The Long War Journal: Haditha, Haqlaniyah and Barwana – A Permanent Presence

Written by Bill Roggio on October 14, 2005 1:34 AM to The Long War Journal

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2005/10/haditha_haqlani_1.php

Operation Hunter, the overarching operation that includes Iron Fist and River Gate, is living up to its reputation of moving Iraqi forces westward and establishing bases in key cities along the Euphrates. Sa'dah, which resides in the Qaim region on the Syrian border, now hosts several outposts to interdict the ratline. The towns of Haditha, Haqlaniyah and Barwana, which are the focus of Operation River Gate, will now host Coalition forces that will secure the region and prevent the infiltration of insurgent and al Qaeda forces, a problem that plagued the region in the past.

The latest Multi National West press release states "these cities join the growing number of cities in the Al Anbar province, to include Fallujah, Ramadi, Hit, Amiriyah and Ferris, that have a joint Coalition and Iraqi Security Force presence. Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces are now focusing on security operations, building forward operating bases and establishing a persistent presence in the area."

Since the operation began, 119 improvised explosive devices and mines, two vehicle car bombs and 14 weapons caches have been discovered. About 160 suspected insurgents are currently in custody. Coalition forces are working to establish security for the election on Saturday while continuing clearing operations. The Haditha of today is a far cry from Zarqawi's "Islamic Republic", and if al Qaeda tries to raise the black banner of al Qaeda in the city, the Marines and Iraqi Army will be there to greet them this time.