BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 1, 2004 — Lead elements of the Iraqi Intervention Force’s 2nd Battalion began operations here June 28, in coordination with Multi-national Forces, in an undisclosed area of the city as one of the first directions of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, according to Office of Security Transition officials.

The battalion is the Iraqi army’s first deployed and operational battalion. The unit will conduct security patrols in the city as part of the Iraqi security forces’ continuing mission to provide security to the citizens of Iraq.