FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Photo Release# 092507-01
Sept. 24, 2007

Multinational Division – North PAO


Three Iraqi army soldiers from the 5th IA Division begin movement for their objectives during Operation Rock Wrench Sept. 22. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security for the mission in the industrial section of southern Baqouba. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Spc. Garrett Vogland of 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, provides security for Iraqi soldiers during Operation Rock Wrench Sept 22. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security for the mission in the industrial section of south Baqouba. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Pfc. Michael Strausbaugh and Spc. Carlos Livingston of the 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hurry through an intersection during Operation Rock Wrench, a joint mission with the 5th Iraqi Army Division Sept 22. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security for the mission in the industrial section of southern Baqouba. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st. Lt Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


5th Iraqi Army Division soldiers secure a street before clearing the buildings in the industrial section of southern Baqouba during Operation Rock Wrench Sept 22. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


A Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides rear security as a weapons cache consisting of grenades and hand-held radios, discovered by soldiers of the 5th Iraqi Army Division, burns. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security for the mission in the industrial section of southern Baqouba. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


An automatic weapons team from the 5th Iraqi Army Division moves through the industrial section of southern Baqouba, Sept. 22. Iraqi forces focused on clearing structures while U.S. forces provided security for the mission. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Labels: 1-38th Infantry, 2ID, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Baqouba, Iraq, Iraqi Army, photos, US Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070920-13
September 20, 2007

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces aggressively targeted and pursued al-Qaeda elements in Diyala province, in support of 25th Infantry Division’s Operation Lightning Hammer II, a division-wide operation to deny terrorist elements the ability to harm the population.

“Through Operations Arrowhead Ripper, Lightning Hammer and most recently, Lightning Hammer II, the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces have made it clear that al-Qaida has no home in Diyala and will be persistently targeted,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The operations, which began Sept. 4 in Diyala and focused on Baqouba, Muqdadiya and Balad Ruz, resulted in 34 terrorists killed, 28 suspected terrorists detained, 17 weapons caches discovered, three vehicle-borne and six house-borne improvised explosive devices discovered and destroyed, and 44 IEDs reduced.

“Al-Qaeda is on the run and is attempting to conduct attacks as a systemic response to our offensive operations,” Sutherland said. “Ultimately, they will fail and be brought to justice,” he continued.

Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted simultaneous, continuous operations across Diyala to deny al-Qaeda freedom of movement and remove their support bases.
Operation Saber Hammer II, an ongoing operation which began Sept. 17 in the Muqdadiya region, played a large role in the overall operation throughout the province.

Through a very thorough and detailed search in villages, such as Baloor and Hy al Askry, Soldiers from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron and 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, have successfully disrupted al-Qaeda in the area by killing 10 terrorists and detaining 14.

Also, Operation Woodshed II, conducted Sept. 19 by Soldiers from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, targeted enemy south of Balad Ruz, resulting in 12 terrorists killed.

“As operations north, east and west of Baqouba continue, our goal is to provide a stable and secure environment to the people in those regions, thus setting the conditions to allow the government to focus on restoring essential services,” said Sutherland. “Al-Qaeda will not hinder the progress we are seeing in Diyala.”


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

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Operation Arrowhead Ripper, Operation Lightning Hammer, Operation Woodshed, US Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070810-06
August 10, 2007

Multi-National Division - North PAO

DIYALA RIVER VALLEY, Iraq - Building upon recent success in the Diyala River Valley, Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers conducted Operation William Wallace, Aug. 8, to destroy al-Qaeda elements in the Abu Tina area.

Conducting an early-morning air assault, the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, cleared the village; resulting in four terrorists killed, two suspected terrorists detained and a weapons cache discovered.

"This mission is important because while it provides a secure environment for the citizens of Abu Tina, it also reduces elements within the area that are known to target nearby villages," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province.

"Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have no place in Diyala. We will find them and they will be brought to justice."

While conducting a thorough clearance of Abu Tina, Coalition Forces killed two al-Qaeda members after being engaged in separate incidents. Attack helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade killed an additional two armed men as they tactically maneuvered in a canal system around the objective area.

The detainees, one of whom was discovered with the weapons cache, were transferred to a facility for further questioning.

"We will continue to take advantage of the increased forces in Baqouba, allowing Iraqi and Coalition Forces to aggressively target other key areas that the terrorists perceive as their safe havens," said Sutherland.


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

Labels: 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Abu Tina, Coalition Forces, Diyala, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, US Army

BREAK TIME — U.S. Army Spc. Shaun Martin and Spc. Erik Gonzales from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, rest from searching houses with soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, in Baqubah, Iraq, Aug. 5. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jason Edwards

Labels: 1-23 Infantry, 2ID, 3SBCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Baqubah, Iraq, photos, US Army

Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bragg, N.C., and soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division conduct a search of a village near Balad Ruz, Iraq, April 28. The paratroopers, in conjunction with Iraqi Army soldiers, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# B280
May 5, 2007

By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BALAD RUZ, Iraq -- Four months after U.S. troops and their Iraqi Army counterparts launched a massive military operation in the villages Turki, Hamoud and 30 Tamuz, what was once an insurgent safe haven is now considered one of the quietest places in Diyala.

During the massive, nine-day assault dubbed “Turki Bowl II,” which concluded Jan. 13, about 100 insurgents were killed and 54 were detained for suspected involvement in terrorist activities in the area.

The operation, led by the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C., yielded weapons caches containing more than 1,100 Katyusha rockets, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, 500 mortars and a variety of materials used to make roadside bombs, called Improvised Explosive Devises.

The area is now considered under control by Iraqi and Coalition Forces, which has established a joint patrol base in Turki to maintain a constant presence there.
“It’s quiet. Four months before the operation, I saw the shooting of (local leaders), many IEDs, the road was dangerous,” said 1st Lt. Ali, a company commander in 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.

“Now, it is safe. No terrorists are in this area, because the Iraqi Army and U.S. Army always patrol together.”

Ali and his soldiers share the responsibility of running the patrol base with their U.S. counterparts, who confirm a decrease in the level of violence in the area.
“Since we’ve been out here after Turki Bowl II, things have been pretty quiet,” said Sgt. Brandon Herron, from Troop B, 5-73 Cav. Regt. “With all the IA check points in the area, the incidences of IEDs have cut down dramatically.

“We’ve pretty much rooted out all of the enemy in the area. They’ve either fled, been captured or are lying low. I think having the IA and our presence out here has made a huge difference in the security of this area,” Herron said.

Despite the improved security in the Balad Ruz area, Staff Sgt. Donald McElroy said there’s still a possibility that his unit will find more insurgents while patrolling the canals and villages assaulted by coalition forces in January.

“I believe that those who weren’t killed, detained, and were lucky enough to get out of here, still come back,” said McElroy, also from Troop B. “That’s why we continue to patrol, because you never know.”

“Before Turki Bowl, (local residents) did not trust the coalition forces in the area,” said 2nd Lt. Jeremy Dionida, platoon leader for Recon Platoon, 5-73rd Cav. “Now with them telling us where the IEDs and (anti-tank) mines are, that’s a good indication that they put a lot of trust in us.”


A Soldier from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, from Fort Bragg, N.C., stands guard at the entrance of a home in Turki village, near Balad Ruz, Iraq, April 28. The paratroopers, in conjunction with Iraqi Army soldiers, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


An Iraqi soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security April 28 at a patrol base near Balad Ruz, Iraq. The Iraqi soldiers, in conjunction with the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, conduct patrols and village engagements to keep insurgent activity out of the area. Four months after a major operation called “Turki Bowl II,” the area has seen a dramatic decrease in insurgent activity. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Labels: 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Balad Ruz, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Army, photos, US Army

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070408-02
April 8, 2007

Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – A joint operation, which began March 24 in the Diyala River Valley northeast of Baqubah, cleared two terrorist safe havens and the surrounding palm groves by unearthing more than 15 weapons caches, killing more than 30 terrorists and detaining 28 suspected terrorists.

Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Coalition Forces from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, cleared enemy territory in Zaganiyah and Qubbah, Iraq and continue to maintain a permanent presence with the newly-constructed patrol base in the heart of the Diyala River Valley.

“To secure the population against terrorists, Iraqi Security Forces are becoming more offensive in their operations,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala.

“They will attack the terrorists in the perceived safe havens. However, the importance of these operations is that the people of the area are showing trust and confidence in their soldiers by providing specific information relative to the whereabouts of the enemy,” Sutherland added.

Aside from discovering more than 20 improvised explosive devices, the security forces uncovered caches consisting of more than 17,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 130 mortar rounds, 175 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 80 grenades, IED-making materials and other terrorist equipment.

“The people remain our center of gravity, and each of these discoveries continues to deny the enemy the ability to use force to target the population and security forces,” said Sutherland.

The detainees were transferred to a detention centre for further questioning.

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Qubbah, US Army, Zaganiyah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070402-11
April 2, 2007

Multi-National Division – North PAO

ZAGANIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, working with Coalition Forces, discovered a terrorist training camp in Zaganiyah, Iraq, while conducting clearing operations in the Diyala River Valley palm groves Thursday.

Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th IA and Company B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered a fortified underground bunker with three exit points, four prepared fighting positions and a training camp building.

While clearing the area, the Soldiers unearthed five weapons caches consisting of more than 100 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, more than five RPG launchers, approximately 70 mortar rounds, bomb-making materials, home made explosives and terrorist planning and training materials.

“The terrorists from Al Qaeda have no place to hide. Their safe havens do not exist and their training camps are being destroyed,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander. “We will continue to attack these organizations and bring the perpetrators of violence to justice in order to secure the population.”

“The people in Diyala are disgusted and disillusioned by the fact the terrorists have nothing to offer but destruction through actions like this and they are gaining confidence in their ISF,” he added.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT:

TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5-73rd Cavalry, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Army, US Army

Spc. Steven M. Devries, a medic with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and an Iraqi Army soldier with the 5th IA Division, take cover from a sniper behind a Bradley fighting vehicle March 28 in the Tahrir neighborhood of Baqubah, Iraq. Soldiers of 1st Platoon Co. B and Iraqi soldiers encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in Tahrir. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Spc. Steven M. Devries, a medic with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, points out the position of a sniper to a fellow Soldier March 28 in the Tahrir neighborhood of Baqubah, Iraq. Soldiers of 1st Platoon Co. B and Iraqi soldiers encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in Tahrir. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


A Soldier with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, guards a street in the neighborhood of Tahrir in Baqubah, Iraq, March 28. Soldiers of 1st Platoon Co. B and Iraqi Army soldiers encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in Tahrir. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Pvt. Eric Rundquist and Pvt. Jason Taylor, both with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hold on to a strap inside a Bradley fighting vehicle after the Bradley hit a roadside bomb. The Soldiers were en route to the Forward Operating Base Gabe medical station after one of their fellow Soldiers was injured when they encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in the Tahrir neighborhood of Baqubah. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Spc. Orlando Jesus Garcia, 1st Platoon, Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and an Iraqi soldier with the 5th Iraqi Army Division await news, outside the Forward Operating Base Gabe aid station, on the condition of two Soldiers injured during a firefight in the neighborhood of Tahrir March 28. One American Soldier and one Iraqi soldier were injured when Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Co. B, and the Iraqi Army encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in Tahrir. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Soldiers of Company B, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, rush a fellow Soldier on to a medical evacuation helicopter in Baqubah, Iraq, March 28. One American Soldier and one Iraqi soldier were injured when Soldiers of 1st Platoon Co. B and the Iraqi Army encountered sporadic sniper fire for about two hours during a house clearing mission in the Tahrir neighborhood of Baqubah. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Labels: 1-12 CAB, 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Baqubah, Iraq, Tahrir, US Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR# 031707- 01
March 17, 2007

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, shot and killed a suicide bomber today, south of Shakarat, Iraq.

Coalition Forces near the area where the incident occurred reported that the suicide bomber was running toward an Iraqi tactical check point, and after failing to obey several verbal warnings to stop, the IA shot him, which prompted the vest to detonate.

This is the second suicide bomber incident in two days in the Diyala province.

Friday, a suicide bomber targeted the Balad Ruz Chief of Police during his visit at the Balad Ruz Hospital.

Iraqi Police reported that the suicide bomber was walking toward the hospital between the Iraqi Police’s posted vehicular security. The IPs warned the individual to stop, but were forced to engage him when he continued toward them. When the individual was shot, the vest detonated, injuring three IPs on site.

“The terrorists are now seeing and experiencing the effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, and senior Coalition Force officer in Diyala province. “This is why we are seeing an increase on audible attacks — attacks that are attempting to create fear within the local population.”

“I applaud the ISF members who’s vigilance and attention prevented those suicide bombers from achieving their targets,” said Sutherland. “Those are the actions of a professional force, which is helping gain the support of their people.”

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Baqubah, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Security Forces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR# 030807-01
March 8, 2007


MUQDADIYA, Iraq – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division supported by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, attached to 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered three caches and two improvised explosive devices while conducting routine patrols in Muqdadiya, Iraq, Thursday.

“The weapons and supplies found during this patrol have multiple uses, however, the primary reason for their use is to disrupt the future of the Iraqi people living in the Diyala province,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province. “The people in the province are choosing reconstruction, stability, and development. The choices being dictated to them by the terrorists are fear and oppression. The Iraqi Security Forces are committing themselves to removing the terrorists’ tools.”

The caches consisted of improvised explosive device making materials including approximately 20 propane tanks and several mortar rounds.

A Coalition Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal unit conducted controlled detonations of the caches and the IEDs.

The unit also detained three individuals riding on a motorcycle with a mortar round prepared to explode. The detainees will be processed for further questioning.

Labels: 1-505th Infantry, 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, 6-9 armored Reconnaissance Squadron, Iraqi Security Forces, Muqdadiyah, Operation Iraqi Freedom, US Army, weapons cache

As he climbs the stairs of a home in Balour, Iraq, Feb. 20, a Soldier from the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas, checks for insurgents or insurgent activities during a squadron-level operation in the area.


By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MUQDADIYAH, Iraq – Soldiers with the 5th Iraqi Army Division detained seven suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search mission in Balour, Iraq, Feb. 20, aimed at capturing insurgents hiding in the area.

Members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, of Fort Hood, Texas, supported the mission in an area believed to be a safe haven where insurgents plan attacks on residents and coalition forces in nearby Muqdadiyah.

Coalition forces found a roadside bomb and detonated it, and took several AK-47s with ammunition from the scene of the squadron-sized mission.

Staff Sgt. James Davis, a mortar platoon sergeant assigned to 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, said most of the suspected insurgents fled the area before coalition forces arrived.

“They (the insurgents) are afraid of us. They won’t fight us man to man. They’ll plant roadside bombs or wait until we’re asleep to attack us,” Davis said.

But Davis and his Soldiers won’t be deterred from doing their job, he said.

“We’re going to track them down. We’re going to catch them or run them out of this area,” said Davis.

One of the alleged terrorists, a suspected roadside bomb emplacer, was nowhere to be found, said Davis.

Davis questioned residents about the insurgents he was searching for, and their activities in the area, but didn’t get any answers. He believes locals are afraid of retribution from insurgents if they talk.

“(Insurgents) will walk up to someone, shoot and kill them. And then they tell everyone else, ‘This is what will happen to you if you talk,’” Davis said.

Davis said conducting missions like this one will be the only way to break the grip insurgents have on communities like Balour.

“We just have to keep going out there and doing it,” said Spc. Thomas Gruenberg, a fire support specialist assigned to Headquarters platoon, Troop A, 6-9 Cav. Regt. “The more we go out there, (residents) will see they can help us and that we can help them.”

Help them, he said, get the insurgents out of their neighborhoods and make it a safer place for the locals to live and for coalition forces to operate.

“It will make it so the attacks on us and each other (sectarian violence) are less frequent,” Gruenberg said. “That way we can eventually pull out and let the Iraqi police and Iraqi army, take over, do their jobs fully and run their country without our support.”



Soldiers search a residence in Balour, Iraq, Feb. 20 for enemy activity during an operation led by members of the Iraqi army with the assistance of 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas. The squadron-level operation was aimed at finding suspected insurgents in the area.


Staff Sgt. James Davis, a mortar platoon sergeant assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas, searches for signs of insurgent activity in a residence of Balour, Iraq, Feb. 20. The squadron-level operation was aimed at finding suspected insurgents in the area.


Staff Sgt. James Davis, a mortar platoon sergeant assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas, looks through a list of suspects his unit is searching for in Balour, Iraq, Feb. 20. The squadron-level operation was aimed at finding suspected insurgents in the area.

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Balour, Iraq, Iraqi Army, Muqdadiyah, photos