Operation Gecko III B establishes another foothold against extremists

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071017-06
October 17, 2007

Operation Gecko III B establishes another foothold against extremists
Multi-National Division – Center

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Coalition Forces and concerned citizens from Jurf as Sakhr began to move north in the Euphrates River Valley Oct. 7, establishing another foothold against extremists in Operation Gecko III B.

Operation Gecko III B aims to open lines of communication between concerned citizens, establish checkpoints and deny sanctuary in the area.

Paratroopers from Companies A and B, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted vehicle and dismounted patrols as they cleared roads and surrounding areas of any threats to Coalition Forces, Iraqi Security Forces or the concerned citizens.

During OP Gecko III B, the paratroopers were met with opposition ranging from roadside bombs to small-arms firefights.

Day two of the operation brought Company A, 1-501st PIR, calling for precision air strikes to destroy an enemy fighting position.

After reaching the designated target location, Company B set up security to hold the area for establishment of an observation post.

In the opening days of OP Gecko IIIB there have been five IEDs found, one air strike and 6 small-arms engagements.

More than 12 square kilometers of the Euphrates River Valley have been cleared during the operation.

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FOR QUERIES, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT: MND-CENTER_PAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN 318-822-7482 OR COMMERCIAL 912-767-4114.