Operation Murfreesboro

rdf:langString Operation Murfreesboro

rdf:langString Operation Murfreesboro

rdf:langString Battle of Ma'Laab

rdf:langString Islamic state of Iraq

rdf:langString Iraqi Army

rdf:langString LTC Charles P. Ferry - Task Force 1-9 INF

rdf:langString Operation Murfreesboro

rdf:langString Battle of Ma'Laab

rdf:langString the Iraq War

rdf:langString U.S. victory: insurgent occupying force defeated

rdf:langString Approx. 200 infantry + artillery and armored support

rdf:langString Operation Murfreesboro was one of the closing engagements of the Battle of Ramadi during the Iraq War and resulted in a decisive victory for the United States Forces over the Islamic State of Iraq. It is widely credited with breaking the back of the insurgency in Anbar Province, resulting in the Anbar province favoring the new Iraqi government in Baghdad. The operation resulted from changes in the political alliance of the Sofia district of northeast Ar Ramadi, which had previously fought against U.S. forces. Due to attacks on civilians in the area by fighters with Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), a local sheikh allied with US forces in October 2006, and the US provided assistance establishing a local militia. That militia provided valuable assistance regarding enemy tactics and activities in the area. Operation Murfreesboro began 20 February 2007, by setting up a full cordon around the Ma'Laab district, supported by armored vehicles, Apache helicopters, and long-range rockets (GMLRS). Able Company of the 9th Infantry provided security for 36 hours while a permanent concrete barrier was erected along "Easy Street", on the western border of the Ma'Laab district. These efforts resulted in heavy losses for the third platoon as they headed towards "Easy Street", clearing the houses along a street where an IED was believed to be hidden. The hidden IED detonated, resulting in several casualties, with subsequent difficulties evacuating wounded soldiers. This culminated in heroic actions by the Able company commander, who was awarded the Silver Star. In spite of these losses, the concrete barrier was completed in just 24 hours and the Ma'Laab district was largely pacified by mid-March, after the construction of multiple outposts in the neighborhood.