Two al-Qaeda members killed in attack at Hawr Rajab
Thursday, 22 November 2007

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071122-03
November 22, 2007

Two al-Qaeda members killed in attack at Hawr Rajab

2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers and Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab repelled an attack by approximately 15 members of al-Qaeda in Iraq Nov. 22 killing two members of al-Qaeda and wounding an unreported number.

Al-Qaeda began the attack with small arms fire and mortars early that morning, targeting an IA checkpoint. Small arms fire continued throughout the morning against IA and CLCs in Hawr Rajab.

CF, supporting the Iraqi Army, called in an air weapons team, consisting of Kiowa Warriors with 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade to engage a van that was transporting four al-Qaeda members involved in the attack.

The van was also transporting a DSHKA high caliber machine gun and a mortar system. Two al-Qaeda members were confirmed killed and two others wounded by the attack helicopters.

Coalition Forces then deployed a U.S. Air Force F-16, which dropped a 500- pound bomb on the van destroying it and all of its contents.

During the defense of their checkpoints, the IA and CLCs sustained casualties.

They continued to stand their ground, and al-Qaeda broke off the attack after being unable to overrun the IA and CLC checkpoints.

Ellie