http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20050325-100126-5001r.htm
"Tehran stockpiles high-tech weapons"
By George Jahn
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "VIENNA, Austria -- Iran is quietly building a stockpile of thousands of high-tech small arms and other military equipment -- from snipers' rifles that take armor-piercing bullets to night-vision goggles -- through legal weapons deals and a U.N. anti-drug program, according to an internal United Nations document, arms dealers and Western diplomats.
The buying spree is raising fears in the Bush administration that the arms could end up with militants in Iraq.
Tehran also is seeking approval for a U.N.-funded satellite network that Iran says it needs to fight drug smugglers, stoking U.S. worries it could be used to spy on Americans in Iraq or Afghanistan -- or any U.S. reconnaissance in Iran itself."
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=20050328.txt
NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
March 24, 2005
Release Number: 05-03-28
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SECOND MARINE DIVISION MARINES SEIZE ARMS CACHES, DETAIN SUSPECTED INSURGENTS
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq – Coalition Forces from the 2nd Marine Division have detained a total of 147 suspected insurgents since taking the reins from 1st Marine Division on March 17.
Since the transfer of authority, Marines from the Camp Lejeune-based division have been working to help bring about peace in the restive Al Anbar Province by detaining individuals actively terrorizing innocent civilians.
“Over the past few months, 1st and 2d Division... have pursued and captured many terrorists attempting to prevent a free Iraq,” said Col. Bob Chase, chief operations officer for the 2d Marine Division. “These are criminals and murderers who display wanton disregard for their fellow Iraqis.”
Two Marine Regimental Combat Teams and one Army Brigade Combat Team that make up the division have also conducted numerous raids and operations over the last seven days netting:
- (14) mortar rounds of various sizes
- 120mm tank round
- Approx. (1,000) small arms rounds
- (66) rockets of various sizes
- (40) Small arms of various types, to include AK 47's, shotguns, pistols and machine guns
- Iraqi police and military uniforms
- IED making materials to include several pounds of explosives, cell phones, cell phone batteries, batteries, spools of wire and blasting caps
- Various types of insurgent propaganda, to include leaflets, posters, newsletters, and videos
“Tirelessly, our young Marines move through the countryside and deny the enemy solace, keeping him off-balance and under increasing pressure,” said Chase.
The raids and operations were conducted throughout the Al Anbar Province with the cooperation of the Iraqi Security Forces.
“Our main effort since our arrival in Al Anbar is to accelerate the training and partnering of the emerging Iraqi Security Forces,” explained Chase.
Chase stated that the ISF provide what they call “eyes and tongues” that allow US forces to discern foreign fighters and strangers. “Most importantly, they are able to interface with the locals and get information Iraqis might be unwilling to share with US personnel for fear of repercussions from the terrorists.”
Chase made clear that we would remain true to our promise to the Iraqi people; “We will stand with them until their forces are ready to stand alone and can protect themselves from those that fear a united Iraq.”
The 2d Marine Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, will continue to work with the people of the Al Anbar Province in order to bring about peace and prosperity in Iraq.
All the battalions from the division have previously deployed in support of various operations around the globe to include, Afghanistan, Haiti, the Horn of Africa or here in Iraq.
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