Coalition Forces continue to pressure Baghdad VBIED network

Coalition Forces continue to pressure Baghdad VBIED network
Tuesday, 13 March 2007

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

Coalition Forces continue to pressure Baghdad VBIED network
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Soldiers from eight brigade combat teams completed a nine-day sweep throughout Baghdad to disrupt the Baghdad vehicle borne improvised explosive device network on March 10.
The operation was designed to attack the terrorist command and control structure organizing and financing the deadly car bomb attacks.

Over the course of the operation which began March 2 Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces struck 82 precision targets. As a result, 24 terrorists were killed; four wounded and 90 suspected terrorists were detained. Several of those detained were members of Al-Qaeda. Coalition Forces also found or captured many weapons caches to include two aircraft bombs, one 500-lb MK-82 bomb, 50 155mm artillery shells, one complete 82mm mortar system with over 100 rounds, four 122mm rockets, one DSHKA heavy machine gun, six rocket propelled grenades, two RPK light machine guns, 27 AK-47 assault rifles, five bolt action rifles, two shotguns, six pistols and numerous ammunition and other bomb making materials.

The operation coined as Arrowhead Strike 8 included Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division; 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division; 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division; and other Special Operations Forces.

“We wanted to put pressure on the entire network at one time” said Colonel Steve Townsend, Commander of 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. “We think the number of detainees we have should shake things up a bit. Although car bombing has continued in recent days, their effectiveness against civilians has significantly decreased,” said Colonel Townsend.