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ASRA — Operation Charge of the Knights, a joint operation involving UK Soldiers and the Iraqi Army, which aims to restore order and improve security in Basra, is making further progress. The Iraqi Army continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the security situation in the city, carrying out a number of vehicle check points in recent days. Inspections were carried out on a number of vehicles which were going in and out of the city. In addition, numerous house searches were carried out, leading to multiple arrests of suspected militants. 140 rounds of 150mm High Explosive shells were also...

BASRA – The Iraqi Army displayed its commitment to the security situation in Basra as elements of the 26th Brigade, 7th IA Division and the 50th, 51st and 52nd Brigades, 14 IA Div. conducted the fourteenth phase of Operation Charge of the Knights. The Operation saw a number of Vehicle Check Points established by the IA with inspections carried out on every vehicle that passed through. In addition, numerous houses were searched leading to multiple detaining of suspected militants. More than 130 rounds of 150 mm High Explosive shells were also found in the northern section of the city. The...

BASRA, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers from the 14th Iraqi Army Division netted a large haul of weapons and ammunition in operations across Basra and in the nearby town of Az Zubayr June 6. In more than a 24-hour period, the Division’s 51st, 52nd and 53rd brigades seized 330 mortar rounds, 104 small arms, 20 hand grenades, 72 rockets, 3 rocket launchers and 17 RPGs. The brigades also seized 37 various improvised explosive devices. At the same time, Iraqi Police were able to secure a truck-load of mortar and artillery shells discovered in previous weeks. The operations were a sign...

BASRA, Iraq – Operation Saulat al Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, began a new phase of operations April 19.  Phase 3 of the operation focuses on the criminal militia strongholds within the Hyyaniyah district area. Iraqi Army soldiers from the 1st and 14th Infantry Divisions are conducting the deliberate clearance operation.  The operation began at approximately 6 a.m. when British artillery and US aircraft released ordnance against known criminal rocket and mortar sites west of Hyyaniyah.  British and American Military Transition Teams are working alongside Iraqi Army units to provide leaders with advice, access to surveillance and the ability...

BASRA, Iraq – Operation Sawlat al-Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, entered a new phase of operations in Basrah, April 12. The operation, which began March 24, has now started the process of clearing strongholds previously dominated by criminal militias. A deliberate house-to-house clearance operation of the south-western Basrah district of al-Qiblah was conducted without major incident. It resulted in significant quantities of arms, ammunition and explosives being found. To date, Coalition forces involvement has been minimal, reflecting the ever increasing ability and resolve of the Iraqi Security Forces to enforce the rule of law. Iraqi operations in al-Qiblah to...