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Strykers make a difference in Mosul

Nov-11-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team have been bringing down some big names in the terrorist organization al-Qaida.

The 2-1 is stationed mainly in Mosul and have captured more than 180 suspected terrorists in the nearly three months since the brigade left Alaska. Lt. Col. Charles Webster, commander of the 2-1, spoke with reporters Thursday from Iraq and described a recent operation that he said crippled an al-Qaida cell in Mosul.

Webster said since the brigade arrived in Iraq in August and in Mosul a few weeks later, soldiers have found what he dubs the "Opel Gang" to be particularly bothersome. While soldiers patrol the chaotic urban war zone of Mosul, they are often hounded by groups of compact cars loaded with insurgents and small arms.

They prowl the streets in their Opels, attacking Stryker convoys and patrols and shooting at soldiers before outmaneuvering the Stryker vehicles and disappearing through the alleys and avenues.

"Our Strykers are maneuverable but they're not as maneuverable as a small four-door car," Webster said.

But about two weeks ago, soldiers made an arrest that Webster believes has begun the group's downfall. Webster said soldiers were able to capture three members associated with the Opel Gang after an altercation. They were questioned and Webster said one of the men provided valuable information about the structure of the gang, how the gang received weapons, where the gang's cars were parked, how the gang was financed and the names of some leaders. [...]


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