Sweeping the Fields of Yusufiya

YUSUFIYAH, IRAQ:  In the ten days following the incident on Malibu Highway near Patrol Base Inchon; American soldiers have searched every house in this area for the three captured GI s.  The countryside has presented greater difficulties.  The Iraq of the Euphrates  River valley resembles Viet Nam more than the generally perceived desert landscape of Iraq.

Palm trees tower over the lush cropland, canals and pastures north of Highway Malibu, the most dangerous stretch of road in the country.  The many sizeable irrigation canals that thread through this fertile area are lined with tall reeds.  In many areas they reach a height of over 12 feet, providing excellent cover for snipers; and those setting IED s  or laying mines.

 

Troops Patroling an area similiar to Viet Nam

“We’re going to drive down Malibu for a klick of so, then sweep those fields and orchards to the North on foot” said Lt. John Moynihan, leader of   3^rd Platoon, Charlie Co. 431 Battalion.  “I know it’s been covered at least once, but it’s nearly impossible to give it a thorough going over” said the Boston native and Norwich University graduate.

It’s getting very hot, pushing 100 degrees, but the men are eager to get moving.  After all it’s their sister company, Delta of the 413 Battalion, that lost four men and had three captured last week.  There is a heavy commitment throughout this Brigade that no one is going to let up till the fate of the missing men is known.

Highway Malibu which runs between Combat Out Posts Malibu and Inchon, has had the highest number of IED s per mile in the country this past year.  It remains also, according to Lt. Moynihan, in the center of the busiest infiltration route of foreign insurgent fighters into Iraq.   The Euphrates River is less than a mile South and it’s clear sailing from the west shore to Syria and Saudi Arabia.

 

Tenth Mountain Troops on Patrol

Platoon Sgt Chris Bailey waves the men off the highway. “We’re going to walk down this farm lane for half a klick, then fan out. Keep your eyes peeled for any evidence of  IED s, suspiciously disturbed earth that might harbour a mine and any possible scrap of evidence that may have come from the missing men.”

 These fields and pastures in the vicinity of the highway have workers and assorted farm animals scattered throughout.  This is some indication that it should not be that dangerous regarding mines or IED s.  Snipers could be a problem throughout these farm lands with the heavy vegetation along the borders of the fields and canals.

The soldiers complete their sweep of the open field, then form up in smaller groups moving single file through orchards and palm groves.  Mostly women and kids are working the fields.  A good crop of alfalfa stands along many of the canals and the women have it cut, bunched, and  loaded on carts for the ride home. A number of young girls are in the field helping and none of the older women are covered in the manner if women seen in the towns.

Another area of Yusufiyah Patrol.

 “Ok men, let’s gather up here and follow this lane back to the highway” said Lt. Moynihan.  “We didn’t find anything other than a few pieces of old uniform, but they’re not the type we use.  At least we know this area is free of IED s and snipers.” 

Time is running out on the likelihood that the troops from Delta Company will be safely found.  On returning to Inchon, another platoon is marching three suspects into camp.  They’ve been picked up in the village of Qaraguli and are from the tribe of the same name, according to Capt. Chris Sanchez, Civil Affairs Officer in Yusufiyah. 

 

Prisoners awaiting transport to Bagahdad Prison for interogation

“They are from the tribe of the same name” he said.  “That brings the number of detainees who are felt to have had a role to play in the capture the GI s to 28” said Capt. Sanchez.  Perhaps one of these last three suspects will provide the clue that will crack this investigation wide open.

A version of this article appeared in the Watertown Daily Times on May 24, 2007