Insurgents Defeated in Second Baghdad Battle

US Snipers Battle on Haifa Street - January 24, 2007

Dozens of insurgents were killed or captured during a combined security operation that was kicked off today in the Haifa Street area of Baghdad, officials said.

At dawn, troops met enemy resistance, including hand-held grenades, small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades from high-rise buildings in the area. Direct, indirect and air support fire were used in support of troops in contact from high-rise buildings. Combined forces continue to clear objectives despite resistance from insurgent forces, officials said.

Soldiers with the 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, officers from the 5th Iraqi National Police Brigade and elements of the U.S. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division initiated raids as part of Operation Tomahawk Strike 11 on Haifa Street to disrupt illegal militia activity and help restore Iraq security force control in the area.

The mission is not designed to solely target Sunni insurgents, but rather is aimed at rapidly isolating insurgents and gaining control of this key central Baghdad location, officials said. Reducing sectarian violence is vital in transferring security responsibilities to the Iraqi security forces and provides a safer living environment for Iraqi residents, officials added.