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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070620-14
June 20, 2007

Task Force Lightning continues Arrowhead Ripper in Baqouba
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Task Force Lightning continued offensive operations in and around the capital of Diyala province Wednesday, maintaining the pressure on al-Qaida operatives in the area.

Since Operation Arrowhead Ripper began early Tuesday morning, at least 41 insurgents have been killed, five weapons caches have been discovered, 25 improvised explosive devices have been destroyed and five booby-trapped houses have been discovered and destroyed.

“Our combined forces have begun destroying al-Qaida operatives and their resources in and around Diyala province,” said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general for operations, Task Force Lightning and Multinational Division-North.  “The citizens of Diyala have already voiced their desires to rid this province and the country of al-Qaida and all those that wish to disrupt its progress.” 

Today, groups of Baqouba citizens stepped forward to provide valuable information on al-Qaida in the city.

During overnight operations, Task Force Lightning engaged and killed at least 11 al-Qaida operatives while destroying three enemy safe houses with precision guided munitions, a cache of 60 mm improvised explosive devices and six buried IEDs.

Ground forces also found a house booby trapped with improvised explosive devices in the Khatoon neighborhood near Baqouba. The building was destroyed with a rocket from an air support helicopter.

In another incident, Soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, observed four armed individuals digging on the side of the road and emplacing IEDs. Coalition Force air support engaged and killed all four armed IED emplacers.

“Our joint efforts, along with the citizens of Diyala, will continue to back these al-Qaida terrorists into a corner until they have no choice but end their attempts,” said Bednarek.

Some al-Qaida operatives have been captured or killed attempting to escape the city, evidenced by six uninjured adult males caught attempting to evade a checkpoint in an Iraqi ambulance on Tuesday.

Providing key support throughout the operation were helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. Aircraft from 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment have worked through the mission to move Soldiers and equipment throughout Baqouba and the surrounding area. Providing air fire support were attack helicopters from the 1st Squadron, 82nd Air Reconnaissance Battalion.

As operations against anti-Iraqi forces continue in Diyala province, the Diyala Operations Center has provided crucial coordination between Iraqi and Coalition Forces to ensure the smooth operation of law enforcement and emergency services to the citizens there.

Task Force Lightning will continue aggressive combat operations against al-Qaida in and around Baqouba as it works to bring security to the people of Iraq.

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