Universal Rights | Casualties of War

2012-05-17: Headlines

• Halifax Evening Courier: Volunteer soldier from Halifax honoured at medal ceremony attended by royalty 2012-05-17

  A BRAVE volunteer soldier from Halifax was among those honoured at a medals ceremony attended by royalty today. | Corporal Simon Kenyon from 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment shook hands with the regiment€™s colonel-in-chief Prince Andrew at the medal-giving in York. | The 30-year-old returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan just last month. | €œIt was pretty rough at first,€ he said.

• Reuters AlertNet: Three Turkish soldiers killed in PKK clash 2012-05-17

  Thomson Reuters Foundation: Three Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with Kurdish rebels near the Syrian border in southern Turkey on Thursday, the provincial governor's office said. | Separately, a provincial leader of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party was shot dead late on Wednesday outside his home in Sirnak, near the frontier with Iraq, an official in the governor's office told Reuters.

• Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online: Memorial Day service to honor Woodsboro soldier 2012-05-17

  Army Specialist Ronald H. Wildrick Jr. of Woodsboro, who was killed on Dec. 11, 2011, in the Kunar province of Afghanistan, will be honored in a Memorial Day service. | Wildrick died from his wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. | The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. May 28, in the Circle of the Immortals, at the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 E. Padonia Road, Timonium.

• Khaama Press: Afghan probe: 5 civilians killed in NATO airstrike at Kunar 2012-05-17

  A delegation of the Afghan officials who were assigned to probe NATO air raid in eastern Kunar province on Wednesday said at least 5 Afghan civilians were killed following the airstrike in this province. | Mawlawi Shahzada Shahid Afghan lawmaker representing eastern Kunar province and a member of the delegation who visited the area said at least 5 Afghan civilians were killed and 2 others were injured at Watapur district.

• Navajo-Hopi Observer: Navajo Hopi Honor Run celebrates 10th year 2012-05-17

  11, 2001 when thousands of civilians were killed in the New York financial district by enemy attack and war stepping up with more and more US troops being deployed to Iraq to protect US homeland, thousands of American Indians also joined to help...

• North County Times: MILITARY: Hunter wants Peralta report 2012-05-17

  Lee Enterprises: Rep. Duncan Hunter wants Congress to mandate the Navy provide a full accounting of its handling of a proposed Medal of Honor award for Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta. | Hunter, R-El Cajon, is pushing an amendment to a defense spending bill directing the Navy "account for all evidence submitted" within 30 days of the legislation becoming law. | Peralta 24, was killed in house-to-house fighting in Iraq in 2004.

• Hurriyet Daily News (press release): Turkish soldier killed in mortar attack in country's southeast 2012-05-17

  Turkish armed forces photo. | One soldier was killed and one was injured in a mortar attack on a military base in the southeastern province of Hakkari today. Mortar rounds fired from the Iraqi side of the border fell on a battalion headquarters located in Hakkari's Derecik district at around 2:40 p.m., killing one soldier and injuring another.

• Eagle 99.3 FM WSCH: Effort To Rename Road For Soldier Advances 2012-05-17

  epop studio: Marine Sergeant David Kreuter died in an attack in Iraq in 2005. The St. Xavier High School graduate was among 14 soldiers killed in an amphibious vehicle destroyed by a roadside bomb. | A bill to rename 28 Ohio state highways for various soldiers passed the Ohio House on Wednesday. | State Rep. Louis Terhar (R-Green Township)

• Houston Chronicle: Texas-based soldier dies during enemy attack in Afghanistan 2012-05-17

  The Department of Defense announced the death of a 38-year-old Texas-based soldier in Afghanistan. | Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuanes of Las Cruces, N.M., died in Kandhar province on May 12 as a result of wounds sustained during an enemy attack with an improvised explosive device.

• The Livingston County News: A soldier's case for election told in his own words 2012-05-17

  The Republican component of the contest for the 27th Congressional District has boiled down to two candidates: Batavian and decorated Iraqi War veteran David Bellavia, and former Erie County Executive Chris Collins. | The County News will provide intensive campaign coverage of all three candidates. | During his six years in the U.S. Army, 1999 to 2005, David Bellavia saw combat action in Kosovo and Iraq.

• News.Az: Three soldiers killed in clashes in southern Turkey 2012-05-17

  Three soldiers killed in clashes with terrorist PKK. | Goy Gol, Gance is one of the major Tourist Attractions in Gance that is widely frequented by visitors from all over the world.

• British Forces News: Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan 2012-05-17

  Lessons in trauma care that are ordinarily learnt on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan... A British soldier who died in hospital in Birmingham on Friday after being shot in Afghanistan... Forces News Reporter Cath Brazier...

2012-05-16: Headlines

• Huffington Post: What Is Obama's Position on Afghanistan? Say It Again? 2012-05-16

  Tom Hayden: Three years later, bin Laden is dead, the drones inflame Pakistan opinion and complicate a peace settlement, and 33,000 American troops are scheduled to pull out by the end of 2012 with steady withdrawals to continue after.

• Antiwar.com: The Already Forgotten Iraq War 2012-05-16

  Mohammed Shayaa al-Sudani, Iraq's human rights minister, recently declared that casualties in the roughly nine-year period since the American invasion in 2003 have now exceeded 70000 killed and 250000 wounded, according to Margaret Griffis...

• The News International: NATO leaders eye Afghan war 2012-05-16

  US President Barack Obama hosts two days of talks in Chicago, witht the allies hoping to demonstrate a renewed commitment to Afghanistan as protesters threaten to flood the streets to denounce a war which has killed thousands of troops and civilians.

• News1130: Humanitarian group says Syrian troops target medical workers and the wounded 2012-05-16

  The U.N.'s observer mission in Syria was caught up in a burst of violence Tuesday captured on video, with a roadside bomb damaging its cars...

• Waynesville Daily Guide: Soldier killed in car accident 2012-05-16

  GateHouse Media, Inc.: By Natalie Sanders Sgt. Joshua Louis Kline, 26, of St. Robert was killed in a car crash in Texas May 5. Kline was stationed at Fort Hood, Tex. with Company A, 21st Combat Support Hospital, 1st Medical Brigade, according to the Fort Hood Public Affairs...

• El Paso Times: Fort Bliss soldier from Las Cruces killed in Afghanistan 2012-05-16

  For more than two hours Friday night, Army Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuañes spoke with ex-wife Rosina Nuañes Rodriguez on a Skype chat from Afghanistan. | They laughed and joked. Rosina teased him about his "combat mustache." Just before ending their conversation, he told Rosina something she will never forget. | That was the last conversation they would have.

• CBS Local: Memorial Service Set For Fallen MN Soldier 2012-05-16

  MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) €“ A memorial service will be held Wednesday for a Minnesota solider killed while in the line of duty. | Nick Dickhut, a 23-year-old Sergeant from Rochester, died last month while battling enemy forces in Afghanistan. Dickhut had been stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash. | Officials said Dickhut€™s memorial service will be held Wedneday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which is a military base located southwest of Tacoma, Wash.

• Aswat Al Iraq: Anbar attacks not considered security escalation –interior ministry 2012-05-16

  He denied any information regarding coordination between armed groups in Iraq and Syria. A series of bomb attacks mostly targeting security forces, including a suicide car bombing, killed five people across Iraq and wounded several more on Sunday.

• WTVA: Post office to be named for soldier 2012-05-16

  Keywords: (WTVA) -- The US Post Office in Iuka has been renamed for a Tishomingo County soldier killed while serving in Iraq . President Barrack Obama signed legislation this week to designate the facility on W. Eastport Road in Iuka in honor of Sgt. Jason Walter...

• DAWN.com: Iraqi VP's ex-guards say they had orders to kill 2012-05-16

  BAGHDAD: Former bodyguards for Iraq€™s fugitive vice president have testified that they were ordered to kill security officials and plant roadside bombs as a politically charged terror trial against the Sunni leader got under way. | Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who was in Turkey but faced trial in absentia, has denied all charges against him. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

• Southeast Missourian: Iraq War veteran uses rap to treat post-traumatic stress 2012-05-16

  In a Las Vegas recording studio, Dunson rapped about his life: "What's wrong with me? Got PTSD. These pills ain't working, man, I still can't think." | Dunson, who was discharged from the Army in 2008 and diagnosed by the military with PTSD, uses his music to examine his disappointment with veteran life. It is the only thing keeping him alive, he said. He refuses to attend counseling or visit his local VA hospital.

• Houston Chronicle: Two Texas servicemen die in separate incidents in Afghanistan 2012-05-16

  The Department of Defense announced the death of two servicemen from Texas yesterday: a 21-year-old soldier and a 22-year-old Marine.

• KATV: Obama administration opposes bill to grant medal to slain Ark. soldier 2012-05-16

  In 2009, 13 soldiers were killed and 33 were injured between the Texas, Fort Hood and Little Rock shootings by self proclaimed terrorist. Not one has received a Purple Heart. Representative Tim Griffin is a co-sponsor of a bill to give them the acknowledgement. | June 2009, two men in uniform standing outside a little rock recruiting office where shot, the gun man, Abdulhakim Muhammad, confessed he wanted to kill more soldiers.

• Aswat Al Iraq: Anbar attacks not considered security escalation –interior ministry 2012-05-16

  He denied any information regarding coordination between armed groups in Iraq and Syria. A series of bomb attacks mostly targeting security forces, including a suicide car bombing, killed five people across Iraq and wounded several more on Sunday.

2012-05-15: Headlines

• Democratic Underground: Obama targets vets in key swing states 2012-05-15

  President Barack Obama has wound down America's war in Iraq , ordered the operation that killed Osama bin Laden and set in motion the end of US combat operations in Afghanistan. He also has focused particular attention on veterans and military families...

• Asia Times Online: Syrian Kurds look to Iraq for safety 2012-05-15

  I'm positive he was dead and they just disposed of his body." neighboring countries to escape the bloodshed. Although the flow of refugees to Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey has been covered extensively, the Syrians who have fled to Iraq ...

• The Independent: Syrian troops are targeting health workers, says aid agency 2012-05-15

  An international aid agency warned today that Syrian forces are targeting medical workers and patients who were wounded in the 14-month-old conflict, forcing doctors to scramble to help the injured in makeshift clinics.

• San Francisco Chronicle: Terror trial of fugitive Iraq VP starts in Baghdad 2012-05-15

  Former bodyguards for Iraq's fugitive vice president testified Tuesday that they were ordered to kill security officials and plant roadside bombs as a politically charged terror trial against the Sunni leader got under way. | Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who was in Turkey but faced trial in absentia, has denied all charges against him. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

• Reuters India: Iraq vice-president's death squad trial begins 2012-05-15

  By Suadad al-Salhy BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The trial of Iraq's fugitive vice-president, Tareq al-Hashemi, opened in his absence on Tuesday and a lawmaker whose relatives were allegedly killed by death squads under his orders screamed abuse across...

• Albany Times Union: North Lebanon calm after Syria spillover clashes 2012-05-15

  BEIRUT (AP) €” Syrian forces are targeting medical workers and patients who were wounded in the 14-month-old conflict, forcing doctors to scramble to help the injured in makeshift clinics, an international aid agency warned Tuesday. The atmosphere in most medical facilities is extremely tense; health care workers send wounded patients home and provide only first aid so that facilities can be evacuated quickly in the event of a military...

• Socialistworker.co.uk: Nato bombs killed civilians in Libya 2012-05-15

  A report has exposed some of the horrors of Nato’s bombing campaign on Libya last year. | The charity Human Rights Watch has found evidence of a bombing raid on a village east of Tripoli on 8 August. | Initial airstrikes that killed 16 civilians were followed by another raid shortly after. This killed 18 who had rushed to help the wounded and dying. | At least 72 civilians were killed by Nato, according to the report.

• RIA Novosti: How Many Libyan Civilians Were Killed in NATO's Air Campaign? 2012-05-15

  Human Rights Watch decided to contribute in the dramatic disputes over how many civilians were killed in NATO€™s air campaign in Libya.

• Montreal Gazette: NATO killed 72 Libyan civilians: study 2012-05-15

  BRUSSELS €“ NATO€™s bombing campaign in Libya left 72 civilians dead last year, a leading human rights group said Monday, accusing the military alliance of failing to acknowledge the deaths. | In a 76-page report, Human Rights Watch urged NATO to provide €œprompt and suitable compensation€ to families for the civilian deaths, injuries and loss of property.

• Seattle Post Intelligencer: 5 Iraqi soldiers killed in suicide bombing 2012-05-15

  BAGHDAD (AP) €” A bodyguard for Iraq's fugitive vice president testified Tuesday that he was paid $3,000 to assassinate a government security official in one of hundreds of death squad killings that authorities link to one of the nation's highest-ranking Sunni leaders. The case against al-Hashemi threatens to paralyze Iraq's government by fueling simmering Sunni and Kurdish resentments against the Shiite prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki...

• WGBA-TV: Soldier Suicides a Growing Problem 2012-05-15

  Heather Burke: The family of an Appleton soldier receives devastating news. After a six-month investigation, the army has ruled the death of staff Sergeant Garrick Eppinger Junior a suicide. | Many military members say it's a growing problem. With so many troops serving multiple deployments, the stress of battle and the transition to civilian life for some becomes too much.

• Free Speech Radio News: NATO airstrikes in Libya killed dozens of civilians, report finds 2012-05-15

  How close are we to $75,000? | Major financial support for FSRN comes from Pacifica Radio, as well as our affiliate stations and listeners like you.

• MetroNews Canada: Group: Syria troops target health workers, wounded 2012-05-15

  Sectarian violence linked to the unrest in neighboring Syria shook the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Sunday, with street clashes killing one soldier and two civilians, the state news agency said. Residents said running gun battles broke out...

• Newstrack India: Eight civilians killed in botched air strike by Yemeni warplanes 2012-05-15

  Aden (Yemen), May 15 (Xinhua-ANI): At least eight civilians were killed on Tuesday when fighter jets of the Yemeni air forces launched an air strike against al-Qaida hideouts in the southern province of Abyan, a government official said.

• Yuma Sun: Yuma soldier only two months into deployment when killed 2012-05-15

  YumaSun.com is a-Twitter! Sign up today to follow YumaSun and get e-mail and/or cell phone alerts of the latest breaking news, weather forcasts, and sports stories.

• Albany Times Union: Iraq veteran uses rap to treat his PTSD 2012-05-15

  For the troubled former soldier, it was another inexplicable failure, like his divorce or inability to make friends after returning from the war. In a Las Vegas recording studio, Dunson rapped about his life: What's wrong with me? Others are receiving mental health services at military hospitals. Many more are like Dunson and have refused help, according to research by the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD. The use...

• The Rolla Daily News: St. Robert soldier killed in car accident 2012-05-15

  GateHouse Media, Inc.: Sgt. Joshua Louis Kline, 26, of St. Robert was killed in a car crash in Texas May 5. | Kline was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas with Company A, 21st Combat Support Hospital, 1st Medical Brigade, according to the Fort Hood Public Affairs office (PAO). | Kline has been an active duty service member since 2007, according to a press release from Fort Hood PAO, and has been at Fort Hood since 2010. | Visitation for Kline will be held at 11 a.

• STLtoday.com: St. Peters Marine concludes 4th combat tour in 9 years 2012-05-15

  Just back from a patrol not long after deploying to Afghanistan last September, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt.

• WFXL FOX 31: Iraq veteran uses rap to treat his post-combat depression 2012-05-15

  Keywords: €” On one of the many days Leo Dunson wanted to die, the Iraq veteran put a gun to his temple and pulled the trigger. The loaded weapon misfired. For the troubled former soldier, it was another inexplicable failure, like his divorce or inability to make friends after returning from the war. | In a Las Vegas recording studio, Dunson rapped about his life: "What's wrong with me? Got PTSD."

• The Virginian-Pilot: Obama targeting veterans for votes 2012-05-15

  As he gears up his re-election effort, Obama is trying to use that record, and especially his emphasis on the home front, to win the political support of veterans and military families in a handful of important swing states.

• Twin Falls Times-News: UN observers caught up in Syrian violence 2012-05-15

  Lee Enterprises: Thank you for reading and relying on magicvalley.com for your news and information. You have now viewed your 30-day allowance of FREE pages. Want to read more? | Thanks for being a frequent visitor to magicvalley.com . You have now viewed of your FREE premium pages this 30-day period. After you have viewed FREE pages, we will ask you to purchase a subscription.

• kypost.com: Fallen Northern Kentucky soldier honored 2012-05-15

  A portion of U.S. 25 in Grant County, Ky. is now named in honor of a Northern Kentucky soldier who died while serving in Iraq.

• Bahrain News Agency: Kurdish Security Member Killed in Iraq, Another Injured 2012-05-15

  Baghdad, May 15 (BNA) -- Asayish member has been killed and another injured following a bombing targeting their patrol south Karkok north Baghdad, police sources have announced. Explosives detonated Tuesday morning targeting the Asayish Kurdish...

• Killeen Daily Herald: Soldier's heart inspires troops, family Posted On: Tuesday, May. 15 2012 05:25 PM 2012-05-15

  One critically wounded soldier and his mother left a lasting impression. "In typical cavalry trooper fashion and US Army warrior fashion, his first words were 'How's my team?'" said DiSalvo Monday during a Purple Heart medal-pinning ceremony for Spc.

• Over the Mountain Journal: A Salute to Their Son 2012-05-15

  Holding a picture of the late Marine Lance Corporal Thomas Rivers Jr. are from left: his sister Rachel and parents Tom and Charon. Thomas was killed in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. | It's been just over two years since their son and brother was killed in Afghanistan, but the Rivers family is still diligently sending care packages overseas. | Now the packages are going to young Marines and other soldiers on active duty.

• News On 6: Family Remembers Oklahoma Marine Who Saved Friend From Burning Plane 2012-05-15

  One of Oklahoma's finest is being hailed a hero after sacrificing his own life to save a friend's.

• The Seattle Times: US trains African soldiers to gain upper hand in war-torn Somalia 2012-05-15

  The heart of the Obama administration's strategy for fighting al-Qaida militants in Somalia can be found next to a cow pasture here, a thousand miles from the front lines. | Under the gaze of American instructors, gangly Ugandan recruits are taught to carry rifles, dodge roadside bombs and avoid shooting each other by accident. In one obstacle course dubbed "Little Mogadishu,"

• KXRM: Fort Carson soldier killed in Afghanistan awarded Purple Heart 2012-05-15

  FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) -- A Fort Carson soldier from Arizona who was killed in Afghanistan has been posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and is line for a Bronze Star. | Army officials announced the decorations on Monday for 30-year-old 1st Lt. Alejo R. Thompson of Yuma, Ariz. | Thompson was killed Friday when his unit was attacked with small-arms fire.

• Casper Star-Tribune Online: Iraqi VP's ex-guards say they had orders to kill 2012-05-15

  Former bodyguards for Iraq's fugitive vice president testified Tuesday that they were ordered to kill security officials and plant roadside bombs as a politically charged terror trial against the Sunni leader got under way. | Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who was in Turkey but faced trial in absentia, has denied all charges against him. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

• Himalayan Times: 23 Syrian soldiers killed in clashes with rebels 2012-05-15

  AMMAN: Syrian rebels killed 23 government soldiers on Monday, activists said, and efforts to find a viable political alternative to Bashar al-Assad faltered when an opposition group said it would boycott Arab-backed talks to unite its splintered ranks.  The latest bloodshed centered in the town of Rastan, where opposition sources said President Assad's forces killed nine other people, further unra... Nepal's most frequently updated news portal.

• TIME: Terror Trial of Iraq VP Starts in Baghdad 2012-05-15

  Tariq al-Hashemi was not in court for the opening of the proceedings that were already twice delayed. (PHOTOS: Iraq's Revival) | Al-Hashemi, who is currently in Turkey, has denied the allegation he orchestrated attacks against Shiite pilgrims and government officials, saying the charges against him are politically motivated and that he would not receive a fair trial in Baghdad's criminal court.

• WTOP: veteran uses rap to treat his PTSD 2012-05-15

  On one of the many days Leo Dunson wanted to die, the Iraq veteran put a gun to his temple and pulled the trigger. The loaded weapon misfired. For the troubled former soldier, it was another inexplicable failure, like his divorce or inability to make friends after returning from the war.

• Today's News-Herald: Fallen soldier honored with plaque dedication 2012-05-15

  Former Parker resident Ara Tyler Deysie was honored May 12 with the unveiling of a plaque in his honor at Western Park. Pfc. Deysie was killed in action May 9, 2008, in Paktia Province, Afghanistan.

• Albany Times Union: Bodyguard testifies in Iraqi VP terror trial 2012-05-15

  BAGHDAD (AP) €” A bodyguard for Iraq's fugitive vice president testified Tuesday that he was paid $3,000 to assassinate a government security official in one of hundreds of death squad killings that authorities link to one of the nation's highest-ranking Sunni leaders. The case against al-Hashemi threatens to paralyze Iraq's government by fueling simmering Sunni and Kurdish resentments against the Shiite prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki...

Mortality before and after the 2003 invasion of Iraq

Roberts, L., Riyadh, L., Garfield, R., Khudairi, J., & Burnham, G. (2004). "Mortality before and after the 2003 invasion of Iraq: Cluster Sample Survey," The Lancet, 364, 1857–64.  Online at http://image.thelancet.com/extras/04art10342web.pdf

Summary Background In March, 2003, military forces, mainly from the USA and the UK, invaded Iraq. We did a survey to compare mortality during the period of 14·6 months before the invasion with the 17·8 months after it. Methods A cluster sample survey was undertaken throughout Iraq during September, 2004.  33 clusters of 30 households each were interviewed about household composition, births, and deaths since January, 2002. In those households reporting deaths, the date, cause, and circumstances of violent deaths were recorded.  We assessed the relative risk of death associated with the 2003 invasion and occupation by comparing mortality in the 17.8 months after the invasion with the 14.6-month period preceding it.

Findings The risk of death was estimated to be 2·5-fold (95% CI 1.6–4.2) higher after the invasion when compared with the preinvasion period. Two-thirds of all violent deaths were reported in one cluster in the city of Falluja. If we exclude the Falluja data, the risk of death is 1.5-fold (1.1–2.3) higher after the invasion.  We estimate that 98000 more deaths than expected (8000–194000) happened after the invasion outside of Falluja and far more if the outlier Falluja cluster is included.  The major causes of death before the invasion were myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, and other chronic disorders whereas after the invasion violence was the primary cause of death. Violent deaths were widespread, reported in 15 of 33 clusters, and were mainly attributed to coalition forces. Most individuals reportedly killed by coalition forces were women and children.