The 4th DivisionÂ’s 2nd Brigade, 3rd BrigadeÂ’s 2nd Battalion and the 18th Strategic Infrastructure Battalion established several checkpoints and conducted a comprehensive house to house search to improve security for the people in Kirkuk Province.
“Hawijah has been the scene of attacks against Coalition Forces and insurgents have used Hawijah as a passageway for coordinated attacks in other parts of the province,” said Col. Patrick T. Stackpole, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, currently operating in Kirkuk. “We commend the Iraqi Army’s initiative, professionalism and ability to execute this complex operation,” said Stackpole.
Of the 13 insurgents captured, two were wanted by Iraqi Security Forces. Iraqi soldiers seized 74 AK-47s, numerous explosives, three pistols and two stolen cars.