A sniper team with Eagle Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment; Scans a river bed adjacent to two Iraqi villages being cleared during Operation Cougar Storm, June 23. The goal of the mission was to sweep out Al-Qaida and establish an Iraqi army presence in the area.
Story and photos by SPC. Ryan Elliott, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
BAQUBAH - With beads of sweat rolling down their neck Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, labored away alongside members of the Iraqi army and Sons of Iraq sweeping suspected Al-Qaida forces out of two separate villages south of Baqubah during Operation Cougar Storm, June 23.
The operation was designed to deny Al-Qaida forces a place to stage Improvised Explosive Device attacks along key routes that coalition forces and Iraqi civilians use, as well as establish an Iraqi army presence in the area, said 1st Lt. Fernando Pelayo, a platoon leader with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
The 2nd Squadron Soldiers along with Iraqi forces were successful in their mission of secured Mullaid and Naquib, two small Iraqi towns just south of Baqubah.
“2nd Squadron cleared Mullaid and Naquib in order to protect the population and reestablish Iraqi security forces and Government of Iraq authority and legitimacy,” said Cpt. Daniel Eickstedt a Fire Support Officer with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
The success of Operation Cougar Storm was an important step in expanding the Government of Iraq’s legitimacy and authority in the area.
“The operation was a success. In addition to clearing the villages of Al-Qaida and expanding GOI authority to the south, over 10 Improvised Explosive Device’s were found and safely detonated on Route Lime. This will give coalition forces and Iraqi security forces greater Freedom of Maneuver in the area,” Eickstedt said.
Another measure in which the operation was a success was how the Iraqi army and Sons of Iraq took the lead in both clearing and securing the Iraqi villages.
“The Iraqi forces performed very well, they were very eager to get into it,” Pelayo said. “It was their operation entirely we were in an over-watch position for the most part.”
“The Iraqi army performed extremely well. Iraqi army soldiers took the lead in clearing both areas. One IA Soldier lost his life to a House-Borne IED, but the Iraqi army soldiers were not deterred. Their country should be proud of their efforts,” Eickstedt went on to say.
Over all the mission was a success, the coalition forces accomplished their mission of providing support and leadership to the Iraqi security forces.
“As always the coalition forces performed above and beyond what was expected of them,” Pelayo said. “They were dedicated, motivated and kept their minds focused on the mission at hand” Pelayo went on to say.
Coalition forces were able to conduct a truly combined operation using multiple assets and enablers to achieve success, Eickstedt said.
“This will expand the Government of Iraq and Iraqi security force’s authority southward in the Cougar Area of Operation. This will take away some traditional Al-Qaida support zones and is another step in bringing true security to the Diyala province. It is all part of the clear, hold, build strategy. Clear the area of Al-Qaida, hold the area using Sons of Iraq and ISF, and build up the quality of life for the local population. Step one is complete. The next step will be to hold and encourage the population to return,” Eickstedt said.
Spc. Joseph Hadfield of Eagle Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, pulls security during Operation Cougar Storm, south of Baqubah, June 23. The operation was designed to root out Al-Qaida in the area and deny them sanctuary in two Iraqi villages AQI had previously occupied using to stage Improvised Explosive Devices along key routes of travel.
Sgt. Arthur Dupont of Eagle Company, 2nd Squadron 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment helps secure a building during Operation Cougar Storm, a joint operation between coalition foces and Iraqi army as well as SoI, June 23. The goal of the operation is to sweep out Al-Qaida hold up in two Iraqi villages.
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wew…nice job…