THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Operation Saber Hammer II Clears Muqdadiya

Spc. David Cordick of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, watches for movement from a Stryker attack vehicle during Operation Saber Hammer II, Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq, Sept. 17. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, patrol the streets of Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq, during Operation Saber Hammer II Sept. 18. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. David Cordick of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, sets up a 60 mm mortar tube during Operation Saber Hammer II in Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq, Sept. 18. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. David Cordick of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, surveys a rooftop for the source of sniper fire during clearing operations in Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Joshua Aplin of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, searches for enemy snipers during clearing operations in Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq, Sept. 18. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

First Lt. Daniel Crumby and Spc. Brandon Carter of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, take cover from an explosion during clearing operations in Muqdadiya, Diyala province, Iraq, Sept. 18. The operation, in support of Operation Lightning Hammer II, is part of an ongoing effort to remove al-Qaida in Iraq from the province. Photographer: Pvt. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment