Coalition Forces Work With Iraqi Army Soldiers
Iraq Army forces continue to improve and get more and more proficient in dealing with security. Joint operations were held with Iraqi Army soldiers and coalition soldiers, in a mission to clear buildings on February 17th. Soldiers cleared buildings in a building-to-building search near Balad Ruz.
Iraqi Army soldiers who are stationed at the Patrol Base Trurki were assisted by Troop G, 2nd Squadron, and 3rd Armored Cavalry. Troops from both units went house-to-house and building-to-building to clear out any explosives, to hunt for terror suspects, and to find out any information they could about ongoing insurgency activity.
“We are casting a new, wide net, looking for weapons, terror suspects, as well as a list of people who have been reported kidnapped,” said Captain Robert Green. Captain Green is the Grim Troop commanding officer, with 3rd Cav.
The soldiers from the Iraqi Army meet with Troop G soldiers and their leaders, and shared the small towns and villages that had been receiving small arms and mortar fire. As the meetings continue, the exact needs from the coalition become more and more clear.
The Iraqi Army needs an ongoing source of supplies and vehicles. Several of their vehicles have undergone severe damage from IED blasts, and they were blunt about their needs for assistance. The coalition forces immediately agreed to help out with transportation as well as supply other resources to the fight.
Several tunnels were found, and citizens were very helpful during the search. No insurgents were discovered, but there were several stashes of weapons that were turned up during the house-to-house searching.