HIT, Iraq -- Nearly one week after the Marines of Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, conducted a full-scale sweep near the Eastern Euphrates River Valley, the unit is continuing to conduct security and stability operations.The focus of the operations, while maintaining a strong Coalition presence, is interaction with the local populace to encourage confidence and participation in the upcoming democratic elections, scheduled for Dec. 15.The battalion is planning on sustaining it’s presence within the city through the duration of the elections to ensure a peaceful transition from nearly three decades of oppression to a new form of government.For more information about the 13th MEU (SOC), visit the unit online at www.usmc.mil/13thmeu.