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172nd sees successes in Baghdad mission

Oct-29-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

By TATABOLINE BRANT, Anchorage Daily News

The U.S. military command in Iraq acknowledged earlier this month that its two-month campaign to stem violence in Baghdad -- called Operation Together Forward II -- had fallen short and that the effort needed to be refocused. The Alaska-based 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team -- 3,800 Army soldiers from forts Richardson and Wainwright -- are at the heart of that operation. After serving for a year in northern Iraq, the brigade late this summer had its tour extended and was moved to Baghdad to help quell violence there. Col. Michael Shields, commander of the 172nd, spoke to the Daily News by telephone Wednesday. His comments have been edited for length.

Q: What role does the 172nd play in Baghdad and Phase II of Operation Together Forward?

A: We have been a clearing force within Baghdad. ... We do everything. ... Initially, we conducted large-scale offensive clearing operations in areas where there was high threat activity ... for instance kidnappings, murders, body dumpings -- those types of things. ... We were operating in the town, or the neighborhood, of Ghazaliyah, Shaab and Nur. ... That was part of the clear, hold and build methodology that you've heard about ... We were the clearing portion of that. It was not uncommon for battalions to be out clearing, shoot -- 500 to 900 buildings a day, sometimes in 120-degree heat.

Then we transitioned to another bad focus area, where we conducted the same type of operation in an area called Adhamiyah. We were the clearing force for that. We then transitioned to another problem area called Shaab and Ur -- west-northwest of Sadr City -- and did operations in there. We've had some units that supported other brigades in Baghdad doing similar operations. ...

Right now, we're focused in four or five separate areas in Baghdad, some of the tougher areas, conducting operations to neutralize the killing teams, insurgents. ... It's tough. With the violence out there, sometimes it's not easy to identify specifically where it's coming from.

Q: What was the 172nd's mission going into Baghdad?

A: To reduce the cycle of violence in our focus areas within Baghdad. Those focus areas happen to be the areas where there's the most violence: Dead bodies, kidnappings, murders, bombings, terrorist actions, insurgent actions, criminal activity. [...]

The interview continues.


Comments For "172nd sees successes in Baghdad mission":

The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team has done a fine job in Baghdad under extremely difficult circumstances. They are to be commended for their sacrifice, their courage, and their professionalism. We are so proud of our son, and all our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan for what they have and will continue to accomplish.

Please stay safe and come on home. We are waiting on you!

Posted by: borr [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 29, 2006 4:35 PM

Thanks to all of you guys in 172nd, you are doing a great job. A great big thanks to HHC RECON and Sgt Fischer, keep up the good work. Just hang in there for another month, see you soon. Stay safe and God Bless, Love Mom and Dad XOXOX

Posted by: csfish [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 30, 2006 10:08 AM

Thanks to all of the 172nd and I hope you all come home soon. You guys are the bn that replaced mine back in September 2005 and I knew when we left it up to you guys that you'd get things done. My prayers are with you and your families and God Bless.

Posted by: deucefournative [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 30, 2006 5:07 PM

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