By 2nd Lt. Josh Fink
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers conducted a raid in the Bahbahani region of Jurf as Sakhr this week to identify insurgents living in the area.
The Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 31st IA Brigade conducted the raid in response to an improvised explosive device attack against coalition forces Sept. 25, 2008.
"It was a great operation," said 1st Lt. John Buckner, with Military Transition Team 842. "The best part is that the IA behaved as most American Soldiers would. They stayed tactical moving in wedge formations with weapons at the ready, and treated the people well while getting their targets."
During the raid, IA officers worked in close coordination with the local Sons of Iraq security leader to track down insurgents in the area. The IA managed to engage multiple target houses simultaneously and detained 13 individuals suspected to be involved in insurgent activity.
While operating in the area, the IA soldiers kept communication and good relations with the local populace. They explained to the Jurf residents that they were seeking out insurgents to ensure the people's safety. The IA handed out school supplies during operations to show their support for both families and children.
During the raid, Buckner also said the IA non-commissioned officers showed great proficiency.
"These guys absolutely amazed me today, and I felt very comfortable being out with them," Buckner said. "It was almost like being out with my old platoon. The Iraqi army has come a long way, and while they have more to go in the areas of staff work, they are becoming a sound tactical unit that the Iraqi's can be proud of."
The Bahbahani SoI members cooperated and managed security checkpoints throughout the operation.
Date Taken: | 10.03.2008 |
Date Posted: | 10.13.2008 04:57 |
Story ID: | 24877 |
Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
Web Views: | 357 |
Downloads: | 329 |
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