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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070715-07
July 15, 2007

Setback for al-Qaida operatives in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces, using tips from local citizens, targeted al-Qaida operatives outside Diyala’s provincial capital July 11, in a continued effort to deny any safe-haven to the terrorist group.
 
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted Operation Ithaca, targeting al-Qaida operatives near the villages of Haimer, Abu Nasim, and Jamil, Iraq, resulting in 29 al-Qaida gunmen killed, 23 detained, eight hostages released, two weapons caches discovered and a safe house destroyed.
 
“This operation was vital as we continue to deny al-Qaida freedom of movement and space,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3-1 Cav. commander. “In Diyala, the enemy has no safe haven; and our forces are committed to aid the Iraqi Security Forces in their fight to provide a safe and secure environment for the people.”
 
25th Combat Aviation Brigade helicopters kicked off the operation early Thursday morning with Soldiers from Company B, 5-73 Cav. conducting an air assault into the objective areas. Throughout the operation, Soldiers identified numerous gunmen moving along the palm groves and water canals attempting to escape.  
 
An al-Qaida safe house was also identified with gunmen moving in and out of the building.  25th CAB attack helicopters engaged and killed the gunmen fleeing the area along canals and palm groves, and helped destroy the safe house with Hellfire missiles.
 
“The success of this operation would not have been possible without the people of these villages who are now turning against al-Qaida,” Sutherland said. “More and more, the people and tribes are becoming disgusted and disillusioned with what al-Qaida offers. They are forming local resistance groups to guard their neighborhoods and deny the enemy any freedom of movement.”

The caches consisted of small-arms munitions, mortars, improvised explosive device making material and other enemy propaganda.
 
“This … not only shows that the people are determined to defeat AQIZ, but it is also proof that the people are gaining confidence in the Iraqi and Coalition Forces to provide them a safe and secure environment,” Sutherland added.
 
While patrolling the Abu Tauma village, eight hostages, who previously suffered severe beatings and lashings, were freed and transferred to a Coalition medical facility for treatment.

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