Camp Bucca

Infobox Military Structure
name=FOB Camp Bucca
partof=
location=near Umm Qasr, Iraq
coordinates=


caption=
type=Internment Facility
code=
built=2003
Expansions 2004, 2005, 2007, 2007-2008
builder=U.S. Army Engineers,
U.S. Air Force Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) teams
Kellogg Brown and Root
Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion TWO (NPDB2)
United States Army Corps of Engineers
materials=
height=
used=2003-present
demolished=
condition=
ownership=
open_to_public=
controlledby=United States
garrison=
commanders=
occupants=
battles=Iraq War
events=

Camp Bucca is a prison camp [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7561952.stm |title=US jail guards in Iraq abuse case |accessdate=2008-08-14 |work= |publisher=BBC |date=2008-08-14 ] maintained by the United States military in the vicinity of Umm Qasr, Iraq. The facility was initially called Camp Freddy and used by British Forces to hold Iraqi prisoners of war. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/800mp-bde.htm] After being taken over by the U.S. military in April 2003, it was renamed after Ronald Bucca, a soldier with the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/800mp-bde.htm 800th Military Police Brigade] and NYC Fire Marshal who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

According to the Taguba report, the Camp Bucca facility is "significantly over [its] intended maximum capacity while the guard force is undermanned and under resourced". The report describes the following "incident of detainee abuse" at Camp Bucca, on May 12, 2003.

:"Soldiers from the 223rd MP Company reported to the 800th MP Brigade Command at Camp Bucca, that four Military Police Soldiers from the 320th MP Battalion had abused a number of detainees during inprocessing at Camp Bucca. An extensive CID investigation determined that four soldiers from the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/320mp.htm 320th MP Battalion] had kicked and beaten these detainees following a transport mission from Talil Air Base."

After the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, many detainees from Abu Ghraib were transferred to Camp Bucca. After a substantial turn-over in the chain of command at Camp Bucca and substantial amendments to camp policy, the US military held up Camp Bucca as an example of how a model detention facility should be run [http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-bucca19jan19,1,4521154.story?coll=la-headlines-world] . Detainees are now reportedly housed in cinder block housing units with wooden roofing rather than tents, organize and administer their own classes in subjects like literacy and religion, and compete in soccer matches. Cigarettes, tea, and the opportunity to listen to radio and T.V. programs are used as incentives for good behavior. Some detainees are even allowed family visitation from Iraqi relatives not held at the facility.

Additionally, the internment facility has its very own U.S. Army run hospital to serve detainees. It offers comprehensive healthcare. There is an emergency room, internal medicine clinic, optometry clinic, psychiatric services, orthopedic/surgical unit, physical therapy clinic, pharmacy, dental clinic, dietary services and more. Detainees are screened by medics and doctors at the wire, that is right out where the detainees are housed, and then triaged to the hospital for further care. Some detainees have even been flown to larger medical facilities in Iraq to receive cataract surgery. U.S. Army medical staff is also given training on how to provide care while respecting Muslim traditions.

ignificant Events

2003

On May 18, 2003, U.S. military forces mistakenly released Mohammed Jawad An-Neifus from the Camp Bucca. An-Neifus is suspected of being involved in the mass murder of thousands of Iraqi Shias whose remains were later found at a mass gravesite in the southern city of al-Mahawil. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2950398.stm]

2004

On January 7, 2004, a detainee escaped from Camp Bucca. Investigating officers concluded that 'the detainee escaped through an undetected weakness in the wire. Contributing factors were inexperienced guards, lapses in accountability, complacency, lack of leadership presence, poor visibility, and lack of clear and concise communication between the guards and the leadership.'

On January 12, 2004, 7 Detainees escaped during the night, 5 were recaptured.

On January 26, 2004 3 detainees escaped at night during a period of intense fog. An investigation 'concluded that the detainees crawled under a fence when visibility was only 10-15 meters due to fog'. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/umm-qasr.htm]

On October 19, 2004, A 26-year-old security internee died of unknown causes. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iraq/2004/10/iraq-041020-centcom01.htm]

In November 2004, six United States Air Force engineers arrived. The Airmen provided a much needed "look ahead", assisted the Army with planning and transforming Camp Bucca for sustained operations, implemented numerous force protection initiatives and provided oversight on numerous contractor construction projects. The Airmen were later presented the Meritorious Unit Award.

In December 2004, Camp Bucca was reinforced by the Air Forces 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. The unit was assembled in 45 days under the command of LTC Joseph L. Romano III and consisted of security forces personnel from 17 bases representing every major command in the Air Force. The Airmen performed three of the Army's traditional missions--detainee operations, patrolling duties, and convoy escort duties. In an unusual move, the airmen also provided force protection for the Army camp. [cite web
url=http://www.wood.army.mil/mpbulletin/pdfs/Oct%2005/Romano-Dains-Watts.pdf
title=Air Force breaks new ground at Camp Bucca, Iraq: Air Force officers reflect on new missions in Iraq.
first = Joseph | last = Romano
date=2005-10-01
publisher=Wood Army Mil
accessdate=2007-02-22] [cite web
url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123010682
title=Airmen guard camp, detainees in Iraq
date=2005-06-03
first = Jerry | last = Lobb
publisher=Air Force Link
accessdate=2007-02-18]

2005

On January 5, 2005, A 31-year-old security internee died of what appears to be natural causes. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/01/mil-050107-mnfi-mnci04.htm]

On January 24, 2005, SGT [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/619821.html Leonard W. Adams] assigned to the 105th MP Battalion at Camp Bucca dies of a heart attack.

On January 31, 2005, a riot broke out in which detainees threw rocks and fashioned weapons out of tent poles. The riot was dispelled by the use of lethal force. Four detainees were killed and six were injured. As is standard procedure in all cases of prison riots and the use of lethal force, the matter was investigated by the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigations Division. The investigation concluded that a detainee leader had incited the riot by making an accusation that camp soldiers were steping on Korans during a search for contraband. No soldiers were found guilty of any wrongdoing during the incident. [cite web
url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/18/opinion/web.0218abuse.php?page=3
title=Jailed 2 years, Iraqi tells of abuse by Americans
date=2007-02-18
publisher=International Herald Tribune
accessdate=2007-02-18]

On February 5, 2005, the tabloid paper New York Daily News reported that units at Camp Bucca organized and held a mud wrestling party on October 30, 2004. The party was organized by members of the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/160mp.htm 160th MP Battalion] and attended by members of the incoming 105th MP Battalion, who were arriving to relieve the members of the 160th. At least three female GIs stripped to their undergarments and wrestled in a kiddie-pool full of sand and water in front of a crowd of male GIs, and one GI flashed her breasts. About 30 photos of the party, including one of the flasher, have been leaked to the press. The flasher, 19-year-old PFC Deanna Allen was demoted for indecent exposure, and reportedly later discharged from the military.

On March 4, 2005 Camp Bucca was targeted by 106 mm rocket fire directed from the port of Umm Qasr. Although no military personnel were injured or killed, a Third Country National took shrapnel to the leg. The attack could have been much worse. Four rockets were fired, only one detonated.

On March 25, 2005, a complete escape tunnel was discovered, though no prisoners had yet managed to escape [http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/03/25/iraq.tunnel/] .

On April 1, 2005, 2 Iraqis and four US prison guards were wounded in a riot at Camp Bucca near the southern town of Umm Qasr. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/04/mil-050404-mnfi-mnci01.htm]

On April 15, 2005, A dispute broke out between two groups of detainees at one of the compounds of the Camp Bucca theater internment facility at approximately 11 p.m. The fight left one detainee dead. The fight was confined between the detainees in one compound and was not directed at U.S. forces. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/04/mil-050415-mnfi-mnci03.htm]

On April 16, 2005, 11 detainees escaped Camp Bucca by cutting through in the facilities exterior fence and crawling through the unfilled portion of a previously discovered 600-foot escape tunnel [http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/03/25/iraq.tunnel/] . The compounds guards, members of the United States Air Force, were unable to see the detainees cutting thru the wire due to tower location. All 11 detainees were later captured by the Iraqi police and returned to Camp Bucca.

On April 19, 2005, A 51-year-old male security detainee at Camp Bucca died of natural causes. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/04/mil-050419-centcom01.htm]

On May 14, 2005, A 30-year-old male detainee at Camp Bucca died from a heart attack. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/05/mil-050514-mnfi-mnci02.htm]

On May 23, 2005, A fuel truck collapsed the roof of an escape tunnel being dug out of Camp Bucca.

On July 27, 2005, A 30-year-old male security detainee at Camp Bucca died as a result of renal failure and other organ failure due to chronic malaria. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/07/mil-050728-mnfi02.htm]

On September 28, 2005, SGT [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1146242.html Steve Morin Jr.] assigned to the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/111eng.htm 111th Engineer Battalion] and Air Force Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1146269.html] assigned to the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usaf/17trw.htm 17th Security Forces Squadron] stationed at Camp Bucca were killed in action when an improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy vehicle near the Iraqi town of Safwan.

In October 2005, the International Committee of the Red Cross began the Family Visitation Allowance Program at Camp Bucca. The program provides monetary assistance to families of detainees held at Camp Bucca to help cover part of the traveling and hotel costs required to visit the facility. The benefits are calculated based on the distance between their home and the city of Umm Qasr. [http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/iraq-stories-040406?opendocument] In December 2006 a similar program was initiated at Camp Shaibe, the British internment facility in Shaibah, near Al Basrah. [http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/iraq-news-131206?opendocument]

On October 5, 2005, A 43-year-old male security detainee died of a heart attack. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/10/mil-051005-mnfi03.htm]

On October 13, 2005, Eligible detainees at Camp Bucca, Abu Ghraib prison and Camp Cropper are allowed to vote in the Iraqi Constitutional Referendum. The rest of the country voted on October 15, 2005. [http://www.newsobserver.com/24hour/special_reports/iraq/story/2799924p-11428884c.html]

On October 23, 2005, A 73-year-old male security detainee died of natural causes at Camp Bucca. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/10/mil-051024-mnfi02.htm]

On October 25, 2005, it was reported that SPC [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1218050.html Christopher T. Monroe] assigned to the [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/785mp.htm 785th Military Police Battalion] stationed at Camp Bucca was killed when his 5-ton truck was involved in an automobile accident with a civilian vehicle in the vicinity of Al Basrah, Iraq. In October 2007, a lawsuit was filed in Houston, Texas by the father of SPC Monroe against the British private security firm Erinys International. In the lawsuit, Monroe's father alleges that his son actually died after he was struck by a vehicle operated by Erinys International. The lawsuit alleges Erinys personnel passed through a checkpoint where they were warned that there were more troops ahead of them but despite the warning proceeded in the dark at a high rate of speed with only parking lights on until they struck Monroe. Monroe was dismounted and standing guard near the 5 ton vehicle he was driving providing security after the convoy he was in stopped to render assistance to an Iraqi who had been involved in a car accident. The force of the accident sheared Monroe's right leg off and threw him 30-40 feet in the air. Monroe later "died on a Medavac helicopter en route to Shalib Airbase". In a statement in response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the company stated "It was a very tragic accident for which Erinys and its employees have been thoroughly exonerated". [cite web
url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2201538,00.html
title=US soldier's family brings legal action against British private security firm
date=2007-10-30 |publisher=The Guardian |author=Suzanne Goldenberg |accessdate=2007-10-30] [cite web
url=http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003664447&imw=Y
title=
date=2007-10-28 |publisher=Editor & Publisher |accessdate=2007-10-30]

On November 5, 2005, A 65-year-old male security detainee died of natural causes at Camp Bucca. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/11/mil-051105-mnfi04.htm]

On December 12, 2005, Nearly 90 percent of all eligible security detainees in Multi-National Forces-Iraq Theater Internment Facilities participated in the democratic vote on the Iraqi National Ballot. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/12/mil-051212-mnfi03.htm]

On December 23, 2005 Camp Bucca received rocket fire from behind an area dubbed the "Sniper House" no injuries were reported.

2006

On January 1, 2006, 3 detainees escaped Camp Bucca by cutting through the facilities exterior fence. Two of the detainees were later captured by the Iraqi police and returned to Camp Bucca.

On January 7, 2006, SGT [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1459362.html Nathan Field] and SPC [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1459359.html Robert Johnson] assigned to the 414th Military Police Company were killed in a non-combat vehicle accident just outside of Camp Bucca. [cite web
url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/casualties/2006-01-03-jan-06-toll_x.htm
title=U.S Casualties in Iraq |date=2006-03-14 |publisher=USA Today
accessdate=2007-04-01]

On March 7, 2006, A 36 year-old detainee died of natural causes. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2006/03/mil-060307-afps01.htm]

On March 26, 2006, A 25 year-old detainee died as the result of injuries suffered in a detainee on detainee fight. [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=751&Itemid=21]

On June 2, 2006, The Army opened an Iraqi-based detention center training facility at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri called Camp Charlie. [http://www.kolr10.com/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=5595] This new facility is modeled after the theater internment facility at Camp Bucca. A similar facility was opened at Fort Leavenworth in August 2006. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2006/08/mil-060823-arnews01.htm]

On July 1, 2006, Airman 1st Class [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1930456.html Carl Jerome Ware Jr.] of the 886th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron assigned to Camp Bucca died of non-combat related injuries. Initial reports stated that the airmen was killed by an accidental discharge of a gun being cleaned by another airman, [cite web
url=http://starbulletin.com/2006/07/04/news/story15.html
title=Hickam airman killed in shooting accident |date=2006-07-04 |publisher=Star Bulletin
accessdate=2007-02-20] however in February, 2007, it was reported that Airman 1st Class Kyle J. Dalton, of the 15th Security Forces Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, had been charged on November 30, 2007 with one count of murder and failure to obey a lawful order in relation to the shooting. Dalton also faced a charge of assault for a separate incident that occurred on June 30, 2006 involving Ware and another airman. [cite web
url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/02/AFmurdercharge070219/
title=Airman charged with murdering fellow airman |date=2007-02-20 |publisher=Army Times
accessdate=2007-02-20] Dalton, who was deployed in the Middle East at the time the charges were brought, had an Article 32 hearing and was Court-martialed on April 23, 2007 at Langley Air Force Base. [cite web
url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/nn-courtmartial,0,3608931.story?track=rss
title=Langley AFB to be site for court-martial |date=2007-02-23 |publisher=Daily Press
accessdate=2007-02-23] [cite web |url=http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/NEWS/704110370
title=Death of airman brings murder charge |date=2007-04-11 |publisher=Air Force Times via Delawareonline |first = Erik | last = Holmes |accessdate=2007-04-11] As part of a plea bargain deal, Dalton pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and violating a lawful general regulation by drawing or aiming a firearm when deadly force was unnecessary. Dalton was sentenced to 10 years in prison, given a dishonorable discharge, reduced in rank from Senior Airman to Airman Basic and ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances. Dalton admitted to the court that he tracked Ware with his pistol in the barracks and pulled the trigger thinking the weapon was unloaded. He also admitted that he had previously aimed a loaded M-4 carbine at another airmen. [cite web
url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20070425_Airman_gets_10_years_for_killing_comrade.html
title=Airman gets 10 years for killing comrade |date=2007-04-25 |publisher=Associated Press via The Philadelphia Inquirer |accessdate=2007-04-26] [cite web
url=http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=123410&ran=150623&tref=y
title=At Langley, airman pleads guilty in death of bunkmate in Iraq |date=2007-04-24 |first = Louis | last = Hansen |publisher=The Virginian-Pilot |accessdate=2007-04-26]

In July 2006, it was announced that the Army's inspector general had requested an investigation to determine if an Anti-Deficiency Act violation occurred during the building of the detention facility. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2006/sigir-jul06_appdx-l.pdf] The Anti-Deficiency Act provides that no one can obligate the Government to make payments for which money has not already been authorized. [http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+31USC1341] The inspector general's report was released to Congress on January 30, 2007 [cite web
url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2007/sigir-jan07_report.htm
title=Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) January 30, 2007 Quarterly and Semiannual Report to Congress | date=2007-01-30 | publisher=GlobalSecurity.ORG | accessdate=2007-04-11] and in it concluded: "Army personnel associated with funding of Phases I and II construction of the Internment Facility at Camp Bucca, Iraq, did not implement sufficient controls to ensure military compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As a result, there were two ADA violations with the FY 2004 Army Operation and Maintenance Appropriation. DoD OGC (Office of General Counsel) is completing its review and expects to sign out the report to the DoD Comptroller in the second quarter of FY 2007." [cite web
url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2007/sigir-jan07_appdx_k.pdf
title=Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) January 30, 2007 Quarterly and Semiannual Report to Congress Appendix K | date=2007-01-30 | publisher=GlobalSecurity.ORG | accessdate=2007-04-11]

August 11, 2006, detainees initiated a multiple compound riot that included the burning of their living quarters, burning a Humvee and assaults on other detainees. The reported cause of the riot was detainees being unhappy that their housing areas were searched. (Housing areas and compounds are searched on a regular basis to find and confiscate manufactured weapons similar to stateside jails.) Multiple weapons were found during initial search, and based on the detainees use of weapons against the guard force, multiple weapons were confiscated in additional searches initiated because of the riot. [cite web
url=http://www.croughton.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123048185 | author=Tech Sgt. Keith Houin
title=Iraq actions earn Captain Bronze Star | date=2007-04-10 | publisher=Air Force Public Affairs | accessdate=2007-06-28]

On October 12, 2006, an Iraqi detainee died from a heart attack. The detainee had been hospitalized since October 5 after complaining of chest pains. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6413&Itemid=21] [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/world/middleeast/15iraq.html?em&ex=1161144000&en=ebec7c6074fc33be&ei=5087%0A]

On October 16, two airmen from the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Area Security Operations team assigned to Camp Bucca suffered injuries when an improvised explosive device exploded near their Humvee in the vicinity of Safwan. Both airmen survived the attack and were later awarded the Purple Heart medal. [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7533&Itemid=18]

On October 19, 2006, an Iraqi detainee died from natural causes. [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6620&Itemid=21]

On November 25, 2006, American forces announced that a detainee died of natural causes. The detainee had been hospitalized since November 23 after complaining of chest pains. [http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=18487]

On December 4, 2006, American forces announced that a detainee died of natural causes. [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7828&Itemid=21] The detainee had been treated in the facilities hospital since November 17, 2006 for kidney and heart problems. Including two detainees that died the previous week at Camp Cropper [http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=41995] , this was the fourth detainee in coalition custody to die within a two week period.

On December 24, 2006, Two Detainees escaped from one of the U.S. Navy staffed compounds during the dense seasonal fog. One of detainees was allegedly an I.E.D. maker. Neither detainee has been recaptured. [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20976161-1702,00.html?from=public_rss]

2007

On January 17, 2007, US Navy Petty Officer Second Class [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2500925.html Joseph D. Alomar] , a member of Navy Provisional Detainee BN 2, assigned to Camp Bucca died of non-combat related injuries. The sailor is reported to have died from a gunshot wound to the head. The cause of death is under investigation. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9194&Itemid=21
title=Sailor dies in non-combat related incident
date=2007-01-18
publisher=Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs Office
accessdate=2007-01-18] [cite web
url=http://www.1010wins.com/pages/187356.php?contentType=4&contentId=292838
title=Sailor From Brooklyn Dies in Iraq
date=2007-01-21
publisher=CBS Radio
accessdate=2007-01-21] [cite web
url=http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10415
title=DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
date=2007-01-21
publisher=U.S. Department of Defense News Release
accessdate=2007-01-21]

On February 11, 2007 SPC [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2555590.html Dennis L. Sellen Jr.] of the 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow soldier who was cleaning his weapon after a mission. The incident is currently being investigated. [cite web
url=http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-sellen1apr01,1,7794401.story?track=rss&ctrack=1&cset=true
title=Army National Guard Spc. Dennis L. Sellen Jr., 20, Newhall; killed in gun accident in Iraq
date=2007-04-01 |publisher=LA Times |accessdate=2007-04-08] [cite web
url=http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=44951
title=Elements of the 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, of the California Army National Guard, arrive at Camp Bucca, Iraq, to conduct area security operations.
date=2007-04-08
publisher=Stars & Stripes
accessdate=2007-04-08]

On March 2, 2007 SPC [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2602402.html Christopher D. Young] , 20, of Los Angeles, Calif., died in Safwan, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, San Pedro, California. [ cite web
url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10578
title=DoD identifies Army casualty
date=2007-03-05
publisher=U.S. Department of Defense
accessdate=2007-07-10]

On March 15, 2007 military officials announced plans to once again expand Camp Bucca and Camp Cropper. Officials stated that this increase in capacity would be necessary to handle the detainees generated from the increased security operations in Baghdad. At the time of the report, Camp Bucca's detainee population stood at 13,800. [cite web
url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-airaqdetain15mar15,0,7242722.story?track=rss
title=U.S. plans to expand detention centers
date=2007-03-15
publisher=The Washington Post via Sun-Sentinel.com
accessdate=2007-03-15]

On April 26, 2007, an Iraqi detainee died from what MNFI reports as injuries sustained during an apparent assault by other detainees. He is reported to have been the sixth detainee to have died in MNF-I TIFs as a result of detainee on detainee violence in the past year. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11656&Itemid=128
title=Detainee dies at Camp Bucca
date=2007-04-27
publisher=MNFI News Release
accessdate=2007-04-28]

On June 9, 2007, 6 detainees were killed, 68 wounded and one Iraqi Corrections Officer was wounded when a rocket struck Compound 8, in the Theater Internment Facility located at Camp Bucca. [cite web
url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6737159.stm |title=Six dead in attack on Iraq prison
date=2007-06-09 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2007-06-09] On June 10, 2007, a seventh detainee, who had been medically evacuated to Balad Air Base, died from wounds he sustained in the attack. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12310&Itemid=128
title=Detainee Dies from Indirect Fire Attack Related Injuries |date=2007-06-13
publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-06-14] On June 23, 2007 an eighth detainee who had been hopitalized in critical condition since the attack, died from cardiac arrest. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12491&Itemid=128
title=Detainee Dies from Indirect Fire Attack Related Injuries |date=2007-06-23
publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-06-24]

On June 21, 2007 a security detainee died of cardiac arrest during a routine medical transfer from Camp Cropper to Camp Bucca. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12492&Itemid=128
title=Detainee dies from cardiac arrest |date=2007-06-23
publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-06-24]

On June 25, 2007 a soldier assigned to the 178th Infantry was injured when the vehicle he was driving drove over a buried explosive. [cite web
url=http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/117695.asp
title=Lanphier grad recovering from war wounds |date=2007-06-28 |author=Amanda Reavy
publisher=The State Journal-Register |accessdate=2007-06-29]

On July 1, 2007, a detainee died from what is being reported as natural causes while in the intensive care unit at the Theater Internment Facility hospital at Camp Bucca. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12672&Itemid=128
title=Detainee dies from apparent natural causes at Bucca |date=2007-07-03
publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-07-04]

On July 12, 2007, a detainee died from what is being reported as injuries suffered in an assault by other detainees. This is the second detainee in coalition forces custody to die from detainee on detainee violence within a week. [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12808&Itemid=128
title=Detainee dies at Camp Bucca |date=2007-07-12 |publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-07-14] [cite web
url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12772&Itemid=128
title=Detainee dies at Camp Cropper |date=2007-07-10 |publisher=MNFI News Release |accessdate=2007-07-14] On the same day, the Associated Press reported that Camp Bucca was among several sites in Iraq that had sensitive information posted on non-secure web sites. The Camp Bucca documents, posted on the web site of CH2M Hill Companies of Meridian, Colorado revealed locations of where prisoners are held, locations of fuel tanks, and the locations of security fences, guard towers and other security measures. The company has subsequently added password protection to its site. [cite web
url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/2007-07-12-mililtary-online-security_N.htm?csp=34
title=Military files left unprotected online |date=2007-07-12 | author=Mike Baker
publisher=Associated Press via USA Today |accessdate=2007-07-12]

In August 2007, two separate news articles reported Camp Bucca's detainee populate stood at approximately 20,000 inmates. [cite web
url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20200546/site/newsweek/page/0/
title=Scared Straight: Iraqi Style |date=2007-08-09 | author=Babak Dehghanpisheh
publisher=Newsweek via MSNBC.COM |accessdate=2007-09-02] [cite web
url=http://www.thestate.com/local/story/154356.html
title=Troops embrace home: After a year in Iraq, soldiers look forward to vacations, soul food |date=2007-08-24 | author=Noelle Phillips
publisher=South Carolina Home Page |accessdate=2007-09-02]

In October 2007, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it had suspended its visits to Camp Bucca due to the deteriorating security situation in the area. The ICRC visits all detention facilities in Iraq to monitor the conditions detainees are receiving and make recommendations where they perceive improvements could be made. To maintain their neutral status, they refuse coalition security when traveling in Iraq, which causes them to occasionally suspend visits when they deem conditions too hazardous for their personnel. [cite web
url=http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/iraq-update-300607?opendocument
title=Iraq: ICRC activities, April to July 2007 |date=2007-10-04 |publisher=International Committee of the Red Cross Press Release |accessdate=2007-10-04]

On October 31, 2007, it was announced that Camp Bucca would be expanded once again to increase its capacity from 20,000 to 30,000 detainees. The $110 million dollar project will be over seen by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and would include $17.6 million dollar retrofit of “13 existing compounds to add concrete pads to prevent tunneling, better segregation areas, and better shower and latrine facilities” as well as new housing, a waste water treatment plant, a water treatment plant and a $3.2 million brick factory for prisoner labor. [cite web
url=http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49911
title=Prison camp in Iraq once listed to close now sees major upgrades |date=2007-10-31 |publisher=Stars and Stripes |accessdate=2007-10-31]

On November 20, 2007 a convoy providing security operations traveling north of Safwaan, Iraq from Camp Bucca carrying personnel from the 88th Security Forces Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio attached to the 887th ESFS was struck by a IED.

2008

On December 31, 2007- January 1, 2008 Camp Bucca's 887th ESFS squadron had the first all female squad in combat on the 10th anniversary of women in combat. The 19 females found and EFP and received small arms fire.Fact|date=April 2008

On January 1, 2008 the base was attacked with rocket fire launched from the nearby city of Umm Qasr, no injuries reported.

On February 24, 2008, Camp Bucca was attacked with rocket fire that killed one AAFES employee and wounded several other civilian contractors. The rocket attack came less then a week after a convoy from Camp Bucca was attacked by an improvised explosive device. No one was seriously injured in that attack. [cite web
url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080227_1_A1_hTheO68646
title=45th faces insurgent attacks |date=2008-02-27 |publisher=Tulsa World |author=Ben Fenwick |accessdate=2008-02-27]

On June 13, 2008, members of the 887 ESFS while standing down on a possible ied came under a complex attack which included a secondary and a VBIED and was the first of its kind reported near Camp Bucca, no injuries reported.Fact|date=August 2008

In August 2008, it was announced that 6 sailors had been charged and will face courts-martial for abusing detainees at Camp Bucca. The abuse allegedly occurred on May 14 and involved beatings of two detainees and the sealing of eight detainees in a cell that contained trace amounts of pepper spray residue, with the cells ventilation secured. The abuse apparently occurred after some detainees attacked guards, spitting on them and throwing containers filled with human waste at them. Seven other sailors have already received nonjudicial punishment for failing to report the incidents. Two had their charges dismissed, the remainder were reduced in rank or faced suspended punishment. [cite web
url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2008-08-14-detainees-Iraq_N.htm?csp=34
title=U.S. Navy: 6 sailors accused of abusing detainees in Iraq |date=2008-08-14 |publisher=USA Today |author= |accessdate=2008-08-14] In September 2008, it was announced that the hearings for the 6 sailors charged had been postponed to late October 2008 because of scheduling conflicts of the assigned defense lawyers. [cite web
url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/09/navy_buccahearing_090408/
title=Hearing postponed for chief accused of abuse |date=2008-09-05 |publisher=Navy Times |author=Chris Amos |accessdate=2008-09-07]

References

External links

* [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4894001 Executive summary of Taguba report] MSNBC.com
* [http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2004/05/11/memo_iraq_abuse_was_vigilante_justice?mode=PF Memo: Iraq abuse was 'vigilante justice'] : Boston.com
* [http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/278199p-238353c.html "Female soldiers dress down & get dirty for mud romps": NY Daily News]
* [http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-02-18-mud-soldier_x.htm?csp=34 Mud-wrestling soldier to be dismissed from service: USA Today]
* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/23/AR2005082301525.html In Iraq Jail, Resistance Goes Underground: Washington Post]
* [http://www.katv.com/news/stories/0405/221284.html Detainees Escape From U.S. Military Camp: KATV]
* [http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110006725 As Bad as the Nazis? What the Red Cross thinks about the U.S. military. Wall Street Journal]
* [http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0523iraq-tunnel23.html Truck 'finds' escape tunnel at U.S.-run camp in Iraq: The Arizona Republic]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/06/mil-050603-afpn01.htm Airmen guard camp, detainees in Iraq]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/umm-qasr.htm Umm Qasr and Camp Bucca, GlobalSecurity.org Org]
* [http://bucca-mud-wrestling.blogspot.com/2005/02/iraq-camp-bucca-mud-wrestling-pictures.html Iraq Camp Bucca Mud Wrestling Pictures]
* [http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1206/122106m1.htm Defense IG to ramp up Iraq spending audits] GOVEXEC.com
* [http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/12/28/news/doc4594046e7a6b7623527868.txt Bloomington area Soldiers give a Christmas gift to a small boy]
* [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3753&Itemid=128 Detainee visitation rules and guidelines]
* [http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10203&Itemid=128 ICO’s Train with U.S. Military Guidance]