Photo By Rick Rzepka | A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Rick Rzepka
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
BALAD, Iraq – The gains can be seen everywhere. The wry smiles that were once fierce scowls worn on the faces of men and women here are subtle signs of Iraqi success. Once timid and withdrawn children flock to the sight of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers in neighborhoods once thought to be lost.
However, Iraqi and coalition forces remain relentless in their pursuit of the enemy here and across Iraq.
Together with Iraqi security forces, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, recently conducted Operation Balls Pursuit. The operation, which was part of a larger Multi-National Division-North effort, aimed to disrupt enemy activity in the Jissat and Jalam Deserts, said Sgt. Maj. Edward Estep, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, command sergeant major.
The area, vast and easily accessible, has been used by enemy fighters in the past as a place to reorganize and resupply in order to carry out attacks on the population centers of the Salah ad Din province.
"Operation Balls Pursuit was intended to deny enemy safe haven, limit enemy freedom of maneuver, and interdict the flow of foreign fighters in the area," said Estep, whose "Balls" Soldiers were joined by elements of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 327th Infantry Regiment in the operation.
"The Soldiers performed great," said Estep. "There was not a house that didn't get a visit," he said.
The "Balls" operation and continued efforts in the area have led to greater security for the people of Balad. Many residents in the area said that they have not seen a terrorist presence there in months.
"The Son's of Iraq and consent presence of Iraqi and coalition forces has made the area much safer, allowing people to travel to the markets to sell and purchase goods," he said.
Recently, the township of Ad Dujayl has seen a dramatic increase in the flow of goods and services thanks to the security situation. Residents are enjoying the freedom to buy and sell goods at their leisure.
"On any given day the market place is very busy. With the added security the Iraqi police have stepped up patrols which make the people feel safe and the local government representatives are starting to make their way to areas once not traveled," said Estep.
As the people of Balad become more comfortable and secure, Soldiers are seeing more wry smiles and eager children everyday. Sure signs of success.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2008 04:12 |
| Story ID: | 22023 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 490 |
| Downloads: | 474 |
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