NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
December 16, 2003
Release Number: 03-12-37
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TASK FORCE "ALL AMERICAN" STANDS FIRM AGAINST ATTACKS
AR RAMADI, Iraq - The 82d Airborne Division and attached units, also known as Task Force "All American," continued security operations within the Al Anbar Province.
During the past 24 hours, the 82nd Airborne Division and subordinate units performed 154 patrols, including seven joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. These operations resulted in the killing of five enemy personnel, wounding two enemy personnel and one U.S. soldier being wounded.
Elements were attacked with two improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades (RPG), and small arms fire on Highway 1 north of Khalidiyah. Friendly forces identified 15-20 enemy personnel with four trucks and the enemy force simultaneously engaged the convoy throughout the kill zone - estimated to be 500 meters long. The unit immediately returned fire with all available weapons systems as they continued movement. The unit killed two of the attackers without suffering any casualties or damage to equipment.
In response to the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in Khalidiyah yesterday, paratroopers secured the blast site, repositioned force protection barriers, and provided expertise to the police department to increase their security and achieve greater standoff of key facilities. Security responsibilities for the municipal building and police station have been returned to the Khalidiyah Police Department, but Task Force "All American" will continue to provide assistance and conduct frequent combat patrols in the area.
This afternoon, celebratory fire ensued in Ar Ramadi and a crowd of approximately 500 to750 personnel gathered at the Governance Center. The Iraqi police responded effectively while Task Force "All American" repositioned an infantry company to the Governance Center and a platoon to the Governor's Compound to assist. Our forces were fired upon at the Governance Center wounding one U.S. soldier. We immediately returned fire killing two of the attackers and wounding two others.
In a separate attack, approximately 30 Iraqis began firing on a unit returning from a weapons cache. The unit returned fire, killing one of the attackers.
In addition, a class of 62 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) recruits graduated today at the Navea Training Center.
Cooperation efforts between Iraqis and Task Force "All American" continue to grow, as forces remain committed in providing a more secure environment for the Al Anbar Province. The capture of Saddam Hussein was another step in the progress of helping to defeat the Former Regime Elements and providing a safe and secure environment for the people Iraq.
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