U.S., IA Work Together to Clear Marketplace

By Spc. Amanda Morrissey
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment


RIYADH — The Iraqi army soldiers’ flashlights pierce the darkness as they search the Riyadh marketplace for any wires or materials that may indicate the emplacement of an IED in the area.

Following close behind them are U.S. Soldiers from D Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, who work closely with the Iraqi army (IA) to conduct searches of various parts of the city.

“Every mission we do, IA or Iraqi police are with us, and we search the marketplace a lot,” said Sgt. Shaun Raymond, a squad leader with D Co. “The marketplace is the main place we’ll hit up because it’s completely crowded during the day and we don’t have a chance to search it too well. At night, it’s a lot easier to search thoroughly.”

Since D Co.’s arrival to the area, one of their goals has been to train the IA soldiers so that they can take the lead in operations in the city. The Iraqi troops have made significant progress towards that goal, which can be seen in their conduct during joint operations, said Raymond.

(PHOTO: 1st Lt. Jakim Finlay, a platoon leader with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Division, talks with Iraqi army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, during a joint patrol through the Riyadh marketplace. Courtesy photo.)

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