Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19554&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080519-04
May 19, 2008
Iraqi residents turn in munitions to Iraqi Army soldiers; MND-B Soldiers eliminate threat
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Local residents turned in a variety of munitions to Iraqi Army soldiers in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad May 17.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., the Iraqi Army soldiers were conducting an “amnesty drop” mission and were distributing food and water to local residents when they were approached by several civilians, reportedly from the nearby Sadr City district. The civilians turned in six 155 mm rounds, two 120 mm rounds, a 127 mm rocket and a 57 mm rocket.
The citizens indicated they were taking the initiative, showing they want peace and an end to the violence.
The munitions were taken to a nearby Joint Security Station for disposal.
Also in New Baghdad at approximately 12:20 a.m. May 18, Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, observed an armed man exiting a vehicle near their position. The man armed the weapon and took aim at the MND-B observation point. The soldiers defended themselves and killed the man.
“Our soldiers are true professionals,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “They took quick, decisive action and eliminated the threat to themselves and the local community.”
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Snippets: A semi hauling explosives crashes near a rest stop, forcing police to limit, then close traffic on the interstate.
The driver failed to negotiate the curve, driving into some trees in the median between the exit and entrance ramps.
Vigo County Emergency Management Agency was on the scene and told us the rig was hauling a lot of explosives.
"All total, it was around 30 to 35,000 pounds of explosives," said J.D. Kesler of Vigo County EMA.
That said, Kesler says you'll find semis hauling explosive materials commonly on the nation's interstates.