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Operation Wadi Aljundi Shows The Courage of Iraqi Soldiers

By Major Eric Dent

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HIT, Iraq - Eight days of back-breaking searches through villages and fields along the western Euphrates River valley have yielded thousands of pieces of ordnance as Iraqi Army soldiers and U.S. Marines continue Operation Wadi Aljundi (Koa Canyon) in Iraq's Al Anbar province.

Aimed at isolating insurgents and their weapons, the combined Iraqi and U.S. force began the latest sweep Jan. 15, and have uncovered a staggering amount of weaponry. The soldiers and Marines are making their way inch-by-inch through caves, fields, wadis, and islands in an attempt to disrupt the insurgents.

So far, the combined force has found and destroyed more than 4,300 artillery and mortar rounds, rockets, and mines; 267 kilograms (590 pounds) of explosive powder, 10,000 rounds of various types of ammunition (ranging from small-arms to tank main gun rounds), 300 blasting caps, approximately 100 ft. of detonation cord, and several working machine guns and mortar systems.

"Every piece of ordnance that is uncovered is one less potential IED [improvised explosive device] that may be used against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security and Coalition forces." said Marine Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., the commander of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). McKenzie also stated that the future of the Iraqi Army is bright, based upon the individual courage of the Iraqi soldiers. "The basic ingredient is courage, and these Iraqi soldiers are showing it," said McKenzie.

The Iraqi Army soldiers are with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and the Marines are with the 22nd MEU (SOC).

The 22nd MEU (SOC) is comprised of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 2nd Marines, MEU Service Support Group 22, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (Reinforced) 261. The 22nd MEU (SOC) is conducting counterinsurgency operations with an Iraqi battalion in the Al Anbar province under the tactical control of the 2nd Marine Division.

More Operation Wadi Aljundi updates will be posted as additional information becomes available. For more information about the 22nd MEU (SOC) visit the unit's Web site at www.22meu.usmc.mil .

See Also:
Operation Wadi Aljundi Continues in Western Euphrates River Valley
Operation Wadi Aljundi Receives Support of Iraqis

Source: USMC