Operation Iron Hammer in Hit
Coalition forces have launched Operation Iron Hammer in the city of Hit. This is a multi-battalion operation consisting of one Iraqi and two to three U.S. battalions; approximately 500 Iraqi Army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and 1,500 Marines and Sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit along with 500 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion-114th Field Artillery Regiment.”
The Coalition forces currently occupy Hit, but Iron Hammer is directed at a portion of the city called the Hai Al Becker region which lies on the Eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Intelligence indicates the area is “an al-also believed to be a stopping point for insurgents, as they transit the ‘rat lines’ down the Euphrates River from Syria into the interior of Iraq.” Operation Iron Hammer is but another operation in the Anbar Campaign.
Hit has been the focus of Coalition operations in the past, including Operation Sword last July and a classic take down of the terrorist Al-Ahwal Brigade. There is a Coalition Civil Affairs Group operating in Hit as well to assist in restoring public services and building the local government.
Feedback
Bill, I'm proud of you and what you're doing. I'm praying -- for you, your safety, your good work there and your family back home. When your trip has ended, I hope we'll hear some about how the trip impacted you personally.
Comment by: Dale
November 30, 2005 8:18 AM
Bill, we have read all of your posts from Iraq with great interest.
Great job and keep up the good work.
Westhawk
Comment by: westhawk
November 30, 2005 1:26 PM
Bill,
Great job. I am a friend of your Mom and Dad.
Tell our Military that we are proud of what they have accomplished and that we are confident that the goals will be met.
You and our military our America's hope for the future.
God Bless.
George
Comment by: George Majesko
November 30, 2005 4:56 PM
Bill,
Jen and the family came by for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving day. How they lit up the house with their activity, what a joyu for all of us to see them. KJ, JJ and CJ spend most of their visit on the floor expoloring our toy box - good to see it get some use. You are in our Prayers and thoughts. You are a brave man and we are all honored to know you.
JIm J
Comment by: jim johnson
November 30, 2005 9:34 PM
Bill-
Don Sensing tells me you are a former Marine, so I am sanguine about your safety. Thanks for the news from Hit. I was there Aug 04-April 05. We were on an economy of force mission while our brothers cleaned out Fallujah. It was frustrating to know what the problem was but too undermanned (by mission) to take the necessary action; so I am vicariously thrilled to see us prosecute east of the river. I (and others) howled as long ago as Thanksgiving '04 that Route Nuggets was the true ratline. Semper fi, brother, and be safe, and keep reporting the truth!
Comment by: Maj. David High, USMC
December 2, 2005 5:44 PM
Bill:
Having you as our eyes and ears makes us (very selfishly, me especially) so much more informed.
Thank you. Please stay safe. Emailed "my buddy" last night and know that you've been trading "e's" so I hope you will be able to get together.
Comment by: StormWarning
December 2, 2005 7:53 PM