Joint Operation Targets Insurgents in Baghdad
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - U.S. soldiers of Task Force Baghdad, in conjunction with Iraqi intervention forces, are conducting security
operations in eastern Baghdad targeting pockets of insurgents and terrorists, a Multinational Force Iraq news release
said.
An M1A1 Main Battle Tank of Bravo Company, 1-185 Armor, 81st Armor Brigade guards the perimeter to the company’s assembly area (alpha alpha)
during a three day area reconnaissance around Balad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The alpha alpha is the field
command post for the company while they are out denying anti-Iraqi forces the freedom to operate and move throughout the
country side. USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
Besides ground troops patrolling the troubled eastern neighborhoods, this joint operation has included limited precision
fire from air strikes over the past two days to engage insurgent crew-served weapon teams.
"The intent is to provide security for the people of Thawra so we can get back to the business of reconstruction," 1st
Cavalry Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli said.
In other areas of Baghdad, Iraqi National Guard troops and Task Force Baghdad soldiers conducted raids on suspected
insurgent weapons caches on Sept. 21.
In an eight-hour timeframe, these raids netted six 155 mm artillery shells and the packing material for an additional 11
shells. Eleven suspected terrorists were also detained in the raids.
Chiarelli recently commented on the violence in Baghdad and the efforts the Multinational Forces are making to improve
the security situation.
"If I can have peace … today, I have enough money to do all the major work in Baghdad," Chiarelli said. "We can do so
much … to turn around the deplorable conditions in many portions of the city."
While improvements are being made to Baghdad's infrastructure, Iraqi security forces are working alongside 1st Cavalry
Division soldiers to ensure stability is maintained in dangerous areas of the city, such as the Thawra section.
Chiarelli said he believes the Iraqi security forces are continually improving and getting stronger, but he stressed
that the residents of Baghdad could play a part in improving the security situation.
"Every tip they give us, every time they identify for us an (improvised explosive device), a mortar or a (vehicle-borne
improvised explosive device), or a vehicle that they suspect, they make the security in Baghdad just a little bit
better," Chiarelli said.
Recent violence in Thawra, Haifa Street, and in other areas of Baghdad has caused concern about whether the 1st Cavalry
Division can continue to focus on providing assistance for civil military projects.
As the security situation improves, projects to improve the city's infrastructure, including water, sewer, trash and
electricity services, can continue unhindered, Chiarelli said. A project for a new sewer system in the southern area of
Thawra will begin this week.