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Operations aimed at increasing security in W. Ninevah continue

Aug- 4-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

by Sgt. Joseph Sanchez (TFO Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (August 4, 2004) – Joint operations in western Ninevah province continued yesterday, resulting in the capture of three terrorists who attempted to run a roadblock, the death of a fourth terrorist in that same incident and the detention of eight other suspected terrorists as Iraqi National Guard and multinational forces worked to stop anti-Iraqi activities in that region.

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, Soldiers from the 5th battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) identified a gray Opel with four occupants driving suspiciously near a major intersection in Tall Afar. The Soldiers moved to stop the vehicle that then tried to evade the patrol, colliding with the Stryker vehicle. One terrorist was killed in the collision and the other three were wounded.

Upon searching the vehicle, the patrol found two rocket propelled grenade launchers, three RPG rounds, one 60mm mortar tube, 12 hand grenades, three AK-47 rifles and a machine gun with 100 rounds. Two suspects were detained after being treated for minor wounds and the third was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. No multinational forces were injured in the incident and there was no damage to the Stryker vehicle.

Early this morning, soldiers of 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment (SBCT) conducted two cordon and search operations southwest of Sinjar. They detained 8 individuals suspected of terrorist activities along with two Thurya phones and materials used for making improvised explosive devices.

The city of Tall Afar has served as a safe haven for terrorists who have entered Iraq with the intent to harm Iraqi citizens and multinational forces as well as to stop the continuing development of a democratic Iraq.

The joint operations were conducted in an effort to stop the terrorist attacks that have resulted in the death of several Iraqi Security Forces members in recent weeks and to increase security for the citizens of the northern region of Iraq.

Since the transfer of sovereignty on June 28, Iraqi Security Forces have continued to assume a greater role and level of responsibility for the overall security of the region. Supported and trained by multinational forces from Multinational Brigade-North, Iraqi Security Forces are conducting patrols and operations in the region.


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