Multi-National Division – North PAO
BALAD RUZ, Iraq – Iraqi and coalition forces conducted a combined air assault into Samood Village, an area near Turki Village, Iraq, July 26, killing 11 terrorists and detaining 13 suspected terrorists in an effort to secure the Turki Village region and provide stability to the local population.
Operation Woodshed began early Thursday morning with soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and paratroopers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, targeting known terrorist cells in the area.
"As I've said before, the terrorists have no where to hide. In our eyes, there is no such thing as a safe haven," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province.
Throughout the operation, the combined security forces, with assistance from attack helicopters, close-air support and field artillery assets, observed and killed several elements of anti-Iraqi forces attempting to maneuver on their elements.
While performing a thorough house-to-house search, coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists, and the Iraqi security forces detained an additional six.
"The coalition and Iraqi forces will continue to conduct aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to target those organizations that have offered nothing but hatred and destruction to the citizens of Diyala," Sutherland continued. "The terrorists' actions will not be tolerated, and in the end, they will be brought to justice."