The Long War Journal: Enter the 82nd in Tal Afar

Written by Bill Roggio on September 13, 2005 8:49 AM to The Long War Journal

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2005/09/enter_the_82nd_1.php

At the end of last month, the Department of Defense reported two battalions from the 82nd Airborne Division will deploy to Iraq to provide additional security for the upcoming elections. Less than three weeks after the announcement, the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd appears in action at Tal Afar. Stryker Brigade News has the details:

In successful combat operations Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 57 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two operations in Tal Afar. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 15 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in Tal Afar. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in Tal Afar. Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment also detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.

Yesterday's arrest count was revised to ninety-four suspected insurgents. The whereabouts of the 2/325 is now known. There is another battalion from the 82nd out there, and its mission, like that of the 2/325, is likely a bit more involved than simply extra boots for policing voting stations.