Paratroopers capture six IED cell members

Photo By Sgt. Johnnie French | A Paratrooper with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, searches through the house of an improvised explosive device cell member during Operation Salcha, Oct. 17.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

10.18.2007

Story by Sgt. Johnnie French 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. J.H. French, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers captured six members, to include two lieutenants, of an improvised explosive device cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi security and coalition forces in North Babil, Oct. 17.

Paratroopers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained the men during Operation Salcha, an early morning raid.

"The men were members of an IED cell," said Capt. Eric Nylander, commander of Company B. "The cell is a part of the al-Qaida network in North Babil."

"Last week, we arrested the leader of the cell," Nylander continued. "After tonight's operation, we have captured most of the cell's senior leadership."

Nylander believes security in the area will visibly improve since Paratroopers have begun to target the cell so effectively.

"I think we will definitely see a decrease in IEDs," Nylander said. "I think it will also embolden the local population. We are seeing an increase in Concerned Citizens Program participation and the people are standing up for themselves."

The two lieutenants were implicated by numerous sources for their involvement in several IED attacks along Iraq's Highway 1, as well as the bombing of another roadway east of Haswah. That incident completely severed the road, making it impassable.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2007
• Date Posted: 10.18.2007 14:01
• Story ID: 13095
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ