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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17109&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080216-07
February 16, 2008

Weapon cache found in Diddum region

Multi-National Division – Center

BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces found a large weapon cache in two separate holes approximately 30 meters apart in Diddum, Iraq, Feb. 11.

The cache contained approximately 1,000 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, barrels of ordnance containing 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm rounds, 107 mm rockets, OG-7, PG-7, OG-9, various fuses and mortar rounds.

In addition, approximately 1,500 pounds of unknown bulk explosives in white bags were found about 20 meters away.

“I know this was definitely the biggest cache we’ve found since we got here,” said Sgt. Scott Murray, 1st Platoon forward observer, 3-7th Inf. Regt. “We’re pretty relieved to get rid of this stuff and [get it] out of somebody else’s hands.”

Soldiers from 3-7th Inf. Regt. were able to find the cache through intelligence given from concerned residents in the area.

“I will always tell Coalition Forces about any weapons hidden in my area that I know about,” said Sheik Satar Naim Lalau al-Janabi, a local leader in the Diddum region. “Hopefully insurgents will learn that they cannot find a place in Diddum to hide things.”

Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, found a large weapon cache in two separate holes approximately 30 meters apart in Diddum, Iraq, Feb. 11. Included in the cache were approximately 1,000 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, barrels of ordnance containing 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm rounds, 107 mm rockets, OG-7, PG-7, OG-9, various fuses and mortar rounds. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Sayre)

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17102&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080216-06
February 16, 2008

3-1 Cav. Regt. seizes second EFP cache in three days

Multi-National Division – Center

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment seized a cache of explosively formed penetrators near Jurf Nadaf, a village east of Baghdad, Feb. 10.

The cache was the second seizure of munitions in the village by Troop C within a 72-hour period.

“Finding caches like this saves Soldier and civilian lives, and that is an important part of what we do,” said Sgt. Kenneth Storts, from Corning, Ohio, a cavalry scout with Troop C.

The cache contained five EFPs, three rocket-propelled grenades, 28 grenades and various materials commonly used in the making of roadside bombs.

Soldiers were searching an abandoned home after a local resident informed them of the building’s use. While searching, Spc. Ronald Gardner, from Durant, Okla., found an infrared sensor. Infrared sensors are often used as triggers for EFPs.

“At first we didn’t know if it was hooked up to anything,” Gardner said. “That is when (Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell Donahue) told us to search the whole field.”

It was during the search of the surrounding fields and nearby abandoned buildings that they discovered the cache.

On Feb. 8, Soldiers from Troop C seized a similar cache in Jurf Nadaf containing 13 EFPs and various munitions.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Spc. Erin Hammer, from Manti, Utah, and Spc. Ronald Gardner, Durant, from Okla., both Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, pose behind munitions seized from a weapon cache in Jurf Nadaf, a village east of Baghdad, Feb. 10. Standing to the side is Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell Donahue, from Damariscotta, Maine. (U.S. Army photo)

EFPs seized by Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, in Jurf Nadaf, a village east of Baghdad, Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo)

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