Operation Patriot Strike Nets Community Support

Believing that an IED cell was operating in west Yarmouk Task Force Patriot, the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, partnered with the 2nd “Falcon” Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Infantry Division for the two-day operation, known as Operation Patriot Strike. the two-day clearing operation in Mansour netted a cache and more importantly community support:

The combined force cleared parts of the two neighborhoods of Hateen and Yarmouk in the Mansour District.

This was the first battalion-wide operation for the Patriots since Operation Arrowhead Strike IX in April and the first combined battalion-level effort for the Patriot and Falcon battalions. More than 100 Iraqi troops participated in the clearing operation.

The Patriot and Falcon leadership planned the operation together to combat violence in the area. Due to several improvised explosive devices, which either detonated or were found in the neighborhood, Coalition Forces and Iraqi leaders believed there to be an IED cell operating in west Yarmouk. They designed Patriot Strike to capture the members of this IED cell and clear the area of any weapon caches.

While Soldiers found no members of an IED cell, American and Iraqi troops did discover one cache of weapons and contraband. Additionally, the combined forces confiscated more than a dozen other illegally-owned weapons, mainly AK-47 assault rifless and pistols, and are confident that they have cleared the area of all illegal material.

Initially worried that the early morning hours of the operation would upset local residents, Patriot Soldiers instead found that the residents were receptive and opened their homes, eager to cooperate.

“The people seemed happy to let us search their houses. They fully cooperated with us as a way to prove that they are on our side,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rickie Jackson, a St. Louis native and platoon sergeant for Battery A, 2-32nd FA. Jackson added that the locals gave his platoon several tips about insurgents possibly operating in the area.

“This was an absolutely tremendous performance by our Soldiers and the soldiers of the Falcon Battalion,” said Lt. Col. Mike Lawson, commander of Task Force Patriot. “In just two days and despite the sweltering heat, our combined forces cleared over 500 homes. This will go a long way toward convincing the people of Hateen and Yarmouk that we’re here for their safety.”