Iraqi, U.S. Forces Kick Off Operation River
Blitz
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, (CENTCOM) Iraq — Iraqi and
U.S. forces increased security operations in and around Ramadi
and throughout the Al Anbar Province.
The 1st Marine
Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Iraqi Security
Forces kicked off Operation River Blitz, which includes a curfew
from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and other measures to enhance security in
and around Ramadi.
“We
were asked by the Iraqi government to increase our security operations
in the city to locate, isolate and defeat anti-Iraqi forces and
terrorists who are intent on preventing a peaceful transition
of power between the Interim Iraqi Government and the Iraqi Transitional
Government,” said Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commanding
general, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
The security
measures in and around the provincial capital are designed to
ensure the safety of the populace by controlling access into the
city. Access control points leading into the city will screen
vehicles for terrorists and criminals as well as weapons, munitions
and materials to produce improvised-explosive devices.
In conjunction
with implementing the security measures in Ramadi, increased security
operations also began in several cities along the Euphrates River,
including the cities of Hit, Baghdadi and Hadithah.
Operation
River Blitz is designed to target criminals and terrorists, who
have attempted to destabilize the Al Anbar Province by terrorizing
the populace through wanton acts of violence and intimidation.
The 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force stands
committed with the Iraqi Security Forces in disrupting and defeating
the anti-Iraqi forces while providing enhanced security to the
people of Al Anbar Province.