3rd Infantry Division Operations - Fort Stewart - U.S. Army

46 3rd Infantry Division Operations
previous year, terrorists had hijacked what should have been
a time of peaceful celebration. They launched deadly attacks
across Iraq. On September 13th, terrorists killed the leader of
the political movement that united Sunnis against al-Qaeda. Instead
of collapsing the "Anbar Awakening,” the tribes remained
united and determined to continue their partnership with the
coalition forces. Ramadan continued in spite of the tragic death
of the martyred sheik. Progress was so remarkable that the citizens
of Ramadi celebrated with a parade to honor the ISF and
Sheik Sattar.
In October and continuing through to November, the 1st
BCT launched "Fahwat Al Asad 1 and 2" to clear the Muthana
Chemical Facility and Thar Thar region of al-Qaeda fighters.
The attack pursued terrorists east toward Baghdad thus destroying
the enemy's capability to conduct finance operations as they
had with illegal checkpoints, hijackings, and kidnappings. A
permanent presence was established in the area. Dozens of terrorists
were captured and a headquarters and torture chamber
was uncovered along with two large caches. As the year came
to an end, the Anbar province was hailed internationally as an
example of success in Iraq.
Political momentum had begun. Government officials were
active to relieve the public from dire humanitarian conditions.
Services like electricity, water, sewage, and trash collection
were addressed first with dialogue and then with money to
make repairs. An agriculture bank was opened in order to help
farmers cultivate their crops and livestock. A small business
center opened in order to help contractors. A fire department,
medical clinic, women's center, and city museum were opened.
The criminal court tried its first case. A five kilometer "fun run"
was held on what had been the most dangerous street in Iraq.
Kids could be seen walking to school and frolicking in play-