March 13, 2007

Iraqi Army Stops 27 Terrorist Cell Members in As Sadiyah

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070313-03

AS SADIYAH, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi army, in partnership with amilitary transition team from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted operations against specific terrorist cells Thursday through Saturday in As Sadiyah, Iraq, in the interest of improving stability for the area’s residents.

During the operation, 16 anti-Iraqi forces were killed and 11 suspected terrorists were detained. The detainees will be processed for further questioning. The IA exploited a cache consisting of a sniper rifle, a mortar sight, a hand grenade, fiveAK-47s and improvised explosive device-making materials.

“The Iraqi army continues to distinguish itself through vigilance and values. Their selfless service to the people of Diyala is providing confidence and security to the people while they improve their skills, knowledge and attributes as a professional organization,” said Col.David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala Province.

The soldiers also discovered and defused an IED which could have been used to target other innocent people or security forces. After the operation, the IA provided medical care to citizens with minor medical issues, and passed out supplies to the local population. The commander of the IA battalion also met with the As Sadiyah mayor and police chief in hopes of building a partnership to sustain the security and stability of the region.

“The ISF is improving everyday while securing the population and defeating adetermined enemy,” Sutherland said.

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