THE TENSION: Iraqi Army Leads Push to Restore Security in Mahmudiyah

Two Iraqi army soldiers manuever during an firefight with the Jaysh Al-Mahdi extremist group in Mahmuhdiyah, March 30. (Photographer: Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Iraqi army soldiers prepare to move to another objective after clearing a house, finding two supposed Jaysh Al-Mahdi extremist supporters, during joint operations in Mahmuhdiyah on March 30. (Photographer: Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs.)

Dispatches from the Front:

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq, April 3, 2008 -- Iraqi security forces are taking the lead in securing the city of Mahmudiyah against Shi’a criminal groups.

Iraqi army (IA) soldiers from 2nd battalion, 25th brigade, 6th IA division are taking control of the city’s neighborhoods with support from Red Knight Rakkasans of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

This effort, which began March 27, has already proven successful. A cordon and search resulted in the discovery of a significant weapons cache in the Qadasiya apartments on March 28.

The cache included 17 complete explosively-formed projectiles, 192 DSHKA rounds, Iraqi national police uniforms and 18 AK-style weapons, more than 100 EFP components, a demolition charge, detonation cord, fuses and a bag of homemade explosives.

“At this point, it has been a very impressive operation on both the Iraqi and coalition fronts,” said Lt. Col. William Zemp, commander of 3-320th FA. “Reports say that the EFP IED (improvised explosive device) materials were to be moved into the city of Mahmudiyah.”

The IA has detained nearly 200 individuals for questioning in an effort to curb the violence and criminal activity.

“You have to be proud of the progress being made so far,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT, 101 Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander.

Brig Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen Al Frejee, commander of the 25/6 IA division, said removal of criminal groups is key to the continued security of the Mahmudiyah Qada.

(Story by Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)