Photo By Sgt. Armando Monroig | Balad Ruz safer four months after major operation - A Soldier from the 5th Squadron,...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BALAD RUZ, Iraq -- Four months after U.S. troops and their Iraqi army counterparts launched a massive military operation in the villages Turki, Hamoud and 30 Tamuz, what was once an insurgent safe haven is now considered one of the quietest places in Diyala.
During the massive, nine-day assault dubbed "Turki Bowl II," which concluded Jan. 13, about 100 insurgents were killed and 54 were detained for suspected involvement in terrorist activities in the area.
The operation, led by the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C., yielded weapons caches containing more than 1,100 Katyusha rockets, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, 500 mortars and a variety of materials used to make roadside bombs, called Improvised Explosive Devices.
The area is now considered under control by Iraqi and coalition forces, which has established a joint patrol base in Turki to maintain a constant presence there.
"It's quiet. Four months before the operation, I saw the shooting of (local leaders), many IEDs, the road was dangerous," said 1st Lt. Ali, a company commander in 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.
"Now, it is safe. No terrorists are in this area, because the Iraqi army and U.S. Army always patrol together."
Ali and his soldiers share the responsibility of running the patrol base with their U.S. counterparts, who confirm a decrease in the level of violence in the area.
"Since we've been out here after Turki Bowl II, things have been pretty quiet," said Sgt. Brandon Herron, from Troop B, 5-73 Cav. Regt. "With all the IA check points in the area, the incidences of IEDs have cut down dramatically.
"We've pretty much rooted out all of the enemy in the area. They've either fled, been captured or are lying low. I think having the IA and our presence out here has made a huge difference in the security of this area," Herron said.
Despite the improved security in the Balad Ruz area, Staff Sgt. Donald McElroy said there's still a possibility that his unit will find more insurgents while patrolling the canals and villages assaulted by coalition forces in January.
"I believe that those who weren't killed, detained, and were lucky enough to get out of here, still come back," said McElroy, also from Troop B. "That's why we continue to patrol, because you never know."
"Before Turki Bowl, (local residents) did not trust the coalition forces in the area," said 2nd Lt. Jeremy Dionida, platoon leader for Recon Platoon, 5-73rd Cav. "Now with them telling us where the IEDs and (anti-tank) mines are, that's a good indication that they put a lot of trust in us."
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2007 09:41 |
| Story ID: | 10245 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 571 |
| Downloads: | 443 |
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