Operation Monmouth strengthens Iraqi army, coalition ties

Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | Iraqi army soldiers with 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Brigade, 17th Iraqi army Division maneuver into Habbash Village during Operation Monmouth, a combined air assault, Aug. 27, 2008.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.28.2008

Story by Pfc. Christopher McKenna 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

By Pfc. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Iraqi army and coalition soldiers conducted Operation Monmouth, a combined air assault in Habbash Village to search for weapon caches and suspected criminals, Aug. 27, 2008.

"This was a good mission," said 2nd Lt. Muhamed Shuker Humood, platoon leader in 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Brigade, 17th Iraqi army Division. "The Habbash Village was once a very bad area, but because of increased security and presence from both us and the coalition, it has become safer."

A total of 25 IA soldiers participated in the mission. Fifteen were inserted via UH-60 Black Hawk, while the rest convoyed to the area.

The operation was a prime opportunity for the coalition and IA to work together in engaging the local population of Habbash Village.

"We will continue what the coalition forces have been doing through the area," Muhamed said. "We will continue to help the people in the area and stay on a straight path helping fix the area as well as making sure the people have their essential needs constantly met."

IA and coalition forces meet every week for a security meeting, making sure any new intelligence is recognized by both sides.

"We are transitioning the battle space to IA control, so planning is cooperative," said 2nd Lt. John Limauro, from Andover, Md., Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), platoon leader.

Operation Monmouth was a mission derived from a combination of intelligence from both sides, with the IA providing the list of suspected criminals.

"We got the IA together after we decided where we were going to air assault. We ran through the planning phase and determined what their part is. They are with us all the way, going out with us on daily missions," said Limauro.

"The IA in our area are often out doing patrols on their own, and engaging the local sheiks, which is a major part of this counterinsurgency operation," Limauro said. "They have really started to take the lead from us over the past couple months."

He added that Iraqi army soldiers continue to make great strides, as their performance throughout the air assault confirmed.

"The IA are getting out and (taking) every chance possible to familiarize themselves with the area and people of Sadr Al Yusifiyah," said Spc. Cameron Hayes, from Florence, S.C., Co. D, 1st Bn.187th Inf. Regt. team leader.

IA soldiers and coalition forces share a level of excitement for the approaching transition.

"We have seen major improvements through the area with close support from the coalition," said Sgt. Saad Mahjer Anan, 2nd Co., 2nd Bn., 23rd Bde., 17th IA. "When the time comes and the coalition leaves the area, we will be ready to take over."

• Date Taken: 08.28.2008
• Date Posted: 09.01.2008 09:50
• Story ID: 23081
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ