THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Forces Pound al-Qaida in Operation Iron Hammer

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and the 4th Iraqi Army Division pull security while their comrades clear a home in the village of Abbassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.

A soldier from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, tactically enters a house in the village Abbassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.

A soldier from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and his 4th Iraqi Army Division, partner exit a barn after clearing the structure in the village of Abbassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.

A soldier from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, clears a barn in the village of Abbassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.

A 4th Iraqi Army Division platoon leader confers with local residents during clearing operations in the village of Abbassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.

Sgt. Emmanuel Munguia of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, confers with local villager in Abassi during Operation Iron Hammer, Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov 5. Iron Hammer's purpose is to continue disruption of al-Qaida and set conditions for continued reconciliation efforts in the northern Iraqi provinces. Photographer: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs.