THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Operation Blade Runner Clears Diyala Province

A soldier from 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., observes the tree line across the canal while providing security during Operation Blade Runner, a clearing op. conducted Dec. 9, in Diyala province, Iraq. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Shacklock, 3rd Platoon sergeant of Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., provides security outside a house in Diyala province, Iraq, while concerned local citizens meet with coalition forces inside, Dec. 9. The CLCs volunteer to protect their towns and villages from terrorist organizations in Iraq. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Two 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Strykers sit in security overwatch positions while dismounted troops clear an area of palm groves in Diyala province, Iraq, Dec. 9. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Spc. Angel Rivera, a machine gunner in 3rd Platoon, Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., patrols with members of his squad through the hills and fields of Chibernot, a village in Diyala province, Iraq, Dec. 9. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Soldiers of Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., pass hand and arm signals through their formation while on patrol through fields near the village of Chibernot, Diyala province, Iraq, Dec. 9. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

A soldier of Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., negotiates obstacles during a patrol through the rugged terrain near the village of Chibernot, Diyala province, Iraq, Dec. 9. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Soldiers of Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., emplace their gunners in blocking positions during operation Blade Runner, Diyala province, Iraq, Dec. 9. Fierce Co. worked with 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, to clear the palm groves near the village of Chibernot. Photographer: Spc. John Crosby, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.