May 14, 2007

Iraqi Army Soldiers Lead Operations, Detain 21

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
RELEASE No. 20070512-09

TIKRIT, Iraq – Twenty one suspected terrorists were detained near Muqdadiya, Iraq during a joint Iraqi army and Coalition operation Wednesday.

Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi army, led the operation, supported by Soldiers from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to provide a safe and secure environment for the people throughout the Muqdadiya Qadah.

“With the Iraqi army in the lead, this operation allowed the soldiers to gain confidence in their abilities as the true defenders of their nation,” said Lt. Col. Keith Gogas, 6-9 ARS commander. “They were able to successfully plan and conduct operations independent of Coalition Forces, which is a vital step toward their transfer of authority.”

The 21 detainees were from the Muqdad and Al-Ahmer districts of Muqdadiya, and were transferred to an IA detention facility for further questioning.

“Through this intelligence-driven and target-based operation, the people of Muqdadiya have also been able to gain confidence in their security forces as the IA was able to rid the area of people involved in terrorist activity,” Gogas added. “We will continue to work with the Iraqi army as they assume more planning responsibility.”

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