Iraqi and U.S. Forces continue push (24th MEU)

Marine Link ^ | October 6, 2004

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Iraqi and U.S. Forces continue push
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story Identification #: 200410785024
Story by - 24th MEU Public Affairs Office



FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq (Oct. 6, 2004) -- Iraqi security forces, backed by elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, captured 13 suspected militants in the central Iraqi town of Haswah Oct. 6 as the joint force continued to aggressively target anti-Iraqi forces throughout Northern Babil province.

The Iraqi SWAT team, an emerging elite force within the ISF, led the afternoon raid in a town where Iraqi and Marine authorities believe AIF have been festering by intimidating the local, largely peaceful citizenry.

Raids conducted by ISF and Marine forces early in the week drove insurgents east of the Euphrates River to Haswah. AIF forces retaliated with small attacks on MEU forces from the town, which lies about 30 miles south of Baghdad.

ISF and Marine commanders were poised to strike, and the Iraqi SWAT team was given the mission to round up a number of individuals suspected of engaging directly in or abetting anti-Iraqi and anti-coalition activity.

The Iraqis were backed on the ground by the MEU’s Force Reconnaissance platoon. Helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 provided close air support.

Earlier in the day, members of a second Iraqi special forces unit captured four suspected AIF during two cordon-and-knock searches west of the Euphrates River near Iskandariyah. The BLT’s Bravo Company provided reinforcement.

The successful raids came on the second day of this joint Iraqi-U.S. endeavor to step up the pressure on insurgents operating in Northern Babil province.

ISF and 24th MEU Marines - augmented by the Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team - rounded up 30 suspected insurgents during multiple raids across the province Tuesday.

During the past two days of operations, forces also uncovered 3 weapons caches that yielded (18) 500-pound bombs, four of which were active, (197) RPG rounds, (47) 133 mm mortar rounds, (14) 125 mm mortar rounds, machine gun parts and blasting caps.

So far, four Marines, three Iraqi National Guardsmen and three civilians were injured. No enemy casualties can be verified at this time.

More than 1300 U.S. Marines and Army soldiers as well as 800 Iraqi military and police personnel are jointly operating in the province.

The operation is part of a continuing campaign to rid the area of criminals and terrorists who are attempting to thwart Iraq’s path to a peaceful, prosperous future.

-30-

Photos included with story:

(click pics)

	Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to conduct a cordon and knock search west of Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq, Oct. 5. The Marines are with Bravo Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in Northern Babil Province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Zachary R. Frank
	A Marine from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit uses a sniffing dog to search for bomb making materials at a house west of Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq during a cordon and knock search Oct. 6. The Marine and his dog are attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines – the Ground Combat Element for the 24th MEU. The MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in Northern Babil Province. Photo by: Sgt. Zachary A. Bathon
	Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide security as other Marines conduct a cordon and knock operation west of Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq, Oct. 5. The Marines are with Bravo Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in Northern Babil Province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Zachary R. Frank

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq  -- Iraqi security forces, backed by elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, captured 13 suspected militants in the central Iraqi town of Haswah Oct. 6 as the joint force continued to aggressively target anti-Iraqi forces throughout Northern Babil province.

 

~*~

 

 

24th MEU (SOC), ISF, SBCT - good news for the good guys - ping.

[ALWAYSWELDING]

Push boys, Push hard

[A.A. Cunningham]

21 years ago the 24th MAU, predecessor of the 24th MEU, was in Beirut.

[blackie]

Iraqi security forces, backed by elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit ~ Getting the job done ~ Bump!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Still waiting for updates from CENTCOM, but we have Greg Palkot, back in Iraq (hoo ah)! (^:

Greg Palkot from Iskandarya, Iraq:

 

24th MEU, Iraqi Security Forces - + - conducting Operation Phantom Fury...northern Iraq, Babil province...day and night raids - latest numbers, 50 suspected insurgents captured, a rebel training camp located / closed, key bridge that links Fallujah to Baghdad temporarily shut down...reports other bridges along the Euphrates being hit, car bombs going off - Iraqis have been killed, a convoy from the base narrowly missed being hit by a large IED. Greg will be back with a report from the swift boats - Iraqi "Riverine" expedition, looking for bad guys up and down the Euphrates river.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Iskandarya = Iskandariyah

(hoo ah! SBCT = ooh rah! 24th MEU) *g*

[mcshot]

Good news.
I think the Iraqi forces will fight hard for their country as they realize what is possible.
mc

[blackie]

That is good news ~ thanks!

[blackie]

Whatever you say. :)

[blackie]

Roger that ~ it's a new experience for Iraqis ~ Freedom Is A Beautiful Thing!