“House to house, block to block, street to street” against al-Qaeda

A soldier uses a smoke grenade for concealment as troops advance on al-Qaeda during Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baqouba, Iraq

Iraqi Security Forces teamed with Task Force Lightning units, Thursday, to clear Baqouba and surrounding areas of al-Qaeda fighters as Operation Arrowhead Ripper continued.

“It is house to house, block to block, street to street, sewer to sewer,” said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general, operations, and commander of Operation Arrowhead Ripper.

“We are shoulder-to-shoulder with Iraqi Security Forces in this fight,” said Bednarek.

The weeks ahead are absolutely key in not only holding and retaining the ground that is cleared in partnership with Coalition Forces, but also in building trust and confidence with the citizens of Diyala.”

In support of the operation, attack helicopters from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Squadron, 82nd Attack Reconnaissance Battalion provided assistance to Iraqi and Coalition ground forces, killing at least 13 al-Qaeda operatives and destroying an al-Qaeda compound during the second day of the operation.

“Over the last three days, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade has provided Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition infantry brigade combat teams, attack, scout and transportation helicopters. These assets give Coalition and Iraqi ground forces the added support they need to eliminate or contain al-Qaeda during operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baqouba,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Baker, deputy commanding officer, 25th CAB.

As Arrowhead Ripper continued through June 21, at least 51 al-Qaeda operatives have been killed, with 20 al-Qaida operatives detained, seven weapons caches discovered, 21 improvised explosive devices destroyed and nine booby-trapped structures destroyed.