Federal police officers direct a car for a search during a vehicle control checkpoint patrol, Aug. 19, in the Ma'dain region, located outside eastern Baghdad. U.S. Paratroopers assigned to Troop A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, provided exterior security during the operation. This mission is just one of many that have taken place in the past few weeks in order to cut down on the movement of weapons and explosives in the surrounding area.