Operations of the 8th Iraqi Army Division

The 8th Iraqi Army Division (IAD), commanded by Major General Othman Farhood, is based ninety miles southeast of Baghdad in Diwaniyah. It is deployed, securing the population and terrain and fighting against violent members of the Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and Badr Corps rogue elements to stabilize the mostly Shia-on-Shia violence occurring in Qadisiyah province. It also provides security against al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and other Sunni extremists as they attempt to mount spectacular attacks and foment civil war. The 8th Division conducts operations with popular support and coordinates with local police and local government. The 8th Division compliments ongoing coalition efforts to secure Baghdad and coordinates security operations with Coalition forces to its north. 8th Iraqi Army soldiers contributed to major named operations: Operations BLACK EAGLE, MONGOOSE, and MARNE AVALANCHE.