US engaging iranian shia militias alongside ISF

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces target terrorists, kill 26 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers killed 26 terrorists during operations March 27 in Baghdad. While patrolling in Adhamiyah, soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment were attacked by small arms fire. The soldiers returned fire in self-defense, killing five terrorists and wounding an additional five terrorists. The wounded were treated and detained by Iraqi National Police. Later, soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, reported receiving indirect fire at a combat outpost in New Baghdad, and immediately following the initial attack, soldiers were attacked with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition forces returned fire and killed two terrorists. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, also came under a small arms fire attack while patrolling north of Baghdad. One terrorist was killed in the engagement. Soldiers from 2-16 Inf. Regt. killed three terrorists in New Baghdad. The ground force was conducting a dismounted patrol when they saw the suspects, who were armed with illegal weapons. Perceiving hostile intent, the soldiers engaged the men, killing three. Soldiers from 1-2 SCR were attacked by small arms fire by two terrorists while patrolling on the outskirts of Sadr City. An air weapons team in a rotary wing aircraft conducting surveillance positively identified the terrorists and killed them. In Kadhamiyah, Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, were attacked while manning a checkpoint in the area. An air weapons team flying a rotary wing aircraft was called in to assist the ground force. The air weapons team fired one hellfire missile was fired, killing three terrorists. Thirty minutes later, the checkpoint came under a second, heavier attack by terrorists. The air weapons team engaged with 30mm rounds, killing an additional 10 terrorists. “We cannot stress enough how relentless we will be in our pursuit of those who attack Iraqi and Coalition forces and who terrorize Iraqi citizens,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B. We will pursue them and bring them to justice.”