Marine Corps Moms: 11th MEU retaking Najaf

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August 11, 2004

11th MEU retaking Najaf

CentCom has the scoop on this battle.

FOB DUKE -- Forces with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iraqi security forces continue to battle Anti-Iraqi Forces in Najaf today in an effort to rid the city of those who break the rules of law and order.
In response to current enemy operations in the sacred Wadi Al Salam cemetery, MEU forces are currently fighting Anti-Iraqi Forces and capturing numerous weapons caches found in the holy site's catacombs and mausoleums.

The current MEU offensive kicked off Aug. 9 when AIF, who fled into mosques and buildings surrounding the Imam Ali Shrine after an initial Marine assault on Aug. 5, began to once again operate and launch attacks from the cemetery. AIF today are conducting the same tactics -- launching attacks from the cemetery and surrounding areas, only to immediately run back and seek sanctuary in the mosques and buildings surrounding the Imam Ali Shrine.

Early this morning, at the request of the governor of An Najaf province, MEU and Iraq National Guard forces kicked off several joint raids on suspected AIF positions. While enemy were not found at these sites, Marine and ING troops successfully fought off an attempted enemy ambush as they retrograded through the city after their mission. No Marines or ING forces were killed.

In a move to operate efficiently, members of Najaf's ING and portions of neighboring ING units were put under operational control of the 11th MEU yesterday. This action will allow for a more effective integration with ING forces, as both units fight side-by-side against enemy forces that threaten the peace and stability of Najaf. In addition, ING soldiers received a shipment of hundreds of AK-47 machine guns and crates of ammunition.

Also working directly for the MEU are two reinforced U.S. Army infantry battalions, and a U.S. Army helicopter battalion. Units are:
Task Force ask Force 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Task Force 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Task Force 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Current MEU offensives are a result of AIF operating from the sacred cemetery and surrounding mosques and buildings, violating international laws of war and the cease-fire agreement between Muqtada al-Sadr and coalition forces. The agreement, negotiated in June by the Governor of Najaf and other local civic and religious leaders, included the creation of an exclusion zone for coalition forces around the Imam Ali Shrine and its neighboring cemetery.

Upon reaching this agreement, AIF wasted no time in using the holy site as an operating base. Using it as sanctuary, they began by staging large weapons caches there. Activity increased over time, to including sporadic offensive operations against Iraqi security forces and kidnapping Iraqi policemen. The AIF kidnapped their victims, including innocent civilians, bringing them to the cemetery for torture, execution, and burial.

While the international laws of armed conflict normally identify such sites as protected places, that status is forfeited if it is used for military purposes. AIF actions make the cemetery a legitimate military objective, which is being assaulted out of necessity and self-defense. During the fighting, great efforts were made on the part of the Marines to minimize collateral damage and preserve the cemetery.

"Let the AIF clearly understand that 11th MEU Marines and Iraqi Security Forces will not allow them to seek sanctuary and hijack this holy cemetery from the people of Iraq,� said Col Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer of the 11th MEU. �We will not allow them to continue to desecrate this sacred site, using it as an insurgent base of operations. There will be no sanctuary for thugs and criminals in Najaf."

I sincerely hope that the Marines will finally be allowed to finish the job that 1/7 Marines started last year. If Sadr finally comes face to face with the "no worse enemy" face of our Marines, it will go a long way toward establishing peace. My son is itching to go back to Najaf; he won't since his battalion will deploy to the Al Anbar province, but he knows the area, the people, and has trained for just such a mission. However, Najaf is in good hands with the 11th MEU. Get some.

Posted by Deb at August 11, 2004 11:37 AM

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Comments

Please keep the 11th MEU in your thoughts/prayers. That's my husband out there kickin butt.
Jessica

Posted by: Jessica at August 11, 2004 12:10 PM

Remember my son too!

Posted by: Michaelle at August 11, 2004 12:57 PM

11th MEU has stood down.

Posted by: Fred Gamel at August 11, 2004 02:15 PM

God Bless Y'all and all the Families of the 11th MEU!

And the 1st Cav and ING!

Get some!

Semper Fi!

Posted by: JarheadDad at August 12, 2004 06:32 AM

Keeping 11th in thoughts & prayers...I have a boyfriend out there kicking butt too!

Posted by: Lisa at August 12, 2004 06:52 AM

Godspeed and good hunting, 11th MEU.

Posted by: Fred Gamel at August 12, 2004 01:02 PM

God bless the 11th MEU and it's families.

Posted by: Crista at August 12, 2004 04:48 PM

Hey my buddy Frank is over there....Semper FI!!

Posted by: Jason at August 13, 2004 02:48 PM

Praying for all the 11th MEU and families, I miss my nephew Nate. God Bless all your families! Praying all there guardian angels are working over time.

Posted by: Aunt Carol at August 13, 2004 05:40 PM

My son is over there too. I'm praying alot for
the 11th and their families.
God Bless,
Mary

Posted by: Mom Apicella at August 15, 2004 04:57 AM

God Bless the brave Marines of the 11th MEU.

Posted by: Elaine MacDonald at August 15, 2004 05:50 PM

My hubby is out there too, its about time this got handled, keep the prayers coming please!!!
THANK U!!

Posted by: Maimie at August 16, 2004 01:16 AM

My son is 2nd LT. John L.Jacobs stationed in Iraq please pray for him and all our sons and daughters.

Posted by: Donna Jacobs at August 17, 2004 10:20 PM

Go Little Dave!!!We love Ya

Posted by: Melissa at August 30, 2004 09:31 AM

Does anyone know when the 11th MEU will be coming home? My boyfriend called from Najaf saying December, anyone know of anyother projected dates? Thanks, and God Bless each of you and your loved one fighting over there!

Posted by: Desi at August 30, 2004 05:15 PM

Does anyone know when they will be coming home? My boyfriend says December, anyone know of anyother projected dates? Thanks, and God Bless each of you and your loved one fighting over there!

Posted by: Desi at August 30, 2004 05:16 PM

Keep my Son Cpl. Jason A.Feliciano in prayer. Stationed in Iraq. God bless all our son's and daughter's. Bring these proud Marines home safe. I Love You!

Posted by: Mom Sandra Leon at August 30, 2004 09:21 PM

Our great love, deep appreciation, and continuous prayers for the 11th MEU. May God protect you from all harm and bring you home safe in mind, body, and soul. Our heartfelt love to our beloved son and brother, LCPL Brandon K. Brown -- Tracy, Ron, Natalie

Posted by: Tracy Brown at September 1, 2004 10:03 PM

Posted by: Tracy Brown at September 1, 2004 10:04 PM

The last I heard from a friend they had said December but now they don't know for sure when they will be home. Hopefully sooner.

Posted by: Melissa at September 5, 2004 01:37 PM

Please pray for 11th MEU safe return and my husband, SGT Almaguer. We love him and miss him! Thank you!

Posted by: Shanell at September 20, 2004 09:48 PM

Please pray for 11th MEU safe return and my husband, SGT Almaguer. We love him and miss him! Thank you!

Posted by: Shanell at September 20, 2004 09:48 PM

Good read

Posted by: yaoi at September 25, 2004 05:09 AM

11th MEU Keep Kicking Butt and keep safe GodSpeed and return home soon.

Posted by: JarHeadHopeful at December 27, 2005 11:20 AM