Operation Murfreesboro

Battle of Ma'Laab Operation Murfreesboro
Part of the Iraq War
Date February 18 - February 30, 2007 Location Ramadi, Iraq Result Decisive U.S victory: insurgent occupying force defeated
Belligerents
United States New Iraqi Army	Al-Qaeda in Iraq Mujahideen Shura Council
Commanders and leaders
LTC Ferry - TF 1-9 INF
Strength
1 Company + direct and indirect Battalion support	110 - 150 fighters
Casualties and losses
5 KIA 25 WIA 10 Iraqi Army WIA 0 Iraqi Army KIA	69 KIA 9 WIA 32 POW

Sofia

In October 2006, the Manchu Warriors of 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 IN) deployed to east Ramadi for 2nd Infantry Division's second tour to Iraq. The Manchu's relieved the 506th Infantry Regiment (506 AR) and the 1st Armored Division (1 AD) from the AO. The Battalion was in east Ramadi during 2004-2005 deployment under the colors of the 503rd Infantry Regiment (503 IR). The Manchu's, already familiar to the battleground, had an advantage already. In November and December 2006, a local sheik in the Sofia district of Ar Ramadi was fed up with the AQIZ and gathered his fighters to ally with the Manchu Warriors. His fighters had fought against the Rock soldiers of the 1-503 IR in 2ID's 2004 deployment. AQIZ had moved into the area and the Sofia Sheik did not like the rules they had. They were familiar with the Indianhead patch of 2ID and asked for the Manchu's help. Working together benefited both forces. The Sofia fighters agreed not to attack and launch mortars at the FOB, and 1-9's Infantry Battalion Commander agreed to help form a militia by supplying uniforms, vehicles, food, water, weapons, and civil affairs. Fighting continued with the surrounding tribes and the head Sheik provided information for terrorist and Mujahideen. Living with the militia, the soldiers were able to learn about the enemy activity in the area which would help during the upcoming operation.

Operation Murfreesboro

This operation was part of the aftermath of the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. In the beginning months of 2007, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 IN, part of 2ID), with direct fire support from elements of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (3-69 AR), Navy SEALS, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment (1-26 IN), Charlie Company of the 321st Engineer Battalion, Lima Company of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (3-6 Marines), and 1/1/1 Iraqi Army, launched an offensive in East Ramadi named Operation Murfreesboro. The operation was intended to cut off the Ma'Laab district from the rest of Ramadi in order to drive out the AQIZ. In February, the operation was in full force with tank support, air strikes, and GMLRS and successfully divided the district by setting up a barrier of concrete walls. The beginning phase was targeted raids throughout the Ma'laab. In the early hours of the morning, Able Company moved on foot to raid several houses of suspect HVTs. Small arms contact with the enemy occurred several times throughout the night which led to several soldiers wounded. The enemy soon received gunfire from the Apache Attack Helicopter supporting the ground troops, killing most of the attackers. During the second day of clearing operations on February 24, the main effort of Able Co was dismounted and maneuvering through the city when an IED hidden against a wall detonated and immediately wounded a whole squad of Manchus. As the platoon was assessing the casualties the enemy moved into their fighting positions. Once all the casualties were CASEVACed out, another platoon became the main effort for the mission. As the platoon moved down the street, they came into heavy contact for six hours. Able Co moved their way through the city, killing and pushing the rest of the enemy out of sector. The platoon cleared up to 600 metres (2,000 ft) of the city in a matter of six hours. Throughout the month of February, there were more than 40 engagements, 8 large weapons caches found, about 20 IEDs exploded, about 35 more found, 70 EKIA (enemies killed in action), 10 EWIA, and 32 detainees. The success of this operation led to the forming of the Ramadi Police Force working alongside with US and IA. Together with the Iraqi Army, the police force began to conduct patrols with gradually less and less support from coalition forces. This led to the peaceful summer months of 2007 with the average of attacks of zero, furthermore, led into the succession of the Anbar Awakening. The unit received the Navy Unit Commendation for this battle.

Gallery

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  1-9 Infantry soldiers prepare for Operation Murfressboro

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  1-9 Infantry with Sofia Militia

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  Militia Checkpoint in Sofia

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  Captured Insurgents

References

• Ramadi is now a two-faced city - Stars and Stripes Mar. 2, 2007
• Formerly Al Qaeda Sheikh Jassim Now Helps U.S. Forces - FOXNews
• Camp Sedgwick - World Net Daily
• Ramadi in Realtime - lauraingraham.com
• Soldier recalled as patriotic supporter - rockymountainnews.com
• Areas of Operation - understandingwar.com
• Broomfield Native - dailycamera.com