Donate $25 for two DVDs of the Cryptome collection of files from 1996 to the present Natsios Young Architects     Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iraq photos which have appeared on the Cryptome home page Also: af-photo-war-04.htm Afghanistan Photo War 4 July 9, 2009 af-photo-war-04-3.htm af-photo-war-04-2.htm af-photo-war-04-1.htm af-photo-war-03.htm Afghanistan Photo War 3 June 22, 2009 af-photo-war-02.htm Afghanistan Photo War 2 June 22, 2009 af-photo-war-01.htm Afghanistan Photo War 1 May 15, 2009 Afpak Photo War 1 Archive 19 July 2009 U.S. Air Force personnel watch as the caskets of six fallen service members are loaded into a hearse at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., July 8, 2009. All fallen service members are transferred directly from theater to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center at Dover Air Force Base. (DoD photo by Benjamin Faske/Released) Date Posted: 7/10/2009 An injured 9-year-old girl is treated by her father (L) and a member of the U.S. Army's Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade at Michigan Base in the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Members of the U.S. Army's Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade run with an injured 9-year-old girl to a medivac helicopter at Michigan Base in the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Members of the U.S. Army's Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade escort injured civilians to their aid station at Michigan Base in the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Members of a mortar team attached to Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade carry 120mm mortars before firing in support of their comrades further down the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Specialist Taylor (R) prepares to fire a 120mm mortar in support of other members of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade further down the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Private First Class Sida (L) and Sergeant Campbell block their ears as they fire a 120mm mortar in support of other members of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade further down the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters Private First Class Sida fires a 120mm mortar in support of other members of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade further down the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 19, 2009. Reuters A U.S. soldier is seen through a window at the scene of a suicide attack in Torkham, Nangarhar province east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, July 19, 2009. A suicide bomber attacked the Afghan-Pakistan border crossing at Torkham, killing a border police officer and a civilian, said Gen. Ayub Salangi, the provincial police chief of Nangarhar. AP DoD Identifies Operation Enduring Freedom Soldier July 19, 2009 The Department of Defense announced today the identity of a soldier listed as Missing-Captured on July 3 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 23, of Ketchum, Idaho, was declared Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) on July 1 and his status was changed to "Missing-Captured" on July 3. Pfc. Bergdahl is a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. In this undated photo provided by the Bergdahl family and released by the Idaho National Guard, Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 23, of Ketchum, Idaho is shown. The Pentagon on Sunday, July 19, 2009 confirmed that the American soldier who went missing from his base in Afghanistan has been captured and identified him as a private from Idaho serving with an Alaska-based infantry regiment. The Defense Department released the name of Pfc. Bergdahl, one day after he was seen in a video posted online as saying he was "scared I won't be able to go home." AP This video frame grab taken from a Taliban propaganda video released Saturday, July 18, 2009 shows an American soldier who went missing from his base in eastern Afghanistan June 30 and was later confirmed captured. The soldier, whose identity has not yet been confirmed by the Pentagon pending notification of members of Congress and the soldier's family, says his name, age and hometown on the video, which was released Saturday on a Web site pointed out by the Taliban. Two U.S. defense officials confirmed to The Associated Press that the man in the video is the captured soldier. AP A Canadian honor guard carries the remains of Canadian army Pvt. Sebastien Courcy during a sundown ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, July 17, 2009. Courcy was killed in action July 16, 2009, while participating in counterinsurgency combat operations in the Panjwaii district of Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released) Date Posted: 7/18/2009 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen pays respects to Canadian Army Pvt. Sabastien Courcy for transportation during a ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, July 17, 2009. Courcy was killed in action during a counterinsurgency operation in the Panjwaii district of Afghanistan, July 16, 2009. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released) Date Posted: 7/18/2009 U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, returns to shore July 13, 2009, after visiting aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Gulf of Oman. Mullen accompanied a United Service Organizations (USO) tour to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The USO tour features National Football League (NFL) hall of fame coach Don Shula, all-pro NFL running back Warrick Dunn, actors Bradley Cooper and D.B. Sweeney and sports announcer and model Leeann Sweeden. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released) Date Posted: 7/14/2009 U.S. Spc. Richard Nere, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stirs a pot of burning feces on Combat Outpost(COP) Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. Burning the feces is the best way to dispose of it in the absence of plumbing. Nere graduated from Tulane University with a degree in political science. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Spc. Richard Nere, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, adds diesel fuel to a pot of burning feces at Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. Sports announcer and model Leeann Tweeden poses with Ronny and Benzzi, a couple of patrol detector dogs during a celebrity visit outside the Pat Tillman United Service Organizations, a building on Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, July 15, 2009. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Michael Greenberger/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Gen. David McKiernan greets Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates prior to his full honors retirement ceremony on Fort Myer, Va., July 15, 2009. McKiernan previously held the top position in Afghanistan serving as the commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO International Security Assistance Force. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 7/16/2009 Pakistani Taliban militants are shown to the media at the detention center of Jalalabad the provincial capital of Nangarhar province east of Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday, July 18, 2009. They were arrested during a gun fight between Taliban militants and locals in Achin district. Three Taliban militants and two civilians were killed in a gun battle in Nangarhar province, Afghan officials said. AP [That is one big MF at right.] A village elder in Omar looks at Lieutenant Cumbie of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade, during a patrol in the lower Korangal Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 18, 2009. Reuters Private Gildon of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade leans over a garbage bin to shave his head at Michigan Base in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 18, 2009. Reuters Children in the village of Omar stand on a roof to look down at a soldier from Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade manning a 50 calibre gun during a patrol in the lower Korangal Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 18, 2009. Reuters An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier (R) aims his gun near a soldier of Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade, during a patrol in the lower Korangal Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 18, 2009. Reuters A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. searches a home during an operation to push out Taliban fighters on July 18, 2009 in Herati, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. take a break as they search homes during an operation to push out Taliban fighters on July 18, 2009 in Herati, Afghanistan. Getty [Note hand scythe stuck in a wall crack in photos above and below.] U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. greet an Afghan man during an operation to push out Taliban fighters on July 18, 2009 in Herati, Afghanistan. Reuters 18 July 2009 Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Fort Drum, N.Y. http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4446 From left, Sgt. John Oyston, Second Lt. Cole Henderson and Spc. Brian Smith collect themselves before Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrives to conduct a town hall meeting with 200 soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY, Thursday, July 16, 2009. Gates said he could send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan than initially expected and is considering increasing the number of soldiers in the Army. AP U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, operate a 120-mm mortar system on Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. Some of the Soldiers are standing on the mortar's base plate in an effort to seat it securely to ensure accuracy during future fire missions. (U.S. Army photo by SSgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 An overhead view of the southeast corner of Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Spc. Matthew King, left, and Sgt. Edwin McGinity of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, wait for a mortar fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Spc. Matthew King, left, and Sgt. Edwin McGinity with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division,, operate an 81mm mortar system during a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff. Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Spc. Gareth Warner drops a 120-mm mortar round into the tube while Spc. Ricky Olivo keeps the gun on target during a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok in Paktika province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2009. The Soldiers are deployed with the 3rd battalion, 509th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S Army Spc. Ricky Olivo, left, and Spc. Vincent Cutler assume a protective posture as a 120-mm mortar round is launched from the tube during a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok in Paktika province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2009. The Soldiers are deployed with the 3rd battalion, 509th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. ( U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Pfc. Daniel Nededog, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509 Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, hangs a 60-mm white phosphorus mortar round during a fire mission on Combat Outpost (COP) Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army Sgt. Edwin McGinty, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, sights his 60-mm mortar tube in preparation for a fire mission on Combat Oupost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009 U.S. Army 1st Lt. Drew Hill, 1st Platoon Leader, 166 Engineer Co. (Vertical), reads a book during some down time in the day on Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released) Date Posted: 7/17/2009

18 July 2009

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. run across a field as they move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. runs across a field as he moves into position while under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. direct machine gun as they take enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. fire their weapons as they take enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. look for targets after taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. along with an Afghan soldier react as dust blankets the area after an IED exploded while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. fire their weapons as they take enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. yells for other Marines to move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. yells for other Marines after an IED exploded while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. yells for other Marines to move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. use a machine gun after taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. yells to other Marines after an IED exploded while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. look for targets after taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty A U.S. Marine with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. takes up a defensive position after they came under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. look for targets after taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. watch as a Marine Cobra helicopter machine guns a compound where they were taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. move into position while they were under enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. look for targets after taking enemy fire on July 17, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty

A U.S. Navy corpsman with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan sets up a medical treatment facility in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, July 4, 2009. The room has been used to treat Marines, Afghan National Army soldiers and civilians. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations. They will also train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. William Greeson/Released) Date Posted: 7/8/2009 U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hold a compound overnight July 4, 2009, during an operation in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. The Marines' presence prevents freedom of movement for the enemies of Afghanistan, returning peace and prosperity to the local populace. The Marines are part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released) Date Posted: 7/6/2009 A mine roller attached to a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle drives through the Nawa Distict bazaar in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during a joint security patrol with British soldiers with Battle Group Center South, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, Afghan National Police officers, Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan July 4, 2009. Elements of four different security forces are working together to root out violence in Nawa District. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations. They will also train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. William Greeson/Released) Date Posted: 7/8/2009 A U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, pulls security inside an Armed Security Vehicle in Carabar, Afghanistan, July 4, 2009.( U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Richard W. Jones Jr./Released) Date Posted: 7/8/2009 Pakistani service members, Afghan Border Police and U.S. Soldiers meet at the Nawa Pass in the Kunar province of Afghanistan July 5, 2009. Pakistani, Afghan and U.S. military members met face to face at the pass to discuss their continued cooperation and information sharing. The U.S. Soldiers are from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division based out of Fort Drum, N.Y. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller/Released) Posted: 7/12/2009 U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade?Afghanistan work in the command operations center at Patrol Base Jaker in Nawa District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, July 4, 2009. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations. They will train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. James Purschwitz/Released) Date Posted: 7/8/2009 U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment wait to leave a temporary patrol base during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 5, 2009. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment's presence restricts enemy groups' freedom of movement and helps restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment is part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released) Date Posted: 7/6/2009 A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade?Afghanistan rests after a security patrol through the Nawa District bazaar in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, July 4, 2009. Long hot days of patrolling, and security watches at night have Marines catching sleep whenever they can. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations. They will also train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. William Greeson/Released) Date Posted: 7/8/2009

16 July 2009

U.S. Army soldiers fire mortars at the fighting positions of opposing forces during a combat operation in the village of Barge Matal in the eastern Nuristan province of Afghanistan on July 12, 2009. During the operation, U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and Afghan National Security Forces secured the remote mountain village. DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, U.S. Army. (Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

A U.S. Army soldier calls for an airstrike on the hills surrounding Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in the eastern Nuristan province of Afghanistan on July 12, 2009. DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, U.S. Army. (Released) Date Posted: 7/14/2009

U.S. Army Soldier with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, scans for insurgent forces as small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades hit near U.S. and Afghan military positions inside the village of Barge Matal, during Operation Mountain Fire, in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. International Security Assistance Forces alongside Afghan National Security Forces repelled the late afternoon attack. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller/Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

An Afghan Border Police member calls out insurgent positions in the hills surrounding Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire, Nuristan province, in Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces engaged in an hour long gun battle with insurgent forces, after quickly securing the remote village in the early morning. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller/Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

U.S. Army Sgt. Arturo Islas checks the pulse of a suspected Taliban fighter injured during an early morning air-strike with International Security Assistance Forces and Afghan National Security Forces outside the village of Barge Matal, during Operation Mountain Fire, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 12, 2009. ISAF and ANSF forces quickly secured key positions within the tiny mountain village, which was overwhelmed by insurgents several days prior. Islas is a member of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller/Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

A U.S. Army soldier with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division fires at opposing forces attacking from the hills surrounding the remote village of Barge Matal during Operation Mountain Fire in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, on July 12, 2009. During the operation, U.S. and Afghan National Security Forces quickly secured the tiny mountain village. DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, U.S. Army. (Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Green, with 1st Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., verifies perimeter security during a routine patrol July 11, 2009, in Gulam Ali, a village in the Bagram district of Afghanistan's Parwan province. The Division Special Troops Battalion, or Task Force Gladius, is responsible for security and development projects in Parwan. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens/Released) Date Posted: 7/14/2009

U.S. Army Spc. Gilbert Nuno, an armorer with 1st Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., provides perimeter security as a dismounted gunner July 11, 2009, during a routine patrol in Ghulam Ali, a village in the Bagram district of Afghanistan's Parwan province. The battalion, also known as Task Force Gladius, is responsible for security and development projects in Parwan. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens/Released) Date Posted: 7/14/2009

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen presents a Purple Heart medal to Army Sgt. Marcus Love at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, July 14, 2009. Love, from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., was presented the medal for a gunshot wound received earlier in the day. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released) Date Posted: 7/15/2009

16 July 2009

Undated photo of Canadian Private Sebastien Courcy, a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Quebec who died July 16, 2009 while taking part in military operations in the Panjwayi District south-west of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Reuters

Soldiers from Britain's Mercian Regiment are seen resting during a patrol as part of operation "Panther's Claw", in Helmand province in Afghanistan in this July 13, 2009 handout photograph received in London on July 16, 2009. President Hamid Karzai has promised to provide extra Afghan security forces to reinforce British soldiers battling Taliban insurgents, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday. Reuters

A Marine Corps carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Heede Jr. , 22, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Heede, of Edgewood, Md. , died while serving in Helmand province in Afghanistan. AP

This undated photo provided by the Rogers Funeral Home of Henryetta, Okla. on behalf of the Randolph family, shows Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Michael Randolph of Henryetta. Randolph was killed Monday, July 6, 2009 when a vehicle in which he was riding struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. AP

Flight Lieutenant Alexander Duncan poses with the Distinguished Flying Cross medal awarded to him at a royal investiture at Buckingham Palace on July 15, 2009 in London, England. Flight Lieutenant Duncan was honoured for piloting a chinook helicopter in Afghanistan that was hit by enemy fire. Getty

An RAF Chinook helicopter lands during a re-supply of ground forces during operation "Panther?s Claw", in Helmand province in Afghanistan in this July 13, 2009 handout photograph received in London on July 16, 2009. President Hamid Karzai has promised to provide extra Afghan security forces to reinforce British soldiers battling Taliban insurgents, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday. Reuters

Sally, the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, center, his father, retired Major John, left, and mother, Veronica, right, mourn as the coffin of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe leaves The Guards Chapel in the Wellington Barracks in London after a funeral service, Thursday, July 16, 2009. AP

In this combination picture of handout leaflets released on July 16, 2009 by the U.S. military, a leaflet (top) reads "One of our American guests is missing" while the other leaflet (bottom) reads "Return the guest to his home". A Taliban commander in southeastern Afghanistan said on Thursday a missing U.S. soldier is being held by insurgents and is unharmed but warned the military he will be killed if they try to find him. Reuters

Civilians wounded in an air strike are admitted to a hospital in Kandahar city July 16, 2009. The U.S. military said on Thursday it was investigating an incident in southern Afghanistan in which residents said some civilians were killed and up to 16 wounded in a possible air strike. Reuters

Civilians wounded in an air strike are admitted to a hospital in Kandahar city July 16, 2009. The U.S. military said on Thursday it was investigating an incident in southern Afghanistan in which residents said some civilians were killed and up to 16 wounded in a possible air strike. Reuters

A U.S. soldier of the 10th Mountain Division takes part in a joint patrol with French and Afghan troops in a village in Kharuti, in the mountains of Wardak Province in Afghanistan July 16, 2009. Reuters

In this Wednesday July 15, 2009 photo British soldiers with the International Security Assistance Force pose for a photo with Afghan officials in the Sangin district of Helmand province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan. Britain's army chief said Wednesday that more troops are needed in Afghanistan's volatile southern province of Helmand as soldiers pursue a bloody campaign to uproot Taliban fighters ahead of elections next month. AP

Italian Lower Chamber President Gianfranco Fini touches the coffin containing the body of Italian soldier Alessandro Di Lisio at Ciampino military airport, on the outskirts of Rome, Thursday, July 16, 2009. Di Lisio, 25, was killed Tuesday, July 15, 2009, by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan after an explosive device went off near an Italian convoy traveling on a road about 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) northeast of the city of Farah. Three Italian soldiers were injured by the improvised explosive device. AP

French army soldiers of 8th Artillery Regiment return after a joint patrol with U.S. and Afghan troops in a village in Kharuti, in the mountains of Wardak Province in Afghanistan July 16, 2009. Reuters

French army Chief Sergeant Johan Bonnevialle of the 8th Artillery Regiment returns after a joint patrol with U.S. and Afghan troops in a village in Kharuti, in the mountains of Wardak Province in Afghanistan July 16, 2009. Reuters

15 July 2009

Mourners cry as hearses containing the bodies of eight soldiers killed in Afghanistan drive through Wootton Bassett, in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

An Afghan child watches as U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. conduct a search on July 15, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. The Marines are part of Operation Khanjari which was launched to take areas in the Southern Helmand Province that Taliban fighters are using as a resupply route and to help the local Afghan population prepare for the upcoming presidential elections. Getty

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, RCT 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Echo Co. head out on a patrol on July 15, 2009 in Mian Poshteh, Afghanistan. Getty

A man directs traffic next to a burning fuel truck after it was attacked in the outskirts of Landi Kotal, a town in Khyber Agency located in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, July 14, 2009. Militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a truck carrying fuel for Western forces in Afghanistan, killing the driver, government officials said. Reuters

U.S. soldiers of 2nd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division prepare for a night mission in front of Mine Resistant Ambush Protect (MRAP) armored vehicles on the Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in mountains of Wardak Province in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Reuters

14 July 2009

A procession of hearses carrying the bodies of eight British soldiers killed in Afghanistan in a 24 hour period travels through the streets of Wootton Bassett, in Wiltshire, on July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed in Britain's bloodiest 24-hour period in Afghanistan were flown home on Tuesday as the head of the army said they had not died in vain. The families of the men, three of whom were 18-year-olds, were at the RAF Lyneham airbase in southwest England to see the coffins draped in the Union Jack flag carried slowly one by one from the transport plane. Thousands of people, including many soldiers, lined the streets of the nearby town of Wootton Bassett to pay their respects as the eight hearses were driven past, following a private ceremony at a chapel of rest for the families. Getty

Mourners react as a procession of hearses carrying the bodies of eight British soldiers killed in Afghanistan in a 24 hour period parade through the streets of Wootton Bassett, in Wiltshire, on July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed in Britain's bloodiest 24-hour period in Afghanistan were flown home on Tuesday as the head of the army said they had not died in vain. The families of the men, three of whom were 18-year-olds, were at the RAF Lyneham airbase in southwest England to see the coffins draped in the Union Jack flag carried slowly one by one from the transport plane. Thousands of people, including many soldiers, lined the streets of the nearby town of Wootton Bassett to pay their respects as the eight hearses were driven past, following a private ceremony at a chapel of rest for the families. Reuters

A Taliban fighter looks through binoculars in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority. Reuters

A Taliban fighter looks through binoculars in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority.

Taliban fighters train with their weapons in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority. Reuters

Taliban fighters ride on motorbikes in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority. Reuters

Taliban fighters are seen in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority. Reuters

Taliban fighters are seen in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Around 4,000 U.S. Marines and hundreds of NATO and Afghan forces are taking part in an offensive in various parts of Helmand province against the Taliban, the biggest by foreign troops since they ousted the Islamist group in 2001. The operation comes ahead of next month's presidential election, which is crucial both for Kabul and for a U.S. administration that has identified Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan as its top foreign policy priority. Reuters

The coffin of Private John Brackpool is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Rifleman Daniel Simpson is carried from an aircraft during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Corporal Jonathan Horne is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Rifleman Joseph Murphy is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Rifleman William Aldridge is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Rifleman Daniel Hume is carried from an aircraft during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Rifleman James Backhouse is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

The coffin of Corporal Lee Scott is carried during a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, southern England July 14, 2009. The bodies of eight soldiers killed during the bloodiest 24-hours for British forces since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 were flown back home on Tuesday. Reuters

A U.S. soldier of 3rd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division rests from a mission in his Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle after returning on the Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in the mountains of Wardak Province in Afghanistan July 14, 2009. Reuters

A US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade runs to safety moments after an IED blast in Garmsir district of Helmand Province in Afghanistan on July 13, 2009. Two US Marine soldiers were killed when the explosion occured as they tried to clear a route into the Taliban heartland of southern Helmand province. About 4,000 US Marines are battling insurgents in a massive offensive launched in the south early this month to clear Taliban militants out of strongholds ahead of presidential and provincial council elections scheduled for August 20. Getty

8 July 2009

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines sleep in their fighting holes inside a compound where they stayed for the night, in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, Wednesday July 8, 2009. AP

2 July 2009

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, along with approximately 650 Afghan soldiers and police officers from the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF), prepare to board CH-53D Sea Stallion and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. The Marines and ANSF are partnered for a major operation in the Helmand Province to transition security responsibilities to the Afghan forces. The Marines and ANSF will move into towns and villages along the Helmand River Valley in an effort to secure the population from the threat of the Taliban and other insurgent intimidation and violence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philippe E. Chasse/Released) Date Posted: 7/2/2009