Sunday, September 25
IRAQI/U.S. FORCES AMBUSHED, 8 SCUZBALLS KILLED
| September 25, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi security forces came under fire in Sadr City in the early morning hours Sept. 25. Iraqi security forces were conducting a mission to capture three insurgents suspected of working in a kidnapping and torture cell. The three suspects were not found or captured but missions to find them will continue. Iraqi security forces were ambushed at several locations while conducting the operation. Nearby Coalition Forces on routine patrols responded to reinforce the Iraqi forces. Coalition and Iraqi forces returned fire and killed five to eight of the armed assailants. The engagement lasted about 90 minutes. No suspects were detained and no Coalition or Iraqi forces were injured. Over the past year Coalition Forces have been working closely with Sadr City leaders to establish a secure environment and to allow Iraqis to proceed with the Constitutional Referendum. “I am concerned about the events early this morning, but I do not believe this action reflects a pattern of change leading to more violence,” said Col. Joseph DiSalvo, Commander of Coalition Forces in East Baghdad. “I am working with Iraqi leaders in Sadr City to keep the situation calm. Terrorists in Sadr City or elsewhere have no safe haven. We will aggressively pursue all leads against the terrorists. My mission is to find the terrorists and keep Iraq safe and that is what we will do.” As DiSalvo drove through the city this morning he found the situation calm. “Iraqi security forces and the Coalition will continue routine patrolling,” said DiSalvo. Weblog LINK |
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