The raid was a major success, as a result of which intelligence was gathered which led to the finding and killing of Al Qaeda in Iraq's leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi a few months later.

[1] Operation Larchwood 4 was developed from intelligence gathered in previous raids conducted by B Squadron SAS and B Squadron 1st SFOD-D (1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta) on AQI targets in areas dubbed: "Baghdad Belts" - a term used by the coalition to for communities surrounding the capital; Baghdad.

[4] The target for the operation was to capture a mid-level terrorist leader called Abu Atiya (pseudonym assigned by Mark Urban) who ran AQI's local media campaign.

[6] In addition, a platoon of British paratroopers from the SFSG/Task Force Maroon would cordon/block off the area around the target building; they would be inserted by Chinook helicopter.

[7][8] Charlie Company of 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (C Co 2-502) would be in reserve as the quick reaction force (QRF) while providing a blocking position to deny enemy movement out of the area for the RAF and AAC helicopters, two American C-130's were on station: one was a command aircraft and the other was an AC-130.

[12][13] An insurgent wearing a suicide vest armed with an assault rifle and grenades ran out of the building and took cover under a car parked outside, SAS snipers in the Lynx helicopter and paratroopers from Task Force Maroon saw him and killed him.

Meanwhile, the SAS operators began Sensitive Site Exploration, in the time allotted, they gathered a great deal of intelligence and weapons.

The SAS operators wounds were not serious and they didn't stay out of duty long, the operation took place not long before B squadron was due to return home to the UK, its commanding officer was decorated for the tour, Captain Ewan was awarded a medal and many members of the squadron who took part in the raid were decorated.

[20] The Al Qaeda insurgents captured in the operation were taken to JSOC's Temporary Screening Facility in Balad and were interrogated for further intelligence.