Operation Lion Begins in Southern Ramadi

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq - Approximately 200 Iraqi Army Soldiers and 250 Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2-BCT) attached to the 2nd Marine Division, kicked off Operation Asad (Lions) Nov. 22, in the Tammim area of southern ar Ramadi.

Operation Lions follows Operations Panthers and Bruins, both of which were conducted in different parts of Ramadi. These operations involved Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces clearing sections of the city in order to disrupt the insurgency and set conditions for successful elections on Dec 15.

Terrorists operating in Ramadi continue to try and influence the local Iraqi citizens through murder and intimidation tactics. Terrorists linked to the Abu Musab Al Zarqawi network in Ramadi have vowed to prevent the local citizens from participating in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote.

Since Nov. 16, operations by the Iraqi Army and 2-BCT have resulted in 32 enemy killed and the seizure and destruction of four weapon caches, to include: surface to air missiles, rocket propelled grenades, numerous rockets, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, hand grenades, landmines, small arms, small arms ammunition and various IED making equipment.

"The Iraqi Army has been the main effort in many of our operations. They continue to exhibit professionalism and resolve in securing their country," said Col. John L. Gronski, commanding officer, 2- BCT.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq