From Multi-National Force - Iraq:


Monday, 28 July 2008
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD — The security situation in Iraq’s northern provinces has improved, but Iraqi and coalition troops will continue to pursue al-Qaida in Iraq and other criminal groups, the U.S. commander in the region said during a briefing July 27.

Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, the commander of Multinational Division – North, told reporters that the number of security incidents in his area of operations has dropped from more than 2,600 in June 2007 to 650 in June 2008. The numbers for July 2008 continue to show a reduction.

Hertling said Iraqi commanders will launch a major offensive against al-Qaida and criminal gangs in Diyala province next month. U.S. forces will launch a concurrent offensive – Operation Iron Pursuit – against al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists who are seeking sanctuary in the desert.

The success of the surge in Baghdad forced al-Qaida in Iraq to move out of the city mostly to the northern provinces of Diyala, Ninewah and Salah ad Din. These areas became the main battlefield as Coalition, and increasingly, Iraqi forces hunted down the terrorists and killed or captured them. The cities are now “reasonably secure,” Hertling said, and the Iraqi and Coalition forces can shift focus to hunting down al-Qaida and its allies outside the cities.

Other indicators also point to progress, Hertling said. The number of roadside bombs declined by 50 percent since February 2008 from 950 to 430.

“That’s not to say we still don’t have threats,” the general said. Suicide vest attacks and car bombs remain a problem in Diyala and the city of Mosul. On July 24, a woman wearing a suicide vest killed eight Iraqis and wounded 30 others in Baquba. Last month another suicide bomber killed Iraqi police and recruits in the city.

The number of Iraqis killed by terrorists wearing suicide vests has been about 250. Car bombs killed a further 1,500.

“These are random, violent acts conducted by these violent terrorists and that’s why we are not only continuing to go after those who do these things, but the networks that support them,” he said.

Hertling said much remains to be done in the region. “There will be continued operations as long as the Iraqi people are threatened,” he said.

Labels: Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Ninewah, Salah ad Din

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

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070721-03

July 21, 2007
Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Taking advantage of the improved security situation in Baqouba, Iraq, the Diyala governor and the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala met with several local leaders July 18 to address concerns and issues throughout the province.

During the first meeting, Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri, deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala province, and Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala, met with the mayor of Balad Ruz at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq.

The Director Generals of Education and Electric, as well as the Assistant Governors of Technical and Social Affairs were also in attendance to discuss solutions to issues throughout the Balad Ruz region.

The mayor discussed topics such as teacher salaries, irrigation, electricity, and fuel and food distribution. Ra’ad assured each issue would be addressed with respective ministries to reach a solution.

During the second meeting, Ra’ad, Nouri and Sutherland traveled to Abarah, Iraq, to visit local muqtars, the mayor and security officials. As of four months ago, there was no political leadership in the region; and this was Ra’ad’s first trip to the Diyala River Valley area since taking office.

“I don’t look at the Abarah Nahia (region) with pity,” said Ra’ad. “Instead, I look at it with love and respect.

“That’s why we are here with you today; to see what you need and how we can solve all these issues,” he continued.

“It is a great honor to meet with you,” said a local muqtar to the leadership in attendance. “We belong to you and you belong to us.”

While at the meeting, the group discussed food distribution, ISF integration into the DRV, recruiting, projects, repatriation of families and uniting tribes across Diyala.

“If we are going to move forward, we have to move forward together,” said Sutherland. “Working together, we can accomplish things. We can make this area rich and prosper as it has before.”

“We will work to extreme capacity to serve Abarah and its surrounding communities,” said the Abarah Iraqi army commander. “We are committed to working together.”

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)

Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)





Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)



FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: tflightning.pao-AT-us.army.mil

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Civil Affairs, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070207-06
Feb. 7, 2007

Multi-National Division - North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq -The Provincial Government and coalition forces are working earnestly to improve the way of life for the people of Diyala through reconstruction efforts focused on the needs of the citizens throughout the province.

"We have big plans for the people of Diyala," said Gov. Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tanimi, governor of Diyala, during a previous press conference. "There are lots of projects being worked ... to improve the health, school and education, electricity, water and housing."

The Provincial Government continues to identify new projects based on the needs of the residents and is prepared to commit to improve living conditions across the province, said Ra'ad.

In addition to the Iraqi Government projects, coalition forces are focusing efforts on projects, totaling over $213 million, which are currently underway throughout Diyala.

To date, 20 coalition-led projects have been completed in the province since the start of the Fiscal Year , including five electrical projects by the Government of Iraq and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to improve the reliability of power for the people of Diyala.

"The coalition projects are planned, assessed and executed based on the goal of the Diyala Provincial leadership. They have a better situational awareness of what is needed by their people and we support the efforts of the Government, as we do their Security Forces," said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province.

The projects, which began as early as April 2005, include a $31.2 million rehabilitation and expansion of a 400kV/132kV substation and five feeders designed to improve reliability of power for over 63,000 residents in the Buhriz and Muqdadiya regions of Diyala.

Of the 141 projects, 38 reconstruction projects will be near completion within the next two months. The projects, when complete, will provide more reliable water and electricity, improvised irrigation, improved sanitation, heightened security and road improvements.

"All of the projects are done in a holistic view as systems of systems, as well as the employment opportunities for the local population. They are linked to security because the people are able to get better services while having an impact on the economy, and in the long run, this assists in defeating the terrorists that do not want to allow the people to modernize," Sutherland said.

The Provincial Government is also working hand-in-hand with the 5th Iraqi Army Division to repair damage caused by indiscriminate terrorist attacks, or from collateral damage resulting from offensive operations.

Anti-Iraqi forces will continue to attempt to slow the progress of these projects and, at times, even attack or damage completed projects, said Ra'ad.

"This is slowing us, but it has not stopped us," he added.

"We want to complete these projects, but I need [the people's] help to make the security situation better," Ra'ad said. "I ask our people to help rebuild this province."


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

Labels: Diyala, Good News, Iraq, reconstruction, US Army Corps of Engineers