Home » Archives » "Next up for 172nd: dealing with Sadr City"

Next up for 172nd: dealing with Sadr City

Sep-10-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

By Anita Powell, Stars and Stripes

BAGHDAD — The American military’s quest to clean up sectarian violence in Baghdad took its first, very tentative steps into Baghdad’s most infamous neighborhood Sunday morning.

Troops from the Fort Wainwright, Alaska-based 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team visited Sadr City, the teeming Shiite slum famous for its densely packed population and as the headquarters for radical Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr. Sadr is the leader of a Shiite militia, known as Jeish al-Mahdi, that is said to be responsible for many of Baghdad’s sectarian killings.

Lt. Col. Al Kelly, commander of 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, said Sadr City has been high on his priority list since the unit was sent into Baghdad to participate in the joint American-Iraqi cleanup operation dubbed Operation Together Forward.

“When I first got here, I was like, ‘What are we waiting for?’” he said. “Let’s go.”

The battalion also has cleared several contentious neighborhoods, including the western suburbs of Shula and Ghazaliya, and the contentious neighborhoods of Adhamiya and Rusafa, since the operation began in August.

Despite claims by American military officials that the operation has significantly reduced sectarian violence in Baghdad, officials with the Iraqi Health Ministry reported 1,500 violent deaths in August, roughly the same as in July, according to The Associated Press.

While Kelly said he views Sadr City, in northeast Baghdad, as just another neighborhood, he realizes the strategic importance of the area and the risks involved.

“They believe we’re going in to attack,” he said. “I have no doubt about that.”


Comments For "Next up for 172nd: dealing with Sadr City":

I'm so proud of the 172nd. Stryker Brigade. My son David Long is with that unit. Come on men show them what you guys are made of. Praying for you all every day. May God give you the strengh you need to be successful on your mission. May God Bless you all.

Posted by: teachernancy [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 11, 2006 1:05 PM

Hi Jeff and all the soldiers. you are doing a great job! can't wait til you come home,stay safe. Love you MOM and DAD,Wendy,Olivia & family

Posted by: Jo styker mom [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 11, 2006 8:44 PM

Keep up the good work and stay safe!! I am so proud of everyone that is there....God Bless each and everyone of you,I pray for you all Get the job done and get home safe Love to all!!!

Posted by: strykerandora [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 12, 2006 9:52 PM

To our son Jared T. We love and miss you and know that you and the other troops are doing an outstanding job. We will be so glad when you and the rest of our fine troops are home. You and the rest of the troops of our complete support in what you are doing. Hooah! Love you man.

Posted by: ISG Ret. Ross [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 13, 2006 7:59 AM

Hello to the best bro in the world...love ya cj!I hope all is goin well for everyone.

Posted by: strykerkidzsis08 [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 21, 2006 3:34 PM

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by a site administrator before your comment will appear. We appreciate your patience.)

Advertisements