Coalition And Iraq Forces Secure Area South Of Baghdad
Forward Operating Base Kalsu
Forces from both the Iraqi Army and U.S. Coalition Troops worked to conduct a forward securing Operation near Chaka Four Region.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, Company C, teamed with soldiers from the Iraqi Army south of Baghdad to look for Al-Qaeda and insurgents. They went painstakingly and melodically from building to building, searching for any hint of terrorist activity, weapons or explosives.
During the raid, fifty terrorist suspects where detained and held for questioning. The Operation was dubbed Nanos II, and marked the first joint effort between Iraqi 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, Eighth Army Division, and coalition troops. One of the people arrested is thought to be responsible for assassinating Imad Ghurtani, an Iraqi Sheik, in November 2007.
Soldiers found an apparent bomb making factory, and two large mortar systems. The large caliber weapons were destroyed, along with the factory and explosives. “This operation took the intimidation factor and eliminated it,†said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Getchell. Getchell is the commander of the 2nd 502nd Infantry Regiment, which is a part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team.
“We are installing the local CLC citizens group in the buildings we cleared out,†said Getchell. The Iraqi Army attacked the mission with a lot of zeal. “The Iraqi Army soldiers really wanted to get the job done,†said First Lieutenant Brian Roberts. Roberts is the platoon leader for Company C. “We are going to work with the Iraqi Army Troops to transition into the rebuilding stage,†said Roberts.
