An SASR trooper on patrol in western Iraq. Photo by Sgt W. Guthrie, 1JPAU(P)

Welcome, we’re Aussies

SASR troopers were involved in highway interdiction tasks in western Iraq after neutralising the threat of Iraqi missile launches.

SOCOMD Chief of Staff Col John Mansell said the tasking for the SASR changed after the successful first week of the campaign.

“The task here was to deny enemy escape routes of high value targets but, at the same time, to deny foreign regime supporters from moving in to Baghdad,” he said.

“So you can effectively see we’ve got people moving from both sides of these potential checkpoints.”

This wasn’t without risks, particularly because of suicide bomber threats.

SASR elements had to constantly change their locations and methods so as not to set a pattern.

“Clearly, if you set a pattern, this gives the opposition the opportunity to prepare themselves with some sort of suicide bomb capability.

“[The Australians] experienced success on a number of occasions, culminating in the capture of a significant number of likely Feda’eyan and Ba’ath Party members, along with considerable amount of cash as they tried to exit the country.

“They also apprehended convoys carrying communications equipment and gasmasks.”

The SASR troopers also established links with the local sheiks from the town of Ar Ramadi, helping with the capitulation of the Iraqi forces in the area.

“It’s something that the SASR takes with some pride being able to converse using their cross-cultural communication skills and their language capabilities to link up with the locals and set up activities, such as the capitulation.

“It’s another important dimension to the SASR capability.”

.