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Iraqi Army Leading the Way in Targeted Raids in al Anbar

By Capt. Jeffrey S. Pool

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.

Targeted raids continue in in Ramadi. Currently, there are no large clearing operations being conducted in Al Anbar. Rather, Iraqi and U.S. Forces are launching targeted raids of a short duration on insurgents and their caches. These raids are possible because of the increase in information given to Iraqi and U.S. Forces by Anbar citizens.

Source: USMC