AL QAIM, Iraq -- Leaving the base shortly after midnight, Marines drove through the quiet desert of Iraq to a secured location. There, they began to patrol through the city of Al Qaim on foot.
The Marines from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a patrol through the city in the early morning hours of Sept. 10, capturing a valued insurgent target.
Accompanying the Marines from Company C were Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, who have been operating in the area for the last seven months.
"The 3/7 Marines know the area well and know how to navigate the area in a tactful manner," said Cpl. Matt C. Michel, 20, a native of Morgan City, La., and a team leader from 1/7.
With the experience of 3/7 to assist them, the Marines were ready to complete their assigned tasks.
"My team's mission was to set up the observation posts covering the area around the house," said Michel. "The other team actually conducted the search for the targets."
With the Marines in position, the Marines cordoned off and breached an entrance into the house.
Inside of the house, the Marines detained three adult males, one being a high valued target, and began to search the house. A shop with equipment to make false identification cards and materials for improvised explosive devices was also found inside.
After the search was complete and the detainees were in custody, the Marines called for the vehicle convoy to come and pick them up.
"The mission was a success. The high value target was detained and there were no causalities," said Cpl. Todd A. Gaines, 27, team leader and native of Evansville, Ind.
In addition to the capture of a known terrorist insurgent, the Marines were able to get a feel for the terrain they would be working in.
"I am glad that we were able to get out and complete our mission. It really makes being out here easier when there is a positive outcome," said Lance Cpl. Rick. N. Santini, 20, a rifleman and native of Port Jervis, N.J.