FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq- Cooperation between Iraqi Police, Iraqi army and Coalition Forces, led to the arrest of five criminals, in the village of Yourgun, Kirkuk, March 16.

The individuals were suspected of conducting insurgent activities and various other crimes and were detained based on their outstanding warrants.

This mission was the largest-scale cooperation between IA, IP and 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in the squadron's area of operation to this date, said Lt. Col. Andy Shoffner, 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.'s commander.

"When we went in to the town we had a list of people we wanted to detain," Shoffner said.

Upon entering the village, with the assistance of local tips, ISF were able to halt two individuals attempting to flee on foot, and later found three more criminals wanted by the IP, Shoffner said. "What made this a success was the coordination between the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police."

"Three years ago, we planned and they followed," said Capt. Jesse Prince, commanding officer, Troop A, 4th Sqdrn., 9th Cav. Regt. "Now they are planning their own missions. It is a significant increase in the efficiency and capability of the ISF."

The U.S military was just there to augment their outer-cordon and provide aerial support, explosive ordnance disposal and military working dogs, Prince said.

"The people of the village expressed their happiness at seeing us all working together," Shoffner said.

According to Shoffner, continued joint operations in the region are planned for the future, and residents of the area will continue to see coordination between IA, IP and US military.