United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
I MEF Media Team

Contact: IMEFMEDIATEAM@IMEFDM.usmc.mil

Release # 1014-04-1703

IRAQIS, U.S. FORCES INCREASE SECURITY OPERATIONS IN AND NEAR FALLUJAH
Oct 14, 2004

FALLUJAH, IRAQ -- Iraqis and elements of the I Marine Expeditionary Force increased security operations in and near Fallujah tonight in order to disrupt preparations for terrorist attacks by Anti-Iraqi Forces. The status quo in certain cities in Iraq is unacceptable. This operation puts the Anti-Iraqi Forces in Fallujah on notice.

Iraqis and I MEF personnel will not accept the tactics of the Anti Iraqi Forces – the foreign fighters, terrorists, and insurgents – who inhumanely commit acts of aggression and violence against the Iraqi people.

The First Marine Division, using elements of Regimental Combat Team 1 and the US Army's Brigade Combat Team 2 of the 2D Infantry Division, commenced the operation with precision air strikes utilizing U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps assets.

Third Marine Aircraft Wing attack jets and helicopters are providing close air support and troop transport for Marines, Soldiers and Iraqi forces in the operation.

Recently, beginning on Oct. 5, Iraqi Security Forces and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted sweeping operations in the Northern Babil area. Since that operation commenced, the ISF and 24th MEU captured more than 100 suspected insurgents and uncovered four large weapons caches in numerous raids and cordon-and-knock searches, many of them led by the Iraqi SWAT team and the Iraqi Specialized Special Forces.

Additionally, on Oct. 12 in Ramadi, Iraqi Security Forces, supported by Marines and Soldiers from the 1st Marine Division, conducted searches of seven mosques that were suspected of participating in a spectrum of insurgent activity.

At the request of the Iraqi Interim Government, Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces are conducting these operations to enhance security and stability of the country as well as to ensure an intimidation-free elections process.

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