Who is a Combatant, and Does American Citizenship Matter?
By Harold Hutchison

The takedown of Anwar al-Awlaki was seen by many as a huge win in the War on Terror. That said, it also generated a great deal of controversy. Why? Because al-Awlaki was born in New Mexico – making him an American citizen under the provisions of the 14th Amendment.

Numerous Other Insurgents Also Killed and Nabbed
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF reported the capture of a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar province during operations in Afghanistan. The facilitator, who was not identified, acquired and distributed lethal aid to fighters in Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces. In the past, he has also provided grenades, ammunition, home-made explosive material and improvised explosive devices for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The Debate Rages On
By Harold Hutchison

13 HOURS IGNITE A DEBATE
UAVs had played a major role in the War on Terror, including scoring at least two high-value kills: Anwar al-Awlaki on 30 September, 2011, and Abu Ali al-Harithi, one of the masterminds of the USS Cole bombing, on 3 November, 2002.

Chaplain Speaks Out – Did the Media Blow The Story?
By Harold Hutchison

A chaplain who was awarded the Bronze Star has spoken out about the tour – and what appears to have been misleading media coverage. In an interview with TheBlaze.com, Lt. Col. Jon Trainer, USAF, discussed the award and the PowerPoint presentation that has generated controversy.

Heroism in Sangin Recognized
By Harold Hutchison

Major Matthew H. Peterson was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device for heroism during operations near Sangin District, Afghanistan. The award was presented on board USS Green Bay, which is deployed carrying part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Distinguished Warfare Medal Drew Fire
By Harold Hutchison

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has ordered a review of the Distinguished Warfare Medal as the controversy over the new award has not gone away. The order came less than a month after the medal’s announcement.

ISAF Captures a Third!
By Harold Hutchison

Two Taliban leaders were killed during operations in Afghanistan, according to an ISAF release. A third Taliban leader was captured. This followed the capture of a facilitator for the Haqqani Network.

Idris Kaka, killed during an operation in Helmand province, was responsible for directing the carrying out of IED attacks against ISAF and Afghan forces. He also was believed to have been involved in kidnapping Afghans.

Seven Killed in Chopper Crash, Insider Attack
By Harold Hutchison

Seven American troops were killed during operations in Afghanistan. The deaths came in two separate incidents – one of them a “green on blue” attack in Wardak province.

The helicopter crash in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan left five American troops dead. ISAF did not identify the type of helicopter in its announcement of the tragedy.

ISAF Nabs Another Bad Guy!
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF confirmed the capture of an unidentified Haqqani network facilitator during operations in Paktiya province. The facilitator was believed to have not only provided what the NATO force’s joint command termed “lethal aid” to insurgents, but also to have panned attacks against Afghan and ISAF forces.

During an operation in Helmand province on Saturday, ISAF confirmed that three insurgents were killed. ISAF also reported that nine insurgents were captured during the hunt for a Taliban commander in Kandahar province.