Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division - North Soldiers have made significant progress against al-Qaeda in four provinces in northern Iraq after two weeks of Operation Iron Hammer.The operation to disrupt al-Qaeda involves three U.S. brigade combat teams and four Iraqi Army divisions. During the operation, Coalition Forces and ISF have undermined al-Qaeda operations and discovered more than 50 caches across the Multi-National Division-North area of operations. The caches have contained more than 500 mortar and artillery rounds, three tons of homemade explosives, countless IED-making materials, hundreds of anti-tank and personnel mines and more than 100 machine guns. Beyond the weapons found, CF and ISF discovered various documents and related information material.
CF and ISF have also detained hundreds of suspected al-Qaeda members. ISF are reporting Iraqi citizens feel more confident and secure. "Every day the streets of Mosul are becoming more vibrant with shop keepers, as we provide increased security for the Iraqi people," said Brig. Gen. Moutaa Habeeb Jassim Jewab, commander of 2nd Iraqi Army Division, whose division was among those involved in the operation.