TASK FORCE "IRONHORSE" LAUNCHES OPERATION PENINSULA STRIKE

CENTCOM ^ | June 10, 2003

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

CENTCOM:

 

June 10, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-39


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


TASK FORCE "IRONHORSE" LAUNCHES OPERATION PENINSULA STRIKE

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- During the early morning hours of June 9th, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers conducted a series of raids to eradicate Ba’ath Party loyalists, paramilitary groups and other subversive elements located on a peninsula along the Tigris River, northeast of Balad, Iraq. The raids signaled the start of Operation Peninsula Strike.

The operation took place in two major stages. The first stage of the operation involved moving soldiers and equipment into strike positions, intelligence gathering, and coordination with local police. During the second stage, raids were conducted within the area of operation via land, air and water to capture or destroy subversive elements. Air assault teams, ground attack squads, raid teams, river patrol boats and local security combined forces to block off escape routes and operate check points to ensure the operation’s success.

Operation Peninsula Strike's joint, combined arms team is comprised of U.S. Army infantry, armor, artillery, aviation, and engineers, and U.S. Air Force aviation elements.

So far, Operation Peninsula Strike has resulted in the capture of 397 suspects and the seizure of numerous weapon systems and ammunition. A 10:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. curfew has been implemented on the peninsula for the safety and security of civilians and Coalition forces. Task Force Ironhorse continues to seize illegal weapons in support of the National Weapons Policy implemented on June 1, 2003.

As the operation continues, specially trained soldiers are screening the detainees to determine who may be released and who will be retained for further questioning. These soldiers are also processing information which can be used in the apprehension of hostile groups who continue to try to harm Coalition forces and innocent Iraqi people. The information gathered will also assist Coalition forces in providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.

Task Force Ironhorse remains resolute in its commitment to work with Coalition forces and the local citizens to stop subversive groups that seek to hinder rebuilding efforts. The success of Operation Peninsula Strike will help move the Iraqi people one step closer to a safe, secure and free country.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Hi, you. We're supposed to reply to the pings? Oh, oh. (^;

CENTCOM - Daily:

*COALITION EFFORTS AID IRAQ’S RECOVERY (June 11, 2003)
*COALITION AND IRAQI POLICE WORK TO MAKE IRAQ SECURE (June 11, 2003)

 

Tales of Saddam's Brutality [lengthy, graphic, White House websight] (includes lengthy press/Senate e-mail contact list) 
White House -> various press. ^ | Updated regularly, latest - June 3, 2003

---

VOICES OF FREEDOM
Quotes from the grateful Iraqi people. Y

 

“I have no more fear now. From the moment Iraq was liberated I felt as though my two sons had been brought back to me.”
A woman whose 17-year-old son, Sardar Osman Faraj, was executed in Iraq in 1985 and another was killed by unknown assassins in 1992. Los Angeles Times, 6/8/03

“Every day I buy a different paper. I like them all.”
Ali Jabar, 28, picking up a Kurdish daily newly available in Iraq, Washington Post, 6/8/03

“It's a big change. We used to get central instructions from the Ministry of Information. Now we no longer do. Azzaman is independent. It lets the readers learn and decide the political currents.”
Abdel-Majid, of the Azzaman newspaper in Iraq, Washington Post, 6/8/03

“Newspapers are not the only forum being used to express political views in postwar Iraq. The walls of the capital – once decorated with portraits of Saddam Hussein – have become a battleground for competing ideas. They even show a sense of humor. In Baghdad this week, the following was neatly written in marker on the back of a double-decker bus: ‘Very urgent, wanted: New president for Iraq.’”
Washington Post, 6/8/03

~~~

***Operation Infinite Freedom - Sit Room - 11 JUN 03/Day 84***

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

We are also training a brigade size COIN force made up of Iraqi Kurds, anti-Baathist Sunni, and moderate Shi'ites. This force will be used to recon and attack pro-Saddam areas thus freeing up our troops for other missions (i.e Iran). Wait and in several months you will hear about these troops. At least you first heard it here on the Free Republic. Saddam diehards' days are numbered. Time will tell.

Thank you for that info. I agree. This military - from leadership to Private is one professional, thorough and "modest" bunch. They will not boast - even when deserved.