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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Aug 21, 2008 - 7:13:55 AM |
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 Blackanthem Military News, BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi security forces engaged in a day-long battle against several hundred insurgents north of Najaf Jan. 28. When the day was done, a U.S. helicopter went down, yet more than 100 gunmen were captured.
“This is an example of a promise kept,” said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, deputy commanding general of the Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 1st Cavalry Division, commenting on the recovery operation of the downed helicopter and day-long battle against illegal militiamen. “Everything worked just as it should have.”
Brooks spoke last month at the An-Najaf ceremony turning over provincial control to Iraqi Security Forces. During his speech at the transfer of authority ceremony in Najaf, Brooks promised the citizens of An Najaf that MND-B would be there to support the ISF, if called upon.
Elements from the Iraqi Army, Iraqi police and national police units in the area were sent north of Najaf to follow up on a tip of armed gunmen in the area moving toward Najaf with Ashura pilgrims.
A joint patrol was attacked by more than 200 gunmen with small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades. During the course of the morning-long fight, U.S. fixed-wing aerial assets were called in to assist. U.S. helicopters launched to join the fight at approximately noon.
While engaging the insurgents, one helicopter went down killing two Soldiers at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Ground elements from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment were dispatched to the site of the downed aircraft to assist in recovering the remains of the Soldiers and to secure the helicopter.
Col. Michael Garrett, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division said the soldiers of 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division under the command of Col. Saadi were already on the scene pursuing the illegal militiamen.
“The aggressive manner in which the Iraqi soldiers performed north of An Najaf going after the anti-Iraqi Forces was impressive,” said Garrett, a Cleveland, Ohio native.
Securing the area around the site of the downed aircraft became the focal point of Coalition Forces and insurgents, alike, as the firefight continued. Coalition Force elements including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ground units joined forces, with the ISF, to battle a militia group estimated at more than 200 gunmen.
The crash site was secured and the remains of the fallen Soldiers were recovered.
Operations continued into the morning hours Jan. 29, to secure what remained of the aircraft, to clear enemy forces in the area to reestablish ISF security of the region. More than 100 gunmen were captured in the operation.
Garrett said the ISF’s planning for Ashura security was what set them up for their battlefield success north of Najaf.
The cause of the helicopter crash is still under investigation. The recovered Soldiers’ names are being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.
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