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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070618-03
June 18, 2007

Marne Torch commences in areas south of Baghdad
2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FOB Kalsu, Iraq — Fixed-wing aircraft dropped four precision-guided bombs on targeted sites preventing insurgents from entering southern Baghdad June 16.  This was the beginning of a major offensive operation dubbed Marne Torch. 
 
The aircraft supported approximately 1,200 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers who are focused on the security belts surrounding Baghdad.
 
2nd Brigade Soldiers have the mission of defeating insurgent activity, denying the enemy sanctuary and preventing terrorist elements from moving accelerants from the Arab Jabour area into Baghdad. 
 
The brigade’s efforts in Arab Jabour are part of the larger operation recently announced by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Gen. David Petraeus, Multi-National-Force commander.
 
“Our Soldiers are well trained, and I am extremely proud of the work they have accomplished over the past several weeks in preparation for this operation,” said Col. James Adams, 2nd BCT Deputy Commanding Officer. 
 
Marne Torch is named for the historical British-American invasion of French North Africa in World War II that took place in 1942. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division fought alongside its British comrades, and at a modest cost, gave the Allies substantial beachheads in North Africa.

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