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| Iraq |
| Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces kill 2 insurgents, detain 12 |
| 2007-12-07 |
| Soldiers of the 4th Iraqi Army Division and 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Iron, conducted a joint operation near Kirkuk, Iraq, Nov. 21. Operation Ghost Round-Up Reaper was intended to disrupt terrorist activities in the Tuz Province, and increased the presence of IA and Coalition Forces in the area. “The leaders of the Iraqi Security Forces were involved in the planning from the start. They are professional and they take great pride in knowing they are responsible for the security in their district,” said Lt. Col. Darrin Ricketts, 1-71st commander. “It is important that we continue to train the ISF so that they are properly skilled and prepared to provide security for their families and their communities.” The IA led the operation while the 1-71st Soldiers provided air and outer-ground support to deny escape to anyone trying to flee the area. “To work side-by-side with the Iraqi Soldiers will be forever a memorable experience because they were so eager and professional,” said Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Harrison, 1-71st Cav, Troop C. During the onset of the operation, Iraqi Soldiers aggressively maneuvered on the objective area and immediately began house-to-house questioning in search of terrorists, weapons and other contraband items, Harrison said. Clustered villages and unknown terrain challenged the Soldiers as they conducted their mission, he said. “It is always difficult to top the insurgents because they know the local area so well and have planned escape routes. In the past, they have been able to use these avenues to escape our patrols,” said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Griffin, 1-71st Cav. assistant intelligence officer. By the end of the operation, the joint forces detained 12 suspected terrorists. |
| Posted by:Fred |