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2004-03-23 Iraq-Jordan
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âWar Eagles,â ICDC team up for âOperation Suicide Kingsâ
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BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Some people predicted a long night. But for the soldiers of Apache Troop, 1st Squadron (War Eagle), 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, it was business as usual -- they just had a few new soldiers joining them on a nighttime mission March 17. The mission was called âOperation Suicide Kings," a combined cordon and search operation involving U.S. and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps soldiers.
In preparation for this operation, 40 ICDC soldiers linked up with their with Apache Troop counterparts to train in âknock-and-searchâ methods for searching buildings. They also practiced recognizing different types of contraband including material used for making improvised explosive devices. âEach of the platoons will have an ICDC platoon attached to it,â said Capt. James T. Wilson, Apache Troop commander. âOur guys will set up an inner-cordon around the house while the ICDC searches inside. There is no specific target tonight; we wonât be kicking in any doors.â
The ICDC, frequently compared to the U.S. Armyâs National Guard, is composed of Iraqi volunteer soldiers who represent all segments of their society and have pledged to serve their communities and country. After the ICDC company arrived at Apache Troopâs barracks on the afternoon of March 18, it was broken up into smaller sections which joined with 3rd Platoon for pre-mission training and rehearsals. âThese guys are squared away. Itâs evident that theyâre trained up,â said Staff Sgt. Robert C. Ballard, Bravo Section, 3rd Platoon.
With Humvees roaring and dust flying, the mission commenced at 9:30 p.m. as Apache Troop rolled-out of their forward operating baseâs gate. By 10 p.m., the troopers and ICDC were on the ground, and Operation Suicide Kings was underway. âThis is sort of a âhealth and welfareâ (inspection) mission. Itâs just to make sure they donât have IED materials, contraband and terrorist-related items,â Wilson said.
By 1:00 a.m., the mission was complete. Despite the occasional sound of gunfire heard from elsewhere in the city, no casualties were sustained and no shots were fired. âWe confiscated one AK-47 and one Sten Mark II,â said 1st Lt. Michael Watson, 4th Platoon, describing his platoonâs haul during the mission. âTwo Iraqi adult-male civilians were detained because they were found with a box of 60 mm mortar fuses.â Third Platoon seized 15 AK-47 assault rifles and four pistols, said 1st Lt. Edward Ghelardini, platoon leader. âAll the weapons we confiscated were in excess of the one weapon theyâre allowed to have,â said Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Dehart, 3rd Platoon. âThere are 15 fewer AKs and four less pistols on the streets for them (the enemy) to shoot at us with.â
Aside from the captured contraband, perhaps one of the most reassuring aspects of the mission was the cooperation of the people whose houses were searched, Watson said. âThe search tonight was successful for two reasons,â he said. âNumber one: because a lot of contraband was captured. Number two: an overwhelming majority of the civilians were happy to see us.â
For Apache Troop, itâs been a long year in Iraq serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though the âWar Eagleâ Squadron Soldiers are close to going home to Fort Polk, La., they know that their mission in Iraq is not over. âEven though weâre close to going home, we ainât left yet,â said Sgt. Benson Wade, 3rd Platoon. âWeâve been able to continuously bring the fight to them (the enemy). We havenât become complacent.â 
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Posted by Chuck Simmins 2004-03-23 9:03:20 AM||
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Posted by gromky 2004-3-23 1:54:29 PM||
2004-3-23 1:54:29 PM||
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