Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces launch Marne Roundup, an operation focused on flushing out al-Qaeda extremists and weapons smugglers operating near Iskandariyah, Iraq, Dec. 15. The ground assault included Iraqi Army forces and Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
“The purpose of Marne Roundup is to defeat al-Qaeda in North Babil” by denying them sanctuary and escape routes, Col. Thomas James, commander of the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. told reporters Dec. 9. “The plan is designed to catch them as they egress,” James said.
By afternoon, troops had encountered no resistance as they moved through the target area. In tandem with the start of the offensive, U.S. soldiers destroyed two buildings used by insurgents to store improvised explosive device-making materials, using a total of 12 Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System rockets.
As soon as the target area is secured, U.S. troops will begin construction of a new security outpost, Patrol Base Khidr. From there, Concerned Local Citizen programs will be developed in the area and together with Iraqi Police, the CLCs will secure major roads leading to and from Iskandariyah.
According to the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., one of the intended effects of the operation is that Iraqi residents of the region will witness a demonstration of Iraqi Police and Army forces standing up to AQI and providing services.
Operation Marne Roundup is the latest in a series of combat offensives launched by Multi-National Division – Center Soldiers to squeeze AQI from the areas south and west of Baghdad. The operation follows on the success of Operation Marne Courageous, in which Iraqi and Coalition forces secured an area on the west bank of the Euphrates River, near Owesat, Iraq. |