Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=200511106.txt
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 23, 2005
Release Number: 05-11-106
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIR ASSAULT MISSION TAKES DOWN TERRORIST STRONGHOLD
TIKRIT, Iraq – A joint Iraqi and U.S. mission against a terrorist hideout near Bayji uncovered a large amount of money and weapons.
The operation named Old Baldy was launched Nov. 21 by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and “Rakkasans” from the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team. More than 30 suspected terrorists and a large cache of money, weapons and material were captured during the operation.
The air assault mission was centered on al Bayji Island, a 10 square kilometer land mass splitting the Tigris River north of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown. The island has served as an isolated hideout for terrorists and criminals in the past.
According to Lt. Col. Randy George, commander of Task Force Leader, Bayji Island was a “previously untouched area and we wanted to send a clear message to the insurgents: there is no safe haven in AO Rakkasan.”
The Soldiers swept onto the island before dawn Nov. 21 in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Over the next 36 hours, the Iraqi and American Soldiers conducted searches of the island, uncovering stores of enemy weapons including rocket-propelled grenades and IED making material.
“This operation instilled confidence in our Iraqi counterparts, and served to further strengthen our partnership with the Iraqi Army,” said George, referring to the Rakkasan partnership with the 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers.
For more information, please contact the 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION Public Affairs Office at EDWARD.LOOMIS@US.ARMY.MIL.
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Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=200511109.txt
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 24, 2005
Release Number: 05-11-109
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. PATROLS FIND BOMBS BEFORE THEY CAN DETONATE
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers saw numerous small victories over the terrorist effort in east Baghdad Nov. 22.
Around 9:30 a.m., elements of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor discovered a roadside bomb in a pile of trash. An explosives ordnance disposal team was called to the scene and conducted a controlled detonation of the device.
At noon, another roadside bomb was spotted by elements of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry. An EOD team was called to the site and transported the device to another location.
Looking for terrorist activity, elements of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 2nd Public Order Brigade searched numerous homes in Zafaraniya as part of a joint operation with 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery.
“The POB units have gotten very comfortable with cordon-and-search missions. They acted very professionally and are pretty much operating on their own,” said Capt. Jason Pelletier, commander of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery.
During the joint operation, one local resident turned over a bag of 59 hand grenades and 10 feet of explosive detonating cord.
At about 5:30 p.m., 3/7 Cav. responded to a tip from a local citizen and secured a roadside bomb before it could be used against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces. An EOD team removed the device to another location.
THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil.
Cutline:
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Elements of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 2nd Public Order Brigade and U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery prepare to search homes in Zafaraniya Nov. 22. (U.S. Army photo)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A roadside bomb is rendered safe by a Coalition Forces explosives ordnance disposal team Nov. 22. This device was discovered by elements of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry operating in east Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS AND OPERATIONS NCO, SGT. FIRST CLASS DAVID ABRAMS AT: DAVID.ABRAMS@ID3.ARMY.MIL.
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