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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061202-03
Dec. 2, 2006

Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces secure Baqubah
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq – The 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army, with support from the 1-12
Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, began
coordinated offensive operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Baqubah today.

Acting on intelligence reports and tips, 2/5 IA, with support from coalition forces
based in Diyala, commenced operations aimed at terrorist cells responsible for placing
improvised explosive devices, sniper operations, kidnapping and murder in Baqubah.

“This is a great indicator of the commitment of Iraqi Army officers and Soldiers to
protect and secure the people of the province,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala. “These
operations are intelligence driven and target specific terrorist cells that are attempting to
destabilize the government and economic growth in the province. Some individual
targets are also responsible for instigating the sectarian violence in the province,” he
continued.

This operation has been carefully planned between coalition forces and Iraqi
Army leaders.

The intent of this operation is to eliminate the terrorist cells that are operating in
areas of Baqubah, and then allow the local Iraqi Police to enforce the rule of law.
Iraqi Police are currently manning many critical check points; the Iraqi Army are
manning several others, and another checkpoint is manned by both IA and IP in a joint
effort. These check points are used to provide security and control movements within
the city limits.

“This military operation is designed to separate the terrorists from the honorable
people of Baqubah, and better enable the Iraqi Security Forces to maintain a secure
and stable environment,” Sutherland said.

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