Hunt for insurgents continues south of Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- Iraqi, U.S. and British forces rounded up 81 suspected insurgents near Yusufiyah Nov. 25, continuing a three-day-old offensive aimed at restoring security and stability to northern Babil province.

In a carefully coordinated series of early-morning thrusts, the Iraqi SWAT team, elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the 1st Battalion of Britain's Black Watch Regiment descended on a number of targets in a restive area southwest of Baghdad.

The Black Watch detained 26 suspects, while Iraqi security forces and Marines captured 43. Elsewhere in the MEU's area of operations, Marines captured an additional 12 men in connection with anti-Iraqi activity.

Operation Plymouth Rock, launched Nov. 23 with multiple raids in the south-central town of Jabella, is an intensification of efforts underway since August.

Far different from the recent assault into Fallujah, where determined resistance was expected and crushed, the campaign south of Baghdad calls for a different approach. Anti-Iraqi forces here have sought to avoid large, decisive engagements, preferring to hit, run and evade.

Over the past four months, Iraqi security forces and the 24th MEU have pursued both foot soldiers -- those who plant roadside bombs and lob mortars and rockets, often for money -- and local militant leaders. Success typically comes one or two insurgents at a time.

Patience and persistence are key to a successful counter-insurgency, noted the MEU commander, Col. Ron Johnson, who vowed to stay in the attack.

"Time is on our side, not the enemy's," Johnson said. "With each operation, the ISF get stronger and the day the Iraqi people are in full control of their destiny draws nearer."

Those detained Nov. 25 raise to 116 the number of suspected insurgents captured since the latest operation began.

It's good to see the Brits and Iraqis doing such a great job. There won't be much MSM coverage I bet, but thank God we aren't resting on our laurels after Fallujah. You know that one town where we just found all those big sacks full of Anthrax? Hello, Mainstream Media? Hello?

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