Stryker Battalion arrives in Diyala province

Courtesy Photo | Stryker Soldiers with Company B, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, roll through a village en route to Baqubah March 13. The 5-20 Inf. Reg. of 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, arrived in Diyala province to help maintain the momentum against insurgents gained in recent large-scale operations by 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

03.13.2007

Courtesy Story

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

DIYALA – A Stryker battalion arrived in Diyala province today, to capitalize on the recent successful operations by the Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces in Diyala and Baghdad.

The 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, which has a successful history in Mosul and Baghdad, will conduct deliberate operations throughout Diyala, committing themselves to the security of the people of the province.

"The presence of the Stryker battalion will allow security forces to seize opportunities, reinforce and compliment recent successes of ISF and CF operations in Turki and Baqubah," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, Commander of Multi-National Division North and the 25th Infantry Division.

"They are a proven and effective war-fighting organization that represents the deployment of the Army's newest, state-of-the-art combat vehicles and systems." said Mixon.

"The addition of the Stryker battalion will allow the security forces to conduct increased dismounted patrols, maintain constant pressure on the enemy and pursue terrorist organizations wherever they may hide," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

"Their presence will significantly increase the number of Soldiers supporting the Iraqi Security Forces and will assist in bringing a more stable and secure environment to the 1.6 million people throughout Diyala," Sutherland added. "The people of Diyala remain our center of gravity, and their security is our priority. With increased offensive operations, we will also continue numerous initiatives in Diyala to improve governance and basic services for the Iraqi people."

• Date Taken: 03.13.2007
• Date Posted: 03.13.2007 12:43
• Story ID: 9417
• Location: DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ