Operation Leyte Gulf

The ring leader of a cell responsible for conducting improvised explosive device attacks on the people and security forces of North Babil was captured by paratroopers south of Mahmudiyah, July 11, 2007. The Paratroopers of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted a raid named Operation Leyte Gulf and captured the cell leader and four of his lieutenants. The paratroopers also confiscated an AK47 automatic rifle with five magazines of ammunition, four hunting knives, and a set of binoculars. The cell members were detained for further questioning. The weapons and other materials were confiscated for use in the investigation.