Release A050706b
Iraqis, Coalition conclude Operation Sword
Multi-National Force-Iraq
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Marines and Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2, 2 nd Marine Division are concluding Operation Saif, which translates as Sword, and will remain in the city of Hit indefinitely to provide a security presence. The Marines and Iraqi soldiers will man outposts at key locations throughout Hit, which has population 120,000 and is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Baghdad.
The combined force will continue to conduct joint patrolling and stabilization operations. Marines and Iraqi Soldiers have operated from Camp Hit, a small base on the outskirts of the city, but this is the first time the ISF and Marines will live and work continuously within the city.
Hit joins the major cities of Ramadi, Habbaniyah and Fallujah in having persistent presence of Iraqi Security Forces. Hit is now the Al Anbar city furthest west to maintain a fully-trained ISF presence. There are now approximately 1,500 more trained Iraqi soldiers working in Al Anbar than there were at the conclusion of Operation Matador on May 7.
Operation Saif began June 28, and forces are currently in the final stages of destroying weapons caches and clearing terrorists from the city.
Resistance throughout the course of the operation was reported by commanders in the city as ‘light' and ‘sporadic.'
There were no fatalities among Iraqi or American forces.
No major battles or air strikes occurred.
There was no disruption of basic utilities or interrupted access to medical treatment for the citizens of Hit.
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Capt. Jeffrey S. Pool is a public affairs officer for the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He is the point of contact for this release and can be reached at PoolJS@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
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