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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

September 4, 2004
Release Number: 04-09-06


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


TAL AFAR OPERATIONS HELP BRING STABILITY, SUPPORT TO REGION

MOSUL, Iraq - Military operations to bring stability and security to the city of Tal Afar began this morning when Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) entered the city in search of Anti-Iraqi Forces. Soldiers detained one and killed two Anti-Iraqi Forces.

At about 8 a.m., Stryker Brigade Soldiers initiated operations to capture or kill members of a known terrorist cell operating in the Tal Afar area, approximately 50 kilometers west of Mosul. The targeted terrorist was positively identified and detained.

At approximately 9 a.m., an OH-58D Kiowa helicopter made a controlled landing near Tal Afar. The two crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries during the landing. They have both been evacuated to the military hospital in Mosul. At this time, the cause of the controlled landing is under investigation.

At approximately 9:20 a.m., a Stryker vehicle securing the site of the downed helicopter took rocket propelled grenade fire, disabling the vehicle. Recovery operations are underway. There were no injuries to any of the Stryker crew members. While securing the site of the vehicle, Multi-National Forces continued to take enemy fire, and when they returned fire, killed two terrorists.

At about 10:40 a.m., in response to continued enemy fire, close air support was called in, dropping a bomb in an area near the city. No casualties have been reported.

The city of Tal Afar has been a suspected haven for terrorists crossing into Iraq from Syria. Multi-National Forces and Iraqi Security Forces have targeted the city to rid it of the Anti-Iraqi Forces conducting terrorist activities throughout the northern region and to bring peace and stability to the innocent civilians who live in the city.

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