2/25 SBCT and 2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers kept the pressure on rogue criminal elements in the greater Baghdad area May 7-8, engaging IED emplacers and armed individuals and discovering weapons caches.
At approximately 10:40 a.m. May 7, Iraqi Police from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, and soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were attacked by criminals using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. An aerial weapons team was called in to assist. The AWT fired one Hellfire missile and killed two Special Groups criminals.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., west of Baghdad, soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered three mortar rounds, four grenades, a land mine and numerous blasting caps.
See The Long War Journal for another update on current coalition operations in Sadr City. Excerpt:
Clashes between the Mahdi Army and US and Iraqi forces continued in Baghdad over the weekend as efforts to complete the security barriers separating the southern portion of Sadr City from the Mahdi Army-controlled north. The US military has moved another battalion of Strykers into the Sadr City. In the South, Iraqi troops cleared another militia-controlled neighborhood in Basrah.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers killed six criminals during night operations in Baghdad May 2-3.
Soldiers from 107th Engineers Battalion, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, were attacked with an improvised explosive device at approximately 9 p.m. in northeastern Baghdad. As they secured their vehicles, the soldiers were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire. The MND-B soldiers returned fire and killed two criminals. No soldiers were injured in the IED attack or subsequent engagement.
The Long War Journal continues its coverage of coalition operations in Sadr City with a new report. Excerpt:
The large majority of the direct attacks by the Mahdi Army against US and Iraqi forces in Sadr City are occurring on Qods Street, where a barrier is being erected to separate the Iraqi Army and US controlled sections in the south from the northern portion of the district, the US military told The Long War Journal. The Mahdi Army is attempting to stop the building of the barrier. [...]The Mahdi Army is trying desperately to stop the barrier from being built, and is focusing its attacks on US engineers and patrols as they work to complete it. The Mahdi Army has launched complex attacks and ambushes using small-arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and roadside bombs.
2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Air weapons teams and Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers destroyed criminal strongholds and killed criminals in separate engagements in Sadr City May 1.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, while conducting barrier-emplacement operations.
An AWT providing overwatch for the operation engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – At approximately 5 a.m., Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers conducted a joint operation with the National Police and discovered three separate caches in an abandoned building in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad May 1.
During the operation, soldiers from Company D, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division entered the abandoned building behind their Iraqi counterparts and began to search inside.
The soldiers seized 10 explosively formed penetrator improvised explosive devices, 26 155mm artillery rounds, more than 100 pounds of homemade explosives, 19 mortar rounds, 47 rocket-propelled grenades, seven RRG boosters, seven sticks of TNT, two blocks of plastic explosives, four claymore mines, a 105mm rocket, a bag of mortar boosters and rounds of loose ammunition.
“This is a monumental find,” said Maj. Dave Olson, the spokesman for the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “This tremendous action by the Iraqi Security Forces will hamper the activity of the criminals operating in the East Rashid area.
The Raider Brigade soldiers continue to support the ISF, as they find and destroy enemy munitions to provide a safe and secure environment for innocent Iraqi citizens.”
The Long War Journal has just published another update on the current fighting in Sadr City, which involves elements of both the 2/25 SBCT and the 2nd SCR. Bill Roggio also confirms exactly which units are involved in the recent operations. Excerpt:
The US and Iraqi military have rapidly built up their forces in and around Sadr City over the past several weeks. Two Iraqi Army brigades and elements from an Iraqi armored brigade and an Iraqi National Police brigade, along with eight US Army battalions have been reported in military press releases to be operating inside Sadr City over the past several weeks. In early April, only two US Army battalions, and Iraqi Army brigade, and elements from an Iraqi National Police brigade were known to be operating inside Sadr City.A US Army brigade, three Iraqi National Police brigades, and an Iraqi Army brigade are also operating in the neighborhoods adjacent to Sadr City. This unprecedented buildup of forces indicates the Iraqi government and the US military are serious about advancing into Sadr City beyond the southern third of the district being hemmed in by the security barriers being erected.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division—Baghdad Soldiers killed nine criminals in two separate engagements April 30.
At approximately 3 p.m. in Sadr City, Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division observed criminals loading multiple rockets onto a launch sled.
The Soldiers engaged the criminals before they could fire the rockets and killed five criminals.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Soldiers attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, discovered a cache at approximately 3:45 p.m. in the Abu T’shir community of southern Baghdad April 28.
Soldiers from Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, with the assistance of the Iraqi National Police, found two improvised explosive devices consisting of 20 pounds of TNT and 24 pounds of homemade explosives.
Soldiers also found three 155 mm artillery rounds, six 120 mm mortar rounds, 34 82mm mortar rounds, one 60mm mortar round, three rocket propelled grenades, and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
The soldiers of “Fox” Company also found three 81 mm mortar rounds during security patrols at approximately 3 a.m., April 29.
“The Raider Brigade soldiers continue to work closely with the Iraqi Security Forces to clean-up the hazards in southern Baghdad for the safety of the 1.2 million citizens of Rashid,” said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT spokesman.
Again, The Long War Journal has a multiple updates on the current fighting in Sadr City between coalition forces and militia members.
The Long War Journal has number of recent articles examining the situation in Sadr City.
The article also provides an update on operations in Sadr City involving elements of the 2/25 SBCT & 2nd SCR.
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
The senior-most Iraqi general in charge of the security operation in Basrah has issued an ultimatum for wanted Mahdi Army leaders and fighters to surrender in the next 24 hours as the Iraqi and US military ignore Muqtada al Sadr's threat to conduct a third uprising. US troops killed 15 Mahdi Army fighters in Baghdad yesterday and have killed 56 fighters since Sadr issued his threat last weekend.
In Basrah, General Mohan al Freiji, the chief of the Basrah Operational Commander and leader of the security operation in the province, has issued warrants "for 81 people, including senior leaders of the Mahdi militia, and they have 24 hours to give up," The Associated Press reported. [...]
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Elements from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, “Gimlets” detained a suspected criminal in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad April 22.
This suspected criminal is believed to be involved with the making of improvised explosive devices, and attacks on Iraqi Army and Coalition forces.
“The streets are safer with these criminals in custody, and contributes to improving security in Abu Ghraib,” said Maj. John Pendell, spokesman for 2nd SCR.
“Due to its proximity to major highways and to northeastern Baghdad, security and stability in Abu Ghraib allows the economy and quality of life for local residents to improve,” Pendell said.
“The detention accelerates the improving security situation in the Iraqi capital.”
2nd SCR mentioned at the end of the press release.
BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad aerial weapons teams killed seven criminals and Soldiers seized weapons in separate incidents in eastern Baghdad April 19.
The AWT engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile and killed both criminals transporting weapons at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad. The AWT also destroyed two machine guns with the attack.
At approximately 8:27 p.m., Coalition forces were attacked by criminals with small-arms fire. They returned fire killing one.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — Trying to stem the infiltration of militia fighters, American forces have begun to build a massive concrete wall that will partition Sadr City, the densely populated Shiite neighborhood in the Iraqi capital.
The construction, which began Tuesday night, is intended to turn the southern quarter of Sadr City near the international Green Zone into a protected enclave, secured by Iraqi and American forces, where the Iraqi government can undertake reconstruction efforts.
“You can’t really repair anything that is broken until you establish security,” said Lt. Col. Dan Barnett, commander of the First Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to the Second Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “A wall that isolates those who would continue to attack the Iraqi Army and coalition forces can create security conditions that they can go in and rebuild.”
By Sgt. 1st Class William Quiett, 2nd SCR PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – As operations continue for Warhorse Troop, 4th Squadron (Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Squadron), 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, they took a brief pause for a change of command ceremony and bid a fond farewell to Maj. Christopher C.E. McGarry of Pensacola, Fla., and hailed Capt. Marcus Melton of Marietta, Ga., April 2 at Camp Liberty, Iraq.
McGarry relinquished the command he carried for the past twelve months to a long time member of Saber Squadron’s family.
“I was a bit saddened to hand over the reigns of Pale Horse Troop, yet more than ready to accept another command within the Saber Squadron and take charge of Warhorse Troop,” said McGarry.
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
[...] The Iraqi government signaled that it was willing to take on the Mahdi Army inside its Baghdad stronghold of Sadr City and the outlying neighborhoods since Muqtada al Sadr ordered his militia to cease fighting six days after the Basrah operation began in March. Last weekend, Ali al Dabbagh, the spokesman for the government of Iraq, said Iraqi and US forces would "continue [operations] until we secure Sadr City." Multinational Forces Iraq said it was backing the Iraqi government and the military in its efforts.
The operation involves more than military operations, as the Iraqi government seeks to wrest control of the Mahdi Army's grip on public services inside Sadr City. "The aim now is to launch an ambitious plan of 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day public works and services -- improvement projects designed to convince the local population that the Iraqi government -– and not Sadr's Mahdi Army militia – is best able to improve the quality of life in an impoverished expanse of pot-holed streets, open sewers, and joblessness," the Christian Science Monitor reported. "US and Iraqi military are now set up and living among the Sadr City residents in the 'demonstration' area of the southern third of the sector."
NPR's Eric Westervelt reports today from Sadr City and mentions the Stryker units. Summary:
In fighting in Sadr City that left hundreds of Iraqis dead over the past two weeks, U.S. soldiers in support roles observed Iraqi forces firing weapons indiscriminately. They also say communication was lacking and logistics were poor.
The Long War Journal provides the following update on the situation in Sadr City, including confirmation that at least two Stryker battalions are operating there.
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
Three weeks after the Iraqi government initiated Operation Knights Assault in Basrah, US and Iraqi forces have squared off against the Mahdi Army daily in the Shia slums of Sadr City. Additional US and Iraqi forces have moved into northeastern Baghdad to prepare for a possible major engagement against the Mahdi Army.
While Muqtada al Sadr, the leader of the Mahdi Army and the Sadrist political movement, has called for his fighters to pull off the streets on March 30, the Mahdi Army has continued to attack US and Iraqi forces in Sadr City and northeastern Baghdad. The Mahdi Army began seeding the streets of Sadr City with roadside bombs just days after Sadr declared the unilateral ceasefire. "Outlaw groups have planted roadside bombs and other explosives in most of the streets of Sadr City," the Baghdad Operational Command reported. [...]
The Iraqi and US military have also moved additional forces into the region around Sadr City in northeastern Baghdad. At least on Iraqi Army brigade and a National Police brigade are operating in the northeast, while two additional Army brigades are adjacent to the region. At least nine US Army combat battalions - the equivalent of about three brigades, are operating in or near Sadr City. At least three US battalions, including two Stryker battalions, have been identified operating inside Sadr City alongside Iraqi troops. [...]
Related Article:
Iraqi government: "We will continue until we secure Sadr City" - The Long War Journal
By SFC Christina Bhatti, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs
BAGHDAD — Days after intense fighting, and the call to peace from Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr March 30, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers patrol the outskirts of Sadr City, a district of Baghdad, ensuring the safety of the city’s residents.
Sadr City has been the backdrop of many conflicts for Coalition forces since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The city is the poorest of all the Bagdad districts and has historically been a safe haven for terrorists.
The Soldiers from Company A and a platoon from Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B are tired, dirty, and work 24-hours a day with only cat naps to sustain them, but they relentlessly take to the streets in their mission to drive terrorists out of the area.
84th ENG, 2nd SCR soldiers featured in the following article.
By Pfc. April Campbell, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – When Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conduct missions out in sector, they pay close attention, watching and searching for signs of improvised explosive devices.
Soldiers conducting route-clearance patrols have one primary mission when going outside the wire: to search for and help rid the streets of IEDs; they help ease the burden and provide extra security for those who follow in their paths later that day.
When platoons conduct such missions, a single Soldier drives a one man vehicle known as a Huskey in front of the convoy. These drivers must recognize and react appropriately when they see IEDs – risking their own lives to protect the Soldiers behind them.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Michael T. Lilly, 23, of Boise, Idaho, died April 7 in Sadr City, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked using a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
All of us here would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Jason C. Kazarick, 30, of Oakmont, Pa., died April 7 in Sadr City, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked using a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
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Memorial to be held for 2 soldiers killed in Iraq - Stars & Stripes
The following article also features a nice slide show of 2nd SCR soldiers in Sadr City.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — When the electricity came on in the ramshackle district of Sadr City, the soldiers from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment flicked on the television to watch Tuesday’s Congressional hearings with Gen. David H. Petraeus.
For a brief moment, Washington politics intruded into a world in which automatic weapons fire, tank fire and explosives rock the streets. But before General Petraeus could complete his prepared statement, the power shut down again.
The fleeting reminder of the debate at home was followed by a blunt discussion of the larger aims of the American involvement here.
2nd SCR soldiers are featured in the following article.
By Richard Tomkins, Washington Times
FORWARD OPERATING BASE NORMANDY, Iraq — Behind the recitation of facts and figures by Gen. David H. Petraeus in Capitol Hill testimony beginning today, the fluctuating moods and emotions of U.S. troops here are much harder to gauge.
Do the Americans — many of whom have survived multiple deployments of more than a year at a time — see the surge as a success? Do they see Iraqis making progress, taking responsibility for public safety, their own lives and their nation's future?
Responses vary from day to day and often depend on when the questions are asked. [...]
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
VILSECK, Germany — One-half of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrols in southern Baghdad now involve both U.S. and Iraqi soldiers as the Iraqis take on more responsibilities, the unit’s 2nd Squadron commander said Thursday.
Lt. Col. Myron Reineke — who’s back in Vilseck on leave this month — spent part of Thursday morning at a Purple Heart ceremony for one of his soldiers who was injured March 7 in Iraq.
After the ceremony, Reineke talked about what his soldiers are doing in Iraq.
By Richard Tomkins, Radio Free Europe
ZAHAMM, IRAQ -- Villagers digging in an abandoned pomegranate orchard in the Diyala River Valley have unearthed the remains of at least 52 people murdered by Al-Qaeda in Iraq during its two-year reign of terror in the area.
The first victim, whose head had been placed at his feet, was found on March 26 by a local village head and a U.S. Army officer who had been given the orchard's location by a man who said he had been kidnapped by Al-Qaeda last August and taken to a "jail" there, but managed to escape before execution.
"Smell that?" Captain Vince Morris, of Iron Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, asked when he approached the orchard on that exploratory visit. No one answered. No one needed to. The gagging stench of rotting flesh was unmistakable. And it was much too strong for the contents of just one grave.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Steven I. Candelo, 20, of Houston, died March 26 in Baghdad, when his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
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Fallen 2nd SCR soldiers honored at Vilseck ceremony - Stars & Stripes
The 2nd SCR was responsible for finding Maupin's remains. He had been MIA for nearly four years. For background on this story The Wall Street Journal recently published an article titled, "The Waiting," that profiled the families of MIA soldiers from the Iraq war.
By Sgt. 1st Class William Quiett, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment
BAGHDAD – The remains of Staff Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin were recovered, March 20, northwest of Baghdad by elements the Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which is based out of Vilseck, Germany.
The recovery was the result of four years of intensive effort by MND-B Soldiers and multiple joint and interagency organizations; The Soldiers of 2nd SCR were able to recover Staff Sgt. Maupin’s remains by approaching the recovery as a criminal investigation and employing appropriate investigative techniques.
“Since beginning operations in Abu Ghraib, we made finding Staff Sgt. Maupin a top priority to clearly demonstrate to every service member, and every family, that we will never leave a fallen comrade,” said Col. John RisCassi, the commander of the 2nd SCR.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed eight criminals in separate operations late March 29 and early March 30.
While on patrol in northeast Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment encountered and engaged a three-man rocket-propelled grenade team, killing all three.
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – An Iraqi citizen reported a mass grave near Muqdadiyah to Multi-National Division – North Soldiers March 29.
Sons of Iraq and Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment discovered 14 bodies while investigating the site.
The bodies appear to have been at the location for two to six months. Some of the remains showed signs of torture.
The bodies were found 100 meters north of a previous mass grave, in which 37 bodies were discovered March 27.
“Our enemy continues to show why they will be defeated,” said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesman for the Coalition unit operating in the area. “The local residents in Diyala have realized that working with Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces is far more beneficial to them then working with an insurgency that uses deplorable tactics like torture and murder to achieve its objectives.”
The graves were discovered in an area formerly controlled by al Qaeda in Iraq until they were pushed out during Operation Raider Harvest earlier this year.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Joshua A. Molina, 20, of Houston, Texas, died Mar. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
We offer our condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Joseph D. Gamboa, 34, of Yigo, Guam, died Mar. 25 of wounds suffered when he came under indirect fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.
2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the operations described below.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed 24 terrorists March 26 in Baghdad.
Soldiers combined with their Iraqi counterparts to conduct precision, intelligence-based operations in the capital. These terrorists and militant elements were increasing their attacks against civilians, the Government of Iraq, and Iraqi and U.S. security forces.
By Staff Sgt Arron Schille, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The medical troop healthcare providers of the Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment conducted a combined medical education on anaphylaxis, a sudden severe whole-body allergy reaction, in late February.
More than 15 medical providers, which included providers from 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army MiTT, and 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment.
By Pfc. April Campbell, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – As the villagers approached the opening in the sandy brick walls, they could see the security guards outside waiting to search them before they entered.
Once Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers cleared them for entry, the Iraqis knew that, once inside, they would receive the medical care they so desperately needed.
The treatment offered far outweighed the walk there, and the security search was a minor inconvenience; most understood the measures were to provide them a safe haven in which to heal.
By Staff Sgt Arron Schille, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment
BAGHDAD - Within the compound housing, the headquarters of the 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment is a small shop made up of four plywood walls and a tarp for a roof. It’s what takes place inside this makeshift shop that helps the Dragoons of the 2SCR accomplish their mission with a little more ease.
Two Dragoon Soldiers; Sgt. 1st Class Chris Russel from Vancouver Wash., assistant operation non-commissioned officer, and Spc. Ross Gray from Lubbock, Texas, a generator mechanic, both of Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2SCR, took an empty spot in the back of the compound and within a week turned it into a self-help workshop for the Soldiers of the regiment to use to better their professional or even personal lives.
The 3rd Squadron, 2nd SCR is incorrectly identified as being part of the 4/2 SBCT in the following article - just FYI.
By Stephen Farrell, New York Times
DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq - “Tell them we are staying,” ordered Lt. Col. Rod Coffey, nodding toward the Iraqis clustered nervously in the driveway beside his armored Stryker vehicle.
“Inshallah,” came the villagers’ reply, an Arabic expression meaning “God willing.”
Their wariness was understandable.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Orlando A. Perez, 23, of Houston, TX, died Feb. 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
All of us here offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones Perez leaves behind.
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2nd Stryker Cavalry soldier killed in Iraq - Stars & Stripes
By 2nd Stryker Cav. Regt. PAO, MND-B
BAGHDAD, Iraq – His call sign is Big Dawg 17, but you might as well call him “Bloodhound 17” after he and his 30-man platoon sniffed out a total of 16 buried ammunition and weapons caches over a 10-wek period.
Sgt. 1st Class Connell, 40, a native of Polson, Mont., has the reputation of being tough, but fair, on his men. He is on his fifth consecutive year as a platoon sergeant, and he runs his platoon one way – his.
Connell is currently assigned to 1st Platoon, Battery B, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. His current tour of duty in Iraq marks his second stint, and he barks out orders like a drill sergeant.
4th BCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi businesses got their chance to impress national and international customers at a business exposition held Feb. 15-18 in the International Zone.
The Iraqi –American Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the “Baghdad to Baghdad Business Exposition” for local businesses at the Al-Rasheed Hotel in order to highlight the city’s economic growth over the past year.
“The event was the first of its kind in greater Baghdad,” said Maj. Patrick Garrett, a native of Hillsborough, Ore., a governance advisor with Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division’s Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, assigned to work with the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. “More than 300 Iraqi companies participated, drawing in about 1,000 Iraqis.”
By Cpl. Ben Washburn, 4th BCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B
BAGHDAD, Iraq – During the past few months, Iraqis and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers have been working hard to make sure the economic resurgence thrives throughout Baghdad.
The soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., have been working with the Iraqi government on major restoration projects in the southeastern part of the Rashid district.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital Feb. 19.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to Task Force Dragon, noticed a man fitting the description of a suspected cell leader during a routine patrol of Abu T’Shir and detained him without incident.
It is believed the alleged Special Groups cell leader had taken over the day-to-day direction of the criminal cell after its previous leader was arrested by Coalition forces in the same area.
The suspect was taken to a Coalition forces detention facility for further questioning.
“The criminal activities of those who choose to dishonor the ceasefire pledge of al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr will not be tolerated,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. “We will continue to work with Iraqi security forces to identify these criminals and bring them to justice.”
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
VILSECK, Germany — A soldier who refused to deploy with his unit to Iraq because of a “deeply held personal belief” that he should not take a human life will spend the next six months in jail before being thrown out of the Army.
Spc. Benjamin Stewart, 25, of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, pleaded guilty Wednesday to missing movement on Jan. 7, 2008, when he was scheduled to deploy to Iraq. Stewart had already been convicted — and reduced in rank from sergeant to specialist — of being absent without leave when the bulk of the regiment deployed last summer.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Members of the Sons of Iraq (Abna’a al-Iraq) handed two suspected criminals over to Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers in East Rashid Feb. 16.
The SOI turned the men in to “Cougars” of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to Task Force Dragon, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, because they were in possession of homemade explosives.
Coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal personnel safely destroyed the munitions.
During a patrol in Abu T’Shir, Cougars also seized an explosively formed penetrator, 10 60 mm mortar rounds, and arrested three men, including two Iraqi policemen near the ordnance.
All detainees were taken to a coalition forces detention facility for further questioning.
BAGHDAD—At Combat Outpost Aztec, the Company D (Dog Company) platoons of the Army's 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spend eight hours a day patrolling the tough, rural roads of their palm grove-rich stretch of southeastern Baghdad. They search for militia thugs and keep an eye on the new civilian neighborhood watch patrols. Then, they have another eight hours a day of duty guarding the old meatpacking plant where they live. And in rare quiet hours, the soldiers have spent time literally counting sheep, in an effort to gauge local livestock health.
Dog Company has been deployed for three of the past five years, with stints in Mosul and Germany, in addition to their time in Iraq. This kind of operational tempo, optempo in military parlance, has taken its toll throughout the armed forces. Capt. Doug Willig, the Dog Company commander, reports that of his six closest friends at West Point, five have left the military.
Maj. Gen. Hertling briefed reporters (view full transcript) on the situation in Iraq. Diyala was cited specifically. Excerpt:
About six weeks ago, I informed all of you in the press room that we had started Operation Iron Harvest in Diyala province and the rest of our three provinces here in the north, and that's part of the MNC-I Operation Phantom Phoenix -- don't mean to confuse you on that, but two different names for operations that are ongoing. I've been asked to give you an update on that, as well as answer your questions on what is going on in the four northern provinces of Diyala, Salahuddin, Nineveh and Kirkuk. And when I talked to this group last month, we were in the early stages of the campaign throughout the province. To date, coalition forces and Iraqi security forces have had successful operations throughout the north, but especially in Diyala. Diyala is much safer today than it was a month ago. Citizens are less afraid to go out on the street, and markets are opening. Al Qaeda has gone to ground. We are hunting them out, where they have gone to ground, or they have dispersed and we are pursuing them to new areas. But there is still much work to be done to bring normalcy to Diyala province.
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
FIRA SHIRA, Iraq - Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commanding general of Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, who is a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., along with Hammond's executive officer, Maj. Andy Gordon, a native of Hueytown, Ala., and Command Sgt. Major Anthony Diamond, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, a native of Cedartown, Ga., listen attentively during a patrol brief Feb. 7 before moving out to the Fira Shira Market, which is located west of Baghdad.
Maj. Gen. Hammond, talked to locals, including a local barber, about security concerns and business needs.
1st Sgt. James Grove and a fellow Soldier from Battery B, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, joked around with local residents. Recently, the unit provided a micro-grant to a local Iraqi businessman to jump start a bakery in the market. A week later, a restaurant opened across the street as a direct result of the bakery opening.
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Abu Ghuraib region of the Iraqi capitol Feb. 9.
This suspected AQI operator is believed to be a key facilitator of terrorist activities in southern Baghdad. He is the regiment’s number-one, high-value target and is being held for questioning.
It is believed the detention of the suspect will significantly contribute to the continually improving security situation in Abu Ghraib. Due to its proximity to major highways and northeast Baghdad, security and stability in Abu Ghraib is significant. Stability allows the economy and quality of life for local residents to improve and accelerates the improving security situation in the Iraqi capital.
“The detention of this terrorist suspect demonstrates that we continue to aggressively pursue Al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
Staten Island native Lt. Ryan Miller often dreams he is back in Iraq, patrolling the streets of southern Baghdad with his buddies in the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
When wakes in his bed on the West Point Army base, he is greeted by a sobering reality: A steel contraption that holds together a shattered left leg, and a myriad of scars across his abdomen and buttocks where searing shrapnel once tore through body.
Miller, an Elm Park native, is a 24-year-old wounded war veteran who now has a new mission: Heal.
By Garrett Therolf, Los Angeles Times
BAGHDAD -- A potential security crisis loomed Saturday in troubled Diyala province as significant numbers of a U.S.-funded force of Sunni fighters left their posts, demanding the ouster of the provincial police chief.
"You can imagine what danger will face the region in the next days," said Abu Talib, commander of 2,000 to 3,000 so-called Sons of Iraq fighters. His men, many of them former insurgents, turned against the militant group Al Qaeda in Iraq last year under the Awakening banner.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division -- Baghdad Soldiers arrested six suspected extremists and seized munitions in support of Operation Phantom Phoenix in the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital, Feb. 8.
During an early morning joint patrol in northwest Rashid, Iraqi soliders from 1st Infantry Division, and 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division as well as Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, detained six men believed to be connected to Al Qaeda.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Baghdad Soldiers conducting mounted patrols near Sadr City came under fire from criminal militia extremists from inside the district during two separate incidents Feb. 2-3.
Both incidents involved Soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, working under 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. The Soldiers were not able to positively identify the shooters in either case, and consequently did not return fire in order to avoid harming Iraqi civilians.
There have been six attacks on Coalition Forces in the Thawra 1 and Jamilla neighborhoods of Sadr City through the first three days of February. Rogue militia forces appear to be behind many of the attacks, said officials with the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi and coalition security forces conducted an operation targeting special group criminal elements today in eastern Baghdad. Sixteen criminals were initially detained, one died later from wounds received during the operation.
The operation involved Iraqi forces and coalition soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.
By Richard Tomkins, Washington Times
HIMBUS, Iraq -- Hundreds of Iraqis lined up in the dirt outside an elementary school in Iraq"s northern Diyala River Valley last month to be seen by U.S. and Iraqi military doctors — the first free medical clinic for residents of the town of Himbus and its surrounding villages.
In the village of al-Hib a day earlier, children lined up behind Stryker armored vehicles and carried armloads of U.S.-donated notebooks, pencils and other materials into their school.
"I"m trying to build human intelligence," said Army Lt. Col. Rod Coffey, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
Strykers are mentioned near the end of this article - it's unclear which unit the reporter is referring to, however.
By Alexandra Zavis, Los Angeles Times
DIYALA RIVER VALLEY, IRAQ -- They first appeared about 18 months ago: masked gunmen in speeding cars and scooters that kick up the mud along the canals weaving through lonely villages here.
The invaders pinned notices on the walls of mosques informing residents that they now lived in the Islamic State of Iraq.
Paul McLeary is an independent journalist currently embedded with the 1-21 INF, 2/25 SBCT in Iraq. He is beginning to post dispatches on his website.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad detained an individual suspected of facilitating improvised-explosive devices and possible vehicle-borne explosive devices for al Qaeda in Iraq. Jan. 26.
Two other individuals suspected of facilitating improvised-explosive device activity in Abu Ghraib were also detained.
All three suspects are being held for further questioning.
These arrests are part of Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s ongoing offensive operations in support of the countrywide Operation Phantom Phoenix.
By RICHARD TOMKINS, Middle East Times
Fear of al-Qaida is a constant in the newly liberated areas of Iraq's Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad. The number of terrorists is down and life for villagers is becoming more secure. Yet terror's reach is long and deep.
"Al-Qaida made us like chickens, afraid of everything," the mukhtar (headman) of al-Hib village told a U.S. soldier.
"They would kill anyone, even a sheik, and no one could ask why," a man who identified himself as Raad, said in the town of Hisbum. "Everyone was afraid. People stayed at home because they could just stop you on the street and make you do things, take your money, beat you, or kidnap you.
By RICHARD TOMKINS, Middle East Times
HIMBUS , Iraq, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. military operations have transitioned from kinetic warfare to outreach efforts to root out al-Qaida-Iraq operatives hiding among the people in newly liberated areas of the northern Diyala River Valley.
Earlier this week hundreds of Iraqis queued in the dirt outside an elementary school in Iraq's Northern Diyala River Valley to benefit from a major outreach effort by U.S. and Iraqi military doctors -- the first free medical clinic for residents of the town of Himbus and its surrounding villages.
In al-Hib children lined up behind Stryker armored vehicles and carried armloads of U.S.-donated notebooks, pencils and other materials into their school. The same morning, drivers of 66 trucks lined up at East Sawid and then headed north to Mosul to market their oranges, potatoes, pomegranates and dates after U.S. and Iraqi troops inspected their vehicles, took down driver details and issued special passes.
2nd Stryker, Cav. Regt. Public Affairs
ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, attached to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, found a cache in an abandoned building approximately 20 km. north of the Abu Ghraib district Jan. 18.
The cache consisted of .50 caliber small arms rounds, 70 mm rocket warheads, a rocket launcher, a surveyor’s tripod, a motor base plate, other small arms munitions and various grenade parts.
Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry , 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division acted on a tip from a Concerned Local Citizen, and found a deep buried improvised explosive device in the same area Jan. 19.
The Long War Journal has a brief update on recent coalition operations in Diyala, where the 4/2 SBCT and elements of the 2nd Stryker Cav. Regiment are based. Excerpt:
Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to press the fight against al Qaeda in Iraq in the northeastern province of Diyala, where the terror group maintains small pockets. In the latest series of raids as part of Operation Raider Harvest, Iraqi and US forces killed 30 al Qaeda operatives and captured 21, including a senior al Qaeda leader, during raids and operations.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 15 terrorists Tuesday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks north of Baqubah.
During an operation Tuesday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the Diyala province. The targeted individual is believed to be an improvised explosive device specialist involved in coordinating IED and suicide-vest attacks in the region. Reports also indicate the targeted individual has ties to several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
As Coalition forces arrived in the target area, they observed several individuals reach for their weapons. Coalition forces fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to cease their actions, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed men, Coalition forces engaged, killing two terrorists, to include the wanted individual.
This time the sound of Stryker personnel carriers rolling into the town of Himbus had a triumphal rumble to it. Two weeks after launching an offensive to drive Al Qaeda in Iraq from its stronghold in Diyala province, American soldiers were back, arriving in broad daylight in a trio of provincial towns to see townsfolk cautiously venturing into streets they had once avoided and interacting openly with Iraqi security forces.
Platoons watched as residents lined up for fleece jackets and rice being distributed by Iraqi soldiers in the hamlet of Abu Musa. Soldiers mingled with people receiving medical care for the first time in weeks at a clinic in Himbus. And they stood guard while men, women and children filled jugs of kerosene from a tanker truck in Taiha.
DVIDS has a number of new photo albums featuring all three Stryker Brigades in Iraq right now. Start here and work your way back through the archives.
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 10 suspected al Qaeda in Iraq operatives during a raid in an Al Ali village, in the northern Diyala River Valley area, known as the bread basket, Jan. 17.
The successful raid was part of Operation Raider Harvest, which is part of Operation Phantom Phoenix – a countrywide operation to eliminate AQI and other extremists in Iraq.
Working off tips from local Iraqis, Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment detained the suspects at seven different locations in the village.
The Long War Journal has an extensive update on the progress of Operation Phantom Phoenix, which is ongoing.
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
VILSECK, Germany - Their families and most of their friends were thousands of miles away, but hundreds of comrades packed Vilseck Chapel on Wednesday for a ceremony to honor six 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment Soldiers killed in a booby-trapped house in Iraq last week.
Second Cav Rear Detachment commander Lt. Col. Tom Rickard told those assembled that the Soldiers were victims of a desperate act by a retreating enemy blowing up its own safe houses.
"The brave men we honor today will be forever remembered for their accomplishments. Iraqis will tell this story to generations. Foreigners who removed a dictator ... Americans who never quit month after month ... never claimed Iraqi soil for their own ... and stood shoulder to shoulder with their Iraqi brothers in arms," he said.
Story by Spc. John Crosby, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MANSURIYAH — Operation Raider Harvest, a large scale operation in the Northern Diyala River Valley involving more than 4,000 troops from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., is shifting focus from a clearing operation to a rebuilding operation.
The changes are showing in the streets. Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets of Mansuriyah, Jan. 13, some to observe their new Iraqi Army and Coalition Force neighbors, others to collect bags full of rice and flour during a humanitarian aid (HA) drop conducted by Soldiers of Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR).
“We are working to establish projects to improve life support and improve the infrastructure,” said Capt. Robert Green, Grim Troop Commander, 2-3 ACR.
MANSURIYAH, Iraq – Operation Raider Harvest, a large scale operation in the Northern Diyala River Valley involving more than 4,000 troops from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., is shifting focus from a clearing operation, to a rebuilding operation.
The streets are showing changes. Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets of Mansuriyah, Iraq, Jan. 13, some to observe their new Iraqi army and coalition forces neighbors, others to collect bags full of rice and flour during a humanitarian aid drop conducted by Soldiers of Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
“We are working to establish projects to improve life support and improve the infrastructure,” said Capt. Robert Green, Grim Troop Commander, 2-3 ACR.
AMIT R. PALEY; The Washington Post
TAIYEH, Iraq – The distress call rang out over the radio. In the midst of one of the largest current military operations in Iraq, Capt. Mike Stinchfield recognized this was, so far, his most urgent mission of the day.
A captured insurgent? A fallen comrade? Not quite. A local woman had gone into labor, and within minutes about 18 U.S. soldiers endeavored to help.
“That’s a lot of men to secure a baby,” said Stinchfield, 37, of Vancouver, Wash., the commander of Company H, 3rd Squadron of the Army’s 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. “But that’s what this war is like. It’s slow and boring most days, and not much happens.”
Link via FOB Tacoma.
By Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor
BAQUBAH, Iraq - US forces are solidifying control over some of the most persistent militant strongholds of Al Qaeda in Iraq northeast of Baghdad, drawing on a new counterinsurgency model that has already seen some success in troubled Diyala Province.
The newly established US military control over what officers call the "breadbasket" – the lush Diyala River Valley 70 miles northeast of the capital – is only the first part of a multiprong strategy to boost numbers of Iraqi Army and police in the area and re-connect beleaguered local authorities to the provincial government and Baghdad.
"We [and] the Iraqi forces and government are committing ourselves to staying in this area, which has previously not happened," says Lt. Col. James Brown, executive officer of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "It's been go in, find Al Qaeda in Iraq, kill them, and then leave. Big surprise, they come right back."
By Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP STRIKER — Soldiers with U.S. Army Europe's Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, have continued to "improve their foxhole" since their arrival here in August, and the evidence is visible in the recently upgraded Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) here.
"We got the mission in September to provide a Level 2 clinic to support Camp Striker," said Maj. John McMurray, Medical Troop commander. "This TMC is a 24-hour medical treatment facility offering a pharmacy, X-rays, a lab, physical therapy, behavioral health and patient hold capabilities for all Soldiers."
What follows is a rather graphic article describing the scene following last week's casualties in Diyala.
By STEPHEN FARRELL, The New York Times
SINSIL, Iraq — The courtyard was a scene of devastation, strewn with medieval mud brick and modern cinder block, shattered alike by the explosion that killed six American soldiers and their Iraqi interpreter.
From the alleyway outside a day later, there was little sign that this was the house where the bomb exploded Wednesday, during an offensive to clear Sunni insurgents from the northern Diyala River valley, 60 miles north of Baghdad.
The same building complex had been cleared of explosives two weeks earlier, commanders say. But the ill-fated unit was apparently lured back to it by a villager who did not tell them that insurgents had sneaked back in later and rigged the house to explode.
By Alexandra Zavis, Los Angeles Times
DIYALA RIVER VALLEY, IRAQ -- A stocky man in a dusty dishdasha and red-checked scarf squatted under a tree as U.S. soldiers dug up his yard looking for weapons or other incriminating evidence.
Staff Sgt. Mario Cavazos knelt in front of him in the finger-numbing cold.
"The reason we are here is because we have heard from townspeople that you have been kidnapping people. Is that true?" he asked through an interpreter.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders, 22, of Roswell, N.M., died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
We hope his family, friends, and fellow soldiers find some measure of comfort from the thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Strykernews.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk, 30, of Superior, Wis., died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Zachary W. McBride, 20, of Bend, Ore., died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our condolences are offered to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, 29, of Reno, Nev., died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
The Strykernews family offers our condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, 30, of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
We offer our condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Mo., died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Colonel John RisCassi, commander of the 2nd SCR, recently conducted a teleconference from Baghdad regarding the regiment's recent operations. You can read the full transcript (PDF file). Thanks to Cannoneer No. 4 for the link. Excerpt:
COL. RISCASSI: I sure do and welcome to everybody, and I'll just have a quick opening statement here. Then I'll gladly take your questions in the amount of time we have available. So I just want to start off with again a brief statement.The regiment, 2SCR, assumed responsibility as the above-ground force for Multinational Division Baghdad in September. Our role has been to provide forces across the city and to conduct clearing operations of the remaining al Qaeda in concentrations in Baghdad. We're currently providing squadrons or soldiers to four brigade combat teams, and have soldiers operating across Baghdad.
For the past four months, the regiment's focus was the clearance of the East Rashid security district, specifically the Hadar mahalla, which was one of the last significant concentrations of al Qaeda in Baghdad. The regiment had great success in East Rashid. Our soldiers found and reduced over 100 IEDs and found over 50 caches, including a wide range of munitions, explosives and weapons.
After 106 days of continuous operations, we have reduced enemy attacks in East Rashid from over 12 a day to less than one event every two days. Much of this success was the result of cooperation and tips from the local population, as they expressed their disenchantment of al Qaeda violence and social restrictions.
In addition to our clearing operations, we supported markets and small businesses across East Rashid, encouraged the creation of CLCs, concerned local citizen groups, and reinforced the local neighborhood action committees. There are now over 2,000 CLCs, including both contracted guards and security volunteers, manning over 100 checkpoints. It is their involvement and courage, in conjunction with the local Iraqi security forces -- (inaudible) -- long-term security and stability in East Rashid.
With that brief update, I'll gladly take your questions.
The Long War Journal has a detailed update on the progress of Operation Phantom Phoenix. Excerpt:
Further north, Iraqi and Coalition forces are pressing the attack in Miqdadiyah as part of Operation Iron Harvest. Miqdadiyah is a known al Qaeda haven.US and Iraqi forces liberated six villages from al Qaeda control in the region near Miqdadiyah, Iraqi army Major General Abdul Karim al Rubaie, the director of operations in central Diyala province told AFP.
"The villages have been under the control of al-Qaeda for a long time," Rubaie. "We have taken them back and al-Qaeda has been chased out." Ten al Qaeda were reported killed and 20 captured during the operation.
By Alexandra Zavis and Julian E. Barnes, Los Angeles Times
SINSIL THARIA, IRAQ -- U.S. bombers and fighter jets continued an aggressive attack on the southern outskirts of Baghdad this morning, unleashing 38 bombs in 10 minutes on suspected Al Qaeda in Iraq safe havens.
In all, they dropped 40,000 pounds of bombs on Arab Jabour, in an area of mostly farmland, the U.S. military said in a statement.
Like Diyala, Arab Jabour has been plagued with ongoing violence, despite efforts to purge Al Qaeda. Some Awakening Councils — U.S.-backed security forces of former Sunni insurgents — have formed nearby, but none have achieved much success in the district on the outskirts of the capital. [...]
Hal Bernton of The Seattle Times contributed to this report originally published by The New York Times.
By STEPHEN FARRELL and RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr., The New York Times
ARAB HAMADAH, Iraq — In one of the deadliest stretches for U.S. troops in months, militants killed nine soldiers in the volatile Sunni Arab heartlands north of Baghdad as the military launched its third offensive in a year to dislodge Sunni guerrillas from sanctuaries deep within the lush farmlands and palm groves of Diyala province.
Six of the U.S. soldiers were killed Wednesday at an unspecified location in Diyala in part of the offensive when insurgents detonated a large bomb hidden inside a house. Four other soldiers were wounded, and an Iraqi interpreter was killed.
The military did not release further information, but in Diyala, northeast of Baghdad, house bombs have long been a staple weapon for Sunni fighters who try to lure soldiers inside booby-trapped buildings. [...]
Michael Gilbert of The News Tribune contributed to the following report originally published by The Washington Post.
AMIT R. PALEY AND JOSHUA PARTLOW; The Washington Post
FORWARD OPERATING BASE NORMANDY, Iraq – A house booby-trapped with explosives killed six American soldiers on Wednesday during an offensive against Sunni insurgents in Diyala province.
The blast, which also killed an Iraqi translator and injured four U.S. soldiers, took place on the second day of an unusually large campaign in Diyala against the insurgent group al-Qaida in Iraq. On Tuesday, three American troops were shot to death in the neighboring northern province of Salahuddin.
Fort Lewis officials said Wednesday that they hadn’t been notified of any new casualties. The post’s 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division has hundreds of soldiers in the thick of the Diyala offensive.
2/25 SBCT and 2nd SCR forces were involved in the following operation.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
AL BAYTARA, ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3d Battalion, 3d Brigade, 6th Division and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found different weapons and explosives caches in a suspected bomb making facility in Al Baytara, Abu Ghraib, just outside of Baghdad Jan 7.
Based upon a tip from a local citizen, the Iraqi Army unit found a cache consisting of more than 5,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition, a sniper rifle, rocket propelled grenade launchers, mortar rounds, rockets, rocket tubes, tank rounds, artillery rounds, an artillery round filled with home made explosives, various components for improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials, grenades, and more than 50 galloons of liquid home made explosives and 120 pound of solid home made explosives.
“The discovery of this cache by the Iraqi Army demonstrates that Al- Qaeda in Iraq still poses a dangerous threat to the security of the Abu Ghraib area, but it also highlights the increasing competence and effectiveness of the Iraqi Army,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
The MND-B Soldiers were from Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, ‘Gimlets,’ 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division attached to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment two.
The cache was recovered by explosive ordnance disposal personnel and destroyed on site.
By Pfc. Samantha Schutz, American Forces Press Service
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq, Jan. 2, 2008 – Today’s Army is an interdependent network of soldiers who are as unique as the jobs they do, with more than 150 military occupational specialties available to choose from. When a unit deploys to a combat zone, the soldiers within it depend on each other more than ever, along with their occupational knowledge, to keep operations running smoothly.
Army Staff Sgt. Craig Sotebeer, a native of Port Angeles, Wash., and an emergency care medic with Medical Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, said he has numerous duties both in the United States and while deployed, and that he takes all of them seriously.
By Maj. Charles Rote, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – The Regimental Support Squadron ‘Muleskinners,’ 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, made a small difference today to the economic well being of Iraq. Dec. 21, 14 Iraqi workers reported for work as part of an equipment demilitarization crew. They will work in the Defense Reutilization Material Office yard reducing damaged and unusable vehicles into scrap metal which will be sold to an outside business and eventually find its way into an Iraqi foundry.
Since arriving in theater the ‘Mule Skinners’ took an idea to put Iraqis to work, and in collaboration with the Iraqi Business and Industrial Zone as well as Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, it began to come together.
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Local Leaders with Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers held a reconciliation street festival in the Saha neighborhood of the Rashid District, Dec. 23.
Local Iraqis as well as Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, and policemen from 1st Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division attending the festival witnessed an impromptu signing of a reconciliation pledge by Sunni Sheik Faisal of northern Saha and Shia Sheik Ali from the southern part of the neighborhood.
“Today over 200 residents from Saha met to resolve their differences peacefully and pledge cooperation for the future,” said Lt. Col. Myron Reineke, 2nd Sqd. 2nd SCR commander. “This is an important step towards improved security and a better life for all Iraqis.”
The event, held on 30th Street, would not have been held had the security situation in Baghdad not improved over the past few months.
Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. and Iraqi Brig. Gen. Abdhul Kareem, commander, 7th Bde. 2nd INP Division, attended the event to show their support for reconciliation efforts in Saha and surrounding neighborhoods.
BAGHDAD, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Christmas Eve, late afternoon, and U.S. soldiers from 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment piled into their Stryker armoured vehicles for a patrol out on the streets of Baghdad.
This is the fifth Christmas that U.S. troops have been out in Iraq, and commanders say the best way to keep morale up is to keep moving.
There are special dinners, packages from home, religious services and decorations around camp, but no let-up in patrols.
by Sgt. James P. Hunter, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs
BAGHDAD — Approximately 1,000 Iraqi citizens, of both Shia and Sunni religions, joined together on the sectarian fault line in Rawaniyah, the Karkh District of Baghdad, to march with one another in what they called a “Peace March,” Dec. 19.
It was an Iraqi initiative to ease sectarian tensions, solely driven by Iraqi Neighborhood and District Advisory Council leaders and Sheiks from both religious sects in the area, said Capt. Marcus Melton, commander and native of Atlanta, Ga., with Pale Horse Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
News seems to be slow lately, but there are plenty of new photos and videos featuring Stryker soldiers at the DVIDS website. Just follow the links and work your way backwards through the search results.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Randy W. Pickering, 31, of Bovey, Minn., died Dec. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
By Sgt. Mark B. Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A new Soldier arrives with bags in his hands as he sits patiently, waiting for a representative from his new unit to arrive and integrate him into his new home away from home. Hours go by and he begins to wonder if anyone realizes he’s even here. From the beginning his first impression of the unit is one of doubt. One unit in Iraq, with a rich history in properly welcoming Soldiers with open arms continues the tradition and leaves no Soldier left waiting.
The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment “Dragoons,” continues the long-standing tradition of the “School of the Trooper,” which properly greets and integrates new Soldiers into a unit. The program began in 1836 and has now made its way to Iraq and is ensuring no new Soldier is left in the dark.
By Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – When Sgt. Jason Stisser, of Troop O, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment found out he was coming back to Iraq, he quickly brushed up on his Arabic. That prior preparation has been benefiting both him and his platoon in their current duties.
Based out of Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad, his unit, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, covers the Karkh District.
In a recent clearing mission dubbed, Operation Saber Sweep, the white and blue platoons of 4-2nd SCR, along with Iraqi army soldiers, went from apartment building to apartment building gathering census information on the area residents.