CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, RAMADI Iraq
Iraqi Security Force soldiers and Marines, sailors and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division continue conducting operations in the Southern Lake Thar-Thar region of Al Anbar.Operation Khanjar (Dagger) is focused on locating hidden weapons caches and denying insurgents sanctuary in the area that is a suspected insurgent and terrorist logistical hub located only 85 km northwest of Baghdad.The region being searched is several hundred square miles. Lake Thar-Thar is a former resort area for Ba’ath Party officials and Republican Guard units would often train there for specialized boat operations.Three weapons caches buried in the desert were discovered after beginning the operation yesterday morning. The caches consisted mainly of several hundred mortar and artillery rounds. The caches are being systematically catalogued and destroyed by explosive experts assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-8.There are signs of insurgent activity in the area with the locating two road side bombs.Several men found near the caches sites were detained for questioning.Marine fighter jets and helicopters along with tanks, tracked vehicles and armored humvees are supporting this operation.