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Marines search and clear during Operation Matador

Marines, Iraqi Army soldiers, and Iraqi Police all worked together recently in the Andaloos District to disrupt insurgent operations in the area.

Sgt. Maj. Bradley E. Trudell, battalion sergeant major, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, took time to learn a few words of Arabic during Operation Matador. The operation took place in the Andaloos District of Fallujah, Iraq, where Marines along with Iraqi Security Forces searched every building to make sure no insurgents were operating in the area. Hundreds of local Iraqis made their way into the streets to talk with the forces, many offering food and drinks to the Marines.

Marines from 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, along with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion -both under Regimental Combat Team 5- and the local Iraqi Security Forces swept through hundreds of buildings and homes during Operation Matador.

The Andaloos District has historically been an area for insurgents to attack Coalition Forces passing through on patrols and had a reputation for being one of the most dangerous spots in the city.

"It has been an area of high activity," said Sgt. Maj. Bradley E. Trudell, battalion sergeant major, from Mexico, N.Y. "We were prepared to handle anything that came our way, but the mission was to clear the area and make sure that their were no bad guys there."

The district's southern border is outlined by the city's main road. The border continues north along the Euphrates River on the western edge of town and turns west on yet another prominent street, forming a triangle that surrounds an estimated two square miles.

Tanks, humvees, police trucks and dismounted forces covered the streets and spread out to conduct searches early in the morning while most Iraqis were still sleeping.

Marines and Iraqi soldiers could be seen at every angle, knocking on doors and swiftly moving in on possible targets.

"It demonstrated our ability to surge forces in any area of Fallujah and the ability of Coalition Forces to control the city," said Lt. Col. Christopher A. Landro, battalion commander, from Kennesaw, Ga.

After many were awakened, they came out of their homes to watch and engage in conversation. The atmosphere turned from a high-tempo search operation to a more calm and friendly one after Coalition Forces had been in the area for a few hours.

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