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BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 2, 2006 - The goal of increasing the Iraqi Security Forces presence in Baghdad and using Coalition Forces primarily as support has provided Iraqi citizens with an opportunity to build their confidence in the Iraqi Army's military police. A local informant provided LTC Ma'ad, battalion commander, Iraqi Military Academy, with key information about a possible insurgent cell location, leading to IA soldiers conducting an early morning cordon and search on multiple locations in the Southern part of Zafariniya June 21. A platoon from A Battery, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, led by 2LT Robert Morris worked with the Iraqi military police to provide an outer cordon and onsite consequence management of the mission. Upon arriving at the Iraqi Military Academy, Morris and his platoon were briefed on their involvement in this mission prior to movement. The platoon would provide security and overwatch for the Iraqi Army soldiers when they entered the homes and then inspect the homes to ensure the residence was not damaged due to entry. During the combined cordon and search, the Iraqi Army was attacked by small-arms fire but suffered no injuries or damage to personnel or equipment. The operation netted 10 detainees, along with numerous bottles of unknown chemicals. The Iraqi Army also uncovered two notable terrorist cells, one of which involved a militia battalion commander in Baghdad. "They were very happy to have captured this insurgent, (whom) they called the 'big fish,'" said Morris. The next location led to another high-valued individual and his six sons. "This cell had their own specialty in the operation, such as the internet, making improvised explosive devices, ransom and murder," said Morris."By capturing this (terrorist) and his sons, we put a big dent in the militia military operation," said Morris. "They don't just work for the militia military, but they are hired guns for the highest bidder. "The IA conducted tactical questioning at a holding facility with the assistance of Morris, which resulted in the confessions from the (terrorist) and his sons in their involvement in the recent attacks in Zafariniya, indirect fire attacks on one of Coalition Forces' forward operating bases, murder, kidnapping of female Iraqi citizens for sex then killing them, and kidnapping Iraqi citizens for ransom. As a result of the combined operation, Zafariniyah and the surrounding areas should see less mortar activity, said Morris. "At the end of the day we shook hands with the IAs and told them it was a pleasure working with them." |
