638 casualties
Release Number: 04-04-10C
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOUR MARINES KILLED IN ACTION
CAMP FALLUJAH -- Four Marines serving
with the I Marine Expeditionary Force were
killed as a result of enemy action in the Al Anbar
province April 5 while conducting security and
stabilization operations.
I MEF force protection measures preclude the
release of any information that could aid enemy
personnel in assessing the effectiveness or lack
thereof with regard to their tactics, techniques and
procedures.
The release of more details about the incident could
place U.S. Marines and sailors at greater risk.
The names of the deceased are withheld pending
next-of-kin notification.
April 6, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-11C
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THREE TASK FORCE 1AD SOLDIERS
KILLED DURING SEPARATE INCIDENTS
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three Task Force 1st
Armored Division soldiers were killed during
separate attacks April 5-6 in the Kadhimyah
district here.
The first soldier died of wounds received during an
attack that took place at about 11 a.m. April 5. The
soldier was traveling with a southbound convoy
when it was attacked with small-arms and
rocket-propelled grenade fire.
A second soldier died later that day, at about 9:30
p.m., when his vehicle was struck by a rocket-
propelled grenade during a firefight in the same
area.
A third soldier died from wounds he received
during a rocket-propelled grenade attack on his
Bradley Fighting Vehicle at about 12:30 a.m.,
April 6.
The names of the soldiers are being withheld
pending notification of their next of kin.
April 6, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-05
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES
CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211;
DSN 651-5894
April 7, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-06
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION VIGILANT RESOLVE NETS
HIGH VALUE TARGETS
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – I Marine
Expeditionary Force continued to execute
Operation Vigilant Resolve yesterday throughout
the Al Anbar Province and in several cities
known to harbor anti-Iraqi forces.
Operations from the Syrian border to the
Baghdad suburbs have resulted in the capture or
death of a significant number of anti-Iraqi
Forces and foreign terrorists. To the west, a
combination of the ongoing efforts in the Husaybah
and Al Qa’im regions are undercutting the ability
of the anti-Iraqi Forces to import foreign fighters,
cash and equipment. Heightened operations to the
east, to include the cordon around Fallujah and
combat operations in other major cities in the Al
Anbar Province, are drawing out anti-Iraqi Forces.
Establishing a persistent presence in areas where U.
S. forces have not consistently operated over the
last year has been costly. The increase in the
number of attacks on Coalition Forces in the Al
Anbar Province is attributable to the I Marine
Expeditionary Force’s strategy to heighten their
profile, operate throughout the zone and challenge
anti-Iraqi Forces in place where they’ve gained
influence.
The citizens of Ar Ramadi remained in their homes
during the engagement. Several calls from Iraqi
citizens to the Coalition tip line aided Coalition
Forces in identifying, isolating and combating the
terrorists. Throughout the fight, members of the
Iraqi Police Service and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps
soldiers secured key city government facilities and
helped control traffic in and out of the city.
When the fighting subsided, Ar Ramadi remained
under the supervision of the governor of the
province, the chief of police and the Iraqi security
forces.
As of 8 p.m. yesterday, the Iraqi Police Services
and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps were providing
security for the residents of Ar Ramadi. Coalition
Forces are monitoring the situation and ready to
provide support in the event that terrorists resume
hostilities.
For more information, please contact the Coalition
Press Information Center at
CPICPRESSDESK@BAGHDADFORUM.COM
April 7, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTACK ON MARINES NEAR MOSQUE
FALLUJAH, Iraq - U.S. Marines observed
anti-Coalition Forces today firing from the Haj
Musheen Abdul Aziz Az-Kubaysi mosque
complex in Fallujah. In order to gain access to the
compound housing the mosque, Marines used air
support to breach a wall located several hundred
yards away from the actual mosque structure. One
anti-Coalition force member was killed in the
attack. There is no report of civilian casualties.
Marines on the ground observed no damage to
the mosque. The anti-coalition forces firing from
the mosque wrongfully violated the law of war by
conducting offensive military operations from a
protected structure. As a result, the mosque lost its
protected status and therefore became a lawful
military target. Nevertheless, the Marines only
targeted the wall surrounding the compound in
order to prevent damage to the mosque.
Initial reports indicate a platoon-size force was
firing RPGs and small arms from fortified battle
positions inside of and on top of the mosque.
Following the strike, Marines also recovered a
fully functional mortar from inside the compound.
This mosque was repeatedly used as a base to
target Iraqi and Coalition forces throughout the
day. The breach of the wall was a graduated
response to the threat.
I Marine Expeditionary Force will continue to
employ precision weaponry in order to protect lives
of non-combatants, private property, medical
facilities, and religious structures in accordance with
the law of war.
For more information please contact MAJ
JOHNSON at johnsontv@imefdm.usmc.mil or neil.
harper.82@d82.army.mil
April 7, 2004
Release Number: 04-04-13C
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CASUALTY UPDATE
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Attacks killed 14 U.S.
service members on April 6 and 7. The
casualties occurred in the following incidents:
Twelve U.S. Marines died battling anti-
Coalition forces in Ar Ramadi April 6.
One 1st Infantry Division soldier was killed
and another wounded during a counter-fire
mission at Logistics Support Area Anaconda near
Balad at about 8:35 p.m. April 6. The wounded
soldier was medically evacuated to Landstuhl
Regional Medical Center, Germany and is in stable
condition. The incident is under investigation.
- One Task Force 1st Armored Division
soldier was killed by RPG fire at about 6:30 a.m.
April 7 as his convoy conducted a relief in place of
the security forces guarding the Diala Police Station
in Baghdad. The soldier's name is being withheld
pending notification of next of kin.
For more information please contact the press
information center
at 914-360-5071.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Matthew K. Serio, 21, of North
Providence, R.I., died April 5, due to injuries
received from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province,
Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. David M. McKeever, 25, of Buffalo, N.Y.,
died April 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, when individuals
using a rocket-propelled-grenade ambushed his
unit. Spc. McKeever was assigned to the Army’s
1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Giessen,
Germany.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Gerardo Moreno, 23, of Terrell, Texas,
died April 6, in Ashula, Iraq, when individuals who
fired a rocket-propelled-grenade attacked his
unit. Moreno was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of eight soldiers supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom. They died on April 4, in Baghdad,
Iraq, when their units were attacked with rocket-
propelled grenades and small arms fire. Eight
soldiers were assigned to two units at Fort Hood,
Texas, while one soldier was assigned in
Germany. Killed were:
Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, 25, of Porterville,
Calif., from the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 37th
Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored
Division, Ray Barracks, Friedberg, Germany.
Soldiers killed from the Army’s 2nd Battalion,
5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
Fort Hood, Texas were:
Sgt. Yihjyh L. Chen, 31, of Saipan, Marianas
Protectorate.
Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, 25, of San Antonio,
Texas.
Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, 25, of Opelika, Ala.
Spc. Ahmed A. Cason, 24, of McCalla, Ala.
Spc. Israel Garza, 25, of Lubbock, Texas.
Soldiers killed from the Army’s 1st Battalion,
82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas were:
Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, 22, of Albion, Ill.
Spc. Casey Sheehan, 24, of Vacaville, Calif.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release,
contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of two Marines who were supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Pfc. Christopher Ramos, 26, of Albuquerque, N.
M.
Cpl. Jesse L. Thiry, 23, of Casco, Wis.
Both Marines died April 5, due to injuries
received from hostile fire in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton,
Calif.
For further information related to this release,
contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Deryk L. Hallal, 24, of Indianapolis, Ind.,
died April 6, due to hostile fire in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton,
Calif.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of five Marines who were supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Christopher R. Cobb, 19, of Bradenton, Fla.
Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek, 18, of Oneida, Wis.
Pfc. Moises A. Langhorst, 19, of Moose Lake,
Minn.
Lance Cpl. Travis J. Layfield, 19, of Fremont,
Calif.
Lance Cpl. Anthony P. Roberts, 18, of Bear,
Del.
Pfc. Langhorst died April 5; all others died April
6. All died due to hostile fire in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton,
Calif.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of two Marines who were supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Kyle D. Crowley, 18, of San
Ramon, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Allan K. Walker, 28, of Lancaster,
Calif.
Both died April 6, due to hostile fire in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton,
Calif.
April 8, 2004
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of two Marines who were supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Marcus M. Cherry, 18, of Imperial,
Calif.
Pfc. Benjamin R. Carman, 20, of Jefferson,
Iowa.
Both died April 6, due to hostile fire in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton,
Calif.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Tyanna S. Felder, 22, of Bridgeport, Conn.,
died April 7, in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained
on April 4 in Mosul when her convoy vehicle was
hit with an improvised explosive device. Felder
was assigned to the Army’s 296th Brigade
Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry
Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Shane L. Goldman, 20, of Orange,
Texas, died April 5 due to injuries received from
hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was
assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp
Pendleton, Calif.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2004 -- Although the rules of
engagement specifically identify mosques as protected
structures, Iraqi insurgents forfeited that protection when they
used a mosque in central Fallujah, Iraq, April 7 to launch
attacks on U.S. forces, the commanding general of the 1st
Marine Expeditionary Brigade told reporters at Camp
Pendleton, Calif., today.
Marine Maj. Gen. Keith Stalder said that when a platoon-size
group of enemy forces occupied the mosque and the grounds
immediately surrounding it and fired on Marines, that mosque
lost the protection of the law of war. At that point, Stalder
said, the Marines' right to defend themselves became the most
important issue.
"If anybody shoots at us from a mosque, then we are going to
do what we need to do to protect ourselves," he said.
Stalder said the Marines subdued and suppressed the enemy
operating from the mosque, killing at least one.
During the firefight, in which the Marines called in an air strike
that took out a wall surrounding the mosque, Stalder said the
Marines made every effort to minimize damage inflicted. "But
once we do return fire or engage, we minimize the damage to
the degree that we can, and we ensure that the response is
proportional to the threat."
Stalder said that once security is established, the Marines will
return to help the local citizens there rebuild any damage -- not
only from this most recent combat activity, but also from
earlier neglect during the Saddam Hussein regime.
The Marines are making steady headway in Iraq, "winning on
the ground in our area of operation, " Stalder said. "Where we
operate, we are doing the job, we are performing our mission,
killing the bad guys and making life better for the average Iraqi
people in the western part of Iraq."
He said the Marines, many of whom served in Iraq during the
county's liberation, are trained, equipped and prepared to deal
with whatever enemy resistance they encounter. "We went
fully prepared to engage and kill the enemy wherever they
chose to fight and we are doing that right now," he said. "We
are winning every firefight we engage in."
Stalder credited the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, which
previously served in the Marines' area of operation, with
doing "a magnificent job" and in making a smooth transition of
authority to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
The general said he feels confident that the Marines have the
proper number and mix of forces to accomplish their mission,
but that his staff on the ground will reassess the situation
regularly. "I am very comfortable that we have everything we
need right now," Stalder said.
He said no discussion is under way involving the extension of
Marines' deployments in Iraq, most of which now extend
about seven months.
For now, Stalder said the Marines' mission in Iraq remains
basically the same as during the past deployment: "to conduct
security operations, kill or capture the bad guys who threaten
that, and help the local Iraqis rebuild their lives, their
government and their country."