In a massive joint operation, over 3,000 American and Iraqi troops launched operations in Northern Babil on October 5, 2004. The troops consist of including elements from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines -- the MEU's ground combat element, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, the Army's 1-23 Stryker Battalion, Iraq's 2nd Ministry of the Interior Commando Battalion and the 507th Iraqi National Guard Battalion. The aim of the operations in this area are to restore security and bring about stability.

Soldiers have engaged in large-scale raids resulting in the seizure of a suspected insurgent training camp and control of the Jurf Kas Sukr Bridge. Nearly 200 criminals or suspected insurgents have been captured since the start of the operation. Additionally, an estimated 35,000 pounds of explosives have been seized.