| BAGHDAD, April 5, 2006 — To prevent improvised explosive devices from endangering the lives of coalition forces and Iraqis, U.S. soldiers assigned to elements of the 4th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne Division have been tasked to run security operations and route reconnaissance on Route Redwing in southern Baghdad.
Prior to the soldiers taking over Redwing, insurgents used the route to bring supplies into Baghdad, said U.S. Army Spc. Derrick Marez, a gunner with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. Insurgents also used the route for a clear path to fire mortars at the International Zone in Central Baghdad.
Along the road, many improvised explosive device craters can be seen, some which took the lives of soldiers only a few months earlier. On the west side of the road, there is a house where insurgents planned attacks, said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Crafton, a Company D platoon sergeant. Soldiers nabbed the insurgents.
As the coalition works to hinder improvised explosive device placement, U.S. forces still need help from the Iraqi police forces, said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Christian Wollenburg, a Company D platoon leader. One of their main goals is to eventually hand over the route to the 4th Public Order Brigade, an elite Iraqi police unit.
The Iraqis now provide security at the checkpoint, controlling traffic and ensuring no weapons or explosives are brought into the area, he added. They are also conducting joint patrols with the soldiers. |
