Iraq

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2009 – The number of U.S. military fatalities in Iraq in 2008 fell two-thirds compared to the previous year, underscoring an improvement in security amid upcoming provincial elections.

Last year's casualty figure -- 314 -- marks a sharp reduction from 2007 when 904 troops died. The 2008 tally comes on the heels of a week in which the number of daily attacks in Iraq dropped nearly 95 percent compared to the same time last year.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - The war in Iraq isn't over, but a successful end is in sight, thanks to hard work between the United States and Iraq, President George W. Bush said in his weekly radio address on Saturday, December 6, 2008.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. soldiers detained four suspected criminals yesterday during Thanksgiving Day operations in southern Baghdad's Rashid district, military officials said. Some of the detainees allegedly conducted attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces while others are suspected of weapons-trafficking activities.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Despite losing a leg in combat, Army Sgt. Chris Alvin Burrell is focusing on his rehabilitation to one day return to what he calls his "normal day of work."

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indiana National Guard is pleased to announce that about 130 Soldiers with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are scheduled to return after serving in Iraq for the past nine months.