During the last 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division conducted 260 patrols (including 14 joint patrols) and executed three offensive operations â cordon and searches in Fallujah, Mahmudiyah and Habbaniyah. Iraqi Civil Defense Corps forces conducted 15 independent patrols.
The 82nd Airborne Division captured five enemy personnel while suffering one U.S. killed in action and four U.S. wounded in action. Soldiers denied entry to 10 personnel and 10 vehicles at Husaybah, 53 personnel and 37 vehicles at Trebil, and one person and one vehicle at Tanif â all because they lacked passports. Approximately 109 passengers, 18 cars and 11 busses crossed back into Iraq at Ar Ar yesterday as they returned from the Hajj. To date, 226 pilgrims have returned to Iraq in the 82nd Airborne Divisionâs area of operations.
| Ar Ar's such a happy place to live. Lotsa laffs... |
At 9:25 p.m. Feb. 7, soldiers conducted a cordon and search in Habbaniyah to kill or capture Thamer Mubarik Atruz, a known Al Qaeda and Ansar al-Islam leader in Khalidiyah. Although the primary target was not found, three of his associates were detained.
| So we snagged some Ansar cannon fodder... |
At 6:30 a.m. Feb. 8, paratroopers conducted search and attack operations north of Fallujah to capture five individuals suspected of attacking Coalition forces with improvised explosive devices. The operation resulted in one enemy captured and various rocket propelled grenades and small arms weapons confiscated. At 10:57 a.m. Feb. 8, paratroopers were attacked with an IED and small arms fire while conducting a routine patrol southeast of Fallujah. The attack resulted in three wounded. The unit secured the area, evacuated the casualties and conducted a search. At 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8, soldiers moving to clear an IED discovered another IED. As the soldier approached to render it safe, the IED detonated, killing the soldier.
Funds were approved to complete the remodeling of a primary school in Fallujah. The schoolâs 350 students will also receive 150 backpacks and 50 soccer balls. Civil affairs personnel working with the 82nd Airborne Division donated $8,700 for the project. Approximately 2,500 citizens residing near Ar Ramadi will receive access to new water pumps for two existing water stations. The $40,000 project will bring potable water to some of the poorest communities in Al Anbar. Civil affairs with 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division paid for the project out of the Commanderâs Emergency Relief Fund. |