unknown) from his M-240 medium machine gun while picking the weapon up in Baghdad Wednesday afternoon. The four victims were struck in the legs, and one also received a grazing wound to the ear. All were evacuated to an Iraqi hospital for treatment of their injuries, which were not life threatening. The unit commander is conducting an investigation.

June 3, 2003
Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan – An Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed about 4:00 a.m. EDT (1:30 p.m. local Afghanistan time) today near Orgun-E in the Paktika Province in Southeast Afghanistan while supporting combat operations. The two pilots on board were not injured during the incident, however, the aircraft was significantly damaged. Security forces sent to secure the crash site picked up both pilots. The pilots will be evaluated at the U.S. Army Combat Support Hospital at Bagram. It is not believed the crash was caused by hostile fire, however the cause of the incident is under investigation.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- A soldier assigned to the U.S. Army's Fourth Infantry Division died Monday evening as a result of wounds received when a checkpoint near Balad was attacked by unknown assailants. The attack was carried out with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – At approximately 3:15 p.m. (Kuwait) Monday, Coalition Forces reported four soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 1092nd Engineer Company, a U.S. Army contractor from Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR), and two civilian boat captains were found after they had been reported missing Sunday evening. When transiting up the Shatt Al Arab (SAA) waterway, they were taken detained by Iranians. They were not physically abused. The four soldiers and three of the civilians were escorted and released back onto their boats. The U.S. patrol craft, U.S.S. CHINOOK located them in the vicinity of the SAA at approximately 2:45 p.m. (local) Monday. The two drivers remain detained. Initial medical examination of the returned personnel indicates no injuries or signs of physical abuse. The returnees are en route to Kuwait onboard the U.S. naval vessel, U.S.S. FIREBOLT. Their boats are being driven back by U.S. Navy crewmembers in company with the FIREBOLT. The four soldiers, the contractor and two civilian boat captains were expected to return to the Mina Al-Bakr platform at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday. They were reported missing Sunday evening, when they failed to return to the platform Sunday.

May 31, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Another soldier died early this morning as the result of injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident that occurred yesterday in Iraq. This brings the total to three soldiers who died, and six who were injured as a result of the accident. Two soldiers died at the scene of the traffic accident yesterday afternoon between Mosul and Tikrit when their light-medium tactical vehicle (LMTV) rolled over. The soldiers were part of a unit attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The injured soldiers were medically evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital. The third soldier died while undergoing treatment at the facility. An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway.

May 30, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Two soldiers were killed and seven injured when a light-medium tactical vehicle (LMTV) was involved in a traffic accident between Mosul and Tikrit today. The soldiers were part of a unit attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The injured soldiers were medically evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for treatment.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Two soldiers driving in a U.S. Army Palatized Load System (PLS) supply vehicle accidentally struck and killed an Iraqi child while traveling south on the Main Supply Route Tampa (Highway 1), 20 miles north of Tallil, at about 11:30 a.m., today. Initial reports indicate the child was crossing the road and was hit by a cargo trailer. The soldiers called for an emergency medical evacuation helicopter immediately; however,the child died before the aircraft arrived at the scene. Coalition Forces continue to stress safety to its service members and keeping the Iraqi population informed about the dangers of crossing the main supply routes where military convoys travel.

May 29, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- Two civilians were killed and two were injured in Samarra late Wednesday night when they attempted to drive their vehicle through a Coalition checkpoint. At about 11:00 p.m., a vehicle moving an estimated 40 mph tried to drive through a well-established and well-lit checkpoint guarded by Coalition soldiers and three tanks. Soldiers fired numerous warning shots but the vehicle continued onward, forcing soldiers on the ground to jump out of the way. The soldiers then fired at it with a tank-mounted machine gun, killing two civilians inside the vehicle. Two other civilians in the vehicle were injured and taken to the Samarra Hospital. No coalition soldiers were injured in the attack.

SAMARRA, IRAQ -- On Monday at approximately 10:45 p.m., soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division conducting a patrol observed the occupants of three white trucks firing weapons in public. Based on initial reporting, two of the trucks passed by the soldiers without incident. The third truck fired shots directly at the soldiers, who returned fire in accordance with their inherent right of self-defense. The truck exited the area at a high rate of speed. No coalition injuries were reported from the incident. At approximately 11:10 p.m., soldiers were sent to the hospital to check for civilian injuries, in accordance with unit standard Operating Procedures after soldier exchange gunfire with hostile forces. The hospital reported that three dead young adult males had recently been brought to the hospital. The exact cause of their deaths is unknown at this time. Fourth Infantry Division commanders have met with local officials and tribal leaders to discuss the incident. The U.S. Army V Corps is conducting an investigation of the incident.

ANACONDA, Iraq – A U.S. soldier was killed by hostile fire while traveling on a main supply route in Iraq today. The soldier was evacuated to 21st Combat Support Hospital where he was pronounced dead. V Corps is conducting an investigation of the incident.

May 27, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- An updated report confirmed that another soldier was killed and two more injured following the attack on a U.S. Army unit in Al Fallujah early this morning. An initial report indicated only one soldier was killed and seven others wounded. This brings the total to two soldiers killed and nine wounded. The attack began when a hostile force of unknown size attacked a U.S. Army unit in Al Fallujah earlier this morning with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. U.S. Army soldiers responded decisively with concentrated fire from Bradley Fighting Vehicles, crew-served weapons and small arms. They killed two attackers and captured six others. Initial reports indicate the attackers fired from a mosque in the city. The wounded soldiers were evacuated by both ground and air to military aid stations in the area. A U.S. Army medical evacuation helicopter was damaged during the fight when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle inadvertently struck it while maneuvering into a firing position. The use of a religious site, such as a mosque or church, as cover for military purposes is a violation of the Law of War. Coalition Forces strive to honor and respect the sanctity of religious places and locations like an Islamic Mosque. A fighting force, however, has an inherent right to defend itself from an attack. Coalition Forces will always defend themselves in a manner that minimizes harm to innocent life, protected sites and civilian property.

May 26, 2003
CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ -- A U.S. soldier drowned Monday afternoon after diving into an aqueduct south of Kirkuk, Iraq. Members of his squad retrieved the soldier when he did not resurface. Medical personnel attempted to revive the soldier when they arrived at the scene, and he was transported via helicopter to a field medical facility, where he subsequently died. The soldier's name and unit are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. The U.S. Army is investigating the accident.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One U.S. soldier was killed and three injured this afternoon when a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ran over a landmine or unexploded ordnance on Highway 8. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. local time, and appears to be a result of hostile action, though the specific circumstances of the incident are unconfirmed. Other patrols in the area came directly to the aid of the soldiers. The injured were medically evacuated by helicopter to military aid stations in the area for treatment of their injuries

CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ -- One soldier was killed and two injured while traveling down a main supply route northwest of Talil today. A tractor-trailer collided with a high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). The soldiers were evacuated to a military medical treatment facility.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One U.S. soldier was killed this morning, and another wounded when a 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment convoy was attacked this morning near Hadithah, a town about 120 miles northwest of Baghdad. The eight-vehicle convoy was conducting a resupply mission from Al Asad Air Base to Al Qaim when it was attacked at about 6:15 a.m. (11:15 p.m., May 25 EST). An unknown number of attackers fired small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns at the convoy. Attack helicopters and ground forces were immediately brought in to secure the area and seek out the attackers. The injured soldier was evacuated by helicopter.

May 25, 2003
AD DIWANIYAH, IRAQ – One U.S. soldier was killed and another injured Sunday in an explosion at facility which contained Iraqi ammunition here. The explosion occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. (2 a.m. EST), and is not thought to be a result of hostile action. The soldiers were performing guard duties at the time of the explosion. The injured soldier was transported to a field medical hospital, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. An investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion.

May 21, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - A Task Force Ironhorse soldier was killed early this morning near Baqubah, approximately 30 miles north of Baghdad. The soldier was involved in a mounted force protection patrol when the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) he was riding in rolled over. One passenger suffered a bruised leg and the driver of the vehicle was not injured. The incident is under investigation.

May 20, 2003
Al Hillah, Iraq - A 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Ch-46 Sea-Knight helicopter crashed shortly after take-off yesterday afternoon in the Shat Al Hillah Canal. The helicopter and crew of four went down shortly before 4 p.m. (local time), while conducting a re-supply mission in support of civil military operations. No survivors have been found. Two Marines on the bank of the canal entered the water and one drowned attempting a rescue of the crewmembers. Local Iraqis and Marines assisted in recovering the Marines who attempted the rescue and they were subsequently evacuated. Remaining Marines in the area immediately secured the crash site and summoned assistance. A recovery effort is underway and a dive teams are en-route to the site. The cause of the mishap is under investigation.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) soldier was shot in the chest at a traffic control point Monday evening. The soldier is in stable condition a Forward Surgical Team facility. The soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident is under investigation.

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan – A U.S. Soldier died of unknown causes Sunday in Kabul after completing a physical training run.Sgt. 1st Class John E. Taylor, 31, of Wichita Falls, Texas was pronounced dead at the International Security Assistance Force Hospital in Kabul, after U.S. and coalition medical personnel provided emergency medical treatment.Taylor was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

May 19, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - A U.S. soldier and an Iraqi citizen were killed Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 8 near Safwan, Iraq. Two High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) and one civilian truck were involved in the accident. Two soldiers who were injured in the accident were evacuated to a field hospital for treatment of their injuries.

May 18, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – A 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Marine died and one Marine was injured today in a truck accident.The Marines were traveling in a large transport truck (LVS - Logistics Vehicle System) when it rolled over approximately 30 km. southeast of Al Samawah. The Marines were traveling to a pumping station while in support of civil military operations when the accident occurred.Both Marines were flown via helicopter to 28th Combat Support Hospital. One Marine died of his injuries enroute to the hospital and one is listed in stable condition and expected to fully recover. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – A U.S. soldier from the Fourth Infantry Division died at approximately 10:00 a.m. today in Iraq as a result of a non-hostile gunshot would. The soldier was medically evacuated by air to an army medical treatment facility. An investigation is currently being conducted.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – One V Corps solider was killed and three others injured in the detonation of a piece of unexploded ordnance in Baghdad on Saturday. No further details on the circumstances of the accident are available. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a field medical facility for treatment of their injuries. An investigation of the incident is underway.

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait – A Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) destroyed a U.S. Army tanker truck at Iraqi fuel storage depot in Baghdad Saturday evening. There were no Coalition or civilian casualties, though the vehicle was destroyed in the attack. The vehicle was on a humanitarian assistance fuel mission at the time of the attack. United States Marines apprehended and detained four Iraqis for questioning. On Saturday, two soldiers were injured when an RPG struck their U.S. Army 5-ton truck near Habbaniyah. They were transported to a field medical hospital for treatment of their injuries, which were not life threatening. The search for the perpetrators of the attack is ongoing.

May 15, 2003
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- One soldier was killed and two were injured at 12:04 p.m. May 14 when a five-ton vehicle in a unit attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) was involved in a traffic accident on Highway 2 near Irbil, Iraq. A preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the vehicle swerved to avoid a civilian vehicle, and this action caused them to head toward a child. The soldier then swerved to avoid the child, and the truck rolled over. A more thorough investigation is being conducted. The injured soldiers sustained minor injuries.

May 14, 2003
AL HILLAH, Iraq – A First Marine Expeditionary Force Marine died yesterday afternoon when he was trapped in a munitions bunker that caught fire and exploded. The Marine was loading ammunition from an Iraqi bunker near Al Hillah onto a vehicle when the incident occurred. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Unused enemy ammunition and unexploded ordnance is being collected and destroyed by Marine Expeditionary Force units to make the country safer for the people of Iraq.

May 13, 2003
TAJI, Iraq -- Fourth Infantry Division soldiers moving barrels in order to get to ammunition in a warehouse in the vicinity of Taji this afternoon were exposed to an unknown industrial chemical that leaked out of a 55-gallon drum. All soldiers involved were decontaminated at the scene. Twenty-two soldiers were medically evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for evaluation and treatment, and four are being held for observation at the battalion aid station. A FOX chemical detection vehicle dispatched to the site indicated the chemical was not a nerve, blister or blood chemical agent and confirmed it as an industrial toxin. Further tests on the chemical are being conducted.

CAMP CHESTY, IRAQ – Two First Marine Expeditionary Force Marines died May 12 of wounds inflicted when unexploded ordnance they were handling detonated. The Marines received immediate medical attention, but died from their injuries. The incident is under investigation.