Iraqi and coalition troops begin major security operation in Basra
15 Feb 07
A major security crackdown was launched by Iraqi Security Forces, assisted by coalition troops, in Basra today, Thursday 15 February 2007. This is part of a nationwide effort by the Iraqi Government.
Joint forces from 19 Light Brigade and Iraqi Security Forces man Permanent Vehicle Check Points (PVCP) during Operation TROY in Basra city
[Picture: Cpl Andy Benson (RAF)]
Operation TROY will last for 72 hours and involves the reinforcing and closure of the border crossing points between Iran and Iraq, establishing a security ring around the city and increased activity within.
The operation aims to halt smuggling, contain criminal and rogue militia activity and conduct a series of intelligence-led operations against them.
It involves 2,000 Iraqi personnel from the Iraqi Army (IA), Department for Border Enforcement (DBE), Iraqi Police Service (IPS), Coast Guard Inland Waterways Department (CGIWD), Tactical Support Unit (TSU), Auxiliary Police and 1,200 British troops from 19 Light Brigade, part of the Multi National Division (South East).
It is being conducted in support of the Baghdad Security Plan and builds on the success of Operation SINBAD, a $77 million regeneration project which has been taking place in recent months.
Operation TROY is the first security operation of this scale planned and conducted by the Iraqi Security Forces in southern Iraq.
Diagram depicting the different components and units involved in Operation TROY
The Permanent Vehicle Check Point (PVCP) Police, assisted by troops from 19 Light Brigade, have 'locked-down' the city using the PVCPs on the eight arterial routes to search traffic entering and leaving Basra.
The IA, IPS and DBE units surged into the more notorious areas of the city to search for illegal and suspicious vehicles. The CGIWD are conducting joint boat patrols with the Royal Marines searching traffic along the Shatt Al Arab waterway.
The DBE, in conjunction with multi-national forces, have also temporarily shut the border crossing points at Shalamchan and Sheeb. The IA, supported by troops from 19 Light Brigade, will also target those elements trying to undermine stability in the region.
Captain Ollie Pile, a spokesman for 19 Light Brigade in southern Iraq, said:
"Operation TROY is a large-scale operation which sees Iraqi and multi-national forces working together for the greater good of the people of Basra.
"We see this as another step along the way towards the Iraqi authorities taking responsibility for the security of Basra. It is also conducted in partnership with the Baghdad Security Plan and other security operations being conducted throughout Iraq."
Multi-National Force (MNF) troops are providing a supportive role in Operation TROY, mentoring the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and assisting with security patrols and operations. With Al Muthana and Dhi Qar provinces already at Provincial Iraqi Control, the ISF and MNF are working together to enable transition in Maysaan and Basra.
Operation SINBAD, which has been running since October 2006, has concentrated on the reconstruction of essential infrastructure in Basra and the rehabilitation of the IPS. Operation TROY intends to improve security and will test the ISF at coordinating increasingly complex security operations.