Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20061218-28
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – Demonstrating their capabilities to the citizens of Mosul, Iraqi Army and police forces, with support from Task Force Lightning Soldiers conducted multiple early morning security patrol missions throughout the Ninewa province Thursday.
The combined operation was designed to maintain pressure on Mosul neighborhoods where anti-Iraqi forces are known to operate, and to show the Iraqi Security Forces working side by side with their American counterparts.
“We were there to communicate a strong message amongst the local nationals that the coalition forces are working in conjunction with Iraqi Army forces,” said Staff Sgt. Jared Heisler, Bradley fighting vehicle commander. “We were checking the area and searching houses for any personnel of suspected enemy activity because that is just off a route which has a lot of improvised explosive devices planted on it.”
Throughout the day, more than 10 IEDs were discovered and destroyed, including two at an elementary school that had been previously damaged from a blast during the early morning hours.
Coalition forces came under small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire that injured one Iraqi Army soldier. Five bodies were also discovered during the operation including one Iraqi policeman.
“All of our local leader engagements worked out well,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Massarelli, platoon sergeant, A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4thBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “They let us into their homes and treated us with respect and answered all of our questions. This allowed the general public to see the Iraqi Security Forces taking a step forward, instead of the American forces being in the lead. I look forward to working with them again. It’s a good outfit. I’m ready for the next mission with them.”
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