The CENTCOM Newsletter for the week of October 31, 2005 can be found here.  The newsletter highlights continuing reconstruction projects in the Central Region and earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan. The CENTCOM Public Affairs Office has forwarded to American Thinker the following press releases:

VICE ADM. NICHOLS IS RELIEVED BY VICE ADM. WALSH

MANAMA, Bahrain —— Vice Adm. David C. Nichols Jr., commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, was relieved by Vice Adm. Patrick W. Walsh, Nov. 3 in a ceremony outside 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

During his two years at the helm of NAVCENT and 5th Fleet, Nichols was charged with ensuring security and stability in the maritime environment.  This mission included detecting, deterring, and denying terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material throughout the more than 2.5 million square miles of water that includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

TWO TERRORISTS SELF—DESTRUCT WHILE BUILDING CAR BOMB

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Baghdad dispatched elements to the scene where two terrorists attempting to build a car bomb were killed  when the device prematurely detonated in central Baghdad Nov. 2.  Elements dispatched included an explosives ordnance disposal team and a patrol from 6th Squadron, 8th Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

The explosion also killed an Iraqi civilian and set a nearby house on fire. Iraqi firefighters responded to douse the flames.  The EOD team determined the terrorists had been building the vehicle—carried improvised explosive device using a 122 mm projectile, ball bearings and about 80 pounds of homemade explosives.

U.S. AIR FORCE PAKISTAN RELIEF SUMMARY

SOUTHWEST ASIA — The U.S. Air Force continued to support  Pakistan—led earthquake recovery operations by airlifting much—needed supplies into the devastated region Wednesday.

One U.S. Air Force C—130 Hercules and one contracted B—747 flew in more than 133,000 pounds of aircraft parts, turbine engines, tents and other materials in response to requests from Pakistan's government.  To date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted more than six million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan.

NINE TERRORISTS DETAINED AFTER ATTACKING IRAQI ARMY

TIKRIT, Iraq — An Iraqi security forces patrol came under small arms fire Nov. 1 after an improvised explosive device exploded in Baqubah.  4th Iraqi Army Soldiers prepared to cross a narrow bridge when a nearby IED exploded.  Terrorists then attacked the patrol with small arms fire.

The terrorists fled the area after a Coalition Forces air support team was called in to assist the patrol.  IA Soldiers were then able to cordon the area and search the village, taking nine insurgents into custody.  Seven IA Soldiers were wounded during the intense and complex engagement.

THREE TERRORISTS DETAINED IN AD DULUIYAH

TIKRIT, Iraq — Three terrorists were detained after one attacked an aircraft from a 2—17th Cavalry Squadron air weapons team.  The aircraft spotted the three terrorists and observed them run into a wood line in Ad Duluiyah.  The three terrorists came out of the woods and one started firing at the aircraft with an AK—47 before fleeing into a nearby house.  The aircraft continued surveillance to assure the anti—Iraqi forces remained in the house while awaiting assistance from a ground forces from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

The ground troops cordoned off the area and detained the terrorists after one surrendered.  The AK—47 was confiscated along with approximately 90 rounds of ammunition and $300 in U.S. currency. The three detainees are being questioned by Coalition Forces.  No Soldiers were injured in the incident.

Compiled and edited by our national security affairs correspondent, Douglas Hanson