The Italian Task Force Dimonious lauched Operation Clear Area in the area between Al Riffa`l and qal At-Sukkar on December 6, 2003. The operation was designed as a search and seizure and utilized vehicle check points. Italian units from the Savoia cavalry, marines of S.Marco battalion and Lagunari troops operated the check points and engaged in extensive searches. The CTJF-7 reported on December 12, 2003 that the operation netted a large weapons cache that included RPGs, mortars, and munitions.