Release A051123d
Air assault mission takes down terrorist stronghold
Multi-National Force-Iraq
TIKRIT, Iraq – A joint Iraqi and U.S. mission against a terrorist hideout near Bayji uncovered a large amount of money and weapons.
The operation named Old Baldy was launched Nov. 21 by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and “Rakkasans” from the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team. More than 30 suspected terrorists and a large cache of money, weapons and material were captured during the operation.
The air assault mission was centered on al Bayji Island, a 10 square kilometer land mass splitting the Tigris River north of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown. The island has served as an isolated hideout for terrorists and criminals in the past.
According to Lt. Col. Randy George, commander of Task Force Leader, Bayji Island was a “previously untouched area and we wanted to send a clear message to the insurgents: there is no safe haven in AO Rakkasan.”
The Soldiers swept onto the island before dawn Nov. 21 in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Over the next 36 hours, the Iraqi and American Soldiers conducted searches of the island, uncovering stores of enemy weapons including rocket-propelled grenades and IED making material.
“This operation instilled confidence in our Iraqi counterparts, and served to further strengthen our partnership with the Iraqi Army,” said George, referring to the Rakkasan partnership with the 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers.
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For more information, please contact the 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION Public Affairs Office at EDWARD.LOOMIS@US.ARMY.MIL
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