Multi-National Division-North Public Affairs Office
MOSUL, Iraq – The citizens of Mosul have much to gain from the success of Operation Thunder Reaper, an operation designed to open Highway One, the major thoroughfare in western Mosul that has been closed due to improvised explosive device attacks on civilian and military traffic.
"Highway One is a four-lane expressway that represents the economic heart of western Mosul, said Maj. John Oliver Jr., operations officer for 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. It's reopening will improve local and provincial commerce, thereby creating economic opportunities. The road will also improve security for the people of Mosul by offering Iraqi security forces an increased freedom of movement when required."
The ISF and coalition forces have been hard at work with Operation Thunder Reaper for five days. In that time they have cleared and repaired five kilometers of previously unusable road, including roads that support Highway One.
"Infrastructure such as Highway One are what enable major cities such as Mosul to thrive, al-Qaida has made every attempt to keep this unusable, said Oliver. By their actions, al-Qaida puts their version of the future for Iraq on display. The ISF and CF see a prosperous future for Mosul and Iraq. The success of Thunder Reaper is just one aspect of that future that can be seen today."