Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces Target Insurgents in Tahrir

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20061226-04

Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, partnered with Coalition force members from the 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, continued targeting terrorist cells Saturday to eliminate enemy activity and bring peace to the people of the Tahrir area of Baqubah.

Throughout the operations, the IA and CF were engaged repeatedly by several small arms fire and mortar attacks. The forces, targeting the enemy, killed 11 terrorists, wounded one and detained approximately 20 suspects.

The Soldiers also discovered a sizable cache consisting of nearly 50 mortar rounds, detonation cord, pressure wire and other improvised explosive device material. The cache was destroyed by a coalition forces explosive ordinance disposal unit.

According to Col. David Sutherland, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, this significantly reduces the AIF capabilities in the Baqubah area and makes the region a more safe and secure place for its people.

The discovery of the cache, the detention of the suspected terrorists and the killing of the anti-Iraqi forces is credible evidence of the IA and Task Force Lightning’s continued progress to bring security and stability to the people of Diyala.