Monday, November 14
IRAQI ARMY, U.S. GRUNTS KEEP UP PRESSURE, FINDING GUNS N' AMMO, KILLING SCUZBALLS
| November 14, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to disrupt and defeat al Qaeda, foreign fighters and terrorists during more than 230 company-level combined Coalition and Iraqi security forces and 90 independent ISF operations throughout the country this week. “Conditions are being set for the national election, which is one more milestone for the Iraqi people to reinforce the sovereignty they’re building,” said Maj. Brandon Robbins, operations officer, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Operations resulted in Coalition and Iraqi security forces locating and clearing more than 90 caches, capturing or killing of five bomb makers and clearing of nearly 170 improvised explosive devices. Operation Steel Curtain is one of the larger operations of the week involving Regimental Combat Team-2. The operation began Nov. 5 in Husaybah with RCT-2 also clearing the towns of Al Karabilah and Sa’Dah. RCT-2 is comprised of a specially trained Iraqi Army scout platoon called the Desert Protectors, elements of the 1st Iraqi Army Division and 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers. Operation Steel Curtain resulted in the detention of more than 100 terrorists and clearance of 33 caches. Most residents who sought assistance in the displacement camp have returned to their homes. Electrical power and water is expected to be restored to pre-operational level within the next 24 hours. “The objective of Operation Steel Curtain was to restore security along the Iraqi-Syrian border and support the Coalition’s efforts along the Euphrates River Valley,” Robbins said. “Ultimately our intent is to assist the ISF in establishing a permanent presence on the border and to set the conditions for a safe and secure national election Dec. 15.” Other significant operations conducted this week include Operation Knockout in Baqubah where Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior forces detained 370 suspected terrorists. In the northwestern region of Iraq, Operation Wolf Stalk 2 continues to disrupt terrorists’ ability to carry out attacks in western Ninevah, while reconnaissance operations in northwestern Ninevah are identifying the needs of local residents and supporting legitimate economic and civic ventures. “Several operations are out in sector to identify locations where CF and the Iraqi Transitional Government can focus on future stability and reconstruction efforts,” Robbins said. In Baghdad, Operation National Unity, which began in July, is dedicated to increasing the capability of the Iraqi security forces to control the security environment and decreasing the number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices in the city. Operation Open Window, in the central south region of Iraq, continues to pave the way of handing responsibility of the area to the 8th Iraqi Division. “The way ahead is clearer,” Robbins said. “Senior leaders of MNC-I have integrated with Iraqi Ground Forces Command and continue to look forward to those critical points where ISF will sustain themselves and take over battle space responsibilities to keep up tactical and operational momentum.” Weblog LINK |
