CENTCOM NEWS RELEASES

November 19, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-32

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TF “ALL AMERICAN” CAPTURES ATTACKER OF POLICE CHIEF’S SON
AR RAMADI, Iraq – In a raid last night, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment of Task Force “All American” captured the individual believed to be responsible for the attack on the Ar Ramadi police chief’s son two nights ago.
Coalition forces believe the captured man has also been carrying out attacks on soldiers in the region.
Local Iraqis tipped off coalition forces on where the attacker was located. Tips on anti coalition activities have increased six times since last month. Iraqis continue to take security into their own hands by cooperating with the coalition.
In a separate incident near Iskandariyah, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment captured 16 individuals in the act of preparing an improvised explosive device. The men were found preparing multiple mortar tubes, mortars, grenades, and rocket propelled grenades for an attack.


November 19, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-33

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPERATIONS MAKE IRAQ SAFER, IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

AR RAMADI, IRAQ – The 82nd Airborne Division conducted operations to seek out those that destabilize the country and try to prevent coalition forces from carrying out their mission in Iraq. By accomplishing their missions, coalition forces continue to make Iraq a more stable and prosperous place for its citizens.

In the past 24 hours, soldiers from the 82dAbn. Div., also known as Task Force “All American,” went on 160 patrols, nine of which were joint patrols with members of the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. Five offensive operations were also conducted; all were cordon and searches. These operations resulted in six enemy killed, three wounded, and 15 captured.

Soldiers engaged two criminals who were looting a munitions factory, near Iskandariyah. One looter was killed and the other was wounded. The wounded looter was taken to Forward Operating Base Chosin for further treatment. Following treatment he will remain in the custody of Coalition Forces. The incident is under investigation.

Tomorrow, the Al Anbar Trucking Company contract will be signed at 1 p.m. This initiative will create employment opportunities for hundreds in Al Anbar and generate additional revenue for the local economy, as local contractors will now begin moving non-essential supplies for coalition forces.

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment continue to combine their efforts with the new local Iraqi government to make a safer place for its inhabitants and coalition soldiers.


November 19, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-34

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPERATION IVY CYCLONE II

TIKRIT, Iraq– The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse conducted 42 planned attacks last evening as part of “Operation Ivy Cyclone II.” Utilizing, 155mm artillery, 120mm mortars, AH-64 “Apache” attack helicopters and direct fire from Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A1 “Abrams” tanks, 4th Infantry Division soldiers destroyed 12 anti-Coalition safe houses and buildings and suppressed 14 mortar-firing locations, as well as, four ambush sites.

Additionally, in six separate coordinated raids 4th Infantry Division soldiers captured 36 individuals suspected of anti-Coalition activities.

During several specific missions Task Force Ironhorse soldiers diminished the capabilities of anti-Coalition forces by targeting specific locations known to be used as platforms for coordination and control of enemy operations.

4th Infantry Division AH-64 “Apache” attack helicopters targeted an athletic field in Samarra that is a known mortar firing point. Three other locations in the same area were also targeted because of their proximity to Coalition positions and the fact that the locations have been used to launch mortars against the Coalition in the past.

As a part of the AH-64’s standard armament, 30mm cannons were used to hit enemy targets, as well as, two 500 lbs. bombs from F16 “Falcons”. Additionally, an artillery battery from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor fired numerous 155mm artillery rounds at specific targets in the same area.

In the Tikrit area Coalition Forces employed artillery, mortars and attack helicopters to target locations that are used by former regime loyalist and insurgents to attack 4th Infantry Division positions.

Operation “Ivy Cyclone II” is the ninth operation associated with the elimination of non-compliant forces with in the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse area of operation.