Coalition Forces and Elements of Iraq Army’s 7th Division launch Operation Harris Ba’sil

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070406-20

Multi-National Force – West PAO

CAMP RIPPER, AL ASAD, Iraq – Marines, Soldiers and Sailors from Regimental Combat Team 2, including elements of the Iraqi Army’s 2nd and 3rd Brigades of the 7th Division, launched Operation Harris Ba’sil (Valiant Guardian) on March 26, to interdict and disrupt enemy routes and safe havens outside of the Euphrates River Valley.

The operation will occur throughout much of the 30,000 square miles of RCT-2’s operating area and will take away the enemy’s freedom of movement outside the urban areas along the Euphrates River.

“In western Al Anbar, the fight has traditionally centered on its urban centers,” said Col. Stacy Clardy, commanding officer for RCT-2. “Now we’re going after the enemy in those remote areas of the province where they may hide or use to move around us, leaking into the interior of the country. We plan to shake things up.”

This marks the first large scale operation for RCT-2 this year. Previous regional operations include Operation Shurta Nasir (Police Victory) in February in which Iraqi Police, with Iraqi Army and Coalition Force support, cleared the town of Hit of its terrorist presence.

RCT-2 is responsible for helping the Iraqi people gain control of western Al Anbar Province and training, mentoring and operating alongside Iraqi security forces to assist them in assuming responsibility for their own security.