Stryker Brigade News

They are scheduled to go on a night raid to capture suspected terrorists in the Al Sharkya and Nabi Younis neighborhoods in Iraq.

Their target is an assassination cell that operates out of the Mosul area that targets coalition force supporters – namely Iraqi Army, and Iraqi Police personnel. The cell is also known to attack targets of opportunity, which provides them a lucrative source of income.

This cell was threatening Iraqi citizens leading up to the December elections and published and distributed leaflets in the Maham Rasheed area. The cell was threatening to behead anyone who participated in the elections or were friendly with coalition forces.

Before they leave for this late night mission, the Soldiers from the 172 SBCT go through rock drills to practice for the mission and to ensure everyone understands their role.

“It is a good way to get prepared for any mission,” Cruz explained. “It kind of gets your head in the game and thinking about everything that can happen.”

At 11:30 p.m., Soldiers get in their Stryker vehicles and head out to their assigned areas. Tonight’s mission will be a joint effort between Iraqi Security Forces and coalition forces.

“This is their country. They are the ones that have to learn how to do this, and this is a great opportunity for them to get confidence and possibly help bring down a terrorist cell,” said Capt. William Harris, A/2-1 commander.

Harris spends several minutes explaining the night operation to an Iraqi Police supervisor to inform him of the selected targets. He informs him that he must know where all his people are at all times and they must be extremely careful with the handling of their loaded weapons.

At 12:30 a.m. the teams were ready to meet their objective. In a line formation, they exit the Stryker and line up against a wall.

The only thing they see and hear are dogs barking; they suspect their arrival was detected. They want to seize their targets by surprise and catch, them fast asleep and cozy in their beds, with ten toes up.

At 1 a.m., the strike teams are in place to enter the house, just the way they practiced. The team leader gives the order to enter. One team member pushes open a door which leads into an outdoor courtyard.

Slowly the team moves toward the house, cautiously surveying their surroundings.

Once positioned near the front door of the house, Soldiers enter shouting, “Get on the ground, get on the ground!” Within seconds they have nabbed the occupants and emerge with three Iraqi men.

With their targets in custody, they radio in to the raid commander that they met their objective. Capt. Patrick Flynn arrives at the house with a confidential informant who gives positive identification of two of the men.

This part of the mission is a success – their planning and rehearsals have paid off.

The two men are arrested and escorted to another house where another team was also successful in finding suspected terrorists.

Each suspect is tested for bomb-making residue and photographed. They are blindfolded, placed in a Stryker vehicle and taken to a coalition holding facility.