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
August 11, 2004
Release Number: 04-08-32
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEU, IRAQI NATIONAL GUARD, SOLDIERS GEAR UP FOR 'ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT'
FOB DUKE - Sporadic fighting between 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit forces and Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Wadi Al Salam cemetery persists for a sixth day today, as Marines, U.S. Army Soldiers and Iraqi National Guardsmen continue joint training exercises in preparation for major assaults against enemy forces in the city of Najaf.
Squad-sized enemy elements, seeking sanctuary in buildings and mosques surrounding the holy Imam Ali Shrine, continue to enter the cemetery and engage MEU forces with small arms, RPGs and sniper fire. In addition, enemy forces continue to set up mortar firing positions immediately outside these buildings and mosques, knowing MEU forces are making every effort to ensure the protection of one of Islam's holiest shrines. At about 11 a.m. today, enemy forces were observed staging numerous piles of tires in the streets within the exclusionary zone around the shrine and setting them on fire.
MEU Marines, augmented with Iraqi National Guardsmen from Najaf and other
locations, two Army reinforced infantry battalions and one Army aviation battalion -- all who now fall under the operational control of the 11th MEU -- are currently working together to constitute the force that will conduct these major assaults. MEU training with the ING began several days ago, and will foster an efficient, effective, cohesive team as ING leads the fight in ridding their city of those who break the rules of law and order.
Last night, Marines on a security patrol in the city came under fire. Since Marines did not have positive identification regarding who was shooting at them, they did not return fire. This is demonstrative of the kind of discipline Marines have. Even when attacked, we do not fire indiscriminately. MEU forces are committed to minimizing collateral damage to protect the innocent citizens and infrastructure of Najaf.
Yesterday, MEU forces broadcast messages around the city using loud speakers mounted on vehicles, warning Najaf citizens to leave areas where Anti-Iraqi Forces are operating from or where military operations are being conducted, out of concern for their safety. Marines also warned enemy forces to lay down their weapons, peacefully leave the city or else Iraqi security forces, U.S. Marines and Soldiers will target them.
MEU forces also are currently coordinating with non-governmental agencies for the delivery of medical supplies to local hospitals in Iraq.
"Iraqi and U.S. forces are making final preparations as we get ready to finish this fight that the Muqtada Militia started, " said Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th MEU. "The desired end state is one of stability and security, where the citizens of Najaf do not live in fear of violence or kidnappings and where the city of Najaf can once again return to peace and prosperity."
Background:
U.S. Army units attached to the 11th MEU:
Task Force 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Task Force 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Current MEU offensives are a result of AIF operating from the sacred cemetery and surrounding mosques and buildings, violating international laws of war and the cease-fire agreement between Muqtada al-Sadr and coalition forces. The agreement, negotiated in June by the governor of Najaf and other local civic and religious leaders, included the creation of an exclusion zone for coalition forces around the Imam Ali Shrine and its neighboring cemetery.
Upon reaching this agreement, AIF wasted no time in using the holy site as an operating base. Using it as sanctuary, they began by staging large weapons caches there. Activity increased over time, including sporadic offensive operations against Iraqi security forces and kidnapping Iraqi policemen. The AIF kidnapped their victims, including innocent civilians, bringing them to the cemetery for torture, execution and burial.
While the international laws of armed conflict normally identify such sites as protected places, that status is forfeited if it is used for military purposes. AIF actions make the cemetery a legitimate military objective, which is being assaulted out of necessity and self-defense. During the fighting, great efforts were made on the part of the Marines to minimize collateral damage and preserve the cemetery.
* For more information, contact Capt. Carrie C. Batson at batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil
* Visit the 11th MEU website at www.11meu.usmc.mil or www.usmc.mil/11thmeu
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