CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq, July 11, 2011 -- The Soldiers of Bandit Troop, 6th ‘Saber’ Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, along with their Iraqi Security Force partners, sought out insurgents attempting to use indirect fire assets against the local security forces in Wasit province, Iraq, by conducting area reconnaissance, July 6, 2011.
Bandit Troop is currently partnered with 3rd Bn., 32nd Iraqi Army Bde., out of Al Kut, Iraq. As a part of their mission to advise, train, and assist their Iraqi partners, B Troop regularly coordinates and conducts counter indirect fire patrols and area reconnaissance with the IA soldiers in order to enhance the security of the surrounding areas.
“The enemy’s use of rockets and mortars is a serious threat to our operations and the safety of the people here in Iraq,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Morrow, Platoon Leader of 1st Platoon.
The use of indirect fire assets, such as rockets and mortars, and improvised explosive devices by insurgents are an ongoing concern and focus of operations for Saber Squadron and its ISF partners in the Wasit province. This is especially true as insurgents have shown a willingness to conduct attacks against United States Forces-Iraq bases in the past few weeks.
As a part of the re-posturing of troops in Iraq, and the next step in the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. and other USF-I units are preparing to transfer many of their bases over to the ISF in the coming months.
“These bases are vital to the future security of Iraq. By insurgents conducting rocket attacks against these bases, it is a direct attack against their own prosperity and peace,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Rosa, a Cavalry Scout.
However, by conducting patrols like these to deny insurgents the ability to conduct rocket attacks, Bandit Troop, and other Saber Squadron soldiers, are ensuring the continued security and prosperity of Iraq.
“We will continue to help our Iraqi partners in any way possible and seek out these insurgents that threaten lives here in Iraq.” said Morrow.
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