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TIKRIT, Iraq (June 1, 2008) - Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd
Stryker Cavalry Regiment, along with Soldiers from the Iraqi Army
took part in a clearing operation outside of Combat Out-Post
Zaganiyah in the densely packed palm groves May 28.
IA Soldiers, along with members of the Sons of Iraq from three
different Iraqi towns took part in the palm grove clearing
operation, said Capt. Charles Knoll, Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd
SCR.
"The city of Bukais used to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold in
northern Iraq," said 1st Sgt. Richard Perez, Battery C, Fires
Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
"The AQI were using their position to terrorize and intimidate
the innocent people who lived in the city," said Perez.
IA, SOI and CF were able to push the al-Qaeda in Iraq presence
out of the city, said Knoll. The AQI took up sanctuary in the palm
groves that surround the city.
The thick foliage provided an ideal location for the AQI to hide
weapons caches and conduct secret operations, according to
Perez.
The palm grove clearing operation is conducted almost regularly,
said Perez. It's important to clear the AQI presence from the
groves and not allow them to feel comfortable operating in our area
of operations.
"The Iraqis are taking the lead on this operation," said Knoll.
"The Iraqi Army and SOI are going to be the tip of the spear on
this operation. The American forces are here in a purely supportive
role."
Two platoons from the Fires Brigade were stationed in blocking
positions around the palm groves, isolating the objective, as the
Iraqi forces swept through May 28, said Staff Sgt. Ronis Gutierrez,
platoon sergeant, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
In the course of the operation, three AQI were killed, said
Gutierrez. More than 46 mortars were found in various weapons
caches throughout the palm grove. Once we eliminate the AQI
presence, it will allow the Coalition forces to focus on providing
and building basic services for the people of the adjacent areas,
said Knoll.
"The Iraqis really took the fight to the AQI here today," said
Knoll. "The Iraqi Army is beginning to develop their own plans and
conduct their own missions independent of Coalition forces."
According to the unit, it is a good indicator of their
willingness to take on the broader responsibility of providing
security for their own people.
"The Iraqi Army Soldiers are very professional, and they are
very eager to take their country back from the AQI and other
insurgent groups," said Perez.
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