Stryker Brigade News

During a nighttime search operation of the suspected AQI safe house, Coalition force troops spotted several adult men inside the target building.

The soldiers told the inhabitants to exit the building. During the tactical call-out, which lasted for almost 45 minutes, the troops observed individuals in the house attempting to barricade themselves inside.

The soldiers continued to call for the occupants to come out of the building, but the occupants refused to comply.

Supporting Apache helicopters fired rounds into the building and close air support provided by fixed-wing aircraft dropped three bombs on the building.

“The danger that any assault on the building by Coalition forces would be met with either a house-borne improvised explosive device or suicide vest explosion was probable and led to the ultimate decision to engage the building with precision munitions,” Mackin said.

Upon examination of the site, the soldiers discovered three wounded females, including two children, who were evacuated to a nearby Coalition force hospital.

“Any incident in which non-combatants are hurt or killed is unfortunate, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and community of the injured,” said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesperson for the Coalition forces in the area. “It is deplorable that the adults in this building did not send out the woman and children after our numerous attempts to have them exit the building.”