30,000 Iraqi Troops Mass To Invade Diyala & Finish Off Al Qaeda
I have no comment here, I am simply smiling.
Iraq was today massing 30,000 troops in advance of an assault on one of al-Qaeda’s surviving strongholds that will be a litmus test of the country’s growing security forces.
Officials said a major clearing operation of the troubled central province of Diyala would be launched on Aug 1, spearheaded by Iraqi army and police personnel and backed by 10,000 American troops. If successful the operation will add to an impressive run of victories for the security strategy of the prime minister Nouri al-Maliki.
On his initiative, the country’s army has made major inroads in militia-controlled Basra and eastern Baghdad this year. The al-Qaeda presence in Mosul has been significantly eroded by operations overseen by a well-regarded local commander, General Riyadh Tawfeeq.
A succession of disruption campaigns have already been waged in Diyala. American forces encountered major resistance (and kicked ass) last year in Operation Arrowhead Ripper, which was supposed to clear the city of Baquba, once declared the capital of al-Qaeda’s putative Islamic State of Iraq.
“Diyala remains the most dangerous province in Iraq,” said Colonel Ali al-Karkhi, an Iraqi officer in the province.
“But understand that it is a mini-Iraq. There are Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, Christians. The other provinces are far less mixed which is why it is so difficult to restore peace here. It is also the reason why people are so extremist.”
Pro-government irregular forces have been established throughout the province but often these village guardians have borne the brunt of attacks by terrorist groups. A tractor laden with explosives killed seven members of a local patrol in the village of Wais on Monday.
(Telegraph)
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
If you can't handle using your real email address, don't bother posting a comment.
Anyone want to take bets on if the current Iraqi military could take the pre-invasion one out in a head to head confrontation? (Assumptions: no air power for either side, equal armor, artillery, communication and logistics capability)
The new military is better trained and more motivated.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 am[…] Pat Dollard, “Thousands of Iraqi troops to drive out […]
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 amRemember last summer when all we heard were reports of none of the Benchmarks being met. We were pounded with the Democrats whining about Benchmarks. Benchmarks,Benchmarks,Benchmarks. If my memory is correct their were 18 Benchmarks.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 amAnd If I’m correct we’ve met most of them
Isn’t it obvious the surge hasn’t worked? I mean nothing good has come from it. They Iraqis could have done even better if we just pulled out.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 am___________________________
That’s a sucker’s bet, no thanks.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 amThe Iraqis are on a roll. Maybe they get good and bloodthirsty feasting on al-Qaeda ass, then go over the border and get some Quds force.
I have to confess this prospect gives me wood.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 pmThe number now is about 15 and counting. Meanwhile, the donkeys haven’t met any …
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:48 pmGonna be fun to watch this play out.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:20 pmThe Iraqi reconciliation is coming along alot better & faster than the one in our own Congress. The Al Sadr Democrats just won’t cooperate with ANYTHING and just keep attacking. Throw them to the dogs.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pmHow about we ask for IA volunteers to join us in the A-stan Surge against the Tali … God knows they’d be a bit more effective than some of the “NATO” countries supposedly helping us over there …
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Driller,
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 pmYea, I like that idea. Send some motivated, well-trained freedom-loving IA grunts over to fight the Taliban.
After they kick the last of the AQ ass, they’ll need something to do. They’ll kick Terrys’ sorry ass too!
Move over NATO, let some fighters do their thing.
Why doesn’t McCain come out with an ad and say Iraqi’s have met 15 of 18 of “Congress’” benchmarks they required. Democratic Congress has done squat since they took control in 2006.
Thank God for Coburn (I’m an okie) because he is fighting Congress passing bills without debate and full of pork (crap).
Of course, I hope McCain hits them with a ‘big one’ after the Dem con. in case Hildebeast is in the wing … seems quiet on that end … they don’t give up. Ohuma is stupid! My mother taught me if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Sorry Mom
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm