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Operation Squeeze Play makes Ramadi safer

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Sunday, 14 January 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070114-03
Jan. 14, 2007

Operation Squeeze Play makes Ramadi safer Multi-National Force – West PAO

AR RAMADI, Iraq – During a month-long operation, Iraqi security forces along with Coalition forces seized 31 caches of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, while gaining the support of four more tribes in Ramadi.

Operation Squeeze Play, which began Dec. 1, was carried out by Iraqi Army Soldiers, police, U.S. Soldiers, and Marines. The operation took place in central Ramadi and areas north and east of the city. The operation expanded the security capabilities of the Iraqi Army, police and Coalition Forces, particularly in the Hamdiyah and Sufia areas.

“This operation cleared out known anti-Iraqi safe havens and led to the establishment of four Iraqi police sub-stations," said 1st Armored Division, 1st Brigade spokesman Marine Maj. Riccoh Player. "We welcome the assistance of the Iraqi tribes who helped make this operation successful. This will make the city safer for its residents.”

There are now 14 police stations in the city today, compared to three in July of last year, and eight additional stations are planned for construction.

Police recruiting in the city has recently surged from only a few dozen as recently as September last year, to more than one thousand applicants in the first two weeks of this month.

“Success builds on success,” said Maj. Alan Crouch, Multi-National Forces – West spokesman. “With the support of tribal leaders in the province, more sons of Anbar will continue to join the police and help take back their neighborhoods.”

Iraqi Army, police and Coalition forces seized hundreds of weapons and explosives during the operation, including three mortar systems, 101 mortar rounds, 90 pounds of explosives, eight rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 47 AK-47s, five Dragonov sniper rifles, 26 grenades, 26 mines, 34 artillery rounds, 12 rockets and other items used to attack Ramadi’s security forces and civilians.

During the operation 44 enemy combatants were killed and 172 suspected insurgents were detained.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR HIGH-RES PHOTOS, CONTACT MULTINATIONAL FORCE – WEST, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER BY E-MAIL AT MNFWCEPAOWO@CEMNF-WIRAQ.USMC.MIL