Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070423-02
April 23, 2007

Coalition Forces see progress in Diyala River Valley
Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – “As lethal and non-lethal operations continue in the Diyala River Valley,
Coalition Forces continue to see signs of progress throughout the area which clearly
shows the people’s disdain for terrorist activity and the increasing support of the Iraqi
Security Forces,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala.

In Zaganiyah, Iraq, Saturday, citizens from the area approached members of the
5th Iraqi Army Division and Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to inform them of
weapon caches and people responsible for placing improvised explosive devices.

The information provided by the citizens led to the discovery of two caches and
the detention of two suspected terrorists who were still carrying the initiation systems for
IEDs. Six anti-Iraqi forces were also killed in the area.

The caches included artillery rounds, an anti-tank mine, more than five rocketpropelled
grenades and IED-making material.

Aside from the citizens providing information, the local tribal leaders have
approached the patrol base in Zaganiyah to meet with the Iraqi army and Coalition
leadership and discuss the way ahead.

“The willingness of these leaders to come to the patrol base demonstrates that
the grip of al-Qaeda has loosened and the people no longer fear for their lives by talking
with Americans,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas, 5-73 Cav. commander.

In other areas of the Diyala River Valley, tribal leaders who previously lacked
confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces are now reaching out to the IA and police.

According to Poppas, the local leader in As Sadah has “taken the mantle of his
leadership seriously and is determined to strike out on a path of independence,” as he
now regularly meets with the IA, IP and Shia leadership in surrounding areas to return
Shia families to the area and fix essential services.

The leader in Had Maskar is also reaching out to the security forces to rid the
area of terrorist activity.

“We continue to build on this hard-won momentum by remaining on the offense,”
Poppas said.

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