Author: Kim Gamel
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U.S. says ambushed Afghan outpost left vulnerable
KABUL — Most of the soldiers were still asleep when gunfire rang out and insurgents stormed their isolated base from all sides. Eight Americans and three Afghan soldiers died. The Americans weren’t even supposed to be there. Combat Outpost Keating had been scheduled to be closed months before the Oct. 3 assault. A U.S. military…
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U.S. commander in Iraq wants troops in disputed land
KIM GAMEL,Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD — America’s top commander in Iraq said Monday he wants to deploy U.S. soldiers alongside Iraqi and Kurdish troops in a disputed swath of northern territory following a series of horrific bombings by insurgents hoping to stoke an Arab-Kurdish conflict. The move would be a departure from the security…
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Iraq’s top U.S. general: American role crucial
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq — The top U.S. commander in Iraq said Tuesday an American role over the next 2½ years is crucial to ensuring legitimate national elections and helping Iraq become a long-term U.S. partner in the Middle East. Gen. Ray Odierno disputed a colonel’s call for the military to declare victory and leave ahead…
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Iraqi forces assume control in cities
BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities Tuesday after American troops handed over security in urban areas in a defining step toward ending the U.S. combat role in the country.A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi TV ticked to zero as the midnight deadline passed for U.S. combat troops to finish…
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Iraq to celebrate American withdrawal
BAGHDAD – The Iraqi government on Tuesday declared a public holiday to mark next week’s withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Baghdad and other cities.American forces already have begun pulling back from outposts inside the cities ahead of a June 30 deadline, the first phase of a full withdrawal by the end of 2011.Government spokesman…
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U.S. frees Iraqi accused in 5 soldier deaths
BAGHDAD – The U.S. military has released a Shiite militant accused of being involved in one of the most brazen attacks of the war that killed five American soldiers in 2007, the Iraqi government said today. Laith al-Khazali’s release comes amid reports of negotiations with his militia group to free at least one of five…