Niger Believed to be Preferred Location
By Harold Hutchison

The Department of Defense is considering whether or not to set up another base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Africa. The first choice for this new base is reportedly in Niger, right next door to Mali, where a civil war has erupted between Islamist rebels and the government.

Actions During an Ambush Recognized
By Harold Hutchison

On 7 August, 2011, a squad of Marines was ambushed and pinned down by insurgents in the Sangin District. Two of the Marines were killed, and facing fire from multiple positions.

First Sergeant Bradley G. Simmons lead a quick reaction force to rescue the pinned down Marines. Simmons lead the force against the insurgents, cutting off their escape route and allowing close air support assets to take down the insurgents. For his actions during the ambush, he received the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device.

Taliban leaders, Haqqani Facilitator, Captured
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF and Afghan forces captured three Taliban leaders and a Haqqani Network facilitator during operations in Afghanistan. According to an operation update by ISAF Joint Command, at least two of the leaders were improvised explosive device experts.

The U.S. Air Force began transporting French soldiers and military equipment Jan. 21 from Istres, France to Bamako, Mali, in support of French military operations.

C-17 Globemaster III, operating under the control of U.S. Africa Command, are moving a French mechanized infantry battalion. The ongoing operation is expected to last at least two weeks.

The first C-17 from Dover Air Force Base, Del., took off from Istres and landed in Bamako Jan. 21 to deliver more than 80,000 pounds of equipment and dozens of French soldiers.

Afghan and coalition forces killed al-Qaeda associated Taliban leader, Wali, during a security operation in Dangam district, Kunar province, Jan. 24.

Wali was a Taliban leader and al-Qaeda facilitator who coordinated activities between the Taliban and al-Qaeda within the province, and organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Dangam district. He also oversaw the movement of weapons and suicide vest components.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

Gunners of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment shot an Excalibur round out of a M-777 howitzer cannon for the first time at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Jan. 20.

The Excalibur is a separate loading, 155MM, extended-range, precision- guided projectile designed for use with other 155MM digitized Howitzers.

The M-777 is designed to be a digitally programmed weapon and is about 9,800 pounds lighter than the more commonly used M-198 Howitzer and is reportedly more accurate.

Leading to the small village of Shagowlay, laid out along a plain between snowy mountains, winds a road that was untraveled until recently. The road is one of very few that connects the tiny villages of Qara Bagh district. The road is secure now because of coordinated efforts between the Afghan Local Police (ALP), and elements of the Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan National Army.

As Afghan forces assume full security responsibility in their country, a “fundamental shift” in operations will occur, a senior NATO International Security Assistance Force commander said.

Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander of ISAF Joint Command, briefed Pentagon reporters on what the shift will look like and what role NATO forces will play as Afghans step into the lead.

Videos by United States Air Forces Central