MARINE UNIT CONTINUES OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN JABELLA

[Clive]

November 23, 2004

Release Number: 04-11-80

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARINE UNIT CONTINUES OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN JABELLA

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces, backed by elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, increased operations today in the south-central Iraqi town of Jabella. Operations, which started earlier this morning, continued the campaign in the northern Babil province aimed at rooting out anti-Iraqi forces.

The combined Iraqi-U.S. force captured 32 suspected insurgents, including a number of high-interest individuals, in a series of early-morning raids approximately 50 miles south of Baghdad. Jabella is among several cities and towns in the province that the Interim Iraqi Government, supported by the Multi-National Forces, are determined to return to the Iraqi people.

Ongoing operations in the North Babil province involve more than 5,000 Iraqi, U.S. and British forces.

As Iraqi Security Forces and their U.S. partners began liberating Fallujah earlier this month, anti-Iraqi activity intensified in northern Babil. Insurgent attacks rose in an apparent effort to divert attention from the high-profile battle west of Baghdad.

Iraqi forces and Marines have maintained their own pressure, rounding up insurgents in daily raids, house-to-house searches and random vehicle checkpoints. They've been aided by a British armored battle group -- the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch Regiment.

Through the combined operations, ISF and Multi-National Forces continue to make steady gains in the campaign to restore security and stability to Iraq as the Iraqi people prepare to vote in nationwide elections in January.

For more information, contact Capt. David Nevers at neversde@24meufwd.usmc.mil, or visit the unit's Web site at www.usmc.mil/24meu.

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