Task Force Lightning Continues Arrowhead Ripper in Baqouba

Multi-National Corps – Iraq notifies us that US Forces are pressing the fight against the enemy in Baqouba. As Michael Yon reported in his dispatch (highlighted in today's Web Recon) the fighting is becoming intense:

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Task Force Lightning continued offensive operations in and around the capital of Diyala province Wednesday, maintaining the pressure on al-Qaida operatives in the area.

Since Operation Arrowhead Ripper began early Tuesday morning, at least 41 insurgents have been killed, five weapons caches have been discovered, 25 improvised explosive devices have been destroyed and five booby-trapped houses have been discovered and destroyed.

“Our combined forces have begun destroying al-Qaida operatives and their resources in and around Diyala province,” said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general for operations, Task Force Lightning and Multinational
Division-North. “The citizens of Diyala have already voiced their desires to rid this province and the country of al-Qaida and all those that wish to disrupt its progress.”

Today, groups of Baqouba citizens stepped forward to provide valuable information on al-Qaida in the city.

During overnight operations, Task Force Lightning engaged and killed at least 11 al-Qaida operatives while destroying three enemy safe houses with precision guided munitions, a cache of 60 mm improvised explosive devices and six buried IEDs.

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