Returning to Normalcy: Placing alQaeda on the Run

Iraqi and Coalition Forces operating in the Arab Jabor area results in putting al-Qaeda on the run, as well as builds rapport with locals:

ARAB JABAR, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected al-Qaeda operatives during a three-day operation that concluded Sept. 17, in Arab Jabar,
Iraq.

During the joint operation Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers from Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, captured six suspected members of an al-Qaeda cell that is responsible for emplacing numerous improvised explosive devices along routes in southern Diyala province. In addition, 2-1 Cav. medical personnel treated 52 Arab Jabar-area residents.

“We really built a rapport with the villagers,” said Capt. Al Bangura, Troop C, 2-1 Cav. commander. “We let them know that the Coalition is here and that the Iraqi government and the U.S. government care about them.” IA and their CF counterparts also detained three people suspected of killing two IA Soldiers and several civilians. The tenth individual captured was suspected of being an al-Qaeda
informant.

Bangura also noted the operation helped gather valuable intelligence on remaining al-Qaeda in the area.

During the operation, the joint forces uncovered 18 IEDs and found a weapons cache containing two sniper rifles.

Valuable intell as well as the future support of the residents. This is how the war will be won, not in the halls of the Iraqi parliament but in the villages providing security for the locals so that life can return to normal.