Maj. Jesse Goldman
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
Iskandariyah, Iraq – Iraqi police partnered with coalition forces Dec. 20 and conducted an air assault mission in a remote region near the city, capturing four al-Qaida suspects and disrupting their operations in the region.
The total force that made up the joint effort included Iraqi police from Iskandariyah and Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, out of Fort Campbell, Ky., attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
The mission was carried out during daylight hours and consisted of two separate elements brought in on four UH-60 helicopters. One element cleared and secured the area where the suspected al-Qaida operators inhabited safe-houses, with another supporting that effort, searching for weapons caches and employing an explosives ordnance detachment to remove obstacles so the first element could move freely.
"Because of the ever-increasing cooperation between coalition forces and the Iraqi police, AQI (al-Qaida in Iraq) has no place to hide in western Iskandariyah," said Capt. Michael Penney, commander of Co. A, 2-502nd.
Four al-Qaida suspects were detained during the operation and a pressure-plate improvised explosive device was discovered.
Neither Iraqi police nor coalition forces had patrolled the area for at least eight months, according to Lt. Col. Michael Getchell, commander of 2-502nd Infantry, who added that the expanded influence exerted by the Iraqi police and coalition forces, sent a positive message to the local citizens. He said also that intelligence about the area was also gained and the IP and coalition presence also helped to bring forth interest in the Concerned Local Citizens program. In addition, coalition forces gave humanitarian assistance, handing out school supplies.
"This operation demonstrated that the partnership between the Iraqi security forces and the coalition is a powerful tool for combating terrorism," Getchell said. "By removing terrorist intimidation in western Iskandariyah, the good people can contribute to the long-term security of the area by joining this security partnership as concerned local citizens."
| Date Taken: |
12.28.2007 |
| Date Posted: |
12.28.2007 15:49 |
| Story ID: |
15061 |
| Location: |
IQ |
| Web Views: |
505 |
| Downloads: |
485 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
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