38th Infantry Works With Iraqi Soldiers West Of Baquba
A swift lightning raid of areas that have housed Al-Qaida strongholds took place this last week. Elements of Company B, 1st Battalion 38th Infantry carried out the raids as part of the larger Operation Rock Reaper.
Moving throughout the darkness just outside of Hadid, soldiers methodically and smoothly secured the area, and then set up a perimeter for security.
“As missions go it was a difficult and tough one,†said Captain Duane Bailey. Bailey is Commander of Bayonet Company. “Bayonet was the main thrust company of the assault,†said Captain Bailey. “We methodically cleared out the town, and went then house to house looking for Al-Qaida,†said Bailey.
Looking for IED devices, and explosives and weapons, the palm groves surrounding the town of Hadid were then cleared one by one. They then proceeded slowly, house to house, looking for a specific insurgent. They had a description of a terror suspect who was allegedly building and placing IED’s on the roadway.
One of the differences this time with this raid is the warmth and welcome given the men as they conducted the search. Gone was the resentment and anger of past searches, this time citizens warmly opened their doors and cooperated fully, making the search of each house much more swift.
“We were shocked, it was so nice to be treated with kindness and greeted nicely, said Sgt Johnny Walker. Sgt Walker is a Bayonet Company team leader. The soldiers went house to house with an informant, who pointed out Al-Qaida members in hiding as they searched each house.
