FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070425-01
April 25, 2007

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – At approximately 3 p.m. Monday, a Coalition Forces’ patrol base in As Sadah, Iraq, was attacked by two suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, killing nine Soldiers and wounding 20 Soldiers and one Iraqi civilian.

Twelve Soldiers were returned to duty after initial medical care, and eight Soldiers and the Iraqi civilian were evacuated to a Coalition Forces’ medical treatment facility for further care. Three of those Soldiers were later returned to duty.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the brave Soldiers who were killed and wounded during this vicious attack,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “Today I met with the governor, deputy governor, provincial council chairman, and the provincial director of police, all of whom express their condolences and appreciation for the sacrifices our Soldiers make. I reaffirmed to them that the Coalition Forces inside Diyala will remain on the offense to deny the enemy any safe havens.”

“The attack did not and will not stop the progress we are making,” added Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas, 5-73 Cav. commander. “This has only strengthened our resolve and has emboldened the people’s support of the security forces – Coalition, IA and IP – all of which conducted a joint patrol today to showcase our determination and dedication to the community.”

The enemy attack consisted of small-arms fire, followed by the detonation of two explosive-laden trucks, one of which detonated along an outer barrier.

The second truck detonated approximately 30 meters from the patrol base building. Neither vehicle penetrated the patrol base’s inner perimeter. However, the explosive blast from the second truck ruptured the wall of the patrol base building, collapsing the second floor and, causing the majority of the Soldier casualties.
One house was destroyed and several smaller structures collapsed in the neighborhood around the compound. The civilian hospital and local mosque located approximately 200 meters from the patrol base also received damage.

“This attack is a direct response to our aggressive and persistent operations to target the enemy in Diyala,” Sutherland said. “We will remain disciplined and resolute as we continue to target the terrorists who bring nothing but hatred and violence to those that depend on us.

Immediately following the attack, recovery efforts were on site to assist with medical evacuation and reconstructing the force protection measures. The 5th Iraqi Army Division commander and his personal security detachment were also on site to provide recovery assistance.

The Soldiers of 5-73 Cav. have been conducting operations in the Diyala River Valley from the As Sadah patrol base since March. The Iraqi army and police have been working from another nearby patrol base, reorganizing to establish a joint IA, IP, CF base.

The names of the deceased Soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd BCT, 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, As Sadah patrol base, Diyala Province, Fallen Heroes, Iraqi Army, SVBIED