RAMADI, Iraq, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Iraqi forces working alongside Coalition troops in a month-long campaign have discovered 31 arms caches in and around the city of Ramadi.
Iraqi Army soldiers, police, U.S. soldiers and Marines carried out Operation Squeeze Play starting on Dec. 1, and a press release from the Multi-National Force-Iraq states that troops seized 31 caches of weapons, explosives, and ammunitions, while securing the support of four more tribes in Ramadi.
"This operation cleared out known anti-Iraqi safe havens and led to the establishment of four Iraqi police sub-stations," said 1st Armored Division, 1st Brigade spokesman Marine Maj. Riccoh Player.
"We welcome the assistance of the Iraqi tribes who helped make this operation successful. This will make the city safer for its residents," he said.
The Multi-National Force-Iraq also reports a recent increase in police recruiting in Ramadi. More than 1,000 recruits have signed on in the first two weeks of this month, compared to only a few dozen as recently as September last year.
There are currently 14 police stations in Ramadi, with eight additional stations planned for construction. Only three police stations existed in the city in July of last year.
During the operation 172 suspected terrorists were detained and 44 enemy combatants were killed, the Multi-National Force-Iraq reported.
