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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080330-02
March 30, 2008

Iraqi Special Operations Forces engage, kill 22 in Basra

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces engaged and killed several criminal fighters in Basra March 29.

The operation was conducted in support of the Government of Iraq’s efforts to secure and stabilize the city.

The ISOF conducted the operation in a known criminal stronghold in western Basra to disrupt criminal activities and capture criminal leaders.

En route to their target, the ISOF were engaged multiple times by small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Upon arrival at the target, and under fire, the ground assault force entered a building and killed four enemy fighters. Ground forces cleared the structure, finding two women and five children who were unharmed.

While at the target location, ISOF came under enemy fire from ground level and roof-top locations. They killed two enemy fighters on an apartment roof.

While engaged with hostile forces, ISOF and a supporting U.S. Special Forces team identified additional armed criminal elements in the area.

A supporting Coalition forces aircraft identified enemy forces on three roof-tops and engaged with precision gunfire after being cleared by ground forces. Initial reports indicate 16 criminal fighters were killed.

While exiting the area, ISOF were under enemy small arms and RPG attacks.

One vehicle was also struck by an improvised explosive device causing minor damage to the vehicle.

Two ISOF Soldiers were wounded during the operation.

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