More Iraq Bits

First battle space transition in Nineveh Province

MOSUL, IRAQ – Over 500 soldiers from the Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Army came together for a battle-space assumption handover ceremony Dec. 27.

For the first time within the Nineveh Province of Iraq, the 3/3/2 Iraqi Army assumed military control of battle-space. The Iraqi Army is fully engaged in the fight, and Iraq’s leadership will bring security and stability back to the nation and ultimately defeat the insurgency.

One of the Coalition Forces main efforts is to build capable Iraqi Army battalions, brigades and divisions through partnership and transition teams. This effort has enabled the Iraqi people to have increased confidence in the capability and credibility of its security forces.

B-Roll of this monumental event can be down-loaded from the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS), http://www.dvidshub.net/

Teamwork clearing Ramadi streets

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Division working alongside of 2nd Brigade Combat Team (28th Infantry Division) are clearing the streets of known insurgents in western Ramadi.

In the past two days, 1-1-7 IA forces have detained five targeted insurgents, to include Jassim Mohammed Fayadh, a high value insurgent leader, allegedly responsible for financing terrorism in the Tammim neighborhood and known to have supplied arms and munitions to Al Qaeda in Iraq.

The four additional detainees are under investigation for coordinating insurgent attacks and activities, including the storage and transportation of weapon systems and munitions.

“Our battalion has been working in western Ramadi with the Coalition Forces for the last eight months. During that time, we have fought and captured many insurgents. Yesterday was a big step to bringing safety and security to this area for our local citizens and their families. We will continue to work with our coalition partners to bring security to western Ramadi,” said Lt. Col. Mustafa, Commanding Officer, 1-1-7 IA.

The insurgents have been placed under custody of Coalition Forces and will be tried in the Iraqi Criminal Court system.

There were no injuries to local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Army soldiers or Coalition Forces. Additionally, there were no damages to equipment during the capture of these high level insurgent leaders.

SAQLAWIYAH, Iraq- Gunnery Sgt. Alfonso Via, and Cpl. Andrew Pizzalato stop at a house while on patrol and offer a local child some candy. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mark E. Morrow Jr, 2d Marine Division Combat Camera) (Released)

Auld Lang Syne

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