NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
| October 1, 2004 Release Number: 04-10-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN SAMARRA TIKRIT, Iraq - In response to repeated and unprovoked attacks by anti-Iraqi forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces secured the government and police buildings in Samarra early in the morning of October 1 in support of the Iraq Interim Government and the people of Samarra. Soldiers from the 202nd Iraqi National Guard Battalion, 7th Iraqi Army Battalion, and 1st Infantry Division secured key government buildings and locations throughout the city in order to facilitate orderly government processes, kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces, and set the conditions to proceed with infrastructure and quality of life improvements for the people of Samarra. Iraqi and multi-national forces have conducted joint patrols in the city since Multi-National and Iraqi forces reseated the City Council on September 9. Unimpeded access throughout the city for Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces is non-negotiable. Anti-Iraqi force attacks and acts of intimidation against the people of Samarra have undermined the security situation in the city. Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces are responding to restore order and normalcy for the people of Samarra. -30- |
