Joint op disrupts anti-Iraqi forces power base

From U.S. Central Command

29 March 2007

By Sgt. Armando Monroig

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH — Iraqi and Coalition forces began a joint operation targeting an Islamic State of Iraq power base at the Diyala River Valley Saturday.

During the ongoing operation, Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Army 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division killed more than 15 anti-Iraqi forces, detained more than 15 suspected terrorists, and unearthed eight weapons caches.

“The Iraqi security forces, with our support, will maintain an aggressive approach to operations in order to secure the population and defeat the terrorists,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. commander. “Working together, we are attacking the anti-Iraqi forces in their perceived safe havens.”

As Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to successfully hunt terrorists and their strongholds, the population gained confidence in the Iraqi security forces improved abilities to protect them.

“The ISF continues to improve as we conduct these operations together, and the people gain confidence in their security forces’ ability to take the fight to the enemy and secure the population,” said Sutherland.

The Iraqi security forces with the support of Coalition forces weakened the terrorists’ ability to harm the population by finding their weapons caches.

“These terrorist supplies have been used to attack the Iraqi and Coalition forces, and the local population in Diyala to destabilize the area,” said Sutherland. “However, the initiative and ability to seize every opportunity to aggressively attack the terrorists will actually destabilize the terrorists.”

The detainees have been transferred to Forward Operating Base Warhorse detention facility for further questioning.

The operation continues to destroy enemy safe havens, restoring hope and security to the people of the Diyala River Valley.

Photo: Iraqi and Coalition forces provide security for other Soldiers who cleared a house during a combined cordon and search. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tierney P. Nowland.