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NASIRIYAH, Iraq—Elements of the 40th Iraqi Army Brigade and 5th Tactical Swat Unit from Nasiriyah conducted a successful operation to capture a warranted suspect May 27, underscoring the increased planning and operational capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.
The raid, which was planned, led and executed by the Iraqi units, resulted in one arrest and the discovery of a significant cache of various weapons and ammunition.
“The fact that the Iraqi Army coordinated with the Iraqi Police to conduct this operation shows that they have the common interest in securing their country and are willing to work together without U.S. forces involvement,” said Capt. Josh Hunter, of Owasso, Okla., commander, Company A, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Reg.
The operation was very time sensitive, with only a small window of opportunity for the Iraqi forces to locate and capture their desired target. This short time frame for planning is what made the success of this mission even more impressive, said 1st Lt. Mario Ponsell, of Warner Robins, Ga., fire support officer, Company A, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg.
“The Iraqi Army planned this operation in a matter of days, if not hours and accomplished its objective of conducting a raid without any injuries or casualties,” he said.
According to Ponsell, the Iraqi operation was a prime example of how 3rd BCT is advising and assisting Iraqi forces in the southern provinces of Iraq. The Iraqis only asked for the support they needed and provided all other mission requirements on their own, he said.
“[We] used our resources to provide intelligence and imagery of the objective that otherwise would have been unavailable for Iraqi use,” he said.
However, the Iraqi forces did not base the success of their plan on the availability of U.S. resources. The Iraqis were prepared to move forward with the mission in the event U.S. forces were unable to support their requests, said Hunter.
Fortunately, Hunter’s unit was able to accommodate the Iraqis, further increasing their chances of a successful mission, he said.
“I was impressed that they were able to coordinate and conduct the operation with very few glitches,” said Ponsell. “Netting one arrest and a large weapons cache was a sign that their methods work.”
The Soldiers of Company A, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., who were involved with the mission, also expressed their enthusiasm for the operation, and they believe their Iraqi counterparts should feel very proud.
“Personally, we were impressed,” said Pfc. Steven Redwine, of Gadsden, Ala., communication specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion., 29th FA Reg., “I hope this has been a boost to their confidence and morale.”
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2010 04:09 |
| Story ID: | 51201 |
| Location: | NASIRIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 113 |
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