US and Iraqi forces have been systematically sweeping neighborhoods in Mosul over the past weeks, to rid the area of Al Qaeda. Security forces are also establishing security outposts in the heart of neighborhoods throughout Mosul. At least 18 combat outposts, which are manned jointly by US and Iraqi forces, are being built in Mosul to prevent Al Qaeda from re-establishing itself once the neighborhoods have been cleared.The above photo shows Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson ( far right), commander of the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, greeting Iraqi army soldiers at an Iraqi army station in Mosul, February 27. Following behind him is Capt. Alexander Rasmussen (second from right). (Photo credit: Sgt. Patrick Lair, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
