Sofia

In October 2006, the Manchu Warriors of 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 IN) deployed to east Ramadi

Ramadi

Ramadi is a city in central Iraq, about west of Baghdad. It is the capital of Al Anbar Governorate.-History:Ramadi is located in a fertile, irrigated, alluvial plain.The Ottoman Empire founded Ramadi in 1869...

 for 2nd Infantry Division's second tour to Iraq

Iraq

Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....

. The Manchu's relieved the 506th Infantry Regiment (506 AR) and the 1st Armored Division

1st Armored Division (United States)

The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...

 (1 AD) from the AO. The Battalion was in east Ramadi during 2004-2005 deployment under the colors of the 503rd Infantry Regiment (503 IR). The Manchu's, already familiar to the battleground, had an advantage already. In November and December 2006, a local sheik in the Sofia district of Ar Ramadi was fed up with the AQIZ and gathered his fighters to ally with the Manchu Warriors. His fighters had fought against the Rock soldiers of the 1-503 IR in 2ID's 2004 deployment. AQIZ had moved into the area and the Sofia Sheik did not like the rules they had. They were familiar with the Indianhead patch of 2ID and asked for the Manchu's help. Working together benefited both forces. The Sofia fighters agreed not to attack and launch mortars at the FOB

Forward Operating Base

A forward operating base is any secured forward military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support tactical operations. A FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported...

, and 1-9's Infantry Battalion Commander agreed to help form a militia by supplying uniforms, vehicles, food, water, weapons, and civil affairs. Fighting continued with the surrounding tribes and the head Sheik provided information for terrorist and Mujahideen

Mujahideen

Mujahideen are Muslims who struggle in the path of God. The word is from the same Arabic triliteral as jihad .Mujahideen is also transliterated from Arabic as mujahedin, mujahedeen, mudžahedin, mudžahidin, mujahidīn, mujaheddīn and more.-Origin of the concept:The beginnings of Jihad are traced...

. Living with the militia, the soldiers were able to learn about the enemy activity in the area which would help during the upcoming operation.

Operation Murfreesboro

This operation was part of the aftermath of the Battle of Ramadi

Battle of Ramadi (2006)

The Battle of Ramadi was a battle fought during the Iraq War from June 2006 to November 2006 for control of the capital of the Al Anbar Governorate in western Iraq. A combined force of U.S. Soldiers, U.S. Marines, U.S...

 in 2006. In the beginning months of 2007, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 IN, part of 2ID), with direct fire support from elements of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment

3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment

The 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment is a United States Army combined arms battalion based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. 3–69 AR was the first conventional US unit to enter Iraq in 2003, and among the first units to serve four tours in Iraq...

 (3-69 AR), Navy SEALS, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment (1-26 IN), Charlie Company of the 321st Engineer Battalion, Lima Company of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment

3rd Battalion 6th Marines

3rd Battalion 6th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Also known as "Teufelhunden", it consists of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors...

 (3-6 Marines), and 1/1/1 Iraqi Army

Iraqi Army

The Iraqi Army is the land component of the Iraqi military, active in various forms since being formed by the British during their mandate over the country after World War I....

, launched an offensive in East Ramadi named Operation Murfreesboro. The operation was intended to cut off the Ma'Laab district from the rest of Ramadi in order to drive out the AQIZ. In February, the operation was in full force with tank support, air strikes, and GMLRS and successfully divided the district by setting up a barrier of concrete walls. The beginning phase was targeted raids throughout the Ma'laab. In the early hours of the morning, Able Company moved on foot to raid several houses of suspect HVTs. Small arms contact with the enemy occurred several times throughout the night which led to several soldiers wounded. The enemy soon received gunfire from the Apache Attack Helicopter supporting the ground troops, killing most of the attackers. During the second day of clearing operations on February 24, the main effort of Able Co was dismounted and maneuvering through the city when an IED hidden against a wall detonated and immediately wounded a whole squad of Manchus. As the platoon was assessing the casualties the enemy moved into their fighting positions. Once all the casualties were CASEVACed out, another platoon became the main effort for the mission. As the platoon moved down the street, they came into heavy contact for six hours. Able Co moved their way through the city, killing and pushing the rest of the enemy out of sector. The platoon cleared up to 600 metres (1,968.5 ft) of the city in a matter of six hours. Throughout the month of February, there were more than 40 engagements, 8 large weapons caches found, about 20 IEDs exploded, about 35 more found, 70 EKIA (enemies killed in action), 10 EWIA, and 32 detainees. The success of this operation led to the forming of the Ramadi Police Force working alongside with US and IA. Together with the Iraqi Army, the police force began to conduct patrols with gradually less and less support from coalition forces. This led to the peaceful summer months of 2007 with the average of attacks of zero, furthermore, led into the succession of the Anbar Awakening. The unit received the Navy Unit Commendation

Navy Unit Commendation

The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...

for this battle.