Dear Interested Reader,
Our compassionate medics are once again bringing medical aid to people in need.  Likewise, our troops along with IA Soldiers are forcing insurgents out of a village near Tikrit.  There are many signs of success in the Balad region.  Group Criminal leaders detained, as well as a suspected AQI, and other insurgents. 
Joanna
_________________________________

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

Aug. 4, 2008

Medics work with IA doctors to provide aid

Capt. Drew Webb, a physician asst. with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, confirms the recommended dosage of medication before giving it to a resident of Hor al Bash, a village northwest of Baghdad, July 31. Medics from the 2nd SBCT, and the IA worked together to assist village members with their medical needs during a combined medical engagement.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Conrad Vazquez)

Spc. Isabel Rodriguez, a supply specialist, holds a child while the child's mother is treated.

-30-

Say Ahhhh!

Army Capt. Damien Barrineau examines an Iraqi girl's throat while providing medical care to the people of Sayid Ghrib, July 27.  Barrineau is assigned to the 101st Abn Div's 2nd Bn, 320th FAR Regt.
Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua

-30-

Hillah SWAT detains suspected AQI member in Diyala

BALAD - The Hillah SWAT team detained a suspected AQI member Aug.1, in the Diyala province, 87 km northeast of Baghdad.
The suspect is allegedly part of a cell responsible for ethnic violence, kidnapping and IED attacks. Reports indicate AQI, which uses Diyala province as a safe haven, needs to maintain a foothold in the area to remain a prominent force in the Diyala River Valley. 

-30-

ISF detain five suspects in separate operations across central Iraq

BALAD - Aug. 1, Iraqi SOF detained  suspected Special Groups criminal leaders in Qurna, southeast of Baghdad. The 2 suspects allegedly lead one of the most effective Special Groups cells in Qurna.  One is said to be responsible for IED emplacement, assassination and indirect fire attacks on Iraqi and CF in Qurna.  Reports indicate he recently returned from Iran and is seeking to reestablish his power base in Qurna. The other is said to have been directly involved in at least 2 lethal attacks on Iraqi SF.
In a separate op, Hillah SWAT team detained a suspected Special Groups criminal in Kalsu, approx. 65 km south of Baghdad, and 2 others on a Ministry of Interior warrant. The suspects are allegedly members of an IED emplacement cell.

-30-

Power Line

U.S. and IA Soldiers head out during an air assault mission to force insurgents out of the village of Al Fatah Miaya near Tikrit, July 25.  The Soldiers are assigned to Troop G, 2ns Sqdrn., 3rd ACR.Army photo by Sgt. Kyle Richardson

-30-

Conference Room

Leaders from the 1st Bn, 27th Inf. Regt. "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker BCT "Warrior," 25th ID, meet with regional sheiks of the northwest Taji sheik council, Taji Qada govt. officials and leaders of the IA, July 26.
Photo by Pfc. John Ahn

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Signs of Success in Balad area

A "Balls of the Eagle" Soldier accepts a rooster from a young Iraqi near the city of Balad, July 26, 2008. Soldiers from the 2nd Bn, 320th FAR, have seen the Balad area make great strides in terms of security and economic development.
Photo by Sgt. Rick Rzepka

BALAD - The gains can be seen everywhere.  The wry smiles that were once fierce scowls worn on the faces of men and women here are subtle signs of Iraqi success.  Once timid and withdrawn children flock to the sight of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers in neighborhoods once thought to be lost.  However, Iraqi and CF remain relentless in their pursuit of the enemy here and across Iraq.
Together with Iraqi SF, Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div, recently conducted Op Balls Pursuit.  The op, which was part of a larger MND-North effort, aimed to disrupt enemy activity in the Jissat and Jalam Deserts, said Sgt. Maj. Edward Estep, Command Sgt Major.  The area, vast and easily accessible, has been used by enemy fighters in the past as a place to reorganize and resupply in order to carry out attacks on the population centers of the Salah ad Din province.
"Op Balls pursuit was intended to deny enemy safe haven, limit enemy freedom of maneuver, and interdict the flow of foreign fighters in the area," said Estep, whose "Balls" Soldiers were joined by elements of the 1st and 2nd Bns of the 327th Inf Regt in the op.  Many residents in the area said that they have not seen a terrorist presence there in months. "The SoI and consent presence of Iraqi and CF has made the area much safer, allowing people to travel to the markets to sell and purchase goods," he said.
Recently, the township of Ad Dujayl has seen a dramatic increase in the flow of goods and services thanks to the security situation.  Residents are enjoying the freedom to buy and sell goods at their leisure. "On any given day the market place is very busy. With the added security the IP have stepped up patrols which make the people feel safe and the local govt reps are starting to make their way to areas once not traveled," said Estep.
As the people of Balad become more comfortable and secure, Soldiers are seeing more wry smiles and eager children everyday.  Sure signs of success.

-30-