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October 9, late releases:
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Iraqi, U.S. Forces Launch Operation In Northern Babil
Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. forces today kicked off their most sweeping operation to date in Northern Babil, moving against multiple targets across the central Iraqi province in a continuing campaign to restore security and stability here.
From their forward operating bases throughout the zone, Iraqi and U.S. forces, led by the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), punched west across the Euphrates River in search of anti-Iraqi forces and those who aid them.
While rounding up 30 suspects during the initial sweep, the Iraqis and their American allies seized a suspected insurgent training camp and took control of the Jurf Kas Sukr Bridge.
The bridge, spanning the Euphrates southwest of Baghdad, is believed to be a favored corridor for insurgents moving into and out of key cities, including the capital hub and the current AIF sanctuary of Fallujah.
The operation involves more than 3,000 Iraqi and U.S. forces, including elements from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines -- the MEU's ground combat element, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, the Army's 1-23 Stryker Battalion, Iraq's 2nd Ministry of the Interior Commando Battalion and the 507th Iraqi National Guard Battalion. In their coordinated thrusts this week, the ISF and Marines are intensifying operations they've been conducting since the 24th MEU assumed operational control of Northern Babil in July.
Since then, they have captured more than 160 individuals suspected of engaging directly in or abetting criminal and AIF activity. Additionally, they have uncovered numerous weapons caches, enabling them to take some 35,000 pounds of explosives out of action.
The MEU’s mission is to assist Iraqi authorities in fostering security and stability for the nearly 900,000 citizens of the province.
Release #041009g |
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Iraqi and U.S. Forces Continue Push
Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq – Iraqi security forces, backed by elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, captured 13 suspected militants in the central Iraqi town of Haswah today as the joint force continued to aggressively target anti-Iraqi forces throughout Northern Babil province.
The Iraqi SWAT team, an emerging elite force within the ISF, led the afternoon raid in a town where Iraqi and Marine authorities believe AIF have been festering by intimidating the local, largely peaceful citizenry.
Raids conducted by ISF and Marine forces early in the week drove insurgents east of the Euphrates River to Haswah. AIF forces retaliated with small attacks on MEU forces from the town, which lies about 30 miles south of Baghdad.
ISF and Marine commanders were poised to strike, and the Iraqi SWAT team was given the mission to round up a number of individuals suspected of engaging directly in or abetting anti-Iraqi and anti-coalition activity.
The Iraqis were backed on the ground by the MEU’s Force Reconnaissance platoon. Helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 provided close air support.
Earlier in the day, members of a second Iraqi special forces unit captured four suspected AIF during two cordon-and-knock searches west of the Euphrates River near Iskandariyah. The BLT’s Bravo Company provided reinforcement.
The successful raids came on the second day of this joint Iraqi-U.S. endeavor to step up the pressure on insurgents operating in Northern Babil province.
ISF and 24th MEU Marines – augmented by the Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team – rounded up 43 suspected insurgents during multiple raids across the province Tuesday.
During the past two days of operations, forces also uncovered 3 weapons caches that yielded (18) 500-pound bombs, four of which were active, (197) RPG rounds, (47) 133 mm mortar rounds, (14) 125 mm mortar rounds, machine gun parts and blasting caps.
So far, four Marines, three Iraqi National Guardsmen and three civilians were injured. No enemy casualties can be verified at this time.
More than 1300 U.S. Marines and Army soldiers as well as 800 Iraqi military and police personnel are jointly operating in the province.
The operation is part of a continuing campaign to rid the area of criminals and terrorists who are attempting to thwart Iraq’s path to a peaceful, prosperous future.
Release #041009h |
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Iraqis and Marines Net 11 More Suspected Insurgents
Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq -- Iraqi security forces and elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit captured 11 suspected insurgents today as the joint force continued its pursuit of anti-Iraqi forces in Northern Babil province.
In the first of two early-morning raids, Marines from Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines – the MEU’s ground combat element – seized three individuals in the vicinity of Musayyib, about 40 miles south of Baghdad.
In a separate operation east of nearby Haswah, where 13 suspected insurgents were rounded up Wednesday by the Iraqi SWAT team, elements of the BLT’s Charlie Company and Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon captured four individuals suspected of AIF activity.
Later, Marines from Alpha Company patrolling north of Iskandariyah, about 30 miles south of the Iraqi capital, stopped a vehicle carrying four males. Inside they found a shovel and old mortar fuses. All four men tested positive for gunpowder residue and were detained.
Today’s actions raised to 59 the number of suspected AIF captured during the current operation, which was launched Tuesday by ISF and their U.S. allies in Northern Babil in an intensifying campaign to capture or kill insurgents and disrupt their activity.
More than 1,300 U.S. Marines and soldiers are working alongside 800 Iraqi National Guard soldiers and other ISF in an increasingly cooperative effort to restore security and stability to the area.
Release #041009i |
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Good news, ping!